bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parkinson’s Disease: A Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Goldberg Michel
Published: May 2022

Parkinson’s disease is characterized by tremor, stiffness, rigid muscles, bradykinesia, slowness of movement, instability leading to falls, memory and talking difficulties, fatigue, writing modifications (micrography) and dementia. In addition, depression, urinary (bladder) problems, constipation, decreased ability to smell and sleep disruption are among the symptoms associated to the PD. As Parkinson’s cannot be eradicate, treatments are oriented toward a slow decline and deterioration and therefore, only palliative care predominates. Mutations of 6 genes (SNCA, LRRK2, PRKN, DJ1, PINK1 and ATP13A2), are the cause of familial Parkinsonism. They are playing a role in the metabolism of α-synucleine, in mitochondrial control, oxidative stress, lysosomal functions, transport and recycling of proteins and immunologic activities. Five stages with increased gravity have been identified. From stage 1 to 3, symptoms may be treated with pharmacological drugs. At stages 4 and 5, the patient needs assistive help and an ambulatory walker device. L-dopa is transformed in dopamine in the brain. Treatments for speech disorders increase the disability of these symptoms. Dopamine agonists, MAO-B and COMT inhibitors contribute to help break down dopamine, an anticholinergic drug aiming to reduce tremors and muscle rigidity. Death is occurring within 7 to 15 years.
Isolated Foveal Hypoplasia Assessed by Multi-Focal Electroretinogram: A Clinical Presentation
Authors: Moschos Marilita M
Published: May 2022

Foveal hypoplasia is a term commonly used to describe the lack of development or underdevelopment of the foveal pit which anatomically and functionally correlates with a region of high visual acuity. Despite the fact that, fovea facilitates more precise and greater visual processing, the absence of foveal pit does not mean, a priori, poor visual acuity. While foveal hypoplasia has been usually associated with variable ocular abnormalities, isolated foveal hypoplasia though rare, has been also described. We present a case of a 31 year-old Caucasian male with an isolated foveal hypoplasia and the clinical evaluation in combination with the imaging findings, documented by multifocal ERG for the first time in literature.
Los servicios financieros y la comercialización de materiales de limpieza de las microempresas en el distrito de Huancavelica 2020-2021
Authors: Vílchez Kenia Aguirre , Sabuco Lorenzo Fidel Bernaldo , Laurente Jesús Andrés Ramírez , Alva Vicente Luis Torres , Menéndez Luis Ángel Guerra
Published: May 2022

El proyecto de investigación analizó la correlación de los servicios financieros que brindan las entidades financieras en el distrito de Huancavelica con la comercialización de materiales de limpieza de las microempresas del lugar. Tuvo como objetivo determinar de qué manera los servicios financieros se relacionan con la comercialización de materiales de limpieza de las microempresas en el distrito de Huancavelica 2020.  La hipótesis fue que los servicios financieros se correlacionan significativa y positivamente con la comercialización de materiales de limpieza de las microempresas del distrito de Huancavelica. La presente investigación es aplicada, descriptiva correlacional. La población fue equivalente a la muestra: 132 microempresas dedicadas a la comercialización de materiales de limpieza. Se tuvo como resultados … La conclusión a la que se arribó fue que las entidades financieras brindan a las microempresas comercializadoras de materiales de limpieza es significativa y positiva.
The Effect of Financial Risks of Companies Listed in the BIST Sustainability Index on Stock Prices
Authors: KARACA Samuray , ÇONKAR Kemalettin
Published: May 2022

This study is aimed to investigate the impact of the financial risks of the enterprises in the sustainability index on the value of the stock. In line with this objective, financial risk values were calculated with the Altman Zskor model by using the financial statement data of the enterprises for the 2011-2020 periods. The impact of the financial risks of the enterprises in the sustainability index on the stock value was perused by panel data analysis in the study. As a result of econometric analysis, it was determined that the financial risk values of the enterprises affect the stock return rates negatively. In other words, as the financial risks of the enterprises decreased, the stock return rate increased.
Assessment of Challenges Experienced Among Households on Promotion of Sanitation Practices in Tigania West Sub County, Meru County, Kenya
Authors:   Meru University of Science and Technology, Kendi Catherine
Published: May 2022

A poorly constructed toilet may deter its use and provoke open defecation. Globally, 2.5 billion people do not have access to improved sanitation facilities. In Kenya, over 5 million people are forced to defecate in the open due to challenges associated with toilet construction and use resulting in high prevalence of water, sanitation and hygiene-related diseases such diarrhea. This study therefore sought to profile the challenges experienced on promotion of sanitation practices among households in Tigania West, with a view of yielding insights on promotion of safe disposal of human waste. Questionnaires, interview guide and observations were used to collect data in a mixed study design. Systematic and purposive sampling technique was employed to select respondents and the data analyzed using SPSS version 21.0 and audio recordings were transcribed into text and then analyzed thematically. 73.4% of the residents lacked adequate space for toilet construction and (26.6%) who did not. (69.1%) of respondents had limited toilet construction materials, (11.8%) had challenge in toilet construction in rocky soils. Loose/collapsing soils were 9.4% (4.6 %) and financial constrains were (5.1%). 75.3% encountered culture challenges which affected toilet construction. More than half 64.9% had problems with sanitation facilities sharing (n=225).Sanitation practices had a significant positive correlation with cultural practices (0.119 (p=0.003<0.05), sharing of toilets (0.142; p=0.002<0.05), space availability in the household (0.098; p=0.004<0.005) and financial challenges (0.074; p=0.004<0.005). Innovative approaches to toilet construction using locally available materials, training and subsidies together with behavioral change sensitization could improve sanitation among households of Tigania West Sub-County.
Indigenousism, Hinduism and Christianism - A Glimpse of Religious Transformation of the North East Indian Tribes of Tripura
Authors:   Associate Professor, Department of History, Swami Vivekananda Mahavidyalaya, Mohanpur, Tripura, India 799210, Bhadra Dr. Nirmal
Published: May 2022

