bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Mediating Effect of Innovation Capability Towards Export Performance of Small and Medium Enterprises in Sri Lanka
Authors: Galagedara J. , Samarakoon S. M. A. K. 
Published: March 2022

Export is one of the most important factors influencing economic growth. As a developing country, a systematic action plan is needed to expand the export sector because Sri Lanka’s economy is largely dependent on international trade. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) play a vital role to develop the export performance of a country. entrepreneurial orientation and innovation capabilities are important factors that directly affected on internationalization of SMEs. There is no research done in the past to identify the mediating effect of innovation capability on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and export performance. Accordingly, this study intended to fill the gap by testing the mediating effect of innovation capability on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and export performance. In this context, the objective of this research is to examine the mediating effect of Innovation capabilities on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and export performance of SMEs in Sri Lanka. This study followed a quantitative research design to examine the above relationship by using the processing technique. The examined population in this research are the exporters who have export turnover below Rs. 150 Mn. Data is collected through a structured questionnaire distributed among 200 exporters. Both descriptive and inferential statistical techniques were used to analyze the collected data using SPSS. The study found that innovation capability has a partial mediation effect on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and export performance. Accordingly, SMEs should improve the level of entrepreneurial orientation and, innovation capability to improve the export performance of SMEs.
Antiepileptic-drug tapering and seizure recurrence
Authors: Sarangi Sudhir C. , Kumar Sachin , Tripathi Manjari , Kaleekal Thomas , Singh Surender , Gupta Yogendra K. 
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES:
Antiepileptic-drug (AED) serum level and inflammatory biomarkers are primarily monitored/assessed during epilepsy treatment for effective seizure control; however, their correlation with seizure recurrence (SR) following AED-tapering has not been established, and this is being investigated in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
This prospective observational study enrolled persons with epilepsy (PWE) on AED monotherapy and going to start tapering after being seizure-free for ≥2 years. Data regarding seizure episodes, AED-treatment, and adverse events (using Liverpool Adverse Event profile [LAEP]-score) were recorded. Serum AED levels using high-performance liquid chromatography and biomarkers levels through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were estimated at AED-tapering commencement and at 6 months/SR time.

RESULTS:
Among 129 enrolled PWE (levetiracetam [n = 52], valproate [n = 34], carbamazepine [n = 29], and phenytoin [n = 14]), SR occurred in 23.3% during follow-up (range 12–44 months). PWE with subtherapeutic serum AED level at the onset of tapering had higher SR (P = 0.004) than those with therapeutic or higher levels. Levetiracetam-treated PWEs with SR have significantly low AED levels than PWE with no-SR (P < 0.001). PWE had significantly raised inflammatory biomarkers (interleukin [IL]-1 β, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, IL-6, and high-mobility group box protein 1) and decreased IL-10 than healthy control subjects. SR and no-SR groups did not differ significantly in inflammatory markers except for higher IL-1 β and TNF-α levels in SR group (P = 0.001, 0.02, respectively). Improvement in LAEP score was observed in follow-up visits without any difference between SR and no-SR groups.

CONCLUSION:
Low serum AED levels (especially levetiracetam) and raised levels of TNF-α and IL-1 β during tapering commencement had a higher association with SR following AED-tapering.
Analysis of neuropathological comorbid conditions in elderly patients with mild cognitive impairment in a tertiary care center in South India
Authors: Paul Alex Baby , Padmanabhan Dakshin Sitaram , Suresh Vineeth , Nayagam Sunav Nellai , Kartha Niveditha , Paul George , Vijayakumar Priya 
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is a transitional stage in the continuum of cognitive decline. Multiple risk factors may be involved apart from neuropathological states such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vascular dementia. There is scant data in the literature pertaining to our study population in Kerala, South India that provide associations between suggested risk factors and MCI. Most of the elderly present to family and primary care physicians with complaints of some form of memory impairment.

Objectives:
To find out the significant neuropathological comorbid conditions present in elderly patients with MCI. To assess for other risk factors in the same population- including laboratory parameters, comorbidities, and psychosocial parameters.

