bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SV matrix: strategic competitive analysis tool based on the dominance level
Authors: Shchelokova Svetlana , Vertogradov Vladimir
Published: January 2022

This article addresses current tools for assessing the level of dominance in industries (Concentration Index (CR), Lind Index (L), Hall-Tideman Index (HT), Herfindahl–Hirschman Index (HHI)), identifies the limitations of the existing toolkit, and proposes its modification based on the developed SV Matrix, which allows analyzing the competitive situation on different markets. Drawing on the RAEX ranking of 2020 for four industries (consulting, audit, outsourcing, information technology), the authors propose classical indices modification algorithms to conduct a comparative analysis of the dominant level on different markets. To conduct a strategic competitive analysis based on modified indices, the article proposes to use the SV Matrix, allowing to reflect the comparative dominant level for different markets, as well as market shares controlled by leading companies. The technique is tested on the sample of 90 Russian industries (according to 2020 official reports) and allows to identify the presence of dominant groups in 31 sectors, assess their size and inner differentiation that resulted in comparative analysis of industries. The SV Matrix expands the toolkit for strategic analysis, allowing to assess not only the competition level in the market and the presence of dominant players in the industry, but also the
differentiation level for companies within the dominant group. Applying this matrix help analyze the characteristics of the market (both for the companies already in the market and those just planning to enter it) and draw conclusions regarding the strategic behavior of companies.
OUT-PATIENT METHODS OF REGISTRATION OF BLOOD PRESSURE IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
Authors: Kotovskaya Yu. V. , Kobalava J. D.
Published: January 2022

In spite of the fact that clinical measurement of blood pressure which meets methodical requirements is still a basis for diagnostics of arterial hypertension and assessment of treatment efficiency, it is widely recognized that proper diagnostics and management of patients with arterial hypertension are impossible based only on the measurements of blood pressure which are carried out by doctor. The out-patient methods of blood pressure monitoring - daily monitoring (ABPM) and measurement of blood pressure at home (home blood pressure monitoring (HBPM)) - enable to overcome restrictions of clinical measurement of blood pressure. The combined use of clinical and out-patient measurement of blood pressure significantly expands understanding of Blood Pressure phenotype at the stage of diagnostics and assessment of treatment efficiency, especially at discordance of their results. Only by means of these methods it is possible to detect white-coat hypertension and masked hypertension. The existing out-patient methods of blood pressure monitoring, its description, comparison, advantages and disadvantages, its places in modern recommendations and clinical practice guidelines as requirements to technique are provided in this article.
The Ultraviolet Variability of 52 Her (A1p SiSrCr) Throughout the IUE Mission
Authors: Monier Richard
Published: January 2022

Twenty-four spectra of 52 Her (A1p SiSrCr) obtained through the large apertures of the SWP and LWP cameras on board International Ultraviolet Explorer are compared to look for variations of the absolute flux over the spectral range 1200–3000 Å. Large variations of the spectral energy distribution occur in the far-ultraviolet shortwards of 2000 Å. In contrast, the flux at wavelengths larger than 2000 Å does not vary but several lines are variable between phases of FUV maximum and FUV minimum. The large FUV variability is probably caused by changes in the continuous and line opacity driven by modest horizontal gradients of the abundances of chemical elements over the surface of 52 Her. The TESS lightcurve of 52 Her is slightly asymetric and has a period close to 3.83 days.
Risk Factors of Hipertension and Diabetes Mellitus on COVID-19 Mortality
Authors: Adhani Rosihan , Kania Deby , Purwaningayu Juli Harnida , Setyawardhana R. Harry Dharmawan , Hayatie Lisda , Triawanti Triawanti , Husaini Husaini , Arifin Syamsul
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Case fatality rate (CFR) for global COVID-19 infections since June 14, 2021 was 2.17%, while CFR for Southest Asia were 1.39%. CFR in Indonesia so far were 3.05%. This missed from the target of the 2005-2025 RPJMK (Middle long run national health planning) in achieving healthy Indonesia; handling epidemic diseases must be able to reduce the mortality rate below 1%. The government issued the Decree of the Minister of Health Republic of Indonesia No. HK.01.07/Menkes/2020 concerning the Determination of Vaccine Types for the Management of COVID-19. However, the existence of this policy did not reduce the mortality rate trend of COVID-19 in Indonesia. Hypertension and diabetes mellitus were the larger risk factors for COVID-19 mortality. Guo et al. 2020 found comorbid COVID-19 sufferers were hypertension 24.7% and diabetes mellitus 21.2%. However, Mikami et al., 2020 stated differently that hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not at risk of COVID-19 mortality.

AIM: Objective of this study was to estimate the average tendency of hypertension and diabetes mellitus as risk factor for COVID-19 mortality.

METHODS: Meta-analysis with 16 articles analyzed by RevMan 5.4.

RESULTS: pHR for hypertension was 1.15 (95% CI 1.00 - 1.32) and diabetes mellitus was 1.21 (95% CI 1.13 - 1.29).

