bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Overview of Women Empowerment Policy With a Social Justice Lens and Frugal Innovation
Authors: Shah Erum , Ali Sultan , Katper Naveeda
Published: November 2022

Women's empowerment has remained a key concern for the development of society. The information in the current study has been extracted from the doctoral thesis of the corresponding researcher. The study argues that in the 20th century, developing countries were observed to bring various policies and programs to empower women. However, in this study, the researcher has tried to capture a few of the prominent policies and programs brought in Pakistan to empower women since its independence. Concurrently, this study aims to evaluate those policies and programs in the key domains of women's empowerment with the lens of social justice. It is mainly done with a desk review of various published resources and the support of key informant interviews with politicians, human rights activists, and bureaucrats. Findings of the study suggest, having various policies and programs for women empowerment, the situation of women is not improved in Pakistan, and there are significant rifts in policy implementation that need proper consideration to meet the requirements of social justice.
Frugal Innovation and Different Dynamics
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Asif , Shah Syed Mir Muhammed , Raza Syed Ali , Kazouz Hayfa
Published: November 2022

Producing something from low or nothing through entrepreneurial bricolage is an increasing phenomenon in emerging and dynamic markets. Recently, there is a dire need in developing affordable products and services targeting new markets. Entrepreneurs in the limited resources environments often develop such products. As suggested by Baker and Nelson, firms engage in bricolage to overcome the limitations imposed by the limited resources situation. With respect to the current situation, resource limitations and sustainability issues are pushing firms to develop affordable, quality products and services.
Leading Beyond the Classroom
Authors: Raymond Kate M. , Ethridge Elizabeth A. , Fields Kathryn
Published: November 2022

While teachers advocate for the needs of children daily, research has shown that teachers do not often engage in advocacy beyond their classroom. This chapter presents the cases of three teacher leaders who advocate within multiple systems; each participant works in a different geographical and political system and within different communities within those systems. Using bioecological systems theory to analyze the advocacy journeys of these teacher leaders, this chapter focuses on the skills, knowledge, and dispositions that supported these teacher leaders' advocacy work in multiple systems. Along with a disposition that advocacy is integral to teaching, three key themes emerged that allowed participants to successfully engage in advocacy within multiple systems: strong advocacy role models, feelings of confidence and success, and social justice motivations.
A Self-Identified Afro-Caribbean Woman Making It Through a US Higher Education Consolidation Process
Authors: Longman Dihema
Published: November 2022

Academic consolidations or mergers in higher education institutions have been on the rise. Addressing the human aspect of academic mergers requires delicate attention. However, the unappreciated side of mergers is often the people who deal with the aftermath of the process. Using autoethnography, the author reflects on a recent merger between a community college and a research institute and the author's experience of the lack of attention to the human factor and discusses the value of communicating during higher academic consolidation and merger change processes.
Leading for the Common Good
Authors: Tomas Cynthia Maria Montaudon , Gutiérrez-González Manuel Alejandro , Amsler Anna
Published: November 2022

The main focus of the chapter is to introduce and describe the central characteristics of common good leadership and establish existing connections to servant leadership. The multiple notions of the common good have originated in different philosophical traditions, and common good leadership overlaps with a variety of positive and propositive leadership styles, particularly servant leadership; therefore, the most relevant traits and skills of both leadership styles will be analyzed, providing insights into whether leading for the common good can be considered an act of service and if acts of service are enough to drive collective actions towards the common good. Literature review and content analysis were used as the methodologies of the study.
IDRA and ARISE Expand Servant Leadership to Advocacy and Action in South Texas
Authors: Montemayor Aurelio M. , Chavkin Nancy Feyl , Flores Lourdes
Published: November 2022

This chapter chronicles the story of how the nonprofit intermediary organization Intercultural Development Research Association (IDRA) and a community organization, A Resource in Serving Equality (ARISE) Adelante, also known as ARISE, worked together to expand servant leadership among Mexican American immigrant families living in the Rio Grande Valley of South Texas. With their strong focus on equity, IDRA and ARISE embraced and then expanded the traditional 10 characteristics of servant leadership to include advocacy and action. This chapter describes the history and background of both organizations, relates the work of these two organizations to servant leadership, shows how they were able to expand servant leadership to advocacy and action, provides lessons learned, and discusses next steps for how other organizations might apply these additional two characteristics to increase equity.
Emergence of Online-to-Offline Business Model
Authors: Chauhan Sanidhya , Kovid Raj K. , Dutta Abhisek
Published: November 2022

