bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of the Social Dimension of Sustainable Procurement Management Adoption in Large Commercial Banks in Kenya
Authors: Ruttoh Viola , Waruguru Margaret
Published: March 2023

Sustainable procurement management has emerged as one of the major key areas for companies to gain a competitive advantage and, at the same time, increase their market share. In Kenya, the banking industry continues to face enormous challenges, such as rising non-performing loans, stiff competition, the cap on interest rates, and ever-evolving technology. This study sought to assess the social dimension of sustainable procurement management adopted in large commercial banks in Kenya. The study adopted an exploratory research design using qualitative approaches. The target population comprised the procurement and corporate affairs officers in the large commercial banks in Kenya. Purposive sampling was used to target the respondents. The study used interviews to collect primary data, and secondary data were collected by reviewing banks' reports, websites, and the central bank's reports. The findings revealed that the selected banks have adopted socially sustainable procurement practices at different levels. The study concluded that the banks have adopted the social dimensions of sustainable procurement practices.
Role of Public Administration Practices on Service Delivery in Kiminini Sub-County, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya
Authors: Khaemba Yaola Sammy , Nyariki Kennedy
Published: March 2023

The level of residential care, especially guard, in the kiminini Sub-County, Trans Nzoia, is important in this study. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of public administration strategies in service delivery in Kiminini Sub-County. This study was guided by the following research objectives: Identifying the consequences of community development processes for service delivery in Kiminini Sub- County, Trans Nzoia County, Evaluating the impact of sustainable development management strategies on service delivery in Kiminini Sub-County, Trans Nzoia County This study was based on Max Weber 'reasonable legal right' of legitimate government. This study adopted a descriptive survey research design. The target population of the study was 200 personnel. The study utilized Yamane formula to come up with a sample size of 133 respondents. The questionnaire was the main tool for data collection. A pilot study was conducted to test the validity and reliability of the research instruments. Research experts, comprising the supervisors, ensured that the content, especially the questionnaire was relevant and appropriate for the study and ascertained the content validity of the instrument. The study used Cronbach's coefficient alpha to determine the reliability coefficient of the questionnaire. Data that were collected were checked for accuracy, cleaned, and coded to facilitate analysis. Analysis was done using descriptive statistics that included frequencies, mean, percent, standard deviation, and inferential statistics. The data were analyzed with the aid of SPSS Version 25.0. Analyzed findings were presented using tables and figures. The study findings were that: Community development practice had a positive and significant effect on service delivery (β=0.345, p<0.05), Sustainability management practice had a positive and significant effect on service delivery (β=0.258, p<0.05), Law/order maintenance practice had a positive and significant effect on service delivery (β=0.375, p<0.05), and Leadership practices had a positive and significant effect on service delivery (β=0.312, p<0.05) This study concluded that community development practice, sustainability management practice, law and order maintenance practice, and leadership practices had a positive significant effect on service delivery. Therefore, the study recommended that county personnel should make more attempts to carry out community development practices, sustainability management practices, law and order maintenance practices, and leadership practices to enhance service delivery.
Effect of Customers’ Credit-risk Behavior on Financial Performance of Deposit-Taking SACCOs in Kenya
Authors: Asumani Monicah , Oima David , Ondiwa Simon
Published: March 2023

Savings and Credit Cooperatives (SACCOs) are the major drivers of economic growth in developing countries and promise future growth and departure from poverty among the low economic regions. In Kenya, there was an increase in total assets from 556.7 billion in 2020 to 627.7 billion in 2021, which represented a 12.7% growth. The gross loans grew from 419.6 billion in 2019 to 474.8 billion in 2020 representing a 13.2% increase. However, SACCOs have continuously faced with large membership withdrawals, withholding of deposits and reduced share contributions.  Previous studies concentrated on investigating the facilities offered by SACCOs, number of customers among the main factors in determining the SACCOs financial performance. Some other factors affecting the financial performance of SACCOs emanate from behavioral finance aspects which has received little focus on. This study sought to establish the effect of customers’ credit-risk behavior on financial performance of deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. A correlational research design was used to establish the association between credit risk behavior and the financial performance of the deposit-taking SACCOs. The study population was 175 deposit-taking SACCOs licensed to undertake deposit-taking business in Kenya. The study used census method of sampling and a total of 150 deposit-taking SACCOs were analyzed. Reliability was tested using the Levin-Lin-Chu unit root test and data was found to be stationary, while face validity was ensured using experts judgment and the tool was approved as valid. Both descriptive and inferential data analysis methods were used in the analysis, Linear and multiple regression analysis was also used. Results were presented using graphs and tables. Results revealed that customer credit risk behavior has a positive and significant effect (B=0.687, p=0.000) on financial performance of deposit-taking SACCOs in Kenya. This implies credit risk behavior positively and significantly affects financial performance. The study recommended that SACCOs encourage more transactions and confidence among managers but take more precautions in lending. It is expected that the findings may be substantial for the scholars and will aid the stockholders improve their behavioral financial management to boost returns on their shares.
The Effect of Spiritual Intelligence, Personality, Financial Literacy on Family Financial Management in Pandemic Time
Authors: Setyorini Haryati , Usman Nadjib M
Published: March 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed all aspects of life- not only health problems but also a person's behavior patterns, especially in terms of family financial management. The importance of family financial management will be the basis for determining that a family will be able to achieve prosperity and happiness that has been coveted before. How do spiritual intelligence, or spiritual quotients, personality, and financial literacy affect family financial management? This study aims to determine the behavior of a person in managing his family finances. The data used is online respondent data from individuals who live in Indonesia through MSME Communities or other organizations. Data is analyzed using PLS-SEM (Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling). The result obtained is expected to increase knowledge and understanding of family financial management so that they can achieve prosperity and happiness.
Competitive Strategies on Firm Performance: A Study of the Hospitality Industry in South Rift Region
Authors: Birir Chepkemoi Betty , Kipruto Ambrose Chepkwei , Njenga Gitahi
Published: March 2023

