Central Department Research Articles

Крестьянское коневодство Российской империи во второй половине XIX — начале XX века: историографический аспект

This study is an attempt at a historiographical analysis of research works into the history of peasant horse breeding in the Russian Empire in the second half of the 19th — early 20th century. The work delineates historiographical periods, identifies the focal points covered in the literature and outlines avenues for future exploration. Monographs, dissertations and research articles reporting findings on peasant horse breeding served as sources of the study. Pre-Soviet, Soviet and modern historiographical periods are distinguished. Although the first works on the issue appeared in the pre-Soviet period, most were opinion pieces. In the Soviet period, the Marxist-Leninist ideology prompted historians to delve into the peasant economy. Yet, horse breeding by peasant farms was considered only in passing in works whose geographical scope extended to the entire territory of European Russia or groups of several regions. Modern historiography of the issue features studies emphasising the regional features of peasant horse breeding in provinces of the Russian Empire in the s period. However, the state of the peasant horse breeding economy in many provinces of Russia has received little scholarly attention in the country, alongside comparative analysis of peasant horse breeding across regions or exploration of how central departments, zemstvos and public organisations contributed to the modernisation of the industry.

Factors associated with cleaning quality of reusable medical devices at a single center in China

BackgroundImproper cleaning is one of the main causes of sub-optimal levels of sterilization, and also a risk factor in terms of nosocomial infections. We aimed to investigate the factors associated with the cleaning quality of the reusable medical devices and prescribe improvement measures for ensuring the safe use of the devices and for iatrogenic infection control. MethodsAn expert consultation was conducted to identify the factors associated with the cleaning quality of reusable medical devices. A self-designed quality inspection form for reusable medical device cleaning was used to collect the data concerning the factors associated with the cleaning quality of the reusable medical devices cleaned at our hospital's central sterile supply department (CSSD) during January to June 2022. We also investigated the cleaning personnel's perceptions and knowledge of medical devices cleaning by means of a self-designed questionnaire. ResultsStatistically significant differences (P < 0.05) were identified among incorrect cleaning procedures, improper cleaning methods, non-standard pre-treatment, wrong perceptions or lack of knowledge of medical device cleaning, and complex device structure. Correct cleaning procedures (odds ratio (OR) = 0.216, 95 % confidential interval (CI): 0.170–0.275), choice of cleaning method (ultrasonic cleaning OR = 3.995, 95 % CI: 2.937–5.434; spray cleaning OR = 0.893, 95 % CI: 0.735–1.085), standard pre-treatment (OR = 1.470, 95 % CI: 1.191–1.815), complex device structure (OR = 1.534, 95 % CI: 1.247–1.888) and cleaning personnel's correct perceptions of medical device cleaning (OR = 0.530, 95 % CI: 0.436–0.645) were the independent factors associated with the cleaning quality. ConclusionsThe quality of reusable medical device cleaning should be improved by: adherence to standard cleaning procedures, choosing the correct cleaning method and pre-treatment, improving cleaning personnel's knowledge and perceptions of medical device cleaning, and disassembling the medical devices with complex structures so as to reduce the quality defects of medical device cleaning.

Estimation of Serum Adenosine Deaminase Levels as a Marker for Risk Assessment and Immunomodulation in Patients with Diabetic Foot

