bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High flow nasal cannula therapy versus standard oxygen therapy in bronchiolitis: a prospective randomized control trial
Authors: Herakal Santosh U. , Indi Shivakumar , Malagi Naushad Ali N. , Thobbi A. N.
Published: July 2024

Background: Bronchiolitis is most common respiratory infection in infants and treatment focuses on management of respiratory distress and hypoxia. The clinical effectiveness of HFNC therapy in bronchiolitis has been reported only in non-experimental observational studies and also there is scarcity of high-grade evidence about HFNC usage in bronchiolitis, hence we intend to study the effectiveness of HFNC in bronchiolitis through prospective randomized control study.
Methods: It is prospective randomized control trial conducted at pediatric ward/ ICU at department of paediatrics, Al Ameen medical college, Bijapur from January 2023 to April 2024 all children diagnosed as bronchiolitis aged between 2 to 24 months were included. All of study participants had thorough histories obtained, including demographic information, vital parameters including SaO2 in room air. (Clinical severity score) by modified Wood’s clinical asthma score (M-WCAS) at admission and 2nd hourly till oxygen support is completely weaned off. Treatment failure is defined as meeting ≥3 out of 4 clinical criteria: persistent tachycardia, tachypnea, hypoxemia and decision of escalation by treating doctor. Primary outcome was treatment failure and need of escalation of therapy.
Results:  A total of 65 cases are randomized, among them 33 cases are allocated to standard oxygen therapy and 32 cases to high flow nasal cannula group. HFNC group showed lower proportion of treatment failure than standard oxygen therapy group (p<0.0005). Secondary outcomes are also compared with previous studies.
Conclusions: HFNC group showed lower proportions of treatment failure than standard oxygen therapy.
Unveiling neonatal risk factors, clinical profile and early diagnostic markers of neonatal sepsis in a tertiary care hospital from South India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Suman Pradyotha , Kulkarni Nagamani , Ukkali Sadashiva B. , Thobbi A. N.
Published: July 2024

Background: Neonatal sepsis remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns, particularly in resource-limited settings. Understanding the clinical presentation, neonatal risk factors associated with neonatal sepsis and evaluating the correlation of markers of sepsis [C-reactive protein (CRP), white blood cell (WBC) counts, immature to total (IT) ratio and presence of toxic granules] for its early diagnosis are essential for improving the neonatal health outcomes.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 120 neonates admitted to the tertiary care hospital in Vijayapura, Karnataka, South India. Neonatal risk factors were assessed, and laboratory investigations were performed to diagnose neonatal sepsis. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine associations and significance.
Results: The most prevalent symptom across all categories is tachypnea, observed in 98.3% of the total patients. Lethargy, refusal to suck, and fever are equally frequent, affecting 65.8% of the total patients. Neonatal risk factors such as prematurity and low birth weight were identified as important contributors to sepsis. WBC counts, elevated CRP levels (>0.6 mg/dl), IT ratio above 0.2, and presence of toxic granules were significantly associated with neonatal sepsis.
Conclusions: Neonatal risk factors play a crucial role in the occurrence and outcome of neonatal sepsis. Laboratory investigations, particularly CRP levels, IT ratio, and toxic granule examination, demonstrate significant diagnostic value for the early diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.
Rare presentation of hepatitis A with ascites, pleural effusion and acalculous cholecystitis
Authors: Nauriyal Deepty , Raote Kapil , Dubey Rishabh , Punj Ajay
Published: July 2024

Hepatitis A is an important health problem in developing and under-developed countries, including India. Mostly it has a self-limiting course. Extra-hepatic manifestations in form of ascites, pleural effusion and acute acalculous cholecystitis occurring in same patient are not commonly reported. We report a recent case of 8-year-old boy with ascites, right sided pleural effusion and acalculous cholecystitis. Child presented to us with jaundice, pain abdomen and difficulty in breathing. His serology was positive for hepatitis A. He was successfully managed with conservative treatment. No antibiotics were started and no invasive procedures were carried out. Ascites, pleural effusion and acalculous cholecystitis, are rare presentation of hepatitis A that have self-limiting course and don’t affect severity of disease. Physicians should be aware of this rare presentation, so that invasive procedures, unnecessary investigations and undue anxiety of treating doctors and parents could be avoided.
Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood - an atypical disease with typical manifestations: a rare case report
Authors: Kumar Navin , Sharma Seema , Gautam Abhinav
Published: July 2024

Acute necrotizing encephalopathy of childhood (ANEC) is a rare entity characterized by high grade fever, respiratory or gastrointestinal infection accompanying with rapid alteration of consciousness and/ or seizures. This case report will discuss the diagnostic approach in 2.5-year-old male child with fever, vomiting and altered sensorium. Empirical therapy for meningoencephalitis with supportive therapy was administered. Diagnostic approach of ANEC consists of clinical manifestation, laboratory examination, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and neuroimaging interpretation. The patient had high liver enzyme, normal CSF analysis with appearances of edema, hemorrhage and necrosis with symmetrical lesion involving bilateral thalami in brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
A rare case report of Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome
Authors: Rabadia Priyanka , Makwana Bhavi , Shah Sonal
Published: July 2024

Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome is an autosomal dominant disorder caused by mutations in the KIFBP gene, which encodes the kinesin family binding protein. This protein is essential for cytoskeleton formation and neurite growth, interacting with microtubules and actin filaments. Initially, the patient was suspected to have meconium ileus with intestinal obstruction or cystic fibrosis, but further investigations revealed Goldberg-Shprintzen syndrome. To date, fewer than 50 cases have been reported in the medical literature. This case review aims to increase awareness of this rare connective tissue disorder, which remains underdiagnosed due to the scarcity of documented cases and some overlap with other syndromes.
A rare case of mesenchymal hamartoma of chest wall in a neonate
Authors: Sreedharan Harsha , Kaur Harveen , Sreedevi Rajsree , Francis Joice
Published: July 2024

Mesenchymal hamartoma of the chest wall (MHCW) is an extremely rare, benign lesion arising from one or more ribs. Typically, MHCW manifests as a unilateral lesion, yet there have been instances of multiple or bilateral occurrences documented. It is reported to have an increased male predisposition and the common presentation includes a visible chest wall mass. In asymptomatic neonates, conservative management is the preferred approach since there have been no reports of malignant transformation. Surgical intervention becomes necessary in cases where there is an active growth of the lesion or respiratory compromise. Here, we present a case of unilateral MHCW in a newborn being managed conservatively, followed by surgical resection at 2 months of age.
Extra pulmonary pleuropulmonary blastoma in two-year-old child: a rare cystic lesion of lung
Authors: Biswas Debolina , Saini Susheel Kumar , Saini Ajay Kumar , Dhinsi Vinayak , Kumari Seema
Published: July 2024

Pleuropulmonary blastoma (PPB) is a rare but fatal intrathoracic malignancy, which arises from the lung parenchyma and/or pleura. Despite being rare, PPB is the most common lung tumor in young children. Clinically, this rare malignancy is often mistaken for symptoms of respiratory tract infection or pneumothorax. The PPB require aggressive treatment which include surgical resection and chemotherapy. We report this case with the aim to raise awareness about this fatal and misleading malignancy. Knowledge of clinical presentation, imaging findings, histopathological findings, staging and association with other tumors is crucial for timely diagnosis of pleuropulmonary blastoma and subsequent adequate management.
Functional outcome of carcinoma tongue after primary surgical treatment
Authors: Sarkar Palash Chandra , Hanif M. Abu , Alam K. M. Nurul , Rafiqul Islam Mohammad , Akram M. Shafiul , Rahman S. M. Azizur , Badhan Raisa Enayet
Published: July 2024

Background: Majority of patients with oral malignancies appear in a late stage, with a low survival rate, despite advancements in imaging and therapy choices. Surgery is a well-known option among the various therapeutic techniques. In order to evaluate the functional outcome of carcinoma tongue among patients receiving primary surgery, the study was designed.
Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the department of otolaryngology, national institute of ENT and central hospital (Pvt.) limited, Dhaka. All histopathologically diagnosed case of carcinoma tongue undergone primary surgical treatment were approached for including into the study. Informed written consent was taken from each subject. Total 30 patients were included. After surgical intervention, functional outcome was measured by the performance status scale (PSS) for head and neck cancer. Data analysis was done by SPSS 20.
Results: Total 30 patients of carcinoma tongue were included in this study. Base of tongue (66.6%) and oral tongue (33.3%) were present as advanced and early stage respectively. Hemiglossectomy (43.3%) was the most commonly used methods. Improvement was seen in 'eating in public' score and 'understandability of speech score at 4th month after surgery, which was not steady over subsequent follow-ups. Normalcy of diet score also showed improvement at 4 months follow-up but slowly declined afterwards. Overall, improvement in 'eating in public' understandability of speech' and normalcy of diet score were not statistically significant.
Conclusions: Improvement of functional status was not statistically significant following primary surgical intervention in carcinoma tongue.
Transoral endoscopic coblation adenoidectomy - a novel approach of performing adenoidectomy in children
Authors: John Nikhil M. , Ashok Vivekananda , Varghese Tija S.
Published: July 2024

