bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoral transnasal approach for surgical extraction of bilateral deeply impacted mesiodens: A case report
Authors: Sharifi Reza , Shafiei Shervin , Moslemi Hamidreza , khah Meysam Mohammadi
Published: August 2021

Traditional palatal and vestibular surgical approaches for removing
deeply impacted mesiodens with a crown facing the nasal floor are
accompanied by significant complications. Herein, we describe a novel
modified intranasal approach to minimize the complications. Also, it can
be performed under local anesthesia with proper preoperative workup.
Management of Cauda Equina Syndrome: NHS Staff Perceptions in a DGH
Authors: Taylor G
Published: August 2021

Objective: Cauda Equina Syndrome (CES) is a challenging condition to diagnose due to such variability in clinical features and poor correlation with MRI findings. It requires surgery within hours to avoid damage to the bowel, bladder, sexual organs and lower limbs. There are empirical studies exploring patients’ perspectives of having CES, however, there is no literature to review NHS staff perceptions of managing this neurosurgical emergency. The aim is to explore perceptions of senior clinical staff who commonly manage patients with suspected CES in secondary care within the Emergency Department (ED) and Trauma and Orthopaedics (T&O) to improve the management of CES. The main objective is to identify barriers to successful management and possible solutions to improve care. Methods: A self-administered non-validated questionnaire was designed to identify barriers experienced and potential solutions. In addition, a Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was used to gain a greater insight. The qualitative data obtained was analysed by thematic analysis. Results: The questionnaire generated a 73% response rate. Six senior clinicians attended the NGT with representation from the three clinical specialities; ED, T&O and Advanced Physiotherapy Practitioner (APP). The challenges and potential solutions were categorised into themes and subthemes. The barriers highlighted included; staff confidence in clinical diagnosis; fear of litigation and inter-professional relations; patient psychosocial factors, expectations and comorbidities; lack of agreed local pathway. The solutions raised include; staff training; standardising local/national pathway; access to daily Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) slots. Conclusion: Patient safety and accurate diagnosis of CES is at the forefront of decision-making despite organisation barriers and limitations of existing pathways. A shift away from admission to expedite an urgent MRI requires a change to traditional clinical practice and expectations. In times of rising pressures and financial constraints, collaborative working is essential to implement and sustain the required changes highlighted in this study.
Impact of COVID-19 on Pediatric and Adult Orthopaedics
Authors: S Hayes Daniel
Published: August 2021

Background: Social practices, hospital guidelines, and government regulations in response to COVID-19 have influenced orthopaedic practice volumes. The widespread cessation of non-essential surgeries has greatly decreased elective practices, but the extent to which trauma volumes diminish remains unknown. Access to common sites of orthopaedic injury was limited during this period, including organized sports, playgrounds, and travel. Methods: To examine the effect of COVID-19 in pediatric and adult practices, considering local responses to the pandemic, weather effects, and school activity. We retrospectively examined orthopaedic clinic changes for the first five months of the year in 2019 and 2020. An administrative database was used to obtain volume data for OR cases, OP visits, and OP clinic procedures. Temperature and precipitation records were collected for the same period. Results: All aspects of the adult practice greatly decreased in March, April, and May compared to the previous year. The largest decreases in OR cases occurred in April for adults, with a slight increase in May, but volumes remained decreased compared to the previous year. Pediatric and adult OP visits and OR cases dropped similarly in March and April. This trend continued into May for OP visits, but only pediatric OR visits increased in May. Conclusion: Practice trends from 2019 to 2020 established in January and February abruptly altered in the following months. Institutional cessation of elective procedures and government issued statewide stay-at-home orders greatly impacted orthopaedic volumes during this period. Decreased opportunity for social activity contributed to drops in pediatric and adult trauma. Proactive responses by local schools aided in a more rapid decline of pediatric trauma compared to adults in the month of March.
Anatomic Study of Exposed Posterior Malleolus Using the Posterolateral Ankle Approach
Authors: Ma Xin
Published: August 2021

We compared the effect of the posterolateral ankle approach on the exposed posterior malleolus and vascular nerves in order to reduce the probability of vascular nerve injury during surgical exposure. Five corpses were randomly allocated to incision A and B groups. The tip of the lateral malleolus was used as a starting point, while the lateral line of the Achilles tendon was used as the endpoint to its trisection. Using the two points near the side of the Achilles tendon, we drew two vertical horizontal lines to represent incisions A and B, then measured the horizontal distances between the tip of the lateral malleolus and incision A (a), the tip of the lateral malleolus and incision B (b), and the tip of the lateral malleolus and the midpoint of the sural nerve and small saphenous vein (c). We then exposed the fibula from the posterior portion of the peroneus brevis muscles, dissected the flexor pollicis longus from the posterior edge of the fibula, and used Vernier calipers to measure the maximum length and width of the exposed bone block. There was no statistically significant difference between distances (a) and (c), but there was a significant difference between distances (b) and (c). The length of the exposed posterior malleolus did not differ significantly between incisions A and B, but the width differed significantly. Exposing the posterior malleolus using an approach closer to the lateral Achilles tendon is less likely to injure the sural nerve and small saphenous vein and results in a larger exposed area and easier manipulation. Thus, this could be a better surgical treatment for ankle fractures.
Outcomes of Medicare Outpatient Total Knee Arthroplasty at an Ambulatory Surgery Center
Authors: Lo Daniel
Published: August 2021

