bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase I Trial Evaluating Locoregionally-delivered IL13Rα2-targeting CAR T Cells in High-Grade Glioma
Authors: Brown Christine , Hibbard Jonathan , Alizadeh Darya , Blanchard M. , Natri Heini , Wang Dongrui , Ostberg Julie , Aguilar Brenda , Wagner Jamie , Paul Jinny , Starr Renate , Filippov Aleksandr , Chaudhry Ammar , Ressler Julie , Kilpatrick Julie , Myers-McNamara Paige , Chen Mike , Wang Leo , Rockne Russell , Georges Joseph , Portnow Jana , Barish Michael , D'Apuzzo Massimo , Banovich Nicholas , Forman Stephen , Badie Behnam
Published: June 2023

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy is at early stages of clinical testing for solid tumors. We report here a completed phase I trial (NCT02208362) evaluating locoregional delivery of IL13Rα2-targeted CAR T cells in 65 patients with recurrent high-grade glioma, the majority being recurrent glioblastoma (rGBM; 2 + recurrences). Primary endpoints were safety and feasibility, with secondary endpoints measuring therapy-related bioactivity. Weekly intratumoral (ICT) and/or intraventricular (ICV) administration of IL13Rα2-CAR T cells was well-tolerated with clinically manageable adverse events. Stable disease or better was achieved in 50% of patients, with two partial responses, one complete response (CR), and a second CR after additional CAR T cycles off-protocol therapy. Patients with rGBM treated with dual ICT/ICV delivery and an optimized manufacturing process exhibited superior overall median survival of 10.2 months, compared to 6.1 months for other treatment arms. Central nervous system (CNS) increases in inflammatory cytokines, including IFNγ, CXCL9, and CXCL10, were associated with CAR T cell administration and bioactivity. Further, pre-treatment intratumoral CD3 T cell levels were positively associated with survival, indicating an interplay between host immunity and CAR T cells as a determinant of outcomes. These findings advance our understanding of CAR T cell immunotherapy for malignant brain tumors.
Lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors combined with chemotherapy versus lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors for unresectable or recurrent biliary tract cancer
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Jiang Zedong , Shao Zhiwei , Gao Zhenzhen , Zhou Bo , Li Guogang , Zhang Qiyi , Zhang Yuanbiao , Yan Sheng
Published: June 2023

Background
Lenvatinib and programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) inhibitors have emerged as a novel treatment for patients with BTC. This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of triple therapy with lenvatinib, PD-1 inhibitors plus chemotherapy (LenP + C) and dual therapy with lenvatinib plus PD-1 inhibitors (LenP) in patients with unresectable or recurrent BTC.
Methods
BTC patients receiving LenP + C or LenP treatment between June 2020 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), overall survival (OS) and safety.
Results
Ninety-eight patients were included in the present study, and they were divided into the LenP + C group (n = 40) and LenP group (n = 58). The median PFS was 8.3 months in the LenP + C group, significantly longer than 4.5 months in the LenP group (HR = 0.471; 95% CI, 0.271–0.817; P = 0.007). Although no difference was found in ORR between the two groups (LenP + C, 42.5% vs. LenP, 27.6%, P = 0.125), the DCR was higher in the LenP + C group than in the LenP group (95.0% vs. 75.9%, P = 0.012). The median OS was comparable between the two groups (13.7 vs. 12.4 months, P = 0.749). Treatment-related adverse events were more frequently observed in the LenP + C group. The incidence of neutropenia (grade ⩾3) was higher in patients receiving triple therapy (15% vs. 2%, P = 0.035).
Conclusions
This study showed that treatment with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors is safe and effective for advanced BTC. The combination of chemotherapy with lenvatinib and PD-1 inhibitors showed improved anti-tumor efficacy compared with lenvatinib and anti-PD-1 therapy, yet with more toxic effects.
Soil water availability affects the vertical distribution of fine roots in poplar short rotation coppice
Authors: Berhongaray Gonzalo , Tripathi Abhishek , Fischer Milan , Orság Matěj , Trnka Mirek , King John
Published: June 2023

Fine roots (< 2 mm), which play a critical role in water and nutrient uptake, are an important component of the ecosystem carbon cycle and often have higher productivity than above-ground parts. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of soil water availability on the distribution of fine roots annual production and turnover rate. The study was conducted in a throughfall reduction experiment established in a coppiced plantation at the Czech Republic. The vertical distribution of fine root biomass and fine root production were correlated with soil moisture early in the season. Low soil moisture levels (i.e. 20%) corresponded to a greater proportion of roots at depth. Understanding these responses may be beneficial to enhance carbon input in deeper layers and thus potentially carbon sequestration by manipulating the soil moisture in the topsoil through introducing early phenology understory species into bioenergy or agroforestry setups.
Instantaneous CO2 emission modeling for the Euro 6 start-stop vehicle based on portable emission measurement system and artificial intelligence methods
Authors: Mądziel Maksymilian
Published: June 2023

One of the increasingly common methods to counteract the increased fuel consumption of vehicles is start-stop technology. This paper introduces a methodology which presents the process of measuring and creating a computational model of CO2 emissions using artificial intelligence techniques for a vehicle equipped with start-stop technology. The method requires only measurement data of velocity, acceleration of vehicle and gradient of road to predict the emission of CO2. In this paper, 3 methods of machine learning techniques were analyzed, while the best prediction results are shown by the gradient boosting method. For the developed models, the results were validated using the coefficient of determination, the mean squared error, and based on visual evaluation of residual and instantaneous emission plots and CO2 emission maps. The developed models present a novel methodology and can be used for microscale environmental analysis.
Intersektionalität und Realismus : Fanny Lewald um 1848
Authors: Widder Roman
Published: June 2023