Problem Statement:  Previous research has shown that strategic management, which is concerned with market competitiveness, leads to improved performance far more often than it leads to no change or even worse performance. These studies revealed the existence of competitive strategies in the firms studied. However, they did not examine the influence of these strategies on the performance of the firms studied. Also, these studies done in Kenya did not relate competitive strategies to performance.General objective of the study: The general objective of the study was to establish competitive strategies for the firm performance of the hospitality industry in South Rift Region, a case of South Rift Region, Kenya.Research Design: The study adopted a descriptive research design as it clearly suits the cause-and-effect relationship studies.Finding: The findings indicated that there is a positive significant association between cost leadership strategy on the performance of hospitality firms in South Rift Region, as shown by a correlation coefficient of 0.260 and a p-value of 0.002.Conclusions: The researcher concluded that the hotel charges low prices to enjoy high-profit margins. The hotel embraces technology to reduce the cost of service delivery. The hotel has a favorable access to low-cost materials.Recommendation: The researcher recommends that hoteliers embrace low prices to attract more customers, which translates to high-profit margins. The hotels should do a proper market search on where to source low-cost materials. Since the world is advancing in technology, hotels should embrace modern technology to improve their efficiency.
Factors Affecting the Quality of Aviation Security Services at Abeid Amani Karume International Airport
Authors: Mohamed Omar Ali
Published: March 2023

The study investigated factors affecting the quality of aviation security services at abeid amani karume international airport. The specific objectives were: to determine the effect of good pay (GPY) on quality aviation security services (QASS), to establish the effect of employee promotion (EMP) on quality aviation security services, and to determine the effect of working conditions (WCs) on quality aviation security services. A descriptive research design was used under the quantitative approach. Data were collected using questionnaires which were analyzed by regression methods. The study concluded that good pay, employee promotion, and work conditions have positive significant effects on quality aviation security services. The regression coefficients of good pay, employee promotion, and work conditions were 0.994, 1.026, and 1.009, respectively. The study recommended that the management of Abeid Amani Karume International Airport should remunerate security officers well, have a clear employee promotion strategy and improve work conditions for the security officers.
Impact of Health Insurance on Employees' Performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja, Tanzania
Authors: Haji Jamila Amour , Haji Haji Ali
Published: March 2023

The study aimed to assess the impact of health insurance on employees' performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja. The specific objectives of the study were: To examine the effects of health insurance on financial protection on employees' performance, and To examine the influence of the Insurance Premium on employees' performance at Zanzibar Electricity Cooperation in Unguja Quantitative methods were used in this study. The closed-ended questionnaires were also used to capture the information. The study used multiple linear regressions to analyze the collected data. The study found out that the two predictor variables (financial protection and insurance premium) had a significant contribution to the outcome variable (employees’ performance). The study recommended that ZECO and the government of Zanzibar, in particular, should increase the insurance premium by companies offering health insurance in Unguja.  These would raise the financial protection of employees and increase their performance.
Christian Mentorship for Embracement of the Sacrament of Marriage in Ogembo Town Catholic Church, Kenya
Authors: Miruka Daniel Bikundo , Ichuloi Anthony , Kandagor Daniel
Published: March 2023

