bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Burden on Caregivers of Schizophrenic Patients at Polyclinic Outpatient Psychiatric Department, Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital, the Gambia
Authors: Marega Jarra , Bah Haddy Tunkara
Published: April 2023

The de-institutionalization of mentally-ill persons has led to many patients residing in the communities with family members and shifting the burden of care and caregiving from hospitals to homes The aim of the study was to determine the burden on caregivers of schizophrenic patients at of Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH). The study sample consisted of 161 randomly selected schizophrenic patients’ caregivers. The GHQ-12 questionnaire was used to determine the general health status of the caregivers. The caregivers’ burden was assessed using the Zarit Burden Scale. The data was collected using the researcher-administered method. The collected data was analyzed with IBM SPSS Version 20 using descriptive, mean differences and General Linear Model (GLM). The main findings of this study showed a significant high level of burden on the caregivers. Most of them experienced a high level of physical (70%), psychological (93.2%), social (78.3%) and financial (55.3%) burden. Employment status, specifically unemployed and belonging to the Wolof ethnic group were significant predictors of the level of financial burden on the caregivers. Similarly, the total score of social burden was also significantly higher among the unemployed caregivers. Educational level was a significant predictor of the total score on psychological and physical burden. The caregivers of schizophrenic patients at EFSTH are experiencing a high level of burden as a result of their care giving role which is affecting their health and this call for an urgent intervention.
Impact of regular mortality and morbidity conferences on preventable death rates.
Authors: Motsumi Mpapho Joseph , Chinyepi Nkhabe , Rackara Samuel , Lwango Rashid , Kapinga Getrude , Ngwako Karabo , Sentsho Maranatha , Leshomo Tefo , Chilisa Unami , Motlaleselelo Pako , Lekgowe Elijah Kopo
Published: April 2023

Introduction: The role of mortality and morbidity conferences (M&MC) in surgical departments is to provide education and improve patient care. However, evidence in the literature that M&MCs reduce preventable deaths is sparse. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of routine M&MC on the preventable death rate over four years.
Methodology: This study used a quantitative research methodology. In this retrospective audit of the M&MC data, we collected all mortality data from the date the database started, July 2016, to December 2019, for the surgery department. The department adopted and adapted the criteria and definitions of preventability based on WHO guidelines for trauma quality improvement programs. We used the Pearson correlation statistic to evaluate the correlation between the time (years) since the start of routine M&MC and the preventable death rate. We secured ethical approval.
Results: There were 4660 registered admissions from July 2016 to December 2019. Of these, 267 deaths were recorded, resulting in a crude mortality rate of 6%. Overall, the department considered 23% (61/267) of the deaths as preventable. A strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.982, p = 0.009) between the preventable death rate and time(years) since the commencement of routine M&MC was found. Trauma was the leading cause of preventable deaths (27.0%, 17/61).
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that routine M&MCs have the desired effect of reducing preventable death rates. Further studies are required to investigate this observed effect.
Modeling germination responses of three stem-succulent halophytes of Mediterranean salt marshes to salinity and temperature
Authors: Hayder Zaineb , Sekrafi Mansour , Tlili Abderrazak , Boughalleb Fayçal , Bakhshandeh Esmaeil , Abdellaoui Raoudha , Tarhouni Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Quantification of germination niches under salt stress, temperature, and their interaction using population-based threshold models is important to predict seedling emergence patterns. Seeds of Sarcocornia fruticosa, Sarcocornia alpini, and Salicornia emerici were treated with various temperatures at different NaCl concentrations. Results indicated that the median base NaCl concentration was roughly steady (0.68, 0.73, and 0.70M, respectively) at sub-optimal temperature, then decreased linearly at supra-optimal temperature until the ceiling temperature (Tc). The estimated base, optimum and ceiling temperatures, in water, were − 0.5, 15 and 29°C for Sarcocornia fruticosa, − 2.5, 11 and 24°C for Sarcocornia alpini, and 9.5, 25 and 40°C for Salicornia emerici, respectively. At all species, the base temperature has not changed with the salinity while both optimum and ceiling temperatures decreased. Also, Salicornia emerici showed rapid and synchronized germination when salinity decreases during the rainy season coinciding with favorable temperatures compared with other species.
Efficiency of Healthcare Expenditure in the Pre-Pandemic and Pandemic Periods
Authors: Vysochyna Alina , Kwilinski Aleksy
Published: April 2023

