bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Validity and Reliability of Kinovea Software in Measuring Thoracic Kyphosis and Lumbar Lordosis
Authors:   Department of Sport Biomechanics and Technology, Sport Science Research Institute, Tehran, Iran., Sharifnezhad Ali , Raissi Gholam Reza ,   Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran., Forogh Bijan ,   Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran., Soleymanzadeh Hosniyeh ,   Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran., Mohammadpour Shadan ,   Department of Health and Sports Medicine, Faculty of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran., Daliran Mina ,   Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Faculty of Humanities, North Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran., Bagherzadeh Cham Masumeh ,   Neuromusculoskeletal Research Center, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Firoozgar Hospital, Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Objectives: The present study evaluated the inter-rater and intra-rater validity and reliability of posturography by Kinovea software to measure the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. Methods: Eighteen subjects (10 females & 8 males) referring for radiographic imaging were included in this cross-sectional study. For evaluating the validity, the thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis were measured according to the Cobb method and Kinovea in standing position. The inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of Kinovea were tested by 3 evaluators and one expert evaluator, respectively. Results: Pearson correlation coefficient data suggested that the validity of measuring the thoracic kyphosis depends on the evaluator’s expertise. Besides, the correlation was not significant in measuring the lumbar lordosis angle (P>0.05). The inter-rater and intra-rater repeatability revealed that the correlation was significant in all angles by the intraclass correlation coefficient (P<0.001). Discussion: Posturography by Kinovea, as a noninvasive method presents an excellent inter-rater and intra-rater repeatability for measuring thoracic kyphosis and lumbar lordosis. This reliable method is simple, efficient, and inexpensive.
Preventive Effect of Shenduning Prescription Combined with Hydration Therapy on Contrast Induced Nephronpathy after Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Jiang Jiangang , Hu Xianqing , Ji Ningning , Yan Chengyuan , Lan Jingliang , Du Xiaoma
Published: June 2021

Objective — To explore the preventive effect of Shenduning prescription combined with hydration therapy on contrast induced nephronpathy (CIN) after elective percutaneous coronary intervention. Methods — 159 patients undergoing selective coronary intervention were divided into simple hydration group, intensive statin group and Shenduning prescription group randomly, with 53 cases in each group. The simple hydration group received conventional drugs for coronary heart disease and preoperative routine hydration therapy. The intensive statin group received intensive treatment with atorvastatin calcium tablets on the basis of the simple hydration group, and the Shenduning prescription group received Shenduning prescription treatment on the basis of the hydration group. Serum creatinine (Scr), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were detected by blood samples at 24h before and after operation, as well as 72h after operation respectively. The primary endpoint event was the occurrence of CI-AKI. Results — The Scr level of the intensive statin group and the Shenduning prescription group was significantly lower than that of the simple hydration group, while the eGFR level was significantly higher than that of the simple hydration group, which is of statistical significance (P<0.05). The incidence of CI-AKI was 15.1% in simple hydration group, 5.7% in intensive statin group and 3.8% in Shenduning prescription group respectively after operation (χ2 = 5.194, P=0.075), of which there was significant statistical difference between simple hydration group and Shenduning prescription group (χ2 = 3.975, P=0.046). After 72h of the operation, MDA level in Shenduning prescription group was significantly lower than that in simple hydration group and intensive statin group, while its SOD level was significantly higher than that in simple hydration group and intensive statin group, which is of statistical significance (P<0.05). The proportion of abnormal liver function in intensive statin group and the Shenduning prescription group was 13.1% and 3.8%, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (χ2 = 4.867, P=0.027). Conclusion — The combination treatment of Shenduning prescription with hydration therapy may protect the patient’s renal function after elective coronary interventional therapy, while reducing the incidence of CIN and the oxidative stress reaction caused by contrast agent, thus effectively reducing adverse reactions.
Development and Explanation of a Framework for Social Reading: Social Reading Based on Shared Regulation (SRBSR)
Authors: Guo Chen , Chen Xiangdong
Published: June 2021

With the development of technologies for reading and the rise of social reading which considers readers the core in learning and emphasizes sharing and interaction, traditional theoretical reading models are facing challenges. Social reading is a type of interactive reading activity that can activate readers’ reading and discussions, promote expressions of multiple ideas, and facilitate collaborative inquiry and knowledge building. While previous researchers proposed theories or frameworks in reading or literacy research, no specific model has been developed especially for social reading and socially shared regulation. Integrating the socially shared regulation theory into social reading and expanding the theoretical perspective of problem-solving on reading can be beneficial for constructing a new social reading model. In this study, we propose a theoretical framework, Social Reading Based on Shared Regulation (SRBSR), which can account for the details and procedures of readers’ collaborative learning and shared regulatory behaviors during social reading activities. This framework can help improve the theory of purposeful reading in the new media environment and provide future instructors and researchers an operable model for designing and developing social reading courses.
On Lin Yutang’s Translation Strategies of Geographical Terms in Six Chapters of a Floating Life
Authors: Lu Miaojun
Published: June 2021

