bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the mediator role of self-esteem in the relationship between female self-objectification and social physique anxiety
Authors: Bagherinia Hassan , Saghebi Seyed A.
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Women's perception of body image plays an important role in their psychological health; self-objectification and social physique anxiety can affect self-esteem. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the mediator of self-esteem in the relationship between self-objectification and social physique anxiety in female students at Hakim Sabzevari University in Sabzevar.

MATERIALS AND METHOD:

The method of this descriptive research is correlational. The statistical population of this study is all the female students of Sabzevar, Department of Humanities. Using Morgan's table, 291 subjects were selected as a sample. To collect data, Rosenberg's Self-Esteem Questionnaire, McKinley and Hyde's Self-Objectification Questionnaire, and Hart et al., Social Physique Anxiety Questionnaire were used. After filling out the questionnaires, the data were analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 24 and descriptive indexes were used. Also, for correlation, to test the research question, a suitable statistical test such as hierarchical regression was used.

RESULTS:

The results of the analysis of statistical data showed that there is a negative and significant relationship between self-objectification and self-esteem. Also, there is a significant positive correlation between this variable and social physique anxiety. Also, using hierarchical regression, the role of mediating self-esteem was confirmed in the relationship between self-objectification and social physique anxiety.

CONCLUSION:

Those who have a high score in self-objectification think of themselves as an object and are always concerned about evaluating others based on their body image, so if their body image is not approved by others, they will have a negative assessment of themselves that causes a decrease in their self-esteem followed by an increase in the social anxiety of the organs.
Effectiveness of lifestyle related interventions to improve quality of life among postmenopausal women in selected slums of Bhubaneswar: A community based quasi experimental study
Authors: Beura Saswatika , Patnaik Lipilekha , Sahu Manisha
Published: November 2023

BACKGROUND:

Postmenopausal women considered as risk population, due to estrogen deficiency, 80% of women reduce physical and mental well-being in their menopausal years. Menopausal symptoms are not always reasons for any life-intimidating situations, but it disturbs quality of life (QoL) of middle-aged women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This non-randomized control trial was conducted among slum women in the age group of 40 to 60 years who were in their postmenopausal period (within 5 years). Study group was intervened by lifestyle-related interventional module about concept of menopause, symptoms, health issues, dietary habit for reducing menopausal symptoms with a practical demonstration of yoga, exercises and pranayama, group and individual counseling to the participants. Independent t-test, paired t-test, Chi-squared test, and Fisher's exact test were analyzed by SPSS software version 28 licensed to the institute.

RESULTS:

The mean age of the participants was 51.02 ± 2.94 years ranging from 47 to 58 years. As per anthropometric and blood pressure measurements data, significant differences were found in weight (P < 0.02), body mass index (P < 0.001), waist/Hip Ratio (P < 0.001), SBP (P < 0.001) and DBP (P < 0.001) between both the groups. Comparing the mean difference score of vasomotor, psychosocial, physical and sexual domains of the MENQOL questionnaire pre- and post-intervention found that, there was significant reduction of QoL score in study group.

CONCLUSION:

The lifestyle related interventions as an alternative therapy are safe, free from side effects, cost-effective and government program may be implemented for the betterment of the menopausal women.
Profile of Acute Encephalitis Syndrome Patients from South India
Authors: Suma Rache , Netravathi M. , Gururaj Gopalkrishna , Thomas Priya Treesa , Singh Bhagteshwar , Solomon Tom , Desai Anita , Vasanthapuram Ravi , Banandur Pradeep S.
Published: November 2023

Introduction:

Encephalitis is a major public health problem worldwide that causes huge emotional and economic loss to humanity. Encephalitis, being a serious illness, affects people of all ages. The aim is to describe the sociodemographic, clinical, etiological, and neuroimaging profile among 101 acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) patients visiting a tertiary neuro-specialty care hospital in India.

Methods:

Record review of medical records of all patients attending neurology emergency and outpatient services at NIMHANS Hospital, diagnosed with AES in 2019, was conducted. Data were collected using standardized data collection forms for all cases in the study. Descriptive analyses (mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables) were conducted. The Chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test was used for the comparison of independent groups for categorical variables, and t-test for comparing means for continuous variables.

Results:

About 42.6% of AES patients had viral etiology, while in 57.4%, etiology was not ascertained. Common presenting symptoms were fever (96%), altered sensorium (64.4%), seizures (70.3%), headache (42.6%), and vomiting (27.7%). Herpes simplex was the most common (21.8%) identified viral encephalitis, followed by chikungunya (5%), arboviruses (chikungunya and dengue) (4%), Japanese encephalitis (4%), rabies (3%), dengue (1%), and varicella virus (1%). About 40% of AES patients showed cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis (44%), increased protein (39.6%), abnormal computed tomography brain (44.6%), and magnetic resonance imaging abnormalities (41.6%).

