bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Potential of Algae in the Mitigation of Plastic Pollution in Aquatic Environments
Authors: Abdelfattah Abdallah , Dar Mudasir A. , Ramadan Hassan , El-Aswar Eslam Ibrahim , Eltawab Reham , Abdelkarim Esraa , Elsamahy Tamer , Kornaros Michael , Ali Sameh Samir , Cheng Liang
Published: June 2022

The continuous increase in global demand for plastic products caused a significant increase in plastic waste pollution. Therefore, this increase in plastic waste represents a serious problem affecting aquatic and human life because microplastics can enter the food chain and cause several diseases. Also, the convention disposal techniques appear to be ineffective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution. However, the physicochemical characteristics of plastics represent a challenge to microbial degradation. This chapter discusses the proposed eco-friendly techniques for plastic biodegradation using algae to mitigate the plastic waste crisis. Several species have been identified as excellent plastic biodegraders. However, few researchers have investigated the algal role in plastic degradation. Microalgae may degrade plastic materials by employing generated toxins or enzymes. The use of algae for plastic biodegradation has been reviewed to offer new insights into various biodegradation mechanisms and contemporary bioremediation concepts for chemicals and algae-based by-products.
Mindfulness in PK-12 Classrooms as a Means to Promote Emotion Regulation
Authors: Vigil Kimberly
Published: June 2022

It is likely safe to assume that nearly all students are coming to, and engaging in, school settings with multiple stressors and personal challenges. Moreover, the global pandemic has likely exacerbated these mental health issues. As such, the general problem is that many students are not adequately prepared to handle stress and emotional challenges in conjunction with everyday life and in school. This has the potential to derail both their personal well-being and their academic success. Mindfulness is a viable resource in PK-12 school systems to guide the acquisition and development of emotion regulation. This chapter describes the conceptual underpinnings that make up mindfulness. More specifically, the purpose of this chapter is to delineate how mindfulness in PK-12 classrooms may be used to promote students' emotion regulation, and to provide clear and specific examples and strategies of mindfulness practices that facilitate the development of empathy and sound emotion regulation.
Emotion Regulation at Work
Authors: Yordanova Silvena Dencheva , Dineva Sonya Yordanova
Published: June 2022

Organisations consist of people, and people are beings guided not only by rational cognitive processes but also by emotions and seemingly irrational motives based on affect. This chapter elucidates the matter of intra- and interpersonal emotion regulation at work through the prism of employees and their leaders. It provides a critical overview of multiple aspects of the topic, outlining their importance in terms of subjective wellbeing in the workplace and objective performance at work as well as contemporary theoretical frameworks and empirically-based practical solutions. It helps readers to understand conscious and subconscious processes of regulating own and others' emotions in occupational settings, and the authors explain various subsequent outcomes for organisations and their employees.
From Theory and Research to Clinical Practice
Authors: Altan-Atalay Ayse , Söğüt-Kahramanlar Meryem
Published: June 2022

Interpersonal emotion regulation (IER) is a term that covers all the interpersonal associations people engage in to modify the emotional state of either self or others. Although the importance of utilizing others in the ER process is not new, comprehensive IER models have not been introduced until recently. The models focus on different aspects of IER with some focusing on the attempts at increasing positive or negative emotions experienced by others, while others focus on the IER strategies, leading to the development of differing ideas on the functions and consequences of IER processes, especially regarding their implications in mental health. Many therapeutic approaches involve the therapist's regulation of the client's emotions using different methods, which indicates that IER processes are also involved in the treatment of mental health problems. The chapter aims to clarify the role of IER in mental health, with a focus on the specific topics that require further research, in addition to the examination of the therapeutic work from an IER perspective.
Interpersonal Emotion Regulation
Authors: Colombo Desiree , Ventura Sara , Baños Rosa M.
Published: June 2022

For many years, emotion regulation has been regarded as an intrapersonal process. Nonetheless, a growing body of evidence has outlined the importance of the social context in which the emotions are regulated, giving rise to the concept of interpersonal emotion regulation (IER). In line with the studies supporting the role of contextual and momentary factors in shaping emotions and their regulation, virtual reality (VR) has recently emerged as a powerful tool for a more ecological exploration and improvement of the mechanisms underlying IER. In the chapter, the authors provide an overview of the evidence coming from the VR-based literature, with a specific focus on the use of this approach to the understanding and enhancement of empathy, prosocial behaviors, and social abilities. A final discussion will be provided to highlight current limitations and future innovative lines of research integrating VR into this field of research.
Implementation of the SharePoint Platform as a Record Management System in Universities
Authors: Netshakhuma Nkholedzeni Sidney
Published: June 2022