This paper takes Lin Yutang's translation work Six Chapters of a Floating Life as the research object, using the method of combining comparison and case analysis to explore Lin’s strategies in the translation of geographical terms. The results show that Lin Yutang adopted foreignization as the major strategy and domestication as the secondary strategy on the whole, and his translation methods are flexible and mature. Lin Yutang’s not only successfully explains the culture of Chinese geographical terms, but also provides high reference value for the English translation of geographical terms in other Chinese literary works.
Historicizing medical drones in Africa: a focus on Ghana
Authors: Adu-Gyamfi Samuel , Gyasi Razak Mohammed , Darkwa Benjamin Dompreh
Published: June 2021

While the genesis of the drone technology is not clear, one thing is ideal: it emerged as a military apparatus and gained much attention during major wars, including the two world wars. Aside being used in combats and to deliver humanitarian services, drones have also been used extensively to kill both troops and civilians. Revolutionized in the 19th century, the drone technology was improved to be controlled as an unmanned aerial devices to mainly target troops. A new emerging field that has seen the application of the drone technology is the healthcare sector. Over the years, the health sector has increasingly relied on the device for timely transportation of essential articles across the globe. Since its introduction in health, scholars have attempted to address the impact of drones on healthcare across Africa and the world at large. Among other things, it has been reported by scholars that the device has the ability to overcome the menace of weather constraints, inadequate personnel and inaccessible roads within the healthcare sector. This notwithstanding, data on drones and drone application in Ghana and her healthcare sector in particular appears to be little within the drone literature. Also, few attempts have been made by scholars to highlight the use of drones in African countries. By using a narrative review approach, the current study attempts to address the gap above. Using this approach, a thorough literature search was performed to locate and assess scientific materials that focus on the application of drones in the military field and in the medical systems of Africa and Ghana in particular. With its sole responsibility to deliver items, stakeholders of health across several parts of the world have relied on drones to transport vital articles to health centers. Countries like Senegal, Madagascar, Rwanda and Malawi encouraged Ghana to consider the application of drones in her mainstream healthcare delivery. Findings from the study have revealed that Ghana’s adoption of the drone policy has enhanced the timely delivery of products such as test samples, blood and Personal Protective Equipment to various health centres and rural areas in particular. Drones have contributed to the delivery of equity in healthcare delivery in Ghana. We conclude that with the drone policy, the continent has the potential to record additional successes concerning the over-widened gap in healthcare between rural and urban populations.
Optimization and Form-finding of the Heavy Cable Suspending a Deck
Authors: Liu J. , Wang C.Y.
Published: June 2021

The heavy spanning cable supporting a uniform deck is important in the design of suspension bridges. The analytic design method is presented in this paper. The problem depends on three non-dimensional parameters: the ratio of cable length to the horizontal spanning distance, the ratio of vertical to horizontal distance, and the ratio of deck density to cable density. Given these parameters, useful tables of maximum tension and sag are determined. There exists an optimum cable length for which the maximum tension is minimized. In addition, it is shown that continuous loads and discrete loads are equivalent if the number of evenly-spaced discrete loads are more than 10.
Teofil Lenartowicz jako wykładowca Akademii im. Adama Mickiewicza w Bolonii
Authors: Bartnikowska-Biernat Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Teofil Lenartowicz, który spędził ponad 30 lat na emigracji we Florencji, należał do najbardziej rozpoznawalnych polskich artystów w dziewiętnastowiecznych Włoszech. Tezę tę można poprzeć faktem, że to właśnie jego wybrano na wykładowcę Akademii Historii Literatury Polskiej i Słowiańskiej im. Adama Mickiewicza, założonej w 1879 r. w Bolonii przez Domenica Santagatę. W archiwach Biblioteca Comunale dell’Archiginnasio zachowały się artykuły, listy oraz inne dokumenty, dzięki którym wiadomo, jak Lenartowicz był postrzegany przez Włochów − jako człowiek, poeta, rzeźbiarz i wykładowca. Przedłożony szkic ma na celu przypomnienie niektórych z tych źródeł.
Rok 1989 w literaturze słowackiej – problematyczna cezura
Authors: Majerek Rafał
Published: June 2021

Przełomowy charakter wydarzeń roku 1989 dla kształtu systemu politycznego w krajach byłego bloku komunistycznego, w tym Słowacji, nie ulega wątpliwości. W dziedzinie literatury cezura ta nie jest tak oczywista, od lat dziewięćdziesiątych XX w. prowadzone są dyskusje poświęcone różnym szczegółowym aspektom i kontekstom okresu transformacji.

Autor artykułu omawia zjawiska, które potwierdzają nową sytuację literatury słowackiej: pluralizm instytucji literackich, rozwój rynku wydawniczego, wpływ mechanizmów rynkowych na życie literackie, reintegrację obiegów literackich. Po 1989 r. zmieniają się także wyobrażenia o roli pisarza, dominujący staje się model indywidualistyczny. W dziedzinie poetyki i struktury tekstów najtrudniej wskazać zdecydowanie nowe rozwiązania, bezpośrednio po 1989 r. nie pojawił się nowy prąd czy tendencja literacka. Autor podkreśla jednak, że sam fakt usytuowania i funkcjonowania tekstów literackich w zupełnie nowym systemie relacji pozwala na potraktowanie 1989 r. w kategoriach przełomu literackiego. Podejście takie wiąże się z rezygnacją z autonomicznego, formalistyczno-strukturalistycznego modelu rozumienia historii literatury.
Maszyna do pisania, maszyna do zapamiętywania. Antonelli Aneddy zmagania z historią – z perspektywy tłumacza
Authors: Płaszczewska Olga
Published: June 2021

