bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analisis Strategi Pemasaran UMKM Batu Permata Batu di Desa Batu Asih, Kecamatan Cibadak, Kabupaten Sukabumi, Jawa Barat
Authors: Istanti Enny , Ekantoro Julyanto , KN RM Bramastyo
Published: January 2024

Emas global adalah pemasaran yang menerima kompleks kesamaan pasar global (geosentris) melalui integrasi kegiatan pemasaran domestik, asing dan internasional yang dapat menciptakan sinergi sambil mempertahankan tujuan strategis organisasi dan keunggulan kompetitif sebagai kekuatan dalam upaya pemasaran global. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana strategi pemasaran UMKM batu permata di desa Batuasih bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pendapatan keluarga (Studi tentang UMKM di Desa Batuasih, Kecamatan Cibadak, Kabupaten Sukabumi). Metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian kualitatif. Upaya Strategi Pemasaran UMKM yang diterapkan oleh pengrajin batu permata di Desa Batu Asih adalah sebagai berikut:Terbentuknya kelompok pengrajin Batu Permata, Memperkuat Tim Marketing, Penggunaan Media Sosial, Bergabunglah dengan grup penggemar Gemstone, Konsistensi dalam mengunggah konten produk Gemstone, Konsistensi memperbarui isi dan Meningkatkan kualitas produk. Peranan pemerintah Kabupaten sangat bagus, hal ini ditandai dengan diadakannya pelatihan untuk dapat memperoleh pengetahuan baru tentang pembuatan berbagai jenis batu permata dan aksesoris.

Kata Kunci: Strategi Pemasaran, UMKM, Batu permata
Strategi Pengembangan Pasar Wisata Pendidikan Di Renzo Edupark Sukabumi
Authors: Untari Dhian Tyas , Hutahaean Erik Saut H , Khasanah Fata Nidaul , Fahrudin Adi , Perdini Tiara Anggita , Mulyanto Erwan
Published: January 2024

One of the educational tourist destinations in Sukabumi is Renzo Edupark. Renzo Edupark is in Cibadak Sukabumi, in the Dynamix Forest area or used to be called Holcim Education Forest. In its development, developing a marketing strategy is very important to maintain the sustainability of Renzo Edupark as a leading educational tourism destination in Sukabumi. This type of research is qualitative descriptive research. The object of this research is Renzo Edupark which is located in Cibadak District, Sukabumi. Data collection techniques were carried out through observation and interviews. The type of data used is primary data in the form of interviews with management and consumers. Apart from that, this research also uses secondary data obtained from literature studies through journals and books. The data analysis technique used in this research is the IFAS and EFAS matrices, grand matrices and SWOT analysis (Strength, Weakness, Opportinity, Threats).
“God's Mighty Arm Makes the French Victorious”
Authors: Waligore Joseph
Published: January 2024

The deists have commonly been characterized as irreligious thinkers who believed in a distant and inactive deity. This characterization of deism is undermined by the large number of French Revolutionary deists who believed that God worked miracles. Some French Revolutionary deists claimed that God continually led the French armies to victory, while others said that God worked a single miracle. After eliminating the French Revolutionaries who were following the party line when Maximilien Robespierre was in power, there were 72 French Revolutionary deists who believed God worked miracles to help the French Revolution. The French Revolutionary deists shared a common theology with the earlier deists, and many earlier deists also believed that God worked miracles. The Enlightenment deists were much more religious than commonly thought.
Sixteen “Creeds” at the Fin de Siècle
Authors: Bruno-Jofré Rosa , Jover Gonzalo
Published: January 2024

This article examines the pedagogic creeds published in New York and Chicago during 1896 and 1897 in The School Journal. The configuration of ideas framing the creeds reveals the dynamics of modernities and transatlantic crossings, mainly the ideas of Georg W. F. Hegel, Herbert Spencer, Friedrich Froebel, Johann Friedrich Herbart, and Wilhelm Wundt and their contextual adaptation. The creeds are analyzed at the interplay of evolutionism and its versions, including Lamarckianism, developments in psychology, the intersection of Protestantism, and the gendered and racial ordering of society. The child study movement and theories of recapitulation also had a presence. The creeds provide a picture of the ideas at the fin de siècle. They were aimed at reform with various agendas that included social reconstruction with a modernist civilizing agenda, segregationism, and residential/boarding schools for Indigenous children. John Dewey's more well-known and influential creed brought its own unique avenues through his embracement of pragmatism.
Book Reviews
Authors: Beltramini Enrico , Macknight Elisabeth C. , Grey Eloise
Published: January 2024

François Hartog. Chronos: The West Confronts Time. New York: Columbia University Press, 2022. Chapter endnotes and index. 285 pp. (Hb) ISBN 978-0-231- 20312-8; (eBook) ISBN 978-0-231-55488-6. Hb $35; eBook $34.99.

Neil Kenny, ed. Literature, Learning and Social Hierarchy in Early Modern Europe. Proceedings of the British Academy no. 246. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2022. Index. 21 b/w ill. 291 pp. (Hb) ISBN 978-0-19-726733-2. $100

Arunima Datta. Waiting on Empire: A History of Indian Travelling Ayahs in Britain. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2023. Bibliography and index. 150 b/w ill. 320 pp. (Hb) ISBN: 978-0-19-284823-9; $45.

