bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABC analysis of drugs used in health camps organized in villages of Chintamani taluk, Karnataka, India
Authors: T. Chethana , Rajan Babitha , Selvaraj Archana , S. Pruthvish
Published: December 2016

Background: Tracking of drug acquisition, storage, distribution, and utilization are to be handled properly with utmost care to eliminate wastage and to ensure scientific continuity of supplies. The present study was done with the objective to conduct the economic analysis of drug expenditure and to identify the categories of items needing stringent management control for health camps.  Methods: The study was done among health camps conducted in the 10 villages of Chintamani taluk during December 2015. For Always Better Control (ABC) analysis, the consumption of all the drugs was calculated after multiplying unit cost by total consumption and resulting figures were arranged in descending order of rupee value.Results: The drugs were classified in to A B C groups according to total cost consumed 70%, 20%, and 10% respectively. The total cost incurred for procurement of drugs in these camps was Indian rupees 12872.93. We found that 15.78% of drugs were in category A. If we were to manage drug inventory solely based on ABC analysis, supervision of only 6 drugs would have resulted in control over approximately 70% of the drug budget.        Conclusions: Thus ABC inventory management analysis of health camps will promote effective management of drug inventory with minimal monetary resources and will contribute to provision of uncompromised patient care.
Analysing health promoting life styles of medical students in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India by HPLP-II
Authors: Chouhan Sunil
Published: December 2016

Background: Cost effective and feasible instrument is required to assess the health promoting behaviours of Medical students from the stressful and hectic schedule of their training in the Medical College. Hence with the help the of HPLP-II questionnaire, lifestyles of first year MBBS students were assessed.  The primary objective of this cross-sectional study was to assess the health promoting behaviors of 287 medical students in Bhopal using HPLP II questionnaire.Methods: This cross-sectional self-administered health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (HPLP-II) questionnaire study was undertaken among the MBBS first year students, aged 18-22 year, in the region of Bhopal to find out the health promoting behaviors among them.Results: Out of total 324 medical students from 3 different medical colleges, 248 completed the HPLP-II questionnaire. The mean score of this scale was 2.47(SD=0.34) for male and 2.41(SD=0.27) for female students. The highest mean out of a scale of 4, was 2.96(SD=0.55) & 2.96(SD=0.49) for spiritual growth in male and female students respectively. The lowest mean score for female was 1.96(SD=0.53) in term of Physical activity subscale. Except for Physical activity subscale, there was no major difference between other subscales by gender.Conclusions: By adopting a healthier lifestyle, Health status of an individual can be significantly improved. Since this study shows low health promoting behaviors in medicos, there is need to develop guidelines, interventions and periodic investigation for the students for their good health.
The factors associated with hearing impairment in school children
Authors: Norman Prasan , Chandran Mahendran , Kr Pandiyan , Selvaraj Kokila
Published: December 2016

Background: The morbidity of ENT infections have increased considerably in recent decades, so that they are now amongst the most common chronic disorders of childhood. Awareness of hearing deficit is poor in India. The major proportion of childhood hearing impairment in developing countries is secondary to preventable causes. At the same time, even mild degrees of hearing impairment can affect proper learning in noisy class rooms where speech is produced at a distance. This in turn can have significant impact on the scholastic performance and overall development.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted to identify the factors leading to hearing impairment in school children aged 8years to 14 years in the schools in Vadamavanthal area during the months of January 2013 to July 2013. The students were interviewed through pre - tested questionnaire and aural examination was done by a qualified otolaryngologist.Results: Out of 700 school, 216(30.9%) school children were suffering from hearing impairment. 139 (19.9%) students were found to be suffering from impacted wax, 67 (9.6%) were suffering from otitis media with effusion, 17 (2.4%) students were suffering from chronic suppurative otitis media and 5 (0.7%) students were suffering from foreign body impaction in ear.Conclusions: Simple measures like regular screening for ear diseases and hearing assessment done at the school level can help identify hearing impairment which can be modified with early health education for students and teachers.
Assessment of stress among caregivers of the stroke survivors: community based study
Authors: Rajan Babitha , G. Suman , S. Pruthvish , K. Radhika
Published: December 2016

Background: Stroke is the third most common cause of death. It disables individuals and places considerable burden not only on the individual and his family but also on the community as a whole. Caring for stroke patients often places considerable strain on caregivers, given that they have to take up multiple responsibilities. The study objective was to assess caregiver stress and to identify the factors such as emotional, financial and socio demographic factors.Methods: The study adopted a cross sectional design. A total of 150 participants were chosen on the basis of being directly involved in patient care and consenting to participate in the study 1. Caregivers of all incident cases of stroke who survived beyond 28 days were included. The severity of strain was rated using the Caregiver Strain Index (CSI).Results: The mean (SD) age of caregivers was 45.19 (4) years. Among the caregivers 130 (87%) of them were females and 20(13%) were males. The analysis of CSI showed that the mean (SD) score was 11.3 (0.93).All the CGs responded that financial difficulties, physical strain, family and emotional adjustments and sleep disturbance were found to have contributed to their stress.Conclusions: In this study, it is found that there is an increase in strain on the caregivers of stroke survivors which impacted the personal life as well as the quality of care offered by them.
Cardiovascular response to sustained handgrip test in gastroesophageal reflux disease patients
Authors: Sogan Teena , Mathur Keerti , Sankhla Manisha
Published: December 2016