Introduction: Diabetic foot ulcers are critical complications of uncontrolled diabetes, with peripheral neuropathy, peripheral arterial disease, and immune suppression as primary contributing factors. Adenosine Deaminase (ADA), an enzyme, has been identified as a promising marker for cell-mediated immunity. Its estimation may serve as a predictive marker for immunomodulation, which, in turn, leads to complications among individuals with diabetes. Aim: To estimate serum ADA levels in diabetic patients without diabetic foot and diabetic patients with diabetic foot. Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of ADA serum levels with glucose, Glycated Haemoglobin (HbA1c), and the severity of wounds. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in the central laboratory Department of Biochemistry at Krishna Rajendra Hospital (KR Hospital), Mysuru Medical College and Research Institute, Mysuru, India, from August to September 2021. The study included diabetic foot cases (n=45) and Type 2 diabetes patients on regular follow-up in the Department of Medicine without diabetic foot and any other complications (n=45). Venous blood samples were analysed for ADA, glucose, HbA1c, and complete blood count. The data were statistically analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Spearman rank correlation test. Results: The present study observed a higher incidence of diabetic foot among males. It showed a statistically significant increase in serum ADA, HbA1C, and neutrophil count in patients with diabetic foot compared to patients with diabetes without diabetic foot ulcers, with mean Standard Deviation (SD) of 71.79±25.11, 11.53±3.11%, and 75.91±9.77%, respectively. Serum ADA exhibited a positive correlation with HbA1C and different grades of ulcers. Conclusion: The present study demonstrated a significantly increased serum ADA in diabetic ulcers and a positive correlation with different grades of ulcers. This finding contributes to a better understanding of the disease's pathogenesis at different stages. Furthermore, the positive correlation between ADA and HbA1C levels may play an important role in predicting the glycaemic and immunological status of these patients

Quality indicators for the processing of health products: A mixed-methods study.

to analyze the use of quality assessment indicators and their implementation to improve quality in the processing of health products. a mixed-methods study with a multiple case approach using Structure, Process and Results indicators and elaboration of a plan using Appreciative Inquiry, carried out in four central sterile supply departments from hospital units. the indicators for the Cleaning stage presented 47.8% compliance for Structure and 59.0% for Process: in addition 71.8% of the products were clean. In the Preparation operational stage, 50.0% of the Results indicators were in compliance for Structure and 66.7% for Process. In the Sterilization, Storage and Distribution stage, 43.5%compliance was obtained for Structure, 55.7% for Process and 78.6% for Packaging conservation. Appreciative planning proposed improvements to the physical structure, review of processes and protocols, promotion and appreciation of the work done and strengthening of teaching about processing and service management, highlighting the protagonism of the group and of the leaders. using indicators was positive in materializing reality; however, it was verified that the improvements proposed are related to people. The affirmative and constructive view of Appreciative Inquiry presented itself as a path to changes and quality improvements.

Sexual Harassment in Female Students at Tribhuvan University: A Narrative Inquiry Research

Background: Higher education establishments in Nepal also disclose information on sexual harassment incidents. Sexual harassment is a detrimental encroachment onto the educational domain that extends beyond scholarly discussions. It is an undesirable, offensive, and frequently menacing behaviour that jeopardises a student's well-being. Objectives: This study examines the experiences of female students at Tribhuvan University regarding sexual harassment in the classroom. It aims to assess the prevalence of sexual harassment and identify its various forms among female students. Methods: Adopting a qualitative narrative inquiry research design, we included teachers and students from the Central Department of Education, with information collected from selected female students until data saturation was reached. In-depth interviews were used as the primary data collection method, and both primary and secondary sources were qualitatively and descriptively analysed. Results: The findings reveal a disturbing reality where female students at Tribhuvan University faced sexual harassment from their classmates, teachers, and university staff. The study identifies three primary forms of sexual harassment: verbal, physical, and cyber sexual harassment. Cybersexual harassment emerges as the most prevalent form, significantly impacting the physical and mental well-being of the affected students. Conclusion: Sexual harassment occurs in Nepalese higher education institutions, although it is less common among female students who are able to voice their concerns in an articulate and natural way. Those who feel intimidated struggle to voice their opinions or live in fear of facing a higher risk. The detrimental effect of this type of sexual harassment on the personality development of female students is emphasised. Keywords: Girl student, Sexual harassment, Tribhuvan University, Forms of sexual harassment

Antimicrobial Resistance in Escherichia coli and other Coliform Bacteria Isolated from Bagmati River

