bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives of the services provided by the human resource function
Authors: Owens Jay , Van Der Merwe Joan
Published: August 2019

The aim of the research was to study organizational perceptions of the quality of service rendered by human resource directors. In this article we focus on the service of equipping first-line managers for their human resource function. Key abilities and skills required by first-line managers were identified in the literature and verified in eight interviews. These were included in the questionnaire to focus the thinking of respondents. Forty questionnaires were received from a stratified sample of directors and managers of ten organizations. Respondents were requested to rate the service quality attributes as defined by Parasuraman, Zeithaml Berry in terms of the service provided by the human resource function. Rated service quality determinants were modelled on Thurstone's Case V Scale Model, yielding a unidimensional interval scale from comparative judgements. Measurement of the perceived service quality was a starting point in defining deficiencies in the service orientation of the human resource function.
A future-oriented approach to company annual reporting in South Africa: Management views
Authors: Saenger Elmarie
Published: August 2019

A future-oriented approach to company annual reporting is examined as perceived by selected company managements in South Africa. In the article the focus falls on the managers' opinion of three aspects important to the issue of future-oriented reporting, namely the need for publishing future-oriented information in company annual reports, the type of information to be disclosed and the manner in which it should be presented in company annual reports, and the need for public accountant auditing of the information. As this type of reporting is relatively new in South Africa, an attempt is made to contribute to a better understanding of the subject and to provide some guidance as to its future development.
The association between cash flow variables and market risk on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange: An empirical analysis
Authors: Wessels Wessie J.A. , Smith Johan Du P. , Gevers Wim R.
Published: August 2019

Cash flow from operations can be considered an important indicator of the quality of income of a company. The value of cash flow data was emphasized by Ismail Kim who found that cash-flow-based accounting betas have significant incremental explanatory power over earnings-based betas in explaining the variability in market risk. In this article similar research is reported which was conducted on a sample of companies extracted from the Industrial Section of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and using the methodology proposed by Ismail Kim. A three year moving average smoothing procedure was also applied to the accounting return variables in order to reduce the effect of short-term influences on the cash flow. Although it was not possible from the research to obtain similar statistically significant results for the South African market (partly because of the relatively small sample size), it was found that the simple linear regression model based on the smoothed cash flow beta did provide significant explanatory power of the variability in market beta.
Strategies of South African professional firms: An empirically grounded typology
Authors: Botha Faith , Orkin Mark
Published: August 2019

Professional organizations are facing a number of environmental challenges in South Africa in the 1990s. The options open to them in successfully positioning their organizations in the face of these challenges presented the research problem. Professional organizations were researched from the perspective of integrated archetypes of organizational form, strategy and the perceptions and values of the top management team. The research was conducted on 56 prominent professional organizations from six professions in South Africa, with an inductive research approach being taken. Theory indicated four possible options and three instruments were developed and tested to test the theory among the partners and stakeholders of the firms. Multivariate techniques of factor and cluster analysis were applied to the resulting data, and the findings indicated five broad configurations of adaptation, three of which concurred with the theory, the fourth which was positioned across the boundaries of two of the theoretical options, and the fifth which was positioned along a third dimension to that suggested by the theory, namely, that of the collective values of the top management team. It appeared that a large number of professional organizations in South Africa still operate successfully from the basis of their professional reputation, but that equally, a number have also adopted more innovative approaches.
Consumer perceptions of environmentally friendly products
Authors: Bendixen M. T. , Sandler M. , Seligman D.
Published: August 2019

During the past decade, concern for the environment has emerged as a major socio-political issue among developed nations throughout the world and the increase in the number of environmentally friendly or 'green' products has been significant. The purpose of this exploratory study was to determine the types of products that are considered to be environmentally friendly as well as establishing consumer perceptions of these products. One of the main findings of the research was that 'green' products have achieved substantial awareness among consumers and they are not regarded as a gimmick or a fad. It was also established that the two main barriers that discouraged consumers from purchasing 'green' products were a perception that such products were not price competitive and scepticism regarding their supposed environmental benefits.
Some antecedents of employee commitment and their influence on job performance: A multi foci study
Authors: Boshoff Christo , Arnolds Cecil
Published: August 2019

The challenge of using scarce and limited resources to satisfy almost limitless needs will, from a management perspective, be like the proverbial cat: it will never go away. The optimal use of human resources, in particular, remains a daunting task. In an economic environment characterized by increasing global competitiveness, failure to realize this important objective could be organizationally terminal, as inefficient organizations are unlikely to survive over the long term. A variety of different measures could be used to evaluate organizational effectiveness. In this study, the individual job performance level of employees is regarded as an indicator of organizational effectiveness. It is hypothesized that the individual job performance of employees can be improved by enhancing employee commitment (commitment to the organization, job, supervisor, profession). In other words, the general notion is that, if employees perceive a high level of congruence between their individual objectives and those of the organization, job, supervisor, and profession, they are likely to be better performers. The empirical results showed that commitment to the profession has the strongest positive influence (p 0.01) on job performance. The impact of organizational commitment was also positive, but only at the 5% level. Neither job involvement (commitment to the job) nor commitment to the supervisor had any influence on job performance. All the antecedents modelled exerted some influence on the different types of commitment. Internal locus of control exerts a negative influence on all of them, and career factors exert a positive influence on all of them. Both self-esteem and anticipatory socialization enhance organizational commitment and commitment to the profession, while external locus of control's influence is limited to enhancing job involvement.
Partner selection in market-driven strategic alliances
Authors: Klein Saul , Dev Chekitan
Published: August 2019

