bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cooperative Breeding and the Evolutionary Origins of Shared Intentionality
Authors: Planer Ronald J.
Published: May 2023

It has seemed to many theorists that our nature as a cooperatively breeding species is crucial to understanding how we became fully human. This article examines a particular strand within this thinking, according to which cooperative breeding drove the evolution of human skills and motivations for sharing intentionality. More specifically, I consider a model of the evolution of these skills and motivations offered by Tomasello and González-Cabrera (2017). Their model is “composite” in that it also recognizes an important role for collaborative foraging in the evolution of shared intentionality. I argue that their model (or more precisely: a natural construal of it) faces at least two problems—what I call the “reflexive metacognition problem” and the “bonding problem.” These two problems (as their names would suggest) concern the cognitive and emotional-motivational dimensions of the evolution of shared intentionality, respectively. I sketch an alternative evolutionary scenario which also posits a dual role for collaborative foraging and cooperative breeding. However, there are some crucial differences between the two models. In particular, the Tomasello and González-Cabrera model appeals to cooperative breeding in explaining the initial appearance of basic skills and motivations for sharing intentionality. In contrast, I argue that cooperative breeding, at least initially, instead served to drive down the age of development of preexisting skills and motivations for sharing intentionality that originally evolved to support collaborative foraging in adult life. This alternative model avoids the reflexive cognition and bonding problem, and has other advantages which I highlight.
Adversarial Attacks on Graph Neural Network
Authors: Kumar Nimish , Verma Himanshu , Sharma Yogesh Kumar
Published: May 2023

Graph neural networks (GNNs) are a useful tool for analyzing graph-based data in areas like social networks, molecular chemistry, and recommendation systems. Adversarial attacks on GNNs include introducing malicious perturbations that manipulate the model's predictions without being detected. These attacks can be structural or feature-based depending on whether the attacker modifies the graph's topology or node/edge features. To defend against adversarial attacks, researchers have proposed countermeasures like robust training, adversarial training, and defense mechanisms that identify and correct adversarial examples. These methods aim to improve the model's generalization capabilities, enforce regularization, and incorporate defense mechanisms into the model architecture to improve its robustness against attacks. This chapter offers an overview of recent advances in adversarial attacks on GNNs, including attack methods, evaluation metrics, and their impact on model performance.
Building Resilience in Diverse Learning Environments
Authors: Patwa Nitin , Gallant Monica , D'cruz Alison
Published: May 2023

This chapter analyzes the various factors affecting resilience in a group of students studying in a multicultural environment based on an established resilience test and a scenario-based survey conducted in a sample of 135 students studying in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. To categorize the respondent's position concerning the proposed criteria, questions were asked to gauge their affinity to each of the proposed categories and direct inquiries intended to elicit aspects of their personal feelings. The proposed research model consisted of five major factors and associated subfactors related to the development of resilience. This research supported strong connections between the factors of cultural sensitivity, social support, empowerment, self-control, and self-concept and the development of resilience in the group studying within the context of a multicultural environment. The research adds value to students and educational institutions who wish to understand better and improve the development of resilience.
Culture and Its Impact on Organizations
Authors: Celikdemir Deniz Zaptcioglu
Published: May 2023

Different types of organizations are established to meet the demands and needs of humans around the world. Regardless of their size and the sector in which they participate, each one strives to be effective and efficient. All organizations are managed by human beings which produce goods or render services using human labor. The customers of the organization are humans as well. Therefore, humans naturally have a critical role in the function of organizations. It is important to understand their behavior and the variables that affect their behavior. Since the world has become a single market as a result of globalization and the drastic development in technology, it is crucial to comprehend the effect of culture as a variable in determining the behavior of individuals and effectiveness and efficiency of organizations. The aim of the chapter is to analyze the impact of culture on individuals and organizations.
Taking a Fresh Look at the Organizational Backstage
Authors: Miranda Sandra , Antunes Ana Cristina
Published: May 2023

It is widely accepted today that politics is an unavoidable dimension of organizational dynamics, exerting a substantial impact on a diversity of factors and targets. This chapter, which covers some of the main theoretical and empirical frameworks that cut across the study of politics in organizations, aims to review the literature on the subject. The authors analyze the main theoretical perspectives and lines of research that politics has concurred around, as well as make a broad discussion about the different colorings that the effects of politics can have in an organizational context. With this literature review, they hope to give a more balanced view of a dimension that has been considered the perverse backstage of organizations and the dark side of organizational behavior for years.
Occupational Health and Safety of Mining Sector Workers in India
Authors: Satapathy Suchismita
Published: May 2023

