bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Salivary alpha-amylase–biomarker for monitoring type II diabetes
Authors: Shah Vandana S , Pareikh Dishant , Manjunatha Bhari S
Published: January 2022

Background:

Diabetes is one of the most important causes of mortality worldwide. People having diabetes are vulnerable to infectious diseases and have been clinically recognized; which may be because of their deregulated immune system. Hyperglycemia in diabetes is consequence of chronic resistance to insulin and relative insulin deficiency on target cells. Alpha-amylase, a salivary enzyme is shown to increase in diabetic individuals compared to nondiabetics and can be used as a marker for the diagnosis of diabetes.

Aim and Objective:

The present study was undertaken to investigate the levels of salivary amylase in type II diabetic patients.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 80 participants in the age range of 30–60 years, were divided into three groups as Group I: Uncontrolled diabetics (30), Group II: Controlled diabetics (30) and Group III: Age- and sex-matched healthy controls (20) were taken for the study. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected for salivary amylase level estimation and blood samples were from the antecubital vein, after 12 h of overnight fasting of each individual for the estimation of blood glucose levels.

Results:

The mean random blood sugar and glycated hemoglobin A1c levels were found to be statistically significant among diabetics and healthy individuals. Salivary amylase levels were much higher in uncontrolled and controlled diabetics compared to healthy individuals showing a significant correlation (P = 0.001) between all groups. However, the salivary amylase levels nonsignificant (P = 0.060) between the controlled diabetics (Group II) and healthy individuals (Group III).

Conclusion:

Our study confirms the considerable increase in salivary amylase levels in diabetes patients as compared to healthy individuals. Studies with a larger sample size comprising prediabetics, type I diabetics and type II diabetics in all age groups are required to validate these results. Further, if our results are established, salivary amylase can be used as biomarker for the diagnosis of diabetes and also monitoring it.
Developing a competency-based undergraduate logbook for pediatrics: Process and lessons
Authors: Singh T , Aulakh R , Gupta P , Chhatwal J , Gupta P
Published: January 2022

With the first MBBS batch admitted under the new National Medical Commission (NMC) undergraduate curriculum entering pediatric clinical posting soon, creation of a Pediatric logbook in consonance with this competency-based curriculum was felt to be a need of the hour. No such document is yet available in the public domain. The logbook template, created after enormous brainstorming amongst authors, includes 176 Shows (S), Shows How (SH) and Perform (P) level competencies. These were further segregated into certifiable (23), affective domain (25) and clinic/field visits (9) leaving 51 as documentable competencies. The institutions may use this template to build their own institute-specific logbook based on the infrastructure, faculty strength, clinical patient load, student intake and preferred assessment method(s). It would also be worthwhile to integrate this with the internship logbook (and later the postgraduate one for students opting for post-graduation in pediatrics) to provide a longitudinal record of each student's trajectory of learning.
Do school students with specific learning disabilities have lower emotional intelligence abilities? A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
Authors: Karande S , Bhavani S , Gogtay NJ , Shiledar MP , Kelkar S , Oke AS
Published: January 2022

Background and Objectives:

School students with specific learning disabilities (SpLDs) endure academic difficulties, anxiety, and social maladaptation. The primary objective of the present study was to evaluate the emotional intelligence (EI) abilities of these afflicted students. Its secondary objective was to analyze the impact of socio-demographic variables on their EI abilities.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional single-arm questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Learning Disability clinic in a public medical college in Mumbai.

Subjects and Methods:

SpLD students studying in class standards VII–IX were recruited by non-probability sampling. Their EI (overall, subscales, and settings) scores were measured using the Four EsScale of Emotional Intelligence-Adolescents (FESEI-A) questionnaire; and compared with Indian norm scores by utilizing the Mann - Whitney U test. To evaluate the unadjusted impact that each of the “variables” had on the FESEI-A scores, linear regression or the Mann-Whitney U test, or the Kruskal-Wallis test, was utilized as applicable.

Results:

SpLD students had similar “overall” EI abilities as their regular peers. Their EI scores in school setting were significantly lower (P = 0.001), but significantly higher in social setting (P = 0.005). At univariate level, presence of co-occurring attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder was significantly associated with a lower “school setting” score (P = 0.040). Higher socioeconomic status was significantly associated with a higher “overall” score and “family setting” score (P = 0.023 and P = 0.041, respectively).

Conclusions:

There is an urgent need to evaluate the EI abilities of SpLD students to identify deficits so that optimum rehabilitation can be facilitated.
Evaluation of Intermaxillary Fixation (IMF) Screw Therapy with Craniomandibular Index Analysis for Chronic Recurrent Dislocation in the Temporomandibular Joint
Authors: Ertaş Ü , Aşçl YE , Yalçın E , Urvasizoğlu G
Published: January 2022

Background:

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) hypermobility is classified as a subluxation, complete (luxation), unilateral, or bilateral, acute, chronic protracted, or chronic recurrent dislocation.

