bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disclosure on the linkages between executive pay and sustainability in a highly unequal country
Authors: Mans-Kemp Nadia , Swartz Amy 
Published: September 2024

Orientation: The allocation of incentives based on corporate financial performance is a longstanding phenomenon aimed at aligning the interests of executives and shareholders. Yet, given rising social and environmental concerns, shareholders are increasingly pressuring companies to link sustainability matters to executive compensation.Research purpose: Disclosures on the linkages between executive remuneration and sustainability considerations were explored in South Africa, a country that is notorious for income inequality.Motivation for the study: Despite offering a well-developed corporate governance framework, South Africa experiences several social ills. If pay-performance linkages are expanded to include sustainability considerations, directors will by implication be encouraged to focus on sustainable value creation.Research design, approach and method: Content analysis was conducted on the 2019 and 2022 integrated and remuneration reports of selected banks and telecommunications companies operating in South Africa. Focus was placed on how these companies have linked sustainability aspects to incentives over the short and long term.Main findings: Improvements were noted in terms of linking sustainability considerations to executive pay. Most companies related social aspects to short-term incentives. Yet, environmental pay-performance linkages warrant more attention.Practical and/or managerial implications: Remuneration and social and ethics committee members should reflect on how executive pay can be optimally linked to material sustainability considerations. The sustainable development goals (SDGs) could be used to develop fairer and more responsible director pay policies.Contribution and/or value-add: The considered companies progressively accounted for sustainability aspects when determining executive pay in a highly unequal country. Directors are thus increasingly rewarded for ensuring a more sustainable future.
Students’ reading self-concepts at an institution of higher learning in South Africa
Authors: Cekiso Madoda P. 
Published: September 2024

Background: South Africa’s reading problems are evident in tertiary education, particularly among students studying in a foreign language. Therefore, many reading researchers in South Africa have argued that poor reading skills among tertiary students are a direct result of poor reading skills at school. Some research has found that psychological factors such as test anxiety, self-concept, and attitude have a negative and significant impact on student academic performance.Objectives: Therefore, the current study focuses on self-concept as it specifically explores university students’ self-perceptions as readers.Method: The study followed a qualitative research approach, and a case study design was deemed relevant for the study. A targeted sample of 65 respondents was selected to answer the open-ended questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the collected data.Results: The findings showed that university students defined themselves as readers in different ways and their reading self-concepts were based on their reading behaviour. The students specifically described themselves as readers who enjoy reading, analytic readers, or reluctant readers with poor and slow reading abilities displaying inconsistent reading habits; they admitted that they only read for academic purposes including tests and exams.Conclusion: Students’ reading self-concept has implications for reading instruction, student support, choice of reading material, reading motivation, and syllabus design.Contribution: The findings of the study provide data that could create English lecturers’ awareness of their students’ reading self-concepts so that they could change their students’ reading culture.
Influence of High-frequency Yoga Breathing (Kapalabhati) on States Changes in Gamma Oscillation
Authors: Budhi Rana Bal , Singh Deepeshwar , Goswami Jeetu , Manjunath N. K. , Vinchurkar Suhas 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Yoga breathing has been shown to enhance neurocognitive function and positive emotions by increasing electrical power in several frequency bands and synchronizing interhemispheric brain waves. The current study examined the immediate impact of practicing Kapalabhati (KBH) on the electrical activity of the brain.

Methods:
Thirty-six individuals who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria and ranged in age from 18 to 25 were randomly assigned, 1:1, to the KBH (n = 18) and breath awareness (BAW) (n = 18) groups. Before data collection, both groups received their respective practices for 10 min each day for a total of 15 days. The brain’s electrical activities were assessed using 128-channel EEG recording. The electrodes were placed on their scalps according to the international 10-10 system, ensuring optimal coverage of different brain regions. The EEG signals were amplified, digitized, and stored for offline analysis.

Results:
The EEG data showed that the practice of KBH significantly increased alpha waves in the frontal and temporal regions. Moreover, gamma waves increased significantly in the frontal, temporal, and occipital regions after the practice of KBH when compared with BAW.

