bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Blockchain Technology in Indian Agri-Food Supply Chains
Authors: Shah Mushtaq Ahmad , Aggarwal Mihir
Published: October 2024

Blockchain technology has been recognised for its potential to improve transparency, traceability, and security in the financial industry, prompting the RBI to push banks to implement it into their operations. Blockchain has applications outside banking and finance, including in agro-food supply chains, land record administration, intellectual property rights, voting systems, cybersecurity and healthcare management. Despite its great potential, blockchain technology is still in the early stages of adoption in India's agro-food supply chain. This study conducts a rigorous literature review and expert questionnaire survey to identify the key barriers and opportunities for blockchain implementation in agricultural supply chain management. The findings aim to improve digital strategies connected to blockchain, assisting decision-makers in overcoming considerable challenges and deciding the best course of action. By solving these issues, blockchain can empower farmers, minimize food waste and promote a more efficient, secure, and sustainable agro-food supply chain in India.
AI-Enhanced Strategies for Workforce Involvement
Authors: Gowda Kavitha R. , Kureethara Joseph Varghese , Jaiwant Sunanda Vincent
Published: October 2024

The incorporation of Artificial Intelligence (also known as AI) into workforce management is transforming traditional employee engagement tactics by providing creative ways to increase worker participation. This chapter investigates AI-enhanced worker involvement techniques, specifically how AI technology might be used to boost employee engagement, contentment, and productivity. Organisations may build increasingly flexible and adaptable work environments by implementing AI-driven analytics, customised feedback systems as a whole and intelligent automation. This chapter looks at how AI can provide real-time insights on employee behaviours and preferences, allowing for tailored interventions that promote a more engaged and inspired workforce. Furthermore, the ethical implications and obstacles of implementing AI in engagement among workers are examined, with a focus on openness and fairness. AI has already given some meaning at workforce, as: Automation is a key function of artificial intelligence. It handles tedious and time-consuming activities, freeing free human workers to concentrate on highly innovative and tactical responsibilities. This not only increases productivity but also lowers the likelihood of errors. AI analyses large databases and gives data-driven insights, allowing for better decision-making. This assistance includes anything from projecting trends to optimising resource allocation. Organisations may make more informed decisions by enhancing their human intelligence by AI-driven insights. This chapter highlights the usefulness of AI-enhanced tactics in promoting worker involvement and offers strategies for embedding AI into organisational processes using a variety of secondary resources, including book chapters, academic articles, and empirical data. The findings show that when used correctly, AI may considerably increase workforce engagement, resulting in increased organisational efficiency and employee well-being.
Navigating the Future
Authors: Saxena Ankita , Irfan Mohammad , Dias Rui
Published: October 2024

The dynamic nature of today's workplace presents special opportunities as well as challenges for HRM. Natural Language Processing, a branch of artificial intelligence, has the potential to completely transform human resource management (HRM) by means of the use of data-driven decision-making, bias mitigation, employee experience personalization, as well as procedure optimization. The first section of the paper provides an overview of Natural Language Processing application to HRM, with a particular focus on forward-thinking employee turnover prediction, personalized onboarding and training, recruitment automation, in addition to predictive analytics for employee success. There are numerous advantages to incorporating machine learning into HRM, such as objectivity, personalization, automation that reduces costs, and decision-making based on information. With the help of PRISMA technique, secondary data was collected and based upon this data a conceptual framework was established emphasizing the use of NLP in HRM.
Understanding Cross-Cultural Marketing Dynamics
Authors: Vimalnath V. , Karthick K. K. , Ganesan M. , Veluchamy Ramar
Published: October 2024

In this chapter, we investigate the appeal of global luxury brands across different cultures and explore the intricacies of cross-cultural marketing dynamics. By examining case studies and consumer behavior research, we analyze how luxury brands can successfully navigate diverse cultural landscapes to appeal to a wide range of international consumers. We also explore the challenges and opportunities that arise when marketing luxury goods in different cultural contexts, highlighting strategies for creating a compelling global luxury appeal. Ultimately, this chapter sheds light on the vital role that cross-cultural marketing plays in the success of luxury brands on a global scale.
Crafting Tomorrow's Elegance Through the Evolution of Luxury Marketing in a Digital World
Authors: Abeyatunge W. G. N. N.
Published: October 2024

The luxury market is undergoing a significant transformation due to technological advancements, consumer behavior shifts, social media and e-commerce. The shift from traditional retail spaces to online platforms is transforming luxury marketing, offering immersive and personalized shopping experiences. Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and WeChat are playing a pivotal role in this transformation, allowing brands to reach a broader audience while maintaining exclusivity. Millennials and Generation Z are redefining the concept of luxury, demanding transparency and products aligning with their values. The rise of data-driven, personalized luxury goods and services is a response to these demands. Ethical and environmental practices are also becoming critical in the luxury sector. Case studies of renowned luxury labels like Louis Vuitton and Gucci shed light on the benefits and challenges of adapting to a market that is changing fast. Leveraging technology to offer unique experiences while maintaining the brand's essential identity is one of the strategic recommendations.
Is It a Dilemma?
Authors: Erzurumlu Sibel , Gunduzyeli Bora
Published: October 2024