Coal is used to generate electricity and is also a raw material in many industries. In India, the coal business is well-known for being a significant source of certain risks and negative impacts. Coal mines have larger workforces than the nuclear and oil sectors, but the dangers of mining have a significant impact on the workforce. Additionally, mining is a highly integrated sector as all underground engineering work, including installation and maintenance, is conducted by the mine's own workforce. Firedamp and coal-dust explosions, flooding, fire, and unexpected CO2 or CH4 outbursts are only a few of the hazards that have been present in the mining industry from the very beginning. Therefore, the coal miners' lives and health are at risk. Hence, an effort is made to study the occupational health and safety factors of Indian coal miners, and the WASPAS (weighted sum model [WSM] and weighted product model [WPM]) MCDM method is used to prioritize the hazards involved.
How Will Influencer Marketing Change in the Metaverse?
Authors: B'chir Hanene Babay , Erragcha Nozha , Bchir Souheil
Published: May 2023

The metaverse is a technological phenomenon that is constantly expanding. Its users are multiplying every day, which encourages companies to use it to support the evolution of consumer needs and habits. The rise of the metaverse has forced the adoption of new marketing practices. This also concerns the practices considered within the framework of influencer campaigns. Influencer marketing continues to appeal to marketers who want to attract a large audience through non-intrusive marketing. This strategy has generated an estimated $13.8 billion in revenue by 2021 and $16.4 billion by 2022. Thus, marketing professionals are called upon to collaborate with influencers in order to design immersive experiences, monetize their collaborative projects and use virtual influencers in particular to manage influencer campaigns while having full control over the content. Thus, integrating the metaverse into influencer marketing strategies could be a beneficial tactic for brands looking to develop a competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market.
Protecting Vulnerable Consumers Within the Metaverse
Authors: Scott Brad
Published: May 2023

This chapter explores risks related to the metaverse and vulnerable consumers. Expansion of the virtual world could worsen inequalities, particularly for minorities, if not appropriately cared for using public policy and marketing techniques. Addressing accessibility, affordability, and digital literacy are crucial to avoid exclusion and economic marginalization. Privacy, data protection, and the rights of virtual entities are also important considerations. Stakeholders must develop ethical guidelines and regulations that protect vulnerable populations, requiring collaboration across multiple fields.
CD8+ Regulatory T Cells Induced by Lipopolysaccharide Improve Mouse Endotoxin Shock
Authors: Morita Nanaka , Hoshi Masato , Tezuka Hiroyuki , Ando Tatsuya , Yoshida Sayaka , Sato Fumiaki , Yokoi Hiroyuki , Ito Hiroyasu , Saito Kuniaki
Published: May 2023

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disease caused by a bacterial infection that leads to severe mortality, especially in elderly patients, because of an excessive immune response and impaired regulatory functions. Antibiotic treatment is widely accepted as the first-line therapy for sepsis; however, its excessive use has led to the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria in patients with sepsis. Therefore, immunotherapy may be effective in treating sepsis. Although CD8+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) are known to have immunomodulatory effects in various inflammatory diseases, their role during sepsis remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of CD8+ Tregs in an LPS-induced endotoxic shock model in young (8–12 wk old) and aged (18–20 mo old) mice. The adoptive transfer of CD8+ Tregs into LPS-treated young mice improved the survival rate of LPS-induced endotoxic shock. Moreover, the number of CD8+ Tregs in LPS-treated young mice increased through the induction of IL-15 produced by CD11c+ cells. In contrast, LPS-treated aged mice showed a reduced induction of CD8+ Tregs owing to the limited production of IL-15. Furthermore, CD8+ Tregs induced by treatment with the rIL-15/IL-15Rα complex prevented LPS-induced body wight loss and tissue injury in aged mice. In this study, to our knowledge, the induction of CD8+ Tregs as novel immunotherapy or adjuvant therapy for endotoxic shock might reduce the uncontrolled immune response and ultimately improve the outcomes of endotoxic shock.
When entrepreneurship becomes a tool for political hegemony
Authors: Smit Maria M. , Pretorius Marius
Published: May 2023

Orientation: From a critical entrepreneurship perspective, this article examines the potential hegemonic nature of the mainstream entrepreneurship discourse.Research objectives: (1) To determine what mainstream entrepreneurship assumptions and resulting discourses are being reproduced in the South African media discourse. (2) To determine if and how this current discourse is naturalising knowledge claims about ‘entrepreneurship’. (3) To highlight the hegemonic possibilities of producing and reproducing this discourse in a South African context. (4) To provide recommendations that could mitigate the potential hegemonic entrepreneurship discourse in South Africa.Motivation for the study: Everything labelled ‘entrepreneurship’ is not contributing to job creation and economic development equally. From a critical standpoint it is becoming evident that the assumptions underlying mainstream entrepreneurship discourse – especially when entrepreneurship is used as a development tool – have to be challenged.Research design, approach and method: Random purposive sampling is employed by searching English print media articles containing relevant key words that were published in South African English newspapers between 01 January 2018 and 31 December 2018. The sampling frame was obtained from Sabinet through the University of Pretoria Library SA Media database. A critical discourse analysis is conducted on the final sample of 63 articles.Main findings: The South African media discourse replicates the mainstream entrepreneurship knowledge claims that any and all type of entrepreneurial activity is essentially the same and that anything labelled ‘entrepreneurship’ will lead to economic development and job creation. These knowledge claims have become normalised in the South African discourse. The dominance of this mainstream discourse on entrepreneurship is opening the way for political hegemony in a South African context.Practical/managerial implications: The South African scholarly community has to take up its responsibility as actors of social change and challenge the reigning public discourse in the field of entrepreneurship that is resulting in political hegemony.Contribution/value-add: This article shows that the failure to distinguish between different types of entrepreneurship is providing a fertile ground for political hegemony.
Adequacy of career progression instructions in influencing promotions of commissioned officers in the Zambia Defence Force
Authors: Sithole Emmanuel , Madimutsa Clever , Bwalya Mulenga C.
Published: May 2023