Objectives: To explore the presence of fecal indicator bacteria and assess antibiotic resistance status in Bagmati river water. Methods: In a cross sectional study during a year 2020; a total of 180 water samples were collected from the Bagmati River’s upstream, midstream, and downstream sources. Maintaining reverse cold chain, the samples were transferred to the laboratory of central department of Microbiology, Tribhuvan University. Organisms were isolated on Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB) and Nutrient Agar. The organisms were further identified based on the biochemical properties and antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed following CLSI (2020) guidelines. Results: Of the 546 isolates, 209 (or 38%) were Escherichia coli. Other coliforms isolated were Enterobacter spp (2%), Citrobacter spp (37%), and Klebsiella spp (23%). Upstream source revealed least percentage 3% (7/209) of E. coli. All the recovered Citrobacter spp. were resistant and E. coli showed &gt;99% resistance towards Tetracycline, Ampicillin and Amoxiclav antibiotics. Klebsiella spp. was 100% resistant towards Ampicillin and Amoxiclav antibiotics. The coliforms exhibited least resistance (10%) towards Chloramphenicol. Based on antibiotic resistance percentage pattern, E. coli showed 27% similarity to Citrobacter spp. Conclusion: Coliforms showed maximum resistance towards first line antibiotics prescribed in human infection. Immediate water safety plans should be instituted to improve the water quality.

Evidence- based Policy and Decision-Making among Health Managers: A Case of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences

Background: According to the importance of evidence-based policy-making in health scope, this study was conducted to investigate the present situation of decision-making among medical managers.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study carried out on all the managers worked in one of the hospitals, health centers, medical schools and central departments of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in 2016. A questionnaire containing demographic data and 50 questions was applied to 5 sections: attitude (9), subjective norms (13), perceived controlled behavior (22), intention (3) and behavior (3). Choronbache α was between 0.73-0.91 emphasizing a good reliability, the questionnaire`s content and face validity were 0.83 and 0.67 respectively. Data was analyzed using Independent t-test, ANOVA, and Pearson correlation. Results: The greatest frequency of the respondents belongs to the men (77/85.1%), and the majority of the respondents were in an age range from 30 to 40 years. The highest mean score was related to the indirect attitude (8.17), and the lowest was obtained for the indirect perception (1.21). There was a statistical relationship between the mean score of direct and indirect controlled perceived behavior according to the participants’ educational level (P=0.03 and P=0.043, respectively). A significant relationship was also be observed between direct behavior and educational major (P=0.044). Pearson correlation indicates a significant positive relationship between the manager intention for evidence-based policy-making and all the other variables. Conclusion: It seems that the present situation of evidence-based decision-making is not appropriate for the university managers. In this regard, planning for the effective courses in knowledge translation, evidence-based policy-making and advanced searching along with monitoring the managers’ decision outcomes through an internal and external audit can have an effective role in improving decisions and enhancing evidence application. [GMJ.2017;6(1):30-38]

Smart-detection approach for protein residues to evaluate the cleaning efficacy of reusable medical devices

Healthcare-associated infections are challenging problems to eradicate. In practice, infection prevention and control regarding the effective cleaning of reusable medical devices is performed. However, real-time monitoring of potentially contaminated devices is hindered by the complex, costly investigations and the time required. To develop an inexpensive approach providing high-sensitivity, rapid, and low-cost protein residue determination on medical devices. Colourimetric reactions for protein were modified and downscaled to produce a colour product on the moving drop platform and to operate combined with our custom-built smartphone application in order to evaluate and save protein contamination data. The intensity of a product colour was detected by photographing with a smartphone camera and was proportional to the protein concentration in the linear range of 5-20μg/mL. The protein content was processed on a custom-built smartphone application, namely PromoveCheck. The proposed procedure was highly sensitive, yielding limits of detection and limits of quantification, at 0.03 and 0.10μg based on the Bradford reaction. It was applied to reusable medical devices, showing no significant differences from the spectrophotometric method and a correlation with the o-phthaldialdehyde method (P<0.05). This approach demonstrates low cost, sensitivity, efficiency and traceability for investigating reusable medical device cleanliness. The PromoveCheck app can report and acquire protein content that can be used for traceability and alerts concerning questionable or discovered contaminant devices, improving the quality management of the Central Sterile Supply Department.