Conclusion:
The results suggest the involvement of frontal and temporal regions, which highlights the importance of KBH in enhancing higher-order cognitive processes. These results provide valuable insights and support for the use of KBH as a potential intervention for individuals seeking to enhance their cognitive abilities.
Impact of Nada Yoga Music Therapy on Anxiety and Quality of Life in Ovarian Cancer Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Malik Sweta , Sehrawat Amit , Chaturvedi Jaya , Kumari Ranjeeta , Barnwal Suresh Lal , Kalra Sumit , Gupta Sweety 
Published: September 2024

Background and Objective:
Nada yoga is a complementary therapy known for its potential to reduce anxiety. This study aimed to assess the effects of nada yoga music on anxiety management and quality of life (QoL) in ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods:
In this randomized controlled trial, 58 ovarian cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy were recruited. Participants were randomly assigned into two groups using a simple randomization procedure: Group A (control arm): Participants in this group listened to nada yoga music without any additional instructions. Group B (intervention arm): Participants in this group listened to the same nada yoga music with additional verbal instructions for meditation. Nada yoga music was delivered to both groups through a custom Android application developed for this study. Follow-up assessments were conducted every 3 weeks, and anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, whereas QoL was assessed using the EORTC QLQ (European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire)-C30 QoL questionnaire. Baseline data were collected just before the first chemotherapy session, and post data were collected after 12 weeks.

Results:
Data from 49 participants were included in the analysis. Both groups were found to be homogeneous with respect to age, weight, and clinical parameters. Significant differences were observed in anxiety scores (P = 0.026), fatigue (P = 0.039), nausea/vomiting (P = 0.009), dyspnea (P = 0.011), financial difficulties (P = 0.006), and global health status in between the two groups (P = 0.039) favoring intervention arm of nada yoga music without instructions (Group A). However, no significant changes were observed in physical functioning (P = 0.390), role functioning (P = 0.453), emotional functioning (P = 0.192), cognitive functioning (P = 0.190), and social functioning (P = 0.282).

Conclusion:
The 12-week nada yoga music therapy intervention offers a cost-effective approach to reducing anxiety and improving the QoL for ovarian cancer patients. This study highlights the result that Nada yoga simple music is more effective in ovarian cancer patients than the nada yoga music with verbal instruction of meditation. This study showed the potential of nada yoga music therapy as a valuable addition to comprehensive cancer care, emphasizing its positive impact on emotional well-being and symptom management.
Efficacy of Standardized Yoga Asanas as Add-on Therapy in the Management of Hypothyroidism: A Randomized, Open-label, Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Sharma Tanu , Goyal Bhavy , Ahmed Khan Afreen Mustaq , Deo Guru , Kaushik Ishita , Malik Rohit , Jain Vineet , Singh Dharmander , Kohli Sunil , Chandra Kailash 
Published: September 2024

Background:
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder in which the thyroid gland does not produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormones. This study aimed to determine the efficacy of yoga asanas as an add-on therapy for the management of hypothyroidism.

Materials and Methods:
For this interventional clinical study, a total of 450 study participants were screened for eligibility. Out of this, 170 study participants were found fit for preliminary eligibility following stringent inclusion and exclusion criteria. Further, 58 participants were excluded before randomization. A total of 112 hypothyroidism patients (57 in the control group and 55 in the yoga group) participated in this study. The study participants were further followed up for 8 weeks in both the yoga practice (yoga+ standard care of treatment) and control group (standard care of treatment only). The markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and thyroid hormones were assessed at baseline and after 8 weeks of follow-up/intervention.

Results:
After 8 weeks, the study participants in yoga group showed a significant reduction in serum thyroid-stimulating hormone and malondialdehyde levels as compared to baseline (P < 0.05). There was also a positive trend of improvement in other oxidative markers (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione), and a significant reduction in interleukin-6 levels (P < 0.05) was found in the yoga group as compared to the baseline. However, there was no significant change found in the control group of subjects.

Conclusion:
Frequent yoga practice can be an effective lifestyle intervention for hypothyroidism, reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and potentially improving overall well-being.
Retinopathy of Prematurity in Extreme Preterm and Extreme Low-birth-weight Infants: Incidence, Course, and Risk Factors
Authors: Lekha T. , Balakrishnan Divya , Giridhar A. , Alex Divya , Goyal Anubhav 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to analyze the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), treatment requiring ROP (TROP), course, and systemic risk factors in extreme preterm or extreme low-birth-weight babies.

METHODS:
A retrospective analysis of neonatal intensive care unit-based ROP screening from January to December 2021 in a tier-2 city in Kerala, India, was done. Inclusion criteria were gestational age (GA) ≤28 weeks or birth weight ≤1000 g. ROP screening and treatment were done according to the International Classification of ROP guidelines. Treatment was indicated in babies with type 1 ROP or aggressive ROP. Details of ROP screening, treatment, and neonatal risk factors were collected from the records. The results were statistically analyzed, and P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:
The study included 54 babies with a mean GA of 27.47 ± 1.76 weeks and a mean BW of 847.43 ± 189.22 g. ROP was detected at an average postmenstrual age of 33.8 ± 1.7 weeks. The incidence of any ROP and TROP was 87% and 19.14%, respectively. All babies with TROP were managed with laser or intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor injection or both. ROP resolved spontaneously in 60%, but those with Zone 2 disease had delayed regression. Inotropic support and anemia were found to increase the risk for ROP.

