bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Data Collection and Preprocessing for Generative AI
Authors: Choudhury Abhik
Published: January 2025

This chapter unlocks the potential of GenAI in the service industry by laying the groundwork for effective data collection and preprocessing, which are crucial for business analytics and strategic decision-making. It explores various data sources, techniques for data collection, and preprocessing methodologies that ensure consistent input data. Impetus is placed on practical applications, challenges faced, and solutions to overcome these hurdles. We begin by introducing the role of generative AI in transforming business analytics and decision-making processes, followed by discussion on different data collection techniques from both internal and external sources. The chapter addresses common issues encountered during data cleaning, such as handling missing values and identifying outliers, while also highlighting advanced methods for data transformation. We also delve into best practices for ensuring privacy compliance and maintaining ethical standards in data collection efforts in addition to reviewing a variety of tools and technologies that facilitate efficient data preprocessing.
Intelligent Decision Making Through Adoption of Business Analytics
Authors: Olubiyi Timilehin Olasoji , Akinlabi Hameed Babatunde
Published: January 2025

Organisations globally are confronted with increasing customer demands, stiff competition, and technological advancements, which compels them to seek out innovative solutions. Business analytics (BA) is the modern technology in the business context for understanding large volumes of data (big data) and providing descriptive, predictive, and prescriptive analyses. The chapter looks at the relationship between business analytics adoption and behavioural intentions among SMEs in Nigeria, Africa's biggest economy, for intelligent decision making. This study contributed to the existing literature on technology acceptance by proposing and utilising the modified UTAUT theory to explain business analytics adoption by SMEs in Nigeria. It also provides valuable insights to SMEs in Nigeria, helping them understand the factors that influence their intention to adopt new technologies. With this understanding, SMEs can strategize and enhance their technological capabilities, leading to improved innovation performance and intelligent business decision making.
A Framework Using Big Data for Patient Detection and Identification Systems
Authors: Saraswat Shipra , Rajesh Anupama , Singh Gurinder , Trehan Kiran , Patil Vedant , Shukla Garima , Singh Sofia
Published: January 2025

During the COVID-19 pandemic authorities reported around 1500 missing patients/ tested positive in Delhi-NCR who were difficult to trace down. In times of calamities, natural disasters and pandemics like situations hospitals and medical centres are over occupied by patients and management, doctors and families have a hard time locating their loved ones in multiple hospitals. The human face is a unique biometric system that can determine the age, gender, mood, of an individual and even identity for verification purposes. Along with the power of deep learning and artificial intelligence, applications of machine learning is patient recognition. A state-of-the-art patient recognition is a combination of multiple machine learning and deep learning algorithms for face detection, facial recognition, facial feature extraction and finally validation. Trained based on a database, the software can provide us with information pointing out the identity of missing patients.
Transforming Early Childhood Language Pedagogy
Authors: Manditereza Blandina
Published: January 2025

Global trends have set the pace for digital literacies to become entrenched in education sectors; hence, we need to rethink and transition our pedagogical practices to cater for societies' demands and the ever-evolving learners' needs. This chapter reports on the literature review study to inform early childhood teachers about transforming teaching practices in early childhood language development contexts. Since the historical trends in literacy education for young children reflect a dynamic interplay between educational theories, societal needs, and technological advancements. Transitioning from traditional pedagogical practices to digital pedagogy accommodates Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 4.2, which promotes all girls and boys having access to quality early childhood development, care, and pre-primary education. This qualitative literature review-based study focuses on the narrative approach that applies the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) to gain insights into user reactions to the technology adopted for language learning in early childhood language learning contexts.
The Impact of a Gamified Augmented Environment on Language Skills in Students With ASD
Authors: López-Bouzas Nerea , Pérez M. Esther del Moral , Fernández Jonathan Castañeda
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the impact of a Gamified Augmented Environment (GAE) intervention on language skills in students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (N=54). It explores the effects of individual student variables such as age, gender, ASD severity, comorbidity, and language type. Employing a quantitative, exploratory methodology, language skills were assessed using the DiagnosticApp instrument before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the GAE intervention. Findings revealed a significant improvement in language skills post-intervention, particularly in the expansion of vocabulary related to animals and pirates, the theme of the GAE. ASD severity was found to be a significant factor, with students experiencing more severe ASD exhibiting lower scores due to cognitive limitations. Age and gender did not significantly impact scores. Overall, the study highlights the effectiveness of the Gamified Augmented Environment in providing a motivating and immersive experience through augmented reality, thereby enhancing language skills in students through engaging in a pirate adventure.
An Effective Data Visualization Overview and Impact
Authors: P. S. Vijayalakshmi , S. Poorana Senthilkumar , John Rajan
Published: January 2025