Features of professional hearing loss with combined exposure to noise and vibration

For most modern industries, there is characteristic the simultaneous impact of noise with other factors aggravating its effect.&#x0D; The purpose of the study is to determine the features of occupational hearing loss in the combined effects &#x0D; of noise and vibration.&#x0D; Materials and methods. A comparative assessment of the level of occupational risk and audiometric indicators was carried out in three groups of employees: 1st group (210 people) — is exposed to noise, 2nd group &#x0D; (170 people) — to noise and local vibration, 3rd group (200 people) — to noise and general vibration.&#x0D; Results. In group 1 workers exposed to isolated noise, occupational hearing loss was diagnosed significantly less frequently compared to group 2 and 3 including workers exposed to combined noise and vibration &#x0D; (7% vs. 14 and 13%, respectively, p &lt; 0.05). Combined exposure to noise and vibration increases the risk of occupational hearing loss by 1.82–1.85 times (RR = 1.82–1.85; EF = 45–46%). Audiological features &#x0D; of the lesion of the auditory analyzer have been revealed depending on the presence and nature of the affecting vibration, manifested by changes in hearing thresholds in certain frequency spectra and their combination. According to the data of speech audiometry, a violation of speech intelligibility with the presence of speech-tonal dissociation was revealed in workers of groups 2 and 3, indicating violations in the central department &#x0D; of the auditory analyzer.&#x0D; Limitations of the study. The study is limited to the study of the features of occupational hearing loss in the combined effects of noise and vibration in mining workers according to audiometric indicators.&#x0D; Conclusion. The conducted studies have shown the need to develop individual programs for the preservation of hearing, taking into account the degree of risk and the identified features of the formation of occupational hearing loss. The topic of research on the effects of noise and vibration on hearing loss requires in-depth research, taking into account the intensity and duration of vibration exposure, the type of vibration generating equipment.

Patient anxiety and satisfaction towards magnetic resonance imaging in Asir region, Saudi Arabia

Background/aimMagnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an important imaging modality for diagnosing various diseases. However, the closed MRI scanner is perceived as unpleasant, even though the examination is non-invasive. Providing patients with information about the MRI exam may improve patient anxiety before and after the test. This study aimed to determine patients’ level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding information provided in MRI departments. MethodsThis descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted on 215 Saudi patients at three central MRI departments in Asir, Saudi Arabia. Data were collected using a questionnaire containing a visual analogue scale and Likert scale to assess anxiety and satisfaction before and after the MRI examination. The participants were divided into two groups to receive information explaining the MRI procedures; the intervention group received information about MRI before the examination, whereas the control group did not receive information. Appropriate statistical tests were used to analyse the data. ResultsA total of 215 patients responded to the questionnaire in the MRI departments. Overall, the mean levels of anxiety and satisfaction were 5 and 6.25 on a 10-point scale, respectively. The anxiety reported by patients who received information explaining the MRI procedure was significantly lower than the anxiety reported by patients who did not receive information (4.8 vs. 5.9, p = 0.024). Consequently, satisfaction was significantly higher among patients who received the information than those who did not (6.77 vs. 4.0, p < 0.001). Furthermore, there was an association between patient reassurance with the behaviour of the staff and having received information (p < 0.001). ConclusionMost patients expressed an average level of anxiety and satisfaction regarding MRI. Anxiety among patients is a persistent issue in MRI departments. The provision of information has significant effects on decreasing the level of anxiety and improving patient satisfaction. The findings of this survey can be used as a benchmark to improve satisfaction and anxiety during MRI procedures in the Asir region of Saudi Arabia.