CONCLUSION:
The incidence and outcome of any ROP and TROP in this study are comparable to the rates reported globally, and this reflects the improvement in neonatal care. The use of inotropes and anemia may increase the risk for ROP and needs to be managed judiciously.
A Novel Snake-chain Metal Probed Silicon Intubation Set for Nasolacrimal Duct Intubation: A Cadaveric Feasibility Study
Authors: Solyman Omar M. , Rajak Saul N. 
Published: September 2024

PURPOSE:
A fresh-frozen human cadaveric feasibility study to investigate the feasibility of probing and stenting the nasolacrimal ducts (NLDs) of human cadavers with a novel flexible bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent.

METHODS:
A custom-designed bicanalicular nasolacrimal stent was made by connecting a 250 mm long, 0.9 mm diameter silicone tube to a 200 mm long stainless-steel, snake-chain probe at each end. The punctum was dilated, and the snake-chain stent fed into the nasolacrimal drainage system. The emergence of the stents from the terminal end of the NLD and retrieval with a ball probe was conducted under endoscopic guidance.

RESULTS:
Bicanalicular nasolacrimal stenting with intranasal retrieval under endoscopic guidance was successfully achieved in six NLDs of three adult cadaveric nasolacrimal drainage systems.

CONCLUSION:
Despite being soft and flexible, the snake-chain silicon stent passes smoothly and freely through cadaveric human NLD and is easily retrieved from the nasal cavity. This novel NLD stent design may make stenting of the NLD easier and less traumatic.
Isolated Tuberculosis of the Rib in a 12-year-old Adolescent Boy: A Case Report from Iraq
Authors: Abdullah Wasnaa Hadi , Alabedi Rihab Faisal 
Published: September 2024

Abstract
One of the major global health issues that still exist is tuberculosis (TB); primary tubercular osteomyelitis of the rib is an extremely rare entity. We present a case of isolated TB of the anterior fourth rib as the initial presentation, without any lung lesions. A high index of suspicion is necessary for the diagnosis of tubercular rib osteomyelitis. Usually, there is no significant morbidity and full remission following surgical removal of the affected rib in conjunction with the proper antitubercular therapy.
Dr. Google will see you now: But will he make you sick?
Authors: Goldberg Ivan 
Published: September 2024

Abstract:
Advances in technology have empowered patients to seek health information and to self-diagnose online. They do so, increasingly. Instead of shying away from patients’ online-gained health information, clinicians can use it to fuel discussion, answer their questions, and, thereby, reinforce the all-important doctor–patient therapeutic alliance. Through patient-centered communication, clinicians can increase patient trust and generate better health outcomes.
Effectiveness of artificial intelligence for diabetic retinopathy screening in community in Binh Dinh Province, Vietnam
Authors: Van Thanh Nguyen , Thi Hoang Lan Vo 
Published: September 2024

Abstract

PURPOSE:
The objective of this study is to evaluate the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) for diabetic retinopathy (DR) screening in community in Binh Dinh Province in Vietnam.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study assessed the DR screening efficacy of EyeArt system v2.0 by analyzing 2332 nonmydriatic digital fundus pictures of 583 diabetic patients from hospitals and health centers in Binh Dinh province. First, we selected thirty patients with 120 digital fundus pictures to perform the Kappa index by two eye doctors who would be responsible for the DR clinical feature evaluation and DR severity scale classification. Second, all digital fundus pictures were coded and then sent to the two above-mentioned eye doctors for the evaluation and classifications according to the International Committee of Ophthalmology’s guidelines. Finally, DR severity scales with EyeArt were compared with those by eye doctors as a reference standard for EyeArt’s effectiveness. All the data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 20.0. Values (with confidence interval 95%) of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated according to DR state, referable or not and vision-threatening DR state or not. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS:
The sensitivity and specificity of EyeArt for DR screening were 94.1% and 87.2%. The sensitivity and specificity for referable DR and vision-threatening DR were 96.6%, 90.1%, and 100.0%, 92.2%. Accuracy for DR screening, referable DR, and vision-threatening DR were 88.9%, 91.4%, and 93.0%, respectively.

