Valuable Literature Research Articles

The development of the profession and education of Prosthetics and Orthotics in South Africa.

The history of a profession is valuable literature as it recognizes the noteworthy contributions of its forerunners and the scientific evolution from its earliest state. The purpose of this paper is to recount the historical developments in the profession of Prosthetics and Orthotics (P & O) in South Africa. An electronic literature search identified 54 Sabinet and 17,400 Google Scholar records. Key search words were "medical orthotics and prosthetics," "South Africa," and "history." The selection criteria of literature were accomplished in the subsequent 3 phases: (1) the title review, (2) the abstract review, and (3) the full-text review. The records were screened by all 3 authors. Records were excluded if they were unrelated to the history and/or development of P & O in South Africa, the history and development of other medical professions in South Africa, the historical development of P & O in other countries, the historical development of other medical professions of other countries, and records that were non-English. No peer-reviewed record was found describing the history of P & O in South Africa. Faced with the paucity of peer-reviewed evidence, the authors browsed Tshwane University of Technology, Durban University of Technology, and Walter Sisulu University websites to secure historical context. The analyses of these P & O training institutions websites provide a glimpse of the history of P & O in South Africa. The authors had identified the following areas noteworthy to be reported on (1) the historical account of the profession in South Africa, (2) the recognized tertiary training institutions, (3) the minimum admission criteria to South Africa P & O training institutions, and (4) regulatory and statutory bodies of the profession of P & O in South Africa.

Risk analysis of PPP financing for toll road project

The Indonesian Government has limited funds to provide infrastructure facilities for its population of 261 million people, which requires an investment of US$ 6.445 trillion. Only 37% of this can be covered by government funds, necessitating the use of private funds for the remaining 63%. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) offer a solution for infrastructure development in Indonesia, where the government collaborates with the private sector to provide public infrastructure. However, PPP implementation faces challenges, such as changes in bank financial policies that affect financing schemes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the feasibility and variable risks of project funding through sensitivity analysis. A single case study approach was used to gather data. The results indicate that the Serang-Panimbang toll road project is feasible. Additionally, three parameters are identified as high risk: investment cost, income, and interest rate. The findings of this study are beneficial for the government and construction service actors involved in PPP projects. They also serve as a valuable literature review for academics studying PPPs.

Professionalism of Project Management Team and Implementation of National Government Constituency Development Funded Projects in Kenya

Purpose: The study examined influence of Professionalism of Project Management Team on the Implementation of National Government-Constituency Development Funded Projects in Kenya. Design/Methodology/Approach: Descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study targeted 1680 project management committee members out of which a sample size of 323 was drawn using Yamane’s formula. Primary data was obtained by use of structured questionnaires and later analyzed by use of descriptive statistics which entailed mean as well as standard deviation and for inferential statistics the study used Pearson’s correlation and simple linear regression. Findings: The findings established that professionalism of project management team positively and significantly influenced implementation. Implications/Originality/Value: This study lays emphasis on the importance of professionalism of project management team members while implementing projects. The conclusion may be of significance for the nation's development, particularly in terms providing the necessary workforce for the efficient governance and achievement of NG-CDF project objectives. The study findings may provide valuable literature for future research on professionalism of project management team and implementation.

Evaluation of the potential power generation resources in SAARC region for sustainable energy trade

AbstractThis article presents a comprehensive review on the contemporary condition of electrical energy in the SAARC countries with particular focus on conventional as well as renewable resources. The region lies at the center of the Asia with a dense population where demand and supply gap has always been a challenging factor for the governments. In addition, the region has observed enormous industrial growth during past two and half decades whose sustainability is totally dependent upon the continuous supply of energy. A bulk of valuable literature has been published in recent years that addresses the challenges, infrastructure improvements margins and several schemes to mitigate the energy deficiency in the region but most of it focuses upon either generation or transmission. This article covers this gap and presents to‐the‐point data that can be used for future forecasting, cross‐border trade possibilities and indigenous energy generation for remote and islanded regions within and across the SAARC mainland. A detailed review on electrical power generation potential by exploiting the renewable energy resources (RERs), generation capacity, installed capacity, energy short fall and transmission and distribution (T&D) losses is presented for each SAARC country and the results are presented in forms of tables and graphs. It can be inferred from the data presented in this paper that the energy crisis of the SAARC region can be overcome by mutual trade among the land‐connected countries by transporting the electrical energy, generated through RERs, across the borders. The paper concludes that the region has enormous potential for renewable energy available in form of hydal, solar, wind and biomass that, if maturely harnessed, can only not fulfil the local demands of the region but also be exported to establish the framework of cross‐border energy trade in future for sustainability of industrial and domestic utilization.

Factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services: a systematic literature review (SLR)

PurposeThis study aims to identify the factors influencing the adoption of extended reality (XR) applications in libraries for sustainable innovative services and reveal the challenges of adopting XR technology in libraries.Design/methodology/approachA systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 26 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study.FindingsThe findings showed that access to digital collections, skill development, marketing, innovation and sustainable development factors influence the adoption of extended reality applications in libraries. The study illustrated that technical challenges, financial challenges, the unavailability of staff expertise and lack of institutional support caused barriers to the adoption of XR in libraries.Originality/valueThe study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has provided a framework to efficiently adopt extended reality in libraries for the delivery of sustainable, innovative services to library patrons.

On the bohemica of the Society for the History and Antiquities of Pomerania in Szczecin

The Society for the History and Antiquities of Pomerania, established in Szczecin in 1824 and one of the city’s most important scientific institutions, initiated Slavic and Kashubian studies research in its first years of activity. It enlisted the cooperation of, among others, an expert in Slavic literature, Professor of the University of Wrocław Jan E. Purkynĕ (1787–1869). Václav Hanka (1791–1861). A Czech linguist, educator, librarian, poet, and translator was also among the Society’s members. Thanks to this cooperation, valuable literature on Czech and Slavic subjects came into the Szczecin Society’s collection, but only a few copies have survived. One of them is the translation of V. Hanka: Hrdinský zpiew o tažení proti Polovcům, Praha 1821. Bohemica also found their way into the collection as gifts from other donors interested in the subject.

Indigenous Knowledge on Musical Instruments of Mizo Tribe

Indigenous Knowledge refers to a distinct body of knowledge that encompasses the information held by a certain community or culture. It may also be referred to as indigenous knowledge, traditional knowledge, and local knowledge. Traditionally, indigenous knowledge has been transmitted orally from one generation to the next, since it was difficult or perhaps impossible to document throughout ancient times. It serves as the primary foundation or reference for indigenous farming methods, food preparation, and several other activities aimed at preserving and perpetuating the traditions of a certain culture or civilization. Cultural factors have a significant impact on the use of indigenous knowledge. The vast majority of indigenous knowledge has been eliminated as a result of the intrusion of advanced technological knowledge. To save traditional knowledge, it is necessary to chronicle and preserve the ancient and valuable literature. Recording indigenous knowledge is necessary to address Intellectual Property Rights concerns. The current research focuses only on the indigenous knowledge of musical instruments belonging to the Mizo people. This talk will discuss the production of Mizo musical instruments and the role of libraries in recording and conserving the indigenous knowledge of the Mizo people.

Effects of artificial intelligence on university libraries: an SLR of cite score and IF journals’ articles from 2018 to 2023

Purpose This study aims to identify the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on university libraries and to reveal challenges associated with the adoption of AI-powered applications in libraries. Design/methodology/approach A systematic literature review (SLR) was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 25 most relevant seminal studies published in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings Findings revealed that AI has strong positive effects on university libraries. These effects included efficiency and promotion of library products, innovative library services, alignment of library services with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), collection management and user services and transformation of library systems. Results also manifested that skills and knowledge barriers, financial and resource constraints and resistance to change created challenges to adopt AI-based services in university libraries. Originality/value This study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by conducting SLR on the basis of 25 most relevant research articles published in cite score and impact factor journals. It has provided practical implications by offering recommendations to adopt AI in university libraries. The study is a benchmark for policymakers, AI applications developers, higher education bodies, government representatives, university administration and library leadership to devise effective strategies and methods for the efficient adoption of AI in libraries. The study has also provided a framework to adopt AI applications in library settings.