This study focuses on the role of Christian mentorship in embracing the sacrament of matrimony in Ogembo Town Catholic Church. The study argues that today, in the church membership, there is a serious inconsideration of the institution of marriage as a sacrament to a height that some even opt to substitute it with temporary arrangements (cohabiting) for living together without officially being married in church. Such temporary arrangements can be dissolved whenever either party desires. Many Christians seem to have lost commitment to conducting church marriages. A triangle theory of love and social capital theory was used to enucleate the arguments of the paper. The target population of the study was 400 participants. However, the actual sample size of 120 participants (comprising 2 priests, 4 catechists, 6 married Christian couples, 6 Christian counselors, 93 cohabiting Christians, and 15 local church leaders from all the 15 local churches that compose Ogembo Town Catholic Church) was used to collect data using a questionnaire, interview schedules, and Focused Group Discussions. The study found that: The response of young Catholic Christian couples to mentorship marriage programs was not appealing to many of them, Christian role models are wanted in the church such that the young couples have no admirable lived experience of role models that encourage them to regularize their marriage in church The study recommended that the Catholic Church should emphasize a lived marriage faith that is not only for those married but also for future church marriages; those leading marriage programs to be people of real marriage sacramental life.
Gender Implications of Involuntary Resettlement on Displaced Families: The Case of Karimenu II Dam, Kiambu County, Kenya
Authors: Njuku Lawrence Kiarie , Musyoki Geraldine , Mutuma Sheila
Published: March 2023

This paper investigated the gender implications of involuntary resettlement at Karimenu II Dam. The study employed the Impoverishment, Risks, and Reconstruction (IRR) model developed in the late 1990s by the World Bank and coined by Michael Cernea (2002). It provides a conceptual tool for identifying the inherent risks that may cause impoverishment through involuntary displacement and resettlement. He identified 8 risks of Involuntary Resettlement (IR) namely: landlessness, joblessness, homelessness, marginalization, food insecurity, social disarticulation, increased morbidity & mortality, and loss of common access to common property and services. Andnet Gizachew refined it in 2015 to include other risks of IR that Cernea did not capture in his model, which are: Carelessness, Constrained community mobility, Loss of resilience, Constrained access to education, and Loss of aspects of human rights This paper attempted to answer the following question: What were the gender-specific outcomes of the IR at Karimenu II dam on the lives and livelihoods of the PAPS?
Impact of Unskilled Labour on Waste Products Management in West ‘B' Municipality of Zanzibar
Authors: Khamis Silima Juma , Haji Haji Ali
Published: March 2023

The study assessed the impact of unskilled labour on waste product management in the West 'B' municipality of Zanzibar. The sample size was 139 respondents, and a cross-sectional research design involving a quantitative approach was applied. The data were collected by using questionnaires. Multiple regressions were used to analyse the data. The findings show that in waste collection, unskilled labours do not have any impact on waste products management as it scored 0.542 higher than 0.05 alpha of probability value. Secondly, that waste transportation also has no impact on waste products management as it scored 0.808 alpha above a standard of 0.05. In contrast, unskilled labours have an impact on waste disposal as it scored 0.023 alpha less than 0.05 alpha. The study recommended that the government should provide modern equipment and improve the working environment to ensure unskilled labours put more effort into the management of waste products. Nevertheless, capacity building of unskilled labourers on waste disposal was recommended to increase proper waste disposal.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): A Theoretical Resurrection
Authors: Thomas Dapo
Published: March 2023

War Termination theory emerged in the new millennium as a supplement to existing war theories. In the past, the focus of scholars was on the causes and consequences of war. Little or no attention was given to war termination, ceasefire agreements, the duration of wars, and the stability of peace. With this new theory, it becomes very easy to subject war termination to theoretical explication. This article reviews the theory using the Nigerian civil war to argue that the Biafran surrender during the war was mere war termination and not an end to the war as the underlying issues of the war were never addressed during and after the termination of the war. The article posits that for the state to finally bury the Biafran Ghost, it should endeavor to institutionalize necessary mechanisms to generate harmony and peace among the multifarious ethnic nationalities that make up the country.
Dominant Ideologies of Classroom Political Learning among Civics Teachers in Tanzania Secondary Schools
Authors: Machange Jerome Sila
Published: March 2023

Among other things, teachers' classroom practice is influenced by political ideologies that are dominant in society. In 1990s, the political system in Tanzania changed from a socialist to a liberal political system, which also changed from socialist political ideologies (Ujamaa) to liberal political ideologies. This study examines the Civics teachers'(CTs) dominant ideologies of classroom political learning. It sought to find out CTs' perceptions of the purpose of teaching Civics and their practice of democracy while teaching in Civics classroom lessons. The study employed the qualitative research approach, a single case study. The data were analysed using a content analysis framework described by Miles and Hurberman (1994), that is, data reduction, data display, and drawing and verifying conclusions. The findings indicate that socialisation ideologies were dominant among CTs. It is established that CTs' perceptions regarding the purpose of teaching and learning of Civics, as well as their classroom practices, largely reflect ideologies of socialisation. This situation concludes that little CTs' internalisation of the ideologies of individuation is advocated by liberal political ideologies. It implies that the CTs still prefer ideologies of socialisation favoured by socialist political ideologies.
Study of Plankton Aspects for the Development of Eucheuma Cottoni Seaweed Cultivation at Barombong Beach, Makassar, Indonesia
Authors: . Patang
Published: March 2023