Time for Cooperation in East-Central Europe – Interview With Konrad Poplawski, Project Coordinator, Centre for Eastern Studies, Poland

Tamás Tibor Csontos (Review of Economic Theory and Policy) requested an interview with Konrad Poplawski, Project Coordinator of the Connectivity and Regional Integration Programme at the Centre for Eastern Studies, Poland. He asked him about industrial policy in Poland, the changing role of Germany and the state of regional cooperation in East-Central Europe. Konrad has been the head of the Central European Department from 2020 to 2022, and previously a long-term analyst of the German economy. He is the author of many analyses and several longer studies on the economy of Central Europe and Germany. He has been a coordinator and author in international research projects in the framework of the Visegrad consortium of think tanks, preparing expert opinions for the diplomatic ministries of the V4 countries. Konrad regularly gives guest lectures at Polish universities (including the University of Warsaw and the Warsaw School of Economics). He is a commentator and author of articles for the largest nationwide media. He defended his doctorate with honors at the Warsaw School of Economics with a dissertation entitled “Changes in Germany’s Foreign Trade After Joining the Eurozone”.

Updated review of wet pack complications in pulse vacuum pressure steam sterilisation processes in central sterile supply departments.

The quality of sterilisation and disinfection in a central sterile supply department is directly related to the quality of the hospital services and the patients' safety. Wet packs occasionally occur following the process of pressure steam sterilisation; reducing this occurrence is an important issue. Therefore, the causes of wet pack following sterilisation were analysed to identify the influencing factors and suggest improvements to prevent its occurrence. Understanding the sterilisation process and possible causes of exposure helps with risk assessment and identifying necessary corrective measures.

Assessment of neurofunctional activity in patients with vibration disease caused of local vibration

Introduction. The stressful effect of local vibration contributes to the development of cerebral dysfunction with the formation of a sensorineural deficit in patients with vibration disease associated with exposure to local vibration.&#x0D; The study aims to identify the features of changes in somatosensory evoked potentials, neuroenergocarting and neuropsychological testing in patients with local vibration.&#x0D; Materials and methods. Scientists examined 103 patients with local vibration (group one), 35 healthy men (comparison group). We used methods of registration of somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), constant potential level (CPL), neuropsychological testing.&#x0D; Results. The authors revealed in the first group, in comparison with the other group, a significant increase in cerebral energy metabolism in the form of an increase in the level of constant potential in the frontal right and left (Fd, Fs), central (Cd, Cz, Cs), parietal (Pd, Pz, Ps), occipital (Oz), right and central temporal (Td, Tz) brain regions, increased latency of peaks N10, N11, N13, N30, peak interval N13–N18 at p&lt;0.04, cognitive dysfunction with mild damage to prefrontal frontal lobes, inferior temporal and inferior parietal regions, parietal-temporal-occipital zone of the left hemisphere, as well as subcortical structures. The data of the correlation analysis indicate that the slowing down of the ascending somatosensory flow from the level of the brachial plexus ganglia to the ventroposterolateral nucleus of the thalamus contributes to the emergence of a compensatory state in the form of an increase in energy processes in the frontal-central and parietal parts of the cerebral cortex, causing the development of cognitive disorders.&#x0D; Limitations. The limitations of the study were the lack of studying the effects of local vibration on cerebral hemodynamics and the state of efferent pathways of the central nervous system in patients with local vibration.&#x0D; Conclusion. Signs of impaired neurofunctional activity in local vibration are an increase in the duration of peak intervals N10–N13 and N11–N13, the latency of peak N10, the level of constant potential of the frontal right and central left leads, the level of constant potential of interhemispheric relations in the central department, a decrease in categorical and conceptual thinking, short-term (auditory) memory, visual gnosis, expressive speech.&#x0D; Ethics. The study was conducted in compliance with Ethical standards developed in accordance with the Helsinki Declaration of the World Medical Association "Ethical principles of conducting scientific medical research with human participation" as amended in 2000 and "Rules of Clinical Practice in the Russian Federation" approved by Order of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation No. 266 dated 06/19/2003. Informed consent was received from each person to participate in the survey, approved in accordance with the established procedure by the Local Ethics Committee.

