Significant Decline Research Articles

Evolutionary patterns and microscopic mechanisms of strength in mine tailings backfilled with waste glass

In order to promote the sustainable use of resources and reduce the waste of waste glass and tailings resources. The present study focuses on a fluorite mine as the research subject, utilizing coarse tailings, fine tailings, cement substitute-curing agent, and recycled waste glass as the primary raw materials. It investigates the changes in compressive strength of coarse tailing with varying sand- binder ratios and glass content at 3-day, 7-day, and 28-day intervals when the filling slurry concentration is set at 77% and the ratio of coarse tailings to fine tailings is maintained at 2:1. The findings indicate that there is minimal impact on the compressive strength of test blocks when using a sand binder ratio of 4:1 and a glass sand content below 10%. However, once the glass sand content exceeds 10%, a significant decline in compressive strength occurs. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images reveal ettringite crystal formation in test blocks with both 0% and 25% glass sand content due to high levels of Na2O in the glass sand. This leads to internal expansion within test blocks resulting in reduced strength. Notably, when using a sand-binder ratio of 8:1 along with a glass sand content of 25%, early strength characteristics are observed for test blocks. Furthermore, incorporating glass sand has little influence on late-stage strength for backfill when employing either an 8:1 or 12:1 sand-binder ratio. Based on this experiment conducted under conditions including mass concentration of 77%, the optimal waste-glass-to-mine-tailings-filling-sand-binder-ratio is determined as 8:1with a corresponding glass content of 25%.

Pro-oxidant Effects of Repeatedly Heated Sunflower Oil and the Possible Ameliorative Potential of Elaeodendron transvaalense Leaf Powder in Sprague Dawley Rats

Background:: Repeated heating of cooking oils induces the overproduction of reactive oxygen species with an overwhelmed cellular antioxidant defense system, resulting in oxidative stress, the known cause of cardiovascular diseases. Elaeodendron transvaalense is a medicinal plant believed to have phytochemicals that help ameliorate the effects of oxidative stress. Objective:: This study investigated the pro-oxidant effects of repeatedly heated sunflower oil and the possible ameliorative potential of Elaeodendron transvaalense leaf powder in Sprague Dawley rats. Methods:: Four groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were fed for 4-weeks a standard diet supplemented without (a) control or with (b) 15% (w/w) repeatedly heated sunflower oil (RHSO), (c) 15% (w/w) non-heated sunflower oil, (d) 15% (w/w) RHSO and 1.5% ETLP. Results:: Endogenous antioxidants: Catalase and SOD activities were observed to rise significantly (p <0.05) in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 and Group 3 respectively. A significant decline in the SOD and catalase activities was observed in group 4 fed RHSO + ETLP. No significant differences were observed in the body, liver, and kidney weights of Group 2 when compared with Groups 1, 3 and 4 respectively, and no significant differences were observed when comparing Group 4 to Groups 1, 2 and 3. The levels of Lipid profiles; Low-density Lipoproteins (LDL), Total cholesterol (TC), and Triglycerides (TG) were observed to rise significantly (p <0.05) in Group 2 when compared to Group 1 and 3, while their significant (p <0.05) decline was observed in Group 4 fed with RHSO + ETLP. The levels of HDL showed no significant difference across all groups because the p-values for the difference between groups exceeded the null hypothesis (p <0.05). Conclusion:: The findings of this experiment indicate the possible ameliorative potential of ETLP observed in the significantly (p <0.05) reduced SOD and catalase activities. A significant (p <0.05) decline in the TC, TG, and LDL to desirable levels further indicated the ameliorative effects.