Illegal Translation Activities of Ján Ivan Mastiliak CSsR

Ján Ivan Mastiliak was born on 5 November 1911 in Nižný Hrabovec. In August 1922 he entered the Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer (Redemptorists), where he took his religious vows and completed his philosophical and theological studies. As a young priest, he studied in Rome from 1937 to 1944. From September 1945, he taught students of theology in Obořiště. In 1950, as a monastic priest, he was unjustly sentenced to life imprisonment in a staged monster trial. He became one of the victims of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. He was released from prison on 10 May 1965 on the basis of an amnesty granted by the President of the Republic. It was not a true freedom. He lived under constant surveillance by State Security officers. Mastiliak understood that his place was in the secret Church. He undertook the secret formation of theologians, monks and nuns who needed suitable literature for their formation and spiritual growth. This was an important impulse why he undertook the translation of valuable literature, which was distributed as samizdat. It is documented that from 1965 until his death in 1989, he translated more than 100 works from various languages. The presented study deals with Ján Ivan Mastiliak as a scholar who could not create on his own because the communist totalitarian power prevented him from doing so, but he devoted his efforts to illegal translation activities. Thanks to his contacts, he found ways to obtain quality religious literature. From this he selected works that were suitable for the formation and spiritual development of the initiated and the laity, whom he secretly formed. The subsequent translation, reproduction and distribution of samizdat were also done illegally, under threat of further condemnation and imprisonment. He was aware of this danger, but accepted responsibility for the formation of clandestine clerics and religious was greater.

Perspectives on Transdermal Drug Delivery System: A Review

Drug delivery system (DDS) is a collective term used for techniques that carry drugs into or throughout the body for administration and distribution of drug substances to the target cells, specific tissues or desired organs, to exert optimal effects. Among various routes of DDS, the transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) forms an attractive approach compared to other routes of administration in terms of easy application, non-invasive, avoiding first pass metabolism, for systemic / local effect, directly reaches blood stream, target drug delivery, controlled release of the drug, easy termination of drug action by removing the patch, suitable for geriatric, paediatric subjects, unconscious patients, enhanced subject compliance and decreased side effects and inter and intra-patient variability as well. In this review, we focused on physiology of skin, routes of percutaneous absorption and types of TDDS, design, development and formulation approaches, basic elements, pharmacokinetics, factors affecting drug penetration, characterization and its evaluation. Significant discussion of their specific advantages, benefits especially in pain management, clinical considerations, general guidelines for using TDDS, market demand etc. This article also provides valuable literature for suitability of most of the Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for transdermal administration mainly due to their pharmacological aspects. In recent years, the scope of TDDS has increased in national as well as foreign market. Hence there are increased research activities from many pharma companies and research institutes for potential drug candidates for TDDS. The promising response of transdermal patches has spurred further research and development in this area. The global transdermal patch pipeline is overflowing, pointing to a bright future for these patches in the coming years. Therefore, TDDS may be the best alternative to oral formulations for effective treatment of inflammatory conditions.

Factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries: A systematic literature review (SLR)

The study aimed to identify the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries, investigate the impact of robots on library services, and reveal challenges to adopt robotic applications in academic libraries. A systematic literature review was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 16 most relevant seminal studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct the study. Findings displayed that the factors of innovation, advancements in artificial intelligence, library security, and personalized services influenced positively the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. The study also illustrated that robots had a significant positive impact on academic libraries by performing a variety of roles, solving space issues, and providing entertainment to library patrons. Results also revealed that loss of critical thinking, technical issues, lack of organizational planning, financial hurdles, fear of job loss, shortage of skilled manpower, and ethical considerations caused barriers to the successful implementation of robotic applications in academic libraries. The study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It is the first systematic literature review on the factors influencing the adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries. It has provided practical solutions in light of evidence-based data for the effective adoption of robotic technologies in academic libraries.

