Current Practice Research Articles

Current Vaccination Practice in Diabetic (Diabetes I) Patients.

The worldwide prevalence of diabetes, an endocrine condition, is rising quickly. The alarming rise of diabetes in recent years has emerged as a major contributor to premature death and illness among persons of working age. The potential use of immunomodulatory drugs to prevent diabetes has been a source of worry in light of recent advances in our understanding of the role of autoimmune responses in the development of diabetes. Vaccines can work in a variety of ways, including by eliminating autoreactive T-cells or by blocking the connections between immune cells. Most diabetes vaccines that have been created so far have only been evaluated in animal models, with just a small number having undergone successful human trials. In this article, the authors also look at the clinical trial research that are currently being conducted to create a prototype diabetes vaccine.

Meaningful engagement of preschoolers through storytelling pedagogy

Engaging students in their learning depends on the teachers’ pedagogical practices. The first author is a STEAM scholar and preschool educator who realized engagement is necessary for meaningful learning. For this, teachers and students must have exposure to innovative and arts-integrated pedagogy (e.g., storytelling). However, the teachers in the first author’s school practiced a conventional teaching approach, such as lecture and monotonous activity-based instruction, that compelled a disengaged learning culture. Similarly, storytelling was limited to reading aloud from storybooks. Thus, this paper investigated integrating storytelling pedagogy to engage preschoolers in learning by centralizing on the research question: How do teachers integrate storytelling pedagogy to enhance meaningful learning? This study used an action research method to intervene in the current pedagogical practice with storytelling as an innovative pedagogy. The teachers and students of Upper Kindergarten were involved in practicing storytelling approaches to conceptualize content knowledge and learn meaningfully. The findings of this study revealed that storytelling as an innovative pedagogy enhances the students’ engagement in their learning process. Similarly, it also helps to enrich students’ imaginative and creative skills, which are crucial soft skills in the 21<sup>st </sup>century. Moreover, storytelling enhances a deeper understanding of the content knowledge if the stories are developed based on the content knowledge of the curriculum. Therefore, storytelling is an innovative and arts-integrated pedagogy to foster preschoolers’ knowledge and skills through engagement and motivation. This research is applicable for educators and schoolteachers to improve and innovate their teaching-learning practices for students’ meaningful learning experiences.

Survey of European Blood and Marrow Transplant (EBMT) nurses to explore the current topical skin management of chronic cutaneous graft versus host disease in the real-world clinical environment.

To understand the current practice in relation to the management of topical therapy for cutaneouschronic Graft versus Host Disease (ccGvHD) and access to extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) within European allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation centres by a survey of nurses. This was a multicentre cross-national study at eligible European Blood and Marrow Transplant centres. Eligibility required more than 30% of treated patients having allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplant. Centres performing only autologous stem cell transplants were excluded from the study. 12% of respondents were unaware of whether their centre had a policy or not for monitoring chronic cutaneous graft versus host disease. Over half had the affiliation of a dermatologist for referral, but only 19% had access to a specialist nurse. Patient education was routinely provided in most of the centres (86%). Results suggested as the severity of a patient's chronic cutaneous graft versus host disease increased, there was a reduction in the amount of topical emollients and steroids employed. Following topical therapies, systemic treatments, and other modalities such as ECP were employed with less focus directed towards topical care. Topical treatment is the backbone of any treatment paradigm for chronic cutaneous graft versus host disease, however, there is no universally agreed algorithm. Improved skin care may lead to a reduction in the amount of systemic therapy required, thus increasing patients' quality of life. There is little standardisation in the topical management of chronic cutaneous graft versus host disease, despite skin being the most cited organ affected by chronic graft versus host disease, this should be addressed.

Why Should Athletes Brake Fast? Influence of Eccentric Velocity on Concentric Performance During Countermovement Jumps at Different Loads.