Background: Over time, the Zambia Defence Force adjusted the career progression instructions to ensure systematic and timely promotions of commissioned officers. However, the amendments did not yield the intended results.Objectives: The study examines the adequacy of career progression instructions in influencing the promotions of commissioned officers in the Zambia Defence Force.Method: This study employed a mixed-method research design which specifically applied convergent parallel design involving qualitative and quantitative research approaches. A total of 209 commissioned officers were selected using a multi-stage sampling method. Purposive sampling was used to select 12 Brigadier Generals, four from each Service. Questionnaires and an interview guide were used to collect data from commissioned officers and key informants, respectively. Statistical Package for Social Sciences and Microsoft Excel were used to analyse quantitative data, while the content and thematic analysis were used to analyse qualitative data.Results: Most commissioned officers (84.2%) revealed that they were aware of the career progression instructions that were needed to guide their career path in the Zambia Defence Force. The majority of commissioned officers, 122, expressive of 58.3%, revealed that career progression instructions did not foster systematic promotions of commissioned officers. Furthermore, 112 commissioned officers, signifying 54.1%, indicated that their promotions were not timely.Conclusion: The career progression instructions inadequately facilitated the career progression of commissioned officers in the Zambia Defence Force.Contribution: The inadequacy of career progression instructions in the Zambia Defence Force was documented in this article.
Job satisfaction among health professionals in a District of North West province, South Africa
Authors: Mere Reabetswe A. , Simbeni Thembi V. , Mathibe Mmampedi , Mogale Ntlogeleng M. , Ntuli Sam T.
Published: May 2023

Background: Job satisfaction has become an area of relevance and debate in public health as it is directly linked to staff absenteeism, retention and turnover of the workforce and as such, influences the organisational commitment of the workers and the quality of health services provided. It is therefore essential to discern what drives healthcare professionals to remain working in the public health sector.Aim: This study aimed to determine job satisfaction and its associated factors among healthcare professionals.Setting: North-West province South Africa.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 244 healthcare professionals of different categories in three district hospitals. A self-administered structured questionnaire with 38 questions to measure job satisfaction was used to collect data. The chi-square test was used to compare groups, and a p-value 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: Overall, 62% of the participants were not satisfied with their job. The most common factors that participants were not satisfied with include job security (52%), standard of care (57%), opportunity to develop (59%), payment or wages (76%), workload (78%) and working environment (89%). Job satisfaction was significantly influenced by age, job category and years of service.Conclusions: The predictors of job satisfaction include age, category of employees and years of service. Interventions are required to improve the degree of job satisfaction among health care professionals.Contribution: Findings of this study will assist informing plans that are geared towards enhancing healthcare worker job satisfaction, retention and consequent health systems strengthening.
Corrigendum: Communication and governance in a linguistically diverse human settlement in South Africa
Authors: Ngcobo Sandiso , Mvuyana Bongekile Y.C.
Published: May 2023

No abstract available.
Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes): A review of its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology and its ethnomedicinal uses
Authors: Thembane Nokukhanya E.
Published: May 2023

Background: Pleurostylia capensis Turcz (Loes) is a tree species found in Africa that has been used in traditional medicine for various ailments.Aim: This review aims to investigate the phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity of P. capensis Turcz (Loes) and its ethnomedicinal uses.Method: A comprehensive search was conducted using electronic databases, including PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science. The keywords used were ‘Pleurostylia capensis’, ‘phytochemistry’, ‘pharmacology’, ‘toxicology’ and ‘ethnomedicine’. Studies were included if they reported on the phytochemical composition, pharmacological activities, toxicological evaluations and/or ethnomedicinal uses of Pleurostylia capensis.Results: A phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of various bioactive compounds including alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids and phenolic compounds. Pharmacological studies have reported the plant’s potential as an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial and a potential agent for bone and articular cartilage regeneration. Toxicological evaluations have shown that the plant is safe for human consumption at recommended doses.Conclusion: The review highlights the potential of Pleurostylia capensis as a source of bioactive compounds with pharmacological activities. Toxicological evaluations have also shown that the plant is safe for human consumption. The review provides useful information for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.Contribution: This review provides a comprehensive summary of the phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicology of Pleurostylia capensis and its ethnomedicinal uses. The review highlights the potential of the plant as a source of bioactive compounds and provides a basis for further research on the development of new drugs from natural products.
‘If the desert could speak’: The karretjiemense of the Karoo in My Children Have Faces
Authors: Rawlins Isabel B. , Hooper Myrtle J.
Published: May 2023