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease pathogenesis may be associated with disturbances of the autonomic nervous system.Methods: One hundred five participants aged 35-45 years of either sex, which include Gastroesophageal reflux disease patients, thirty five each (who presented typical symptom of Gastroesophageal reflux disease with reflux esophagitis (ERD) and without reflux esophagitis (NERD)) and thirty five age and sex matched control subjects, were enrolled in the study. Autonomic function test was assessed using Sustained Handgrip test.Results: In the present study, no significant difference was observed in age, height, weight, body mass index, resting systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure between the study groups. The mean difference of diastolic blood pressure (mmHg) response to Sustained Handgrip test between ERD and NERD; ERD and Control; NERD and Control was statistically highly significant (p=0.001; p<0.001; p=0.029, respectively), predicting reduced sympathetic activity in gastroesophageal reflux disease, more in patients with reflux esophagitis (ERD).Conclusions: Reduced sympathetic activity can cause impairment of lower esophageal sphincter function, particularly of the neural mechanisms related to control of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxation.  It might increase number and time duration of transient lower esophageal sphincter relaxations resulting in pathological enhancement of GERD.
Exploring scope for improvement in knowledge attitude and practices about organ, tissue donation and transplantation among postgraduate medical students in Mumbai, India
Authors: Uplap Pallavi Anil , Singh Rashmi
Published: December 2016

Background: To promote organ, tissue donation as well as transplantation well sensitized health care providers have an important role. In the view of extended period of infancy of the same in India, a study has been conducted to explore knowledge, attitude, and practices among postgraduate medical students in Mumbai.Methods: All were explained nature of the study and informed written consent was obtained from those who are willing to participate. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire from December 2014 to February 2015 and was entered, analysed in Microsoft Excel 2012. Institutional Ethical Committee approval for this study was obtained and confidentiality was maintained in this process.Results: Out of 228 postgraduate students who were given self - administered questionnaire, 163(71.49%) participants returned back the same.  There was a fair knowledge about organ and tissues which can be donated as well as transplanted in the participants. However 49.69% of the respondents knew importance of time factor for safe organ preservation and 18.4% doctors could define near relative for organ donation and transplantation. Though 61.41% of the participants could correctly define brain death, only 36.19% could correctly name all members of authorized certifying committee for brain death. Majority of the participants (99.38%) supported the concept of organ donation however only 38.03% have ever counselled patients for organ donation, 11.04% were registered organ donors and 4% carried the same.  Conclusions:Postgraduate medical students lacked detailed technical and legal aspects about organ, tissue donation and transplantation which need to be strengthened.
Retrospective study on prevalence of anaemia among pregnant women at booking in a health care centre in Udairamsar, Bikaner, Rajasthan, India
Authors: Acharya Aarti , Acharya Rekha , Meena Ratti Ram
Published: December 2016

Background: Anaemia in pregnancy is one of the major risk among them. This is associated with abortions, premature births, postpartum haemorrhage and low birth weight. Thus anaemia is considered as one of the most frequent complications of pregnancy and there is need of early detection.Methods: Retrospective record based study conducted at Rural Health Training Centre Udairamsar, Bikaner, Rajasthan. Data regarding pregnancy are collected from 1April 2015 to31 March 2016 by referring the records maintained at RHTC. Data was analysed using SPSS 20.Results: A total of 135 pregnant women were registered for ANC care during this one year period. Majority (64.44%) belonged to the age group of 20-25 years and 94.8% were Hindu by religion. 48.18% of pregnant women were registered during first trimester followed by 28.88% who had registered during second trimester and rest at third trimester. Prevalence of anaemia in the present study was found to be 89.26% with 121 cases among which 92 cases were mild form, 28 cases were moderate form and only 1 case was of severe form with Haemoglobin level below 7g/dl. The study didn’t show any significant association between anaemia and   booking trimester.Conclusions: There is high prevalence (85.2%) of anemia among pregnant women. It was also noted that 45.1% of the pregnant women registered after first trimester of pregnancy. Hence leading to late acceptance of antenatal care and iron and folic acid supplementation which is given to reduce the cases of anemia in pregnancy.
A cross-sectional study on effect of non-communicable diseases on prevalent oral health conditions
Authors: Shah Aasim Farooq , Baba Irfan Ashraf , Dany Subha Soumya , Batra Manu
Published: December 2016

