bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Impacting Kigali, Rwanda Pre-School Teachers' Attitude towards Teacher-Centred and Child-Centred Teaching Methods
Authors: Mugisha Patrick Yona
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study looked at the variables that affect pre-school teachers' perceptions of teacher- and child-centered instruction in Kigali. 
Methodology: This study used survey and observation research techniques in an ex post facto descriptive methodology. A questionnaire with three sections served as the primary tool. The data were analyzed using T-test and Spearman Rho Correlation Matrix. 
Findings: The findings showed that teacher-centered and child-centered teaching strategies are the two main approaches adopted by preschool instructors. The academic degree of the instructor has an impact on the teaching methods she chooses, with highly educated teachers favoring child-centered approaches to instruction. The findings also shown that teachers' attitudes shift from being teacher-centered to being child-centered as their ages increase. 
Conclusion: Less tax compliance is observed during trainings, which influences pre-school teachers' views on the shift from a teacher-centered to a child-centered teaching approach. 
Recommendation: It is obvious that appropriate techniques should be employed to raise kids who are curious, self-reliant, emotionally mature, and capable of making good decisions. At the preschool level, child-centered instruction is the suggested teaching strategy.
Closing Mitral Paravalvular Leak: Comparing Catheter-based Transapical Option against Surgical Treatment Option
Authors: Shahid Fahim , Rahman Ibrar , Mughal Adan Khan , Khan Muhammad Ullah
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The goal of this study was to compare the closure of catheter-based transapical option against surgical treatment option for mitral paravalvular leak.  

Methodology: The study employed a retrospective observational study design to compare closure of mitral paravalvular leak using catheter-based transapical option and surgical treatment option. The study had a sample size of 76 patients who were grouped into surgical group or catheter group. The surgical group was allocated 49 patients after re-do surgery while the catheter group was allocated 27 patients after transapical catheter–based treatment.

Findings: According to the study’s result, in-hospital myocardial necrosis occurred in 9 (18%) cases in the surgical group and none in the catheter group, p = 0.018. Procedure-related life-threatening bleeding occurred in 9 (18%) patients in the surgical group and none in the catheter group, p = 0.018. Nine (18%) patients died in 30 days in the surgical group, and none died in the catheter group, p = 0.039. A mean follow-up was 3.3 years. No difference was found between the groups by the degree of residual paravalvular regurgitation either at discharge or at follow-up. During the follow-up, 19 (39%) patients died in the surgical group and 2 (7%) among the catheter patients.

Conclusion: Transapical catheter-based closure of mitral paravalvular leak seems to be a safer treatment procedure than conventional re-do surgery, and the effectiveness of these procedures does not differ.
Contributing Factors to Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Adults above 55 Years: A Case Study of Patients Visiting Federal Diagnostic Centre
Authors: Khan Ali Minhas , Muhammad Muhammad Arain , Sahni Bilal , Muhammud Khan Uzair
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Screening can help in early detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia and help in recommending appropriate treatment thus reducing fracture-related morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to assess the contributing factors to osteoporosis and osteopenia among out-patients aged above 55 years.

Methodology: The study employed randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The identified patients were screened using bone tests such as DXA, quantitative ultrasound, and the Bone Mineral Density (BMD) as the standard. This was measured using the Calcaneal Quantitative Ultra Sound (QUS). The study also used a structured questionnaire to identify the socio-demographic profile of the patients and clinical risk assessments for osteoporosis or fracture risk. The sample size was 250 out-patients aged above 55 years.

Findings: The study found out that lower back pain and knee pain were the common musculoskeletal presentations. It was evident that osteoporosis and osteopenia was common in out-patients who had low exposure to sunlight (71%). The study found that major contributing factors to osteoporosis and osteopenia are advanced age, low bone mineral density score, hysterectomy, gender, and educational status.

Conclusion: The study conclude that people aged above 55 years are at high risk of suffering from osteoporosis and osteopenia.

Recommendation: The study recommend people above 55 years to undergo screening to facilitate early detection of osteoporosis and osteopenia. This will help them in getting appropriate and timely management of symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Implications of the Principals' Leadership Behavior on Teachers' Morale in High Schools in Ethiopia
Authors: Tibebu  Ruphael Awash , Neway  Elsa Zema
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study sought to investigate how principal leadership behavior affected teachers' motivation in Ethiopia. 

Methodology: The study used a descriptive survey design with 2,696 teachers and all 249 principals from the 249 public secondary schools in Addis Ababa as its target population. 25 schools, including boys' boarding, girls' boarding, mixed day, mixed day and boarding, and mixed boarding schools, were chosen using stratified sampling. To take part in the study, all 25 of the principals from the sampled schools were specifically chosen. 270 instructors were chosen at random to participate in the survey, for a total of 295 respondents. The study employed questionnaires as the main tool for data collection. Before data collection, a pilot study was conducted in two schools from Addis Ababa to pre- test the instruments. 