Nonlinear combined resonance of axially moving conical shells under interaction between transverse and parametric modes

Nonlinear combined resonance of axially moving conical shells under interaction between transverse and parametric modes

Diversity and potential uses of legumes as animal feed in Zimbabwe

This review provides an appraisal of the legume species that have been documented as animal feed in Zimbabwe. Multiple searches on existing literature on the legumes used as animal feed in Zimbabwe were conducted in online databases such as Scopus®, Google Scholar, SpringerLink®, SciELO, ScienceDirect®, PubMed®, and Web of Science, as well as using pre-electronic literature sources obtained from the university library. This study recorded 86 species that are used as fodder, forages, and pastures in Zimbabwe, and 27.9% of these species are exotic, either naturalized as weeds or cultivated in agricultural fields or home gardens. Major genera with at least two species used as animal feed in Zimbabwe include Albizia, Arachis, Brachystegia, Desmodium, Leucaena, Ormocarpum, Pterocarpus, Senegalia, Sesbania, Stylosanthes, Trifolium, and Vachellia. Trees (61.6%), followed by herbs (22.1%), are the primary sources of animal feed in Zimbabwe. These research findings contribute valuable literature about the value of legumes in meeting nutrient needs and maintaining the productivity of livestock populations.

"This malfeasance must be stopped!": Flora & Ulysses and the Literary Quality of Children's Books

Abstract: Flora & Ulysses by Kate DiCamillo carefully negotiates between what is expected of comic books and what is expected of literary children's novels, resulting in a book that borrows from and signals both traditions. As a result, Flora & Ulysses challenges the different values traditionally assigned to comic books and literary children's books, but without ever becoming too radical. In this article, analysis of this text and its archival materials held in the Kerlan Collection demonstrates how the book pushes for a wider acceptance of comics formatting as valuable literature, while also exemplifying the value systems still in place.

Effects of e-learning technologies on university librarians and libraries: a systematic literature review

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to identify the effects of emerging technologies in e-learning on university librarians and libraries. The study also intended to identify emerging technologies in e-learning and challenges being faced to implement e-learning technologies.Design/methodology/approachThe preferred reporting items for the systematic review and meta-analysis method was applied as the research methodology for conducting the study. A total of 25 core studies published in peer-reviewed journals were selected to conduct a systematic literature review. The data were analysed through a thematic approach.FindingsThe results of the study revealed that e-learning technologies assist library professionals to strengthen their expertise and support them in initiating smart library services to deliver customer-focused services. A shortage of skilled manpower, the unavailability of adequate IT infrastructure, a lack of technical support, copyright issues, poor planning and ineffective library leadership are major challenges to implementing emerging technologies in e-learning.Originality/valueThe study offers theoretical implications by adding valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge. It has a societal impact as it has offered recommendations and practical solutions for the successful adoption of emerging technologies in e-learning. The study also offers managerial implications to develop fruitful policies for implementing e-learning technologies for the innovative sustainable competence development of library manpower and implementation of smart library services.

The Harmonisation of Shariah and Civil Law in the Area of Contract with Special Reference to the Remedies for Anticipatory Breach of Contract

The paper revealed that the contract law at the conceptual level is substantially similar in common law, civil law and Sharīah to the extent that the writers of Islamic law of contract do not explore, especially in the area of remedies for anticipatory breach of contractual obligations, beyond the boundaries of common law and civil law systems. However, the differences can be found in the application of the remedies. Thus, this paper suggests a method which can be employed to harmonise the area of divergence among these systems of law. Similarly, in the aspect of remedies for breach of contractual obligations, the research recommends that, in a scenario whereby damages are the only remedy to remedy anticipatory breach of contractual obligations, it should be on the ground of non-commitment of the breaker and not on the ground of expectation interest of performing party. The qualitative research methodology is utilised and the data gathered from the valuable literature of the Muslim and western writers were employed to accomplish the study.