This chapter assesses the advantages and disadvantages of implementation of the SharePoint platform as a records management system at South African universities. The research found that implementation of SharePoint platform as a records management system requires universities to assemble a records management team with skills and knowledge on archives management and information communication technologies. The National Archives of South Africa should also provide advisory role on universities to select appropriate information communication technology. Development and implementation of the SharePoint platform as a records management system require organisational culture and collaboration of divisions, departments, and units of universities.
Social Media and School Libraries in the Wake of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Dube-Chibangwa Pretty , Chisita Collence Takaingenhamo
Published: June 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented school libraries with opportunities and challenges that are unprecedented in the history of humankind as evidenced by total shutdowns, lockdown rules and regulations, and adaptation of emerging technologies for supporting teaching and learning in educational institutions. This chapter provides a general overview of the experiences of school libraries in a selected district in Manicaland, Zimbabwe. It highlights how the digital divide disadvantages school libraries that are resource famished. Using a qualitative methodology, the chapter interrogates how the adaptation of social media platforms has helped school libraries to contribute towards learning amidst the complications of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Application of Blockchain Technology for Distributed Management of Digital Research Library Holdings
Authors: Ekpenyong John Asuquo , Owan Valentine Joseph
Published: June 2022

Technological advancement is gradually shifting the paradigm of how network records and transactions are processed and secured without third-party intervention. The importance of blockchain technology in performing these roles cannot be overstated. This technology has a wide application in the health, banking, insurance, real estate, media, and transportation sectors. Nevertheless, the role of blockchain technology in the distributed management of digital research library resources has received limited attention. This chapter discusses the distributed management of digital research library resources through blockchain technology. It explains the meaning, features, and components of blockchain technology. Concepts such as distributed library management and digital research library were clarified. The digital research library materials were highlighted along with how they can be managed. The chapter thus argues that blockchain technology can be used in the distributed management of digital research library resources.
Adoption and Maintenance of the Next Generation Integrated Library Systems (ILS) in Academic Libraries
Authors: Sikhosana Regina Balengane , Rajkoomar Mogiveny , Naresh Sentoo Ramnarain
Published: June 2022

The next-generation library integrated systems (ILS) are becoming increasingly popular throughout the world. However, determining appropriate decision-making aids for the implementation and maintenance of the next-generation ILS is complicated and difficult to manage. This chapter is based on a systematic literature review related to the adoption and maintenance of next-generation ILS in academic libraries published between 2016-2022. Roger's diffusion of innovation (DoI) was used as a framework to examine ways of understanding and accepting new technologies. Existing research indicates that academic libraries in South Africa are using next-generation ILS to ensure interoperability between the various systems, platforms, and devices that are part of modern library systems. Despite its potential benefits, there are significant barriers to the adoption of ILS such as lack of technical knowledge and skills in using emerging technologies and the perception among LIS professionals worldwide that they will negatively impact their jobs and lead to unemployment.
University Library Support to Learning-Research
Authors: Morillas José Luis Herrera
Published: June 2022

The objective of the work collected in this chapter is to compile and describe support resources for the preparation of the end-of-degree project (EDP) prepared by Spanish university libraries. For this, the websites of 47 public university libraries were analyzed. As a work tool that facilitates the collection and analysis of information, an Excel template was created with six columns: location, access address (URL), type of access, name/format, type of content, content structure. The content of this template also help to understand the characteristics and scope of each resource.
Research in Public Relations in Spain Through the State Research Plans 2013-2020
Authors: Blanco Sánchez Tania , Castillo Díaz Ana
Published: June 2022

This chapter offers a longitudinal study on the financing of public relations projects through the State Plans for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation between the years 2013 and 2020. This is a descriptive paper, whose main object is to analyze the research evolution executed in the discipline of public relations via the latest State Plans for Scientific and Technical Research and of Innovation. The conclusions of the chapter reveal that in the last year the granting of research aid has increased substantially. Within the set of communication, public relations are still the most relevant topic receiving priority attention in research.
Brand Storytelling in Christmas Commercials of Large Supermarket Chains
Authors: Moreno-Albarracín Belén
Published: June 2022

Advertising influences society's conception of Christmas. A proof of this is the creation, by brands, of characters that have become symbols, like Santa Claus. However, the shift in the role of the audience has promoted a change of trend: from push techniques, based in persuasive messages, to the pull ones, focused on storytelling. Thus, large supermarket chains such El Corte Inglés broadcast TV commercials characterized by plots that transmit the brand's identity through a message. This department stores started in 2018 to broadcast ads which don't promote products but magic experiences around the figure of the elf. Because of that, a case study is proposed based on the content analysis of El Corte Inglés ads in 2019, 2020, and 2021. A main conclusion can be highlighted: the song is the key strategy, and the company is trying to turn it into a Christmas symbol, recognised and loved by the public.
The Role of Integrated Reporting in Efficient Communication and Dissemination of Information
Authors: Matin Arian , Khoshtaria Tornike , Vázquez Dolores Gallardo
Published: June 2022