Background: Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) was removed from the “inpatient only” list for Medicare Beneficiaries in 2018. As a result, outpatient TKA’s have been performed at ambulatory surgery centers (ASC) more frequently. This study aims to evaluate outcomes of medicare patients who underwent outpatient TKA at an ASC. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort review of medicare patients who underwent TKA at an ASC between January 1st, 2020 and June 30th, 2020 performed by six orthopedic surgeons. Results: Thirty-six patients were identified who underwent primary TKA. There was a mean age of 72.4 and body mass index of 30.9. The mean preoperative range of motion was -6.7 degrees of extension and 114.8 degrees of flexion, two and six week post operative extension of -3.8 degrees and flexion of 104 degrees and -2.7 degrees and 114.6 degrees respectively. Preoperative physical and mental patient reported outcomes measurement and information system scores were 43.2 and 53.4 respectively and 49.4 and 53.1 post operatively. Preoperative patient reported outcomes measure with the knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score was 48.4 and 72.8 post operatively. There were two patients (5.5%) with complications of arthrofibrosis that required manipulation under anesthesia. Total recovery time and time within the ASC were on average 200 minutes and 398.6 minutes respectively. Conclusion: Without adverse events within the first six months, this study suggests that outpatient TKA can be safely performed in medicare patients at an ASC.
Tacit hierarchising in online communities of hillwalkers
Authors: Brown David , Wilson Sharon
Published: August 2021

This research explores how Munro-baggers – hillwalkers aiming to climb all 282 Scottish mountains over 3,000ft – hierarchise themselves and others as serious leisure participants. This increasingly popular hobby contributes to Scotland’s economy and profile, but its sparse literature insufficiently analyses the influence of Stebbins’ Serious Leisure Perspective (SLP), the recent reappraisal of Serious Leisure or the influence of online communities. Therefore, we critically revisit the SLP to re-evaluate Munro-bagging. Through phenomenological interviews, we explore how Munro-baggers hierarchise each other, tacitly and otherwise, offline and online, through their activities’ perceived characteristics. Ambiguities and overlaps are explored and the interplay of contexts analysed. We identify factors influencing Munro-baggers’ perceptions of seriousness amongst fellow hobbyists, taxonomising participants by their perceived characteristics of seriousness. Findings suggest that they draw upon quantitative and qualitative judgments of hobby-relevant activities and qualitative judgments of certain ad hominem characteristics. The expansion of the pastime beyond its temporospatial boundaries into online spaces is found to influence the extent to which actors categorise or hierarchise each other and the characteristics used to do so.
Extended Reality technologies as a tool for managing crises and shaping tourism safety perceptions
Authors: Karadimitriou Christina , Michopoulou Elina
Published: August 2021

New technologies are considered by different industries as a useful tool for having efficient emergency and crisis management. For tourism industry in particular (that involves and interfaces with multiple other industries), it is critically important to act proactively in a risk situation, to effectively face a disaster, and to reduce the impact of a crisis. This chapter provides an overview of the Extended Reality (XR) technologies (Augmented Reality [AR]; Virtual Reality [VR]; Mixed Reality [MR]). It discusses opportunities of using XR in tourism, and it provides contemporary examples of XR applications. It also focuses on emergency management via XR in tourism. Finally, it provides specific recommendations for XR use before, during, and after a crisis in order to better prepare for, manage and recover from emergencies and crisis.
Politraumatizados atendidos en el servicio de cirugía general de un hospital de tercer nivel de Honduras: Caracterización clínico-epidemiológica
Authors: Alas César Ulises
Published: August 2021

Antecedentes: El politraumatismo se conoce como la asociación de múltiples lesiones traumáticas producidas por un mismo accidente y que suponen, aunque solo sea una de ellas, riesgo vital para el paciente. Esta es una de las causas de muerte más importantes a nivel mundial y comparado con otras patologías tiene una alta tasa de mortalidad. En Honduras es una de las mayores causas hospitalización y costos hospitalarios. Objetivo: Crear una caracterización clínica de los pacientes politraumatizados que se atienden en el servicio de emergencia de cirugía del Hospital Mario Catarino Rivas en el año 2017. Metodología: Estudio descriptivo observacional transversal y retrospectivo. Se analizó una muestra probabilística [IC 95%] que abarca 205 expedientes de pacientes politraumatizados atendidos en emergencia de cirugía obtenida por un muestreo estratificado mensual. Resultados: La media de edad del grupo es de 38,1 ± 6,3 años, la mediana de edad es de 33 años. El 79% (n= 162) de los ingresados corresponden al sexo masculino y 21% (n= 43) al sexo femenino. Los viernes y domingos son los días donde hubo mayor afluencia de paciente politraumatizado, 23,9 y 21,5% respectivamente. La afluencia de pacientes fue mayor entre las 6:00-12:00 de la mañana representando un 45,4%. El principal diagnóstico es la fractura de hueso largo 47,7%, seguido del traumatismo craneocefálico con 45,3%, traumatismo torácico y el traumatismo abdominal cada uno el 17,5%. La media de estancia intrahospitalaria fue de 16,3 ± 11 días. Conclusiones: Al tener conocimiento de los principales mecanismos de lesión del paciente politraumatizado del servicio se pueden tomar medidas para equipar la sala y al personal de salud para mejorar la atención del paciente politraumatizado.