The dynamic impact of oil shocks on the Saudi stock market: new evidence through dynamic simulated ARDL approach

PurposeThe paper investigates the dynamic relationship between oil prices, the USA dollar exchange rate and the Saudi stock market index.Design/methodology/approachThe authors perform a novel dynamic simulated the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) on weekly data from 2010 to 2021.FindingsThe authors' work reveals three main results: First, a cointegration relationship exists between oil prices and the Saudi stock market index. Second, the Saudi stock market is strongly affected by fluctuations in oil prices in both the short and long run. Third, the exchange rate of the USA dollar has a slight influence on the movements of the Saudi stock market. The simulations show that the Saudi stock market index has a long-run upward trend after an oil price shock, while the dollar index rises moderately after a similar shock. Moreover, the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic coincided with a significant decline in the Saudi stock market index, particularly the substantial drop in oil prices.Practical implicationsThese findings encourage domestic and foreign investors to benefit from an upward trend in oil prices, especially after the opening of the Saudi market to foreign investment. On the other hand, it raises questions about the Saudi economy's dependence on oil as the sole vehicle for output growth. It highlights the urgent need for diversification and productivity growth in the non-oil sector and other renewable natural resources to increase Saudi competitiveness.Originality/valueThe novelty of the research lies in the following. First, the authors apply one of the latest developments in time-series modeling techniques. This dynamic ARDL simulation model provides a worthwhile alternative way to explore dynamic correlations in the short and long run and assess the choc effects. Secondly, the study would enable us to track the impact of the COVID-19 health crisis on the Saudi stock market.

Red-necked Falcons Falco chicquera track changing environments by shifting their trophic niche during the rainy monsoon season

ABSTRACT Capsule Red-necked Falcons Falco chicquera shift their trophic niche, from eating birds to bats, during the rainy monsoon season. Aims To explore seasonal changes in prey weight, diet composition, and mobbing interactions of the globally Near Threatened Red-necked Falcon in Bangladesh. Methods We analysed long-term direct observations of 19 adult pairs feeding on prey between 2002 and 2019, exploring changes in mean prey weight, prey group, and mobbing interactions throughout the cool dry winter, hot pre-monsoon, and rainy monsoon seasons. Results The probability of bats being present within the diet increased over time, from 16% in the cool dry winter and 11% in the pre-monsoon hot season, to 48% in the rainy monsoon season. This coincided with a significant decline in mean prey weight and biomass consumed during the rainy monsoon season. Probabilities of falcons being mobbed during feeding varied throughout the seasons, depending on mobbing species. Conclusion Red-necked Falcons appeared to track changing environments by shifting their trophic niche during the rainy monsoon season. This may be due to: (a) an optimal foraging response to bat population fluxes, itself a response to weather-induced increases in flying insect abundances, (b) opportunistic hunting of bats during periods of crepuscular activity peaks, and/or (c) the energetic demands of fledglings during the rainy monsoon season.

Prodigiosin/celecoxib-loaded into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles as a potential therapy for triple negative breast cancer

Nowadays, breast cancer is considered one of the most upsetting malignancies among females. Encapsulation of celecoxib (CXB) and prodigiosin (PDG) into zein/sodium caseinate nanoparticles (NPs) produce homogenous and spherical nanoparticles with good encapsulation efficiencies (EE %) and bioavailability. In vitro cytotoxicity study conducted on human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cell lines revealed that there was a significant decline in the IC50 for encapsulated drugs when compared to each drug alone or their free combination. In addition, results demonstrated that there is a synergism between CXB and PDG as their combination indices were 0.62251 and 0.15493, respectively. Moreover, results of scratch wound healing assay revealed enhanced antimigratory effect of free drugs and fabricated NPs in comparison to untreated cells. Furthermore, In vitro results manifested that formulated nanoparticles exhibited induction of apoptosis associated with reduced angiogenesis, proliferation, and inflammation. In conclusion, nanoencapsulation of multiple drugs into nanoparticles might be a promising approach to develop new therapies for the managing of triple negative breast cancer.

Don’t Test After Lunch: The Relationship Between Disengagement and the Time of Day That Low-Stakes Testing Occurs

ABSTRACT When student achievement is assessed, we seek to elicit a student’s maximum performance – a goal requiring the assumption that the student is fully engaged. Otherwise, to the extent that disengagement occurs, test performance is likely to suffer. Effectively managing test-taking disengagement requires an understanding of the testing conditions under which disengagement is more likely. This study investigated the association between disengagement and the time-of-day testing occurred for a widely used low-stakes, computer-adaptive achievement test in grades 2–8. Disengagement was measured using two indicators: response time effort (RTE) and performance decline. Results showed clear evidence for a time-of-day effect for RTE, with the prevalence of students exhibiting low RTE (<.90) tripling during the school day in Math, and nearly doubling in Reading. In contrast, the prevalence of significant performance decline showed little change across time of day. Reasons for differences in results for the two disengagement indicators are discussed.

