bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Use of Quantitative Methods in Accounting Research in Poland
Authors:   SGH Warsaw School of Economics, Poland, Gruszczyński Marek
Published: January 2023

This paper presents a review of published accounting research based on quantitative methods originating in Poland between 2010 and 2021. Twenty-one international and national journals were examined, all having “accounting” in their title, as well as the leading Polish journal on accounting research – Zeszyty Teoretyczne Rachunkowości (ZTR, Theoretical Journal of Accounting). The principal finding is that Polish authors – especially those using quantitative methods – rarely publish in top accounting journals outside of Poland. They most frequently publish quantitative papers in ZTR, although those papers account for just 5% of the total number of papers published there. The corresponding percentage of quantitative papers is much higher in leading international accounting journals. This paper is presented as a voice in the debate within Polish academia on the development of the accounting discipline.
Inserción sociolaboral: el papel de las familias desde la percepción de los agentes socioeducativos. Un estudio cualitativo
Authors: Álvarez González Beatriz , Zolá Pacochá Ana
Published: January 2023

En el entorno familiar se empiezan a construir los proyectos vitales, acompañando a los sujetos en el tránsito de su vida. Una de estas transiciones es la inserción laboral, y las familias desempeñan un papel clave en este proceso. El presente estudio se inserta en una investigación más amplia sobre la Educación social y COVID-19 en Iberoamérica: exclusión sociolaboral tras la pandemia y buenas prácticas para la inclusión. Se trata de un estudio exploratorio, con metodología cualitativa, cuyos datos se han recogido mediante entrevista grupal (grupos focales), con preguntas semiestructuradas, que se han analizado con el software cualitativo Atlas-ti (v.22) Los grupos focales se constituyeron con profesionales (informantes clave) de la intervención socioeducativa con familias, que participan en servicios y programas para la inserción sociolaboral tras la pandemia, procedentes de cuatro países iberoamericanos: Brasil, Colombia, España y México. Mediante esta información se pretende conocer las situaciones de exclusión social, las poblaciones más afectadas, y las principales propuestas de intervención. Los resultados que orientan este estudio se centran en:   a) Los jóvenes y el apoyo familiar durante y tras la pandemia; b) El género y los cuidados (el apoyo vinculado a los roles). Se encontró acuerdo entre los profesionales con respecto a la valoración del papel proactivo de padres, madres y cuidadores/as en el fomento de la autonomía personal y familiar de los miembros. Así, la intervención de agentes socioeducativos (entidades del 3º sector), se consideró pertinente para orientar, acompañar e identificar las habilidades sociales y laborales que facilitan la inserción sociolaboral.
Exclusión sociolaboral: Programas y recursos para la inclusión
Authors: Polo Amashta Giselle Paola , Lafaurie Molina Andrea , Pérez de Guzmán Puya María Victoria
Published: January 2023

El presente artículo estudia los recursos y los programas principales de inserción sociolaboral para la población adolescente y joven, que son implementados por entidades públicas y privadas de España, Colombia, México y Brasil. Para ello, el estudio cuenta con un diseño metodológico con enfoque cualitativo y alcance descriptivo. La recolección de la infor-mación se realizó por medio de la aplicación de cuatro grupos focales; uno por cada país, en el que participaron 17 agentes socioeducativos de entidades públicas y privadas con programas de inserción sociolaboral. De esta manera, se analizó la información por categorías generales, a través de un análisis de contenido, las cuales surgieron del discurso de los agentes socioeducativos que participaron en el grupo focal. Estas son: a) programas centrados en cursos ocupacionales para población adolescente y joven que fomentan vínculos y emancipación, b) programas de formación en habilidades sociales, c) programas de formación para el trabajo, d) programas de empleabilidad, emprendimiento y políticas empresariales, e) programas de orientación y acceso a derechos. También, se consideró como subcategoría las necesidades identificadas para la inclusión, debido a la reiteración de este aspecto en el discurso de las personas participantes en los grupos focales. Los resultados principales del estudio demuestran la existencia de problemáticas de exclusión sociolaboral de la población adolescente y joven en los países mencionados, tales como situaciones estructurales y de inequidad entre territorios. Así mismo, se destaca la existencia de algunos programas y recursos para la inclusión sociolaboral con diferentes grados de alcance e impacto en las poblaciones, enfocados principalmente en: habilidades sociales o blandas, el empoderamiento juvenil, cursos ocupacionales, empleabilidad, entre otros. No obstante, se evidencia que aún se debe seguir trabajando mancomunadamente con las administraciones públicas y privadas para garantizar una cobertura en programas socioeducativos, que le permita a la población adolescente y joven, aprender sobre herramientas y recursos pertinentes para la inserción sociolaboral
Buscando mejores oportunidades formativas y laborales de jóvenes en una situación vulnerable
Authors: Jiménez Ramírez Magdalena , Lorente García Rocío , Torres Sánchez Mónica
Published: January 2023

