Measurement of Pressure-Expansion Behaviour Required in Infant Airway Stents Using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) in Rabbit Trachea

INTRODUCTION: Airway stents are used during treatment of tracheal deformities in infants. However, complications including post implantation stent migration occur [1], resulting from too low stent radial stiffness, which causes permanent stent collapse. This collapse is partially controlled by the mechanical properties of the trachea. However, the mechanical behaviour of the human trachea is poorly understood [2]. A clearer understanding of this relationship should improve the long term performance of infant airway stents. Rabbit tracheas provide an appropriate model for neonates due to the similarities in size and shape [3]. Digital image correlation (DIC) compares the displacement of a random speckled pattern on the surface of a sample before and during deformation to compute mechanical strains [5]. The aim of this study was to determine the pressure-expansion characteristics of full length rabbit trachea using DIC and thereby predict the required mechanical properties for an infant airway stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimen preparation: Tracheas from New Zealand White rabbits (lengths 42.1±5.3mm, n=20), aged 13-16 weeks were dissected within 3hrs of sacrifice and immediately immersed in phosphate buffered saline and frozen. Prior to testing, samples were thawed and a random speckled pattern was produced on the surface of the trachea (Fig1A) using black ink (Higgins Black Magic, Water Proof Ink) superimposed on a white background (SupaDec Spray Paint). A balloon dilatation catheter (Ultrathin Diamond, Boston Scientific) connected to an inflation pump (Basix COMPAK Inflation syringe) was inserted through the tracheal cavity. DIC and loading regime: A Vic3D digital image correlation device (Rutherford Appleton Laboratory – really?? This is the supplier NOT the manufacturer) was used to record displacement vectors during tracheal expansion. Two high resolution cameras mounted onto a tripod were positioned so that the frontal surface of the trachea was visible to both cameras simultaneously, allowing 3D surface strain measurements. The balloon pressure was increased in increments of 0.2 atm (20kPa) while tracheal expansion was recorded. RESULTS: Axial/longitudinal strain (xx) for applied pressures of 0.2-1.0 atm increased from 0.0053- 0.01115 (Fig1b). DIC showed that deformation of the trachea by balloon dilatation was characterised by uneven expansion with higher Axial/longitudinal strain (yy) occurring distal to the balloon compared with the central zone of the trachea (Fig2). The tracheal expansion modulus at low strains was calculated to be 9.08MPa. Conclusions the DIC technique has the potential to provide accurate assessment of infant airway mechanics and prediction of pressure expansion properties required in paediatric tracheal stents

The Role of Accounting Textbook(s) in Teaching of Financial Accounting: A Focus on University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ikere Outreach

This research work was carried out mainly to appraise the role of Accounting Textbook(s) in the teaching of financial Accounting at University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ikere outreach. In carrying out the research work descriptive survey method was adopted. The population for the study consisted of all the final year students of University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Ikere outreach. The statistical tool used for analyzing data was simple percentage. Based on the outcome of the administration of the questionnaire designed, it was discovered that respondents agree on: textbook materials, application of the knowledge and objective or preface of the textbooks investigated.  In other words the respondents agreed that these items have positive effect on teaching of financial Accounting. However they disagree on: subject matter and physical make up. It was recommended that  lecturer   should consider the items upon which questionnaire was based before the choice of textbook(s) in the process of teaching financial Accounting or any course

Dissolution and Mechanical properties of Bioresorbable Glass Fibres for use in Paediatric tracheal stents

Stents provide biological support in body conduits and are useful for counteracting stenosis (constriction) in cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, uretheral and airway passages1. However, the current widespread use of permanent metal stents that remain throughout the lifespan of a patient, threaten restenosis, thrombosis, or physical irritation if not surgically removed. In infants the clinical requirement is for a stent that retains structural integrity for periods of several weeks up to many months in vivo during host tissue restoration2 and from a materials perspective this requires an implant with appropriate mechanical and degradation characteristics. Bioresorbable phosphate glass fibres have shown enormous potential for temporary implants and tissue repair, owing to their mechanical properties and solubility in aqueous media which can be modified by addition of various oxide compounds3,4. Further, when combined with degradable polymers the resulting glass fibre polymer composites (GFRP) become ductile allowing them to be forged into supporting scaffolds with suitable mechanical and dissolution properties. To date however, their use for stenting applications has not been investigated possibly due to major difficulties of processing these compositions into fibre form. In this study, two phosphate glass fibre compositions containing SiO2 (silica) and B2O3 (Boron) were fabricated to test the hypothesis that B2O3 containing phosphate glass fibres present enhanced mechanical and dissolution behaviour for use as a degradable stent