Annual and decadal surveys of molluscs on intertidal platform reefs in a warming marine environment in the southeastern Indian Ocean provide a baseline for monitoring for future environmental changes

ABSTRACT Few data sets are available to evaluate short- and long-term perturbations and impacts of increasing anthropogenic stresses and a warming marine environment in coastal regions near cities. The Perth, Western Australia shoreline has extensive, depauperate sandy beaches interrupted by small, biodiverse intertidal reef platforms. We present transect data on mollusc diversity and density on three Perth platforms recorded from 1983 to 1987, and compare it to 2007 and 2021 to analyse assemblage modifications in response to increased anthropogenic pressures. NMDS multivariate analysis showed a consistent drift in assemblage composition in 2007 and 2021, but this is was not statistically significant from the 1980s baseline (PERMANOVA, P = 0.336). There was no significant long-term decline (or increase) in molluscan species richness. Most species were uncommon but eight were recorded on at least 20 of the 21 surveys. The endemic Western Australian mussel Brachidontes ustulatus (Lamarck, 1819) accounted for 71.8% of all individuals. Total mollusc density varied primarily with changes in B. ustulatus. Tropical species were a minor component of the molluscs that did not change in diversity with warming temperatures. These data provide a long-term baseline for monitoring future anthropogenic changes.

THE INFLUENCE OF FINANCIAL RATIOS ON FIRM VALUE WITH THE CSR MODERATING VARIABLE: LQ45 COMPANIES

Economic conditions during the Covid-19 pandemic experienced a significant decline in all countries of the world, including Indonesia. Therefore, in preparing this thesis, it was discovered that the author wanted to observe all companies registered in LQ45 regarding efforts to increase firm value, especially when facing the Covid-19 pandemic in Indonesia. This research samples using companies that listed on IDX where operate in the LQ45 index during 2017-2021. This research is using panel regression method as the data analysis method. The research conducted shows that the independent variables liquidity, leverage and profitability have a significant positive effect on firm value, while the independent variables firm size and CSR have no significant effect on the dependent variable firm value.

Self‐Destructible Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Films

AbstractIn response to the increasing utilization of communication technology, there is a growing need for electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials to adapt to diverse application scenarios. In this study, the self‐destructible EMI shielding films (SEFs) that possess the unique capability to reduce conductivity and shielding efficiency through temperature elevation are introduced. The SEFs effectively fulfill the requirement of triggering EMI shielding failure under specific conditions, which can be achieved by simply spraying a mixture of thermally expandable microspheres (TEMs), conductive fillers, and resin substrates. The segregated structures resulting from the incorporation of TEMs confer exceptional electrical conductivity and superior EMI shielding performance at low conductive filler content. When the ambient temperature surpasses the glass transition temperature of the TEM shell, the thermally expandable characteristics cause a disruption in the conductive path of the SEFs, leading to a significant decline in shielding effectiveness. Additionally, the SEFs exhibit outstanding Joule heating effects (90 °C) at low voltage (1.5 V) within a brief time frame (10 s). Importantly, when employed as Joule heaters, the SEFs possess an intrinsic safety mechanism that automatically ceases operation in the event of circuit overload, thus minimizing any potential risks.

Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Workers and Evaluation of Immune Response by Estimating Anti-HBs Antibody Titers over Time at a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Healthcare Workers (HCWs) are at a high-risk of acquiring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection. However, this risk can be prevented through Hepatitis B vaccination. In some institutes, HCWs have a lower percentage of HBV vaccination, leading to a higher risk of HBV transmission. Therefore, the coverage of vaccination is an important point, along with the evaluation of protective immune status. Aim: To assess the vaccination coverage and evaluate the immune response post-vaccination through Anti-Hepatitis B surface Antibodies (Anti-HBs) titre. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Medical College, Pali, Rajasthan, India, over a period of one year from April 2021 to March 2022, following approval from the Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC). A total of 455 HCWs below 60 years of age were included in the study, and their demographic details such as age, gender, occupation, needle stick injury, blood exposure to mucous membranes and breached skin, hepatitis B vaccination status, and time duration since vaccination were noted. Additionally, their Anti-HBs titer was examined. The participants were initially classified into three groups: completely vaccinated, partially vaccinated, and non vaccinated. Among those who were vaccinated, they were further divided into two groups: vaccination ≤5 years (Group A) and &gt;5 years (Group B). Furthermore, those who received a booster dose were divided into Group I (≤1 year) and Group II (&gt;1 year). Blood samples were collected to assess the anti-HBs levels quantitatively in the sera using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA). The data was entered into Microsoft Excel and later imported into Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0 for statistical analysis. Results: Participants had a mean age of 29.65±9.603 years. Among them, 43 (30.1%) were doctors, and 37 (25.9%) were medical students who were found to be completely vaccinated. On the other hand, among other HCWs, 15 (10.5%) were nurses, 16 (11.2%) were nursing students, and 32 (22.4%) were lab technicians who were vaccinated. None of the support staff were vaccinated (p-value=0.0001). A total of 143 participants were completely vaccinated, and 97.9% (n=140) had protective immunity to Hepatitis B. The anti-Hbs titre was 567.32±434.494 in group A and 265.74± 211.80 in group B (p-value=0.0001). Similarly, it was 688.34±424.617 in group I and 221.14±141.221 in group II (p-value &lt;0.0001).The anti-Hbs titre did not significantly increase among the partially vaccinated participants (n=162). It was found to be 25.47±27.595 in group A and 14.60±19.939 in group B (p-value=0.004). There was no significant difference in the results between males and females (p-value=0.961). Conclusion: The coverage of complete vaccination among HCWs was significantly low, which is crucial for obtaining a protective Anti-Hbs titre. Incomplete vaccination does not result in a sufficient level of anti-Hbs titre, and there may be a significant decline in the immune response over time (p-value&lt;0.05). Therefore, it is essential to estimate the titre after 1-2 months of complete vaccination to ensure that individuals are fully protected against Hepatitis B.

Effect of phosphoric acid additive on the electrolyte of all-vanadium flow batteries.

A phosphoric acid additive with an optimal concentration of 0.1 M can vastly promote the diffusion kinetics of the redox reaction between V(IV) and V(V) without a significant decline in energy efficiency for 300 cycles, and maintain the high-temperature stability (55 °C) of an electrolyte at a high state of charge (SOC) of 70% over the course of 30 days.

Corneal densitometry changes in keratoconus patients after intrastromal corneal ring segments implantation