With the increasing importance of sustainability, the idea that marketing exploits uses limited natural resources while trying to satisfy different demands and needs of consumers in order to create value has caused criticism. The center of this criticism is luxury products with a limited number of potential customers/consumers who have high purchasing power. At this point, marketing bears duties and responsibilities. In the marketing of luxury products, companies are expected to be more sensitive, responsible and transparent about sustainability by considering natural resources. This section reveals the importance of these concepts and states that companies should implement a marketing strategy that is based on sustainability and that also considers account future generations and the possible economic, social and ecological consequences of business activities in luxury marketing. With the increasing importance of sustainability, the idea that marketing exploits uses limited natural
Predictive Assessment of Changes in Water Needs of Accompanying Crops of Rice Crop Rotation in Changing Modern Conditions
Authors: Rokochynskyi Anatolii , Stashuk Vasyl , Turcheniuk Vasyl , Prykhodko Nataliia , Volk Pavlo
Published: October 2024

The chapter considers an approach for assessing and forecasting the water needs of accompanying crops of rice crop rotation in changing modern conditions of rice irrigation system's functioning. The obtained results can be effectively used in the development of adaptive measures to the climate changes in the context of water, energy, and food crises, as well as in the justification of resource-saving regimes and technological solutions in projects of reconstruction and modernization of rice systems aimed at achieving the goals of optimizing the use of water and energy resources during their functioning. The chapter presents the results of a machine experiment on the predictive assessment of the water needs of accompanying crops in variable natural-agro-melioration conditions of the Danube area. The conditions of the water needs formation for various types of accompanying crops were determined according to accepted schemes of technologies and water regulation regimes on irrigated lands of rice systems. A comparison of the obtained results with real production data was carried out.
Analysis of Moisture Deficit in the Kherson Region Within the Context of Climate Change
Authors: Kuzmych Lyudmyla , Voloshyn Mykola
Published: October 2024

Developing a predictive system for water deficit analysis in the Black Sea Lowland, especially in climate change, involves integrating various data sources, modeling techniques, and technological tools to forecast water availability and demand. The analysis of the change in moisture deficit in the Kherson region is provided for the period from 1955 to 2022. A description of temperature gradients across the Kherson region is provided. The distribution of precipitation throughout the years in terms of quantity and intensity is provided. As part of the Black Sea Lowland, the Kherson region is critically important for southern Ukraine's agriculture and water security. Given the region's reliance on irrigation and the challenges posed by climate change, developing a predictive system for water deficit analysis is essential. Such a system can help stakeholders make informed decisions to ensure sustainable water management and mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity.
Personal Traits of Leaders
Authors: Ngan Nguyen Thi , Khoi Bui Huy
Published: October 2024

This paper examines the relationship between leaders' personal traits or leadership traits, creativity, engagement, work performance, and innovative behavior in several Vietnamese universities. The findings aim to help university administrators refine their leadership qualities and styles to enhance these traits and behaviors in their lecturers. Data were primarily collected through survey responses from a convenience sample of 95 instructors employed at Vietnamese universities. The partial least squares structural equation model was used to analyze the data, resulting in findings that supported one of the two proposed hypotheses while the other was unsupported. Due to time constraints, this study is limited to its small sample size. Future research should involve a larger sample size to improve the generalizability of the findings.
“The ophthalmic trainer”
Authors: Salvin K. A.
Published: October 2024

No abstract available
Redefining kidney transplantation procedure among adult lupus nephritis: Expedient review approach and meta-analysis from the last couple of decades
Authors: Warli Syah Mirsya , Ginting Andi Raga , Firsty Naufal Nandita , Velaro Adrian Joshua , Sembiring Stephani Clarissa , Darlan Dewi Masyithah , Tala Zaimah Zulkarnaini
Published: October 2024

Background: The actual prognostic impact of prior lupus nephritis (LN) diagnosis on end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients remains questionable, especially in relation to outcomes of kidney transplantation (KTx) We aim to determine the survival of the graft and recipient after the KTx procedure among patients with ESKD due to LN in comparison to non-LN. Methods: This meta-analysis included retrospective studies from the last two decades, focusing on the KTx’s outcomes among ESKD due to LN in comparison to non-LN. We establish the graft/recipient survival rate at different follow-up intervals as the primary outcome, and acute graft rejection and pooled graft failure rate as secondary outcomes. All analyses were performed with the random-effect model (REM) and were presented as odd ratio (OR; within 95% confidence interval (CI)). The protocol of this study was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42023394310.Results: A total of 1,299 KTx (368 LN patients) from 10 studies with >10 years of follow-up were thoroughly reviewed. All checkpoints (at 1-, 5-, 10, and 15-year post-KTx) on graft survival rate demonstrated comparable outcomes in either LN or non-LN (e.g., at 10-year follow up (OR, 1.08 [0.40, 2.91]; p = 0.88). Similar findings at all checkpoints for recipient survival rate were also observed without statistically significant difference between LN and non-LN arm (e.g., at 10-year checkpoint; OR, 0.99 [0.68, 1.46]; p = 0.98). Both of our secondary analyses also presented insignificant differences (p = 0.70 and = 0.16, respectively). Conclusions: Our findings suggested that prognosis of ESKD due to complicated LN is equal compared to ESKD associated with non-LN etiologies, suggesting the impact of LN as the inducing cause of ESKD on KTx outcome is relatively neglectable.
How much does mitochondrial dysfunction affect male infertility?
Authors: Di Mauro Ernesto , Cacace Gainlugi , Morgera Vincenzo , La Rocca Roberto , Napolitano Luigi , Saldutto Pietro , Altieri Vincenzo Maria
Published: October 2024