Results: The survey found that the majority of Addis Ababa's teachers used democratic and laissez-faire methods. However, a sizeable percentage of the instructors said that the principals exhibited autocratic leadership, which is disheartening. This is because principals stifled teachers' opinions and they felt excluded from participation in decision-making at the school. Additionally, the survey discovered that democratic leadership was most frequently favored by teachers, followed by laissez-faire and authoritarian leadership. 

Conclusion: The study comes to the conclusion on that hat the principal’s activities show how his or her leadership style. Therefore, strong administrative leadership would result in a fan a favorable work atmosphere,, enhanced instructional goals and successful school initiatives

Recommendation: According to the study, in order to lead effectively, a school's principal must use a variety of leadership techniques depending on the environment and circumstances present. The Ministry of Education is advised to schedule routine school inspections in order to track principals' use of leadership techniques that may increase high levels of teacher motivation.
Impact of Leadership Techniques on the Performance of the South African Telecommunication Sector
Authors: Wentze Stanley , Zwane Zandile
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study's goal was to ascertain how leadership behaviors affected the South African telecommunications sector's performance. 

Methodology: All employees at the Vodacom corporate office were the objective of this study, which employed a descriptive research approach. With the aid of stratified random sampling, 98 respondents made up the sample size. Both primary and secondary data were used into the study. The primary data was collected utilizing interview guides and structured questionnaires. Later, utilizing helpers, the surveys were self-administered. Different methods of obtaining information from managers to confirm the answers to the questionnaires were utilized using the interview guide. By examining the annual financial records over a period of ten years, secondary data were acquired (2004- 2014). Software from the statistical package for social sciences was used to examine the statistical data that was gathered (SPSS). 

Results: Results of the study demonstrated that at Vodacom Limited, performance was certainly influenced by leadership style. The comprehensive statistical analysis of the data gathered provided a clear picture of the link that currently exists and the effect that leadership styles have on organizational performance. Overall findings indicated a favorable association between transactional and transformational leadership and organizational success. As predicted, relationship analysis demonstrated a favorable relationship between all transformational leadership characteristics and organizational performance. 

Conclusion: Distinct leaders and organizations have different leadership philosophies. Organizations in both the public and commercial sectors place a high importance on leadership as a resource for managing their constantly changing operating conditions. 

Recommendation: According to the study, top management in businesses should make every effort to set a better example for their employees, motivate them by giving their jobs purpose and challenge, encourage their efforts to be innovative and creative, and carefully consider each person's need for growth and benefit.
Optimization of Supply Chains and Service Delivery in Selected Ugandan Charitable Organizations
Authors: Nsereko  Komakech Kizza , Nanzekho  Sarah Natela
Published: December 2022

Purpose: This study aims to determine how supply chain optimization affects service delivery in a few Ugandan charitable organizations. 
Methodology: The study employed a descriptive design and a census survey sample approach because it was just 28 people in the population being studied. A self-administered questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions was used to collect the data. All quantitative variables were estimated using descriptive statistics, such as percentages, means, standard deviations, and frequencies. The data was collected, analyzed using multiple regressions, and then displayed as tables and graphs. 
Results: The study's conclusions showed that supply chain optimization has a significant impact on how well certain Ugandan humanitarian organizations deliver their services. The majority of supply chain optimization's components, including transportation and distribution, depend on technology to operate at their best, according to the study. 
Conclusion: Service delivery was found to have a favorable and statistically significant link with inventory management, strategic sourcing, and technology. 
Recommendation: The report suggests that humanitarian organizations integrate supply chain operations utilizing technology to increase efficiency and accountability and to develop the skills of their human resources to meet the difficulties of the contemporary supply chain.
Significance of (IFMI) Integrated Financial Management Information System on the Effectiveness of Congo's Government Procurement
Authors: Mputu  Pauline Banza , Safi  Marie Monique
Published: December 2022

Purpose: investigate the influence of IFMIS on Public Procurement Performance in Kinshasa Province.

Methodology: The study also adopted a descriptive research design, where the target population comprised of 100 individuals in top management, departmental staff, and supervisors. A sample of 80 respondents was selected, representing 80% of the population. Statistical software for social sciences SPSS (version 16) was employed in data analysis. Qualitative data was analyzed using content analysis. Quantitative data was analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics which include: frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations as well as multiple linear regression model.

Results: Study findings concluded that IFMIS had a significant relationship  with public procurement performance, as demonstrated by the four study variables, since significant relationships were established between IFMIS control systems, online tendering, automated planning, automated supplier engagement on public procurement performance.

Conclusion: The study concluded that IFMIS has influence on public procurement performance in Kinshasa province government. Changing either IFMIS control systems, online tendering, automated planning and automated supplier engagement would significantly affect public procurement performance.

