bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human resource managers’ perceptions on the impact of AI on the South African workforce
Authors: Poisat Paul , Cullen Margaret , Calitz Andre P. 
Published: August 2024

Orientation: Organisations are undergoing digital transformation and incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) into business processes and functions. The use of AI technologies, instead of people to perform specific low-level repetitive tasks has become common practice.Research purpose: The research aimed to investigate the impact of AI technologies on the South African workforce, specifically from the perspective of senior human resource (HR) managers.Motivation for the study: The adoption and implementation of AI, robotic process automation (RPA) and large language models, such as ChatGPT in a business, change the way personnel perform specific tasks, interact and participate in business processes.Research approach/design and method: The study used a qualitative research design and a deductive approach. A survey with open-ended questions was conducted among senior HR managers working for leading manufacturing organisations and institutions in South Africa. Content analysis was used to analyse the responses.Main findings: Human resource managers emphasised the importance of AI and RPA in remaining globally competitive and streamlining business and HR processes, highlighting the need to empower the workforce, identify ideal employee traits for AI and RPA integration and effectively manage these technologies within organisations.Practical/managerial implications: The senior HR managers offered advice on how to manage the use of AI and RPA technologies in an organisation.Contribution/value-add: The study highlights senior HR managers’ perceptions of the use and impact of AI and RPA in organisations in South Africa
Carotid Stump Syndrome: Rare Cause of Recurrent Stroke Post-Ipsilateral Carotid Occlusion – A Case Report
Authors: Chinchure Swati D. , Kataria Varun 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Carotid stump is blind remnant of occluded proximal segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) that can become the potential source of embolism. Carotid stump syndrome is a potentially treatable cause of recurrent ischemic events in the carotid territory in the setting of occlusion of the ipsilateral ICA. It is thought to be caused by turbulent blood flow in the patent stump of the occluded ICA causing microemboli migrating in the brain through external carotid–ophthalmic anastomotic channels and retrograde flow. Here, we report a patient with known ipsilateral chronic ICA occlusion, who was on best medical management, presented on two separate occasions with recurrent embolic infarctions in ipsilateral carotid territory. She was diagnosed with carotid stump syndrome and treated through endovascular route with clinical and angiographic follow-up.
Contrast-Induced Encephalopathy: A Case Series Analysis
Authors: Stebner Alexander , Bosshart Salome , Hainc Nicolin , Nierobisch Nathalie , Zedde Marialuisa , Pascarella Rosario , Goyal Mayank , Ospel Johanna 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Background:
Contrast-induced encephalopathy (CIE) is a rare adverse event linked to intravascular use of iodine-containing contrast media. The prevalence of CIE could increase in the future due to growing numbers of endovascular procedures. We provide insights from a case series of 7 patients.

Methods:
Cases from 3 centers were collected based on existing academic collaborations, and key factors were extracted to illustrate development and management of CIE.

Results:
In our retrospective case-series analysis of 7 cases from 3 countries, affected patients had an equal distribution of sex (4 women, 3 men) and a median age of 75 (IQR 63-77). Common risk factors included hypertension (5/7), hyperlipidemia (5/7), previous stroke (3/7), and type 2 diabetes (3/7). CIE developed in 3 cases after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) for stroke, in 2 cases after aneurysm treatment, in 1 case after cardiac catheterization, and in 1 case after diagnostic computed tomography (CT) angiography without an endovascular procedure. The median procedure time was 48 min (IQR 40-81). All patients received non-ionic, low-osmolar contrast agents with volumes ranging from 100-300 ml. Symptom onset was close to contrast administration, with stroke-like neurological deficits being most common (4/7). Prednisolone was the most frequently used medication to treat the symptoms (4/7). Symptom resolution occurred in 4 out of 7 patients within two to several days, and 1 patient died, but without clear connection to CIE.