The modern world generates a tremendous amount of data every day. Additionally, when evaluating data for specific trends, it can occasionally be challenging to spot patterns of the data left in the raw format. This is avoided by the use of data visualization. This data visualization identifies it easier to understand, view, and interpret the data by providing a clean, organized graphical visualization of the data. When working in data, it might be difficult to completely explain the information it is only provided in tabular format. When compared to a table and a CSV file holding the data, this makes correlations, patterns, and trends simpler to observe. In this chapter, the authors show how to visualize data using Python and several modules. The primary aim is to access high data and interpret it to show emerging areas and patterns more quickly. This is mainly important because it comes in massive amounts of information and data analysis, as the big amount of data can be debilitating in the absence of efficient visualization methods.
Organizational Sustainability in Indonesia
Authors: Jaya I Made Laut Mertha , Nakuloadi Hening
Published: January 2025

In a globalized world, organizations often struggle to balance global operational standards with their local roots. Culture serves as the foundation that helps organizations maintain their identity while adapting to changes. This study explores the relationship between culture and knowledge in shaping organizational sustainability in Indonesia. Utilizing a qualitative hermeneutic approach, the study interprets the Javanese philosophical concept of Jnana Badra, or “the light of knowledge,” to provide insights into the role of intellectual and cultural capital in human resource management. The findings reveal that integrating cultural values with knowledge-based strategies fosters organizational adaptability, innovation, and resilience. Keywords: Human resource management, Human capital management, Humanize management, Culture, Knowledge (Intellectual capital), Philosophy Jnana Badra, Organizational, Sustainability
Insights of Perspectives of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Sirswal Sapna , Goyal Rajat , Goel Karan , Manisha  , Gautam Rupesh K. , Gupta Sumeet
Published: January 2025

The complicated neurological disorder known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typified by limited interests and repetitive behaviors in addition to difficulties with social communication. Subtle morphological and functional changes, even in the absence of overt brain pathology, have been observed in several investigations using post-mortem analysis and neuroimaging techniques. While genetic research was previously thought to be useful in defining subtypes, it has primarily produced results that are relevant to a variety of populations that are not exclusively autistic. Accurate clinical assessment and management, which usually start with developmental screening and referral for comprehensive diagnosis, including screening for comorbid conditions, depend on an understanding of and attention to factors affecting prevalence rates, including modifications in diagnostic criteria.ic criteria.
Emerging Trends and Transdisciplinary Approaches in Autism Spectrum Disorder Management
Authors: Ishaq Umar , Ishaq Hamza
Published: January 2025

This research looks at advances in the field and methods of managing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and the place of pharmacotherapy within the profession of pharmacy. The study is a cross-sectional survey that seeks to establish current practices, issues of concern, and attitudes of healthcare organizations. Altogether, the data presented show that children with ASD experience numerous difficulties in receiving proper diagnostic and therapeutic care, which emphasizes the necessity of raising public awareness, AVSD resources, and effective interventions. Stressing the need for a multi-sectoral approach to ASD, this study recommends the expansion of education and training for pharmacists, as well as the need for increased funding for research focused on ASD to improve the patients' lives as well as the quality of treatment.
Conversational Agent Chatbot Classification and Design Techniques
Authors: Varzaneh Mostafa Raeisi , Alibrahim Shehada A. , Dakkak Omar , Karaoğlan Kürşat Mustafa
Published: January 2025

A comprehensive study is presented to examine the intricate landscape of chatbots, focusing on their classification and design methodologies. Following an overview of the historical background and development of chatbot technology, the paper categorizes chatbots into five classes: rule-based, retrieval-based, generative models, non-task-oriented, and task-oriented. The discussion examines the design techniques used in chatbot, emphasizing the shift from simplistic pattern matching to more complex knowledge-based approaches. An analysis of dialogue management strategies is provided to address the challenges of maintaining context and coherence in conversations. Ethical and social ramifications, encompassing privacy, bias, transparency, and their implications on employment and societal interaction, are examined with on responsible design. Furthermore, the paper explores the NLP techniques underlying chatbot development, including natural language understanding and generation. It investigates evaluation methodologies, current trends, future directions, and open research challenges.
Evaluation of Tea Smallholders’ Knowledge and Attitudes towards the Adoption of Recommended Agricultural Practices in Tea
Authors: Munasinghe C. E. , Wanigasundara W. A. D. P.
Published: January 2025

Tea smallholdings sector plays a major role in the tea industry of Sri Lanka. Knowledge and Attitudes of tea smallholders are identified as one of the critical factors affecting the adoption of recommended practices. This study was aimed at evaluation of existing knowledge and attitudes of tea smallholders on the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. A sample of 108 smallholders were selected and primary data were collected using a simple question paper and a questionnaire. Descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods were adopted to analyze data using SPSS software package. In general, the majority of tea smallholders had poor knowledge and least favorable attitudes on the adoption of recommended agricultural practices. Simultaneously, smallholder attitudes and level of knowledge were positively correlated. Exposure to tea related extension programs was identified to be the most important factor that effect both the knowledge level and attitudes of tea smallholders. At the same time, gender had a significant effect on level of knowledge whereas farmer experience is found to be a significant determinant of attitudes.
Development for a concept mapping multicultural education program for Mother and Baby Unit nurses: a quasi-experimental study in South Korea
Authors: Kang Dahae , Shon Soonyoung
Published: January 2025

