bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Use of Social Media by the Botswana Government and Governance of Liquid Communication
Authors: Mosweu Tshepho Lydia
Published: July 2020

Social media as a communication tool has enabled governments around the world to interact with citizens for customer service, access to information and to direct community involvement needs. The trends around the world show recognition by governments that social media content may constitute records and should be managed accordingly. The literature shows that governments and organisations in other countries, particularly in Europe, have social media policies and strategies to guide the management of social media content, but there is less evidence among African countries. Thus the purpose of this paper is to examine the extent of usage of social media by the Botswana government in order to determine the necessity for the governance of liquid communication. Liquid communication here refers to the type of communication that goes easily back and forth between participants involved through social media. The ARMA principle of availability requires that where there is information governance, an organisation shall maintain its information assets in a manner that ensures their timely, efficient and accurate retrieval. The study adopted a qualitative case study approach where data were collected through documentary reviews and interviews among purposively selected employees of the Botswana government. This study revealed that the Botswana government has been actively using social media platforms to interact with its citizens since 2011 for increased access, usage and awareness of services offered by the government. Nonetheless, the study revealed that the government had no official documentation on the use of social media, and policies and strategies that dealt with the governance of liquid communication. This study recommends the governance of liquid communication to ensure timely, efficient and accurate retrieval when needed for business purposes.
The Use of Instructional ICT Web Technologies in Higher Education Systems to Support Students' Academic Success
Authors: Ohei Kenneth Nwanua , Brink Roelien
Published: July 2020

The use of instructional web technology tools and applications in higher education systems (HES) has gained prominence in the education sector in recent decades. There is a realisation that traditional teaching and learning methods are not adequate to support students’ interactive learning engagements, which indirectly influences their academic performance. It is thus envisaged that incorporating and encouraging the use of instructional information and communication technologies (ICTs) in education may serve as an extra tool to support students’ academic goals as these technologies offer them platforms for diverse learning experiences and a better way to engage with their studies. The aim of this study was, therefore, to explore the usefulness of instructional web technologies in South Africa’s higher education system to support students’ academic success. The objectives were to explore how web technologies could play key roles in supporting students’ learning engagements, enhancing quality education delivery and improving students’ academic success. A quantitative method was appropriate for this research, and a questionnaire was employed to gather data from respondents at three selected South African universities. In total, 969 questionnaires were completed and returned. The findings revealed that instructional web technologies were useful and could have a positive impact in pedagogical settings, and that its use should be encouraged. The study indicated that human factors, security issues and a lack of ICT infrastructure hindered the use of instructional web technologies in HES, and that it was essential to consider these issues. The researchers concluded that instructional web technologies offered HES approaches to teaching and learning that were better than traditional methods and that the use of these technologies enhanced students’ academic success.
Experiential Learning in Graduate Archival Education at the University of Botswana
Authors: Mosweu Olefhile
Published: July 2020

Most curriculum components of archival graduate programmes consist of contextual knowledge, archival knowledge, complementary knowledge, practicum, and scholarly research. The practicum, now commonly known as experiential learning in the global hub, is now widely accepted in library and information studies (LIS) education as necessary and important. It is through experiential learning that, over and above the theoretical aspects of a profession, students are provided with the opportunity to learn by doing in a workplace environment. The University of Botswana’s Master’s in Archives and Records Management (MARM) programme has a six weeks experiential learning programme whose purpose is to expose prospective archivists and/or records managers to the real archival world in terms of practice as informed by archival theory. The main objective of the study was to determine the extent to which the University of Botswana’s experiential learning component exposes students to real-life archival work to put into practice theoretical aspects learnt in the classroom as intended by the university guidelines. This study adopted a qualitative research design and collected data through interviews from participants selected through purposive and snowball sampling strategies. Documentary review supplemented the interviews. The data collected were analysed thematically in line with research objectives. The study determined that experiential learning does indeed expose students to the real world of work. It thus helps to bridge the gap between archival theory and practice for students without archives and records management work experience. For those with prior archival experience, experiential learning does not add value. This study recommends that students with prior archives and records management experience should rather, as an alternative to experiential learning, undertake supervised research, and write a research essay in a chosen thematic area in archives and records management.
Application of Disruptive Technologies to the Management and Preservation of Records
Authors: Modiba Thomas , Ngoepe Mpho , Ngulube Patrick
Published: July 2020