Recommendation: This study recommends that province governments should put policies flexible enough to handle technological changes. Policies to strengthen the IFMIS platform should be put in place to ensure the systems control mechanisms are safeguarded.
Death of COVID-19, Early Burial and Social Health: Between Preservation of Life and Respect for Culture
Authors: Ndjalla Alexandre
Published: December 2022

Purpose: Death is a difficult moment which is managed in a particular way at the individual and collective level. It is synonymous with dysfunction at both the family and social levels. As such, a set of regulatory measures is put in place to restore the balance. In Africa and in Cameroon, the organization of funerals is an important moment for the recognition of the person who has left, but also for the members of the family, social and cultural body who remain. Therefore this paper aims to research the perceptions around early burial in context of COVID-19 and the impact on social life.Methodology: To achieve this, the researcher adopted a methodological approach specific to anthropology with field research based on individual interviews.Findings: This shows that burial is a kind of therapy. This organization responds to and is part of a particular care process. The failure to respect the dead is often the source of other problems of social balance and health.Conclusion: With the COVID-19 pandemic, new rules of life and social organization have emerged. And these are also visible and lived in the management of the deaths of this pandemic.Recommendation: It would therefore be important to give families the possibility of carrying out certain rites related to death and burial for the psychic and social balance.
Video-Based Education Improves Sampling (Grossing) Confidence in Pathology Trainees
Authors: Chornenkyy Yevgen , Gelarden Ian A. , Felicelli Christopher , Blanco Luis Zabala , Maniar Kruti P. , Novo Jorge Eduardo
Published: December 2022

Context.—

Pathology resident education has a steep learning curve. Specimen sampling (grossing) is a procedural task, and procedural fields add video materials to their curricula to familiarize trainees with procedure(s), reduce errors, and improve patient care. Our team applied this strategy to develop original in-house sampling videos for our program.

Objectives.—

To evaluate the effect of in-house sampling videos on resident sampling confidence.

Design.—

Sampling videos covering all major organ systems (AMOS) were created for our postgraduate year 1 (PGY1) trainees. Videos were hosted on a Northwestern cloud server for on-demand access. Trainees completed 3 surveys (0, 6, 12 months) evaluating sampling confidence comparing those who used in-house videos as an educational supplement with those who did not use the videos.

Results.—

Sampling confidence significantly improved at 6 and 12 months (P < .001) across AMOS and PGY levels. When compared with those who did not use in-house sampling videos, trainees who supplemented their education with in-house sampling videos had significantly higher confidence ratings across AMOS and PGY levels at the start of the study (P < .001) and at 6 months (P = .004). Sampling confidence significantly improved for PGY1 trainees at 6 and 12 months (P < .001); for PGY2 and PGY3 trainees, confidence significantly improved at 6 months (P < .001). When evaluated by organ-specific analyses, sampling and teaching confidence improved across all organ systems and, except for the gastrointestinal system, reached significance at 12 months for all PGY levels.

Conclusions.—

Sampling videos, when used as a supplement to the existing curriculum, significantly improved trainee confidence.
Corporate social responsibility and expected benefits in the financial sector: Empirical evidence from Serbia
Authors: Nikolić Jelena , Tošić Bojana , Zlatanović Dejana
Published: December 2022

As one of the pillars of the economy, financial institutions play important role in implementation of the concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR). The paper is focused on CSR in the financial sector, i.e. the perception of employees in banks and insurance companies in Serbia on the level of development of CSR regarding its external dimensions, such as responsibility toward beneficiaries, community and environment. The aim is to identify the employees' perceptions of external aspects of CSR in the financial sector, as well as to determine the impact of selected external aspects on the expected CSR benefits. The results of the conducted empirical research demonstrate a positive attitude of employees in financial institutions in the Republic of Serbia towards external aspects of CSR, as well as statistically significant impact of CSR towards beneficiary and environment on the expected CSR benefits. Additionally, the results indicate that CSR towards the community does not affect the expected benefits. Accordingly, we identified some practical and theoretical implications that can serve as a basis for creating and implementing a strategic approach to CSR in financial institutions.
The impact of training on employees' performance in the entrepreneurial environment in Serbia: Empirical and statistical findings
Authors: Nikitović Zorana , Penjišević Aleksandra , Somborac Borko
Published: December 2022

The efforts of organizations to improve their business processes, establish market competitiveness, achieve goals more efficiently and increase profitability are mainly made through an attempt to upgrade the performance of employees. Increasing the employees' work performance is directly correlated with the improvement of individual skills, as well as the level of ability to effectively transform new knowledge according to daily work obligations. In this process, synergies should be established between employees, on the one hand, who should be adequately motivated, committed, and focused on the acquisition of new knowledge, and on the other hand, organizations that should provide resources, support, and conditions for effective knowledge transfer from educational process to visible improvement indicators of different employees' performance levels. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of training on increasing the individual and organizational performance of employees in entrepreneurial organizations in Serbia. Additionally, the correlation between the two groups of respondents, managers and non-managerial staff, will be tested, to determine more closely whether there is a distinction in relation to the position held by the respondent, for defined issues.
Determinantes da gestão de custos nas Micro e Pequenas Empresas
Authors: Costa Wênyka Preston Leite Batista , Lima Ozeana Celestino de , Silva Sérgio Luiz Pedrosa , Silva Jandeson Dantas
Published: December 2022