Conclusion:

The study highlights the need to ascertain etiology and importance of evidence-based management of AES patients. A better understanding of opportunities and limitations in the management and implementation of standard laboratory and diagnostic algorithms can favor better diagnosis and management of AES.
Extensive Vasculitis in Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Verma Rajesh , Chakraborty Rajarshi
Published: November 2023

Tuberculous meningitis causes substantial morbidity and mortality in tropical countries. The various complications reported are hydrocephalus, vasculitic infarcts, tuberculomas, abscesses, and optochiasmatic arachnoiditis. Vasculitis in tuberculosis is basically at the level of lenticulostriate arteries supplying the basal ganglia and terminal cortical branches. In this case report, we present a rare case of tuberculous meningitis with extensive vasculopathy. During hospitalization, she developed acute onset right-sided classical hemiplegia with the inability to speak due to left internal carotid artery occlusion on imaging. The cerebrospinal fluid depicted very high protein levels. The exact pathogenesis of such extensive involvement in tuberculous meningitis substantiates the need for further studies.
Psychological Morbidity of the COVID-19 Second Wave in Health-care Workers: A Cross-sectional Online Survey
Authors: Chauhan Vinay Singh , Dangi Ankit , Yadav Arun Kumar , Chatterjee Kaushik , Yadav Prateek
Published: November 2023

Background:

During the first wave of the pandemic, health-care workers (HCWs) experienced high levels of stress, depression, and anxiety. These frontline workers remained a vulnerable group with the second wave of the pandemic being more severe than the first wave across the globe. There is a need to assess the psychological impact of the second wave of COVID-19 on HCWs and identify risk factors associated with higher morbidity. This will be beneficial in planning appropriate prevention and remedial measures.

Materials and Methods:

Consecutive 1275 HCWs (between the age group of 18 and 60 years) responded to the online survey. After the collection of sociodemographic data, participants were administered the Impact of Event Scale-Revised, Patient Health Questionnaire-9, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale.

Results:

Moderate-to-severe stress, depression, and anxiety were reported by 40%, 31.7%, and 24.3% of participants, respectively. Regression analysis revealed that female gender, nurses, high COVID-19 exposure, history of COVID-19, chronic medical illness, and work experience between 10 and 20 years were risk factors for increased psychological morbidity.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates that stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms remained high among HCWs during the second wave of COVID-19. Certain risk factors predicted higher mental health morbidity. There is a need to develop appropriate interventions targeting these groups.
Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Hepatitis C Virus Infection at Zonal Hospital in Northern India
Authors: Thoke Santosh V. , Yadav Arun Kumar
Published: November 2023

Background:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major public health concern. Persons living with HCV infection are at risk of developing liver cirrhosis and progressing to end-stage liver disease and liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma). The present study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of HCV infection in patients admitted as well as outpatient department services of a Zonal Hospital.

Methods:

The present study was cross-sectional, observational study, conducted in patients >18 years of age, clinically suspected acute infectious hepatitis or admitted to the intensive care unit, and willing to participate in the study.

Results:

In the present study, 472 patients were studied for hepatitis C infection. Majority of cases were from 51 to 60 years age group (34.5%), followed by 61–70 years age group (26.7%). Female cases were (51.3%) slightly more than male (48.7%). Rapid method and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods detected HCV prevalence as 5.7% and 12.5%, respectively. After HCV genotype testing, the prevalence was 12.1%. Majority had 3A genotype (69.49%), followed by 1A genotype (16.95%), 1B genotype (8.47%), 3B genotype (3.39%), and 4 genotypes (1.69%). ELISA testing was significantly correlated with HCV genotype testing (P = 0.017) while the rapid method was not correlated with HCV genotype testing (P = 0.937).

Conclusion:

There is a high prevalence of HCV among the suspected, genotype 3 being the most common.
Adult Acne: Its Response to Therapy
Authors: Jangid Kirti , Khandare Manish , Tambe Swagta , Kharayat Veena , Ray Rahul
Published: November 2023

Background:

Although acne is principally a disorder of adolescence, the prevalence of adult acne is increasing. Adult acne has been defined as presence of acne beyond the age of 25 years. Various studies have shown that a significant percentage of adult women with acne failed to respond to treatment with systemic antibiotics and isotretinoin which indicates a need for treatment alternatives with improved effectiveness and acceptable side effects for resistant acne.

Aim:

This study aims to study the response of oral antibiotic therapy and oral hormonal therapy in Adult Acne.

Objective:

The objective of the study is to examine the response of oral antibiotic and oral hormonal therapy along with their side effects in cases diagnosed with adult acne.

Material and Methods:

(i) Study design: Interventional study, (ii) Basis of adequate sample size: All patients diagnosed with adult acne will be considered for study. Seventy-two adult female patients presenting with acne fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criterias were enrolled for the study. (iii) Sampling frame and method: Written informed consent will be obtained and identity of the participants will be kept confidential. Sequential photographs will be taken after patient’s consent to check the response rate. Data will be analyzed using ‘Friedman test”.