This chapter seeks to explore integrated reporting (IR) and its impact on companies` operations. It establishes a methodological framework for the communication of social information in order to generate adequate guidelines capable of achieving a wide and extensive dissemination of information. The chapter is split into two sections with the first part investigating the determinants and outcomes of integrated reporting. The second subsection of the chapter covers the principles, elements, and characteristics of the information collected in the IR. Both sections are structured around the findings in the field and the review of the studies conducted about IR. Even though the chapter aims to uncover a comprehensive view of IR, an emphasis is placed on non-financial elements specifically the inclusion of accountability and sustainability in the reports. This chapter aims to provide a foundation for theoretical background where practitioners and researchers can refer to and develop further models examining IR from different perspectives.
The Impact of Customer Dissatisfaction Regarding Revenue Management on Perceptions of Airline Experience and Loyalty
Authors: Uslu Tanyeri , Karakadilar İbrahim Sarper
Published: June 2022

This chapter examines the effects of the complaints about the practices of revenue management (RM) on the travel experience perception and loyalty of the customers. The analysis shows that the complaints about the RM practices have positive effects on the travel experience perception, and the travel experience perception has a positive effect on the loyalty of the customer who travel short distances. The results of the detailed sub-hypothesis test performed in relation to the travel purposes of the customers and the business model adopted by an airline company show that the companies which adopt low-cost business model are obliged to manage their RM practices on a much more customer-centric basis. The companies in the sector should develop special customer programs for their customer segments which remain outside the business purpose. Thus, the operational efficiency will increase, and revenues will be maximized.
Analysis of the Possible Relationship Model Between Knowledge Management and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Widtayakornbundit Sarun , Ativetin Tanapoom
Published: June 2022

This study examines the relationship between knowledge management in the aviation industry and job satisfaction among service staff through a literature review. This authors surveyed the relationship model while reversing to job satisfaction, which allowed them to develop a guideline for organizational knowledge management and the process of achieving satisfaction from practice guidelines, as well as other factors that contributed to developing the model apart from the two aforementioned variables, especially the changes from the situation that promote the continuous development of the knowledge management model because good management practices would lead to good organizational behavior and performance. Therefore, the context in which the study is conducted is the aviation industry because it has been severely affected by the crisis. The relationship management model must integrate management approaches into employee requirements by means of lessons learned from sample case studies.
Norms of Human Rights in the Ancient Near Eastern and Caucasian Civilizations
Authors: Bakhsoliani Nana
Published: June 2022

Changes in human behavior, perceptions, and impulses are considered to be essential parts of the civilization process. Suitable for civilization is development of scientific knowledge, religious ideas and customs, female and male lifestyles, and forms of legal punishment. The notion of civilization is “national” in itself, but at the same time, the notion pushes national differences between peoples to the background, because, on the one hand, the emphasis is on what is common or should be common to people and, on the other hand, on the self-knowledge of different peoples whose national boundaries are quite firm, as evidenced by millennia. The Caucasus had close cultural ties with ancient Near East from olden times. The onset of metal working gave impetus to the migration of people in general, which put on the agenda the definition of human rights and freedoms and creation of a codified system of laws caused by this necessity.
The Social Potential of Media Literacy and Ways to Implement
Authors: Lomidze Marine , Janashia Amrita
Published: June 2022

In the modern world, information has acquired dangerous dimensions. It is popular today and has a great impact on social media where people spread all kinds of information including fake news. Disseminating and dealing with them poses a significant challenge to media users and the media. Only a small part of the population has the ability to perceive the text critically. Consequently, they are easily caught in the trap of fake news spread by the media. An effective weapon in the fight against fake news is a citizen armed with media literacy. Media literacy is therefore of great importance as it is an essential skill for critical media analysis, evaluation, and media content creation. Without media literacy skills, a person cannot be a full-fledged citizen in the flow of information, as he or she can be a constant victim of misinformation. This circumstance creates serious threats in terms of social responsibility and protection of human rights.
The Impact of Globalization on the Social Policy Development of Modern Democratic States
Authors: Chkopoia Sopo
Published: June 2022