Conclusion:
CIE is a rare and possibly underrecognized condition, but fortunately, with a favorable outcome in most cases.
Genetic memory activation of the skin by polyherbal preparation – A new hope for pigmentary disorders of the skin
Authors: Aruna V. , Abbas Abdul , Rajagopal Gayathri 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT
The present article describe the photosensitizing effect of Psoralea corylifolia extract specific to accelerate melanogenesis in skin by eliciting the release of certain pro-inflammatory mediators by fibroblast and keratinocytes; responsible for melanogenesis. The process of acceleration of pigmentogenesis which we refer as ‘activation of genetic memory of the skin’. The findings of the cell culture assay using B16F10, fibroblast and keratinocyte cell line studies have been described in the article. Further, the importance of UV irradiation post Psoralea corylifolia extract treatment in releasing the pro-inflammatory mediators by fibroblast and keratinocyte also has been described. The study findings clearly indicate the inclusion of herbal preparations in the treatment of vitiligo which may offer some treatment value, however further confirmation is required.
Functional Role of DDR1 in Oligodendrocyte Signaling Mechanism in Association with Myelination and Remyelination Process in the Central Nerve System
Authors: Anand Mariadoss Arokia Vijaya , Manjula Kumar Shivamadhaiah , Wang Chau-Zen 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a complicated, inflammatory disease that causes demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS), resulting in a variety of neurological abnormalities. Over the past several decades, different animal models have been used to replicate the clinical symptoms and neuropathology of MS. The experimental model of experimental autoimmune/allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) and viral and toxin-induced model was widely used to investigate the clinical implications of MS. Discoidin domain receptor 1 (DDR1) signaling in oligodendrocytes (OL) brings a new dimension to our understanding of MS pathophysiology. DDR1 is effectively involved in the OL during neurodevelopment and remyelination. It has been linked to many cellular processes, including migration, invasion, proliferation, differentiation, and adhesion. However, the exact functional involvement of DDR1 in developing OL and myelinogenesis in the CNS remains undefined. In this review, we critically evaluate the current literature on DDR1 signaling in OL and its proliferation, migration, differentiation, and myelination mechanism in OL in association with the progression of MS. It increases our knowledge of DDR1 in OL as a novel target molecule for oligodendrocyte-associated diseases in the CNS, including MS.
Cytotoxicity and Alkaline Phosphatase Activity of Curcumin, Aloin and MTA on Human Dental Pulp Cells
Authors: Dinc Dilara , Seyhan Mehmet F. , Aktoren Oya 
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Aim:
The objective of this in-vitro study was to assess the cytotoxicity and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of curcumin and aloin extracted from Curcuma longa and Aloe vera, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) on human dental pulp stem cells.

Methods:
Human dental pulp stem cells (Lonza Group, Switzerland), curcumin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), aloin (Sigma-Aldrich, USA), and ProRoot MTA (Dentsply, USA) were used in the study. 2.5-6.75-12.5-25-50 μg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%-50%-75%-100% of MTA were prepared; pulp cells unincubated with a material were assessed as controls. Cytotoxicity of all doses/concentrations of materials was analysed on days of 1, 2, 3, and 7 by WST-1 test. 2.5-6.75 μg/ml of curcumin and aloin, 25%–50% of MTA incubated with cells for 7–14 days were evaluated for ALP activity by ELISA test. Data was statistically analysed by One Way ANOVA, Tukey, and Sidak tests at GraphPad Prism 6.

Results:
The findings have shown that 2.5 μg/ml of curcumin, all doses of aloin, 25% and 50% of MTA increased cell proliferation significantly on day 1 (P < 0.05). Curcumin, aloin, and MTA decreased the cell viability as dose/concentration and exposure time increased. All materials have shown no significant increases in ALP activity (P > 0.05) on 7 and 14 days.