Linen Management and Presence of Staphylococcus sp. in the Laundry Unit and Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) RSUD Dr. Haryoto Lumajang

Linen menjadi media penunjang dalam seluruh pelayanan medis rumah sakit. Perlunya pengelolaan linen secara optimal dapat mencegah infeksi nosokomial. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengkaji pengelolaan linen dan keberadaan Staphylococcus sp. di unit laundry dan CSSD RSUD Dr. Haryoto Kabupaten Lumajang. Penelitian menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif, dengan teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan lembar kuesioner dan observasi. Sampel penelitian terdiri dari petugas pengelolaan linen RSUD Dr. Haryoto Kabupaten Lumajang sebanyak 21 sampel dan sampel linen sebanyak 7 sampel sprei dan duk operasi. Pengambilan sampel dan uji lab untuk sampel linen dilakukan pada bulan April 2023. Uji lab dilakukan di Balai Besar Laboratorium Kesehatan Surabaya (BBLK). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa proses pengelolaan linen di unit laundry RSUD Dr. Haryoto Kabupaten Lumajang pada proses pengangkutan linen dari ruangan, pemilahan, pencucian dan desinfeksi, pengeringan, dan pengemasan linen tergolong kategori cukup. Proses penyetrikaan dan pelipatan linen tergolong kategori baik. Perendaman dan desinfeksi, penyimpanan, dan distribusi tergolong kategori kurang. Pada proses linen bersih menjadi linen steril dilakukan beberapa proses sterilisasi di unit CSSD meliputi penerimaan, pelipatan, pengemasan, sterilisasi linen, kontrol indikator, penyimpanan linen, dan distribusi linen steril. Berdasarkan uji laboratorium menunjukkan bahwa seluruh linen tidak mengandung kuman Staphylococcus aureus melebihi 20 CFU/cm2.

Analysis of the Effect of Quality Control Circle on the Central Sterile Supply Department

Objective: To analyze the effect of quality control circle on the central sterile supply department (CSSD). Methods: The control group and the observation group each consisted of 180 instruments received by the sterilization supply center from January to March 2023 and 11 CSSD staff. The control group underwent routine management while quality control circle was implemented in the observation group. The quality of work, disinfection and sterilization qualification rates, disinfection and sterilization of various instruments, cleaning indicators, and management satisfaction of both groups were compared. Results: The observation group scored higher in terms of work quality, the qualification rate of disinfection and sterilization in each link, the disinfection and sterilization of instruments, and cleaning indicators compared to the control group. Besides, the management satisfaction of the observation group was higher than that of the control group (P &lt; 0.05). Conclusion: A quality control circle ensures the quality of work, improves the cleaning, disinfection, and sterilization of instruments of the CSSD, and improves the management satisfaction of the CSSD staff.

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Among University Students Due To COVID-19

Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a common but urgent mental health problem during disease outbreaks. With the outbreak of COVID-19’s second wave, educational institutions were closed, and the students had to remain confined to online teaching[1]learning, which might create many psychological problems. This study assesses the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among university youth students due to COVID-19. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 176 (response rate: 76.5%) university students studying at the Central Department of Education. The Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (GAD-7) questionnaire was used to assess anxiety disorder. Students were selected using a simple random sampling technique and sent the questionnaire link created in the Kobo toolbox to them requesting voluntary participation. The collected responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multivariate logistic regression to find the GAD prevalence and associated factors. A study found that 47.7% of university students had generalized anxiety disorder due to COVID-19. Older participants had a lower likelihood of anxiety disorder compared to those under 30 (OR 0.267). Buddhists had higher odds than Hindus (OR 5.237), and students in Bagmati and Lumbini Provinces had higher odds than those in Koshi Province (OR 8.116 and OR 6.086, respectively). Students not infected with COVID-19 had higher odds of anxiety disorder than infected students (OR 7.564), and those not vaccinated had higher odds than those vaccinated (OR 2.883). Taken together, age, religion, province of residence, COVID-19 vaccination status, and perceived risk due to COVID-19 played a role in determining the prevalence of generalized anxiety disorder among students.