Disruptive technologies are widely used in semi-periphery and core countries such as the United States of America, Australia, Croatia, and China to manage and preserve records. However, the same cannot be said about periphery countries, especially on the African continent. These countries, including South Africa, are struggling with the digitalisation of records, let alone the management of paper-based records. This study, conducted in the public sector in South Africa, explores literature review to critically analyse challenges to archival functions that can be mitigated through the application of artificial intelligence technologies. Findings reveal problems relating to governance in a digital environment, a lack of accountability, the high level of litigation rates, bad audit results, and a lack of or poor service delivery emanating from a breakdown in records systems in South Africa. Both paper-based and digital records management systems in the public sector in South Africa are in a state of disarray. As a result, the preservation of digital records is slowly taking place, which leads to the loss of memory for the entire public sector. It is concluded that the market is ripe for disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence, cloud computing and blockchain in the management and preservation of records in the South African public sector. The study recommends that governmental bodies cautiously consider exploring the possibility of storing their records in a trusted digital repository cloud as an interim solution while observing legal obligations. Other technologies such as blockchain technology can also be adopted to ensure the security of records.
Management and Preservation of Court Records: A Case Study of the Mthatha Magistrate Court, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Authors: Ngezana Odwa Patricia , Muchaonyerwa Ndakasharwa
Published: July 2020

The management and preservation of records is a crucial element in a records programme. This study investigated the management and preservation of court records, focusing particularly on the Mthatha Magistrate Court in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. A mixed methods approach, consisting of both qualitative and quantitative methods, was used, and data were obtained through interviews, observations and questionnaires. Using purposive sampling, 35 staff members were sampled from the Mthatha Magistrate Court. The quantitative data that were obtained from questionnaires distributed to these 35 respondents were analysed using the IBM SPSS software package and were presented in graphs and tables. Four participants were interviewed, and the qualitative data obtained from these interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the court officials depended entirely on records to fulfil their roles and that they acknowledged that records were vital for the administration of justice. In general, the results suggested that the management of records at the relevant court was ineffective, primarily in the creation phase. The study concluded that creators of court records should be responsible for their records so as to facilitate the smooth operation of the court. The study strongly recommended that the court should consider putting in place a general records management policy that should include the management of records only in an electronic form. The policy would give guidance for managing records and address issues such as records access, records security and preservation, as well as the management of electronic records.
SECI Model in Knowledge Management Practices
Authors: Adesina Aderonke Olaitan , Ocholla Dennis N.
Published: July 2020

The purpose of this study was to review the socialisation, externalisation, combination and internalisation (SECI) model of knowledge management (KM), and to explore the trends of its use, challenges, and best practices in the model’s application in KM practice in the period from 1995 to 2018. Using the methodology known as the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA), we sought to do the following: establish whether the SECI model was more widely accepted than other KM models; examine specific demographic details of research studies on the SECI model; investigate the weaknesses of the model in practice; and generate a compendium of the use of the model in respect of the period we reviewed. Four databases were explored to search for open access, peer-reviewed, empirical journal articles. The study found that the SECI model continued to be widely accepted and used in spite of criticism levelled at it. Weaknesses that we noted in our review included the limitations of certain modes of the model in some areas of application and the non-linearity of the model in other areas. The study found evidence of exponential growth in the SECI model’s usage in the period reviewed. Also noted was the wide application of the model in knowledge creation studies in Africa. The study suggested that organisations could employ the model for their knowledge creation activities, but with the support of factors that enabled knowledge sharing. The model’s socialisation mode stood out as a mode of high impact, implying that the management teams of organisations needed to pay a lot of attention to it for effective organisational KM. This study generated a compendium for the practical application of the SECI model.
The Future of Archivists and Records Managers in Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: July 2020

This article aimed to assess the future of archivists and records managers in South Africa. It is a fact that information communication technology (ICT) has impacted the management and preservation of records. Most of South Africa’s archivists and records managers were trained to manage paper-based records. The growth of electronic records has overtaken the ability of the records and archives management professionals to develop electronic records management systems (ERMS). The digital era requires archivists and records managers’ roles regarding the management of records to change to include ERMS. Reviewing and updating the job descriptions of archivists and records managers will not only assist in evaluating their current responsibilities and job functions but also in strategically choosing new responsibilities, expectations and job titles. This will benefit organisations so that they can understand and assist in building a case for adapting and elevating the positions of archivists and records managers. Archivists and records managers can elevate their roles and the profession by collaborating with cross-disciplinary role players to show their value and prove their worth to key stakeholders and decision-making individuals. The case study was chosen as the method of the study. The data were collected through interviews and analysis of documents. A total of 10 records managers were selected for the interviews during the annual Mpumalanga Records Management Forum. The study recommends that archivists and records managers adopt ERMS as a strategy for managing records and archives in collaboration with ICT specialists. Archivists and records managers play an important role in designing key organisational information systems and reviewing job descriptions.
University of Zululand Library and Inclusive Education: Responding to the Needs of Students with Disabilities
Authors: Eneya Dorothy , Ocholla Dennis N. , Mostert Bertha Janneke
Published: July 2020