This research aims to determine the possibility of developing Eucheuma cottoni seaweed cultivation based on the aspect of the presence of plankton on Barombong Beach, Makassar. This research was conducted for 2 (two) months, namely from February to March 2021, by conducting 4 (four) sampling times. Determination of research locations based on differences in environmental characteristics at each research location. Station 1 (ST 1) is located around residential areas, Station 2 (ST 2) is located around the Barombong sports building, and Station 3 (ST 3) is located around the Jeneberang River Estuary. The tool used is a plankton net to capture plankton in the waters. The plankton parameters observed included plankton abundance, diversity index, and dominance. The data that has been collected is then analyzed by descriptive analysis. The results showed that the highest level of plankton abundance occurred at Station 2 compared to other locations. The plankton diversity index in this research was quite high, with the highest level of diversity index also at Station 2. Furthermore, the highest dominance aspect also occurs at Station 2 compared to other stations. However, from the aspect of the presence of plankton, the research location is still possible to develop Eucheuma cottoni seaweed cultivation.
A rare entity in a pediatric patient: coexistence of emphysematous cystitis and emphysematous pyelonephritis
Authors: Ağar Buket Esen , Kara Aslıhan , Gürgöze Metin Kaya , Eroğlu Yeşim
Published: March 2023

Background. Emphysematous cystitis (EC) and emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) are rare urinary tract infections. They have a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations; ranging from asymptomatic to septic shock at presentation. In children, EC and EPN are rare complications of urinary tract infections (UTIs). Their diagnosis is based on clinical manifestations, laboratory results and characteristic radiological findings of gas within the collecting system, renal parenchyma and/or perinephric tissue. Computed tomography is the best radiological option in the diagnosis of EC and EPN. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities including medical and/or surgical treatment alternatives, these life-threatening conditions have high mortality rates reaching up to 70 percent.
Case. Urinary tract infection was detected in the examinations of an 11-year-old female patient suffering from lower abdominal pain, vomiting and dysuria for two days. Air was detected in the bladder wall on X-ray. EC was detected in the abdominal ultrasonography. Air formations in the bladder lumen and calyces of both kidneys in abdominal computed tomography confirmed the presence of EPN.
Conclusions. Individualized treatment should be instituted according to the severity of EC and EPN, and the overall health condition of the patient.
Meningococcemia in a vaccinated child receiving eculizumab and review of the literature
Authors: Üçkardeş Diana , Göknar Nilüfer , Kasap Nurhan , Keleşoğlu Emre , Arga Mustafa , Candan Cengiz
Published: March 2023

Background. Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS) is a rare and severe disease characterized by uncontrolled activation and dysregulation of the alternative complement pathway and development of thrombotic microangiopathy. Eculizumab, which is used as a first-line therapy in aHUS, blocks the formation of C5 convertase and inhibits the formation of the terminal membrane attack complex. It is known that treatment with eculizumab increases the risk of meningococcal disease by 1000-2000-fold. Meningococcal vaccines should be administered to all eculizumab recipients.
Case. We describe a girl with aHUS who was receiving eculizumab treatment and experienced meningococcemia with non-groupable meningococcal strains which rarely cause disease in healthy people. She recovered with antibiotic treatment and we discontinued eculizumab.
Conclusions. In this case report and review, we discussed similar pediatric case reports in terms of meningococcal serotypes, vaccination history, antibiotic prophylaxis and prognosis of patients who experienced meningococcemia under eculizumab treatment. This case report highlights the importance of a high index of suspicion for invasive meningococcal disease.
Self-inflicted intravesical insertion of 83 magnetic balls in a 10-year-old boy: a case report and literature review
Authors: Chao Liu , Lei Zhang , Xiang Li , Qi Zhou
Published: March 2023

Background. A magnetic ball is a toy for children that can cause physical injury when used improperly. The injury of urethra and bladder caused by magnetic ball is rarely reported.
Case. Here we present a case of self-inflicted intravesical insertion of 83 magnetic balls by a 10-year-old boy. Preliminary diagnosis was made by a plain radiograph of the pelvis and ultrasonic examination of bladder and all the magnetic balls were removed under cystoscopy successfully.
Conclusions. For children with recurrent bladder irritation, the possibility of bladder foreign body should be considered. Surgery is an effective method. For patients without serious complications, cystoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis and treatment.
Synthesis and Structural Characterization of some 3-oxapentane Podand Derivatives
Authors: Manh Linh Nguyen , Tam Pham Thi Thanh , Thuyen Do Thao , Dat Nguyen Tien , Van Tran Thi Thanh , Nhung Dao Thi , Anh Le Tuan
Published: March 2023

