bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Case Report: Encephalitis Caused by Balamuthia mandrillaris in a 3-Year-Old Iranian Girl
Authors: Safavi Moeinadin , Mehrtash Vahid , Habibi Zohreh , Mohammadpour Masoud , Haghi Ashtiani Mohammad Taghi , Sotoudeh Anvari Maryam , Zaresharifi Nooshin , Shafizadeh Milad , Jafarzadeh Bita 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTIt is about half a century since free-living amoebae were recognized as pathogenic organisms, but there is still much we should learn about these rare fatal human infectious agents. A recently introduced causative agent of granulomatous amoebic encephalitis, Balamuthia mandrillaris, has been reported in a limited number of countries around the world. A 3-year-old girl was referred to our tertiary hospital because of inability to establish a proper diagnosis. She had been experiencing neurologic complaints including ataxia, altered level of consciousness, dizziness, seizure, and left-sided hemiparesis. The patient's history, physical examination results, and laboratory investigations had led to a wide differential diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging analyses revealed multiple mass lesions. As a result, the patient underwent an intraoperative frozen section biopsy of the brain lesion. The frozen section study showed numerous cells with amoeba-like appearances in the background of mixed inflammatory cells. Medications for free-living amoebic meningoencephalitis were administered. PCR assay demonstrated B. mandrillaris as the pathogenic amoeba. Unfortunately, the patient died 14 days after her admission. To our knowledge, this is the first report of B. mandrillaris meningoencephalitis in the Middle East and the first time we have captured the organism during a frozen-section study.
Results of the study of the geodynamics of the Ossetian part of the Central Caucasus based on satellite geodesy and regional seismicity data
Authors: Дробышев В.Н. , Хубаев Х.М. , Торчинов Х.З. 
Published: March 2021

В результате проведённой работы была получена информация о геодинамическом поведении ос-
новных тектонических блоков Земной коры (ЗК) в границах Горной Осетии. Принимая полученную информацию
как первичную, в рамках данной работы продемонстрировано несколько методических приёмов по её матема-
тической обработке. В частности, приёмы интерполяции дискретно представленных данных позволили вы-
полнить построение поля скоростей GPS-пунктов в условной системе координат, проведено сопоставление
его с полем распределения сейсмической энергии по территории. Выявленные локальные деформационные
аномалии ЗК логично вписываются в тектоническую схему региона, установленную независимыми геологиче-
скими и геофизическими методами.
As a result of the work carried out, information was obtained on the geodynamic behavior of the main tectonic
blocks of the Earth’s crust (GC) within the boundaries of Mountainous Ossetia. Taking the information received as primary,
within the framework of this work, several methodological techniques for its mathematical processing are demonstrated. In
particular, the methods of interpolation of discretely presented data made it possible to construct the velocity fi eld of GPS
points in a conventional coordinate system, and compare it with the fi eld of seismic energy distribution over the territory.
The identifi ed local deformation anomalies of the ZK logically fi t into the tectonic scheme of the region, established by
independent geological and geophysical methods.