Infertility is usually defined as the inability of a couple to conceive even after 1 year of unprotected, frequent sexual intercourse. The male is solely responsible in about 20% of cases. Several risk factors as well as urogenital abnormalities,endocrinological disease,enviromental toxines,genetic disorders,immunological factors,urogenitaly infections,sexual dysfunction  have been identified as causes of male infertility. Nowadays different studies reported mithocoldrial dysfunction as cause of male infertility and alteration of semen parameters.
Antithrombotic therapy in idiopathic infertility
Authors: Tumminello Fabio , Cardi Silvia , Lodigiani Corrado , Mancuso Maria Elisa
Published: October 2024

Idiopathic infertility is an emerging condition among couples, who face difficulties in accomplishing their family plan, in which no organic cause of reproductive failure can be found. Since 1978 the role of assisted reproductive techniques (ARTs) has been established as the best treatment option with increasing success rate in all-cause infertility couples, but still with some limitations and unfavorable outcomes including idiopathic infertility. Aspirin and heparin are commonly used as adjuvant therapy in women with idiopathic infertility undergoing ARTs, however robust evidence proving the efficacy of this therapeutic approach from purposely designed controlled clinical trials is still lacking. A systematic literature search on the use of antiplatelet and/or antithrombotic therapy in idiopathic infertility was performed in PubMed using infertility, heparin and aspirin as search terms, focusing our attention on clinical trials. Despite some trials had shown a benefit of the administration of heparin or aspirin, in terms of increasing pregnancy and live birth rate in women undergoing ARTs, no routine use of these drugs is recommended as adjuvant therapy for unselected women with idiopathic infertility. Routine use of low dose aspirin and heparin in women undergoing ARTs should be discouraged giving the lack of high-quality evidence and potential harm compared to marginal benefits. Their use can be considered after a comprehensive evaluation of risk-benefit ratio of single individual, deriving from a multidisciplinary approach involving experts in hemostasis. However, large multicenter randomized clinical trials are warranted to validate efficacy and safety of such approach in reproductive medicine
Shortened Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time could be an independent risk factor for acute ischemic stroke: a preliminary study
Authors: Abdo Basheer , Abdullah Mohammed , Ahmed Faisal , Alzanen Khaled , Alawdi Redwan , Alhakamy Mohammed , Alshoaibi Ismaeel , Almogahed Mohammed , Badheeb Mohamed
Published: October 2024

Alterations in hemostasis are linked to the development of ischemic stroke. Intrinsic coagulation pathway activity is typically assessed via Activated Partial Thromboplastin Time (APTT). This study investigates the association between shortened APTT duration and ischemic stroke development.
This retrospective case-control study included 85 patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the Ibb University-affiliated Hospitals, from Jun 2022 to Sept 2023 and 35 control subjects with no history of stroke. Shortened APTT was defined with a duration lower than 28.4 seconds. Multivariate analysis was conducted analyzing factors associated with acute ischemic stroke using Odds Ratio (OR) and 95% Confidence Interval (CI).
The mean age of control subjects and acute ischemic stroke cases was 40.69±8.28 years and 62.08±12.19 years, with female gender present in 10 (28.6%) and 41(48.2%) respectively. In the multivariate regression, advanced age (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 1.13-1.30), APTT less than 28.4 seconds (OR: 7.61; 95% CI: 2.85-20.32), hypertension (OR: 28.74; 95% CI: 6.45-128.04), diabetes mellitus (OR: 10.96; 95% CI: 4.06-29.59), family history of cerebrovascular disease (OR: 13.37; 95% CI:1.73-103.27), current smoking status (OR: 2.48; 95% CI:1.09-5.64), higher cholesterol level (OR: 1.01; 95% CI:1.00-1.02), higher triglycerides level (OR: 1.05; 95% CI:1.03-1.08), and higher LDL level (OR: 1.07 95% CI:1.04-1.10) were predictive factors for acute ischemic stroke occurrence and were statistically significant (all p<0.05).
The study confirms advanced age, history of hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, current smoking status, and higher Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), cholesterol, and triglycerides levels, as factors associated with increased risk of acute ischemic stroke occurrence. The possible predictive role of shortened APTT in patients with acute ischemic stroke seems to be interesting and warrants further studies in this direction.
Corporate governance and financial performance of listed deposit money banks in West Africa
Authors: Adegbayibi Adesanmi T. , Adelowotan Michael O.
Published: October 2024