Eine dreifache Bewegung der Emanzipation appelliert im 19. Jahrhundert an eine realistische Darstellung: Die Befreiung und Gleichstellung von Frauen, Jüd:innen und der Arbeiter:innenklasse wird von realistischen Texten teils protegiert, teils bekämpft. Am Beispiel von sowohl vor- als auch nachrevolutionären Romanen und Erzählungen Fanny Lewalds entwickelt der Beitrag ein intersektionales Verständnis von Realismus, das dieser politischen Seite des Begriffs Rechnung trägt. Ausgangspunkt ist dabei die Beobachtung, dass realistische Poetiken mit der Verfahrensweise intersektionaler Textbeobachtungen eine Gemeinsamkeit in der Privilegierung der Referenzebene der 'erzählten Welt' besitzen. Wie aber können sich mehrere strukturell divergente Erfahrungswelten innerhalb derselben erzählten Welt artikulieren, ohne in ihrer konfliktuellen Heterogenität nivelliert zu werden? Während "Jenny" (1843) als Versuch über die Phänomene doppelter, aber auch wechselseitiger Diskriminierung subalterner Akteur:innen gelesen werden kann, wirft der Beitrag am Beispiel der Novellen "Der dritte Stand" (1845) und "Auf Rother Erde" (1850) die Frage auf, welche poetologischen Konsequenzen sich aus jener intersektionalen Problematik ergeben, der sich Lewald auch in diesen beiden Novellen systematisch verschrieben hat. Anknüpfend an Überlegungen Susan Lansers geraten dabei u.a. das Geschlecht der Erzählinstanz und die Poetik des Dialogs in den Blick. Wie damit gezeigt werden soll, gehört der nur intersektional fassbare Streit um die Wirklichkeit zu den entscheidenden Voraussetzungen sowie den formalen Problemstellungen des Realismus.
Intersektionale Kritik avant la lettre : eine giftige Mischung aus Race, Gender und Sexualität in Marion Bloems "Geen gewoon Indisch meisje"
Authors: Minnaard Liesbeth
Published: June 2023

Der Beitrag zeigt, dass der populäre niederländische Roman "Geen gewoon Indisch meisje" ("Kein gewöhnliches Indisches Mädchen") van Marion Bloem aus dem Jahr 1983 als eine literarische Ausdrucksform des niederländischen Intersektionalitätsdenkens (cf. Essed, Hoving, Wekker) avant la lettre gelesen werden kann. Anhand eingehender intersektionaler Analysen verschiedener Passagen der durchweg als Autofiktion rezipierten Coming of Age-Erzählung über ein niederländisches Mädchen of Color, dessen Eltern aus der ehemaligen niederländischen Kolonie Niederländisch-Ostindien stammen, dem heutigen Indonesien, macht dieser Beitrag deutlich, wie der Roman verschiedene Tabuthemen innerhalb der niederländischen Gesellschaft wie Race, weiße Privilegien und Sexismus unerschrocken und kritisch zur Diskussion stellt, und dies in einer Zeit, in der solche Ungleichheitsfaktoren noch unsichtbar waren und/oder nicht über sie gesprochen werden durfte. Der Beitrag erörtert die Strategien, mit denen Bloems Roman auf freimütige und für weiße Leser:innen häufig schmerzhaft konfrontierende Weise einer jungen Woman of Color eine Stimme gibt, für deren Anders-Sein in der niederländischen Gesellschaft eigentlich kein Platz ist, und von der als 'feminist killjoy' erwartet wird, dass sie schweigt.
Elena Ferrantes Tetralogie "L'amica geniale" als Inszenierung von Intersektionalität
Authors: Mayer Christoph Oliver
Published: June 2023

Der Erfolg von Elena Ferrantes vierbändigem Romanzyklus "L'amica geniale" (2011-2014) wird hier in der Verortung Ferrantes in die Schule der literarischen Hontologie (Eribon, Ernaux, Louis) und in eine Strömung von Romanen, die den Klassismus anvisiert, erklärt. Gezeigt wird, wie intersektionale Verflechtungen von Ferrante in Szene gesetzt werden: Das Schicksal eines proletarischen Mädchens mit intellektuellen Ambitionen, aufgewachsen in einem Armenviertel, in dem Gewalt und Mafia an der Tagesordnung sind und immer wieder an den gesellschaftlichen Benachteiligungen sich stoßend etc. Sexismus, Homophobie, Regionalchauvinismus und andere Diskriminierungsformen leiten die Geschichte. Intersektionalität trägt das Romanganze inhaltlich; die Fiktionalisierung geht über gebräuchliche Konzepte von auto-fiction hinaus und erlaubt gerade durch die lebensweltliche Botschaft Einsichten in gesellschaftliche Komplexitäten. Genau diese Konstruktion des literarischen Textes ist für die Rezeption des Werks ausschlaggebend, zumal die Wahl des Pseudonyms der Autorin ermöglicht, die Thematisierung und Problematisierung von Intersektionalität hier und in weiteren Romanen jenseits der Tetralogie zu intensivieren, wie etwa in "La vita bugiarda degli adulti" (2019).
Hip-Hop-Feminismus : feministische Perspektiven auf die strukturellen Zusammenhänge von Kapitalismus, Rassismus und Sexismus im Gangsta Rap
Authors: Breite Emmanuel
Published: June 2023