Gunnar Broberg. The Man Who Organized Nature: The Life of Linnaeus. Trans. Anna Paterson. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press, 2023. Bibliography and index. 55 b/w ill. 17 color plates. 512 pp. (Hb) ISBN 978-0-691-21342-2. $39.95.
Psychometric Properties of Job Satisfaction Scale for High School Teachers
Authors: P. Shankar  , K. Subramanyam
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Job satisfaction is a worker’s sense of achievement and success in the job. It is generally perceived to be directly linked to productivity as well as to personal well-being. Job satisfaction implies doing a job one enjoys, doing it well and being rewarded for one’s efforts. This study aimed to develop and assess the psychometric properties of a job satisfaction scale tailored specifically for high school teachers. Job satisfaction among educators is a critical factor influencing not only their well-being but also the quality of education provided to students. Despite the importance of measuring job satisfaction, there remains a lack of specific instruments designed to comprehensively evaluate the unique facets of job satisfaction within the high school teaching context. Aim/Objectives: Psychometric properties of job satisfaction scale for high school teachers and to develop a tool for job satisfaction among high school teachers. Methodology: Sample of the present study consists of 200 high school teachers in Hyderabad city of Telangana state. Tool used was development of the job satisfaction scale by Dr. P. Shankar and Dr. K. Subramanyam. Results: Results revealed that all areas of the tool have high reliability with regard to overall job satisfaction. The strength of the tool is identifying appropriate areas to measure Job satisfaction. Eight areas with suitable items in each area were included in this tool. These areas are more suitable to the high school teachers. In measuring job satisfaction of high school teachers it is more useful. The Job satisfaction scale developed in this study is very straight and simple. It is directly measures job satisfaction. It also have good reliability. This tool can be used for others to meet their purpose. Conclusion: The results offer promising implications for assessing and understanding the factors contributing to teacher job satisfaction, which can ultimately enhance teacher retention and the quality of education in high school settings..
Modern Trends in Complex Treatment of Patients with the Cervical Cancer
Authors: Bondar O.V. , Rybin A.I. , Doikova K.M.
Published: January 2024

Introduction: Complex treatment of patients with the cervical cancer has been studied less. Aims: To assess the effectiveness of combined treatment (surgery + radiomodifier as chemotherapy and radiation therapy) in patients with cervical cancer. Methodology: Retrospective analysis of case histories of 661 patients with cervical cancer. Patients received treatment from 2015 to 2020. All women were divided into 2 subgroups: in the main (n = 336) surgery, radiomodifier and radiation therapy and the control group (n = 325), no radiomodifier was used. Results: An objective response after the first stage of treatment was achieved in 84.3% of patients in the main group and 59.4% of patients in the control group. Intra-systemic administration of cytostatics had a significant effect on the involution of infiltration in comparison with the effect of radiation only. In cases where neoplasm has not reduced, positive changes were observed: the exophytic part of the tumor, its bleeding and the volume of discharge decreased, superficial necrosis decreased or completely disappeared. Out of 336 patients from the main group IB2-III stage, 87% of patients are in remission for more than 3 years. Conclusion: The undeniable advantage combining radiation treatment with chemotherapy has been proven. Current standard may be considered as the weekly introduction of platinum preparations in the process of radiation treatment, as well as the use of fluoropyrimidine derivates as radio-modifying agents. Nature and extent of early complications did not differ reliably in comparison groups.
КРИТЕРІЇ ОПТИМІЗАЦІЇ РЕСУРСНИХ МОЖЛИВОСТЕЙ ПІДПРИЄМСТВ
Authors: АБУШОВ Теймур
Published: January 2024

У статті запропоновано використовувати термін «оптимізація ресурсів» для відображення взаємозв’язку між обсягом витрачених ресурсів та рівнем досягнення цілей підприємства. Відповідно вказаного тлумачення визначено напрями оптимізації використання ресурсів, а саме оптимізація їх кількості, якості, організації забезпечення та управління. Запропоновано управління ресурсами підпорядковувати управлінню розвитком підприємства. Проаналізовано можливості застосовувати поняття «ресурсозбереження», «раціональності» у якості критеріїв оптимізації управління ресурсними можливостями підприємств.
Problemfelder kindlicher Entwicklung
Authors: Wildfeuer Armin
Published: January 2024

Das Buch untersucht Fragen zum Thema Kindheit aus unterschiedlichen Perspektiven. Im Lebensverlauf gesehen gruppieren sich die Beiträge um vorgeburtliche und frühkindliche Entwicklung, Vorschulerziehung, die Kontexte Eltern – Familie – Schule, Gesellschaft – Recht – Kultur sowie die Fragen von Glaube und Religion.
Internet basierte Ausbildungssupervision
Authors: Ziemons Michael
Published: January 2024