CONCLUSION: Hypertension had risk 1.15 times and diabetes mellitus had risk 1.21 times for COVID-19 mortality.
The Effect of Ginger Herbal Drink on Hyperemesis Gravidarum in the First Trimester Pregnant Women
Authors: Abidah Siska Nurul , Anggraini Fritria Dwi , Nisa Fauziyatun , Hasina Siti Nur
Published: January 2022

BACKGROUND: Hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy affects almost all pregnant women and has a significant effect on quality of life, causing discomfort and interfering with daily activities, especially during the first trimester of pregnancy. Pharmacological action to reduce hyperemesis is ginger. Ginger can work by blocking receptors serotonin and causing an antiemetic effect on the gastrointestinal system, thereby reducing nausea and vomiting.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of ginger herbal drink in reducing the level of hyperemesis gravidarum in first trimester pregnant women.

METHODS: Design This study used a Quasy Experimental with control group with a pre- and post-test approach. Samples were taken with the Consecutive sampling technique. The sample in this study was 96 respondents who were divided into two groups, namely 48 experimental groups and 48 control groups. Measurements used a pregnancy unique quantification of emesis and nausea questionnaire to measure the severity of nausea and vomiting in 24 h. Measurement of hyperemesis level was measured every day for 7 days of the experiment. Data analysis used Wilcoxon rank test and Mann Whitney.

RESULTS: The average level of hyperemesis gravidarum before the intervention of ginger herbal drink in the intervention group was 2.2083 and 2.2292 in the control group with p value = 0.806 which means there was no difference in the average frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum while after being given the intervention, the average level of hyperemesis gravidarum in the intervention group was 3.4375 and 2.2917 in the control group with p value = 0.000, which means that there is a difference in the average frequency level of hyperemesis gravidarum in the intervention group and the control group after being given the intervention.

CONCLUSION: Ginger drink given to pregnant women in the first trimester can reduce the level of hyperemesis so that pregnant women do not experience excessive nausea and vomiting. Ginger drinks can be recommended as an herbal treatment that can be consumed by pregnant women with hyperemesis gravidarum.
Actinostephanus (Gesneriaceae), a new genus and species from Guangdong, South China
Authors: Wen Fang , Xin Zi-Bing , Hong Xin , Cai Lei , Chen Xiao-Yun , Liang Jun-Jie , Wang Hui-Feng , Maciejewski Stephen , Wei Yi-Gang , Fu Long-Fei
Published: January 2022

Actinostephanus, a new genus from southern China, is described and colorfully illustrated with a single species, A. enpingensis. This new genus is morphologically most similar to Boeica and Leptoboea, nevertheless, it can be easily distinguished from the latter two by the following characteristics, such as leaves in whorls of three, all closely clustered at the  top; corolla bowl-shaped, 5-lobed, actinomorphic; capsule hard, oblong-ovoid, short, 3–4 mm long, densely appressed villous, wrapped by persistent densely pubescent calyx lobes, style persistent. The new genus and related genera were sequenced using the next-generation sequencing technique. The whole plastid genome of the new genus is 154, 315 - 154, 344 bp in length. We reconstructed phylogenetic trees using the dataset of 80 encoded protein genes of the whole plastid genome from 47 accessions based on ML and BI analyses. The result revealed that the new genus was recovering in a polytomy including Boeica, Rhynchotechum, and Leptoboea with strong support, congruent to the morphological evidence. A global conservation assessment was also performed and classifies A. enpingensis as Least Concern (LC). In addition, after a review of recently described species of Gesneriaceae, we propose that plant enthusiasts, especially Gesneriad fans, have been playing an increasingly important role in the process of new taxa-discoveries.
Taxonomy of Landrevus species group of Velarifictorus Randell, 1964 (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Gryllinae) with one new species and morphological diversity of Velarifictorus flavifrons Chopard, 1966
Authors: Zheng Yan-Na , Cai Xin-Ru , Ma Li-Bin
Published: January 2022

The Landrevus species group includes four Velarifictorus species that are related to Landrevinae crickets (Velarifictorus elephas Gorochov, 1992, Velarifictorus bubalus Gorochov, 1992, Velarifictorus gradifrons Ingrisch, 1998, and Velarifictorus landrevus Ma, Qiao & Zhang, 2019). A new species of the group is discovered in the Yunnan Province of China, and it is described and illustrated here. Velarifictorus yunnanensis Liu & Yin, 1993 is recognized as a junior synonym of Velarifictorus flavifrons Chopard, 1966. The morphological variety of V. flavifrons ectoparamere is documented and studied.
Distributionally robust front distribution center inventory optimization with uncertain multi-item orders
Authors: Zhang Yuli , Han Lin , Zhuang Xiaotian
Published: January 2022

