bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Incentives on Physician Participation in Research Surveys: Randomized Experiment
Authors: Hawa Saadiya , Bane Shalmali , Kinsler Kayla , Rector Amadeia , Chaichian Yashaar , Falasinnu Titilola , Simard Julia F
Published: March 2024

Background

Web-based surveys can be effective data collection instruments; however, participation is notoriously low, particularly among professionals such as physicians. Few studies have explored the impact of varying amounts of monetary incentives on survey completion.

Objective

This study aims to conduct a randomized study to assess how different incentive amounts influenced survey participation among neurologists in the United States.

Methods

We distributed a web-based survey using standardized email text to 21,753 individuals randomly divided into 5 equal groups (≈4351 per group). In phase 1, each group was assigned to receive either nothing or a gift card for US $10, $20, $50, or $75, which was noted in the email subject and text. After 4 reminders, phase 2 began and each remaining individual was offered a US $75 gift card to complete the survey. We calculated and compared the proportions who completed the survey by phase 1 arm, both before and after the incentive change, using a chi-square test. As a secondary outcome, we also looked at survey participation as opposed to completion.

Results

For the 20,820 emails delivered, 879 (4.2%) recipients completed the survey; of the 879 recipients, 622 (70.8%) were neurologists. Among the neurologists, most were male (412/622, 66.2%), White (430/622, 69.1%), non-Hispanic (592/622, 95.2%), graduates of American medical schools (465/622, 74.8%), and board certified (598/622, 96.1%). A total of 39.7% (247/622) completed their neurology residency more than 20 years ago, and 62.4% (388/622) practiced in an urban setting. For phase 1, the proportions of respondents completing the survey increased as the incentive amount increased (46/4185, 1.1%; 76/4165, 1.8%; 86/4160, 2.1%; 104/4162, 2.5%; and 119/4148, 2.9%, for US $0, $10, $20, $50, and $75, respectively; P<.001). In phase 2, the survey completion rate for the former US $0 arm increased to 3% (116/3928). Those originally offered US $10, $20, $50, and $75 who had not yet participated were less likely to participate compared with the former US $0 arm (116/3928, 3%; 90/3936, 2.3%; 80/3902, 2.1%; 88/3845, 2.3%; and 74/3878, 1.9%, for US $0, $10, $20, $50, and $75, respectively; P=.03). For our secondary outcome of survey participation, a trend similar to that of survey completion was observed in phase 1 (55/4185, 1.3%; 85/4165, 2%; 96/4160, 2.3%; 118/4162, 2.8%; and 135/4148, 3.3%, for US $0, $10, $20, $50, and $75, respectively; P<.001) and phase 2 (116/3928, 3%; 90/3936, 2.3%; 80/3902, 2.1%; 88/3845, 2.3%; and 86/3845, 2.2%, for US $0, $10, $20, $50, and $75, respectively; P=.10).

Conclusions

As expected, monetary incentives can boost physician survey participation and completion, with a positive correlation between the amount offered and participation.
TO EVALUATE THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THYROID PROFILE AND IRON STATUS AMONG HYPOTHYROID PATIENTS
Authors: SINGH TEJINDER , SEHGAL GARIMA , KAUR JASPREET , GUPTA SANGEETA
Published: March 2024

Objective: Iron deficiency is very commonly seen among hypothyroidism patients. The study aimed to find out the relationship between thyroid profile and iron status among hypothyroidism patients, whether it is interdependent or not.
Methods: This retrospective study was conducted among hypothyroidism patients at the Department of Biochemistry, Government Medical College, Amritsar. One hundred study participants were included in this study. The study participants were divided into two groups. Fifty hypothyroidism patients served as cases and 50 normal healthy individuals as control. Serum thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), T3, and T4 levels and serum ferritin, iron, and TIBC levels were estimated and then compared between the two groups.
Results: In our findings, 70% of the females were hypothyroidism patients. Hypothyroidism patients’ mean age±SD value was 37±15.1 whereas the healthy control group was 39±12.5. Most of the middle-aged people suffer from this disease, i.e., 52%. In this study, the levels of ferritin, and iron were found to decrease whereas that of TIBC increased in patients suffering from hypothyroidism as compared to healthy controls. Serum TSH levels were inversely correlated with ferritin. The levels of ferritin were found to be significantly decreased in patients as compared to controls.
Conclusion: Thyroid hormone insufficiency may lead to a deficiency of iron and vice versa. Other factors such as oxidative stress may also play a role. Thus, iron the estimation using the above parameters may be useful during diagnosing and treating hypothyroid patients.
CLINICAL FEATURES AND SHORT-TERM OUTCOME OF COVID-19 IN PEDIATRIC PATIENTS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL OF CENTRAL INDIA: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: SIDDHARTH AGRAWAL  , SHREYA SHRIVASTAVA  , SUNIL KASUNDRIYA  , ASHISH PATHAK
Published: March 2024