Background: Non communicable diseases (NCDs) are defined as diseases of long duration, generally progress slowly and are the major cause of adult mortality and morbidity worldwide. NCDs mainly lead by four diseases which include: cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus (DM), cancers and chronic respiratory diseases. Poor oral health reflects the general health, and several oral diseases are related to chronic diseases. The aim and objectives was to find casual association between NCDs with oral disease and further aims to provide evidence to health care providers regarding the significance of oral health while treating the patients for NCDs.Methods: The present cross sectional study was conducted to examine the oral health status of patients with NCD reporting to Dental OPD of Government Dental College and Hospital, Srinagar.  This hospital based study done through a convenience sampling technique, using a questionnaire and oral examination. A self-administered questionnaire was written in English language and was also translated in local language, first part of questionnaire was used to collect the demographic details, second part was designed regarding the medication history, oral habits such as smoking and consumption of betel nuts, medical history and earlier visit to dentist, cleaning of teeth, significance of dental health and its effect on general health and the third part of questionnaire was completely based on dental examination. The data was entered manually on Microsoft excel and then analyzed on statistical package SPSS version 20. Associations between different variables were assessed through application of χ2. The Data was analyzed using SPSS Statistics 20.0.Results: The present study was established with a sample of 300 participants. Male to female ratio was 2:3. Mean age of the participants was 46.6 years. It was observed that out of the total patients who visited the dentist, 42% (n=126) suffered from some chronic disease. 61% (n=183) were oblivious of the importance of dental health. When inquired if oral health affects general health 58.6% (n= 176) acknowledged its importance. 59 participants who lost more than three teeth who had chronic disease, 58.6% (n=176) respondents presented with bleeding gums, 66.3% (n=199) with food deposition, 52% (n=158) had halitosis, 26% (n= 78) had oral ulceration, 22.3% (n=67).Conclusions: It was concluded from this study that majority of participants with chronic diseases had poor oral health which requires immediate attention from the medical practitioners as well as dentists should counsel patients for maintenance and promotion of oral health.
Determinants of overweight and obesity among selected school going children in Tumkur (tier 2) city, Karnataka, India
Authors: Ahmed Imtiaz , Jayaram Ashok , Iyengar Krishna
Published: December 2016

Background: The World Health Organization has described obesity as one of today's most neglected public health problems. Obesity in children appears to increase the risk of subsequent morbidity (like sleep apnea, NIDDM, Gallbladder disease, Dyslipidemia, Insulin resistance etc.), whether or not obesity persists into adulthood.1 In developing countries such as India, especially in urban populations, childhood obesity is emerging as a major health problem nearly 8 to 23 percent children are obese and overweight by various study.  Aims and Objectives: To assess the determinants of overweight and obesity in selected government, aided and unaided schools of Tumkur city.Methods: A cross sectional study was done with 2207 students, aged 10-16 years from 10 schools in Tumkur (tier-2) City. Recommended cut-off points for Indian children (IAP Classification 2012) were utilized to assess overweight and obesity.2 Out of 2207 students 290 were found to be overweight and obese. Twice their number i.e., 580 normal BMI students of same age and gender were selected randomly as controls to study the determinants of overweight and obesity.Results: Prevalence of childhood overweight was 7.02% and obesity was 6.12% respectively. Children of higher educated family found to be more overweight and obese. High socio-economic group children had higher prevalence of obesity than low socio-economic group. Snacking habit and eating of junk food promoted the obesity. Increased hours of schooling lack of physical activity, tuition classes, more homework, TV watching, use of computers and playing video games contributed to sedentary lifestyle, which triggered the onset of obesity among children.Conclusions: Overall prevalence of overweight and obesity among school going children was 13.14%. It was more in boys (13.24%) than girls (13.04%), respectively. The higher prevalence of overweight in school children of Tumkur may be attributed to their eating habits, as well as to their lack of awareness on proper eating habits. Education of parents had a direct relationship to childhood obesity. In addition, low involvement in physical activities may also have influenced the rate of overweight and obesity.
Hydrotherapy: an efficient and cost-effective treatment for depression
Authors: Hassan Syed Zawahir , Waqas Muhammad , Yaqub Danial , Asad Duhaa
Published: December 2016

Depression is a general mental disorder with an estimate of 350 million people affected with it. Depression varies from usual mood fluctuations to short emotional setbacks and can extend to mental breakdown, hopelessness and suicidal thoughts. At worst, over 800,000 people commit suicide due it, and is the major cause of death among teens. Factors including genetic characteristics, environmental stress, as it gets triggered later at some point of adolescence, drugs like isotretinoin and interferon-alpha are thought to increase the risk of depression.
GADAI SYARIAH; Perspektif Fikih Muamalah dan Aplikasinya dalam Perbankan
Authors: Fadllan Fadllan
Published: December 2016