This paper investigates the University of Zululand Library’s response to the university’s inclusive education agenda with respect to the accessibility of library services to students with disabilities. This was a qualitative study within the interpretive paradigm that used Michael Oliver’s social model of disability as an underpinning theory. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from students with disabilities and library staff. In addition, physical inspection of the library building was also conducted. Data analysis was done by thematic analysis. The study reveals that the University of Zululand Library services are not inclusive. Students with disabilities struggle to access library services. They faced such challenges as inaccessibility of library services, unavailability of resources in alternative formats and assistive technologies, and the lack of a disability policy. The study also found that the library faced the following challenges in providing services for students with disabilities: limited funding, a lack of staff awareness and training, the lack of a disability policy and a lack of collaboration. Formulating regulations to enforce the implementation of disability policy and legislation, developing institutional disability policies, and providing assistive technologies are critical in ensuring the accessibility of library services to students with disabilities at the University of Zululand. Unless students with disabilities have equal access to information, the university’s inclusive education agenda will remain a distant dream. Access to academic library services is critical to the full participation of students with disabilities in education. Likewise, inclusive university education can only be realised when students with disabilities have equal access to information. This aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals and the United Nations Convention on the Rights for Persons with Disabilities, which promote equal access to services and facilities to persons with disabilities. This paper raises awareness for both library staff and university management about the current status of library facilities and services with respect to accessibility for students with disabilities and how to address inclusiveness in library service provision.
Gauteng Paperless Classrooms: Fantasy, Fiction, or Reality?
Authors: Minty Rehana , Moll Ian
Published: July 2020

The South African government has invested substantial funds into providing information and communication technologies (ICTs) to schools and ICT training for teachers. However, these projects have not been as successful as anticipated. Internet connectivity and a lack of ICT skills among teachers continue to plague ICT integration at schools. Despite the challenges, the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) established “paperless schools” at selected sites. This article emanates from the postgraduate studies of the first author, entitled “The Viability of Teaching and Learning Mathematics Using Information and Communication Technologies in a Paperless Environment”. The main research question was: “How are teachers teaching Mathematics in a paperless environment?” A qualitative research method and a multiple case study design were employed. Semi-structured, in-depth face-to-face interviews were conducted with sixteen Mathematics teachers, one deputy principal, two ICT committee members, and a member of the Harry Gwala Support Centre. Classroom observations were also conducted. The data were analysed using thematic analysis. The findings indicate that Mathematics is being taught in a blended environment in all four cases, contrary to what the Gauteng MEC expected. Teachers articulated their preference for a blended teaching and learning environment and their belief that Mathematics cannot be taught solely with ICTs. It is recommended that the GDE change their expectations of requiring teachers to teach in a paperless context. Instead, it should be the teacher’s choice when to integrate technology to enhance teaching and learning.
Fundamental Operations of Language
Authors: Chomsky Noam
Published: July 2020

20 years ago, in lectures in Brasilia, I suggested that we might someday discover that the Faculty of Language (FL) is “beautifully designed, a near-perfect solution to the conditions imposed by the general architecture of the mind-brain in which it is inserted, another illustration of how natural laws work out in wondrous ways,” so that language is rather like a snowflake, and the near-perfect design can be expected to impose inefficiency of use. I added that “these are fables,” with the redeeming value that they “might even turn out to have some elements of validity. In the years since, solid reasons have been found to suggest that these hopes were understated, and that the “fable” – the Strong Minimalist Thesis – appears to have considerable validity. A number of striking and puzzling properties of FL – “universals of language” in the contemporary sense – have been shown to derive from the simplest computational operation, Merge, along with conditions of computational efficiency that are in effect part of natural law. And as anticipated, they do indeed impose communicative inefficiency.
What Makes Business Speakers Sound Charismatic?
Authors: Niebuhr Oliver , Brem Alexander , Michalsky Jan , Neitsch Jana
Published: July 2020

Phonetic research on the prosodic sources of perceived charisma has taken a big step towards making a speaker’s tone-of-voice a tangible, quantifiable, and trainable matter. However, the tone-of-voice includes a complex bundle of acoustic features, and a lot of parameters have not even been looked at so far. Moreover, all previous studies focused on political or religious leaders and left aside the large field of managers and CEOs in the world of business. These are the two research gaps addressed in the present study. An acoustic analysis of about 1,350 prosodic phrases from keynotes given by a more charismatic CEO (Steve Jobs) and a less charismatic CEO (Mark Zuckerberg) suggests that the same tone-of-voice settings that make political or religious leaders sound more charismatic also work for business speakers. In addition, results point to further charisma-relevant acoustic parameters related to rhythm, emphasis, pausing, and voice quality - as well as to audience type as a significant context factor. The findings are discussed with respect to implications for future perception-oriented studies and perspectives for a computer-based measurement, assessment, and training of a charismatic tone of voice.
Reconstruction Beyond Proto-Languages In the Middle Andes
Authors: Adelaar Willem
Published: July 2020