Purpose: This study aimed to develop a multicultural education program for Mother and Baby Unit (MBU) nurses by using concept mapping, and to evaluate its effectiveness in enhancing the nurses’ cultural competence and multicultural acceptance.Methods: This study utilized the ADDIE model (which comprises the Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation stages) to design and implement a concept mapping-based multicultural education program for MBU nurses in a quasi-experimental pre- and post-test design. This program was structured into five sessions, each incorporating the use of concept maps to facilitate self-reflection and critical thinking. All sessions were conducted using the online Zoom platform, allowing participants to engage without restrictions on time or location. A total of 53 nurses participated, with 26 assigned to the experimental group and 27 to the control group. The program’s effectiveness was assessed through changes in cultural competence and multicultural acceptance, measured using validated scales.Results: The results demonstrated significant improvements in both cultural competence and multicultural acceptance in the experimental group compared to the control group, supporting the hypotheses that such educational interventions can enhance nurses’ ability to provide culturally appropriate care.Conclusion: Concept mapping fosters self-reflection and critical thinking, effectively increasing MBU nurses’ cultural competence and multicultural acceptance. This study offers a practical framework for integrating multicultural education into nursing training, ultimately improving care for foreign mothers and reducing the challenges faced by MBU nurses.
Centralisation of financial decision-making on public hospitals in the Eastern Cape province
Authors: Fana Thanduxolo , Mokhele Mosekama O.
Published: January 2025

Background: The formal introduction of national health insurance in 2011 is making significant progress in South Africa. However, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the current financial situation pose a new challenge to South Africa’s ailing public health system, especially the centralisation of financial decision-making.Aim: This article examines the implementation of centralisation of financial decision-making and its impact on the functioning of public hospitals to deliver public healthcare services.Setting: The study’s research focussed on three public hospitals in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: This article followed the qualitative research method using semi-structured interviews and focus groups.Results: Budget cuts, inadequate audit results, poor financial management and a lack of leadership support and management were the main reasons for centralising the financial decisions of public healthcare services to the Provincial Department of Health. The results further show that the chief executive offices in those hospitals do not have the power to make financial decisions, which affects hospital operations.Conclusion: This article concludes that the centralisation of financial decision-making leads to delays in decision-making and poor public hospital functionality in delivering public healthcare services.Contribution: It is crucial for public hospital leadership to understand which decision-making powers are centralised and which are decentralised. This understanding will assist public hospital leadership in assessing their respective hospitals’ specific needs and capabilities and strike a balance between the appropriate level of decentralisation, service performance, adequate staff availability and hospital functionality. Lastly, continuous monitoring and evaluation of the impact of centralised decision-making on public hospital operations could help public hospital leadership identify and promptly address any potential drawbacks.
Critical Issues in an Unmotivated Patient with Alcohol Dependence
Authors: Vadhavekar Nidhi , Chatwani Saloni , Desousa Avinash , Sheth Hardik , Dongerkery Kavitha V. , Deolekar Pradnya
Published: January 2025

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is characterized by an impaired ability to stop alcohol consumption despite its adverse sociooccupational, health consequences and is associated with tolerance and withdrawal on sudden stoppage of alcohol. The patient had a history of AUD, alcoholic liver cirrhosis, HIV, and squamous-cell carcinoma of the vocal cords. The patient’s AUD was characterized by cluster B personality disorder traits, and treatment involved a multidisciplinary approach (acamprosate, sertraline, nicotine replacement therapy, psychotherapy, and admission into a rehabilitation center). However, all interventions failed, and the patient’s medical complications ultimately led to his demise. This case highlights the importance of considering a range of factors that contribute to poor treatment response in AUD, including motivation, personality factors, and medical comorbidities. This case also highlights the fact that there is an urgent need for stricter regulation of rehabilitation facilities in India, particularly those catering to patients with complex and comorbid conditions.
Investigating the Safety of Fampridine in Patients with Different Stages of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Vaheb Saeed , Farzan Mahour , Afshari-Safavi Alireza , Ebrahimi Narges , Shaygannejad Vahid , Mirmosayyeb Omid
Published: January 2025

Background:

Fampridine is the only drug approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to improve their movement and has exhibited a clinically significant improvement in gait function in a subset of MS patients with Expanded Disability Status Scale (ESDSS) from 4 to 7. Nevertheless, this drug has been reported to possess some adverse effects (AEs) like seizure because of its pharmacological features. The aim of this study was to evaluate the incidence rate of post-medication side effects (SEs) of fampridine in MS patients.