Objetivo(s): O objetivo desta pesquisa foi evidenciar os determinantes da gestão de custos nas micro e pequenas empresas (MPE) na cidade de Mossoró (RN). Método: As MPE são instituições imprescindíveis para a economia brasileira por sua representatividade em número de empresas e pela geração de emprego e renda. Para atingir o objetivo proposto, foi realizada uma pesquisa com abordagem quantitativa, com aplicação de um questionário aos gestores das MPE. Resultados: Os resultados evidenciaram que a gestão de custos oferece subsídios que auxiliam na tomada de decisão, sendo o controle e a avaliação de estoque, assim como o incremento da competitividade, os determinantes para a gestão de custos. Verificou-se que os participantes consideram relevantes as informações de controle de custos para o planejamento e a análise de desempenho da empresa. Constatou-se ainda que o nível de utilização da gestão de custos nesta pesquisa sobrepujou a média do Sebrae, que aponta que 60% das empresas não adotam tal medida, enquanto nesta pesquisa apenas 30% declararam não adotar o controle de custos. Contribuições: A pesquisa tem como contribuição mostrar a relevância dos fatores determinantes para as MPE realizarem uma gestão de custos eficaz, apontando um rol de práticas utilizadas nas empresas pesquisadas que pode servir de orientação para outras empresas em suas decisões. Tais resultados foram convergentes em alguns aspectos e divergentes em outros com relação a estudos empíricos pesquisados na literatura.
Afghanistan: Corruption and Injustice in the Judicial System
Authors: De Lauri Antonio
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Constructing Corruption: Narratives of Panchayat Justice under British Rule During the Early Nineteenth Century
Authors: Jaffe James
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Field Notes Lady Advocates of Pakistan
Authors: Mehdi Rubya
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Book Review by Zoran Lapov Women, Judging and the Judiciary From difference to diversity
Authors: Rackley Erika , Lapov Zoran
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Našardi Bori and her Stories: Framing Elopement in a Romani Community
Authors: Lapov Zoran
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Saraiki Proverbs Related to Runaway Women
Authors: Sultan Sajid
Published: December 2022

The use of proverbs in the Saraiki language shows different male attitudes towards women especially ‘the runaway’. This research-based study is meant to highlight Saraiki proverbs related to runaway women and the negative attitudes they out forward declaring them careless and disobedient. There is a presumption that Saraiki-speaking women are hard working and less demanding. These proverbs present an ideal of Seraiki women as being very tolerant to the cruelties and hardships they face in the name of honor. Proverbs are mostly considered to reflect this taken-for-granted wisdom. This study will explore how these proverbs are deployed and what kinds of consequences they have both positive or negative.
Lawyers in Opera: The Transformation of the Legal Profession
Authors: Høedt-Rasmussen Inger , Nielsen Lise-Lotte
Published: December 2022

For centuries lawyers, broadly understood as judges, notaries, legal officials and private practicing lawyers, have played important roles in society and been members of a strong profession possessing privileges. Also in operas, from the Italian Commedia dell’arte, ‘Il dottore’, to recent lawyer figures, judges, notaries, lawyers, courtrooms, prisons and legal cultures are exposed. These conditions have influenced the reputation of lawyers. This article contributes with reflections about lawyers’ identity through a fruitful inspiring collaboration between an opera singer and a legal scholar. At three levels of analysis, this explorative study searches for connections between societal requirements (what to do), professional requirements (how to act) and legal and ethical expectations of specific lawyer-like behaviour, morality and good citizenship (who to be). The article brings into a dialogue the world of law and the world of opera and compares the construction of lawyer identities in society with different lawyer roles in opera.
Law, Justice and the Pervasive Power of the Image
Authors: Douglas-Scott Sionaidh
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Dancing Through Laws: A History of Legal and Moral Regulation of Temple Dance in India
Authors: Puri Stine Simonsen
Published: December 2022

No abstract
Marital Rape in Denmark and Pakistan
Authors: Schultz-Knudsen Mikele , Mehdi Rubya
Published: December 2022

