bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Piscivore water bird diversity at freshwater tributaries of Zambezi River, Namibia
Authors: Rutina Lucas P. , Simasiku Evans , Kabanze Joseph M. 
Published: October 2024

Piscivorous waterbirds enhance wetlands’ diversity and have been seen as bio-indicators of ecological conditions within ecosystems. In addition to their ecological contribution, to wetlands functions and ecosystem services, these birds have been reported to be affected by fishing activities and to compete with fisheries. Despite their importance along wetlands, their populations are in serious decline on a global level. This study aimed at comparing piscivorous waterbirds community composition and functional diversity between a fish protected area (FPA) and a non-fish protected area (NFPA) in two tributaries of Zambezi River in Namibia. At each site, all the waterbirds within a radius of 50 metres were enumerated and identified using binoculars and guide books. For each tributary, species diversity, taxonomic diversity, functional diversity, and community-based trait diversity indices were calculated. A total of 40 carnivorous waterbirds species belonging to 9 orders were recorded during the survey. Of these 40 species, 10 (25%) predominantly feed on fish, 6 (15%) predominantly feed on insects and 24 (60%) species predominantly feed on both fish and insects. At the FPAs site, a total of 35 species were recorded, comprising 10 (29%) species that predominantly feed on fish, 4 (11%) species that predominantly feed on insects and 21 (60%) species that feed on both fish and insects. Generally, piscivorous waterbirds species diversities were not significantly different between a FPA and a NFPA (p 0.05). However, all piscivorous waterbirds functional diversities indices calculated were significantly different between FPAs and NFPAs (p 0.05).Conservation implications: In most riparian human communities, fish is an important source of protein. The effects of uncontrolled fishing in shaping the composition, structure, and diversity of piscivorous waterbirds worldwide have been reported. If we need to balance the two, regulating fishing loadings and season will improve piscivorous waterbirds conservation and human livelihoods.
Analysis of the effect of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, IL-2 and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis
Authors: Jiang Yunqin , Xia Meili , Jiang Fanghui 
Published: October 2024

Abstract:

OBJECTIVE:
The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of CICARE communication nursing on the improvement of serum interleukin-10 (IL-10), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-4 (IL-4), and interleukin-2 (IL-2) and lung function in outpatients with acute bronchitis (AB).

METHODS:
One hundred and twenty suffers with AB who are treated in the outpatient department during Revised to 2021 to March 2023 are chosen and grouped according to the time of admission and different nursing practices. The control group consists of 60 patients from March 2021 to March 2022 who receive routine outpatient care; the experimental group consists of 60 patients from April 2022 to March 2023, and CICARE communication nursing is implemented additionally. Before and after intervention, the cognitive level of self-care knowledge, the level of peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and the improvement of lung function are compared.

RESULTS:
Before intervention, there were no remarkable differences in self-care knowledge cognition scores, peripheral blood inflammatory factors, and lung function levels between them (P > 0.05). After intervention, the cognitive scores of treatment coordination, medication method, daily attention, diet, and activity in experimental groups are superior to control group (P < 0.05). The levels of IL-10, IL-6, IL-4, and IL-2 in test groups are inferior to control group (P < 0.05). Forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in 1 s, maximum air volume, and peak flow rate in test groups are superior to control group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION:
CICARE communication nursing can improve the cognition level of self-care knowledge of patients with AB, reduce the inflammatory response of the body, and promote the recovery of lung function.
Retrospective Investigation of the Utility of Potassium Hydroxide Smear in the Diagnosis and Management of Cutaneous Fungal Infections by Dermatologists
Authors: Koh Xuan Qi , Han Huirong , Shen Liang , Chandran Nisha S. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Superficial cutaneous fungal infections are common dermatologic conditions. A significant proportion do not present with typical clinical findings. However, the 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) smear, a simple bedside test, is often underused when diagnosing cutaneous fungal infections.

Aims:
We aimed to evaluate whether KOH smear results altered dermatologists’ diagnosis and management, and the factors that influenced its ability to detect cutaneous fungal infections.