Palabras claves: Politraumatismo, Accidente, Trauma.
Enfermedad de Cori-Forbes. A propósito de dos casos.
Authors: Romero María Fernanda , Mongelli Hernandez Scarlet Saret , Hoyos Vetencourt Yugledys Ruthliany , Santiago Peña Rafael José
Published: August 2021

La glucogenosis tipo III (GSDIII) o enfermedad de Cori-Forbes es un trastorno causado por mutaciones en el gen AGL, que genera deficiencia de la enzima amilo-1,6-glucosidasa y el almacenamiento de dextrina límite en los tejidos afectados: hígado, músculo esquelético y cardíaco en GSDIIIa y sólo hígado en GSDIIIb. Se reportan dos casos: pacientes femenino y masculino, hermanos, de 7 y 5 años de edad respectivamente. Presentan aumento en el perímetro abdominal, extremidades delgadas, retardo del crecimiento pondoestatural, facies con mejillas redondas. Se observan alteraciones en valores sanguíneos como glicemia, colesterol HDL y VLDL, triglicéridos, AST, ALT, deshidrogenasa láctica y creatinasa. Se indicó plan dietético con suministro de maltodextrina a intervalos cortos de tiempo con restricción de sacarosa. El cumplimiento de la dieta y la valoración nutricional especializada lograron mejoría en la calidad de vida de los pacientes.

Palabras clave: Trastorno Metabólico, Enfermedad Metabólica, Glucogenosis Tipo III, Enfermedad De Cori-Forbes.
Kinetic Modeling of Essential Oil Extraction by Hydrodistillation of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich Fruits from Congo-Brazzaville
Authors: Silou Thomas , Bassiloua Jean Bruno , Kama Niamayoua Rosalie
Published: August 2021

The extraction kinetics of the essential oil of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich by hydrodistillation was studied for modeling its process and optimizing its yield. The oils obtained, analyzed by GC/MS, consists mainly of pinenes, sabinene, myrenal, terpinene-4-ol, limonene. Experimental data were fitted into first and second order kinetics for a 2-steps extraction, washing and diffusion, of the phenomenological model, according to the hypothesis used. The essential oil which moves inner vegetable cells by diffusion and is extracted at the surface of the particle by washing with an extraction solvent. When the washing step is instantaneous compared to that of diffusion, the mechanism, which is under diffusion control, admits first order. Considering both washing and diffusion steps, kinetic order became 2, in agreement with the Peleg model. The Monod and Langmuir models also fitted experimental data. All these models validated by the experimental data with determination coefficients R2> 0.96 can be used for optimizing the extraction of the essential oil of Xylopia aethiopica (Dunal) A. Rich.
Evaluation of the Effect of Using 2,3-dichlorovinyl Dimethyl Phosphate (sniper) as Storage Insecticide on Quality of Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp) Nutritional Content
Authors: Tizhe T. D. , Dagze J. K. , Yusuf C. S. , Jacob J. , Mallum S. M.
Published: August 2021

The effect of 2, 3-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate (sniper) application on the nutritional contents of cowpea over a period of time has been investigated. The chemical free cowpea samples were purchased directly from local farmers in Mubi town, Adamawa State. Three different treatment rates of 5, 10 and 15 ml of sniper were used. Each of the treatment rates was applied to 13 kg of cowpea and was placed in an air tight galloon. Another galloon containing 13 kg of cowpea without chemical treatment was used as the control sample. These were kept for a period of 30 and 60 days before analysis. The proximate and mineral components of the cowpea were analyzed using standard procedures. Assessment of the proximate composition revealed varied concentrations of protein, carbohydrate, ash, fat, crude fibre and moisture that ranges between 22.79-26.16%, 58.85-60.86%, 3.85-5.88%, 2.25-2.53%, 1.52-1.76% and 5.90-6.85%, respectively. Most of the proximate compositions were observed to decrease with increase in sniper concentration and storage duration. The proximate contents at 60 days after treatment application were observed to be significantly lower than that at 30 days. The mineral components analyzed ranges between 185.03-195.54 mg/100 g (P), 226.32-245.76 mg/100 g (Ca), 80.76-85.92 mg/100 g (Mg) and 595.25-642.34 mg/100 g (K) respectively; and at day 60 it ranges between 186.54-198.65 mg/100g, 251.07-262.73 mg/100 g, 86.48-90.12 mg/100 g and 650.06-700.04 mg/100 g respectively. The mineral contents were observed to increase with increase in treatment concentrations as well as storage duration. Therefore, sniper has significant effect on the proximate and mineral contents of cowpea. The effect depends on the rate and duration of storage. The use of sniper as an insecticide in the storage of cowpea should therefore be discouraged.
Performance Evaluation of a Hybrid Solar Collector in Two Different Climates
Authors: Alshibil Ahssan M. A. , Víg Piroska , Farkas István
Published: August 2021