Both film-maker Timothy Gabb and anthropologist Michael de Jongh have noticed the disappearance of the karretjiemense, a marginalised people who travel the Karoo desert using donkey carts or karretjies. Having run a petrol station in Prince Albert in the Eastern Cape, author Carol Campbell’s debut novel My Children Have Faces features a family of karretjiemense who wander the Karoo desert and in real ways ‘belong to’ it. This belonging is reflected in the novel through the ‘interchanges and interconnections between [their] human corporeality and the more-than-human’, which ecocritic Stacey Alaimo calls ‘transcorporeality’. It is an engagement that enables the resilience of the tight-knit family to the vulnerabilities of living in the desert in order to escape the pursuit of the murderous Miskiet. Campbell reflects this transcorporeality, fictionally, through naming, through animal imagery and through the motifs of smell and of movement. She also registers how transcorporeality dwindles and family unity breaks down once they leave the desert. Having sold their donkeys and killed Miskiet, they apply for the formal identities they have lacked and head towards a settled life in the village very different to the nomadic life that has defined them up to now.Contribution: This article adds to the emerging field of ecocriticism in South Africa by using the concept of ‘transcorporeality’ to explore the connections between the karretjiemense and the desert Karoo environment in Carol Campbell’s My Children Have Faces (2013).
Factors associated with depressive symptoms in patients with benign prostatic enlargement
Authors: Abdalla Husni H. , Shah Jasmit , Nyanja Tabitha A.N. , Shabani Jacob S.
Published: May 2023

Background: Depression is a common condition that may lead to suicide at its worst. It is considered one of the primary causes of morbidity globally. Among the urological causes of depression is benign prostatic enlargement (BPE).Aim: To determine the prevalence and factors associated with depressive symptoms among BPE patients.Setting: This study was conducted in the Urology and Family Medicine Clinic at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi and Urology clinic at the Aga Khan Hospital Mombasa.Methods: The study was a cross-sectional design recruiting 308 males above the age of 40. Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were used to assess depressive symptoms and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), respectively. Association between depressive symptoms and LUTS was determined. Factors associated with depressive symptoms were analysed by logistic regression.Results: Prevalence of depressive symptoms among patients with symptomatic benign prostatic enlargement (sBPE) was 42.90%. Factors associated with depressive symptoms included comorbid conditions, medication side effects, reduced libido, alcohol use, disturbed sleep at night and anxiety in regard to the prostate condition.Conclusion: There is a high prevalence of depressive symptoms among men with BPE. Assessment and early intervention for depressive symptoms among men with BPE should be initiated before clinical depression sets in.Contribution: The study has created a knowledge base on factors associated with depressive symptoms among men with sBPE in the African context.
Mastering your fellowship: Part 3, 2023
Authors: Von Pressentin Klaus B. , Naidoo Mergan , Nair Arun , Motsohi Ts'epo , Ras Tasleem
Published: May 2023

The series, ‘Mastering your Fellowship’, provides examples of the question formats encountered in the written and clinical examinations, Part A of the Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa (FCFP [SA]) examination. The series is aimed at helping family medicine registrars (and their supervisors) in preparing for this examination.
Mastering Your fellowship: Part 4, 2023
Authors: Naidoo Mergan , Von Pressentin Klaus , Ras Tasleem , Marincowitz Gert
Published: May 2023

The ‘Mastering your Fellowship’ series provides examples of the question format encountered in the written and clinical examinations, Part A of the Fellowship of the College of Family Physicians of South Africa (FCFP [SA]) examination. The series is aimed at helping family medicine registrars prepare for this examination.
The correlation between environmental, social and governance ratings and the transparency in Johannesburg Stock Exchange companies’ tax practices
Authors: Thiart Cara
Published: May 2023

Background and aim: The study explores the correlation between environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings and the extent of corporate tax transparency to investigate whether ESG ratings are indicative of transparent corporate tax practices. To gain more insight, the correlation exploration is extended to the ratings achieved in the governance category and the transparency and reporting subcategory included in the overall ESG rating.Setting and method: The extent of corporate tax transparency disclosures in the corporate reports of 112 companies, listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) on 28 February 2022, was assessed using a content analysis. The correlation between the ESG ratings and the extent of corporate tax transparency of these companies was then explored through correlation analysis.Results: The study provides evidence of significant correlation between overall ESG ratings and corporate tax transparency. However, no correlation was found between the ratings achieved in the governance category, or the transparency and reporting subcategory and corporate tax transparency. The latter might, however, be explained by the negatively skewed distributions of the ratings achieved in the governance category and the transparency and reporting subcategory.Contribution and conclusion: The study provides persuasive evidence that ESG ratings can be used as indicators of transparent corporate tax practices. It might provide valuable insight to boards of companies about the correlation between ESG ratings and the transparency of tax practices, encouraging them to incorporate tax governance as part of the ESG agenda. Additionally, it may be utilised by investors when making investment decisions.
An audit of adherence to cervical cancer screening guidelines in a tertiary-level HIV clinic
Authors: Bolon Jeffrey , Samson Amy , Irwin Natalie , Murray Lyle , Mbodi Langanani , Stacey Sarah , Aikman Nicholas , Moonsamy Louell , Zamparini Jarrod
Published: May 2023