Via bibliometric analysis, the research identifies the contextual vectors of the healthcare financial provision effectiveness. Moreover, we broaden the empirical substantiation of panel data regression modelling for 34 European countries. In particular, we define performance of public (budgetary) and private financing to reduce the mortality rate and raise life expectancy in pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. The systematization of existing literature sources and approaches to solving the problem is implemented by means of bibliometric and monographic analysis. Consequently, there are 6 contextual clusters of scientific research on determining the healthcare financial provision effectiveness in the modern science. Within the analysed works, researchers mainly study general prerequisites of the healthcare financial provision effectiveness. The optimal cost formation of medical services for diagnosing and treating diseases is reproduced as well. The issue urgency consists in analysing the efficient patterns of spending various funds to decrease the mortality rate and increase life expectancy in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Subsequently, we detect some general parameters of healthcare resistance to counter shocks similar to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper, we show statistical analysis of mortality indexes (total and COVID-19). Among 34 European countries, the highest and lowest efficiency levels were identified within these parameters. The study empirical block constructs 8 regression models on panel data. They differ in dependent (mortality rate or life expectancy) or independent variables (block 1: current and capital healthcare expenditures in GDP; block 2: current healthcare expenditures), and modelling period (pre-pandemic – 2000-2019, pandemic– 2020-2022 or the current period). The modelling results represent financial drivers and change inhibitors of the mortality rate and life expectancy during the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods. Therefore, we established the most effective groups of healthcare expenditures, which is based on the country epidemiological situation. The obtained results can be useful for scientists, representatives of state and local authorities.
Factors Influencing Consumer Decision to Purchase a Car
Authors: Nerurkar Varad , Barge Prashant , Bhatt Vimal , Rastogi Shailesh , Agarwal Bhakti
Published: April 2023

This study is conducted to understand consumers’ preferences with different demographic variables on their car purchase decision based on features the car offers and the cost consciousness variables considered mainly by consumers, as suggested by previous studies on this topic. The judgmental survey method was used for this research using a structured & non-disguised questionnaire to collect the responses. The pilot survey was used to understand the instrument’s reliability and validity total of 200 respondents were contacted, but 143 responses were received. The response rate was almost 72% of the reached respondents. But, only 103 usable responses were considered for analysis as there were 40 responses found not to be a worthwhile while. 13 were inconsistent with their answers, 22 had missing values with essential questions, and the remaining 5 were outliers in their response. The shortlisted sample size (with almost 50% responses) is adequate for this type of research. Factor analysis with PCA is performed to group the variables and define the dependent variables for this study. The two dependent variables were defined from this. They are described as features of the cars and cost consciousness. Then ANOVA is used to get p-values for the regression scores of the independent demographic variables to understand the impact. The findings of this study show that none of the essential demographic variables of consumers (here gender, education, occupation and age) has shown a significant impact with features and cost consciousness as dependent variables in car purchase decisions. These findings contradict the studies done in the past. It is find from this study, that the consumers are more fashion-conscious and environmentally conscious than cost-conscious. This result may be because of the characteristics of the sample, which shows that there is no significant impact of any of the demographic variables on the car purchase decision based on the feature of the car as well as cost-consciousness factors like resale value, maintenance and fuel. The results of this study may change if the sample contains equal percentages of the consumers for all the demographic factors. The results may vary if the sample has more part-time employees and other types such as students, retired and unemployed.
Job Satisfaction as Important Factor of Work Quality and the Influence of Selected Factors
Authors: Grmanova Eva , Bartek Jozef
Published: April 2023

