bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Making Connections: Integrating Christianity and Economics
Authors: Surdyk Lisa Klein
Published: May 2024

Professor Surdyk shares opinions of several writers of Christian involvement in economic issues. She also details her efforts to integrate biblical principles with seven aspects of economics and gives an honest appraisal of possible inhibitions to discussing faith issues in the classroom.
Biblical Integration in Business: A Proposed Model
Authors: Johnson Sharon G.
Published: May 2024

Dr. Johnson brings to our attention insights on biblical integration from a book published over a century ago. He also shares lessons he has learned as editor of the JBIB and presents a model of the approach to biblical integration that JBIB seems to be taking.
Toward A Biblical Understanding of the Work Ethic
Authors: Ward Mark D.
Published: May 2024

Following a precise presentation of the role and goal of human work in God's creation, Dr. Ward discusses the Protestant Work Ethic and points out the inconsistencies between it and a biblically-based work ethic.
Deming's Philosophy of Transformation: A Christian Criticism
Authors: Smith Thomas M. , Steen Todd P.
Published: May 2024

The authors compare Deming's philosophy of transformation with the spiritual transformation that occurs when one becomes a Christian. They suggest that believers can be in partial agreementwith Deming, but must embrace a fuller understanding of the depth and implications of biblical metanoia.
Software Review, SNAP Campus Edition: Version 3
Authors: Lantos Geoffrey P.
Published: May 2024

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A Teacher's Perspective; A Scholar's Passion
Authors: Johnson Sharon G.
Published: May 2024

Dr. Johnson believes that Christian faculty can fulfill roles of both scholar and teacher. He sees scholarship, offering the exhilaration of original exploration and peer-level discussion, as essential to providing students with not only information but also a sense of excitement for the learning process.
Editor's Introduction
Authors: Johnson Sharon G.
Published: May 2024

The editor asked the authors of the following articles ("Relativistic Synthesis: Thwarting the Mind of Christ" by Dr. Richard C. Chewning and "Let's Quit Thinking About Integration for a Change" by Dr. Steve VanderVeen) to respond to each other's articles. With differing approaches, each had considered the validation of Christian truth in the context of business.
A Response by Steve VanderVeen to Richard C. Chewning's "Relativistic Synthesis: Thwarting the Mind of Christ"
Authors: VanderVeen Steve
Published: May 2024

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The State and the Redistribution of Income
Authors: LaFrance Vincent A.
Published: May 2024

Dr. LaFrance examines secular and biblical perspectives on redistribution of income and shares then well-thought-out propositions to address the problem. He challenges the reader to think through his or her own attitudes toward dealing with the poor.
The Compatibility of Christianity and Business
Authors: Porter Brian E.
Published: May 2024

Dr. Porter examines the compatibility of Christianity and business and offers insight on how Christians can use their faith to face the challenges of today’s ethically-complex business world.
A Response to Brian E. Porter’s “The Compatibility of Christianity and Business”
Authors: Logue Niles C.
Published: May 2024

Brian’s topic is an extremely broad and complex issue and hence it is not surprising that his paper deals with only one facet of the topic. His two premises that 1) “one who is a Christian should...integrate one’s faith in allareas of life including business,” and 2) “virtually everyone participates in business...either directly or indirectly” are supported fairly well. However, these two premises demonstrate in Brian’s words “that Christianity and business are inseparable” rather than that they are compatible.
Image-bearing Apprentices of a Working God? A Response to Mark D. Ward’s “Toward a Biblical Understanding of the Work Ethic”
Authors: Huie Robert S.
Published: May 2024

Even when we paint a picture of God with our favorite colors, “Mercy, Pity, Peace, and Love,” we must beware of casting God in our image. It is risky to speculate about the nature of God on the basis of what we presume about human nature. Fortunately, we have Scripture to guide our thinking about God and humans. Yet Scripture can be remarkably difficult to interpret, as millennia of Judeo-Christian theological debate have demonstrated.
Serving a Working God Through OurWork A Response to Robert Huie’s “Image-bearing Apprentices of a Working God?”
Authors: Ward Mark D.
Published: May 2024

Robert Huie has raised important questions in his response to my fall 1996 article in the Journal of Biblical Integration in Business. For if we are to live lives of faithful obedience to Christ, we must understand who God is and who we are. My purpose in writing the article “Toward a Biblical Understanding of the Work Ethic” was not to describe all of who God is and all of who we are as His creatures, but rather to describe one aspect of God’s divinity and our humanity: work. It is my conviction that popular notions of work, such as the Protestant work ethic, can be useful to Christians if they are used with discernment.
Christian Ethics and Market Mechanisms of Profit: The Intersection of Scriptural Themes with Models of Market Structure
Authors: Hoover Jr. Harwood
Published: May 2024

