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Unilateral Accessory Slip of the Splenius Capitis Muscle: A Case Report
Get PDFIntroduction: Anatomical variations in the muscles of the posterior neck are relatively uncommon, especially involving the serratus posterior superior muscle.
Case Description: This case report describes an unusual unilateral variant of the serratus posterior superior muscle found during routine dissection of a formalin-fixed male cadaver. On the right side of the neck, an accessory muscle slip was discovered, originating from the mastoid process of the temporal bone close to the typical attachment site of the splenius capitis muscle. This abnormal muscle travelled superficially over the native splenius capitis and splenius cervicis muscles, then continued deep to the rhomboid minor, and inserted into the fascia on the serratus posterior superior muscle near the medial attachment of the serratus posterior superior muscle. No similar variation was seen on the opposite side, making this a unilateral finding.
Conclusion: This variant was named the "Accessory serratus posterior superior muscle" based on its origin and insertion pattern. Recognizing such muscular variations is clinically important because they may mimic soft tissue masses in imaging studies or contribute to myofascial pain syndromes. Awareness of these anomalies is essential for clinicians, radiologists, and surgeons involved in head and neck diagnostics and interventions, as it helps prevent misdiagnosis and guides appropriate treatment planning
Managing Institutional Complexity in Governance Networks: A Case Study of Pakistan’s Power Industry
Get PDFThis study investigates the structural and institutional complexities shaping executive governance networks within Pakistan’s power sector. Drawing on theoretical frameworks from governance networks are conceptualized as webs of autonomous yet interdependent actors from public, private and civil society sectors engaged in public policy processes. Through a case-based analysis, the study explores how multiple governance reforms including liberalization, unbundling, regulatory and integration efforts have transformed the traditional hierarchical structure of the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) into a fragmented yet interconnected network of autonomous entities. The paper applies institutional logics and institutional complexity perspectives to highlight the coexistence of conflicting logics namely Traditional Public Administration (TPA), New Public Management (NPM) and New Public Governance (NPG) in the sector. These pluralistic logics result in policy and operational contradictions, governance challenges and increased complexity. The study further identifies that institutional complexity is shaped not only by the multiplicity of logics but also by their incompatibility in terms of organizational goals, means and actor expectations. Empirical findings reveal that while energy sector reforms have encouraged decentralization and private sector participation, they have simultaneously necessitated the creation of integration bodies such as PEPCO, CPPA-G and NEPRA to coordinate network actors. This dual dynamic of fragmentation and reintegration substantiates the emergence of hybrid governance arrangements. The research underscores the critical need to manage institutional contradictions and promote adaptive, collaborative mechanisms to enhance policy coherence and network effectiveness in Pakistan's evolving power industry
Vascular Anatomy of the Proximal Femur and the Risk of Avascular Osteonecrosis
Get PDFThe high complication rate associated with femoral neck (FN) fracture, particularly the development of avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head (FH), may be explained by the vascular anatomy of the proximal femur. The FH AVN is a devastating disease and greatly affects the quality of life. Therefore, clarifying the arterial blood supply to the FH is the aim of this short review. Despite the rich blood supply to the FH, it is one of the most susceptible bone structures to AVN. It is supplied from two main blood sources: the femoral artery through the medial and lateral circumflex femoral arteries, and the internal iliac artery through the superior and inferior gluteal arteries, as well as the obturator artery. The main blood supply vessels pass through the retinacular capsule of the hip joint along the relatively long FN. Displaced fragments after a FN fracture can tear these blood vessels, affecting the blood supply to the FH. Early management of such cases may reduce the risk of developing AVN. Future studies are highly recommended to further explore the main source of blood supply to the FH especially at different ages. Clarification of such arrangement can help explain the risk of development of FH AVN and allow safe surgical exposure of such region
Multimodality Approach to Sino-Nasal and Cerebral Mucormycosis and Related Intracranial Complications
Get PDFMucormycosis is a serious fungal infection that frequently affects the paranasal sinuses and can spread to the orbit and brain, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. This case series includes 70 patients suspected of having mucormycosis, who were assessed using a comprehensive radiologic strategy involving computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. The results showed maxillary sinus involvement in 30 patients, involvement of the ethmoid and sphenoid sinuses in 20 patients each, and frontal sinus involvement in 3 patients. Orbital involvement, with indications of orbital apex syndrome, was observed in 14 patients. Skull base involvement was found in 2 patients. Six patients exhibited intracranial complications such as infarcts, abscesses, and enhancement of the meninges. Involvement of the infratemporal and pterygopalatine fossae was recorded in 10 patients. All patients received surgical treatment, which included functional endoscopic sinus surgery and maxillectomy. The study highlights the importance of early multimodal imaging for accurate diagnosis, effective treatment planning, and determining prognosis
Do the Motivational Factors of Artificial Intelligence Technology Influence Millennials more than Members of Generation Z in Online Transactions?