Current demographic developments and population projections indicate that the search for approaches that lead to employees remaining in employment even after reaching retirement age will gain importance. Job satisfaction is one of the most important approaches to prolonging working life. The job satisfaction of older workers is in the scope of researchers as older age groups are growing workforce in the labor market of national economies and the European Union. Researchers are mainly focused on the relationship between job satisfaction and various factors like older age, gender, disability, skills, or salary. The scientific study aims to specify the influence of «Satisfied with job» and the factors «Work allowed development of skills», «Work had adequate salary», and «Work atmosphere» for the group of workers aged 50 and over. SHARE, the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe, which has a transnational dimension, is used to detect the specification of the relationship. The Chi-square test is used to detect dependence. The tightness of the dependence is detected by using Cramér’s V. Where the relationship is expressed, it is detected using adjusted standardized residuals. The strongest tightness of dependence is expressed in the case of random variables «Satisfied with job» and «Work allowed development of skills». This fact points to the importance of developing work skills among workers. At the same time, the scientific study results show that the respondents answered the same statistically significantly more than what would correspond to the assumed independence of both random variables in all three cases. It follows that if employers are trying to make their employees significantly «Satisfied with job», then in addition to adequate remuneration, they must choose procedures that lead to them also being significantly satisfied with the «Work atmosphere» and the possibilities of developing employees` skills. The significance of the conclusions obtained while fulfilling the objective is broad. Results provide employers and decision-makers with important findings about the factors influencing job satisfaction. Appropriately used management methods and interventions based on such knowledge are able to positively influence the quality of work, and work performance and fully utilize work potential.
Network Leadership is a Promising Direction in Management Science
Authors: Balahurovska Inna
Published: April 2023

The social features of leadership and its influence on the development of organizations have long been an important and relevant research topic by scientists in effective management. This trend is related to the provision of research on practical tools managers use to achieve high economic results in a managed system. The humanization of processes in the organization and the manager’s focus on employee development contribute to the formation of the organization’s competitiveness and financial stability. The bibliometric analyses helped investigate the bibliographic characteristics of scientific works that reveal the content of the networking process and the practicality of its use in the social phenomenon of leadership. The bibliometric analyses proposed in the article show the quantitative indicators of the document flow in management to establish logical patterns between the broad management concept of «leadership» and the social features of the idea of «network leadership». The proposed study contributes to forming an informational scientific flow in the field of studying the development of various topical areas of leadership to increase organizations’ financial results by targeting the manager to improve the conditions for the social resource in the managed system. Studying the development of network leadership allows you to consider all the positive aspects and correct certain shortcomings in this modern leadership direction. The proposed work highlights and analyses general concepts that connect the Networking category with the phenomenon of Network Leadership in organizations where managers focus on the social component of the managed organizational system – Social capital. The identified general definitions are the basis for effective manager activity. The study is helpful for managers who strive to achieve high results in management activities through the development of each organization member. The development of the professional potential of employees is an indicator of an effective manager and the basis for achieving the organization’s goals.
Halogen fractionation during vapor-brine phase separation revealed by in situ Cl, Br, and I analysis of scapolite from the Yixingzhai gold deposit, North China Craton
Authors: Gao Wen-Sheng , Deng Xiao-Dong , Chen Lei , Zhang Li-Zhong , Li Yu-Xiang , Luo Tao , Li Jian-Wei
Published: April 2023

Halogens (Cl, Br, and I) are major complexing agents for metal ions, and their ratios (Br/Cl and I/Cl) have been used to determine the source and evolution of hydrothermal fluid. Halogen fractionation during hydrothermal fluid evolution, however, has been inferred from several studies, which poses problems in using halogen ratios as a fluid tracer. The Br/Cl and I/Cl ratios of scapolite are consistent with those ratios present in the coexisting fluid during scapolite formation, making this mineral particularly useful for understanding hydrothermal fluid evolution. To better understand halogen fractionation during vapor-brine phase separation, we conducted fluid inclusion microthermometry, major elements, and in situ halogens and Sr isotope analysis of scapolite formed from a high-salinity hydrothermal fluid during the vapor-brine phase separation at the Yixingzhai gold deposit, North China Craton. The studied scapolite has 1.84–3.41 wt% Cl, 389–806 ppm Br, 8.4–24.4 ppm I, and significantly high Br/Cl (6.1–14.7 × 10–3) and high I/Cl (91–302 × 10–6) molar ratios that likely result from the preferential incorporation of Br and I into the brine phase compared to Cl entering the vapor phase during fluid phase separation. Based on fluid inclusion microthermometry results, the Rayleigh fractionation simulation shows that the Br/Cl and I/Cl ratios of the brine are estimated to be up to 18 × 10–3 and 500 × 10–6 during the formation of scapolite. These results reveal halogen fractionation during the vapor-brine phase separation of hydrothermal fluids. This view has implications for interpreting the halogen systematics of scapolite and other minerals formed in similar environments, particularly when they are used as a fluid tracer.
Kernel quality, germination rate and seedling performance of eight wheat varieties produced under three different irrigation regimes
Authors: Ghani Adel H Abdel- , Dalain Saddam Aref Al- , Tarawneh Ghassab H , Taae Huda Hazim Al- , Tarawneh Basel H Al- , Owais Saed J. , Ebissat Awad S Al- , Mayta Raeda Al- , Dala'een Jawad A. AL- , Duwayri Mahmud Ayed
Published: April 2023