Background: Adenoidectomy stands as one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in children. Coblation adenoidectomy has emerged as a preferred method, with advantages such as diminished postoperative pain and swifter recovery. However, its application via trans nasal access in children, particularly those with anatomical variations, poses significant challenges. The aim of this study is to introduce and evaluate the advantages and limitations of transoral endoscopic coblation adenoidectomy in paediatric patients, with a focus on assessing its efficacy and safety.
Methods: A total of 80 children who presented to the outpatient department with chronic adenoid hypertrophy, aged between 2 and 12 years, were selected for participation in this study. Transoral coblation adenoidectomy was performed on all selected patients. The procedure was carried out with the patient placed in either Rose position or reverse Trendelenburg position, chosen randomly.  
Results: Complete clearance of adenoid tissue was done under visualisation. There were no intraoperative adverse events. Bleeding during the procedure was minimal, suggesting excellent hemostasis. Postoperative pain reported by patients were minimal.
Conclusions: Transoral endoscopic coblation adenoidectomy stands as a promising approach in the management of chronic adenoid hypertrophy in children, offering more advantages in children with narrow airways and coexisting anatomical variations. The findings of this study support the notion that transoral endoscopic coblation adenoidectomy achieves complete clearance of adenoid tissue with minimal intraoperative adverse events and postoperative complications. Additionally, the procedure results in minimal postoperative pain and allows for shorter hospital stay.
Comparative study of sutureless thyroidectomy using harmonic scalpel versus vessel ligation thyroidectomy
Authors: Kala Sonal , Kaintura Madhuri , Maithani Tripti , Varma Arvind , Dogra Rishabh
Published: July 2024

Background: Hemostasis is crucial for thyroidectomy surgery. Traditional methods used for hemostasis like suture ligation has a risk of knot slipping hence new methods of ligation became need of the hour. Harmonic scalpel is one such newer method of vessel ligation providing faster and precise ligation of vessels. The objective was to compare effectiveness of sutureless technique using harmonic scalpel in thyroid surgery with conventional suture ligation technique.
Methods: The 50 patients undergoing thyroid surgery were divided into two groups of 25 each. Group A underwent thyroid surgery using conventional suture ligation and group B underwent thyroid surgery using harmonic scalpel.
Results: Our results showed that in group B, none of the patients had change of voice and only 1 had transient hypocalcemia while 2 in group A had recurrent laryngeal paresis and 4 had transient hypocalcemia (not statistically significant). The average blood loss was less in group B as compared to group A (p=0.014), as was the post op drain collection 12.60 ml (p=0.034) as compared to 17.80 ml in group A, and the operative time 34.60 minutes (p=0.00) as compared to 45.44 minutes in group A. The overall cost was thus conspicuously reduced as compared to group A.
Conclusion: Sutureless thyroidectomy using harmonic scalpel is safe, fast and cost-effective technique to perform thyroidectomies.
Management of intractable epistaxis in a tertiary care referral hospital: an observational study
Authors: Mohanty Sanjeev , Balasubramanian Sudha , Nahak Bulu , Sundaray Chimay , Mehta Sejal
Published: July 2024

Background: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of sphenopalatine artery ligation/ cauterisation as a surgical intervention in control of refractory epistaxis and achieving haemostasis.
Methods: The study was done with patients in the Department of ENT, Head and Neck surgery Health care hospital and out station referrals from institution’s outreach clinics, for a period of 2 years (May 2020-April 2022).  Patients with recurrent epistaxis, not controlled by digital pressure, anterior packing (ribbon gauze/ merocele) or postnasal packing were taken up for emergency endoscopic sphenopalatine artery ligation/cauterisation under general anaesthesia. Effectiveness of this technique was established by routine endoscopic follow up of these patients over a period of 6 months post procedure.  
Results: Out of a total of 55 patients who presented with recurrent epistaxis, 8 patients settled down with conservative management (digital pressure/external ice pack application), 18 patients settled down with anterior nasal packing, 12 patients settled down with anterior and posterior nasal packing and 17 patients required sphenopalatine artery ligation/cauterization. None of these postop patients had any further episodes of nasal bleed.
Conclusions: Sphenopalatine artery ligation has proven to be an effective measure in control of intractable refractory epistaxis when compared to therapeutic embolization or other procedures.
Misplaced cochlear implant into the superior semicircular canal
Authors: Azevedo Sara Raquel , Lino João Vale , Coutinho Miguel Bebiano , Meireles Luís
Published: July 2024

Cochlear implantation (CI) has become a routine surgery for the treatment of profound hearing-impaired patients all around the world.  Surgical complications can occur and are an unexpected medical event related to the procedure itself and causing additional morbidity or a need for a revision surgery. Our goal was to describe a clinical case of a major complication of CI placement and the treatment performed. Our case is about a 68-year-old man proposed for unilateral CI placement. The electrode was placed in the vestibule and semicircular canal requiring surgical revision. This is a rare complication described in literature. Patient gave verbal consent to publish the case.
Foreign bodies in unusual sites in ENT: two case report
Authors: Behera Sanjaya Kumar , Aparoopa Ananya , Behera Saroj Kumar , Jena Anita Manjari
Published: July 2024

In otorhinolaryngology practice, foreign body impaction in the ear, nose, and throat areas and in the head and neck are emergencies. Here we present two unusual cases that we treated at our District Headquarter Hospital. First case involved a metallic foreign body a key ring in the oropharynx extending into the nasopharynx and laryngopharynx in a child, and the second case involved a foreign body wooden stick accidentally penetrating the postauricular region across the cheek to the zygomatic arch near lateral margin of periorbital area causing grade III facial nerve paresis in a female. We successfully removed both the foreign bodies. In first case after the removal of metallic foreign body from throat we kept patient for nasogastric feeding for 48 hours followed by normal liquid diet. In Second case after removal of foreign body the residual facial nerve paresis was resolved with tapering dosage of steroid.
Intraoral fibroma: A case report
Authors: Divya V C  , Devi S
Published: July 2024

