scholarly journals Impact of renal replacement therapies on olfactory ability: results of a cross-sectional case control study

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Iacono ◽  
Gianmarco Lombardi ◽  
Giancarlo Ottaviano ◽  
Giovanni Gambaro ◽  
Gianluigi Zaza
Keyword(s):  
Positive Impact ◽  
Olfactory Function ◽  
Kidney Transplant Recipients ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Renal Replacement Therapies ◽  
Olfactory Ability ◽  
Olfactory Impairment ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Tdi Score

Abstract Introduction Several studies have suggested that chronic kidney disease (CKD) may be associated with olfactory impairment. However, to date, the impact of renal replacement therapies has only been partly defined. Methods We tested the olfactory function of 235 participants [50 kidney transplant recipients (KT), 49 hemodialyzed patients (HD), 30 peritoneal dialysis patients (PD), 51 patients with CKD not on dialysis (ND-CKD) and 55 healthy subjects (HS)] by the Sniffin’ Sticks test (Burghardt®, Wedel, Germany), including the sub-tests for the determination of odor threshold (T), odor discrimination (D), odor identification (I). Each subtest result was then summed up to a composite score, known as the TDI score. The Sino-Nasal Outcome Test-22 (SNOT22), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test and olfactory function Visual Analogue Scale (ofVAS) were also performed. Results The mean TDI score was significantly lower (and consistent with hyposmia), in HD, PD and ND-CKD compared to HS and KT (ANOVA p < 0.001). Similar results were observed in the I and D tests, and with the T score, though with regard to the latter, only in PD and ND-CKD patients. Multiple comparisons among groups demonstrated no significant differences between KT and HS. After adjustments for confounding factors, a significant linear association was found between both urea (β − 0.03, p < 0.003) and eGFR (β 0.08, p < 0.001) with TDI score. No significant association was observed between the TDI score and the ofVAS score (p = 0.293). Conclusions Olfactory impairment affects a large number of CKD patients in the pre-dialysis phase as well as those on dialysis. Kidney transplantation may reverse this condition with a possible positive impact on the quality of life and social behaviors/relationships. Graphic abstract

Multidisciplinary team decision is rare and decreasing in percutaneous vascular interventions despite positive impact on in-hospital outcomes

VASA ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christian-Alexander Behrendt ◽  
Tilo Kölbel ◽  
Thea Schwaneberg ◽  
Holger Diener ◽  
Ralf Hohnhold ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Multidisciplinary Team ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Invasive Treatment ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Hospital Outcomes ◽  
Vascular Intervention ◽  
Medical Specialties ◽  
Team Decision ◽  
The Impact

Abstract. Background: Worldwide prevalence of peripheral artery disease (PAD) is increasing and peripheral vascular intervention (PVI) has become the primary invasive treatment. There is evidence that multidisciplinary team decision-making (MTD) has an impact on in-hospital outcomes. This study aims to depict practice patterns and time changes regarding MTD of different medical specialties. Methods: This is a retrospective cross-sectional study design. 20,748 invasive, percutaneous PVI of PAD conducted in the metropolitan area of Hamburg (Germany) were consecutively collected between January 2004 and December 2014. Results: MTD prior to PVI was associated with lower odds of early unsuccessful termination of the procedures (Odds Ratio 0.662, p < 0.001). The proportion of MTD decreased over the study period (30.9 % until 2009 vs. 16.6 % from 2010, p < 0.001) while rates of critical limb-threatening ischemia (34.5 % vs. 42.1 %), patients´ age (70 vs. 72 years), PVI below-the-knee (BTK) (13.2 % vs. 22.4 %), and rates of severe TASC C/D lesions BTK (43.2 % vs. 54.2 %) increased (all p < 0.001). Utilization of MTD was different between medical specialties with lowest frequency in procedures performed by internists when compared to other medical specialties (7.1 % vs. 25.7 %, p < 0.001). Conclusions: MTD prior to PVI is associated with technical success of the procedure. Nonetheless, rates of MTD prior to PVI are decreasing during the study period. Future studies should address the impact of multidisciplinary vascular teams on long-term outcomes.