The effects of three different irrigation treatments were tested on kernel quality (i.e. kernel size), germination rate and seedling performance of eight wheat varieties. The irrigation treatments used were as follows: (i) rainfed treatment with 262.8mm annual rainfall received during the growing season, (ii) partial irrigation (PSI) treatment receiving 482.8 mm of water (262.8mm rainfall + 220mm irrigation at anthesis) and (iii) continuous supplementary irrigation (CSI) receiving 640 mm water (262.8 mm rainfall + 377.2 mm supplementary irrigation at 2-3 weeks interval). Seven durum wheat varieties (Sham1, Omqais, Acsad65, Bani Suef6, Bani Suef4, Horani Nawawi, Dairalla6) and one bread wheat variety (Ammon) were included in this study. Split-plot design was used with three replications. The main plots were the irrigation treatments, while the sub-plots were varieties nested within irrigation treatments. Kernels weight was recorded under different irrigation treatments in addition to the germination rate parameters (mean germination time and the time to attain 10% and 50% of complete germination percentage) and seedling attributes (shoot length, maximum seminal root length, coleoptile length, shoot fresh weight and seminal root fresh weight). The thousand kernel weight (TKW) was maximum under PSI (46.21g), followed by CSI (43.20g) and rainfed treatment (41.70g). TKW was maximum in Cham1 (45.37g) and BaniSuef6 (45.22g), while the minimum TKW was recorded in Ammon bread wheat variety (39.19g). Smaller wheat kernels released under rainfed condition were notoriously faster to germinate as compared with kernels released under CSI and PSI, and consequently smaller kernels would be desirable to accelerate the time required from sowing to seedling emergence. Hourani Nawawi and DairAlla 6 gave a more vigorous seedling with longer seminal roots and larger seedling biomass, which might indicate their high adaptability to early drought. In conclusion, smaller kernels were faster in germination, which minimize the time required from germination to emergence for a good stand establishment, while heavy kernels would have seedlings with a more vigorous root system which may help the crop to withstand early drought
The verdict to N. Sarkozy: Corruption in public sector and corporate corruption in the eyes of society
Authors:   Moscow State University of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia (MGIMO of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia), Shashkova Anna V. , Kudryashova Ekaterina V. ,   Siberian University of Consumer Cooperation, Verlaine Michel ,   National Higher School of Arts and Crafts, ENSAM, School of Management (ICN)
Published: April 2023

Corruption is a multifaced and controversial phenomenon, attracting attention of various social sciences. Conflictology considers corruption as a conflict destroying the social structure. Corruption entails the clash of different interests including interests of largescale business, government, and interests of specific officials. Society treats corporate and public governance corruption differently, aggravating the conflict and the counteraction against corruption. The court decision of 2021 sentencing the 23rd President of France Nicholas Sarkozy allows to demonstrate the controversies in public opinion to the corruption in public governance and corporations. Besides the general scientific methods, the authors addressed to the survey of students studying politics. Corruption in public governance is explicitly considered to be a menace to the society and criminal offence. Corruption in corporations is a menace from the public opinion perspective, but, at the same time, it is considered a constrained and acceptable form of work albeit unethical. Largescale corporations are issuing ethical codes with anticorruption provisions, however in fact they are inefficient and ignored by their employees. Admitting corruption to be a constrained phenomenon more harsh penalty for corrupted top managers is at the same time desirable. The corruption scandals around ex-president of France Sarkozy demonstrate the reputation losses of big multinationals while their top managers escaped the responsibility and fell out of the social opinion spotlight. The research shows the fission of interests and sophistication of social conflict around corruption.
The notion of sociocode in the conception by M.K.Petrov
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Muradyan Olesya A.
Published: April 2023