Objectives: To fill the knowledge gap and make a clinical profile (frequency, clinical features and outcome) of COVID-19 paediatric patients attending the tertiary care hospital of central India.
Methodology: This cross-sectional study was carried out in Department of Paediatrics, R.D Gardi Medical College, Ujjain, M.P among 88 age group of 0-18 years admitted consented COVID-19 positive pediatric patients over a period of one year (March 2021 to April 2022).
Results: Fever was the most common (76%) complaint, followed by fatigue/ malaise (52%), dry cough and runny nose (45%). Fever stayed for the longest duration (2.80±2.30 days), followed by loss of smell (1.97±2.43 days). Skin rashes stayed for the least duration (0.09±0.39 days). Stunting was observed in 28% participants. Hospital acquired pneumonia was seen in many (26%), along with liver dysfunction in 19%, ARDS in 18%, meningitis/ encephalitis in 16%, MIS-C in 8% and septic shock in 7%. Most of the study participants (49%) had received Azithromycin; while Ivermectin was given to very few participants (16%). Mean duration of stay in hospital was observed to be 9.01±7.95 days. COVID-19 severely hampered the vulnerable section of the society, i.e., the children.
Conclusion: The prevalence was found to be more in females, and increased with advancing age. Overcrowding and under nutrition favoured its spread. Children presented with variable complications, as well.
Trumpismo y Relaciones México-Estados Unidos
Authors: Correa-Cabrera Guadalupe
Published: March 2024

Estas cinco piezas son material esencial en la discusión sobre el futuro de las relaciones entre dos países de Norteamérica que llevan a cabo elecciones presidenciales en 2024. El trumpismo es un movimiento que definirá el resultado de dichos procesos. Su evolución y la implementación o no de políticas afines afectarán de forma directa los destinos de nuestras naciones y su gente, con o sin Trump.
Deleuze, el indio de los filósofos: fundamentos vitalistas de la crítica a la modernidad capitalista
Authors: Ezcurdia José
Published: March 2024

Deleuze, el indio de los filósofos: fundamentos vitalistas de la crítica a la modernidad capitalista se constituye como un esfuerzo por movilizar el rico andamiaje conceptual deleuziano con el objeto de dar satisfacción a su forma como máquina de guerra y contrapensamiento. El texto destaca el papel de las nociones de imagen, afecto y cuerpo en Spinoza, Nietzsche y Bergson, las cuales conducen a la determinación de la función de la figura de Cristo en sus respectivas perspectivas teóricas materialistas y vitalistas que confluyen en la elucidación de “Deleuze, el Cristo de los filósofos” que, de manera natural, bajo el propio prisma deleuziano del “devenir indio”, da lugar a la producción de un monstruo prodigioso —Cristo-Quetzalcóatl— capaz por un lado de brindar un suspiro teórico a nuestras colonizadas maneras de hacer filosofía y por otro, de otorgar aliento espiritual a los más diversos pueblos oprimidos de nuestra América Latina.
Alfabetización Mediática, Informacional y Digital: análisis de instrumentos de evaluación
Authors: Hernández-Marín José-Luis , Castro-Montoya Martha-Delia , Figueroa-Rodríguez Sebastián
Published: March 2024

La Alfabetización Mediática, Informacional y Digital (AMID) conjunta conocimientos, habilidades y actitudes que capacitan a los ciudadanos para interactuar crítica y reflexivamente con los medios de comunicación e información en la era digital. Este artículo presenta una revisión sistemática exploratoria que analiza 34 estudios (publicados entre 2019 y 2023) que usan herramientas cuantitativas para evaluar la AMID en estudiantes y docentes en el ámbito de la educación formal. Los resultados revelan que la población más estudiada es la universitaria, con predominancia de estudiantes de nacionalidad española y mexicana. Los principales constructos derivados de esta investigación se ajustaron a tres referentes: el Marco Común de Competencia Digital Docente, el cuestionario ALFAMED y el cuestionario ALFIN-HUMASS. Los instrumentos demostraron sólidas propiedades psicométricas, tanto en términos de confiabilidad como de validez. Las escalas de actitud con formato Likert fueron las más utilizadas en los estudios descriptivos; estas son valiosas para identificar fortalezas y debilidades, pero no siempre son suficientes para brindar un diagnóstico completo. Para ello, es necesario recurrir a otras herramientas que permitan evaluar el desempeño real y vincular los resultados con implicaciones pedagógicas concretas. Finalmente, el artículo recomienda diagnosticar estas competencias en los docentes de educación primaria, secundaria y bachillerato, ya que son fundamentales para el crecimiento académico y personal de los estudiantes.
ServeItNow - Home Services Made Easy
Authors: Sharma Sagar , Singh Shivdeep , Srivastava Jaya , Dar Owais Nazir , Kritika Ms.
Published: March 2024

Abstract: ServeItNow, an innovative online household service platform, is revolutionizing the way people access and engage with home services. This abstract provides an overview of how ServeItNow simplifies the lives of both homeowners and service providers. ServeItNow acts as a bridge connecting users with a diverse array of local service providers, including plumbers, electricians, cleaners, and movers. The platform's core mission is to provide a seamless, convenient, and trustworthy way for individuals to find and book essential household services. One of the standout features of ServeItNow is its user-friendly interface. With just a few clicks or taps, users can effortlessly navigate through a directory of local service providers, read authentic reviews from fellow customers, and select the services that precisely match their needs. This intuitive approach has made ServeItNow a preferred choice for users seeking reliable and efficient household services.In the world of online services, trust is paramount, and ServeItNow recognizes this importance. The platform employs stringent verification processes to ensure that all registered service providers are qualified, competent, and dependable. Moreover, users have the ability to contribute to transparency and accountability within the community by leaving reviews and ratings for the services they receive. For service providers, ServeItNow offers a valuable platform to showcase their skills and expand their client base. By establishing a digital presence and accumulating positive reviews, service providers can enhance their credibility and grow their businesses within the ServeItNow community. Market trends indicate that ServeItNow is part of a larger trend in the online household service sector, which is experiencing substantial growth. The presence of competition is driving innovation and raising the bar for service quality. To stay ahead, ServeItNow continually enhances its features and offerings to meet evolving user needs. Technology plays a pivotal role in ServeItNow's success. The platform's mobile app ensures users can access services conveniently, even while on the move. Furthermore, ServeItNow explores the potential integration of smart devices and IoT technology to further streamline service delivery and elevate user experiences. In conclusion, ServeItNow stands as a transformative force in the realm of household services. It simplifies the process of discovering, booking, and receiving dependable home services. Its commitment to trust, transparency, and user-friendliness benefits both homeowners and service providers. As technology continues to evolve, and competition drives innovation, platforms like ServeItNow are poised to shape the future of home services, offering homeowners a seamless and stress-free experience and creating new opportunities for service professionals.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Intrusion Detection System for Cloud Computing
Authors: Singh Nishtha
Published: March 2024