Ausbildungssupervision ist ein wertvoller Bestandteil der Praxisbegleitung in Studiengängen der Sozialen Arbeit und darüber hinaus. Befinden sich Supervisand und Supervisor räumlich weit von einander entfernt, ist das Internet meist die einzige Möglichkeit, die supervisorische Begleitung sicher zu stellen. Der Autor zeigt Wege auf, wie dies mit Hilfe von E-Mail und Internettelefonie gelingen kann, evaluiert die Verfahren und gewinnt so wertvolle Erkenntnisse für die Weiterentwicklung Internet basierter Supervision.
Adjunct Methods for Alzheimer’s Disease Detection: A Review of Auditory Evoked Potentials
Authors: Wei Guoliang , Tian Xuelong , Yang Hong , Luo Yinpei , Liu Guisong , Sun Shuqing , Wang Xing , Wen Huizhong
Published: January 2024

The auditory afferent pathway as a clinical marker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has sparked interest in investigating the relationship between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and AD. Given the earlier onset of ARHL compared to cognitive impairment caused by AD, there is a growing emphasis on early diagnosis and intervention to postpone or prevent the progression from ARHL to AD. In this context, auditory evoked potentials (AEPs) have emerged as a widely used objective auditory electrophysiological technique for both the clinical diagnosis and animal experimentation in ARHL due to their non-invasive and repeatable nature. This review focuses on the application of AEPs in AD detection and the auditory nerve system corresponding to different latencies of AEPs. Our objective was to establish AEPs as a systematic and non-invasive adjunct method for enhancing the diagnostic accuracy of AD. The success of AEPs in the early detection and prediction of AD in research settings underscores the need for further clinical application and study.
Imaging of subsurface defects with surface wave SAFT based on an array pickup EMAT
Authors: Deng Jie , Pei Cuixiang , Zhang Yuange , Qu Yinqiang , Deng Ke , Chen Hong-En , Chen Zhenmao
Published: January 2024

It is necessary to detect subsurface defects for a key metallic structural component especially a multilayer coating to ensure its structural integrity. In this paper, an imaging algorithm using the synthetic aperture focusing technique (SAFT) is developed for processing surface wave signals of array pickup electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) to improve its signal-to-noise ratio and detectability of subsurface defects. In addition, an array pickup unit of surface wave EMAT with gap configuration is proposed to receive multi-channel surface wave signals and is optimized by adjusting its coil configuration such as number, spacing and detection distance in order to obtain better SAFT imaging result. Both simulation and measured EMAT surface wave signals are used for the defect imaging and all the results verified the validity and the efficiency of the proposed method.
Re-examining the bias and market inefficiency in eSports betting markets: On the application of multivariate regression model
Authors: Li Shanglin , Xiao Juan , Li Yalan , Chen Xuegang
Published: January 2024

Favorite-longshot and reverse favorite-longshot biases have become widespread in various traditional sports betting markets in recent years. However, there is a limited number of investigations that have been conducted on the eSports betting market or the bettors that operate within it. In the present research, we have made efforts to re-examine the bias and market inefficiency in four typical eSport games: League of Legends, Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, Dota 2, and King of Glory. Due to the natural characteristics of e-sports, we analyze the reasons for the market biases from 4 aspects: commission, region, match format, and tournaments. We find that both the favorite-longshot and reverse favorite-longshot bias occur in eSports. Moreover, the distribution of these betting biases is completely different among different eSports game titles and tournaments. The results of the weighted linear regression model reveal that long match format is the important factor of long-short bias, while regional tournaments are the important factor of reverse long-short bias in League of Legends.
Ranking DMUs by using interval efficiencies in data envelopment analysis
Authors: Zhang Xing-Xian , Liu Wenli , Wang Xu , Zuo Wenjin , Wang Ying-Ming , Sun Licheng
Published: January 2024

Efficiency is a relative measure that allows assessment across different ranges. Evaluating the performance of decision-making units (DMUs) from an optimistic perspective yields the best relative efficiency (optimistic efficiency), which establishes an efficiency frontier. Conversely, evaluating from a pessimistic perspective produces the worst relative efficiency (pessimistic efficiency) and creates an inefficiency frontier. This study examines the efficiency of DMUs in two scenarios and proposes models for adjustment coefficient. The pessimistic and optimistic efficiencies are adjusted to the lower and upper bounds of the DMUs based on the adjustment coefficient, enabling determination of efficiency intervals for all DMUs, as well as evaluation and ranking. A Hurwicz criterion-based approach is introduced and applied to compare and rank the interval efficiencies of DMUs. Two numerical examples are examined using the proposed DEA adjustment coefficient models to demonstrate its potential application and validity.
Dynamic trusted cross-layer IDS for secured communications in wireless networks using routing algorithm and FT-CNN
Authors: Mohan Raj K.R. , Katiravan Jeevaa
Published: January 2024

