Introduction: the presence of anti-CCP is an important prognostic tool for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but its relationship with the activity of the disease and functional capacity is still being investigated. Objectives: to study the relationship between anti-CCP and the indices of disease activity, functional capacity and structural damage, by means of conventional radiography (CR) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in stabilized RA. Methods: cross-sectional study of RA patients with one to 10 years of disease. The participants were subjected to clinical evaluation with anti-CCP screening. Disease activity was assessed by means of the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and functional capacity by means of the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). CR was analyzed by the Sharp van der Heijde index (SmvH) and MRI by the Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Image Scoring System (RAMRIS). Results: 56 patients were evaluated, with median (IIq) of 55 (47.5–60.0) years, 50 (89.3%) were female among whom 37 (66.1%) were positive for anti-CCP. The median (IIq) of CDAI, HAQ, SmvH and RAMRIS were 14.75 (5.42–24.97), 1.06 (0.28–1.75), 2 (0–8) and 15 (7–35), respectively. There was no association between anti-CCP and CDAI, HAQ, SmvH and RAMRIS. Conclusion: our results did not establish the association of anti-CCP with the severity of the disease. So far, we cannot corroborate the anti-CCP as a prognostic tool in RA established.
Manual scavenging refers to the practice of manually cleaning, carrying, disposing or handling human excreta from dry latrines and sewers. It is one of the most dehumanizing and deplorable practices that violate basic human rights and dignity. This practice is linked to India’s caste system where so-called lower castes are expected to perform this job. Despite being outlawed in 1993, manual scavenging continues to exist in India due to socio-economic discrimination and lack of rehabilitation of manual scavengers. This paper attempts to provide an in-depth understanding. The harsh realities by qualitative systemic review of manual scavenging in India and how it negatively impacts human rights. It reviews relevant literature on the prevalence, causes, adverse effects, and laws against manual scavenging. The results indicate that manual scavenging is still practiced across many states in India. Manual scavengers face grave health hazards and socio-economic hardships. The laws against manual scavenging have failed to abolish this practice due to administrative apathy, lack of rehabilitation support for liberated scavengers, and continued prevalence of dry latrines necessitating manual disposal of excreta. The paper emphasizes the need for more concerted efforts by the government and civil society to end manual scavenging to uphold human rights, dignity, and justice for all. There is an urgent need for extensive awareness campaigns, social support, and proper rehabilitation of liberated scavengers into alternative professions.
In light of the metaverse’s vast expansion, it’s a crucial intellectual platform that’s transforming the video game industry and spurring creative innovation and technological advancement. Considering the distinctive niche that Taiwan occupies within the realm of the video game industry, this study uses a total of 11 video game companies in Taiwan as samples. The study spans a period of 16 years, from 2007 to 2022, and utilizes the random effect regression model for analysis. The study results illustrate that intellectual capital efficiency exerts varying contributions to the creation of value across different corporate value indicators within the video game industry. Among the factors, HCE, SCE, and CEE demonstrate the highest explanatory power for ROE, reaching up to 82.23%. Following this, they account for 73.57% of the variance in market share, but only a meager 13.67% for Tobin’s Q. This study is the empirical evidence that different methods of measuring intellectual capital and various definitions of value creation in an industry may lead to divergent results and managerial implications in intellectual capital research. Hence, it is worthwhile for subsequent studies to continue clarifying and delving deeper into these aspects.
This study investigates the significance of data analytics in digital marketing for sustainable business growth. Data analytics has become an indispensable instrument in the world of digital marketing, offering organisations the means to achieve sustainable growth while minimising their environmental impact. We gathered data from 273 marketing and business consultants, chosen for their expertise in digital channels and data analytics, using a survey research design. The questionnaire, which was validated through expert review and pilot testing, assessed the relationship between data analytics utilization and its impact on competitive advantage and business optimization. We conducted statistical analyses, including descriptive and inferential statistics, using SPSS version 25.0. Findings reveal a significant correlation between data analytics adoption in digital marketing and sustainable business competitive advantage, as well as a notable impact on business optimization. Recommendations emphasise the strategic importance of customer segmentation and predictive analytics in leveraging data analytics for targeted marketing campaigns and proactive adjustments to market trends. This study underscores the indispensability of data analytics in the evolving digital marketing landscape, offering actionable insights for businesses seeking sustainable growth and competitive advantage.
The proportion of elderly people is growing steadily in many countries, and this trend is expected to continue. As a result, ageism—negative discrimination often tied to perceptions of the elderly—becomes especially harmful. Ageism prevents older generations from being fully accepted by society and, in turn, hinders their ability to adapt to today's technological changes. In this article, we present the results of our survey mapping the extent of ageism among youth in Uzbekistan, known for its cultural tolerance in Central Asia, and in Hungary, a more individualistic society in Central Europe. To interpret the survey results accurately, we included specific questions to measure social desirability bias, enabling a realistic comparison of ageism levels between the two countries. Data was collected through a survey translated into multiple languages, with a final sample of nearly 400 respondents, each either currently pursuing or already holding a college-level diploma. Our methodological approach was twofold. First, we conducted simple chi-square tests to compare levels of negative and positive ageism between the two countries under study. Upon finding significant differences, we used multivariable OLS regression to explain the variance in types of ageism in Uzbekistan and Hungary, accounting for the possible effects of social desirability bias. Uzbek youth demonstrated higher levels of positive ageism and lower levels of negative ageism compared to Hungarian youth. This finding confirms that the cultural tolerance in Uzbek society remains strong and, in many ways, could serve as a model for Hungary. Additionally, our literature review highlights that adequate infrastructure is essential for a society to treat older adults equitably alongside other citizens.
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