How should one select a strategic alliance partner? An answer to this question is provided by extending the literature on symbiotic marketing and focussing attention on market-driven strategic alliances. Such alliances are defined as long-term inter-firm co-operative relationships that add value for the customer. Value is created by providing the advantages of multiple choice purchase options coupled with the convenience of seamless, one-stop-shopping. This means paying attention to customers and competitors in selecting alliance partners. Market-driven strategic alliances are posited to be more successful when usage and firm complementarity levels are correctly matched with the alliance strategy being pursued.
Collective action problems and the role of South African business in national and regional accords
Authors: Nattrass Nicoli
Published: August 2019

This article examines some of the collective action problems which beset South African business in national and regional accords. The first part concludes that incomes policy type accords at national level are unlikely to be successful in South Africa. The main part of the article considers accords at subnational level where conflicts of interest are more easily (but not entirely) resolved. This is done by means of two case studies of business acting collectively to promote regional or local development. The first looks at the role of organized business in the Eastern Cape Socio-Economic Consultative Council (ECSECC). It is suggested that the geographical divide between the various business organizations undermines the potential for collective action. The second describes the more successful local housing accord which was negotiated in Port Elizabeth.
The relationship between organisational culture and financial performance: Some South African evidence
Authors: Van Der Post W. Z. , De Coning T. J. , Smit E. V.D.M.
Published: August 2019

Although statistical evidence seems to be lacking. it is at present widely acknowledged that organisational culture has the potential of having a significant effect on organisational performance. An analysis of sustained superior financial performance of certain American organisations has attributed their success to the culture that each of them had developed. It has been proposed that these organisations are characterised by a strong set of core managerial values that define the ways in which they conduct business. how they treat employees, customers, suppliers and others. Culture is to the organisation what personality is to the individual. It is a hidden but unifying force that provides meaning and direction and has been defined as the prevailing background fabric of prescriptions and proscriptions for behaviour, the system of beliefs and values and the technology and task of the organisation together with the accepted approaches to these. Recent studies have indicated that corporate culture has an impact on a firm's long-term financial performance: that corporate culture will probably be an even more important factor in determining the success or failure of firms in the next decade; that corporate cultures that inhibit long-term financial performance are not rare and that they develop easily. even in firms that are staffed by reasonable and intelligent people; and that corporate cultures, although difficult to change, can be made more performance enhancing. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to establish the statistical relationship between organisational culture and financial performance.
Riglyne vir die implementering van 'n eienaar-drywerstelsel
Authors: Spamer J. S. , Pienaar W. J.
Published: August 2019

Guidelines for the implementation of an owner-driver scheme.The aim of this article is to supply guidelines for the implementation of an owner-driver scheme. Such implementation is the outsourcing of a firm's transport obligations to vehicle owner-drivers who are not employees of the firm. In most cases these individuals are ex-employees of the firm who are now acting as independent hauliers. The objectives of an owner-driver scheme and the different forms which such a scheme can adopt, are briefly outlined. Thereafter the criteria for implementation, and also the critical success factors of such a scheme. are discussed. It is pointed out that the firm will have to decide whose responsibility it is to initially manage the scheme. This decision, combined with the contract, the method of financing and the renumeration system, determine the nature of an owner-driver scheme. Firms wishing to implement an owner-driver scheme should approach it in a structured manner within a well-considered implementation programme. Implementation of the owner-driver scheme is discussed according to six phases, namely: (I) initiation, (2) evaluation, (3) planning, (4) contracting, (5) transition, and (6) management and review.
Towards a strategy for project management implementation
Authors: Brown Chris J.
Published: August 2019

The basic tenet of this article is that the implementation of project management as a way of managing, in formerly functionally structured organisations, is a complex process requiring strategic management intervention. The three outstanding issues contributing to this complexity are expounded. These are differing characteristics of the range of an organisation's projects that must be provided for: the inherent characteristics of functional organisations inhibiting to a cross-functional approach that need to be overcome: and the very necessary mind shift to the project management culture that needs to be instilled. The ground rules for project management implementation is laid down by way of eight questions that must be answered on top management level. These resolve around a firm commitment to the replacement of old, seemingly well proven practices as well as around the implications and consequences for the organisations. The article then proceeds with proposing framework for the process of project management and implementation. This is presented in seven steps, concluding that the implementation should be approached as a project in own right. To that effect a generic work breakdown structure is offered as a guideline.
The perceived benefits derived from visits to a super regional shopping centre: An exploratory study
Authors: Terblanché Nic S.
Published: August 2019

