bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The risk-return relationship in South Africa: tail optimization of the GARCH-M approach
Authors: Dwarika Nitesha
Published: November 2022

The risk-return relationship is of fundamental significance in the field of economics and finance. It is used to structure investment strategies, allocate resources, as well as assist in the construction of policy and regulatory frameworks. The accurate forecast of the risk-return relationship ensures sound financial decisions, whereas an inaccurate one can underestimate risk and thus lead to losses. The GARCH-M approach is one of the foremost models used in South African literature to investigate the risk-return relationship. This study made a novel and significant contribution, on a local and international level, as it was the first study to investigate GARCH-M type models with different innovation distributions. This study analyzed the JSE ALSI returns of the South African market for the sample period from 05 October 2004 to 05 October 2021. Results revealed that the EGARCH (1, 1)-M with the Skewed Student-t distribution (Skew-t) is optimal relative to the standard GARCH, APARCH and GJR. However, the EGARCH-M Skew-t failed to capture the financial data's asymmetric, volatile and random nature. To improve forecast accuracy, this study applied different nonnormal innovation distributions: the Pearson Type Ⅳ distribution (PIVD), Generalized Extreme Value distribution (GEVD), Generalized Pareto distribution (GPD) and Stable. Model diagnostics revealed that the nonnormal innovation distributions adequately captured asymmetry. The Value at Risk and backtesting procedure found that the PIVD, followed by Stable, outperformed the Extreme Value Theory distributions (GEVD and GPD). Thus, investors, risk managers and policymakers would opt to use the EGARCH-M in combination with the PIVD when modelling the risk-return relationship. The main contribution of this study was to confirm that applying GARCH type models with the conventional and normal type distributions, to a volatile emerging market, is considered ineffective. Therefore, this study recommended the exploration of other innovation distributions, that were not included in the scope of this study, for future research purposes.
S-asymptotically $ \omega $-periodic solutions in distribution for a class of stochastic fractional functional differential equations
Authors: Zhao Shufen , Li Xiaoqian , Zhang Jianzhong
Published: November 2022

In this paper, we introduce the concept of an S-asymptotically $ \omega $-periodic process in distribution for the first time, and by means of the successive approximation and the Banach contraction mapping principle, respectively, we obtain sufficient conditions for the existence and uniqueness of the S-asymptotically $ \omega $-periodic solutions in distribution for a class of stochastic fractional functional differential equations.
New generalization of fuzzy soft sets: $ (a, b) $-Fuzzy soft sets
Authors: Al-shami Tareq M. , Alcantud José Carlos R. , Mhemdi Abdelwaheb
Published: November 2022

Many models of uncertain knowledge have been designed that combine expanded views of fuzziness (expressions of partial memberships) with parameterization (multiple subsethood indexed by a parameter set). The standard orthopair fuzzy soft set is a very general example of this successful blend initiated by fuzzy soft sets. It is a mapping from a set of parameters to the family of all orthopair fuzzy sets (which allow for a very general view of acceptable membership and non-membership evaluations). To expand the scope of application of fuzzy soft set theory, the restriction of orthopair fuzzy sets that membership and non-membership must be calibrated with the same power should be removed. To this purpose we introduce the concept of $ (a, b) $-fuzzy soft set, shortened as $ (a, b) $-FSS. They enable us to address situations that impose evaluations with different importances for membership and non-membership degrees, a problem that cannot be modeled by the existing generalizations of intuitionistic fuzzy soft sets. We establish the fundamental set of arithmetic operations for $ (a, b) $-FSSs and explore their main characteristics. Then we define aggregation operators for $ (a, b) $-FSSs and discuss their main properties and the relationships between them. Finally, with the help of suitably defined scores and accuracies we design a multi-criteria decision-making strategy that operates in this novel framework. We also analyze a decision-making problem to endorse the validity of $ (a, b) $-FSSs for decision-making purposes.
Neuromodulatory roles of PIPER GUINEENSE and honey against Lead-Induced neurotoxicity in social interactive behaviors and motor activities in rat models
Authors: Obinna UCHEWA O. , Shallom EMECHETA S. , Ogugua EGWU A. , Joy EDE C. , Augustine IBEGBU O.
Published: November 2022

Background

Piper guineense and honey contain antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties that can help restore neuronal and other cell damage. To investigate the neuromodulatory roles of p. guineense and honey against lead toxicity on the hippocampus and cerebellum, impairing social behaviors and motor activities.

