General Sciences (United States)

­­­­­­­­­Crowdfunding is a new form of financing opportunities for small and medium enterprises and other innovators of creative business ideas by harnessing the power of the internet. As a new form of financing opportunity, this study investigated the influence of crowdfunding practices on entrepreneurship development and its marketing values on SMEs in Ogun state, Nigeria. Explanatory cross-sectional survey research design was employed and data analysis was carried out using SPSS 20. Analysis of the T-test was used to also ascertain the influence of crowdfunding on the entrepreneurship development in Nigeria. Findings from this research revealed that lack of awareness and understanding of crowdfunding as an instrument of raising funds by SMEs in Ogun state, Nigeria form the major challenges for SMEs in exploring the opportunities of the concept. This is evident from the model summary result in hypothesis one showing R square having 12%, which implies that Reward based, Loan based and Equity based crowdfunding which are the independent variables used only account for 12% variation in Business Growth of SMEs in Ogun state. Hypothesis two also indicates a 6% R square, which also implies that Reward based, Loan based and Equity based crowdfunding account for 6% variation in SMEs in Ogun state. The study recommends that government and campaigners of crowdfunding should launch national programs to educate the public about how crowdfunding works, how to assess campaigns, and how to use digital tools to explore opportunities crowdfunding offer.

Abstract: This study addresses the philosophy of management via the twin lenses of scientism and technology within organizational contexts. Scientism, characterized by the focus on empirical facts and scientific procedures, has profoundly affected current management practices by fostering objectivity, efficiency, and predictability. Simultaneously, fast technology innovation has altered organizational structures, procedures, and decision-making methodologies. While both scientism and technology offer great instruments for enhancing performance, their dominance can obscure the human, ethical, and contextual components of management. This paper critically evaluates these factors, proposing for a balanced management philosophy that mixes scientific rigor and technical competence with human-centric values and ethical considerations. Such holistic strategy helps firms to stay inventive, adaptive, and socially responsible in a more complicated and digitalized word.

Obesity is an excessive build-up of body fat (BMI > 30% over the average Optimal Body Weight) to the point that it may pose a health risk. Its prevalence, expenses, and health effects make it a significant public health concern that affects many nations globally.The article aimed to evaluate Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in the management of morbid obesity in adolescents, specifically regarding weight loss and Amelioration of associated comorbidities.This article also focused on the results of different research and studies on the feasibility and complications of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in cases of morbid obesity and related co-morbidities and the role of advanced laparoscopic surgery in managing such cases.In conclusion, obesity must be managed promptly to prevent further repercussions. bariatric surgery often becomes the only life-saving alternative. since our research found that LSG is a safe and effective intervention for weight reduction, leading to sustained long-term weight reduction, remission of early Co-morbidities and improve quality of life.

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health crisis with growing prevalence, notably in low- and middle-income countries like India. It leads to numerous microvascular and macrovascular complications and alters hematological parameters. Among these, red blood cell (RBC) indices such as MCV, MCH, MCHC, and RDW are gaining attention for their diagnostic and prognostic significance in chronic diseases including DM. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the correlation between RBC indices and glycemic control and assess their prognostic relevance in diabetic patients at a tertiary care center. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at Gajra Raja Medical College and associated hospitals in Gwalior from April 2023 to April 2025. Seventy-five diabetic patients, aged 15–80 years, were selected via purposive sampling. Hematological and biochemical investigations were performed, including Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC, RDW, HbA1c, serum creatinine, and liver enzymes. ECG assessments were also conducted. Patients with confounding conditions affecting RBC indices were excluded. Statistical analysis included Pearson’s correlation and chi-square tests using SPSS 22.0. Results: The study found a significant association between poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7.5%) and alterations in RBC indices. Elevated RDW and MCHC were common in patients with diabetic complications like nephropathy and retinopathy, indicating their potential as prognostic markers. Anemia was frequently observed, especially normocytic normochromic anemia, linked to reduced the erythropoietin production and chronic inflammation. Conclusion: RBC indices, especially RDW and MCHC, serve as accessible, cost-effective prognostic markers in diabetes mellitus. Regular evaluation of these indices can aid in early identification of complications and guide tailored treatment, thereby improving the clinical outcomes and quality of life in diabetic patients.

IntroductionThe increasing interest in teledentistry since the COVID-19 pandemic warrants an evaluation of dentists’ willingness to adopt it. This study aimed to develop a questionnaire to assess dentist’s intention to use teledentistry and the associated factors.MethodsA literature search was used to identify items for the questionnaire. The Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) was adopted as framework. A Delphi panel was constituted of researchers with relevant publications and the International Association of Dental Research e-Oral Health Network members. Three Delphi consultations were conducted to establish consensus on items. Consensus was set at 80% agreement and content validity ratio (CVR), reaffirmed iteratively.ResultsNineteen out of 25 (76%) invited experts participated in the first round, 17 in the second and 15 in the third. The preliminary questionnaire had 81 items in three sections, reduced to 66, 45 and 33 items in the first, second and third rounds. After revision, the final version comprised eight items assessing dentists’ backgrounds in Sect. 1, seven items identifying teledentistry uses in Sect. 2, and 17 items assessing intention to use teledentistry and its determinants in seven dimensions in Sect. 3. The initial CVR was 0.45, which increased to 0.80 at the end of the third round.ConclusionA survey tool was developed to assess the acceptance of teledentistry, and its determinants based on the UTAUT2 framework through consensus among teledentistry experts. The tool had excellent validity and needs further evaluation of its psychometric properties.

Subacute combined degeneration (SCD) is an uncommon neurological complication due to chronic vitamin B12 deciency, manifesting as macrocytic anemia and degeneration of the spinal cord's lateral and dorsal columns (1). It typically affects individuals over 40 years old (1), presenting with gastrointestinal, hematological, and neuropsychiatric disorders (2). Symptoms include weakness, distal tingling, numbness, irritability, apathy, drowsiness, and rapid emotional changes (1, 3). This report discusses a 69-yearold woman with SCD extending to the mid pons region. She presented with slurred speech, walking difculties, memory disturbances, defective cognition, generalized weakness, and mild limb weakness. Past medical history included hypertension, hypothyroidism, urosepsis, anemia, and incomplete B12 replacement therapy. Initial investigations revealed low serum B12 levels (90 picograms per liter), macrocytic anemia, and demyelination in the spinal cord from the ventral pons down to D12. After conrming the diagnosis through MRI, treatment included nasal spray methylcobalamin (Naso B12 - 500 mcg per spray) daily for 18 days, then every other day for 21 days, resulting in improved B12 levels (from 90 to 360 picograms) and neurological symptoms. Additional management included multivitamin infusions, Edaravone, oral folic acid, physiotherapy, and blood transfusions. The patient's neurological decits improved signicantly, and she was discharged with continued B12 supplementation and a protein-rich diet. Early detection and treatment of SCD are crucial for preventing severe neurological complications. This case underscores the importance of thorough diagnostic evaluations, including peripheral smears, hemograms, imaging studies, and electrophysiological tests, for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.