Online platform businesses are increasingly embracing offline business model around the globe with sizable investment in online-to-offline (O2O) business model. Usually, online platforms have been considered the only option for availing heavy discounts, perfect and customed products, and convenient shopping. However, the O2O business model provided blended facilities with uniqueness in making the payment online while getting real products, with a try-on experience, from the physical stores. Already in practice in developed markets, an O2O model is being increasingly embraced by firms in emerging markets like India. So, following global trends, an increasing number of Indian firms are switching to the O2O business model. This chapter builds on the available literature followed by multiple case study design for exploring the determinants and the dynamics related to the O2O business model adoption. The cases explored in the chapter include Firstcry, Nykaa, and Decathlon. The chapter explores operational and strategic issues which come up during the execution of such business models.
Artificial Intelligence as the New Realm for Online Advertising
Authors: Tahoun Nouran , Taher Ahmed
Published: November 2022

This exploratory study examines the magnitude of using artificial intelligence (AI) in the five-staged online advertising process: consumer insights, ad creation, media planning, buying, and finally, ad evaluation. It explores if there is a correlation between using AI in each stage and the next. It also investigates the impact of using AI on the overall perceived effectiveness. The study developed the conceptual framework titled “Process Model of AI Utilization in Online Advertising.” An online survey is conducted with a sample of 60 digital advertisers worldwide from both agency and client sides. The findings showed that AI is stepping progressively and differently in the four stages of the online advertising process. There is a relationship between using AI in each stage and the following one. AI utilization promotes the perceived effectiveness of the overall online ad process.
Building Brands Digitally
Authors: Kumar Dinesh
Published: November 2022

Luxury brands took to online selling belatedly, but they realized that they must be where their customers are. But this posed a problem for them: how could they maintain their aura of exclusivity in an online world, where e-commerce portals selling discount items are just a click away? By combining the elements of O2O worlds, luxury brands have achieved a synergy with their physical stores. Luxury brands have been able to convey their aesthetic appeal, store trust, shopping experience, customer service, and sense of power online as well. Online presence helps in displaying products, providing information, selling, and linking inventories of various stores. In that sense, the omni-channel experience has helped build customer experience for luxury brands as well. This chapter explains how O2O integration helps luxury brands combine their exclusive aura with online capabilities to deliver customer engagement and service, thereby building brands in the long run.
Innovative Marketing of Chinese Baijiu for Online and Offline Markets
Authors: Yu Poshan , Bobik Melanie , Qiu Sixian
Published: November 2022

This paper aims to study the baijiu industry in China and abroad, as well as the marketing strategies of two leading Chinese baijiu brands (Wuliangye and Moutai) to promote liquor culture in and outside of China. Their brand strategy and marketing mix will be discussed, and it will be analyzed if and how innovative digital marketing strategies such as O2O (online-to-offline) can help baijiu brands improve brand equity and brand loyalty. In order to identify the market potential and support the sustainable brand development of baijiu spirits, this chapter will investigate the younger generation's attitude towards baijiu marketing through a small-scale survey. Managerial implications for baijiu producers of all sizes will be provided.
Digital Technologies and Supply Chain Management
Authors: Zahid R. M. Ammar , Khurshid Muzammil , Ying Cui
Published: November 2022

Digital transformation has been called the most important strategic issue for businesses around the world. The recent innovation boom brings together technologies that open up new possibilities for imagining and recreating supply flows. This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of digital transformation, enabling technologies, and the impact on traditional supply chain management (SCM) processes. It starts with the introduction of the SCM, followed by the digital shift and its consequences for organizations. It continues with a more in-depth analysis of digitalization and describes the major waves of technological development and industrial and economic leaps, and relates the most recent changes in the supply chain to these waves. Further, it provides examples and use cases to motivate, excite, and emphasize progress. It describes the difficulties in defining the concept, characteristics, and challenges of current digital supply chain (DSC) management.
Supporting Children and Families During the Kindergarten Transition
Authors: Sayers Robin C. , Dore Rebecca , Purtell Kelly M. , Justice Laura , Pelfrey Logan , Jiang Hui
Published: November 2022

This chapter describes the theoretical basis for and implementation of a kindergarten-transition-focused home visiting program, the connection-focused home-visiting intervention program (CHIP). CHIP was designed to support children and their families during the kindergarten transition through development of strong connections between parents, children, teachers, schools, and communities. In this chapter, the authors explain the theoretical framework that guided the development of CHIP and key features of the program design, including connection development, the use of transition coordinators, and individualization. In addition, this chapter includes descriptions of scenarios encountered during CHIP that exemplify the nature of the program and design decisions. Finally, this chapter provides a summary of early evidence of program effectiveness and directions for continued research.
Family-Teacher Partnerships to Support Culturally and Linguistically Marginalized Children's Successful Transition to School
Authors: Paulick Judy , Palacios Natalia , Kibler Amanda
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, the authors focus on research-based strategies that support teachers to learn about the assets and wealth that culturally and linguistically marginalized (CLM) families possess. The authors explore how to support CLM families' agency to engage with their children's schooling in ways that specifically reflect these families' needs and strengths. Across this chapter, the authors will respond to the following questions: (1) Who are CLM families? (2) What are issues in teacher-family collaboration? (3) What are concrete strategies for collaborating with CLM families at the transition to schooling? (4) How can researchers and practitioners empower teachers and support families to collaborate in service of children? (5) What do researchers and practitioners still need to learn about collaboration with CLM families, and how might they learn it? The authors offer specific recommendations for teachers working with CLM families, as well as insight into the challenges and possible future directions in this area of research.
Parent-Child Stress on School Mathematics Homework in a Multicultural Society
Authors: Weerasinghe Daya
Published: November 2022