Die Verbindung feministischer Themen und Fragestellungen mit dem Dispositiv der Populärkultur wird unter dem Label 'Popfeminismus' verhandelt. Um diesen Sammelbegriff ist eine lebhafte Diskussion entbrannt: Ist die Performativität des Pop als Chance zu begreifen, breiten Gesellschaftsschichten feministische Anliegen zugänglich zu machen? Oder handelt es sich dabei doch nur um die marktwirtschaftliche Vereinnahmung einer gesellschaftspolitischen Strömung? Das skizzierte Spannungsverhältnis verschärft sich in einem sexualisierten und hypermaskulinen Subgenre wie dem Gangsta Rap. Das Online-Magazin der Wochenzeitung "Die Zeit" kürte den deutschen Gangsta Rap jüngst zur erfolgreichsten Jugendkultur der 2010er-Jahre. Rapper wie Bonez MC oder Gzuz landen einen Chart-Erfolg nach dem anderen, und zwar mit äußerst sexistischen, misogynen, homo- und transphoben, ableistischen und gewaltverherrlichenden Texten. Angesichts der nicht von der Hand zu weisenden kulturellen Prägekraft des Gangsta Raps und seiner identitätsstiftenden Wirkung auf junge Menschen gewinnt die Frage nach der Kommensurabilität von Feminismus und Hip-Hop noch einmal an Bedeutung: Sind feministische bzw. intersektionale Perspektiven mit der Sprache, den Bildern und Symbolen einer männlich-chauvinistischen Szene überhaupt vereinbar? Mit welchen sprachlich-medialen Strategien antworten Künstlerinnen der Rap-Szene auf diesen Widerspruch? Mit diesen und anderen Fragen befasst sich der vorliegende Beitrag.
Same, same - but different : Überlegungen zur Textauswahl für den Literaturunterricht unter intersektionaler Perspektive
Authors: Heiser Ines
Published: June 2023

Bisherige Modelle der Textauswahl für den Literaturunterricht argumentieren ausschließlich text- bzw. themenorientiert oder sie berücksichtigen maximal eine einzelne bei Schüler:innen vorliegende Differenzkategorie wie z.B. Gender. Solche differenzorientierten Ansätze sahen sich zudem der Kritik ausgesetzt, durch die besondere Fokussierung der jeweiligen Ungleichheitskategorien diese - wie durch das Differenzdilemma beschrieben - eher festzuschreiben bzw. zu reproduzieren. Ausgehend von diesem Forschungsstand legt der Beitrag am Beispiel von Anke Stellings Kinderroman "Erna und die drei Wahrheiten" dar, inwiefern eine intersektionale Perspektive die Lektüreauswahl für den Literaturunterricht verbessern und präzisieren kann. Die Analyse von schüler:innenseitig vorliegenden intersektionalen Verschränkungen ist geeignet um zu beschreiben, wodurch im Bereich der Text-Leser:innen-Passung individuelle Zugangshürden, aber auch Zugangserleichterungen entstehen. Der Beitrag votiert in diesem Sinne ebenso für eine textseitige Analyse, die genau überprüft, auf welche Weise allgemein für Schüler:innen einer bestimmten Altersstufe als zugänglich geltende Themen im jeweiligen Text konkretisiert werden. Dem Konzept einer thematisch begründeten Kinder- bzw. Jugendgemäßheit wird diesbezüglich die Frage entgegengestellt, inwiefern auf der Textoberfläche präsentierte Konstellationen den Zugriff auf ein zugrundeliegendes relevantes Sujet für Lernende mit jeweils individuellen Voraussetzungen überhaupt erlauben.
Von Gegengeschichten : Diversität und Intersektionalität im Kinderbuch
Authors: Mikota Jana
Published: June 2023

In aktuellen Diskussionen werden Forderungen nach einer diversen Kinder- und Jugendliteratur laut. Autor:innen wie Andrea Karimé oder Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie fordern Gegenerzählungen oder sprechen von den Gefahren einer 'single story', in denen den Leser:innen nur weiße Geschichten präsentiert werden. Im Mittelpunkt des Beitrags stehen ausgewählte Kinderromane der Autorin Andrea Karimé sowie die Frage nach diversen und intersektionalen Kindheitsbildern. Die Analysen zeigen, dass sowohl diversitätssensible als auch intersektionale Perspektiven für die Auswahl von Kinderliteratur für den Unterricht bereichernd sind, denn sie eröffnen den noch jungen Leser:innen nicht nur neue Welten, sondern stärken auch die Kinder mit Blick auf ihre eigene Lebenswelt. Zugleich spielt insbesondere Intersektionalität eine untergeordnete Rolle, sollte aber dennoch aufgrund des hohen Potentials stärker in die literaturwissenschaftlichen und -didaktischen Debatten rücken.
Intersektionalität am Beispiel von Mithu Sanyals "Identitti" im Lehramtsstudium
Authors: Rösch Heidi
Published: June 2023