Oral fibroma is a benign neoplasm that often occurs in the soft tissue of the oral cavity. It typically arises from the fibroma of the underlying connective tissue (submucosa or periodontal ligament), resulting in tissue enlargement. It is an elevated pedunculated or sessile lesion that ranges from a few millimeters to centimeters; normal in color, although it may appear paler. It can occur at any age, though it has a predilection for young adults, with females being more commonly affected. This case report discusses a 39-year-old female who presented with a growth in the upper front tooth region. The patient reported that she was apparently normal one year prior when she first noticed the growth, which was initially small and gradually increased to its present size. The face appeared asymmetrical on the left side with incompetent lips. Complete excision is the recommended treatment for fibroma. Other therapies, including cryosurgery or intralesional injection of corticosteroids, can be considered if there is a definitive diagnosis based on histopathological features.
Academic role-play and its effectiveness in understanding the Investigation form evaluation among the student radiographers in Puducherry, India
Authors: Tamijeselvan Sundaramoorthy
Published: July 2024

: Academic Role-play is a learning method in which students handle problems in small groups under the tutor supervision. This method is very useful in health professions education on imparting technical knowledge. In this study I am going to apply Academic role play in the teaching of student radiographers and study the effectiveness of role play method, particularly in understanding the investigation form evaluation in radiography.

: The study tested students' understanding of completing investigative form evaluation in radiography using a randomized controlled design, comparing the effects of adding the academic role play approach to theoretical lectures and clinical experience vs using theory and clinical experience alone. Following their random selection, the students were assigned to either the experimental or control groups. Valid questionnaires are used to gather information from the pretest and posttest for both the experimental and control groups. After that, an Excel work sheet is used to evaluate the data and produce a result.

: Sixty second semester radiography students were split into two groups, the experimental and the control, with thirty students in each. The mean score for the pretest and posttest score are at 102.63 and 179.87 for experimental group with a standard deviation 44.68 and 28.38 respectively while it was 103.00 and 130.70 for the control group with a standard deviation of 44.35 and 38.78 respectively. This study demonstrates that after using the academic role-play module, students' understanding of doing investigation form evaluation in radiography has improved.
Telepresence robotics in clinical education: Enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes
Authors: Davin Kirsten , Doucet Barbara M , Altahif Ricardo
Published: July 2024

The evolution of healthcare education necessitates innovative tools to enhance learning experiences. Telepresence robots, integrated in a hybrid occupational therapy doctorate (OTD) program, offered a transformative approach by enabling real-time interaction and observation promoting interprofessional collaboration. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a telepresence robot to enhance the instruction of clinical skills during patient simulations.

A quasi-experimental design was used with student participants. Participants experienced two fieldwork courses: Fieldwork IA (FWIA) without the telepresence robot and Fieldwork IB (FWIB) with the robot. Data were collected using the Simulation Design Scale (SDS) and the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Scale (SSSLS). Quantitative analysis included paired t-tests and non-parametric tests to compare scores between FWIA and FWIB.

A total of 85 SDS and 79 SSSLS forms were analyzed. Average SDS scores were significantly higher for FWIB compared to FWIA (92.73 ± 6.52 vs. 82.87 ± 12.43, p<0.001). SSSLS satisfaction scores increased from 21.63 ± 2.92 in FWIA to 23.82 ± 1.87 in FWIB (p<0.001), and self-confidence scores improved from 33.34 ± 4.62 to 36.32 ± 3.69 (p<0.001).

Telepresence robots significantly enhanced perceptions of student satisfaction and self-confidence in learning. Students found the robots effective for learning clinical skills during simulations. These findings suggest that telepresence technology can improve students’ engagement and learning outcomes in healthcare education.
The impact of green human resource management practices on employee’s job performance
Authors: Ramachandaran Sharmila Devi , Vasudevan Asokan , Balakrishnan Rajani , Nagaraj Sriganeshvarun , Thinakaran Rajermani
Published: July 2024

The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of Green Human Resource Management (GHRM) on work performance. A quantitative approach was employed to collect numerical data, which underwent statistical analysis. This approach involved the distribution of online questionnaires for convenient feedback collection from respondents. The study tested a set of hypotheses derived from a theoretical model of employee performance using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The focus was on understanding the phenomenon of GHRM among employees through quantitative techniques. Empirical results revealed a significant positive correlation between employee job performance and the five dimensions of green human resource management practices. These dimensions include green recruitment and selection, green performance management, green compensation and incentive systems, green training, and green participation. Notably, employee performance exhibited the strongest correlation with green participation, indicating that successful strategies aligning employee involvements with environmental sustainability goals enhance overall work performance. The findings demonstrate that the adoption of green HRM practices can positively impact workers' productivity. The study emphasizes the importance of prioritizing green HRM practices in businesses. The results suggest that integrating these practices can enhance employee engagement, job satisfaction, and motivation, ultimately contributing to improved overall performance. The article outlines the core components of GHRM and elucidates how each component can positively influence productivity in the workplace. Organizations are encouraged to consider and implement these practices to realize the associated benefits.
Comparing ethical environments: Accountants in Indonesia
Authors: SeTin SeTin , Agustina Lidya , Meythi Meythi
Published: July 2024