As a new retail model, the front distribution center (FDC) has been recognized as an effective instrument for timely order delivery. However, the high customer demand uncertainty, multi-item order pattern, and limited inventory capacity pose a challenging task for FDC managers to determine the optimal inventory level. To this end, this paper proposes a two-stage distributionally robust (DR) FDC inventory model and an efficient row-and-column generation (RCG) algorithm. The proposed DR model uses a Wasserstein distance-based distributional set to describe the uncertain demand and utilizes a robust conditional value at risk decision criterion to mitigate the risk of distribution ambiguity. The proposed RCG is able to solve the complex max-min-max DR model exactly by repeatedly solving relaxed master problems and feasibility subproblems. We show that the optimal solution of the non-convex feasibility subproblem can be obtained by solving two linear programming problems. Numerical experiments based on real-world data highlight the superior out-of-sample performance of the proposed DR model in comparison with an existing benchmark approach and validate the computational efficiency of the proposed algorithm.
Do multinational corporations pay their "Fair Share"?
Authors: Conrad Marcus ,   Department of International Management, Friedrich-Alexander University, Erlangen-Nuremberg, Germany
Published: January 2022

Various Multinational Corporations minimize their effective global tax rate, and hence their contribution to public services, through Corporate Tax Avoidance. Taxpaying citizens, however, cannot reap these benefits of country-specific legislation under the international tax system, and frequently carry the majority of the tax burden. Hence, corporations are subject to accusations of not paying a "fair share". Based on equity theory, our paper analyses citizens' perception of fairness in regard to corporate taxation. By executing a mediation analysis, we determine which corporate tax rate is perceived as fair, mediating the relationship between equity theory determinants (individuals' tax system satisfaction, a social comparison with other entities, and cultural value-based cognition) and possible system-supportive or detrimental consequences. We confirm that a perception of inequity is prevalent among the 218 participants in our survey, and "fair burden-sharing" is perceived to be non-existent. We contribute to theory by classifying the social comparison determinant as most relevant for the fairness perceptions among individuals towards questionable business practices. Moreover, we emphasize that CTA needs to be considered a possible legitimacy threat for societal and institutional functioning since it may increase citizens' tax avoidant behavior, and jeopardizes social cohesion. However, the cultural values of power distance and masculinity were found to mitigate these generally detrimental consequences of CTA. Our practical and institutional implications put great emphasis on further promoting fairness within the international tax system since the recently suggested global corporate tax rate of 15% is still not considered as fair by our survey participants.
ROS1-positive Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor of the Small Bowel Causing Obstruction: A Case Report
Authors: Budylev Anatoly , Solar Irit , Kessner Rivka , Aizic Asaf
Published: January 2022

Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors (IMTs) are rare fibroblastic/myofibroblastic neoplasms that affect predominately pediatric patients and young adults. Almost half of the patients with IMTs have a chromosomal abnormality in the Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase 1 gene on chromosome 2p23. Although these tumors occur primarily in the lung, lesions have been reported in a variety of intra-abdominal organs like the liver, spleen, and mesentery. Small bowel IMTs are particularly rare. IMTs generally pursue a benign clinical course, however intra-abdominal and retroperitoneal tumors have typically shown higher local recurrence and even distant metastases. The most common presenting symptoms of an intra-abdominal IMT are abdominal pain and change in bowel habits. Laboratory results are nonspecific and can include anemia and minor elevation of inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein. We report an unusual case of IMT in the small bowel causing the obstruction.
¿Garantiza el Ranking de Shanghai alto desempeño académico?
Authors: Gómez-Marcos María Teresa , Vicente-Galindo María Purificación , Martín Rodero Helena
Published: January 2022

El Ranking de Shanghai (ARWU) ha alcanzado tal prestigio que una buena posición en esta lista está asociada a calidad y reputación. El objetivo de esta investigación es analizar si las universidades clasificadas en ARWU muestran el mejor desempeño académico. Se han seleccionado las tasas de Rendimiento, Graduación y Abandono de los estudiantes de Grado de las universidades españolas. Se ha realizado un análisis multivariante a través del método HJ-Biplot, estudiando el comportamiento respecto a estas tasas de las universidades que aparecen en el ranking. Los resultados prueban que ocupar los primeros puestos en Shanghai no garantiza los mejores resultados en el desempeño académico. La calidad universitaria debe abordarse, por tanto, desde una perspectiva multidimensional, en función de la estrategia que cada institución se marque para dar respuesta a sus misiones.
Recorrido histórico del Grupo Comunicar. Un análisis desde el área de Comunicación
Authors: Caro-González Francisco J. , Cruz-Díaz Rocío , Román-Graván Pedro
Published: January 2022

La publicación en revistas científicas de impacto constituye el eje sobre el que pivota la sociedad científica y académica. Este estudio aborda una aproximación contextual al proceso de creación y consolidación de una revista académica, la revista Comunicar situada en los puestos más altos de los rankings internacionales en las áreas de educación, comunicación y estudios culturales. El proceso se inserta en el contexto de la historia de la investigación en comunicación en España. Se lleva a cabo una estrategia de investigación cualitativa de estudio de caso único. Las evidencias utilizadas son entrevistas en profundidad y análisis documental de la propia revista. Los resultados ponen de manifiesto la importancia de los elementos contextuales y humanos en el desarrollo de esta publicación.
Influence of Online Learning Behavior and Video Playing Questions on Students’ Learning Effect
Authors: Li Zhikai
Published: January 2022