Abstract: It is possible to communicate with others and do business across this global network, which is comprised of hundreds of millions of computers running a variety of hardware and software configurations. This makes it simpler for hackers to abuse resources and conduct Internet attacks since computers are linked to one another. There are significant roadblocks to the development of a security-oriented approach that may be flexible and adaptive in light of the expanding number of Internet assaults. Threats from the internet could be identified using an intrusion detection system (IDS). The utilization of an intrusion detection system, or IDS, is necessary to preserve network security. Because the cloud platform is continuously expanding and becoming more prevalent in our everyday lives, it is imperative that we develop an effective IDS for it as well. On the other hand, typical intrusion detection systems may encounter difficulties when used in the cloud. A cloud segment may get overburdened by the pre-determined IDS architecture because of the added detection overhead. In the context of a networked system with an adaptable architecture. Using a neural network-based IDS, we show how to make full utilize available resources while not putting undue strain on any single cloud server. The proposed IDS uses a neural network machine learning to identify new threats even more effectively
BELIEF PADA REMAJA PENYALAHGUNA ALKOHOL
Authors: Emqi Zahrah Humaidah
Published: March 2024

Belief merupakan seperangkat keyakinan, pandangan, dan penilaian individu terhadap suatu peristiwa atau perilaku. Belief merupakan dasar penggerak seseorang dalam berperilaku. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui belief pada remaja penyalahguna alkohol. Subjek penelitian adalah 2 orang remaja berusia 14 dan 15 tahun yang merupakan penyalahguna alkohol dimana perilaku penyalahagunaan alkoholnya berada dalam tahap sosial dan tahap instrumental. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu wawancara semi terstruktur. Analisis data pada penelitian ini yaitu menelaah seluruh hasil wawancara yang telah dikumpulkan, mereduksi data, dan menyimpulkan. Berdasarkan hasil analisa data yang dilakukan diketahui bahwa faktor penggerak subjek dalam melakukan penyalahgunaan alkohol adalah adanya belief akan harapan-harapan yang dimiliki subjek. Subjek meyakini bahwa perilaku penyalahgunaan alkohol akan mampu memenuhi harapan-harapan mereka. Belief yang dimilki subjek mencakup behavioral belief, normative belief, dan control belief. Belief subjek mengenai perilaku penyalahgunaan alkohol cenderung bersifat irasional, sehingga memunculkan dampak perilaku yang tidak produktif.Kata kunci: Belief, perilaku penyalahgunaan alkohol, remaja
KEMATANGAN EMOSI DENGAN PERILAKU KONSUMTIF PADA PRIA METROSEKSUAL
Authors: Putri Anggun Mego
Published: March 2024

Perilaku konsumtif adalah fenomena masyarakat saat ini dimana mereka dalam mengkonsumsi suatu barang tidak lagi untuk memenuhi kebutuhannya melainkan untuk pemenuhan kepuasan. Seiring dengan hal tersebut telah muncul sosok pria baru yang disebut metroseksual dimana mereka memiliki perilaku belanja konsumtif untuk menyempurnakan penampilannya, apabila seseorang belum memiliki kematangan emosi maka dia akan cenderung untuk mengkonsumsi barang secara berlebihan. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui apakah ada hubungan antara kematangan emosi dengan perilaku konsumtif pada pria metroseksual. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kuantitatif. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. Jumlah subyek sebanyak 80 orang pria metroseksual. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa ada hubungan negatif antara kematangan emosi dengan perilaku konsumtif pada pria metroseksual dibuktikan dengan hasil perhitungan korelasi product moment. Semakin tinggi kematangan emosi maka akan semakin rendah perilaku konsumtif pada pria metroseksual, begitu juga sebaliknya semakin rendah kematangan emosi maka akan semakin tinggi perilaku konsumtif pada pria metroseksual (r = -0,701; p = <0,01).Kata kunci: Job insecurity, stres kerja, perawat
KONTROL DIRI DAN INTENSITAS PENGGUNAAN FACEBOOK PADA REMAJA
Authors: Ruhban Apris
Published: March 2024

Penggunaan facebook dengan intensitas yang terlalu tinggi dapat menurunkan produktifitas dan performa, khususnya pada para remaja. Kontrol diri dibutuhkan sebagai agen dalam membimbing, dan mengatur perilaku. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menguji secara empiris hubungan kontrol diri dengan intensitas penggunaan facebook pada remaja. Responden dalam penelitian ini adalah remaja di kota Malang dengan jumlah subjek 349 orang dengan rentang usia 17-21 tahun. Alat pengumpulan data yang digunakan ialah skala kontrol diri dengan α = 0,89 dan skala intensitas penggunaan facebook dari Elison dkk (2007) dengan α = 0, 83; yang telah diterjemahkan ke dalam bahasa Indonesia. Analisis data dilakukan dengan teknik korelasi product moment dari Pearson dengan bantuan program statistik SPSS for windows versi 11.5. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan terdapat hubungan positif yang signifikan antara kontrol diri dengan intensitas penggunaan facebook pada remaja (r = 0,158 dan p = 0,003).Kata kunci : Facebook, kontrol diri, intensitas penggunaan facebook
MOTIVASI BERPRESTASI DAN SELF REGULATED LEARNING
Authors: Inayah Eka Rahil
Published: March 2024