The perception that the numerous similarities in lexicon, phonology and structure which unite the Quechuan and Aymaran language families in the Middle Andes region are due to intensive language contact prior to the stage of their proto-languages, rather than to a common genetic source as was previously assumed, has made it possible to visualize some of the originally inherited characteristics of each of the two linguistic lineages. This new perspective opens up multiple fields of further investigation, for instance, (a) determining the directionality of loan words (mainly from Quechuan to Aymaran, and rarely the other way around); (b) reconstructing the the structural profile of each of the two lineages prior to the beginning of their contact relation; and (c) creating the conditions for a separate external comparison of each lineage with other language families and isolates in the wider surroundings. In more general terms, it now appears possible to access earlier stages in the historical development of the Quechuan and Aymaran than that of the two proto-languages, to locate the original homeland of each lineage in relation to the newly established chronology, and to speculate on the societal context of the initial contact.
Aux limites du discours
Authors: Courtine Jean-Jacques
Published: July 2020

Paris, dernier quart du XIXème siècle… Avec l’urbanisation accélérée de la capitale, l’augmentation massive de sa population, des anxiétés nouvelles se font jour. L’alcoolisme fait rage, les dégénérescences guettent. « N’y-a-t-il pas plus de fous aujourd’hui qu’autrefois ? », s’inquiète ainsi le Dr Paul Garnier dans sa Folie à Paris (1890). Il occupe une position stratégique pour répondre à la question : Garnier est le médecin-chef de l’Infirmerie Spéciale du dépôt de la Préfecture de Police, où sont transportés tous les insensés qu’on embarque sur les pavés de la capitale. Et la réponse est affirmative : l’entassement dans la cité de masses compactes et flottantes d’individus anonymes ferait éclore de nouvelles folies urbaines, jusqu’alors inconnues. La ville produirait donc de la folie, dont la psychiatrie observe, transcrit, identifie, et classe les discours. On pourrait en rester là, et n’y voir rien d’autre qu’un épisode classique de la longue histoire du contrôle des aliénés. Mais il y a une autre manière de lire ce tableau des misères urbaines dont les rapports psychiatriques consignent scrupuleusement les discours ; et d’y entendre les voix de ces égarés lorsqu’elles percent la surface du discours psychiatrique.
Os caminhos da Literacia
Authors: Morais José
Published: July 2020

São discutidos os conceitos, frequentemente utilizados no Brasil, de alfabetização e letramento, e criticadas, respetivamente, a sua insuficiência (posto que só a alfabetização não garante níveis hábeis de leitura e escrita) e imprecisão (no que respeita aos processos cognitivos utilizados). Defende-se a utilização de literacia, corrente em Portugal, a que correspondem literacy e littératienos países de língua inglesa e francesa, e literacidad em alguns países de língua espanhola. Muito mais importante do que a harmonização da terminologia é fazer chegar aos meios educativos os conhecimentos científicos e neurocientíficos sobre o desenvolvimento e aquisição das capacidades cognitivas e de literacia, e sobre a enorme influência que têm sobre esse processo os fatores sociais, em particular a pobreza. Chama-se a atenção para o debate estéril que surgiu em torno de uma oposição mal colocada entre método fônico, baseado em evidências científicas, e a conscientização, proposta em tempos por Paulo Freire, da necessidade de desenvolver a literacia nos meios populares.
Theorizing about the Syntax of Human Language
Authors: Pullum Geoffrey Keith
Published: July 2020

Linguists standardly assume that a grammar is a formal system that ‘generates’ a set of derivations. But this is not the only way to formalize grammars. I sketch a different basis for syntactic theory: model-theoretic syntax (MTS). It defines grammars as finite sets of statements that are true (or false) in certain kinds of structure (finite labeled graphs such as trees). Such statements provide a direct description of syntactic structure. Generative grammars do not do this; they are strikingly ill-suited to accounting for certain familiar properties of human languages, like the fact that ungrammaticality is a matter of degree. Many aspects of linguistic phenomena look radically different when viewed in MTS terms. I pay special attention to the fact that sentences containing invented nonsense words (items not in the lexicon) are nonetheless perceived as sentences. I also argue that the MTS view dissolves the overblown controversy about whether the set of sentences in a human language is always infinite: many languages (both Brazilian indigenous languages and others) appear not to employ arbitrarily iterative devices for embedding or coordination, but under an MTS description this does not define them as radically distinct in typological terms.
O papel da cultura na língua(gem) e na cognição
Authors: Everett Daniel
Published: July 2020

Este trabalho apresenta um panorama de algumas pesquisas a respeito de como a cultura está relacionada de forma causal com o entendimento da cognição humana. Particularmente, avalio estudos a respeito da influência da cultura na memória de curto prazo, na percepção visual, na gramática, na cognição numérica, e na evolução linguística. Além disso, apresento um desiderato de metodologias sobre as conexões entre cultura e cognição, e um direcionamento para pesquisas futuras.
Arteriovenous malformation presenting as traumatic subdural hematoma: A case report
Authors: Parr Matthew , Patel Nitesh , Kauffmann John , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Roychowdhury Sudipta , Narayan Vinayak , Nosko Michael , Nanda Anil , Gupta Gaurav
Published: July 2020

Background:

Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are congenital aberrant connections between afferent arteries and draining veins with no intervening capillary bed or neural parenchyma. Other than seizures, the most common initial presentation of AVM is hemorrhage, which is typically intraparenchymal, subarachnoid, or intraventricular, and very rarely subdural.