In Vitro Cytotoxicity and Antioxidant Activities of Pestalotiopsis microspora Culture Filtrate

Endophytic fungi have been studied to provide protection and survival conditions to their host plant by producing a plethora of substances which, once isolated and characterized, may also have potential for use in industry, agriculture, and medicine. In this study, the culture filtrate of an endophytic fungus (Pestalotiopsis microspora (PM)) was evaluated for its cytotoxic and antioxidant activities in vitro. The cytotoxic activity of PM was determined using brine shrimp lethality assay (BSLA), while its antioxidant effect was investigated against DPPH, reducing power and hydroxyl radicals. Judging by the LC50 value of 2.71 mgmL-1 for the BSLA, the culture filtrate could be considered highly potent. The PM also significantly scavenged free radicals and the effects elicited could be attributed to its phenolics and other phytoconstituents as revealed by the GC-MS results.  It is thereby evident from the data presented that PM is endowed with chemotherapeutic constituents that could be potentially useful for the development of new lead anticancer agents

Investigating employee polychronicity, perceived leadership 4.0, and organizational support as predictors of organizational performance in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) Era

     This paper examines the present 4IR’s predictive elements for sustaining organizational performance (OP) in the Nigerian banks. Therefore, in light of the existing 4IR, this article suggests strategies for improving and sustaining OP in the Nigerian banks. The report promoted a quantitative research method based on a survey study design. The findings indicated that, within the Nigerian banks in the 4IR, employees' polychronicity (EP), Leadership 4.0 (L4.0), and perceived organizational support (POS) significantly and jointly predicted the sustainability of OP. Thus, it is recommended that human resource professionals, organizational managers, and the Nigerian banking industry promote strategies for enhancing and maintaining organizational performance. These strategies include encouraging employees to adopt a polychronic mindset, increasing Leadership 4.0, and offering regular organizational support. Thus, this paper has recognized organizational support, Leadership 4.0, and employees’ polychronicity as significant influencers in predicting factors in sustaining organizational performance in the Nigerian banking business during the Fourth Industrial Revolution

The effects of employee voice, perceived leadership integrity, and work-related curiosity on counterproductive meeting behaviors

This study assesses the effects of employee voice, perceived leadership integrity, and work-related curiosity on counterproductive meeting behaviors within Nigeria’s work organizations. The study’s sample was taken from nine work organizations in Lagos and Oyo States of Nigeria. The nine work organizations were selected from Nigeria’s financial, manufacturing, and service industries. These work organizations are Guarantee Trust Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, Full Range Microfinance Bank Limited, Seven-up Bottling Company Plc, Isoglass Industries Nigeria Limited, Atlantic Textile Company, Pixels Digital Services Limited, Pacesetters transport Services Limited, and IBFC Alliance Limited. Nevertheless, this paper has applied a cross-sectional survey approach, of which the present researcher randomly disseminated the survey forms (questionnaires). However, out of 450 questionnaires, 432 were fit for research and analyzed with statistical packages for social sciences (SPSS vs. 27). The current results established significant joint and independent negative effects of employee voice, perceived leadership integrity, and work-related curiosity on counterproductive meeting behaviors within Nigeria’s work organizations. The management of work organizations ensures adequate and consistent encouragement of employee voice by allowing employee expressions, suggestions, making the employee feel important, and rendering listening ears. They should also train and inspire leaders who stimulate and exemplify leadership integrity. Furthermore, the management of work organizations should inspire employee curiosity as it relates to their work

Impact of Environmental Management Accounting Practices and Report on Organisation Performance

This study examines the impact of environmental management accounting practices and report on organization performance. Specifically, the study investigates the present accounting practices for managing the significant environmental costs in the south-west Nigerian universities and to establish elements that can improve EMA sustainability within south-west Nigerian universities. The study made use of descriptive design survey type through structured questionnaire and the study employed stratified random and purposive sampling as sampling techniques. The findings of the study revealed that there is low present practice of environmental management accounting in South West Nigerian universities. The study also revealed that factors such as Low priority of accounting for environmental costs, resistance to change, Lack of institutional pressure, Lack of environmental responsibility & accountability and so on are strong factors that account for slow pace of EMA adoption in South West Nigerian universities. Therefore, it is concluded that the role of management accounting in improving environmental performance has not yet been recognised and this has impeded the EMA adoption in South West Nigerian universities. Based on these findings, it is a good time for organisations especially universities to integrate the two information systems both monetary and physical EMA for innovation. Moreover, the University should put in place procedures to assess environmental performance of key managers, or report environmental information for efficiency as well as University Authorities should adopt strategic planning and make available better incentives to manage environmental costs. Keywords: Environmental Management, Accounting practices and University syste