Studies that aim to identify shopper types typically attempt to identify a limited set of differentiated shopper types to which retailers can target differentiated marketing efforts. The identification of shopper segments patronising large shopping centres. have been surprisingly underresearched. This study investigated the perceived benefits of shopping at a large super regional shopping centre and three distinct benefit dimensions emerged.
The uncertainty and ambiguity of leadership in the 21st century
Authors: April Kurt A. , Hill Susan
Published: August 2019

The last decades have been characterised by fundamental changes - a paradigm shift - in organisation theory, management theory and the intellectual constructions through which organisations, managers and individuals working in organisations are understood. The value system of society has been changing, and this has had effects on leadership. Up until recently, the dominant model for leadership has been one which stresses simplicity, order, determinism and linearity. Consequently, today's leaders in the West manifest a moderate tolerance of unequal power distribution in organisations. However, this model has increasingly been coming under fire from conflicting perspectives, for example, new approaches stress complexity, bounded disorder, non-determinism and non-linearity. Under the Eastern and African influences, they also show a shift from the most individualistic approaches to group/team approaches to problem solving. Additionally, strong 'masculine' values, including traits such as aggressiveness, independence and insensitivity to feelings, have been changing moderately to relationship-building, interdependence and concern for others. In the workplace, there appears to be a move away from valuing economic incentives, organisational loyalty and work-related identity and towards valuing more meaningful work, pursuit of leisure, personal identity and self-fulfilment. The modern leader must, hence, be able to recognise value differences and trends among people at work in order to lead them accordingly. This article looks at the plurality of the dilemmas leaders are facing, as we enter the 21st century, because of the multiple realities and perspectives that they have to act out and reflect within the workplace and society.
Foundation phase science teacher identity: Exploring evolutionary module development to promote science teaching self-efficacy
Authors: Meiring Leslie F.
Published: August 2019

Background: The South African national school curriculum for the foundation phase (6- to 9-year-olds) does not have a unique subject called ‘science’, but ‘hidden’ away in the subject ‘life skills’, one detects a great deal of science, but not all of it overtly presented. This presents a challenge to teachers who might be limited in their science content knowledge and lack understanding of the processes of science, both of which might contribute to low levels of science teaching self-efficacy.Aim: This article explores an evolutionary module development process designed to promote science teaching self-efficacy.Setting: Pre-service foundation phase student teachers taking a single method module in science.Methods: The study is anchored within the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). On completion of the module, student teachers complete anonymous module-evaluation questionnaires. An interpretive, qualitative approach is used to support discussion of the module’s principles, content and delivery within the context of module development.Results: Data originate from two cohorts of student teachers (2011 and 2014). These data inform lecturers’ decisions on the re-development of the module for the following year. The intervening years (2012–2013) saw the module being firmly anchored on three pillars, namely teacher identity, science teaching self-efficacy and the nature of science.Conclusion: This article outlines the evolution of a pre-service foundation phase science module, from a science-content-only module (2006) through to a module whose underpinning principles and content attempt to address the hopes, fears and challenges faced by prospective foundation phase teachers.
The career development processes of women refugees in South Africa: An exploratory study
Authors: Nyabvudzi Tatenda , Chinyamurindi Willie T.
Published: August 2019

Orientation: There is an observed global movement of labour (freely and forcibly). South Africa emerges as a popular receiving ground for refugees. Within the career psychology literature, scant attention is given to understanding the career development concerns, post-settlement, of women refugees in the host country.Research purpose: The study explored the career development processes of women refugees, post-settlement, in South Africa as a host country.Motivation for the study: Calls have been made within local and international literature for studies that give attention to understanding the career development processes of minority groups.Research approach/design and method: Using a narrative inquiry approach, this study explored the career development processes of women refugees using a sample of 20 women refugees in South Africa. Relying on a snowball sampling procedure to recruit the participants, in-depth interviews were utilised as a data collection technique.Main findings: Drawing on participants’ narratives, the findings illustrate how women refugees have been more concerned with fulfilling a short-term desire for survival and acquiring basic commodities at the expense of a longer focus of advancement and career progression. This is mainly compounded by the structural constraints that limit both their career development and their lived experiences. Issues exclusive to the women refugees are also revealed. Overall, the results illustrate how all the aforementioned factors intersect as barriers that hinder women refugees in developing their careers.Practical/managerial implications: The study provides information and strategies that policymakers in South Africa and other developing nations that are hosting refugees can use to facilitate the career development processes of women refugees.Contribution/value-add: This study contributes to the growing body of knowledge focussing on career development of women refuges, a populace that previously received limited focus both locally and internationally.
Natural Resistance of Leishmania infantum to Miltefosine Contributes to the Low Efficacy in the Treatment of Visceral Leishmaniasis in Brazil
Authors: Carnielli Juliana B. T. , Monti-Rocha Renata , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Molina Sesana Aretha , Pansini Laura N. N. , Segatto Marcela , Mottram Jeremy C. , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery , Carvalho Sílvio F. G. , Dietze Reynaldo
Published: August 2019