Background: Cervical cancer is the most common malignancy affecting South African women aged 15–44 years, with a higher prevalence among women living with HIV (WLWH). Despite recommendations for a screening target of 70%, the reported rate of cervical cancer screening in South Africa is 19.3%.Objectives: To investigate the adherence of healthcare workers to cervical cancer screening guidelines in a tertiary-level HIV clinic.Method: A retrospective cross-sectional record audit of women attending the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital HIV Clinic over a 1-month period.Results: Out of 403 WLWH who attended the clinic, 180 (44.7%) were screened for cervical cancer in the 3 years prior to the index consultation. Only 115 (51.6%) of those women with no record of prior screening were subsequently referred for screening. Women who had undergone screening in the previous 3 years were significantly older (47 years vs 44 years, P = 0.046) and had a longer time since diagnosis of their HIV (12 years vs 10 years, P = 0.001) compared to women who had not undergone screening. There was no significant difference in CD4 count or viral suppression between women who had and had not undergone screening.Conclusion: The rate of cervical cancer screening in our institution is below that recommended by the World Health Organization and the South African National Department of Health.
Public-private partnership models for rehabilitation service delivery: A scoping review
Authors: Mazibuko Senzelwe M. , Nadasan Thayananthee , Govender Pragashnie
Published: May 2023

Background: Public-private partnership (PPP) for the delivery of health services is known to improve access to healthcare, yet little is known about its utilisation for rehabilitation services, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Objectives: As a first step to generating evidence to develop a PPP model for physiotherapy service delivery in South Africa, our study mapped and described available research evidence on PPP models for rehabilitation services in the global literature.Method: The Arksey and O’Malley framework guided our scoping review. Published research on rehabilitation and PPP was searched in five databases from 2000 to August 2022 using keywords, Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and Boolean terms. Two reviewers independently completed the titles, abstracts and full-text screening of the articles and data extraction from the included articles. A narrative synthesis was conducted, and summaries of the findings are reported.Results: Nine articles were included from a total of 137 obtained from the evidence searches. Of these, five were from Australia and the others from Hong Kong, Denmark, Bangladesh and the Netherlands. All the included articles showed evidence of PPP models for physiotherapy service delivery.Conclusion: Our study suggests that PPP models for physiotherapy service delivery exist, particularly in high-income countries (HICs). It also highlights limited research in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).Clinical implications: There is a need for primary studies to generate further evidence and develop innovative PPP models for rehabilitation services for the populations who need them most as part of efforts towards improving access to healthcare in LMICs.
Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Hima Hafeja Akhter , Hannan Miah Md Abdul , Ghosh Nipa Rani , Sultana Sazia , Akter Tanjina , Aalpona Fatema Tuz Zahura , Kamrul-Hasan A. B. M.
Published: May 2023

Background and Objectives:

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are two prevalent metabolic disorders characterized by insulin resistance. A bidirectional relationship exists between NAFLD and PCOS. NAFLD prevalence is significantly higher and more severe in women with PCOS. This study was conducted to generate data regarding the frequency of NAFLD among Bangladeshi women with PCOS.

Materials and Methods:

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the endocrinology and gynecology outpatient department of a tertiary hospital in Bangladesh from October 2020 to December 2021. All adult women diagnosed with PCOS by the revised Rotterdam criteria underwent ultrasonographic evaluation for hepatic steatosis. Relevant sociodemographic and clinical data were obtained from all; all underwent hormonal and metabolic assessment.

Results:

Among 120 women (age 33.67 ± 10.15 years) with PCOS studied, 32 (26.7%) had NAFLD. NAFLD frequency was higher in rural than urban areas. Clinical hyperandrogenism (HA) was less frequent in the NAFLD group than in the non-NAFLD group. Two groups did not vary in the frequencies of overweight, obesity, abdominal obesity, and hypertension. Hormonal parameters were indifferent in the two groups; both groups had a similar frequency of biochemical HA. Both groups had similar plasma glucose levels and glycemic status. NAFLD patients had lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and higher triglyceride than the non-NAFLD patients; total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol were similar in the two groups. Although metabolic syndrome frequency was higher (43.8% vs. 33.0%) in the NAFLD group, the difference was insignificant (P = 0.290). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were more elevated in the NAFLD group; AST: ALT ratios were identical in the two groups. In binary logistic regression analysis, only clinical HA was associated with a lower risk of NAFLD among the study participants.