The aim of the present study was to analyze the effect of different eccentric tempos on eccentric kinetics and kinematics and the subsequent concentric performance when performing countermovement jumps against different loads. After 1-repetition-maximum assessment and 2 familiarization sessions, 13 well-trained participants performed, in randomized order, 12 sets (4 tempos × 3 loads) of 4 repetitions of the loaded countermovement-jump exercise. The eccentric tempos analyzed were 5 and 2seconds, as fast as possible, and accelerated (ie,without pause between repetitions), while the loads used were 30%, 50%, and 70% of 1-repetition maximum. Several kinetic and kinematic variables during both phases were recorded by linking a linear position transducer to the barbell. The eccentric work was greater in the accelerated condition despite no changes in the eccentric depth. The peak and mean propulsive velocities were greater in the as-fast-as-possible and accelerated conditions. Correlation analysis showed that, compared with the 5-second condition, the increased concentric performance in the accelerated condition was related to the difference in eccentric work performed in the last 100milliseconds of the eccentric phase (r > .770). Contrary to current practices, the current study highlights the need for performing the eccentric phase of loaded countermovement jumps, a common exercise performed by athletes for both training and evaluation purposes, as fast as possible. This allows not only a greater eccentric work but also improved concentric performance.

The development and usability test of an automated fish counting system based on CNN and contrast limited histogram equalization

The aquaculture industry has rapidly grown over the year. One pertinent aspect is the ability of the aquaculture farm management to accurately count the fish populations to provide effective feeding and the control of breeding density. The current practice of counting the fish manually increased the hatchery workers workload and led to inefficiency. The presented work proposed an intelligent, web-based fish counting system to assist hatchery workers in counting fish from images. The methodology consists of two phases. First, an intelligent fish counting engine is developed. The captured image was first enhanced using the contrast limited adaptive histogram equalization. A deep learning architecture in the form of you only look once (YOLO)v5 is used to generate a model to identify and count fish on the image. Second, a web-based application is developed to implement the developed fish counting engine. When applied to the test data, the developed engine recorded a precision of 98.7% and a recall of 65.5%. The system is also evaluated by hatchery workers in the University Malaysia Sabah fish hatchery. The results of the usability and functionality evaluations indicate that the system is acceptable, with some future work suggested based on the feedback received.

The evolution of CSR reporting in the oil and gas industry and its future direction: A conceptual review

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) reporting has become increasingly important for industries worldwide, particularly in sectors with significant environmental and social impacts such as the oil and gas industry. This paper presents a conceptual review of the evolution of CSR reporting within the oil and gas sector, examining its historical development, current practices, and future directions. The evolution of CSR reporting in the oil and gas industry can be traced back to growing societal and stakeholder pressures for transparency and accountability. Initially, CSR reporting focused primarily on philanthropic activities and compliance with regulations. However, with mounting concerns over environmental degradation, climate change, and social justice issues, stakeholders demanded more comprehensive reporting practices. In response, oil and gas companies have adopted various frameworks and standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), to guide their CSR reporting efforts. These frameworks help companies disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance in a systematic and comparable manner, enhancing accountability and facilitating stakeholder engagement. Looking ahead, the future direction of CSR reporting in the oil and gas industry is likely to be shaped by emerging trends such as increased emphasis on climate-related disclosures, integration of ESG factors into corporate strategy and decision-making, and the rise of digital technologies for data collection and reporting. Moreover, there is a growing recognition of the need for industry-wide collaboration and standardization to improve the credibility and effectiveness of CSR reporting. This conceptual review highlights the evolving landscape of CSR reporting in the oil and gas industry and underscores the importance of continuous improvement and innovation in meeting the evolving expectations of stakeholders and society.

Corporate governance and stakeholder engagement in Nigerian enterprises: A review of current practices and future directions