Background Keratoconus (KC) is an ectatic corneal disorder characterized by progressive corneal thinning with myopic astigmatism. Intrastromal corneal ring segments (ICRS) have been broadly selected as a surgical intervention for KC correction to delay the need of keratoplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the corneal densitometry changes in the various annuluses and depths in KC corneas after intrastromal corneal ring segment (ICRS) implantation and to correlate those changes with the other optical and refractive outcomes. Methodology This was a prospective interventional study included 56 eyes of 40 patients with KC who underwent femtosecond laser-assisted Keraring ICRS implantation. The uncorrected and best-corrected visual acuities (UCVA and BCVA), refraction, keratometry, Q-value, thinnest corneal location thickness (TCLT), and corneal densitometry in all the annular zones were assessed preoperatively and 90 days after surgery. Results Following the ICRS implantation after 3 months, when compared to preoperatively, the UCVA, BCVA, improved significantly from 0.21±0.12 and 0.44±0.15 to 0.27±0.12 and 0.58±0.15 (P&lt;0.001) and spherical equivalent (SE) decreased significantly, from −5.28±1.65 D to −4.05±1.24 D (P&lt;0.001) whereas the K1, K2, Km, Kmax, reduced significantly from 47.67±4.10 D, 51.39±4.74 D, 49.44±4.28 D, and 57.78±7.35 D, to 44.28±2.86 D, 46.84±3.42 D, 45.45±2.98 D, and 53.89±5.49 D (P&lt;0.001) respectively. Corneal astigmatism, and Q-value were markedly improved from 3.73±2.17 D and −0.99±0.5 to 2.55±2.08 and −0.28±0.5 (P&lt;0.001) .As regard corneal densitometry there was a significant elevation in the mean density of 2–6 mm annulus for the anterior and posterior layers (P=0.001), of 2–6 mm and 6–10 mm annuluses and total diameter for the central layer (P&lt;0.001, P=0.047, and P&lt;0.001, respectively), and of 2–6 mm annulus and total diameter for the total corneal thickness (P&lt;0.001 and P=0.014, respectively). In contrast, a significant decline in the densitometry readings was observed in the 10–12 annulus for the central, posterior, and total corneal layers (P=0.003, P&lt;0.001, and P=0.008, respectively). The percentage changes in the corneal densitometry readings did not significantly correlate with the percentage changes in the UCVA, BCVA, SE, CA and Q value. The percentage changes in the central and total 2–6 mm annuluses densities correlated negatively with the percentage changes in the K1 (r=−0.30, P=0.025 and r=−0.29, P=0.029, respectively), K2 (r=−0.33, P=0.013 and r=−0.31, P=0.021, respectively), and Km (r=−0.34, P=0.010 and r=−0.33, P=0.014, respectively). Conclusions The ICRS implantation results in significant changes in corneal densitometry specifically in the central corneal layer and in the 2–6 mm annulus, with an inverse correlation with keratometric values of the front corneal surface. Besides, ICRS leads to substantial improvements of refractive status, visual acuity and corneal keratometry and asphericity.

A novel periodized high‐repetition giant‐set resistance and high‐intensity interval training effects on the metabolic and pro‐inflammatory parameters in long‐ and short‐term overweight men

AbstractThis study compared the capacity of high‐repetition giant‐set resistance training (HGRT) and high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) to decline C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)‐6, soluble IL‐6 receptor (SIL‐6R), IL‐18, and insulin resistance markers in long‐ (5–10 years) and short‐term (1–4 years) overweight men. Another purpose was to compare these markers between the two populations. Firstly, eligible participants were matched based on age, body mass index, and aerobic fitness and then divided into a long‐ (n = 37) or short‐term (n = 32) overweight population. After that, the participants in each category were randomly assigned to HGRT (2 giant sets of 4‐exercise × 2 circuits at 30%–50% of one‐repetition maximum with a novel periodization), HIIT (4‐set × 4‐min of running at 80%–90% of HRmax), and control (CON, non‐exercising) groups. The well‐balanced training programs were performed in three weekly sessions for 12 weeks. This study showed that individuals with a longer history of being overweight have elevated baseline concentrations of CRP, SIL‐6R, and IL‐18 (all, p ≤ 0.04, effect size [ES] ≥0.65). Both training programs led to a similar reduction in insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance versus CON (all p ≤ 0.03, ES ≥ 0.49) regardless of the duration of being overweight, although SIL‐6R was significantly reduced after HIIT versus pretest (both, p ≤ 0.03, ES = 0.17). The two exercises caused a significant decline in IL‐18 in the long‐term population versus CON, while HIIT was the only program that decreased CRP (all, p ≤ 0.04, 0.21 ≤ ES ≤ 0.34). Thus, it seems that overweight history plays a crucial role in deteriorating some of the biomarkers, and the two exercises have greater potential to attenuate IL‐18. However, HIIT might have a greater anti‐inflammatory effect (as indicated by CRP and SIL‐6R) than HGRT.

Reduction in inpatient and severe condition visits for respiratory diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, China

