Individual Dimensions Research Articles

Digital Escape Rooms: A Resource for Environmental Education

Today’s adolescents represent an elective target in addressing environmental challenges. Education is a key factor in achieving a sustainable future for them. However, formal education can represent a challenge when youths are its target, as they are considered the “interactive generation”. Game-based learning, and, in particular, Digital Educational Escape Rooms (DERs), have emerged as innovative methods in education, with promising applications in environmental sustainability studies. In this study, we developed 14 Digital Escape Rooms using the Social Cognitive Theory of Bandura as a theoretical framework. These were focused on environmental education and we tested them on a sample of 411 students (aged 12–18 years; 158 female, 38.4%). A one-group quasi-experimental research design was adopted, carrying out a pre-test post-test analysis. Each participant completed assessments at two time points: before engaging in the escape rooms (T0) and after (T1). The assessment tools included the Goal Assessment Scale (GAS) and the Perceived Climate Self-Efficacy Scale. Our findings revealed no significant gender differences in goal achievement. However, at T0, females exhibited higher levels of perceived climate self-efficacy in both individual and collective dimensions. Instead, the Digital Escape Rooms appeared particularly effective in increasing self-efficacy among male participants. These results suggest that Digital Escape Rooms hold potential for enhancing environmental self-efficacy, although gender differences in baseline efficacy levels warrant further exploration.

The Individual, Organizational and Social Contexts of Teleworking and Technostress during Covid-19 Pandemic: A Holistic Analysis based on JD-R Model

The purpose of this study is to reveal the researches that deal with teleworking and technostress together with their individual, organizational and social dimensions in a holistic way within the framework of the Job Demands-Resources (JD-R) Model. In this study, a review was carried out on the Web of Science (WoS) and the Scopus databases with the assistance of bibliometric analysis techniques and the PRISMA method. The thematic content analysis method was used to reveal on which dimensions of technostress associated with teleworking and on which methods the focuses were. It can be stated that the results of the relationship analysis based on keyword frequency, performance analysis and thematic content analysis carried out within the scope of the research are consistent with each other. At this point, the findings of the research have revealed that technostress poses a dark side to teleworking as an organizational behavior challenge stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic. The current study found that teleworking-related technostress significantly affects employee well-being, with important impacts on the ISO 45003:2021 standard, and the Sustainable Development Goal 3. On the basis of being such a comprehensive and comparative research on the subject, it contributes to the relevant literature and practice.

تعزيز رشاقة وأداء سلسلة التوريد من خلال المشتريات الإلكترونية: دراسة للقطاع الصناعيّ الفلسطينيّ

Objective: The study aimed to explore the direct impact of e-procurement on the agility and performance of the supply chain in the Palestinian industrial sector. Methodology: The questionnaire was used as the main tool for the study. It contained a set of questions to measure the study variables. It was designed based on previous studies. This study was conducted on a sample of 288 individuals from the owners of companies in the Palestinian industrial sector, their managers and decision-makers. A number of hypotheses were formulated and examined using the structural equation model (Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using the statistical program SmartPls4. Results: The study found a positive significant impact of e-procurement in its combined dimensions (e-design, e-sources, e-negotiation, and e-evaluation) on the agility of the supply chain. As for the results of the impact of the individual dimensions of e-procurement, the study found a positive significant impact for all dimensions except the dimension of e-negotiation on the agility of the supply chain. The study also found a positive significant impact for both e-procurement and supply chain agility on its performance. Conclusion: E-procurement is an important tool in enhancing the agility of the supply chain in the industrial sector, and an important factor in improving the performance of this chain.

Development and validation of the Health Activation Scale for Children (HAS-C): an important intermediate outcome measure for health promotion initiatives