PERCEIVED EMPLOYEE FINANCIAL WELL-BEING IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY IN THE 4IR PERIOD: ASSESSING PREDICTORS’ IMPACTS

This paper evaluates the influences of financial behavior, work engagement, and work engagement on financial well-being within Nigeria’s Banking Industry. Its sample was taken from four (4) banks in the Nigerian states of Lagos and Oyo. They include First Bank of Nigeria, First City Monument Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, and Zenith Bank Plc. The present researcher dispersed the questionnaires at random for this cross-sectional survey. Nevertheless, 382 of the 400 questionnaires sent met the criteria for investigation and were examined using SPSS version 28. The present investigation conducted standard multiple regression and zero-order correlation analyses to test the stated hypotheses and conclude that positive financial behaviors and employee work engagement considerably increase financial well-being. In Nigeria's banking industry, financial stress, on the other hand, worsens financial well-being in the 4IR period. It further establishes a link between financial behavior and financial stress and a good correlation between financial behavior and work engagement. Furthermore, the study discovered a negative association between financial stress and work involvement in Nigeria's banking industry during the 4IR period. It also confirms that work engagement, financial stress, and financial behaviors substantially determine financial well-being. Consequently, this paper advocates banks helping employees become more financially literate and responsible by offering financial education to their staff. Also, employers must take action to reduce financial stress among employees. Resources and assistance can help reduce financial stress and enhance employee well-being in the present 4IR period. Moreover, banks may use tactics including offering chances for employee growth, encouraging work-life balance, and cultivating a positive work environment to boost engagement in the banking industry. &nbsp

Assessment Of User Authentication Risks In A Healthcare Knowledge Management System

Risk management is a concept which has becomes very popular with a number of national and international businesses. Many companies often establish a risk management procedure in their projects for improving performance and increasing profits. Projects undertaken in the construction sector are widely complex, often having significant budgets; therefore, reducing risks associated with projects should be a priority for each project manager. Patient information security has become a matter of interest to healthcare professionals, governments and researchers worldwide. This paper proposes a comprehensive risk assessment methodology that provides a decision support tool, directed to a healthcare system, which can be utilized for evaluating risk involved during user authorization and authentication procedures. Within this context, a process technique was implemented to develop a risk assessment model, which is used to derive the relative priorities of the risk factors associated with a healthcare knowledge management system. The study showed risks involved when users are accessing a healthcare system. It proposes a model for assessing each risk occurring during the user authorization and authentication process. The results of the knowledge generated from the risk assessment provide a basis for deriving a system performance that is desirable for evaluating risk

Health Security Issues and Challenges in Nigeria

The study examined the concept of health security and its applicability in Nigeria and upheld its desirability because safety is man’s most prized want, including health security. However, the culture of Nigeria’s ruling class, which relies on overseas medical tourism, made them unaware of this phenomenon. The study applied the descriptive design, using the case study as an investigation tool, since health security is embedded in human security.  The case study procedure revealed that Nigeria spent merely two thousand Naira per capita per population. This was reflected in the country’s low budgetary allocation each year, which is also the lowest in the African continent. This accounted for why the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) embarked on strike action often as means to demonstrate inadequacies in the sector and to make the ruling elite understand the symbiosis between human and health security to prompt them to allocate resources adequately to both areas.  This approach revealed that to have health security, infrastructure must be provided adequately at three levels, namely primary, secondary and tertiary health centers, respectively. These levels must support each other, and the services should be accessible, available and affordable.  Health security must form part of the agenda for public policy in the health sector because it is unknown to public policy drivers and the National Planning Commission that design developmental plans for Nigeria. In the absence of a functional national health insurance scheme, affordable health security, is an alternative. This is one of the major ways in which the life-expectancy of Nigerians, who live in a country surrounded by brutish living conditions, can improve. Amongst others, this study proposed that the ruling elite should obtain their healthcare needs within the country, whilst all employers who have 25-30 employees, should establish a health insurance scheme for their employee