This article investigates how rape laws and rape cases are culturally influenced, with a focus on marital rape. The first part of the article looks at cultural influences on rape laws and compares the historical development of these laws in Danish legislation, Pakistani legislation and more broadly in Muslim law. Danish comparative law often compares with legislation in neighboring countries, but comparing to a more different legal system is valuable too. We find that in both Denmark and Pakistan, socio-economic changes challenge existing definitions of rape and marital rape, leading to demands for legal reform, while the legal system tries to maintain as much continuity in the legal definitions as possible. In both jurisdictions, societal views on women and sex also influence how judges and jurors interpret the law, sometimes leading them to contradict the written law. The second part of the article analyzes two court cases involving marital rape in Danish-Pakistani couples. Cultural considerations influenced every part of these court cases, from the questioning of witnesses to the judges’ legal reasoning. Thus, having an understanding of the parties’ culture is important for judges and lawyers. The cases show that culture varies markedly between people from the same national background. Because culture is not uniform, parties are likely to disagree on which cultural rules they followed in their marriage. Judges must be aware that parties may rely on stereotypical cultural views to portray the other party negatively. The article concludes with recommendations, including the need to educate the population as legal concepts of rape change, as well as for judges to be aware of not only the legal culture and the culture of the parties, but also of how their own culture might influence their decisions. The article also reflects on recent legislative changes in Denmark and Pakistan and points out that the debate in Denmark has not considered how consent and threats can have different implications in minority cultures.
Towards a Legislative Reform in Denmark?
Authors: Motzfeldt Hanne Marie
Published: December 2022

The digital transformation of the public sector in Denmark has been going on steadily for almost twenty years and has changed the Danish public authorities’ working processes, organization and interaction with citizens. In this article, it is briefly described how national administrative law developed as a response to comparable changes in the Danish public sector in the 1950s to the 1980s. It is assumed that this past development primarily was driven by the need to protect fundamental values embedded in the Danish legal culture. Further, it is examined whether there is any trace of a similar development related to the present digital transformation. Finally, as such a development in Danish case law can be observed, it is assessed whether a legislative reform within administrative law is likely to be initiated and adopted within the next decade.
Digitalization and Dissent in Legal Cultures. Chinese and Other Perspectives
Authors: Halis Denis de Castro
Published: December 2022

The concept and the dynamics of dissent (e.g. how manifestations of dissent are formed, channeled, promoted or stifled) are not sufficiently studied despite their tremendous importance in times of digitalization of social life. This article discusses the impact that digitalization, in general and in specific settings, is having on various forms of dissent. It is built from a theoretical and empirical socio-legal investigation about dissent, its manifestations, and reactions to it. It reflects the author’s effort to categorize dissent, address its importance, and formulate a comprehensive concept that remains missing in the literature. The article shall illustrate the argument that the impact of digitalization on dissent is mediated by legal culture and the wider societal context. It discusses examples of new digital technologies and their relations with the idea of dissent in different legal cultures. The focus is on greater China (the mainland, Macau and Hong Kong) and Brazil.
Cultural Expertise in Civil Law in Italy
Authors: Civinini Maria Giuliana
Published: December 2022

This paper emphasises the use of cultural knowledge and cultural expertise in court, with speciﬁc reference to civil proceedings. It adopts background scenarios characterised by the presence of ex oﬃcio judicial powers that introduce knowledge into trials regarding family and juvenile proceedings, guardianship of ill and elderly people, and immigration and asylum proceedings. The assumption of this paper is that when a situation involving intercultural elements is brought to the attention of the court, the usual background knowledge of the judge may be insufficient to render meaningful judgement. In this situation, thanks to ex oﬃcio powers (in introducing facts, gathering evidence, raising legal and factual questions), the judge should be able to establish the elements to be examined through the lens of cultural diversity. The paper uses examples to illustrate judicial practices and then draws a set of initial conclusions about the status of cultural expertise in Italian civil procedures, the challenges of the present, and initiatives to be taken in a short-term perspective (training, panels of experts, deontological requirements for experts).
The Judge and the Anthropologist
Authors: Wiersinga Hermine C.
Published: December 2022

As a judge, I have the feeling that culture is related with anything and everything – and with nothing at all. In most criminal cases, it hides underground, not visible, not recognized and is rarely, if ever, brought up as an argument by the participants. In my experience, even though an anthropologist can see remarkable cultural features given the way proceedings are organized, the judge, in managing the proceedings, will try to keep such features out of sight. As such, in my view, anthropologists oﬀer an outsider’s view whilst the judge, as part of the legal system, is an insider. This paper starts from a sceptical standpoint about cultural knowledge, in which I argue that the judge, as a legal professional, does not need to take into consideration that law and procedures are embedded in a dominant culture because they are more interested in a case-by-case approach, trying individuals for their concrete deeds. This paper elaborates on the potential common ground between anthropological and legal methods and concludes with my ﬁrst-hand experience on the so-called Context case in which an anthropologist was appointed as expert for a well-known terrorism case in the Netherlands. This case epitomizes, in my view, the challenges and the potential beneﬁts of integrating cultural expertise in court.
Leave it to the experts: A comparative analysis of competition-expert lay judges in private enforcement of competition law
Authors:   University of Vienna, Hornkohl Lena ,   Heidelberg University
Published: December 2022