BackgroundIn Wuhan, China, a stringent lockdown was implemented to contain the spread of COVID-19, transitioning later to normalised prevention and control strategy. This study examines the trends in hospital visits for acute and chronic respiratory diseases, with a focus on outpatient, inpatient, and severe condition visits. MethodsThe study used administrative health insurance data spanning from January 2018 to August 2021, an interrupted time series analysis was conducted to assess the trend in hospital visits per million population for respiratory diseases. To confirm whether the change was exclusive to respiratory diseases, neoplasms and intracerebral haemorrhage were used as controls. The impact of the pandemic was estimated by comparing by weekly admissions to pre-pandemic levels. Subgroup analyses dissected variations by disease and visit types. ResultsHospital visits for respiratory diseases declined significantly during the lockdown and exhibited a slower recovery in the later normalised prevention and control period compared to the control conditions. As of August 2021, outpatient visits increased by over 22.2% above the pre-pandemic level, while inpatient and severe condition visits witnessed significant reductions, falling to 46.7% and 80.6% of pre-pandemic levels, respectively. Compared to three other subgroups, visits for acute lower respiratory infections experienced the most significant decline, with inpatient and severe visits dropping to 23.9% and 25.7% of pre-pandemic levels. InterpretationOur study revealed a persistent reduction in inpatient and severe case visits for respiratory diseases throughout the ongoing pandemic. These findings suggested the possible role of non-pharmaceutical interventions in mitigating acute and chronic non-COVID respiratory diseases.

Effect of Human Capital and Information Capital Readiness on Business Sustainability: Do Market Orientation and Business Performance Matter?

COVID-19 pandemic has been threatening the sustainability of companies in Indonesia. Various policies and restrictions have caused a significant decline in sales and led to bankruptcy. As the major players in the national economy, the micro, small, medium enterprises (MSMEs) are encouraged to focus on their survival and sustainability. Survey method is done to examine the direct effect of human capital readiness and information capital readiness on business sustainability. It investigates whether the relationship is sequentially mediated by market orientation and business performance. Online questionnaires were distributed to 347 owners/managers of Indonesian manufacturing MSMEs in the East Java Province, Indonesia. PLS-SEM equation modeling was employed to test the hypotheses. Result shows that human capital readiness and information capital readiness positively affect business sustainability, and business performance does not mediate the effect of human capital readiness on business sustainability. Most important finding reveals that market orientation and business performance sequentially mediate the human capital readiness-business sustainability relationship. Market orientation and business performance sequentially mediate information capital readiness-business sustainability relationship. This study contributes to the development of resource-based view (RBV) by providing the empirical result on the important internal resources on sustainability. This brings practical awareness to the owners/managers of Indonesian MSMEs on increasing their market orientation to enhance their business performance and to guarantee their business sustainability. Practically, this research has important implications for achieving business sustainability as it offers a way for practitioners to improve business sustainability by utilizing human capital readiness, information capital readiness, market orientation, and business performance.

Establishment of nonobstructive coronary microcirculatory disorders in rabbits using three established methods and a comparative study

To compare the merits and drawbacks of three approaches for establishing a rabbit model of nonobstructive coronary microcirculatory disease, namely, open thoracic subtotal ligation of coronary arteries, ultrasound-guided cardiac microsphere injection, and sodium laurate injection. New Zealand rabbits were allocated to four groups: a normal group (Blank group), an Open-chest group (Open-chest), a microsphere group (Echo-M), and a sodium laurate group (Echo-SL), each comprising 10 rabbits. The rabbits were sacrificed 24 h after the procedures, and their echocardiography, stress myocardial contrast echocardiography, pathology, and surgical times were compared. The results demonstrated varying degrees of reduced cardiac function in all three experimental groups, the Open-chest group exhibiting the most significant decline. The myocardial filling in the affected areas was visually analyzed by myocardial contrast echocardiography, revealing sparse filling at rest but more after stress. Quantitative analysis of perfusion parameters (β, A, MBF) in the affected myocardium showed reduced values, the Open-chest group having the most severe reductions. No differences were observed in stress myocardial acoustic imaging parameters between the Echo-M and Echo-SL groups. Among the pathological presentations, the Open-chest model predominantly exhibited localized ischemia, while the Echo-M model was characterized by mechanical physical embolism, and the Echo-SL model displayed in situ thrombosis as the primary pathological feature. Inflammatory responses and collagen deposition were observed in all groups, with the severity ranking of Open-chest > Echo-SL > Echo-M. The ultrasound-guided intracardiac injection method used in this experiment outperformed open-chest surgery in terms of procedural efficiency, invasiveness, and maneuverability. This study not only optimizes established cardiac injection techniques but also offers valuable evidence to support clinical investigations through a comparison of various modeling methods.