Los jóvenes tienen que afrontar unas transiciones hacia la vida adulta cada vez más prolongadas en el tiempo y más diversas. Con el objetivo de apoyar a los jóvenes du­rante sus transiciones, la Unión Europea ha promovido el desarrollo de diferentes iniciativas, programas y políticas de aprendizaje permanente que tienen, entre otros, el objetivo de ges­tionar con éxito las transiciones al mercado laboral y participar plenamente en el mercado laboral. Esta investigación forma parte de un proyecto europeo que tiene, entre otros objeti­vos, analizar cómo estas políticas se ajustan a las percepciones y expectativas de los jóvenes adultos, de sus competencias formales y no formales y les permiten, de esta forma, crear un significado significativo y continuo a lo largo de sus trayectorias vitales. Este artículo presenta un análisis de jóvenes expuestos a una situación vulnerable y que son beneficiarios de algunos de estos programas. En concreto, se desarrollaron entrevistas biográficas con diez jóvenes. Los resultados se organizan de acuerdo a la presentación de la persona entrevistada, a la construcción de su historia de vida, a la elaboración de un plan de vida y a la experiencia con la política de aprendizaje seleccionada y apuntan a la necesidad de repensar las políticas de aprendizaje permanente en base a la necesidad de coordinar diferentes ámbitos, no solo los relacionados con la mejora de la empleabilidad, para responder a los desafíos que los jóvenes adultos tienen que hacer frente en sus transiciones de vida.
Stories told by corals, algae, and sea-urchins in a Mesoamerican coral reef: degradation trumps succession
Authors: Victoria-Salazar Isael , González Edgar J. , Meave Jorge A. , Ruiz-Zárate Miguel-Ángel , Hernández-Arana Héctor A.
Published: January 2023

Understanding the mechanisms that allow the permanence of coral reefs and the constancy of their characteristics is necessary to alleviate the effects of chronic environmental changes. After a disturbance, healthy coral reefs display trajectories that allow regaining coral cover and the establishment of framework building corals. Through a comparative approach, in a patch reef partially affected by a ship grounding, we analyzed the successional trajectories in affected and unaffected sectors. Fleshy algae (which do not promote the recruitment of corals) dominated the reef surface irrespective of the impact of the ship grounding incident. Acropora species had near-zero contributions to community structure, whereas non-framework building corals like Porites sp. had a slightly higher recruitment. Cover of coral and calcareous crustose algae decreased over time, and neither the latter nor adult coral colonies had any effect on the occurrence probabilities of small corals. Sea urchin (Diadema antillarum) densities were generally low, and thus unlikely to contribute to reverting algal dominance. The successional trajectories of the community in the impacted and non-impacted sectors of the coral patch reef agree with the inhibition successional model, leading to the development of a degraded state dominated by fleshy algae. It is probable that the stability and resilience of this degraded state are high due to the ability of fleshy algae to monopolize space, along with low coral recovery potential.
semiótica do turismo para análises visuais
Authors: Guissoni Rodrigo , Luderer Cynthia Arantes Ferreira , Carvalho Joelma Monteiro de , Mello Cynthia Menezes
Published: January 2023

O humano é um ser simbólico que busca explicar os fenômenos que surgem diante de si, os fenômenos visuais. Para isso a semiótica o auxilia nesse caminho da interpretação. No universo turístico, as fotografias emergem como contributo para a evolução no modo de representar, registrar, documentar o que está ao alcance dos olhos ou além. Nesse sentido, esta pesquisa busca demonstrar como a semiótica do turismo contribui para adensar as análises visuais no campo do turismo. Para tanto, visa-se conferir sua usabilidade, assim como a aplicação desse método, suas categorias e uso na produção de sentido. Esta pesquisa, de natureza qualitativa, realizou uma análise visual em fotos do Cristo Redentor extraídas do Instagram. Dentre os principais resultados, foi possível constatar o papel da semiótica do turismo como aporte metodológico junto as pesquisas com teor visual. Essa aplicabilidade possibilitou, por meio de categorias, elementos e composição, identificar três interpretações mediante as fotos do Cristo Redentor: (i) como representação (sentido semiótico); (ii) como um pano de fundo (tela semiótica); (iii) como cenário na dinâmica com os turistas.
Vocabulary networks workshop 1: Introduction
Authors: Meara Paul , Miralpeix Imma
Published: January 2023

The idea that a vocabulary is a network of words is one that has become a common theme of the second language (L2) vocabulary research literature. However, not many people have considered the wider implications of this powerful metaphor. This paper is the first in a series of workshops that examines some of these implications. In this first workshop, we introduce some very simple computational models which illustrate some basic properties of network structures. The workshop consists of a set of interactive programs that model a vocabulary as a Cellular Automaton–a minimally organized network where each word is linked to a small number of other words, and words change their activity status depending on the inputs they receive from other words. These networks exhibit some surprising emergent properties which have important implications for the way we understand and think about real vocabulary networks.
Effect of FIFA 11+, Dynamic and Regular Warm-up Protocols on Speed, Agility, and Lower Limb Explosive Power in Badminton Players: A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Chettri Sudesh , Sehdev Abhishta , Indora Nitin Kumar , Indora Vipin , Anand Pooja
Published: January 2023