The article is a brief report of transformation of the indigenous religion of the autochthonous tribal people of the North East Indian State of Tripura who were inhabited in the state since the primitive age. In course of time thousands of non tribe people from the neighboring districts of the then East Pakistan or today’s Bangladesh migrated and settle in Tripura. As a result, this migration made a bold effort on the religious life of the tribes of Tripura and the process of religious transformation had taken part seriously. Within a century that is 20th century the tribes of Tripura religiously converted from indigenous practice to Hinduism or Christianity as a whole. It is unfortunate that scholar’s attention has not been focused on this aspect. The present study aims at bring about the real fact by examining authentic sources and materials.
Facility Development Planning at Fasharkan Lantamal V Surabaya based on Maintenance Strategy
Authors:   Indonesia Defense University, Sulo A. F. B
Published: May 2022

The role of the Indonesian Navy is as the main component of naval defense to carry out its duties based on political policies in upholding state sovereignty, defending NKRI territory, and carrying out Military Operations for War and Military Operations Other than War. In performing the main task, the elements used such as warships is often faced an obstacles related to the maintenance of their engines when experiencing problems or damage, which greatly affects the operational tasks they carry. The purpose of this study is (1) to identify factors that are the reason for the need to develop maintenance KRI machine workshop Fasharkan Lantamal V Surabaya; (2) to determine the priority weighting and development strategy plan of Maintenance KRI implemented by Fasharkan Lantamal V Surabaya to support the readiness of marine operations. The methodology used in this study is the mixed method. The data displayed is in tabulations or tables using qualitative descriptive analysis. Quantitative data is analyzed using Delphi-AHP. The results showed that the development strategy of Maintenance navy warships in supporting marine operations in the Fasharkan engine workshop Surabaya, carried out several stages, namely starting from the stage of identifying the reasons for the development strategy using Delphi Analysis. It conclude that several development criteria were obtained and subsequently weighting the order of criteria with AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process). The top priority in this development strategy is the scope of technology which includes cooperation with related parties in the development of Maintenance KRI by the machine workshop in Fasharkan Lantamal V Surabaya so that the strategy should be carried out by collaborating with related universities by conducting direct courses at Fasharkan Lantamal V Surabaya both theory and practice.
What Explains Differences in Early Child Development Between Urban and Rural Areas in Cameroun?
Authors:   Department of Human Resource Economics, Faculty of Economics and Management, the University of Yaoundé 2, Cameroon, Saha Jean Claude
Published: May 2022

The objective of this paper is to identify factors that determine the difference in early child development between urban and rural areas of Cameroon. We have used the Fairlie (2005) decomposition method and the data collected as part of the 5th MICS survey conducted in Cameroon in 2014, which provides information for children aged 36 to 59 months. This database indicates that among these children, 68% of those living in urban area enjoy good early child development, against 56.5% of those living in rural area. This difference is significant at 1% threshold. Results of the global decomposition reveal that only 48% of this difference is due to difference in characteristics between the two areas, so can be explained, and 58% is non- explainable and not significant. Results of the detailed decomposition show that five factors contribute to the explanation of this explainable difference: ‘Having more than two learning books’ contributes to the explanation of 46.29% of it; ‘Following an educational program’ to the explanation of 43.69%; ‘Living in a household whose head comes from the Center, South and East regions of Cameroon’ to the explanation of 16.58%; ‘Carring out counting activities, spelling words and / or drawing with a parent or another adult’ to the explanation of 10.59% and ‘Living in an average living standard household’ to the explanation of 7.84%. We suggest government should give children of the two areas the same chance to access these factors.
Kekuatan Mental dan Kecederaan Pemain Bola Sepak Malaysia Bertaraf Profesional
Authors: Kamarudin Muhammad Haziq , Muhamad Tajul Arifin
Published: May 2022