The aim of this chapter is to discuss parent-child stress among different cultures in relation to parents' perceptions and their involvement in mathematics homework and children's academic achievement. Several decades of research have demonstrated that parental involvement in children's achievement is associated with a variety of positive and negative academic and motivational outcomes. It is argued that parents' involvement may matter more for some children than for others and parents are active participants rather than passive observers in children's education. This chapter provides insights on how parental involvement in homework can make a difference and why excessive involvement of parents can cause stress for both parents and children. Further, it is discussed how the cultural differences between Asian and European groups appear to narrow down with acculturation over the years.
African American Parents' Perceptions of Early Literacy Strategies
Authors: Smith Zanthia Yvette
Published: November 2022

Few research-based family studies have focused specifically on the perceptions of African American hearing parents' use of home literacy strategies. This study was conducted with a small group of African American families, taking into account family's individual literacy needs (African American hearing families with deaf/hard of hearing [DHH] children), African-American culture and language, emergent literacy research, American Sign Language (ASL), and parent-child book reading strategies. The purpose of this study was to document parental perception of the literacy process, while establishing opportunities for parents to practice under the guidance of mentors and within the home environment. Recordings documented parental progress and their comments about the reading process. Field notes were generated from the mentors' discussions with parents. This exploratory case study identified changes in parental perception of communication and literacy development during a nine-week intervention and records their reactions to those support strategies.
Development and Implementation of an Early Childhood Parenting Curriculum for Preschool Teachers
Authors: Canada Theresa J.
Published: November 2022

This chapter describes the development and subsequent implementation of a parenting curriculum in an early childhood education classroom. The purpose of the study is to provide a curriculum for preschool teachers to improve the quality of early childhood education. The study was implemented in several classrooms of an early childhood center. The center was located on a university campus of an urban city in the state of Connecticut, USA. The innovation in this work was the idea that curriculum for early childhood providers could be created in a way that started from parent perceptions, rather than from telling parents how they need to change to meet school needs. The results of this study suggest that teachers who implement the parenting curriculum would be better prepared to work with both parents and children in a preschool setting.
Teachers Working With Refugee Children and Families
Authors: Allexsaht-Snider Martha , Karsli-Calamak Elif , Tuna Mana Ece
Published: November 2022

In this chapter, the authors tell the story of the GÖÇ-MAT project in Turkey, a two-year professional learning project designed to foster early childhood education teachers' development of competencies for teaching students with refugee status. The authors elucidate the different aspects of the GÖÇ-MAT project implementation and some of their findings from the research with teachers and with families having refugee status. Their goal, then, is to provide a possible roadmap for programs of professional learning in other settings around the globe. The authors hope to motivate other educators to take inspiration from the lessons learned in the GÖÇ-MAT project in Turkey to create professional learning spaces for teachers adapted to the unique contexts in which they are working. These professional learning spaces can support teachers' development of new ways to provide inclusive and equitable quality education for students with refugee or migrant statuses.
A spatiotemporal analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on noise pollution in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Abbasi Omid Reza , Ebrahimian Ghajari Yasser , Alesheikh Ali Asghar
Published: November 2022

Noise pollution is one of the non-natural hazards in cities. Long-term exposure to this kind of pollution has severe destructive effects on human health, including mental illness, stress, anxiety, hormonal disorders, hypertension and therefore also cardiovascular disease. One of the primary sources of noise pollution in cities is transportation. The COVID-19 outbreak caused a significant change in the pattern of transportation in cities of Iran. In this article, we studied the spatial and temporal patterns of noise pollution levels in Tehran before and after the outbreak of this disease. An overall analysis from one year before until one year after the outbreak, which showed that noise pollution in residential areas of Tehran had increased by 7% over this period. In contrast, it had diminished by about 2% in the same period in the city centre and around Tehran’s Grand Bazaar. Apart from these changes, we observed no specific pattern in other city areas. However, a monthly data analysis based on the t-test, the results show that the early months of the virus outbreak were associated with a significant pollution reduction. However, this reduction in noise pollution was not sustained; instead a gradual increase in pollution occurred over the following months. In the months towards the end of the period analysed, noise pollution increased to a level even higher than before the outbreak. This increase can be attributed to the gradual reopening of businesses or people ignoring the prevailing conditions.
Long-term home noninvasive ventilation (LTHNIV) in restrictive thoracic diseases: the Italian snapshot
Authors: Pierucci Paola , Crimi Claudia , Carlucci Annalisa , Palma Lavinia , Noto Alberto , Carpagnano Giovanna Elisiana , Scala Raffaele
Published: November 2022