MANAGERIAL CHALLENGES IN USING LEAN TECHNIQUES IN DESIGNING A COMPREHENSIVE CHARACTERIZATION OF ORGANIZATION LOGISTICS AND PHYSICAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM: A CASE OF DEPARTMENT OF FIELD SUPPORT (DFS), UNITED NATIONS
Authors: Kemokai Michael Boima 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the managerial challenges in using lean techniques in designing a comprehensive characterization of the organization logistics and physical distribution system. The study further sought to determine the extent to which these challenges impact the logistics and physical distribution of goods and informed managerial practices.Methodology: The study employed a qualitative research design. The study targeted all the senior managers at Director Levels at the GSC and the RSC and all the senior operational staff from supply chain and service delivery pillars in three (03) large Field Missions. These field missions are namely United Nations Stabilization Mission in Congo (MONUSCO); United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); and the United Nations Support Office for AMISOM (UNSOA). This study used purposive sampling technique. The researcher purposively sampled fifteen (15) personnel; with three (03) participants each from the GSC, RSC, and three (03) participants each from the three (03) Field Mission. Primary data was obtained from the original sources using questionnaires and interview.Findings: The results revealed that DFS did face various challenges in the implementation of lean strategies and that the operational difficulties experienced within its operations across field missions resulted in reduced customer satisfaction, increased supplier lead time and increased operational costs. The respondents indicated that they experienced a lack of understanding of the complexity of supply chain at the senior leadership level whereby most initiatives are tainted with personal agenda as a consequent the biggest hurdle to overcome is gaining enthusiasm and trust of the staff. They also indicated that there is a high risk of asset waste and loss due to assets remaining in stock for over one year without use. Further, they indicated that there are weaknesses in the management of construction or “self-constructed” projects; and weaknesses in the restructuring of the department of peacekeeping operations.Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that DFS should foster a continuous performance improvement mindset among staffs through planning, doing, checking and taking corrective actions on a balanced scorecard that integrates and aligns staff motivation and interest to the objectives of the organization. Also, objective and fair work plan and performance management are an ingredient to foster continuous improvement
Quality Management Practices and Competitiveness of Manufacturing Firms in Nairobi
Authors: Muiruri Jacqueline Wangui , Peterson Dr. Magutu Obara 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to establish the influence of quality management practices on competitiveness of manufacturing firms in Nairobi.Methodology: The research adopted a descriptive survey research design in trying to focus on manufacturing firms operating in Nairobi. This study used the list of manufacturing firms in Nairobi as provided in the KAM directory that showed a total of 499 manufacturing firms operating in Nairobi. The research study used stratified random sampling. The sample size of the research study was 50 manufacturing firms. The data was collected by use of structured questionnaires. It was done from operations managers, quality assurance managers and supply chain managers or their equivalents since they were deemed to be well versed and had good understanding of strategic quality management practices and operational activities of manufacturing firms. The information from the analysis was presented by use of pie charts, graphs, bar charts and tables to search for any correlation between strategic quality management practices and firms’ competitiveness.Results and conclusion: The results revealed that bench marking and competitiveness were positively and significantly correlated (r=0.578, p=0.000). The results further showed that continuous improvement and competitiveness were positively and significantly related (r=0.620, p=0.000). It was additionally verified that supplier partnering and competitiveness were positively and significantly related (r=0.510, p=0.000). Equally, the results showed that six sigma and competitiveness were positively and significantly related (r=0.529, p=0.000). Finally, the results revealed that quality management practices and competitiveness were positively and significantly related (r=0.642, p=0.000). The results indicated that the overall model was statistically significant. Further, the results imply that the independent variables are good predictors of firm competitiveness. This was reinforced by an F statistic of 21.769 and the reported p value (0.000) which was less than the conventional probability of 0.05 significance level. Policy recommendation: The author recommended that manufacturing firms should institute and involve the support of strategic leadership to monitor the adoption and implementation of quality management practices as a way of improving their competitiveness in their respective industries. Further, firms should come up with as many benchmarking approaches and to also hold several of them so as to increase on adoption of effective mechanism that makes firms more competitive
Influence of Logistics Optimization on Performance of Freight Forwarding Companies in Kenya
Authors: Muoki Raphael Kiluu , Moronge Makori 
Published: March 2021

Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of logistics optimization on performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya.
Methodology: Descriptive research design was adopted. The study preferred this method because it allows an in-depth study of the subject. Data was collected from deputy heads and heads of procurement in 45 freight forwarding companies in Kenya, who are registered members of KIFWA according to its 2019 directory. Questionnaires were used to collect data. The questionnaires were tested for validity and reliability using 10% of the total sample respondents. Data was analyzed through descriptive statistical methods such as means, standard deviation, frequencies and percentage. Inferential analyses were used in relation to correlation analysis and regression analysis to test the relationship between the four explanatory variables and the explained variable. Multiple regression models were used to show the relationship between the predicted variable and the predictor variables.