This study aims to compare the ethical environment perceptions between accountants working in public companies and accountants working in private companies. The organization has experienced a decline in ethical values due to numerous accounting scandals and dysfunctional behavior. The institutional logic theory is used as a framework. The data was collected using questionnaires from 768 accountants working in public companies, private companies, and universities in Indonesia. The questions encompass three main factors, namely social norms, social practices, and outcomes. Hypothesis testing was conducted based on the mean values, standard deviations, and regression analysis. The correlation between variables was assessed using the Pearson product moment and spearman methods. The study results indicate that accountants working in public companies perceive the ethical environment to be stronger than accountants working in private companies. This study holds significant social and economic relevance. Assessing the ethical environment of both private and public companies aids stakeholders in developing governance policies that can reduce the potential for accounting scandals and enhance public trust. The study provides important insights into the ethical environment of accountants across the accounting profession. The study’s findings are perception-based and may not always reflect actual ethical practices. Several suggestions for future research are outlined in this paper.
Relationship between healthy lifestyles awareness, health perception and mental well-being: A cross-sectional study on thermal tourism service recipients
Authors: Demir Yasar , Dag Erhan
Published: July 2024

This study aims to reveal the levels and determinants of awareness, health perception and mental well-being of individuals receiving services in thermal facilities in Türkiye. The study was cross-sectional. The data were collected through face-to-face interviews between November 1, 2023 and January 30, 2024 from individuals receiving services in thermal facilities in Samsun and Kütahya provinces. A questionnaire form consisting of 4 sections was used to collect the data. The form consisted of personal information, healthy living awareness, health perception and mental well-being. As a result of the study, 388 questionnaire forms were analyzed. 38.4% of the participants were between the ages of 60-69 and 57.5% were female. There was a statistically significant difference between age, marital status, chronic disease, health perception, healthy living awareness and mental well-being. The mean value of the health perception of the participants was X̄=2.86 before thermal and X̄=3.24 after thermal. A statistically significant, positive and strong relationship was found between healthy living awareness, mental well-being and health perception (r>0.500, p<0.01) as a result of correlation analysis. Multiple regression analysis revealed that health perception and healthy life awareness predicted mental well-being (p<0.01). The most important result of the study was that mental well-being increased as health perception and healthy life awareness increased. The other important result of the study is that the level of health perception, healthy life awareness and mental well-being decreases as age increases. In addition to healthy life awareness and mental well-being, those with chronic diseases had lower levels of health perception.
Overcoming academic procrastination: The effectiveness of psychological resilience in primary school pupils post COVID-19
Authors: Arafa Suzanne
Published: July 2024

The rapid transition to online learning has exacerbated procrastination behavior, further complicated by students’ mental health challenges, such as depression, anxiety, and stress, which lead to delayed educational tasks and diminished academic performance. This study investigates the efficacy of a resilience intervention program based on the three-factor model of personal resilience in reducing academic procrastination among Egyptian primary school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. This quasi-experimental research involved a sample of 100 fourth-grade students who demonstrated high levels of procrastination, indicated by scores above 70% on the Pure Procrastination Scale. Students were randomly divided into two groups—an experimental group, which received resilience training, and a control group, which did not—to assess the intervention’s impact on academic procrastination. Qualitative analyses of the feedback from students, teachers, and parents, coupled with pre- and post-intervention questionnaires, were utilized to evaluate the program’s effectiveness. Initial findings revealed no significant differences between the groups before the intervention. However, significant improvements in the experimental group’s procrastination levels were observed immediately and one month after the intervention, suggesting the potential ability of resilience training to enhance students’ academic performance and well-being. Results advocate for the inclusion of resilience-building activities within educational curricula to effectively address academic procrastination. The purpose of this study is to propose suggestions to reduce academic procrastination in primary school students. These results have implications for educators and professionals working with children, emphasizing the value of fostering resilience skills to support academic achievement and well-being.
School leaders’ and teachers’ perceptions of the feedback and evaluation system in Albania
Authors: Leka Klodiana , Beshiri Dilina
Published: July 2024