BackgroundValid and reliable measures for assessing health activation in school-aged children are currently lacking. This study aimed to develop a scale to measure health activation and evaluate its psychometric properties among English-speaking primary school children in Singapore.MethodsThe development of the Health Activation Scale for Children (HAS-C) involved an extensive literature review, expert consultations, cognitive interviews with primary school children, and thorough discussions for dimension and item refinement. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 597 children aged 8 to 12 years, recruited from four mainstream primary schools, comprising 50.1% boys and 64.8% Chinese students. The potential scale, along with other measures, was independently completed by the children. Descriptive statistics were provided for individual scale items. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were performed to assess factorial validity. Convergent validity was examined by correlating the scale scores with scores of health confidence and self-efficacy measures. Hypothesis-testing validity was evaluated by assessing the scale’s correlation with self-reported health behaviours, including daily consumption of vegetables and fruits, time spent on sedentary activities and physical activities. Internal consistency reliability was measured using Cronbach’s alpha.ResultsEFA suggested a three-factor structure for the 12-item HAS-C, which was subsequently confirmed by CFA with a good model fit. All three HAS-C dimension scores demonstrated moderate correlations (rho = 0.34–0.52) with health confidence and self-efficacy measures, indicating good convergent validity. They were positively correlated with more vegetable and fruit intakes, more time spent on exercises, and negatively correlated with time spent on sedentary activities, supporting hypothesis-testing validity. Internal consistency reliability for individual HAS-C dimensions was generally acceptable, with Cronbach’s alpha values of 0.70 or above.ConclusionThe 12-item multi-dimensional HAS-C exhibited good validity and reliability, making it a valuable tool for assessing health activation in primary school-aged children.

Nudging manufacturing small and medium enterprises in developing communities to energy management: exploring the role of institutional pressure dimensions

Purpose This paper aims to investigate whether all the dimensions of institutional pressures matter for energy management (EM) of manufacturing small and medium enterprises using evidence from Uganda. Design/methodology/approach This study used a cross-sectional design using evidence from 195 manufacturing small and medium enterprises in Uganda. The study was conducted by administering a questionnaire to obtain quantitative data which were analyzed using Smart Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modeling. Findings The findings revealed that two dimensions of institutional pressures (coercive and mimetic) positively and significantly predict EM, unlike normative pressures. Notable is that coercive pressures contribute more to EM than mimetic pressures. Research limitations/implications This study uses a quantitative design; thus, future studies through interviews would offer more knowledge on EM. The government should reinforce regulations to achieve sustainable energy for all communities. Additionally, governments and industry associations should pay attention to the critical pressures (coercive and mimetic) to step up EM. Moreso, enterprise managers should comprehend government regulations and peers’ actions for effective EM. Originality/value This study contributes to EM literature by using institutional theory to examine the contribution of individual dimensions of institutional pressures to EM from the context.

Comparative Assessment of Pharyngeal Airway Dimensions in Skeletal Class I, II, and III Emirati Subjects: A Cone Beam Computed Tomography Study.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the pharyngeal airway dimensions of individuals with different skeletal patterns in a cohort of the Emirati population. The specific aim was to assess the relationship between pharyngeal airway dimensions and anterior facial height in relation to different skeletal patterns. This retrospective study was conducted on a sample of 103 CBCT scans of adult Emirati subjects categorized into three groups according to their skeletal classification as indicated by the ANB angle: Class I (n = 35), Class II (n = 46), and Class III (n = 22). All CBCT scans were taken using an i-CAT CBCT imaging machine (Imaging Sciences, Hatfield, PA, USA). The age range of the patients was 19 to 68 years (62 women and 41 men). ANOVA, t-tests, Kruskal-Wallis, and Mann-Whitney tests were employed for comparing means among groups. The correlation coefficient was used to evaluate the association between variables. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. This study revealed significant associations between various airway parameters and cephalometric measurements. Positive correlations were observed between nasal cavity volume and nasopharynx volume, as well as anterior facial height. Oropharynx volume exhibited positive correlations with hypopharynx volume and total airway volume, and negative correlations with overjet, ANB angle, and patient age. Hypopharynx volume correlated positively with total airway volume and the most constricted area of the airway (MCA). Total airway volume showed positive correlations with MCA and anterior facial height. MCA had negative correlations with ANB angle and patient age. Nasopharynx volume was significantly larger in the skeletal Class I group than in the Class II or Class III groups, while the other airway parameters showed no significant differences among the groups (p > 0.05). Several airway parameters showed a correlation with anterior facial height among the different skeletal patterns. Nasopharyngeal airway volume was significantly larger in the skeletal Class I group than in Class II and III groups in the studied sample.