Methods:
A total of 373 patients with suspected cutaneous fungal infection were identified retrospectively from the dermatology database of inpatient referrals in a Singapore tertiary hospital between 1 January 2017 and 30 June 2020. The dermatologists’ eventual diagnoses, based on their assessment until 2 months post-discharge to allow consideration of KOH smear results and response to treatment, were taken as a gold standard. Statistical analyses evaluated for changes between initial and eventual diagnoses and management relative to the KOH smear. Use of topical steroids, topical and/or systemic antifungals before skin sampling, and whether sampling was done by dermatologically-trained personnel, were assessed for association with KOH smear positivity in eventually diagnosed cases.

Results:
The percentage of uncertain diagnoses was reduced, and the use of topical antifungal as the sole treatment significantly changed after the KOH smear result was available. The adjusted odds ratio of a positive KOH smear in eventually diagnosed cases was 0.19 when systemic antifungals were used before skin sampling, and 3.03 if sampling was performed by a dermatologically-trained person.

Limitations:
Limitations of our study include dependence on retrospective medical records which may result in misclassification bias and the limited generalisability of our results to patients managed by non-dermatologists.

Conclusions:
KOH smear is a useful adjunct in diagnosing and managing cutaneous fungal infections. Clinicians should consider the presence of confounders affecting KOH smears when making an overall clinical diagnosis. Focused training of personnel on skin sample collection may improve the detection rate of KOH smear.
Exploring the Potential Benefits of Probiotics in Managing Periodontal Disease and Promoting Oral Health
Authors: Reddy Anegunta Santhosh Kumar , Kudva Praveen B , Rashmi Sangaipeta , Palakurthi Nishanth , Rajashekar Enugurthi , Ghosh Shalini , Marjara Sachin Raj 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background:
Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects the supporting structures of teeth, leading to tissue destruction and tooth loss if left untreated. Traditional nonsurgical treatments, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), are effective but often fail to fully eradicate pathogenic bacteria, leading to disease recurrence. Probiotics, which are beneficial microorganisms, have emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy for managing periodontal disease by modulating the oral microbiome and reducing inflammation.

Objective:
To evaluate the clinical and microbiological outcomes of probiotic supplementation in conjunction with standard periodontal therapy in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Materials and Methods:
A randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled trial was conducted with 128 participants diagnosed with moderate-to-severe chronic periodontitis. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups: Group 1 (Probiotics + SRP, n = 64) and Group 2 (Placebo + SRP, n = 64). The clinical outcomes, including probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP), were measured at baseline and 3 months posttreatment. Subgingival microbiome composition was assessed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Statistical analysis was performed using the independent t-tests and Chi-square tests.

Results:
The probiotics group showed significant improvements in PD, CAL, and BOP compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). The microbiome analysis revealed a significant reduction in periodontal pathogens and an increase in beneficial bacteria in the probiotics group (P < 0.05). Patient-reported outcomes also indicated better oral health-related quality of life in the probiotics group.

Conclusion:
Probiotic supplementation as an adjunct to standard periodontal therapy significantly enhances clinical outcomes and positively alters the subgingival microbiome in patients with chronic periodontitis. Probiotics offer a promising strategy for managing periodontal disease and promoting oral health.
Oral sedation using triclofos for short dental procedures in a precooperative child
Authors: Karuna YM , Ramasetty Prabhakar Attiguppe , Rao Ashwin , Nayak P Anupama 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A 1-year 6-month-old male child reported the chief complaint of pain and bleeding from the gums for the past 7 days in the upper left front tooth region. On intraoral examination, the patient had a crown-root fracture involving tooth 61 with gingival overgrowth almost covering the distal half of the fractured crown. A diagnosis of Ellis class IX fracture in relation to tooth 61 was made, and the planned treatment was extraction. However, since the child was precooperative, a simple chairside extraction was not possible. Thus, the extraction was carried out with oral sedation using triclofos on an outpatient basis.
Burnout among Postgraduate Healthcare Trainees at a Tertiary Healthcare Center in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhattabi Fadiah , Alkhani Abdullah , Alhuthil Raghad , Ghosheh Mohammad , Alkhiari Nouran , Ghaith Mays , Alanzi Fawaz , Alshanafey Saud 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to investigate the level of burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees at a tertiary care center in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and assess the need to establish a well-being program.