Artykuł to przyczynek interpretacyjny, poświęcony lekturze wiersza Antonelli Aneddy Macchina (Maszyna). Komentarz tłumacza dotyczy metaforycznych znaczeń maszyn (do pisania, komputera, taranu) w kontekście związków historii i pamięci z literaturą. Podsumowaniem artykułu jest prezentacja autorskiego przekładu utworu Aneddy na język polski.
Granice romantyzmu w dziejach polskiej komedii według dziewiętnastowiecznej krytyki krajowej
Authors: Dybizbański Marek
Published: June 2021

W polskiej krajowej krytyce literackiej i teatralnej XIX w., dokonującej już pewnych bilansów dorobku romantyzmu, pojęcia „komedii romantycznej” i „romantyzmu w komedii” służyły za środek do porównawczych analiz i historycznoliterackich periodyzacji, choć jednocześnie takie kwestie, jak semantyczna zawartość tych terminów czy granice czasowe określanego nimi zjawiska, nie były precyzowane ani nawet problematyzowane. Podjęta w niniejszym artykule próba rekonstrukcji ówczesnych niewypowiedzianych wyobrażeń o tych znaczeniach i granicach wiedzie w kierunku formuły chronologicznie rozpiętej między „kosmopolityzmem”, przypisywanym wtedy klasycystycznej komedii XVIII w. i zwalczonym rzekomo dopiero w utworach Aleksandra Fredry z początku lat trzydziestych następnego stulecia, a tendencyjnością, uznaną w drugiej połowie XIX w. za atrybut komedii nowoczesnej i odnajdywaną przez krytyków już w komediach Józefa Korzeniowskiego z pierwszej połowy lat czterdziestych.
Dwa przełomy. Wilhelm Dilthey i historycznokulturowe przesłanki science wars
Authors: Seweryn Dariusz
Published: June 2021

Współczesny rozdźwięk między humanistyką a naukami matematyczno-przyrodniczymi skłania do powtórnego przemyślenia zespołu historycznych okoliczności, które doprowadziły do rozpadu życia naukowego na odizolowane od siebie domeny („dwie kultury” Charlesa Snowa). W efekcie tego rozpadu przyrodoznawstwo mistyfikuje humanistykę, humanistyka mistyfikuje nauki matematyczno-przyrodnicze; konflikt nabiera ideologicznego zabarwienia, przeradzając się w rywalizację o monopol na prawo do definiowania rzeczywistości.  W tym kontekście Diltheyowska koncepcja ugruntowania humanistyki jako poniekąd inwersji nauk przyrodniczych, w szczególności zaś wpływ tej koncepcji na autodefinicje dyscyplin humanistycznych − nabierają dosyć przewrotnej aktualności. Według przedstawionego w artykule ujęcia Diltheyowski postulat naukowej suwerenności badań humanistycznych, pozostających w całkowitej niezależności od empirycznego i matematycznego przyrodoznawstwa, stanowi ogniwo pośrednie między dwoma zjawiskami. Pierwszym jest eskapistyczna reakcja środowisk artystycznych na siedemnastowieczną rewolucję naukową; drugim − konglomerat takich współczesnych tendencji, jak socjologiczna biofobia i antynaturalizm (aspekty konstruktywizmu kulturowego) czy próby semiologizacji współczesnych teorii fizycznych. Tendencje te z konieczności zarysowane tu zostały jedynie szkicowo, ze świadomością, że same w sobie stanowią wielopłaszczyznowe zagadnienie badawcze. Tym samym na pan pierwszy wysuwa się w artykule Diltheyowska filozofia nauk humanistycznych, a zwłaszcza te jej aspekty, które wykazują dostatecznie wyraźną analogię z kryzysem XVII w. i zarazem poddają się dostatecznie uzasadnionej wykładni jako jedna z przesłanek współczesnego konfliktu nauk.
Słowacki mentorem Mickiewicza w wierszu „Mój Adamito...”
Authors: Fabianowski Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Wiersz Mój Adamito... zapisany został w sylwicznym Raptularzu i w dotychczasowych interpretacjach traktowany był jako utwór skierowany przeciwko Mickiewiczowi, będący gorzką reakcją na ideowy kształt Koła Sprawy Bożej, w którym nie było już miejsca dla Słowackiego. Lektura taka wydaje się niepełna. Utwór jest zapisem mentorskiej, ale i życzliwej, postawy Słowackiego, który, jako twórca bardziej doświadczony w bojach o swoje wartości, ukazuje Mickiewiczowi obecną sytuację, gdy nie jest już powszechnie podziwianym idolem i musi walczyć o wyznawane idee.
„Sytuacja” Norwida – „sytuacja” Baudelaire’a
Authors: Siwiec Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Artykuł dotyczy szczególnego położenia wspólnego Norwidowi i Baudelaire’owi urodzonym w tym samym 1821 r., które Paul Valéry określił mianem „sytuacji”. Jej podstawą jest konieczność określenia się wobec wielkich poprzedników − romantycznych wieszczów, odróżnienia się, walki z wpływem. Pozycja obu poetów, która określa ich stosunek do romantyzmu oparty na kontynuacji i zerwaniu (co utrudnia ustanowienie cezury), ukazana jest w kontekście współcześnie rozumianych kategorii takich jak romantyzm, dziewiętnastowieczność, pokolenie, nowoczesność czy kryzys. Taka perspektywa pozwala dostrzec wspólnotę twórczości i recepcji pisarzy zasadniczo nieporównywalnych.
Stulecie Tyrmanda. Cezura w biografii publicznej pisarza
Authors: Dąbrowicz Elżbieta
Published: June 2021