Long-term home noninvasive ventilation (LTHNIV) in restrictive thoracic diseases was explored via the recently published international REINVENT ERS survey. The Italian subset of respondents (ITA-r), the highest above all participating nations, was analyzed and compared to non-Italian respondents (NO-ITA-r). The ITA-r represented 20% of the total answers examined. Ninety-four percent were physicians, whose half worked in a respiratory ICU (RICU). ITA-r mainly worked in community hospitals vs NO-ITA-r who are largely affiliated with university hospitals (p<0.0001). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was considered the most common medical condition leading to NIV indication by both ITA-r and NO-ITA-r (93% vs 78%, p>0.5). A greater proportion of ITA-r considered MIP/MEP the most important test for NIV initiation as compared to NO-ITA-r (p<0.05). There was no significant difference for both ITA-r and NO-ITA-r as regards the other questions. This study illustrates Italian LTHNIV practices in patients with NMD and it shows some important differences with the other countries’ practices but agreement in terms of goals to achieve, reasons to initiate NIV, and practices among the two communities.
Tummy Pain is not often what we Think – Imaging Findings in Uncommon Causes of Abdominal Pain in Children and Adolescents – A Case Series
Authors: Karanth Krishna Kiran Somashekar , Mijar Mahesh , Shetty Kishan B , Sultanpuri Chetana S.
Published: November 2022

Acute abdominal pain is a common complaint in children. We came across several unusual causes of acute abdomen including jejunal haematoma, perforation and abdominal abscess following hydrostatic intussusception reduction, twisting of mesenteric cyst, perforation of sigmoid colon and Meckel’s diverticulum presenting with intussusception. In this article, we aim to present imaging features of these entities so that paediatric surgeons, radiologists and other health-care providers are aware of these unusual manifestations of acute abdomen.
Neonatal Scrub Typhus with an Eyelid Eschar Masquerading as “Late-onset Sepsis”
Authors: Narayanasamy Dinesh Kumar , Babu Thirunavukkarasu Arun
Published: November 2022

Background:

Scrub typhus is a mite-borne infection caused by the bacterium, Orientia tsutsugamushi. It is re-emerging in many parts of South East Asia, particularly in rural India. Although no age group is immune to this infection, scrub typhus in neonates is rarely suspected and reported. Here, we report a neonate with scrub typhus who was initially misdiagnosed as “late-onset neonatal sepsis.”

Clinical Description:

A 26-day-old exclusively breastfed infant presented with fever, vomiting, loose stools, abdominal distension, and refusal of feeds for 3 days. Examination revealed an irritable, febrile, and pale infant. She had tachycardia and facial puffiness. On abdominal examination, generalized distension with hepatosplenomegaly was noted. Blood investigations were suggestive of lymphocytic leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, toxic granules in peripheral smear, and elevated C-reactive protein.

Management:

The infant was promptly started on empirical antibiotics for “late-onset sepsis.” However, in view of poor response, other possible differential diagnoses were considered. Careful reexamination revealed a necrotic ulcer covered by a yellow scab with erythematous rim on the left lower eyelid. Based on the clinical presentation and an eschar-like lesion, scrub typhus was suspected. The neonate was started on oral azithromycin and immunoglobulin M (IgM) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing for scrub typhus came back positive. Fever subsided immediately within 48 h and the infant was discharged after 7 days.

Conclusion:

Acute febrile illness due to scrub typhus can affect newborns. A high index of suspicion is required for early diagnosis. Timely treatment leads to prompt clinical response and reduced complications.
Wolcott Rallison Syndrome
Authors: Mittal Medha , Dhungel Shankar , Bandarpalli Harini , Rai Anuradha
Published: November 2022

Background:

Wolcott–Rallison Syndrome (WRS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus, skeletal dysplasia, hepatic dysfunction, and other systemic associations.

Clinical Description:

A 3-month-old infant with a history of fever and poor oral intake presented with severe dehydration, acidosis and 3+ urine ketones and was diagnosed to have sepsis and diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). He also developed acute kidney injury (AKI) with blood urea 118 mg/dL and serum creatinine 1.5 mg/dL.

Management:

The child was ventilated, stabilized, and managed for DKA with fluids and insulin as per guidelines. AKI was managed with peritoneal dialysis. Genetic analysis revealed homozygous mutation in eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-alpha kinase 3 gene consistent with the diagnosis of WRS. A close follow-up was kept with regular screening for other associated manifestations. Central hypothyroidism was detected first followed by skeletal dysplasia and chronic kidney disease. Growth retardation and developmental delay are also present.

Conclusion:

Neonatal diabetes cases need an early genetic work up and watchful follow-up for the manifestation of other possible associated features.
Paediatric Cataracts in a Tertiary Eye Centre in South-South Nigeria
Authors: Nkanga Elizabeth Dennis , Okonkwo Sunday Nnamdi , Ezeh Ernest Ikechukwu , Agweye Chineze Thelma , Ibanga Affiong Andem , Nkanga Dennis George
Published: November 2022

Background: Paediatric cataracts is a leading cause of treatable blindness and a major cause of blindness in developing nations. Aim:

To present an audit of paediatric cataract and paediatric cataract surgery in a Tertiary Eye Care facility in the South-South Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria during the Seeing is Believing Project intervention.