The interactive mode in e-learning can effectively stimulate students' learning motivation, especially the way of video questioning as the mainstream interactive mode of e-learning video, which is conducive to improve students' enthusiasm to participate in learning and enhance learning thinking. This study constructs a theoretical model of the impact of E-learning behavior on Students' learning effect, and analyzes the impact of video bullet problem as an intermediary variable on E-learning behavior on students' learning effect. The results show that the overall Cronbach of the questionnaire α the coefficient is 0.883 and Kaiser – Meyer – Olkin value is 0.822, indicating that the questionnaire has good reliability and validity. The research results of this study provide reference suggestions for exploring the main influencing factors of learning behavior, improving the effect of students' online learning, revealing the optimization strategy of video bullet problem feedback under the network teaching environment, and the production of bullet problem interactive video.
Solving Technological, Pedagogical, and Psychological Problems in Mobile Learning
Authors: Sakka Fadi , Gura Alena , Latysheva Valentina , Mamlenkova Elena , Kolosova Olga
Published: January 2022

Aim/Purpose: This paper aims to explore the various problems associated with the technological, pedagogical, and psychological aspects of mobile learning and develop recommendations for its improvement. Background: Mobile learning becomes increasingly popular today. This type of learning is relatively new. It has recently gained popularity due to the pandemic restrictions in 2020. As mobile learning is being actively used, educators, students, and other professionals begin to note its positive and negative sides. Methodology: The study is based on the method of experiment as well as an online 11-item questionnaire was conducted (developed by authors) with 110 teachers in Russian universities (Russian State University named by A.N. Kosygina, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, and Kuban State Technological University). Contribution: The practical significance and prospects for further research are based on the possibility of using the results in further study of the problem of the impact of mobile applications on specific indicators. Findings: It was found that, given the great prevalence of mobile devices today, there is every reason to implement mobile learning at universities. However, there are infrastructural problems that prevent the widespread use of this mode of delivery (problems with the Internet, old gadgets that do not support 4G, lack of technical support, etc.). Teachers also mention a set of problems associated with the quality of such training, which are mainly related to pedagogical and psychological aspects of the process. About 56% of university teachers say that students often behave irresponsibly during online classes. They are inattentive, tend to skip lessons, and do not hand in the tasks, which leads to a decline of knowledge and failing at tests and exams. Around 68% of teachers have difficulties adapting their teaching methods to a mobile learning environment. Recommendations for Practitioners and Researchers: This study proposes structured recommendations to improve the quality of mobile learning by advancing technology skills, adapting mobile learning to the needs of universities, and raising the motivation of teachers and students. Impact on Society: The results of the study can be used to analyze and compare the impact of mobile learning on society, efficiency in various fields, as well as mobile learning of students on future employment and life in society. Future Research: In the future it will be important to conduct a comparative analysis of the impact of mobile learning on students and teachers, to study the effectiveness of such learning in general.
How to Improve Organizational Performance Using Big Data in the Hotels
Authors: Mukherjee Subhodeep , Baral Manish Mohan , Chittipaka Venkataiah
Published: January 2022

Big data is a collection of huge amounts of data for extracting information from data. This helps the firms know the hidden knowledge in the data. This research aims to study the adoption of big data in the hotels of India, and it is helping in improving performance. For this study, a technological-organizational-environmental (TOE) framework is used. The factors are identified from the literature review. A questionnaire is prepared for survey-based research in the hotel industry. Exploratory factor analysis and structural equation modeling are used for analysis. Three models are developed for the study. The entire proposed hypothesis for the study was accepted.
Entrepreneurship Education as a Driver for Economic Recovery in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Dzingirai Mufaro , Ndava Rodgers
Published: January 2022

Entrepreneurship appears to be a lucrative career in the post-COVID-19 era given the scaling down of big companies owing to the negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although much has been said and written on the role of entrepreneurship in economic development and growth, scant is known about its role in economic recovery from crises. Therefore, this chapter aims to investigate how entrepreneurship education can act as a catalyst for economic recovery in the post-COVID-19 pandemic era. It was observed that entrepreneurship plays a catalyst role in promoting economic recovery through producing enterprising graduates and promoting divergent thinking in solving wicked problems in the post-pandemic era. Nonetheless, it was also observed that the theoretical approach of teaching entrepreneurship was dominant at the expense of the practical approach due to limited resources. The outcomes of this study help practitioners and policymakers in making evidence-informed decisions.
Returning to the In-Person Workplace in a (Post?) Pandemic Context
Authors: Hai-Jew Shalin
Published: January 2022

The SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic has been with humanity since late 2019 (based on new information) and has cost close to four million lives globally (and counting) and resulted in chronic health conditions for many tens of millions of others with “long COVID.” As humanity acquires some level of biosafety with several highly effective vaccines, many are returning to work in physical buildings and in the proxemic company of others (in shared interpersonal airspace). This return to normalcy aims to ramp up social creativity and work productivity. Some are returning to changed physical spaces with “social distancing” which is empirically, perhaps, not so effective. This work explores what it is like to return to the in-person workplace based on contemporary research, journalistic coverage, social media narratives, and a light auto-ethnography, with global research included but a particular focus on the U.S.
Collaborative Trade Exchange and the COVID-19 Event
Authors: Matute-Petroche Jessica Silvana , Castillo-Nazareno Uriel Hitamar , Pazmiño-Crespo Luis Fernando
Published: January 2022