Self-regulated learning dibutuhkan siswa agar mampu mengatur, menyesuaikan, mengendalikan dan mengarahkan diri terutama bila menghadapi tugas yang sulit. Sehingga perlu adanya motivasi berprestasi yang akan mendorong siswa melakukan kontrol diri tersebut. Penelitian kuantitatif ini megggunakan subjek siswa SMPN 1 Tarakan kelas 7-9 sebanyak 233 siswa. Pengumpulan data menggunakan skala self-regulated learning dan motivasi berprestasi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan hubungan positif yang sangat signifikan antara self-regulated learning dengan motivasi berprestasi. Selain itu, ditemukan bahwa subjek dengan motivasi berprestasi yang tinggi menjalankan siklus self-regulated learning yang sesuai. Adapun motivasi berprestasi memberikan sumbangan efektif terhadap self-regulated learning sebesar 40% dan ditemukan self-regulated learning dan motivasi berprestasi yang tinggi ada pada kelas 7.Kata kunci: Siklus, self-regulated learning, motivasi berprestasi,
TINGKAT RELIGIUSITAS DENGAN KECEMASAN MENGHADAPI MENOPAUSE
Authors: Fitriya Sari Liza Mega
Published: March 2024

Religiusitas merupakan suatu keyakinan yang diyakini oleh seseorang dan dianggap akan membawa seseorang itu kepada jalan Tuhan dan menunjukan mereka kepada kebaikan. Kecemasan adalah suatu hal yang dialami oleh seseorang dikarenakan perasaan tertekan atau terpojok akan suatu hal yang mereka takuti dampaknya pada kehidupan seseorang tersebut. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat religiusitas dengan kecemasan menopause pada wanita. Desain yang digunakan adalah desain non-eksperimen kuantitatif dengan menggunakan tekhnik acak pada subjek penelitian. Jumlah subjek 50 orang ibu-ibu yang berusia antara 38-54 tahun. Hasil penelitian menunjukan terdapat hubungan antara tingkat religiusitas terhadap kecemasan menghadapi menopause. Ketika tingkat religiusitas seseorang itu tinggi maka akan rendah tingkat kecemasannya dalam menghadapi menopause, tapi ketika tingkat religiusitas seseorang rendah maka akan tinggi kecemasannya dalam menghadapi menopause.Kata kunci: Religiusitas, kecemasan, menopause
INTENSI MENIKAH KEMBALI PADA SINGLE MOTHER
Authors: Naf’ah Ana Nihlatun
Published: March 2024

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan intensi menikah kembali pada single mother. Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah single mother sebanyak 77 subjek dengan rentang usia 21 – 85 tahun. Teknik pengambilan sampel menggunakan teknik sampel purposif. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif yang memakai skala intensi menikah kembali dengan model skala likert. Analisa datanya menggunakan perhitungan Z-score dengan maksud kategorisasi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan 58% (45 subjek) memiliki intensi menikah kembali rendah, dan 42% (32 subjek) memiliki intensi menikah kembali tinggi. Dari ketiga aspek pembentuk intensi, hasil penelitiannya adalah behavior belief  (42%), normative belief (28%) serta behavior control (30%). Pada intensi menikah kembali rendah, behavior control (52%), normative belief (51%) dan behavior belief (50%). Sedangkan pada intensi menikah kembali tinggi, behavior belief (50%), normative belief (49%) dan behavior control (48%). Kata kunci: Intensi menikah kembali, single mother This study aimed at describing single mothers’ intention of getting remarried. The subjects of this study were 77 single mothers aged 21 up to 85 years old. Using purposive sampling technique, this quantitative-descriptive study employed Likert-type getting-remarried intention scale. The data were then analyzed by calculating the z-score for categorization. The results of the study showed that 58% of the subjects (45 people) had low intention of getting remarried, while 42% of them (32 people) had high intention. Furthermore, three aspects varied in triggering the intention, they were behavior belief (42%), normative belief (28%) and behavior control (30%). For the low intention of getting remarried, the behavior control was 52% of significance, the normative belief was 51%, and the behavior belief was 50%. Meanwhile, for the high intention, the behavior belief was 50%, the normative belief was 49%, and the behavior control was 48%. Keyword: Intention of getting remarried, single mother
Death penalty in Indonesia: between criminal law and Islamic law perspectives
Authors: Tongat Tongat
Published: March 2024

This study seeks to discuss the implication of the regulation of the death penalty following the promulgation of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning the Penal Code which has changed the standing of the death penalty from basic punishment to special punishment seen from the perspectives of positive law and Islamic law. This study employed socio-legal methods, presenting two primary issues of the reconstruction of the regulation concerning the death penalty in Indonesia and how Islamic law reinforces the reconstruction of the regulation of the death penalty in Indonesia. This study has brought to the following two conclusions: notwithstanding its application of the death penalty in the country, Indonesia is attempting to restrict its application. The reformed Criminal Law, particularly after the promulgation of Law Number 1 of 2023 concerning Criminal Law, adjourns the death penalty, while the defendant on a death row is given a chance to fix his/her attitude for a particular period (10 years). When the defendant demonstrates a good attitude within this time frame, the imposed death penalty is superseded by imprisonment. This policy is intended to serve as the last resort when the defendant cannot be corrected and as the middle way of balancing between the pros and cons of the death penalty in Indonesia. Moreover, Islamic values as the source of law are also behind these pros and cons, reinforcing the existence of the death penalty in Indonesia, considering that the death penalty from the Islamic view remains recognized as one of the applicable punishment practices.
POLITICAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK ENSURING STATE SECURITY IN RUSSIA
Authors:   Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev, Andronova I.V. , Antsiferov M.E. ,   Samara National Research University named after Academician S.P. Korolev
Published: March 2024