This paper provides an in-depth analysis of corporate governance and stakeholder engagement practices within Nigerian enterprises, highlighting current trends and proposing future directions for improvement. In Nigeria, as in many emerging economies, effective corporate governance and stakeholder engagement are critical for sustainable business success, investor confidence, and overall economic development. The review begins by outlining the regulatory framework governing corporate governance in Nigeria, emphasizing the role of legislation, regulatory bodies, and corporate governance codes in shaping organizational practices. It identifies key stakeholders, including shareholders, employees, customers, communities, and government entities, and underscores the importance of engaging with each group to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct. The paper evaluates current corporate governance practices in Nigerian enterprises, emphasizing strengths such as board composition, financial reporting, and compliance mechanisms, while also addressing weaknesses such as board independence, executive compensation, and risk management frameworks. It explores the impact of cultural, social, and economic factors on governance dynamics, acknowledging the need for context-specific approaches tailored to Nigeria's unique business environment. Investing in stakeholder engagement initiatives that prioritize dialogue, collaboration and shared value creation, aligning business objectives with societal needs and expectations. Incorporating technology-driven solutions to facilitate real-time communication and feedback loops with stakeholders, leveraging digital platforms for transparent and responsive engagement. Overall, this paper underscores the importance of effective corporate governance and stakeholder engagement in driving long-term value creation and sustainable development in Nigerian enterprises. By embracing best practices and embracing stakeholder-centric approaches, organizations can foster trust, resilience, and prosperity in an increasingly complex and interconnected global landscape.

Corporate governance and CSR for sustainability in Oil and Gas: Trends, challenges, and best practices: A review

Corporate governance and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) are integral components of sustainability in the oil and gas industry, shaping the sector's environmental and social impact. This review explores current trends, challenges, and best practices in corporate governance and CSR for sustainability within the oil and gas sector. The review examines how corporate governance frameworks influence CSR strategies, highlighting the importance of board oversight and stakeholder engagement in driving sustainable practices. It also delves into the evolving role of oil and gas companies in addressing environmental concerns, such as climate change and resource depletion, through CSR initiatives and transparent reporting. Challenges faced by the industry, such as regulatory complexity, stakeholder expectations, and balancing short-term profitability with long-term sustainability, are analyzed. The review underscores the need for robust governance structures and effective CSR programs to navigate these challenges and maintain social license to operate. Best practices in corporate governance and CSR are explored, emphasizing the importance of integrating sustainability into core business strategies. Case studies illustrate successful approaches to CSR implementation, showcasing how companies can create shared value for stakeholders while driving positive environmental and social outcomes. In conclusion, the review calls for a proactive and holistic approach to corporate governance and CSR in the oil and gas industry. It advocates for increased transparency, stakeholder engagement, and alignment of CSR efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to enhance sustainability and mitigate risks in the sector.

Current Practice of Internal and External Dental Whitening: Epidemiological Study Among Dentists in Morocco (Part II: External Whitening)

Current Practice of Internal and External Dental Whitening: Epidemiological Study Among Dentists in Morocco (Part II: External Whitening)

Current Practice of Internal and External Dental Whitening: Epidemiological Study Among Dentists in Morocco (Part I: Internal whitening)

Current Practice of Internal and External Dental Whitening: Epidemiological Study Among Dentists in Morocco (Part I: Internal whitening)

Promoting sustainability in finance with AI: A review of current practices and future potential

This study explores the transformative integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into sustainable finance, highlighting its potential to redefine financial practices in alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) criteria. Through a systematic review of current practices and an analysis of AI's applications, challenges, and strategic frameworks, the research elucidates AI's role in enhancing financial operations' efficiency, accuracy, and sustainability. Findings indicate that AI technologies, such as the Financial Maximally Filtered Graph (FMFG) algorithm, significantly improve the processing and analysis of vast datasets, facilitating sustainable investment decisions. However, the integration of AI into sustainable finance is accompanied by ethical, regulatory, and technological challenges. The study proposes strategic recommendations for overcoming these barriers, emphasizing the development of robust policy frameworks, industry best practices, and a balanced approach to AI integration. The conclusion underscores the promise of AI in advancing sustainable finance, offering insights for stakeholders on navigating the complexities of this integration to achieve a more sustainable and resilient financial system.