While the most serious part of the pandemic was taking place, key economic variables were aggravated such as unemployment, cost of the basic food basket, precariousness of the basic salary, and distribution of wealth (Gini). The objective of this chapter is to analyze the emergence of bartering during the pandemic as an anti-crisis measure and an initiative of mutual support, which originates from the population in the central highlands of Ecuador (the Andes), an area with social, cultural, and economic importance for the country. To achieve this objective, a methodology with a quantitative approach was applied with descriptive scope and non-probabilistic sampling, consisting of direct observation, interviews, and surveys. The results obtained reveal that bartering is a collaborative commercial exchange practiced to minimize the economic effects caused by COVID-19 and to compensate for the inefficiency of an absent state.
Permanent Changes in the Tourism Industry
Authors: Magnou Andrea Areán , Araújo-Vila Noelia
Published: January 2022

The world as we knew it has changed forever as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourist service providers had to adjust their services to the mandatory changes imposed by authorities' regulations and consistently with the demand of service users. This chapter focuses on detecting those potentially lasting changes and mark the new parameters in the tourism sector. The qualitative research chosen consisted of in-depth interviews with hotel and restaurant managers in the tourism industry of the four provinces of Galicia (Northwest Spain). Based on the theoretical review, the first conclusion is that, although tourism has been affected many times, whether by pandemics, economic crises, or even terrorist attacks, it is an industry that bounces back quickly and so far, regardless of the magnitude of the events that have affected it, always goes back to its previous level. In that regard, the answers obtained in the empirical part of the study show a great passivity in the industry. The supply has not made, nor do they foresee any structural changes to address the changes in the demand.
Bruno Taut's Colors in Architecture
Authors: Ninagawa Junko
Published: January 2022

Leading German architect, Bruno Taut, was most active between World War I and World War II. He was noticed for his value of colors after his baptism into the Expressionist movement. Then Taut was fascinated by the Garden City movement, which originated in Utopian Socialism thoughts of England. After World War I, which he stood against as a pacifist, Taut got a chance to experiment with color architecture in the old city of Magdeburg, Germany. However, Taut was removed due to arguments and objections against his concepts. He then developed nature-conscious apartments around Berlin, Germany, before Nazi hostilities forced him to flee to Japan in May 1933. In Japan, Taut's focus had no chance but to shift from architecture to written observations on color. Before his move from Japan in 1936, Taut left the Hyuga Villa, a rare and significant color architecture. Taut lived the remainder of his life in Istanbul, designing many structures before dying in 1938.
Social Justice Mathematics Activism to Develop Student Identity as a Global Citizen
Authors: King Shande , Presley Joanna , Steimer Julie
Published: January 2022

The development of students who are global citizens has become a priority in national and international education policy today. With the rise of issues such as nationalism, xenophobia, and racism, basic human rights and democratic values of education are being challenged, and students need to understand the value in personalizing the content they are learning within their communities. Thus, a recent increase in social justice activism within school curricula pushes students to experience content material in ways that transform their identities into global citizens who contribute to the development of peaceful and inclusive communities. This chapter explores the result of students' understanding of global citizenship through mathematics learning from a collaboration of algebra educators who purposefully discussed, planned, and created social justice mathematics lessons. These interdisciplinary, inquiry-based lessons pushed students to participate as social agents and activists to fight inequities through mathematics.
Global Citizenship Education Curriculum for SADC Countries
Authors: Chakabwata William , Mukazi Felix M.
Published: January 2022

Global citizenship education (GCED) is touted in many countries as a way of promoting peace, raising awareness, and addressing global challenges. In this chapter, the role of GCED in promoting global citizenship in the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) states is explored. Further, the chapter examines the economic disparities in SADC states as well as the challenges of realizing lasting peace and stability in the region. Jack Mezirow theory of transformative learning is proposed as providing an appropriate lens for the teaching of GCED. The author argues that GCED curriculum has a role to play in shaping the mindsets of people in the region towards each other and in developing critical reflective skills that are needed to sustain peace and democracy.
Using Technology to Support Inclusive Classroom-Based Instruction
Authors: Akinade Awoyemi Robert , Temitope Olaniyi Esther
Published: January 2022

There has been a widespread integration of technology in daily life, where access to vast amounts of information is now available with ease. Today's generation of students has grown up with technology all around them in an ever-increasing manner. For an effective classroom that meets the diverse needs of students, teachers should promote student motivation to learn and realize the effects technology has on inclusive education. This chapter reviews student perceptions of the use of technology in classroom-based instruction and describes current use of general and assistive technology in classroom. The chapter recommends the creation of a ground-up curriculum design for educational administrators based on observations of instruction using technology.
Academic Migration From Scientist Networks in the Global Environment
Authors: Luque González Arturo , Coronado Martín Jesus Angel , Fernández García Carlos
Published: January 2022