Orientation: There is little evidence on how corporate governance mechanism influences financial performance in Nigeria and Ghana.Research purpose: The study investigated the effect of corporate governance mechanism on financial performance of listed deposit money banks (DMBs) in Nigeria and Ghana.Motivation for the study: The dwindling performance of listed DMBs has been attributed to poor corporate governance mechanism which has resulted in intense pressure on the board of directors to approve decisions that adversely affect the company’s financial performance.Research design, approach and method: The study employed a quantitative research approach and used panel regression analysis techniques. The study sample consisted of 19 DMBs from the Nigerian Exchange Group and Ghana Stock Exchange for the period from 2014 and 2023.Main findings: This study revealed that managerial ownership has a positive and significant effect on the financial performance of listed DMBs in Ghana.Practical/managerial implications: The findings offer the Board more clarity regarding how to maintain a balanced level of board independence that enables effective decision making aimed at improving the overall performance of banks. The study has practical implications for investors to ensure that boards maintain their size for improving effectiveness and achieve optimal financial performance.Contribution/value-add: The study provides new evidence on how corporate governance mechanism influences the financial performance of listed DMBs in Nigeria and Ghana. The study’s findings show that present and potential shareholders might evaluate board qualities to make better investment decisions.
Bilateral Ultrasound-Guided Erector Spinae Plane Block for Management of Acute Postoperative Surgical Pain After Pediatric Cardiac Surgeries Through a Midline Sternotomy
Authors: Mogahed Mona M. , Abd El-Ghaffar Mohamed S. , Elkahwagy Mohamed S.
Published: October 2024

Background:

Ultrasound (US) guided erector spinae plane block (ESPB) is a safe and effective technique in providing perioperative pain management in pediatrics with a high success rate.

The Aim of this Study:

Was to compare the efficacy of bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block for management of acute postoperative surgical pain after pediatric cardiac surgeries through a midline sternotomy.

Methods:

One hundred patients aged 4-12 years were randomly assigned into two groups, both groups received general anesthesia followed by bilateral sham erector spinae plane block at the level of T6 transverse process using 0.4 ml/kg normal saline on each side in the control group (group C) or bilateral ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane block at the level of T6 transverse process using 0.4 ml/kg ropivacaine 0.2% with a maximum dose of 2 mg/kg mixed with adrenaline 2 mcg/ml in erector spinae plane block group (group E). The postoperative pain scores were evaluated immediately post-extubation, at 1 hour, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 hours after extubation, total consumption of intraoperative fentanyl and time to first rescue analgesic administration were also recorded.

Results:

There was a statistically high significant delay in the group E (314.72 ± 45.94) compared with the group C (36.7 ± 7.22) as regards to the mean (SD) of the time of the rescue analgesia (P < 0.001) (with 95% CI), moreover; the number of rescue analgesic was significantly higher in the group C compared with the group E (P < 0.001) (with 95% CI) and the mean (SD) of total intraoperative and postoperative levels fentanyl requirements in the group C were significantly higher compared with the group E (6.47 ± 0.98 and 5.09 ± 0.83) (with 95% CI) in group C versus (4.69 ± 0.71 and 2.31 ± 0.66) (with 95% CI) in group E respectively (P < 0.001) (with 95% CI).

Conclusion:

Ultrasound-guided bilateral ESPB with ropivacaine and adrenaline delays the postoperative need of analgesia and reduces postoperative fentanyl consumption at 24 h in pediatric patients undergoing cardiac surgery through midline sternotomy.
Perioperative Management of Lower Limb Surgery in a Patient with Asymptomatic Left Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction: A Case Report
Authors: Nagalingam Saranya , Srinivasan Arunkumaar , Charles Antony John , Kumar V R Hemanth
Published: October 2024

Heart failure poses significant challenges in perioperative settings, with an increasing prevalence in India. While much attention has been given to the management of symptomatic heart failure, there is a dearth of literature on asymptomatic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ALVSD). In this case report, we present the successful perioperative management of a 35-year-old male with ALVSD and a low ejection fraction undergoing lower limb surgery under combined spinal epidural anesthesia. Our approach aimed to maintain hemodynamic stability, minimize myocardial overload, and mitigate the adverse effects of neuraxial blockade.
Role of Prophylactic N-Acetylcysteine Supplementation on Postoperative Outcomes in Patients Undergoing Elective Double-Valve Replacement (Aortic and Mitral Valve)
Authors: Ram Kiran K S , Trivedi Visharad , Rajesh Venuthurupalli S. P. , Sharma Manisha , Haranal Maruti , Pandya Himani
Published: October 2024

Aims and Objectives:

The incidence of postoperative liver dysfunction is high in patients undergoing double-valve replacement – mitral and aortic valve replacement (DVR). This study aims to evaluate N-acetylcysteine’s free radical scavenging property (NAC) to prevent postoperative liver dysfunction in these patients, thus affecting overall clinical outcomes.