Materials and Methods:

A retrospective study of case notes of children who received surgical and adjunctive treatment for cataracts in the Calabar Children's Eye Centre during the 24-month study period from November 1, 2017, to October 31, 2019, was undertaken.

Results:

Of the 128 children who met the inclusion criteria, 73 (57.0%) were males and 55 (43.0%) were females, giving a male: female ratio of 1.3:1.0. The mean age of patients in years was 5.9 ± 4.1 years, median/interquartile range was 5.0/5. The most frequent diagnosis was bilateral cataracts affecting 80 (62.5%) children. Systemic comorbidities were found in 13/128 (10.2%), of which 7/13 (53.8%) were congenital rubella syndrome. Ocular comorbidities (40.6%) were more common than systemic comorbidities, and sensory esotropia presented most frequently (16.4%). More patients with congenital cataracts had ocular comorbidities, and this association was statistically significant, P < 0.001. The proportion of patients with good visual outcomes was highest among those with bilateral cataracts (64.8%), and ocular comorbidities were a significant negative predictor of best corrected postoperative visual acuity. A total of 94/128 (73.4%) patients received intraocular lens implants, and the most common postoperative complications were visual axis opacification (VAO) 37/69 (53.6%) and fibrinous uveitis 26/69 (37.7).

Conclusion:

Paediatric cataracts were often bilateral and congenital. Postoperative complications like VAO are common and can be detected early and treated to improve visual outcomes with good follow-up strategies.
COVID-19 Experiences and Vaccine Confidence Among Health Workers and Non-Health Workers
Authors: Tagbo Beckie , Bisi-Onyemaechi Adaobi , Chukwubike Chinedu , Okafor Ejivina
Published: November 2022

Background:

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus has been associated with unprecedented morbidity and mortality globally. This has resulted in the development of prevention protocols aimed at controlling the viral pandemic. Vaccine development and vaccination were also initiated to achieve herd immunity against the virus. High vaccine confidence levels are required to mitigate vaccine hesitancy and increase the uptake of the COVID vaccines and successful control of the pandemic. Aim: The researchers in this study set out to investigate COVID-19 experiences and public confidence in COVID-19 vaccination.

Materials and Methods:

A survey using both online and hard copy validated questionnaires was carried out among 431 consenting research participants in 6 countries across 3 continents (Africa, North America, and Europe). Results were analysed using SPSS version 23.

Results:

Fifty (11.6%) of the participants had COVID-like symptoms in the last one year though only one-fifth (10, 20%) of these were tested. Hydroxychloroquine was taken by 72 (16.7%) in the past 12 months. Two hundred and sixty-five (65.5%) expressed willingness to take the COVID vaccine. Recommendations by health workers and departments were significantly associated with vaccine confidence and uptake. More than half (249, 57.8%) of the participants acknowledged the presence of rumors against the vaccine. Suggestions to increase COVID-19 vaccine confidence include: vaccines should be available in all testing centres; government should address other welfare issues first before vaccination and increased efforts toward confidence-building on the vaccine.

Conclusion:

Majority of the study participants were positively disposed to accepting the COVID-19 vaccine however the presence of rumors concerning the vaccine still poses a significant threat to COVID-vaccine confidence.
Feasibility of Day-Case Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy
Authors: Garzali Ibrahim Umar , Alhuniti Mohammad N M , Hassanat Ramadan , Alsardia Yousef , Aloun Ali
Published: November 2022

Gallstone disease was considered a rare disease in West African subregion, however with increasing urbanisation and lifestyle change, the incidence of the disease is rising. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is the best treatment for gall stone disease. Initially, laparoscopic cholecystectomy required inpatient care after surgery, but for the past 30 years, there is a shift toward performing the procedure as a daycase. Day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy was first reported in early 1990s, but in most countries of West Africa, cholecystectomy is still an inpatient procedure and this has been an additional strain to the health-care community as the number of personnel needed for postoperative care can be directed toward the care of other patients if the surgery is performed as a daycase. It has also been reported that increased use of day surgery would reduce waiting times and reduce last minute cancellations by the hospital. Although laparoscopic cholecystectomy was added to the basket of day-case procedures in the early 1990s, initial progress was slow because the procedure was not widely accepted as suitable for day case surgery. In sub-Saharan Africa, only Sudan, Nigeria, Tanzania, and South Africa have reported attempts at day-case laparoscopic cholecystectomy with good outcome.
Pancreatic Cystic Lesions
Authors: Bashir Bello M. , Agbo Stephen P. , Umar Muhammad Muktar , Abubakar Ibrahim Umar , Sani Hamza Ibrahim , Abdullahi Mikailu , Emetuma Faruk O.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Pancreatic cystic lesions are heterogeneous lesions that could be benign, borderline, or malignant. Neoplastic cystic lesions/tumours are rare tumours of the exocrine pancreas; difficult to diagnose preoperatively, and they account for 2%–10% of pancreatic tumours. Pancreatic pseudocyst is the most typical benign cystic pancreatic lesion arising from pancreatic ductal inflammation or ductal disruption. Both benign and malignant cystic pancreatic lesions are amenable to surgical treatments, with a good prognosis. Aim: The aim is to present our 11yrs of experience in the management of pancreatic cystic lesions.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a retrospective review of pancreatic cystic lesions managed at the General Surgery Unit of Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, Nigeria, from 2010 to 2020. A retrospective review of the case notes of patients was done with an emphasis on biodata, presentation, investigations treatment offered, complications, and follow-up were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 22, Inc. (Chicago II, USA).