Academic migrations have been a constant throughout history. Nowadays, due to the complexity of the global situation, many teachers and researchers have been expelled from their countries, being unable to develop their professional careers. On the contrary, Ecuador has attracted human capital from 2008 to 2018 through public policies aimed at changing the productive matrix and improving its academic results. With this, the hiring of teachers and researchers at a national level was constant and resulted in an exchange of knowledge. To this end, the Network of Researchers in Ecuador (@redcientificos) in the Higher Education system and its interrelationships are analyzed. To demonstrate the fullness of academic possibilities offered intrinsically in its beginnings and the inherent decrease in working conditions for its teachers and researchers since 2018. A circumstance that limits the prospects of its researchers based in Ecuador and introduces temporality and uncertainty both in its processes of academic linkage and production, as well as in its public policies.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices related to blood donation in a selected population in Jaffna
Authors: Ziyard S. , Amarasingam S. , Sangaralingam K. , Gamage P. K. , Sosai S. T. , Kumar R. , Seneviratne D. , Sooriyakumar T.
Published: January 2022

Poor knowledge and negative attitudes among the public regarding blood donation have resulted in insufficient availability of blood and blood products for transfusion procedures in many clinical settings. This study aims to assess knowledge, attitudes and practices related to blood donation and their associated socio-demographic factors in Jaffna. A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out among service-users at the Motor Traffic Department, District Secretariat, Jaffna, between 12 noon and 4 pm during a six-week period. Data were collected through an interviewer-based questionnaire. Frequencies, proportions, and the Chi Square test were used to analyze the data with SPSS (v25). The critical level was set at 0.05. A total of 300 service users participated; of them, most were females (59%), between 18 to 39 years (77%), with at least O/L qualifications (90%). Knowledge on eligibility criteria for blood donation was low compared to knowledge on risk behaviors that rendered them ineligible. Although an overwhelming majority (96%) believed that people should donate blood, only 21% had donated once in their lifetime. The most common reason for not having donated blood was that they had not been approached for blood donation (42%).  Male gender (p<0.001) and being employed (p=0.013) were significantly associated with having donated blood.  Knowledge gaps exist even among a fairly educated population in Jaffna. Attitudes on blood donation seem favourable, although practices are poor. Blood donation campaigns should address knowledge gaps and actively recruit the public for blood donation. Strategies should be developed to encourage voluntary blood donation.
A Fatal case of Epstein-Barr Virus-Induced Haemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis in a young male
Authors: Gnanathayalan S. W. , Peranantharajah T. , Sooriyakumar T.
Published: January 2022

Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a rare, potentially lethal condition due to dysfunctional immune response causing severe inflammatory syndrome. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) – induced HLH is a form of secondary HLH, a very serious presentation of an otherwise benign viral infection. Here we present a case of 31 year old previously healthy male with prolonged fever and constitutional symptoms, eventually diagnosed to have HLH secondary to EBV infection. He had refractory response to treatment regimen of etoposide and dexamethasone followed by Rituximab therapy and succumbed to septic shock.
Elevated Prothrombin Time: An unusual presentation of Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undermined Significance – A Case Report and literature review
Authors: Seelarathna R. M. M. , Sujanitha V. , Kumanan T.
Published: January 2022

Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) is one of the plasma cell dyscrasias. An isolated finding of a monoclonal para-protein in serum or urine is the hallmark finding in MGUS. Most often it is found incidentally during an unrelated medical evaluation and/or investigation to find a cause for neuropathy, anaemia, rashes, vasculitis or elevated Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). This case report illustrates an evaluation of a patient with persistently elevated prothrombin time has eventually lead to a diagnosis of MGUS.
Whitmore's disease: an uncommon urological infectious disease
Authors: Sivashankar M. , Nandasena A. C. N.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Free gracilis transfer for elbow flexion for pan brachial plexus injury
Authors: Mathangasinghe Y. , Rajapakse Y. N. , Rajapakse G. K. , Beneragama T. S.
Published: January 2022

No abstract available
Inguinal hernia repair under regional anaesthesia versus local anaesthesia: a comparative study
Authors: Prasad Keshav Y. V. , Ganguly Abhishek , Vyas Bhargav A. N. , Rai Shivaprasad B. K. , Bhat Srirama M.
Published: January 2022

IntroductionThis study aims to compare Lichenstein's repair performed under regional anaesthesia and local anaesthesia. MethodsThis prospective study included two groups of 31 patients each with an uncomplicated inguinal hernia from surgical units of KMC affiliated hospitals. All patients underwent Lichenstein's tension-free repair either under spinal anaesthesia (group 1) or under local anaesthesia (group 2). Results from both groups were compiled and analysed. ResultsMean age was 50.45 (SD 16.49) in group 1 and 50.61 (SD 12.04) in group 2. Median time taken for surgery was less under local anaesthesia (1.17 versus 1.5 hours). Postoperative pain was less in the local anaesthesia group at 24, 48 hours after surgery, and after 2 weeks of discharge. Group 1 had higher cases of urinary retention. ConclusionLichenstein's repair under local anaesthesia was better concerning post-operative pain, complications and hospital stay.
Paraumbilical hernia: an accompaniment of obesity
Authors: Rajendra Sittampalam , Paramanathan Shathana , Karunarasan Darshika
Published: January 2022

Background

Inguinal hernia, paraumbilical hernia and incisional hernias are common abdominal wall hernias commonly encountered in surgical practice. Smoking, straining during micturition and / or defaecation, heavy manual work, chronic obstructive airway disease and obesity are some of the recognized predisposing factors for abdominal wall hernias in adults.