SUSTAINABILITY ASSESSMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS: FACULTY MEMBERS PERSPECTIVE IN SAUDI UNIVERSITIES

Sustainability in higher education involves the integration of sustainable principles, practices, and values into the fundamental functions of educational institutions, addressing environmental, social, and economic dimensions. This study aims to evaluate sustainability practices in Saudi higher education institutions, focusing on faculty members' perceptions. The primary objective is to assess the extent of sustainability implementation across academic, research, social, and environmental dimensions in Saudi universities. By leveraging faculty members' insights, the study seeks to identify areas of strength and weakness in current sustainability practices. The research adopts a descriptive and analytical approach, utilizing an electronic questionnaire as the primary data collection tool. A random sample of 275 faculty members from diverse Saudi universities actively participates in the study. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods are applied for data analysis and hypothesis testing. The findings indicate a limited implementation of sustainability practices within Saudi universities across various dimensions, as perceived by faculty members. Weaknesses are identified in academic, research, social, and environmental spheres. The study recommends that universities prioritize sustainability by establishing dedicated committees and drawing inspiration from successful institutions in the field. A clear strategic vision for sustainability is crucial for advancing these practices within higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Severity-stratification of interstitial lung disease by deep learning enabled assessment and quantification of lesion indicators from HRCT images.

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) represents a group of chronic heterogeneous diseases, and current clinical practice in assessment of ILD severity and progression mainly rely on the radiologist-based visual screening, which greatly restricts the accuracy of disease assessment due to the high inter- and intra-subjective observer variability. To solve these problems, in this work, we propose a deep learning driven framework that can assess and quantify lesion indicators and outcome the prediction of severity of ILD. In detail, we first present a convolutional neural network that can segment and quantify five types of lesions including HC, RO, GGO, CONS, and EMPH from HRCT of ILD patients, and then we conduct quantitative analysis to select the features related to ILD based on the segmented lesions and clinical data. Finally, a multivariate prediction model based on nomogram to predict the severity of ILD is established by combining multiple typical lesions. Experimental results showed that three lesions of HC, RO, and GGO could accurately predict ILD staging independently or combined with other HRCT features. Based on the HRCT, the used multivariate model can achieve the highest AUC value of 0.755 for HC, and the lowest AUC value of 0.701 for RO in stage I, and obtain the highest AUC value of 0.803 for HC, and the lowest AUC value of 0.733 for RO in stage II. Additionally, our ILD scoring model could achieve an average accuracy of 0.812 (0.736-0.888) in predicting the severity of ILD via cross-validation. In summary, our proposed method provides effective segmentation of ILD lesions by a comprehensive deep-learning approach and confirms its potential effectiveness in improving diagnostic accuracy for clinicians.

Complexities and opportunities: A review of the trajectory of fish farming in Zimbabwe

AbstractZimbabwe is currently rated as one of the top 10 fish producers in Sub‐Saharan Africa. Fish farming in Zimbabwe is dominated by the culture of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) followed by rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). Over 90% of the cultured fish is O. niloticus, which comes from Lake Kariba. Since the first decade of the 21st century, there has been a significant increase in fish production from two tons to eight tons annually. The increase in fish production has been attributed to the government and donor‐funded fishery programs. In this review, current practices, opportunities, and challenges for aquaculture in Zimbabwe are highlighted. The current practices include intensive, semi‐intensive, and extensive aquaculture systems. Consistent high market demand for fish and numerous water bodies with potential for cage culture are some of the drivers for aquaculture. Despite the industry's significant growth, there are still a number of management and production issues that need to be resolved. Weaknesses in structural issues and operational frameworks in Non‐Governmental Organizations, lack of credit facilities, subsidies, limited technology, obfuscated governance, weak fish disease surveillance mechanisms and legal frameworks, and constrained human resources capacity are some of the challenges plaguing fish culture in Zimbabwe. Cogent aquaculture policies, sustainable subsidies, intensive training of human resources and fisheries experts, strengthened disease surveillance, cheaper alternative fish feeds, reliable viable fingerling production, concerted value chain efforts, and exploration of lucrative export markets is a panacea for the fledgling aquaculture industry in Zimbabwe.