The chapter addresses the challenges facing democracies in the context of modern globalization and the opportunities for social policy development. Globalization, as an important event, has had an impact on public administration systems and the domestic and foreign policies of nation states. It is clearly seen that the role of NGOs and transnational corporations has increased. The ways as well as the methods of using legitimate power by the states have changed. It is noteworthy that social policy as a definition of views has changed over time, although there is still no universal definition of it, yet each individual connects it to his or her own state policy. The modern understanding of social policy is directly related to activities related to the welfare of society. Social policy is implemented by state and other institutions. The effectiveness of social policy is determined by analyzing the results of the implemented policy.
Website Usability, Website Interactivity, and Website Personality as Drivers of Online Purchase
Authors: Akrimi Yosra , Khemakhem Romdhane
Published: June 2022

Having a website is no longer an option for businesses but a necessity in the new digital economy. To meet this challenge, companies must design websites facilitating electronic transactions and retaining customers. Hence, companies need to know and focus on the key triggers that drive consumers to buy online. This chapter sheds light on the effects of three fundamental website features on online shopping. Website usability, website interactivity, and website personality describe the evolution of website design. Website design has changed to become more responsive and efficient. To develop their first websites, companies focused on usability and ease of use. Website usability aims to strengthen the user's perceived control and facilitate online shopping. The expectations of online shoppers have evolved by requiring a highly captivating and engaging online experience. Therefore, companies tried to meet those expectations by developing interactive and playful websites. To stand out from the competition, companies rely on symbolism and website personality.
A Conceptual Framework of the Challenges and Benefits of Social Customer Relationship Management
Authors: Soliman Mohammad , Gulvady Samskrati , Al Shahri Muna Said Titam
Published: June 2022

Recent years have witnessed a significant change in the experiences and interactions of customers in various industries due to the remarkable development and the significant impact of information technology and social media on consumer behaviour. This prompted all organisations to focus on social customer relationship management (Social CRM) which is mainly aiming at personalising such experiences and interactions. Despite the notable evolution in social CRM scientific research, however, limited attention has been paid to clearly demonstrate the essential influencers and challenges of social CRM as well as its associated benefits for businesses. To this end, the current work aims to provide a deeper understating in relation to social CRM and its related key challenges and benefits. This research develops an integrated theoretical framework of the major challenges and benefits to adopting social CRM, leading to substantial theoretical and practical contributions to concerned entities.
Towards Integrating the Customer-Supplier Relationship in Perceived Value Conceptualization
Authors: Hammami Ines Bahri , Bahia Kamilia
Published: June 2022

Value is a fundamental concept in relationship marketing (RM). The company's ability to create value for its customers is seen as the most successful competitive strategy. The effervescence created by this subject in the scientific community and the diversity of proposed meanings and approaches have led to a theoretical confusion around this concept. In this chapter, the authors tried to study the concept of value through an extensive and eclectic literature review. They particularly attempted to focus on the perceived side of this concept, as the customer point of view is the primary concern for companies that are marketing oriented. The developments lead us to consider the customer-supplier relationship as a source of enrichment for the concept of perceived value. From there, it is better to talk in RM about “perceived relationship value” (PRV) rather than “perceived value.” PRV is then presented as a key integrative concept to build a successful customer-supplier relationship.
Environmental Sustainability, Value Co-Creation, and Innovation in Service Industries With the Lens of S-D Logic
Authors: Polat Inci
Published: June 2022

Businesses have recently shifted their attention to service innovation as a new economic justification for addressing environmental sustainability issues. Sustainable innovations may help businesses embrace solutions in new ways and can help firms grow and improve existing business models in ways that decrease social and environmental consequences while also adding new advantages and features. Businesses that adopt environmental sustainability in innovative processes can positively increase their opportunities to be innovative leaders in related fields. This acts as a link to win business competition around innovative approaches to environmental sustainability. In this context, the study aims to contribute to the role of environmental sustainability, value co-creation, and service innovation in service industries with an S-D logic perspective. From an S-D logic viewpoint, the study also investigates the extent to which service innovation and value co-creation may contribute to environmental sustainability.
Deep Learning Approach for Detecting Customer Churn in Telecommunication Industry
Authors: Liyanage R. P. H. , Kumara B. T. G. S. , Kuhaneswaran Banujan , Prasanth Senthan
Published: June 2022