Objective

The aim of the study is to analyse prevalence of the common risk factors of abdominal hernias among adults of both genders.

Methodology

This is an institutional based cross sectional analytic study carried out in adult patients with abdominal hernias registered at a surgical clinic, Teaching Hospital, Jaffna, from January 2018 to December 2020. Interviewer administered questionnaire was used to collect the data from the patients. Data was analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 21. P value
Clinico pathological characteristics and surgical treatment of carcinoma of the penis: a single surgeon experience
Authors: Susantha de Silva W. A.
Published: January 2022

IntroductionCarcinoma of the penis is a disease of older men with an increased incidence in 6th decade of life. It is a rare malignancy in men with an annual incidence of one in 100,000 worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for more than 95%of the penile malignancies. It has a significant geographical variation worldwide with a high prevalence in African and Asian countries. Usually these patients present late resulting in devastating complications and treatment challenges.sulting in devastating complications and treatment challenges.Methods and materials A retrospective analysis of data collected from 2009 to 2018 in four different provinces in Sri Lanka by the same author. Data were collected prospectively using a pro forma data sheet by the author. This study analyzed the clinico-pathological characteristics of consecutive patients with histopathologically proven penile cancer. Human papilloma virus (HPV) types, HPV-16 and HPV-18 were not assessed.ResultsTwenty eight patients with penile carcinoma were analyzed. The age ranged from 26 years to 86 with a mean age of 61.30.The commonest presentation was a non-healing ulcer on the glans (13/28). None of the patients had undergone circumcision and 10 patients had phimosis at presentation. Majority 67.85% of the patients presented within three months of recognizing the problem. Majority had involvement of the glans penis (24/28= 85.71%) at  presentation. Palpable inguinal lymph nodes were found in 10 patients and eight of them had bilateral palpable inguinal lymphadenopathy. Surgical treatment varied from circumcision to total penectomy. Twenty four patients had conventional squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) while one patient had SCC in situ accounting for more than 85.71% of the tumour type to be squamous cell malignancy. Other types of malignancy detected were sarcomatoid SCC, Veruccous SCC and Basal cell carcinoma.ConclusionsThis study revealed that all patients were uncircumcised and 35.71% (10/28) of the subjects had phimosis at presentation which is considered as a risk factor for developing penile carcinoma. 35.71% of the patients were within the age group of 60 to 69 similar to international figures for age at peak incidence of the penile carcinoma. Commonest penile structures involved at presentation were foreskin and glans in keeping with international data. This observational study of penile carcinoma very clearly demonstrates and represents the similarity with the global pattern of this rare disease.
Methionine- and Choline-Deficient Diet Identifies an Essential Role for DNA Methylation in Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Biology
Authors: Singh Rawat Bhupendra , Venkataraman Ramya , Budhwar Roli , Tailor Prafullakumar
Published: January 2022

Diet plays an important role in lifestyle disorders associated with the disturbed immune system. During the study of methionine- and choline-deficient diet–induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, we observed a specific decrease in the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) fraction from murine spleens. While delineating the role for individual components, we identified that l-methionine supplementation correlates with representation of the pDC fraction. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) is a key methyl donor, and we demonstrate that supplementation of methionine-deficient medium with SAM but not homocysteine reverses the defect in pDC development. l-Methionine has been implicated in maintenance of methylation status in the cell. Based on our observed effect of SAM and zebularine on DC subset development, we sought to clarify the role of DNA methylation in pDC biology. Whole-genome bisulfite sequencing analysis from the splenic DC subsets identified that pDCs display differentially hypermethylated regions in comparison with classical DC (cDC) subsets, whereas cDC1 and cDC2 exhibited comparable methylated regions, serving as a control in our study. We validated differentially methylated regions in the sorted pDC, CD8α+ cDC1, and CD4+ cDC2 subsets from spleens as well as FL-BMDC cultures. Upon analysis of genes linked with differentially methylated regions, we identified that differential DNA methylation is associated with the MAPK pathway such that its inhibition guides DC development toward the pDC subtype. Overall, our study identifies an important role for methionine in pDC biology.
Role of IP-10 during follow up of pulmonary tuberculosis patients
Authors: Saini Himanshu , Mrigpuri Parul , Menon Balakrishnan , Sonal Sonal
Published: January 2022

