bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leadership in Multi-Space Offices: Realizing the Potential of Modern and Flexible Workplace Concepts
Authors: Gauer Sandra , Ilic Luka
Published: September 2022

This chapter discusses the challenges for managers resulting from modern and flexible workplace concepts. It will specifically reflect on stressors that arise for employees when working in a multi-space environment and how employees bind to their workplace. Using a combined methodological approach, which integrates a literature review with the experiences of our daily work as workplace change consultants, managers receive concrete advice on how to lead in multi-space. This article thus aims to reduce the uncertainties and stressors triggered by New Work environments, or even to convert these into growth potential for the entire company, by naming concrete leadership measures based on values formulation and emotional leadership.
Advances in Biomaterials for Corneal Regeneration
Authors: Malhotra Kamal , Griffith May
Published: September 2022

The human cornea acts as a protective covering for the eye and plays an important role in light transmission into the eye for vision. Corneal defects due to trauma, infection, or disease can have detrimental effects on the vision, and severe cases lead to vision loss. Twenty-three million people are estimated to be affected by corneal blindness worldwide. Treatment involves corneal transplantation surgery, but there is a severe shortage of donor corneas worldwide. Furthermore, patients with severe pathologies risk rejecting conventional corneal transplantation, thus leaving them untreated. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop new therapies to replace traditional corneal transplant surgery. This review focuses on recent potential biomaterials development for corneal regeneration and repair. It includes cell-based therapies, cell-free regeneration-inducing biomaterials, and injectable or in-situ gelation-based biomaterials for patients with a high risk of graft failure. It also consists of the emerging role of exosomes and extracellular vesicles in corneal infections and regeneration.
Analyzing Sedimentary Rocks to Evaluate Paleo Dimensions and Flow Dynamics of Permian Barakar River of Rajmahal Gondwana Sub-Basin of Eastern India
Authors: A. Khan Zahid , Chandra Tewari Ram
Published: September 2022

The cross strata and planar strata of sedimentary rocks are used in estimating paleo dimensions and flow dynamics of Permian Barakar River of eastern India. Quantitative estimates indicate that mean bed form became thinner i.e., from 1.363 m to 0.928 m to 34.21 m–23.33 m, as the Barakar River flowed with flow velocity of between 90 cm/sec and 157 cm/sec from Fox Ridge situated to the south on a steeper slope which becomes gentler downstream. The friction factor (0.036) is on higher side indicating low flow resistance while bed shear stresses remain competent, even during low paleo-discharges to transport coarse-pebble bed. Rouse number, Z, is decreased from Brahmini (3.38) to Hurra (1.71) implying predominant bed-load in upstream and local transition to mixed load in the downstream. Bed load formed 17.74 to 15.62 percent in upstream and reduced to 10.14–7.94 percent in downstream suggesting bed load channel for the former and mixed load channel for the latter corroborating estimated Rouse Number (Z) values. The trunk Barakar River on an average was about 2260 km long, 817 m wide and 13.63 m deep with channel belt width in between 6310 and 2205 m. The river channel sinuosity was in place of sinuosity 1.361 in the south-southwest part and progressively became more sinuous in the northern and northeastern part of the basin (1.728) with maximum sinuosity of 1.955. The catchment area of the Barakar River lies between 10,700 to 422,600 km2 and paleo-discharge between 22,070–4510 m3/sec with the maximum 66,000 m3/sec and whose mean annual flood was in the range of 170,600–42,260 m3/sec. These parameters suggest that initially multi-thread and broad Barakar River became narrow and single thread in downstream and had its outlet in the northeast (Sikkim, Assam and Bangladesh) towards the Tethys Ocean during Permian times.
Managing Workplace Skills Development during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nyamande-Pitso Agnes
Published: September 2022

South Africa has a huge skills shortage and by 2021 unemployment rate was 34.9 percent with 66.5 percent thereof amongst the Black youth aged between 14 and 25 years. Thus, managing workplace skills development is essential to ensure the development of an adequate and appropriately skilled Youth can get employment, enter the mainstream of the economy, and benefit therefrom. Consequently, after discussions with various stakeholders, government set up the National Skills Fund aimed at addressing the structural mismatch between the demand and supply of skills and the low skills output. The chapter reviews research done by various researchers to determine reasons for the low skills output with focus on the strategy, skills transfer, communication, and job readiness processes used by business as determinants for the success of the skills training. Almost 23 years after the commencement of the NSDP, skills output remained lower than expected with no proof of formal discussions to find solution to the low output. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore additional technological and remote learning challenges that presented a different type of dilemma. Thus, it may take even longer for skills output to increase compared to the period prior to the onset of the pandemic.
Integrating Local Farmers Knowledge Systems in Rainfall Prediction and Available Weather Forecasts to Mitigate Climate Variability: Perspectives from Western Kenya
Authors: Kipkosgei Murgor Daniel
Published: September 2022