Methodology

Thirty Wistar rats were separated into six groups of five rats each, marked with dye. Group A served as control; B was untreated lead; C was a medium dose of the extract (50 mg/kg) and honey (1000 mg/kg); D was a high dose of the extract (80 mg/kg) and honey (1500 mg/kg); E received extract (80 mg/kg), and F received honey (1500 mg/kg). All groups received 110 mg/kg of lead orally, except the control. Social interaction, antidepressant effects, and motor activities were studied using a sociability chamber (SC), Forced Swim Test (FST), and String methods. A blood sample was used to evaluate glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione oxide transaminase (GOT), while the lipid level was estimated using cerebellar homogenate. Neuronal damage, vacuolation, necrosis, cell degeneration, and alterations in both hippocampus and cerebellum marked untreated group, with decreased GPx and GOT activities followed by impaired motor activities, social behavior, memory, and motivation. Using SCT, group B spent significantly lesser time (47.60 ± 47.60) with stranger 1 compared to A (138.20 ± 34.05), while group C spent considerably more time with stranger 1 (86.80 ± 30.32) than group B at P ≥ 0.05. The treatment increased the enzyme level and restored histoarchitecture (Figures 1–12), improving motor activities, social behavior, memory, motivation, and social affiliation (Tables 3, 4, 2, and 6). The extract and honey may be helpful as neuromodulators in lead toxicity in a dose-dependent manner.
Method for Designing Accessible Web Content in The Web Space of “Paisii Hilenarski” Plovdiv University
Authors: Hristov Hristo , Enkov Svetoslav , Bliznakov Milen , Uzunov Asen
Published: November 2022

The article addresses the problem of accessibility of dynamic web content that is created when developing web pages and services. It discusses basic issues about the accessibility of digital objects and web page content. The aim of the article is to present a method for designing accessibility in the creation of dynamic web content in websites of Paisii Hilendarski Plovdiv University. The developed method is presented through the life cycle of its model, which is applied in parallel with the implementation of a software process in the renewal of the web infrastructure of the university. The method is built on standards, principles, guidelines, accessibility criteria, and techniques for creating and validating web content of the Web Accessibility Initiative. The main standards to which the method adheres are the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines and the Technical Specifications for Accessible Rich Internet Applications. It has been tested in the design and implementation of part of the web content of the web infrastructure of the university created after 2020, which is accessible through the main domain https://uni-plovdiv.bg and many of its sub-domains.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Hybrid Learning Activities Based on a Learning Community Network
Authors: Xie Gang
Published: November 2022

Hybrid Learning Community Network (HLCN) can link individuals to collectives systematically, support both virtual and actual scenarios, and share and trade knowledge, experience, and learning resources. Existing studies on HLCN are mostly theoretical research, there’re very few empirical evidences, and the integrity of the research systems is yet to be improved further. In view of these shortcomings, this paper proposed a theoretical model for HLCN and built an Evaluation Index System (EIS) for assessing the effectiveness of the hybrid learning activities and analyzing the feature parameters and centrality of the HLCN. Then in the paper, a Hybrid Learning Interactive Activity Content Network Relation (HL-IAC-NR) matrix was established based on learning community, and the indexes such as students’ learning attention on knowledge points and their learning sentiments were attained. At last, this paper used the Charnes-Cooper-Rhodes (CCR) model in Data Envelope Analysis (DEA) to evaluate the relative effectiveness, and the real-time effects of different types of hybrid learning interactive activities were analyzed. The effectiveness of the proposed model and evaluation method was verified via experiments.
Influences of Education App-Assisted Teaching Technology on Learning Efficacy of Learners
Authors: Wang Wei
Published: November 2022

Abstract—This study designed a questionnaire to investigate the influences of education app-assisted teaching technology on learners’ learning efficiency. The mediating effect of learning motivation in such influences was analyzed. Research results demonstrate that Cronbach α of the designed questionnaire is 0.833, Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin (KMO) is 0.815, and Bartlett sphericity test is p=0.000<0.001, indicating good reliability and validity of the questionnaire. All four aspects (knowledge architecture (p<0.01), group collaboration (p<0.05), information integration, summary, and assessment) of education app-assisted teaching technology positively affect learning efficacy. Learning motivation has a complete mediating effect on the influence of education app-assisted teaching technology on learning efficacy. The contact duration of learners with education APP-assisted teaching technology influences learning efficacy significantly (p=0.006<0.01). Research conclusions can provide important references to facilitate higher education teachers to integrate teaching content and online teaching deeply, realize multiple assistance effects of information technology to education modes, and promote the organic integration of mobile Internet technology and higher education.
Affecting Factors for the Adoption of Cloud-Based ERP System in Iraqi SMEs: An Empirical Study
Authors: G.J. Mohammed  , Mohd Aboobaider Burhanuddin bin , Alyousif Shahad , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Mohammed Hasan Ali  , Malik Rami Qays , Jaber Mustafa Musa
Published: November 2022