Results:

We managed 28 patients over 11 years. Three patients had pancreatic cystic tumours, whereas 25 patients had pancreatic pseudocysts. The age ranges of the patient with pancreatic cystic tumours are 29–50 years with a male-to-female ratio of 2:1. All the patients had tumour excision with histology revealing two pseudopapillary tumours of the pancreas and one serous cystadenoma. The age range of patients with pseudocyst is 27–42 years with a male-to-female ratio of 1:3.1, and most of the patient had internal drainage.

Conclusion:

Pancreatic cystic tumours are uncommon pancreatic neoplasms that are amenable to surgical interventions with a good prognosis. Pancreatic pseudocyst was seen mainly in females within the young age group. Both benign and neoplastic pancreatic cystic lesions are amenable to surgical intervention with a good prognosis.
Risk Assessment for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Participants in a Market Survey at Ebonyi State, South East Nigeria, Using Finnish Diabetes Risk Score Questionnaire
Authors: Ugwueze Chidiebere Valentine , Nnolim Bede I. , Anikpo Nnamdi C. , Onyekachi Kenechukwu Emmanuel , Onah Cosmas Kenan , Chukwu Oluomachi Esther , Abonyi Chinweuba Michael , Ezeokpo Basil Chukwuma , Modebe Onyechi M.
Published: November 2022

Background:

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder arising from insulin resistance and/or decreased insulin secretion and has continued to affect people across all economic levels in society. Due to the high prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes, it has become very imperative to emphasize screening in any given population, especially in developing countries.

Aim:

The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors and prevalence of diabetes mellitus among participants using the FINDRISC questionnaire.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional study which involved 200 participants but 197 had complete data. Anthropometric, blood pressure, and fasting/random blood glucose measurements were carried out. The data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23.

Results:

The mean age of respondents was 41.8 ± 16.3 years. There were 104 males and 93 females. Most of the respondents were traders constituting 51.8% of the study population. The 10-year risk categorization of respondents showed that 57.9% had low risk, 17.8% with slightly elevated risk, 12.2% had moderate risk, 10.7% with high risk, and 1.5% with a very high risk of developing diabetes. The average risk score was 7.4 ± 5.4 with a range of 0.0–24.0. The mean weight, height, and body mass index were 69.6 ± 14.4 kg, 165.3 ± 8.6 cm, and 25.5 ± 5.2 kg/m2, respectively. The mean systolic and diastolic blood pressures were 126.9 ± 20.3 mmHg (range: 80–205) and 76.6 ± 12.9 mmHg (range of 50–130), respectively.

Conclusion:

Approximately, 25% of respondents have a moderate-to-very high risk which emphasizes the need for continuous screening of the population, especially in public gatherings.
Microalbuminuria and its Associated Risk Factors Among Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Attending a Tertiary Care Facility in Kano, Northwest Nigeria
Authors: Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim , Aliu-Isah Oiza Ozioroko , Musa Sanni , Abdulsalam Kabiru , Yahaya Isah Adagiri
Published: November 2022

Background:

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection affects multiple organs and the kidney is a common target, thereby making renal disease one of the recognised complications of HIV infection. Microalbuminuria represents an early, important marker of kidney damage in several disease conditions including HIV-infected highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)-naïve patients. Early detection of microalbuminuria is critical to slowing down the progression of kidney dysfunction to chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients. Determination of predictive factors for microalbuminuria in these group of patients may serve as avenues for intervention to prevent HIV-associated renal diseases. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and risk factors of microalbuminuria in HIV/AIDS-infected adults on HAART at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria.

Patients, Materials and Methods:

A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among 500 subjects including 250 HAART-treated and 250 HAART-naïve HIV/AIDS participants. An interviewer-administered structured questionnaire was used to collect relevant demographic and clinical information. Blood and urine samples were collected for serum creatinine and urinary albumin and creatinine measurements, respectively, and the results were collated and analysed. Comparison of categorical variables was done using Chi-square/Fisher's exact test, where applicable with level of significance set at P < 0.05.