In India, visceral leishmaniasis (VL) caused by Leishmania donovani has been successfully treated with miltefosine with a cure rate of > 90%. To assess the efficacy and safety of oral miltefosine against Brazilian VL, which is caused by Leishmania infantum, a phase II, open-label, dose-escalation study of oral miltefosine was conducted in children (aged 2–12 years) and adolescent-adults (aged 13–60 years). Definitive cure was assessed at a 6-month follow-up visit. The cure rate was only 42% (6 of 14 patients) with a recommended treatment of 28 days and 68% (19 of 28 patients) with an extended treatment of 42 days. The in vitro miltefosine susceptibility profile of intracellular amastigote stages of the pretreatment isolates, from cured and relapsed patients, showed a positive correlation with the clinical outcome. The IC50 mean (SEM) of eventual cures was 5.1 (0.4) µM, whereas that of eventual failures was 12.8 (1.9) µM (P = 0.0002). An IC50 above 8.0 µM predicts failure with 82% sensitivity and 100% specificity. The finding of L. infantum amastigotes resistant to miltefosine in isolates from patients who eventually failed treatment strongly suggests natural resistance to this drug, as miltefosine had never been used in Brazil before this trial was carried out.
Prevalence of Molecular Markers of Antimalarial Drug Resistance across Altitudinal Transmission Zones in Highland Western Uganda
Authors: Boyce Ross M. , Brazeau Nicholas , Fulton Travis , Hathaway Nick , Matte Michael , Ntaro Moses , Mulogo Edgar , Juliano Jonathan J.
Published: August 2019

We explored spatial variation in the prevalence of established molecular markers of antimalarial resistance across a geographically diverse, highland region of western Uganda. We identified Plasmodium falciparum CQ resistance transporter 76T mutations in all pools, but there was no evidence of spatial differences across village-based strata defined by either altitude or river valley. In contrast, we identified a significant inverse association between altitude and the prevalence of Plasmodium falciparum multidrug resistance 1 mutations with the largest proportion of Y184F mutations observed in the low-elevation, high-transmission villages. These results demonstrate the substantial heterogeneity in resistance markers observed across geographic settings, even at relatively small scales, but highlight the complex nature of these ecological relationships.
Splenic Infarction in Plasmodium vivax Infection in South Korea
Authors: Im Jae Hyoung , Chung Moon-Hyun , Durey Areum , Kwon Hea Yoon , Lee Jin-Soo , Lee Man-Jong , Baek Ji Hyeon
Published: August 2019

Splenic infarction caused by malaria can be fatal, but its incidence and clinical presentation are not well-known. Thus, we investigated the prevalence and characteristics of splenic complications in patients with vivax malaria from 2005 to 2017 in a university hospital. Among 273 patients who were diagnosed with Plasmodium vivax infection by blood smear, 92 underwent abdominal computed tomography or ultrasonography. Twelve patients had splenic infarction. All patients with splenic infarction recovered after treatment with antimalarial drugs, without surgery and intervention. Although anemia and prolonged fever may be risk factors for splenic infarction, the incidence of these events was insufficient for a detailed analysis.
Organic horticulture: a current demand, whose proper management is the only guarantee of safe food
Authors: Pinto Ferreira Fernanda , Lemos Freire Roberta , Teles Caldart Eloiza , Paschoal Aline Ticiani Pereira , Bahr Arias Gabriela , Alves Ladeia Winni , Mitsuka-Breganó Regina , Teodorico Navarro Italmar
Published: August 2019

O estudo foi realizado entre julho de 2014 e maio de 2016, em 21 propriedades hortícolas do estado do Paraná, Brasil. Foram coletadas duas amostras de vegetais folhosos e uma amostra de água de irrigação por propriedade. As amostras de água foram analisadas pela técnica do substrato cromogênico para avaliar a contaminação por coliformes totais e Escherichia coli, e os vegetais foram avaliados pelas técnicas de Willis (1921), Hoffman et al. (1934), Faust et al. (1939) e quanto à contaminação por parasitas. Observou-se presença de E. coli em 80,95% (17/21) das amostras de água; com relação aos vegetais, 19 (45,23%) continham pelo menos uma espécie de parasita, tais como: ancilostomatídeos, Chilomatix spp., Dipillidium spp., Entamoeba spp., Strongyloides spp., Trichuris spp., larva de vida livre, larva de nematódeo, oocisto não-esporulado. Houve associação estatística entre o destino do esgoto (fossa seca) e a positividade aos parasitas. Os dados mostram contaminação fecal em número significativo de amostras e confirmam a necessidade de maiores exigências sanitárias durante o cultivo de hortaliças folhosas, que, na maioria das vezes, são consumidas cruas.
Colonização de folhas por invertebrados aquáticos em um riacho tropical: há diferenças entre espécies nativas e Eucalyptus grandis (Hill ex Maiden) nas épocas chuvosa e seca?
Authors: Vaz Adriane Almeida , Vaz Ariane Almeida , Pelizari Gisele Pires , Gomes Davi Butturi , Smith Welber Senteio
Published: August 2019