Using Scripture as a guide, Dr. Hoover demonstrates how Christian perspectives can be integrated into business, with special attention being given to the area of marketing.
Examination of Legal Challenges on Protection of Matrimonial Homes Against Unlawful Dispositions in Tanzania
Authors: Binamungu Cyriacus Binamung
Published: May 2024

The Law of Marriage Act, 1971 and the Land Act of 1999 prohibit dispositions of matrimonial home by the owner without consent of the other residing spouse. Recent appellate courts' decisions in Tanzania show that dispositions of matrimonial homes contrary to law, particularly, in the form of gifts to children, sale, and mortgage are many. Based on literature and cases qualitatively analyzed, this article establishes the legal challenges behind continued unlawful dispositions of matrimonial homes. The data from literature and cases were around the following issues: a) The law does not punish violators who take part in unlawful dispositions, instead, third parties are left without a remedy (at risk), and b) personnel in local government administrative structure, while participate in disposition of matrimonial homes in practice, in law they do not feature anywhere. The article argues that public awareness on the current law is long overdue and there should be legislative reforms on areas that encourage violation of the law.
Conceptualizing Strategic Entrepreneurship and SMEs Performance Using the Resource-Based Theory:
Authors: Kiyabo *Kibeshi , Isaga (Ph.D) Nsubili
Published: May 2024

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) contribute significantly to socio-economic development of any country. Despite the contribution, poor performance of SMEs has been reported due to various constraints. Strategic entrepreneurship has been identified as one of the approaches that can be used to promote SMEs performance. We aimed at developing a conceptual model that describes the influence of strategic entrepreneurship on SMEs performance under the mediation of competitive advantage. Guided by the Resource-Based Theory, the synergy of the Resource-Based View and the Knowledge Based View, we adopted learning orientation, strategic resources management and entrepreneurial orientation as components of strategic entrepreneurship. Through integrative literature review approach, we developed the conceptual model, which depicts the direct and indirect influence of strategic entrepreneurship components on SMEs performance. Furthermore, the model depicts the mediating effect of competitive advantage on the relationships between strategic entrepreneurship components and SMEs performance. We have contributed to the existing literature through introduction of strategic resources management as a component of strategic entrepreneurship, introduction of direct and indirect influences of strategic entrepreneurship components on SMEs performance and introduction of competitive advantage as a mediating variable between strategic entrepreneurship and SMEs performance. We have recommended for the testing of the proposed model in future studies across different industries to obtain empirical evidence. This wouldresult to further theoretical and practical contributions to the existing knowledge.
DO INVESTORS HERD IN FRONTIER MARKETS? EVIDENCE FROM THE DAR ES SALAAM STOCK EXCHANGE
Authors: Komba (PhD) Gabriel V.
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this study is to investigate the presence of herding effects at the Dar-es-Salaam Stock Exchange. It employs a dataset of daily closing prices and market capitalizations of companies composing the industrial and allied sector, and those covering banks, finance, and investment sector. The study used cross-sectional dispersion of stock return tests to examine the presence of herding for the two sectors. The findings provide evidence of herding in the banks, finance, and investment sector throughout the full-sample period, with the herding being driven mainly by large-capitalization stocks. Furthermore, the results indicate clear presence of herding asymmetries conditional on the performance of the market and on the market’s volatility. On the case of the industrial and allied sector, herding is found to be stronger on days with low volatility only. The economic implication of this evidence is that the observed correlated trading patterns for the banks, finance, and investment sector may undermine financial stability.
EFFECTS OF FISH ATTRIBUTES ON LANDING PRICE IN SELECTED DISTRICTS ALONG LAKE VICTORIA, TANZANIA
Authors: Sambuo Damian , Malamsha (Ph.D) Kitala , Kirama (Ph.D) Stephen
Published: May 2024

Studies around Lake Victoria documented various challenges hindering higher landing prices among artisanal fishers associated with varying attributes of fish. However, determination of the effects of fish attributes on landing price, which is potential to the wellbeing of fishermen, remains undisclosed during the landing of the fish harvest to the landing sites. This paper employed cross-section data from 300 fishermen to examine the effects of fish attributes on fish prices of the selected fish species. In contrast to the approach of previous studies, the analysis in this study applied the Log-linear multiple regression model and made an auxiliary step with hedonic price function. The empirical analysis demonstrated that freshness in the Islands, onshore Island markets, preserving methods, fish size, weighted measures, and freshness of fish at Mainland were statistically significant fish attributes at α = 0.05 level, affecting fish species landing price. These findings will contribute to filling the knowledge gap with hedonic price function approach, which is relatively unknown in view of Lake Victoria. Therefore, it is recommended that the supplies of fresh, well preserved, and large-sized fish to meet optimal price as per the demand requires the provision and availability of modern fishing vessels as well as an installed storage mechanism.
INCORPORATION OF RESEARCH FINDINGS IN HEALTH POLICY FORMULATION IN ZANZIBAR
Authors: Malipula Mrisho , Abeid Kassim
Published: May 2024