A series of eight 3-oxapentane podand derivatives was successfully prepared  based on the croton condensation reaction from 1,5-bis(aryl)-1,5-dithia-3-dioxadecane and 1,5-bis(aryl)-1,3,5-trioxadecane with bezaldehyde or acetophenone derivatives in acidic condition. These synthesized derivatives have structure of acyclic crown rings inserted by polyether or polythiaether chain and vinyl ketone chain conjugated with aryl group. Therefore, they are important sources for host-guest chemistry. They can wrap around a central alkali metal cations as well as organic cations and anions or even molecules to make interesting ion pair receptors. Structure of new podands was determined by spectral analyses including IR, 1H NMR, MS spectrocopies.
The Effectiveness of Using the Geometer’s Sketchpad to Enhance TVET College Level 4 Students’ Understanding of Circle Geometry
Authors: Motseki Puleng , Jojo Zingiswa
Published: March 2023

The integration of technology in the instructional process has been at the centre of attention in mathematics classrooms since the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) which was declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020. This article reports on a study that used a quasi-experimental design to investigate the effectiveness of using the Geometer’s Sketchpad (GSP) to enhance Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) college Level 4 students’ understanding of circle geometry. Using quantitative research methods, random sampling was used to select a sample of 70 participants from a population of 133 TVET college Level 4 mathematics students. The participants were randomly divided into an experimental and a control group. This article hinges on Lev Vygotsky’s concept of the zone of proximal development (ZPD) for learning as a potential solution in enhancing circle geometry instructional practices. Pre-test and post-test instruments consisting of 10 multiple choice questions and 10 problem-solving questions on tangents, chords and proofs were used to gather the data. The data was then analysed using inferential statistics in which the SPSS version 27 determined the statistically significant difference between the experimental and control groups. The findings indicated a significant increase in the experimental group’s understanding of properties of tangents using the GSP. Further, the questionnaire participants revealed that using the GSP enabled an engagement based on the principles of cooperative and collaborative learning. Therefore, the researchers recommend the use of the GSP within the TVET college sector, among students with limited circle geometry knowledge who intend to further their studies in geometry-related courses.
Dark Side of Nudges
Authors: Madsen Joshua , Hall Jonathan
Published: March 2023

Among other methods, governments use highway message signs to encourage responsible driving. We find that displaying year-to-day roadside fatality counts leads to an immediate increase in traffic crashes. We argue that the statistics distract drivers at precisely the moments when they should focus on the road.
Patients’ quality of life assessment following treatment of leg length discrepancy in a single center in Riyadh
Authors: AlHuzaimi Fahad S. , Zamzam Mohamed M. , AlAujan Abdulrahman , AlDobikhi Yousef A. , AlKhayyal Yazeed A. , AlOmar Mohammed O.
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

Length disparities of children’s limbs might make it difficult for them to engage in social, recreational, and leisure activities. The main goals of surgical treatment of limb length discrepancy (LLD) are to restore limb function and prevent adverse social effects. The aim of this study was to assess the quality of life (QoL) of children who received therapy for limb length discrepancies.

Methods:

Twenty participants fit the inclusion criteria and completed the validated and translated version of the electronic questionnaire of the brief version of the world health organization questionnaire for QoL assessment the brief version (WHO-QoL-BREF). Answering the questionnaire was administered by an interviewer over the phone. The questionnaire comprised basic patient information and questions regarding the QoL.

Results:

There were 12 male participants and eight females. The total WHO-QoL BREF score of the participants is 94.15 ± 10.01 (out of 125). The differences between the mean scores of all domains according to participants’ demographic, distortion, and surgical variables were insignificant.

Conclusion:

Ensuring the QoL and function improvement after treatment of LLD is crucial. More attention must be paid to selecting the appropriate procedure for the suitable patient when treating LLD.
Prevalence of road traffic injuries in South East and South Asian region – A systematic review
Authors: Vinish V. , Chakrabarty Jyothi , Vijayan Sandeep , Nayak Baby S. , Shashidhara Y. N. , Kulkarni Mahesh , Noronha Judith A.
Published: March 2023

Background:

South and South-East Asian countries report a great liability for the world’s road traffic injuries (RTIs) and deaths. A vast number of research studies tested various interventions including specific protective devices to prevent accidents, but no review papers have been conducted to find out the prevalence of RTIs in South-East and South Asian countries.

Objective:

This review paper was an attempt to find out the prevalence of RTIs and their associated factors in South-East and South Asian countries.

Methods:

Following the guidelines of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), we searched the articles in the electronic databases of PubMed/Medline, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Web of Science. Articles were selected if they reported the prevalence of RTI, or road traffic accident (RTA) deaths. In addition, a data quality assessment was done.

Results:

Out of the 10,818 article hits from the literature search, ten articles found the eligibility and inclusion criteria. Most of the studies reported that males are involved in the RTIs more than females. The male mortality rate is more than the female mortality in RTI mortality. Young adult males are the major victims when compared with the different age groups of male victims. Two-wheelers are the major contributors to the accident rate. Religious or national festivals are not free from accident-prone times. Climatic seasons and nighttime have a major influence on the RTIs. RTIs are increasing due to the sudden and huge increase in the number of motor vehicles and the development of cities and towns.