Conclusion:

More than one-fourth of women with PCOS have NAFLD in this study. A large-scale, multicenter study may better explain NAFLD's association and risk factors in women with PCOS.
LSD1 Silencing Inhibits the Proliferation, Migration, Invasion, and Epithelial-To-Mesenchymal Transition of Hypopharyngeal Cancer Cells by Inducing Autophagy and Pyroptosis
Authors: Wang Hao , Liu Fang
Published: May 2023

Hypopharyngeal cancer is a subtype of the head and neck malignancies. We aimed to explore the role of lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1/KDM1A) in the progression of hypopharyngeal cancer and to identify the potential mechanisms. First, LSD1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) tissues and the correlation between LSD1 and the stage of HNSC were analyzed by the University of ALabama at Birmingham CANcer data analysis Portal (UALCAN). Following LSD1 silencing, proliferation of pharyngeal cancer cell line FaDu cells was evaluated by cell counting kit-8 and colony formation assays. Wounding healing and transwell assays were used to measure the capacities of migration and invasion. In addition, expression of proteins related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), autophagy, and pyroptosis was tested by Western blot analysis or immunofluorescence. After treatment with autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) or NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inhibitor MCC950, the malignant biological properties were measured again. High LSD1 expression was observed in HNSC tissues, which was correlated with stage. LSD1 knockdown significantly suppressed the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of hypopharyngeal cancer cells. Moreover, autophagy and pyroptosis were induced by LSD1 depletion, observed by the enhanced fluorescence intensity of LC3, gasdermin-D (GSDMD)-N, and apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), accompanied by upregulated expression of LC3II/LC3I, Beclin-1, NLRP3, cleaved-caspase 1, ASC, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18 and downregulated expression of p62. Importantly, 3-MA or MCC950 addition obviously reversed the inhibitory effects of LSD1 silencing on the proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT of hypopharyngeal cancer cells. To sum up, LSD1 silencing could restrain the progression of hypopharyngeal cancer cells by inducing autophagy and pyroptosis.
Effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles on cellular stress in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma
Authors: Morsy Sara , Abd-Ellatif Rania N , Soliman Nema A , Ibrahim Wafaa M
Published: May 2023

Background

Cancer cells are characterized by high cellular stress that is considered crucial for cancer cell survival and metastasis.

Aim

In this study, we assessed cellular stress in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells before and after treatment with intraperitoneal zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Materials and methods

This experiment was performed on six groups of mice: 90 female albino mice were included in this study and were divided into six groups (n=15 per group): C [saline treated mice (20 ml/Kg intraperitoneal (i.p.)], CZn20/2d [ZnO NP-treated mice (20 mg/kg i.p. every other day], EC [untreated EAC-bearing mice], EZn 10/d [EAC-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 10 mg/kg everyday], EZn 10/2d [EAC-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 10 mg/kg every other day], EZn20/2d [EACs-bearing mice administered with ZnO NPs 20 mg/kg every other day]. After 2 weeks, the ascitic fluid and mammary gland were collected to measure the level of nitric oxide (NO) and peroxynitrite.

Results

Based on this results, there was a significantly high level of NO and peroxynitrite in the EAC groups compared with the control group. Zinc oxide nanoparticles significantly decreased the level of NO and peroxynitrite in the EAC groups compared with the control group.

Conclusion

This study implied that cancer cells have higher cellular stress, and it was efficiently decreased by treatment with zinc oxide nanoparticles indicating its efficacy against cancer cells.
The role of CXCR5+ CD4+T-follicular helper cells in idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: El-Sayed Nada E.-S.T. , Fouda Mohammed H.M. , El-Shanshory Mohamed R. , Ghaith Fatma M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Primary immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is an autoimmune illness characterized by increased platelet breakdown in the peripheral blood as well as impaired platelet production and it is also characterized by platelet counts less than 100 × 109/L. T-follicular helper (TFH) cells have been linked to the pathogenesis of autoimmune conditions.

Aim

The study’s aim was to study the role of TFH cells and their function in ITP children.

Patients and methods

This research involved 25 ITP patients and 20 age-matched and sex-matched controls, with the frequency of circulating TFH cells measured by BD FACS Calibur Flowcytometer in both ITP patients and healthy controls.

Results

The results showed that the ratio of circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ PD1+ (TFH) in ITP (+) patients, that is, (ITP patients with antiplatelet antibody-positive results) was dramatically higher than those of ITP (−) patients, that is, (ITP patients with antiplatelet antibody-negative results) and it was discovered that the ratios of circulating CD4+ CXCR5+ PD1+ (TFH) were dramatically higher in ITP (+) patients than the control group. However, the ratio of circulating CD4+ CXCR5 +PD1+ (TFH) was not dramatically different between ITP (−) patients and the control group.