Get PDFThis study investigates the motivational factors of AI technology that influence millennials and members of Generation Z in online transactions. These factors help identify which aspects of AI technology are appealing to these consumer groups. The study used a quantitative research method to collect and analyze data from 116 respondents in Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Nigeria, with 55 being millennials and 61 being members of Generation Z. Primary data was gathered through a self-administered survey questionnaire based on the artificial intelligence device use acceptance (AIDUA) and modified AIDUA models, focusing on anthropomorphic, hedonic, utilitarian, and interaction convenience motivational factors of AI technology. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 was used for the Mann-Whitney U-test for statistical analysis, with Grey and Kinnear's non-parametric effect size interpreting the practical significance of the results. The Mann-Whitney U-test showed that anthropomorphic and hedonic factors do not significantly influence millennials more than members of Generation Z in online transactions. However, utilitarian and interaction convenience factors significantly impact millennials compared to members of Generation Z. In practice, anthropomorphic and hedonic factors had a medium effect size on members of Generation Z, while utilitarian and interaction convenience factors had a small effect size on millennials in online transactions
A Comparative Analysis of GAAP (USA) and IFRS (Europe): Evaluating the Need Global Accounting Standards (GAS)
Get PDFThis study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) used in the United States and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) predominantly applied across Europe. Using secondary data from 2020–2024, the research evaluates both frameworks across multiple dimensions including economic performance, financial transparency, audit quality, fair value measurement, ESG disclosure, taxation transparency, cyber security reporting, and digital transformation. The findings reveal that while GAAP demonstrates strong regulatory enforcement and audit control, IFRS offers superior global comparability, flexibility and ESG integration. Based on identified strengths and weaknesses, the study proposes the development of a hybrid Global Accounting Standard (GAS) that integrates the rule-based rigor of GAAP with the principle based adaptability of IFRS. Such a framework could enhance international financial transparency, investor confidence and regulatory consistency
A Study of Disclosure Extent and Quality in the MD&A Sections of Indian Listed Companies
Get PDFThis study investigates the extent of disclosure in Management Discussion and Analysis (MD&A) reports among Indian companies and evaluates the influence of firm-specific factors thereon. A sample of 55 firms was selected via random sampling without replacement from the BSE-500 Index constituents for the fiscal year 2018-19. Descriptive statistical analysis reveals a mean disclosure level of 64.8%, with the range and standard deviation indicating substantial inter-firm variability. Multinomial logit regression was employed to assess the determinants of disclosure levels. Among seven explanatory variables, firm size, financial leverage and audit firm type exhibit statistically significant positive associations with disclosure extent. Profitability, institutional ownership, board independence (defined as at least 50% independent directors) and firm age, however, demonstrate no significant effects. The findings delineate the prevailing MD&A disclosure practices among prominent BSE listed entities and advocate enhanced reporting standards within the Indian corporate landscape
Black-Box Model Era for Financial Institutions: Ethical Responsibility and Legal Liability
Get PDFAs new technologies become increasingly prevalent in every industry, financial services will continue to implement black-box models into their decision-making processes at a growing rate. These can provide enhanced efficiencies, precision and control over their risk, but the lack of visibility into these models' inner workings results in major ethical and legal implications. This editorial examines how financial services organisations are addressing the various issues surrounding automated financial decision-making, including accountability, equity, transparency, trustworthiness and liability. It also concludes by outlining a research agenda emphasizing interdisciplinary and empirical approaches to the governance of black-box models in finance
Meditation and De-Addiction: A Neurobiological Perspective
Get PDFBackground: Addiction is a multifaceted disorder involving compulsive substance use, impaired self-regulation, and continued use despite adverse consequences. Neurobiological alterations in key brain regions, including the Prefrontal Cortex (PFC), amygdala, hippocampus, and mesolimbic reward system, underlie addiction pathophysiology. These changes disrupt reward processing, cognitive control, and stress regulation, contributing to heightened cravings and relapse vulnerability. Emerging evidence suggests meditation may modulate these neurobiological pathways.
Objective: This review explores the neurobiological mechanisms underlying addiction and evaluates potential therapeutic effects of meditation on these pathways.
Methods: A narrative review of current literature was conducted, synthesizing evidence from neurobiological studies, clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic reviews examining meditation interventions in addiction populations.
Results: Current evidence suggests addiction involves dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward system, with altered dopamine signalling, impaired PFC function, and amygdala hyperactivity. Preliminary research indicates meditation may influence these systems through multiple mechanisms, including modulation of prefrontal-limbic connectivity, stress response normalization via the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, and enhanced neuroplasticity. However, findings remain mixed, with significant methodological limitations across studies.
Conclusion: While preliminary evidence suggests meditation may engage neurobiological pathways implicated in addiction, current research limitations preclude definitive conclusions. Further rigorous, controlled studies with standardized meditation protocols, larger sample sizes, and longer follow-up periods are essential to establish clinical efficacy and elucidate specific mechanisms of action
Lived Experiences of Clinical Depression Among Adolescents with Sickle Cell Anemia in Dar-Es-Salaam, Tanzania: A Qualitative Study
Get PDFBackground: Sickle Cell Anemia (SCA) has been associated with an increased likelihood of neuropsychiatric complications, including depression and reduced quality of life due to the chronicity of the disease and recurrent painful crises. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of clinical depression among adolescents with SCA in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, to understand how they experience and cope with depression within their sociocultural context.
Methodology: A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted among six adolescents aged 11-19 years clinically diagnosed with depression who attended sickle cell clinics from October 2023 to March 2024. In-depth interviews were conducted in Kiswahili, recorded, translated and thematically analyzed using NVivo 11 Pro software. Key themes included health-related stigma, acceptance of SCA, coping mechanisms and social support systems.
Results: Among the six adolescents, four (66.7%) reported loneliness and isolation and had not fully accepted the reality of living with SCA. Adaptive and maladaptive coping behaviors were observed. Social challenges included bullying, name-calling and fear of betrayal, while parents, friends and teachers emerged as the main sources of support.
Conclusion: Feelings of loneliness and isolation were common among depressed adolescents with SCA. Strengthening social support, promoting adaptive coping and enhancing acceptance are key to improving their mental well-being