This paper focuses on the procedural instrument of ‘competition-expert’ lay judges to ease damages calculations and private actions for damages for the violation of competition law in general. To this end, the paper analyses various forms of ‘expert’ lay participation that already exist in Europe. It concentrates, in particular, on commercial and intellectual property proceedings, but also delves into the few existing examples of competition-expert lay judges for private enforcement of competition law. It assesses their transferability for competition damages proceedings and attempts to test EU and national competition as well as procedural law boundaries more generally. The paper considers common grounds, advantages and disadvantages, as well as best practices in this context. It concludes with early proposals for including competition-expert lay judges in private enforcement of competition law.
Upper Volga and Upper Podvine as part of the Russian State: General and Special Territorial Organization through the Prism of Geoinformation Technologies
Authors: Stepanova Iuliia
Published: December 2022

The article discusses the results of the application of geoinformation technologies in the study of the historical geography of the Upper Volga and Upper Podvinya of the late XV – first half of the XVII century. The study included the development of historical GIS of Tver, Toropetsky, Rzhevsky, Novotorzhsky, Belsky counties and the Tver half of Bezhetskaya Pyatina. The main sources are scribal descriptions of the end of the XV - the first half of the XVII century, the assembly material is involved. Localization of toponymy of the XV-XVII centuries was made using sources of the XVIII-XIX centuries. The objectives of the study included the characteristics of the territorial organization of the studied territory of the Late Middle Ages and early Modern times, including the localization of territorial administrative units, borders, roads; characteristics of rural settlement, territorial organization of the peasantry in historical dynamics; identification of the features of the historical geography of land ownership in the region. The result of the use of GIS technologies in historical and geographical research, in addition to web GIS of applied importance, is the characteristic of the territorial-administrative and settlement structure of the region, which has both all-Russian and local features. Among the local features are specific types of territorial organization inherited from the pre–Moscow period - digests and dozens that persisted in the XVI-XVII centuries. in the Upper Podvinye and on the southeastern periphery of the Novgorod land. A dispersed settlement system was characteristic of the Upper Volga region, while a "nest" settlement system was identified in the Podvine region. The different nature of the entry into the Russian state determined the peculiarities of the formation of local land ownership in the studied areas. Archaic features are also evident here (in the preservation of official land ownership in the Mikulinsky camp-county).
Agadá: dinâmica da civilização africano-brasileira
Authors: Luz Marco Aurélio de Oliveira
Published: December 2022

A obra traz informações sobre as instituições das tradições africanas no Brasil, seu universo de valores e linguagens. Além disso, destaca-se o funcionamento das políticas do Estado eurocêntrico e seus desdobramentos no decorrer da história. A singularidade da abordagem evidencia-se na ruptura com os limites positivistas, valorizando as narrativas do mito da tradição africana como fonte de saber universal e atemporal. O livro abre a percepção do/a leitor/a para a pujança do continuum da civilização africana antes e durante o período colonial e neocolonial. Dessa forma, possibilita perceber o negro como sujeito coletivo da história, que infere diretamente no fim do tráfico e da escravatura, além de repor nas Américas sua comunidade baseada em valores, linguagens e formas de sociabilidade das diversas tradições socioculturais.
Gallbladder adenocarcinomas undergo subclonal diversification and selection from precancerous lesions to metastatic tumors
Authors: Kang Minsu , Na Hee Young , Ahn Soomin , Kim Ji-Won , Lee Sejoon , Ahn Soyeon , Lee Ju Hyun , Youk Jeonghwan , Kim Haesook T , Kim Kui-Jin , Suh Koung Jin , Lee Jun Suh , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Jin Won , Kim Yu Jung , Lee Keun-Wook , Yoon Yoo-Seok , Kim Jee Hyun , Chung Jin-Haeng , Han Ho-Seong , Lee Jong Seok
Published: December 2022

We aimed to elucidate the evolutionary trajectories of gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC) using multi-regional and longitudinal tumor samples. Using whole-exome sequencing data, we constructed phylogenetic trees in each patient and analyzed mutational signatures. A total of 11 patients including 2 rapid autopsy cases were enrolled. The most frequently altered gene in primary tumors was ERBB2 and TP53 (54.5%), followed by FBXW7 (27.3%). Most mutations in frequently altered genes in primary tumors were detectable in concurrent precancerous lesions (biliary intraepithelial neoplasia [BilIN]), but a substantial proportion was subclonal. Subclonal diversity was common in BilIN (n=4). However, among subclones in BilIN, a certain subclone commonly shrank in concurrent primary tumors. In addition, selected subclones underwent linear and branching evolution, maintaining subclonal diversity. Combined analysis with metastatic tumors (n=11) identified branching evolution in nine patients (81.8%). Of these, eight patients (88.9%) had a total of 11 subclones expanded at least sevenfold during metastasis. These subclones harbored putative metastasis-driving mutations in cancer-related genes such as SMAD4, ROBO1, and DICER1. In mutational signature analysis, six mutational signatures were identified: 1, 3, 7, 13, 22, and 24 (cosine similarity >0.9). Signatures 1 (age) and 13 (APOBEC) decreased during metastasis while signatures 22 (aristolochic acid) and 24 (aflatoxin) were relatively highlighted. Subclonal diversity arose early in precancerous lesions and clonal selection was a common event during malignant transformation in GBAC. However, selected cancer clones continued to evolve and thus maintained subclonal diversity in metastatic tumors.
Vitamin D, Calcium and Phosphorus Status Involvement during COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Ali Abdallah Eltoum , Ahmed Mohamed Fathy Seyyed , Suliman Somia Mohammed , Karti Ibrahim Ahamed Ali , Saleh Haidar Eltayeb
Published: December 2022

Background: COVID-19 is associated with a weak immune system in the human body. Vitamin D plays a role in the body’s immune system and is known to enhance the function of immune cells. In this case, vitamin D inhibits some of the inflammation that can make COVID-19 more severe. The is study aims to determine the serum levels of vitamin D, calcium, and phosphorus in COVID-19 patients.