Result:

Based on the results of our study, it can be concluded that although both antibiotics and hormonal therapy improved acne lesions, but results were statistically significant with hormonal therapy as compared to antibiotic therapy.

Conclusion:

Both antibiotic and hormonal therapies are safe and effective options for treating adult acne. All patients of adult acne may not have an underlying hormonal imbalance or hyperandrogenism, thus the role of oral antibiotics in the treatment should not be underestimated.
Double-lumen endotracheal tube in pediatric intensive care unit: A lifesaver in a leukemic child with pulmonary hemorrhage: A case report
Authors: Menon Parvathy S. , Jayakumar Indira , Rajkumar R Vikram , Swaminathan Venkateswaran Vellaichamy , Roopan C. Vasantha
Published: November 2023

We describe a case of life-threatening pulmonary hemorrhage in a boy with leukemia. He had episodes of massive hemoptysis for which he was intubated and resuscitated with multiple blood products, hemostatic measures (tranexamic acid and recombinant factor VIIa), and inotropes. Chest X-ray revealed left upper lobe homogeneous opacity. Within 12 h, in view of persistent massive pulmonary bleed and hypoxia, he was reintubated with a left-sided double-lumen endotracheal tube (DLT). Following reintubation with DLT, pulmonary bleed could be managed. He was treated for probable left upper lobe angioinvasive aspergillosis. He was weaned off ventilatory support and extubated after 48 h to high flow nasal canula (HFNC). This case is to highlight the importance of early use of DLTs in pulmonary hemorrhage due to suspected unilateral lung pathologies to facilitate isolation of diseased lung, improve ventilation, and prevent spillage of blood to the contralateral normal lung. It serves as a temporizing measure, while aggressive efforts to identify and control the bleed are underway.
Complications of prolonged mechanical ventilation after cardiac surgery in children with Down syndrome: A single-center retrospective observational study
Authors: Almutiri Sarah Fahad , Al-Qahtani Lamis A. , Abdu Shahad H. , Aynousah Remmaz A. , Alotaibi Sarah W. , Alhadrami Leenah M. , Arfaj Yara Khaled , Bahaidarah Saud Abdulaziz
Published: November 2023

Background:

Patients with Down syndrome (DS) are known to have an increased risk of congenital heart diseases, which can be a predictor of prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV) after cardiac surgery. PMV is a factor that enhances postoperative complications and morbidities. Thus, we aimed to explore the risk factors of the PMV, and relevant complications associated with it.

Subjects and Methods:

This retrospective study included 94 patients with DS who underwent 97 cardiac repair surgeries between 2010 and 2022. Patients were dichotomized into two groups. The first group was with the patients on mechanical ventilation (MV) for <72 h and the PMV group with MV for more than ≥72 h.

Results:

We reviewed the association between various risk factors and PMV in patients with DS. The presence of seizure disorder (P = 0.028), preoperative administration of prostaglandin (P = 0.028), and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) (P = 0.043) had significantly increased risk of PMV. We found a significantly increased incidence of sepsis (P = 0.009), delayed sternal closure (P = 0.01), feeding intolerance (P = 0.014), prolonged intensive care unit (ICU) stay (P = 0.0001), and pulmonary collapse (P = 0.001) in patients with PMV. There was no difference in the incidence of pulmonary hypertension, postoperative respiratory infection, pneumothorax, and chylothorax between children between the two groups.

Conclusions:

The presence of seizure disorder, preoperative usage of prostaglandin, and CPAP were significant risk factors for PMV. Incidence of sepsis, delayed sternal closure, feeding intolerance, prolonged ICU stay, and pulmonary collapse was significantly higher with PMV.
The usefulness of ultrasonographic measurement of the laryngeal air column width difference before extubation as a predictor of secondary airway obstruction after extubation in children
Authors: Alatorre Arturo Gerardo Garza , Martínez Veronica Rodríguez , Antonio Yanyn Ameyaly Cabrera , Fernández Jorge Alejandro Franco , Valdes Alejandra Viridiana Zavala , Ramírez Valeria Estefania Velázquez , Juarez Miguel Emanuel Navarrete
Published: November 2023

Background:

Postextubation airway obstruction, also called postextubation stridor, is one of the most frequent complications of orotracheal intubation and the main cause of extubation failure (EF). Several potential predictors of extubation outcomes have been investigated, although their predictive value and clinical usefulness are limited. Laryngeal ultrasound and measurements are new, noninvasive, easily reproducible methods for extubation success. The objective of the study was to determine the usefulness of measuring the laryngeal air column width difference (LACWD) as a predictor of EF.

Subjects and Methods:

This prospective observational study was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023. Patients older than 30 days and up to 16 years of age admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and intubated with an endotracheal tube with a balloon for >24 h and with their first attempt at extubation were evaluated. The LACWD was measured before extubation. The first measurement was made with the balloon inflated and the second with the balloon deflated, calculating the difference between the two measurements.