Methods:
This cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2021 and January 2022 and used two validated questionnaires: the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) for assessing burnout among postgraduate healthcare trainees, and a questionnaire for assessing program directors’ opinion on the need for a well-being program.

Results:
A total of 386 trainees and 85 program directors completed the questionnaire. In both groups, the majority of the respondents were male (trainees: 53.9%; program directors: 61.2%). A total of 226 trainees (58.5%) scored above the CBI burnout cut-off score, with the median score being highest in the personal domain (62.5,IQR: 45.8–75). In the univariate analysis, the mean burnout score was higher among trainees who were married (P = 0.036), had children (P = <0.001), and were seniors (P = 0.028), whereas in the multivariate analysis, the only significant predictor of burnout was having 1–2 children (P = 0.023) or 3–4 children (P = 0.013). In the program directors survey, 90.6% agreed that improving physicians’ well-being would directly rectify patients’ overall well-being, but only 28.2% stated that it is currently incorporated in the curriculum.

Conclusion:
This study found that a large proportion of postgraduate healthcare trainees experience burnout, particularly in the personal domain. Although program directors supported the concept of trainees’ well-being, its incorporation into the curriculum was lacking, suggesting the necessity of establishing a well-being program.
Total quality management practices, organisational culture and firm performance; service or product innovation
Authors: Issah Ofori , Bluwey Esther , Ackah David 
Published: October 2024

The study determines how total quality management practices and good organizational culture will enhance operational performance in the banking sector in Ghana. The study is explanatory research design in nature. Taking the time frame of the study and the need to bring out a finding reasonable for generalization, the researcher selected a sample of 153. The findings of the study establish that total quality management has a positive and significant effect on service product innovation. Organizational culture has a positive and significant effect on service product innovation. Service product innovation has a positive and significant effect on firm performance. Organizational culture has a positive but insignificant effect on firm performance. Total quality management has a positive and significant effect on firm performance. The study further revealed that service product innovation positively and significantly mediates the relationship between total quality management and firm performance. The study finally assessed the mediating effect of service product innovation on the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance and the findings of the study indicate that service product innovation positively and significantly mediates the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance. How Total Quality Management practices and good organizational culture influence operational performance in the banking sector in Ghana.
Social work's contribution to socio-economic development–why, how & who?
Authors: Muridzo Noel Garikai 
Published: October 2024

Real development should be seen as more than just economic growth. Social Workers have important roles in the development of Africa. Mupedziswa, Sewpaul, Lombard, and others have put forward developmental social work as an approach that addresses issues affecting people at the macro level, nipping underdevelopment causal factors in the bud. Developmental social work abandons the reactionary and residual approach to problems. To celebrate Africa Day, the Africa Social Work and Development Network holds annual indabas where social work scholars and practitioners make presentations and discuss identified themes. Answering the questions why, how & why, this article presents one of the presentations delivered at Africa Day Indaba on 25 May 2023 and the ensuing discussion on social work's contribution to the socio-economic development of Africa. The presentation adopted a developmental social work lens
HOW TO REFERENCE USING ASWDNET STYLE
Muridzo N. G. (2024). Social work's contribution to socio-economic development - why, how & who? African Journal of Social Work, 14(3), 133-139. Presentation delivered at Africa Day Indaba, 25 May 2023. https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ajsw.v14i3.4.
Visit journal website: https://ajsw.africasocialwork.net
Synthesis And Efficiency Evaluation of Chitosan-Alginate Hydrogel Polyelectrolyte Complex Filter for Treatment of Oil Spillage
Authors: Saje M. Baba , Uthman T.O. , Surgun S. 
Published: October 2024