This article through the guidance of evidence-based policymaking framework and the two communities’ theory on research utilisation qualitatively examines the interface between research findings and health policy formulation in Zanzibar. It specifically examines the application of research findings in the formulation of Zanzibar’s 2011-health policy, the linkage between policy makers and researchers in the formulation of the policy as well as the challenges that limited the use of research findings in the formulation of the policy. Data for the article were collected from 50 interviewees. The study found that the use of research findings in the formulation of the Zanzibar’s health policy was minimal and formal linkages between policy makers and researchers hardly existed to enhance evidence–based policy formulation. The limited interface between research findings and health policy formulation was attributed to lack of human and financial resources as well as commitment to establish institutions and institutional mechanisms required for furthering the same. As such, deliberate measures should be taken towards revitalisation of institutions for coordinating and furthering research within the Ministry of health and between the Ministry and researchers, increasing research and development resources and improving mobilisation of research findings and easing access of the same.
exploration of knowledge, attitude and practices towards COVID-19 prevention measures among restaurant workers in Kigoma-Tanzania.
Authors: Ally Sharifa Ismail , Issa Faisal H.
Published: May 2024

This article aims to assess knowledge, attitude and practices (KAPs) towards COVID-19 prevention measures in a context where the official governmental position towards COVID-19 has been changing; the implications of that official attitude to COVID -19 about community-level awareness, knowledge and practices were also determined. A cross-sectional survey was adopted and involved 200 restaurant workers from 25 restaurants conveniently selected. Field data were collected using a survey questionnaire and direct observations. A multivariate analysis was used to explain the relationships between studied variables using descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed that only 63(31.5%) of all the respondents were knowledgeable about COVID-19 and its prevention measures. It was also found that the respondents had optimistic attitudes and expected practices towards very few (4 out of 15) prevention measures. Education level was a very important factor that influenced knowledge about the disease than sex and age groups. The study also concluded that the attitude of the majority towards COVID-19 prevention is either negative or ambivalent, which in turn inhibits the implementation of the recommended COVID-19 prevention measures. This implies that COVID-19 prevention programs need to target unaware segments of Tanzanians: a more focused educational programme about COVID-19 for such groups was needed from the onset of the pandemic. As pandemics reoccur, appropriate experiences and lessons documented will contribute to more consistent responses in the future such as the issuance of objective policy statements by the country’s leadership on pandemics.
Theory and practice of applying the principle of continuity of pre-university and university levels of violin teaching in China
Authors: Fang Jinwen
Published: May 2024

This article examines the issue of violin education in the People's Republic of China from the point of view of theory and practice. A historical excursion is conducted and a retrospective of the formation of professional university violin education in China is given. The educational process in the leading conservatories of China is studied on the example of programs, as well as the activities of teachers and professors. The author comes to the conclusion that due to the application of the principle of continuity of pre-university and university levels of violin playing in China, Chinese violin art by the turn of the XX-XXI centuries not only reached the world level, but became one of the brightest, independent and deeply original areas of the world violin art. The article uses theoretical methods of research: analysis, synthesis, classification of the results obtained, as well as the method of generalization. The violin is one of the most popular European musical instruments in China, so many people want to master this instrument. There are so many applicants that there are not enough educational institutions for them, which operate only on the territory of large cities. In this regard, private music education is widespread in China. In parallel with the formation of the performing arts, the technique of playing the violin has received multilateral development and scientific justification. The development of Russian and European teaching systems has become the basis of the Chinese methodological system adapted for China and taking into account the individual characteristics of students. Thanks to the application of the principle of continuity of pre-university and university levels of violin playing in China, Chinese violin art by the turn of the XX-XXI centuries not only reached the world level, but became one of the brightest, independent and deeply original areas of world violin art.
Fundamental statistics of higher-order networks: a survey
Authors: Liu Bo , Zeng Yu-Jie , Yang Rong-Mei , Lü Lin-Yuan ,   Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Studies, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, China,   School of Cyber Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China,   Yangtze Delta Region Institute (Huzhou), University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Huzhou 313001, China
Published: May 2024