Results:

Forty-five patients were assessed. The median number of days in the PICU was 8 (interquartile range 2–6). We found that the greater the difference in the air column, the lower the risk of EF ([P = 0.418] odds ratio [OR] =0.101 95% confidence interval [CI] =0.000–26.000), and the greater the number of days (>3), the greater the risk of EF ([P = 0.819] OR = 0.996; 85% CI = 0.965–1.028).

Conclusions:

No statistically significant relationship was found in the LACWD in our patients. We believe that it is important to carry out an extended study, with age group stratification, to assess its use.
A case of trichotillomania presenting as a factitious ulcer
Authors: Sahoo Surjeet , Kunwar Antara , Dash Soumya Ranjan , Biswal Jitendriya
Published: November 2023

The diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5) describes trichotillomania as hair loss caused by a patient’s recurrent hair tugging. Patients with trichotillomania sometimes visit dermatologists first because they may be oblivious to or deny hair pulling and are looking for an explanation for their hair loss. Our case is a 30 year old female, with no history of any medical issues presented with a 6 month history of single well defined superficial ulcer (20*20 cm) on scalp on Left temporo- parietal region associated with itching to a local hospital. She was initially given a provisional diagnosis of pediculosis capitis with differential diagnosis of factitious ulcer and was given medication for same. She was advised a scalp biopsy, the histopathological features were consistent with that of factitious ulcer. On follow up clinical visit, margins of ulcer were seen to have hair of different length, which raised a diagnostic possibility for trichotillomania. She was reffered to psychiatry department for evaluation. A moderate level of anxiety and depression was found on psychiatric evaluation and also hair pulling behavior was recognized by patient on few occasions. Trichoscopy was advised to confirm the diagnosis and treatment for trichotillomania with clomipramine and N acetyl cysteine along with habit reversal training was initiated. When a patient is uncooperative or uninformed that their hair loss is self-inflicted, trichotillomania can be difficult to diagnose and affected individuals seldom report to psychiatrists first hand. Therefore it is critical on the part of treating physician to enquire thoroughly about such behaviours through meticulous interview with the patient.
Demand Forecasting and Budget Planning for Automotive Supply Chain
Authors: Limbare Anand , Agarwal Rashmi
Published: November 2023

Over the past 20 years, there have been significant changes in the supply chain business. One of the most significant changes has been the development of supply chain management systems. It is now essential to use cutting-edge technologies to maintain competitiveness in a highly dynamic environment. Restocking inventories is one of a supplier’s main survival strategies and knowing what expenses to expect in the next month aids in better decision-making. This study aims to solve the three most common industry problems in Supply Chain – Inventory Management, Budget Fore-casting, and Cost vs Benefit of every supplier. The selection of the best forecasting model is still a major problem in much research in literature. In this context, this article aims to compare the performances of Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA), Holt-Winters (HW), and Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) models for the prediction of a time series formed by the dataset of Supply Chain products. As performance measures, metric analysis of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) is used. The main concentration is on the Automotive Business Unit with the top 3 products under this segment and the country United States being in focus. All three models, ARIMA, HW, and LSTM obtained better results regarding the performance metrics.
Development and Simulation Two Wireless Hosts Communication Network Using Omnnet++
Authors: Derbali M.
Published: November 2023

A wireless network is a collection of computers and other electronic devices that exchange information by means of radio waves. Endpoint computing devices can all be connected without the need for hardwired data cabling thanks to the prevalence of wireless networks in today's businesses and networks. This paper's aim is to create and construct a wireless network model for connecting two hosts which will be implemented to simulate wireless communications. The sending of User Datagram Protocol (UPD) data by one of the hosts to the other one has been wirelessly specified by the simulator. Additionally, the protocol models were kept as simple as possible including both the physical layer and the lower layer. The architecture and functionality of a new simulator is showed its ability to solve the issues of making a host move, especially, when it gets out of the range the simulation ends.
Blockchain-Enabled Hyperledger Fabric to Secure Data Transfer Mechanism for Medical Cyber-Physical System: Overview, Issues, and Challenges
Authors: Vinayasree P. , Mallikarjuna Reddy A.
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a model to address the challenges faced by medical cyber-physical systems (MCPS) by implementing a permissioned blockchain platform. The platform incorporates the unique properties of blockchain into the network of affected systems, including decentralization, transparency, and immutability. The platform also includes a novel technique to secure MCPS through an automated access-control manager. This manager allows users to control who has access to their data, and can be configured to trust a third party if desired. The paper also extends into networked medical device systems, and discusses how the platform can be used to address critical is-sues specific to this field, such as network design. Finally, the paper discusses how various security features can be integrated into ultra-small devices, enhancing the protection of embedded systems. The overall objective of this research is to develop a secure and efficient data transfer mechanism for MCPS. The proposed platform addresses the challenges faced by MCPS by incorporating the unique properties of blockchain.
Clinical Practice Recommendations for the Use of Next-Generation Sequencing in Patients with Solid Cancer: A Joint Report from KSMO and KSP
Authors: Kim Miso , Shim Hyo Sup , Kim Sheehyun , Lee In Hee , Kim Jihun , Yoon Shinkyo , Kim Hyung-Don , Park Inkeun , Jeong Jae Ho , Yoo Changhoon , Cheon Jaekyung , Kim In-Ho , Lee Jieun , Hong Sook Hee , Park Sehhoon , Jung Hyun Ae , Kim Jin Won , Kim Han Jo , Cha Yongjun , Lim Sun Min , Kim Han Sang , Lee Choong-kun , Kim Jee Hung , Chun Sang Hoon , Yun Jina , Park So Yeon , Lee Hye Seung , Cho Yong Mee , Nam Soo Jeong , Na Kiyong , Yoon Sun Och , Lee Ahwon , Jang Kee-Taek , Yun Hongseok , Lee Sungyoung , Kim Jee Hyun , Kim Wan-Seop
Published: November 2023