Ausgehend vom Konzept der Intersektionalität und ihrer Umsetzung in der Literatur und in der Literaturdidaktik wird der vieldiskutierte Roman "Identitti" von Mithu Sanyal zunächst analysiert und schließlich in einem Experiment mit Studierenden unterschiedlicher Studiengänge, einem Bachelorstudiengang für das Lehramt Deutsch der Sekundarstufe I, dem Masterstudiengang Kulturvermittlung und dem Masterstudiengang Interkulturelle Bildung, Migration und Mehrsprachigkeit, eingesetzt, um zu prüfen, ob damit für intersektionale Bildung zu sensibilisieren oder gar zu qualifizieren ist. Alle Studierenden hatten den Roman vorbereitend gelesen und führten ein fünfphasiges, durch die Dozentin moderiertes literarisches Gespräch. Das Experiment zeigt den Studiengängen entsprechend unterschiedliche Akzentsetzungen der Studierenden und dass die voraussetzungsreiche Bearbeitung dort am besten gelingt, wo Rassismus- und Weißseinskritik als zentrale Elemente einer intersektionalen Analyseperspektive im Studiengang verankert und schon vor der Lektüre verhandelt worden sind. Doch auch Lehramtsstudierende, denen diese Perspektiven aufgrund des Studienplans weniger vertraut sind, erhielten v.a. durch die Anschlusskommunikation in der Gruppendiskussion vertiefende Einblicke in diese Bereiche und begannen sich mit deren Relevanz für die spätere Unterrichtspraxis auseinanderzusetzen.
Real earnings management trends in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: The case of non-financial listed companies in Vietnam
Authors: Anh Tuan Dang , Ngoc Khanh Dung Nguyen , Thi Thu Thao Bui
Published: June 2023

Real earnings management comprises the intervention by managers intending to change business strategies or policies to achieve specific goals. The paper aims to examine trends and levels of real earnings management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam. The study uses time series data, and the sample includes 1,800 observations from 2016 to 2021. The methods of the study are regression analyses of the real earnings management model. The results indicate that the COVID-19 pandemic positively and significantly affected real earnings management of companies listed on the Vietnamese stock exchange. The trends and levels of real earnings management in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic increase depending on the severity of the pandemic. In terms of applications, the study provides evidence that the quality of financial reporting is lower during the pandemic. Listed enterprises in Vietnam are using high financial leverage, leading to a higher vulnerability to shocks such as the pandemic. Therefore, the real earnings management technique mainly used by managers is operating cash flow adjustment by using income maximization strategies to increase the ability to borrow capital to maintain business operations. The study suggests that the choice of income maximization or income minimization strategy depends mainly on commitments with the capital provider (credit institutions), specific contexts, and economic factors.
Comparative Study of Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) and Microscopic Diagnosis of Malaria Infection among Patients Attending General Hospital Minna, Niger State
Authors: KA Otojareri
Published: June 2023

Malaria is a global public health problem known to be a common cause of under five children mortality in the tropical area of Africa. The aim of this study was to compare rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and microscopy technique of malaria infection among patients attending General Hospital Minna, Niger State. A convenience sampling qualitative study was carried out on 300 consenting outpatients of general hospital, Minna in Niger state. Results of the study showed that most of the respondents were females 212(71%) and Most of the participants were within the age bracket of 11-20 years (41%). This demonstrated that transmission was higher among the young age than the elderly. Microscopy was positive in 179(59%) patients and RDT was positive in 185(61%) of the total study population while 6(3%) of those negative by microscopy were also positive with RDT. There was no significant difference when the efficacy of both tests was compared. The RDT used had a sensitivity of 87%, a specificity of 98% while microscopy had sensitivity of 95% and specificity of 72%. The RDT performance was extremely high compared to microscopy in this study. RDT can still serve as the first screening test for malaria diagnosis. However, the gold standard for confirmation of clinical diagnosis for malaria is microscopy examination. Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) offers rapid, timely, accurate and accessible detection of malaria parasites which is important for prevention and treatment. Keywords: Rapid diagnostic test, microscopic diagnosis of Malaria, Malaria fever.
Etiology, Clinical Manifestations, Diagnosis and Management of Antepartum Hemorrhage in Two Referral Hospitals in Douala-Cameroon
Authors: Maurice Soh
Published: June 2023

Antepartum hemorrhage certainly has an easy clinical diagnosis, but it is complex because of its complications and multidisciplinary treatment. Despite initial care, some patients are still subject to perinatal and maternal morbidity and mortality. To limit these consequences, our study aims to identify the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis and management of antepartum hemorrhage at the Laquintinie Hospital and the General Hospital of Douala in Cameroon. To achieve this objective, a quantitative descriptive study was conducted from May 1, 2020 to May 1, 2022 and included 166 pregnant women diagnosed with antepartum hemorrhage in the maternity wards of these hospitals. Data was collected by reviewing medical records and interviewing mothers using a questionnaire. We used the convenience sampling technique and the data collected were processed with SPSS 2.3. At the end of this analysis, the study showed that the most recurrent cause of antepartum hemorrhage was placenta abruption (51.81%). The clinical consequence was marked mainly by anemia (50.60%). Caesarean section was the most common method of management (94.20%). The results suggest that antepartum hemorrhage is a public health problem. Keywords: Antepartum hemorrhage, Clinical manifestation, Diagnosis, Management of antepartum bleeding; public health problem.
Prevalence and Determining Factors of Undernutrition among Under-five Children in Three Local Government Areas of Niger State, Nigeria
Authors: Olabimpe Gbadeyan
Published: June 2023