Results:

The prevalence of microalbuminuria among the two groups studied was found to be high (22.8% for HAART naïve versus 18.4% for HAART treated, respectively) while the risk factors identified were estimated glomerular filtration rate, low CD4 count, and duration of HIV treatment.

Conclusion:

The major predictors of microalbuminuria include low CD4 count, duration of HIV infection (<30 months), and duration of HAART treatment (<30 months).
Review article
Authors: Agwu Ngwobia Peter , Umar Ahmed Mohammed , Oyibo Ugbede Emmanuel
Published: November 2022

Background:

The urethral catheter is an essential medical device that is used in everyday medical practice worldwide. The urethral catheter has evolved over the years with several modifications and improvements to overcome the shortcomings of previous productions. With several indications, it remains one of the most commonly used devices traversing almost all specialties in the field of medicine; however, the process of urethral catheterization is occasionally challenging and may result in injury to the urethra. The attendant complications following its passage far outweigh its cost and the required skills to necessitate appropriate insertion. Knowledge of the type of urethral catheter, training with regard to its insertion, care while in situ, and competency of the attendant caregivers are required for safe catheterization.

Aim:

This review aims to disseminate knowledge on urethral catheter types, insertion procedures, and its attendant complications so that doctors and other health-care professionals may safely perform this necessary procedure.

Materials and Methods:

A review of internatinal literature was conducted using PubMed database and goggle search using key words such as urethral catheter materials and types.

Result:

105 articles were identified and found suitable for the study.
Un tratamiento desde la raíz para el deterioro de la sociedad de la información y la comunicación.
Authors: Collado Alonso Rocío
Published: November 2022

Reseña expositiva y crítica sobre el libro "Comunicación radical. Despatriarcalizar, decolonizar y ecologizar la cultura mediática" que describe y valora de manera crítica y reflexiva sus contenidos.
Where access and benefit-sharing comes from: A historical overview
Authors: Sirakaya Aysegul
Published: November 2022

The international legal system of access and benefit-sharing of genetic resources (or ABS) under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) is an ever-evolving field as its material, temporal and activity scope is still under discussion to meet the needs of the advancement of research and development activities as well as the questions of fairness and equity that evolve with them. Activities,  such as research and development with digital sequence information (DSI), currently take considerable space in the negotiations and the lack of consensus between the Global North and Global South continues. This paper gets its raison d'être from this lack of consensus and aims to provide a better understanding of the debate around the fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources as well as states' sovereignty over their natural resources. As such, the paper provides an analysis of all relevant documents at the international level, starting from the UN Charter to the CBD final text with the hope of reminding the ongoing CBD negotiations why we have ABS in the first place and what the international community historically aimed for when regulating genetic resources at the international level. Looking back at why we had the first legally binding ABS instrument in the first place, and why we thought this instrument would achieve fairness and equity in dealing with genetic resources, will serve the interests of all Parties to the CBD and will hopefully enable them to interpret the provisions based on their overarching aim and reasoning.
FRAKTAL YAPILAR İLE YÜKSEK KAZANÇLI YANSITICI DİZİ ANTEN TASARIMI
Authors: URUL Bülent
Published: November 2022

Bu çalışmada fraktal yapılarla oluşturulan yüksek kazançlı yansıtıcı dizi anten tasarımı yapmak hedeflenmiştir. Bunun için ilk olarak altıgen fraktal yapısının 2. iterasyonu tasarlanmış ve yansıtıcı dizi anten de yansıtıcı birim hücre olarak kullanılmıştır. Fakat yeterli bir faz cevabı elde edilemediğinden ve buna bağlı olarak anten üzerinde eksik birim hücrelerin kalmasından dolayı bu birim hücre modifiye edilerek yeni bir yansıtıcı birim hücre tasarlanmıştır. Altıgen birim hücre ve bu birim hücrenin modifiye hali olan birim hücreler ile yeni bir yansıtıcı dizi anten tasarımı yapılmıştır. Tasarlanan bu antenin üzerinde faz karşılığı olmayan eksik birim hücre kalmamıştır. Buna göre yeni antenin kazancı 21,6 dBi’dan, 23,1 dBi’ya yükselerek klasik altıgen birim hücrelerle oluşturulan antene göre 1,5 dBi artmıştır. Bu sonuç uygulanan yöntemin başarılı olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır.
SOCIAL MEDIA AND INTERACTIVITY FROM USERS’ PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Stamenković Ivana , Đukić Živadinović Tatjana
Published: November 2022