Methods:
This retrospective record-based study included a sample of 93 patients with MCI as quantified by the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE). These subjects were compared with controls (n = 97) without MCI, with respect to neuropathological diagnoses, laboratory parameters and psychosocial parameters.

Results:
The findings of our study were that female gender, higher depression scores, a greater number of medications taken, benzodiazepine use, higher alkaline phosphatase levels, positive fall history, loss of a spouse, and lower levels of education were associated with MCI. MCI is negatively associated with positive alcohol history. The most commonly seen proven neuropathological diagnosis was Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion:
The risk factors that were found in our study should be highlighted in the elderly and preventive measures should be taken to prevent the downward progression through the cognitive continuum. Prospective studies looking into mild cognitive impairment with better screening tools and proper assessment of neuropathological comorbid conditions can further elucidate the findings related to this study.
Evolution of the pandemic: Analysis of demographic characteristics of COVID-19-infected patients during its two waves in Gwalior district of central India
Authors: Shukla Durgesh , Bhadoria Sumit Singh , Bansal Manoj , Changulani Richa 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Studies of pandemics in past centuries have suggested that the second wave was always more lethal and devastating as compared to the first wave. Regarding coronavirus disease (COVID) pandemic also, various speculations were made that during the second wave virus changes its nature either for age structure, gender or rural–urban differential. Present study was aimed to compare the demographic and mortality profile of COVID-19 patients during the two waves.

Materials and Methods:
A total of 51,425 individuals with 16,538 cases from first wave and 34,887 cases from the second wave were included in the study. Frequency, percentage, case fatality rate (CFR) and OR (95% CI) were calculated. Level of significance was considered at 5%.

Results:
Maximum cases were observed in the age group 21–30 years (23.7%). During the first wave, 29.5% females were infected while during the second wave 38.5% females were infected. Infection in rural areas increased to 5.7% as compared to 4.8% in the first wave. Among the females, CFR increased to 37% in second wave which was 25.2% in the first wave. Disease load was at its peak in the month of April 2021.

Conclusion:
During the second wave, infection rate and mortality were higher in females and patients residing in rural areas showing extension of community spread. Patients with age above 50 years succumbed more. Occurrence of more than two-fifth of the cases in a single month (April 2021) shows a need for better planning for the supposed third wave to tackle any unwanted situation.
The prevalence of coronaphobia among nursing staff in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Aljemaiah Abdulaziz I. , Alyami Ahmed Ali , Alotaibi Fawaz S , Osman Mugtaba 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Nursing staff are in direct contact with the consequences of the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

Design and Methods:
Descriptive questionnaire-based cross-sectional survey of a sample of nursing staff working across Saudi Arabia.

Results:
The study included (n = 431) nursing professionals. Coronaphobia prevalence among the nursing staff was 80.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 76.5–84%]. There were (36.7%) who had severe cornaphobia. Working in a clinical department and being Saudi national were associated with increased COVID-19 fear (estimate = 0.109, P = 0.0153 and P = 0.010, respectively).

Conclusion:
Hospital management in Saudi Arabia needs to acknowledge the high prevalence of coronaphobia during the current COVID-19 crisis among nursing staff.
Death analysis of COVID-19 patients admitted in dedicated COVID hospital in Mumbai
Authors: Pawar Pradnya N. , Chavan Smita S. , Jadhao Viplove F. , Adsul Balkrishna B. , Kumbhar Maharudra A. , Dhikale Prasad T. , Gokhale Chinmay N. , Ingale Aniket R. 
Published: March 2022

Introduction:
COVID-19 poses a great threat globally and also a huge burden on developing countries due to its expensive, less effective, and toxic treatment. India is one of the countries with large number of confirmed cases. This study is done to assess the death due to COVID-19 on various parameters so that necessary action can be taken to reduce the disease burden of COVID-19.

Aim and Objective:
I) To find sociodemographic and other factors associated with mortality. II) To study various comorbidities related to the death due to COVID-19 infection. III) Recommendation for reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients.