Kecederaan merupakan satu cabaran kepada para atlet dan kecederaan yang dialami mampu memberi kesan serta punca kepada pengakhiran kerjaya dalam sukan. Faktor kekuatan mental merupakan perkara yang membantu pemain bola sepak dalam mengharungi sesi pemulihan untuk pulih dari kecederaan dan kembali ke prestasi sebenar. Kajian ini bertujuan mengkaji hubungan kekuatan mental dan kecederaan pemain bola sepak profesional untuk mengukur kekuatan mental pemain bola ini, penggunaan soal selidik Mental Toughness Questionaire (MTQ48) yang telah diubah suai dalam kajian ini yang terdiri daripada empat konstruk iaitu keyakinan diri, kawalan diri, cabaran dan komitmen yang dibina oleh Clough et al. (2002). Seramai 30 orang pemain bola sepak profesional yang mengalami kecederaan dijadikan sebagai sampel kajian. Hasil kajian mendapati faktor kekuatan mental pemain bola sepak semasa mengalami kecederaan menerusi nilai min yang tertinggi adalah komitmen (M = 4.08). Seterusnya, hasil kajian mendapati tidak terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan antara kekuatan mental pemain bola sepak semasa kecederaan berdasarkan pengalaman pemain. Antara lain, hasil kajian mendapati tidak terdapat hubungan antara tahap kecederaan dan kekuatan mental pemain bola sepak semasa mengalami kecederaan. Selain itu, dapatan kajian juga mendapati tidak terdapat hubungan antara kekerapan mengalami kecederaan dan kekuatan mental pemain bola sepak semasa mengalami kecederaan. Kajian ini dapat membantu pasukan bola sepak Malaysia terutama jurulatih pasukan dan ahli perubatan untuk memahami kepentingan kekuatan mental pemain bola sepak dan boleh dijadikan rujukan kepada pasukan amatur. Kajian juga boleh dijalankan kepada sukan yang berbeza atau kajian terhadap pemain bola sepak amatur atau pemain bola sepak yang bermain di liga sosial.
CROSS-CULTURAL CLINICAL SUPERVISION: THE VOICES OF INTERNATIONAL DOCTORAL TRAINEES
Authors: JIN Ling , WANG Chiachih , Watkins Clifton Edward Jr. , ZHU Wenzhen , ZAMUDIO Gabriel , LI Shaozhuan
Published: May 2022

Supervision with international supervisees is both cross-cultural and cross-linguistic in nature. This study explored international supervisees’ experiences during the clinical supervision process, with 10 international supervisees (5 females, 5 males; Mage=31.60) participating in a qualitative study. Four themes were identified: (1) challenging aspects of being an international supervisee in supervision, (2) the supervisor’s multicultural competency or lack thereof, (3) growth-facilitating supervision strategies, and (4) addressing the supervision power differential. Findings provide a broadened vision of supervision with international trainees, helping mental health professionals better understand the unique challenges of supervision process with international trainees from a cross-cultural perspective.
Improving the Academic Services of As-Syafi’iyah Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia, through the Evaluation of Students’ Satisfaction
Authors: Budiningsih Iffah , Oktapiani Marliza , Soraya Elly
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this evaluation research is to study and obtain empirical data about the level of satisfaction of students for academic services that have implications for efforts to improve academic services, which can improve the reputation of the university. The research method used survey methods with an affordable population of about 4000 students of As-Syafi’iyah Islamic University, Jakarta, Indonesia. The sampling was done randomly with 733 respondents. The results of the study showed: a) the average assessment of student satisfaction with the University’s academic services in the category of ‘satisfied’ with an average assessment score = 3.8697 and this score still needs to be increased to 5.0 to improve the academic services of the University which have implications for improving the reputation of the university; b) The quality of academic services has a strategic role in meeting student satisfaction which has an impact on the emergence of high loyalty to the University, and it is expected that these students can be a ‘mouth promotion’ for the University; c) academic services that need to be improved include the ability and care of education personnel in providing quality & fast service; the ability and concern of the manager/leader and education staff of the Study Program/Faculty in providing quality academic services, and adequacy, accessibility & quality of supporting facilities of academic activities of students; d) The characters empathy, sympathy, and sharing must be strived to grow and develop into an inherent and settled character among education personnel or lecturers.
IMPLICAÇÕES DE DOENÇAS CARDIOVASCULARES RELACIONADAS À INFECÇÃO POR COVID-19: REVISÃO INTEGRATIVA
Authors: Nayara da Silva Sousa Rithielly , Beatriz dos Santos Rocha Ana , Amparo Veloso Magalhães Maria do
Published: May 2022

Introdução: Quando nos referimos ao COVID-19, os sintomas respiratórios, principalmente o desenvolvimento de quadros de síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo grave, dominam a discussão e as preocupações iniciais da população e dos profissionais de saúde. Contudo, o sistema cardiovascular é bastante afetado por essas condições, sendo o responsável por complicações e mortalidade desses pacientes. Objetivo:  identificar evidências cientificas sobre a associação de doenças cardiovasculares e a infecção por COVID-19. Metodologia: foi realizada uma revisão integrativa com base em 10 artigos, nos idiomas inglês, português e espanhol, disponíveis na plataforma PubMed, Lilacs e Scielo. A estratégia de busca ocorreu utilizando termos obtidos a partir de DeCS e MESH e sinônimos combinadas com os operadores booleanos (AND, OR). Resultados: Os estudos selecionados mostraram que complicações cardíacas associadas à infecção pela COVID-19 estão relacionados ao infarto agudo do miocárdio (IAM), miocardite, insuficiência cardíaca, arritmias malignas, distúrbios trombóticos, especialmente naqueles com comorbidades crônicas, expostos a fatores de risco cardiovasculares ou com disfunção cardíaca, aumento das citocinas inflamatórias, a ruptura de ateromas e a lesão miocárdica. Conclusão: Com a rápida disseminação do COVID-19, implicações cardiovasculares são comuns em pacientes com Sars-cov-2 e esses pacientes apresentam maior risco de morbidade e mortalidade. Uma triagem cardíaca de rotina completa deve ser realizada em pacientes que foram infectados pelo COVID-19.
Modeling and Molecular Dynamics of Aquaporin from an Antarctic Pseudomonas sp. Strain AMS3
Authors: Tuah Muhairil Sulong , Latip Wahhida , Ahmad Ridzwan Ainur Yasmin , Balakrishnan Samyuktha , Raja Abd. Rahman Raja Noor Zaliha , Muhd Noor Noor Dina , Mohamad Ali Mohd Shukuri
Published: May 2022