Complex networks serve as indispensable instruments for characterizing and understanding intricate real-world systems. Recently, researchers have delved into the realm of higher-order networks, seeking to delineate interactions within these networks with greater precision or analyze traditional pairwise networks from a higher-dimensional perspective. This effort has unearthed some new phenomena different from those observed in the traditional pairwise networks. However, despite the importance of higher-order networks, research in this area is still in its infancy. In addition, the complexity of higher-order interactions and the lack of standardized definitions for structure-based statistical indicators, also pose challenges to the investigation of higher-order networks. In recognition of these challenges, this paper presents a comprehensive survey of commonly employed statistics and their underlying physical significance in two prevalent types of higher-order networks: hypergraphs and simplicial complex networks. This paper not only outlines the specific calculation methods and application scenarios of these statistical indicators, but also provides a glimpse into future research trends. This comprehensive overview serves as a valuable resource for beginners or cross-disciplinary researchers interested in higher-order networks, enabling them to swiftly grasp the fundamental statistics pertaining to these advanced structures. By promoting a deeper understanding of higher-order networks, this paper facilitates quantitative analysis of their structural characteristics and provides guidance for researchers who aim to develop new statistical methods for higher-order networks.
Counterinsurgency Operations in the Second District of Sorsogon: Basis for Sustainable Development
Authors: Santos Santos , Macabeo Manny
Published: May 2024

Throughout history, insurgency has been a persistent phenomenon, its origins stemming from various factors such as political, economic, social, and ethnic grievances that drive certain factions or individuals to take up arms in resistance. This study determined the status of COIN operations in terms of Legal basis, Manpower, Financial resources, Logistical resources, and Accomplishments from 2021 to 2023. Likewise, this evaluates the COIN operations of the unit along with the conduct of Internal Security operations, Intelligence operations, and Police Community Affairs and development to determine challenges that were encountered by the personnel. The respondents of the study are the PNP personnel, barangay officials, and former rebels. The counterinsurgency framework presents a comprehensive and strategic approach to addressing insurgency threats, with the potential to significantly enhance the conduct of counterinsurgency operations. The findings underscore both the acknowledged strengths and identified areas for enhancement within police operations, as reported by respondents from the PNP. This shows a widespread acknowledgment of the pivotal role of the ISO in upholding internal security and addressing insurgent challenges. It signifies a mutual understanding among diverse stakeholders, encompassing barangay officials, former rebels, and law enforcement personnel, regarding the necessity of proactive strategies to prevent, interrupt, and counter-insurgency operations within impacted localities. Overall, the proposed framework offers a promising strategy for countering insurgency threats and advancing the goals of peace, stability, and security in affected regions.
A universidade corporativa como ferramenta para a execução de estratégias: um estudo de caso em instituição de educação profissional
Authors: Montenegro Carolina Barbosa , Vasconcelos César Ricardo Maia , Guimarães Luciana Gondim de Almeida , Santos Maria Érica de Lira
Published: May 2024

A Universidade Corporativa é considerada uma ferramenta que visa o desenvolvimento de competências essenciais, empresariais e humanas, as quais são fundamentais para tornar viável as estratégias organizacionais. Desta forma, este estudo tem como objetivo analisar como a Universidade Corporativa de uma Instituição de Educação Profissional se relaciona com a execução de suas estratégias organizacionais. A pesquisa foi caracterizada como um estudo de caso qualitativo descritivo e a técnica de coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de entrevistas estruturadas junto aos funcionários da unidade da empresa objeto do estudo. Os resultados obtidos apontam que a ferramenta incentiva aos colaboradores a obterem maiores conhecimentos a respeito da empresa e o aprendizado corporativo ao passo que os cursos são realizados geram uma melhoria tanto no alinhamento do profissional com os processos internos da organização, como o desenvolvimento do profissional como um todo.
Feedback of Patients attending a Tertiary Policy Section Healthcare Institute in Banda District, Uttar Pradesh: A Descriptive Crosssectional Study
Authors: Kaushal Suneel Kumar , Maroof Mohd , Singh Lal Divakar , . Tarnnum , Gupta Sandeep Kumar , Kumar Navin
Published: May 2024

