bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LEADERSHIP AND EMPLOYEES PERFORMANCE IN THE COUNTY GOVERNMENTS IN KENYA
Authors: NYAGUTHII WINFRED 
Published: November 2023

This study determined the relationship between leadership and employees’ performance in the county government. The survey method was used to help determine the relationship between leadership on employees’ performance in county governments in Kenya. Stratified sampling probability and simple random sampling techniques was utilized in drawing a representative sample from a population of 47 counties for the study. The response rate was in the percentage of questionnaires returned. Three hundred and eighty-one questionnaires were distributed to the respondents and three hundred and sixteen were returned thus achieving a response rate of 82.9 %. Structured questionnaires were administered as the main data collection tool. The study also used secondary data from textbooks, journals, organizational manuals, and the internet. Structural equation modeling and multivariate statistical tools were used to analyze the data. Regression was used to analyze the relationship between capacity building on the employees’ performance. The hypotheses was analyzed using chi and Z-test. The results were presented in descriptive data such as tables, frequencies, charts, and percentages. The findings were that leadership positively influences employee performance. The researcher advised the county government HR specialist to strategize on how to build the capacities of leaders and their management skills to enhance support mechanisms that will improve county government employees’ performance.
EFFECT OF SOLVENCY ON FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF DEPOSIT TAKING SACCOS IN KENYA
Authors: AKUKU SOPHY ODOL , NYANG’AU ANDREW , MAOBE ASENATH 
Published: November 2023

The deposit taking SACCOs (DTS) play a vital role in the socioeconomic advancement of countries as they largely use authority they have over the movement of cash from surplus sources to those who need the funds through financial intermediation. However, it has been observed that the daily activities of Deposit taking SACCOs are faced with challenges. The financial performance of Deposit taking SACCOs in terms of return on asset in Kenya has been declining from the year 2016 to 2020. The main objective of the study was to determine the effectof solvency on financial performance of Deposit taking SACCOs in Kenya. The study was guided by Pecking Order Theory. This study adopted cross sectional research design. The target population was 164 Deposit Taking SACCOs that operated from 2016 to 2020. The sample size was 61 Deposit Taking SACCOs in Kenya which were registered under SASRA. The study adopted stratified random sampling technique. The study employed the use of secondary data which was collected from the published annual financial statements of the Deposit taking SACCOs. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics involved mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. Inferential statistics included correlation analysis, panel regression data. The study identified that; solvency had strong positive and highly significant correlation with financial performance of deposit taking savings and credit cooperative societies (SACCOS) in Kenya.
EFFECTS OF NON-TARIFF BARRIERS ON RWANDA’S INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS IN THE EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY
Authors: JEANNETTE CYUSA UWIMANA , MILUWI JOSHUA OGUTU , MUNGA JANE 
Published: November 2023

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of non-tariff barriers on Rwanda’s international relations in the East African Community. The study was guided by comparative advantage theory. Descriptive research design was used to achieve the study objectives. The target population for this study constituted 184 officials of Rwanda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation from whom a sample of 126 respondents was selected using stratified random sampling method. Data was collected using a questionnaire and was analyzed using descriptive, inferential and thematic content analysis techniques. Analyzed statistical data was presented using tables and charts while qualitative data was documented using narratives. This study concluded that Non-tariff barriers have a positive and significant effect on Rwanda’s International Relations in East African Community. From the findings, this study recommended that the government of Rwanda should continue supporting and advocating for trade liberalization within the EAC. This can be achieved through negotiations within the EAC's Common External Tariff (CET) framework.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN DIFFERENTIATION STRATEGY AND PERFORMANCE OF NAIROBI-KISUMU METER GAUGE RAILWAY SERVICES IN KENYA
Authors: OKELLO PHILIP SULUMETI , ONGESA TOM 
Published: November 2023