To acknowledge or conceal: an exploratory study on designers' self-determination factors and attitudes toward artificial intelligence participation in their works

PurposeThe rapid development and widespread application of artificial intelligence tools have raised concerns about how designers are embracing these technologies. This study investigates the factors influencing designers' behavioral intention to use and disclose the use of generative artificial intelligence.Design/methodology/approachA quantitative research approach was employed, designing a structured questionnaire based on Self-Determination Theory to assess the impact of various psychological and social dimensions. The questionnaire included dimensions such as autonomy, competence, relatedness, social influence, value fit and social innovativeness. A Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling analysis was conducted on 309 valid responses from diverse design fields.FindingsCompetence and relatedness are significant factors influencing designers' continuance intention to use generative artificial intelligence. Although autonomy does not significantly affect continuance intention, it plays a crucial role in the decision to disclose artificial intelligence participation. Social influence and value fit significantly shape autonomy, competence and relatedness, while the impact of social innovativeness is relatively limited.Originality/valueThis study clarifies the factors influencing designers' continuance intention and disclosure of generative artificial intelligence tools from both individual and social dimensions, enhancing the understanding of the relationship between designers and generative artificial intelligence tools. It provides valuable insights for the development of artificial intelligence technology and the future trends in the design industry, offering significant theoretical and practical value.

Intersectional transformation or ‘gender equality+’? Intersectionality in European Union policies on research and science

This article investigates the emergence of intersectionality in EU policy discourses on gender equality in science and research, focusing on how it transforms existing equality politics. Based on critical policy analysis, we identify both limitations and potentials of this development. First, we find that, while documents often focus on the individual dimension of intersectionality, they do not necessarily neglect the structural dimension, as individuals’ experiences are sometimes used to illustrate structural aspects at work. Second, despite increasing mentions of intersectionality, we find that policy discourses remain dominated by a strong focus on gender. Third, we argue that the emergence of intersectionality reflects a shift from striving for sameness between men and women towards a neoliberal conception of valuing differences equally. This shift, while promising greater inclusivity, also risks depoliticizing and commodifying diversity. Our findings underscore the need for policies that genuinely address intersecting inequalities, advancing beyond individualistic and gender-centric approaches.

WHY DO DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION INITIATIVES FAIL? DIGITAL MINDSETS AS AN INVISIBLE STRATEGIC COMPONENT

The question of why some organizations cannot achieve successful transformation despite having sufficient technological resources and infrastructure is multidimensional and complex. If we add to this question why some organizations cannot achieve digital innovation despite successfully implementing digital transformation into their business processes, we can conclude that an invisible element in organizations is used strategically incorrectly or erroneously. This study argues that this invisible strategic component is digital mindset and examines it in terms of leaders, employees, and the collective mindset of the organization, culture. In this conceptual research, digital leadership and culture have been taken as a domain and mindsets as a method to understand invisible components of success and/or failure. With this approach, two studies that have made significant contributions to digital mindset studies, Lankshear and Knobel's (2006) and Solberg et al. (2020), were taken as reference points and delved into. Digital mindsets have been examined in two different analyze level: business mindset and individual mindset at the organizational level. Firstly, this study examines two primary digital mindsets (Lankshear and Knobel, 2006)—Mindset 1 and Mindset 2—offering contrasting views on social relations, value creation, production, expertise, and intelligence. Secondly, it examines the digital mindsets, which Solberg et al. (2020) divided into four (Fixed/Zero-Sum, Fixed/Expandable-Sum, Growth/Zero-Sum, and Growth/Expandable-Sum), as a strategic tool that operates with two different mechanisms, from culture to employee and from employee to culture, in order to create and implement a successful digital transformation strategy in organizations. Although the literature highlights some aspects of digital leadership, digital transformation and technology selection strategy, and digital organizational culture, there is not yet sufficient knowledge to see their relationship with the digital mindset in a holistic way. Addressing this gap will provide insights into the interaction between leadership, culture, employee mindset, and digital technology strategy success, ultimately contributing to more holistic and effective digital transformation practices. This research contributes to the literature with two aspects of the model it proposes. First, it draws attention to the importance of the leader's mindset in terms of strategic horizon. Second, it provides a framework for the leader to develop different strategies, policies and practices according to the differences in the digital mindsets of the employees. It is aimed to develop a strategic perspective for the digital mindset, which is associated with different individual and organizational dimensions in the literature as an element of culture.

Dimensions of quality of life of older adults in relation to selected sociodemographic variables-a prospective cohort study.