Aquaporins, also known as water channels, are a large family of transmembrane channel proteins present throughout all life domains and are implicated in human disorders. The psychrophilic aquaporin comes to attention because of its specialty in adaptive ability to keep on functioning to maintain water homeostasis under low temperatures, which have an optimal temperature for growth at about 15ºC or lower. However, studies regarding aquaporin isolated from psychrophilic Pseudomonas sp. are still scattered. Recently, the genome sequence of an Antarctic Pseudomonas sp. strain AMS3 revealed a gene sequence encoding for a putative aquaporin designated as PAqpZ2_AMS3. In this study, structure analysis and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of a predicted model of a fully hydrated aquaporin monomer was embedded in a lipid bilayer and was performed at different temperatures for structural flexibility and stability analysis. The MD simulation results revealed that the predicted structure could remain stable and flexible at low to medium temperatures. In addition, the important position of water gating amino acids, Phe36 and Asn180 residues were rearranged in -5ºC MD simulation, leading to changes in the aquaporin water column size. The information obtained from this psychrophilic aquaporin, PAqpZ2_AMS3, provides new insights into the structural adaptation of this protein at low temperatures and could be a useful tool for low-temperature industrial applications and molecular engineering purposes in the future.
Assessment of the Grid Safety Values for Substation Grounding Grid Design Parameters in Vertical Two-Layer Soil Structure
Authors: Permal Navinesshani , Osman Miszaina , Mohd Ariffin Azrul , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin
Published: May 2022

Typically, the impact of the structure of vertically layered soil on the grounding behavior is not considered while designing a substation grounding system. Therefore, it will result in poor grounding designs due to computed inaccurate grid safety values. Besides, no comparative analysis of the grounding design parameters’ impact on the grounding grid systems’ behavior and protection level between vertical and horizontal two-layer soil structures is presently available. Computing and analyzing the grounding behavior of apparent soil resistivity installed in a vertical two-layer soil structure is more challenging than in a horizontal two-layer soil. There are many other parameters to consider, such as the distance ‘a’ between the test electrodes and the angle ‘β’ between the perpendicular line to the soil boundary and the location of the test electrodes. One of the important findings of the assessment shows that the influence of vertically layered soil on grid impedance, step, and touch voltages of a grounding system is insignificant compared to a homogeneous and horizontally layered soil structure. The current flow is affected by an entire grounding grid placed in a specified layer of soil with a specific resistivity for horizontally layered soil. In contrast, soil boundaries separate a grounding grid with various resistivities for vertically layered soil. The outcome of this work is crucial in helping the engineers to understand the behavior of grounding systems in diverse soil conditions and tropical climates.
Canarium odontophyllum Miq. (Dabai) Leaf Phytoextracts and Their Medicinal Properties
Authors: Abdul Aziz Muhammad Wahizul Haswan , Masre Siti Fathiah , Basri Dayang Fredalina , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi
Published: May 2022

Canarium odontophyllum Miq., renowned locally as “dabai,” is an endemic plant in Sarawak, Malaysia. Most people, especially in rural areas, consume this plant to maintain their health. A few medicinal studies have investigated C. odontophyllum Miq.’s biological properties to substantiate its use as nutraceuticals and health supplements. Crude extracts from C. odontophyllum Miq. demonstrated various medicinal properties, including antibacterial, antimalarial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, and antihypertensive. In addition, numerous phytoextracts studies have revealed the existence of a variety of beneficial compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, and terpenoids. However, despite various biological activities of C. odontophyllum Miq., there is currently no analysis summarizing the medicinal properties of its leaf. Thus, this short communication attempts to narrate the medicinal properties of C. odontophyllum Miq. leaf and their phytoextracts responsible. In conclusion, we summarized C. odontophyllum Miq. leaf promising therapeutic effects with their phytoextracts and a step closer to developing it as potential nutraceuticals and health supplements to fulfill social interest.
Statistical Analysis of Dry Grinding of Mica in Planetary Mill
Authors: Ku Ishak Ku Esyra Hani , Saad Shafinaz , Saiyid Hashim Syed Fuad , Hussin Hashim
Published: May 2022