Cloud-based enterprise resource planning (ERP) and cloud computing are critical requirements for all SMEs since they can be used to facilitate the SMEs’ growth by creating competitive and personalized innovations considering their required business scope. To date, the growth of cloud technologies has led to the development of new systems and applications in many fields and areas including businesses. Our previous study proposed an adoption model to investigate the main determinants and logistical factors that influence decision-makers of SMEs to adopt cloud-based ERP systems. The aim of this research is to enhance the previous work by evaluating and validating the new model in real life to determine whether it has achieved what it was developed for and determine the reliability of the research results. The methodology and results of the evaluation and validation process of the proposed model are presented in this research. Considering there is little documentation in the literature specifically relevant to how proposed models have been evaluated and validated, hence providing this insight will assist both the academic researchers and decision-makers. The evaluation and validation methodology and the model itself contribute toward a better understanding of adoption processes. Furthermore, the evaluation and validation procedure in future work can be used to measure, enhance and determine whether the proposed models can be used in real life.
Improving the Security of Split Data When Using Multidimensional Parity Algorithms
Authors: Akhmetgalym Tlek , Mukasheva Gulzira , Zhumagazievna Karipzhanova Ardak , Mayzhanuly Aukenov Bolat , Toleubekovna Urazbaeva Kumys
Published: November 2022

A model of distributed storage split data using algorithms, multidimensional parity, resistance to partial losses of the storage sites, is regarded as an alternative way of security that can replace the conventional multiple reservations and carrying costs of growth of the physical volume. In this model, the generated redundant data allows you to restore partial loss of the split parts. In this case, the recovery is performed at the expense of the parity files formed during the splitting procedure, in which the main action is the calculation of bitwise parity with summation modulo "two". With this additional operation between the source files, you can restore the corrupted file without distortion. A comparison with several models that use checksum codes for recovery shows that the estimated probability of losses due to storage failure in the case of multidimensional parity codes is significantly less than when using other split data storage options. Using the operation of adding the bits of undamaged files, you can completely restore corrupted files. According to the calculated data, even when theoretically non-recoverable losses are reached, it is always possible to find combinations of chain recovery. The complexity of alternative methods, including the iterative decoding method, makes a distributed split data storage system using multidimensional parity algorithms a more convenient error correction technology.

Keywords— , , , , loss   recovery, .
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Relationships Between Leadership and Stakeholders
Authors: A'ali Ebtihaj Al , Alazali Ralla Mohammed , Al-Mannaei Mohammed
Published: November 2022

The chapter attempts to investigate the impacts of leadership styles during digital transformation era on stakeholders. The styles employed by leaders affect stakeholders. It focuses on examining leaders' perceptions of digitalization and its impacts on stakeholders. Leaders, boards of directors and shareholders, employees, customers, and regulators are the major subjects for investigation. Qualitative research is employed for the contemporary nature of the topic being studied. Open-ended interviews are the research method. Chief executives of banks representing services sector are the participants to this research.
Humble Leadership
Authors: Domínguez-Escrig Emilio , Broch Francisco Fermín Mallén
Published: November 2022

Following a stream of research that analyzes the effect of humble leaders on innovation, the central value of this study is to expand the current knowledge of this relationship by elucidating the impact of this type of leadership on radical innovation and innovation success (considering both financial and non-financial performance). The study was conducted in Spain. 263 different organizations participated in the research. The authors tested and confirmed the hypotheses using structural equations. Humble leadership promotes radical innovation and, in turn, innovation success.
The Value of Workplace Culture in the Digital Leadership Era
Authors: Sampson Fleming
Published: November 2022

In today's business world, digital leadership is needed to keep up with the speed of change. The digital workplace is centered on collaboration, communication, and human interaction. Corporate employees nowadays are looking for more than autonomy and productivity. Power and responsibility are both affected by technology, and this fact cannot be ignored. Leaders are required by everyone who is impacted by digital technology. In transitions, digital leadership is prevalent since neither technology nor process has a monopoly on the situation. The hybrid work model has become the most popular way for people to return to work. Every industry will need to develop its own methodology and determine its productivity. Using the findings of this study, leaders may better understand how technology is changing their workforces, markets, and whole industries. Leadership in the digital age should be based on a new set of values and rules. Future research must focus on digital leadership styles and traits. In this regard, a new empirical study should measure digital leadership's effectiveness.
Exploring Work Constructs Driving Satisfaction in the Digital Era with Special Reference to Millennials
Authors: Arora Poonam , Arora Nidhi
Published: November 2022

Generation Y, also known as Millennials, are twined to be job-hoppers. This generation interacts tremendously well with technology and known to use it to shape their efforts in leading an organization. With projections of Millennials forming 75% of the workforce by 2027, employers in the technology driven era are putting in tremendous efforts to win loyalty of Millennial workers towards the organization. In this VUCA world, employers are trying to explore key workplace drivers to maintain and manage this generation. The goal of businesses is to exercise technology for maximizing the satisfaction of the talented employees, resulting in loyalty and patriotism towards the organization. This chapter aims to explore the factors affecting the work satisfaction of Millennial employees leading extreme patriotism towards the organization steering to long term retention. The chapter includes a quantitative study following a descriptive research design covering 398 Millennials. The main purpose is to find broad constructs which can facilitate satisfaction level of Millennials in this technology led era.
Resilience as a Moderator Between Perceived HR Digitalization and Positive Employee Outcomes
Authors: Baykara Reyhan , Kantur Deniz
Published: November 2022