The Nigerian economy depression, Covid 19 pandemic, nationwide insecurity, and global warming are quartile factors, that affected the already compromised nutritional status of under-five children in the country, with a resultant increase in morbidity and mortality. A community-based cross-sectional study was undertaken using two-stage cluster sampling method in Suleja, Tafa, and Gurara LGAs of Niger state. Data from 2350 under-fives were collected using questionnaires, and anthropometric measurements. WHO growth standard was used to determine the prevalence; multivariate logistic regression in IBM explored statistically significant independent variables associated with stunting, underweight and wasting using p-value of < 0.05. Prevalence of stunting was 47.4%, underweight 32.7%, and wasting 22.6% respectively. Severe stunting and underweight were higher in Suleja, severe wasting in Gurara, and male children were more affected by all indicators. Age of child, LGA, mother and father education, marital status, exclusive breastfeeding, and duration of breastfeeding; source and buying of drinking water, family type, maternal knowledge about malnutrition, and health seeking behavior of mothers were found as determinants. Under-five mortality is a good indicator of the health, and economic status of any community; thus, the health of under-fives needs the utmost attention. The high prevalence from the study is critical; a critical approach is urgently needed at the family, community, local government, state, and national levels with other stakeholders; to ensure under-fives receive adequate, quality, and affordable nutrients for health, and growth. Accessible, prompt, and sustainable interventions for identified cases are of utmost importance. Keywords: Determinants, Niger state, Prevalence, Undernutrition, Under-five.
Biocompatibility of Restorative Materials- A Review
Authors: Bhandi Shilpa
Published: June 2023

The word “biocompatibility” has been gaining popularity, primarily in the field of dentistry but also in other fields of medicine. In essence, it means that biocompatible materials shouldn’t harm the recipient. The materials used in typical dental operations currently consist of literally hundreds of different components, and more are being developed every year. The relevance of using the patient’s most biocompatible material is increasingly being reported in scientific literature. According to research, choosing the least reactive material is crucial, but so is considering how that material might interact with any other implants that may already be in the mouth cavity. The application of these techniques may also result in a deeper comprehension of the biological reactions’ underlying mechanisms (mechanistic approach) when describing the biocompatibility of dental restorative materials. This review article aims to summarize the biocompatibility of restorative materials in general and the effects on immunological reaction caused by them. Keywords: Biocompatibility; Host response; Restorative materials; Immunity.
Prevalence of Antepartum Hemorrhage in Two Referral Hospitals in Douala-Cameroon
Authors: Maurice Soh
Published: June 2023

A few years after the implementation of policies to combat maternal mortality, antepartum hemorrhage, which is one of the main causes, is not systematically documented to the point where we are left to wonder what it is prevalence in the major cities of Cameroon. This study was conducted in the Gynecological and Obstetric units of the Laquintinie hospital and the General hospital of the city of Douala, from May 01, 2020, to April 30, 2022, has been to determine the prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage in Douala. It included 166 women who had had antepartum hemorrhage. The data collected with an indirect self-administered questionnaire was processed by SPSS 23. Following this treatment, participants had an average age of 31.28 ± 6.33 years. The prevalence of antepartum hemorrhage in the two hospitals was 3.47% and of 166 cases, 51.80% had placenta abruption. Keywords: Antepartum Hemorrhage, Prevalence, Pregnancy.
Interpersonal Communication Training of Anti-Retroviral Therapy Providers Promotes Patients’ Satisfaction: A Case Study of Public Hospitals in Gombe State, Nigeria
Authors: Abdulkarim A Suraj
Published: June 2023

Interpersonal Communication (IPC)between healthcare practitioners and patients enhances client satisfaction, adherence, and health outcomes. In developed countries, effective IPC improves health, but little is known about Nigeria. Using a quasi-experimental approach, this study investigated the influence of interpersonal communication training for ART practitioners on patient satisfaction in Gombe state public ART hospitals. The study looked at clients’ satisfaction before and after IPC training for ART providers. Six public ART hospitals were chosen at random; three were assigned to intervention and control groups, respectively, and 250 HIV patients receiving treatment at these facilities were chosen at random; 125 from each of the three intervention and control facilities. At both the intervention and control locations, levels of satisfaction were evaluated both before and six weeks after IPC training. The data were obtained using a Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire (PSQ), and the reliability of the questionnaire was determined using the Cronbach Alpha test (0.76). For data analysis, SPSS 22 was used. Findings revealed that, 42.4% of the clients had been living with HIV for 1-5 years and the mean client satisfaction score with their providers' IPC training was 87.5 in the intervention group and 76.45 in the control group (P = 0.05) while, the mean difference before and after training in the intervention and control groups were 0.46 and 11.05, respectively and a p-value 0.000 was obtained. Therefore, there was a positive association between higher client satisfaction with ART services and training of ART providers on IPC. It is recommended that ART facilities should receive IPC training on a regular basis. Keywords: Anti-retroviral, Client-satisfaction, HIV/AIDS, Health-Personnel, Therapy.
Utilisation and Predictors of Breast Self-Examination among Female Nurses in a Tertiary Medical Centre in North Central Nigeria
Authors: O. O Akanbi
Published: June 2023