Methods: This was a cross sectional study conducted during the period from January 2021 to July 2021. 50 COVID-19 patients as a case study and 50 healthy individuals as a control group were included in this study. Blood samples were collected from the study group and measured for vitamin D using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Calcium and phosphate were measured by the Cobas 6000 fully automated analyzer (Roche, Germany).

Results:  The study result showed that in COVID-19 patients, vitamin D (27 ± 5 ng/mL), p-value = 0.000, and calcium (10.2 ± 4 mg/dL), p-value = 0.000, in comparison with control. There was a correlation between vitamin D (r = -.771; p =.000) and calcium (r = -.752; p =.000) and the severity of disease.

Conclusions: According to our research, vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of developing COVID-19 and the risk of developing severe illnesses.
Monitoring of Blasting Operations Techniques and Assessment of their Impacts on Groundwater in the Context of Underground Mining: Case of ROXGOLD SANU, Burkina Faso
Authors: Daou Ibrahim Elhadji , Harouna Souley , Hassan Abdourazakou Maman , Boukari Harouna , Oauba Hamza Cheik Yida
Published: December 2022

This study focused to study the blasting operations and to evaluate their impacts on Groundwater at the ROXGOLD SANU underground mine in Burkina Faso. ROXGOLD SANU is a mining and exploration company, under Burkinabe law and the State is a non-contributing shareholder up to 10%. The seismic vibration values measured on the ground are between 0.075 and 8.45 mm/s. These values are therefore all below the limit value of 10 mm/s defined by the Burkinabe law for mining operations carried out in quarries and mines and in compliance with the IFC standard. The values of acoustic overpressure were also all below 122 dB, i.e. below the limit value of 125 dB allowed for blasting in quarries and solid rock mines. The analysis of groundwater levels recorded since 2014 showed that the different water tables on the site do not communicate with each other. The impact of mining activities on groundwater levels is limited mainly to one piezometer. ROXGOLD SANU has therefore implemented good blasting practices, as the average values of the data collected during blasting are well below the recommended thresholds. Nitrate values measured in mine water in 2016 ranged from 7.1 mg/l to 1054 mg/l. However, in 2018 an average concentration of 484 mg/l was measured. Nitrite values ranged from 0.015 mg/l to 51.5 mg/l in 2016. In 2018, a concentration of 1.9 mg/l of nitrite was observed in the study area. As for ammonium, its concentrations measured in the field in 2016 vary from 0.08 to 145 mg/l. Thus, it emerges that the concentration values of Nitrites, Ammoniums and Nitrates measured in the field are higher than the limit of the regulations in force. These high values of Nitrites (NO3-), Ammoniums (NH4+) and Nitrates (NO2-) observed in mine water of the study area could be directly linked to the blasting operations which release nitrogen into the environment. The mine water of the study area is not dumped on the ground. It is carefully managed and controlled, in case of flooding it is sent to the TSF and does not flow into nature. Nevertheless, It is therefore important to set up a mechanism for complaints and requests from the local population to study the effects of blasting in depth.
Rare Presentation of Disseminated Tuberculosis in the Present Era of Modern Tuberculosis Management
Authors: Anilkumar Alwin , Manikandan S. , Sreenivasan V.
Published: December 2022

Background: Disseminated tuberculosis (TB) is defined as two or more noncontiguous sites resulting from lymphohematogenous dissemination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In an immunocompetent host, it is uncommon. The presentation varies, and non-specific early infection symptoms can be noted on chest radiography. Early medication beginning is linked to significantly better outcomes in cases of disseminated tuberculosis. The current case report describes the series of incidents that resulted from a 50-year-old man's excessive usage of the corticosteroid medication tablet Betamethasone, which he was taking for a cough and cold related to his chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Case Presentation: A 50-year-old Indian male patient with osteoporosis, drug-induced adrenal insufficiency, and bilateral pleural effusion who is receiving anti-tuberculosis therapy which he is on now is presented to the outpatient department of a tertiary hospital with complaints of fever associated with shivering on & off for 4 months, generalized tiredness. He had a history of loose stools for 2-3 days, small joint pain, left knee joint pain and swelling, loss of weight, and loss of appetite.