The solar hybrid collector (PV/T) modules are a beneficial approach that simultaneously transforms solar radiation into heat and electric power. This work examined the performance of a PV/T module with flat-plate absorber type and water-cooled by optimizing the PV/T model under two significantly different climate conditions.  The first is for Stuttgart city, and the second is for Kabul. According to what has been conducted in this study, Kabul has a higher percentage of the received heat energy than Stuttgart, at more than 50.4%. Furthermore, Kabul's electrical efficiency is 48.3% higher than Stuttgart's. As a matter of fact, the annual radiation of Kabul is more than Stuttgart city by 49.12%. Thus, Kabul city seems to be more convenient than Stuttgart for the PV/T applications.
Impact of Soiling on Energy Yield of Solar PV Power Plant and Developing Soiling Correction Factor for Solar PV Power Forecasting
Authors: L. Sahana , Kumaar Naveen , Waldl Hans Peter , Das Prasun Kumar , Ramanathan Karthik , Balaraman K. , Mitra Indradip
Published: August 2021

Across the world, the geographical conditions are varied, and the characteristics of dust depend on the local environmental conditions. The solar power generators must incorporate the soiling losses in their estimation for power output and therefore a methodology was developed to estimate the soiling correction factor. After extensive research, a comprehensive review was presented on the effect of soiling on performance of PV plants along with case studies of soiling experiments around the world. A soiling experiment was designed to develop the soiling correction factor. A methodology to calculate the soiling correction factor, which can be implemented in any location, was developed by analyzing the data from the soiling experiment. The effect of rainfall, humidity and wind on soiling was analyzed and documented. The performance of one 20 kWp PV plant was monitored to study the effect of weather-related parameters on the performance. The soiling correction factor varied from -1.36% to 3.67% during the period between June 2018 and June 2019 in Chennai. It was observed that the average PV conversion efficiency of the 20-kW plant was 11.75% and the average PR was 75%. It was observed that the correlation between module temperature and DC power; between humidity and DC power; between GTI and DC power varied every month. The soiling factor developed could be incorporated into the short-term day ahead solar forecasting model. The developed methodology could be applied at the any large-scale solar power plant around the world for yield assessment, designing as well as operational forecasting purposes.
Optimal Frequency Control Management of Grid Integration PV/Wind/FC/Storage Battery Based Smart Grid Using Multi Objective Particle Swarm Optimization MOPSO and Model Predictive Control (MPC)
Authors: Elgammal Adel , Ramlal Tagore
Published: August 2021

This article forecasts the performance of smart-grid electrical transmission systems and integrated battery/FC/Wind/PV storage system renewable power sources in the context of unpredictable solar and wind power supplies. The research provided a hybrid renewable energy sources smart grid power system electrical frequency control solution using adaptive control techniques and model predictive control (MPC) based on the Multi-Objective Practical Swarm Optimization Algorithm MOPSO. To solve the problems of parameter tuning in Load Frequency Control, the suggested adaptive control approach is utilized to accomplish on-line adjustment of the Load Frequency Control parameters. During the electrical grid's integration, the system under investigation is a hybrid Wind/PV/FC/Battery smart grid with variable demand load. To achieve optimal outcomes, all of the controller settings for various units in power grids are determined by means of a customized objective function and a particle swarm optimization method rather than a regular objective function with fluctuating restrictions. To suppress the consumption and generation balance, MPCs were designed for each of the Storage Battery, Wind Turbine Generation, and the model Photovoltaic Generation. In addition, demand response (real-time pricing) was used in this scheme to reduce the load frequency by adjusting the controlled loads. The suggested control strategy is evaluated in the Simulink /MATLAB environment in order to analyse the suggested approach's working in the power system, as well as its effectiveness, reliability, robustness, and stability. The simulation findings show that the proposed control method generally converges to an optimal operating point that minimises total user disutility, restores normal frequency and planned tie-line power flows, and maintains transmission line thermal restrictions. The simulation results further indicate that the convergence holds even when the control algorithm uses inaccurate system parameters. Finally, numerical simulations are used to illustrate the proposed algorithm's robustness, optimality, and effectiveness. In compared to previous methodologies, the system frequency recovers effectively and efficiently in the event of a power demand disturbance, as demonstrated. A sensitivity test is also performed to assess the suggested technique's effectiveness.
Higher Order Moments of the Order Statistics for the Rectangular, Exponential, Gamma and Weibull Distributions
Authors: Kumar Sampath , HaraGopal V. V.
Published: August 2021