In recent years, next-generation sequencing (NGS)–based genetic testing has become crucial in cancer care. While its primary objective is to identify actionable genetic alterations to guide treatment decisions, its scope has broadened to encompass aiding in pathological diagnosis and exploring resistance mechanisms. With the ongoing expansion in NGS application and reliance, a compelling necessity arises for expert consensus on its application in solid cancers. To address this demand, the forthcoming recommendations not only provide pragmatic guidance for the clinical use of NGS but also systematically classify actionable genes based on specific cancer types. Additionally, these recommendations will incorporate expert perspectives on crucial biomarkers, ensuring informed decisions regarding circulating tumor DNA panel testing.
Selektivni code switching v Grmadi v pristanu Borisa Pahorja
Authors: Deganutti Marianna
Published: November 2023

In the article I discuss Boris Pahor’s use of the code-switching practices in the collection of short stories Grmada v pristanu (1972). In this literary work, which mainly deals with the Fascist oppression of the Slovenian minority in Trieste, there are frequent examples of code-switching from Slovene – the main language – to Italian and German. Code-switching has many functions. Although it may seem that its main function is mimetic, i.e. the fact that the linguistic context of the story is conveyed in a more direct way, code-switching also remains available to the writer as a narratological tool which performs other functions. In Pahor’s Grmada v pristanu, code-switching is used for several functions, for example to emphasize the contrasts (political, ideological, social and cultural) between different contexts. It is also often used in cases of untranslatability, as a translation into Slovene would in some places mean a great impoverishment of the story or even its distortion. In any case, the use of code-switching in this work is the result of careful and specific selection.
Chaucer’s Pardoner in Slovenian and the significance of paratext in making meaning in translation
Authors: Zavrl Andrej
Published: November 2023

The article examines the Slovenian translations of Chaucer’s collection The Canterbury Tales with a focus on the character of the Pardoner and his gender and sexual non-normativity as discussed by critics in the last century. The 1974 and 2012 Slovenian translations differ to a certain extent, but not in any significant manner with reference to the Pardoner’s portrayal. However, important differences become apparent when comparing the paratexts of the two editions, especially their explanatory notes, which are likely to lead readers to make different meanings of the texts. Because of the different paratexts in the Slovenian editions of the Tales, the two editions of the “same” target text are in effect different texts. Hence, the article argues for the importance of paratexts both in producing, translating and reading texts as well as in translation analyses.
Bibliodiversity in subsidized translations
Authors: Goemans Elisabeth
Published: November 2023

In 2009, Argentina’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Worship launched Programa Sur (PROSUR), a translation subsidy programme, in order to promote Argentinian literature abroad. Since the interest in Argentinian women’s writing is increasing transnationally, this article aims to consider the extent to which PROSUR supports and contributes to transnational bibliodiversity, more specifically to the presence of women’s writing and gender equality in the literary sector. By analysing the discourse used by PROSUR, both online and in a personal interview, and by analysing the data on which publishing houses received grants for which authors, as well as works between 2010 and 2022, this article finds that PROSUR supports specific agents in the field that work to increase bibliodiversity, like independent publishers. Still, men’s writing receives proportionally more grants than women’s writing, although this gap has become smaller over the years, with women’s writing surpassing men’s in 2022. Moreover, the data also shows that a large number of applications are made for a small number of women who already had some visibility through national and international prizes, English translations, or film adaptations.
Assembly of two luminescent cadmium(II) 4,4'-phosphini Co-dibenzoate coordination polymers
Authors: Zou Zi-Hang , Tan Ning , N. Nfor Emmanuel , Wang Zhao-Xi
Published: November 2023

Two new cadmium(II) coordination polymers [Cd(HL)(H2O)]·1.5H2O (1) and [Cd(HL)(4-bpmp)0.5]·2H2O (2) (H3L = 4,4'-phosphinicobis-dibenzoic acid, and 4-bpmp = N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)piperazine) have been synthesized by self-assembly of CdCl2 with 4,4'-phosphinicobis-dibenzoate, and N,N'-bis(4-pyridylmethyl)piperazine through solvothermal/hydrothermal method. Their structures were confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction, infrared spectrometer (IR), and powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and TGA techniques. Both compounds are in Pī space group and exhibited a 2D networks constructed from dinuclear [Cd2(POO)2] or paddle-wheel [Cd2(COO)2(POO)2] units, respectively. In 2, the Cd2+ is five-coordinated and shows a rare tetragonal pyramidal geometry. At room temperature, the compounds exhibit moderately intense blue and green fluorescence emission with peaks at 381 nm and 509 nm, respectively.