This study investigates the moderating role of employee resilience on the relationship between perceived HR digitalization and positive employee outcomes such as work effort (WE) and affective commitment (AC). A combination of qualitative interviews with 6 employees and survey data collected from 248 participants were analyzed. The results showed a positive relationship between perceived HR digitalization and positive employee outcomes such as AC. This relationship was moderated by resilience such that satisfaction with HR digitalization predicted AC in employees with low resilience. A positive correlation was found between perceived digitalization and resilience. No strong relationship was found between perceived digitalization and WE. Perceived digitalization of HR tools that enabled communication and training opportunities positively impacted outcomes such as commitment and motivation. Employees with experience working digitally and with a higher perceived digitalization reported the most favorable WFH experience. These employees had a more positive view of HR digitalization.
Innovation Leadership
Authors: Motwani Jyoti , Kataria Aakanskha
Published: November 2022

Motivated by the significant role and importance of big data analytics in health care sector and the critical influence of innovation leadership, the authors study the impact of innovation leadership on adoption of big data analytics in Indian health care sector. Besides, the authors study the mediating effect of organization readiness on the relationship of innovation leadership and big data analytics adoption. The conceptual framework is built keeping in view the organization information processing theory as the theoretical lens. To conduct the study, the authors adopted survey method that was administered to the sample of general managers, senior and junior managers and other healthcare professionals acting as decision authorities for adopting new technologies within organization.
Towards Using Artificial Intelligence in Neuromarketing
Authors: Bansal Shubhi , Gupta Monika
Published: November 2022

AI, when applied to the domain of neuromarketing, can help to model consumers' preferences, which can be leveraged by marketers in creating products or brand strategies that yield a good market value. Unlike focus groups and surveys where there is a possibility of masking the actual opinions and feelings of people to certain products and stimuli, AI can help to effectively capture data regarding impact of brain signals in response to certain stimuli. This study will be largely focused on connecting the dots between/forming linking/developing a connection between artificial intelligence and neuromarketing. Using artificial intelligence (AI) can help to bring personalization instead of standardization, which when combined with neuromarketing, can help to build effective advertising campaigns and influence customers' buying decisions. The content posted by consumers on social media, browsing behavior, and online shopping provides valuable personal information. This data when mined and processed using AI technologies can help to recognise patterns in consumer behavior.
Understanding the Logic and Science Behind the Emerging Field of Neuromarketing
Authors: Shalender Kumar , Singla Babita , SHARMA SANDHIR
Published: November 2022

The term “consumer behaviour” represents an important concept in the discipline of marketing management. In fact, it's one of the most researched aspects of the discipline, and with the introduction of neuroscience technology, its investigation potential has become even wider than before. Neuromarketing takes a cue from the Nobel prize winner Francis Crick's hypothesis that all thoughts, actions, and feelings associated with human beings are the ultimate result of the neural activities that are performed within the brain. The statement has important implications for the marketers as they finally can have a definitive science that can effectively reduce the conjecturing and uncertainty related to the understanding of consumer behaviour. The discipline of neuromarketing, also sometimes referred to as consumer neuroscience, is the study of the brain to predict the ongoing and potential behaviour of consumers. Initially limited to the avenues of frontier science, various studies on neuromarketing have now established their credentials to create potential value for marketers.
Brand Loyalty
Authors: Agnihotri Niharika
Published: November 2022

Brand loyalty is when a customer chooses a product of a company repeatedly instead of its competitors. It is the positive attitude of the customer towards the brand that creates brand loyalty. Brand loyalty is the commitment from customers to continue purchasing from a company because of their experiences and perceptions of the brand. There are different types of customers who prefer different brands, but the brand loyalty is built by providing a quality product and services for long period of time.
Role of Sensory Marketing in Millennials' Online Food Aggregator Consumption Patterns
Authors: Singh Amrinder , Singh Amandeep , Madaan Geetika , Unanoglu Murat
Published: November 2022

Due to the advanced technology knowledge, millennials are currently heralded as the generation that will change the world. The substantial change in millennials' eating habits over the past several years is mainly attributable to the internet's pervasive availability. This study looks at how millennials in the Tricity area (Chandigarh, Mohali, and Panchkula) who utilise online food aggregators behave in terms of their consumption. The study's top four online food aggregators were determined to be Zomato, Swiggy, and Food Panda. The research is based on primary data from a sample of millennials who responded to a closed-ended question. The results show a positive correlation between the four brand equity factors and millennials' buying preferences. The finding shows that repeat purchases are more likely when food aggregators offer great quality and millennials are loyal to and care about a brand. But there is a lesser correlation between millennials' shopping preferences and a factor of brand equity (brand awareness).
The Weight of the “Health War” on Economic Growth
Authors: Pompò Maria
Published: November 2022