Case Description:

This patient is a 66-year-old male with a history of atrial fibrillation, chronically anticoagulated with apixaban, who presented through emergency services after a fall. On presentation, computed tomography (CT) of the head showed a small, 6 mm right subdural hematoma, and the patient was neurologically intact. The hematoma was evacuated by burr hole craniotomy and placement of a subdural drain 12 days after the initial presentation due to worsening headaches and further hematoma expansion. Two weeks postevacuation, the patient was readmitted for seizures, and at this time, CT angiography showed no intracranial vascular lesion. Approximately 1 month later, the patient was readmitted for decreased responsiveness, and CT head at this time found right frontal intraparenchymal hemorrhage. On subsequent catheter angiography, the right frontal AVM was discovered. It was treated with preoperative embolization followed by surgical resection. Postoperatively, the patient followed commands and tracked with his eyes. There was spontaneous antigravity movement of the right upper extremity, but still no movement of the left upper or bilateral lower extremities.

Conclusion:

This case emphasizes the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for underlying vascular lesions when evaluating intracranial bleeding, even in the setting of traumatic history, particularly in cases of hematoma expansion.
The anterior incisural width as a preoperative indicator for intradural space evaluation: An anatomical investigation
Authors: Zhao Xiaochun , Labib Mohamed , Ramanathan Dinesh , Eastin Timothy Marc , Song Minwoo , Little Andrew S. , Preul Mark C. , Lawton Michael T. , Lopez-Gonzalez Miguel Angel
Published: July 2020

Background:

The opticocarotid triangle (OCT) and the carotico-oculomotor triangle (COT) are two anatomical triangles used in accessing the interpeduncular region. Our objective is to evaluate if the anterior incisural width (AIW) is an indicator to predict the intraoperative exposure through both triangles.

Methods:

Twenty sides of 10 cadaveric heads were dissected and analyzed. The heads were divided into the following: Group A – narrow anterior incisura and Group B – wide anterior incisura – using 26.6 mm as a cutoff distance of the AIW. Subsequently, the area of the COT and the OCT in the transsylvian approach was measured, along with the maximum widths through the two trajectories in modified superior transcavernous approach.

Results:

The COT in the wide group was shown to have a significantly larger area compared with the COT in the narrow group (38.4 ± 12.64 vs. 58.3 ± 15.72 mm, P < 0.01). No difference between the two groups was reported in terms of the area of the OCT (50.9 ± 19.22 mm vs. 63.5 ± 15.53 mm, P = 0.20), the maximum width of the OCT (6.6 ± 1.89 vs. 6.5 ± 1.38 mm, P = 1.00), or the maximum width of the COT (11.7 ± 2.06 vs. 12.2 ± 2.32 mm, P = 0.50). Clinical cases were included.

Conclusion:

An AIW <26.6 mm is an unfavorable factor related to a limited COT area in a transsylvian approach for pathologies at the interpeduncular fossa. Preoperative identification and measurement of a narrow AIW can suggest the need to add a transcavernous approach.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the sphenoid sinus: A case report and review of literature
Authors: Wajima Daisuke , Nishimura Fumihiko , Masui Katsuya
Published: July 2020

Background:

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) in paranasal sinus are uncommon, accounting for 0.17–2% of all NHL cases; it is especially rare in the sphenoid sinus. In this report, we describe a case of NHL in the sphenoid sinus.

Case Description:

A 66-year-old man presented with a sudden left eye movement disorder. His head computed tomography and gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (Gd-MRI) showed a mass lesion extending around the left sphenoid sinus. However, the tumor regrowth about twice was observed during 2 weeks, partial removal of tumor was performed by the endoscopic trans-nasal transsphenoidal surgery, then histologically proved it to be diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). After R-THP-COP regimen (rituximab 375 mg/m2,

cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2, epirubicin 50 mg/m2, vincristine 2 mg/day, and prednisolone 100 mg/day) and two courses of intrathecal methotrexate therapy for DLBCL, the symptoms and the lesion of enhanced Gd-MRI and fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography were completely disappeared.

Conclusion:

NHLs in the sphenoid sinus is very rare disease, however, it is important to be diagnosed pathologically as soon as possible for being in remission state by the chemotherapy.
Resolution of cauda equina syndrome after surgical extraction of lumbar intrathecal bullet
Authors: Aljuboori Zaid , Sieg Emily
Published: July 2020

Background:

Gunshot wound (GSW) injuries to the spinal column are correlated with potentially severe neurological damage. Here, we describe a GSW to the thoracolumbar junction (e.g., T12/L1 level) which resulted in a cauda equina syndrome that resolved once the bullet was removed.