Material and Method:
Data related to COVID-19 death was taken from MRD (Medical Record Department) & e-Health records from HMIS and was analyzed by Bivariate analysis in SPSS.

Results:
Results showed that people with 1--2 comorbidity have 62% death. Mortality was found to be more in elderly, that is, >60 years age group with 67.5% of total mortality. And in males (68.6%) as compared to female.

Conclusion:
People with comorbidities have significant association. Also, it showed that death was more common in male and elderly age group as compared to female and youngsters.
Knowledge and awareness of ocular allergy among Jeddah population
Authors: Bazuhair Muaz S. , Alsabban Hamzah H. , Alsabban Kasim H. , Alzahrani Khalid A. , Alattas Ali A. , Khinkar Abdullah M. , Salawati Emad M. 
Published: March 2022

Background:
Ocular allergy is one of the common conditions that affects patients from different age groups. Public awareness about the disease is crucial for reducing the incidence of ocular allergy.

Aim:
The present study aims to evaluate the knowledge level of the general population in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia toward ocular allergy.

Methodology:
This is a cross-sectional study that included the distribution of an online survey to the public living in Jeddah. The survey included questions to identify common demographics, knowledge, and awareness about ocular allergy signs and symptoms, prevention and treatment, and sources of information. Statistical analysis included descriptive and comparative analysis using Chi-square test and one-way ANOVA test. SPSS version 26 was used for data analysis.

Results:
In total, 1207 responded to this survey and were included in the analysis. Among them, 71% were females, 36.8% were in the age group of 15–25 years, 74.9% had a bachelor’s degree, 60.4% were non-medical specialists, 13.2% were from the faculty of medicine. More than half of the participants were aware that ocular allergy affects millions of people globally every year. It is one of the most common eye conditions, itching is the primary source of discomfort, 15%–20% of the world population have ocular allergy, the disease causes discomfort and pain within the eye caused by frequent rubbing of the eye, and that symptoms of ocular allergy include redness, itching, tearing, discharge, blurred vision, and photophobia. Further, 64.9% thought that avoiding the source of triggers can help prevent ocular allergy. Social media was the most common source of information among 19.3%. The average score was 15.6 ± 6.1 out of 27 points; 42.6% of the responders had fair knowledge (50%–75%) about ocular allergy. The age group of 15–25 years (P < 0.001), bachelor’s degree holders (P = 0.013), and individuals with a medical background (P = 0.003) were associated with significantly higher mean scores. Males (P = 0.003), age group of 15–25 years (P = 0.024), individuals with a medical background (P < 0.001) had significantly good knowledge about ocular allergy.

Conclusion:
The knowledge level of the general population about ocular allergy in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is fair and requires improvement.
Impact of age, gender and comorbidities affecting the severity of COVID-19 infection in Kashmir
Authors: Hamza Adnan , Shah Naveed Nazir , Azad Aaliya M. , Ghanshyam Ojha S. , Khan Zaid 
Published: March 2022

Aim:
To study the impact of age, gender and comorbidities/risk factors affecting the severity of CoronaVirus Disease 2019/Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (COVID-19/SARS-COV-2) infection in the Kashmiri community.

Materials and Methods:
The present descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Chest Disease Hospital. The study included 957 subjects who were diagnosed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results:
In the age group <40 years, the severity of illness was found to be 30.42% and the occurrence of death was 11.54%, in the 40–60 years, the severity of the illness was found to be 32.51% and the occurrence of death was 12.84%, in the older age >60 years, the severity of illness was found to be 35.74% and the occurrence of death was 10.49%. In males, the severity of the illness was found to be 32.39% and the occurrence of death was 11.27%. In females, the severity of the illness was found to be 33.96% and the occurrence of death was 12.58%. In patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease (CAD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), cancer, hypertension, chronic liver disease (CLD), cerebrovascular disease, thyroid disease, steroid use, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and smokers, the severity of the illness was 29.27, 41.67, 37.73, 20, 23.53, 11.11, 36.30, 40, 20, 36.37, 50, 54.54 and 36% and the occurrence of death was 14.63, 0, 10.69, 10, 11.76, 5.55, 10.67, 0, 0, 20.78, 0, 0 and 16%, respectively.