O presente estudo objetivou verificar se há diferença na colonização de invertebrados aquáticos entre folhas de duas espécies nativas e uma não nativa considerando os períodos chuvoso e seco. Folhas senescentes foram coletadas da mata ripária do córrego e secas em uma estufa à temperatura de 60±5ºC por 48 h. Depois de seco, o material vegetal foi adicionado em “litter bags” disposto no riacho de maneira aleatória. Foram utilizados dois tratamentos experimentais: 1. Eucalyptus grandis (não nativa) e Lithraea molleoides (espécie nativa). 2. Eucalyptus grandis (não nativa) e Maytenus aquifolium (espécie nativa). Os resultados mostraram que o início da colonização foi principalmente no 14º dia, permanecendo até o 28º dia. As folhas nativas apresentaram maiores abundâncias de invertebrados na época seca, enquanto a não nativa na época chuvosa. Com relação à riqueza taxonômica, os maiores valores foram encontrados a partir do 21º dia, ocorrendo diferença no período chuvoso entre as espécies nativas e a não nativa, o que não ocorreu na época seca. De acordo com a Anova, foi observado que, na época chuvosa, a abundância de invertebrados foi maior na espécie não nativa em comparação com a nativa. Por outro lado, houve efeito negativo da época chuvosa sobre a riqueza. Para ambos os experimentos, o efeito principal dos dias não influenciou a riqueza. Ocorreu, contudo, um efeito de interação entre época do ano e dias de observação: na época chuvosa, espera-se que haja aumento linear significativo na abundância ao longo dos dias.
Morfologia do esôfago de Bradypus variegatus (Schinz, 1825)
Authors: Mesquita Ellen Yasmin Eguchi , Soares Paola Cardias , Mello Luise Ratis , Lima Ana Rita , Giese Elane Guerreiro , Branco Érika
Published: August 2019

Bradypus variegatus, vulgarmente conhecida como preguiça comum, pertence a um grupo individualizado de mamíferos, com peculiaridades morfológicas e biológicas já descritas, porém, pouco se sabe sobre questões estruturais do seu trato digestório, incluindo a morfologia do esôfago. Diferindo dos mamíferos em geral quanto ao trajeto completo do órgão, o esfíncter esofágico cranial localiza-se dorsalmente à laringe, desviando à esquerda da traqueia, mantendo-se adjacente a ela, ainda no antímero esquerdo, ao longo da porção cervical. No tórax, seguiu pelo mediastino, atravessou transversalmente o diafragma através do hiato esofágico, alcançando o estômago. Histologicamente, apresentou o mesmo padrão tecidual ao longo das três porções, destacando-se a presença de três camadas musculares, adensando na porção torácica, e na adventícia cercada pela cadeia nervosa simpática, adjacente à região cárdica. Essas características histológicas conferem ao esôfago dessa espécie arquitetura peculiar, que pode explicar o comportamento de deglutição destes indivíduos frente aos seus hábitos posturais.
Impaired vascular reactivity in sepsis – a systematic review with meta-analysis
Authors: Kazune Sigita , Piebalga Anda , Strike Eva , Vanags Indulis
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Vascular dysfunction due to reduced nitric oxide bioavailability plays an important role in the pathogenesis of sepsis. This meta-analysis examines evidence from published literature to evaluate whether in the adult population the presence/severity of sepsis is associated with impaired vasoreactivity.

Material and methods

We performed a search of the Medline, Scopus, and EMBASE databases to identify observational studies using measurement of reactive hyperaemia in adult patients with sepsis. After data extraction using predefined protocol, qualitative synthesis of findings was performed regarding consistency of findings between methods, evidence of association between vascular reactivity and severity of sepsis, multiple organ failure, and death. A meta-analyses of standardised mean differences in vasoreactivity between groups was performed, in which data were available for relevant outcomes.

Results

Eighteen studies using four methods to measure vascular reactivity from a total of 466 were included in the analysis. The pooled standardised mean difference estimate showed that septic patients had less reactive hyperaemia than controls (–2.59, 95% CI: –3.46 to –1.72; p < 0.00001), and peak hyperaemic blood flow was lower in patients with sepsis than in the control group (SMD = –1.42, 95% CI: –2.14 to –0.70; p = 0.0001). The combined SMD between non survivors and survivors was –0.36 (95% CI: –0.67 to –0.06; p = 0.02) for reactive hyperaemia and –0.70 (95% CI: –1.13 to –0.27; p = 0.001) for peak hyperaemic blood flow.

Conclusions

Septic patients have attenuated vascular reactivity when compared to healthy volunteers. There are insufficient data indicating that these changes can identify patients at risk of worsening organ failure or death.
Antithrombotic/antiplatelet therapy and colonoscopy results in patients over 50 with iron-deficiency anemia
Authors: Olmez Tolga , Bozkurt Hilmi , Gulmez Selcuk , Aray Emre , Sert Zeliha Ozlem , Kaplan Esin , Bulut Can Ibrahim , Karakose Erdal , Polat Erdal , Duman Mustafa
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This study aims to evaluate the results of asymptomatic patients who have been using anticoagulant-antiaggregant (AC-AA) agents and have had colonoscopy screening due to iron-deficiency anemia (IDA).