Methods:

A single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded interventional study of 60 patients divided into two groups of 30 each. Group N received prophylactic intravenous NAC, and Group C received volume-matched 5% dextrose. Data comprised demographics, liver function tests (LFT), renal function tests (RFT), vasoactive-inotropic scores (VIS) score, and C-reactive protein (CRP) at various time intervals. Postoperative parameters such as ventilation duration, length of stay in ICU (LOS-ICU), length of hospital stay (LOHS), atrial fibrillation (AF), acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring hemodialysis, and mortality were noted. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student’s t-test and Chi-square test (SPSS 22 software).

Results:

All postoperative LFT parameters (total bilirubin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) were significantly lower (P < 0.05) at 24, 48, and 72 hours in Group N compared to Group C. RFT and VIS scores were lower in Group N; however, were not statistically significant except for Serum Creatinine at 48 hours (P = 0.0478). Ventilation duration (P = 0.0465) and LOS-ICU (P = 0.0431) were significantly lower in Group N. Other outcomes like AF, LOHS, and mortality were lower in Group N but were not statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Our study showed that prophylactic administration of NAC in patients undergoing DVR is associated with a reduction in the incidence of postoperative liver dysfunction with a positive impact on postoperative outcomes.
Exploring Recidivism in Cardiac Surgical ICU: Can this Understanding Translate to Enhanced Patient Outcomes?
Authors: Sahajanandan Raj , Varsha A V , Rao Vinay M. , Kurien Ben B. , Kuruvilla Korah , Thankachen Roy , Philip Madhu A.
Published: October 2024

Objective:

The need for reinstitution of intensive care unit (ICU) care (“recidivism”) in post-cardiac surgery patients is associated with increased morbidity, mortality, resource use, and healthcare costs. Recidivism is propounded as a quality indicator of ICU care. There is a paucity of studies from India regarding cardiac surgical ICU readmissions, their outcomes, and risk factors.

Methods:

Nested case-control study including 1,711 consecutive adult patients who underwent cardiac surgery over a two-year period at a tertiary care institute. The patients were grouped into recidival (R) and control (C) groups. The reasons for readmission, outcomes, and predictive risk factors were analyzed.

Results:

Fifty-four of 1,711 (3.1%) patients were readmitted to ICU, main reasons being cardiac arrhythmias (24, 41%), pericardial effusion (9, 15.2%), and infection (8, 13.5%). Readmission was significantly higher for valvular interventions (39 patients, 24.3%, mitral valve 25 patients) than coronary artery bypass grafting (13, 10.6%), P value 0.003*. On multivariate analysis, EuroSCORE 2 (>5), age, surgical reexploration, postoperative pulmonary complications, and infections were independently associated with a need for ICU readmission. The mortality rate among the readmitted patients was 7.4% compared to 1.4% overall mortality. The mean total postoperative length of stay was significantly longer for recidival patients (17.6 ± 14 days vs 7.6 ± 2.4 days; P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:

Recidivism is associated with longer hospital stay, suboptimal outcomes as well higher risk of mortality. Postoperative cardiac dysrhythmia was the most common cause of recidivism in our cohort. Early identification of patients at risk for recidivism and timely management of cardiopulmonary complications can translate to better outcomes.
Relation Between Multiplication of Venous Carbon Dioxide Partial Pressure (PvCO2) and the Ratio of Gas Flow to Pump Flow (Ve/Q) with Hyperlactatemia During Cardiopulmonary Bypass
Authors: Kowara Yos , Setiawan Philia , Airlangga Prananda S. , Abbas Kun A. , Perdhana Fajar , Husain Teuku A , Semedi Bambang P.
Published: October 2024

Background:

The incidence of hyperlactatemia due to hypoperfusion during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) increases morbidity. Carbon dioxide production during CPB is one of the lactate production markers, in addition to other markers such as delivery oxygen (DO2), oxygen consumption (VO2), mixed vein oxygen saturation (SvO2), and oxygen extraction ratio (O2ER).

Method:

This observational analytic study was conducted on 40 adult cardiac surgery patients using a CPB machine. Initial lactate is taken when entering CPB and final lactate is examined 15 min after coming off bypass. The values of DO2, VO2, SvO2, VCO2, respiratory quotient (RQ), DO2/VCO2, PvCO2 × Ve/Q were calculated from the results of blood and venous gas analysis 1 h after entering CPB in the nadir of core temperature and lowest pump flow.

Result:

The multivariate test showed that the value of PvCO2 × Ve/Q was more effective than other oxygenation and carbon dioxide parameters in predicting an increase in the percentage of lactate. Each increase of 1 mmHg PvCO2 ×× Ve/Q can predict a final lactate increase of 29% from the initial lactate. The high PvCO2 × Ve/Q value is also the strongest correlation factor for the incidence of hyperlactatemia after CPB (final lactate >3 mmol/L). The cutoff value of this marker is >19.3 mmHg, which has a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 55.6% with a strong correlation value.