Conclusion

Patients with ITP have an increased number of TFH cells, which prove its critical role in B-cell proliferation, resulting in the development of autoantibodies that contribute to the pathophysiology of ITP.
A Comparative Study of the Efficacy of Thulium Fiber Laser Enucleation and Transurethral Resection for Medium- to Large-Size Prostate
Authors: Mahajan Abhay Dinkar , Mahajan Sumeeta Abhay
Published: May 2023

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the newer, thulium fiber laser enucleation of the prostate (ThuFLEP) versus the transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) for medium- to large-volume benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Materials and Methods:

We performed a single-center retrospective study between May 2020 and June 2021. Among these, we included patients >50 years of age, with prostate size >80 cc, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) >19, and maximum urine flow rate (Qmax) <15 mL/s. All patients underwent either TURP or ThuFLEP. Preoperative parameters such as IPSS score, quality of life (QoL) score, Qmax, and residual urine were assessed.

Results:

Of the total of 101 patients, 29 underwent ThuFLEP and 72 TURP. The mean prostate volume was significantly higher in the ThuFLEP group compared to the TURP (P = 0.01). The mean operative time was longer for ThuFLEP compared to TURP (P < 0.0001). No significant difference was noted in the postoperative hematuria (P = 0.29) and mean postoperative hemoglobin (P = 0.37). The QoL scores were significantly improved with ThuFLEP than TURP (P = 0.0006). Compared to a day after catheter removal, the proportion of patients with stress, urge, and total incontinence was significantly reduced at the end of 1 month in the ThuFLEP group (P < 0.00001); however, it was significantly greater than with TURP (P < 0.05). At 3 months, no significant difference was found between IPSS (P = 0.37) and Qmax (P = 0.98) scores between the groups; however, the decrease from baseline was significant for IPSS (P < 0.0001). The Clavien–Dindo Grade I and II complications were 31% and 13.8%, respectively, for ThuFLEP and 8.3% and 1.4% for TURP. There was no significant difference of patients with late complications.

Conclusion:

ThuFLEP demonstrated efficacy similar to TURP in medium- to larger-size BPH in terms of IPSS and Qmax but had significant improvement in QoL scores. The overall complications with ThuFLEP were higher as compared to TURP.
Detection of total fumonisins produced by Fusarium verticillioides (Sacc) isolates from maize kernels in Ethiopia
Authors: Tsehaye Hadush , Sundheim Leif , Tronsmo Arne , Bente Brurberg May , Assefa Dereje , Marte Tronsmo Anne
Published: May 2023

Fusarium verticillioides is the most common fungal pathogen of maize in Ethiopia. Many strains of this pathogen produce fumonisin myotoxins that are harmful to human and animal health. This study was conducted to determine the fumonisin-producing ability of isolates of F. verticillioides isolated from maize kernels collected from different maize- growing areas of the country. Eighty F. verticillioides isolates were grown on autoclaved maize cultures for one month, and the fumonisin content was quantified using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). All the 80 isolates evaluated were able to produce detectable levels of total fumonisins in the maize culture with values ranging from 0.25 to 38.01 mg of the toxin per kg of culture material (fungal biomass and maize kernels). The mean levels of total fumonisins produced by the F. verticillioides isolates were not significantly (p>0.05) different among maize growing areas, however, the total fumonisins levels produced by isolates obtained from the same area as well as agroecological zones were wide-ranging. The results indicate that the majority (57.5%) of the F. verticillioides isolates associated with maize grains in Ethiopia produced total fumonisins >4 mg/kg, while 35% of the isolates produced total fumonisins <2 mg/kg. The widespread occurrence of higher fumonisin-producing strains across all maize-growing areas in Ethiopia indicates a possible food safety risk. Thus, efforts should be made to prevent the spread of this fungus with good agronomic practices and to implore all possible ways to avoid maize contamination with fumonisin both in the field and in storage.
Synthesis, Physicochemical, and Antimicrobial Activity of Copper and Zinc Complexes with N, O - Bidentate Schiff Base
Authors: Assayehegn Elias , Tadese Abraha , G/Yohannes Goitom , Alemayehu Samuel , Teklu Tesfamariam
Published: May 2023

This paper is intended to prepare new antimicrobial complexes with proven efficiency. The Schiff base, through the condensation process of salicylaldehyde and p-toludine, and its Cu and Zn complexes were successfully synthesized. The Schiff base and its complexes were characterized using molar conductivity, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques. Accordingly, these characterizations not only confirmed that the synthesized Schiff base acted as N,O bidentate ligand (through azomethine nitrogen and phenoxide oxygen) and chelated with Cu(II) and Zn(II) in the metal-to-ligand ratio of 1:2 but also revealed the characteristic electronic-transition of π→π*/n→π* of the ligand, and ligand-metal charge transfer and d-d of the metal complexes. Moreover, both Cu and Zn complexes recorded weak molar conductance of 54.12 and 51.41 S cm2 mol-1, respectively. Further, their antibacterial activities were evaluated by disc diffusion assay against Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive), Escherichia coli (gram-negative), and Bacillus cereus (gram-negative) bacteria. For all microbial, the metal complexes recorded higher activities than the parent ligand; such increased activity of the complexes may be due to the chelation of the metal ion in the complexes, which enhances the lipophylic character favoring its permeation through the lipid layer of the cell membrane. Such metal complexes can therefore be explored in the future as an option for decreasing the pathogenic potential of infecting bacteria.
Bank Health Analysis with RGEC Method Panin Dubai Syariah Bank
Authors: Rakhman Faisal , Tilawatijariah Sari , Susilawati Susilawati
Published: May 2023