This chapter examines relevant studies and examples on integrating farmer’s traditional knowledge systems in rainfall prediction with available weather forecasts to mitigate impact of changing climate among rainfall dependent farmers in Western Kenya. The chapter combines the results of a study conducted in Western Kenya among maize and wheat growing farmers in Uasin Gishu County and perspectives from other related studies within the Eastern and Southern part of Africa. The chapter details how farmers have navigated the impact of changing climate on the farming enterprise that is largely dependent on rainfall. The findings reveal that farmers in western Kenya have experienced crop losses during planting and harvesting seasons due to prevailing variations in weather patterns. This is corroborated by over 340 (87.8%) of farmers in Uasin Gishu county of Kenya who agreed so and further stated that they had experienced changes in rainfall patterns and even the timing for maize and wheat growing had become uncertain and contrary to what they have known over time in the recent years. Similarly, like other findings in the reviewed studies in this chapter, the Kenyan farmers (84.9%) agreed strongly that they applied their local indigenous knowledge and experience gained over time to predict rainfall onset and cessation dates thus making key farming decisions. Relying heavily on traditional weather forecasting by farmers is catastrophic now due to changes on the environment associated to environmental degradation; ecosystem disturbance and changing climate which have seen important traditional predictor indicators disappear or lost completely from the environment. Although over 90% of the Kenyan farmers in average belief in use of weather forecast information, integration of this information is not effective because of its adaptability, format and timing challenges. The same is true for farmers in some countries within the region. Importantly, provision of context-specific and downscaled weather forecast information to support farmer’s resilience is crucial. Most studies and programmes reviewed in this chapter agree that there is synergy in integrating local knowledge systems and available weather forecast information for better weather prediction. It is critical that policymakers, practitioners or key stakeholders and forecasters (both from the meteorological services and indigenous groups) converge and agree on weather prediction if they are to support farmers in managing climate risk or uncertainties.
Prediction of Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery Using Interpretable Machine Learning
Authors: Ejmalian Azar , Aghaei Atefe , Nabavi Shahabedin , Abedzadeh Darabad Maryam , Tajbakhsh Ardeshir , Abin Ahmad Ali , Ebrahimi Moghaddam Mohsen , Dabbagh Ali , Jahangirifard Alireza , Memary Elham , Sayyadi Shahram
Published: September 2022

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a complication that occurs for various reasons after surgery, especially cardiac surgery. This complication can lead to a prolonged treatment process, increased costs, and sometimes death. Prediction of postoperative AKI can help anesthesiologists to implement preventive and early treatment strategies to reduce the risk of AKI. Objectives: This study tries to predict postoperative AKI using interpretable machine learning models. Methods: For this study, the information of 1435 patients was collected from multiple centers. The gathered data are in six categories: demographic characteristics and type of surgery, past medical history (PMH), drug history (DH), laboratory information, anesthesia and surgery information, and postoperative variables. Machine learning methods, including support vector machine (SVM), multilayer perceptron (MLP), decision tree (DT), random forest (RF), logistic regression, XGBoost, and AdaBoost, were used to predict postoperative AKI. Local interpretable model-agnostic explanations (LIME) and the Shapley methods were then leveraged to check the interpretability of models. Results: Comparing the area under the curves (AUCs) obtained for different machine learning models show that the RF and XGBoost methods with values of 0.81 and 0.80 best predict postoperative AKI. The interpretations obtained for the machine learning models show that creatinine (Cr), cardiopulmonary bypass time (CPB time), blood sugar (BS), and albumin (Alb) have the most significant impact on predictions. Conclusions: The treatment team can be informed about the possibility of postoperative AKI before cardiac surgery using machine learning models such as RF and XGBoost and adjust the treatment procedure accordingly. Interpretability of predictions for each patient ensures the validity of obtained predictions.
Accuracy of the Number Needed to Treat Compared With Diagnostic Testing: Brief Critical Review
Authors: Levinson Stanley S.
Published: September 2022

Context.—

Number needed to treat (NNT) seems simple and is widely used. But its derivation from the absolute risk reduction is difficult to visualize. Like diagnostic sensitivity, absolute risk reduction is a measure of treatment accuracy. Thus, NNT is a measure of accuracy. NNT is inversely proportional to the relative risk reduction and the baseline risk that may be torturous when accuracy is poor. In order to better visualize the accuracy and weaknesses of NNT, NNT is compared with variables in diagnostic science that are often better understood, such as diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value.

Objective.—

To better understand the accuracy of NNT.

Data Sources.—

Receiver operating characteristic curves are used to help visualize accuracy. It is shown that baseline risk and prevalence are highly correlated. Like positive predictive value, NNT is dependent on prevalence. Similar to diagnostic testing, symptoms and additional testing can increase prevalence and improve accuracy of the NNT. Examples are shown where changes in prevalence cause alterations in NNT. Moreover, data indicate that when accuracy of NNT is low, although the average NNT may be favorable, some subgroups may exhibit very poor response and even harm. It is shown that manipulations to increase prevalence can produce smaller, more selective groupings that can improve the accuracy and reduce the cost of expensive drugs.