Recently, security has been necessary in this computer world due to the fast development of technology and enormous user strength. The different kinds of security mechanisms including the Intrusion Detection System (IDS) were developed by many researchers to confirm the security of the data in the communication process. In general, the IDS are used to detect anomalous nodes, and attacks and increase the security level. Even though, the various disadvantages are available to ensure the data reliability on different kinds of applications. For this purpose, this work proposes a cross-layer IDS that is a combination of the trust-based secure routing method, attribute selection and classification algorithms. This study introduces a novel attribute selection approach known as the Weighted Genetic Feature Selection Algorithm (WGFSA). This method is designed to identify and prioritize valuable attributes within the context of network, physical, and data link layers. And introduce a deep classifier called the Hyperparameter-Tuned Fuzzy Temporal Convolutional Neural Network (HFT-CNN) for efficient categorization. Additionally, we propose a pioneering secure routing algorithm known as the Fuzzy Logic and Time-Constrained Dynamic Trusted Cross-Layer-Based Secure Routing Algorithm (FCSRA) to ensure the secure transmission of data packets. The effectiveness of the newly developed system is proved by conducting experiments with the network, standard Aegean Wi-Fi intrusion dataset (AWID) and proved superior to other systems in delay, energy consumption, packet delivery rate, and prediction accuracy.
Evaluation model of students’ English learning ability based on fuzzy logic system
Authors: You Haoyang
Published: January 2024

Students’ English learning ability depends on the knowledge and practice provided during the teaching sessions. Besides, language usage improves the self-ability to scale up the learning levels for professional communication. Therefore, the appraisal identification and ability estimation are expected to be consistent for different English learning levels. This paper introduces Performance Data-based Appraisal Identification Model (PDAIM) to support such reference. This proposed model is computed using fuzzy logic to identify learning level lags. The lag in performance and retains in scaling-up are identified using different fuzzification levels. The study suggests a fuzzy logic model pinpointing learning level gaps and consistently evaluating performance across various English learning levels. The PDAIM model gathers high and low degrees of variance in the learning process to give students flexible learning knowledge. Based on the student’s performance and capacity for knowledge retention, it enables scaling up the learning levels for professional communication. The performance measure in the model is adjusted to accommodate the student’s diverse grades within discernible assessment boundaries. This individualized method offers focused education and advancement to students’ unique requirements and skills. The model contains continuous normalization to enhance the fuzzification process by employing prior lags and retentions. Several indicators, including appraisal rate, lag detection, number of retentions, data analysis rate, and analysis time, are used to validate the PDAIM model’s performance. The model may adjust to the various performance levels and offer pertinent feedback using fuzzification. The high and low variation levels in the learning process are accumulated to provide adaptable learning knowledge to the students. Therefore, the performance measure is modified to fit the student’s various grades under distinguishable appraisal limits. If a consistent appraisal level from the fuzzification is observed for continuous sessions, then the learning is scaled up to the next level, failing, which results in retention. This proposed model occupies constant normalization for improving the fuzzification using previous lags and retentions. Hence the performance of this model is validated using appraisal rate, lag detection, number of retentions, data analysis rate, and analysis time.
RETRACTED: Fuzzy association rule mining for personalized the Chinese language teaching from higher education
Authors: Zhao Dongping
Published: January 2024

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
RETRACTED: Detecting video forgery: A machine learning approach for consistency analysis of video frames
Authors: Pandey Raksha , Kushwaha Alok Kumar Singh , Kumar Vinay
Published: January 2024

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
A novel hybrid optimization ensemble learning approach for energy futures price forecasting
Authors: Zhan Linjie , Tang Zhenpeng
Published: January 2024

Effective energy futures price prediction is an important work in the energy market. However, the existing research on the application of “decomposition-prediction” framework still has shortcomings in noise processing and signal reconstruction. In view of this, this paper first uses PSO to optimize VMD to improve the effectiveness of single decomposition, and further uses SGMD to capture the remaining key information after extracting low-frequency modal components by using PSO-VMD technology. Further, combined with LSTM to predict each component, a new PSO-VMD-SGMD-LSTM hybrid model is innovatively constructed. The empirical research results based on the real energy market transaction price show that compared with the benchmark model, the hybrid model proposed in this paper has obvious forecasting advantages in different forecasting scenarios.
RETRACTED: Cloud computing encrypted image retrieval strategy in cloud computing using a hybrid optimization algorithm
Authors: Sundar R. , Purushotham Reddy M. , Sethy Abhisek , Selvam K. , Abidin Shafiqul , Chakrabarti Prasun , Nagarjuna Valeti , Ravuri Ananda , Selvan P.
Published: January 2024

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Working Memory Training Responsiveness in Parkinson’s Disease Is Not Determined by Cortical Thickness or White Matter Lesions
Authors: Giehl Kathrin , Theis Hendrik , Ophey Anja , Hammes Jochen , Reker Paul , Eggers Carsten , Fink Gereon R. , Kalbe Elke , van Eimeren Thilo
Published: January 2024

Patients with Parkinson’s disease are highly vulnerable for cognitive decline. Thus, early intervention by means of working memory training (WMT) may be effective for the preservation of cognition. However, the influence of structural brain properties, i.e., cortical thickness and volume of white matter lesions on training responsiveness have not been studied. Here, behavioral and neuroimaging data of 46 patients with Parkinson’s disease, 21 of whom engaged in home-based, computerized adaptive WMT, was analyzed. While cortical thickness and white matter lesions volume were associated with cognitive performance at baseline, these structural brain properties do not seem to determine WMT responsiveness.
Finding repeatable progressive pass clusters and application in international football
Authors: Deb Bikash , Fernandez-Navarro Javier , McRobert Allistair P. , Jarman Ian
Published: January 2024