Case Description:

A 29-year-old male presented with a T12-L1 GSW; the bullet traversed the right chest and liver, entered the spinal canal at T12, and then settled at L1. He experienced excruciating burning pain in the right lower extremity/perineum and had urinary retention. On neurological examination, he exhibited severe weakness of the right iliopsoas/quadriceps (2/5) and extensor hallucis longus (1/5) which had decreased sensation in the right lower extremity in all dermatomes and urinary retention. The myelogram showed the bullet lodged intrathecally at L1; it compressed the cauda equina. Immediately after, the bullet was extracted and at 8 weeks follow-up, the patient’s right-sided motor function normalized, the sensory findings improved, and the sphincteric dysfunction resolved; the only residual deficit was minimal residual numbness in the L2-L5 distributions.

Conclusion:

Twenty percent of penetrating spinal column injuries are attributed to GSW s. The location of these injuries best determines the neurological damage and degree of recovery. Since patients with incomplete cauda equina syndromes have favorable prognoses, removal of bullets involving the T12-S1 levels may prove beneficial.
Therapeutic options for primary meningeal angiosarcoma: A case report
Authors: Melguizo-Gavilanes Isaac , Snipes George , Rodríguez-Márquez Iader , Duarte-Jurado Laura , Jaramillo-Jiménez Esteban
Published: July 2020

Background:

Primary angiosarcoma (AS) of the central nervous system (PACNS) is an extremely rare malignancy. The meninges represent an uncommon site of origin of PACNS. This report describes a recurrent meningeal PACNS treated with surgery, radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery, and paclitaxel at different stages of the disease.

Case Description:

A 36-year-old Asian male presented to our facility with a 4-month history of worsening headaches and complete right homonymous hemianopia. Neuroimaging revealed a left occipital lobe hematome with an underlying left tentorial tumor. After subtotal resection, neuropathological examination revealed features of a malignant endothelial cell AS. He received a course of adjuvant radiation therapy but experienced disease progression. He subsequently received additional stereotactic radiosurgery followed by weekly paclitaxel. Magnetic resonance imaging during the course of treatment revealed stable disease until patient died following another progression of his tumor.

Conclusion:

This case of a meningeal PACNS highlights the importance of considering this entity in the face of a malignant lesion presenting with intracranial hemorrhagic activity. Our observations suggest that the use of paclitaxel provided a modest clinical response in PACNS, highlighting the need to consider a combined approach structured mainly on surgery and radiotherapy. Stereotactic radiosurgery appears to be a promising treatment option.
Brainstem abscess treated conservatively
Authors: Leao Camila Furtado , Couto Maira Piani , Lima Jose Antonio Santos de , Paschoal Eric Homero Albuquerque , Brito Jose Reginaldo Nascimento
Published: July 2020

Background:

Brainstem abscess is a rare condition with a variety of treatment approaches. In this paper, we report an unusual case of a brainstem abscess with a positive outcome in an immunocompetent patient who was treated with antibiotic therapy.

Case Description:

A 22-year-old female presented with bilateral tetraparesis that was worse on the left hemibody, appendicular tremor, and left upper eyelid ptosis. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed an abscess in the pons and midbrain due to possible nocardiosis. She was treated with dexamethasone, phenytoin, vancomycin, and meropenem for 8 weeks and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for 6 weeks. The brain injury decreased, and the patient’s neurological status significantly improved.

Conclusion:

Brainstem abscess may be treated conservatively, leading to improvement of the clinical condition and decreased lesion size on imaging.
Cynodon dactylon Mediated Synthesis of Selenium Nanoparticles and Its Antimicrobial Activity Against Oral Pathogens
Authors: Akansha Kishen  , Rajeshkumar S  , Preejitha V. B.
Published: July 2020

is a genus of plant in the grass family. It is found in the tropical regions and is also known as grass, Bermuda grass and Indian Doab. It is a herb extensively used in Indian system of medicine. It has many health benefits and is useful in controlling hypertension, skin diseases and diabetes. Selenium particles have an excellent anti-cancer, , antioxidant, photo reactive property. The size of SeNPs ranges from 30nm to 200 nm. These particles can be used in arthritis, cancer, diabetes etc. To prepare the selenium particles using Cynodon , fresh Cynodon was dried and made into a fine powder and powder mixed with distilled water. Selenium were synthesized using plant extract and sodium . Anti microbial activity against oral pathogens tested usingagar well diffusion method. The diameter of zone of inhibition was recorded on each plate. The change was indicative of the formation of SeNPs that was further confirmed by . The Cynodon mediated SeNPs showed high anti microbial activity against all the three micro-organisms especially Candida and S.. Therefore, diseases can be prevented as it is very effective in inhibiting the growth of the colonies.
Epidemiological study on some endemic parasitic diseases to know the efficiency of the health system in the holy province of Karbala
Authors: Al-Zubaidi Hanan Abbas Majeed  , Zainab Abed Muhsin AL-Haboobi  , Shaima Abd Muhsin AL-Haboobi
Published: July 2020