A huge amount of energy can be used for fine particle breakage using the planetary mill resulting in high-cost consumption. Understanding how these operating parameters could affect the dry grinding mechanism in a planetary mill is still not sufficiently discussed. The effect of different operating parameters of planetary mills in the dry grinding of mica was investigated using statistical analysis. A laboratory scale of the planetary mill was used by varying the operating parameters such as grinding time (minutes), rotational speed (rpm), and percentage of grinding media (%). A full factorial design was used involving 48 experiments, and the grinding process’ efficiency was evaluated using the cut size of particles (d50) obtained from the particle size distribution analysis. The analysis was supported by morphological analysis by SEM image and structural distortion by XRD test. The statistical analysis showed a good correlation with the R2 value of 0.874 with the standard deviation of 0.852. It was found that the optimum parameters for grinding time, grinding speed, and grinding media were 20 minutes, 400 rpm, and 30% media charged, respectively, with the d50 value of 7.44 μm. This study provides further insight into the mica breakage operating parameters in a planetary mill.
Technical Capacity Mapping for Clinical Practice Guideline Development in the Philippines
Authors: Dans Leonila F. , Candari Christine Joy D. , Tan-Lim Carol Stephanie C. , Infantado Myzelle Anne J. , Miguel Red Thaddeus D. , Salaveria-Imperial Ma. Lourdes A. , Silvestre Maria Asuncion A. , Ho Beverly Lorraine C.
Published: May 2022

Background. A 2017 situational analysis assessing Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) development in the Philippines revealed CPGs of inconsistent quality. In response, the Department of Health (DOH)-Philippine Health Insurance Corporation Manual for CPG Development was developed to outline the standardized steps of the CPG development process. To implement this, technically qualified institutions and individuals should be commissioned.

Objective. To identify qualified institutions and individuals and map out their technical skills and potential for capacit building in CPG development

Methods. Mixed methods were used in this cross-sectional study. A snowballing method identified specific institutions and individuals. Self-administered surveys and key informant interviews were conducted to determine competence, strengths, and gaps in the development of CPGs.

Results. A total of 74 individuals from 45 institutions with competencies in CPG development were identified. Of the 45 institutions, 72% were non-clinical, with roughly half working on formal research. Of the 74 individuals, 96% possessed relevant knowledge and skills and 85% already provided training on CPG development topics. Around half of the respondents have been part of a CPG development task force. Only about half were able to incorporate social concepts of equity, and only one-third had experience in managing conflicts of interest.

Conclusion. Qualified institutions and individuals identified in this capacity mapping can be tapped in future CPG development in the country. Incorporation of social concepts and management of conflicts of interest still need to be ensured.
EFFECTS OF PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE AND THE MODERATING ROLE OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT: THE CASE OF MINISTRY OF MINES AND MINERALS DEVELOPMENT IN ZAMBIA.
Authors: Meddiah Munsaka , Wui Charito
Published: May 2022

The main aim of this paper is to investigate the effects of Performance Management System on Employee Performance in the Civil Service, specifically the Ministry of Mines and Minerals Development (MMMD) in Zambia. The research consists of four main parts: The effects of Performance Management System on Employee Performance; The effects of Performance Management System on Staff Development; The relationship between Staff Development and Employee Performance; and the mediating role of Staff Development on the effects of Performance Management System on Employee Performance. A quantitative approach was adopted in this study, with the population of interest consisting 250 employees who were randomly selected from six Departments under MMMD in Lusaka. The data was collected with the aid of structured questionnaires, and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) and excel. The findings of the research study indicates that Performance Management System: improves employee performance, efficiency and attitude towards work; identifies employee individual strengths and weaknesses; helps in identifying training needs and employee competencies; and also helps align employee qualifications/skills to the job requirements (job specifications). The research concludes that, Performance Management System has effects on Employee Performance and Staff Development. It also concludes that the relationship that exists between Staff Development and Employee Performance is that Staff Development enhances Employee Performance, which in turn improves career progression of employees as they acquire new knowledge and skills of doing their job. Further, the study concludes that Staff Development plays a reconciling role between Performance Management System and Employee Performance. The role played include: assisting employees gain knowledge and understanding of the job requirements, to enable them achieve the set performance standards and goals; facilitates for effective monitoring of employee performance; and helps to bridges gaps between identified employee incompetence and performance requirements.
INFLUENCE OF PUBLIC PROCUREMENT AND ASSET DISPOSAL ACT, 2015 ON PERFORMANCE OF COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Authors: Ngoima Rose Kavithe , Ndeto Charles
Published: May 2022

Purpose:  The study purpose  was to examine influence of public procurement and asset disposal Act (PPADA, 2015) on performance of county governments in Kenya with an aim of making recommendations on proper use.