Several fundamental philosophical questions — about the essence of man, his difference from animals, and the specifics of the perception and transfer of knowledge (information) — are discussed in the context of the semiotic-linguistic concept by famous Russian philosopher and culturologist M.K.Petrov. The author focuses on the concept of “sociocode” introduced by Petrov, which implies a relevant typology of culture today. The complexity of the task is that the work by the thinker is multifaceted, and in its different periods, we meet updated and conceptually enriched versions of this concept. In the article, in detail and consistently, based on the research of M.K.Petrov by domestic authors, his works, one way or another related to the topic of the sociocode, are considered. In this case, a special role is acquired by the themes of creativity, infancy, variations in the transmission of information through translation and transmutation, as well as human capabilities and the key role of organization and European sociality in the process of becoming typologically human, in contrast to the animal. The author comes to the conclusion that the concept of “sociocode”, as opposed to “biocode” (especially in its modern cybernetic interpretation of the latter), is a very effective theoretical tool for understanding the relevant issues generated by the situation in contemporary culture and society as a whole. It allows clarifying the origins of the “inconsistencies” that arise when cultural realities are transferred to a different cultural soill.
Evaluation of liver stiffness in a population of client owned healthy dogs using two-dimensional shear wave elastography: intraobserver reliability
Authors: Toom M. , Saunders J.H. , Duchateau L. , de Rooster H. , Devriendt N. , Stock E.
Published: April 2023

Sonoelastographic techniques can complement conventional grey-scale and Doppler ultrasonography by evaluating tissue elasticity, which has the prospect to provide differentiation between malignant and benign conditions. Both technical and patient-related confounding factors are known to influence the reliability and reproducibility of elastographic methods. Therefore, the study was designed to assess liver stiffness in a diverse population of client-owned healthy dogs, evaluate the effect of patient characteristics on the elastography measurements and to assess intraobserver reliability. A total of forty dogs underwent two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D SWE) twice, performed by the same operator, one to six days apart. The average, median and maximum 2D SWE velocities for the linear probe were 2.50 +/- 0.067 m/s; 2.46 +/- 0.067 m/s; 3.58 +/- 0.13 m/s, respectively, and for the convex probe 0.99 +/- 0.11 m/s; 0.98 +/- 0.12 m/s and 1.34 +/- 0.21 m/s, respectively. No statistically significant effect (P> 0.05) on the 2D SWVs was seen of the dog-related characteristics sex, age, body weight and body condition score. The intraobserver agreement of 2D SWE was moderate with the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for the average, median and maximum 2D SWE being 0.69; 0.71 and 0.74, respectively. The moderate ICC and discrepant results obtained with different probes mandates standardization of patient-related and technical factors to overcome excessive variability in measurements in order to implement this technique in clinical practice.
Stimulating motor competence through field games: an experimental study on elementary school students
Authors: Gustian Uray , Samodra Y. Touvan Juni , Gandasari Fatima Maharani , Yosika Ghana Fiesta
Published: April 2023

Motoric competence is a competency that requires understanding in carrying out physical activities. However, in the learning process motor competence is carried out without the support of understanding so that it results in students experiencing difficulties and confusion in executing the motor skills they have when in a different environment during training or learning. The research aims to measure the success of stimulation of motor competence by using the field games approach. The research was conducted in the pre-experimental type with the One Group Pretest Posttest Designs type. The experiment was conducted on twelve elementary school students in fourteen meetings. The research involved twelve fourth grade elementary school students who were taken randomly by selecting numbers at random. The instrument for measuring students' motor skills used the Test of Gross Motor Development revision 2 edition (TGMD-2) and understanding of playing using the Games Performance Assessment Instrument (GPAI) and the measurement results were analyzed using a quantitative descriptive method. The results showed that there had been an increase in the rating of students' motor skills and the average score of students' games performance. This result is due to the learning that is carried out using the field games approach which is able to encourage students to be active in making movements and facilitating metacognition processes such as decision making, critical thinking, and problem-solving. The conclusion of learning done with the field games approach can stimulate students' motor competence
تێڕوانینی مامۆستایانی زانکۆ سەبارەت بە گرنگیپێدانی تەلەڤیزیۆنی دیجیتاڵی لەبونیادنانی کلتوری ژینگەیی لەهەرێمی کوردستاندا
Authors: Muhammed Salam Nasradeen , Rasool Hawre Muhammad
Published: April 2023