Methods:

This prospective cohort study includes MS patients aged between 18 and 65 years, referred to the neurology clinic of Kashani Hospital from April 2022 to October 2022, all with administration of fampridine (10 mg tablet twice daily according to the product specifications). Safety in these patients was monitored through monthly SEs checklist questions during 6 months of screening. SPSS version 18 was used to analyze the data of this study.

Results:

From 319 participants screened at baseline, 254 patients with MS, including 127 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS), 101 secondary progressive multiple sclerosis (SPMS), and 26 primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), were included in the study. The most observed AEs in SPMS and RRMS patients were dry mouth (13.9% vs. 15%) and insomnia (12.9% vs. 11%), respectively. Urinary tract infection (UTI) (11.5%) and stomachache (11.5%) were the most common SEs in PPMS patients. The most severe complication of the patients was back pain, while digestive complications were less severe. Also, insomnia and UTI were the patients’ most persistent SEs.

Conclusions:

The drug seems to be safe and well tolerated, as the SEs were mild and transient and they were consistent with most of the previous studies focusing on this medication.
Diagnostic Value of Mean Platelet Volume, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio, and Platelet to Lymphocyte Ratio for Late-Onset Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Barekatain Behzad , Mardani Elahe , Sadeghnia Alireza , Heidari Zahra
Published: January 2025

Background:

Neonatal sepsis (NS) is the most common cause of neonatal mortality, currently confirmed with blood culture as the diagnostic gold standard. However, being time-consuming, false-negative results, being affected by even a single dose of antibiotics, and expensiveness are negative aspects. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the diagnostic value of complete blood count (CBC) parameters: mean platelet volume (MPV), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and platelet to lymphocyte ratio (PLR) which have been suggested in previous studies.

Methods:

A total of 100 term and preterm neonates (age ≥ 32 weeks) hospitalized in Alzahra and Shahid Beheshti hospitals in Isfahan, Iran, were studied. Fifty neonates with late neonatal sepsis were placed in the case group, and 50 neonates with other diagnoses were placed in the control group. Neonatal blood samples were sent to the laboratory, and MPV, NLR, and PLR were measured.

Results:

The mean (standard deviation) of MPV was 7.20 (4.39) in the case group and 9.55 (0.87) in the control group, and there was a significant difference between them (P value = 0.001). At the cutoff point of 8.25 in MPV, the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.594 with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 30%. The mean (standard deviation) of NLR was 1.79 (1.21) in the case group and 2.28 (1.25) in the control group, and there was no significant difference between them (P value = 0.692). The mean (standard deviation) of PLR was 62.58 (34.57) in the case group and 65.11 (28.55) in the control group, and there was no significant difference between them (P value = 0.836).

Conclusions:

MPV, unlike NLR and PLR, can be used as a sensitive and cost-effective primary screening index in late NS at the cutoff point of 8.25 due. However, low specificity suggests a poor diagnostic value.
Osteonecrosis of the Hip: A New Strategic Ultrasound-Guided Intra-Articular Approach using Platelet-Rich Plasma with Viscosupplementation
Authors: Kanchanamala B. , Das Gautam , Kara Krishna , Vaghasia Aarti
Published: January 2025

Osteonecrosis of the hip is a progressive degenerative condition which necessitates early detection and initiation of therapy. Medical management and surgical intervention are the widely used options available for these patients. Another nonsurgical interventional option available for these patients is ultrasound-guided intra-articular injection using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) with viscosupplementation. A patient with bilateral hip necrosis was treated with PRP with 3% hyaluronic acid intra-articular supplementation in Daradia Pain Hospital. The detailed history, procedure, and follow-up are discussed in this report. PRP with viscosupplementation in our patient provided pain relief Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) reduced from 6 to 1, functional capacity, measured by increase in degree of abduction and internal rotation increased 10 degrees and 20 degrees ½ hour post procedure. The effect persisted on review of patient after 1 month. PRP with viscosupplementation could be a cost-effective alternative to medical or surgical management of osteonecrosis of the hip. However, further studies are needed to validate the results.
Ultrasonic Percutaneous Tenotomy with Platelet-Rich Plasma in a Recurrent Lateral Epicondylosis, Can be a Failure?
Authors: Chilumula Ch Pavani , Das Gautam , Kara Krishna Ramesh
Published: January 2025