The transport industry in Kenya has undergone drastic changes. This has compelled the government of Kenya to modernize railway services in the country to attain competitive advantage. Indeed, Kenya Railways Corporation (KRC) has been revamping transport in the rail sector to maximize service efficiency, reliability and safety. Despite this, Nairobi-Kisumu Meter Gauge Railway Services has not performed well as anticipated due to several challenges. KRC has now resorted to night travel only due to low demand. This has rendered the services uncompetitive. This study sought to evaluate the relationship between differentiation strategy and performance of the Nairobi- Kisumu Meter Railway Services in Kenya. This study adopted a mixed research approach. The research design was descriptive in nature. The target population comprised of all 20-management staff working under this rail services. The study used census method to incorporate the whole management team in the research. Primary data was gathered by use of semi structured questionnaires. Data collected was analyzed by use of both descriptive and inferential statistics. The hypotheses were tested at a significance level of 0.05. Findings reveal that differentiation strategy has a statistically significant relationship with the performance of the railway service. The study concluded that management enhances the application of differentiation strategy to boost performance to great heights. The findings of this study will enable stakeholders at KRC and the industry players to formulate and implement strategies that would help them attain competitive advantage in the market.
Utility of Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Prenatal Diagnosis of Placenta Accreta: A Prospective study
Authors: Nasim Rukhsana , Khalid Javed  , Ashfaq Butt Hira , Ali Tariq Taimoor , Aslam Sumaira 
Published: November 2023

Objectives: determine the utility of ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging in prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta.
Methods: Thirty patients presented in the department of gynecology and obstetrics and fulfilling the inclusion criteria were selected for the study. Study was a cros sectional design conducted at department of Radiology, Nishtar Hospital Multan, from 1st January 2019 to 1st December 2019.
Result: Only 10 patients with placenta accreta were positive on USG while other 9 patients were found to be negative; and 3 patients were misdiagnosed to have placenta accreta on USG. Table-IIOnly 15 patients with placenta accreta were positive on MRI while other 4 patients were found to be negative; and 2 patients were misdiagnosed to have placenta accreta on USG. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy were 52.6%, 72.7%, 76.9%, respectively.
Conclusion: It can be concluded that there is no significant difference between MRI and USG in terms of accuracy for prenatal diagnosis of placenta accreta.
Comparing the Benefits of Titrated PEEP vs Low PEEP in Terms of Mortality in Patients Suffering from Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Mahmood Asif , Adnan Muhammad 
Published: November 2023

Objective: To compare the benefits of titrated PEEP vs low PEEP in terms of mortality in patients suffering from acute respiratory distress syndrome
Study Design: Randomized clinical trial
Place and Duration of Study: Intensive care unit (ICU) of Nishtar Hospital Multan over a period of January 2017 to January 2018.
Methodology: Patients were randomly divided into two groups LP group and TP group. TP group received fluids and neuromuscular blockers. Lung recruitment maneuver was done with incremental PEEP level and in the second time by a decremental PEEP maneuver. If levels of PaO2 and FIO2 were same or increasing during one day we stared to decrease the PEEP of 2cm Hg for every 8 hours. .
Results: Of the outcome variables, numbers of death within 28 days were significantly higher in the low PEEP group (p-value 0.045 and 0.022, respectively). Development of pneumothorax requiring drainage and incidence of barotrauma within the first 7 days was significantly less in the titrated PEEP group. During the first 28 days, more number of patients in the titrated PEEP group had ventilator free days.
Conclusion: In our study we find that the deaths within 28 days, development of pneumothorax requiring drainage and incidence of barotrauma within the first 7 days were significantly higher in the low PEEP group.
Assessing the Link between Zinc Levels and Obesity in Young Adults
Authors: Syed Maria , Siddiqui Sana , Ahmad Sidra , Syed Komal 
Published: November 2023

Background: Obesity is an international health issue associated to multiple long-term medical conditions like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and different kinds of malignancies. There is strong evidence to show that obesity and zinc deficiency may be related. The objective of the research was to find out whether obesity in younger adults was related to serum zinc levels.
Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in Quaid-e-Azam Medical University, Bahawalpur, involving 123 young adults aged between 18 and 25 years. The study aimed to assess body weights based on BMI (Body Mass Index) and serum zinc levels. The study lasted six months from September 2022 to March 2023.
Results: Serum zinc levels were significantly lower in overweight and obese younger adults compared to younger adults of normal weight. It was observed that an increase in BMI was associated with decreased serum zinc levels.
Conclusion: These results suggested an association between obesity in younger adults and serum zinc levels. More research is needed in order to confirm these findings, verify the negative correlation between these two parameters and to examine the processes underlying the link between zinc and obesity.
Keywords: BMI, serum zinc levels, young adults, obesity, cross-sectional study
A Comparative Study between the View of Nel Nodding and Gilligan on Ethics of Care and Moral Education
Authors: Mondal Deepika 
Published: November 2023