This research endeavors to provide insights that can inform policy decisions and pedagogical approaches aimed at optimizing feedback and evaluation systems to better serve the needs of educators and students in Albania. Quantitative data analysis techniques, such as descriptive statistics and regression analysis, were utilized to examine the relationship between selected variables and teacher assessment feedback. Utilizing the Teacher Evaluation Profile survey customized for Albania, information was gathered from 1,100 teachers and 80 school principals. The findings highlight the need to strengthen assessment quality to improve educational outcomes by identifying existing barriers and offering suggestions for improvement. The research advances the conversation on efficient evaluation techniques to raise academic standards by pointing out the framework's advantages and disadvantages in Albania's teacher assessment system and making suggestions for enhancements. The research delves into the complexities of how feedback is received, utilized, and integrated into professional practice by both leaders and teachers. It also examines the alignment between evaluation systems and educational objectives, considering factors such as cultural influences, institutional policies, and resource constraints. By elucidating these dynamics, the study seeks to contribute to ongoing discussions on enhancing educational quality, fostering teacher development, and promoting effective leadership practices within Albanian schools.
The impact of values, identity and personal norms on the green entrepreneurial intention of university students in South Africa
Authors: Fatoki Olawale
Published: July 2024

One of the major challenges that the world currently faces is climate change. Green entrepreneurship offers a viable way for a country to manage climate change and improve economic growth. University students are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, and it is important to understand the determinants of their green entrepreneurial intention. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of biospheric values, environmental self-identity, and personal norms on the green entrepreneurial intention of university students through an extended Theory of Planned Behavior. The study adopts the quantitative research method and data is collected from students at two South African universities. The cross-sectional survey method is adopted for data collection and purposive sampling is used to select the study participants. Structural equation modeling is used to test the hypotheses of the study using SPSS AMOS 27. The findings indicate that biospheric values, attitude, perceived behavioral control, environmental self-identity and personal norms are significantly positively related to green entrepreneurial intention. The study concludes that an extended Theory of Planned Behavior model that includes biospheric values, environmental self-identity identity and personal norms is useful in predicting the green entrepreneurial intention of university students. Entrepreneurship education and improved awareness of ecological challenges are needed to improve the green entrepreneurial intention of university students.
The effect of healthy food promotion through lunch boxes on the knowledge, attitudes and habits of elementary school students
Authors: Erhamwilda E , Afrianti Nurul , Hakim Arif , Dillon Drupadi , Julia J
Published: July 2024

This study aims at investigating the implementation of the stunting prevention programme called Delicious, Nutritious and Low-Cost School Lunch (DNLCSL) for elementary school students in Bandung City, West Java Province, Indonesia. This research employed a mixed-methods design combining quantitative and qualitative approaches. Quantitative data was collected through surveys and qualitative data was collected through in-depth interviews with leaders in the education and culture offices, health department, public health centre staff, elementary school principals, teachers, students, parents and canteen staff. The research findings revealed that the stunting prevention program DNLCSL was an innovative nutrition campaign. The DNLCSL Programme was implemented as an alternative to nutrition education to help elementary school students consume nutritious and well-balanced food. The planning and organizing phases have been completed but the implementation and monitoring processes should be improved. It was found that there were changes concerning lunch boxes and snacking habits in the elementary schools that consistently implemented the program.  This research implies that more widespread implementation is needed as the DNLCSL programme can improve students' knowledge, attitudes and dietary habits which can indirectly prevent stunting. The involvement of the government, education and health agencies and community collaboration are also needed to keep the programme sustainable.
Indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits in Zimbabwe: A case study of Shurugwi, Gokwe south, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi districts
Authors: Nemapare Patience , Mugadza Desmond Tichaona , Gadaga Tendekayi Henry , Jombo Talknice Zvamaziva
Published: July 2024

This study examines Zimbabwe’s indigenous knowledge and marketing of edible wild fruits. Edible wild fruits contribute significantly to rural communities’ nutrition in Zimbabwe. Recent research has shown that the indigenous fruits are now sold at markets and contribute to household income. A cross-sectional study was conducted in four districts of Shurugwi, Gokwe South, Chirumhanzu, and Chivi, in Zimbabwe, to investigate the role of traditional beliefs on marketing practices of edible indigenous fruits. A semi-structured questionnaire, which covered the demographic characteristics of respondents, type of fruits, preservation or processing methods, marketing channels, pricing, and uses of the fruits and income, was used. Interviews took place with 150 respondents in total. Most (51.4%) of the respondents were in the age group 35-54 years of age, and were mostly females. Although their main source of income was farming (48.7%), a reasonable income (10%) was obtained from trading, including selling edible wild fruits. The four districts reported a total of 42 edible indigenous fruits. The most common fruits were Uuapacakirkiana, Vitexpayos, Azanzagarckeana, Ximenia. caffra, Strychnosspinosa, Diospyrosmespiliformis, Vangueriainfausta, Grewiaflavescens, and Adansoniadigitata.Respondents indicated that they consumed the fruits for nutritional (71.3%) and medicinal (42%) purposes. Drying, juicing, and fermentation were reported as the most common methods of processing indigenous fruits at household level. The study showed that there is potential for indigenous edible wild fruits to contribute to nutrition and household income. The marketing of the fruits needs to be regulated across the value chain.
Damages of Freezing on the Development of Oocyte and Embryos
Authors: Shayegh Pegah , Rahmati Farzaneh , Baniasadi Fatemeh , Jangkhah Meisam , Rajabimaham Hasan , Ghalamboran Mohammad Reza , Fathi Rouhollah
Published: July 2024