Introduction: FIFA 11+, has already shown a positive response to the various physical parameters and reduced injury rates in football players, similar studies were not performed on badminton players. With this background, the present study was conducted. Aim: To compare the effects of FIFA 11+, dynamic warm-up, and regular badminton warm-up on speed, agility, and lower limb explosive power. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted in different badminton academies located in Faridabad, Haryana, India, from September 2017 to March 2019 with the implementation of the programme for four weeks with a sample size of 48 players (both male and female) aged between 14-18 years participated in the study. The participants were divided randomly into group A; following FIFA 11+ protocol (11+ is a multifaceted warm-up program with four componentssprinting, strength, plyometric and balance), group B followed dynamic warm-up and group C followed their regular warm-up. The players followed the protocols for four weeks (12 sessions with FIFA11+ for 15-20 minutes and dynamic warm-up of 15 minutes). A pre and postassessment was done for agility using a T-test, speed was assessed by a 10 m sprint, and Lower limb explosive power was assessed using the vertical jump test. The statistical tests used for analysis was the Post-Hoc Tukey test for between-group analysis and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) paired t-test for within-group analysis using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0 software. Results: There was no statistical difference between the three groups when the Post-Hoc Tukey test was done. However, when within the group analysis was done using paired t-test there was statistically significant difference for agility in group A (p-value=0.030) and speed in group B (p-value=0.021). Conclusion: This study concludes that none of the three groups out performed the other for all the parameters.
Interleukin-17 Inhibitor in Treatment of Psoriasis during COVID-19 Pandemic: An Ambispective Study
Authors: Aravamudhan Ramesh , Sampath V , Kannan Rajkumar , Kumar Parimalam , Srinivasan Venkatesan , Sridevi MM
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Psoriasis is a genetically mediated chronic inflammatory disease that is frequently associated with metabolic co-morbidities. These metabolic co-morbidities have a huge impact in deciding the appropriate immunosupressant of choice in the current scenario of Coronavirus Disease (COVID19) pandemic. Treatment of psoriasis especially with biologicals is challenging during covid pandemic since immunosuppressive therapy might interfere with antiviral immunity. Aim: To report the safety profile of Interleukin-17 (IL-17) inhibitor, namely injection secukinumab in patients of psoriasis vulgaris during COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: An ambispective interventional study was performed on 23 patients of psoriasis who were administered secukinumab at a dose of 300 mg subcutaneously during COVID19 pandemic.The study was conducted at the Department of Dermatology, Madras Medical College, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India among the patients attending the psoriasis clinic between the July 2021 to March 2022. The demographic characteristics of the study group, previous treatment for psoriasis and the relationship between risk of COVID-19 infection and secukinumab were noted. Efficacy of secukinumab was calculated using Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) scores. Statistical analysis was conducted with Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) statistics software version 21.0 by Fischer’s-exact test. Results: Out of 23 patients, 17 patients (11 males, six females) completed full course of nine doses (five weekly doses followed by four monthly doses) of secukinumab. The PASI 75 and PASI 90 were achieved in 9 (52.94%) and 8 (29.41%) patients respectively at the end of 12 weeks. None of the patients developed COVID-19 infection during the course of treatment and three months following therapy. Patients with psoriasis who had a history of COVID-19 infection did not show signs of reinfection when started on secukinumab. Both inactivated vaccine (Covaxin) and vector based vaccine (Covishield) were found to be safe in concomitant use with secukinumab. Conclusion: Secukinumab is found to be safe and effective in psoriasis treatment during COVID-19 pandemic. There is no increased risk of COVID-19 infection or reinfection, COVID-19 associated hospitalisation and mortality among patients with psoriasis administered with secukinumab. The drug can also be safely used with COVID-19 vaccines.
Microsurgical Approach for the Coverage of Gingival Recession Defects using Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTATM) Technique- A Case Report
Authors: Sharma Aishaan , Uppal Ridhima , Kapoor Shalini , Bhardwaj Amit , Gupta Aayushee
Published: January 2023

Gingival recession which is described as the loss of gingival attachment due to apical migration of the gingival margin from the cementoenamel junction leading to the exposure of the root surface, is one of the most prevalent diseases in the world. The treatment of gingival recession is therefore essential to achieve good aesthetics, relieve root hypersensitivity, prevent root caries and cervical abrasions. Till date, many root coverage techniques have been implicated for the coverage of recession defect. This case report focuses on the Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTATM) technique for the root coverage procedure and simultaneous application of the microsurgical principles helps in executing the procedure in the most minimally invasive manner. Here, this technique has been accomplished in a 24-year-old female, with the chief complaint of poor aesthetics in the region of maxillary central incisors due to recession defects. Furthermore with the use of microsurgical instruments and magnifying loupes; complete coverage of the recession defects was achieved in a single stage surgery along with superior aesthetics, causing minimal trauma to the patient that was followed by an uneventful inflammatory phase.
Analysis of the Technological Position in Relation to Aluminium Casting Production
Authors: Pacana Andrzej , Czerwińska Karolina
Published: January 2023