Conclusion:
The age, gender and comorbidity disparities seen in the COVID-19 vulnerability emphasise the need to understand the impact of these factors on the incidence and case fatality of the disease.
THE MODERATING ROLE OF FINANANCIAL INNOVATIONS ON THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN INTEREST RATE CAP AND ACCESS TO CREDIT BY MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES IN KISUMU COUNTY
Authors: Adhiambo Osir 
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the moderating role of financial innovations on the effect of monetary interventions on access to credit by micro, small and medium enterprises in Kisumu County, Kenya. The specific objectives were to assess the effect of interest rate cap on access to credit by MSMEs and to investigate the moderating role of financial innovations on the effect of interest rate cap on access to credit by MSMEs in Kisumu. This study was guided by the Keynesian Liquidity Preference Theory.
Methodology: The study adopted a descriptive research design with a target population of the 1,472 micro, small and medium enterprises registered at the Department of Social Services in Kisumu County, Kenya. At a confidence level of 95%, a representative sample of 420 MSMEs was obtained based on Yamane Taro’s formula. A closed ended questionnaire was administered to a stratified sample of the finance managers of the micro, small and medium enterprises. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.801 confirmed the reliability of the instrument while its validity was assessed by expert opinion of finance professionals. Data was analyzed using regression analysis.
Results: Results showed that interest rate cap had a statistically significant effect on access to credit by micro, small and medium enterprises. Further, financial innovations moderated the relationship between interest rate cap and access to credit. The study concluded that MSMEs’ access to credit depended on the direct and the hierarchical effects of interest rate cap and also that financial innovations moderated these effects.
Unique contribution to theory, practice and policy: The study recommends that the MSMEs could save with commercial banks to enable them access credit made available through lower interest rates unlike those charged by MFIs. Also, they should take advantage of financial innovations at their disposal to enable them access credit cheaply and fast. The policy makers ought to aim at enhancing access to credit by employing sector specific interventions as opposed to blanket interventions like cushioning MSMEs from high interest rates by providing such funds as funds for inclusion of the informal sector (FIIS) and should also derive policies targeting on improving the process and role of financial innovations in the relationship between interest rate cap and access to credit by MSMEs in Kenya. The study supported the Keynesian liquidity preference theory by positing that interest rates are controlled by the rise and fall of supply and demand for money and should be allowed to adjust freely. This theory could therefore be applied to similar studies.
A comprehensive study of mesoappendix and arterial pattern of appendix
Authors: Swathipriyadarshini C. , Rajilarajendran Hannahsugirthabai , Balaji Thotakura , Gnanasundaram Vaithianathan 
Published: March 2022

Objective: The length and the attachment of the mesoappendix is important in the degree of inflammation, spread of tumor and during surgical resection of the appendix. The presence of accessory appendicular artery along with varied origin of appendicular artery may cause intra- as well as post-operative complications. Hence, the study of length of mesoappendix and the origin and branching pattern of arterial supply to the appendix was undertaken.
Material and Methods: Sixty formalin fixed appendix specimens were resected along with the intact mesopappendix and were dissected to analyze the extent of attachment, origin of appendicular arteries and the accessory branches as well.
Results: The whole length mesoappendix was seen in 76% and the half length mesoappendix was not found. The main appendicular artery originated from the ileocolic artery in 80%, and accessory appendicular artery was seen in 13% of the study specimens.
Conclusion: The mesoappendix and the branching pattern of the appendicular artery varies from person to person, and this awareness will be of use during surgeries on appendix.
Omniptikon Perspektifinden Kişilerarası Etkiye Tüketici Duyarlılığının Satın Alma Davranışı ile İlişkisi
Authors: TOKU Aslı Burcu , KARAYEL BİLBİL Emel 
Published: March 2022