CONCLUSION:
EyeArt AI was effective for DR screening in community.
FORGING A LIBYAN IDENTITY: THE EVOLUTION AND STRUGGLES OF A DIVERSE NATION
Authors: Abdulnabi Mohamed A. Ahmida 
Published: September 2024

This article examines the origins and evolution of Libyan cultural identity, shaped by diverse historical forces and ongoing internal divisions. Libya's location at the crossroads of the Mediterranean exposed it to successive colonisations by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs over centuries, creating a layered identity. Key aspects include the importance of Islam and Arab culture and regional, tribal, and ethnic diversity. Expression of Libyan identity can be seen in areas like cuisine, music, and traditional arts. However, forging a unified national identity continues to be hindered by tribal/regional affiliations, the legacy of oppression under Gaddafi and instability since the 2011 revolution. The article analyses how Libya's richly diverse heritage and cleavages pose challenges in establishing social cohesion and collective identity.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRUST TOWARDS THE POLICE AS PERCEIVED BY RESIDENTS OF SELECTED BARANGAY IN DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES
Authors: Aguilar Jessie Jr. A. , Manal Arnel M. , Rojo Divine Monica F. , Gono Jr. Exequiel R. 
Published: September 2024

This study examines the perceptions of transparency, accountability, and trust among residents of Davao City towards the local police force. Using a quantitative technique, the researchers surveyed residents of selected barangay in Davao City. The findings reveal a high level of perceived transparency, with residents indicating a strong belief in the openness of police operations and interactions. Similarly, the study indicates a very high level of perceived accountability among residents, reflecting confidence in the police force's responsibility for their actions and conduct. Moreover, residents exhibit a robust trust in the police force, attributed to effective community policing initiatives and visible efforts by law enforcement to engage positively with the community. Overall, residents hold a positive perception of the police force, emphasizing the importance of maintaining transparency, accountability, and trust to foster cooperation and ensure public safety. The demographic profiles of the respondents do not show a significant difference in their perceived trust. Statistical analyses further highlight the significant relationships between transparency, accountability, and trust, with transparency and accountability emerging as strong predictors of trust. These findings underscore the crucial role of transparency and accountability in shaping perceptions of law enforcement agencies among community members.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0730/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Servicios, colaboraciones y experiencias producto del desarrollo del concurso de docentes etnoeducadores afrocolombianos en el Valle del Cauca
Authors: Aragón Patricia Valencia , Reyes Feliz Suarez , Valencia Onis Dhamar Riascos , Aragón Consuelo Valencia , Rosi José Jhamy Valencia 
Published: September 2024

En esta experiencia de servicio y colaboración se tienen como objetivos la socialización descriptiva y analítica de los procesos de formación de docentes etnoeducadores afrocolombianos para visibilizar algunos resultados de la lucha socio-política del movimiento afrodiaspórico en la academia del departamento del Valle del Cauca en Colombia entre 2000 y el 2017. Por tanto, el presente artículo es una aproximación a la experiencia etnoeducativa afro desde el ámbito de los servicios educativos con colaboraciones de diferentes actores académicos que participaron en el desarrollo del concurso docente etnoeducativo afrocolombiano del suroccidente del país, con el direccionamiento del Ministerio de Educación Nacional, y todos los organismos de educación nacional, con el propósito de fortalecer los procesos de formación y actualización etnoeducativa afrocolombiana en todos los niveles escolares.
EVALUASI TANDAN BUAH SEGAR KELAPA SAWIT (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) PADA TANAMAN PERLAKUAN INFUS AKAR BERBAHAN AKTIF ASSEFAT
Authors: Manurung Saroha , Djaingsastro Aulia Juanda , Tarigan Rani 
Published: September 2024

Fruit Set merupakan istilah yang sering sekali digunakan dalam dunia perkebunan kelapa sawit dimana arti
dari fruit set itu sendiri adalah rasio/perbandingan buah yang jadi akibat dari penyerbukan serangga penyerbuk E. kamerunicus Faust terhadap buah keseluruhan dalam satu tandan termasuk buah yang partenokarpi/mantel. Fruit set yang baik pada tanaman kelapa sawit adalah diatas 75%, semakin tinggi nilai Fruit Set maka berat serta ukuran tandan akan semakin meningkat. Tugas Akhir Ini Membahas Tentang Evaluasi Fruit Set Tandan Buah Segar Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Pada Tanaman Perlakuan Infus Akar Berbahan Aktif Asefat. Penelitian Ini Bertujuan Untuk Melakukan Evaluasi dan mengetahui Dampak Yang Ditimbulkan Dari Penggunaan Insektisida Asefat Secara Infus Akar Terhadap Pembentukan Fruit Set Tandan Buah Kelapa Sawit (Elaeis guineensis Jacq). Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada bulan Oktober 2023 sampai dengan Februari 2024 yang berlokasikan di kebun praktek institut teknologi sawit indonesia (ITSI).