Tendinopathies like lateral epicondylitis are a difficult problem requiring lengthy management. Emerging regenerative therapy like autologous blood, PRP, Extracorporeal shock wave, tenotomy have a significant role in the management of recalcitrant lateral epicondylosis. The below mentioned case has been a failure even after promising management trials are done.
Radiation: An Effective Modality of Treatment in Solitary Plasmacytoma of the Parietal Bone
Authors: Jabi Gulafshan , Bashir Irfan , Kalita Dipti , Ramana Pavan Deepak Mandigala Venkata , Vahid Mohamed Sheedh Abdul
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Solitary plasmacytoma of the skull is a very rare disease with only few cases reported till date. It primarily falls under the classification of solitary plasmacytoma of the bone. It is differentiated from multiple myeloma and includes the solitary bony lesion, malignant plasma cells in the biopsy, normal serum parameters, and no M-spike in protein electrophoresis. Solitary plasmacytoma tends to progress to multiple myeloma after 2 years of median presentation even after combined modality of treatment. Radiation provides modest control rates with lesser chances of recurrences at the irradiated site. Similarly, we report the case of solitary plasmacytoma of the parietal bone which was when treated with surgery and adjuvant radiation therapy resulted in complete resolution of tumor from the diseased site and no local recurrence even after 3 years of follow–up, thus providing effective symptom relief.
Exploring the Impact of Sleep Duration on Cryptogenic Steatotic Liver Disease: A Nigerian Case–control Study
Authors: Ibinaiye Philip Oluleke , Olarinoye-Akorede Sefiya Adebanke , Igashi Joseph Bako , Baduku Tokan Silas , Usman Bello O , Manko Muhammad , Ahmad Abdurrahman El-fulaty , Tabari Musa Abdulkadir , Mustapha Shettima Kagu , Balogun Muhammad Shakir , Saleh Mohammed Kabir
Published: January 2025

Background:

Cryptogenic steatotic liver disease (CSLD) is a growing public health concern in Nigeria, characterized by its unknown etiology and potential progression to severe liver complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, posing significant health risks. Despite its prevalence, limited research exists on CSLD in Nigerian populations, hindering effective prevention and management strategies. Despite the growing burden of CSLD, limited research explicitly addresses its prevalence, risk factors, and optimal diagnostic approaches in the Nigerian population. Understanding how lifestyle, like sleep duration, could influence the development of CSLD could lead to more effective prevention and management strategies tailored to local needs.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the association between CSLD and daily sleep hours.

Materials and Methods:

This case–control study involved 181 healthy subjects with CSLD and an equal number of normal subjects without CSLD as controls. Case–control was performed on a total number of 362 subjects. They were recruited into the study consecutively as they emerged after clinical, laboratory, and imaging screenings. A liver ultrasound (US) scan was done using a 3.5 MHz frequency transducer to screen for fatty liver. A daily sleep duration based on our local pattern was evaluated using the information from the administered questionnaire. The data were analyzed with GraphPad Prism software version 6.

Results:

The median (interquartile range) age of CSLD and control groups were 44.0 (28.5–54.0) and 44.0 (30.0–55.0) years. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank comparison test showed no significant difference in the ages of the two study groups (P = 0.5578), indicating age matching of the study participants. There was a significant association (χ
2 = 59.03, df = 18, P < 0.0001) between age and development of CSLD. One hundred and eighty-one study subjects with CSLD comprised 83 (45.8%) males and 98 (54.1%) females. They were categorized according to US severity into mild (n = 89), moderate (n = 78), and severe CSLD (n = 14). The Chi-square test for independence showed a significant association (χ
2 = 40.33, df = 9; P = 0.0001) between subjects’ sleep duration and the development of CSLD.

Conclusion:

The study shows that reduced hours of sleep are significantly associated with the development of CSLD among Nigerians in Zaria.
Advancements in Imaging Techniques for Foreign Body Localization in the Neck and Removal: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shofoluwe Nurudeen Adebola , Shuaibu Iliyasu Yunusa , Jimoh Abdullahi Onimisi , Omodele Abdulrahman , Hamza Manir Anka , Abdullahi Idris , Abdullahi Amina Muhammad , Sanni Rasheedat
Published: January 2025

Stereotactic surgery, utilizing precise targeting through a coordinate system, is employed for various interventions in the head and neck. This article introduces a method for localizing and extracting deep-seated radiopaque foreign bodies from the neck’s soft tissues and skeletal structure. By utilizing a stereotactic guide system, precise targeting is achieved externally, enabling minimal-pain surgical removal with moderate complication risks. Collaboration between neurosurgeons and otorhinolaryngologists is essential for successful procedures. A case study of a 55-year-old male patient with a lodged foreign body in the neck, resulting from a road traffic accident, illustrates the procedure’s efficacy, detailing the patient’s presentation, diagnosis, and successful removal of the foreign body.
NLRP3 inflammasome and gut microbiota–brain axis: a new perspective on white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Cai Xiaoxi , Cai Xinhong , Xie Quanhua , Xiao Xueqi , Li Tong , Zhou Tian , Sun Haitao
Published: January 2025