In today's business world, customer turnover is a significant problem. Communications companies aren't exempt from these problems. Retaining consumers is more important than recruiting new ones when it comes to business. Getting new clients is about five times as expensive as keeping old ones in this field. As a result, anticipating client turnover is a huge challenge for almost all organizations. This study focused on analyzing information on around 7000 post-paid subscribers by considering 21 different attributes. Initially, the data was fed into machine learning techniques such k-nearest neighbors, artificial neural networks, etc. In addition, deep neural networks (DNN) have also considered more than one hidden layer. A total of 4284 of the 7234 post-paid customers are considered non-churners, while the remaining 2950 are churners. The long short-term memory networks (LSTM) considered under the DNN produce results far superior to the other techniques, with the highest accuracy rate of 82.46%. Finally, the LSTM method was used to create the final prediction model.
Social Customer Relationship Management (S-CRM)
Authors: Sharma Ruchika , Rani Anshu , Kumar Megha , Abrol Shiffu
Published: June 2022

Customer relationship management (CRM) has evolved significantly in recent years, from a strategy that focused exclusively on developing financial links with clients to one that fosters both transactional and interactional interactions. As a result, a new type of CRM called social customer relationship management (SCRM) or CRM 2.0 has emerged. This research presents and builds a conceptual model to address the connections between customer relationship management, social media technologies, customer engagement, positive word of mouth, and brand loyalty. Adding to the conventional relevance of customer relationship management, this study presents how Social CRM has become the need of the hour. This research would be helpful to both service and product-based organisation. A conceptual model has been developed to show how social media technologies lead to both positive word of mouth and brand loyalty. SCRM (social customer relationship management) is a new paradigm that influences customer-organization relationships by allowing customers to govern the connection via social media.
Digital Supply Chain Insights From Large Factories
Authors: Rocha Clarissa Figueredo , Quandt Carlos Olavo , Deschamps Fernando
Published: June 2022

In today's digital age, many managers need to find new ways to manage collaborations where complementary partners co-create digital solutions. Collaborations with partners are at the centre of digital projects, but managing these collaborations is challenging. The research objective is to investigate how collaborations with business partners contribute to digital transformation through a qualitative investigation of Brazilian and British large manufactures that are already on their journey towards digitalization. Interviews and questionnaires and non-participant observations were collected, followed by content analysis. The findings indicate that the companies, mainly the Brazilian cases, are at the early stage of building a digital ecosystem for a more connected supply chain. The use of digital solutions in cases brings obstacles but also opportunities and advantages for supply chains in the near future. The study discussed these implementation challenges and what digital technologies are under development and already used to make the supply chain smarter and more connected.
Supply Chains Sophistication in “Smart” Local Communities
Authors: Zhalilo Yaroslav
Published: June 2022

The chapter discusses the specific changes in supply chains, conducted by the establishment of “smart” local communities as the result of comprehensive implementation of digital technologies. The author distinguishes the main drivers of these changes, derived from the activization of knowledge spillover used for commodification of locally supplied goods and services. The emphasis has been done on the institutional framework, enabling to expand the scope of beneficiaries of supply chains, associated with the provision of services, basic for local communities, based on networked consumption. The sophistication of supply chains in “smart” local communities the author explains by the expansion of business-local communities' partnership, integrating “smart” solutions into local governance and supplementing digital technologies with reformatting of managerial practices and everyday behavior patterns.
Sustainable Supply Chain Learning and Employee Green Creativity
Authors: Acquah Innocent Senyo Kwasi , Baah Charles , Agyabeng-Mensah Yaw , Afum Ebenezer
Published: June 2022

Exploring ways to maintain and safeguard supply chain operations and performance is essential in today's business environment. Learning from the COVID-19 pandemic situations shows that current or traditional supply chain management strategies are less potent in managing supply chain disruption. The study adopted the partial least square structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) technique to make data analysis and interpretations because it is considered suitable for predictive research models. Scrutiny of the data showed that sustainable supply chain learning is a critical antecedent for employee green creativity. Both were fundamental to managing supply chain disruptions, promoting green competitiveness and increasing economic performance. Remarkably, among sustainable supply chain learning and employee green creativity, the latter was most robust in predicting disruption management, green competitiveness, and economic performance.
Impact of Industry 4.0 on Human Resources Systems
Authors: Ertz Myriam , Skali Adam
Published: June 2022

Industry 4.0 implies a reconfiguration of work organization and new approaches to human resources management (HRM). This research aims to delve deeper into the impacts of Industry 4.0 on the human resources system (HRS). A literature review identifies the potential links between these two core concepts. Finally, secondary data analysis in the form of a literature review on topical scientific researches will explore the following research question: How does Industry 4.0 impact conventional human resources systems (HRS)?
Knowledge on cervical cancer, human papilloma virus and vaccine, and attitudes towards immunisation following the introduction of vaccine to the National Immunisation Programme, Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunasekera K. , Batuwanthudawa R. , Senaratne C.
Published: June 2022