First record of Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843) (Phyllostomidae) for the Central Department of Paraguay and in an urban area, with comments on its ecology

First record of Pygoderma bilabiatum (Wagner, 1843) (Phyllostomidae) for the Central Department of Paraguay and in an urban area, with comments on its ecology

Decontamination of a robot used to reprocess reusable surgical instruments

Using robots to handle medical devices in the decontamination area of the Central Sterile Supply Department (CSSD) can reduce risks and address staff shortages. The gripper design must allow reliable cleaning using standard CSSD procedures to avoid build-up of biofilms and possible cross-contamination between different instrument trays and the gripper's functionality. This study explores the design of the robot's gripper regarding cleanability, aiming to determine whether successful cleaning can be achieved even after prolonged drying for a working shift of 8h. We optimized a gripper for cleanability and used it to assess the spread of different test soils depending on different forms of motion. Subsequently, we analysed the cleanability using sheep's blood as test soil, reprocessing the gripper in different assembly configurations after 4 and 8h of drying, and measuring residual protein. Based on our investigations, we documented the spread of contamination depending on the type of motion of the gripper's components. Sheep's blood exhibited the highest dispersion among the test soils, permeating through thin crevices. Importantly, all samples displayed residual protein levels below the warning threshold, irrespective of drying time and gripper disassembly or cleaning position. Cleaning in a device-specific optimized position achieved results comparable to cleaning the disassembled individual components. These findings indicate that cleaning even after one working shift of 8h and without the labour-intensive disassembly of the gripper is feasible, supporting the future use of robots to handle contaminated medical devices in the CSSD decontamination area.

Unveiling the neural roadmap: Using fMRI to examine the impacts of positive, negative, and neutral mood induction on driving behavior – A protocol

Introduction: The potential association between cognitive functions, mood states, and their effect on driving behavior is complex and has been previously studied in most cases suggesting mood and emotion as possible factors in high-risk driving behaviors. However, their outcome measures are subjective and prone to biases. In this study, we add objective physiological data to explore the physiological and behavioral background of the relevance of mood in high risk driving by functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Methods: In this study, 28 male right-handed drivers, aged between 20 to 30 years will be randomly selected from records of drivers in the central traffic department and included in the study. Each participant will drive virtually in an fMRI-compatible driving simulator, after positive, negative, and neutral mood induction, and fMRI will be performed to explore driving-related brain activity alterations and the impact of mood state on these effects. All data analyses will be performed using MATLAB (MathWorks, Natick, MA) and the Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM12) software package. Results: This protocol study introduced a novel protocol to induce positive, negative, and neutral moods and study the impact of mood on driving. Conclusion: Comparing brain activity during driving after positive, negative, and neutral mood induction, this study will help to understand effects of different mood states on driving behavior. Furthermore, comparing the fMRI images of driving under different mood states will clarify the physiological foundation of the impact of mood states on driving behavior. The results of this study will help to introduce physiologically informed preventive or reinforcement strategies to control mood states while driving, and therefore might help to reduce a significant proportion of preventable car accidents.

Symbiotic Relation between a Library and an Academic Institution

Academic libraries and academic institutions are always interlinked and dependent on the purpose of serving educational activities and the well-designed curriculum of the formal education system. Academic institutions without a library have no significance and an academic library without its parent institution has no origin. But it is rarely found that these are named, discussed, analyzed, and worked together as a whole. This study aimed to find out the academicians’ perceptions of the symbiotic relationship between academic institutions and libraries. For the study, the Central Departments of the University Campus Tribhuvan University, Nepal were chosen. The study followed the quantitative method using a survey research design through a questionnaire tool eleven responses were received. Data were analyzed descriptively. Academicians have a keen interest in the establishment of libraries within the department and arrange the library scientifically to enhance research and teaching learning activities. In most of the departmental libraries the post of librarian was found vacant. The praiseworthy dedication of the academicians to the development of libraries for their collaborative partnership was found. They are very much sure about the impact of libraries in teaching learning and research activities. The service delivered by the libraries as the first door to the search for information bystudents and faculties is recommended undoubtedly.