Intracerebral hemorrhage is the most dangerous subtype of stroke, characterized by high mortality and morbidity rates, and frequently leads to significant secondary white matter injury. In recent decades, studies have revealed that gut microbiota can communicate bidirectionally with the brain through the gut microbiota-brain axis. This axis indicates that gut microbiota is closely related to the development and prognosis of intracerebral hemorrhage and its associated secondary white matter injury. The NACHT, LRR, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a crucial role in this context. This review summarizes the dysbiosis of gut microbiota following intracerebral hemorrhage and explores the mechanisms by which this imbalance may promote the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. These mechanisms include metabolic pathways (involving short-chain fatty acids, lipopolysaccharides, lactic acid, bile acids, trimethylamine-N-oxide, and tryptophan), neural pathways (such as the vagus nerve and sympathetic nerve), and immune pathways (involving microglia and T cells). We then discuss the relationship between the activated NLRP3 inflammasome and secondary white matter injury after intracerebral hemorrhage. The activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can exacerbate secondary white matter injury by disrupting the blood-brain barrier, inducing neuroinflammation, and interfering with nerve regeneration. Finally, we outline potential treatment strategies for intracerebral hemorrhage and its secondary white matter injury. Our review highlights the critical role of the gut microbiota-brain axis and the NLRP3 inflammasome in white matter injury following intracerebral hemorrhage, paving the way for exploring potential therapeutic approaches.
Bladder and bowel dysfunction in children: A physiotherapeutic, narrative review
Authors: Meena Prachi Raj , Tiwari Madhusudan , Meena Raj Kumar
Published: January 2025

Incontinence is a global health and social issue. It not only affects an individual’s physical, mental, and social health but also adds to the country’s economic burden. The relationship between wetting in childhood is related to urgency, voiding postponement, and hard stools in adolescence. The patterns of childhood incontinence often fail to resolve with age and are more difficult to treat. Hence an awareness regarding these simple measures to understand, identify, and address these symptoms is important in clinical practice as a preventive measure. Articles were searched through electronic databases, such as PubMed, Google Scholar. Keywords “Bladder and Bowel Dysfunction, Incontinence, Pelvic Floor Muscle Training, Breathing, Posture, Children” were used. Boolean operators such as AND, OR, and NOT. The study selection was done as per PRISMA flow diagram This narrative review covers the basic understanding of defecation function and urination function to educate the reader to develop an approach during early childhood to attain healthy bladder and bowel habits. The role of behavioral modification and nutrition has been emphasized in previous articles. An attempt to address the preventive and therapeutic role of physiotherapeutic management of symptoms of bladder and bowel dysfunction is made. The role of posture, respiratory rhythm, pelvic floor exercise, soft tissue manipulation and Interferential Therapy (IFT), Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is emphasized upon from early childhood.
Management of open abdomen with enteroatmospheric fistulas: A retrospective analysis of 191 cases
Authors: Liu Bin , Zhang Jinpeng , Teng Yitan , Zhang Zherui , Wu Lei , Hong Zhiwu , Ren Huajian , Wang Gefei , Wu Xiuwen , Ren Jianan
Published: January 2025

Background:

This study investigates the management of open abdomen, a significant advancement in abdominal damage control surgery essential for treating severe trauma, intra-abdominal infections, and abdominal compartment syndrome. However, challenges such as fluid loss, electrolyte imbalances, failures in primary fascial closure, and the development of enteroatmospheric fistulas remain prevalent.

Methods:

This observational research retrospectively analyzed clinical data from 191 patients with open abdominal cavities and enteroatmospheric fistulas admitted to the Department of General Surgery, Jinling Hospital, between January 2012 and January 2021. This study collected and analyzed baseline patient data, including age, gender, body mass index (BMI), primary disease. The study compared two groups based on temporary closure methods: Skin-implant and skin-suture-only.

Results:

This analysis revealed that 81.7% of the 191 patients included in the final analysis were male, with an average age of 46.5 years and a BMI of 21.7 kg/m2. The primary diseases were predominantly trauma, gastrointestinal tumors, gastrointestinal perforations, intestinal obstructions, and acute pancreatitis. Various methods for fistula closure and temporary abdominal closure techniques were employed, with abdominal wall defects repaired using the component separation technique or biological patches.

Conclusion:

These findings underscore the complexity of managing open abdomen cases with enteroatmospheric fistulas, highlight the importance of early intervention and appropriate temporary closure techniques for achieving optimal outcomes, and offer valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of enteroatmospheric fistulas.
El delito de receptación: Bien jurídico ofendido y problemas de imputación subjetiva a la luz del artículo 456 bis A del Código Penal chileno
Authors: González Lillo Diego
Published: January 2025

El artículo tiene por objetivo principal abordar dos aspectos concretos del delito de receptación: el fundamento de su castigo y los problemas de imputación subjetiva que surgen bajo el Código Penal chileno. Para tales fines, el método empleado es examinar separada y críticamente las principales tesis acerca del bien jurídico ofendido, así como las distintas interpretaciones ofrecidas en la doctrina chilena sobre el alcance que tendría la cláusula «no pudiendo menos que conocer» del artículo 456 bis A. Como resultado de lo primero, se concluye y defiende la tesis de que la receptación pone en riesgo los mercados lícitamente establecidos, lo que se compagina con el estatus de delito económico que puede llegar a exhibir bajo la Ley 21.595. En cuanto al segundo problema, se concluye que la función de aquella cláusula es operativizar una imputación de dolus ex re, cuyas dificultades son ilustradas a partir de los casos de ignorancia deliberada.
Assessment of the significance of statistical referencing in global substance use research
Authors: Faith M. Ajodo, Faith M. Ajodo, , Zamani Andrew E. , Alhassan Emmanuel O.
Published: January 2025