The incidence of breast cancer is increasing in many underdeveloped nations and constituted a major public health burden. Despite this, most breast cancer patients in many underdeveloped nations present with late diseases when few options of treatment are available. Early detection through screening remains the main means of improving breast cancer outcomes. Nurses are a group of healthcare professionals and are thus expected to advocate for breast cancer screening programs. This study was conducted to determine the extent of utilisation and predictors of the practice of breast self-examination among nurses in a tertiary health care centre. The study prospectively surveyed 189 nurses on knowledge and practice of breast self-examination (BSE) using a stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained through a pretested self-administered structured questionnaire. The mean age of the respondents was 41.44 (±5.66) years. Sixty-seven (35.4%) of the respondents practiced BSE of which only 31.3% practiced it monthly as recommended. Family history of breast cancer (p<0.001), age greater than 50 (p<0.001), post-menopausal women (p<0.001), and posting in surgical-related wards (p<0.001) were significantly associated with the practice of BSE. The practice of BSE among the respondents was poor and the few who practiced it lacked the correct technique. The teaching of BSE should be encouraged at nursing schools with an emphasis on practice and techniques. We also suggest a need for continued nursing education. Keywords: Breast self-examination, utilisation, predictors, nurses, breast cancer, screening.
Impact of Lifestyle Change Intervention on Tuberculosis Treatment Outcome in Tuberculosis Patients with Diabetes Mellitus Comorbidity in South West Nigeria
Authors: Godwin Ifeanyi Ugoh
Published: June 2023

It is well documented in the literature that there is poor treatment outcome in patients with Tuberculosis and Diabetes (TBDM) comorbidity due to the observed interference of drugs for Tuberculosis (TB) treatment on anti-diabetic drugs and elevated glucose level reduces the efficacy of anti- tuberculosis drugs leading to poor TB treatment outcome, and that insulin therapy is not affected by this drug interaction. Importantly, access to Insulin is a challenge due to its prohibitive out-of-pocket cost. The only alternative sustainable treatment for TBDM patients in resource-limited communities is lifestyle-based intervention. This study evaluated the impact of lifestyle intervention on TB treatment outcomes in patients with TBDM comorbidity. This study is a quasi-experimental intervention involving two cohorts of 25 TBDM patients each, as control and experimental cohorts. Their enrolment was from Tuberculosis patients from health facilities in Lagos and Oyo states. The questionnaires were administered before the commencement of the Intervention and at 8 weeks. The sputum Acid Fast Bacillus (AFB) was checked, and chest x-ray (CXR) done before Intervention and Sputum AFB at 8 weeks. The Control group showed no difference in the means of the sputum AFB 95%CI: 0.12(- 0.12 – 0.36; p>0.05), which was an indication of poor treatment outcome. The difference in the means of the sputum AFB in the intervention group was statistically significant 95%CI: -0.8(-0.9 - -0.6; p<0.05). The intervention with educational and behavioral lifestyle modifications significantly improved the outcome of treatment of TB in TBDM comorbidity. Keywords: Behavioral change, Tuberculosis, Diabetes, comorbidity, Treatment outcome.
Assessing HIV Care Services in Nigeria: A Comparative Study of the North-East and South-South regions of Nigeria
Authors: Ogundare Yemisi
Published: June 2023

This study conducted a comparative case study analysis of the HIV program in Nigeria’s South-South and North-East regions of Nigeria to determine the access and quality of HIV care and treatment services. Service delivery is an essential component of the WHO Health systems framework. Data were collected from 385 respondents using structured questionnaires and analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study found that the North-East region of Nigeria had significantly lower numbers of primary healthcare facilities and inpatient beds per 10,000 population compared to the South-South region. The North-East region had an average of 0.02 inpatient beds per 1,000 population, significantly below the WHO standard, while the South-South region had an average of 0.18 inpatient beds per 1,000 population, relatively closer to the WHO standard. The general service readiness score for delivering HIV program services was at least 94% in all health facilities in both the North-East and South-South regions. The HIV service readiness index for the North-East region was higher than that of the South-South region, with some disparities in the availability of national ART guidelines, national HIV counselling and testing guidelines, staff training, and availability of HIV prevention services. HIV testing and counselling services were described as readily available and accessible in both regions, with some communities taking ownership of promoting the availability of these services. However, both regions had a relatively high service readiness score for delivering HIV program services, with some disparities in the availability of national guidelines and training of staff. These findings demonstrate extensive investment of government and donor agencies in delivering quality HIV services with areas to improve to ensure alignment with WHO system strengthening framework. Keywords: Health systems, HIV, North-East, Service delivery, South-South, WHO.
Integration of Telehealth Systems into HIV Care Services in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Scoping Review
Authors: Chigaro Stanford
Published: June 2023