In view of the change in communication circumstances caused by the explosive development of technology, new spheres of expression of attitudes, ideas, opinions and emotions have been opened. In a new communication reality, the dominant place belongs to social media, which is also related to interactive media and digital media that depend on user participation. The degree and ways of participation differ between various social media, but what they have in common is that they offer users the opportunity to create content, react to the existing ones, as well as further distribute and comment. The aim of the paper is to examine the frequency of different types of interactivity on social media, the motives for interactivity, as well as the perception of its importance from the user’s viewpoint. The research was conducted on a sample of 350 students at the University of Niš. A questionnaire was used as a method of data collection. Also, the research showed that in spite of the intensive checking of social media, the respondents do not often resort to interactivity, neither with their friends’ posts nor with media content and they do not find the possibility of interactivity particularly important. Along with checking and reading, the most common type of interactivity is liking, while leaving a comment is minimally applied. The respondents mostly resort to liking media content on social media only if they are related to the social issues they consider important (23.14%) or to support somebody’s position (21.71%).
Vincular y castigar. Genealogía de la delincuencia organizada
Authors: Arriaga Ornelas José Luis
Published: November 2022

Este ensayo identifica la mecánica de poder característica del siglo XXI, misma que habría sustituido al poder de tipo disciplinario. Se basa en un análisis genealógico, en la tradición Nietzsche-Foucault, aplicado al caso de la delincuencia organizada. El castigo penal aplicado a este tipo de conducta delictiva es mostrado como una de las superficies de emergencia en las que se ve aparecer la sujeción con base en vínculos, que es un mecanismo según el cual, para controlar y ejercer poder, se vuelve necesario el saber de los sistemas de relaciones. El texto efectúa un recorrido epistémico-discursivo que permite entender la operación de este mecanismo a partir de la intersección entre campos de poder y un tipo de saber. También se ilustra la operación de este mecanismo en otras superficies de emergencia, como la empresa y las medidas adoptadas para el control de la pandemia ocasionada por el SARS-Cov-2. El ejercicio se inscribe en la discusión sobre la historia política de los saberes y la constitución de los regímenes de verdad. Al documentar que el objeto Delincuencia Organizada es utilizado en las prácticas judiciales, en la acción política y en diversas disciplinas científicas, extendiéndose incluso al común de la gente, reconstruye el modo en que fue introducido al “juego de lo verdadero y lo falso”, constituyéndose en un “objeto del pensamiento” que luego se traduce en ejercicio del poder.
Bateria de teste NEPSY în evaluarea funcţiilor neuropsihice la copiii cu dizabilitate intelectuală ușoară
Authors: OLĂRESCU Valentina , COBZARU Irina
Published: November 2022

The assessment of the disabled child is always carried out by applying psychoclinical methods, and not only. The comparative study of neuropsychic functions in children with typical development and children with mild intellectual disability, in groups of 60 preschoolers aged 4.5-6 years old was carried out using the NEPSY Test Battery, which includes five areas of child assessment. The battery is the tool that provides relevant information about the child’s neuro-psychism and a specialist can immediately intervene with remedial measures. The raw results obtained are presented, and statistically processed in order to highlight the difference and effect size between the assessed groups of preschoolers. With the help of tables and figures, children’s performances for each investigated subtest are illustrated. Finally, the difficulties and poorly developed functions detected in the investigated children were revealed.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE SYSTEM FOR CUTTING TOOL FLOWS MANAGEMENT IN A SMALL MANUFACTURING COMPANY
Authors:   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia, Lukić Dejan , Božić Dejan ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia, Milošević Mijodrag ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia, Ungureanu Nicolae ,   Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Department of Engineering and Technologic Management, Baia Mare, Romania, Borojević Stevo ,   University of Banja Luka, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Antić Aco ,   University of Novi Sad, Faculty of Technical Sciences, Novi Sad, Serbia
Published: November 2022

Information systems in small manufacturing companies can have a big impact on increasing economy and productivity. Due to limited human and financial resources, these companies generally use cheaper commercial solutions or develop specialized information system solutions that are adapted to their needs. In order to properly solve the problem of introducing an information system, a thorough analysis of information flows in the company and corresponding business processes is necessary. The main subject and goal of the research in this work is related to the investigation of time losses due to the absence of an information system from the aspect of managing the flow of cutting tools, as well as the presentation of the foundations for its development in a small manufacturing company.
USE OF FACE RECOGNITION SOFTWARE BY KARHUNEN LOVE METHOD
Authors:   University College “CEPS -“Center for Business Studies”, Kiseljak, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Salkić Hadžib , Kvasina Marija ,   University “VITEZ”, Faculty of informational technology, Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Salkić Almira , Ristić Vladica ,   Unviersity Metropolitan, Faculty of Applied Ecology “Futura”, Belgrade, Serbia
Published: November 2022

Numerical simulations and checks of face recognition software on given image databases represent a type of empirical research. Face recognition software works on the principle of comparing a photo of the person’s face with the photos in the database. The operation of face recognition software can be divided into three stages. The first stage is face detection, the second stage is face tracking and the third stage is face recognition. For this purpose, software solutions have been developed, with different work techniques. However, it is characteristic that regardless of the different techniques, each expresses its effect with a probability expressed in percentages. Simply put, for now, no software solution can be said to be 100% effective. For now, no computer solution can be compared to the human ability to recognize and identify a person.