The dynamically developing production market, and in particular the metallurgic industry, enforces constant improvement of the level of production efficiency and product quality, which influences company position on the market and the level of its competitiveness. Therefore, the aim of the study was to determine the current position of the foundry enterprise, taking into account the aluminium gearbox casting, in the context of tech-nological capabilities and market position, as well as to identify critical factors and, finally, to indicate the conditions for its strengthening. The study used a 3x3 matrix. The company under study, in the context of manufacturing the analysed product, is classified in the area of "marketing improvement". This area demon-strates the need to take measures to establish a marketing and development department and the need to make better use of the company's identified technological potential. The method presented in the study can be useful for analysing the position of manufacturing and service companies in various industries, in order to select an appropriate development strategy.
Numerical Simulation of Mechanical Joining of Three DP600 and DC06 Steel Sheets
Authors: Cmorej Denis , Kaščák Ľuboš
Published: January 2023

There are many reasons to utilize various grades of steel in car body production. Automotive producers tend to choose steels with great formability and the capacity to absorb impact energy. The dominant method used for joining car body sheets has for many years been resistance spot welding, but the use of various steel sheets leads to research into alternative joining methods. Mechanical joining - clinching, is the innovative method to join these materials. Numerical simulation tools are used to optimize the joining of materials. Simufact Forming software was used to analyse the clinching joining of three sheets of material DP600 and DC06. According to the axisymmetric character of the mechanical joining process, the simulation was stream-lined to a 2D representation. The results of the simulation of the mechanical joining process were compared with the real samples prepared for metallographic observation.
Mechanical Properties of Aluminium/Copper Bimetallic Sheets Subjected to Cyclic Bending
Authors: Żaba Krzysztof , Puchlerska Sandra , Rusz Stanislav , Fejkiel Romuald
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of the roll bonding (RB) process on the mechanical properties of Al/Cu bimetallic strip specimens. A specially designed test instrument for the cyclic bending test of strip specimens produced by RB has been proposed. The test consists of repeated pulling of a strip of sheet metal through a system of cylindrical countersamples. Samples cut along and across the sheet rolling direction were tested. The specimens were subjected to preliminary microstructural tests using an optical microscope with Nomarski contrast and scanning electron microscopy. The tests showed a slight influence of the orientation of the samples on changes to the mechanical properties of the bimetallic sheets in the cyclic bending process. For samples oriented along the sheet rolling direction, discontinuities in the transition layer were found. The samples oriented perpendicularly to the rolling direction were free of this defect.
Cognitive Skills Strengthened during the Course of Research Methodology in Medical Sciences Careers
Authors: Minnaard Vivian Aurelia , Riba Guillermina , Zocchi Mercedes , Gonzalez Mariana
Published: January 2023

Introduction: From March 2020 onwards, the global health situation generated decision-making in different areas in all countries, including academics. The actors involved in Higher Education were not oblivious to this situation. The chair of Methodology for Health Sciences careers implemented variability of proposals. The Objective was to analyze the degree of acceptance of the strategies and activities implemented during the Research Methodology course in the year 2021 by the students of the careers of Phonoaudiology, Medicine, Nutrition and Kinesiology and Physiatry of a privately run University. and from the Geography and Mathematics careers of a Teacher Training Institute, Mar del Plata, Argentina. The work team also wanted to investigate what cognitive abilities were developed strengthened with each proposal implemented.

Materials and Methods: The research carried out by the teaching team of the chair was developed in a descriptive way, with 189 students selected in a non-probabilistic way for convenience.

Results: They identify the follow-up developed on COVID in different countries for more than 200 days as extremely interesting, pointing out that it allowed them to strengthen skills such as recognizing, comparing, interpreting, analyzing, designing, explaining, and evaluating.

Conclusions: As those responsible for the training of professionals, it is necessary to monitor the activities implemented and make the necessary adjustments. Every problem, as has been the case during the Pandemic, becomes a challenge, a new mountain to climb that as teachers we transform into an opportunity to continue growing.
The Effect of Influencer Marketing and Content Marketing on Customer Engagement and Purchase Decisions on Followers
Authors: Evania Stella , Listiana Erna , Wendy . , Rosnani Titik , Fahruna Yulyanti
Published: January 2023

Aims: This study aims to analyze the effect of influencer marketing and content marketing on consumer purchase decision and customer engagement as mediating variables at Mitra Jawi Pontianak.

Study Design: A quantitative approach was used to investigate this study, and as many as 204 respondent who met the required requirements participated.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was taken place at Pontianak, West Kalimantan with Mitra Jawi Pontianak as a background study and conducted between September 2022 and November 2022.

Methodology: The samples included a total of 204 respondents (68 men, 136 women; age range 17-50years). The sample criteria in this study were all the followers of Instagram account of Mitra Jawi Pontianak. Researchers used AMOS 24 software and structural equation modelling (SEM) to process the data.

Results: The influence of influencer marketing on customer engagement is 6.049, more significant than the t-table value (1.96). Likewise, the p-value < 0.001, smaller than 0.05 (α = 0.05). It show that influencer marketing positively and significantly affects customer engagement. For the second hypothesis, the t-value, the effect of content marketing on customer engagement is 6.724, and the p-value < 0.001. It proves that content marketing positively and significantly affects customer engagement. For the third hypothesis, the t-value, the effect of customer engagement on purchase decisions is 4.246, and the p-value < 0.001. It shows that customer engagement positively and significantly affects purchase decisions. For the fourth hypothesis, the t-value, the effect of influencer marketing on purchase decisions is 2.317, and the p-value < 0.001. It show that influencer marketing positively and significantly affects purchase decisions. For the fifth hypothesis, the t-value, the effect of content marketing on purchase decisions is 2.379, and the p-value < 0.001. Thus, content marketing has a positive and significant effect on purchase decisions.  