Conclusion:

The PvCO2 × Ve/Q value proved to be one of the significant markers in predicting hyperlactatemia during cardiac surgery using CPB.
Hyperintensity in Bilateral Posterior Limbs of Internal Capsule Due to Hypernatremia
Authors: Wu Min-Yang , Sun Yuan-Ting
Published: October 2024

Purpose:

Osmotic demyelination syndrome is usually caused by rapid correction of hyponatremia but sometimes develops from acute severe hypernatremia. Studies suggested that serum sodium increasing at the rate of <6~8 mmol/L in 24 hours has a low risk of osmotic demyelination syndrome, but sometimes exceptions present. Aside from the classical sites of involvement, such as pons and basal ganglia, internal capsules are rarely affected. We report a case with acute paraparesis caused by acute hypernatremia-induced extrapontine myelinolysis involving the posterior limbs of bilateral internal capsules.

Case:

A 54-year-old man was admitted for aseptic encephalitis and moved to the intensive care unit due to poor consciousness and respiratory failure. Although cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis was improved later, acute hypernatremia due to partial diabetes insipidus developed. He presented acute paraplegia two days later with a negative result on the whole spine MRI. Although the increasing rate of serum sodium did not exceed the recommended safety range, the extrapontine myelinolysis involving posterior limbs of the bilateral internal capsule, as long as the corpus callosum, still developed. The patient regained partial walking ability after one year.

Conclusion:

This case report extends the spectrum of classical osmotic demyelination in clinical manifestations, image findings, and the causal range of electrolyte derangements.
Community Health Workers’ Challenges during COVID-19: An Intersectionality Study
Authors: Kurapati Jyothi , Anitha C T
Published: October 2024

Accredited social health activists (ASHAs) and auxiliary nurse midwives (ANMs) as community health workers (CHWs) have been crucial in providing health assistance and information during the COVID-19 pandemic. These CHWs face various challenges, such as discrimination, long hours of work, and low wages, which were exacerbated during the pandemic. The study uses an intersectionality framework to understand CHWs’ marginalization and challenges. A qualitative study with ASHAs and ANMs was conducted in selected primary health centers (PHCs) and subcenters in Suryapet district, Telangana, in 2021. The in-depth interviews of 60 CHWs were analyzed using the software Atlas-ti. The inductive thematic analysis highlighted several challenges faced by CHWs. These challenges include barriers such as discrimination based on class and caste, pay parity, increased workload, lack of training, inadequate safety equipment, and instances of assaults and mistreatment. CHWs, who are often rural women with minimal education, face stigmatization and attacks from community members. They struggled with maintaining records and understanding online training and dealt with rapid adaptation to technology. The study highlights the importance of implementing policies and support systems to protect and empower community health workers. This includes training, fair compensation, safety equipment, and measures against discrimination and violence.
Coma Due to Artery of Percheron Infarction: An Unusual Case Report
Authors: Kaur Jaspreet , Gupta Monica , Dutta Khushbu , Gupta Rekha
Published: October 2024

Ischemic stroke attributable to obstruction of the artery of Percheron (AOP), an infrequent anatomical arterial variant perfusing both medial thalami, can pose difficult diagnostic challenges. Obstruction or occlusion of the AOP results in bilateral paramedian thalamic infarction which is an unusual and rare vascular cause of coma. We present a 65-year-old male patient who came to the emergency department with altered sensorium for 10 days. The initial computed tomography (CT) brain was normal, followed by subsequent CT revealing an ill-defined hypodensity in the ventromedial aspect of the left thalamus and ventral aspect of the midbrain. T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging illustrated hyperintensity in the mesencephalon and bilateral paramedian thalami with restricted diffusion, suggesting an AOP infarct.
Assessment of Dual-Cure Resin Cement Properties of Microhardness and Water Sorption/Solubility through Various Shades of Monolithic Zirconia
Authors: Al Hendi Khalid Dhafer , Alyami Mohammed Hamad , Yadav Naveen S. , Alqahtani Ali Saleh , Gajdhar Shaiq , Almakrami Abdullah Ibrahim
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:

It is important to evaluate the physical properties of dual-cure resin cement in different shades of monolithic zirconia because such an understanding is necessary for its clinical application.

Materials and Methods:

For this in vitro study, 60 specimens of dual-cure resin cement were prepared and grouped into three sets (n = 20) according to monolithic zirconia shade: light, medium, and dark. Two-millimeter-thick discs of each shade were used as substrates for curing the resin cement. A Vickers hardness tester was employed for measuring microhardness, while ISO 4049 standards were followed for examining water sorption and solubility. Measurements were recorded at 24 hours, baseline, and 1 week after curing.

Results:

The highest mean value of microhardness (85 HV) was observed in the light shade zirconia group, whereas medium and dark shades exhibited average values equal to 80 HV and 75 HV, respectively. The dark shade showed maximum water sorption among other groups with a mean value of 35 μg/mm³, followed by medium (30 μg/mm3) and light (25 μg/mm3) shades. In relation to solubility, the dark shade also had the highest value, which was approximately 3.5 μ/mm3, while the medium shade showed around 2.5 μg/mm3 and the light shade exhibited nearly 1.5 μg/mm3.