Aims:

This controlled randomized clinical study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intermaxillary fixation (IMF) screw application and autologous blood injections in the treatment of chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ in comparison with the placebo group.

Patients and Methods:

The patients who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry of the Atatürk University between October 2018 and January 2020 were evaluated. Three hundred patients diagnosed with bilateral chronic recurrent dislocation of TMJ based on clinical findings and radiographs were included in the study. The patients were randomly divided into three groups according to the evaluation criteria. Group 1 received IMF, group 2 received autologous blood injection, and group 3 (placebo group) received an intraarticular saline injection.

Results:

The results of the patients who received IMF, autologous blood injection, and saline injection were evaluated by the craniomandibular index. The IMF group showed significant improvement after 1 month and 6 months (P < 0.001), while the patients who received autologous blood injection and saline injection showed no significant improvement (P > 0.05). The data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23. The significance level was P < 0.05.

Conclusion:

In our study, the IMF gave the best results among all the study groups. The IMF technique can be used in patients with protracted chronic recurrent dislocation in whom autologous blood injection has failed.
Comparative Analysis of the Impact of Visual Impairment on Quality of Life of Patients Attending a Tertiary Hospital in South East, Nigeria
Authors: Ejiakor IL , Achigbu EO , Onyia OE , Edema O , Nkwogu FU , Okeke AJ , Ohanele PE
Published: January 2022

Background:

Quality of life (QoL) is defined as an “individual's perception of their position in life in the context of the culture and value system in which they live and in relation to goals, expectations, standards, and concerns.” Visual Impairment affects QoL because of the restrictions it imposes on everyday life activities.

Aims:

This study aims to compare the QoL of visually impaired patients attending the Eye Clinic of Federal Medical Centre, Owerri with that of normally sighted persons. The findings will aid the formulation of policies guiding the management of visually impaired patients.

Patients and Methods:

This was a hospital-based case-control study which recruited all consenting new patients with visual impairment, and age, and sex-matched controls who presented at the Eye Clinic, Federal Medical Centre, Imo State, Nigeria during the period of the study. Data was collected using a semi-structured closed-ended questionnaire, and the World Health Organization QoL-BREF and analyzed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version 22.

Results:

Four hundred and two participants were recruited. Lower scores were recorded in all the quality of life (QoL) domains for the visually impaired compared with controls. The overall QoL and health status mean score for the visually impaired (61.10 ± 19.75) was significantly lower than that for the controls (70.90 ± 21.19) at P < 0.001. Severity of visual impairment at P < 0.001 significantly affected all the QoL domains for the visually impaired with the lowest score noted among the blind (58.21 ± 11.63) compared to controls (79.33 ± 11.74). Occupation and educational level significantly affected the QoL of the study group but not the controls.

Conclusion:

Visual impairment significantly reduces the QOL of patients. Policies targeted at enhancing the QoL of the visually impaired through rehabilitation and societal integration is recommended.
Risk Factors Affecting Complications of Access Site in Vascular Intervention through Common Femoral Artery
Authors: Lee MO , Jeong KU , Kim KM , Song YG
Published: January 2022

Backgrounds:

Traditionally, vascular interventions have been performed through the femoral artery.

Aims:

The purpose of this study was to evaluate risk factors affecting access-site complications in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma or peripheral arterial disease in lower extremity who underwent vascular intervention by accessing the common femoral artery (CFA).

Patients and Methods:

From December 2015 to November 2018, 287 patients underwent transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) or peripheral vascular intervention with ultrasound (US)-guided CFA access. Standard 18-gauge (G) access was used in 127 patients and Micropuncture® 21-G needles in 160 patients. Most access sites were managed with vascular closure devices and several were managed with manual compression. Within 24 hours after the procedure, all patients underwent US to evaluate the puncture site.

Results:

Access-site complications occurred in 55 of 287 patients: 34 hematomas (11.9%), 20 pseudoaneurysms (7.0%), and 1 dissection (0.4%). In the crude model, risk factors related to access-site complications were the usage of 18-G needles (OR, 2.18; 95% CI, 1.17-4.07; P = 0.014), smoking (OR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.16-4.27; P = 0.016), and approach route (OR, 3.23; 95% CI, 1.33-7.82; P = 0.009). Needle size (OR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.10-4.12; P = 0.025) was the only factor associated with access-site complications in the adjusted model.

Conclusion:

Needle profile was the only factor associated with access-site complications in this study. Therefore, a needle with a smaller profile than an 18-G needle will reduce the incidence of complications at the access site.
Factors Affecting the Level of Perceived Competence in Disaster Preparedness among Nurses Based on their Personal and Work-related Characteristics
Authors: Baker OG
Published: January 2022

Background:

The disaster situations call upon the effective and speedy response from the nurses. The link to self-perceived competence in disaster preparedness remains unclear, although there is strong support for competence in nursing practice to ensure safe patient care.

Aims:

The study aims to evaluate the self-perceived competence and familiarity of nurses at personal and professional levels concerning disaster preparedness. Cross-sectional exploratory design was employed. A sample of 350 nurses from five government hospitals in Medina was surveyed using an emergency preparedness information questionnaire.