Relationship between new media literacy (NML) and web-based fake news epidemic control: a systematic literature review

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the current practices being implemented against the dissemination of fake online news, identify the relationship of new media literacy (NML) with fake news epidemic control and find out the challenges in identifying valid sources of information.Design/methodology/approachTo accomplish constructed objectives of this study, a systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted. The authors carried out the “Preferred Reporting Items for the Systematic Review and Meta-analysis” guidelines as a research methodology. The data were retrieved from ten world’s leading digital databases and online tools. A total of 25 key studies published in impact factor (IF) journals were included for systematic review vis-à-vis standard approaches.FindingsThis study revealed trending practices to control fake news consisted of critical information literacy, civic education, new thinking patterns, fact-checkers, automatic fake news detection tools, employment of ethical norms and deep learning via neural networks. Results of the synthesized studies revealed that media literacy, web literacy, digital literation, social media literacy skills and NML assisted acted as frontline soldiers in combating the fake news war. The findings of this research also exhibited different challenges to control fake news perils.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides pertinent theoretical contributions in the body of existing knowledge through the addition of valuable literature by conducting in-depth systematic review of 25 IF articles on a need-based topic.Practical implicationsThis scholarly contribution is fruitful and practically productive for the policymakers belonging to different spectrums to effectively control web-based fake news epidemic.Social implicationsThis intellectual piece is a benchmark to address fake news calamities to save the social system and to educate citizens from harms of false online stories on social networking websites.Originality/valueThis study vivifies new vistas via a reinvigorated outlook to address fake news perils embedded in dynamic, rigorous and heuristic strategies for redefining a predetermined set of social values.

2022 Taiwan clinical multicenter expert consensus and recommendations for thyroid radiofrequency ablation.

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive management strategy that has been widely applied for benign and recurrent malignant thyroid lesions as an alternative to surgery in Taiwan. Members of academic societies for specialists in interventional radiology, endocrinology, and endocrine surgery collaborated to develop the first consensus regarding thyroid RFA in Taiwan. The modified Delphi method was used to reach a consensus. Based on a comprehensive review of recent and valuable literature and expert opinions, the recommendations included indications, pre-procedural evaluations, procedural techniques, post-procedural monitoring, efficacy, and safety, providing a comprehensive review of the application of RFA. The consensus effectively consolidates advice regarding thyroid RFA in clinical practice for local experts.

A unified secondary electron cut-off presentation and common mistakes in photoelectron spectroscopy

Photoelectron spectroscopy is a powerful surface analysis technique that can differentiate different bonding environments and directly determine the absolute work function of a sample. Despite its ever-easier accessibility—or perhaps precisely because of it—some common mistakes or bad habits are often found in the literature when it comes to the evaluation or presentation of photoelectron spectroscopy data. Here we address some of these issues and give suggestions for best practice, i.e., a proper presentation of the secondary electron cut-off used for work function determination, correct binding energy referencing and some tips for appropriate peak fitting, as well as valuable literature references to more detailed tutorials. Finally, we present a concise step-by-step guide on how to conduct a complete x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of an unknown sample.

Numeric and morphological studies of the African lion (Panthera leo leo) pectoral limb

BackgroundThe Importance of the appendicular skeleton in the conformation, shape and physiology of wild animals especially carnivores for adaptation and survival cannot be overemphasized, as limited and obsolete information on the bones of the forelimb necessitated this study. Matured adult African lions (Male and female) that weighed 173 kg and 112 kg were obtained at different times after post mortem examinations of their carcasses. Bone preparation was achieved via cold water maceration after proper skin and muscle removal to a barest minimum.ResultsThe acromion process of the scapula consisted of a ventral hamate and caudal suprahamate processes. The Clavicle was absent in this species. The musculospiral groove of the humerus was more or less absent while its supracondyloid foramen and crest were positioned above the medial condyle and lateral condyle respectively. The radio-ulna presented a twisted appearance with the radius slightly curved thereby creating an extensive interosseous space that spanned its entire length. The seven (7) carpal bones were uniquely arranged in two rows while the 5 metacarpals anchored 5 digits with 3 phalanges except the first with 2 phalanges each. Two sesamoid bones were located on the ventral surface of each Metacarpophalangeal joint. None was seen on its dorsal surface. The 3rd phalanx had a unique appearance with a crescent plate projecting from the ventral cavity. The average total number of bones constituting the pectoral limb was 80.ConclusionNumerical information and detailed anatomical features of the pectoral limb bones of the African lion (Panthera leo leo) have added some valuable literature to science. This further serves as a baseline data for future scientific exposition on this species.