Punktem wyjścia artykułu jest uchwała Sejmu o ustanowieniu roku 2020 rokiem Leopolda Tyrmanda, która stanowi ważny moment w jego losach pośmiertnych. Przedmiotem rozważań są cztery teksty biograficzne na jego temat. W pierwszym rzędzie dokumentują one zróżnicowanie ujęć autora Złego: przez pryzmat PRL-owskiej legendy i od strony doświadczeń amerykańskich, które potwierdziły jego konsekwentny antykomunizm. We wszystkich kluczową kwestię stanowi cezura biograficzna między latami spędzonymi w Polsce i okresem emigracyjnym. Wojciech Skalmowski podkreśla, że Tyrmand wielokrotnie musiał zaczynać wszystko od nowa. Według Mariusza Urbanka (Zły Tyrmand) wyjazd za granicę powoduje rozbicie biografii pisarza na dwa osobne etapy. Zdaniem autorów książki Amerykański brzeg Leopolda Tyrmanda, dopiero emigracja stwarza możliwość pełnego ujawnienia dominanty światopoglądowej jego twórczości. Z kolei w książce Marcela Woźniaka akcent pada na problemy tożsamościowe, których źródłem było żydowskie pochodzenie pisarza. Z tego punktu widzenia biografia Tyrmanda okazuje się jednym z wielu przypadków biografii migracyjnych, spełniających się między starym i nowym światem.
Rola figury retorycznej w budowaniu modelu periodyzacji i wyznaczaniu cezur − przykład zastosowania syllepsis w poezji polskiej od średniowiecza do oświecenia
Authors: Siermińska Aleksandra Iga
Published: June 2021

Wyznaczanie cezur i periodyzacja są kojarzone ze wskazywaniem granicznych dat epoki. Tymczasem powinno to być przede wszystkim rekonstruowanie modelu rzeczywistości opartego na wielowymiarowej analizie. Diachroniczne prześledzenie zmian akcentów w następujących po sobie epokach jest możliwe między innymi dzięki badaniu elementów konstrukcji tekstu, takich jak figury retoryczne. Dokonuję takiego przeglądu na przykładzie figury syllepsis, która po nieobecności w tekstach średniowiecznych, powraca w renesansie wraz z inspiracjami utworami klasyków, aby następnie odegrać istotną rolę w poezji baroku i ponownie niemalże zaniknąć w oświeceniu.
Culture and Uncertainty: Meanings, Reasons, and Results
Authors:   Kellogg College, University of Oxford, Rowley Chris ,   Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Japan
Published: June 2021

Uncertainty is high in a world hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, medical emergency, and consequent social and economic disruptions. Yet, variations in levels of acceptance of and “comfortableness” with uncertainty by people, organizations and societies varies globally. Such situations require not only leadership, but also effective leaders. What this is and its ingredients are contested but can be seen as composed of leaders’ thoughts and actions influenced and shaped by key factors stemming from the local operational and situational context, an organization’s particular business culture and their individual competences and skills. We deal with uncertainty in terms of terms and meanings, then its levels and degrees, along with variations in comfortableness with it and its acceptance and how all this might be explained. We then detail some points on leadership, what it is and also effectiveness and requisite skills, end with a conclusion section.
Culture and Uncertainty: Meanings, Reasons, and Results
Authors: Rowley Chris ,   Graduate School of Education, Tohoku University, Japan
Published: June 2021

Uncertainty is high in a world hit by the Covid-19 pandemic, medical emergency, and consequent social and economic disruptions. Yet, variations in levels of acceptance of and “comfortableness” with uncertainty by people, organizations and societies varies globally. Such situations require not only leadership, but also effective leaders. What this is and its ingredients are contested but can be seen as composed of leaders’ thoughts and actions influenced and shaped by key factors stemming from the local operational and situational context, an organization’s particular business culture and their individual competences and skills. We deal with uncertainty in terms of terms and meanings, then its levels and degrees, along with variations in comfortableness with it and its acceptance and how all this might be explained. We then detail some points on leadership, what it is and also effectiveness and requisite skills, end with a conclusion section.
Safer and More Efficient Parallel Cryptographic Algorithm and its Implementation in the GPU
Authors: Berisha Artan
Published: June 2021

In the digital world, the demand for data security during communication has increased. Hash functions are one of the cryptographic algorithms that provide data security in terms of data authenticity and integrity. Nowadays, most online applications require user authentication. These authentications are done on the server-side, which he must manage. As the number of applications increases, building a one-way function will be faster for calculating a hash value for small data such as passwords. In this paper, we will present a sequential cryptographic algorithm and its parallel implementation. We performed security analyses, executed comparisons for different amounts of data, and provided steps for further developing this algorithm. With the construction of this one-way function, we have provided the calculation of hash value in a shorter time for data in small quantities, which speeds up the authentication process on the server and thus speeds up the online services provided by the respective applications. A comparison was made between sequential implementation, parallel implementation on the CPU, and parallel implementation on the GPU using CUDA (Computer Unified Device Architecture) platform.
AN ASSESSMENT OF LABOUR DAILY WAGE RATE FOR AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION ACTIVITIES IN THE NORTH CENTRAL ZONE, NIGERIA
Authors: Akintobi Olarenwaju S. , Ajah Julius , Edu Edwin E.
Published: June 2021