Patients and Methods:

IBM SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) for Windows, Version 21.0, was used for analyzing the data.

Results:

Nurses perceived inadequate preparation for emergencies. The unit area had no impact on their self-perceived competence and familiarity.

Conclusions:

Female nurses, non-Saudi staff, and years of work experience were perceived to increase nurse competence in disaster preparedness. The managers can create activities to enable nurses to learn and view their disaster preparedness concerns.
Postcesarean Difficulties and their Association with Breastfeeding Success in Postpartum Women
Authors: Cirpanli C , Hicyilmaz B Demirtas
Published: January 2022

Background:

The rate of cesarean section (CS) has been gradually increasing throughout the world. The impact of CS on the issue of breastfeeding success therefore merits attention.

Aim:

This study investigates postcesarean difficulties and their association with breastfeeding success.

Patients and Methods:

This study is a cross-sectional study involving the participation of 220 mothers who were receiving care at the Women's Health Training and Research Hospital in Ankara, Turkey between the dates of February 10 and August 10 of 2016. Data were collected using the Socio-demographic and Obstetric Characteristics Form and the LATCH Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (LBAT).

Results:

Women who had breastfeeding problems both previously (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.18–1.76; P = 0.004) and currently (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.14–1.30; P < 0.001) were more likely to have low breastfeeding success scores. There was no statistically significant relationship found between LBAT mean scores and other post-CS difficulties. Women aged 35 and older were more likely to have breastfeeding success compared to that of women of ≤19 years of age (OR = 4.33; 95% CI: 3.50–4.45; P = 0.051). Furthermore, women who had breastfeeding experience were more likely (OR = 1.86; 95% CI: 1.40–2.67; P = 0.010) to have a high breastfeeding success score.

Conclusions:

This study has revealed that breastfeeding success was associated more with breastfeeding problems than with other difficulties experienced after a CS. To prevent breastfeeding problems before they occur, newborns who are without complications should be kept in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mothers immediately after the CS, breastfed within the first 1 hour after birth, and remain in SSC until the end of the first breastfeeding. Most importantly, to increase breastfeeding success after CS, creative staffing solutions need to be employed.
Cancer in Five Countries of the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Shurrab SA. , Al-Badarneh AF. , Nassar HI. , Almshnanah AH.
Published: January 2022

Background:

Cancer is a major public health problem and is the second leading cause of death around the world. The incidence rates of some cancer types rise dramatically with certain risk factors, a fact that is exemplified by the high susceptibility to lung cancer as a result of tobacco smoking. The frame of cancer as a preventable disease and the challenges of its treatment emphasize the need for specific risk preventive measures. Therefore, attempts are continuously carried out to provide a better understanding of the cancer incidence patterns and how the most common risk factors are implicated.

Aims:

This study aimed to compare the cancer incidence rates in Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, and Iraq over 18 years (2000-2017) and relate the high estimates to certain risk factors to help decision-makers better prevent this disease.

Materials and Methods:

Graphical and numerical descriptive illustrations of the total incidence rates, age-specific incidence rates, and incidence by cancer type were generated using data obtained from the Global Health Data exchange database. Risk factors prevalence and their pathogenic role were sought using PubMed and science direct databases as well as the world bank data.

Results:

Lebanon had the highest overall age-adjusted incidence rates with a gradual increase from 231 to 353 and the highest life expectancy mean of 77.5 years. Breast, lung, and colorectal cancers were the most common cancer types in both genders and all ages in the five countries with varied ratios that were consistent with the risk factors prevalent.

Conclusions:

The association between the spread of the studied risk factors and the high trends of the corresponding cancer types highlights the importance of targeted preventive measures and serve as a guide for evidence-based prevention strategies.
Effectiveness of Kinesio Taping and Exercises for Pronated Feet in Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Parmar ST , Dhanuka HR , Shetty DR
Published: January 2022

Background:

Taping is widely used intervention in various conditions treated by physiotherapist. Neurodevelopmental disorders in children leading to foot abnormality is one of the major concen. As taping is one of the intervention in same the study is focusing taping on pronated feet in the selected age group.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the kinesiotaping and exercise improve pronated feet in neurodevelopmental disordered (NDD) children.

Patients and Methods:

This was a cross over study, within subjects study evaluating two treatments, kinesio tape, and exercise. Thirty subjects with age group 6–12 years diagnosed with NDD having pronated feet. Subjects were allocated in the two groups. Group 1 included subjects for taping and Group 2 included subjects for exercise. Taping was applied for two consecutive weeks for 5 days per week and then 2 weeks of the window period, which was followed by two consecutive weeks of exercise sessions for 5 days per week. The navicular drop test and Foot Posture Index were measured pre and post treatment. Foot posture index used to examine the posture of foot and navicular drop test.