Conclusion: The study was carried by taking a sample of Mitra Jawi’s Instagram account followers. Both influencer marketing and content marketing positively and significantly influences customer engagement at the Mitra Jawi Pontiana. Also, the data indicate influencer marketing and content marketing positively and significantly influences consumer purchase decision at the Mitra Jawi Pontianak.
Capitalization and Efficiency of Cemac Banks: An Intermediation Approach
Authors: Mekia Alain Bertrand Ndzana , Tameko Gautier Tchoffo
Published: January 2023

This study assesses the effect of increased equity capital on the technical efficiency of CEMAC banks. With this end in view, we use panel data from seventeen banks extracted from Bankscope database (2017). The study period runs from 2014 to 2016 and the analysis is carried out in two steps. In the first step, the intermediation approach and the Data Envelopment Analysis are used respectively to choose the inputs and outputs (variables) and measure the technical efficiency of the banks. In the second step, the technical efficiency scores obtained in the first step are estimated using the Tobit model and the Maximum Likelihood estimator. The results obtained show that the fact that banks in the CEMAC sub-region increase their equity capital negatively and significantly affects their pure technical efficiency and their efficiency of scale. For this reason, our recommendations relate to the definition of prudential capital ratios, capable not only of ensuring financial security and stability but also of reducing at best the problems of information asymmetries between shareholders, managers and the creditors.
The Effectiveness of Chlorhexidine 0.2% Mouthwash vs. Chlorhexidine 0.2% Mouthwash and Toothbrush in Preventing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Karki Nita
Published: January 2023

Background: Intensive care unit patients are fragile and highly susceptible to infections. Respiratory infections, especially ventilator-associated pneumonia, are the most frequent infectious complications in critically ill patients. Evidence-based patient care treatment practices have been developed by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to decrease ventilator-associated pneumonia cases. Sixty percent of cases of ventilator-associated pneumonia have been reduced by simple oral routine care.

Aims: To compare the effectiveness of 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash solution and chlorhexidine mouth wash with tooth brush and their association in demographic variables in patient admitted in critical care unit.

Methodology: A RCT was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021 in the patient under mechanical ventilation. Ethical clearance and written consent were obtained before collecting information. 30 participants in each control and experimental group were selected by applying the convenient sample technique method. Data was collected using the self-created Performa and the main tool, the Clinical Pulmonary Infection Score, to detect ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Analysis: The data gathered were analyzed and interpreted according to the objective of the study using SPSS version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to find out the demographic result, and the non-parametric Chi-square test was used to compare the data.

Results: Out of 60 participants, majority of patient belongs to 51-60 years, i.e. 11 (36.67%) in control group and 61-70 years, i.e. 13 (43.33%) experimental group. Patients who received chlorhexidine with tooth brushing intervention had higher Clinical pulmonary Infection Score values and higher rate of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia occurrence in experimental group 3(10%) than in control group 1(3.33%).

Conclusion: Combining tooth brushing with 0.2% chlorhexidine did not provide additional benefits over 0.2% chlorhexidine alone. There is no significant reduction in the rate of ventilator-associated pneumonia by applying 0.2% chlorhexidine with toothbrushing.
Exposure-Time Effect of Cement Dust on Liver Organ in Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Authors: Ogenyi Samuel Ifedioranma , Ike Amalachukwu Okwukwe , Blessing Okwuanaso Chetachi , Eberechukwu God’sman Chidugam , Chinemerem Achilefu, Ramson , Hanson Sharon Ibilate
Published: January 2023

Background: The purpose of this research was to compare the effect of duration of cement dust on the liver organ of albino rats. In this study, a glass house animal exposure chamber was fabricated using a plexi-glass and two blowing fans of adjustable revolution.

Methodology: A total of twenty five rats averagely weighing 135g were used and categorized into five groups composed of 5 rats each: A group (without cement exposure); B group (exposed to 200g of cement dust for 1 hour daily for 15days); C group (exposed to 200g of cement dust for 1 hour daily for 30 days); D group (exposed to 200g of cement dust for 1 hour daily for 45 days) and E group (exposed to 200g of cement dust for 1 hour daily for 60 days). The means of exposure was by inhalation. After the exposure periods, the animals were sacrificed, blood collected in plain bottle and analyzed for some liver function.

Results: The ANOVA result showed that there were significant changes (p < 0.05) in the levels of some liver function markers such as alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Total protein (TP), Albumin and Conjugated bilirubin (CB), and the alteration patterns were irregular. On the other hand, there were no changes (p>0.05) in the levels of Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT) and Total bilirubin (TB) among the groups.