Introduction: The term 'patient feedback' can be measured through various formal reactions, including levels of patient comfort, experience, perspectives, and assessments of care in terms of convenience, continuity, and quality. By recording the patient’s viewpoint on the quality of care provided by a tertiary healthcare facility, it can be acknowledged through patient feedback. This data can then be utilised to improve health services and enhance the overall patient experience. Aim: To assess patient satisfaction with the services provided at a tertiary care hospital in Banda. Materials and Methods: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the government medical college in Banda, a district in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh, a northern state of India. The study took place from December 2022 to February 2023 at the medical college and its associated hospital. A total of 400 participants who consented to be part of the study were included. Purposive sampling technique was employed for data collection. Outpatients were interviewed upon exiting the clinics, while inpatients were interviewed in the wards. Results: In the questionnaire, there was a question asking, about patient's overall satisfaction during the visit to the hospital. Since everyone’s score was higher than the 'poor' category, all categories were merged into one word, 'satisfied,' except for the 'poor' category to facilitate better understanding. The majority of patients from the Outpatient Department (OPD) (91, 45.5%) and Inpatient Department (IPD) (198, 99%) were satisfied with the attitude and communication of the doctor. Additionally, 98.5% of IPD patients were satisfied with the doctor's knowledge. A total of 99% of participants responded "yes" when questioned about their preference to return to the hospital for treatment. Conclusion: Overall, it was observed that the behaviour and care provided by hospital staff satisfied the majority of patients, who also expressed satisfaction with the indoor and outdoor services of the hospital.
Comparison of Carotid Ultrasound Parameters in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis and Control Subjects: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Biswal Chinmayee , Jaradi Janki Bharat Kumar
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is considered one of the risk factors for Cardiovascular Disease (CVD). Carotid ultrasound is used to assess the extent of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with RA. Very few studies have evaluated all carotid ultrasound findings, such as Carotid Intima-media Thickness (CIMT), carotid diameters like Luminal Diameter (LD) and Interadventitial Diameter (IAD), and plaque characteristics in patients with RA. Aim: To assess and compare the various carotid parameters in RA patients with controls and also to evaluate their association with age and duration of onset of the disease. Materials and Methods: A single-centre cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Radiology, GCS Medical College and Hospital, Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India, involving 40 patients with RA (Group-RA) and 40 controls (Group-C). Patients were further divided into three age subgroups. Carotid ultrasound parameters like CIMT, LD, IAD, and plaque were evaluated in both groups. Continuous variables were analysed using the t-test, and categorical data were analysed using the Chi-squared test. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Age- and sex-matched controls were included with 28 females and 12 males in both the study groups. The mean LD and IAD were significantly higher in the RA group than in controls (Mean LD- 5.88±0.97 mm vs 5.26±1.08 mm with p=0.009; Mean IAD- 6.85±0.89 mm vs 6.30±0.87 mm with p=0.006). The mean CIMT was higher in the RA group but not statistically significant (0.57±0.13 mm vs 0.54±0.12 mm with p=0.256). Further subgroup analysis showed that all carotid parameters were statistically significant in the 31-60 years age group as compared to 18-30 years and 61-80 years subgroups. The effect of the duration of the disease (>5 years) on the carotid parameters was also significantly higher in the 30-60 age group (p<0.001). Conclusion: The present study showed that various carotid ultrasound parameters can be used as a screening tool in the follow-up of RA patients to detect early changes in atherosclerosis, with LD and IAD having superior predictive capability. The study further showed that carotid ultrasound parameters have a better predictive value in the 31-60 years age group.
Presence of Co-morbid Depression among Diabetics of Less than 5 Years Duration in a Tertiary Care Institution, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Susila T , Mary A Evangeline , Punithakumari P , Tamilarasi R
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Depression is a significant co-morbid condition for diabetics. Co-morbid depression results in worsened diabetes complications, deleterious effects on self-care activities, non adherence, and poor treatment outcomes. Aim: To assess the prevalence of depression among type 2 diabetic patients attending a tertiary hospital and to find its association with socio-demographic and lifestyle factors. Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was done in the diabetic clinic of Government Stanley Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India between June 2016 and August 2016, involving 500 patients with Type II Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) of less than five years’ duration. The prevalence of depression was calculated using Beck’s Depression Inventory Scale for a period of three months. The results were expressed in proportions, and the association of factors was tested using the Chi-square test and multivariable logistic regression analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The study included 500 participants, of whom the majority (276, 55%) were female, with a mean age of 46.2 years. The prevalence of depression was 55 (11%). It was found that being female, illiterate, and unemployed were significantly associated with depression. Among disease-related factors, diabetes duration of 3-5 years, insulin injection usage, and the presence of diabetic complications were significantly associated with depression. Regarding lifestyle factors, the prevalence of depression was significantly higher among those who were non adherent to dietary modification practices and those with family worries and work-related tension. Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of depression among diabetics were the presence of diabetic complications {Odds Ratio (OR)-2.48 (1.27-4.84)}, family worries {OR-2.54 (1.34-4.80)}, non adherence to follow-up {OR-2.61 (1.37-4.99)}, and non compliance with dietary modifications {OR-2.93 (1.43-5.99)}. Conclusion: The present study revealed that about one in 10 (11%) diabetics with less than five years’ duration have associated depression, with significant independent predictors being non compliant behaviours, the presence of complications, and family issues. Hence, diabetics should be screened simultaneously for depression, giving due attention to those with complications, family issues, and non compliant behaviours.
Assessing the Predictive Value of Haematological Parameters (NLR, LMR, PLR) for COVID-19 Disease Severity as quantified by CT Severity Scores: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Umadevi Kovuri , Motrapu Lavanya , Dinesh Kasturi , Rajarikam Nagarjuna Chary , Ali Mohd Imran
Published: May 2024