Results and conclusion: The independent variables reported R value of 0.846 indicating that there is perfect relationship between dependent variable and independent variables. R square value of 0.716 which means that 71.6% of the corresponding variation in performance of the freight forwarding companies can be explained or predicted by (logistics information system, freight management, distributor base rationalization and transport planning) which indicated that the model fitted the study data. The findings of the study indicated that logistics information system, freight management, distributor base rationalization and transport planning have a positive relationship with performance of freight forwarding companies in Kenya.
Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: the study recommended that freight forwarding companies should embrace logistics optimization so as to improve performance and further researches should to be carried out in other institutions to find out if the same results can be obtained.
European Vitreoretinal Society Macular Hole Study, Prognostic Factors for Anatomical and Functional Success
Authors: Parolini Barbara , Michalewska Zofia , Hardin Joshua S , Ducournau Didier , Othman Ihab Saad , Faramawi Mohammed F. , Adelman Ron A. , Sallam Ahmed B. 
Published: March 2021

Background: To identify prognostic preoperative and intraoperative factors for anatomical and visual success of idiopathic macular hole (MH) surgery.
Methods: We conducted a non-randomized, collaborative multicenter study using data of 4207 MH surgery from 140 surgeons. Main study outcomes were anatomical closure and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement postoperative at 6-12 months.
Results: Information on anatomical success was available for 4138 eyes of 4207 operations. Anatomical closure of MH was achieved in 85.7% (3546 eyes). Closure was higher in smaller MH (stages 1-2 versus stage 3: OR=0.35; stage 2 versus stage 4: OR=0.16, and in MH with shorter duration before the operation (OR=0.94). Macular Holes were more likely to close when dyes were used to facilitate internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling (odds ratio=1.73 to 3.58). The most important predictors of postoperative BCVA were the preoperative BCVA (estimate=0.39, p<0.001) and closure of the macular hole (estimate=0.34, p<0.001). We observed Larger improvement in BCVA in combined vitrectomy and phacoemulsification (estimate = 0.10) and post cataract surgery in phakic eyes (estimate=0.05). Retinal tears occurred in 5.1% of eyes, and were less with use of trocars (OR= -1.246) and in combined vitrectomy/ phacoemulsification surgery (OR= -0.688).
Conclusion: This international survey confirmed that staining with dyes improves anatomical results but not visual outcomes. After surgery, visual acuity improved during the first year, and final visual acuity was better in both pseudophakic eyes and eyes that underwent cataract surgery during the first year following MH repair.
Glaucomatous Macular Vasculature: A Quantitative Analysis
Authors: Arede Pedro , Przezdziecka-Dolyk Joanna , Debowy Fabian , Olszewski Jacek , Fernandes Carla , Bruxelas Carolina , Spohr Helena , Patricio Sara 
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of the macular vessel density (VD) and the foveal avascular zone (FAZ) in glaucoma quantitatively using the optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A).
Methods: Twenty-five eyes of 13 patients with primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) and 12 eyes of 6 healthy participants were enrolled retrospectively. Functional visual field (VF) and structural Spectral-Domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness (RNFLT) were assessed in all participants. OCT-A was performed on a fovea centered, 15x10 degrees, macular region. OCT-A scans were processed with MATLAB software and automatically graded to define FAZ parameters. The parafoveal VD in the superficial and deep retinal vascular plexus (SVP and DVP) was analyzed by quadrant and circular segmented zones.
Results: Foveal Avascular Zone -Major Axis Length (p=0.02), Area (p=0.04), Equivalent Diameter (p=0.04) and Perimeter (p=0.04) were significantly larger in glaucoma than the control group. Regarding SVP and DVP, the average macular total VD were lower in glaucoma patients compared to the control group (p<0.01; p<0.01). Additionally, the inner circular region (p=0.04; p<0.01 respectively for SVP and DVP) and all quadrants except for North had a lower VD in glaucoma group compared to the control group. Assessment of the total VD successfully predicted RNFLT (p<0.001) and was significantly associated with the probability of glaucoma (p=0.009).