Gadai Syariah (Ar-Rahn) merupakan akad perjanjian antara pihak pemberi pinjaman dengan pihak yang meminjam uang. Hal ini dimaksudkan untuk memberikan ketenangan bagi pemilik uang atau jaminan keamanan uang yang dipinjam. Oleh karena itu, gadai pada prinsipnya merupakan suatu kegiatan utang piutang yang murni dan berfungsi sosial, sehingga dalam berbagai literatur fikih muamalah akad ini merupakan akad tabarru’ (akad derma) yang tidak mewajibkan imbalan. Praktik gadai ini telah ada sejak zaman Rasulullah SAW. dan beliau sendiri pun pernah melakukannya.
PEMBACAAN AL-QUR’AN DALAM PERSPEKTIF MOHAMMED ARKOUN
Authors: Djalal Zaqlul Fitrian
Published: December 2016

: Mohammed Arkoun berupaya memahami al-Qur’an dengan metode yang tidak lazim digunakan mufasir klasik. Bahkan metode yang dipakai justru yang selama ini lekat dengan tradisi ke­ilmuan barat, yaitu metode historis-antropologis, linguistik-semio­tika, dan te­o­­logis-religius. Gagasannya yang liberal ini men­dapat kritikan berbagai pihak, baik kalangan ulama muslim kla­sik maupun dari para orientalis. Meskipun pemikiran Arkoun men­dapat banyak kritikan, beliau dianggap berhasil menarik mi­nat kebanyakan kalangan orientalis untuk mengkaji al-Qur'an, dan berhasil me­ngetengahkan sudut pandang Islam yang dapat diterima dalam lingkungan ilmiah Barat.
The Synthesis and New Crystal Structures of Three Arylpiperazine Compounds
Authors: Zhou Jinhui , Yan Maocai , Shi Maojian , Xu Jun , Shangguan Guoqiang
Published: December 2016

The structure of arylpiperazine moieties as an important pharmacophore could generate wide pharmacological activities．Arylpiperazine derivatives referred in this paper possessed antitumor activity. The title compounds were crystallized by slow evaporation. 2-(4-(2-(4-Phenylpiperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione(1), 2-(4-(2-(4-(4-Bromophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (2) and 2-(4-(2-(4-(4-Chlorophenyl)piperazin-1-yl)ethyl)benzyl)isoindoline-1,3-dione (3) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P-1 with two molecules in the unit cell. The unit cell parameters for 1 are a = 6.9159(14) Å, b = 9.999(2) Å, c = 16.925(3) Å, α = 88.25(3)°, β = 85.14(3) °, γ = 79.22(3) °. The unit cell parameters for 2 are a = 6.9995(14) Å, b = 9.919(2) Å, c = 17.671(4) Å, α= 97.55(3)°, β = 92.19(3) °, γ = 102.23(3) °. The unit cell parameters for 1 are a = 6.9872(14) Å, b = 9.863(2) Å, c = 17.557(4) Å, α=96.81(3)°, β = 91.89(3) °, γ = 101.74(3) °. Pi-pi interactions were observed between molecules, and compound 2 and 3 showed halogen interactions between molecules nearby, which was different from compound 1.
Online Shaming and the Right to Privacy
Authors: Laidlaw Emily B.
Published: December 2016

This paper advances privacy theory through examination of online shaming, focusing in particular on persecution by internet mobs. While shaming is nothing new, the technology used for modern shaming is new and evolving, making it a revealing lens through which to analyze points of analytical friction within and between traditional conceptions of privacy. To that end, this paper first explores the narrative and structure of online shaming, identifying broad categories of shaming of vigilantism, bullying, bigotry and gossiping, which are then used throughout the paper to evaluate different angles to the privacy problems raised. Second, this paper examines shaming through three dominant debates concerning privacy - privacy’s link with dignity, the right to privacy in public places and the social dimension of privacy. Certain themes emerged from this analysis. A common feature of online shaming is public humiliation. A challenge is to differentiate between a humbling (rightly knocking someone down a peg for a social transgression) and a humiliation that is an affront to dignity (wrongly knocking someone down a peg). In addition, the privacy concern of shamed individuals is not necessarily about intrusion on seclusion or revelation of embarrassing information, but rather about the disruption in their ability to continue to participate in online spaces free from attack. The privacy interest therefore becomes more about enabling participation in social spaces, enabling connections and relationships to form, and about enabling identity-making. Public humiliation through shaming can disrupt all of these inviting closer scrutiny concerning how law can be used as an enabling rather than secluding tool.
Distinct Proximal Humeral Geometry in Chinese Population and Clinical Relevance
Authors: Zhang Qiang , Shi Lewis L. , Ravella Krishna C. , Koh Jason L. , Wang Shaobai , Liu Cailong , Li Guoan , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2016

Background:

Replicating humeral anatomy during shoulder arthroplasty is important for good patient outcomes. The proximal humeral geometry of the Chinese population has been rarely reported. We analyzed the geometry of the proximal part of the humerus in Chinese subjects and compared it with that of Western populations and the dimensions of available prostheses.