Introduction: In the relentless global battle against the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, accurate prediction of disease severity remains a critical challenge, with profound implications for patient outcomes and healthcare resource allocation. As the virus continues to evolve and pose new threats, the need for reliable prognostic indicators becomes increasingly urgent. Effective identification of patients at highrisk of developing severe illness not only facilitates timely intervention and personalised treatment strategies but also optimises healthcare resource utilisation. In this context, the exploration of novel biomarkers and predictive models holds immense promise for enhancing ones understanding of disease progression and improving clinical decision-making. Aim: To study the association between haematological parameters, including Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte Ratio (LMR), and Platelet-toLymphocyte Ratio (PLR), with Computed Tomography Scan Severity Score (CTSS) in COVID-19 patients. Materials and Methods: A prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2021 to July 2022 at Government General Hospital (GGH) Nizamabad, Telangana, India. The study encompassed all three COVID-19 waves, included a sample size of 159 Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients, excluding pregnant women and children under 10 years. Upon admission, CTSS and ratios of NLR, LMR, and PLR were recorded in an MS Excel sheet before any medical intervention and then analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software 22.0. Results: The study comprised 159 patients with a mean age of 50.86±13.89 years (ranging from 16 to 85), predominantly male 90 (56.61%). The highest infection rate 85 (53.45%) was in the 41-60 years age group. The NLR was significantly elevated from a mean value of 4.58 to 11.24 (r value=0.78, p-value=<0.001), and LMR notably reduced from 8.27 to 3.80 (r value=0.67, p-value=0.003) in correlation with the severity as indicated by CTSS. Although PLR values were higher in severe cases, increasing from 173.07 in mild cases to 272.29 in severe cases, there was no significant correlation with CTSS (r-value=-0.78, p-value=0.177). Conclusion: CTSS emerges as a valuable radiological biomarker for predicting COVID-19 severity. However, due to its cost and limited availability in grassroots-level hospitals, there is a need for alternative severity prediction models. Present study proposes a predictive model using NLR and LMR biomarkers as alternatives to CTSS for assessing COVID-19 severity.
Effect of Intensive Nursing Care in Elderly Patients undergoing Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Lung Cancer Surgery: A Randomised Control Study
Authors: Liu Lin , Su Chunyong
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Lung Cancer (LC) is a prominent cause of death worldwide, with both non small cell and small cell types increasing in prevalence. Multiple therapeutic options such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, including Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery (VATS), have been developed, although postoperative complications remain a concern. Nursing care has been advocated as a means to mitigate these adverse effects. However, the actual association between nursing care and LC postoperative complications and outcomes remains unknown. Aim: To assess the effects of Intensive Nursing Care (INC) on LC patients treated with VATS. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised control study in which a total of 256 Non Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) patients over the age of 60 years who underwent VATS in the Division 1 of Thoracic Surgery at Handan Central Hospital between January 2021 and January 2023 were included. The participants were randomly allocated to different groups: an INC group (n=126) and a control group receiving normal care (n=130). Lung function, reported symptoms, hospitalisation duration, psychological wellbeing (anxiety and depression scores), and occurrence of postsurgery symptoms (pain, fatigue, insomnia, dyspnea, nausea/vomiting) were assessed. T-tests or Fisher’sExact tests were used to compare baseline and postsurgical variables between the INC and Normal Nursing Care (NNC) groups using IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 software. Results: The study population consisted of 53.1% females with an average age of 73.51±7.61 years, ranging from 60 to 85 years. INC significantly improved hospitalisation duration {Mean Difference (MD)= -1.9; 95% Confidence Interval (CI), -2.6 to -1.2; p-value<0.001}, the occurrence of postsurgery symptoms (p-value<0.001), and psychological states assessed by both the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SRAS) (MD=-17.99; 95% CI, -18.63 to -17.35; p-value=0.001) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SRDS) (MD= -9.04; 95% CI, -9.95 to -8.13; p-value=0.008) in comparison to NNC patients. Conclusion: Given the global burden of LC, it is crucial to emphasise not only the development of treatments for this illness but also care regimens that alleviate complications associated with these therapies. In this study, INC as an alternative to routine nursing care in postsurgery recovery has proven to be more beneficial to patients by decreasing their hospitalisation stay, the occurrence of postsurgery symptoms, and by enhancing their mental state.
Benefits Availed and Constraints Faced by Beneficiaries of Jalasamrudhi, Project, Thiruvananthapuram
Authors: Anjana P, M, , T P Lazarus, , A Vijayan, , S K Raj, , P P Gopinath,
Published: May 2024