Crude oil spills pose considerable environmental concerns thereby demanding the development of effective, sustainable, and eco-friendly remediation solutions. In this study, we synthesized and evaluated the efficiency of a biodegradable polymer filter using sodium alginate and chitosan for the treatment of oil spillage. The sodium alginate-chitosan hydrogel polyelectrolyte complex (SACHPC) filter was synthesized via dipping method using a layer-by-layer self-assembly technique integrated with cotton wool as the filter medium. The efficiency of the filter was evaluated based on flow rate of recovered oil and reusability of the filter. Simulated oil spillage of 0.5 M was subjected to filtration using the SACHPC filter. The flow rate was determined based on the time taken for 1 L of oil to pass through the filter. The SACHPC filter exhibited underwater superoleophobic behaviour with exceptional filtration efficiency (> 98.3%) in acidic, neutral and alkaline conditions (pH 3, 7 and 11). The flow rate of the filter was 120 mL/min, while the third-use filter exhibited a decrease flow rate of 50 ml/min. Moreover, the filter achieved an impressive crude oil recovery rate of 85%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed crude oil adsorption in the presence of an amorphous phase while scanning electron microscopy analysis revealed the structural morphology of the SACPHC filter. Overall, the SACHPC filter maintained high filtration efficiency thereby offering a sustainable strategy for oily wastewater purification and oil spill clean-up.
Analyzing the influence of organizational culture and top management orientation on the relationship between e-procurement and firms’ performance: a contingency factors perspective
Authors: Issah Ofori , David Ackah , Boafo Eric Dadzie 
Published: October 2024

This study emphasizes the significance of organizational culture and top management orientation in influencing the success of e-procurement, supply chain sustainability, and firm performance. The study exclusively utilized a quantitative research approach in formulating the framework for the study. convenience sampling was adopted during visits to selected organizations, where a total of 400 questionnaires were administered to available procurement staff. The final sample size for the study was determined by the 385 respondents who completed the questionnaire during the researcher's visit. The findings of the study indicate that electronic procurement has a positive and significant influence on firm performance. Electronic procurement has a significant positive effect on organizational culture. Organizational culture has a significant positive effect on firms’ performance. Organizational culture is a statistically significant mediates the relationship between electronic procurement and firms’ performance, with a moderately strong positive effect. Top management orientation positively and significantly moderates the relationship between organizational culture and firm performance. The interaction between contingency factors and organizational culture does not significantly impact firm performance. It underscores the need for organizations to align their culture and leadership style with the requirements of e-procurement implementation
Pentingnya Mengkaji Filsafat Pendidikan Islam Dalam Upaya Mengembangkan Pendidikan Islam Masyarakat Madani
Authors: Prasetyo Farhandika Ilham , Yanti Elly Rahmah , Bakar M.Yunus Abu 
Published: October 2024