توێژینه‌وه‌ى زانستى له‌بنه‌ڕه‌تداسۆراغ ولێکۆڵینەوەی (دیارده‌) یەکە، له‌و ڕوانگەوە ئه‌م توێژینه‌وه‌ زانستیه‌  توێژینەوەیەکی مەیدانی یەو بەگوێرەی میتۆدی وەسفی و پیادەکردنی ڕێبازی ڕوپێوی لەومیتۆدەدا ئەنجامدراوەو(فۆڕمى ڕاپرسی) وه‌ك ئامڕازى كۆكردنه‌وه‌ى زانیاری به‌كارهێناوه‌.
لە گرنگترین ئامانجەکانی توێژینەوەکە بریتیە لە :
أ- زانینی ئاستی چەندێتی گرنگیپێدانی تەلەڤیزیۆنی دیجیتاڵی بەبنەما جیاوازەکانی بونیادنانی کلتوری ژینگەیی:(بنەما مەعریفی،بنەما کۆمەڵایەتی، بنەما دامەزراوەیی) ەکان بەگوێرەی ڕای مامۆستایانی زانکۆ.
 ب- زانینی تیڕوانینی مامۆستایانی زانکۆ بەپێی هەریەکە لە ( ڕەگەز، نازناوی زانستی، بەشە زانستیە پسپۆڕیەکان) سەبارەت بەچەندێتی گرنگیپێدانی تەلەڤیزیۆنی دیجیتاڵی بە بونیادنانی کلتوری ژینگەیی.
كۆمه‌ڵگه‌ى توێژینه‌وه‌كه‌ له‌ڕووى میدیاییه‌وه پیکهاتووە لە (سەرجەم کەناڵە تەلەفیزیۆنیە دیجیتاڵیەکانی ھەرێمی کوردستان)، لەچوارچێوەی ئەوکۆمەڵگایەدا کەناڵە تەلەڤیزیۆنیە دیجیتاڵیەکانی: (GavTv،Kurdsat webTv ،Rudaw webTv، web Tv Halabja) وەک سامپڵی توێژینەوە وەرگیراون.  
لەبەرانبەردا كۆمه‌ڵگه‌ى توێژینەوەکە لەڕووی مرۆییەوە (سەرجەم زانکۆ حکومیەکانی هەرێمی کوردستان) ی لەخۆگرتووەو‌ تیایدا (سەرجەم مامۆستایانی بەشە پسپۆڕیەکانی: ڕاگەیاندن، ژینگە،کۆمەڵناسی، کاری کۆمەڵایەتی، جوگرافیا،گەشتوگوزار) لە سەرجەم زانکۆ حکومیەکانی هەرێمی کوردستاندا بەسامپڵی مرۆیی توێژینەوەکە دیاریکراون و سەرجەمیان بەبێ جیاکاری بە شێو ەی گشتگیر(حصرشامل) وەرگیراون.
هاوکات گریمانەی توێژینەوەکە پێیوایە کە: جیاوازی ئاماری هەیە لە نێوان تیڕوانینی مامۆستایانی زانکۆ بە گوێرەی (ڕەگەز، نازناوی زانستی، بەشە زانستیە پسپۆڕیەکان) سەبارەت بەچەندێتی گرنگیپێدانی تەلەڤیزیۆنی دیجیتاڵی بەبونیادنانی کلتوری ژینگەیی.
هاوکات گرنگترین دەرئەنجامی توێژینەوەکەش خۆی دەبینێتەوە لە :
أ- کەناڵە تەلەڤیزیۆنیە دیجیتاڵیەکان بە ئاستێکی (لاواز) گرنگیان بە هەریەک لە ( بنەما مەعریفیەکان، بنەما کۆمەڵایەتیەکان، بنەما دامەزراوەییەکان) ی کلتوری ژینگەیی داوە.
Fibroblast Activation Protein Overexpression in Gastrointestinal Tumors: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Sunami Yoshiaki , Ronellenfitsch Ulrich , Kleeff Jorg , Rebelo Artur
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

A hallmark of gastrointestinal cancer, especially pancreatic cancer, is the dense stromal tumor microenvironment in which cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) represent the major stromal cell type. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that depletion of fibroblast activation protein (FAP)–positive CAFs results in increased survival.