Conclusion: This study has therefore shown that exposure to cement may cause some decrease of liver injury in rats regardless of the duration of the exposure.
Comparative Study between the Topographic Method (Classical) and Photogrammetric Method (by Drone) for the Monitoring and Data Acquisition of Mining Works: A Case of the SOMAÏR Uranium Mine, Arlit, North Niger
Authors: Daou Ibrahim Elhadji , Harouna Souley , Moustapha Sanda Chékaraou Mahamane , Hassan Abdourazakou Maman , Amadou Ali Hamani , Zabre Bintou Mandata
Published: January 2023

The SOMAÏR open-pit uranium mine, commonly known as « Société des Mines de l’Aïr Aïr » (Arlit, Northern Niger), has been using the topographic method for several years to monitor and estimate mine production. However, the method has limitations and constraints in the implementation and reliability of the results. The company is considering the use of an innovative, more reliable and economical method. Thus, a pilot project using drones is being implemented. The objective of this work is to carry out a comparative study between the topographic method and the photogrammetric method for monitoring and acquiring data from mining operations. Thus, the data acquired by topometry using a total station, for the so-called classical method and by drone for the photogrammetric method, were analyzed and interpreted. These two (2) methods were used for the follow-up of the M4_Art North ore deposit and the G4_Taossa pit of the SOMAÏR mine. The results of the analysis and processing show that the data acquisition time by drone is relatively low (30 to 40 minutes) compared to that of the topographic surveys (21 to 60 minutes). However, data processing times for the photogrammetric method are relatively higher (50 to 60 minutes) than those for the conventional method (14 to 20 minutes). Nevertheless, this processing time of drone images can be improved with powerful computer equipment. In addition, the use of UAVs offers additional advantages in the monitoring of mining operations, particularly with regard to worker safety, precision in the calculation of dimensions, volumes and tonnages at the mining slice and at the overburden.  Immediate analysis of the two methods shows the accuracy of the drone for the front survey and also shows all the details present on the ground, namely: the machines used, the purging products and other products or elements used. So, it would be wise to opt for the drone in downhole activities.
Growth Attributes and Their Interaction in Toria (Brassica campestris) as Influenced by Various Levels of Phosphorus and Sulphur in Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Devi Kavita , Tripathi Mahesh , Kumar Rakesh , Kumar Arun , Saini Yavnika , Rathore Sonali , Kumari Anjly , Sood Shivangi , Jamwal Naveen
Published: January 2023

A field experiment was carried out at Research Farm Kakli, Eternal University, Baru Sahib (H.P.) during Rabi season of 2021-22 to study the “Growth Attributes and their Interaction in Toria (Brassica campestris) as Influenced by Various Levels of Phosphorus and Sulphur in Mid Hill Zone of Himachal Pradesh.” The trial comprised of two factors (phosphorus and sulphur) which prepared twelve treatment combinations and positioned out in factorial randomized block design (FRBD) and replicated thrice to attain the unvarying and unbiased results. The texture of soil was sandy loam with pH 7.12.The twelve treatment combinations comprising four phosphorus levels (15-30-45-60 kg P2O5 /ha) and three levels of sulphur (20-30-40 kg S /ha). It was ascertained that significantly higher plant height, number of leaves /plant, number of branches /plant and dry weight /plant, were reported under treatment P4 i.e. 60 kg P2O5 /ha. Amongst the several levels of sulphur, significantly higher growth attributes i.e. plant height, number of leaves /plant, number of branches /plant and dry weight /plant were reported under treatment S3 i.e. 40 kg S /ha.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth and Fibre Yield of Sisal (Agave sisalana) in North Coastal Zone of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Sadhineni Malleswari , Sreelatha T. , Mitra S.
Published: January 2023

Sisal (Agave sisalana) historically an important crop grown in marginally degraded soils in north coastal zone of Andhra Pradesh. The leaf fiber from sisal is used for multiple purposes. The semi- perennial xerophytic sisal crop is significantly responding to nutrient management practices in rainfed soils. Pooled results of the field experiment conducted during 2020-21 to 2021-22 at Agricultural Research station, Amadalavalasa, Andhra Pradesh under All India Network Project on Jute and Allied Fibres revealed that, the growth and fibre yield parameters are responding positively to nutrient management practices. Combined application of 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 increased number of leaves / plant by 50.4% as compared to control. Same treatment combination influenced the leaf length and width to the tune of 26% and 14% respectively compared to control. Among the treatments imposed in the experiment, the higher green leaf (49.2%) and dry fibre yield (49.4%) was recorded with 90: 30: 60 kg NPK ha-1 + vermicompost @ 2.5 t ha-1 over control. The effect of integrated application of nutrients to sisal was reflected in higher soil available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium status compared to only NPK application and control treatments. Overall the sisal crop growth, green leaf yield, dry fibre yield and post-harvest soil fertility status was significantly higher with conjunctive use of organic and inorganic sources of nutrients compared to inorganic NPK alone. Hence, the integrated nutrient management proved to be highly rewarding in marginal, nutrient depleted and degraded soils, particularly in rainfed, semi-perennial crops like sisal.
Epidemiological Analysis of the 2019 Dracunculiasis Outbreak in the Liwi Area, Salamat Province (Chad): Evidence of the Role of Pets
Authors: Bilong Rosy Aurèle Olive , Alio Hamit Mahamat , Samafou Kemba , Otchom Brahim Boy
Published: January 2023

Aims: Dracunculiasis is a neglected disease caused by a parasitic nematode, Dracunculus medinensis, also called the filaria of Medina. An outbreak of this disease occurred in the Salamat province in Chad in 2019, while the eradication of this disease worldwide was in its final stage. The outbreak occurred in the Bogam village (Liwi area), where this disease has never been reported in the past. The present work is aimed at identifying the factors that would have favored that outbreak, and the constraints that delay the eradication of dracunculiasis in Chad.