Methods:

Eighty healthy Chinese subjects underwent computed tomography (CT)-arthrography. Three-dimensional (3D) digital humeral and glenoid models were reconstructed, and geometric parameters were measured. Humeral measurements included the radius of curvature, articular surface diameter and thickness, anterior-posterior/superior-inferior (AP/SI) articular surface diameter ratio, articular surface thickness/radius of curvature ratio, surface arc, inclination angle, retroversion angle, and medial and posterior offsets. Glenoid measurements included SI length, AP length, SI radius, and AP radius.

Results:

The average radius of curvature (and standard deviation) of the humeral head was 22.1 ± 1.9 mm, the articular surface diameter averaged 42.9 ± 3.6 mm, and the articular surface thickness averaged 16.9 ± 1.5 mm. There was strong linear correlation between the articular surface diameter and thickness (r2 = 0.696, p = 0.001), with a linear regression relationship of thickness = 0.357 × diameter + 1.615. The AP/SI articular surface diameter ratio averaged 0.93 ± 0.03; the articular surface thickness/radius of curvature ratio, 0.77 ± 0.05; the surface arc, 153° ± 5.6°; the inclination angle, 133° ± 3.1°; and the retroversion angle, 22.6° ± 10.2°. The medial and posterior offsets averaged 6.3 ± 0.9 mm and 0.4 ± 0.78 mm, respectively; the SI and AP lengths, 30.15 ± 3.70 mm and 20.35 ± 2.56 mm; and the SI and AP radii, 23.49 ± 2.48 mm and 25.54 ± 3.07 mm. Compared with the Western population, the Chinese cohort had a smaller radius of curvature (p < 0.001), smaller articular surface diameter (p = 0.009), larger articular surface thickness/radius of curvature ratio (p < 0.001), larger surface arc (p < 0.001), smaller inclination angle (p < 0.001), and smaller posterior offset (p < 0.001). Unlike the Western population, the Chinese population had higher glenohumeral conformity in the coronal plane than in the axial plane. Many manufacturers’ shoulder prostheses do not adequately cover the range of humeral head dimensions in our Chinese cohort.

Conclusions:

The geometric parameters of the humeri in the Chinese population differ from those in other populations. These differences have clinical relevance with regard to implant design and arthroplasty technique and likely affect clinical outcomes.
Salto Talaris Total Ankle Arthroplasty
Authors: Hofmann Kurt J. , Shabin Zabrina M. , Ferkel Eric , Jockel Jeffrey , Slovenkai Mark P.
Published: December 2016

Background:

In recent years, the number of total ankle arthroplasty procedures performed has increased dramatically. We sought to report the clinical results of the largest cohort of patients treated with a modern fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty by a single surgeon.

Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 78 consecutive patients (81 ankles) who underwent total ankle arthroplasty with a minimum clinical follow-up of 2 years. Sixty-three patients completed standardized questionnaires including the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (FADI), the Short Musculoskeletal Function Assessment (SMFA), the Short Form (SF)-36v2, and a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain. In addition, each patient underwent serial range-of-motion examination and radiographic implant evaluation at each follow-up appointment.

Results:

Implant survival was 97.5% at a mean follow-up time of 5.2 years. There was 1 revision of a tibial component and 1 revision of a talar component. Thirty-six patients underwent a concurrent procedure at the time of the index surgery, with the most common being removal of previous hardware. Seventeen patients underwent additional procedures following the index surgery, with the most common being gutter debridement. Total range of motion averaged 35.5° preoperatively and 39.9° postoperatively (p = 0.02). Fifty-seven ankles (70%) had >2 years of radiographic follow-up, and 25 ankles (31%) displayed evidence of lucency around a metallic component at the final radiographic follow-up. Outcome scores at a mean of 5.2 years revealed promising results for the cohort, with a mean VAS pain score of 17.7 and a mean FADI score of 79.1.

Conclusions:

Modern fixed-bearing total ankle arthroplasty had excellent implant survival, improved plantar flexion and total range of motion, and had good-to-excellent functional outcome at a mean follow-up of 5.2 years.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Single-Stage Revision Is Effective for Failed Shoulder Arthroplasty with Positive Cultures for Propionibacterium
Authors: Hsu Jason E. , Gorbaty Jacob D. , Whitney Ian J. , Matsen Frederick A.
Published: December 2016

Background:

Revision shoulder arthroplasties are often culture-positive for Propionibacterium. This study tests the hypothesis that the functional outcomes of revising Propionibacterium culture-positive failed arthroplasties with a single-stage revision and immediate antibiotic therapy are not inferior to the clinical outcomes of revising failed shoulder arthroplasties that are not culture-positive.

Methods:

Fifty-five shoulders without obvious clinical evidence of infection had a single-stage revision arthroplasty. The patient self-assessed functional outcomes for shoulders with ≥2 positive cultures for Propionibacterium (the culture-positive group) were compared with shoulders with no positive cultures or only 1 positive culture (the control group).