Progressive passing in football (soccer) is a key aspect in creating positive possession outcomes. Whilst this is well established, there is not a consistent way to describe the different types of progressive passes. We expand on the previous literature, providing a complete methodological approach to progressive pass clustering from selection of the number of clusters (k) to risk-reward profiling of these progressive pass types. In this paper the Separation and Concordance (SeCo) framework is utilised to provide a process to analyse k-means clustering solutions in a more repeatable way. The results demonstrate that we can find stable progressive pass clusters in International Football and their efficacy with progressive passes “Mid Central to Mid Half Space” in build-up and “Mid Half Space to Final Central” into the final 3rd having the best balance between risk (turnover) and reward (shot created) in the subsequent possession. This allowed for opposition profiling of player and team patterns in different phases of play, with a case study presented for the teams in the Last 16 of the 2022 World Cup.
Adjuvant Therapy in Renal Cell Cancer
Authors: Jackson-Spence Francesca , Young Matthew , Jovaisaite Agne , Szabados Bernadett , Powles Thomas
Published: January 2024

A number of adjuvant trials have attempted to improve outcomes for patients following nephrectomy for renal cell carcinoma (RCC). This was initially with cytokines and then Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) targeted therapies. More recently, a series of adjuvant immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) studies have been published. To date, only the KEYNOTE— 564 study using adjuvant pembrolizumab has positive Disease-Free Survival (DFS) data with an acceptable toxicity profile. There are many negative ICI and anti-VEGF adjuvant trials, which raises uncertainty. Further randomised trials may be required but importantly biomarker studies are needed to identify those individuals who may benefit from adjuvant therapy.
Utility of in-session assessments during cognitive behavioral therapy for depression after traumatic brain injury: Results from a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Erickson Jennifer M. , Williams Ryan , Bombardier Charles H. , Fann Jesse R.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: The development of depression after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is common. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to treat post-TBI depression, but the symptoms response is poorly described. OBJECTIVE: This secondary analysis assessed: (1) the trajectory of depression symptoms up to 12 sessions of CBT, (2) which depressive symptom clusters were responsive to in-person and phone CBT, and (3) whether interim depression thresholds predict 16-week treatment response. METHOD: This secondary analysis of the IRB-approved Life Improvement Following Traumatic Brain Injury trial included 100 adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) within ten years of moderate to severe traumatic brain injury from throughout the US. We used a combination of descriptive, graphical, and diagnostic accuracy methods. RESULTS: Cardinal and cognitive-affective symptom clusters improved most from CBT over 16 weeks. At 8 and 16 weeks, the most responsive individual symptoms were anhedonia, depressed mood, and fatigue; the least responsive were sleep and appetite. PHQ-9 thresholds with a Negative Predictive Value greater than 0.7 for sessions 6, 7, and 8 were, respectively: >15, >10, and >9. CONCLUSION: In-person and phone CBT led to similar symptom responses during treatment. Additionally, using PHQ-9 thresholds for predicting intervention response within eight sessions may help identify the need for treatment adjustments.
Comorbid treatment of traumatic brain injury and mental health disorders
Authors: Ragsdale Katie A. , Nichols Anastacia A. , Mehta Mansi , Maples-Keller Jessica L. , Yasinski Carly W. , Hyatt Courtland S. , Watkins Laura E. , Loucks Laura A. , Carbone Elizabeth , Rauch Sheila A. M. , Rothbaum Barbara O.
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program (EHVP) is a multidisciplinary intensive outpatient treatment program for post-9/11 veterans and service members with invisible wounds, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), substance use disorders (SUD), and other anxiety- and depression-related disorders. OBJECTIVE: This article reviews the EHVP. METHODS: The different treatment tracks that provide integrated and comprehensive treatment are highlighted along with a review of the standard, adjunctive, and auxiliary services that complement individualized treatment plans. RESULTS: This review particularly emphasizes the adjunctive neurorehabilitation service offered to veterans and service members with a TBI history and the EVHP data that indicate large reductions in PTSD and depression symptoms across treatment tracks that are maintained across 12 months follow up. Finally, there is a discussion of possible suboptimal treatment response and the pilot programs related to different treatment augmentation strategies being deploying to ensure optimal treatment response for all. CONCLUSION: Published data indicate that the two-week intensive outpatient program is an effective treatment program for a variety of complex presentations of PTSD, TBI, SUD, and other anxiety- and depression-related disorders in veterans and active duty service members.
Improvement of differential diagnosis of lung cancer by use of multiple protein tumor marker combinations
Authors: Trulson Inga , Klawonn Frank , von Pawel Joachim , Holdenrieder Stefan
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Differential diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in hospitalized patients is crucial for appropriate treatment choice.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the relevance of serum tumor markers (STMs) and their combinations for the differentiation of NSCLC and SCLC subtypes.

METHODS:

Between 2000 and 2003, 10 established STMs were assessed retrospectively in 311 patients with NSCLC, 128 with SCLC prior systemic first-line therapy and 51 controls with benign lung diseases (BLD), by automatized electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technology. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and logistic regression analyses were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of both individual and multiple STMs with corresponding sensitivities at 90% specificity. Standards for Reporting of Diagnostic Accuracy (STARD guidelines) were followed.