Conclusions.—

When the power of prediction is poor, the value of NNT must be carefully deliberated because it may be misleading. Indeed, the upper confidence interval may be a better reflection of NNT than the average.
Analysis of SEIR-type models used at the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic reported in high-impact journals
Authors: Cuesta-Herrera Ledyz , Pastenes Luis , Córdova-Lepe Fernando , Arencibia Ariel D. , Torres-Mantilla Hugo , Gutiérrez-Jara Juan Pablo
Published: September 2022

Introduction The Susceptible-Exposed-Infected-Recovered (SEIR) mathematical-epidemiological model has been exhaustively used since de beggining of the COVID-19 pandemic. These models intended to predict hospital burden and evaluate health measures to contain its spread. In this sense, flaws have been evidenced in the predictions of the first published models. It is considered necessary to evaluate the differences in the approach and verification of the models. Objectives We carried out a systematic review of the articles published in journals indexed in the Web of Science, of the first quartile and with an impact factor greater than two, that met the selection and inclusion criteria following the PRISMA-ScR standards. We included a total of 32 articles, which were evaluated according to demographic characteristics such as the month of receipt and publication, the country of origin of the information, the subject matter of the journal, and the characteristics of the modeling such as the presence of additional compartments, graphical analysis, conceptual model approach, interpretation of the basic reproductive number, and estimation of parameters. Methods Articles published in medical and health journals were predominant from February to July 2020. These articles most frequently used data from China and mostly focused on SEIR or full quarantine compartment models. The articles published in journals in mathematics were predominant from August to December 2020. Models used data from different world regions, considering a greater diversity of compartments such as asymptomatic patients or partial or complete quarantine. Results The articles analyzed mostly use SEIR-type models expanded with additional compartments. There are discrepancies in the breadth and methodological quality of the articles published according to the journal’s subject matter. The unification of quality criteria for describing the models in any journal is recommended.
Analysis of visual communication in history textbooks in the context of the reconstruction of educational systems in crisis regions
Authors: Gončarov Valer'evič
Published: September 2022

Speaking about crises and their forecasting is always a thankless task. On the one hand, the researcher will receive a lot of criticism from experts in crisis management, economists and analysts. On the other hand, it will find itself in the crossfire of colleagues from related sciences for appropriating and simplifying theories of social and political crises. The processes of digitalization and the emergence of media didactics have led to qualitative changes in the creation and distribution of textbooks, made school knowledge a favorable environment for the formation of future crises associated with contradictions in the interpretation of historical events, the role and place of the individual in history, the construction of conflicting visual images of countries and peoples. In this regard, studies of the monitoring and prognostic function of textbooks as sources of predicting conflicts acquire a new meaning.
Timely Genetic Testing and Therapy Management in Patients With gBRCA-Mutated Metastatic Breast Cancer Receiving Talazoparib
Authors: Martinez, DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, AOCNP, CBCN, CPHQ, NEA-BC Ashley , Jones, MSN, ACNP-BC Tiffany , C. Ryan, PhD, RN Joanne , M. Barnett, PharmD, BCOP Chad , L. Soussou, PharmD, MBA Elpitha , Donahue, MPH, NP, AOCNP Sarah
Published: September 2022

Talazoparib is a poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor that has demonstrated strong efficacy with manageable side effects for patients with germline breast cancer susceptibility genes 1 or 2 (gBRCA1/2)-mutated, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative, locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer (mBC) in the EMBRACA and ABRAZO trials. The NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN Guidelines®) for Breast Cancer recommend genetic testing for all patients with recurrent or metastatic BC to identify those with a gBRCA1/2 mutation who would benefit from treatment with a PARP inhibitor. However, many patients who meet these criteria do not receive genetic testing for a variety of reasons. Advanced practitioners (APs) can play a key role in the care of these patients by guiding them through the genetic testing process and explaining how the results impact treatment choices. A hypothetical case study highlighting a 42-year-old woman who received a diagnosis of triple-negative mBC provides an example of genetic testing strategies, as well as management considerations, with the use of talazoparib that can be implemented by APs. The efficacy and safety of talazoparib are reviewed along with practical guidance on its use (i.e., managing adverse events and drug interactions) to optimize patient outcomes. The patient case described in this publication is fictional and does not represent actual events or a response from an actual patient. The authors developed this fictional case for educational purposes only.
Coping with external stressors in handball and football elite refereeing: The relationship with referee efficacy
Authors: Johansen Bjørn Tore , Haugen Tommy , Kjeøen Erikstad Martin
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the association between referee efficacy and self-reported coping with external stressors among elite handball and football referees. The participants were 224 Norwegian elite referees of handball (n = 111, m age = 35.3 years, 13.5% females) and football (113, m age = 30.8 years, 8% females) who had been referees for an average of 14.4 years (sd = 7.77 years; min: 4, max: 37) and a referee at the present level for 6.8 years (sd = 6.20 years, min: 1, max: 32). Referee self-efficacy was measured using the Norwegian version of the Referee Self-Efficacy Scale. Self-reported coping with external stressors was measured using responses to statements related to the referee’s self-perceived decision-making process in the presence of several sources of external stressors. Referee self-efficacy was positively associated with coping with external stressors (b = .24 (se = .11), p = .021). Football referees reported higher levels of coping with external stressors (b = .28 (se = .08), p = .001) than handball referees, and the number of years of elite refereeing was positively related to coping with external stressors. The findings provide evidence of a positive relationship between referee efficacy and coping with external stressors when making decisions.