Diversity and the Performance of Selected Financial Institutions of Asia

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (1) ◽  
pp. 1
Author(s):  
Shafaque Fatima ◽  
Saqib Sharif
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Financial Institution ◽  
Gender Diversity ◽  
Business Case ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Age Diversity ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Nationality Diversity

Linking with the business case for diversity, this study examines whether the top management team (TMT) and the board of directors (BODs) diversity has a positive impact on financial institution (FI) performance in select countries of Asia least researched domain. We use data from 119 financial institutions across Asia for the year 2015, initially 1,447 institutions; however, incomplete data was excluded from final analysis. We use three proxies for diversity, that is, nationality diversity, gender diversity, and age diversity of TMT and BODs. To investigate the impact of TMT and BODs diversity, cross-sectional ordinary least-squares estimation is applied, using Return on Average Assets (ROAA%) as a measure of performance.  We find that nationality diversity and age diversity is positively and significantly related to FIs performance. Our evidence indicates that executives and board members with diverse exposure and younger age improve FIs profitability. However, there is no significant relationship between gender and FIs performance.

scholarly journals How Loan Bank of Assistive Technology Impacts on Life of Persons with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases: A Collaborative Initiative

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 763
Author(s):  
Thais Pousada ◽  
Jessica Garabal-Barbeira ◽  
Cristina Martínez ◽  
Betania Groba ◽  
Laura Nieto-Riveiro ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis ◽  
Assistive Technology ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Outcome Measurement ◽  
Neuromuscular Diseases ◽  
Three Dimensions ◽  
Assistive Device ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Lateral Sclerosis

(1) Background: The study is focused on the implementation of outcome measurement tools to assess the impact of an assistive device from a loan bank in the lives of people with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Neuromuscular Diseases. The secondary purpose is to analyse the correct matching between the person and technology, derived from the counselling of an occupational therapist. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The sample was formed by 28 people with rare neurodegenerative disorders. A specific questionnaire, the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Device Scale (PIADS), and the Matching Person and Technology (MPT) tool were applied to collect the data. (3) Results: The dimension of the PIADS with the best score was competence, and the variations according to gender were not remarkable. The three dimensions of the PIADS (competence, adaptability, and self-esteem) were correlated positively between them and with the mean score of the MPT tool (p < 0.01). The type of assistive technology (AT), diagnosis, and correct match between person–technology are the main factors that condition a positive impact. (4) Conclusions: The results noted the importance of assessing the needs, demands, and contexts of people with rare neurodegenerative diseases to prescribe the best AT. Loan banks of AT have to be considered a valid service that complements their lack in public health services.

Impact of social media usage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luqman Oyekunle Oyewobi ◽  
Olufemi Seth Olorunyomi ◽  
Richard Ajayi Jimoh ◽  
James Olabode Bamidele Rotimi
Keyword(s):  
Social Media ◽  
Social Interaction ◽  
Structural Equation ◽  
Building Materials ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Research Approach ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Business Interest ◽  
The Impact