Theoretical and legal framework of the concept of state security is studied. Stages of the state policy on formation of sovereign ideas about security of our state and society are highlighted.
Resocjalizacja w kryzysie zmiany
Authors: Konopczyński Marek
Published: March 2024

Artykuł poświęcony jest kryzysowi zmiany w resocjalizacji. Ujmuje ów kryzys jako zmiana paradygmatów społecznych w teorii i praktyce wychowawczej, zmiana która powoduje opór intelektualny i poznawczy zarówno przedstawicieli świata akademickiego jak i wychowawców-praktyków. Zmiana paradygmatyczna w przestrzeni pedagogiki resocjalizacyjnej skutkuje kilkoma obliczami współczesnej refleksji naukowej i praktyki resocjalizacyjnej na przełomie wieków.
Safety Inspections and Gas Monitoring in Hazardous Mining Areas Shortly After Blasting Using Autonomous UAVs
Authors: Nordström Samuel , Stathoulopoulos Nikolaos , Dahlquist Niklas , Lindqvist Björn , Tevetzidis Ilias , Kanellakis Christoforos , Nikolakopoulos George
Published: March 2024

This article presents the first ever fully autonomous UAV (Unmanned
Aerial Vehicle) mission to perform gas measurements after a real blast
in an underground mine. The demonstration mission was deployed around 40
minutes after the blast took place, and as such realistic gas levels
were measured. We also present multiple field robotics experiments in
different mines detailing the development process. The presented novel
autonomy stack, denoted as the Routine Inspection Autonomy (RIA)
framework, combines a risk-aware 3D path planning D + ∗ , with 3D
LiDAR-based global relocalization on a known map, and it is integrated
on a custom hardware and a sensing stack with an onboard gas sensing
device. In the presented framework, the autonomous UAV can be deployed
in incredibly harsh conditions (dust, significant deformations of the
map) shortly after blasting to perform inspections of lingering gases
that present a significant safety risk to workers. We also present a
change detection framework that can extract and visualize the
areas that were changed in the blasting procedure, a critical parameter
for planning the extraction of materials, and for updating existing mine
maps. As will be demonstrated, the RIA stack can enable robust autonomy
in harsh conditions, and provides reliable and safe navigation behavior
for autonomous Routine Inspection missions.
Phylogeography and population structure of Lagocephalus spadiceus (Richardson, 1845) (Tetraodontiformes, Tetraodontidae) in the South China Sea
Authors: Xu Hao , Huang Liangliang , Chen Tao , Wang caiguang , Wu zhiqiang , Cheng yanan , Su qiongyuan , Kang Bin , Yan Yunrong , Zhang xiuguo
Published: March 2024

The Late Pleistocene climate fluctuations have had a major impact on
phylogeographic structure and historical dynamics of marine fishes in
the marginal seas of the western Pacific Ocean. The puffer fish
Lagocephalus spadiceus, has high nutritional and economic value in the
South China Sea. To allow the examination of the demographic history and
population structure of the L. spadiceus, the mitochondrial DNA COI and
Cyt b gene datasets of 300 individuals from eight populations in the
South China Sea was sequenced. High haplotype diversity (0.874 ± 0.013)
and low nucleotide diversity (0.00075 ± 0.00058) were observed. The
phylogenetic tree and haplotypes network revealed no significant genetic
differentiation along the coast of the northern South China Sea.
Neutrality tests, mismatch distribution analysis, and Bayesian skyline
plots suggested that L. spadiceus experienced population expansion
during the Late Pleistocene. Ocean currents and climate change play
important roles in shaping the geographical distribution and genetic
population structure of L. spadiceus.
Intricate interplay between endrocrine and exocrine pancreas
Authors: Singh Meetu , Gandasi Nikhil R.
Published: March 2024

The pancreas is a vital organ of the human body that plays a dual role as both endocrine and exocrine organ. The endocrine part of the pancreas is responsible for maintaining blood glucose homeostasis and the exocrine part aids in the digestion of food. The exocrine and the endocrine pancreas mediate their functions by secreting digestive enzymes and islet hormones respectively. It is possible to assess abnormalities in the function of pancreas with assays that detect exocrine and endocrine secretions to assist in predicting pancreatic dysfunction. Although individual assays exist for each of the hormones, it was not the same for the endocrine hormone somatostatin. We have developed a new ELISA assay for the quantification of somatostatin, a pancreatic islet hormone that can be used along with other hormonal assays to examine the pancreatic health. Abnormalities in pancreatic health can be predicted early especially through genetic risk factors, some of the genetic risk factors like Cyclin Dependent Kinase Inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A) are reported to be linked with both diabetes and Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Therefore, evaluating the secretory profile of the pancreas in individuals with these genetic risk factors becomes essential to detect initial signs of disorders like diabetes and pancreatic cancer. Exploiting the secretion assays combined with screening for genetic risk factors might help in understanding the intricate interplay between PDAC and diabetes. Overall, this would help in early detection of pancreatic abnormalities enabling intervention to mitigate risk of diabetes and pancreatic cancer.
Efektywność przedsiębiorstw rolniczych w zależności od relacji kapitału własnego do obcego
Authors: Wasilewski Mirosław , Zabadała Piotr
Published: March 2024