Background: The human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine was introduced to the National Immunisation Programme of Sri Lanka in 2017. Although the vaccination uptake increased initially, there is no published data on the continued uptake of the vaccine. Uptake of the HPV vaccine in countries that were initially high have declined. Factors for  low compliance could be poor knowledge and/or attitudes.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to ascertain knowledge of cervical cancer, HPV and its vaccine, and the attitudes towards HPV immunisation in this post-vaccination era, as well as to identify areas that need strengthening.
Methods: A cross-sectional, pre-tested questionnaire based survey of 1716 individuals over 18 years of age, from six districts in  Sri Lanka, was conducted in 2019. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Review Committee, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
SPSS statistical software was used for the analysis. A cut off of 50% was considered as a satisfactory level for knowledge and attitude. The Univariate Chi square analysis was used for associations between categorical variables. Odds ratios, with 95% confidence intervals determined the size of the effect of these factors on knowledge and attitudes of the participants.
Results: Satisfactory knowledge (50% cut off) of cervical cancer, HPV and of vaccine was detected only in 54%, 20% and 19% participants respectively. Ninety-seven percent of those who were aware of the HPV vaccine (455/471) and 89% (1527/1716) of all participants were in favour of giving the vaccine to their daughters. Factors significantly affecting overall knowledge (all three domains) were age 30-65 years (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.1,3.3), knowing a patient with cancer (OR 2.0; 95% CI 1.5,2.7) and undergoing cervical screening (OR 3.3; 95% CI 2.3,4.7). Good knowledge of vaccine was significantly associated (OR 4.3; 95% CI 1.3,15.1) with a favourable attitude towards vaccination.
Conclusions: Despite overall poor knowledge, a favourable attitude was seen among the majority (89%) of respondents towards HPV vaccination.
Measles disease outbreak and genotype identification in Libya, 2018
Authors: Alkoshi Salem
Published: June 2022

Background: There is no data published related to measles outbreaks in Libya. The study aims to report a descriptive analysis of measles outbreaks that occurred in 2018.
Methods: Retrospective data of measles outbreaks in 2018 were analysed to describe the characteristics of the outbreaks and their incidence in Libya. Data aggregations of seven outbreaks were extracted during the period January to December 2018 from the National Measles Surveillance Programme which is the official institute responsible for measles surveillance in the country. Data were categorised as confirmed measles cases, district distribution, deaths, age distribution, sex ratio, monthly trends, and measles vaccination status in the outbreaks. Also, the measles virus genotype was identified and compared with the reference strain.
Results: A total of 934 confirmed measles cases were detected in seven outbreaks in different locations of the country in 2018. The biggest outbreak was found in Zliten (449 measles cases, 48.0%) followed by  Benghazi (374 measles cases, 40.0%). The majority were below 15 years (811 measles cases, 87.0%). The incidence rate of cases was 223/million population. The peak of occurrence began in June 2018 and continued to December. Children with measles who had completed two doses of vaccines were 18.0%, whilst 62.0% were unvaccinated. The genotype sequence was identified in three outbreaks being B3. 
Conclusion: A significant measles incidence was detected in many outbreaks mainly in the age group below 15 years. The immunity building programme must be evaluated to address the weakness of routine immunisation.
Evaluation of sample pooling method for SARS CoV-2 RNA detection; a laboratory based simulated study
Authors: Wijesuriya P. A. S. L. , Muthugala M. A. R. V. , Herath H. M. T. U.
Published: June 2022

Real time RT-PCR is considered as the gold standard test to detect COVID-19. The use of sample pooling strategy increases testing capacity and spares resources. However, the effectiveness of sample pooling should be evaluated in the setting before being implemented. Forty five samples including 20 high positives (Ct<20), 20 low positives (Ct 20-40) and 05 negative samples were used to prepare 1:1, 1:3 and 1:5 simulated sample pools which were then subjected to viral RNA extraction followed by real time RT-PCR. Sensitivity and specificity of sample pooling technique in the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA was 100% without significant variation of Ct values. According to  our results,  pooling of up to 6 samples will not have an effect on the final result in clinical samples and hence can be adopted in the given context for the diagnosis of COVID-19 by RT-PCR.
Post–Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pulmonary Fibrosis: Wait or Needs Intervention
Authors: Yoon Hee-Young , Uh Soo-Taek
Published: June 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a major health burden worldwide, with over 450 million confirmed cases and 6 million deaths. Although the acute phase of COVID-19 management has been established, there is still a long way to go to evaluate the long-term clinical course or manage complications due to the relatively short outbreak of the virus. Pulmonary fibrosis is one of the most common respiratory complications associated with COVID-19. Scarring throughout the lungs after viral or bacterial pulmonary infection have been commonly observed, but the prevalence of post– COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis is rapidly increasing. However, there is limited information available about post–COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis, and there is also a lack of consensus on what condition should be defined as post–COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. During a relatively short follow-up period of approximately 1 year, lesions considered related to pulmonary fibrosis often showed gradual improvement; therefore, it is questionable at what time point fibrosis should be evaluated. In this review, we investigated the epidemiology, risk factors, pathogenesis, and management of post–COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis.
Health Technology Assessment in technological innovation processes; implementation of a management model for hospital technological governance at the Azienda Ospedaliera SS. Antonio e Biagio e Cesare Arrigo in Alessandria
Authors: Bolgeo Tatiana , Bertolotti Marinella , Maconi Antonio
Published: June 2022