One of the earliest comprehensive theories of care was offered by American philosopher Nel Nodding, who also contended that caring is the basis of morality. According to her, connections are an essential part of being it is to be human, and one's relationships with other people help determine who they are as a person. Modeling, dialogue, practice, and confirmation are the four main elements of education from the standpoint of care, according to Nel Nodding. The purpose of this research was to find out the nature of the ethics of care proposed by Nel Nodding, analyze Nodding’s Moral Education and find out different components of it, and Compare the perception Nel Nodding and Gilligan with respect to ethics of care and moral education. It is qualitative research. The researcher used different Primary and secondary data sources to gather data for this research. As primary sources, the researcher used different published documents by Nel Nodding [1-8] and Gilligan [9-11] and as secondary sources [12,13,14,15] the researcher different journal articles. The findings of this study were Nodding can provide a framework for addressing a wide range of ethical issues, from interpersonal interactions to universal problems like poverty and environmental degradation. In addition to her work, a more comprehensive and compassionate approach to ethics has resulted from her emphasis on the value of loving relationships and emotional intelligence in moral decision-making.
Investigation of Polymorphic Variations in the Alpha-Lactalbumin Gene and their Association Analysis to Milk Characteristics in River Buffalo
Authors: Sihag Sonia , Kumar Anil , Jangra Alka , Sharma Garima , Naik Pradeep Kumar , Rushdi Hossam E. , Rawat Krishan Dutta , Chhokar Vinod 
Published: November 2023

River buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) is one of the most important livestock species in many poor countries because of its invaluable contributions to numerous agricultural fields. Detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in exon 1 of alpha-lactalbumin (ALA) gene was the main goal of the current study. Polymerase chain reaction-single-strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) assay and sequencing analysis were applied to identify segregated SNPs in ALA gene. Potential SNPs in ALA gene have been identified in the present study. The homozygous genotype (AA) of the ALA gene was significantly associated with fat percentage. Moreover, the heterozygous genotype (LA) revealed significant association with protein percentage, and fat yield. The results obtained in this study emphasize the necessity of screening a broader number of buffaloes distributed in varied environments to identify genetic polymorphisms and their potential correlation with milk production traits.
Effect of Calcium Chloride on Fruit Quality and Shelf Life of Red Velox Apple
Authors: Ganai N. A. , Rasool Khalid , Ali Angrej , Hassan G. I. , Javeed Kounsar , Wani A. H. 
Published: November 2023

Jammu and Kashmir enjoys a vital place among temperate fruits due to its agro-climatic conditions. The only apple variety Ambri is indigenous to Kashmir while as all other varieties were introduced from outside. The famous Delicious varieties were introduced by (Samuel Nicholar Stokes) a resident of USA in 1918 at Kotgarth in Shimla hills. Calcium (Ca2+) has been extensively reviewed as both an essential element and its potential role in maintaining both pre and postharvest quality of fruit crops. Management of crop production which provides fruit at harvest with mineral nutrient levels sufficiently high and in balance that the fruit have a low risk of disorders and have optimal storage properties. Pre harvest spray at the highest concentration 0.3 % combined with dip at 8.0% of CaCl2 had a significant effect on fruit length, diameter which in turn significantly affected fruit weight and size in Red Velox apple. Foliar sprays of calcium (0.3%) in combination with fruit dip (8.0%) significantly increased TSS, fruit firmness and reduced weight loss during storage. The importance of calcium in apple fruit is its role in contributing to the maintenance of optimum quality during postharvest storage and fruit ripening. This role is seen directly in the prevention of specific disorders such as bitter pit, and in relationships between calcium and more general quality properties such as flesh firmness. Calcium application maintains cell turgor, membrane integrity, tissue firmness and delays membrane lipid catabolism, extending storage life of fresh fruits.
Sleep Disturbances as a Manifestation of Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Authors: Cuthrell Kimberly Morton , Tzenios Nikolaos 
Published: November 2023