RESULTS:

CYFRA 21-1 (cytokeratin-19 fragment), CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) and NSE (neuron specific enolase) were significantly higher in all lung cancers vs BLD, reaching AUCs of 0.81 (95% CI 0.76–0.87), 0.78 (0.73–0.84), and 0.88 (0.84–0.93), respectively. By the three marker combination, the discrimination between benign and all malignant cases was improved resulting in an AUC of 0.93 (95% CI 0.90–0.96). In NSCLC vs. BLD, CYFRA 21-1, CEA and NSE were best discriminative STMs, with AUCs of 0.86 (95% CI 0.81–0.91), 0.80 (0.74–0.85), and 0.85 (0.79–0.91). The three marker combination also improved the AUC: 0.92; 95% CI 0.89–0.96). In SCLC vs. BLD, ProGRP (pro-gastrin-releasing peptide) and NSE were best discriminative STMs, with AUCs of 0.89 (95% CI 0.84–0.94) and 0.96 (0.93–0.98), respectively, and slightly improved AUC of 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.99) when in combination. Finally, discrimination between SCLC and NSCLC was possible by ProGRP (AUC 0.86; 95% CI 0.81–0.91), NSE (AUC 0.83; 0.78–0.88) and CYFRA 21-1 (AUC 0.69; 0.64–0.75) and by the combination of the 3 STMs (AUC 0.93; 0.91–0.96), with a sensitivity of 88% at 90% specificity.

CONCLUSIONS:

The results confirm the power of STM combinations for the differential diagnosis of lung cancer from benign lesions and between histological lung cancer subtypes.
Application of the thermoelectric cooling system in making a cooling belt: A case of heat stress control measure device
Authors: Samani Ali Sahraneshin , Ghavamabadi Leila Ibrahimi , Dehaghi Behzad Fouladi
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Climate change and global warming are emerging as new challenges worldwide. The World Meteorological Organization has reported that the temperature is expected to rise by an average of 1.2°C between 2021–2025. This increase in temperature will expose more and more workers to extreme heat. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the possibility of using thermoelectric coolers for cooling the water circulation circuit of a cooling belt, which can be used for extended periods in high-temperature environments. METHODS: A cooling belt was designed using thermoelectric coolers (TEC) and two blowers. The TECs were equipped with heat sinks and heat exchange block made of aluminum at hot and cold sides to exchange heat effectively. RESULTS: The experiment was conducted under actual environmental temperature conditions during three different time periods, with mean temperatures of 31, 48, and 41°C. The mean temperature of the belt section was recorded as 20.73, 24.52, and 21.38°C, respectively. The maximum average difference between the inlet air temperature and the inside cooling belt temperature was 40.45°C. CONCLUSION: The experiment revealed that the cooling performance of the designed prototype remained within an acceptable range (18°C) despite the increase in ambient temperature. Moreover, the cooling system can be utilized in high-heat environments to reduce thermal stress.
Approaches for Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS)/Stereotactic Radiotherapy (SRT) in brain metastases using different radiotherapy modalities (Feasibility study)
Authors: Tawfik Zyad A. , Farid Mohamed El-Azab , El Shahat Khaled M. , Hussein Ahmed A. , Al Etreby Mostafa
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

SRS and SRT are precise treatments for brain metastases, delivering high doses while minimizing doses to nearby organs. Modern linear accelerators enable the precise delivery of SRS/SRT using different modalities like three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT), intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), and Rapid Arc (RA).

OBJECTIVE:

This study aims to compare dosimetric differences and evaluate the effectiveness of 3DCRT, IMRT, and Rapid Arc techniques in SRS/SRT for brain metastases.

METHODS:

10 patients with brain metastases, 3 patients assigned for SRT, and 7 patients for SRS. For each patient, 3 treatment plans were generated using the Eclipse treatment planning system using different treatment modalities.

RESULTS:

No statistically significant differences were observed among the three techniques in the homogeneity index (HI), maximum D2%, and minimum D98% doses for the target, with a p > 0.05. The RA demonstrated a better conformity index of 1.14±0.25 than both IMRT 1.21±0.26 and 3DCRT 1.37±0.31. 3DCRT and IMRT had lower Gradient Index values compared to RA, suggesting that they achieved a better dose gradient than RA. The mean treatment time decreased by 26.2% and 10.3% for 3DCRT and RA, respectively, compared to IMRT. In organs at risk, 3DCRT had lower maximum doses than IMRT and RA, but some differences were not statistically significant. However, in the brain stem and brain tissues, RA exhibited lower maximum doses compared to IMRT and 3DCRT. Additionally, RA and IMRT had lower V15Gy, V12Gy, and V9Gy values compared to 3DCRT.