Purpose Many construction businesses are currently building and keeping social media pages for their enterprises to be visible to the public to improve their social interaction, promote business interest, build trust and relationships with their targeted audience on social media. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of social mediausage on performance of construction businesses (CBs) in Abuja, Nigeria. Design/methodology/approach This study used a quantitative research approach by identifying constructs that reveal three aspects of organisation’s physiognomies that impact the process of espousing, implementing and using technological innovations in conducting businesses. Well-structured questionnaire was used to obtain data from 113 purposively sampled building materials’ merchant operating in Dei-Dei Market, Abuja, Nigeria. This study used partial least squares structural equation modelling technique to establish the relationship among the constructs. Findings The results of this study indicated that technology has significant relationship with social media adoption, whereas social media adoption has a very strong positive impact on organisation’s performance (P < 0.001) with respect to improved customer relations and services and enhanced information accessibility. Research limitations/implications This study has implications for CBs that wish to adopt social media to promote their businesses by presenting to them the opportunity to understand the impact of technology, environment and organisational potential in improving business performance. This study is cross-sectional in nature, and this calls for caution in interpreting the results. Originality/value This paper developed and tested a conceptual framework presented to understand the interrelationships amongst the constructs, which would be of great significance to business owners in developing their social interaction and promote business interest via social media. The outcome of this research is beneficial to researchers to further study how the different social media tools could help in influencing business decisions.

scholarly journals Impact of Irrigation Ecology on Rice Production Efficiency in Ghana

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Kanburi Bidzakin ◽  
Simon C. Fialor ◽  
Dadson Awunyo-Vitor ◽  
Iddrisu Yahaya
Keyword(s):  
Economic Efficiency ◽  
Production Efficiency ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Stochastic Frontier ◽  
Allocative Efficiency ◽  
Rice Production ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Rice Farmers ◽  
Effect Regression ◽  
The Impact

Irrigation production is a means by which agricultural production can be increased to meet the growing food demands in the world. This study evaluated the effect of irrigation ecology on farm household technical, allocative, and economic efficiency of smallholder rice farmers. Cross-sectional data was obtained from 350 rice farmers across rain fed and irrigation ecologies. Stochastic frontier analyses are used to estimate the production efficiency and endogenous treatment effect regression model is used to estimate the impact of irrigation ecology on rice production efficiency. The impact of irrigation ecology on technical efficiency is about 0.05, which implies farmers producing under irrigation ecology are more technically efficient in their rice production than those in rain fed production. The impact of irrigation ecology on allocative efficiency is about 0.33, which shows that farmers participating in irrigation farming are more allocatively efficient in their rice production than those in rain fed production. The impact on economic efficiency is about 0.23, meaning that farmers participating in irrigation farming are more economically efficient in their rice production than those in rain fed production. Irrigation ecology has positive impact on production efficiency; hence farmers should be encouraged to produce more under irrigation for increased yield and profit.

Interest rate liberalization and economic growth nexus: does corruption matter?

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdulhadi Aliyara Haruna ◽  
Abu Sufian Abu Bakar
Keyword(s):  
Economic Growth ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Reform Process ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
African Countries ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Interest Rate Liberalization ◽  
The Impact

Purpose This paper aims to examine the impact of interest rate liberalization on economic growth and the relevance of corruption in the five selected sub-Saharan African countries. Design/methodology/approach The study used the modified version of Driscoll and Kraay’s model by Hoechle, which solved the effects of cross-sectional dependence and heteroscedasticity. Findings The findings reveal a positive impact of the index on economic growth, and it was found that foreign direct investment (FDI) and credit to private sector by banks (CPSB) all stimulate economic growth. The interaction terms of corruption with FDI and CPSB indicate negative effects that show how corruption erodes the benefits of liberalization. Finally, the paper recommends the pursuit of appropriate policies with the sole aim of eradicating corruption and providing a conducive environment for business. Originality/value The paper developed a composite domestic financial liberalization index to capture the timing and essential dimensions of the reform process. The study investigates the effect of interest rate liberalization on economic growth and the relevance of corruption. Most of the recent and past studies only examined the impact of interest rate reforms on growth without investigating the relevance of corruption.

scholarly journals Issues and Impacts of the Apricot Value Chain on the Upland Farmers in the Himalayan Range of Pakistan

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (16) ◽  
pp. 4482 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rakhshanda Kousar ◽  
Muhammad Sohail Amjad Makhdum ◽  
Azhar Abbas ◽  
Javaria Nasir ◽  
Muhammad Asad ur Rehman Naseer
Keyword(s):  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Value Chain ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Poverty Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Farming Communities ◽  
Production Policy ◽  
Matching Estimates ◽  
The Impact