Results and Conclusion:

Group 1 (taping) and Group 2 (exercises) showed no significant results as a single entity, whereas there was a small effect seen of the intervention.
Comparison of I-gel and LMA Protector in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Arı DE , Abitağaoğlu S , Köksal C , YıldırımAr A , Emrem D , Üstün M
Published: January 2022

Aims:

Comparison of the use of I-gel and Laringeal Mask Airway (LMA) Protector in laparoscopic cholecystectomy regarding the time and ease of insertion for supraglottic airway devices (SAD) and gastric tube (GT), airway sealing capacity, and postoperative complications.

Patients and Methods:

Sixty-four American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) I–III patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into two groups. After anesthesia induction, LMA Protector was inserted in Group LPRO (LMA Protector) (n = 33) and I-gel was inserted in Group IGEL (I-gel) (n = 31) patients. Time of SAD insertion, number of attempts, time, and ease of GT insertion were recorded. The peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP) were measured at the time of SAD insertion, 10 min after insertion, 10 min after pneumoperitoneum, and just before the termination of pneumoperitoneum. The presence of bloodstains on SAD, sore throat, hoarseness, nausea, and pain in swallowing was assessed postoperatively. A P value of < 0.05 was accepted as statistically significant.

Result:

Two patients in Group LPRO needed endotracheal intubation and were excluded from the study. The SAD insertion time was shorter in Group IGEL than in Group LPRO (13 ± 7.4 s vs. 18.8 ± 9.8 s). The number of attempts and success rate on the first attempt were similar in both groups. GT insertion time was shorter in Group IGEL than Group LPRO (11 ± 7.7 s vs. 21 ± 11 s). The insertion of GT was easier in Group IGEL. The OLP levels decreased during the pneumoperitoneum in Group LPRO while they remained constant in Group IGEL.

Conclusion:

We observed that I-gel offers more stable airway sealing and easier GT insertion advantages when compared with LMA Protector in laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Development of Valid and Reliable Tools for Pediatricians' Knowledge and Self-Perceived Competency Towards Oral Health of Children in Turkey
Authors: Ozkaya G , Cubukcu CE , Ozdel ZGE
Published: January 2022

Background:

This study aimed to develop a valid and reliable questionnaire of knowledge about oral health in childhood and a scale of self-perceived competency for pediatricians. In this way, the contributions of Turkish pediatricians on oral health in childhood and their effects on children's oral health and caregivers will be evaluated.

Subjects and Methods:

Items were generated from published scientific literature, other questionnaires, and interviewing notes with the pedodontists. The study group examined publications on the preventive oral health of children, and they included items related to children in the item pool. The initial knowledge questionnaire consisted of 23 items and 10 items for the self-perceived competency scale. The content validity of the questionnaire and scale were determined by the assessments of the expert team. The internal consistency of the knowledge questionnaire and test-retest reliability of the self-perceived competency scale was examined.

Results:

Thirty pediatricians took part in the study. The pediatricians were: 63.3% (n = 19) female and 36.7% (n = 11) male; their mean age was 37.97 ± 3.86 years. Most of the pediatricians were specialists with 83.4% (n = 25). The medical specialization of all pediatricians was university and the working year mean was 10.93 ± 4.28. The knowledge questionnaire had 10 items after content validity and internal consistency reliability investigations. The initial number of items for the self-perception level scale was 10. We excluded five items due to the content validity index. ICC value for 5-item self-perception level scale was calculated as 0.816 (95% CI: 0.606–0.914). Therefore, the scale has a good reliability level.

Conclusion:

Our knowledge questionnaire and self-perceived competency scale provide a validated and reliable tool in the assessment of pediatricians’ knowledge and competency regarding oral health. Pediatricians can test themselves using this knowledge questionnaire and self-perceived competency scale.
Comparison of Inguinal Herniotomies with and Without Opening the External Oblique Aponeurosis in Children Above the Age of Two
Authors: Kart Y , Öztürk C
Published: January 2022

Background:

Mitchell-Banks technique (MBT), in which inguinal canal is not opened, usually used in inguinal hernia repair in children under 2 years of age. The majority of pediatric surgeons tend to open the inguinal canal while performing inguinal hernia surgery in children over 2 years of age, called as modified Ferguson herniotomy (FH).

Aims:

This study aimed to compare early and late complications of the MBT and FH in over 2 years of age patients who underwent inguinal hernia surgery.

Patients and Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of all children between 2 and 16 years old who underwent inguinal herniotomy procedure using the MBT and FH between January 2013 and December 2019. Patients were evaluated in terms of demographic data, early and late complications.

Results:

This study included 834 children. Of these, 379 (44.8%) were operated on by an FH with opening the inguinal canal (Group 1), and 455 (55.2%) by MBT superficially to the external ring (Group 2). There were 68 (17.9%) females and 311 (82.1%) males in group 1, while there were 151 (33.2%) females and 304 (66.8%) males in group 2. Early complications were wound infection (1.1% in the group 1 vs. 1.3% in the group 2, P = 1.00) and scrotal hematoma (1.3% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.89). Late complications included recurrence (1.6% in the group 1 vs. 1.8% in the group 2, P = 0.12), undescended testis (2.1% vs. 0.7%, P = 0.71), testicular atrophy (1.5% vs. 0.4%, P = 0.79), and hydrocele (1.9% vs. 1.8%, P = 0.87). There was no statistically significant difference in terms of early and late complications ratio between two groups.