Conclusion:
Data of this study revealed that 2.5 - 6.75 μg/ml of curcumin/aloin, 25%–50% of MTA have promoted cell viability and proliferation of human dental pulp cells; and none of the materials have significantly increased the ALP activity at 7–14 days.
Comparison of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Brimonidine 0.2% in Managing Intraocular Pressure Elevation Following Nd:YAG Laser Capsulotomy for Posterior Capsule Opacification
Authors: Gupta Tulika , Kashyap Rupali , Ganjoo Shikhar 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Background:
Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) is the most common cause of vision reduction following successful cataract surgery. It is a dynamic process caused by the migration and proliferation of residual lens epithelial cells on the posterior capsule, leading to visual impairment. The standard treatment for PCO is neodymium: yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd: YAG) laser capsulotomy. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Brimonidine 0.2% in preventing intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation post-Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy.

Materials and Methods:
This study was conducted over a year at the Government Medical College, Jammu. 400 patients with PCO post extracapsular cataract extraction were randomly divided into two groups. Group A received 1 drop of Bimatoprost 0.03% and Group B received 1 drop of Brimonidine 0.2%, both administered 1 hour before Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy. Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry before treatment and at intervals of 1 hour, 3 hours, 24 hours, 3 days, and 7 days post-treatment.

Results:
The mean age of patients was approximately 65 years with no significant difference between groups. The baseline IOP was similar across both groups. At 1 hour post-capsulotomy, Group A showed a mean IOP increase of 2.2 mmHg, while Group B showed an increase of 3.6 mmHg. At 24 hours, the IOP in Group A returned to baseline levels, whereas Group B still exhibited a slight elevation. No significant adverse effects were reported in either group.

Conclusion:
Bimatoprost 0.03% is more effective in preventing IOP elevation post Nd: YAG laser capsulotomy compared to Brimonidine 0.2%. It also demonstrated a faster return to baseline IOP levels with fewer side effects. This suggests that Bimatoprost may be a preferable prophylactic treatment for managing post-capsulotomy IOP spikes.
Dosimetric Analysis and Radiobiological Impact of Radiotherapy Planning Techniques for Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in terms of Tumor Control Probability and Normal Tissue Complication Probability
Authors: Rather Sajad Ahmad , Banday Muddasir Sharief , Qureshi Mohammad Zubair 
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT

Objective:
This study aims to evaluate the radiobiological benefits among the different radiotherapy (RT) planning techniques for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Materials and Methods:
In this experimental study, 35 patients with ESCC cancer were planned for the field-in-field (FIF), three fields (3Fs), and four-field boxes were performed for each patient for a 6 MV photon beam. The parameters of the conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), Dmean, Dmax, tumor control probability (TCP), V20Gy, and V30Gy of the heart and lungs, and normal tissue complication probability (NTCP) were analyzed to evaluate treatment plans. Dose distribution in the target volume, the monitor units (MUs) required, and the dose delivered to organs at risk (OARs) were compared for these techniques using the paired-sample t-test.

Results:
A significant difference was measured between the FIF, 3F, and 4F techniques with respect to CI, dose HI, and TCP for the target organ, as well as the Dmean for the heart and liver. For the spinal cord, the FIF technique showed a slight reduction in the maximum dose compared to the other two techniques. In addition, the V20Gy of the lungs and the NTCP of all OARs were reduced with the FIF method.

Conclusion:
The FIF technique showed better performance in terms of dose homogeneity in the target, conformity of the radiation field with the target volume, TCP, less dose to healthy organs, and fewer MU, which could improve the TCP and spare the heart, lungs, and spinal cord. Our study provides a prediction of RT outcomes and further guides the individual treatment.
Ameliorative Effects of Sunflower Seeds Powder on High Fat Diet Induced Metabolic Changes in Wistar Rats
Authors: Adugba Augustine Oko , Ogli Sunday Adakole , Ogo Ogo Agbo , Eru Emmanuel Ukonu , Abi Innocent , Adeniyi Olasupo Stephen 
Published: August 2024