The livelihood of the people in the Himalayan range of Pakistan is largely dependent on the cultivation of fruits. Apricot and apple are the major fruits of this region, which are marketed throughout the country and also exported to other countries. Due to high perishability and the poor farm-to-market infrastructure in the region, farmers are unable to get maximum returns. This study was conducted keeping in view the importance of the region and the impacts of fruits on the livelihood of the farmhands. Cross-sectional data from 200 respondents were collected through a multistage random sampling technique. Factor analysis was employed to find out the constraint in the apricot production and propensity score matching estimates were employed to see the impact of apricot production on the farming communities in the study area. The results of the factor analysis show the most important group of constraints in the growth of the apricot industry is awareness, which is an internal factor. This is followed by production, policy, and marketing constraints. The least important is processing technology. Furthermore, the results show that apricot production has a significant positive impact on decreasing the poverty level of the household, depicting a great potential for the development of resilient livelihoods.

Impact of Financial Risks on the Profitability of Systematically Important Banks in Nigeria

Paradigm ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 117-129
Author(s):  
Olufemi Adewale Aluko ◽  
Funso Tajudeen Kolapo ◽  
Patrick Olufemi Adeyeye ◽  
Patrick Olajide Oladele
Keyword(s):  
Interest Rate ◽  
Fixed Effects ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Financial Risks ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Bank Profitability ◽  
Alternative Measures ◽  
Cross Sectional Dependence ◽  
Fixed Effects Regression ◽  
The Impact

This study examines the impact of financial risks in form of credit, interest rate and liquidity risk on the profitability of systematically important banks in Nigeria over the period from 2010 to 2016. The fixed effects regression model is estimated with Driscoll–Kraay standard errors in order to produce results that are robust to heteroscedaticity, autocorrelation, cross-sectional dependence and temporal dependence. After controlling for some bank-specific, industry-specific, macroeconomic and institutional factors, the empirical results show that credit and liquidity risks have a positive impact on bank profitability while interest rate does not have an impact. The results are robust to alternative measures of profitability.

Morphometric analysis of myofibre development in the adductor femoris muscle of single and twin fetal lambs

2000 ◽  
Vol 12 (6) ◽  
pp. 329 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. A. McCoard ◽  
W. C. McNabb ◽  
S. W. Peterson ◽  
S. N. McCutcheon ◽  
P. M. Harris
Keyword(s):  
Sampling Site ◽  
Muscle Growth ◽  
Morphological Characteristics ◽  
Distal Region ◽  
Fetal Life ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Femoris Muscle ◽  
Selection Of

Cellular development of the adductor femoris muscle from twin and single fetuses was studied at 140 days gestation to evaluate the effect of moderate fetal growth retardation on myofibre development. Twin fetuses had lower bodyweights (13%) and disproportionately small adductor femoris muscle weights (22%) compared with single fetuses. Reduced muscle mass was associated with smaller myofibre cross-sectional areas (CSA) and lower DNA content (22%), indicative of fewer myonuclei and retarded myofibre hypertrophy. Myofibre number and the phenotypic maturation of the myofibres were similar between twins and singletons. These results indicate that even modest growth restriction during fetal life can negatively influence myofibre hypertrophy, highlighting the importance of fetal nutrition for muscle growth. Large muscles, such as the adductor femoris, have intrafascicularly terminating myofibres, which necessitates accurate sampling of the muscle when investigating possible perturbations in morphological characteristics (e.g. between singletons and twins). The second objective of the present study was to investigate the impact of the sampling site on the morphological parameters of the adductor femoris muscle. The apparent total myofibre number decreased from the proximal to the distal region of the adductor femoris muscle. The apparent number of slow-twitch fibres also decreased from the proximal to the medial region, but was not different between the medial and distal regions of the muscle. Similarly, myofibre CSA differed between the medial and distal regions. These results indicate that, particularly with large muscles, such as the adductor femoris, which has intrafascicularly terminating myofibres, single site sampling for the determination of morphological fibre characteristics may generate misleading results and that careful selection of the sampling area may be necessary.