Sleep disturbances are complex elements of many neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), intellectual and developmental disabilities, and insomnia. Sleep disturbances are caused by a variety of factors, resulting in short-term and long-term consequences that can affect self-care, daily functions, and well-being. Sleep disturbances can compromise not only he general health of individuals but also on the health of caregivers and support systems. There is a need to understand the interaction between neurodevelopmental disorders and sleep disturbances to identify patterns of sleep fragmentations contributed to neurobiological and neurodevelopmental conditions determine appropriate treatment, improve the quality of life for individuals with neurological comorbidities.
Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Compressed Vertebrae
Authors: Shatat Warda Ali Mahmoud , Saleh Hanan Ahmad Nagy Mohammed , Elshafey Mohamed Hassan , Shaban Ekhlas Abdelmonem 
Published: November 2023

Background: There are several causes of vertebral compression fractures (VCFs), including neoplastic infiltration, osteoporosis, and trauma. Our objective was to examine the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (MR-DTI) in differentiating benign from malignant compressed vertebrae. This prospective research was carried out on a selected group of 30 cases with compressed vertebral fracture diagnosed by other imaging modalities and a control group of 30 subjects referred to MR unit of Radiodiagnosis Department at the Local University Hospitals. Inclusion criteria were adult patients, both sexes, Patients with compressed vertebral fracture diagnosed by other imaging modalities.
Results: According to ROC analysis for detecting specificity and sensitivity of fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) and mean diffusivity quantitative analysis of DTI MRI to differentiate between malignant and benign VCFs in cases group, we can see that the ROC for FA gives AUC 0.886 while ADC gives AUC 0.886 and MD gives AUC 0.922, with specificity and sensitivity of FA 85.71% and 93.75% respectively, while specificity and sensitivity of ADC 92.86% and 87.50% respectively and specificity and sensitivity of MD 92.86% and 87.50% respectively.
Conclusions: DTI with its quantitative indicators is a valuable method in differentiating malignant from benign compressed vertebrae when compared to conventional MRI. FA values in benign vertebral fracture were significantly less than the FA values in malignant vertebral fracture.
Friedhöfe
Authors: Mordhorst Anneka , Zimmermann Iris , Fleige Heiner , Horn Rainer 
Published: November 2023