 

Keywords: Referee Self-Efficacy Scale, decision-making, social pressure, team sport referees
Coopetition and Open Strategy – Common Roots and Shared Strategic Dilemmas
Authors:   Wroclaw University of Economics and Business, Klimas Patrycja , Radomska Joanna ,   Wroclaw University of Economics and Business
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The impact of the observed multidimensional pressures and managerial tensions has increased the necessity to rethink the sources of competitive advantage, giving the ground for developing open and collaborative streams of research. This paper addresses this necessity by blending the lenses of open strategizing with coopetition phenomena in order to understand the convergence between those two relational approaches to strategy formulation. Design/methodology/approach: It is a conceptual paper in which we recognize the compatibility and common roots of coopetition and open strategy. These we recognized through using seven managerial paradoxes. Findings: We explore seven strategic dilemmas that emerged from the overlapping contexts of those two – individually paradoxical – approaches. We identify several research avenues and specific research questions accompanying them. Research limitations/implications: The research questions asked at the end of theorization that we see as relevant can provide the ground for further research by scholars interested in strengthening the theoretical foundations of either coopetition or open strategy, but also in these two concepts simultaneously. As a conceptual article, this paper is prone to researchers’ subjectivity bias. Originality/value: This is the first study where the perspective of blending open strategy and coopetition is applied.
ICT Technology Implementation and the Level of Process Maturity in an Organization
Authors:   University of Gdańsk, Dobrowolska Emilia , Sliż Piotr
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The main objective of the article is to identify selected ICT technologies supporting higher levels of organizational process maturity. Design/methodology/approach: The research was conducted with the use of the following methods: bibliometric analysis, literature review and statistic methods. The empirical procedure was carried out on a non-random sample of 48 large organizations operating in Poland, using the CAWI technique. Findings: The empirical research carried out proved the existence, in the group of the organizations examined, of a statistically significant relationship between the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing (CC) and robotic process automation (RPA) technologies and, respectively, the third and fourth levels of process maturity, in accordance with the adopted multicriteria model of process maturity assessment (MMPM). Research limitations/implications: The burden of the presented empirical investigation results primarily arises from the applied technique of non-probabilistic research sample selection. This makes the obtained results limited to the examined sample of organizations. Originality/value: The originality of this article fills the cognitive gap consisting in the shortage of publications that present the relationship between the degree of implementation of ICT technology and the level of process maturity. The presented article addresses this gap by indicating a statistical relationship between the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), cloud computing (CC) technology and the level of process maturity of the organization.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Global Risk Landscape in the Era of SMART WORLD
Authors:   Jagiellonian University, Bąk Sylwia , Jedynak Piotr ,   Jagiellonian University
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the trend of changes in the landscape of global risks together with the implications of these changes for management in the SMART WORLD era. Design/methodology/approach: The research process was based on the triangulation of research methods. The main research method used was the analysis of the World Economic Forum’s “The Global Risks Reports” for the years 2018–2021. The other method used in the research were a comparative analysis and selected quantitative tools. Findings: The conducted empirical research allowed the authors: 1) to show the current global risks, taking into account the likelihood of their occurrence and impact, 2) to select the categories of global risks (from among economic, environmental, geopolitical, social and technological risks) that had the greatest significance in the periods under analysis, 3) to identify the five most important global risks in terms of their likelihood and impact in all these periods, 4) to identify changes in global risks resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, 5) to establish implications for business management in the SMART WORLD era, resulting from the observed trends in pandemic-triggered changes in global risks. Research limitations/implications: The results of the conducted empirical research may be applied in business practice, including the management of enterprises; firstly, those struggling with the changes caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic, and secondly, those simultaneously adapting to the requirements of SMART WORLD. Originality/value: The most significant value of the performed empirical research is the demonstration of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global risk landscape and the formulation of implications ensuing from changes in global risks posed for management in the SMART WORLD era.
Climate impact assessment to the groundwater levels based on long time-series analysis in a paddy field area (Piedmont region, NW Italy): preliminary results
Authors: Egidio Elena , Lasagna Manuela , Mancini Susanna , De Luca Domenico Antonio
Published: September 2022