Introduction: To assist save endangered species from extinction and to aid in their care, it is crucial to sustaining their reproductive capacity. The fetus's life and growth processes begin at conception and proceed in accordance with a biological clock's timing. With today's understanding through cryobiology, observing scientific ethics problems and interfering with the clock's operation by stopping its biological time is possible. Practically, it is accomplished by storing the cell at -196 °C, or the temperature of liquid nitrogen, where all metabolic activity ceases. Since 200 years ago, germ cell preservation has been a common practice. Since then, there have been many improvements, particularly for at-risk women. Since then, significant progress has been achieved, and several freezing techniques are being used to preserve ovarian tissue, follicles, and oocytes in women who are at risk of infertility. Different approaches have different levels of success. Among preservation techniques, vitrification performs better and is used more frequently. The cellular configuration of the mammalian oocyte is intricate. This cell's constituent parts are particularly sensitive to osmosis and variations in temperature. For instance, the alterations to the cell membrane that occur during maturation, in vitro fertilization, and the differential between the permeability of water and cryoprotectants can all be mentioned. Oocyte freezing results in a variety of impairments, including a reduction in the quality and viability of cells after thawing. Recent studies are looking for ways to enhance freezing procedures and raise the caliber of frozen oocytes. The favorable or negative effects of freezing on the oocyte and its potential, or embryo development, are the subject of this review article.
Evaluating the Histopathological Effects of Short-term and Long-term Doses of Ketamine Injection on Heart Tissue of Male and Female Rats
Authors: Yahyaei Behrooz , Gholipour Faeze , Khojasteh Leila , Hakimabadi Mohammadbagher Gilak , Feyzabadi Fatemeh Bahoosh , Dankoub Fatemeh , Nasehi Melika
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Ketamine is a general anesthetic drug that acts by inhibiting the NMDA receptoran important component of excitatory neurotransmission. Existing of NMDA receptors all over the central nervous system and the special type of anesthesia induced by ketamine, called dissociative anesthesia  has led to its use as an analgesic and also paved the way for abuse. Ketamine affects the cardiovascular system by increasing indices such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cardiac output.
Methods: For further evaluation of ketamine effects on heart tissue, we used 15 male and 15 female Wistar rats and divided them into 6 groups, including male and female control groups (MC and FC), male and female short-term exposure (MS and FS), and male and female long-term exposure (ML and FL) to ketamine. Each group included 5 Wistar rats. The ML and FL groups received 75mg of ketamine once a week for 4 weeks in the posterior muscle of the thigh and the MS and FS groups received 25mg of ketamine 3 times a week for 4 weeks at the same site.
Results: After preparation of histopathological slides, it was observed that only in the group of female mice receiving long-term ketamine, empty spaces and intercellular distances increased, and in the group of male mice receiving long-term ketamine, in addition to the increase of intercellular spaces, tissue accumulations were also observed in the heart tissue.
Conclusion: This study showed that long-term ketamine injection in both sexes can cause some qualitative changes in heart tissue. Expanding the duration of long-term exposure to ketamine and more studies based on sexes can lead to more findings.
Effect of Resistance Training with Coenzyme Q10 Supplementation on the Intracellular Content of NRF2 and NQO1 Proteins in the Hippocampal Tissue of Male Sprague-Dawley Rats
Authors: Dehkordi Shakiba Ghani , Shabkhiz Fatemeh , Soori Rahman , Amirshaghaghi Farahnaz
Published: July 2024

Introduction: NRF2 and NQO1 proteins are very important for cell protection; Therefore, the purpose of this research was investigating the effect of resistance training with coenzyme Q10 supplementation on the content of NRF2 and NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus of male Sprague-Dawley rats.
Methods: In this experimental study, thirty-two 2-month-old Sprague-Dawley rats with an average weight of 200±20 gr were selected. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: 1-control, 2-resistance training, 3-resistance training+Q10 supplement and 4-Q10 supplement. The resistance training program consisted of climbing a ladder with 26 steps and a slope of 85 degrees, for 8 weeks and 3 sessions every week. The daily consumption of Q10 supplement was 200 mg/kg of body weight of rats. The content of proteins was measured through Western-Blot laboratory method. Data analysis was done by one-way ANOVA and Tukey's post hoc tests and the effect size of eta squared test using SPSS version 16 and Graphpad Prism software version 10.2.3. The significance level was P≤0.05.
Results: Eight weeks of resistance training with Q10 supplementation led to a significant change in NRF2 content (F=4.80, p≤0.03, ƞ2=0.64). Tukey's post hoc test showed this significant change between pairs of resistance training groups and Q10 supplement group (p≤0.04); medium effect size was observed in NRF2 content (ƞ2=0.64). No significant difference was observed in NQO1 content (F=3.01, p≤0.09, ƞ2=0.33). A weak effect size was observed in NQO1 content (ƞ2=0.33).
Conclusion: Doing resistance training together with Q10 supplementation alone or in combination cannot significantly change the content of NRF2 and NQO1 proteins in the hippocampus of the brain.
Parental Acceptance of Dental Treatment Options for Primary Teeth
Authors: Mehravar Fatemeh , Khodabakhsh Mohammad , Salehi Hamed , Hakimian Roqayeh , Sadoughi Monireh
Published: July 2024