Effect of COVID-19 on the dynamics of pediatric emergency department visits and admissions

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate how the pandemic and social constraints have affected the number of pediatric emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations at the current study institution. Methods: In the pediatric emergency department of the Maternity and Children Hospital in AlAhsa, Saudi Arabia, a retrospective, single-centered, observational comparison study was carried out between January and February 2020, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak, and between January and February 2021, during the COVID-19 outbreak. Comparisons were made between dispositions, diagnoses, visit information, and demographics. Results: Compared to the same period in 2016, the COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a significant decline in ED referrals (from 16,047 to 12,608) and a decrease in hospital admission rates (from 458 to 371). During the pandemic, there was a notable drop in ED visits for respiratory symptoms, despite the fact that fever and/or respiratory symptoms were the most frequently reported symptoms both times. Among the possible causes were a decreased risk of infection spread overall as a result of isolation and self-protective measures, avoiding needless hospital stays in the absence of severe symptoms, and parental anxiety about their children being exposed to COVID-19. Conclusion: During the COVID-19 epidemic, there were major changes in patterns of care seeking. Reduced ED visits should spur attempts to understand these occurrences, encourage appropriate care seeking, and monitor for morbidity and mortality that might arise from delayed or deferred therapy.

The Impact of Financial Inclusion on Economic Growth and Poverty Reduction: Empirical Evidence from sub-Saharan Africa

This study examines the impact of financial inclusion (FI) on economic growth (EG) and poverty reduction in 18 sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) over the period from 2014 to 2021. The study employs fixed effects, random effects, panel-corrected standard errors (PCSE), Driscoll Kraay standard errors, the generalized method of moments (GMM), and quantile regression. A FI composite index was created using principal component analysis (PCA). According to the findings from all the models, FI has a significant positive effect on EG, and it also reduces poverty in SSA. The findings from the quantile regression indicate that countries with a higher Human Development Index (HDI) have a more significant decline in poverty. Therefore, governments and policymakers must prioritize the implementation of policies that facilitate the accessibility, availability, and usability of financial products and services. Such measures will contribute to fostering inclusive economic growth and poverty reduction in SSA.

BANK CREDIT GROWTH IN INDONESIA DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND ITS REGULATIONS

Credit growth related to production, consumption, investment, exports, and imports is considered crucial for economic growth. The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on the economies of countries in the world, as seen from a significant decline in credit growth. This study examines the effects of Economic Growth, Exchange Rate, Inflation, BI Rate, Third Party Funds (TPF), and Non-Performing Loans (NPL) on Banking Credit Growth in Indonesia during the COVID-19 Pandemic Period and regulations issued during that period. Analysis using multiple linear regression method using EViews 10 software with data type in the form of time series. The results of this study showed that only TPF growth had a significant effect. Simultaneously, the variables of Economic Growth, Exchange Rate, Inflation, BI Rate, NPL and Deposit Growth have a significant effect. The most dominantinfluencing variable is deposit growth.

Immunological outcomes of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for multiple sclerosis: a systematic review.

Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) is an extensive procedure that allows for the depletion of the immune system and its restoration from hemopoietic stem cells. The approach has been modified for the treatment of severe immune-mediated illnesses, including multiple sclerosis (MS), after being initially devised for the treatment of hematological malignancies. This systematic review aims to determine and consolidate the information on the short-term and long-term immunological effects of AHSCT on the cellular level in MS patients. The PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science servers were used to conduct a systematic search in compliance with the PRISMA guidelines. The results were tabulated and analyzed. A total of 17 studies (10 clinical trials, 6 cohort studies, and 1 case-control study) were included in the final analysis, and 383 MS patients were analyzed. A significant decline in the cell count of CD4 T cells was reported when compared to the CD8 T cells, B cells, and NK cells. B cell count returned to baseline in 71.4% of the studies at the end of 6 months. The NK cell count was found to be above the baseline in 62.5% of studies. AHSCT has been proven to be one of the most effective treatment modalities for MS in recent studies. However, debilitating complications due to immunological outcomes of the procedure have led to increased morbidity. Further research into this domain will help boost the success rate and efficacy of AHSCT.