Conclusion:

Accidents are non-predictable but controllable disasters in society. Overspeeding, bad conditions on road, the vulnerability of the vehicles, and careless driving are the major reported reasons for RTIs. Making and implementing strict laws can help us to control RTAs. The major effect on the reduction of RTI can be assured only with the presence of responsible people. That can be achieved only by creating awareness in society about traffic rules and responsibilities.
Endoscopic neuroanatomy study using embalmed cadavers
Authors: John Albin , Collins Reagan A. , Nagy Laszlo
Published: March 2023

Objectives:

A firm understanding of anatomy is foundational for all medical students and residents. As opportunities for cadaveric study dwindle, we propose a simplified perfusion model for formalin fixed cadavers that allow for endoscopic neuroanatomical study and procedural practice. This model is easily accessible, cost effective, and valuable in medical training.

Materials and Methods:

Cadavers were fixed through accepted methods that included formalin injection into the cranial vault. The perfusion system was set up using a series of catheters, tubing, and pressurized saline bag that forced saline into the various neuroanatomical spaces chosen for study.

Results:

A neuroendoscope was subsequently introduced to explore and identify relevant neuroanatomical structures as well as to perform a 3rd ventriculostomy and filum sectioning.

Conclusion:

Using formalin fixed cadavers for neuroendoscopic studies and procedural practice is a cost effective, multipurpose tool that can provide medical trainees with a strong understanding of anatomy as well as procedural practice.
Thigh leiomyosarcoma-derived brain metastasis with intracerebral hematoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Oka Chihiro , Miyake Yohei , Tateishi Kensuke , Kawabata Yusuke , Iwashita Hiromichi , Yamamoto Tetsuya
Published: March 2023

Background:

Brain metastases with hematoma are clinically important as they indicate the potential for rapid neurological deterioration. Non-uterine leiomyosarcoma-derived brain metastases are particularly rare, and their clinical features, including the bleeding rate, are unclear. Herein, we present a rare case of thigh leiomyosarcoma-derived brain metastasis with intratumoral hematoma and review previous case reports.

Case Description:

A 68-year-old man with a right thigh leiomyosarcoma presented with multiple brain metastases. The patient received stereotactic radiotherapy; however, he reported sudden right-sided hemiparesis. We found a right frontal irradiated lesion with intratumoral hemorrhage and performed gross total tumor resection. Histopathological examination showed highly atypical cells with prominent necrosis and hemorrhage. Abnormal thin-walled vessels were prominent within the brain tumor, and vascular endothelial growth factor was diffusely expressed immunohistopathologically. To date, 11 cases of brain metastasis from non-uterine leiomyosarcoma, including the present case, have been reported. Of note, six patients had hemorrhage. Three out of six patients presented with hemorrhage before therapeutic intervention, three cases were from residual sites after surgery or radiation.

Conclusion:

More than half the patients with non-uterine leiomyosarcoma-derived brain metastases presented with intracerebral hemorrhage. Furthermore, these patients are at risk of developing rapid neurological deterioration due to intracerebral hemorrhage.
Spontaneous acute subdural hematoma as a complication of preeclampsia. A case report and literature review
Authors: Azab Mohammed A. , Iqbal Sajid
Published: March 2023

Background:

Acute subdural hematoma (ASDH) is a common form of intracranial bleeding that may be fatal. Trauma is a major cause, while a subset of cases may occur spontaneously. The authors of this article present a case of spontaneous ASDH in the context of preeclampsia and review similar cases in the literature to identify the prognosis.

Case Description:

A healthy 27-year-old woman presented in her first pregnancy which was complicated with pregnancy-induced hypertension and was sent to a provincial local maternity hospital at 37 weeks of gestation. On day 4 postpartum, the patient complained of severe headache, vomiting and blurred vision. Fundus examination showed papilledema and magnetic resonance imaging showed right acute frontoparietal subdural hematoma. The hematoma was surgically evacuated with decompressive craniotomy. Postoperatively, the patient’s symptoms improved.

Conclusion:

Spontaneous ASDH is a rare event in the context of preeclampsia; however, it should be considered as one of its possible complications. Research should be directed to emphasize on the possibility of spontaneous ASDH as a cause of neurological deterioration in those cases. A proper diagnosis and early intervention for these cases are crucial for both the mother and the fetus.
Novel chemical tyrosine functionalization of adeno-associated virus improves gene transfer efficiency in liver and retina
Authors: Leray Aurelien , Lalys Pierre-Alban , Varin Juliette , Bouzelha Mohammed , Bourdon Audrey , Alvarez-Dorta Dimitri , Pavageau Karine , Depienne Sebastien , Marchand Maia , Mellet Anthony , Demilly Joanna , Ducloyer Jean-Baptiste , Girard Tiphaine , Fraysse Bodval , Ledevin Mireille , Guilbaud Mickael , Gouin Sebastien G. , Ayuso Eduard , Adjali Oumeya , Larcher Thibaut , Cronin Therese , Le Guiner Caroline , Deniaud David , Mevel Mathieu
Published: March 2023