KEY WORDS: Cadmium(II) compounds, Photoluminescence, Carboxyphosphinate ligand

Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2024, 38(1), 85-98. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v38i1.7
Accessibility of pedestrian infrastructure along arterial roads to persons with disabilities in Kumasi
Authors: Danso Anthony K. , Tudzi Eric P. , Ayarkwa Joshua , Asiedu-Ampem Gloria , Donkor-Hyiaman Kenneth A.
Published: November 2023

The rights of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) to accessible built environments include the convenient and safe use of  roads and pedestrian infrastructure. This is founded on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with  Disabilities and other related international and local legislation. These notwithstanding, this paper sought to ascertain  whether the accessibility needs of PWDs were amply factored into decisions on pedestrian infrastructure. The study  adopted a descriptive research design. It involved the use of a checklist developed from the Accessible Side-walks and  Street Crossing information guide and the Ghana Accessibility Standards for the Built Environment to assess pedestrian  infrastructure along five arterial roads leading to Kumasi, the second most populous city in Ghana. Interviews were also  used to ascertain the opinions of 122 PWDs on the inclusiveness of the pedestrian infrastructure. The study found that  the pedestrian infrastructure was not as inclusive as required. Maintenance was not given due attention and most PWDs  had challenges with the pedestrian infrastructure. The study concludes that irrespective of the prevalence of both  international and local standards in Ghana, the accessibility needs of PWDs are not amply factored into decisions  on pedestrian infrastructure. Accordingly, policy should dwell on holistic enforcement of the accessibility standards in  design, construction and maintenance. These will support the quest to enhance accessible transport systems and  consequently efforts towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 11.
The Antequera (Spain) Slate: an undetermined writing found in a Roman-type Villa and the need of revision of Iberia history, anthropology and archaeology
Authors: Arnaiz-Villena Antonio , Romero Manuel , Vaquero-Yuste Christian , Ruiz-del-Valle Valentin , Suarez-Sanchez Carlos , Juarez Ignacio , Suarez-Trujillo Fabio
Published: November 2023

The Antequera Slate is a striking scripted finding in the Roman “Villa de la Estacion” (Railway Station Villa) archaeological site which was in use in its Roman known period approximately between 100 years BC and 450 AD. Some of the slate incised signs were familiar to us because they were similar to the so-called pre-Iberian-Tartessian scripted incise or picketed signs found in a Megalithic context or not in rocks and stones in Iberia, Canary Islands and Algerian Sahara. The antiquity of these signs may vary depending the place but some may have been done thousands of years BC. We have put forward that these Antequera Slate signs may be pre-Iberian-Tartessian that had remained in Iberian autochthonous rural or aristocratic people during centuries, but a firm conclusion is premature. Otherwise, the scripts are not done in Roman or any other standard writing. Visigoth scripted slates were started to be performed in Central West Iberia when Visigoths appeared in Iberia, together with Suebi, Vandals and Alans. The Antequera Slate incise signs may have been originated by these new cultures, but no Visigoth tables signs have been found with similar signs to Antequera Slate signs. Taking into account that we do not now either the language/symbols or writing of many Visigothic slates (5th- 8th century AD) nor the Antequera Slate, we also agree with other scholars that this is an important enigma which does not fit with archaeology, anthropology and history of Iberian Peninsula and that all these disciplines should be revised in the context detailed in this and others work.
Casson fluid flow with heat generation and radiation over a non-linear stretching sheet
Authors: Ekang I.F. , Joshua E.E. , Senge I.O. , Enyenihi J.J.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates Casson fluid flow with heat generation and radiation over a non-linear stretching sheet. The resulting partial differential equations are converted to a system of ordinary differential equations using similarity transformation and solved numerically using shooting technique with fourth order Runge-Kutta method. The effect of radiation, heat source, and Casson parameters on the momentum and thermal boundary layers are examined through graphs using MATLAB. From the graphs it is seen that increase in the values of heat source and Prandtl number parameter increases the temperature profiles. The momentum boundary layer thickness decreases while the rate of heat transfer increases with increasing non-linear parameter. The temperature and thermal boundary layer thickness decreases with increasing radiation parameter values.
MHD Casson fluid flow with chemical reaction and suction in a porous medium over an exponentially stretching sheet
Authors: Ekang I.F. , Joshua E.E. , Senge I.O. , Nyong E.
Published: November 2023