Friedhofsböden werden im deutschsprachigen Raum überwiegend als Nekrosole oder Rigosole, international als Necrosols oder Anthrosols klassifiziert. Standortfaktoren wie Bodenart, Tiefgründigkeit und Grund‐ oder Stauwassereinfluss spielen eine wichtige Rolle hinsichtlich der Verwesungs‐ (Erdgräber) und Filterleistung (Erd‐ und Urnengräber). Für die vollständige Verwesung innerhalb der Ruhefristen (20–30 Jahre) muss der Sauerstoffbedarf über den funktionierenden Gasaustausch durch die mindestens 90 cm mächtige Deckschicht zur Sargzone gedeckt sein. Unterhalb der Bestattungstiefe (Grabsohle) ist eine ausreichend hohe Filterwirkung der mindestens 70 cm mächtigen Filterschicht erforderlich, um aus dem Sarg oder der Urne austretende (Schad‐)Stoffe, u. a. Schwermetalle, mechanisch und/oder chemisch zu binden, wodurch die Gefahr einer Grundwasserkontamination herabgesetzt wird. Die wenigen Untersuchungen von Urnengräbern und Totenaschen machen deutlich, dass nicht nur die Totenasche eine hohe Streuung im Schwermetallgehalt aufweist, sondern Schwermetallelemente in unterschiedlichem Ausmaß auch aus dem Urnenmaterial in den Boden freigesetzt werden.
Die Durchführung von Sarg‐ und Urnenbestattungen in Böden stellt einen tiefgreifenden Eingriff in die Horizontabfolge und in die Bodenstruktur und ‐stabilität dar, der mit Änderungen der physikalischen und chemischen Bodeneigenschaften und ‐funktionen (Gas‐ und Wasserhaushalt) einhergeht. Vor allem in feinkörnigen Böden können Staunässe und schlechtere Sauerstoffverfügbarkeit innerhalb des Grabes auftreten, die die Bildung von Wachsleichen (Adipocire) begünstigen. Die Beimischung von Branntkalk (Calciumoxid) ist als kostengünstige und effektive Meliorationsmaßnahme zur Verbesserung der Bodenstruktur des wiederverfüllten Bodens im Erdgrab (Deckschicht) beschrieben. Aus Sicht des Bodenschutzes ist daher bei der Ausweisung von Flächen für Urnen‐ oder Erdgräber auf stau‐ oder grundwasserferne sowie tiefgründige Böden mit guten Filter‐ und Puffereigenschaften unterhalb der Bestattungstiefe zu achten.
Impact of early cognitive impairment on outcome trajectory in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Li Zuo‐Qiao , Bu Xiao‐Qing , Cheng Jing , Deng Lan , Lv Xin‐Ni , Wang Zi‐Jie , Hu Xiao , Yang Tian‐Nan , Yin Hao , Liu Xue‐Yun , Zhao Li‐Bo , Xie Peng , Li Qi 
Published: November 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence and factors associated with early cognitive impairment in intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) patients and to describe short‐term recovery trajectories among ICH patients with early cognitive impairment.MethodsWe prospectively enrolled ICH patients without baseline dementia in our institutions. Cognitive function was assessed using mini‐mental state examination (MMSE), and functional outcome was evaluated at discharge, 3, and 6 months after symptoms onset using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We used multinomial logistic regression models to investigate potential risk factors and generalized linear models to analyze the functional outcome data.ResultsOut of 181 patients with ICH, 167 were included in the final analysis. Early cognitive impairment occurred in 60.48% of patients with ICH. Age (odds ratio [OR] per 1‐year increase, 1.037; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.003–1.071; p = 0.034), National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score (OR per 1‐point increase, 1.146; 95% CI, 1.065–1.233; p < 0.001) and lobar ICH location (OR, 4.774; 95% CI, 1.810–12.593; p = 0.002) were associated with early cognitive impairment in ICH patients. Patients with ≥10 years of education were less likely to experience early cognitive impairment (OR, 0.323; 95% CI, 0.133–0.783; p = 0.012). Participants with early cognitive impairment had a higher risk of poor outcome (OR, 4.315; 95% CI, 1.503–12.393; p = 0.005) than those without. Furthermore, there was a significantly faster functional recovery rate for those without early cognitive impairment compared with those with at 3 and 6 months (p < 0.05).InterpretationEarly cognitive impairment was prevalent and associated with poor outcomes in ICH patients, which decelerated short‐term functional recovery.
Multidimensional Biomimetic Construction of Highly Sensitive Wrinkled Gels Based on the Transformation of Multiple Supramolecular Interactions Induced by Dual‐Solvent Strategy
Authors: Zhou Shuai , Zhang Yu‐Jia , Zhang Chen , Yi Chen‐Xin , Han Tian‐Hang , Huang Jian‐Hua , Ding Lang , Peng Yang‐Rong , Sun Tian‐Shu 
Published: November 2023

AbstractTraditional artificial skin gels often only focuses on a single perspective and overlooks the necessity of multidimensional synergistic design for sensitivity enhancement. To address these problems, the innovative introduction of dual solvents on the surface of polyacrylamide/sodium alginate gel induces to the transformation of supramolecular interactions including ion coordination, crystalline alcohol, and phase separation, synergistically achieving adjustable wrinkle wavelengths (304.2 ± 19.9 to 2393.5 ± 95.9 µm) and modulated chemical compositions with tunable moduli (87.5 ± 3.3 to 157.6 ± 3.7 kPa). This flexible strategy allows the construction of long‐range ordered wrinkled microstructures of three‐dimensional surfaces and complex morphologies. Meanwhile, the bridge effect induced by crystalline alcohols directs the insertion of ethanol molecules into the polymer chains, effectively reducing intramolecular friction. Benefiting from the small wavelength and low modulus dominated by crystalline alcohol, the wrinkled gel exhibits extremely high sensitivity of 164 kPa−1 (<0.5 kPa) and wide detection range (44.3 kPa). The wrinkled gel remains stable high sensitive to detect micro‐ and large stress, tactile perception, and human motion behaviors. This work proposes a new strategy for constructing highly sensitive bioinspired skin from multiple dimensions, showing broad application prospects in the fields of bioengineering and behavioral cognition.