Telehealth programs have been documented to help conserve scarce resources and enable the provision of quality and convenient patient care. Given the high HIV prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, it is crucial for telehealth programs to be implemented. The purpose of this scoping review is to map the literature on telehealth in HIV care in sub-Saharan Africa, determine gaps in the utilisation of telehealth, and identify the barriers to implementation. A keyword search for studies reporting on telehealth in HIV care from PubMed, Research gate and gray literature was conducted, and studies published from 2015 to 2022, meeting the research criteria were included in the scoping review. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze findings from the included articles. Extraction of themes was performed using NVIVO version 12. Quality appraisal of the included studies was conducted using the mixed methods appraisal tool 2018 version. Database search retrieved 395 potentially eligible articles. Of these, 13 studies reported evidence of telehealth in HIV care. Included studies were conducted in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Togo, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Uganda. Three main themes emerged from the thematic content analysis: telehealth systems in sub-Saharan Africa are still at pilot stages or not widely implemented; users accept telehealth but raise concerns about privacy; and that low mobile phones ownership hampers telehealth implementation. The review revealed evidence for the effectiveness of telehealth in HIV care despite the presence of barriers. In this sense, it is recommended to adopt telehealth, which is cost effective, and improves access to healthcare. Keywords: HIV; Sub-Saharan Africa; Telehealth; Utilisation.
Barriers to Uptake of Oral Pre-exposure Prophylaxis for HIV among Adolescents’ Young boys and Girls an Assessment of Cross River North Nigeria
Authors: Agada Simon J,
Published: June 2023

Antiretroviral pre-exposure prevention (PrEP) to stop HIV transmission was 1st approved by the USA Food and Drug Administration in 2012. Despite correlations of decreases in new HIV infections being greatest wherever PrE-exposure prophylaxis has been deployed, the uptake of PrE-exposure prophylaxis is insulant, significantly among populations with disproportionate HIV burden. This narrative review seeks to spot individual and general barriers to PrE-exposure prophylaxis usage in African country. A comprehensive search of recent literature uncovered a fancy array of structural, social, clinical, and behavioral barriers, as well as knowledge/awareness of PrE exposure prophylaxis, perception of HIV risk, stigma from care suppliers or family/partners/friends, distrust of care providers/systems, access to school assignment, prices of PrE exposure prophylaxis, and issues around school assignment facet effects/medication interactions. significantly, these barriers might have totally different effects on specific populations in danger. The complete potential of PrE-exposure prophylaxis for HIV interference won't be realized till these problems area unit self-addressed. Ways to realize this goal ought to embody academic interventions, innovative approaches to delivery of HIV care, resource, and DE stigmatization of PrE-exposure prophylaxis and PrE-exposure prophylaxis users. Until then, PrE-exposure prophylaxis `uptake can still be suboptimal, significantly among people who would like it most. Results: Stigma influences uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis; HIV risk perception does not affect uptake of pre-exposure prophylaxis; and a significant negative relationship between stigma and pre-exposure prophylaxis uptake. Conclusion: This study was conducted to investigate barriers to oral pre-exposure prophylaxis. Significant findings of the study conclude: stigma influences uptake of oral pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. Keywords: Acquired immunodeficiency syndromes, Barriers, Adolescents, Human immunodeficiency virus, Human immunodeficiency virus testing, Young Boys, Young Girls, Pre-exposure Prophylaxis.
La comunicación de la colección Join Life en tiendas físicas de Zara Barcelona (2022), etiquetas y ficha de producto web
Authors: Regadera González Elisa
Published: June 2023

La comunicación que las marcas de moda realizan sobre la sostenibilidad está hoy más cuestionada que nunca. La nueva propuesta de directiva de la Comisión Europea -Green Claims Directive-, marcará un antes y un después para muchas compañías, pues pretende alertar sobre diversas prácticas comunicativas que confunden al consumidor, incluyendo las etiquetas: “mostrar una etiqueta sostenible que no esté basada en una certificación o no esté establecida por autoridades públicas, constituye una práctica de competencia desleal en todas las circunstancias”. En este artículo analizaremos la comunicación de la sostenibilidad realizada por Inditex -en concreto, sobre su colección Join Life distinguida como la más sostenible-, tanto en su Política de Sostenibilidad y Hoja de Ruta, como en las nueve tiendas físicas de ZARA Barcelona (2022), precisamente un año antes de que Inditex haya eliminado la etiqueta del mercado. Hemos utilizado el método del Case Study, integrando: análisis de textos (Política de Sostenibilidad y Hoja de Ruta); estudio descriptivo de las tiendas físicas, incluyendo breve entrevista a los empleados; análisis del contenido de las etiquetas de las prendas en tienda; y finalmente,análisis del contenido de la ficha de producto de esas prendas en la web.Aunque se trata de una certificación recién suprimida por Inditex (marzo 2023), pensamos que las conclusiones obtenidas en este estudio pueden contribuir a una mejora en la gestión de la comunicación de la sostenibilidad por parte de las marcas de moda.
El valor de lo prohibido en la campaña realizada para promocionar un perfume de la marca Givenchy. Estudio de caso
Authors: Canga Sosa Manuel
Published: June 2023

Este artículo se inscribe en el contexto de una investigación sobre la verdad y la ética en las redes sociales, y consiste en el análisis de una campaña diseñada para cuestionar las convenciones y reforzar el papel de la figura femenina, en el marco de una representación de impecable factura que se ha valido de los recursos expresivos del cinematógrafo. Se trata de la campaña realizada por la marca Givenchy para promocionar una fragancia denominada L´Interdit que ha sido difundida a través de diferentes plataformas de comunicación. El análisis contribuirá a conocer mejor las tendencias dominantes de la creatividad actual y abrir un debate sobre las implicaciones éticas de unas proposiciones que invitan a rebasar los límites. Las herramientas proporcionadas por disciplinas como la semiótica, el psicoanálisis y la teoría de la Gestalt ayudarán a entender mejor el significado de una producción audiovisual que ha recurrido a una fantasía de transgresión para cautivar a los espectadores y estimular su imaginación.
Los medios digitales de moda, ¿son los más efectivos? Metodología Mier Uribe (MeMU): Nueva medición de la efectividad de la publicidad en los medios de comunicación
Authors: Mier Uribe Alejandro , Rojo Gutiérrez Marco Antonio
Published: June 2023