The study analysed the benefits availed and constraints faced by beneficiaries of Jalasamrudhi Project, Thiruvananthapuram. A systematic sampling technique was adopted for the data collection and information was collected from 80 beneficiaries of the project, thus making the total sample size 80. The farmers responded to the benefits availed and the constraints were ranked using Garrett ranking technique. The respondents benefitted from increase in ground water table level, market and non- market benefits. The major constraints faced by the beneficiaries were crop loss due to high speed wind, pests and climate change, followed by non-availability of inputs and non- availability of subsidy on time, lack of technical guidance. The primary suggestion from beneficiary farmers was to ensure continuity and follow-up, increase the project period from 5 to 10 years and ensure better infrastructure facilities to improve the effectiveness of the project.
Fiscal Dominance and the Effectiveness of Monetary Authority in Nigeria 1980-2020
Authors: Orisadare Monica A. , Adeyemi Owolabi Williams
Published: May 2024

The study examined the existence as well as the degree of fiscal dominance in Nigeria. Annual time series secondary data for the period 1980-2020 were employed in the study. Specifically, data on fiscal deficit, public debt, government expenditure, money supply, interest rate, and real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the study period were obtained from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN, 2020), and the World Development Indicators (WDIs, 2020). The study used descriptive statistics in form of tables, and the Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS) for long run analysis.
It was established in the study that government expenditure and outstanding debt have significant positive relationship with money supply. Specifically, N1 billion increase in public debt is expected to increase money supply by N1.2 billion (t = 8.25, p < 0.01). Similarly, N1billion increase in government spending will cause money supply to increase by N1.36 billion (t = 4.29, p < 0.01). Conversely, interest rate exhibited negative effect on money supply, such that one percent increase in interest rate will bring money supply down by 150 percent (t = -2.0113, p < 0.05). With a measure of fiscal dominance with the δ of 0.28, the study concluded that there is no case of fiscal dominance in Nigeria. The study recommends that with the active counterbalancing roles of monetary policy Nigeria, the government can aggressively pursue and sustain economic growth through fiscal expansion-backed borrowings and spending.
Assessing Colouration in Ichthyology: Insights from the Melanophore Index Perspective
Authors: Nivethitha P. , Pragasan L. Arul
Published: May 2024

Fish colouration significantly influences various aspects of their biology, including communication, camouflage, and mate selection. Among the pigment cells responsible for generating colours, melanophores are particularly significant due to their ability to produce dark pigments called melanin. The Melanophore Index (MI) quantitatively evaluates melanophore density and distribution across different fish species. This comprehensive review delves into the significance of fish colouration, the biology of melanophores, methods for assessing MI, factors influencing MI variations, and the ecological and evolutionary implications of MI in fish populations. By synthesizing current research and highlighting gaps in knowledge, this review aims to provide a foundational understanding of assessing fish colouration through the lens of the Melanophore Index.
Trends in Water Quality in a Tropical Kenyan River-estuary System: Responses to Anthropogenic Activities
Authors: Nyakeya Kobingi , Onchieku James , Masese Frank , Gichana Zipporah , Getabu Albert , Nyamora Jane
Published: May 2024

Aims: To determine the spatial variation in physico-chemical water quality attributes in estuarine ecosystems of South Coast Kenya to inform its management.
Study Design:  We employed diagnostic research design where such factors as anthropogenic activities, hydrology, and accessibility were considered in choosing 12 sampling stations. A mixed sampling design (probability and non-probability) was used to sample.
Place and Duration of Study: Four discharging rivers into estuarine system with a reference point were identified. 12 sampling points were earmarked and sampled for 12 months.
Methodology: Nine selected water quality parameters were collected in triplicates monthly for 12 months. Temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, conductivity, salinity and TDS were collected in situ using YSI Multiparameter meter (Professional plus) while nutrients were analyzed in the laboratory calorimetrically. Data was tested for normality and homogeneity of variances using Levene's and Shapiro-Wilk tests. Two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Principal Component Analysis (PCA) were done using the 64-bit R Software version 4.3.0 to test for significant differences and correlate the parameters among the sampling sites respectively. Observed differences were considered statistically significant at P < 0.05.
Results: The measured environmental variables differed significantly among the sampling stations (P < 0.05). temperature and salinity exhibited moderate to strong effect on water quality, while pH and nutrients (phosphates, nitrates, and ammonia) exhibited mixed effects with both negative and positive loadings on the Principal Components. It is demonstrated that the south coast estuary, Kenya is affected by two gradients: mineralization from the sea and the organic matter gradient at the upstream stations dominated by the fluvial inflows from the respective rivers.
Conclusion: The south coast of Kenya estuary is impacted by natural processes and anthropogenic activities. we recommend for continued regular water quality assessment and monitoring to acquire sufficient data to shape policy frameworks towards its sustainable management.
Pharmacological Implications of Natural Products of Fruits and Vegetable Origin on the Activity of Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Ohanme Eugene Ohams , Iganga Ogbonnaya Nnabuike , Ofor Casimir Chijioke , Ofonakara Uzochukwu , Nwafor Amucheukwu Veronica , Eze Clementina, Nkiru , Etu Kenneth Eze , Nwakelu Benjamin Nwafocha , Unekwe Chiazor Prince
Published: May 2024