Adapun penelitian ini bertujuan untuk pentingnya mengkaji filsafat pendidikan islam bagi masyarakat madani yang mana telah dilakukan sebuha penelitian yang di dukung dari berbagai faktor. Hal yang melatar belakangi permasalahan ini ialah Tantangan globalisasi semakin mengguncang tatanan sosial masyarakat. Hal ini bisa menjadi ancaman nyata bagi bangsa jika dibiarkan mengalir terus menerus tanpa upaya yang berarti. Berbagai masalah muncul, antara lain kebobrokan moral, kebobrokan moral, bahkan disintegrasi bangsa. Ini membutuhkan revolusi dalam sistem sosial masyarakat. Civil society sebagai istilah lama yang kemudian disebut sebagai “Islam” dengan kata “civil society” menjadi penting untuk menyarankan perubahan. Masyarakat sipil adalah bentuk masyarakat ideal yang dicita-citakan semua bangsa. Membangun masyarakat madani membutuhkan berbagai material yang kuat dan tahan lama dengan landasan agama. Kunci bangunan itu adalah pendidikan Islam. Pendidikan Islam berusaha untuk menciptakan generasi muslim yang unggul yang bersatu dalam masyarakat yang religius, bermoral, berkualitas dan kreatif dalam membangun peradaban. Oleh sebab itu, dalam artikel ini kami akan memaparkan lebih jelas terkait filsafat pendidikan Islam dan masyarakat madani itu sendiri. Dalam penelitian ini kami memakai metode kepustakaan atau library resarch yang kualitatif agar mendapatkan hasil yang relatif dan jelas dengan informasi yang rinci serta analisa berbagai studi kepustakaan. Hasil penelitian ini kami rangkum dari pakar,metode,dan lain sebagainya sehingga memungkinkan penelitian kami bisa memberikan hasil yang sebaik mungkin,karena mengkaji filsafat pendidikan islam harus mendalami dari dasar nya sehingga tidak ada kesalah pahaman. Manfaat penelitian ini tidaklah lain ialah upaya dalam pengembangan khususnya masyarakat madani agar mereka bisa memiliki bekal dalam bersaing serta berfikir terkait filsafat pendidikan islam dan bisa juga masyarakat madani mau mengembangkan filsafat pendidikan Islam yang mana lebih baik lagi dari kami maupun para pendahulunya. Kata kunci: Masyarakat Madani, Pendidikan Islam, Filsafat Pendidikan Islam
Особливості організації реабілітаційного процесу учасників бойових дій: світовий досвід
Authors: Shvets A. V. , Maltsev O. V. , Kyselov S. M. , Kaplyuk O. B. 
Published: October 2024

Вступ. Вивчення передового досвіду, сильних та слабких сторін, ключових особливостей підходів до відновлення та реабілітації ветеранів у розвинутих країнах світу є актуальним завданням для врахування досягнень та уникнення поширених помилок, що буде запорукою вдосконалення підходів до надання якісних реабілітаційних послуг військовослужбовцям ЗС України.
Мета. Провести аналіз передового досвіду та ключових особливостей реабілітації ветеранів в розвинутих країнах світу.
Матеріали та методи. У дослідженні використано бібліосемантичний та аналітичний методи в наступних електронних базах даних: PubMed, Scopus і Google Scholar. Було проаналізовано системи реабілітації ветеранів у США, Великобританії, Німеччині, Франції, Ізраїлі та Туреччині.
Результати. Проведено аналіз заходів та програм реабілітації військовослужбовців США, Ізраїлю, Канади, Великобританії, Німеччини, Франції та Туреччини. Встановлено особливості реабілітаційних заходів в різних країнах. Зокрема, звернули увагу на наявні системи реабілітації, мережі потужних спеціалізованих реабілітаційних закладів (установ), застосування в реабілітаційному процесі новітніх технологій, наявність державних програм психологічної допомоги військовослужбовцям, ветеранам, і членам їхніх родин, та соціальну реінтеграцію ветеранів.
Висновки. В наявних джерелах інформації виявлено, що установи та заклади, які здійснюють реабілітацію, зазвичай поділяються на: стаціонарні, амбулаторні, санаторно-курортні, проте їх реабілітаційний статус є не завжди чітко окресленим. Також не висвітлено стрункої системи оцінки ефекту реабілітації або окремих її показників, що є негативною стороною багатьох моделей реабілітації. Проведений аналіз свідчить про те, що форми організації реабілітації в різних державах різні, але цілі, що стоять перед ними, майже тотожні. Фахівці, які займаються реабілітацією, повинні мати методологічний інструмент (способи і методи), який дозволить комплексно оцінити досягнення цілей у конкретного пацієнта та покращення його функціонального стану. При цьому слід враховувати не тільки ступінь обмеження участі реабілітанта в активному житті суспільства до і після реабілітації, алей проміжний контроль для вчасного коригування програми реабілітації. Вивчення досвіду інших країн дозволить обґрунтувати належний розвиток системи реабілітації в ЗС України та провести реформи, базуючись на найкращому міжнародному досвіді, де сучасні концепції набули чіткої реабілітаційної спрямованості.