Results:

The culture-positive group had 89% male patients, with a mean age (and standard deviation) of 63.5 ± 7.2 years. The mean Simple Shoulder Test (SST) scores for the 27 culture-positive shoulders improved from 3.2 ± 2.8 points before the surgical procedure to 7.8 ± 3.3 points at a mean follow-up of 45.8 ± 11.7 months after the surgical procedure (p < 0.001), a mean improvement of 49% of the maximum possible improvement. The control group had 39% male patients, with a mean age of 67.1 ± 8.1 years. The mean SST scores for the 28 control shoulders improved from 2.6 ± 1.9 points preoperatively to 6.1 ± 3.4 points postoperatively at a mean follow-up of 49.6 ± 11.8 months (p < 0.001), a mean improvement of 37% of the maximum possible improvement. Subsequent procedures for persistent pain or stiffness were required in 3 patients (11%) in the culture-positive group and in 3 patients (11%) in the control group; none of the revisions were culture-positive. Fourteen patients reported side effects to antibiotics.

Conclusions:

Clinical outcomes after single-stage revision for Propionibacterium culture-positive shoulders were at least as good as the outcomes in revision procedures for control shoulders. Two-stage revision procedures may not be necessary in the management of these cases. Patients should be educated with regard to potential antibiotic side effects.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Characteristics and Clinical Relevance of the Osseous Spur in Patients with Congenital Scoliosis and Split Spinal Cord Malformation
Authors: Feng Fan , Shen Jianxiong , Zhang Jianguo , Li Shugang , Yu Keyi , Tan Haining
Published: December 2016

Background:

The natural history of split spinal cord malformation (SCM) is still unclear. Knowledge of the characteristics of the osseous spur and its relationship with the spinal deformity may allow early identification of patients with a higher risk of a neurological deficit and enhance surgical decision-making.

Methods:

Eighty-five consecutive patients with congenital scoliosis and type-I SCM who had undergone surgical treatment at our hospital from May 2000 to December 2013 were identified retrospectively. There were 22 male and 63 female patients with an average age of 13.9 years at the time of surgery. Preoperative clinical and radiographic data were collected to investigate the characteristics of the scoliosis and the osseous spur. Two groups were identified on the basis of whether the patients had intact neurological function (Group A) or a neurological deficit (Group B).

Results:

There were 52 patients (61%) in Group A (intact neurological function) and 33 patients (39%) in Group B (neurological deficit). There were no significant differences in the demographic distribution, curve magnitude, or length and thickness of the osseous spur between the 2 groups. In Group A, the location of the osseous spur relative to the apex of the major curve was proximal in 13 patients (25%), distal in 28 (54%), and central in 11 (21%). In Group B, the osseous spur was proximal in 7 (21%), distal in 8 (24%), and central in 18 (55%). The 2 groups differed significantly with respect to the location of the osseous spur (chi square = 10.898, p = 0.004). Group-B patients had a higher proportion of patients with kyphotic deformity (42%) than Group A (10%). The ratio of the diameters of the hemicords (concave side divided by convex side) differed significantly between the 2 groups (0.98 for Group A versus 0.89 for Group B, p = 0.030).

Conclusions:

The neurological status in patients with congenital scoliosis and type-I SCM appears to be closely related to the location of the osseous spur relative to the congenital scoliosis. An osseous spur at the apex of the scoliosis may be related to a higher risk of developing a neurological deficit, especially in patients with kyphotic deformity. Asymmetric splitting of the spinal cord may contribute to neurological deficits.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Global Forum: Spine Research and Training in Underserved, Low and Middle-Income, Culturally Unique Communities: The World Spine Care Charity Research Program’s Challenges and Facilitators
Authors: Brady O’Dane , Nordin Margareta , Hondras Maria , Outerbridge Geoff , Kopansky-Giles Deborah , Côté Pierre , da Silva Sophia , Ford Timothy , Eberspaecher Stefan , Acaroğlu Emre , Mmopelwa Tiro , Hurwitz Eric L. , Haldeman Scott
Published: December 2016

The World Spine Care (WSC), established by volunteers from 5 continents, is dedicated to providing sustainable, evidence-based spine care to individuals and communities in low and middle-income countries consistent with available health-care resources and integrated within the local culture. The research committee approves and oversees the WSC’s collaborative research and training projects worldwide and serves to create a sustainable research community for underserved populations focused on preventing disability from spinal disorders. The purpose of this article is to describe 4 projects overseen by the WSC research committee and to discuss several challenges and specific facilitators that allowed successful completion of initiatives. These novel projects, which involved establishing spine surgery expertise and data collection in the WSC clinics and surrounding communities, all met their aims. This was achieved by overcoming language and resource challenges, adapting to local customs, and taking time to build mutual respect and to nurture relationships with local investigators and stakeholders.
Factors related to succession planning in a government department in Gauteng
Authors: Montlha Pila Mpho , Schultz Cecile , Paul Dachapalli Leigh-Anne
Published: December 2016