The analysis of the time-series of groundwater level are extremely important to observe the behaviours of groundwater over time and to identify any critical situations. The studied area is an agricultural district characterised by paddy fields, located in the eastern part of Piedmont, on the border with Lombardy. In this area long time-series of groundwater level, starting from the 1960s, have been collected in 16 wells. Water table data have a good completeness (in the majority of the cases >90%). Firstly, the groundwater hydrodynamic behaviour, based on water table levels, was investigated to highlight the response of groundwater to the recharge. A basic statistical analysis was performed (mean, median, standard deviation, maximum, minima), and then trends of water table levels were evaluated in order to better observe the long-term behaviour of groundwater. These analyses allowed to observe a groundwater hydrodynamic behaviour characterised by a repeating annual pattern (minimum in February/March and maximum in August/September) in correspondence to the period of irrigation. Moreover, trend analysis highlighted the presence of both wells with a decreasing water table (with maximum lowering of 4.3 m in 60 years) and wells with an increasing water table (with maximum rises of 2.8 m in 35 years). Furthermore, in most cases, it can be observed that all three trends analysed agree on being positive or negative. Future insights will be the comparison of these long time-series with the meteorological data, and the investigation of other factors (e.g. anthropic withdrawal, variations of cultivation practices and irrigation, geology of the subsoil) to better understand the causes of the water table fluctuations and trends.
Associations between pro-inflammatory cytokines and fatigue in pregnant women
Authors: Xia Haiou , Zhu Xiaoxiao , Zhu Chunxiang
Published: September 2022

Background

Fatigue is one of the most prevalent symptoms among pregnant women. In patients with various diseases, pro-inflammatory cytokines are associated with fatigue; however, such associations are unknown in pregnant women.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to examine the associations between pro-inflammatory cytokines and prenatal fatigue.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 271 pregnant Chinese women in their third trimester of pregnancy. Patient-reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) was used to evaluate women’s prenatal fatigue. Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), the serum concentrations of four pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6) and interleukin 8 (IL-8), were measured. The data was analyzed by correlation analysis and general linear regression analysis.

Results

In this sample, the mean (standard deviation) of fatigue scores was 51.94 (10.79). TNF-α (r = 0.21, p < 0.001), IL-6 (r = 0.134, p = 0.027) and IL-8 (r = 0.209, p = 0.001) were positively correlated to prenatal fatigue, although IL-1β was not. TNF-α (β = 0.263, p < 0.001), along with sleep quality (β = 0.27, p < 0.001) and depression (β = 0.376, p < 0.001) independently predicted prenatal fatigue.

Conclusions

TNF-α was identified as an independent biomarker for prenatal fatigue in our study. Reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines may be a unique method for lowering prenatal fatigue and, consequently, enhancing mother and child health.
Ac2-26 attenuates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice via regulating IL-22/IL-22R1/STAT3 signaling
Authors: Li Wanzhen , Jiang Hongxin , Bai Chen , Yu Shuna , Pan Yitong , Wang Chenchen , Li Huiting , Li Ming , Sheng Yaxin , Chu Fangfang , Wang Jie , Chen Yuting , Li Jianguo , Jiang Jiying
Published: September 2022