The primary goal of drug metabolism, sometimes referred to as pharmacokinetic process, is to change a medication's chemical structure to make it more readily excretable. Typically, phase I and phase II reactions involve this mechanism. Xenobiotics can stimulate or inhibit the activity of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in phase I processes. The goal of this research is to clarify the clinical significance of CYP450 induction and inhibition by demonstrating how certain bioactive compounds found in foods or natural products derived from fruits and vegetables can alter CYP450 enzyme activity, impacting drug bioavailability and depuration in addition. The interaction between natural products and foods derived from fruits and vegetables and some pharmaceuticals that can result in toxicity or therapeutic failure will be explained with a few instances. This will make it possible to compile pertinent data regarding appropriate pharmaceutical management in a range of clinical contexts.
Recycling of Mulberry Stalk as Biochar and its Effect on Uptake of Nutrients by Mulberry
Authors: R. Nandini, , K. L. Shaziya, , D. Lamani Hanumanta, , H. C. Prakasha,
Published: May 2024

A field experiment was conducted in the mulberry crop to know the effect of soil application of mulberry stalk biochar on nutrients uptake by mulberry at farmer’s field at Sidlaghatta (Tq), Chikkabalapura District. A randomized block design was employed with eight treatments and three replications. A randomized block design was employed with eight treatments replicated thrice. Results revealed that, Combined soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1 (T8) recorded higher leaf yield per hectare (13.07 t ha-1) and it was on par with T7 (12.61 t ha-1) which received soil application of biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 and FYM @ 10 t ha-1. The lowest leaf yield of 10.45 t ha-1 was recorded in control which was devoid of biochar. Among different treatments, significantly higher uptake of primary nutrients (Nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium of 90.68, 9.07 and 47.10 kg ha-1, respectively) secondary nutrients (calcium, magnesium and sulphur of 44.48, 17.26 and 9.75 kg ha-1, respectively) and micronutrients (iron, manganese, zinc, copper and boron of 748.20, 153.22, 139.34, 60.92 and 54.25 g ha-1, respectively) by mulberry were recorded in the treatment (T8) which received soil application of biochar @ 10 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 and followed by T7 which received biochar @ 7.5 t ha-1 + FYM @ 10 t ha-1 and found superior over other treatments.  The control with no biochar application recorded lower nutrients uptake by mulberry crop. The findings revealed that utilization of mulberry stalk as a biochar has positive effect on nutrient uptake by mulberry crop and it could partly replace chemical fertilizers and promote organic farming in a circular economy concept.
Comparative Study of Safety Awareness and Compliance between Small and Medium Scale Enterprises in Akwa-Ibom State, Nigeria
Authors: Iyang Ubong , Nwaogazie Ify , Ugbebor John
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study is to conduct a comparative analysis of safety awareness and compliance between small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa Ibom, Nigeria. The study utilized a structured questionnaire to collect data from 179 respondents, including workers from both small and medium-scale manufacturing companies. The mean scores were computed for the various safety awareness constructs to have the general safety level awareness for both small and medium-scale companies. Z-test was utilized to establish a significant difference in the safety awareness level between small and medium-scale workers. Principal Component Analysis was used to unravel structures or patterns in the safety awareness level among the workers. The findings revealed that medium-scale company workers generally exhibited significantly higher levels of safety awareness compared to their counterparts in small-scale companies. The principal component analysis (PCA) result highlighted the distinction between management-level and individual-level safety awareness factors, indicating the need for tailored interventions for small and medium-scale companies.
Determination of the Radioactive Nature of the Sediments of the Bays of the Ebrié Lagoon of Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Authors: Abibatou Ouattara Kolo , Thibaut Béa Gouanda , Sébastien Ouffoué Koffi , Gnagne Esso , Adams Ouattara , Bernard Yapo Ossey
Published: May 2024

In Ivory Coast, the lagoons represent the transit point for the majority of continental inputs. They are thus increasingly vulnerable and their ecological balance is rapidly modified under the influence of certain natural or anthropogenic factors.
The objective of this study is to evaluate the level of presence of lead 210 in                                  sediments.
The sediments were sampled during the campaigns of the National Water Quality Observation Network on the bays spread over thirteen study sites. Analysis by alpha spectrometry was carried out in three stages (mineralization with concentrated acids, self-deposition on a silver disk, counting in an alpha detector with a silicone surface barrier). The highest lead-210 activities were obtained in the bays of Koumassi 1 (228.57 ± 12.21 Bq/kg) and Marcory (198.91 ± 9.46 Bq/kg). However, no seasonal variation in lead-210 contamination of sediments in the bays of Abidjan was observed. We wish to extend this study to other aquatic matrices.