Desde el lanzamiento de Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest y posteriormente Tik Tok, por mencionar algunas de las redes sociales más exitosas, la tendencia por adoptar este tipo de medios digitales que se ponen de moda, genera una increíble atracción principalmente en las generaciones jóvenes. Sin embargo, a nivel publicitario, ¿también son las más efectivas para las marcas? O viendo la otra cara de la moneda, los medios tradicionales offline, totalmente fuera de moda para las nuevas generaciones, ¿ya no son efectivos como medios publicitarios? La publicidad históricamente ha tenido diversos métodos para medir sus resultados; sin embargo, a través de las décadas, los líderes de la industria han señalado muchas falencias en las mediciones y dudas acerca de si los medios seleccionados realmente son los más efectivos (mayor impacto a menor costo). La incertidumbre crece en la medida que a los medios tradicionales offline se suma una gran diversidad de medios  digitales online. Estas y muchas incógnitas más las respondemos a través de la nueva Metodología Mier Uribe (MeMU) cuyo objetivo es garantizar contratar a los medios más efectivos. Mediante cuatro investigaciones, MeMU identifica el mercado específico del producto a anunciar, los medios que consume ese mercado, el nivel de impacto de cada uno de esos medios y, finalmente, un comparativo de costos. Como resultado, MeMU garantiza contratar a los medios más efectivos para cualquier producto en cualquier ciudad en la que se anuncie.
Impacts of Influencers on Customer’s Purchase Intentions in Instagram
Authors: Bayu Wibisono Mohammad Mersa , Prasetyanto Handi , Sitanggang Borsak , Dewangga Armedya , Maryati Merry
Published: June 2023

Social media in modern society has transformed into the main communication platform among people: those who are having interesting content will gain more followers and a bigger audience. Thus, the evolution of social networking has also evolved digitally with the rise of key opinion leaders or social media influencers. This new trend has created a new opportunity for influencers to monetize their exposure and followers into a new marketing method for brands to tap into and advertise their products to gain more awareness from influencers’ followers. This paper examines the impacts of influencers on customers’ purchase intentions on social media, especially on Instagram. The social identity construct is introduced in this paper as   of influencers in marketing, which also looks at how followers' purchase intentions are influenced by the influencers' perceived expertise, opinion leadership, and interest-fit. Data from 308 respondents who use the Instagram platform were gathered through a digital poll of respondents in Indonesia (Jabodetabek). Trustworthiness and perceived expertise had a negligible impact on customers' purchasing intentions, according to the study. On the other hand, clients' purchase intentions were positively impacted by interest fit and opinion leadership. This paper will explain The theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Service Marketing, Referral Marketing, and Trust Icon Corporate to Increase Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Indrajaya Farhan Arya , Agustina Tri Siwi
Published: June 2023

Entrepreneurs must pay attention to customer satisfaction in their corporate environment and drive corporate strategies to increase turnover and achieve the company's core goals. So this research is here to provide new concepts relevant to the current situation and conditions. This study aims to reveal the effect of service marketing, referral marketing, and corporate trust icons on customer satisfaction. The method used is quantitative by promoting partial least squares (PLS) in proving the proposed hypothesis. Then, the sample used was 100 consumers at a company in Gresik. The findings of this study demonstrate that service marketing, referral marketing, and corporate trust icons have a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed in this study.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Transformasional pada Intensi Karyawan Keluar dari Perusahaan
Authors: Sumarita Sumarita , Muzakki Muzakki
Published: June 2023

This study aims to investigate the effect of transformational leadership on turnover intention. Then, to test the influence through the mediating role of affective commitment. The method used in this study is a quantitative study with a respondent level of 160 employees from a total population of 255 employees in various divisions such as Accounting, Operations, Marketing and Sales, Recruitment, Human Capital, Treasury, IT Management, and Support. Partial least squares (PLS) were used in this study as a data analysis technique to test the hypothesis. The findings of this study reveal that transformational leadership is proven to have a negative and significant effect on employee turnover intention. Then, affective commitment is demonstrated to mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and employee turnover intention. Practical implications and research recommendations are discussed in this study.
A Note on the CES Functional Form and Its Use in the GTAP Model
Authors: Gohin Alex , Hertel Thomas
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this note is to provide an exhaustive reference for those interested in learning more about the Constant Elasticity of Substitution (CES) function and its use in the representation of producer behavior in the GTAP model. Particular attention is paid to the role of technical change variables and their effect on cost minimizing demands and input shares. This note is divided into three sections. In the first section, the basic cost minimization problem is laid out and conditional factor demands, as well as the unit cost function, are derived. In section two, this system of equations is expressed in terms of proportional changes, as currently specified in GTAP. This greatly facilitates decomposition of predicted changes in demands and costs between three effects, namely expansion, substitution, and technical change effects. Section two also shows the relationship between changes in cost shares and changes in prices and factor-biased technical change variables. Finally, section three relates these derivations to the notation employed in GTAP.