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is one of the major sources of mortality and morbidity associated with hepatic surgery. Ac2-26, a short peptide of Annexin A1 protein, has been proved to have a protective effect against IRI. However, whether it exerts a protective effect on HIRI has not been reported. The HIRI mice model and the oxidative damage model of H2O2-induced AML12 cells were established to investigate whether Ac2-26 could alleviate HIRI by regulating the activation of IL-22/IL-22R1/STAT3 signaling. The protective effect of Ac2-26 was measured by various biochemical parameters related to liver function, apoptosis, inflammatory reaction, mitochondrial function and the expressions of IL-22, IL-22R1, p-STAT3Tyr705. We discovered that Ac2-26 reduced the Suzuki score and cell death rate, and increased the cell viability after HIRI. Moreover, we unraveled that Ac2-26 significantly decreased the number of apoptotic hepatocytes, and the expressions of cleaved-caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, HIRI increased the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA), NADP+/NADPH ratio and reactive oxygen species (ROS), whereas Ac2-26 decreased them significantly. Additionally, Ac2-26 remarkably alleviated mitochondria dysfunction, which was represented by an increase in the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and mitochondrial membrane potential, a decrease in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) damage. Finally, we revealed that Ac2-26 pretreatment could significantly inhibit the activation of IL-22/IL22R1/STAT3 signaling. In conclusion, this work demonstrated that Ac2-26 ameliorated HIRI by reducing oxidative stress and inhibiting the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, which might be closely related to the inhibition of the IL-22/IL22R1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Effect of Counselling on Compliance of Hydroxyurea Therapy and Frequency of Hospital Admissions among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease- A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Prajapati Gaurav Kumar , Sharma Shweta , Shrivastava Jyotsna
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an autosomal recessive multisystem disorder, characterised by anaemia, recurrent episodes of pain and chronic organ damage. Hydroxyurea (HU), a disease modifying agent with proven efficacy in reducing painful episodes in SCD patients thereby improving quality of life. Compliance to hydroxyurea therapy is a liming factor in management of SCD. Aim: To compare adherence to HU therapy and frequency of hospital admissions before and after counselling. Materials And Methods: This longitudinal study was conducted in Department of Paediatrics at Gandhi Medical College and associated Hamidia Hospital Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India, from 1st January 2020 to 30th June 2021. Patients with SCD, between the age group of 1-14 years, in a study period were recruited for the study. After enrolment, data regarding HU therapy and admissions in the previous one year was recorded for each registered patient. This was followed by detailed counselling sessions, which were repeated at 3 monthly intervals for a period of 1 year. Post-counselling data collection was done to evaluate the response. The effect of counselling was assessed using Chi-square test (for categorical variables) and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) or paired t-test (for continuous variables). A p-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Initially, a total of 42 patients were registered, out of which only 31 patients could be followed-up till the last counselling. Mean age of the patients was 7.8±3.5 years, and 20 (64.5%) cases were males. As per history and previous year data total of 26 (83%) patients were already on HU therapy. Frequency of crises, hospital admissions, school absenteeism, and blood transfusion reduced significantly post counselling. The common factor associated with non adherence to therapy were non availability of drugs 21 (67.7%), followed by improper follow-up 20 (64.5%) and unawareness 17 (54.8%). Financial problems, non-palatability and distance from the hospital were other associated factors in 11 (35.5%), 4 (12.9%) and 2 (6.5%) cases, respectively. Conclusion: With counselling, better drug compliance to HU therapy was observed. This is expected to help in achieving better disease control in terms of reduced need for blood transfusion, hospital admissions as well as school absenteeism.
Rowell Syndrome: A True Entity or a Diagnostic Challenge?
Authors: Sivaramakrishnan S , Manoharan K , Sukanya G , Jotwani Richa
Published: September 2022

Lupus Erythematosus (LE) is an inflammatory condition of the connective tissue which manifests in variable forms. Rowell syndrome is a rare entity, with a female preponderance, where there is the presence of both LE and Erythema Multiforme (EM)-like lesions. Such patients are positive for antinuclear, anti-Ro/La and rheumatoid factor. Subcutaneous LE (SCLE) and EM can often share characteristics. The presence of lesions resembling both the conditions can pose a diagnostic difficulty, especially in the absence of complete clarity on the existence of Rowell syndrome. Present case is of a 47-year-old female, who presented with rashes over the face and trunk, along with photosensitivity. Cutaneous examination revealed multiple erythematous hyperpigmented plaques over the face with atypical targetoid lesions over the trunk and limbs. The diagnosis of Rowell’s syndrome was confirmed based on immunology and histopathology. This case has been reported to highlight the importance of delving into the various presentations of LE.
Impact of Small Enterprise Loan Programme of Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation on the Beneficiaries Socio-economic Development: A Case of Bangladesh
Authors: Islam M. R. , Islam M. R. , Ali M. S. , Kabir M. H.
Published: September 2022

Various government and non-government organizations in Bangladesh are trying to socio-economic development of the rural poor through Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). In this context, the purpose of the study was to assess the impact of small enterprise loan programme (SELP) of Palli Daridro Bimochon Foundation (PDBF) on the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries. The study was conducted in four upazilas (sub-district) of Bangladesh. Face to face interview was conducted to collect relevant data from the randomly selected 271 respondents. The survey revealed that majority (69.40%) of the respondents developed their socio-economic conditions which ranged from medium to high level compared to 30.60 % of the respondents was at low level. The regression result showed that the socio-economic development of the beneficiaries is characterized by their higher age, higher education, longer experience in involvement, higher savings, lower loan availability, higher satisfaction and favourable attitude towards SELP. The findings may contribute to improving SELP beneficiaries’ socio-economic condition through more effective policies.
Effect of Hunteria umbellata Methanolic Seed Extracts on Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Albino Rats
Authors: C. Nwaogwugwu, J. , I. Nosiri, C. , C. Aguwamba, , F. Aaron, C. , W. Ike, U.
Published: September 2022