Conclusion: OCT-A parameters, namely the FAZ morphology and the macular VD, were associated with glaucomatous functional and structural changes. The macular VD showed a considerable diagnostic value. It may be a modern biomarker, representing microvascular network disruption of the macular perfusion in glaucoma.
A review of recent developments in retinitis pigmentosa genetics, its clinical features, and natural course
Authors: Loukovitis Eleftherios , Anastasia Stoimeni , Tranos Paris , Balidis Miltos , Asteriadis Solon , Thanos Vakalis , Thanos Sousouras , Anogeianakis George 
Published: March 2021

Background: Retinitis pigmentosa (RP), an inherited degenerative ocular disease, is considered the most common type of retinal dystrophy. Abnormalities of the photoreceptors, particularly the rods, and of the retinal pigment epithelium, characterizes this disease. The abnormalities progress from the midperiphery to the central retina. We here reviewed the developments in RP genetics in the last decade, along with its clinical features and natural course.
Methods: The present review focused on articles in English language published between January 2008 and February 2020, and deposited in PubMed and Google Scholar databases. We searched for articles reporting on the clinical manifestations and genes related to both syndromic and non-syndromic RP. We screened and analyzed 139 articles, published in the last decade, referring to RP pathogenesis and identified, summarized, and highlighted the most significant genes implicated in either syndromic or non-syndromic RP pathogenesis, causing different clinical manifestations.
Results: Recent literature revealed that approximately 80 genes are implicated in non-syndromic RP, and 30 genes in syndromic forms, such as Usher syndrome and Bardet‒Biedl syndrome (BBS). Moreover, it is estimated that 27 genes are implicated in autosomal dominant RP (adRP), 55 genes in autosomal recessive RP (arRP), and 6 genes in X-linked RP (xlRP), causing different RP phenotypes. Characteristically, RHO is the most prevalent adRP- and arRP-causing gene, and RPGR the most common xlRP-causing gene. Other important genes are PRPH2, RP1, CRX, RPE65, ABCA4, CRB1, and USH2Α. However, different phenotypes can also be caused by mutations in the same gene.
Conclusions: The genetic heterogeneity of RP necessitates further study to map the exact mutations that cause more severe forms of RP, and to develop and use appropriate genetic or other effective therapies in future.
Preservative-free versus preserved latanoprost eye drops for reducing intraocular pressure: a non-inferiority phase III randomized, multi-center, single-blind, parallel-group controlled trial
Authors: Theodosiadis Panos , Konstas Anastasios , Halkiadakis Ioannis , Dimera Vasiliki , Koufakis Dimitrios , Georgakopoulos Constantinos D , Kanonidou Evgenia , Zintzaras Elias , Soulele Konstantina , Margaritis Antonios , Kalantzi Lida 
Published: March 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to test the non-inferiority of preservative-free (PF) latanoprost 50 μg/mL multi-dose ophthalmic solution versus the marketed benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-preserved latanoprost 50 μg/mL ophthalmic solution in patients with open-angle glaucoma and patients with ocular hypertension.
Methods: This was a prospective, national, randomized, multi-center, observer-blind, parallel-group controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomized to receive either PF or BAK-preserved latanoprost once daily for 12 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) at 8:00 AM in the affected eye between the end of the treatment (week 12) and the baseline (week 0). Secondary measurements were taken at weeks 2 and 6, with IOP being recorded at 8:00 AM, 12:00 PM, and 4:00 PM.
Results: A total of 158 patients were included in the per protocol (PP) population (77 in the PF latanoprost treatment arm and 81 patients in the BAK-preserved latanoprost treatment arm). PF latanoprost was non-inferior to BAK-preserved latanoprost in reducing IOP at 8:00 AM in the study eye from the baseline (week 0) to the end of the treatment (week 12). The point estimate of the between-treatment difference was 0.1 mmHg (95% confidence interval: -0.646, 0.847). Mean between-group differences in IOP reduction from the baseline to each of the secondary measurements were also similar between the two treatment arms. The two treatments were well tolerated and had comparable adverse event profiles.