In this paper we discuss the problem of Higher Order Moments for the order Statistics for the Rectangular, Exponential, Gamma and Weibull distributions by finding the order statistic distributions for the base distribution and modified distributions, the base distribution is to deduce the corresponding distribution by the polynomial modifier. These higher order moments are very much useful in most of the Data sciences and Image analysis.
Efficacy of Oral Ketamine Combined with Psychotherapy for Treatment Resistant Depression
Authors: Zydb Tatiana , Hart MIchael
Published: August 2021

Background: Treatment resistant depression (TRD) is defined as a major depressive episode that does not improve in response to at least two trials, each of a different class, of antidepressant medication. Pharmacotherapy of TRD with low dose ketamines has been shown as relatively successful in recent studies. Effects of such pharmacotherapy can be augmented by combining ketamine with psychotherapeutic interventions such as Zdyb’s Therapeutic Reset of Internal Processes (TRIP) protocol.

Method: 10 adult TRD patients (4 men, 6 women) were treated with low dose ketamines and were also receiving psychotherapeutic intervention as per TRIP protocol. All patients were administered the Patient Health Questionnaire, module 9 (PHQ9) which is a measure of a major depressive episode. The PHQ9 was administered twice: on baseline (i.e., prior to treatment) and after the treatment.

Results: On average, our patients fell in the moderate range of severity with respect to symptoms of TRD at baseline (pre-TRIP) as by their mean PHQ9 score of 17.9, (SD = 5.1). Their mean PHQ9 score decreased post TRIP treatment to 9.5 (SD = 6.6): the difference is significant in a t-test, t(10) = 4.3172, p = 0002 (two-tailed). The magnitude of the decrease amounts to 46.9% of the average baseline score.

Discussion and Conclusions: Our patients experienced significant reductions in symptoms of TRD in this pilot study. Research studies are now needed with control groups of TRD patients on a waiting list or also of those receiving only the ketamine pharmacotherapy.
The Potential of Urban Peripheries to Manage the Stress Due to the COVID-19
Authors: Arce Mario Fernández , Chaves Jonnathan Reyes , Picado Huberth Vargas Picado
Published: August 2021

This article focuses on the influence of the urban periphery in human health, particularly, in the management of the COVID-19 disease, which is generated by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The periphery of cities can serve as an open space that allows people to get out of confinement and practice healthy activities, without risk of contagion. Therefore, routes of urban periphery can be visited by walkers and cyclists currently during pandemic. This publication emphasizes the potential of the Santo Domingo´s periphery (which also applies to the cities of San Pablo, San Rafael and San Isidro) as a space for rest, fun, recreation and, fundamentally, as a space that helps managing any disease that requires isolation and confinement. Routes of the studied area were chosen to observe the spatial transformations and recreational activities along them. Those routes are used for physical activity and recreation by both walkers and cyclists.
Perceived Challenges of Academic Staff Production of Research Papers in Colleges of Education in Ghana
Authors: Amoako I. , Boahen O. E. , Abaidoo A.
Published: August 2021

Apart from improving the ranking of the individual and his/her institution, research publications are also known to make important contributions to the advancement of knowledge and formulation of government policies, thus enhancing institutional, sector and/or national and global development. The study explored challenges that College of Education tutors face in line with publishing research papers and other scholarly materials. Utilizing concurrent nested mixed method design, tutors of all Colleges of Education institutions in Ghana were targeted, however, 190 tutors were drawn from the five Colleges of Education zones in Ghana to participate in the study. A checklist of .72 internal consistency reliability was used to gather the quantitative data while interview schedule was used to gather qualitative data about challenges that affect academic staff publishing of research products. Data to answer research question one was analyzed using descriptive statistics, specifically, percentages and frequencies. However, data to answer research question two were analyzed using Braun and Clarke thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed that college tutors used in the study had awareness and knowledge about how research articles and abstracts are produced but not for other research products such as monograph, book chapters and so on. The study findings further showed that, weaker foundational knowledge and skills in research methodology, lack of writing experience, deficient information technology skills and lack of mentorship constituted the challenges that affected frequent publishing of research products among college tutors. Regular workshops of research methodology and production of research papers should be organized for college tutors by college management. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education in collaboration with Ghana Education Trust Fund (GetFund) as a matter of priority should work on improving and building more infrastructure, specifically, offices for academic staff and technological infrastructure to enhance more research-based activities within the Colleges.
Effect of Training and Development on Employee Satisfaction: A Case of the Judiciary of Kenya
Authors: Osewe Joseph Ouma , Gindicha Jarso Yusuf
Published: August 2021

Abstract -The study aimed determining the relationship between training and development and employee job satisfaction in the Judiciary of Kenya. The research used explanatory cross-sectional survey design. The research population consisted of 5,419 judicial officers and staff. Structured questionnaires containing closed-ended questions were sent to all employees via their e-mails. 2,684 employees representing 50% of the population returned filled questionnaires. Statistically this was large enough to render the results permissible and acceptable as a representation of the entire population. This method was preferred because of the large number of subjects, cost, time, and the nature of the topic. The results indicated that training and development has positive correlation with employee satisfaction. Further, training need, training relevance, training work related, and number of trainings are positively correlated to employee satisfaction by 0.705, 0.835, 0.817 and 0.514 respectively. The study shows that training and development could contribute to increase in employee satisfaction.
Christianity and Indigenisation in Africa
Authors: Masoga M. A. , Nicolaides A.
Published: August 2021