This study investigated the inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase, LD50 and antidiabetic properties of the methanolic seed extract of Hunteria umbellata and its effect on biochemical parameters in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Twelve albino rats were used for the acute toxicity test, while thirty-five were divided randomly into seven groups of five in each group. Group 1 served as the normal control, Group 2 served as the diabetic control, Group 3 was treated with glycinorm at 50 mg/kg body weight, Group 4 was treated with extract at 200 mg/kg body weight, Group 5 was treated with 400 mg/kg body weight, Group 6 was treated with 600 mg/kg body weight and Group 7 was treated with 800 mg/kg body weight by oral administration. Diabetes was induced in albino rats by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin at a single dose of 120 mg/kg body weight into groups 3 to 7 and was fed with methanolic seed extract of Hunteria umbellata for a period of 28 days.  The oral acute (LD50) toxicity study showed that extract did not cause mortality in any experimental animals even at the highest dose of 5000 mg/kg. Body weight and glucose levels were measured on days  0, 7, 14,21 and 28. The animal were sacrificed on day 28. Serum biochemical parameters were analysed. Additionally, renal function tests, including potassium, sodium, and chloride levels and protein and albumin levels, were performed. The study also evaluated hematological parameters in the animals that were fed the methanolic seed extract of  Hunteria  umbellata. The animals that received different methanolic seed extracts of Hunteria umbellata showed significant (p<0.05) reductions in blood glucose, inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase, serum liver enzymes, renal function biomarkers, packed cell volume and platelet counts and improved body weight. Conclusively, from this study, it has been demonstrated that the methanolic seed extract of Hunteria umbellata may possess weight enhancing, inhibitory effect of alpha-amylase, antihyperglycemic, hepatoprotective, improved hematological values, and cell and organ protective activities. Therefore, it can be concluded that H. umbellata protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetes via regulation of blood glucose, inhibition of alpha amylase and reverse some biochemical parameters.
Late Recognition of Andersen's Disease in Advanced Heart Failure
Authors: Wakrim Zakaria , Elqadi Chaimaa Ait , Essaket Imane , Jamili Mohamed El , Hattaoui Mustapha
Published: September 2022

Glucogen storage diseases such as Andersen's disease are inherited disorders of carbohydrate metabolism. Cardiac involvement in Andersen's disease is extremely unusual and difficult to diagnose, especially in elderly individuals with atypical presentations. The following is a case of a 61-year-old man with a family history of muscle weakness who presented with congestive heart failure and was found to have Andersen disease cardiomyopathy. The diagnosis was made in view of the normal negative workup for cardiomyopathy, massive glucose tetrasaccharide excretion, and normal alpha-glucosidase activity. The patient rapidly deteriorated and passed away. This case highlights the need to consider storage diseases in adults with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy of uncertain etiology in the presence of liver or muscle involvement.
Ethanolic Root Extract of Urtica dioica Exhibits Pro-fertility and Antioxidant Activities in Female Albino Rats
Authors: Oladimeji S. O. , Soares A. S. , Igbalaye J. O. , Awote O. K. , Adigun A. K. , Awoyemi Z. O.
Published: September 2022

Aims: To determine the effect of ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica roots on reproductive hormones and antioxidant enzymes in female Wistar rats.

Study Design: Experimental Research.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Lagos State University, Lagos Nigeria between November 2019 and February 2020.

Methodology: A total of 40 rats used, were divided into eight groups of 5 rats. The study was carried out for a period of 21 days, the rats were induced with levonorgestrel for 7 days after which Urtica dioica extract was administered for 14 days and were compared against vehicle, levonorgestrel and extract controls. Hormonal level estimation (Progesterone, estradiol, prolactin and testosterone) and in-vivo antioxidant enzyme activity (catalase and alkaline phosphatase activity) were estimated using standard procedures.

Results: The administration of the extract showed no statistically significant difference in estradiol levels across all groups. Progesterone levels decreased significantly (p<0.05) compared to the controls while prolactin and testosterone levels also decreased, although not significant. The extract increased catalase and alkaline phosphatase activities significantly in IHD group compared to the control.

Conclusion: The ethanolic extract of Urtica dioica roots exhibits pro-fertility and antioxidant activities.
Effects of Blended NPSB Fertilizer Rates on Growth, Yield and Yield Components of Bread Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Varieties on Jimma Arjo District, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Regassa Chaltu , Abera Tolera , Iticha Birhanu
Published: September 2022

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of the most important cereal crops in Ethiopia, however the yield of the crop is low mainly due to low soil fertility management, lack of using balanced fertilizer and lack of using improved wheat varieties. The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of varieties, fertilizer rate and their interaction on yield and yield components and to determine the economic feasibility of application of fertilizer for optimum yield of bread wheat varieties. The experiment was conducted in Jimma Arjo district with four levels of NPSB fertilizer rates (0, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha-1) and 64/20 NP and three bread wheat varieties (Ogolcho, Huluka and Hidase) combined factorially and laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. The soils of the experimental area exhibited high sand (36%) but relatively low clay fractions (30%). Before sowing, the soils of the experimental site showed mean soil pH (H2O) value of 5.52, organic carbon content of 2.21%, total N (0.19%) available P (10.02%), organic matter content (3.80%), and available boron of 0.99 ppm.. The main effect of varieties and NPSB fertilizer application were significant for all parameters of bread wheat varieties except harvest index and only seed per spike and thousand seed weight were significant for interaction. The highest mean grain yield of 5801 kg ha-1 was obtained for Huluka bread wheat variety with applications of 150 kg NPSB ha-1 and 200 kg urea ha-1 fertilizers. The lowest 1599 kg ha-1grain yield was recorded from Hidase with no fertilizer. The highest net benefit ETB 154288 ha-1 with marginal rate of return of 3210% and value to cost ratio of ETB 66.19 per unit of investment for bread wheat production was obtained from application of 150 kg NPSB ha-1 and 200 kg Urea ha-1. In conclusion, application of 150 kg ha-1 NPSB enhanced bread wheat yield and, therefore, recommended for bread wheat production.
Optimizing Integrated Plant Nutrient Supply through STCR Approach for Targeted Yield of Forage Oat (Avena sativa L.) in an Inceptisols
Authors: Kumar Vimlesh , Singh Y. V. , Bharteey Prem Kumar , Luthra Nidhi , Bahuguna Ayush , Sarvajeet . , Singh Pavan
Published: September 2022