Celem artykułu jest określenie zależności między sytuacją ekonomiczno-finansową, a relacją kapitału własnego i obcego w przedsiębiorstwach rolniczych. Badaniami objęto spółki Agencji Nieruchomości Rolnych (spółki ANR), przedsiębiorstwa z dzierżawą ziemi od ANR oraz w przedsiębiorstwach, w których wystąpił zakup ziemi. Badaniami zostały objęte przedsiębiorstwa współpracujące z Instytutem Ekonomiki Rolnictwa i Gospodarki Żywnościowej - PIB w Warszawie. Przedsiębiorstwa pogrupowano według rosnącej relacji kapitału własnego do obcego. Do grupowania przedsiębiorstw wykorzystana została metoda kwartyli. (abstrakt oryginalny)
Improving Attendance and Enrolment at School for Children Living in Poverty
Authors: See Beng H. , Gorard Stephen , Siddiqui Nadia , El Soufi Nada , Hitt Loraine , Lu Binwei
Published: March 2024

This paper summarises the findings of a large-scale structured review of 73 studies to identify promising interventions to increase school enrolment and attendance, particularly in less developed countries where school attendance is not mandatory. Evidence from the stronger studies suggests that for children living in poverty, provision of easy access to schools, making schools free at point of delivery and incentivising attendance/enrolment with cash offers are the most promising interventions. Incentives with conditions attached are more effective than non-conditional incentives. Paying cash to parents is more effective for young children, while cash incentives are more effective for older children if given directly. Providing easy access to free schools seems most promising in improving school attendance and enrolment in low and middle-income countries.
Virtual Laboratories in STEM Higher Education: A Scoping Review
Authors: Sellberg Charlott , Nazari Zeinab , Solberg Mads
Published: March 2024

Synthetic learning environments like virtual laboratories are increasingly used in pedagogical practice across the landscape of higher education, in both professional and non-professional study programs. Virtual laboratories are simulations of experiments or other hands-on activities that allow students to explore scientific concepts and principles in a virtual environment. These simulations can be used to supplement or replace traditional laboratory experiences on campus, providing students with a flexible and convenient way to learn and engage with the laboratory as a context for work. The conceptual and theoretical foundations of these simulations, however, are still poorly understood. This study provides a scoping review of the literature on how virtual laboratories are conceptualized in STEM higher education, and the ideas, principles and presuppositions that inform and sustain research on virtual laboratories in STEM. By searching through databases (n = 7) for peer-reviewed journal articles published in English between 2012 and 2023, focusing on the use of virtual laboratories in STEM higher education, a selection of articles (n = 23) was identified as relevant for the study aim and subjected to thematic analysis and narrative synthesis. The results add to our knowledge from previous systematic reviews of studies on virtual laboratories in STEM higher education, particularly by identifying common characteristics between various definitions of virtual laboratories. Moreover, the review identifies three theoretical traditions influencing work on virtual laboratories for STEM in higher education. While this highlights a field of research committed to evidence-informed pedagogy and instructional effectiveness, it also points to a lack of descriptive, qualitative research that systematically investigates everyday instructional practices with virtual laboratories in STEM-education in naturalistic contexts. Further studies on what happens in such settings would be valuable for informing future theorizing about virtual laboratories in STEM.
Assessment of Metal Concentration and Bioaccumulation Factor in Surface Water and Fishes Sampled From Four Creeks in the Bonny River Estuary, Niger Delta Region of Nigeria
Authors: Allison Fredrick Igila , Ihunwo Owhonda Chikeru , Allison Ibiene
Published: March 2024

The indiscriminate disposal of industrial and urban waste has added to the concerns of global water pollution. Anthropogenic activities and activities of oil companies (oil spills) have also contributed to the pollution of the aquatic ecosystem in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. This study was therefore designed to evaluate the concentration of Iron, Nickel, Lead, Cadmium and Chromium in our surface waters and our marine life. Samples of surface water were collected into 50 cl sterile plastic bottles and labelled accordingly. Twenty medium-sized tilapia fishes from about a one-kilometre radius of each site were caught and also labelled accordingly. Water and fishes from each site were then kept in a cooler, iced and immediately transported to the laboratories for analysis for heavy metals after these fishes were homogenised using a blender. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used for the metal analysis. Standards were prepared using tracecert of each of the above-mentioned metals. The results of these study sites (Akpajo, Okujagu, Woji and Elelenwo) had high concentrations of metals. Fishes from all these sites also had high concentration of these metals. The trend of metal concentration in the surface water as follows: Okujagu–Pb>Cr> Cd>Fe = Ni, Akpajo–Cd>Fe>Pb>Cr>Ni, Elelenwo–Pb>Cr>Fe>Cd>Ni, Woji–Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Ni. Results obtained also revealed the trend of metal concentration in fish muscles as follows: Okujagu–Pb>Cr> Cd>Fe = Ni, Akpajo– Cd>Fe>Pb>Cr>Ni, Elelenwo–Pb>Cr>Fe>Cd>Ni and Woji–Cr>Cd>Pb>Fe>Ni. Fishes and surface water sampled from these four creeks in the Bonny estuary in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria had high concentrations of iron, nickel, cadmium, chromium and lead in relation to their concentration in surface water. The results of this study revealed that metal concentration in surface water had some relative effect on their concentration in the fishes. This, therefore, means consumption of these fishes may lead to the accumulation of these metals in man to a toxic concentration. This may be one of the reasons for the increase in some heavy metal-related health issues (diabetes, renal diseases) in this region.
Pengaruh Kebijakan Pemerintah Dan Harga Pada Keputusan Pembelian Jasa Penyelenggara Kursus Dengan Iklan Sosial Media Sebagai Variabel Mediasi Pada Lembaga Kursus Texas College Kota Metro
Authors: Sri Retnaning Rahayu  , Ratmono  , Hafidz Bahtiar
Published: March 2024