MHD Casson fluid flow with chemical reaction and suction in a porous medium over an exponentially stretching sheet was studied. The mathematical problem was solved numerically using shooting technique with fourth order Runge-Kutta method after converting the resulting partial differential equations to a system of ordinary differential equations and applying similarity transformation on the latter. The effects of some fluid parameters on the momentum and concentration profiles are examined through graphs using MATLAB. The results from the graphs show that increase in the values of Casson parameter decreases the velocity profiles and causes increase in the concentration profiles. The momentum boundary layers decrease while the solute boundary layers increase with increasing values of magnetic parameter and the permeability parameter. The concentration profile reduces with increasing values of reaction parameters.
Effects of leaf extracts of Piper guineense AND Lasienthera africanum on fungal pathogens associated with spoilt fruit from Akwa Ibom State
Authors: Divine-Anthony O. , Akinmusire O.O. , Igoche K.O. , Okon M.U.
Published: November 2023

No Abstract.
Żywe archiwum. Więcej-niż-ludzkie obecności w siedliskach ruderalnych
Authors: Dziadek Martyna
Published: November 2023

The Living Archive. More-Than-Human Presences in Ruderal Habitats

Ruderal ecologies can be regarded as places where more-than-human actants start to operate. In this article, places abandoned by a man, are called “prospective ruination” to emphasize the verb of decomposition function and to reorient the cognitive perspective of decay into the future, understood as a new human and more-than-human ruderal assemblages of culture-natures. The author of this text truly believes, that providing this kind of view, expands the Polish imaginary related to the rubble, reorienting the perspective of decay, to the vibrant more-than-human agencies and forces. The subject of the research reflection on ruderal ecologies (Caitlin DeSilvey), which constitute a. living archive, is Karolina Grzywnowicz’s project Weeds exhibited in 2015 at Zachęta in Warsaw. By introducing the term “biomnemonic witness” (gr. Mnemosyne, goodness of memory), the author emphasizes the subjectivity of the plant kingdom and its floral agencies in creating cultural and biological entanglements. The coda of the sketch problematizes the notion of a living archive and determines the trajectory of getting out of the anthropocentric cognitive impasse.
Rozważania wokół (nie)dopuszczalności przedłużenia kadencji organów samorządu terytorialnego
Authors: Pyrzyńska Agata
Published: November 2023

Considerations on the (In)admissibility of Extending the Term of Office of Local Government Bodies The aim of the article is to analyze the legitimacy and legal admissibility of the adoption of the Act of 29 September 2022 on the extension of the term of office of local government units. In the act, the legislator extended the term of office of local government bodies by half a year, in order to avoid the overlapping of two election processes in 2023 (local and parliamentary elections). The paper analyzes the arguments in favor of separating the two electoral processes and those which, from the constitutional and legal point of view, contradict the legislative actions taken. In particular, the aim will be to verify whether the measure adopted by the legislator was appropriate. In order to implement the above-mentioned assumptions, the work uses the formal and legal method and analyzes the achievements of jurisprudence and doctrine. To the extent necessary, the empirical method was also used (in particular in terms of identifying threats that could result from the overlapping of local government and parliamentary elections in 2023).
The Situation of Incommensurability in Strategic Management
Authors: Talaoui Yassine
Published: November 2023

The field of strategic management has witnessed a proliferation of theoretical perspectives following two main paradigms. The two camps roughly correspond, on the one hand, to the "classical" and "neo-classical" approaches, and on the other to the "contingency", "post-classical" and "postmodern" approaches. Underpinning these two camps are different conceptions of the theory of the firm and the purpose of theory itself in understanding business strategy, which are difficult and perhaps impossible to reconcile. Against this backdrop, this paper seeks to expose the roots of this interminable argument over theory and proposes a way to escape this situation of incommensurability.
Exploring a Shared Benchmark for Measuring ESG Performance
Authors: Risso Mario , Longarini Francesco
Published: November 2023

The evolution of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) criteria is an ever-growing process. The relevant organizations and bodies have started to develop ad hoc initiatives and guidelines for the assessment and measurement of ESG criteria using different lines of assessment. As a result, investors have begun to use these indices as tools to direct their investments towards companies that stand out for the careful and enlightened use of environmental, social and governance variables. Subsequently, the ESG criteria were further refined and standardized, with the goal, not always achieved, of producing consistent and reliable measurements. The diversity of the nature of the companies, the sometimes difficult and inadequate reporting of certain information, combined with the lack of standardization of the results obtained, have made it impossible to produce an index that can be applied transversally to all or most of the companies. The objective of this work is therefore to propose a benchmark as useful as possible to standardize the results, in order to have a potential reference index for comparing the results of companies also operating in different sectors and with different characteristics.
Catering to Cleantech’s Resource Needs: The Strategic Importance of Board Networks in an Emerging Green Industry
Authors: Heemskerk Eelke M. , Mans Ulrich
Published: November 2023