Introduction: Due to the importance of preserving baby teeth, it is necessary for parents to have correct information about dental services for these teeth, the present study was conducted with the aim of investigating the acceptance of suggested treatments for baby teeth by parents.
Methods: In this descriptive-cross-sectional study, 218 parents of children under 12 years old who were referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Department of Yazd Faculty of Dentistry in 2022 were randomly included in this study. The acceptance rate of dental treatments was asked by a checklist with 7 comprehensive questions and the answers were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16 and Chi-square statistical test.
Results: Out of 218 parents who participated in this study, 38 (17.4%) were male and 180 (82.6%) were female. The most acceptable treatments by parents were: pulp treatment (98.6%), dental radiographs (97.7%), tooth extraction (97.2%) and stainless-steel crowns (95%). The lowest rate of acceptance was for general anesthesia (23.4 %), fissure sealant (30.7 %) and sedation technique (36.2 %), respectively. Acceptance of fluoride gel and sedation by mothers was significantly higher than fathers (P <0.05). No statistically significant difference was observed in terms of the age and gender of the child with the acceptance of treatment by their parents (P<0.05).
Conclusion: Based on the findings of the present study, the most and the least acceptable treatments according to parents were pulp therapy and general anesthesia services, respectively. Parents' level of education, monthly income, child's age،, and gender did not have a significant impact on parents' acceptance of treatment.
La limitada regulación legal y del aprovechamiento como fuente de financiamiento del capital social cooperativo en Cuba: propuestas para su perfección
Authors: Campos Pérez Yulier
Published: July 2024

Las cooperativas no constituyen un fenómeno de reciente surgimiento en Cuba, sin embargo hasta el 2012 estas se limitaron solo al contexto agropecuario. Posterior a ese año se aprueba el marco legal básico que permite constituir cooperativas de objeto social distinto al agrario. Pese a esa extensión, consecuencia de la divergencia del marco legislativo nacional para una u otras cooperativas y debido a la no existencia de una Ley General de Cooperativas, el orden legal en esta materia en Cuba posee notables incongruencias que trasciende a las instituciones jurídicas que lo conforman. Este es el caso de la figura del capital social cooperativo, la que no se incluye con carácter generalizador en la legislación cooperativa cubana, además de contar con una exigua regulación que trasciende a sus presupuestos, a la de las aportaciones que la conforman y a su utilidad práctica.
Recibido: 26 septiembre 2023 Aceptado: 04 julio 2024
Principales diferencias de las cooperativas en el Impuesto sobre Sociedades en territorio de régimen común y en los Territorios Históricos del País Vasco. Algunas reflexiones y propuestas
Authors: Zaldua Azkuenaga Iván
Published: July 2024

El régimen fiscal de las sociedades cooperativas se erige en uno de los mecanismos en manos del legislador para cumplir con el mandato constitucional dispuesto en el artículo 129.2 CE. En el presente artículo se pretende realizar un resumen del régimen fiscal de las Cooperativas en el País Vasco, en sus tres territorios históricos, en comparación con el régimen aplicable en el territorio de régimen común. En particular, se analizará la regulación fiscal vasca de las cooperativas de segundo y ulterior grado, la consolidación fiscal como régimen especial para acometer procesos de integración cooperativa y la problemática existente en relación con el régimen de operaciones vinculadas. Se pretende también realizar una reflexión con el fin de plantear alternativas que puedan hacer más atractiva, desde el punto de vista tributario, la utilización de las sociedades cooperativas fuera de los sectores tradicionales, adaptándolas a la nueva economía.
Recibido: 30 octubre 2023 Aceptado: 10 junio 2024
El régimen fiscal de las empresas sociales en España: cooperativas sociales, empresas de inserción y centros especiales de empleo
Authors: Aguilar Rubio Marina
Published: July 2024

El presente trabajo realiza un estudio de la fiscalidad de las empresas sociales en España, reconocidas en nuestro ordenamiento como entidades de la economía social. De un lado, las cooperativas de iniciativa social y cooperativas de integración social, a las que nos referimos con el termino de cooperativas sociales y que, a pesar de ser consideradas cooperativas sin ánimo de lucro, no se les aplica el régimen fiscal especial de las entidades no lucrativas. Posteriormente, analizaremos la tributación de las entidades que sean calificadas como empresas de inserción y centros especiales del empleo, en especial los de interés social. Este análisis nos lleva a la conclusión de que en España no se ha utilizado la vía fiscal para promocionar la puesta en marcha de iniciativas sociales de este tipo por lo que se recomienda realizar determinadas reformas de la legislación fiscal estatal en esta materia y posibilitar una discriminación positiva de estas entidades por razón de la materia (labor social) y de la forma jurídica utilizada (empresas sociales y de la economía social).
Recibido: 28 noviembre 2023Aceptado: 04 julio 2024