Objectives. Definition of a hospital-based technology governance model (hospital-based Health Technology Assessment (HTA)), involving health professionals at different organizational levels; applying HTA as a rational support tool at corporate organizational level for decisions concerning acquisitions, disposal, monitoring of technologies; implementation of the HTA methodology to create an organizational context favorable to the transfer of scientific evidence in clinical practice and managerial decision-making processes.

Methods. At the end of 2014, the AO Hospital of Alessandria established a Technology Assessment Unit to analyze the requests for the supply of medical and non-medical equipment, involved in healthcare pathway processes. A training course has started, aimed at creating specific skills, to support the clinician requesting the adoption of a new technology.

Results. Over the last 5 years, testing the form deployment has concerned: 56 requests examined by NVT; 226 cases concerning gathering information using the forms; 24 IT instances managed by ICT; 62 requests examined through facilitator support.

Conclusions: To implement at micro level, the HTA methodology within the clinical-organizational structure governance, including decisions concerning clinical practice protocols, auditing and quality monitoring of healthcare performance.
Similar Concussion Rates in Spring Football and Preseason: Findings From the Concussion Assessment, Research and Education Consortium
Authors: Broglio Steven P. , Perkins Susan M. , Riggen Larry , Stemper Brian D. , Shah Alok , McAllister Thomas W. , McCrea Michael ,   CARE Consortium Investigators
Published: June 2022

Context

Increasing attention has been directed toward identifying aspects of football participation for targeted policy change that reduces the concussion risk. Prior researchers evaluated concussion risks during the preseason and regular seasons, leaving the spring season largely unexplored.

Design

In this nationally representative observational investigation of 19 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I collegiate football programs, we assessed concussion rates and head impact exposures during the preseason, regular season, and spring practices from 2014 to 2019. All participating programs recorded the incidence of concussions, and a subset (n = 6) also measured head impact exposures.

Results

Analyses by time of year and session type indicated that concussion rates and head impact exposures during all practice sessions and contact practices were higher in the spring and preseason than those in the regular season (P < .05). Concussion rates during the spring season and preseason were statistically similar.

Conclusions

We identified comparable concussion risks in the spring season and preseason, highlighting the need for targeted policy interventions to protect athlete health and safety.
The application of sigma metrics in the laboratory to assess quality control processes in South Africa
Authors: Van Heerden Marli , George Jaya A. , Khoza Siyabonga
Published: June 2022

Background: Laboratories use quality control processes to monitor and evaluate analytical performance in terms of precision and bias. Sigma metrics provide an objective assessment of laboratory quality using the total allowable error as an additional parameter.Objective: This study aimed to determine the sigma metrics of analytes when using different total allowable error guidelines.Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on 19 general chemistry analytes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital in South Africa between January 2017 and December 2017. Sigma metrics were calculated on two identical analysers, using internal quality control data and total allowable error guidelines from the Ricos biological variation database and three alternative sources (the Royal College of Pathologists of Australasia, the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment, and the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine).Results: The sigma performance was similar on both analysers but varied based on the guideline used, with the Clinical Laboratory Improvements Amendment guidelines resulting in the best sigma metrics (53% of analytes on one analyser and 46% on the other had acceptable sigma metrics) and the Royal College of Pathologists of Australia guidelines being the most stringent (21% and 23%). Sodium and chloride performed poorly across all guidelines (sigma 3). There were also month-to-month variations that may result in acceptable sigma despite poor performance during certain months.Conclusion: The sigma varies greatly depending on the total allowable error, but could be a valuable tool to save time and decrease costs in high-volume laboratories. Sigma metrics calculations need to be standardised.
“Surviving the storm through the shelter of Ayurveda” – International webinar on integrated approach to combat COVID-19 – A conference report
Authors: Nesari Tanuja Manoj , Vyas Mahesh , Bhojani Meera K. , Harti Shivakumar S. , Mahapatra Arun Kumar , Dileep Aparna , Karthik K P
Published: June 2022