Conclusion:

This study showed that inguinal hernia repair performed without opening the inguinal canal in children older than 2 years do not lead to an increase in complications. In this respect, MBT can be used as a simple and safe procedure in older children.
The Effect of Different Surface Roughening Systems on the Micro-Shear Bond Strength of Aged Resin Composites
Authors: Karadağlioğlu Öİ , Alagöz L Güleç , Çalişkan A , Vaizoğlu G Aksoy
Published: January 2022

Background:

There are controversies regarding the most effective surface treatment method to be applied for the effective repair of resin composites.

Aims:

This study aimed to compare the effects of surface roughening processes on repair bond strength of different types of aged composites. Water aging was applied to 60 nanohybrid and 60 micro-hybrid resin composite samples for 1 year. Samples were randomly divided into five groups and four types of roughening processes. Bur, OPTIDISC, SUPERSNAP, and BISCO were applied to the water-aged resin composite samples. Micro-shear test method was used to measure the repair bond strength.

Materials and Methods:

Data were analyzed with IBM SPSS V23. Compliance with normal distribution was examined by Kolmogorov–Smirnov test. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD test for multiple comparisons were used.

Results:

The main effect of the type of resin composites and surface roughening methods were found to be significantly different. The MPa values of surface roughening groups were similar while the lowest mean value was obtained for the untreated group of the nanohybrid resin composite (P < 0.001). The bond strength for both resin composites was generally considered within acceptable limits except for no treatment group of nanohybrid resin composite.

Conclusions:

This study showed that surface roughening method is mandatory for effective bond strength and the type of fillers in resin composite affects the micro-shear bond strength.
The coronavirus pandemic impact on India's Yoga tourism business
Authors: Dayananda Swamy H. R. , Agoramoorthy Govindasamy
Published: January 2022

Yoga tourism is an emerging market in India, with a great economic potential to boost revenue in the wellness travel and hospitality industries. Millions of tourists from foreign countries visit India each year to explore the history, philosophy, practice, and experiences of Yoga as the art originated there. However, little is known in the scientific literature on the Yoga-linked tourism and hospitality subject. Besides, how the enduring COVID-19 pandemic impacts the emerging Yoga tourism and hospitality sector in India is not fully understood. This article highlights the less-known aspects of India's Yoga tourism and hospitality and how the continuing COVID-19 pandemic impacts the business.
Effect of short duration integrated classroom yoga module on physical, cognitive, emotional and personality measures of school children
Authors: Sinha Atul , Kumari Sony
Published: January 2022

Context:

Despite evidence of therapeutic benefits of yoga on school children, many schools do not include yoga in their daily schedule. Reasons cited are lack of time and resources. An efficacious short duration integrated classroom yoga module (ICYM) can overcome such problems.

Aim:

This study aimed to test the effect of such a yoga module on physical fitness, cognitive performance, emotional wellbeing, and personality characteristic of school children.

Methods:

The design was a randomized controlled trial with participants sourced from grades 7–10. The intervention period was 2 months. The primary outcome measures were 4 tests from the EUROFIT physical fitness testing battery, Stroop color-word naming task, Rosenberg self-esteem scale, WHO-5 wellbeing index, and Sushruta Child Personality Inventory. Statistical analysis used a repeated measure analysis of variance. Secondary outcome measure was a qualitative assessment.

Results:

The yoga group showed significant differences compared to the control group in 2 of 4 physical fitness variables, Stroop color-word naming task, and in the WHO-5 wellbeing index.

Conclusion:

ICYM is a validated, feasible, and efficacious school-based short-duration integrated yoga module. It can be considered for incorporation into the daily school schedule.
A literature review on behavioral attributes of yoga postures and cognition
Authors: Gupta Ankit , Gupta Ram Kumar
Published: January 2022

Background:

Hatha Yoga is the science of training one's mind and body through the practice of shatkarma, asana, pranayama, mudra, and samadhi. The objective of this literature review is to provide a theoretical rationale to identify (a) the specific attribute of the yoga poses which have been used in yoga protocol of various studies but not explicitly explored and (b) the minimum time required to hold a posture to bring the corresponding change in the performance among aforesaid cognitive function(s).

Materials and Methods:

Keywords such as yoga and cognition, yoga and working memory, yoga posture and cognition, and yoga and attention have been used to retrieve 24 empirical studies from Google Scholar. Those studies which have included only the yoga poses (asanas) as part of the yoga intervention in improving the cognitive functions were included in the review.

Results:

Traditions of Yoga such as Hatha and Iyengar Yoga emphasizes on postural alignment and accuracy, these asanas improve a variety of psychological, physiological, and cognitive functions. One study showed an improvement in cognitive functions and in another study, yoga practitioners showed improved reaction time.