OBJECTIVE

We present the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis that aim to assess the currently available evidence on the effect of FAP expression on survival and clinical characteristics in gastrointestinal cancers.

METHODS

The literature search and data analysis will be conducted in accordance with the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) 2020 statement. The databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science Core Collection, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov will be searched via their respective online search engines. A meta-analysis comparing patients with and without FAP overexpression with the following outcomes will be performed: postoperative survival (overall and median survival; 1-, 2-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates), histological differentiation (grading), local tumor invasion, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. Odds ratios will be calculated for binary data, and weighted mean differences and relative SD differences will be determined for continuous data. The 95% CI, heterogeneity measures, and statistical significance will be reported for each outcome. The chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis tests will be used to evaluate statistical significance. A P value of <.05 will be considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Database searches will commence in April 2023. The meta-analysis will be completed by December 2023.

CONCLUSIONS

In recent years, several publications on FAP overexpression in gastrointestinal tumors have been published. The only published meta-analysis on this topic dates to 2015. It included 15 studies on various solid tumors and only 8 studies focusing exclusively on gastrointestinal tumors. The expected results of the present analysis will provide new evidence on the prognostic value of FAP in gastrointestinal tumors and thereby support health care professionals and patients in their decision-making.

CLINICALTRIAL

PROSPERO CRD42022372194; https://tinyurl.com/352ae8b8

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/45176
The Kids Hurt App: Development and testing of a pain assessment tool for First Nations youth (Preprint)
Authors: Francis Karlee , Latimer Margot , Gould Hayley , Blackmore Shante , MacLeod Emily
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

First Nations children and youth may have unique ways to convey their health needs that have not been recognized by health providers. This may contribute to the disparity between high rates of mental health and physical pain and the low rates of treatment for the conditions they experience. Evidence suggests a colonial history has resulted in poor experiences with the healthcare system, lack of trust with health providers and miscommunication between clinicians and patients. Contemporary ways using both Indigenous and Western knowledge is needed to bridge the gap in communicating pain.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this qualitative study was to test the usability of the Kids Hurt App with First Nations youth and clinicians working with youth.

METHODS

Using a Two-eyed seeing approach, a kids hurt icon based app was developed using concepts from validated mood and pain assessment apps combined with community-based research that gathered First Nations youth perspectives on quality, intensity and location of pain and hurt. The kids hurt app contains 12 screens accessible on a handheld mobile phone or tablet device.

RESULTS

Three rounds of low fidelity testing and two rounds of high-fidelity testing were conducted with 19 First Nations youth to determine the usability of the Kids Hurt app. High-fidelity testing was also conducted with 15 clinicians after completing the youth sessions. Youth had constructive suggestions that were used to improve the app in subsequent rounds of version testing. There was one main discrepancy between youth and clinicians related to in visual preference for way to convey pain. Youth’s preference was maintained in the app.

CONCLUSIONS

All youth in all rounds of testing indicated they would use the Kids Hurt app if it was available to them in a health care setting with most clinicians noting the app would be useful in practice.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
The Potential of GPT-4 as a Support Tool for Pharmacists: Analytical Study Using the Japanese National Examination for Pharmacists (Preprint)
Authors: Kunitsu Yuki
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as machine learning, has led to its application in various industries, including health care. AI chatbots, such as GPT-4, developed by OpenAI, have demonstrated potential in supporting health care professionals by providing medical information, answering examination questions, and assisting in medical education. However, the applicability of GPT-4 in the field of pharmacy remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate GPT-4’s ability to answer questions from the Japanese National Examination for Pharmacists (JNEP) and assess its potential as a support tool for pharmacists in their daily practice.