Study Design: Retrospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: The data retrospectively analyzed are those recorded during the census of patients by the Chadian National Guinea Worm Eradication Program (PEVG), from 2019 to 2020, and supplemented by those contained in the registers of previous years. The analyzes were carried out in N'Djamena, between July and November 2021, within the Laboratory of the Faculty of Medicine.

Methodology: The census of patients was carried out during a survey from 2019 to 2020 by PEVG. These data have been supplemented by those contained in the registers of previous years. Data were first stored in a Microsoft (Excel 2007 Software) spreadsheet, then transferred to the SPSS version 20.0 Software, after removal of outliers and input errors. The Chi-Square test (χ2) made it possible to compare the percentages at the threshold of p<0.005.

Results: In summary it appeared that 52.4% of the patients were 5 to 20 years old, 62% were female, 90.48% lived in Bogam, 95.2% used dirty water from ponds and traditional wells, 33% were farmers, and 33% were breeders. In addition, most of the patients became infected between March and November 2018. The following risk factors combined could explain the Bogam 2019 dracunculiasis outbreak namely: cohabitation with infested pets coming into contact with water, the behavior of young and active people with respect to water, consumption of unhygienic water, gender, lack of containment of some patients that could enter water barefoot, period extending from April to September.

Conclusion: This work highlighted the obvious role of pets as a reservoir on the one hand, and the effectiveness of the PEVG in the fight against dracunculiasis through a treatment protocol combining a wet bandage associated with oral diclofenac + amoxicillin + paracetamol.
Ultrasound PECS 2 Versus Dexmedetomidine Infusion for Pain Management after Radical Mastectomy
Authors: Shoman Mohamed Ahmed , Ibrahim Mohamed Ahmed Lofty , Al-Zeftawy Ashraf Al-Sayed , Ibrahim Atteia Gad
Published: January 2023

Background: Pectoralis-Serratus interfascial plane block is a peripheral block of the thoracic wall that presents analgesia of its anterolateral portion. Dexmedetomidine, a specific α-2 adrenoceptor agonist, has sedative, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties. The aim of this work was to assess the analgesic safety and efficacy of Pectoralis-Serratus interfascial plane block in contrast with dexmedetomidine infusion for unilateral radical mastectomy.

Methods: This prospective randomized study was carried out on 60 adult patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I/II scheduled for elective unilateral radical mastectomy. The cases were classified randomly into two equal groups: group I: received ultrasound guided pectoralis serratus interfacial plane block and group II: received dexmedetomidine infusion. All patients were subjected to routine laboratory investigations (coagulation profile, CBC, liver and renal function tests) and visual analogue scale (VAS).

Results: Total amount of fentanyl increments, Ramsey sedation score and total analgesic (morphine) consumption in the 1st 24 hours postoperative were significantly decreased in group I contrasted to group II (P<0.001). Time of the first rescue analgesia was significantly increased in group I than group II (P <0.001).  Bradycardia was considerably decreased in group I than group II (P = 0.026). VAS at rest and at exercise were significantly decreased at 1, 2, 4 and 6 hours in group I than group II (P<0.05).

Conclusions: PECS-II blocks are superior to dexmedetomidine infusion provide adequate post-operative analgesia (lower VAS and total analgesic consumption with increased 1st rescue analgesia) with hemodynamic stability. and less complications.
Social Media Marketing and Word of Mouth on Product Purchase Intentions at Bibit FinTech Startup with the Mediation of Brand Awareness
Authors: Tania Sandra , Listiana Erna , Syahbandi . , Ramadania . , Afifah Nur
Published: January 2023

Aims: This study aims to find out whether marketing through social media and word of mouth can significantly influence brand awareness and purchase intention of mutual fund products at Bibit startup, because branding plays an important role in services since the stronger the brand, the higher the customer's trust in the invisible purchase.

Design/Methodology: This study uses a survey research design method and a quantitative approach which used to ascertain causal relationships between variables, a causal research design is used in this study. The sampling method was carried out online through an online questionnaire which is distributed to respondents who are considered according to predetermined criteria. Bibit startup or PT. Bibit Tumbuh Bersama products were used in the research. Collection of respondents was place during October and November 2022. The source of data in this study is 200 respondents who are Instagram social media users and followers of Bibit’s Instagram account. The research was conducted to obtain significant conclusions using the data analysis model which was processed using the SEM AMOS 26 method.

Results: Based on the results of the Sobel test used in this study to examine the relationship between variables mediated by brand awareness, it has shown a positive and significant value. One of the variables that influence consumers’ decision to make a purchase is awareness of the brand of a product.