This paper reviews the significance of statistical referencing within global substance use research. The researcher adopted a literature search method collecting data from academic search databases such as PubMed and Scopus. These papers reviewed, acknowledge that statistical reference serves not just as a cornerstone for robust global substance use research but also facilitates researchers to truly cite and document their sources for the epidemiological data that inform their analyses and findings. This paper significantly identifies the rigorous statistical referencing framework: not only enhancing credibility but also increasing the research replication and cross comparison of studies across time and space. By these guidelines, statistical referencing would assure that the work was attributed to add to the larger amount of knowledge base that exists within the field of substance use epidemiology and happen to get further knowledge into the field. The adoption of statistical-reference consistency permits the synthesis of contributions from many sources to paint a picture of global trends and dominant patterns in substance use studies. This paper recommends careful selection of reference groups, addresses possible biases, clear reporting, and conducting power analysis for robust and reliable research in substance use studies. Thus, concluded that statistical referencing empowers substance use research with the capability of data analysis, evaluation of treatment, and identification of contributing factors toward proper design interventions and policy formulation.
A review on the nutraceutical potentials of Daucus carota in the management of sickle cell anaemia
Authors: Danyaro Abdulkadir Mohammed , Bello Bello Aminu , Mohammed Zinat Suleiman , Adam Adam Abdullahi , Nuru Khadija Aliyu
Published: January 2025

Daucus carota (carrot) is a widely distributed and cultivated root crop that is consumed as vegetable for human nutrition and as therapeutic agent because of its rich phytochemical compositions as well as minerals and fatty acids essential for many biochemical processes. It possesses enormous nutritional values as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer and antimicrobial activities among other pharmacological properties. The medicinal values of this vegetable hinge on these pharmacological properties, which in turn are due to the numerous bioactive compounds it possesses. There is presently no evidence of the antisickling activity of carrot, even though literatures revealed some of the bioactive compounds responsible for sickling inhibition or reversal, pain relief as well as prevention of endothelial dysfunction and haemolysis of red blood cells, are also contained in carrot. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the nutraceutical potentials of carrot in the management of sickle cell anaemia.
Effects of entomopathogenic fungi Metarhizium anisopliae in the control of Melanacanthus scutellaris (bean bug) and Aedes aegypti (mosquito) in Bauchi, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Deda Gayi , AbdulHameed Ahmad , Nayaya Ahmad Jibrin
Published: January 2025

There is an increase in the global interest for the use of biological control methods against insect pests. There is paucity of studies in the developing countries especially using indigenous fungal isolates as biocontrol agent. This study was undertaken to determine the pathogenicity and virulence of indigenous Metarhizium anisopliae against Aedes aegypti and Melanocanthus scutelari which are important pests causing human fever and destroying crops particularly bean. Metarhizium anisopliae was isolated locally from the soil and was tested against these insect pests in the laboratory using the following concentrations viz: 1×10^5 1×10^6, 1×10^7 and 1×10^8 conidia ml- for 14day. Both insects were highly sensitive to Metarhizium anisopliae with high percentage mortality. This study showed the potential of locally sourced Metarhizium anisopliae in the control of Aedes aegypti and Melanocanthus scutelaris
Birds species richness and abundance across three prominent wetlands of Dutse, Northwestern Nigeria
Authors: Sa'adatu Ahmad , Mustapha Dogara Musa , Inuwa Muhammad Sulaiman , Adam Abdullahi Hafiz , Muhammad Adam Sa’adatu , Abdul Danazumi Ibrahim , Abubakar Idris , Godwin Elijah
Published: January 2025