Background: Obesity and prediabetes are reversible disorders affecting people globally with no sex predilection. They can progress to diabetes mellitus with resultant complications. Studies have shown greater involvement of high fat diets in the etiology of obesity and prediabetic conditions. Sunflower (Helianthus Anuus) extracts with an LD50> 5000mg/kg has been found to be effective in reducing high blood sugar levels in both human and animal studies. Sunflower seed powder was used in this study to investigate its effects on high fat diet (HFD) induced metabolic changes in Wistar rats.Methods: A total of 27 male Wistar rats (350 - 400 grams) were used for this study. They were randomly assigned to 9 groups of 3animals each and were fed for 6 weeks. Group 1 served as control (water and feed ad libitum) Group 2 (high fat diet alone); Group 3 (HFD + 5000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently); Group 4 (HFD + 3000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently); Group 5 (high fat diet + 2000mg/kg of sunflower seed concurrently ); Group 6 (HFD for 5 weeks + 5000mg/kg of sunflower seed for 1week); Group 7 (HFD for 5weeks + 3000mg/kg of sunflower seed for 1wk); Group 8 (HFD for 5 wks + 2000 mg of sunflower seed for 1wk); Group 9 (HFD for 5 wks + 70mg/kg Metformin for 1 week). Animals were anesthetized with ketamine and blood collected via cardiac puncture. Blood glucose measurement was done using the glucose oxidase method and plasma insulin levels were measured using ultra sensitive rats Insulin ELISA kit marketed by Crystal chem, specificity 100% and sensitivity, 0.05 ng/ml, serum glycated albumin and haemoglobin was measured using the Variant TMIIT urbohigh-performance liquid chromatography system. Harvested pancreatic tissues were fixed in 10% formalin for histomorphological analyses.Results: Blood glucose, plasma glycated haemoglobin in the HFD only group were significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to control and other groups. The sunflower treated groups with 5000mg, 3000mg and 2000mghad significantly decreased (p<0.05) insulin levels compared to control group and similar to metformin and HFD alone groups. Pancreatic histology results showed that HFD caused significant destruction of islet cells which was preserved in the sunflower co-administered groups.Conclusions: Sunflower seed significantly reduce blood sugar level, reduced HbA1c, and conferred cyto-protection on islets of Langerhan cells.
Assessment of Primary Healthcare Centres for Care of NonCommunicable Diseases in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Nigeria
Authors: Anumah F.O. , Ezeigwe N. , Mpazanje R. , Dewan M. , Lawal Y. , Omoyele C. , Uwakmfon U. , Mohammad Y. 
Published: August 2024

Background: Non-communicable diseases are the world’s biggest killers with an upward trajectory in the deleterious effect on global health burden. The aim of this study was to assess the capacity of the primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to implement WHO Essential Package for NCDs (WHOPEN)
Methodology: This was a cross-sectional health facility-based survey conducted in 32 selected PHCs in the FCT. The WHO rapid assessment tool for primary healthcare facility capacity assessment for NCDs was adapted and used for data collection. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20. Approval for the survey was given by the Federal Ministry of Health.
Result: All the PHCs had at least 2 trained nurses and 6 community health workers. Also, 31% had medical officers while 71% had laboratory technicians. Basic equipment for NCDs such as weighing scales and sphygmomanometers were available but only about 50% of the PHCs had glucometers. Devices such as pulse oximeters, peak flow meters, nebulizers, electrocardiographic machines and blood cholesterol assay kits were unavailable. Oral antidiabetic drugs and insulin were not available in 60-90% of the PHCs. The most available anti-hypertensives were hydrochlorothiazide and alpha methyldopa. The prevalence of NCDs among the patients was 5.3%. Healthcare was financed by individuals and supported by the local government. None of the centres had a registry.
Conclusion: Critical gaps were identified in the management of NCDs in PHCs. This will provide the basis for the implementation of strategies to strengthen PHCs and make WHO-PEN implementable in low-resource settings.
Isolation of Exoelectrogenic Bacteria from Palm Oil Mill Effluent and Their Application in Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Sirajudeen A.O. , Ibrahim S. , Adediji A.S. , Hussein M.Y. , Abibu W.A. 
Published: August 2024