In a quest for greater coherence between parochial identities, culture and Christianity, there exists an African consciousness which seeks to indigenise and decolonise Christianity. Africans are profoundly religious people who view their faith as part of their way of life, as strengthening their cultures and providing a moral compass for daily living. In efforts to transform society, the Christian religion has played a significant role in the path to African development. Christianity in Africa dates to the very inception of the church. Africans consequently played a crucial role in establishing the doctrines and theology of the early church. While African Traditional religion (ATR) is paramount, it is the purpose of this article to suggest that the Christian faith has and continuous to play a significant role on the African continent in its development. While there are many indigenous African beliefs, these have been to a large extent supported by Christianity in a quest to systematize novel knowledge and promote peace and tolerance across the continent. Many Africans have sought facets of Christianity that are similar to their religious and personal practices and continue to do so. Thus, while there exist numerous similarities and also differences between Christianity and ATR, it is imperative to preserve old-style regional distinctiveness and Christianity as the unifying rudiments in nation building endeavours and in efforts to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ. Africans can and should come to comprehend the Triune Godhead as being consistent with their own spiritual consciousness and existential veracities. Indigenization of Christianity requires enculturation and essentially an understanding that it is indeed ecumenical and also embraces diversity and fundamentally requires viewing Holy Scriptures and the truths they propound as being applicable to any context and cultural milieu across the ages. Christians after all espouse a faith in the Ekklesia or body of Christ for all its people who are the Laos of God.
Konsumen Muslim: Pengetahuan Produk Halal dalam Keputusan Pembelian Makanan
Authors: Musthofa Ariezal , Buhanudin Burhanudin
Published: August 2021

Menjadi Muslim tidak menjamin seseorang memiliki pengetahuan halal yang memadai. Penggalian ragam pengetahuan halal konsumen Muslim penting karena menjadi dasar keputusan pembelian mereka. Penelitian ini ditujukan untuk menggali rentang pengetahuan halal konsumen Muslim dan kemudian melakukan eksperimen untuk mengkonfirmasinya. Penggalian tersebut dilakukan dengan menyelenggarakan Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Hasil FGD menunjukkan bahwa konsumen Muslim dengan tingkat pengetahuan halal yang minim menggunakan logo halal Majelis Ulama Indonesia (MUI) sebagai dasar menentukan kehalalan produk dalam pengambilan keputusan pembelian. Konsumen dengan pengetahuan halal yang baik menggunakan pertimbangan lain (misalnya proses penyembelihan hewan menyebut nama Allah SWT) ketika tidak menemukan logo halal MUI dalam menentukan kehalalan produk.  Hasil eksperimen mengkonfirmasi adanya rentang pengetahuan halal tersebut.  Implikasi dari hasil penelitian tersebut adalah perlunya menyertakan halal logo MUI pada produk makanan untuk memudahkan konsumen Muslim membuat keputusan beli.
RETRACTED: Dynamic of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Relationship, Macroeconomic Stability and Return of Shares Index in Four Asen Countries
Authors: Suharti Fisit , Hasbi M. Zidny Nafi'
Published: August 2021

Following a rigorous and careful concerns and consideration in the review of the article published in el-Jizya : Jurnal Ekonomi Islam entitled “Dynamic of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Relationship, Macroeconomic Stability and Return of Shares Index in Four Asen Countries” Vol 9, No 1, pp. 38-55, Juni 2021, DOI: https://doi.org/10.24090/ej.v9i1.4855. This paper has been found to violate the principles of el-Jizya : Jurnal Ekonomi Islam Publication and has been retracted. The document and its content have been removed from el-Jizya : Jurnal Ekonomi Islam, and reasonable effort should be made to remove all references to this article.
Delivery of pain coping skills training program to manage chronic pain related to osteoarthritis: the primary care provider role
Authors:   , Obasi Patricia
Published: August 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the primary form of arthritis that affects a large portion of the Canadian population. With expected increases in OA prevalence over time, the magnitude of outcomes related to inadequate pain control will place further burdens on society and healthcare resources. Pain Coping Skills Training (PCST) is an intervention protocol derived from cognitive behavioural therapy and has traditionally been delivered by clinical psychologists to manage chronic pain related to OA. However, few providers in the primary care setting are trained in PCST. The lack of trained primary care providers creates a barrier to patient access in the community setting, which should be addressed. An integrative literature review has been conducted to identify if primary care providers, who work in primary care settings, can deliver PCST interventions to decrease pain interference and improve quality of life outcomes in adult patients diagnosed with OA. The results are discussed within the context of Canada's primary care practice. Eleven articles were reviewed using Whittemore and Knafl’s approach to the integrative literature review. The results suggest that PCST interventions are both practical and possible among providers that do not possess a background in mental health specialization. Thus, primary care providers are encouraged to obtain educational competency to deliver this effective therapy to manage the adverse psychological effects on chronic pain related to OA. This way, providers can offer a biopsychosocial approach in managing OA while also playing an essential role in improving access to PCST interventions in the primary care setting. Recommendations for facilitating the uptake of PCST interventions are discussed, and specific strategies for its use in primary care are presented.
High-capacity hyperelastic hold-down for cross-laminated timber shear walls
Authors:   , Oyawoye Abubakar
Published: August 2021