COVID-19 has put forward a conundrum that needs to be addressed together by every system worldwide. Traditional medical systems need to be incorporated to the battle against COVID. The time-tested and experiential wisdom in these streams of knowledge are to be utilized. All India Institute of Ayurveda, New Delhi, took one of the initial steps in this respect, bringing together the exponents of Ayurveda all over the world to contribute their ideas in understanding, preventing and managing COVID-19. The meeting was conducted on May 5, 2020, 3:00 p. m. and included representatives from the Ministry of AYUSH, the national institutes, research bodies, and international organizations of Ayurveda. The program had six sessions, which encompassed the current understanding of the disease, the clinical presentations, Ayurvedic analysis of the same, methods of salutogenesis, disease prevention and cure that can be implemented in this scenario, and considerations while applying the Ayurvedic wisdom to other parts of the world. The meeting was broadcasted live on Facebook as well as YouTube.
Experimental Antithrombotic Effect of Medicinal Plants
Authors: Mandloi Shweta , Ujjaliya Nitin , Jain Priyanka V
Published: June 2022

Thrombosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in a wide range of cardiovascular disorders (CVDs). CVDs are listed among top ten killer diseases. Antithrombotic drugs reduce the incidence of cardiovascular events about 20%–25% in people. Due to the high prevalence of thrombotic disorders, researches are being carried out on novel antithrombotic agents with minimal adverse effects in which herbal drugs are considered as alternative remedy. Medicinal plants have been used for the management of ailments since ancient times. The objective of this study is to do documentations the effect of herbal drugs on antithrombotic therapy. Herbal remedies are used to treat a large variety of thrombotic disorders. However, a number of herbal preparations have been reported to cause variations in clotting time, bleeding time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, fibrinogen, D-dimer, protein C, TXA2, etc. This is mainly by disruption of the coagulation cascade and platelet plug formation. This review can help to design future researches for antithrombotic drugs discovery with more effectiveness and safety. The reported antithrombotic drugs have the potential of improving quality of life while avoiding the side effects of conventional treatment. Data were collected by existing article on antithrombotic studies from various search engines. This review is focused on plants like Syzygium cumini L. Morus alba L., Zingiber officinal Roscoe, Allium cepa L., Nigella sativa L., Punica granatum L., Mentha longifolia L., Allium sativa L., Boswellia serrate Roxb. and Sesamum indicum L.
Mentor-learner web-based interprofessional collaborative distance learning
Authors: Avinash Bhagyalakshmi , Ali Irfan , Sahoo Rashmi Rekha , Hegde Vijaya , Nagpal Deepak , Mohammed Ciraj Ali , Jain Animesh , Kukkamalla Anand , Rai Sharada
Published: June 2022

Introduction:

Web-based (Web) interprofessional collaborative distance learning is an important tool for enhancing the knowledge of learners. Foundation for Advancement of International Medical Education and Research (FAIMER) fellowship adopts mentor-learner (ML) based teaching-learning methodology wherein learners from various interprofessional fields collaborate for knowledge construction and problem-solving.

Materials and Methods:

This was an educational intervention study conducted as a part of the FAIMER fellowship. This study duration was 1 month. We offered a Web ML interprofessional collaborative distance-learning to cover the concepts of Questionnaire Designing for educational purposes to the fellows enrolled for the fellowship. The fellows were tutored via online/e-learning methods and activities. The fellows underwent assessment of their knowledge of the topic both before and after the course. Statistical analysis was performed and the mean of overall scores was obtained. The means were compared by two-tailed paired t-test.

Results:

Thirty four FAIMER fellows completed the entire module during the study period. The mean score for knowledge of the topic was significantly higher on the final assessment than on the initial assessment (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The use of, (ML-Web) interprofessional collaborative distance learning through a digital platform can promote teaching and learning in the educational field, increasing knowledge significantly.

The following core competencies are addressed in the article:

Practice-based learning and improvement, Medical knowledge, Interpersonal and communication skills.
Paternal depression
Authors: Dhillon Harpreet Singh , Sasidharan Shibu , Dhillon Gurpreet Kaur , Babitha M.
Published: June 2022

Maternal mental health during and after pregnancy is a well researched entity. However, father's mental health during the same period and even while raising the children has not been given due consideration. Recent studies have tried to explore the prevalence, risk factors, symptoms and implications of paternal depression on the children, marriage and the whole family. In this short communication, we aim to bring to the fore the recommendations for prevention and management of paternal depression.