The work represents a reflection on how it is necessary to fill some gaps in the health system that have emerged, particularly with the pandemic. To overcome this health war, it is essential to focus on improving welfare and, therefore, the health system, which is one aspect of it. The crisis has highlighted how the economic recovery of a country is linked to an efficient health system and therefore to health policies, because making the health system modern means being able to guarantee social protection. All this leads the authors to reflect on the change in society, a need even more felt after the pandemic, as the global goal is the creation of a sustainable economic and social system. In this sense, it is important to analyze the policies undertaken in Italy and in Europe. Health warfare, like all wars, will bring about a change in economic and social systems, and create a modern society capable of guaranteeing human health, equity, and environmental protection. To achieve these changes, humans must focus on solidarity and ethics.
Management of Dementia Symptoms in Healthcare
Authors: Christogianni Aikaterini
Published: November 2022

People with dementia are challenged with many cognitive symptoms affecting their daily life. This chapter aims to prioritize the needs of dementia patients who suffer from progressive cognitive decline and gradually lose their ability to make decisions. It describes the cognitive difficulties in each stage and provides information about cognitive symptom management in healthcare. The essential activities to ameliorate the effects of cognitive decline in dementia discussed are cognitive stimulation and rehabilitation, such as cognitive stimulation therapy, use of serious games, virtual reality games etc., reminiscence therapy, reality orientation therapy, and physical and social activities. In addition, the chapter discusses the importance of educated clinical staff in healthcare to identify comorbidities and understand the progression of chronic diseases in people with dementia, especially in those patients who are not able to communicate their needs. Also, the chapter recommends future research and solutions for digital therapeutic interventions.
Decision Support Systems for Health
Authors: ElSayed Omkolthoum
Published: November 2022

This chapter maps the health decision support systems in the literature reviewing the current practices in the global south. The link between the evidence generation and evidence utilization in the evidence-based health-related decision making is affected by the capacities on both sides. One of the main challenges in this regard is the lack of a comprehensive view of the system that governs both sides and the policy design process. The author explores this limitation and conducts a scoping review to examine the position of different aspects of evidence-based decision making in the relevant literature. Seven categories of research work were charted: actors, content, context, process, inputs, outputs, and measurements. The chapter concludes that despite the increased efforts, there is room for further development of evidence-based decision making practices in the national health authorities, especially in the global south. More attention is needed to the actual practice, role of policy analysts, and the role of international organizations.
Importance of Vitamin B and Its Effect on Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic Period
Authors: Verma Vandana , Yadav Roli , Singh Zoomi
Published: November 2022

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, which is mainly present in animal food, and some plant-based sources are found like dried purple laver (Nori). Dried purple laver is also rich in iron and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid. Due to the minimum plant source of vitamin B12, its deficiency mainly occurs in a vegetarian population. In this covid-pandemic time immunity is playing a very important role to reduce the chances of symptoms of covid-19. Vitamin B12 is helping to maintain a healthy balance of the immune system. The covid-19 virus interferes with the metabolism of cobalamin which gives symptoms of cobalamin deficiency and this is very much similar to covids symptoms. A high dose of methylcobalamin is used in the treatment of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. Many studies showed that methylcobalamin would play a role to reduce the damage caused by covid-19 in infected people.
Oral and Poster Presentations at the 5th Annual Congress, Sri Lanka College of Internal Medicine, 18th – 20th November 2021; Cinnamon Grand - Colombo
Authors: Manilgama Suranga Ravinda , Hettiarachchi Nirosha Madhuwanthi
Published: November 2022

NA
Evidence for a Neoarchean to earliest-Paleoproterozoic mantle metasomatic event prior to formation of the Mesoproterozoic-age Strange Lake REE deposit, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Quebec, Canada
Authors: Mohammadi N , Corrigan D , Sappin A -A , Rayner N
Published: November 2022