One of the challenges facing government departments is the high loss of scarce-skilled employees. When examining departmental processes and procedures, observations were that the organization concerned was experiencing a leadership transition crisis in the absence of the implementation of succession planning. In order to ameliorate this challenge, it is prudent that research into factors and perception of employees on succession planning be conducted to assist with planning of retaining scarce skills and training of employees. A corresponding research study was performed to determine factors related to succession planning, the perceptions of employees and the way different demographic categories perceived succession planning. The response rate of a questionnaire was 34.72%. The items that loaded high were investigated for common themes and four factors emerged after factor analysis, namely organizational support programs, supervisor support, attraction of talent and a performance management system. The findings also indicated that there was a significant difference between groups in the organizational support program in terms of years of service and supervisor support among employees varying in position at the 5% level of significance. The most important implications for managers resulting from this study are that management development by way of succession planning contributes to employee satisfaction and improves the overall outcomes of the organization. Therefore, it can be recommended that there should be personal involvement by top and senior management in terms of personal accountability and responsibility for growing leaders and linking factors related to succession planning to organizational strategy and human resources strategy.
Keywords: succession planning, leadership, talent management, career management, training and development, performance management system. JEL Classification: J21
Managing the risk of the community engagement project: SME managerial skills transfer project at UNISA
Authors: van Scheers Louise
Published: December 2016

The aims of this project are to manage the risk of a community engagement project, improve managerial of SME owners in the Tshwane community and promote CE scholarship engagement. CE opportunities as well as the high failure rate of SMEs motivated the lecturers of the Department Marketing and Retail to initiate training workshops in their community. This CE project SME skills transfer workshops aims to expand the involvement with the community and develop community engagement projects in addition also transfer managerial skills to SME owners in the community. Quantitative, exploratory research was used in the form of questionnaires with owners of SMEs participating in the workshops. The conducted research established that the most successful advertising medium is wall painting. With this community engagement project it had been reached 200 SMEs. It has been promoted CE scholarship engagement and manage the risk of this project. One of the secondary objectives was to manage the risk of this project. The results in table 1 indicate that the risk is managed adequately. This project is not considered as a high risk project for the university. The aims were achieved as evidence of transferring of managerial skills; managing risk of the project, promotion of CE scholarship and publishing articles through our CE project were achieved.
Keywords: SME managerial skills transfer, risk management, community engagement, Tshwane community, advertising media, advertising key success factors, word of mouth. JEL Classification: M37
Risks in the formation of collaboration alliance of the redistribution natural rental income
Authors: Telizhenko Alexandr , Halynska Yuliia
Published: December 2016

Researched and identified risks for the formation of collaboration alliance between the state, regions and extractive enterprises in the redistribution of natural resource rents. Focused attention on the negative consequences of reconciling the interests of the participants of collaboration alliance to form a risk minimization strategy and implementation collaboration alliances mechanism.
Keywords: collaboration risks, social responsibility, rental income, natural resource rents. JEL Classification: M1
Small-business marketing in Soweto, the importance of the human touch
Authors: V. Soke Brian , A. Wiid Johannes
Published: December 2016

Small businesses are a crucial element of and a major contributor to the economy and society. They not only provide economic stability for their owners but also meet the needs of society and businesses. Effective marketing communication is needed so that society and business can be informed about the products and services on offer to satisfy their needs. A variety of marketing communication tools can be used by SMMEs to communicate with society and business. This research explores the utilization of these marketing communication tools by SMMEs located in Soweto, Johannesburg. The data were collected by means of a self-administered questionnaire that was circulated and hand-delivered to a sample of SMMEs in Soweto. The findings revealed that SMMEs in Soweto rely more on human interaction, such as word-of-mouth (WOM) and personal selling, to promote their business than on technology-driven tools such as the internet.
Keywords: SMMEs, integrated marketing communication, traditional marketing communication, Soweto, promotion. JEL Classification: M31
Symptoms of accounting practices that contribute to small business failures
Authors: J. Sibanda Jubilant , Charles Manda David
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine and evaluate SMEs’ implementation of minimum accounting practices which are some of the real underlying symptoms that lead to small and medium-size (SMEs) business failures, especially in rural and semi-urban areas. The study was conducted in Thohoyandou, the Central Business District (CBD) of Thulamela Municipality in the Vhembe district in Limpopo province, South Africa. The study used data based on responses to a structured questionnaire from randomly selected SMEs in Thohoyandou, an area whose SME business environment is similar to the challenges and opportunities faced by many other rural and semi-urban areas in South Africa. Due to cost and time constraints, the study sample was limited to 40 SMEs. The study findings confirm that SMEs often fail to comply with fundamental accounting practices like maintaining complete accounting records, which limits business information vital for decision making, as they think there is no need to keep them and that it exposes their financial position. The relevance of the study is to show how non-adherence to adequate accounting practices can negatively affect SMEs financial performance which consequently contribute to their inevitable failure. The study recommends development of training policy guidelines to sensitize SMEs of the need to comply with relevant accounting practices including internal controls and the legal requirements.
Keywords: accounting practices, SMEs, symptoms, record keeping, failures. JEL Classification: M41
Entrepreneurial resilience: the case of Somali grocery shop owners in a South African township
Authors: K. Tengeh Robertson
Published: December 2016