Decades of biological and clinical research have led to important advances in recombinant adeno-associated viruses rAAV-based gene therapy gene therapy. However, several challenges must be overcome to fully exploit the potential of rAAV vectors. Innovative approaches to modify viral genome and capsid elements have been used to overcome issues such as unwanted immune responses and off-targeting. While often successful, genetic modification of capsids can drastically reduce vector yield and often fails to produce vectors with properties that translate across species. Here, we describe a chemical bioconjugation strategy to modify tyrosine residues on AAV capsids using specific ligands, thereby circumventing the need to genetically engineer the capsid sequence. Aromatic electrophilic substitution of the phenol ring of tyrosine residues on AAV capsids improved the in vivo transduction efficiency of rAAV2 vectors in both liver and retinal targets. This tyrosine bioconjugation strategy represents an innovative technology for the engineering of rAAV vectors for human gene therapy.
Hydrogen sharing between two nitroxyl radicals in the gas phase and other microsolvation effects on the infrared spectrum of a bulky hydroxylamine
Authors: Fischer Taija , Tepaske Martijn , Suhm Martin
Published: March 2023

The sterically hindered nitroxyl radical TEMPO is co-expanded with its hydroxylamine TEMPO-H in a supersonic jet and probed by FTIR spectroscopy. One major and one minor conformation of the 1:1 complex are identified by their OH stretching signatures, the major one exhibiting a weaker hydrogen bond. The acidic hydrogen atom in these structures can switch between the two TEMPO units in a more or less symmetric double minimum potential with a high barrier. Both conformations are experimentally shown to have a self-exchange quantum tunnelling period longer than 15 ps or 1500 OH vibrational periods even when excited by 41 kJ/mol along the OH stretching coordinate. The homodimer and more tentatively the monohydrate of TEMPO-H are also identified in the spectrum.
The Design, Synthesis, and Inhibition of Clostridioides difficile Spore Germination by Acyclic and Bicyclic Tertiary Amide Analogs of Cholate
Authors: Sharma Shiv , Schilke Angel , Phan Jacqueline , Yip Christopher , Sharma Prateek , Abel-Santos Ernesto , Firestine Steven
Published: March 2023

Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a major identifiable cause of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. In our previous study (J. Med Chem, 2018, 61, 6759-6778), we have identified N-phenyl-cholan-24-amide as a potent inhibitor of spore germination. The most potent compounds in our previous work are N-arylamides. We were interested in the role that the conformation of the amide plays in activity. Previous research has shown that secondary N-arylamides exist exclusively in the coplanar trans conformation while tertiary N-methyl-N-arylamides exist in a non-planar, cis conformation. The N-methy-N-phenyl-cholan-24-amide was 17-fold less active compared to the parent compounds suggesting the importance of the orientation of the phenyl ring. To lock the phenyl ring into a trans conformation, cyclic tertiary amides were prepared. Indoline and quinoline cholan-24-amides were both inhibitors of spore germination; however, the indoline analogs were most potent. Isoindoline and isoquinoline amides were inactive. We found that the simple indoline derivative gave an IC50 value of 1 M, while the 5-fluoro-substituted compound (5d) possessed an IC50 of 400 nM. To our knowledge, 5d is the most potent known spore germination inhibitor described to date. Taken together, our results indicate that the trans, coplanar conformation of the phenyl ring is required for potent inhibition.
A real-time assessment of inflation nowcasting at the Cleveland Fed
Authors: Knotek Edward S. , Zaman Saeed
Published: March 2023

Using a model based on staff research, the Cleveland Fed's website provides daily nowcasts—or near-term predictions—of multiple US inflation measures for public use. In this Commentary, we compare the historical predictive accuracy of the model behind those inflation nowcasts with the accuracy of inflation nowcasts coming from competing sources: surveys of professional forecasters and alternative statistical models. We find that our inflation nowcasts have performed relatively well in these comparisons, both over a long sample and a short sample that focuses on the period since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mis-specified Forecasts and Myopia in an Estimated New Keynesian Model
Authors: Hajdini Ina
Published: March 2023

The paper considers a New Keynesian framework in which agents form expectations based on a combination of autoregressive mis-specified forecasts and myopia. The proposed expectations formation process is shown to be consistent with all three empirical facts on consensus inflation forecasts. However, while mis-specified forecasts can be both sufficient and necessary to match all three facts, myopia alone is neither. The paper then derives the general equilibrium solution consistent with the proposed expectations formation process and estimates the model with likelihood-based Bayesian methods, yielding three novel results: (i) macroeconomic data strongly prefer a combination of autoregressive mis-specified forecasting rules - of the VAR(1) or AR(1) type - and myopia over other alternatives; (ii) no strong evidence is found in favor of VAR(1) forecasts over simple AR(1) rules; and (iii) frictions such as habit in consumption, which are typically necessary for models with full-information rational expectations, are significantly less important, because the proposed expectations generate substantial internal persistence and amplification to exogenous shocks. Simulated inflation expectations data from the estimated general equilibrium model reflect the three empirical facts on forecasting data.
ПОНЯТТЯ САТИРИЧНОГО ПИСЬМА: ІСТОРИКО-ГЕНЕАЛОГІЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: Азаров Д. В.
Published: March 2023