Methodology: The study employed a descriptive research design. The study was confined to seven (7) county governments in Kenya which have a budget allocation of above Ksh 10 Billion according to FY 2019/2020 budgetary allocation by the National Treasury. Data collection was from procurement officers at the various county headquarters specifically from senior to the middle levels of management. The researcher preferred this method because it allowed an in-depth study of the subject. Data was collected using self-administered questionnaires. Structured questionnaires were used to collect data. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Quantitative data was analyzed using multiple regression analysis. The qualitative data generated was analyzed by use of Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22

Results and conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that regulatory agencies, procurement methods, reservations and preferences and assets disposal have a positive relationship with performance of county governments in Kenya.The findings of the study indicated that regulatory agencies, procurement methods, reservations and preferences and assets disposal have a positive relationship with performance of county governments in Kenya

Policy recommendation: the study recommended that public institutions should embrace regulatory agencies, procurement methods, reservations and preferences and assets disposal so as to improve performance of county governments and further researches should to be carried out in other public institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained
Marco Civil da Internet e moderação de conteúdo nas mídias sociais: considerações em torno da liberdade de expressão
Authors: Alves Vinícius Dias
Published: May 2022

A popularização das mídias sociais, conquistando posição central na arena das interações humanas, fez emergir no século XXI o debate sobre iniciativas – e seus limites – atinentes à moderação de conteúdo por parte das plataformas. No Brasil, a arquitetura regulatória tem como ponto de partida o Marco Civil da Internet (Lei Federal nº 12.965/2014), em cujo rol de princípios destaca-se a liberdade de expressão. Em que pese o fato de a legislação supracitada, na perspectiva da responsabilização civil das plataformas por publicações dos usuários, disciplinar apenas a remoção em cumprimento de ordem judicial, também se valem as plataformas, no cotidiano técnico-operacional, de mecanismos de moderação articulados a partir das próprias políticas de uso. É exatamente nessa ambiência civilista constitucional que a presente pesquisa é desenvolvida, de modo a investigar se o expresso propósito de garantia da liberdade de expressão é ratificado na conjuntura fática ou se, paradoxalmente, é revelada uma flexibilização do referido direito fundamental no ambiente das mídias sociais. Isso posto, e compreendida a moderação realizada pelas plataformas no bojo da noção de governança algorítmica, ora associada à governança neoliberal, visualiza-se a ameaça de censura privada, isto é, de um controle arbitrário do discurso dos usuários. Nesse ensejo, tangenciada pelos debates acerca da eficácia dos direitos fundamentais nas relações privadas e quanto à constitucionalidade do art. 19 do Marco Civil, a pesquisa, no presente estágio de desenvolvimento, articula diálogo comparativo entre modelos regulatórios alternativos à vigente autorregulação. Para tanto, a metodologia conjuga revisão de literatura e análise da legislação – mais especificamente, das disposições da Lei Federal nº 12.965/2014 –, partindo da hipótese de que o necessário aprimoramento normativo pressupõe a atuação do Estado como regulamentador da relação jurídica – notadamente assimétrica – entre plataformas e usuários, isto é, a afirmação da autorregulação regulada como referencial.
Inclusão digital e E-Gov: a Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados como ferramenta de proteção de direitos fundamentais
Authors: Criminácio Juliana Valli Mocelin , Joaquim Karin Barbosa
Published: May 2022

O Direito é fruto das mudanças sociais nos contextos históricos, ao mesmo tempo em que se revela um propulsor de transformações nesses mesmos contextos. São exemplos disso, dentro da sociedade contemporânea repleta de avanços tecnológicos, o surgimento de um Governo Eletrônico, com o objetivo de alcançar uma maior eficácia e agilidade, bem como a Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados (Lei 13.709/2018), que tem o objetivo de normatizar o uso de dados pessoais e garantir direitos fundamentais como liberdade e privacidade. A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo analisar em que medida a LGPD contribui para a inclusão digital e proteção dos direitos fundamentais dos cidadãos em um e-Gov e como a invisibilidade digital de alguns cidadãos tem que ser levada em conta no desenvolvimento de políticas públicas digitais, afinal, muitos não têm o privilégio do acesso a tecnologias e não podem ser excluídos das políticas públicas por isso, o e-Gov, mesmo sendo um grande avanço tecnológico, deve se adaptar a todos, inclusive aqueles que ainda vivem de forma analógica em um mundo cada vez mais digital. Para isso, o trabalho se utiliza de metodologia dedutiva a partir de uma análise bibliográfica e legislativa a respeito da matéria. Os resultados esperados incluem entender os avanços – e talvez retrocessos – de um e-Gov, abordar os direitos e garantias fundamentais frente a uma invisibilidade digital e apresentar um panorama da evolução normativa dos indícios de proteção de dados na legislação e perspectivas para o futuro, observando o foco na proteção de direitos fundamentais e o pleno acesso de todos os cidadãos à Administração Pública que está se digitalizando.
Planning Assessment of Transport System: A Case from Nepal
Authors: Mishra A. K. , Aithal P. S.
Published: May 2022