The research was based on the fact that the number of new students registering for TexasCollege courses experienced ups and downs from 2018 to 2021 due to the increase in pricesfor each course level over the last four years. If this continues continuously it will have animpact on student interest. The purpose of this research is to determine the influence ofgovernment policies and prices on purchasing decisions for course provider services withsocial media advertising as a mediating variable at the Texas College Metro Course Institute.This research is quantitative research. With this type of explanatory survey research, thesampling technique was purposive sampling, as many as 75 students from LKP Texas CollegeMetro. As a measuring tool, an 80-item questionnaire was used with Likert scalemeasurements and analyzed using Path Analysis. The research results show that governmentpolicy has a positive effect on service purchasing decisions. Price has a positive effect onservice purchasing decisions. Social media advertising has a positive effect on servicepurchasing decisions. Government policies have a positive influence on social mediaadvertising. Price has a positive effect on social advertising. Government policies have apositive influence on service purchasing decisions through social media advertising. Pricehas a positive influence on service purchasing decisions through social media advertising.
Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Dengan Menggunakan Metode SWOT Dan QSPM Dalam Upaya Meningkatkan Volume Penjualan (Studi Pada Endorfin Coffee Di Kecamatan Metro Timur)
Authors: Suwarto  , Suryadi  , Hexza Zahwa Novinka Putri
Published: March 2024

Since the beginning of the product opening sale that the selling of Endorfin Coffee have continued to decline. Furthermore, many business players in the area offer similar products with their variations which later on contribute to the high level of sale competition in Metro town itself, such as the national ones like Starbucks to local ones like Janji Jiwa. Therefore, selling Endorfin Coffee requires an appropriate and effective marketing strategy.

This research was conducted by using a quantitative descriptive research method that aims to determine the marketing strategies applied to Endorphin Coffee in facing competition among the coffee shops around the area. (Sugiyono: 35) Quantitative research method is a research method that based on the philosophy of positivism is used to examine certain population and samples to test established hypotheses.

Endorfin Coffee sale goes in quadrant I position with a Grow and Built development strategy, therefore the appropriate strategies applied are Market Development, Product Development, and Market Penetration. In this position, the company indicates has a strong organization and the opportunity to recommend a progressive strategy, in which the organization is in good condition. This company should be able to see the external factors (opportunities and threats) that exist in the company to win the competition. The factors can be reached by conducting marketing effectiveness through involving the information technology in marketing and designing or making layout of the company product to make it more attractive to the costumers. The company can also penetrate the market not only for students, but also for all members of the society in and outside of the Metro town.
Pengaruh Produktivitas Desa Wisata, Stabilisasi Ekonomi dan Knowledge Management Terhadap Keberlanjutan Usaha (Studi Empiris Pada Balkondes Di Borobudur)
Authors: Nugraheni Nur Aisah , Hana Marisa Tri , Shofiyani Dianah , Candra Septian Dwi , Fadhilah Ilfi Nur , Muhdiyanto
Published: March 2024

Sustainable tourism development is a business developed using various economic approachescovering various aspects ranging from science, human resource technology, and localbusiness empowerment. In business sustainability, not only certain parties are responsible formaking efforts, but also all elements must be able to contribute to these efforts. This researchaims to analyze the influence of tourist village productivity, economic stabilization andknowledge management on business sustainability at the Balcony Village in Borobudur. Thisresearch uses quantitative methods with the population in the study being Balcondes andBUMDes managers in 20 Balcondes in Borobudur. The sample in this study was 165respondents using a purposive sampling method with a minimum criteria of 6 months ofwork. The analytical tool used is multiple linear regression with processing using SPSS. Theresults of this research show that tourism village productivity, economic stabilization, andknowledge management have a positive effect on business sustainability, supported by theTriple Bottom Line theory to prepare and complement organizational needs in terms of economic, social and environmental aspects, so that they are able to compete and continue tobe sustainable
Penggunaan Website sebagai Strategi Online Fundraising di Yayasan Al-Qomariyah Kota Bandung
Authors: Dianto Nurul Izza Sayyidina Aufa , Irfan Maulana , Gutama Arie Surya
Published: March 2024

Penelitian ini membahas penerapan strategi online fundraising oleh Yayasan Al-Qomariyah, Kota Bandung, dengan fokus pada pemanfaatan website company profile. Melalui pendekatan kualitatif, penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menggambarkan aspek-aspek yang memengaruhi kesuksesan penggalangan dana online, seperti aksesibilitas, akuntabilitas, edukasi, interaksi, dan pemberdayaan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa Yayasan Al-Qomariyah telah memanfaatkan kombinasi pendekatan yang inklusif melalui online fundraising untuk mencapai keberlanjutan dalam dukungan finansial dan direct funding pada proyek spesifik. Website Al-Qomariyah telah mengakomodasi pengalaman berdonasi yang baik, tetapi interaksi lebih fokus dilakukan melalui media sosial. Transparansi penggunaan dana tidak disajikan secara eksplisit melalui website unuk menjaga privasi donatur. Interaksi dalam website masih belum optimal, sehingga media sosial dimanfaatkan untuk meningkatkan interaksi tersebut dan menjadi wadah utama dalam mendorong partisipasi dan donasi. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan Yayasan Al-Qomariyah untuk melakukan integrasi yang lebih baik antara website dengan platform penggalangan dana online lainnya, meningkatkan interaksi di website, serta memperbanyak konten edukatif untuk mendorong partisipasi aktif dalam peningkatan online fundraising mereka.
A propósito de “7 días en Entebbe”: una revisión jurídica de la Operación Thunderbolt
Authors: Obregón Fernández Aritz
Published: March 2024