The study evaluated small-scale farmers’ access to human labour in North Central Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling technique was used for sample selection while questionnaires were used for data collection. A total of 1,750 farmers were randomly interviewed. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and two-way mixed factorial analysis of variance and mean separation was done at 5% probability level. Result revealed labour wage per rate significantly (P < 0.05) dependent on the labour category, the location (state) and the effect of both human labour type and location (state). Mean separation showed adult male is the highest paid while young female is the least paid, while Kwara State has the highest labour wage rate and plateau State has the lowest wage rate per day. Based on the findings, the research concluded that small scale farmers access to labour based on wage rate is low, cost of agricultural labour is high which has resulted increased cost of production for the small-scale farmers. The study recommends among others that combine hiring should be encouraged among farmers for the adoption of expensive labour saving technologies/ implements
THE CHALLENGES OF SECURITY THREAT IN NIGERIA CYBERSPACE
Authors: Saidu I. R. , Suleiman T. , Akpan U. E.
Published: June 2021

This research work was conducted to examine critically and systematically cyber threat intelligence challenges and prospects in Nigeria. It judges the value and relevance of cyber threat intelligence in the society where they are lacking in providing necessary information. Dealing with these challenges that may cause threat intelligence to be useless has become a major concern to Nigeria. The work was intended to achieve the following objectives: to examine the nature of cybersecurity in Nigeria, to analyse the cybersecurity threats that can disrupt the functioning of the country, to identify the challenges facing the Nigeria cyberspace and the conduct of a cyber threat intelligence analysis, to discuss the means by which cyber threat can be used to boost Nigeria’s National Security Policy, to make recommendations to preserve important intelligence capabilities while ensuring the protection of its critical infrastructures through the use of threat intelligence. The scope of the study was limited to the period 2009 – 2019. The research was analytical. Relevant data were collected from both primary and secondary sources of data. The data analysis used the percentage instrument and the following conclusions were drawn: that threat data overload, threat data quality, privacy and legal issues and interoperability issues are some of the challenges of cyber threat intelligence; also, the need to continually invest in research, build local cyber threat management infrastructure and enhance the ability to anticipate, detect, respond and contain information security threats is very crucial. Nigeria
BUSINESS STRATEGY IN INNOVATIVE AND NON-INNOVATIVE COMPANIES OF VARIOUS SIZES
Authors: Radomska Joanna , Sołoducho-Pelc Letycja
Published: June 2021

The influence of innovation upon the competitive advantage of companies seems to be an actual issue worth examining. That’s why it is interesting to investigate the various aspects of the strategies pursued by companies classified as innovative or non-innovative. The aim of the research was to check whether the differences between enterprises can be traced back to their sizes or should rather be derived from their unique characteristics. In order to test the hypotheses, the correlations (established on the basis of the Kendall's tau-b correlation coefficient) between specified research areas and the size of the company were calculated for the two groups of companies (innovative and non-innovative). The study was conducted using the PAPI technique and the 5-point Likert scale. The research sample included two groups of companies – innovative (88 companies) and non-innovative (34 enterprises). The respondents in the survey included company managing staff. Presenting the findings of the research, it can be pointed out that in a group of innovative companies no distinctness regarding the primary objectives of strategy could be demonstrated. Only the correlations between the size and risk of the business and the implementation of global expansion strategy can be considered. Companies that are not oriented to innovation, however, significantly differ only regarding to strategy formalisation, which increases with the organisation’s growth. The main research findings proved that there is a lack of noticeable differences in the strategies of innovative and non-innovative companies analysed in terms of their size.
Key words: aspects of strategy, company size, innovation, competitive advantage, business strategy, small and large company.
LEARNING POINTS FROM WHISTLEBLOWER CLAIMS AGAINST INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION
Authors: Schmidt Christopher R.
Published: June 2021

The types of whistleblowing claims made against institutions of higher education are not well understood nor are the various mechanisms used to solicit, investigate, and learn from such claims at the institutional and state levels. This research obtained and analyzed whistleblower claims made against institutions of higher education and explores and facilitates a discussion around the value of learning opportunities that come from whistleblowing claims. Aggregate claims data and detail workpapers for claims made against the 45 publicly funded colleges and universities in the state of Ohio, in the midwestern United States was analyzed to identify patterns and areas of focus which could improve institutional processes and internal controls. Four areas resulted from the analysis: hiring and pay practices, prevention of the theft of institutional assets, prevention of the theft of student funds, and an institutional accreditation issue. All claims that were reported reflected real concerns on topics of strategic importance to institutions and their management practices, although not all were substantiated or corroborated. One quarter of the claims resulted in proven cases for recovery and prosecution. At the state level, completeness of investigation and administrative learning were sometimes not pursued due to the code enforcement nature of the governing bodies whose mandate was limited to the identification and prosecution of crimes, although improvement opportunities clearly existed. The case of Ohio demonstrates that open government and public information request processes can provide sufficient information to allow insight into the nature of the claims and to identify improvement opportunities for both the institution and state level administration.
Key words: internal controls, internal audit, higher education, whistleblowing, fraud, ethics, Ohio, college and university administration, governance.
CONDITIONS OF COOPERATION BETWEEN COMPANIES AND NGOs IN THE FIELD OF CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ACTIVITIES: THE POLISH CASES
Authors: Drewniak Rafał
Published: June 2021