The increased incidence of the parasites is associated with various factors, including lack of community health awareness, unsafe, inadequate disposal of human waste, lack of safe drinking water, low socioeconomic status, and health system performance. To determine the prevalence of some endemic parasites such as intestinal parasites five years ago, so the study take protozoa parasite Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica, and one intestinal helminth pinworm Enterobius vermicularis (pinworm) and the correlation of infections with age and sex in Karbala city. This study took cases examined in hospitals and health centers of the districts and the centre of the holy city of Karbala using the database of the Ministry of Health's Transitional Diseases Centre. It was conducted between 2015 and 2019 to study the efficiency of a health system and the levels of risky infectious diseases. Between 2015 and 2019, the conducted study was on three intestinal parasitic diseases. The study showed a significant difference in the level of infection with pinworm parasites. Infection of Enterobius vermicular increased by 32.8% in 2019 compared to previous years. In the meanwhile, Giardia lamblia decreased by 4.6%, followed by Endameba histolytic a by 3.6%, while the incidence of tissue amoeba parasites increased in 2015, followed by pinworms 2.4% and G.lamblia 2.9%. The study showed a significant difference. The studies also recorded a significant increase in the age group. Some of them were between the ages of more than one year and up to less than 45 years. This difference may be due to variation in sample size, seasonal variation, gene amebiasis, giardiasis, pinworm, parasite ral and personal hygiene, and public health services.
Effectiveness of oral administration of peppermint and coriander extracts on cognition in Scopolamine induced rat model of amnesia
Authors: Jasira Sirajudheen  , Sai Sailesh Kumar Goothy  , Mukkadan J K
Published: July 2020

Herbs and spices have been shown to be very effective in the management of the neurological disorders. They have neuroprotective actions that prevent the deterioration of the memory and other cognitive functions in the neurological diseases. Peppermint (menthe×piperita, also known as M. balsamea wild) is a hybrid mint, a cross between water mint and spearmint. Peppermint consists of several medicinal components and research was testified safety of consumption of the peppermint. The study compared the memory-boosting and regaining effects of oral administration of peppermint and coriander extracts. 36 male and female Wistar albino rats were assigned into three groups randomly that is control, coriander and peppermint groups, respectively. A control group (n=6) received neither peppermint nor coriander administered (milk was administered). Peppermint group (n=6) received peppermint extract. Coriander group (n=6) received coriander extract. Amnesia rat model was prepared by the administration of as intraperitoneal injection of scopolamine. The R-maze and T-maze tasks was conducted as mentioned in the literature. Mean trials of acquisition is significantly less (P<0.01) in the peppermint group. The number of mean trials of retention is significantly less (P<0.01) in the peppermint group. The mean trials for retention of the coriander group is significantly (P<0.05) less than the peppermint group. The study results support a positive impact of coriander and peppermint on cognition. The study recommends further detailed studies to support the administration of these extracts in the management of neurological diseases that deteriorates cognition.
Competitive strategies in business
Authors: S Sharma
Published: July 2020

In a competitive strategy, the business has great value in recognizing the skills and businesses that need to attract customers and their comprehensive options to improve their position in the market. This concept distinguishes the "perspectives and actions" of managers from a strategic point of view. It means that the competitive strategy revolves around the pioneers' methods to improve the company's position in the market by satisfying customers. It Improves market conditions simultaneously leads to action against competitors. The competence of a competitive strategy (rather than a strong strategy) has a competitive impact. The competitive strategy involves techniques that follow different ways of managing the progress of the competition. The purpose of a competitive strategy is to win the hearts of competitors (or rival networks) by meeting customers' needs to achieve a competitive strategy. So, this article focuses on all aspects of competitive strategy in companies.
DIETARY INTAKE AND PREVALENCE OF ADOLESCENT HYPERTENSIVE IN PORT HARCOURT, NIGERIA
Authors: G. O. Wordu , Chikodi H. I. Wachukwu
Published: July 2020