Material and methods

The data of 347 asymptomatic patients over the age of 50, who have received colonoscopy due to IDA, were reviewed retrospectively. The effects of sex and AC-AA administration on positive colonoscopy results, preneoplastic lesions and malignancy were investigated.

Results

Of 347 patients over 50 with IDA, 204 were female (58.8%). The mean age was 63.4 ±8.4. Positive colonoscopy results were observed more commonly in 69 male patients compared to 67 female patients (p = 0.004). Similarly, positive colonoscopy results were found to be more frequent among patients using AC-AA (p = 0.019). While premalignant lesions were more frequently diagnosed in male patients (23% to 10.2%), the results were also statistically significant (p = 0.002). Anticoagulant administration did not contribute to the increase in preneoplastic lesion rates (15.57% to 15.55%). Malignant pathology, which was seen in 8 male patients, was more common among male patients yet it was not statistically significant (p = 0.081). However, compared to 3 patients who did not use AC-AA, malignant pathology was seen more frequently in 9 patients who were on AC-AA and the figure was statistically significant (p = 0.009).

Conclusions

The AC-AA administration in asymptomatic patients over 50 with IDA who have had colonoscopy screening increases the rate of colorectal malignancy diagnosis, while it leads to no change in the rate of preneoplastic lesion detection. Nevertheless, male sex is a factor that increases the possibility of preneoplastic lesion detection.
Assessment of doctors’ knowledge, attitude and practice for hepatitis C virus infection control guidelines in Egypt
Authors: El-Sayed Hesham , Mehanna Sohair , Maraghy Nermine El , Younes Soha , Hassan Adel , Sheded Mahmoud , Khedr Zeinab
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus is a blood-borne infection and one of the major global problems. In Egypt, the prevalence is reported to be the highest. Infection through unsafe medical procedures is considered now the primary cause of infection. The study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of doctors regarding infection control guidelines in Ismailia governorate.

Material and methods

A cross sectional study was conducted on a sample of physicians (355) in Ismailia governorate using a questionnaire to collect data on their knowledge and attitude concerning the control measures related to their years of experiences.

Results

Most of the physicians (89.6%) regardless of their years of experience have had contact with blood products. Those who had a history of needle stick injury accounted for 56.3%, with a statistically significant difference as to the highest number being middle career physicians. Concerning knowledge about infection control policies in their hospitals, it was relatively low among all groups.

Conclusions

Despite all efforts exerted by the infection control professionals, infections still remain a major unpleasant side effect of health care, often causing harm to patients.. Although Egypt has made great progress in implementing the infection control procedures and policies, there is still a huge problem as the practices of physicians do not really reflect their knowledge and they still do not follow the infection control policies. Education, monitoring, improved availability of resources and disciplinary measures are necessary to improve infection control in health facilities that should be applied to all physicians.
Atrial fibrillation influences automatic oscillometric ankle-brachial index measurement
Authors: Dąbrowski Michał , Lewandowski Jacek , Szmigielski Cezary , Siński Maciej
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Repeated measurements of ankle-brachial index (ABI) using Doppler method were shown to be accurate during atrial fibrillation. Oscillometric devices are effective in ABI measurement, but their accuracy during atrial fibrillation is unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate whether atrial fibrillation influences ABI obtained with the automatic oscillometric method.

Material and methods

Ninety-nine patients with atrial fibrillation (mean age: 66.6 +(SD = 11) years, M/F  63/36) who underwent electrical cardioversion were investigated (198 lower extremities). The ABI measurements using oscillometric and Doppler methods were performed on both lower extremities before and after procedure.

Results

The ABI measured using the oscillometric method on both lower limbs did not change after cardioversion (1.21 (IQR: 1.13-1.27) vs. 1.22 (IQR: 1.14-1.26), p = 0.664, respectively). The ABI measured before and after cardioversion using Doppler and oscillometric methods showed a significant difference (1.14 (IQR: 1.07-1.22) vs. 1.21 (IQR 1.13-1.27), p < 0.001 and 1.18 (IQR: 1.09-1.13) vs. 1.22 (IQR: 1.14-1.26), p < 0.001 respectively). Both methods showed a weak correlation before (r = 0.35, p < 0.001) and no correlation after cardioversion (r = 0.12, p = 0.07). The Bland-Altman plot showed poor agreement between measurements performed with the Doppler and oscillometric methods in sinus rhythm and during atrial fibrillation.