This paper explores the role of elite networks in shaping business strategies in the cleantech industry. In order to do so, we investigate whether and if so how boards of directors cater to the resource needs of the innovative and expanding cleantech industry. We create a new dataset of the board network of leading cleantech firms that allows us to show how cleantech directors are integrated into the worlds of government, banking, and research. The strategic merits of board networks considered are 1/ the need for operational resources 2/ the need for conducive policies; and 3/ the need for market access. We find that Finance and Innovation are most sought after, and domestic networks remain dominant. While larger firms are well embedded in big business and finance, smaller corporations seek ties with innovation and policy networks. Cleantech firms currently show no significant capacity to reduce dependencies in terms of access to future cleantech markets. The findings suggest that the ‘classic’ resource needs, such as finance, are much better ‘covered’ through the board’s network structures than those resources that would enable a firm to improve its long-standing needs, such as a favourable policy environment and access to future markets.
Women, Gender, Feminism: Marginalization at the Inception of the World Social Forum
Authors: Karides Marina
Published: November 2023

The World Social Forum (WSF) is a biannualmeeting space for the globaljustice movement that facilitates the coordination of worldwide events andprotests around a variety of social justice issues. I argue that although theprinciples of the WSF are based on feminist methods of participation, theresearch presented here demonstrates that women, gender, and feminism weremarginalized in the program and content at the forum’s inception. Empiricallythe paper presents the structure of programming and a quantitative examinationof women’s and feminist groups’ participation of the first years of the WSFprocess. I consider the thematic development of the WSF and role ofinformation sharing and intersectionality as feminist principles wereincorporated into the WSF. I refer to various theoretical perspectives on genderincluding feminist political economy, postcolonialism,and queer theory tomake sense of feminist participation and marginalization at the World SocialForum.
God and the Problem of Order: The Role of Perfect Information and Absolute Power in Economics, Religion and Law
Authors: Gould Mark
Published: November 2023

The “problem of order” is resolved idyllically in Arrow-Debreu general-equilibrium models through the assumption of perfect information, where each actor is god-like, omniscient, and where this omniscience results in the veracity of the first theorem of welfare economics, where an equilibrium is Pareto efficient, where no actor, given her original endowments of alienable and inalienable capital, can improve her position. Analogously, in many religions, God is understood to be omniscient; order emerges through God’s ability to sanction malfeasance costlessly. Ideally, a comparable order would likewise be the consequence of the assumption in both economics and religion of an omnipotent principal. In both economics and religion, equilibria serve as idealized, transcendent, critical standards. In the real, immanent, world, where information is imperfect and no power is absolute, the institutionalization of law is necessary to maintain order. Religion has bequeathed to the legal order moral principles that may legitimate the law and make it binding, while economics, as a theory of incentives in the immanent world, models the imposition of legal sanctions, which penalize actors who approach and violate the law strategically. The law is an institutional order, where both constitutive norms and legal rules are legitimated through “religious” values and supported by “economic,” situational sanctions.
Public Intellectuals, Scholars, Journalists, & Activism: Wearing Different Hats and Juggling Different Ethical Mandates
Authors: Berlet Chip
Published: November 2023

In democratic civil society a public intellectual can spark deep conversations aboutdisparities of privilege and power. This brings with it the need to be intentionalabout ethics. The author reviews different roles in which he has been cast where hehas played the role of a “public intellectual”. The different hats he has worn includescholar, journalist, paralegal investigator, and leftwing movement activist. In eachcase, there were normative or at least expected ethical boundaries which usuallyvaried by project and sometimes conflicted with other roles. After exploring thedifferent roles and related ethical issues, there is a discussion from a progressiveperspective of basic ethical mandates and tools for building human rights. Anextensive set of references is provided to assist researchers.
Performance of Banking Sectors Due to Adoption of Information Technology (IT)
Authors: Behera Ajay Kumar , Nayak Narayan C. , Das Harish C.
Published: November 2023

The aim of this paper is to provide an analysis on the relationship between InformationTechnology (IT) usage, CRM and performance of bank (state bank group) in Bhubaneswar,Odisha, India. Most of the banks in INDIA are geared for comprehensive banking solutionswith extensive branch networks. Empirical data collection was done in the year 2012 andanalyzed with the theoretical data. A sample of 18 branches was selected using the nonprobabilitysampling technique. Perceptions of branch managers, staff members andcustomers were collected using a survey method. All 18 branches selected are of anequivalent grade according to the grading set by the bank. Three different types ofquestionnaires were designed for branch managers, branch staff and customers. Bothstructured and semi structured questions were included in the questionnaires with 7 pointlikert scale. Using bivariate correlation and linear regression, data analysis was done. Thelinear relationship between variables was measured by using Pearson’s correlation coefficient.The analysis suggested that IT usage has a positive linear relationship with financialperformance and quality performance of bank branches. Bank performance was found to havea correlation with factors such as staff attitude towards IT usage, IT literacy level of bankstaff and scope and complexity of the IT applications.