Hypertension is the commonest non communicable disease affecting both adolescents and adults.  Its origin is in childhood, but information on its prevalence and associated risk factors in adolescents are scarce.  This study assessed the prevalence of High blood pressure and associated risk factors on an adolescents in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. A cross-sectional descriptive study of 150 respondents selected using a multistage sampling technique from secondary schools in Port Harcourt.  Height, weight and blood pressure (BP) of the respondents were measured, while body mass index (BMI) were calculated using standard methods.  Hypertension, overweight and obesity were recorded high among participants.  About 22%, 28.8% and 34.7% were in the categories of prehypertension, stage by hypertension and stage 2 hypertension respectively.  A total of 36.16% were overweight and 9.3% obsessed.  This study demonstrated high prevalence of hypertension overweight and obesity among the adolescents in Port Harcourt other intervention to promote healthy eating habits and life styles, especially among high risk groups are suggested. Similar studies should be conducted in a rural setting.
CHARACTERIZATION OF PORTAL HYPERTENSION IN GEZIRASTATE (SUDAN) USING ULTRASOUND
Authors: Yonis Abdal Gadir , Abdallash Al Safi Ahmed , Ahmed Mona , Mohammed Osman Ashraf Mustafa
Published: July 2020

Peri-sinusoidal portal hypertension with frequent episodes of upper gastro intestinal variceal bleeding are hallmarks of hepatic-splenic schistosomiasis (Mansoni or Japonicum). This a prospective study compromise of 306 consecutive patients at North Gezira State between 2016 to 2019, aimed to characterize the portal hypertension &to minimize potentiallysevere and deadly complications. Using  B-mode grayscale ultrasound, The images done by portable Sono- Scape- A6 machine using convex probe with frequency range from 3.5 to 5 MHz and the data analyzed by SPSS version 15.The result showed that the majority of patients were male and portal hypertension had high incidence associated with peri portal fibrosis(schistosomiasis), the result also showed that : out of 360 patients under study, there were 209(58.1%) had portal hypertension, 106(29.4%) had PPF, and 45(12.5%) were normal patients.  The study concluded that the portable ultrasound machine is the most frequently used imaging modality to assess patients for the presence of portal hypertension especially in the endemic area.
A SURVEY ON FINGERPRINT PATTERN RECOGNITION
Authors: Dey Swarnadip , Karmakar Sajal Kumar , Goon Surajit , Kundu Prianka
Published: July 2020

In this advance technical time, we all need accuracy to any security system. Among all security system, biometric recognition process is very popular in that time. Not only security purpose, identification is the main cause of using biometric characteristic. A pin, password combination is not enough to secure all things because that’s tracking is possible, but a person biometric characteristic is unique, so it is near to impossible to by-pass. In this paper, we discuss about the fingerprint types such as arch, loop, and whorl. We also discuss how the fingerprint will be recognized; however, where this technique is used in very large scale and what is the future scope of this technique, we discuss what improvement is needed in future.
ATTITUDES AND PERCEPTIONS OF SHOPPERS’ GROCERY SUPERMARKET CHOICES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN BIG C AND TESCO LOTUS
Authors: Foabeh Peter Ajonghakoh , Achaleke Henry Fonji
Published: July 2020

This study aims to measure the attitudes and perceptions of grocery shoppers towards Big C and Tesco Lotus among Thais and non-Thais. In achieving this, the importance and satisfaction of shoppers’ grocery store choice is examined. The product and service outlets of these two supermarket giants may look identical, but the satisfaction and importance attributed by shoppers may differ considerably. Results from the survey (questionnaire) of 180 respondents show that store image, quality of service, size and location, as well as price and promotion are positively related to satisfaction of shoppers’ choice of supermarkets. In addition, price and promotion, parking, and the environment positively affect the importance of shoppers’ choice of supermarkets. No valid relationship was found between either satisfaction or importance and demographic factors (gender, age, occupation, and ethnicity).
Distinctive IR-Spectroscopic Features of Functional Groups of Low-Grade Phosphorites After Microbiological and Acid Processing
Authors: Tagaev Ilkhom , Doniyarov Nodirjon , Asrorov Anvar , Murodov Islom , Usanbaev N.KH. , Temirov Uktam
Published: July 2020

The article discusses the current problems of enrichment of low-grade phosphorites by the thermal method as well as the production of mineral fertilizers using various acids. An alternative biotechnological method for producing organomineral fertilizers using neutrophilic, heterotrophic microorganisms of activated sludge at a biochemical treatment station for municipal wastewater for the processing of low-grade phosphorites and the production of phosphorus-containing organomineral fertilizers is proposed.In this case, a natural acceleration of the processes of the phosphorus cycle in nature occurs, which does not pollute the environment. A comparative description of IR spectroscopic descriptions of the results of microbiological treatment and treatment with sulfuric and nitric acids showed distinctive characteristics of the appearance of functional groups, which showed the transfer of valuable phosphorus components during acid treatment to sediment and their irrevocable loss in the form of waste.The studies will serve the utilization of low-grade phosphorites unused in the production, the production of a new type of organomineral fertilizer using and recycling of human waste (in most countries, incinerated), will lead to a gradual improvement in the structural composition of soils.Human vital activity waste and low-grade phosphorites have zero cost, the applied technology of biochemical treatment of domestic wastewater is available in all major cities that can be used to enrich phosphorites with organic matter.