A complete suite of bulk major- and trace-elements measurements combined with macroscopic/microscopic observations and mineralogy guided by scanning electron microscope-energy dispersive spectrometry (SEM-EDS) analyses were applied on Nekuashu (2.55 Ga) and
Pelland (2.32 Ga) intrusions in northern Canada, near the Strange Lake rare earth elements (REE) deposit, to evaluate their magmatic evolution and possible relations to the Mesoproterozoic Strange Lake Peralkaline Complex (SLPC). These Neoarchean to earliest-Paleoproterozoic intrusions, part of the
Core Zone in southeastern Churchill Province, comprise mainly hypersolvus suites, including hornblendite, gabbro, monzogabbro/monzodiorite, monzonite, syenite/augite-syenite, granodiorite, and mafic diabase/dyke. However, the linkage of the suites and their petrogenesis are poorly understood.
Geochemical evidence suggests a combination of 'intra-crustal multi-stage differentiation', mainly controlled by fractional crystallization (to generate mafic to felsic suites), and 'accumulation' (to form hornblendite suite) was involved in the evolution history of this system. Our model proposes
that hornblendite and mafic to felsic intrusive rocks of both intrusions share a similar basaltic parent magma, generated from melting of a hydrous metasomatized mantle source that triggered an initial REE and incompatible element enrichment that prepared the ground for the subsequent enrichment in
the SLPC. Geochemical signature of the hornblendite suite is consistent with a cumulate origin and its formation during the early stages of the magma evolution, however, the remaining suites were mainly controlled by 'continued fractional crystallization' processes, producing more evolved suites:
gabbronorite/hornblende-gabbro ? monzogabbro/monzodiorite ? monzonite ? syenite/augite-syenite. In this proposed model, the hydrous mantle-derived basaltic magma was partly solidified to form the mafic suites (gabbronorite/hornblende-gabbro) by early-stage plagioclase-pyroxene-amphibole
fractionation in the deep crust while settling of the early crystallized hornblende (+pyroxene) led to the formation of the hornblendite cumulates. The subsequent fractionation of plagioclase, pyroxene, and amphibole from the residual melt produced the more intermediate suites of
monzogabbro/monzodiorite. The evolved magma ascended upward into the shallow crust to form monzonite by K-feldspar fractionation. The residual melt then intruded at shallower depth to form syenite/augite-syenite with abundant microcline crystals. The granodiorite suite was probably generated from
lower crustal melts associated with the mafic end members. Later mafic diabase/dykes were likely generated by further partial melting of the same source at depth that were injected into the other suites.
Lipid emulsion inhibits the cardiac toxicity caused by chloroquine via inhibition of reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Lee Soo Hee , Ok Seong-Ho , Ahn Seung Hyun , Sim Gyujin , Kim Hyun-Jin , Kim Mingu , Yoon Sangcheol , Sohn Ju-Tae
Published: November 2022

Background: Lipid emulsion (LE) is effective in treating intractable cardiac depression induced by the toxicity of highly lipid-soluble drugs including local anesthetics. However, the effect of LE on chloroquine (CQ)-evoked cardiac toxicity remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the effect of Lipofundin MCT/LCT, an LE, on the cardiotoxicity caused by CQ in H9c2 rat cardiomyoblasts and elucidate the underlying cellular mechanism. Methods: The effects of CQ (1 × 10-4 M), LE, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers mitotempo and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), alone or combined, on cell viability and migration, apoptosis, ROS production, calcium levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) were examined. Additionally, the effects of LE on the activities of catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) induced by CQ were assessed. Results: Pretreatment with LE, mitotempo, or NAC reversed the reduction in cell migration and viability, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels evoked by CQ, and inhibited the increase in cleaved caspase-3, ROS, and calcium concentration induced by CQ. LE inhibited the increase in Bax expression, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling-positive cells, MDA activity, and late apoptosis, and reversed the reduction in SOD and CAT activity induced by CQ. CQ did not significantly affect cleaved caspase-8 expression, and LE did not significantly affect CQ concentration. Conclusions: Collectively, these results suggest that LE (Lipofundin MCT/LCT) inhibits the cardiotoxicity and late apoptosis induced by CQ toxicity via the intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that is associated with direct inhibition of ROS production.
Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty in eyes with glaucoma
Authors: Le Bryan , Bonnet Clemence , Yung Madeline , Deng Sophie X.
Published: November 2022

Endothelial keratoplasty has become the standard for the treatment of endothelial dysfunction. In Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK), only the endothelium and Descemet membrane are transplanted, providing superior outcomes compared to Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSEK). A substantial subset of patients who require DMEK have comorbid glaucoma. Even in eyes with complex anterior segment such as eyes with previous trabeculectomy or tube shunts, DMEK can restore meaningful vision and outperforms DSEK in terms of visual recovery, decreased rejection rate, and the need for high dose of topical steroids. However, accelerated endothelial cell loss and secondary graft failure have been described in eyes with previous glaucoma surgery, namely trabeculectomy and drainage device. During DMEK and DSEK procedures, raised intraocular pressure is required to attach the graft, which could worsen preexisting glaucoma or cause de novo glaucoma. Mechanisms of postoperative ocular hypertension include delayed air clearance, pupillary block, steroid response, and damage to angle structures. Medically treated glaucoma has increased risk for postoperative ocular hypertension. By understanding these additional complications and making appropriate modifications in surgical techniques and postoperative management, DMEK can be performed successfully and achieve very good visual outcome in eyes with glaucoma. Such modifications include precisely controlled unfolding technique, iridectomies that can help avoid pupillary block, tube shunts that can be trimmed to facilitate graft unfolding, air fill tension that can be adjusted, and postoperative steroid regimens that can be modified to decrease the risk for steroid response. Long-term survival of the DMEK graft, however, is shorter in eyes with previous glaucoma surgery than those without, as observed after other types of keratoplasty.
Study of Early Warning Efficiency of Different Laboratory Markers in Predicting Progression of Disease in COVID-19
Authors: Krishnamurthy Vishwanath , Suhail K. Mohammed , Aslam S. Shaikh Mohammed , Raj Madhu P. , Patil Prashanth , Phaniraj Priyanka
Published: November 2022