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is becoming an increasingly popular area of activity of companies which are interested in not only the managers or owners, but also customers, suppliers, NGOs, administrative and other stakeholders groups. The analysis aim is to present CSR initiatives as part of deliberate strategy of the company, which is one of the key sources of competitive advantage in the market. The findings concern the scope of cooperation between companies and NGOs in the field of socially responsible activities. The analysis indicates that the expected form of cooperation of NGOs with small businesses is to provide financial assistance to social organizations. However, in the case of medium-sized enterprises, these expectations also apply to material support. Moreover, in the case of medium-sized enterprises a key determinant of cooperation with social organization is realization of the social objective, while small businesses are more guided by "goodness of the heart". Considerations based on the identification of scope of CSR, are pointing to the key aspects of this activity to the company, the environment and customers. Discussions were extended to the characteristics of the benefits, barriers and forms of the cooperation, as well as, there were presented the results of research in the field of forms and determinants of such cooperation. Considerations are based on secondary sources, from national and international journals, books, magazines and specialist reports.
Key words: corporate social responsibility, cooperation, non-government organization, management.
FACTORS PERCEIVED TO INFLUENCE EMPLOYEES’ PERFORMANCE: A CASE OF THE INDEPENDENT ELECTORAL AND BOUNDARIES COMMISSION
Authors: Nzuve Stephen N. M , Njambi Mwangi Pauline
Published: June 2021

Performance is associated with quantity of output, quality of output, timeliness of output, presence or attendance on the job, efficiency of the work completed and effectiveness of work completed (Mathis et al., 2009). In an organization, committed employees are regarded as being willing to build and maintain long-lasting relationships with their employer (Argyris, 1998). Effective management teams need to recognize that positive employee attitudes are often vital to achieving organizational goals and this will be achieved when the employees are satisfied. The objective of the study was to determine the factors perceived to influence employees’ performance at Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission. The research design adopted was descriptive research design. The population of the study comprised of all the 175 employees in the commission head office. The study used primary data that was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The data was analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software and presented using tables and figures. The study found out that the employees of the commission perceived their performance to be influenced by rewards, job design and training and development opportunity. Management style was found to have hindered performance of employees. The employees were satisfied with wages and salaries paid, retirement benefit scheme, job security, performance appraisals were satisfactory hence encouraging the employees to work in the commission and improve their performance. Key words: employee performance, employee perception, Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission of Kenya.
Concept of Time in Virginia Woolf’s To the Lighthouse: Bergsonian Study
Authors: Fatemeh Sadat Basirizadeh  , Shiva Zaheri Birgani  , Narges Raoufzadeh
Published: June 2021

Time is an important element in modern literature, has always been one of the most important themes of Virginia Woolf’s novels. The purpose of this paper is to look at Woolf treatment of the movement of time within the conscious mind in the novel in title of To the Light House by Virginia Woolf. One conclusion drawn from this study is that Woolf began to use time as a literary element, thereby decreasing her development of plot and characterization. A second conclusion is that she was greatly influenced by the philosophy of Henri Bergson and that consequently her writing increasingly reflects the fluid movement of time within consciousness. This paper demonstrates that Virginia Woolf used time as a formal element of narrative to show the relationship of time to human consciousness; and she never overlooked the fact that time moves human beings toward death. For Woolf, life is characterized by endless variety and movement. Its exquisite beauty is enhanced by knowing that we humans live short lives and lose everything when we die.
CAT-21 A/T Gene Polymorphisms Associated with Breast Cancer Susceptibility
Authors: Owen Kevin , Syarifah Siti , Sari Mutiara Indah
Published: June 2021

Background: Oxidative stress induced cancer cell formation. Gene polymorphism plays roles in carcinogen metabolism, antioxidant and DNA repairing pathway was susceptibility to oxidative stress. This study aim to determine the association between CAT-21 A/T polymorphism with breast cancer susceptibility.

Methods: Case control study was conducted on 65 breast cancer patient and 65 healthy control group. The whole blood samples were isolated from 65 breast cancer patients in Haji Adam Malik General Hospital Medan and 65 healthy control group. The CAT-21A/T polymorphism was analyzed by PCR-RFLP procedure. PCR-RFLP product was electrophoresed and visualized in agarose 4%.

Results:The AA CAT-21 genotype were lower in breast cancer (BC) than healthy control (HC) group (31/47.7% vs 40/61.5%), in the contrary AT+TT genotype was greater in BC than HC group (34/52.3% vs 25/38.5%) with (p=0.159, OR=1.755, CI=0.874–3.525). A allele CAT-21 were found lower in BC than HC group (89/68.5% vs 105/80.8%) then T allele were greater in BC than HC group (41/31.5% vs 25/19.2%) with (p=0.033, OR=1.935;CI=1.022-3.428).

Conclusions: There was significant difference in allele distribution of CAT-21 A/T between case and control group but no in genotype distribution. In this population study showed that allele of CAT -21 A/T polymorphism could represent as a risk factor to breast cancer.