Based on its definition of an individual's quality of life, the World Health Organization identified the following six basic domains of this concept: physical domain, psychological domain, level of independence, social relationships, environment and spirituality. The aim of the study was to examine these quality of life dimensions in pre-older and older adults in relation to selected sociodemographic variables. The study included 2,040 adults aged 55 or older. It was conducted using a diagnostic survey by means of a questionnaire with sociodemographic questions and the EQ-5D-3L descriptive system. The vast majority of male and female respondents reported no problems in most EQ-5D-3L dimensions. However, the mean EQ-5D-3L index score indicated a slight difference in scores between men and women. A statistically significant difference between male and female respondents in individual dimension scores was found only for the usual activities dimension. The proportion of respondents reporting no problems decreased with age in most dimensions, except for anxiety/depression. Age was statistically significantly correlated with all individual dimension scores and the index score. The vast majority of respondents across all education levels reported no problems in most dimensions. Education was statistically significantly correlated with all individual dimension scores and the index score. The vast majority of respondents across both sexes and all education levels reported no problems in most EQ-5D-3L dimensions. The proportion of respondents reporting no problems decreased with age in most EQ-5D-3L dimensions. Systematic research on dimensions of health-related quality of life will help design measures for healthy and successful ageing.

An application of Hofstede’s cultural dimensions and golden circle in entrepreneurship education

Background: Entrepreneurship education has become an important issue worldwide, originating mainly in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK). Different methods have been used to teach entrepreneurship, often without considering local circumstances, which is particularly important in sub-Saharan Africa with its diverse cultures. Therefore, comparing the impact of cultural differences in teaching entrepreneurship education in Western Europe and sub-Saharan African countries is crucial to overcoming such challenges.Aim: This article aims to compare the impact of cultural differences in teaching entrepreneurship education in Western Europe and sub-Saharan African countries with the aim of designing appropriate entrepreneurship education programmes and approaches to the specific cultural contexts.Setting: The study compares the impact of cultural differences in Western Europe (US and UK) and sub-Saharan African countries.Methods: A literature review descriptive study of the impact of cultural differences in teaching entrepreneurship education in Western Europe and sub-Saharan Africa was adopted. Secondary analysis using Hofstede’s cultural dimensions’ model was used for analysis.Results: The main cultural differences are in the dimensions of individualism versus collectivism and power distance. Incorporating team-based learning and focusing on business ideas with a positive collective impact in sub-Saharan Africa can lead to more effective entrepreneurship education.Conclusion: It is crucial to adapt entrepreneurship education approaches to the specific cultural contexts of regions. Using a framework with four guide questions for whom, why, what and how can support the development of programmes.Contribution: Future education programmes can be designed based on a proposed golden circle.

Narrative construction of vocational identity in university students: The role of influential experiences and significant others in the framework of cultural psychology

This study sought to understand the process of construction of the vocational identity of university students. Assuming cultural psychology as a theoretical reference, a qualitative methodology was adopted, with a narrative perspective. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 participants, male and female engineering, and psychology students from two universities in Colombia about their exploration process, choice, commitment, and reconsideration to the career. In the findings the vocational identity emerges as a product of the negotiation of meanings between the personal dimension and the social dimension of individuals, which allows them to intentionally orient their actions towards the achievement of their life goals. In turn, the negotiation between these two dimensions occurs through psychosocial processes derived from the influential experiences and interactions with significant others. These processes facilitate the appropriation of the folk psychology of a socio-cultural context, a background of meanings about occupational and/or educational practices on which the vocational identity is configured. It is concluded that vocational identity is a process in constant formation shaped by a social scaffolding mechanism; namely, support structures that provided by the relational resource in the context of everyday interactions and that assist in the configuration of vocational identity of young people. It has an important organizing function of experiences, emotions, cognitions, and actions in the occupational and educational spheres. The conceptual model validated by the findings allows understanding the process of negotiation of identity meanings and the construction of possible vocational worlds.

Microstructure evolution and magnetic characteristics of a novel high entropy alloy produced by mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering

In this research, CoMoMnNiV high entropy alloys were successfully prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The microstructure, phases and magnetic properties of the as-milled powders and bulk sample were examined, employing X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), scanning electron microscopy, and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) techniques. The resultant phase following MA exhibits a dual-phase microstructure comprising BCC and FCC solid solutions, with individual crystal dimensions below 18 nm. Thermal stability assessment via DSC reveals the alloy robustness up to 1216 °C. The SPS was performed on the MA samples at 980 °C and 50 MPa pressure, and their density was determined to be 89.64 %. The sample subjected to a milling duration of 40 h demonstrated a saturation magnetization of 25.977 electromagnetic units per gram (emu/g) and a coercivity of 371.5 Oersteds (Oe).