Most studies on entrepreneurship have highlighted the relative importance of a conducive environment for the development of entrepreneurship. This notwithstanding, entrepreneurship has been noted to thrive even under the most adverse conditions, such as during economic, social and political instabilities. Using resilience as the propensity to bounce back after adversity and xenophobia, crime, unhealthy competition, etc. as correlates of adversity or an unconducive business environment, this paper investigated the preponderance of Somali grocery shops in South African township despite the perceived hostility of the business environment. Anchored on the qualitative research approach, a purposive sample of 13 participants provided the required data for analysis. Specifically, the data collection took the form of focus group interviews in which two groups of 6 and 7 informants were purposively selected to be part of the interviews. Prominent in the results was the fact that almost all the current Somali grocery shops in the study area have been victims of crime and theft. Furthermore, virtually all the Somali grocery shops that were victimized during the xenophobic outburst have since re-opened. The foregoing themes of resilience and adversity unmistakably indicate the propensity of Somali grocery shop owners’ ability to bounce back. As to what township entrepreneurs worry or fear most, clearly the fear of the re-occurrence of the xenophobic attacks surpassed that of burglary, theft and death. As to what fuels Somali’s persistence and preponderance in townships, both push and pulled factors were reported. Reporting on risk aversion, it was noted that most of the founders (here referred to as an entrepreneur) are not actively involved in running the shops. They simply recruit others to do the job on their behalf. Under this circumstance, the risk is limited to financial risk. This approach is quite different for other African immigrants in the same township.
Keywords: entrepreneurship, turbulent business environment, xenophobia, entrepreneurial resilience, South Africa townships. JEL Classification: M00
Planning of marketing communication strategies by car dealerships
Authors: S. Sipho Makgopa
Published: December 2016

Effective marketing communication strategies and campaigns are of much importance in many organizations in informing, reminding and persuading current and potential customers to support the organization by buying organizations product offerings. Organizations in planning of marketing communication strategies and campaigns, organizations in theory need to conduct micro-environmental analysis determining organizations’ strengths and weakness. The purpose of this paper was to investigate the planning of marketing communication strategies and campaigns of car dealerships in practice with more emphasis on micro-environmental factors of consideration. In achieving the purpose of this paper, a qualitative research approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews with marketing personnel of different car dealerships in Gauteng Province, South Africa was followed. In this paper a qualitative content analysis was used to analyze primary data using Atlas ti version 7 computer software. The results revealed that there are key micro-environmental factors of consideration during the planning of marketing communication strategies and campaigns. Based on the results of this paper, the author provided recommendations to stakeholders in the motor vehicle industry, specifically, car dealerships and future research directions.
Keywords: marketing communications, marketing communication objectives, marketing communication strategy, mediatypes, micro-environment. JEL Classification: M31
The perceived value of advice given to SMMEs at events: catalyst for action or despondency?
Authors: Colin Cant Michael
Published: December 2016

The growth of the economy of many countries is dependent on the survival and growth of SMMEs as these businesses are the ones on which the hopes for job creation and poverty alleviation rests. To this end, many institutions – government and private – are investing resources to try and stimulate this sector and enhance their chances of success and sustainability. In order to achieve this, these institutions use a range of initiatives and services to stimulate and upskill SMMEs. Not only do they focus on standard services such as mentoring, counselling, and services such as for instance marketing material development, business and marketing plans, financial planning, etc., but from time to time, they also offer specific interventions with specific themes to generate interest from entrepreneurs. The main purpose of this study was to establish whether SMMEs and entrepreneurs value the information and advice they receive at events of value and usable.
Keywords: SMMEs, despondency, perceived value. JEL Classification: M1
Identifying consumer buying preferences of beef
Authors: Uys Pieter , Bisschoff Christo
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the drivers which influence consumers’ beef buying behavior. A validated questionnaire was used to collect the data and to evaluate consumer beef purchasing behavior. Exploratory factor analysis was employed to analyze the data while Cronbach alpha coefficient was used to calculate the reliability of the drivers. Satisfactory levels of reliability were recorded. The analysis identified eight drivers that influence the buying behavior of consumers when they purchase beef products. These drivers were: quality of the meat, buying preference, farming practices, intention to buy, health, convenience, packaging & presentation and future purchase. In addition, correlational analysis indicates that additional important attributes to buying behavior are supplier characteristics and packaging & presentation. The study culminates in a frame of reference for beef (and possibly other meat products) buying behavior analysis whilst it also provides a frame of reference for marketers to better understand their customers’ behavior when they are selling beef. As a result it is recommended that retailers focus their actions on the more important beef purchasing drivers and that the study be repeated on a larger scale so that the results of the present study can either be confirmed or further refined.
Keywords: beef cattle, buying behavior, consumer preferences of beef, packaging, farming practices, factor analysis. JEL Classification: M30