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 79-84
C-reactive protein as a Predictor of Early Outcome Following Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Khan Mukter Hossain , Hossain Md Sakhawat , Islam Md Daharul , Malek Roksana , Tak Md Lokman Hossain
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) which constitutes STEMI & NSTEMI triggers an inflammatory reaction, which plays an important role in myocardial injury. An inflammatory marker such as C - reactive protein (CRP) reflects the extent of myocardial necrosis.Circulatory levels of Creactive protein (CRP) may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Methods: An observational study was carried out in the department of Medicine and department of Cardiology of Faridpur Medical CollegeHospital, Faridpur from May 2012 to October 2012. One Hundred Patients were selected consecutively from acute Myocardial Infarction patients admitted in the department of medicine and Department of Cardiology of Faridpur Medical College Hospital. The sample was selected purposively. Quantitative value of CRP was done on first day of admission. Z test of proportion was done to analyze the data. Level of significance was < 0.05.

Results: In this study, 84% of AMI had CRP level >6 mg/dl.86% patients had STEMI, and 14% patients had NSTEMI. Out of 86 patients with STEMI, 72 patients (83.72%) & out of 14 patients with NSTEMI, 12 patients (85.71%) had high CRP. Out of 72 STEMI patients with high CRP level, 22 patients (30.55%) & 6 patients (8.33%) were expired. Out of 12 NSTEMI patients with high CRP level, 2 patients (16.67%) developed left ventricular failure&no one was expired. STEMI was associated with worst outcome 30.55% vs 16.67% left ventricular failure and 8.33% vs 0% mortality rate.

Conclusions: High CRP is a predictor of adverse early outcome in patients with acute coronary syndromes

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 95-98
Socio-Demographic Characteristics of Blood Donor in a Tertiary Care Specialized Hospital
Authors: Quader Mohd Abul
Published: June 2021

Background: Blood donors are the backbone of a transfusion service. To ensure a safe and appropriate transfusion service, donor demography is to be optimized for proper strategic management. The purpose of this study was to assess the socio-demographic profile of blood donors to make targets for national interventions and to promote blood donation.

Methods: This descriptive type cross sectional study was conducted in Transfusion Medicine department of Popular Medical College Hospital from 1st January 2015 to 30th June 2018. All the blood donors who came to donate blood in this department were included in this study. Their signed consent was obtained to include in this study with their socio-demographic determinants. Frequency, percentage and p value<0.05 were calculated for statistics.

Results: Out of the 15702 blood donors, male donors were more with a ratio of 6.78:1. Though the younger age group (25-31 years) showed highest donor population (32.61%), but the younger age group (18-38 years) have maximum donation (86.21%). Unmarried donors were 59.07% among the donors and middle class income group also showed highest donors (59.09%). Student donors (30.55%) were more among the donors. Muslims donors (79.01%) were more than others religious donors. Regarding education level of donors, higher secondary and above level showed highest donation (90.97%) which was statistically significant (p<0.001). Among the donors 78.05% showed their future intension to donate. Conclusions: Works on differences in socio-demographic characteristics of blood donors in times of increasing demand appears to be fruitful to target national interventions and to promote blood donation.

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 113-119
Hypokalemic paralysis and renal tubular acidosis: Initial presentation of Sjogren’s syndrome
Authors: Tofail Tania , Jahan Sharmin , Hasnat Mohd Abul
Published: June 2021

Sjogren’s syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease affecting multiple systems with varying clinical features.We report a case of 37 year old woman who presented with recurrent episodes of quadriparesis which was attributable to hypokalemia and initially labelled as hypokalemic periodic paralysis. Later on she was found to have metabolic acidosis rather than alkalosis which pointed towards the diagnosis of renal tubular acidosis (RTA) in the absence of apparent gastrointestinal tract loss. Once the diagnosis of RTA was established, an attempt to search the aetiology revealed that she was having primary Sjogren’s syndrome (pSS) though she did not have any symptom at the time of diagnosis. She was found positive for anti-SSA. Lip biopsy revealed lymphocytic infiltration in periductal as well as parenchymal region. Schirmer test confirmed presence of severe dry eye. A concomitant existence of autoimmune hypothyroidism was a noteworthy association. She responded well with potassium supplementation and symptomatic treatment. Presentation of this case reminds the importance of vigilance while managing a case of recurrent hypokalemia which might be a rare presenting feature of pSS.

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 145-148
A case of bilateral recurrent exudative pleural effusion in a post COVID patient
Authors: Mamun SM AA , Sarker S
Published: June 2021

COVID-19-related pleural effusions are frequently described during the ongoing pandemic. Pleural effusions result from the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space surrounding the lungs. The most common causes of bilateral pleural effusions are due to congestive cardiac failure, nephrotic syndrome, anasarca due to any protein deficiency state or fluid overload, hypothyroidism. Few exudative causes of bilateral pleural effusion also like tuberculosis, primary and metastatic pleural malignancy, bronchogenic Ca, lymphomas, Immunological diseases: Mixed connective tissue disease, long standing cardiac failure or liver failure (on diuretics). Exudative causes of bilateral turbid pleural effusion with recurrent accumulation are very rare without any other associated pathology. The significance of pleural effusions in COVID-19 pneumonia has not been well assessed due to the rarity of the disease limited to case reports/series. A 72-year-old male patient comes to emergency with the complaints increasing shortness of breath for 3 days, Dry cough for same duration, H/O of COVID pneumonia 2 months back with no other comorbidity. A chest computer tomography (CT) radiograph revealed a bilateral pleural effusion, which was further assessed as exudative type. Pleural fluid study reveals exudative hemorrhagic turbid fluid with ADA 71.5 U/L with neutrophilicleukocytosis. Pleural fluid culture reveals moderate growth of pseudomonas species with scanty growth of Candida species. The patient was diagnosed as a case of bilateral complicated recurrent parapneumonic effusion and treated with antibiotic as culture sensitivity with steroids. After 4 times aspiration paracentesis patient was discharged with minimal bilateral pleural effusion. The patient has been followed for 4 months and now he is doing well.