Conclusion: Concerns concerning the expansion of social media marketing must be monitored in order to strengthen a brand's visibility. Consumers who are aware of a brand's existence are more likely to make recurrent purchases as well as first-time purchases.
Systemic inflammatory markers and EEG features of children with FIRES receiving anakinra
Authors: Lai Yi‐Chen , Abou‐El‐Kheir Gabriella , Nguyen Thao , Hanerhoff Margo , Riviello James J. , Muscal Eyal
Published: January 2023

In a retrospective case series of 10 children with cryptogenic FIRES, we sought to describe the early clinical course and potential biomarkers following anakinra initiation. Six children achieved anesthetic withdrawal within 3 weeks of therapy and one in week four. Of the available cEEG (six children), CRP (10 children), and serum cytokine (six children) studies, there were temporal changes in highly epileptiform bursts (observed in three children), CRP, IL‐6, and IL‐10 levels that might parallel clinical progression. These observations may represent candidate biomarkers for monitoring clinical progression and therapeutic interventions including anakinra, which merits further investigation in future studies.
Nuclear Imaging of CAR T Immunotherapy to Solid Tumors: In Terms of Biodistribution, Viability, and Cytotoxic Effect
Authors: Ren Mingliang , Yao Bolin , Han Bing , Li Cong
Published: January 2023

Immunotherapy has become a mainstay of cancer therapy. Since chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T immunotherapy achieves unprecedented success in curing hematological malignancies, the possibility of it revolutionizing the paradigm of solid tumors has aroused increasing attention. However, the restricted accessibility to tumor parenchyma, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and antigen heterogeneity of solid tumors make it difficult to replicate its success. Therefore, dynamic evaluation of CAR T cells’ tumor accessibility, intratumoral viability, and anti‐tumor cytotoxicity is necessary to facilitate its translation to solid tumors. Besides, real‐timely imaging above events in vivo can help evaluate therapeutic responses and optimize CAR T immunotherapy for solid tumors. Nuclear imaging, including positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging, is frequently applied for evaluating adoptive cell therapies owing to its excellent sensitivity, high tissue penetration, and great translation potential. In addition, quantitative analysis can be performed in dynamic and noninvasive patterns. This review focuses on recent advances in PET/SPECT technologies and imaging probes in monitoring CAR T cells’ migration, viability, and cytotoxicity to solid tumors post‐administration. Prospects of what should be done in the next stage to promote CAR T therapy's application in solid tumors are also discussed.
One‐Step Preparation of Glass‐Ceramics from a Ferrochrome Slag and an Electrolytic Manganese Slag
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Han Fenglan , Yang Baoguo , Liu Tengteng
Published: January 2023

Electrolytic manganese slag materials can be used in the preparation of glass‐ceramics. Herein, glass‐ceramics with excellent properties are obtained by melting electrolytic manganese slag and ferrochrome slag as raw materials. The effects of the addition of ferrochrome slag on the recrystallization of the base glass and the physicochemical properties of the glass‐ceramic are especially investigated. With the addition of ferrochrome slag, the introduced Cr2O3 may play a role in the deconstruction of the glass network and is more likely to produce a spinel phase as a way to promote the heterogeneous nucleation of the diopside phase. The sample with a ferrochrome slag addition of 12 wt% shows the optimal recrystallization ability. Furthermore, the ratio of nonbridging oxygen atoms (NBO) to the total amount of oxygen atoms (T) is the highest (NBO/T = 1.90). Also, the bending strength and the density of the samples reach 96.08 MPa and 3.05 g cm−3, respectively, and the acid and alkali resistance become 98.16% and 99.48%, respectively. Moreover, the glass‐ceramic structure did effectively stabilize and solidify the harmful heavy metal elements. This study has provided innovative ideas for an efficient, harmless, and low‐cost treatment of electrolytic manganese slag in the preparation of glass‐ceramics.
Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Biodegradable Mg–0.5Zr–0.5Ca–xZn Magnesium Alloys
Authors: Ghorbani Fereshte , Mirzadeh Hamed , Dehghanian Changiz , Emamy Massoud
Published: January 2023

Mechanical properties and in vitro corrosion behavior of biodegradable Mg–0.5Zr–0.5Ca–xZn alloys in the simulated body fluid (SBF) solution are investigated. Zinc addition leads to a remarkable grain refinement in the as‐cast condition, as well as the formation of Ca2Mg6Zn3 and Mg7Zn3 compounds. As a result, the lean Mg–0.5Zr–0.5Ca–1Zn alloy shows the best combination of mechanical properties with an ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 182 MPa, total elongation of 9.5%, and tensile toughness of 13 MJ m−3, which reveals ≈80%, 72%, and 190% improvements compared to those obtained for the Mg–0.5Zr–0.5Ca alloy, respectively. This sample also exhibits improved corrosion behavior, where a decrease in the corrosion current density (iCorr) is recorded via the addition of 1 wt% Zn. However, higher Zn additions result in the formation of a quasi‐continuous eutectic network with the consequent deterioration of tensile properties and increased effect of microgalvanic couples. The extreme grain refinement induced by the dynamic recrystallization (DRX) remarkably improves the overall mechanical properties of the hot extruded alloy but increased the iCorr. Accordingly, the properties of Mg–0.5Zr–0.5Ca alloys can be tailored for biomedical applications via Zn addition and thermomechanical processing.