Conclusion:

Due to inadequate empirical studies on yoga posture and cognition, it is not recommended to definitively conclude about the role of said attributes in improving cognitive performance. Future studies should involve longitudinal and randomized designs, large sample size, and homogeneous sample in terms of age-, gender-, and disease-specific population. The details of the studies are described in the manuscript.
“Poets, What Can We Do?”
Authors: Picerni Federico
Published: January 2022

The present paper investigates poetry written in China on the theme of the COVID-19 pandemic following the outbreak in January 2020, considered both as a social phenomenon and as literary texts. The analysis is primarily interested in considering the impact of the pandemic on poetry’s interaction with social reality. In order to do so, the essay follows two trajectories. Firstly, it explores the public role performed by poets in the nationwide popular mobilization that sustained the party-state’s effort to curb the epidemic, with a strong emphasis on poetry as a social practice, specifically in a time of crisis, as outlined by both the state and the authors themselves. Secondly, a close reading of selected texts shows the heterogeneity of standpoints adopted by poets in their individual understandings of their role during China’s anti-COVID mobilization effort, especially in relation with the “master narrative” advanced by the state. The paper demonstrates that the final configuration of China’s pandemic poetry was made possible by Chinese poetry’s longstanding tradition of social responsibility, and that the transgression of boundaries between the official and unofficial poetry scenes, and “amateur” and “professional” authors, was instrumental to promote poets’ public engagement.
COVID-19 in North Korea and Its Effect on the Cooperation of North and South Korea in the Field of Health Care
Authors: Kang Byoung Yoong
Published: January 2022

COVID-19 is an infectious respiratory disease that first appeared in December 2019 in Wuhan, China and first spread throughout the country and then worldwide. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concerned about the rapid spread of COVID-19, officially declared a global pandemic on March 11, 2020. North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea) barred foreign tourists from China on January 21, 2020, and then completely closed its border with China.
In this article, I will explore the impact of COVID-19 on North Korean society and research the cooperation plan between South and North Korea. I will also briefly introduce in the post-COVID-19 period. To better understand the health care system and health conditions in North Korea, I will first analyse the infectious disease management system and, in the context of this, then try to investigate in detail how COVID-19 has affected North Korea. From an economic point of view, I will examine the changes in economic cooperation between North Korea and China, and then try to explain the social changes caused by restrictions on movement and lack of goods, and the political situation in North Korea during the COVID-19 crisis.
Finally, I will try to research the situation facing North Korea and suggest a way for cooperation between South and North Korea in the future. The basic aim of this research is to find a useful alternative for joint cooperation in the field of health care and safety and to improve cooperation between South and North Korea in the post-COVID-19 era.
Individual Rights vs. Common Good?
Authors: Ito-Morales Kyoko
Published: January 2022

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, we have been facing one of the most severe challenges of our modern era. As the world experiences ever-greater globalization, a process of assimilation has accelerated in numerous spheres such as cultural, educational, economic, etc., but it is notable that the measures taken by countries to combat the impact of COVID-19 vary significantly. A considerable number of countries have implemented lockdown strategies backed by new laws, whereas some others have been relying on the virtues of good citizenship in order to not depend on their legal systems. Within Asia there are also contrasting approaches; for instance, China and Korea responded with a quick and effective tracking method, while Japan depended on a self-restraint strategy.
The Japanese and Swedish approaches to COVID-19 are unique and ambiguous, because they are based on voluntary self-restraint. There is no legal or political mechanism to control people’s behaviours. Still, in rough terms these methods seem to have been working, at least until now. In order to understand the puzzling practice of self-restraint, this research explores the origin and cultural background of self-restraint in Japan descriptively and evaluates its positive and negative consequences. Rather than utilizing the philosophy of communitarianism as the theoretical base, it examines the deep relationship between Japan and the surrounding environment, and the use of self-restraint in various events, including those related to COVID-19. Moreover, this study adds to the debate on seeking the right balance between the communitarian common good that is especially emphasized in the East, and an individual’s rights and freedom that are highlighted in the West.
Does foreign banks entry influence domestic banks' efficiency? Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Osei-Assibey Eric , Bekoe William , Armah Michael
Published: January 2022

The study investigates the effect of foreign bank entry on the efficiency of domestic banks in Ghana. The study applies the Stochastic Frontier Analysis (SFA) technique and the system Generalized Method of Moments (GMM) estimator on bank specific level data, spanning the period 2000 to 2015. The results show that foreign banks with an average profit efficiency of 74.7% are more profit efficient than domestic banks with a score of 71% which conforms to the global advantage hypothesis. This suggests that foreign banks are able to maximize revenue through the generation of interest income on loans and investments better than domestic banks due to the foreign banks' comparative advantage in terms of international expertise. Further, the system GMM results indicate that the entry of foreign banks has contributed to the profit efficiency of domestic banks in Ghana. This positive spillover effect of foreign banks is manifested in their transfer of international expertise, technological knowledge, quality banking services and competitive pressure to domestic banks. In addition, bank size and liquidity are essential determinants of the profit efficiency of domestic banks in Ghana. The findings of the study imply that bank regulators in developing countries should push for reforms that eliminate implicit and explicit barriers that may hinder the entry of foreign or new banks.
Regime switching in Sub-Saharan frontier equity markets - a case study of the Ghana Stock Exchange Index
Authors: Korkpoe Carl H.
Published: January 2022