Introduction:

COVID 19 pandemic has given rise to several challenges to clinicians and one of the keys in this is to predict the set of patients who progress from mild disease to moderate and severe. Apart from the symptomatology and signs, there are several lab parameters varying from biochemical, hematological to radiological parameters which help us in stratifying the stage of disease and also in deciding on which set of patients need close and vigilant monitoring. This would help us in better stratification of disease and utilize the available infrastructure and resources in an optimum way for better management of the disease.

Aim:

To analyze the early warning efficiency of laboratory parameters individually or in combination in predicting the progress of disease in patients from mild to moderate/severe disease.

Materials and Methods:

This was taken up as a retrospective study with 100 cases and 100 controls. The demographic details, inflammatory markers, biochemical markers and hematological markers were analyzed. Test of significance was employed to compare categorical variables while student t-test was employed to test the difference in the mean value such as age between case and control (Mann–Whitney U-test in parameters not having normal distribution). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed for these parameters using cases and controls and area under the curve (AUC) were estimated which was used as an indicator of sensitivity and specificity of the parameter in their early warning efficiency. The critical values for each of the parameters either individually or in combination was estimated as well.

Results:

Among the parameters C reactive protein (CRP), d-dimers and eosinopenia have the best early warning efficiency. The area under the ROCs curve for neutrophil lymphocyte ratio (NLR), CRP. Ferritin, lactate dehydrogenase, Eosinopenia was 0.609, 0.947, 0.614, 0.554, 0.617 respectively at triage. However, a combination of eosinopenia with CRP (AUC-0.732) or NLR with CRP (AUC-0.728) have a good sensitivity and specificity in predicting the outcome regarding the progression of the disease.

Conclusions:

Among the parameters, CRP, d-dimers, Eosinopenia and NLR have the best early warning efficiency. However, a combination of Eosinopenia and CRP at triage should also serve as a red flag sign in patients apart from the well-known NLR and IL6 values.
Marriage to First Pregnancy Interval and Related Factors among Women in North Central Nigeria
Authors: Ameh Nkeiruka , Oyefabi Adegboyega Moses , Hawwa Madugu Nana
Published: November 2022

Background:

The age at which a woman gets married may affect the timing and occurrence of her first pregnancy as well as the total number of children she will have in her lifetime. Factors which affect the marriage to first pregnancy interval include the age at marriage of the woman, her educational level, and cultural and religious beliefs among others. This study seeks to find out the marriage to first pregnancy interval and factors that affect this interval as well as the average number of children of women in North Central Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional community survey utilizing structured questionnaires. Information on marriage to first pregnancy interval as well as related factors was obtained from 300 currently or ever-married women in Abuja, North Central Nigeria.

Results:

The women were aged 13–72 years (mean: 28.67 years); the mean age at first marriage was 21.57 years, and the mean age at first pregnancy was 22.48 years. Marriage to first pregnancy interval was <3 months in 68 (22.6%), 1 year in 86 (28.6%), and ≥2 years in 154 (51.3%). The mean number of children for 45 years and above was 4.5. Overall, women who are artisans were found to be more likely to have a pregnancy soon after marriage. Husband's place of residence, educational qualification of the woman, age at marriage, tribe, and religion did not significantly affect first marriage to first pregnancy interval.

Conclusion:

Women in this part of Nigeria marry in early adulthood and are likely to want to have their first pregnancy soon after marriage. This has social implications for population dynamics and planning.
Exposure to Patients' Sample and Prevalence of Hepatitis B and C Virus Infection Among Health-Care Workers in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Adegbamigbe Oluwafemi Johnson , Yusuf Musah , Durowade Kabir Adekunle , Oguntoye Oluwatosin Oluwagbenga , Ogundare Yemisi
Published: November 2022

Background:

Hepatitis B and C lead to chronic disease in hundreds of millions of people and together constitute the most common cause of liver cirrhosis and cancer with attendant mortality.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infection among different categories of health-care workers, looking at the exposure to patients' samples and the prevalence rate among these categories of health workers. This will help to ascertain the risk and the need to pay more attention to preventive measures.