Conclusion:

Microhardness and water sorption/solubility are significantly affected by the shade variation of monolithic zirconias combined with dual-cured resins. Lighter shades result in higher microhardness and lower water absorption and solubility, leading to better performance and longer lifespan.
Ozone: complicated effects in central nervous system diseases
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wang Shi-Jun , Wan Si-Cen , Li Xiang , Chen Gang
Published: October 2024

Oxidative stress is closely related to various diseases. Ozone can produce redox reactions through its unique response. As a source of the oxidative stress response, the strong oxidizing nature of ozone can cause severe damage to the body. On the other hand, low ozone concentrations can activate various mechanisms to combat oxidative stress and achieve therapeutic effects. Some animal experiments and clinical studies have revealed the potential medical value of ozone, indicating that ozone is not just a toxic gas. By reviewing the mechanism of ozone and its therapeutic value in treating central nervous system diseases (especially ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease) and the toxic effects of ozone, we find that ozone inhalation and a lack of antioxidants or excessive exposure lead to harmful impacts. However, with adequate antioxidants, ozone can transmit oxidative stress signals, reduce inflammation, reduce amyloid β peptide levels, and improve tissue oxygenation. Similar mechanisms to those of possible new drugs for treating ischemic stroke and Alzheimer’s disease indicate the potential of ozone. Nevertheless, limited research has restricted the application of ozone. More studies are needed to reveal the exact dose–effect relationship and healing effect of ozone.
The cGAS-STING-interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway regulates neuroinflammation in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Zhou Shengyang , Li Ting , Zhang Wei , Wu Jian , Hong Hui , Quan Wei , Qiao Xinyu , Cui Chun , Qiao Chenmeng , Zhao Weijiang , Shen Yanqin
Published: October 2024

JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202508000-00026/figure1/v/2024-09-30T120553Z/r/image-tiff

Interferon regulatory factor 7 plays a crucial role in the innate immune response. However, whether interferon regulatory factor 7-mediated signaling contributes to Parkinson’s disease remains unknown. Here we report that interferon regulatory factor 7 is markedly up-regulated in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine–induced mouse model of Parkinson’s disease and co-localizes with microglial cells. Both the selective cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase inhibitor RU.521 and the stimulator of interferon genes inhibitor H151 effectively suppressed interferon regulatory factor 7 activation in BV2 microglia exposed to 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium and inhibited transformation of mouse BV2 microglia into the neurotoxic M1 phenotype. In addition, siRNA-mediated knockdown of interferon regulatory factor 7 expression in BV2 microglia reduced the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, tumor necrosis factor α, CD16, CD32, and CD86 and increased the expression of the anti-inflammatory markers ARG1 and YM1. Taken together, our findings indicate that the cyclic guanosine monophosphate adenosine monophosphate synthase–stimulator of interferon genes–interferon regulatory factor 7 pathway plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease
Evaluation of correlation between sleep quality and chronic periodontitis – A case–control study
Authors: Lenin Subash , Jayachandran Dorairaj , Selvaraj Sunantha , Balakrishnan Bhavani
Published: October 2024

Background:

Periodontitis poses a significant public health challenge globally due to its substantial contribution to tooth loss and its links to numerous systemic diseases. Sleep, being a complex biological process crucial for overall mental and physical well-being, intersects with this concern. However, recent studies have yielded conflicting findings on the potential connection between chronic periodontitis and sleep quality, likely due to the shared inflammation characteristic in both conditions.

Aim:

The study aims to examine the correlation between the quality of sleep and chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:

This study involved 100 participants who underwent a thorough clinical periodontal examination. The sleep quality was evaluated using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the impact of various factors in the presence of periodontitis. Statistical analysis was performed, with statistical significance at P ≤ 0.05.

Results:

In the current study, 29% of the participants exhibited poor sleep quality, and 75.8% were in the periodontitis group. Poor sleep quality was associated with periodontitis in univariate (crude odds ratio = 1.83, 95% confidence interval = 0.655–0.847; P = 0.004) analyzed. Patients’ age showed a positive correlation with periodontitis. Other variables do not show a statistically significant level.

Conclusion:

The present study shows that there lies a significant correlation between chronic periodontitis and poor sleep quality. Among the measured covariables, only age showed a significant relationship with periodontitis.
Optimizing Energy Efficiency in Cloud Data center using an Enhanced Dualist Algorithm with Improved Exploration
Authors: Adamuthe Amol C , Kupwade Vrushabh D
Published: October 2024

Investigation for minimizing energy consumption in data centers is increasing due to their heavy usage. In a data center, virtual machine placement is a procedure that maps virtual machines to physical machines. VMP problem is a complex combinatorial optimization problem with various constraints. In literature, the VMP problem is investigated with different objectives. In this paper, the problem is formulated as a single-objective optimization problem with the goal of minimizing energy consumption in cloud data centers. A metaheuristic evolutionary algorithm called the Duelist algorithm is designed to solve the VMP problem. Two variations are proposed with modifications in the winner's learning strategy. The proposed strategy improved the exploration capability of the Duelist algorithm. The performance of proposed variations is tested using 15 datasets with varying problem sizes. Performance is evaluated using the best, mean, standard deviation, success rate, acceleration rate and convergence speed. Variation 1 and variation 2 are better than the basic Duelist algorithm on all measures.
Weak Hölder continuity of Lyapunov exponent for Gevrey quasi-periodic Schrödinger cocycles
Authors: Fang Licheng , Wang Fengpeng
Published: October 2024