Suporte organizacional como fator determinante do impacto de treinamento na prática do profissional de enfermagem

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 609
Author(s):  
Mirela Borges ◽  
Sergio José Nicoletti
Keyword(s):  
Social Sciences ◽  
Organizational Support ◽  
Quantitative Research ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Nutritional Therapy ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Training Support ◽  
The Social ◽  
Study Results ◽  
The Impact

ABSTRACTObjectives: to describe, in the perception of nurses, the impact of a Nutritional Support training on the job and Identify the correlations between support organizational support to the transfer and characteristics of customers with the impact of training in the work of nurses. Method: it’s a nature quantitative research, a cross-sectional, correlacional and descriptive study. The data was collected by means a questionnaire asked to 114 nursing professionals. The data was stored and analyzed using the program Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, being carried out analyses descriptive and relevant to study. Results: more than 50% of trainees agreed have a positive impact of training support nutrition at work. The impact of training in nutritional therapy of nursing was significantly correlated with the support organizational (r=0,64, p=0,00). Conclusion: the higher the support of the Organization to training, the higher the positive impact on the work of trainees. Descriptors: organizational support; education; nursing; job training.RESUMOObjetivos: descrever, na percepção dos profissionais de enfermagem, o impacto do treinamento admissional em Suporte Nutricional no trabalho e identificar as correlações entre Suporte Organizacional, Suporte à Transferência e Características da Clientela com o impacto do treinamento no trabalho dos profissionais de enfermagem. Método: pesquisa de natureza quantitativa, onde se realizou um estudo transversal, correlacional e descritivo. Os dados foram obtidos mediante questionário aplicado a 114 profissionais de enfermagem, armazenados e analisados utilizando-se do programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (versão 13.0), cujas análises foram descritivas e inferenciais. Resultados: mais de 50% dos treinandos concordaram ter um impacto positivo do treinamento Suporte Nutricional no trabalho. O Impacto do treinamento em terapia nutricional no trabalho da equipe de enfermagem esteve significativamente correlacionado com o Suporte Organizacional (r=0,64, p=0,00). Conclusão: conclui-se que, quanto maior o Suporte de Transferência e o Suporte Organizacional maior foi o Impacto do treinamento no trabalho. Descritores: suporte organizacional; educação; enfermagem; capacitação profissional.RESUMENObjetivo: describir, en la percepción de las enfermerías, el impacto de la capacitación en apoyo nutricional en el lugar de trabajo y determinar las correlaciones entre el apoyo organizativo, apoyo del la transferencia y las características del cliente con el impacto de la capacitación en el trabajo de las enfermerías. Métodos: investigación de carácter cuantitativo, donde há sido hecho un estudio transversal, descriptivo y correlacional. Los datos fueron obtenidos mediante un cuestionario aplicado a 114 profesionales de enfermería. Los datos fueron almacenados y analizados utilizando el programa Statistical Package for the Social Sciences, y se lleva a cabo el análisis descriptivo e inferencial de interés para el estudio. Resultados: más del 50% de los alunos de acuerdo a tener un impacto positivo de apoyo nutricional de formación en el trabajo. El impacto de la formación en la terapia nutricional en el trabajo del personal de enfermería fue significativamente correlacionado con el apoyo organizativo (r=0,64, p=0,00). Conclusión: en conclusión, cuanto mayor sea el apoyo a la transferencia y el apoyo organizativo fue el mayor impacto de la formación en el trabajo. Descriptores: apoyo organizativo; educación; enfermería; capacitación profesional.

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