We investigated regime switching behaviour of the broad aggregate returns of the Ghana Stock Exchange within the context of frontier markets. The data covered the daily period from January 04, 2011 to March 31, 2017. We made the following findings: (a) there are clear market regimes corresponding to periods of tranquillity and turbulence as demonstrated by the vastly different unconditional volatilities associated with the low and high regimes in the data (b) contrary to investor beliefs, frontier markets are less risky than reported in the popular press and (c) the returns from frontier markets are positively skewed. The regime switching model employed was compared to the workhorse GARCH(1,1) model used for volatility estimation in finance using the Deviance Information Criteria. In our findings, the MS-GARCH performed better than the GARCH(1,1), confirming recent studies in volatility modeling. The implications of these findings for trading strategies, investment and portfolio choices and risk management have been highlighted. For policymakers this study will provide a counter argument for granting tax exemptions to global investors on the basis of perceived elevated risk in frontier markets.
A Predictive Model for Network Intrusion Detection System Using Deep Neural Network
Authors: Abubakar Aminuddeen , Garko Ahmed Baita
Published: January 2022

Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) is an important part of Cyber safety and security. It plays a key role in all networked ICT systems in detecting rampant attacks such as Denial of Service (DoS) and ransom ware attacks. Existing methods are inadequate in terms of accuracy detection of attacks. However, the requirement for high accuracy detection of attacks using Deep Neural Network requires expensive computing resources which in turn make most organisations, and individuals shy away from it. This study therefore aims at designing a predictive model for network intrusion detection using deep neural networks with very limited computing resources. The study adopted Cross Industry Standard Process for Data Mining (CRISP-DM) as one of the formal methodologies and python was used for both testing and training, using crucial parameters such as the learning rate, number of epochs, neurons and hidden layers which greatly determined the accuracy level of the DNN algorithm. These parameters were experimented with values that are lesser compared to previous studies, training and evaluation were also done on the KDD99 data-set. The varying values of accuracy obtained from this study on four models with different numbers of layers of 50-epochs and learning rate of 0.01 achieved competitive results in comparison with the previous research of 100-1000 epochs and learning rate of 0.1. Therefore, the model with two layers attained same accuracy of 0.955 as the model with three layers from the previous study out of the four models tested in this study.

Also, the models with three and four layers in this study attained an accuracy of 0.956, which is 0.001greater than the previous study's models.

Keywords: Network-Based IDS, Host-Based IDS, Deep Neural Network, Denial of Service, Knowledge Discovery Dataset
Sonographic Correlation of Liver Dimensions with Anthropometric Variables in Apparently Healthy Pediatrics in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria
Authors: Sidi Mohammed , Idris Ahmad Safiyanu , Hassan Aliyu Abdullahi
Published: January 2022

Accurate measurement of liver size allows for the diagnosis of various liver pathologies. Establishing normal liver size and how it is influenced by anthropometric variables is critical in diagnosis and determining the treatment method for the underlying liver pathology. This study was aimed at establishing the relationship between liver dimensions and anthropometric variables. The study was a cross-sectional study conducted in some selected hospitals in Kano Metropolis, Nigeria. Four hundred and twenty-six apparently normal pediatric subjects were studied within the age range of 0 – <18years. The liver was examined with the patient in supine position, both the cranio-caudal and antero-posterior liver dimension were obtained through the mid clavicular line in longitudinal and transvers planes respectively. Both descriptive inferential statistics were employed for the data analysis. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used and p>0.05 was set as significance level. There was a statistical significant strong positive correlation between cranio-caudal dimension and age, height, weight, BMI and BSA in <1 month >12month age group (r=0.74, p=0.000; r=0.86, p=0.000; r=0.64, p=0.000; r=0.74, 0.p=000 and r=0.53, p=0.000 respectively for males and r=0.60, p=0.000; r=0.61, p=0.000; r=0.59; p=0.000; r=0.81, p=0.000 and r=0.66, p=0.001 respectively for females). Also, in the same age group both male and female subjects show significant strong positive correlation between anterior-posterior dimension and BMI & BSA: (r=0.67, p=0.000, r=0.67, p=0.000 respectively for males and r=0.69, p=0.000, r=0.77, p=0.000 respectively for females). This study reported that anthropometric variable such as age, height, BMI and BSA is positively correlated with both cranio-caudal and antero-posterior liver dimension.