During Rabi 2018-19, an Inceptisol field test was conducted at the Agriculture Research Farm at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, using STCR technique, from which fertiliser recommendation equations for oat (Avena sativa L.) may be developed. Soil test results, oat fresh forage yield and NPK uptake by oat crop were used to attain four essential basic parameters, i.e., nutrients required to produce one quintal of fresh forage (NR), fertilizer contribution of nutrients (% CF), soil nutrient contribution (% CS) and organic matter contribution from FYM (CFYM). A quintal of fresh forage required 0.26, 0.04, and 0.30 Kg of N, P2O5 and K2O, respectively. Soil Nutrient Contribution Proportions (CS%): 35.81, 48.44, and 64.87 N, P2O5, and K2O, respectively. N, P2O5, and K2O percent added through fertilizer alone (CF %) and FYM alone (CFYM) were 59.17, 47.38, and 115.25; 24.19, 5.82, and 2.33, respectively. The ready reckoner doses of fertilizer were emphasized on these specific criteria for various soil test values and required to make recommendations for fresh forage oat yields for NPK alone and NPK + FYM.
Production and Price Cycles in Beef Cattle in Rondônia State, Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Santos Wânia Mendonça dos , Costa Juliane da Silva , Santos Marcos Antônio Souza dos , Rebello Fabrício Khoury , Nery Mauro Mundim , Soares Bruno Cabral , Loureiro João Paulo Borges de
Published: September 2022

The study evaluates the behavior of production and prices in the beef cattle market in  Rondônia, Brazilian Amazon. Covering the period from 1995 to 2020, we used statistical  analysis based on the classical multiplicative method of time series. Resultingly, we found  that the occurrence of annual seasonality in prices, with a reduction in the first half of the  year and an increase in the second half of the year, corresponding to the bovine and  off-season harvests, respectively. It was possible to observe the existence of three   complete livestock cycles, with an average duration of five years. Trend, seasonality, and  cycles of livestock in Rondônia, over the last 25 years, expose a series of relevant information for decision-making by agents in the livestock production chain, in addition to contributing to the understanding of the dynamics of this important agricultural market for Rondônia and Brazilian economy.
Comprehension Analysis of Traffic Signs by Drivers on Urban Roads in Ilorin, Kwara State
Authors: Mustapha Sikirat Damilola , Ibitoye B. A.
Published: September 2022

Traffic signs are the oldest and most commonly used Traffic Control Device (TCD). These signs convey messages in words or symbols and erected to regulate, warn, or guide the road users (motorists, and pedestrians). This study investigated the level of compliance of traffic control devices among drivers with different sociodemographic characteristics in Ilorin. A descriptive research design of survey type was used in the conduct of the study. The population for this study covers commercial and private drivers in Ilorin. The research instrument used for the study is a well-structured questionnaire. The data gathered were analysed using frequency counts and percentage for the demographic data, and factors that affect the non-understanding of drivers to traffic control devices. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS. For chi- square, only the years of driving experience was found statistically significant with a p-value of 0.006 and for Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) both educational experience and years of driving experience were found to be statistically significant with p-value of 0.001 and 0.000. It was deduced that major factors affecting the non-understanding of traffic control devices by drivers in Ilorin were lack of previous knowledge of the signs, lack of adequate enforcement and non-availability of control devices on most roads in Ilorin.
Principles of Evidence‐Based Dermatology
Authors: Bigby Michael , Williams Hywel C.
Published: September 2022

Evidence‐based medicine (EBM) is the integration of best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. Practising EBM consists of five steps: (i) formulating a well‐built clinical question generated from a patient encounter; (ii) searching for valid external evidence; (iii) critically appraising that evidence for relevance and validity; (iv) applying the results of that appraisal of evidence back to the patient; and (v) recording the information for future use. An important principle of EBM is that the quality (strength) of evidence is based on a hierarchy of evidence. The order of the hierarchy of evidence is dependent on the type of question being asked. The hierarchy of evidence consists of results of well‐designed experimental studies such as randomized controlled trials (especially if the studies have results of similar magnitude and direction, and if there is homogeneity among studies), results of observational studies, case series, expert opinion and personal experience, in descending order.