The ability of exoelectrogenic bacteria to directly transfer electrons without any mediators to extracellular electron acceptors is vital in microbial fuel cell technology. The current study evaluates the exoelectrogenic potential of bacteria isolated from Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME) in microbial fuel cell. The POME samples were obtained from Palm Oil mill factory in Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The isolates were analysed on Chromogenic (differential) medium for colour change from black to whitish. The isolates were identified phenotypically and molecularly. The potential of the isolates to generate efficient electricity were investigated in a doublechambered Microbial Fuel Cell (MFC). Overall, ten isolates were obtained from POME sample, with only three isolates showing the exoelectrogenic potential by turning the agar colour from black to whitish. The molecular analysis revealed three novel strains as Bacillus velezensis strain AAS001 (OQ690764), Bacillus amyloliquefaciens strain AAS002 (OQ690765) and Priestia aryabhattai strain AAS003 (OQ690766). Strain AAS003 showed the highest voltage potential of 1407mV compared to strain AAS001 with 229mV and strain AAS002 with 191mV. Similarly, the power and current densities (345 mW/m2 and 437 mA/m2 respectively) recorded by strain AAS003 were far superior to that of strain AAS001 (10 mW/m2 and 64 mA/m2 ) and strain AAS002 (15 mW/m2 and 92 mA/m2 ). This study suggests that strain AAS003 is an excellent biocatalyst for bioelectricity generation.
Assessment of Sterilants and their Combined Effect on Surface Sterilization of <i>Musa Spp</i>
Authors: Ukwueze C.K. 
Published: August 2024

Musa spp accessions were assembled from the Department of Crop Production & Landscape Management, Faculty of Agriculture, Ebonyi State University germplasm, and taken to the culture laboratory where they were washed and trimmed to a size of 1.0 – 1.5 cm. This block of tissue was surface-sterilized with different sterilants which included detergent, ethanol, NaOCl, benlate, HgCl2, UV light, and cefotaxime. The sterilants were applied following 15 different treatment protocols. Only 5 treatments protocols (T3: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime; T4: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min; T5: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2 for 10 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime; T6: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 5 % benlate for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2 for 10 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime, and T7: 70 % for 30 sec, 8 % NaOCL for 5 min, 5 % benlate for 5 min, 1.2 g/L HgCl2 for 10 min, U.V. light for 5 min, 500 mg/L cefotaxime) produced clean cultures with variations in the health of the cultures. T5 and T6 produced very healthy plantlets with 75 and 100 percent survival, respectively. T3 and T7 produced healthy plantlets with 100 percent survival, while T4 produced healthy plantlets with 50 % survival. Different sterilants react differently to living tissue, either alone or combined. Therefore, this work has produced standardized protocols for using the sterilants for surface sterilization of ‘owom’ and ‘efol’.
Role of Institutional Repositories in Facilitating Scholarly Communication at the Open University of Tanzania and University of Dar es Salaam
Authors: Gideon Hetty , Samzugi Athumani S. 
Published: August 2024

This study explored the role of Institutional Repositories (IR) in facilitating scholarly communication in Institutions of higher learning in Tanzania with the case of the Open University of Tanzania and the University of Dar es Salaam. The study examined the benefits of IR among researchers and explored the challenges facing its management. The study employed a survey research design. Data was collected using a questionnaire survey, involving 148 postgraduate students. Moreover, the study used interviews to collect data from two library directors and two directors of research and publications of the two Institutions of higher learning under review. Of the respondents, 89(73.6%) reported that IR enhances research outputs. However, they also identified several challenges including poor internet connectivity 56(83.6%), unreliable power supply 49(73.1%) and limitations of accessing IR contents 34(50.7%). Other bottlenecks identified included a lack of policy to guide the IR management, limited motivation among academic staff to submit their research output, and a lack of institutional support and commitment from the management. Based on the findings, strategies suggested include formulating and instituting comprehensive policies to guide the proper management of IR, enhanced management support in allocating sufficient budget for ICT infrastructures and hardware, and motivating staff to use IR. In addition, the librarians should market the services provided by IR to inform users on what is available in the IRs, because the value of information deposited depends much on its accessibility and usage. Doing so could further effectively contribute to enhancing scholarly communication at the two institutions.