Conclusions

The automated oscillometric method of ABI measurements should not replace the reference Doppler method in patients with atrial fibrillation. More research related to the oscillometric measurements is needed in subjects with peripheral artery disease and atrial fibrillation.
Cerebrovascular accidents differ between patients with atrial flutter and patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Staszewski Jacek , Bilbin-Bukowska Anna , Szypowski Wojciech , Mejer-Zahorowski Marcin , Stępień Adam
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Few studies have explored the potential impact of atrial flutter (AFl) on ischaemic stroke (IS) outcome. The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical course of IS in patients with AFl and patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).

Material and methods

A retrospective analysis of patients consecutively admitted to a tertiary care centre between 2013 and 2015 due to IS or transient ischaem-ic attack with permanent AFl or permanent or persistent AF was performed.

Results

The study groups consisted of 528 patients, including 490 (92.8%) patients with AF and 38 (7.2%) patients with AFl. The mean age and prestroke CHA2DS2-VASc scores were similar between the patients with AFl and those with AF. Most IS cases in the AF group were clas-sified as cardioembolic strokes (74.9% vs. 39.5% in AFl, p < 0.01), and lacunar strokes were the most common in the AFl group (47.4% vs. 14.3% in AF, p < 0.01). The multivariable analysis revealed that the presence of AF (OR = 8.6, 95% CI: 1.2–57, p = 0.02), lacunar stroke (OR = 0.1, 95% CI: 0.03–0.31, p < 0.001), baseline Rankin scale score (OR = 16.6, 95% CI: 9.8–28), lack of prestroke therapeutic anticoagulation (OR = 6.1, 95% CI: 1.1–33), diabetes (OR = 2.9, 95% CI: 1.3–6.5, p < 0.01), chronic heart failure (OR = 14.2, 95% CI: 5.8–34, p < 0.001), and current smoking (OR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.39–0.99, p < 0.01) were significantly associated with the stroke outcome.

Conclusions

Disabling or fatal IS was observed less often in patients with AFl than in patients with AF. This finding can possibly be explained by the more frequent occurrence of lacunar strokes in the AFl group compared with that in the AF group.
Factors affecting body awareness in older adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain
Authors: Baskan Emre , Yagci Nesrin , Cavlak Ugur
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) and cognitive impairment (CI) may reduce body awareness in older adults. The first aim of this study was to determine the impact of CMP and CI on body awareness in older adults. The second was to search for the factors most affecting body awareness using logistic regression analysis.

Material and methods

Two hundred and 65 older adults (males: 138 and females: 127) aged 65 and over (mean age; 72.27 ±6.42 years) living in their own homes were included. We used the following evaluation methods: CMP intensity (Visual Analog Scale – VAS), cognitive status (Hodkinson’s Abbreviated Mental Test – HAMT), and body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire – BAQ). Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the factor most affecting the BAQ score.

Results

Eighty-five point two percent of participants (n = 265) reported CMP (lower extremity pain: 74.6%; spinal pain: 66.6%; upper extremities pain: 44.4%). CMP intensity was higher in lower extremities (mean VAS: 5.73 ±1.86 cm). Gender differences in terms of CMP were found in favor of males (p = 0.0001). Mean HAMT score was 8.16±1.65. Gender difference in favor of males was significant (p = 0.0001). Mean BAQ score was 77.61±20.90; there was no significant difference between the gender (p = 0.142). There was a significant moderate positive correlation between body awareness and cognitive status (r = 0.382, p = 0.0001). However, a weak negative correlation was found between body awareness and pain intensity (r = –0.234, p = 0.0001). Regression analysis showed that living environment (rural area), low education level, low cognition level and increased CMP intensity significantly predicted body awareness.

Conclusions

The results obtained from this study indicate that cognitive impairment and pain should be reduced by improving body awareness among older adults. That is why health professionals should evaluate all related factors affecting body awareness before planning the most suitable rehabilitation program.
Medullary breast cancer is a predominantly triple-negative breast cancer – histopathological analysis and comparison with invasive ductal breast cancer
Authors: Budzik Michał , Sobieraj Maciej , Sobol Maria , Patera Janusz , Czerw Aleksandra , Deptała Andrzej , Badowska-Kozakiewicz Anna
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Medullary breast cancer (MdBC) is an uncommon type of breast cancer representing 1–7% of all cases. It is characterized by the occurrence of many histopathological features associated with a high grade of malignancy.

Material and methods

Twelve MdBCs chosen from a group of 1,122 women suffering from invasive breast cancer were analyzed. Histopathological examination and analysis of a basic molecular profile, i.e. estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR) and HER2 receptor expression, and their comparison with invasive ductal breast cancer (IDC), were performed.

Results

MdBC accounted for 1.07% of all analyzed invasive breast cancer patients. All patients were female, with an average age of 58.54 years. The MdBC group exhibited a larger median tumor diameter (2.05 vs. 1.89 cm), although ≥ T2 tumors comprised 42% vs. 51% for IDCs. Women without regional lymph node involvement (pN0) (83%) formed the largest group. There was a statistically significant difference in the presence of nodal involvement between the studied groups (p < 0.001). Based on the histological grade of malignancy, the majority of MdBC comprised grade II tumors (G2) (93%). In general, MdBC showed statistically higher histologic grade (G1-G3) than IDC (p = 0.003). The 5-year overall survival rate of MdBC patients was 91%. Most MdBCs (92%) were triple-negative, whereas the remaining 8% were HER2 positive.