Mental health, substance use, and a composite of sleep health in adults, 2018 Ohio behavioral risk factor surveillance system

ObjectivesVarious factors impact sleep health including mental health and substance use. Mental health issues and substance use continue to rise in the United States. Yet, the association between mental health, substance use and sleep health in adults remains unclear. MethodsWe used multivariable linear regression models to examine the associations between mental health (poor mental health days in the past 30 days) and substance use (marijuana, tobacco, alcohol) with sleep health (individual dimensions of sleep: alertness, sleep efficiency, duration, and sleep health composite score) in 4333 participants from the 2018 Ohio Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System Survey. ResultsBetter mental health was associated with higher alertness, higher sleep efficiency, longer sleep duration and a higher sleep health composite score even after controlling for covariates (individual: sex at birth, age, body mass index, race, education, sleep disordered breathing, and area-level: socioeconomic deprivation) (all p < .001). Higher marijuana and tobacco use were associated with lower individual sleep health dimensions (marijuana with sleep efficiency and duration and tobacco use with lower efficiency) and a lower sleep health composite score even after controlling for covariates for tobacco use (p < .001). Contrary to the hypothesis, higher alcohol use was associated with higher alertness and a higher sleep health composite score (p < .001), however after adjusting for covariates these associations were no longer significant. ConclusionsThe implications of these trends on sleep health are important to address as mental health and substance use are modifiable targets to consider when addressing sleep health.

Resiliency in Persons Experiencing Homelessness: A Concept Analysis Using the Evolutionary Framework.

Homelessness is a critical societal issue, with those affected facing disproportionate chronic and acute health conditions. At the core of understanding their experiences is the concept of resiliency. Understanding resiliency in homelessness is crucial because it highlights the dynamic interplay between inherent qualities and external challenges, underscoring the need to reassess societal value judgements and inform nursing practices in research, education and advocacy. This paper aims to conduct a comprehensive concept analysis to propose a revised definition of resiliency in the context of homelessness. Rogers's evolutionary method was the analytical tool of choice, perfect for examining the fluid and evolving nature of resiliency within the context of homelessness. The method entails analysing the concept's transformation over time and across disciplines, accepting variability in definitions based on the chronological and contextual constructs. The findings revealed that resiliency in homelessness is an inherent quality and a developed response shaped by the interplay of innate capacities and environmental challenges. It uncovered a need to reassess societal value judgements. Resiliency among people without housing suggests strengths that go unrecognised by conventional measures. The analysis concludes that resiliency is not a static trait but a dynamic process encompassing individual, social and environmental dimensions. In each case, nursing is poised to make a significant difference in nursing research, practice, education and advocacy, potentially inspiring new approaches and interventions. No public or private was used in the development of this article.

Influencing factors and paths of public support for carbon emission reduction policies—An integration model

Research has shown that understanding the fundamental of public support for carbon emission reduction policies may undermine policy formulation and implementation, yet the direction of influence and the transmission mechanism remain unclear. Using data from using data from 1482 questionnaires conducted in Hangzhou, China, this paper has examined a comprehensive model of the factors and paths influencing public support for carbon emission reduction policies, and evaluated the determinants and predictors of policy support regarding individual psychological perceptions, social-contextual perceptions, and perceptions of policy features. The results show that the variables in both the individual psychological perception and social contextual perception dimensions have no significant effect on carbon tax, however, be important constructure in carbon trading; in the policy characteristics perception dimension, both variables have a significant positive effect on both carbon tax and carbon trading, and are also the strongest predictors of policy support for carbon policies. Further evidence suggests that future policies could be more acceptable to residents by strengthening their environmental values, social norms can further arouse residents’ social responsibility to care about climate, and whether the policy is effective or fair to help residents realize the importance of the policy as well as the need for their participation and willingness to dedicate themselves to the mitigation of climate change.

ESTIMATION OF CANINE DIMENSIONS AS PREDICTORS OF SEX IN THE SOUTHERN BULGARIAN POPULATION

Purpose. Sex determination in forensic anthropology is an essential step for medicolegal purposes and very important for identification, as the number of possible matches will be halved. A dental profile includes all the individual dental traits and dimensions which can provide significant information on such human biological problems as the genetic relationships between populations and human environmental adaptation. The purpose of this research was to determine the sex differences in dental measurements of canines, inter-canine width, and canine indices in Bulgarians. Material and Methods. The study included 169 subjects of Bulgarian origin in the age group of 20 – 40 years. Buccolingual, mesio-distal and cervicoincisal diameters of canines and inter-canine width were measured by Dentistry Sliding Vernier Caliper and analyzed with SPSS 28.0. Maxillary and mandibular canine indices were calculated. Results. Mesio-distal and cervicoincisal dimensions of upper canines, inter-canine width and mandibular canine index exhibited statistically significant differences with a high degree of significance between males and females in contrast with the maxillary canine index of Bulgarian males and females, which revealed no statistically significant differences. Conclusion. In accordance with similar odontometric studies, canines, inter-canine width, and mandibular canine index may differentiate both sexes successfully, and thus they can be reliable predictors in forensic identification.