An Impact on Privacy, Safety and Security Concerns in the Age of Social Media

This article explores the diversity of privacy and security in the context of social media platforms. As society increasingly relies on these platforms for communication, networking and information sharing, the risks associated with privacy breaches and data security holes have become more prominent. This study draws on the extensive existing literature and examines various dimensions of privacy violation, including data collection, surveillance practices, and algorithmic manipulation. In addition, it examines the shortcomings of current regulatory frameworks and industry practices to protect user privacy and ensure data security.Using case studies and empirical analysis, the article explores the real impact of privacy breaches and data security breaches on individuals, organizations and society as a whole. Finally, it proposes a comprehensive approach to address these issues and emphasizes the need for improved user education, technical innovation and regulatory measures to promote a safer and more private online environment. Keywords:Data Breach,Privacy Concerns,Cyber Security,Transparency,Privacy Violations

Evidence-based intrapartum care during vaginal births: Direct observations in a tertiary care hospital in Central Sri Lanka

BackgroundEvidence-based practice (EBP) is an effective approach to improve maternal and newborn outcomes at birth. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the current intrapartum practices of a tertiary care hospital in Central Province, Sri Lanka, during vaginal births. The benchmark for this assessment was the World Health Organisation's (WHO) recommendations on intrapartum care for a positive childbirth experience. MethodsAn observational study was conducted at the delivery room of Teaching Hospital, Peradeniya with the participation of 196 labouring women who were selected using systematic random sampling. A non-participant observation checklist covering labour room admission procedures, management of the first, second, and third stages of labour, and immediate care of the newborn and postpartum mother was used for the data collection. The care interventions implemented throughout labour and childbirth were observed and recorded. The data analysis was done using SPSS version 22. ResultsWHO-recommended practices such as providing privacy (33.2%), offering oral fluids (39.3%), and opioids for pain relief (48.5%) were found to be infrequent. Encouraging correct pushing techniques (77.6%), early breastfeeding (83.2%), regular assessment of vaginal bleeding (91.3%), skin-to-skin contact (93.4%), and using prophylactic uterotonics (100.0%) were found to be frequent. However, labour companionship, use of upright positions during labour, women's choice of birth position, and use of manual or relaxation techniques for pain relief were not observed in hospital intrapartum care. ConclusionThe findings of the study indicate that additional attention and monitoring are required to align the current intrapartum care practices with the WHO recommendations. Moreover, the adoption of evidence-based intrapartum care should be encouraged by conveying the standard evidence-based intrapartum care guidelines to the grassroots level healthcare workers to avoid intrapartum interventions.

Demystifying the likelihood of reidentification in neuroimaging data: A technical and regulatory analysis

Abstract Sharing research data has been widely promoted in the field of neuroimaging and has enhanced the rigor and reproducibility of neuroimaging studies. Yet the emergence of novel software tools and algorithms, such as face recognition, has raised concerns due to their potential to reidentify defaced neuroimaging data that are thought to have been deidentified. Despite the surge of privacy concerns, however, the risk of reidentification via these tools and algorithms has not yet been examined outside the limited settings for demonstration purposes. There is also a pressing need to carefully analyze regulatory implications of this new reidentification attack because concerns about the anonymity of data are the main reason that researchers think they are legally constrained from sharing their data. This study aims to tackle these gaps through rigorous technical and regulatory analyses. Using a simulation analysis, we first tested the generalizability of the matching accuracies in defaced neuroimaging data reported in a recent face recognition study (Schwarz et al., 2021). The results showed that the real-world likelihood of reidentification in defaced neuroimaging data via face recognition would be substantially lower than that reported in the previous studies. Next, by taking a US jurisdiction as a case study, we analyzed whether the novel reidentification threat posed by face recognition would place defaced neuroimaging data out of compliance under the current regulatory regime. Our analysis suggests that defaced neuroimaging data using existing tools would still meet the regulatory requirements for data deidentification. A brief comparison with the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was also provided. Then, we examined the implication of NIH’s new Data Management and Sharing Policy on the current practice of neuroimaging data sharing based on the results of our simulation and regulatory analyses. Finally, we discussed future directions of open data sharing in neuroimaging.