Conclusion: The right diagnosis, treatment, patient counseling, diet, and family support helped him recover despite his turbulent recovery phase. As far as steroid therapy is concerned, it is a double-edged sword, meaning that taking (OTC) over-the-counter steroid drugs without first seeking adequate medical advice could have serious negative effects.
Evaluation of Healing and Microbial Responses to Surgical Wounds in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rabbits
Authors: Onah Jonas Anayo , Fadason Samuel Tanko , Abidoye Ebenezer Olaoluwa , Kadima Kwem , Enem Simon Ikechukwu
Published: December 2022

The wounds of diabetic patients are associated with delayed healing and microbial invasion. This study evaluated the healing and microbial responses to surgical wounds in diabetic rabbits. Sixteen (16) New Zealand White rabbits were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups of 4 rabbits each, namely; A, B, C and D. A is the control (non-diabetic and non-wounded), B (diabetic and non-wounded), C (wounded and non-diabetic) and D (wounded and diabetic). Three (3) cm2 skin wounds were created in a standard aseptic condition while diabetes was induced by intravenous administration of 200 mg/kg of alloxan monohydrate. Blood samples were collected from ear vein of each rabbit on days 0, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 post-surgery for analysis of blood glucose level.  Wound samples were collected on days 3, 7, 14 and 21 to evaluate microbial contaminants. The wounds were examined for exudation and recorded as none (0), scant (1), moderate (2) and large (3) and diameter of wound epithelialization and contraction were determined. The blood glucose concentration of groups B and D  from days 3 to 28 ranged between 288.00 ± 40.22 mg/dl to 358.65 ± 25.89 mg/dl), and were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the corresponding values of groups A and C which ranged from  120.60 mg/dl ± 14.29 to 129.60 ± 8.18 mg/dl. The rate of wound contraction in the C group on day 7 (11.02 ± 2.17%) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the D group (2.23 ± 4.60%). Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas subspecies were identified in the wounds of rabbits in groups C and D. It was concluded that alloxan-induced diabetes caused delayed wound healing. At the same time Staphyloccocus and Pseudomonas species were the predominant microorganism detected in the acute wounds of diabetic and non-diabetic rabbits.
Phytochemical Screening and Comparative Evaluation of Antioxidant Activity of Different Parts of Anonidium mannii (Oliv) Engl. et Diels.
Authors: Teinkela Jean Emmanuel Mbosso , Ngbwa Stéphanie Nnanga , Fannang Simone Véronique , Loe Gisèle Marie Marguerite Etame , Meva Francois Eya’ane , Noundou Xavier Siwe
Published: December 2022

Aims: This study aimed at identifying the phytochemical constituents, to evaluate and compare the in vitro antioxidant potential of the methanolic extracts of the leaves, trunk (wood and bark) and roots (wood and bark) of Anonidium mannii (Oliv) Engl. and Diels which is used in Cameroon for the treatment of rheumatism. 

Place and Duration of Study: The work was conducted at the Pharmacochemistry and Natural Substances Laboratories of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Douala. All the experiments were carried out from the 15th October 2019 to the 31th July 2020.

Methodology: Phytochemical screening was based on conventional techniques focusing on color reactions and precipitation. The evaluation of the antioxidant power was carried out by the method of scavenging the free radical DPPH of the extracts and by reading the absorbance for each concentration at 517 nm.

Results: The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of alkaloïds, flavonoïds, anthraquinones, coumarins, terpenes, steroïds, saponins, phenols and anthocyanins. All extracts tested showed antioxidant activity, particularly root wood with an IC50 = 1.85 µg/ml identical to the standard (BHT: Butylhydroxytoluène).

Conclusion: Due to evidence that reactive oxygen species play a causal role in auto-immune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, these results justify the use of the leaves or the stem bark of A. mannii in the traditional pharmacopeia for the treatment of rheumatism. However, the wood of the roots having presented the best activity (IC50 = 1.85 µg/ml). It would be beneficial to suggest this plant part to the local populations for the management of that pathology. This study is the first comparative biological study conducted on the different parts of A. mannii.
Relationship between Knowledge Level and Attitude about Personal Protective Equipment, Years of Service, Length of Work with the Incidence of ARI in East Jakarta Traffic Police
Authors: Sitompul Yunita R. M. B. , Batubara Frisca Ronauli
Published: December 2022

This study discusses the relationship between the level of knowledge and attitudes about personal protective equipment, years of service, and length of work with the incidence of Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI) in traffic police in East Jakarta. This study used a questionnaire with a cross-sectional method with a total sample of 54 people. The results showed that there were 32 (59.3%) cases of ARI, and the most influential factor in a row was the lack of knowledge about Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as many as 21 respondents (84.0%), negative attitudes towards the use of equipment. Personal protective equipment as many as 21 respondents (84.0%), long working period (≥ 5 years) 26 respondents (83.9%), length of service 26 respondents (92.9%). Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the level of knowledge and attitudes about personal protective equipment, years of service, and length of work affect the incidence of ARI.