Institutional Capacity Development (Capacity Building) Of Village-Owned Business Enterprises in Tambayoli Village, Soyo Jaya Sub District, North Morowali District, Indonesia

The aim of this research is to find out why the development of institutional capacity of village-owned enterprises in Tambayoli Village, Soyo Jaya District, North Morowali Regency, Indonesia, has not been effective. This research uses qualitative research methods. We collected data through in-depth interviews with administrators of village-owned enterprises, community leaders and village officials. We conducted participatory observation to gain direct understanding of the management dynamics of village-owned enterprises. In addition, we used documentation studies to collect secondary data from annual reports of village-owned enterprises, village regulations, and other related documents. We carried out data analysis using a three-step technique, which includes data collection, data condensation, drawing conclusions, and verification. Research findings show that developing the institutional capacity of Village-Owned Enterprises in Tambayoli Village, Soyo Jaya District, North Morowali Regency, Northern Indonesia, has not been effective. This is caused by the first factors from the individual dimension such as the lack of a training budget organized by the government, the absence of incentives or honorarium for administrators, and there have never been any training activities, secondly the organizational dimension, the lack of a clear vision and mission, mature plans, management adequate, as well as clear and definite efforts have hampered the development of the institutional capacity of village-owned enterprises. thirdly, the ineffectiveness of this system stems from the lack of detailed understanding and proper application of regulations by all Tambayoli Village stakeholders. The research results show that the village body of Tambayoli Village has not effectively developed its institutional capacity.

Association of QRS Duration with Echocardiographic Left Ventricular Dimensions

Background: QRS duration (QRSd) is used to diagnose left bundle branch block (LBBB) and is important for determining cardiac resynchronization therapy eligibility. Others have reported associations of left bundle branch block (LBBB) and interventricular conduction delay with left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients without clinical HF. Individualized QRSd thresholds may improve diagnosis and intervention strategies. The goal of this study was to assess the relations of QRS duration to echocardiographic left ventricular (LV) dimensions in individuals. Methods: This was a hospital-based cross-sectional analytical study. A total of 134 purposively selected respondents were included in the study from the patients attending the outpatient or inpatient department of cardiology, Dhaka Medical College Hospital, advised for an echocardiogram. They were divided into two groups depending on their QRS complex duration (Group I≤100 ms and Group II&gt;100 ms). After taking informed written consent, a case record form was filled and Echo measurements were taken following standard procedure with confidentiality. Results: Among the respondents, the mean age was found 52.68 ± 14.24 years. The majority were male (68%), and around 1/3rd of the respondents were overweight or obese. Males were found to have less QRS duration than females (p&lt;0.001) but there was no difference in age (p=0.814) between the groups. All the risk factors considering obesity, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, family history, smoking status, and dyslipidemia were found in similar proportions in both groups (p&gt;0.05). The study found that the interventricular septum thickness and inferolateral wall thickness were higher among those having a QRS duration of more than 100 ms (Group II), but this difference was not significant (p &gt; 0.05). On the other hand, left ventricular diastolic dimension, systolic dimension, and left ventricular mass were found to be increased significantly (p&lt;0.05) with a reduction in ejection fraction in Group II (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Left ventricular diastolic and systolic dimensions along with left ventricular mass significantly increase according to QRS duration among the patients. Meanwhile, a reduction in ejection fraction was also evident. (Bangladesh Heart Journal 2024; 39(2): 144-150

Structure and vascularization of the kidneys of the nutria (Myocastor coypus)

Abstract Nutria have been raised for fur or meat for many years, the limited number of papers on their kidney anatomical structure prompted us to conduct the present study. The experiment was designed to present and describe the anatomical structure of the kidneys of the nutria (Myocastor coypus). It included 6 dead specimens of this species from breeding. The organs in question were initially excised and subjected to more detailed analysis in terms of dimensions, location in the abdominal cavity, but also vascularization. Arteries and veins were injected with red and blue LBS 3060 latex, and we used an electronic caliper to measure individual dimensions. Comparison of the parameters of the two nutria kidneys showed some differences, relative to other rodent species, which are discussed in the discussion.