We prove the large deviation theorem (LDT) for quasi-periodic dynamically defined Gevrey Schrödinger cocycles with weak Liouville frequency. We show that the associated Lyapunov exponent is log-Hölder continuous, while the frequency satisfies

\beta(\omega) = 0

.
PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION FOR MINIATURE AUTOMOTIVE COAXIAL CONNECTORS
Authors:   USCAR
Published: October 2024

This document contains procedures for performance testing of electrical terminals, connectors, and components for coaxial-style cable with an outside cable diameter of 3.6 mm and smaller. These are often called “mini coax connector systems.” This specification applies to coaxial cable connection systems that operate at frequencies from DC to 9 GHz and are intended for road vehicles. The characteristic impedance of the mini coax connection system described here is 50 Ω, however nothing excludes the use of these connectors in systems with a different characteristic impedance. This specification applies only to connection systems using coaxial cable.
Exploring the role of Artificial Intelligence capabilities on small and medium sized enterprises growth in Nigeria
Authors: Muktar Itai , Ufua Daniel , Okorie Uchechukwu
Published: October 2024

This study examined the relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI), innovation, employment andgrowth of SMEs in Nigeria. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the structural equation model (SEM) were used to examine the role of AI on SMEs growth in Soutwest, Nigeria. The population of the study focused on SMEs firms engaging in manufacturing, hospitality, information and communication, and administrative and support services sectors. A sample size of 322 was adopted using Krejcie and Morgan method. Results of study showed that AI innovation indicators have positive relationship with SMEs growth. It was also observed that AI employment indicators exert a direct relationship with the latent factor. Overall results showed that applications of AI construct indicators remain (direct, indirect and total effect) strong on SMEs growth. Implications of the research results will offer a deeper insight for owners of SMEs, entrepreneurs, academic researchers and stakeholders to promote economic growth and development.
Anticipation of reaction of stock markets to anticipated rating announcements by the market in a crisis context and investor behaviour: The case of MENA countries
Authors: Mahouachi Noura , Henchiri Jamel Eddine
Published: October 2024

The study explores the reaction of stock markets to anticipated or unexpected rating announcements by themarket in a crisis context by conducting an empirical study on the MENA (Middle East and North Africa)stock market over the period from December 2010 to August 2022. The results show that the crisis contextsupport the anticipation of bad ratings and neutral ratings as opposed to good ratings. These resultsvalidate the asymmetry in investor reaction to announcements of anticipated rating downgrades comparedwith announcements of upgrades in times of crisis. This reaction highlights the irrational behave ofinvestors in times of crisis. In fact, when investors detect a risk concerning the financial situation of a stock,they anticipate a downgrade and react quickly, even before the official announcement of the downgrade,by selling their shares on masse. This action will cause the share price to fall. Similarly, the market’s weakreaction to early good announcements is explained by the fact that this type of announcement does notprovide them with any unknown information to guide their financial decisions.
Is coffee cooperatives performance decided by the human capital proficiency in Ethiopia?
Authors: Birhane Mershaye , Borji Brehanu , Amentie Chalchisa , Kant Shashi
Published: October 2024

Advancement in revenue generation and growth for a nation is thought to be based on its human capital. The developing markets include Ethiopia and others. In a number of empirical researches, the impact of effective utilization of human capital on coffee cooperatives performances taken into account. The existing literature, especially when using the SEM model, has largely stressed on the impact of optimization of coffee cooperatives performance in human capital context and Ethiopia coffee markets. This work employs the generalized EFA, CFA, and SEM methodologies. The empirical findings in this research cooperatively establish the association among human capital proficiency and coffee cooperatives performance in Ethiopia. The research presented in this study also shows that, contrary to popular belief, human capital accumulation is not as high in the coffee cooperatives as it once was. In the Ethiopian economy, the effectiveness of human capital differs among coffee cooperatives. It was founded by SEM, when the human capital grows by one standard deviation while the other independent variables remain constant; the coffee cooperative performance often increases by a 70.3%. In this paper, we present the policy ramifications of our findings
Influence of Heat and Mass Transfer on Mixed Conviction Flow of an Exothermic Fluid in a Vertical Channel
Authors: Hussaini Abdullahi , Yabo Zayyanu S.
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of mass transfer on mixed convection flow of an exothermic fluid in a vertical channel, the fluid is  assumed to be an exothermic fluid, the governing equations are set of ordinary differential equation (ODE) which were solved using  perturbation technique, the physical quantities or profile of engineering interest such as velocity, temperature and concentration profiles  were obtained, the effect of various parameters on the flow have been shown in the graph. It is found that the effect of controlling  parameter has significant influence on the flow.