Materials and Methods:

This was a cross-sectional study conducted over a 2-year period among 217 health-care workers at the department of Haematology of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Nigeria. Respondents were randomly selected, and blood samples were taken for the hepatitis B and C screening. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20; bivariate analyses were done, and the level of statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

A total of 13 (6.0%) tested positive for HBsAg. Analysis of the marital status of those that tested positive to Hepatitis B, revealed that the highest number (77%) was found among the married, while the singles and the divorced constitute 15.3% and 7.7% respectively. The nurses and nonhealth professionals (admin staff) constitute the highest positive yield of hepatitis B virus (HBV), followed by medical doctors and laboratory staff. The age of the respondent was found to have a statistically significant association with HBV serology (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

There is a comparatively lower prevalence of HBsAg among the health-care workers who are directly exposed to patients' samples. The age of the respondent has a significant association with hepatitis B infection.
Prevalence of Hypertension and Determinants of Poor Blood Pressure Control in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Attending a Tertiary Clinic in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Adegoke Oluseyi , Bello Babawale Taslim , Olorunfemi Gbenga , Odeniyi Ifedayo A.
Published: November 2022

Objective:

The objective is to determine the prevalence of comorbid hypertension and blood pressure (BP) control among patients with Type-2-diabetes-mellitus attending a tertiary-hospital in Lagos, and identify the determinants of poor BP control.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study of 238 consecutive patients with Type-2-diabetes Mellitus (DM) at the adult diabetes-clinic of a tertiary health-facility in Lagos, Nigeria over a 5-month period. Data were retrieved with the aid of structured-investigator-administered-questionnaire, physical examination, and review of hospital record. Hypertension was defined as BP ≥140/90 mmHg and target BP control was defined as <130/80 mmHg. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the independent determinants of poor BP control.

Results:

Comorbid hypertension was present in 187 (78.6%) of study participants with males (68/87 [78.8%]) and females (119/151 [78.2%]) similarly affected, P = 0.907. Older age (62.9 ± 10.1 vs. 54.9 ± 9.6 years) and obesity (35.3% vs. 17.6%) were associated with comorbid hypertension, P < 0.05. Awareness, treatment, and medication adherence rates were 96.3%, 100%, and 46%, respectively. Only 17.1% (n = 32/187) had BP controlled to target. Waist circumference (WC) (adjusted odd ratio: 1.04, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.01–1.06) and poor glycemic control (adjusted odd ratio: 5.39, 95% CI: 2.07–13.99) were the predictors of poor BP control.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of co-morbid hypertension in Type 2 DM patients in our setting is high and the BP control rate is low. Increasing WC and poor glycemic control are the independent determinants of poor BP control. Individualized weight reduction and glycemic control strategies may help achieve target BP control.
The Efficacy of New Neuronal Growth Factor in the Healing of the Sciatic Nerves in Rabbits
Authors: Sadat-Ali Mir , Aldakheel Dakheel Abdullah , Alabdali Majed N. , Aljaafari Dana T. , Alsulaiman Abdulla A. , Alomran Abdallah S. , Ahmed Ayesha , Alkhamis Fahd A.
Published: November 2022

Background and Objective:

Regeneration of nervous tissue is unpredictable and an ideal growth factor to influence the healing of the injured nerves is not available. A recent study in rats had shown that a new neuronal growth factor (NNGF) was effective in the early healing of the sciatic nerves. The aim of this experimental study is to test the efficacy of NNGF in the healing of iatrogenic division of the sciatic nerves in a larger animal (rabbits).

Methods:

White New Zealand 20 male rabbits of 6 months of age were divided into two groups. Intramuscular ketamine and xylazine were used to anesthetize the animals. The sciatic nerves were divided using scalpel blade 15 and 10/0 Vicryl was used to repair the divided neural tissue. In the study group, 10 mg/kg body weight of NNGF was instilled on the top of the divided nerves and the wound was closed. At 4 weeks, the operated limbs were observed for any trophic skin changes. Nerve conduction studies were carried out using train-of-four-Watch SX, Organon (Ireland) Ltd., and Ireland. The rabbits were put to death humanely and the sciatic nerves were removed and delivered to the pathologist in 2% formalin. The pathologists were blinded about the two groups.

Results:

Electromyographic study done at 4 weeks showed in the untreated group; the mean twitches 1-T4 was 0.45 ± 0.31% and in the treated group, the average was 77.912 ± 5% (P > 0.001). Microscopic anatomy in the treated group revealed prominent healing by regeneration was evidenced by showing growth of its proximal segments into an empty endoneurial tube which was not seen in the control group. In the control group, the nerves showed no histological element of healing by regeneration.

Conclusions:

NNGF proves that in a larger animal at 4 weeks profoundly influenced early regeneration of experimentally created divisions of myelinated nerve tissue.