У статті розглянуто тлумачення сатири у діахронічному вимірі розвитку художньої літератури. Вибір об’єкта дослідження зумовлений інтересом передусім зарубіжних і вітчизняних дослідників до механізму реалізації сатири у тексті, а також актуальної дискусії щодо розуміння функціонування сатиричного як манери письма. Методологічною основою дослідження стали праці Юрґена Бруммака («Про поняття та теорію сатири»), («Жанрова теорія. Інформація та синтез»), Клауса В. Гемпфера і Йорґа Шенерта («Теорія “літературної” сатири»), в яких пропонується описова модель для аналізу сатиричного, а також три рівні організації сатиричного письма у літературних текстах. Відзначено, що важливість формування моделі сатиричного письма зумовлена різножанровим проявом сатири у текстах різних епох, тлумаченням цього явища теоретиками літератури в межах конкретних жанрів (вірш, роман, драма тощо), а також інтермедіальними можливостями вираження сатири в образотворчих формах мистецтва. Засвідчено, що сатира має тісний зв’язок із комічним, оскільки естетичність, дотепність вираження і її соціальний складник творять константи, без яких неможлива її реалізація. В результаті історичного огляду встановлено, що сатиричне у тексті має певну градацію свого вираження – від комічного до в’їдливого й образливого. Задля реалізації певного градаційного рівня автор оперує техніками мовної редукції. Здійснений у статті огляд трансформацій поняття сатири засвідчує різноманітні підходи до дефініції сатири у конкретних літературних епохах з урахуванням культурних процесів. Покликаючись на дослідження Клауса Церера, розглянуто диференціацію інтенції сатиричного письма, в якій більшою або меншою мірою переважає моральний (вічний ідеал як у Ф. Шиллера) або індивідуальний компонент (критика цензури і боротьба за свободу висловлення власної думки, як у Г. Гайне). На основі цих даних виокремлено і проаналізовано три позачасові ознаки сатиричного: естетичний, індивідуальний та нормативний аспекти. Для кожної із зазначених ознак сатиричної манери письма наведено історичні приклади реалізації. Сатирична манера письма являє собою модель, у якій завдяки систематизації та врахуванню інваріантних особливостей не створюється перезавантаження поняття у разі аналізу сатиричного твору у контексті певного літературного періоду.
ПОНЯТТЯ СИНЕСТЕЗІЇ В ІНТЕРДИСЦИПЛІНАРНОМУ ВИМІРІ
Authors: Пелікан М. Р.
Published: March 2023

У статті розглянуто явище синестезії, яке позначає поєднання двох чи більше фізично розділених сфер сприйняття. Наукові студії даного феномену сягають початку XVIII століття і стосуються цілої низки наук, як-от медицина, психологія, філософія, мистецтвознавство. Віднедавна синестезію активно досліджують у літературознавстві та лінгвістиці. Дотепер немає єдиної дефініції, яка б охоплювала результати досліджень цих галузей. У розвідці проаналізовано явище синестезії в наукових працях із вищезгаданих дисциплін, наведено приклади зразків різного роду синестетичних модальностей. У результаті узагальнення науково-теоретичних підходів щодо тлумачення синестезії зазначаємо, що всі дослідження цього явища об’єднує той факт, що невеликий відсоток людей наділений здатністю до відчуття, яке супроводжується співвідчуттям іншої модальності. З медичного погляду це тривалий час уважали хворобою. Роботи в галузі психології розглядають синестезію суто як психічний феномен. З погляду філософії йдеться про здатність висловлювати враження в понятті, поєднання усвідомленого та неусвідомленого. У мистецтвознавстві злиття відчуттів веде до нового витвору. У літературознавстві та лінгвістиці мовиться про «інтермодальні властивості», мовну форму, підкатегорію метафори. Закцентовано увагу на структурних і морфологічних особливостях літературних синестетичних явищ, наведено приклади синтаксично-семантичних форм мовної синестезії. Основною метою роботи визначено огляд різних підходів і розроблення власного визначення, яке буде релевантним для подальшого дослідження художнього явища синестезії в мовному й естетичному аспектах. Стверджується, що синестезія – це особливе світосприйняття, що поєднує дві чи більше розділені сфери сприйняття, усвідомлене та неусвідомлене, репрезентується через мову. Перспективою майбутніх наукових досліджень у цьому напрямі є аналіз мовно вираженої синестезії в художньому творі.