Based on the observations, the background of this study is that there are several financial ratios that experience fluctuations and contrary the theory and to find out level of bank health in Panin Dubai Syariah Bank period 2017-2021. This study aims to find out the health level of Panin Dubai Syariah Bank for the period 2017-2021 using the RGEC method. The valuation factors used are Risk Profile, Good Corporate Governance, Earning and Capital factors. The object of this research is the financial statements of research used is quantitative with a descriptive approach. The type of data used in this study is secondary data. The results showed that the health level of Panin Dubai Syariah Bank based on Risk Profile factors gets a healthy predicate, Good Corporate Governance gets a healthy predicate, Earning gets an unhealthy predicate and Capital gets a very healthy predicate.
Does Specific Gravity of Urine Affects Cloth's Color Choice?
Authors: Daniyal Muhammad , Qadir Muhammad Imran , Ejaz Muhammad
Published: May 2023

Clothing color choice matters a lot as it defines a person’s psychology. The objective of the present examination was according to estimation for the specific gravity of urine. Outright 100 subjects took an intrigue. The measurement of solutes in the urine is said to be its urine specific gravity. In this we came to know the density of the urine. The density of water is considered to be about 1.000 and in this process we measure the density of urine and compare it with the density of the water. The normal density of urine is thought to be about 1.002 or 1.030. In the world, there are many traditions of clothing everywhere. Clothing express the culture of the area. Each society has its own clothing tradition and style. These traditions differ from area to area. This survey is completed by the t-test in the MS excel to get the desire outcomes. Linkage between ordinary specific gravity of urine (Mean±SD) with dim shading is given in graph 1. This examination contains 100 subjects in which 0 folks and 100 females were taken an intrigue. Student’s –t-test had associated, apparently it is related with the specific gravity of urine. It is non-significant as there is no significant relation found between the cloth’s color choice and specific gravity of urine.
The Growing Challenge of Youth Unemployment in Europe and America
Authors: Jagannathan Radha
Published: May 2023

This book provides a culturally nuanced analysis of key issues relating to youth unemployment. Examining the causes and consequences of youth unemployment, it assesses ways forward to promote economic self-sufficiency.
Waste Management Framework Using Brainy Litter Basket
Authors: Anusha K. , Bhavithra A. , Franika H. , Sahayahebsiba S. , Evanjalin Mrs. A.B.
Published: May 2023

Due to the increased number of individuals disposing of their waste, the sanitation of the waste management system has decreased. The persistent act of disposing waste in shared spaces by individuals may result in significant ramifications for the nearby ecological system. The existence of such circumstances in the vicinity has the capability to aggravate an extensive array of severe health conditions. The aforementioned phenomenon will lead to a decrease in the value of the impacted region. Effective waste management practises are necessary to address the issue of waste disposal and maintain cleanliness. The present investigation presents a novel waste management framework that leverages Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled sensor devices to monitor and record the quantity of refuse deposited into receptacles. Upon detection, the system promptly entered an alarm state that was exclusively operable through GSM/GPRS technology. The microcontroller establishes a connection between the GSM/GPRS system and the sensor system in the present system. The smart garbage bin additionally encourages recycling by categorising various types of waste (wet and dry). This guarantees prompt waste collection, lessens litter and unhealthy conditions. This led to the environment becoming more green and to support for Swachh Bharat for cleanliness.
A Study on the Hullyeon-dae during the Gabo Reform Period
Authors:   Institute for Historical Studies at Chung-Ang University, Lee SunO , Chang Kyu-sik
Published: May 2023

The Hullyeon-dae was the only military organization in Joseon based on the new military system during the Gabo Reform as a result of the military reform that began in July 1894. It was composed of four battalions, two were central battalions located in Seoul, and the other two were local battalions located in Pyongyang and Jeonju. Securing the initiative of the Hullyeon-dae actually meant Joseon’s military control. The conflict took place between Park Young-hyo and Cho Hee-yeon in the first and Park Young-hyo and King Gojong in the second.
The Hullyeon-dae was disbanded due to public criticism after taking part in the Eulmi Incident. Regarding the motive for the Hullyeon-dae’s participation in the Eulmi Incident, it usually refers to the conflict between the Royal faction and the pro-Japanese enlightenment faction. However, after Park Young-hyo’s outster, most of the Hullyeon-dae officers advocated political neutrality. The problem was the repercussions of rumors on the disbandment of the Hullyeon-dae. The officers of the Hullyeon-dae, who felt threatened by this rumors, cooperated with Japan’s plan to kill the queen bacause of their interests, which was their Motive for participating in the Eulmi Incident.