CONCLUSION:

While 3D-CRT delivered lower doses to organs at risk, RA and IMRT provided better conformity and target coverage. RA effectively controlled the maximum dose and irradiated volume of normal brain tissue. Overall, these findings indicate that 3DCRT, RA, and IMRT are suitable for treating brain metastases in SRS/SRT due to their improved dose conformity and target coverage while minimizing dose to healthy tissues.
Assessing the Impact of Public Behavior and Industrial Emissions on Ambient Air Quality in Pakistan
Authors: Ghaffar Waseem
Published: January 2024

Air pollution is a growing environmental concern worldwide, and Pakistan is no exception. The study investigates the impact of industrial emissions, as well as public behavior, on air pollution in Pakistan. For this purpose, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted among a sample size of 100 participants, including students, professors, and government employees. The goal was to assess their attitudes, practices, and understanding regarding air pollution, as well as their perception and contribution to the relevant issues and their role concerning industries and vehicles. The findings revealed significant insights into the prevailing situation. The respondents recognized the contributions of industrial emissions to pollution levels. However, a substantial portion of the participants exhibited limited knowledge regarding specific pollutants and their sources. These responses clarified certain facets regarding public behavior, including transportation choices, waste management practices, and energy-efficient technologies. It was evident that sustainable modes of transportation, such as cycling or public transportation, were underutilized, with personal vehicles being the primary choice. Furthermore, significant challenges were identified as a lack of proper waste management practices and the low adoption of energy-efficient technologies. Based on these findings, it is crucial to implement targeted interventions and raise awareness to address air pollution in Pakistan effectively. The study highlighted that there is adire need for increased education and public outreach initiatives to improve knowledge regarding air pollutants and their sources. Policies that support environmentally friendly transportation choices and encourage industry adoption of cleaner technologies should also be developed.
Impact of Mindfulness and Coping Strategies on the Career Orientation among the University Students of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Mirza Humira
Published: January 2024

Mindfulness can be a way to create an understanding of one’s self. The current study gives an insight into students who deploy coping strategies and mindfulness as prevailing techniques when they face difficulties along with the indication that can make them able to disengage or reengage from unattainable careers. Moreover, the research study adds to a growing body of research highlighting the relationship between mindfulness and coping strategies in terms of career orientation among university students in Lahore, Pakistan. For this purpose, a sample size of 377 students was gathered through a survey method. The responses were analyzed by using 25 versions of the Statistics Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Usually, SPSS is used for measuring relationships by conducting a regression analysis, descriptive analysis, model summary, and ANOVA. The findings of this study reveal that mindfulness and coping strategies significantly impact career orientation without a doubt the more mindful students could be the more likely they are to disengage from failures or unattainable goals in making career decision and be hopeful about future. It suggests that mindfulness ability can improve the student goal adjustment abilities confronted challenges in future. So as to align their effects and drive themselves towards realistic goal As a result, mindfulness and coping strategies can be considered as key strategies towards building a successful career orientation. Additionally, these developmental strategies are recommended to the universities for a developed student career orientation.
Securitization of US-CHINA Relations: A Catalyst for Confrontation
Authors: Ahmad Fahad
Published: January 2024

Securitization theory, an emerging perspective in the contemporary international system where states view their relations with other states through this theoretical framework. This theory explains how one state shape a non-security issue into a security issue. The United States for the past few years has been portraying China as an existential threat to its vital national interest and the interests of the global community at large. This threat perception and cold war mentality have been portrayed at all levels and in every discourse, with some intellectuals trying to link this to the ‘Thucydides Trap’. The study uses qualitative research methodology, relying on secondary data from different articles, book journals, interview transcripts, and other important sources. Discourse analysis has been used to analyze secondary data. The purpose of this paper is to understand and comprehend how this relationship has been securitized, evolving from engagement to confrontation. The study also seeks to determine whether such construction of China’s image is empirically justifiable or is merely based on rhetoric and propaganda to contain its rise. Furthermore, it explores how the potential of securitization can increase the intensity of already deteriorating relations between the US and China toward confrontation. To sum up, the importance of securitization and its impact on the dynamics between the two nations has been thoroughly discussed.
The Impact of Pedagogical Skills, Curriculum Quality, Support from Parents and School Infrastructure on Job Satisfaction of Public Primary School Teachers
Authors: Khan Momina Maryam
Published: January 2024

Teachers are builders of nations because the quality that defines a country's students is closely tied to its educational system. The study project reflects on the elements affecting teachers' work satisfaction in schools. The study assessed the extent to which pedagogical skills, curriculum quality, parental support, and school infrastructure condition affect teachers' satisfaction. In this study, a quantitative survey approach was employed to collect primary data through questionnaires. The study focused on teachers in public primary schools and utilized a convenience non-probability sampling method to gather information from a sample group of 100 public primary school teachers. In alignment with the study's objectives, the research applied multiple linear regression analysis to explore the relationships between variables. The findings of the study showed that curriculum quality, infrastructure condition of public primary schools in Pakistan and parents’ support have a positive important impact on job satisfaction of teachers working there, however, pedagogical skills does not showed significant impression on satisfaction levels of the teachers working in such schools. The study recommended that keen attention should be given to raise the satisfaction level of teachers working in public schools by improving conditions of these schools, by raising awareness for parents and including teachers in curriculum selection and adoption.
Improvement of handling properties of naproxen using ordered mixing method
Authors: Przywara Mateusz , Leś Karolina Maria , Piwódzka Marta , Chutkowski Marcin , Opaliński Ireneusz
Published: January 2024