Exploring knowledge and implementation gaps of activity-based therapy in centers lacking specialized spinal cord injury services: understanding therapists’ perspectives

Study designQualitative exploratoryObjectivesRehabilitation following spinal cord injury (SCI) is a life-long process involving healthcare in a variety of settings, including facilities lacking SCI-specific services (i.e., non-SCI-specialized centers). Activity-based therapy (ABT) is a neurorestorative approach involving intensive, task-specific movement practice below the injury level. This study explored the existing knowledge, perceptions, and implementation of ABT among physical and occupational therapists working in non-SCI-specialized centers.SettingCanadian hospitals and community clinicsDesign/methodsSemi-structured interviews were conducted with Canadian therapists who worked at non-SCI-specialized centers and treated at least one patient with SCI within the last 18 months. The Theoretical Domains Framework was used to develop interview questions that queried therapists’ experiences in delivering SCI rehabilitation, their understanding of ABT and experience with its implementation. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using interpretive description.ResultsFour physical therapists and three occupational therapists, from diverse settings (i.e., acute care, inpatient rehabilitation, long-term care, outpatient rehabilitation, rural outpatient clinic) participated. Three themes were identified: (1) Available knowledge, resources and therapy time in non-SCI-specialized centers challenge ABT implementation, (2) How current therapy practices in non-SCI-specialized centers align with ABT and (3) Desire for ABT knowledge. Although participants were not familiar with the term ABT, it was identified that they were unknowingly incorporating some components of ABT into their practice. Participants expressed a keenness to learn more about ABT.ConclusionCurrent knowledge and implementation of ABT in non-SCI-specialized centers is limited. Tailoring ABT education to therapists at non-SCI-specialized centers may increase ABT implementation.

Non-steady-state stomatal conductance modeling and its implications: from leaf to ecosystem

Abstract. Accurate and efficient modeling of stomatal conductance (gs) has been a key challenge in vegetation models across scales. Current practice of most land surface models (LSMs) assumes steady-state gs and predicts stomatal responses to environmental cues as immediate jumps between stationary regimes. However, the response of stomata can be orders of magnitude slower than that of photosynthesis and often cannot reach a steady state before the next model time step, even on half-hourly timescales. Here, we implemented a simple dynamic gs model in the vegetation module of an LSM developed within the Climate Modeling Alliance and investigated the potential biases caused by the steady-state assumption from leaf to canopy scales. In comparison with steady-state models, the dynamic model better predicted the coupled temporal response of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance to changes in light intensity using leaf measurements. In ecosystem flux simulations, while the impact of gs hysteresis response may not be substantial in terms of monthly integrated fluxes, our results highlight the importance of considering this effect when quantifying fluxes in the mornings and evenings, as well as interpreting diurnal hysteresis patterns observed in ecosystem fluxes. Simulations also indicate that the biases in the integrated fluxes are more significant when stomata exhibit different speeds for opening and closure. Furthermore, prognostic modeling can bypass the A-Ci iterations required for steady-state simulations and can be robustly run with comparable computational costs. Overall, our study demonstrates the implications of dynamic gs modeling for improving the accuracy and efficiency of LSMs and for advancing our understanding of plant–environment interactions.

Prendersi Cura: Taking care of nature in Perugia, Italy

Cities need more green spaces to adapt to climate change and facilitate community resilience. However, successfully managing green spaces is challenging. City governments consistently employ top-down management practices that limit the benefits, usage, and perception of such spaces as Nature. Further, current management practices overlook socio-cultural factors important to residents. Using the existing categories of urban green spaces (UGS) and informal green spaces (IGS), this article situates the cultural practice prendersi cura as a way to conceptualize successful, bottom-up green space management. The term prendersi cura, meaning “to take care of” in Italian, emerged through interviews in Perugia, Italy, and reflects the socio-ecological value of IGS and the disconnect between residents and city-managed UGS. This study employed mixed methods, combining 10 weeks of participant observation, 13 interviews, and GIS analysis to understand the relationship between Perugians and their green spaces. Results indicate that interviewees did not describe city-supported UGS (i.e. top-down green spaces like parks or historic gardens) as Nature, even if they were areas of dense vegetation and recognized by the City of Perugia in GIS analyses. In contrast, interviewees described IGS (i.e. community gardens, vacant lots, or potted plants) that were unrecognized in city GIS visualizations as Nature, indicating a stronger attachment to green spaces when interviewees had active roles in their management or witnessed community-based management practices. This paper demonstrates the importance of managing green spaces through a socio-ecological framework that considers user perceptions and cultural values. To allow greening initiatives to reach their full potential, it is critical to embrace local values and participation in management practices.