Cross-laminated timber (CLT) continues to establish a stronger footing in the Canadian construction industry, also as an option for lateral load resisting systems, such as shear walls. Recent modifications to the Canadian Standard for Engineering Design in Wood (CSA O86- 19) allow only rocking kinematics as energy dissipative mechanics for CLT shear walls, whereby hold-down must remain elastic. These provisions necessitate the development of novel hold-down solutions. In this report, the performance of a hyper-elastic high-capacity hold-down was investigated at the component level through tests on: (1) hold-down steel rod, (2) CLT housing, and (3) hold-down assemblies with different sizes of rubber pads. The tests demonstrated that: i) the rubber hold-down can remain elastic under a rocking kinematics provided that the elastic limit of the steel rod is not exceeded; ii) failure of the rod is the subsequent desired ductile mode; iii) the CLT width influences the failure mode; iv) the shape factor influences the achievable deformation of the rubber pad; v) increasing the rubber pad thickness reduces the hold-down stiffness; and vi) increasing the rubber pad width increases the hold-down stiffness. Numerical modelling and optimization suggested that using an intermediate steel laminate between layers of rubber pads could improve its performance. Based on the results of the investigations presented herein, a capacity-design procedure for the hyper-elastic hold-downs was proposed.
Building and using temperature chart to determine thermodynamic efficiency of ship steam-compression heat transformers
Authors: Drozdov Mikhail Mikhailovich , Galimova Larisa Vasilievna , Kuzmin Andrey Yurievich
Published: August 2021

The article highlights the method of constructing a temperature chart, which allows evaluating the thermodynamic efficiency of ship combined thermal transformers. Refrigerants R134a, R717 were selected as the analyzed refrigerants in the construction of the temperature chart. The results of calculating the degree of thermodynamic perfection of single-stage combined thermal transformers without a regenerative heat exchanger are presented. The dependence of changing thermodynamic perfection on the melting and condensation temperature is given. The separation and classification of the areas of this dependence is proposed. The process of determining and constructing the characteristics that set the limit of application of the considered thermal transformers is described. The values influencing the position of the selected regions on the temperature chart are revealed. For the selected refrigerants there have been presented the dependences for correcting position of the areas depending on the amount of overheating, degree of supercooling and temperature difference between the boiling point and the temperature of low-potential heat source. The application of the temperature chart is analyzed under the following initial data: refrigerant R134a; condensation temperature 40°C; boiling point –20°C; ambient temperature 20°C; steam overheating 20 K; supercooling of the liquid 8 K; temperature difference between the low-grade heat source and the boiling point 8 K. The graph illustrates an example of using a temperature chart to determine the possibility of using combined heat transformers with specified parameters on the refrigerant R134a. Equations are derived for correcting the position of the lines of temperature charts for refrigerants permitted for the ship power plants.
Adoption of International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Financial Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria
Authors:   Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Ogunmakin Adeduro Adesola , Samson Fajuyagbe Bamikole ,   Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, Juwon Akinleye Micah ,   Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

The study explored adoption of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) on financial performance of banks in Nigeria over a time period of ten years spreading over from 2006 to 2016. Data set utilized were randomly gathered across 10 (ten) banks, and analyzed with the use of pooled OLS, fixed effect and random effect estimations alongside the F-test and Hausman test. Result showed that embracing IFRS had insignificant positive effect on ROA of banks in Nigeria (β=0.0038609 p=0.366). It was likewise shown that loan to deposit ratio had a significant negative influence on return on asset (β=-0.0017625 p=0.046). The study established that IFRS implementation had not significantly spurred financial performance of banks in Nigeria, however it has the possibility of doing as such if banks can completely receive and fuse all parts of the Standard in their monetary detailing structure. Subsequently, it is suggested that Regulatory Authorities of deposit money banks should set up an administrative board that will be burdened with the obligation of following the pace of adoption of the IFRS in the country.
Adoption of Balanced Scorecard and Non-Financial Performance of Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria
Authors:   Bowen University, Nigeria, Oluwagbemiga Oyerogba Ezekiel , Ajibikeb Adekola Omotayo ,   The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Nigeria
Published: August 2021