Przedmiot badań: Znaczną część surowców stosowanych w produkcji farmaceutycznej stanowią materiały sypkie. Jednym z kluczowych parametrów wpływających na jakość procesu produkcyjnego oraz produktu farmaceutycznego i określającym właściwości przetwórcze surowców przy wytwarzaniu stałych form leków jest zdolność płynięcia materiału sypkiego. Zdolność płynięcia jest ważna w przypadku dawkowania objętościowego materiałów proszkowych, przy produkcji tabletek, kapsułek, czy granulatów.
Cel badań: Celem pracy było opracowanie metody poprawy sypkości naproksenu z wykorzystaniem procesu mieszania interaktywnego prowadzonego w szybkoobrotowym mieszalniko–granulatorze. Naproksen mieszano z krzemionką płomieniową. Przeprowadzono proces doboru parametrów mieszania interaktywnego, tj. prędkości mieszadła głównego oraz bocznego i oceniono ich wpływ na sypkość naproksenu. Przeprowadzono również analizę wpływu czasu trwania procesu na zdolność płynięcia badanego materiału.
Materiał i metody: W badaniach wykorzystywano naproksen, który domieszkowano nanometryczną krzemionką płomieniową o charakterze hydrofilowym o nazwie handlowej AEROSIL® 200. Mieszanie interaktywne prowadzono w szybkoobrotowym mieszalniko–granulatorze. Zdolność płynięcia uzyskanych mieszanek oceniano w oparciu o wybrane wskaźniki Carra.
Wyniki: Uzyskano obniżenie wartości kąta nasypu o ok. 20 deg i ściśliwości o ok. 20% oraz zwiększenie wartości kąta różnicowego o ok. 8 deg w porównaniu do materiału wyjściowego. Znaczącą poprawę sypkości naproksenu uzyskuje się już po 5 min mieszania przy prędkości obrotowej mieszadła głównego 150–300 obr./min i bocznego 300–1500 obr./min.
Wnioski: Metoda pozwala na ograniczenie ilości użytego środka poślizgowego w porównaniu do tradycyjnych metod mieszania wykorzystujących głównie mieszalniki przesypowe. Poprawa zdolności płynięcia wpływa korzystnie na dalsze etapy produkcji substancji leczniczych zawierających naproksen, tj. mieszanie z pozostałymi składnikami leku, tabletkowanie czy kapsułkowanie.
Berberis thunbergii (Berberis thunbergii DC.) as a little-known representative of the genus Berberis L. in pharmacy - chemical composition, biological activity and perspectives of application
Authors: Och Anna , Orzechowska Karolina
Published: January 2024

Streszczenie: Przedmiotem przeglądu były dane na temat gatunku berberys Thunberga, który jest stosunkowo słabo poznany, zarówno w zakresie składu chemicznego jak i aktywności biologicznej oraz berberyny, aktualnie intensywnie badanego alkaloidu. Przedmiotem przeglądu było również porównanie z innymi gatunkami należącymi do rodzaju Berberis L. Rodzaj obejmuje około 580 gatunków krzewów, z których stosunkowo niewiele zostało ocenionych pod kątem składu chemicznego i aktywności biologicznej. Celem pracy było uporządkowanie aktualnej wiedzy na temat składu chemicznego jak i aktywności biologicznej gatunku, który znany jest głównie tylko jako popularna roślina ogrodowa. Celem pracy była również ocena perspektyw surowca zielarskiego w farmacji jako źródła berberyny. Dokonano przeglądu baz naukowych danych SCOPUS, PubMED, PubChem, Google Scholar oraz ClinicalTrialsGov używając słów kluczowych: anticancer activity of Berberis thunbergii, biological activity of Berberis thunbergii, Berberis in traditional medicine oraz berberine. Przeszukano około stu artykułów i wybrano dane wnoszące aktualną wiedzę na temat gatunku. Berberys Thunberga jest cennym surowcem alkaloidowym. Zawiera w swoim składzie m.in. berberynę. Jest to ważny alkaloid, który budzi aktualnie spore zainteresowanie i ma coraz większe perspektywy w farmacji. Jest to związek niosący spore nadzieje dla pacjentów, jednak wciąż ograniczone jest jego stosowanie ze względu na niską biodostępność. Stąd bardzo ważne badania nad nowymi formami podania. Istnieje duża potrzeba dalszych badań nad zawartością związków czynnych w wyciągach z poszczególnych części berberysu Thunberga oraz ich działaniem farmakologicznym w wielu jeszcze niezbadanych zakresach, ponieważ ekstrakty roślinne często charakteryzują się zjawiskiem synergizmu, co może być kluczowe w przypadku problemów z farmakokinetyką berberyny i aktualną potrzebą dopracowania formy jej podania. Berberys Thunberga jest wartościowym surowcem zielarskim, szczególnie ze względu na zawartość berberyny jak również pozostałych aktywnych biologicznie alkaloidów który i powinien dalej być badany szczególnie pod kątem aktywności przeciwnowotworowej, przeciwcukrzycowej jak również chemoprewencyjnej.