Conclusions: PF latanoprost was non-inferior to BAK-preserved latanoprost in reducing IOP in patients with open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension. Both treatments were well tolerated.
Development and approbation of teacher-tutor supervision on quality monitoring: the case of the Republic of Tatarstan
Authors: Абзалова Д.Г. 
Published: March 2021

Повышение качества образования – одна из основных целей государственной политики Российской Федерации и многих других стран. Проблема управления качеством образовательной деятельности — одна из самых актуальных для любой образовательной организации, для каждого руководителя и педагога. Статья является частью исследования данной проблемы. Цель данной статьи заключается в попытке дать ответы на вопросы, возникающие у руководителей и педагогов образовательной организации при выстраивании системы управления качеством образовательной деятельности. В статье сформулированы обобщённые факторы риска низких результатов образовательной организации. Автор предлагает познакомиться с опытом тьюторского сопровождения школы с низкими результатами и школы, функционирующей в неблагоприятных социальных условиях. Статья предназначена для работников системы образования, руководителей образовательных организаций.
Enhancing the quality of education is one of the main goals of the state policy in the Russian Federation, and in many other countries. The problem of managing the quality of educational activity is one of the most pressing for any educational organization and for every leader, and teacher. This article contributes to the study of the indicated question. The purpose of this article is to try to provide answers to the questions that school leaders and educators may have when they build the system of managing the quality of educational activity. The article formulates generalized risk factors for low results of the educational organization. The author offers to get acquainted with the experience of tutoring a school with low results and a school that functions in unfavorable social conditions. The article is intended for employees of the education system, and heads of educational organizations.
Formation of communicative competence of teachers of pre-school educational organizations
Authors: Андреева Н.А. 
Published: March 2021

В статье рассматривается теоретический и практический аспекты формирования у педагогов коммуникативной компетентности педагога. Отмечается, что уровень образования находится в прямой зависимости от уровня квалификации педагогических кадров, повышению которой способствует методическая работа, как часть целостной системы непрерывного образования. Коммуникативная компетентность обеспечивает современному педагогу не только успешную социализацию и адаптацию, но и профессиональную самореализацию, являясь одной из ключевых. Целью исследования являлось теоретическое обоснование и экспериментальная проверка необходимости и возможности формирования коммуникативной компетентности педагогов, оценивался уровень различных ее компонентов у педагогов, были выявлены критерии и показатели оценки. В процессе формирующего этапа экспериментальной работы разработана и реализована система работы по формированию коммуникативной компетентности у педагогов ДОО, которая включала разнообразные методы: семинары, консультации, дискуссии, деловые игры, психологические упражнения и др. Теоретическое и практическое значение исследования заключается в том, что определены критерии и показатели коммуникативной компетентности воспитателей; разработана и апробирована система формирования данного вида компетентности у воспитателей.
The article deals with the theoretical and practical aspects of the formation of teachers ' communicative competence. It is noted that the level of education is directly dependent on the level of qualification of teaching staff, which is promoted by methodological work, as part of an integral system of continuing education. Communicative competence provides a modern teacher not only successful socialization and adaptation, but also professional self-realization, being one of the key ones. The aim of the study was to provide theoretical justification and experimental verification of the necessity and possibility of forming the communicative competence of teachers, to assess the level of formation of its various components in teachers, to identify criteria and evaluation indicators. In the process of the formative stage of the experimental work, a system of work on the formation of communicative competence in pre-school teachers was developed and implemented, which included a variety of methods: seminars, consultations, discussions, business games, training exercises, etc. The theoretical and practical significance of the study lies in the fact that the criteria and indicators of the communicative competence of educators are defined; the system of this type of competence among educators is developed and tested.