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 149-155
A tale of a snakebite victim from vicinity of bite through the health system of Bangladesh
Authors: Fairouz Fariha , Ahsan HM Nazmul , Amin Md Robed , Faiz Mohammad Abul
Published: June 2021

Abstract not available

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 161-164
Dapagliflozin: A new treatment option for Chronic Heart Failure
Authors: Samin Musavvir , Ahasan HAM Nazmul
Published: June 2021

Abstract not available

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 175-176
A Post COVID- 19 Catastrophe
Authors: Islam Munadi Al , Amin Md Robed
Published: June 2021

Abstract not available

Bangladesh J Medicine July 2021; 32(2) : 177-178
New records of Euglenophyceae for Bangladesh
Authors: Alfasane Md Almujaddade , Mehnaz Maliha , Akhtar Ashika , Ayesha Mst , Shafi Shafiul Azom , Islam Shahima , Begum ZN Tahmida , Moustafa Mahmoud
Published: June 2021

A total of 8 species of Euglenophyceae where 5 species of Euglena namely, Euglena lucens Günther, E. paludosa Mainx., E. gaumei Allorge & Lefèvre , E. heimii Lef., E. mangini Lefévre, and 3 species of Lepocinclis namely, Lepocinclis ovum var. deflandriana (Ehrenberg) Lemmermann, L. ovum var. globulus ( Perty) Lemmermann and L. steinii Lemmermann from Sylhet Division which are all new records for Bangladesh.

Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 11-15, 2021 (June)
Rubroboletus himalayensis - A new mushroom from Pakistan
Authors: Sarwar Samina , Siddique Zeb , Bashir Ayesha , Khalid Abdul Nasir
Published: June 2021

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A taxonomic study on Pteris L. (Pteridaceae) of Bangladesh
Authors: Dong Shi Yong , Haque AKM Haque
Published: June 2021

Bangladesh lies in Indian subcontinent, an area rich in Pteris species. However, so far there is no modern account on the species diversity of Pteris in Bangladesh. Based on a thorough study of literature and limited specimens available to us, we currently recognize 15 species of Pteris in Bangladesh. Among these species, P. giasii is currently known only from Bangladesh; P. longipinnula, which has not been collected since 1858, was recently rediscovered in Sylhet. Pteris cretica, P. pellucida, P. quadriaurita var. quadriaurita, and P. quadriaurita var. setigera are excluded for the fern flora of Bangladesh. To facilitate the recognition of species, a key to species and brief notes for each species are provided.

Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 131-140, 2021 (June)
Floristic composition in the ruderal areas of Southeast Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Zeynep Izgördü Zeynep , Akan Hasan
Published: June 2021

Survey on the floral diversity is an important activity to evaluate the existing flora. This study was carried out from 2018 to 2020 to investigate the flora existing in the roadside and ruderal areas between Şanlıurfa and Bozova, nearby Euphrates river. A total of 200 taxa belonging to 138 genera and 41 families were determined. 9 of these taxa are endemic to Turkey. Among the plants identified, there are 5 geophytes, 1 parasite and 14 cultivated plants. The families with the most taxa are Fabaceae (47), Asteraceae (30), Lamiaceae (15), Poaceae (13) and Brassicaceae (7). The genera with the dominant taxa are; Astragalus (7), Medicago (7), Trigonella (7), Vicia (5) and Trifolium (5). In distribution of plants in the study area, the Irano-Turanian elements (38%, 75 taxa) ranks first, Mediterranean elements second (15%, 30 taxa) and Euro-Siberian elements third (1%, 3). The botanical- and vernacular names and habit categories of the recorded plant taxa are cited systematically. Threats to these plants and possible conservation strategies are also discussed briefly.

Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 241-256, 2021 (June)
Mosses of Daqahlia Province with one new record for Africa and three new records for Egypt
Authors: Salama Usama Y Abou , Lashin Gamal MA , Abdelhaliem Ekram M , Hamouda Gehad AA
Published: June 2021

Thirty six moss species were recorded from Daqahlia province, Nile Delta. Weissia perligulata Flow. (Pottiaceae) was new record to Afr1. In addition, Hyophila involute (Hook.) Jaeg., (Pottiaceae), Ptychostomum arcticum (R. Brown) J. R. Spence ex Holyoak & N. Pederson and P. cyclophyllum (Schwagr) J. R. Spence (Bryaceae) were new records for Egypt. Fifteen species were new to Nile delta. This raised the number of identified moss taxa recorded from Egypt up to 192 taxa, from Nile delta 51 taxa and Daqahlia province 39 taxa. Data on the up-to-date classification, habitats, voucher specimens and distribution of the enumerated species and the descriptions of the new records including the photos have been provided.

Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 28(1): 257-270, 2021 (June)