Günümüzde sosyal medya ortamlarıyla beraber herkesin birbirini gözetleme imkânı bulması, çoğunluğun azınlığı gözetlediği sinoptikon metaforu yerine, çoğunluğun birbirini gözetlemesini ifade eden omniptikon metaforuyla ilgili çalışmaların yaygınlık kazanmasına yol açmıştır. Araştırmanın amacı, kişilerarası etkiye tüketici duyarlılığı ile bireylerin satın alma davranışları arasındaki ilişkiyi omniptikon perspektifinden ortaya koymaktır.
Araştırma verileri anket ile elde edilmiş olup, araştırmacının istenen özelliklere sahip kişiler seçmesine imkân tanıyan amaçlı örnekleme türü kullanılmıştır. Bu kapsamda, sadece sosyal medyayı aktif olarak kullandığını ifade eden 385 katılımcıdan toplanan veriler nihai analizlere dâhil edilmiştir. Araştırma bulgularına göre, bireylerin bilgilendirici etkiye duyarlılık ortalamaları giyim ve aksesuar kategorilerinde yer alan ürünler için yapılan alışveriş sıklığı açısından anlamlı şekilde farklılaşmaktadır. Kadınların bilgilendirici etkiye duyarlılıkları erkeklere göre daha yüksektir. Öte yandan, giyim ve kozmetik/kişisel bakım kategorilerinde yer alan ürünler için başkalarının satın alma tercihlerini önemseme durumu, bireylerin satın alma sıklıklarına da yansımaktadır. Ancak omnioptik gözetim ile bireylerin satın alma davranışları anlamlı bir farka işaret etmemektedir.
KEPERLUAN INSTRUMEN PTPK-IPG UNTUK MEREALISASIKAN KOMPETENSI MENGINTEGRASIKAN TEKNOLOGI MAKLUMAT DAN KOMUNIKASI DALAM PEMBELAJARAN DAN PEMUDAHCARAAN
Authors: Kariki @ Gerald Sandy , Ishak Mohd Zaki , Fong Soon Fook 
Published: March 2022

Teknologi Maklumat dan Komunikasi (TMK) semakin meluas penggunaannya dalam proses pembelajaran dan pemudahcaraan (PdPc) pada abad ke-21. Cabaran ini menuntut guru agar lebih kompeten dalam melaksanakan PdPC secara optimal dengan mengintegrasikan TMK. Konsep Pengetahuan Teknologi Pedagogi Kandungan (PTPK) telah dijadikan sebagai asas kajian berkaitan pengintegrasian TMK oleh guru dalam PdPc. PTPK dalam kalangan siswa pendidik di Institut Pendidikan Guru (IPG) sangat penting bagi memastikan PdPc berjalan dengan efektif apabila mereka keluar sebagai guru profesional. Namun, didapati instrumen PTPK yang berdasarkan konteks Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan masih kurang. Makalah ini bertujuan membincangkan sorotan literatur tentang instrumen yang memenuhi ciri-ciri psikometrik PTPK siswa pendidik IPG. Artikel ini mengupas beberapa perkara yang merangkumi model PTPK, Program Ijazah Sarjana Muda Pendidikan (PISMP) di IPG, perihal instrumen pengukuran yang digunakan untuk mengukur PTPK, perihal Standard Guru Malaysia dan teori-teori pengukuran.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is widely used in learning and facilitating process (PdPc) in the 21st century. This challenges requires teachers to be more competent in implementing PdPC optimally by integratingÂ ICT. The concept of Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PTPK) has been used as the basis of the study in the integration of ICT by teachers in PdPc. PTPK is very important among educators at the Teacher Education Institute (IPG) to ensure that PdPc works effectively when they graduated as professional teachers. However, it is found that the PTPK instrument based on the National Education Philosophy is still lacking. This paper aims to discuss literature review about the instruments that fulfill the psychometric properties of PTPK IPG educators. This paper examines some of the issues that include the PTPK Concept Framework, the measurement instrument used to measure PTPK, the description of the development model of the measuring instrument, and measurement theories.