Conclusions

MdBC presented at a younger age than IDC, had a higher histological grade, larger median size and less frequent regional lymph node involvement. Most MdBCs were triple-negative, whereas IDCs were predominantly luminal. Despite numerous aggressive pathological features of MdBC, its clinical outcome and overall prognosis are favorable.
Beneficial effect of pristimerin against the development of osteoporosis in ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis rats by the RANKL/TRAF6/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhu Xiaodong , Chen Chao , Hu Ruixi , Li Yifan , Xu Ruijun , Li Zhikun
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Osteoporosis is a major cause of bone fracture in post-menopausal women. We evaluated the effects of pristimerin treatment on ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis, and its possible molecular mechanism.

Material and methods

Rats were ovariectomised and biochemical markers of bone formation were determined from serum samples. The microarchitectures of bone tissues were analyzed via micro-CT scans and Western blotting assays. The cytotoxic effects of pristimerin, the differentiation of osteoclasts, and bone reabsorption were evaluated in vitro using RAW 264.7 cells.

Results

Treatment with pristimerin attenuated changes in markers of bone formation and reabsorption such as creatine kinase (CK), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP), collagen type I fragments (CTX), bone Gla-protein (BGP), and osteocalcin (OC) in the serum of ovariectomised rats. It also appeared to restore the microarchitecture of bone tissue. The expression levels of TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF-6), nuclear factor k light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB p65), and receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) protein were significantly lower, while those of Akt and PI3K were significantly higher, in the bone tissues of the pristimerin-treated group than in negative controls. Pristimerin had no cytotoxic effect on RAW 264.7 cells and reduced the differentiation of osteoclasts, bone reabsorption, and translocation of p65 in RANKL-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells in vitro.

Conclusions

Pristimerin reduces the effects of osteoporosis by restoring the altered RANKL/TRAF-6/NF-κB pathway in ovariectomised rats.
Asymmetry of dominant and non-dominant shoulders in university level men and women volleyball players
Authors: Zuzgina Olga , Wdowski Maximilian M.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Volleyball involves repetitive forceful actions predominantly of one arm, which could eventually lead to an injury or shoulder pathology. The aim of the study was to compare the range of motion and strength in the dominant and non-dominant shoulders of university level volleyball players, with the objective of examining any differences between sexes.

Methods

A total of 19 university level volleyball players (9 men: 81.3 ± 8.0 kg, 21 ± 1 years; 10 women: 66.0 ± 8.2 kg, 19 ± 1 years) participated. The passive internal and external range of motion of the dominant and non-dominant spiking shoulders were measured with a goniometer. The shoulder strength tests were performed on an isokinetic dynamometer at
the speed of 60°/s in the concentric mode of contraction. Shoulder internal and external rotator concentric strength, range of motion, and internal/external rotation strength ratios were tested between arm dominance and sex with the use of 2-way mixed design ANOVA.

Results

Internal and external rotation strength was asymmetrical in both men and women, in favour of the dominant side (p < 0.05). Both men and women displayed asymmetrical external/internal ratios (p < 0.05), with greater ratios present in the non-dominant side.

Conclusions

University level men and women volleyball players exhibit similar levels of significant asymmetry in the internal/external rotation strength between dominant and non-dominant spiking arms. Furthermore, subject-specific responses in strength asymmetries suggest further investigation at the individual level. Isokinetic shoulder screening could
be used to reveal information about possible risk factors for shoulder injuries.
Validity and reliability of the Polish version of the Academic Motivation Scale: a measure of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation and amotivation
Authors: Ardeńska Magdalena , Ardeńska Agnieszka , Tomik Rajmund
Published: August 2019

Background

The Academic Motivation Scale (AMS) is a measure of motivation in education. The AMS is based on the self-determination theory, which subdivides motivation into amotivation, extrinsic motivation and intrinsic motiva-tion. The main purpose of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of the Polish version of the AMS and to identify motivation to study of Polish university students.

Participants and procedure

The first sample consisted of 1592 Polish university students (653 males, 939 females) majoring in physical education, physiotherapy, tourism and recreation, sport or sport and tourism management. The second sample consisted of 49 Polish university students (13 males, 36 females) of tourism and recreation. The AMS was vali-dated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Cronbach’s α was used to estimate reliability and internal consistency of the scale.

Results

The AMS showed adequate levels of internal consistency (Cronbach α values above .78) and temporal stability (mean test-retest correlation = .88). Additionally, the fit indices of CFA were satisfactory (χ2/df = 4.95, GFI = .927, AGFI = .910, RMSEA = .050). Female students scored higher than males on four motivation subscales and low-er on amotivation.

Conclusions

The results confirmed the original seven-factor and 28-item structure of the Polish version of the AMS. The re-sults support the use of the Polish version of the AMS as a tool for assessing university students’ motivation.