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. There has been a number of advances in the diagnosis of PTB but there is a need for simple blood based diagnostic test. A follow up of the patients on treatment remains challenging. This study was planned to evaluate the role of IP-10 in the follow up of PTB patients. A total of 60 subjects were enrolled in the study, 40 patients with confirmed diagnosis of PTB and 20 healthy controls. The value of interferon (IFN)γ inducible protein 10 (IP10) was measured in all the subjects at the start of the treatment and at a follow up of two months. Mean age of the study subjects was 40.96 years. Mean duration of symptoms at presentation was 1 month and 17 days. The induration on Tuberculin skin test (TST) was between 10-20mm in most (62.5%) of the study subjects. Majority (45%) showed moderately advanced disease on chest x-ray. There was no association of IP-10 with TST diameter and gene x-pert. Similarly, no significant difference in IP-10 levels was found in relation to sputum grading and x-ray score at diagnosis and after 2 months of treatment. IP-10 has very limited role in diagnosis of active TB in especially in high TB burden countries. The role of IP-10 in follow up of PTB patients could not be ascertained by our study. However, more studies are needed in this pretext with larger sample size and extended duration of follow up.
Evaluation of left atrial dysfunction by speckle tracking echocardiography in systolic and diastolic heart failure
Authors: Ghanaym Ahmed , Elkhashab Khaled , AbdelRazek Gomaa , Mahmoud Eman
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to assess the accuracy of two-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) to evaluate the left atrial (LA) function in patients with heart failure. And can it differentiate accurately between heart failure preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF, HF with mid-range ejection fraction (HFmrEF=EF 41-49%) and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF= EF<40%)? It included 186 patients of heart failure who were classified into 74 patients with HFpEF (LVEF>50%), 56 patients with HFmrEF (LVEF 41-49%), 56 patients with HFrEF (LVEF<40%), and 50 normal matched subjects. B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) was more than 35 pg/mL for all patients. The conventional echocardiography evaluated left ventricle systolic and diastolic functions. The 2DSTE evaluated the LV global strain (LVGS), and strain and strain rate (SR) in each phase of LA function. LVGS was -19.3±2.3%, -18.0±1.7%, -16.1±2.0%, and -14.3±2.2 in controls, HFpEF, and HFmrEF, and HFrEF, respectively (p<0.0001); GPALS was 34.1±6.7%, 27.5±4.7%, 21.7±4.8% and 16.9±4.9% in controls, HFpEF, HFmrEF, HFrEF, respectively (p<0.0001); The GPACS was 14.8±4.3%, 12.3±2.2%, 9.7±2.3%, and 7.5±2.6%  in controls, HFpEF, HFmrEF, and HFrEF, respectively (p<0.0001); The PALS-PACS was 19.4±3%, 15.1±4.4%, 12.0±3.4%, and  9.3±3.3% in controls, HFpEF, HFmrEF, and HFrEF (p<0.0001). Therefore, early LA dysfunction in heart failure can be detected accurately and easily by speckle tracking technique that could be a promising independent tool to better understand of heart failure and its classification.
Leibniz bialgebras, relative Rota–Baxter operators, and the classical Leibniz Yang–Baxter equation
Authors: Tang Rong , Sheng Yunhe
Published: January 2022

In this paper, first we introduce the notion of a Leibniz bialgebra and show that matched pairs of Leibniz algebras, Manin triples of Leibniz algebras, and Leibniz bialgebras are equivalent. Then we introduce the notion of a (relative) Rota–Baxter operator on a Leibniz algebra and construct the graded Lie algebra that characterizes relative Rota–Baxter operators as Maurer–Cartan elements. By these structures and the twisting theory of twilled Leibniz algebras, we further define the classical Leibniz Yang–Baxter equation, classical Leibniz

r

-matrices, and triangular Leibniz bialgebras. Finally, we construct solutions of the classical Leibniz Yang–Baxter equation using relative Rota– Baxter operators and Leibniz-dendriform algebras.
Waist Circumference is a Better Predictor of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss When Compared to Body Mass Index among Nigerian Women
Authors: Yusuf Ashiru Hassan , Akuyam Abubakar Shehu , Tanko Murdakai , Hamman Wilson Oliver
Published: January 2022

Recurrent Pregnancy loss is a common obstetrics condition with severe physical and psychological consequences to the patients and attending physicians as well. It affects 1-5% of women and up to 50% has no identifiable etiology. Obesity is one of the independent risk factor of this condition; however, the evidence of this association is conflicting. This study aims to further determine that obese women with higher visceral fat are at increased risk of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss. The study was a cross-sectional case-control at a public referral hospital in Kano state Nigeria where 116 women with recurrent pregnancy loss were compared to a comparison control group consisting of 116 normal women. In addition to their socio-demographics, weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, and Hip circumference were collected. It was discovered that Obese BMI range and High-risk value for WC were significantly higher odds of recurrent pregnancy loss (OR, 1.96; 95% CI, 1.37-2.46; OR, 4.61 95% CI, 3.458- 5.696 respectively) Logistic regression analysis showed that the most important factor predicting the occurrence of Recurrent pregnancy loss was waist circumference. The receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve showed that WC has a considerably higher area under the curve (AUC) and BMI had the least AUC value. This study concludes that waist circumference may be superior to BMI as a risk factor of Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.

Keywords: Recurrent Pregancy Loss, BMI, Waist Circumference