En este artículo sobre cine y Derecho internacional,  atendemos a los hechos narrados en la película “7 días en Entebbe” (2018), del director brasileño José Padilha, a fin de redescubrir y analizar la argumentación jurídica de Israel para justificar la Operación Thunderbolt, destinada a rescatar a los rehenes secuestrados por parte de militantes del Frente Popular para la Liberación de Palestina y la organización alemana Revolutionäre Zellen. Concretamente, identificamos la invocación del derecho a la legítima defensa interpretado conforme a lo señalado en el caso Caroline, una proto-doctrina unwilling or unable, y otros argumentos menores, como el rescate de nacionales en el extranjero o la calificación del secuestro como acto de piratería.
Reading history wrong: the plight of European foreign policy in the Middle East
Authors:   Associate Senior Researcher, CIDOB, Ghiles Francis
Published: March 2024

Since the early 20th century, France and the United Kingdom (UK) and, after 1945, the United States (US), have been getting the Middle East wrong. In 2003, France’s President Chirac and Germany’s Chancellor Schröder refused to endorse what proved to be a catastrophic mistake: the US-led invasion of Iraq. Eight years later, President Sarkozy chose to abandon the wisdom of his predecessor and was a cheerleader for the toppling of the Libyan leader Gaddafi, which allowed Russia back into the Mediterranean area. Western leaders’ misreading of the Middle East has been compounded by the media, whose moral grandstanding has increasingly replaced serious reporting and debate. Middle Eastern countries today are defending their interests aggressively and refusing to play by the rules set in Paris, London or Washington. A new nationalism stalks the region, making diplomacy more transactional.
Experience with the Ketogenic Diet in a Boy with CLCN4 Related Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Authors: Sager G , Yukselmis U , Güzel O , Turkyilmaz A , Akcay M
Published: March 2024

Raynaud-Claes syndrome is rare condition characterized with intellectual disability and is caused by X-linked pathogenic variants in CLCN4 gene. Hemizygous missense variant NM_001830.4: c.1597G>A (p.V533M) was detected in a 6-year-old male followed up with intellectual disability, dysmorphism, and epileptic encephalopathy. The mother and one sister of the patient were also carrying the same variant. The clinical picture of the patient was significantly more severe, and the patient exhibited nonconvulsive status. Tonic status was observed with benzodiazepine treatment and the patient was successfully treated with a ketogenic diet. Many types of seizures can be seen in Raynaud-Claes syndrome, some of which can be life-threatening. CLCN4 variants can be investigated in patients who exhibit an increase in tonic seizures with benzodiazepine treatment. However, ketogenic dietary therapy as first-line treatment can be lifesaving in resistant epilepsy cases caused by the CLCN4 gene.
Chromosomal Abnormalities in Early Pregnancy Losses: A Study of 900 Samples
Authors: Bozhinovski Gj , Terzikj M , Kubelka-Sabit K , Jasar Dz , Lazarevski S , Livrinova V , Plaseska-Karanfilska D
Published: March 2024

Chromosomal abnormalities are the most common causes of early pregnancy losses (EPLs). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence and spectrum of chromosomal abnormalities in EPLs and correlate them with different clinical characteristics. We performed Quantitative Fluorescent PCR (QF-PCR), followed by subtelomeric Multiplex Ligation Probe Amplification (MLPA) analysis to detect chromosomal abnormalities in 900 products of conceptions (POCs) from EPLs collected over a period of 10 years.

Chromosomal abnormalities were present in 56.25% of uncontaminated EPLs, with significantly higher incidence in women ≥36 years (71.37%, p<0.0001) in comparison to women ≤30 years of age (43.40%). Trisomies were also more common in women ≥36 years (79.68%, p<0.0001) than in those ≤30 years of age (48.70%). In contrast, triploidy and monosomies were more prevalent in women ≤30 years of age (26.09%, p<0.0001 and 16.52%, p=0.0066 respectively) than in women ≥36 years of age (6.42% and 6.42% respectively). Trisomy 16 was more common in women ≤30 (39.29%, p=0.0009) than in those ≥36 years of age (16.78%), while trisomy 22 was predominant among women ≥36 (23.49%, p=0.013), and was not present in the group of women ≤30 years of age. The frequency of chromosomal abnormalities in POCs from women with sporadic (61.19%) was higher than in those with recurrent EPLs (55.21%). This difference, however, was not statistically significant (p=0.164). Although some differences in the chromosomal aneuploidy rates among women with different ABO blood groups, as well as among 6–8 and 9–11 gestational week EPLs were observed, further larger studies are required to confirm these findings.

In conclusion, our study enriches the knowledge about chromosomal abnormalities as a cause of EPLs and confirms the higher incidence of foetal chromosomal abnormalities in EPLs in women of older reproductive age. Furthermore, it shows that using QF-PCR and MLPA methodologies, a high detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities in EPLs can be reached.