Purpose: Road infrastructure is considered as “the infrastructure for infrastructure”. Planning assessment of the transport system is done for assessing and planning the present road and transport infrastructures and facilities within the municipality and the surrounding local bodies. The research aims to analyse the planning of the transport system of Devchuli Municipality for recommending pragmatic solution of transport problems.
Design/Methodology/Approach: Devchuli Municipality is located in Nawalparasi East district of Gandaki Province in Nepal. Municipality is divided into 17 wards, covers 112.72 km2 area. Municipality is populated with different castes and religions with population of 49,637. It consists of 12025 households with population density of 440 persons per sq.km and 4.13 people per household. Data were collected using Official document, Key informant interview, Field Survey, and observation and analyzed using Content, Origin and Destination (OD) Survey, Road Inventory Survey, Classified Vehicle Count Survey, Public Transport and Services Study.
Findings/Result: Municipal Transport Master Plan (MTMP) started with the setup of Municipal Road Coordination Committee (MRCC) and the collection of demand and inventory of road within the municipality. Road inventory survey was done and the length of the roads collected is about 339.67 km (without SRN) From the sample data it is found that nearly 11% of the mode of transportation is shared by active road users hence footpath is proposed on the roads. Visionary city development and Indicative Development Potential Plan is studied with which the existing and potential market center/service centers (key growth centers) and the areas having various development potentials such as agro-based industries, high value cash crops and tourism.
This study also formulated the road hierarchy for the various roads namely Class A, B, C and D. Class C and D basically deals with access while Class A and B basically deal with mobility and accessibility to higher services. Total cost for the required interventions proposed is calculated based on the rates of ToR for 5 years and was found to be approximately 794 million rupees.
Originality/Value: It is action research. This study helps to develop a Visionary city development plan for Pragmatic solutions for issues of transport.
Paper Type: Ex-Post Facto Research
The U.S.-China Rivalry in Africa: Challenges and Prospects
Authors: Parkhomenko V. K.
Published: May 2022

In recent years the African continent, possessing a significant resource, economic and demographic potential, has become a scene of the growing rivalry between China and the United States. On the basis of a wide range of primary sources and recent researches, the author provides an in-depth analysis of both the current state and prospects for interaction between the two powers in Africa. The first section examines the key areas and features of China’s economic activities across the African continent, their trends and scope. The author shows, that among the factors that contributed to the strengthening of the PRC’s economic position in the region was its willingness to provide large loans and take part in ambitious infrastructure projects without imposing political conditions and without interfering in the internal affairs of African states. Such an approach allowed China to supersede the US in a number of sensitive areas (trade, mining of rare earth elements, humanitarian cooperation), as well as to gain the diplomatic support of African states, primarily within the UN. The second section examines ideological and military-political rivalry between the PRC and the United States in Africa. The author emphasizes the lack of consensus in the U.S. expert community on China’s readiness and desire to escalate the Cold War-like confrontation with the United States in Africa. The African states are not prepared for such confrontation either. However, the author concludes that the competition between China and the United States in Africa does not necessarily imply only the logic of confrontation. It is possible to find some common ground, for example, in developing market relations, promoting infrastructure projects, combating piracy, expanding healthcare facilities in the African states, etc. According to the author, such an approach could prioritize the issues of peace and the development of the African peoples.
Legitimizing Factors of the American Hegemony: The Changing Role of Coalitions and Partnerships
Authors: Bogdanov A. N.
Published: May 2022

Since the end of the Cold War the United States sought to enhance its privileged position as a ‘leader’ of the international community, capable of mobilizing and coordinating other states to achieve collective goals and ensure shared values. For this purpose, the U.S. relied on traditional alliances and intergovernmental organizations as mediators in relations between Washington and the less powerful countries in order to ensure the legitimacy of the American engagement. However, one can witness the United States’ reorientation towards more flexible and less institutionalized formats of interaction in recent years. It may be considered as the transformation of power relations underlying ‘liberal international order’. Although the established U.S.-led alliances still serve as the pillars of the ‘American hegemony’, many functions are increasingly carried out beyond the frameworks of the alliances, and the less institutionalized structures are becoming increasingly important. Thus, it is necessary to explore the links between legitimacy concerns and evolution of institutional tools, whereby the international order congenial with the U.S.’ interests can be maintained. The paper examines the views of both Russian and Western expert communities on the role of U.S. coalitions and partnerships in ensuring legitimacy of the postCold War ‘American hegemony’. The author notes that the existing approaches pay insufficient attention to the dynamics of power relations between the United States and its partners and allies. To fill this gap, the author engages theoretical assumptions of the English school, which consider the issue of ‘legitimacy’ within the framework of the concept of ‘international society’ — the group of states within which the division of roles and social stratification are intertwined with the processes of reproduction and transformation of power relations. On this basis the author explores the specifics of the United States’ partnerships and ad hoc coalitions as the tools of legitimizing the ‘American hegemony’ after the end of the Cold War. The author concludes that the use of these mechanisms allows the United States to effectively mobilize collective efforts and manage the distribution of roles between its allies and partners. However, it generates additional risks and challenges in times of tensions.
Care of Parturient Women during Covid-19
Authors: Venkatesan Latha , Anitha M Irin
Published: May 2022

The World Health Organization has declared Coronavirus disease 2019, characterised by the severe acute respiratory syndrome as the pandemic. It evolves rapidly; the emerging data has shown that pregnant women diagnosed as having coronavirus disease 2019 can have severe morbidities (upto 9%). The management of obstetric patients infected with coronavirus disease 2019 requires quite unique considerations—from caring for critically ill pregnant and postpartum women to protecting health care workers from exposure during the delivery and hospitalisation. Nearly 50 percent of the affected mothers were asymptomatic or had mild symptoms and were diagnosed only at the time of delivery. Nearly 90 percent of the deliveries were carried out through Caesarean section. Labour presents a unique scenario in the Covid19 pandemic, as all hospital admissions are anticipated and the timing of many admissions to the hospital are planned. Aerosolisation should in general be avoided because it increases the spread of the virus. Recent meta-analysis has demonstrated that intrapartum oxygen has no foetal beneÀt, rather it may cause harm.
X-Ray Dose Audit and Potential Local Diagnostic Reference Levels in Select Hospitals In Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Ishiekwen Abeabe, Christopher , Aliyu Abubakar Sadiq , Nwafor Maduakonam Simon
Published: May 2022

Background: Dosimetry in diagnostic radiology is fundamental to providing information to practitioners regarding the level of their doses and to ensure adequate optimization of the protection of patients presenting for radiological examinations. The introduction and implementation of diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) in diagnostic radiology has proven to be a potent tool for quality control and dose reduction. This has not been comprehensively addressed in Nigeria.