The gap existing in the developing countries on whether adoption of BSC a significant influence on non-financial performance of tertiary institutions in Nigeria has using employers’ rating as a measure of performance, necessitated this study. The study used a survey research design. The population of the study consisted of all the sixty-eight (68) tertiary institutions in South Western Nigeria which comprised publicly and privately owned universities and polytechnics where a sample of 34 institutions were drawn using the multistage sampling technique. Data was collected using a five-point likert scale questionnaire from 209 respondents purposively drawn from the various categories of staff of the institutions selected. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that there is a significant improvement in the performance of tertiary institutions in Nigeria after adoption of the balanced scorecard. Also, we reported that about 63% of the variation in the ways in which graduates of Nigerian institutions are rated by the employers are associated with the combined effects of all the four components of the balanced scorecard investigated in this study. This research concluded that the balanced scorecard has a significant positive effect on the performance of tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Computed tomography measured psoas muscle attenuation predicts mortality after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Walpot Jeroen , Van Herck Paul , Collas Valerie , Bossaerts Liene , Vandendriessche Tom , Van De Heyning Caroline M. , Heidbuchel Hein , Rodrigus Inez , Bosmans Johan
Published: August 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to determine if computed tomography (CT) psoas muscular attenuation measurements may predict all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

Ninety-four consecutive patients undergoing TAVI were analysed. The CT axial slice at the level of the fourth lumbar vertebra was selected. The psoas muscle areas were manually contoured. The circumferential surface area (CSA) of both psoas muscles was determined by selecting the voxels with attenuation values, ranging from 0 to 100 Hounsfield Units (HU). The mean CT attenuation coefficient of the psoas muscle (Psoas mean HU) was measured. The muscle was subdivided into a low-density muscle (LDM) (0–29 HU) and high-density muscle (HDM) (30–100 HU) portion. The HDM/LDM ratio was calculated. We searched for a correlation between HDM/LDM, CSA LDM (%), Psoas mean HU and all-cause mortality.

Results

The mean age was 81.2 ± 7.5 years. Thirty patients had adverse outcome (all-cause mortality). Compared with patients with the lowest CSA LDM (%), patients in the third and second tertiles had an increased hazard ratio for mortality (2.871; 95% confidence interval 0.880–9.371 and 5.044; 95% confidence interval 1.641–15.795, respectively) in a multivariable model with EuroSCORE II, Barthel frailty index and CSA LDM (%) (P = 0.231, 0.097 and 0.019, respectively). HDM/LDM and Psoas mean HU (as continuous variable) were also independent predictors of all-cause mortality (P = 0.019, P = 0.013, respectively)

Conclusion

CSA LDM (%), Psoas mean HU and HDM/LDM are independent and incremental predictors of all-cause mortality in patients undergoing TAVI.
Retrospective comparison of three antivenoms for the treatment of dogs with crotalid envenomation
Authors: Carotenuto Sarah E. , Bergman Philip J. , Ray Jeri R. , McKee Talon
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

To retrospectively compare clinical outcomes associated with 3 commercially available antivenom products (2 F[ab']2 products and 1 IgG product) in dogs with crotalid envenomation.

ANIMALS

282 dogs with evidence of crotalid envenomation treated with antivenom at a single high-volume private emergency facility in southwestern Arizona from 2014 to 2018.

PROCEDURES

Data were collected on all dogs regarding signalment, coagulation test results, snakebite characteristics, type and number of units of antivenom received (1 of 3 products), survival to hospital discharge (yes or no), and complications following discharge. Survival rates and other variables were compared among antivenoms by means of bivariable analyses.

RESULTS

271 of 282 (96.1%) dogs survived to discharge; 11 (3.9%) were euthanized or died in the hospital. No significant difference in survival rates was found among the 3 antivenom products. Infusion reaction rates were higher for the IgG product than for each F(ab')2 product. A higher percentage of dogs treated with the IgG product (vs either F[ab']2 product) received only 1 unit of antivenom. Variables associated with a lower probability of survival included older age and lower body weight, thoracic (vs other) location of snakebites, and presence of an antivenom infusion reaction.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Given that survival rates were high for all 3 antivenom products, clinicians may consider other factors when selecting an antivenom, such as preference for a fractionated versus whole immunoglobulin product, risk of infusion reaction, cost, shelf life, availability, ease of use and administration, species of crotalids used for antivenom production, approval by federal regulatory bodies, and clinical preference.
Tenure Status in Life Cycle Cohorts in Poland
Authors: Matel Anna
Published: August 2021

Poland is characterized by a relatively high level of homeowners (84% of population in 2018). The preference for ownership, as well as financial possibilities, are not balanced throughout the entire life cycle of a household. The scale of these differences, as well as the tendency to change over time, remains unknown. The subject of conducted research is to indicate how the structure of the tenure status of Poles changes over the life cycle of a household. This publication proposes the division of the household life cycle into the stages of formation, stabilization and reduction. The research on the structure of the tenure status of Poles was conducted for the period of 2006-2018. The analysis showed that, while the share of owner-occupiers increased significantly in Poland in the years 2006-2018, at the stage of forming a household rent begins to prevail. What is more, young people are more likely to choose market rent, and relocation to private housing is associated with having children or getting married. At the same time, there is no tendency to relocate to rented flats at the stage of household reduction in Poland.