Keywords: Ultrasound, Liver, Cranio-Caudal, Antero-Posterior, Dimension
Investigation of Amino and Fatty Acid Characterisation of Thevetia peruviana (Milk Bush) Seed
Authors: Akintelu M. T. , Amoo I. A. , Kade I. J , Omoba O. S
Published: January 2022

This study examined the amino acid profile and fatty acid analysis of Milk bush (thevetia peruviana) seed. The seeds were ground into very fine powder using three processing techniques. The parameters of interest were carried out using standard methods. The results of both essential and non-essential amino acids showed that the total essential amino acid content in oven-dried seed sample (OD.S), airdried seed sample (AD.S) and sun-dried seed sample (SD.S) were within the WHO Standard. It was observed that eighteen out of the twenty amino acids content of food were present in the seed with glutamic acid having the highest value, followed by aspartate and arginine. Also the eight essential amino acid needed in the daily diet were all present in the sample (arginine, valine, histidine, isoleucine, lysine, methionine, phenylanine, threonine, tryptophan and leucine). There were reductions in the level of some amino acids as a result of the processing treatments. The fatty acid analysis also revealed that the sample contained both saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The unsaturated fatty acids for oven-dried, sun-dried and air-dried are 60.89, 2.21 and 20.47 respectively while the saturated fatty acids for oven-dried , sun-dried and air dried 26.15, 3.29 and 35.61 respectively. The result suggested that thevetia peruviana contains high quality protein and the oil is a good source of unsaturation which increases the shelf life and edibility of the oil.

Keywords: Amino acid; Fatty acid; Characterization; Processing techniques; Milk-bush seed
Comparative Analysis of Support Vector Machine and EGARCH Modelling of Zenith Bank Plc. Stock Price on Economic Growth in Nigeria
Authors: Alhaji Ismaila Sulaiman , Nweze N. O , Abubakar Muhammad Auwal
Published: January 2022

In this 21st century, stock exchange has become a crucial and determining factor for the global economy, any variability in this market affects personal, corporate financial activities and the economic growth a country. A lot of analysis using different models were explored by several authors. However, this study set out to investigates the statistical behaviour of Zenith Bank PLC stock price using Support Vector Machine (SVM) and EGARCH Model on economic growth in Nigeria by adopting quantitative techniques using the causal-comparative research method. The findings from this research shows a coefficient of the Zenith bank Low stock price at (0.546945) and high stock price at (0.453562) which indicates that low stock price is insignificant because is less than α = 0.05, while high stock price of greater than α = 0.05 is significant to predict the Zenith bank stock price. Findings from the study has further revealed that SVM mode approach is more appropriate than EGARCH model and recommends that stockholders, financial analyst and researchers who are investing in stock market should adapt the SVM model approach to determine the volatility rate or level of stochastic in the financial time series data.

Keywords: Stock Price, Support Vector Machine (SVM), EGARCH Model, Stock Exchange, Economic Growth
Critical Gaps in Land Governance with Respect to the Land Registration System in Ethiopia
Authors: Moges Melkamu Belachew
Published: January 2022

Land registration is a useful land information system practised in almost all modern nations. It is also true that many land registration systems fail due to a number of reasons. This article investigates whether the land registration system in Ethiopia has given due attention to sound land governance components which are critical for the success of any land registration system. Doctrinal and content analysis of legislative documents of Ethiopia is applied to this end. Desk review of relevant secondary material was also used. The article discusses the general role of good governance in such systems and shows the benefits of a land registration system that is exercised under good governance. A conceptual framework is used by which the land registration governance system of Ethiopia is weighed. I argue that the land registration system of Ethiopia has major gaps of land governance. Good land governance in land registration of the country could be enhanced by the provision of adequate legislative and policy framework, effective land registration institutional organs and efficient processes for the enforcement of the system.
The Ratification of the New York Convention in Ethiopia: Towards Efficacy and Avoidance of Divergent Paths
Authors: Bahta Tecle Hagos
Published: January 2022

Ethiopia’s ratification of the New York Convention for the recognition and enforcement of foreign arbitral awards and arbitration agreements is a welcome development. The Convention has been greatly facilitating cross-border mobility of arbitral awards and arbitration agreements in international commercial transactions. The entry into force of the New York Convention (as of 13 March 2020) and the enactment of the Arbitration and Conciliation Proclamation No.1237/2021 have ushered a relatively new era of modern arbitral regime in Ethiopia. In this regard, the necessary legal and formal infrastructure should be laid down for the proper implementation of the New York Convention. This article examines the ramifications of the three reservations registered by Ethiopia under the Convention; namely, the reciprocity, commercial and the non-retroactive application of the Convention. Furthermore, the multiplicity of enforcement regimes in the Ethiopian arbitral system related to these reservations are expounded. The formality requirements enunciated under the New York Convention are elaborated and the need for setting out the legal and institutional framework for contextualization thereof are dealt with. The possibility for award-creditors to resort to the more favourable local law or treaty other than the New York Convention and the recent trend of recognizing and enforcing arbitral awards, which are set aside or annulled in the place of arbitration are highlighted.