Objective: To carryout dose audit of patients presenting for common radiographic projections in select hospitals in Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Methodology: Thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were used to measure entrance surface dose (ESD) on 420 randomly selected adult patients presenting for x-ray examination of the chest PA/Lateral, skull PA/Lateral, lumbar spine AP/Lateral, abdomen and pelvic AP, respectively. Results were compared with existing literature.

Results: The range of the mean ESD determined for the study population on various x-ray examinations were: chest PA (0.44 – 0.9 mGy), and  lateral (0.9 – 1.5 mGy); skull PA (2.0 – 4.7 mGy), and lateral (1.7 – 3.4 mGy); lumbar spine AP (3.4 -7.8 mGy), and lateral (6.8 –11.3 mGy); abdomen AP (3.6 – 6.2 mGy); and pelvic AP (2.4 – 6.9 mGy). Comparison showed dose levels were below IAEA recommendations.

Conclusion: In the absence of arbitrary high doses, practice is generally safe and will not result in unwarranted hazards to the patients.
Quality Control of Conventional X-Ray Tube in Three Tertiary Hospitals in South-East, Nigeria
Authors: Nworah Nnamdi F. , Nzotta Christian C. , Chiegwu Uche , Oyekunle Emmanuel. O. , Ikegwuonu Nwamaka C. , Ugwuanyi Daniel C.
Published: May 2022

Background:Quality control of conventional x-ray tube ensures that the patient integral radiation dose is minimized and image quality is improved, by controlling the x-ray beam to reduce scatter radiation.

 Objective:To assess x-ray tubes for half value layer (HVL), x-ray field and light field congruence using known standard.

Methodology:The HVLs were measured using calibrated, non-invasive, digital multifunctional detector meter that incorporate computer output. The detector was positioned at the center of the collimated beam axis with focus-to-image distance (FID) of 100 cm. Tube potentials of 80 and 100 kVp were selected, and used to make exposures. The corresponding HVLs were then recorded. Also, x-ray field and light field congruence were measured by placing 18 cm x 24 cm cassette loaded with film at FID of 100 cm. The collimator light was in ON position and metal markers were used to delineate the periphery of the light field. Misalignment was calculated from the developed radiographs using standard formula.

Results:The HVL ranged from 3.40 to 4.4mmAl. Also, the sum of the misalignment in both orthogonal directions ranged from 7.21 to 9.70 % of FID in all three centers.

Conclusion:The HVL were within standard limit at 80 and 100 kVp in all the centers studied. However, x-ray field and light field were grossly misaligned.
Risk Allocation Model for Public-Private Partnership in Radiodiagnostic Facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Okon Ime E. , Ugwu Anthony , Akuchukwu-Okafor Chioma H.
Published: May 2022

Background:  Developing a mechanism for risk sharing in public-private partnerships (PPP) is crucial to success of the project as well as improving returns to the government and the private investor. It has become needful to develop a project-specific model for radio-diagnostic facilities.

Objective: To develop a model of risk allocation for PPP in radio-diagnostic facilities in Nigeria.

Methodology: The survey was undertaken from January 2017 to December 2017. A total of 122 questionnaires aimed at allocating different risk factors to either the public or private sector were sent out with 82 (67.21%) returned for data analysis. The target respondents were  radiographers and radiologists in  PPP and academics who had gained in-depth knowledge of the PPP model through research. Data collected were presented in tables and the preferred risks allocation expressed in percentage.

Results: Out of thirty-three key risks in this study, eighteen (55%) were preferably shared between the public and private sectors. This cut across all the risks groups (political, economic, legal, natural and operational). There is no risk that is solely retained by the public sector (government) with percentage scores above 50%.

Conclusion:  The risk allocation model for PPP in Radio-diagnostic facilities suggests that all the risk groups should be shared between the public and private sectors.  This study will serve as a risk mitigation tool for the government agencies and prospective investors in this area.
Development of Smart Emergency Detection System for Hospital
Authors: Dr. Ajay Kumar Damral  , Atharva Deshmukh  , Atul Devkate  , Kanav Sharma  , Pradip Tayade  , Sachin Bansode  , Yash Saharkar
Published: May 2022

The system deals with basic security and helps to detect and avoid accidents at the health care center by alerting about the presence of smoke particles, harmful gases, changes in temperature, and noise levels while an emergency. It works on solar power so it is eco-friendly. It contains lots of scope in the future to enhance and encourage the use of non-renewable energy