Wetlands serve as crucial habitats for bird populations, playing a significant role in supporting diverse avian communities. Birds are bio indicators for assessing the quality and importance of wetlands. Understanding the breadth of species diversity and other ecological aspects of birds within these ecosystems is paramount for effective ecosystem management and conservation efforts. This study presents a comprehensive abundance and species richness of waterbirds species observed in three prominent wetlands situated in Dutse, a city located in Northwestern Nigeria. The point count method was implemented and refined over a period of six months during the study. Shannon-wiener diversity index was used to calculate bird diversity. A total of 13,862 individual of 84 species from 41 families of birds species were recorded. The White-faced whistling duck (Dendrocygna viduata) and Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) emerged as the most abundant species, with 5,690 and 600 individuals recorded, respectively. In contrast, the Osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and Black-headed heron (Ardea melanocephala) were the least abundant, with only one individual recorded throughout the duration of the study. 7,316 individuals of 42 bird species were recorded at Golf course wetland, 3,286 individuals of 70 species were recorded at Baranda wetland and 3260 individuals of 56 species were observed at Warwade wetland. These wetlands occupied abundance of both resident birds e.g. African jacana (Actophilornis africana), partially migratory species e.g. Yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava), intra-frican migrant e.g. Abdim’s stork (Ciconia abdimii) and resident Pied Kingfisher (Corvus albus). The species diversity was higher in Baranda wetland (H’ = 3.479) followed by Warwade wetland (H’ = 3.241) and least was Golf Course (H’ = 1.195). Long time monitoring of these water-related and water birds is recommended in these wetlands for effective management and conservation strategies.
The performance measures analysis of Erlang distribution in solving phase type distribution
Authors: Olanrewaju Agboola Sunday , Ayoade Abayomi A. , Fransis Sebastine , Dotia Ahmed K.
Published: January 2025

The importance of phase type distribution in modeling activities cannot be under emphasized when both a distribution's initial and second moments are accessible or when the sequence of data points for computing moments is the information available. In continuous time process for an absorbing finite state Markov chain, the phase-type distribution can be thought of as the distribution of the time until absorption and it is widely used in queueing theories and other fields of applied probabilities with the used of generalized Erlang, Coxian, Hypo-exponential, and Hyper-exponential distributions. In this study, performance measures of phase type distribution using Erlang - r distribution, and mix Erlang –(r − 1) with Erlang - r distributions have been looked into, in order to provide meaningful study into the probability function, mean, kth moment, variance, Laplace Stieltjes transform and squared coefficient of variation of phase type distribution. We began from the tractability and memory less properties of exponential distribution, and since these properties are not enough, we examined the journey through a series of exponential phases to arrive at performance measures. Illustrative examples are demonstrated for various cases to arrive at various values for probability functions, Laplace Stieltjes transform, squared coefficient of variation, kth  moment, mean and variance for the phase type distribution. The result of its variation and mean value, as well as the likelihood that the waiting period will exceed 12 time units are obtained on the waiting time until the fourth arrival with Poisson arrival process. And we demonstrate that, using the Erlang-r distribution, the squared coefficient of variation might have a variety of values. Also, by increasing the number of phases (r) and setting the parameter at each phase to be rμ. The variance goes to zero and the expectation stays at 1/μ in the limit as r→∞
GC-MS characterization and bioactivity studies of aerial part of Hilleria latifolia (lam) extract and fractions: Antioxidant and antibacterial potentials
Authors: Ajayi O. S. , Arowosegbe S.M. , Olawuni I.J.
Published: January 2025

This study sets out on identifying active compounds within Hilleria latifolia (Lam) extracts and fractions, with a specific emphasis on their  potential antibacterial and antioxidant activities. GC-MS analysis was employed to characterize the chemical constituents in the n-hexane  (n-Hex) and dichloromethane (DCM) fractions. The nHex and DCM fractions of the aerial part of Hilleria latifolia (Lam) revealed the  presence of 45 compounds (27 in n-Hex and 18 in DCM), many of which are known for their antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammatory,  and antibacterial properties. Antioxidant activity was evaluated through iron-reducing power (FRAP), nitric oxide (NO) inhibition, metal  chelating ability (MC), total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and 2,2-diphenyl-1- picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. The EtOAc fraction showed the  best activities in DPPH (IC 0.70±0.026 50 mg/mL), FRAP (478.503±8.607 mg AAE/g), MCA (0.199±0.085 mg/mL) and TAC (227.37±60.949 mg AAE/g). The sensitivity testing of the crude methanolic extract and fractions were carried out using the agarwell diffusion method against  three gram-positive (Bacillus stearothermophillus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Micrococcus luteus) and five gram-negative  (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Serratia marcescens) bacterial strains. The  crude methanol extract and aqueous fraction did not show activity towards all the bacterial strains. However, the n-Hex fraction exhibited  moderate antibacterial activity particularly against K. pneumoniae (12 mm), M. luteus (9 mm), P. aeruginosa (12 mm), B.  stearothermophillus (10 mm), and S. aureus (12 mm), the DCM fraction also showed effective antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae  (16 mm), M. luteus (12 mm), P. vulgaris (11 mm), B. stearothermophillus (12 mm), E. coli (12 mm) and S. aureus (11 mm). The ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fractions have shown considerable antibacterial activity against K. pneumoniae (12 mm), M. luteus (12 mm), P.  vulgaris (11 mm), B. stearothermophillus (12 mm) and S. aureus (8 mm). The present findings demonstrate the antioxidant and  antibacterial properties of Hilleria latofolia fractions, underscoring the need for further research to confirm their medicinal potential and  explore its pharmaceutical applications.