METHODS

The question texts and answer choices from the 107th and 108th JNEP, held in February 2022 and February 2023, were input into GPT-4. As GPT-4 cannot process diagrams, questions that included diagram interpretation were not analyzed and were initially given a score of 0. The correct answer rates were calculated and compared with the passing criteria of each examination to evaluate GPT-4’s performance.

RESULTS

For the 107th and 108th JNEP, GPT-4 achieved an accuracy rate of 64.5% (222/344) and 62.9% (217/345), respectively, for all questions. When considering only the questions that GPT-4 could answer, the accuracy rates increased to 78.2% (222/284) and 75.3% (217/287), respectively. The accuracy rates tended to be lower for physics, chemistry, and calculation questions.

CONCLUSIONS

Although GPT-4 demonstrated the potential to answer questions from the JNEP and support pharmacists’ capabilities, it also showed limitations in handling highly specialized questions, calculation questions, and questions requiring diagram recognition. Further evaluation is necessary to explore its applicability in real-world clinical settings, considering the complexities of patient scenarios and collaboration with health care professionals. By addressing these limitations, GPT-4 could become a more reliable tool for pharmacists in their daily practice.
Ethnic Disparities in COVID-19 Vaccine Mistrust and Receipt in British Columbia, Canada: Population Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Mahmood Bushra , Adu Prince , McKee Geoffrey , Bharmal Aamir , Wilton James , Janjua Naveed Zafar
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND

Racialized populations in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Higher vaccine hesitancy has been reported among racial and ethnic minorities in some of these countries. In the United Kingdom, for example, higher vaccine hesitancy has been observed among the South Asian population and Black compared with the White population, and this has been attributed to lack of trust in government due to historical and ongoing racism and discrimination.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess vaccine receipt by ethnicity and its relationship with mistrust among ethnic groups in British Columbia (BC), Canada.

METHODS

We included adults ≥18 years of age who participated in the BC COVID-19 Population Mixing Patterns Survey (BC-Mix) from March 8, 2021, to August 8, 2022. The survey included questions about vaccine receipt and beliefs based on a behavioral framework. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the association between mistrust in vaccines and vaccine receipt among ethnic groups.

RESULTS

The analysis included 25,640 adults. Overall, 76.7% (22,010/28,696) of respondents reported having received at least 1 dose of COVID-19 vaccines (Chinese=86.1%, South Asian=79.6%, White=75.5%, and other ethnicity=73.2%). Overall, 13.7% (3513/25,640) of respondents reported mistrust of COVID-19 vaccines (Chinese=7.1%, South Asian=8.2%, White=15.4%, and other ethnicity=15.2%). In the multivariable model (adjusting for age, sex, ethnicity, educational attainment, and household size), mistrust was associated with a 93% reduced odds of vaccine receipt (adjusted odds ratio 0.07, 95% CI 0.06-0.08). In the models stratified by ethnicity, mistrust was associated with 81%, 92%, 94%, and 95% reduced odds of vaccine receipt among South Asian, Chinese, White, and other ethnicities, respectively. Indecision, whether to trust the vaccine or not, was significantly associated with a 70% and 78% reduced odds of vaccine receipt among those who identified as White and of other ethnic groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Vaccine receipt among those who identified as South Asian and Chinese in BC was higher than that among the White population. Vaccine mistrust was associated with a lower odds of vaccine receipt in all ethnicities, but it had a lower effect on vaccine receipt among the South Asian and Chinese populations. Future research needs to focus on sources of mistrust to better understand its potential influence on vaccine receipt among visible minorities in Canada.
Діабетичний макулярний набряк при діабетичній ретинопатії та цукровому діабеті 2-го типу і вміст у крові L-селектину
Authors: Rykov S.O. , Chuhaiev D.I.
Published: April 2023

Актуальність. Незважаючи на прогрес у розумінні патогенезу та лікуванні діабетичної ретинопатії (ДР) та діабетичного макулярного набряку (ДМН) за цукрового діабету 2-го типу (ЦД2), визначення специфічних і чутливих біомаркерів є важливим для прогнозування та ранньої діагностики. Мета дослідження: встановити роль L-селектину у розвитку діабетичного макулярного набряку при діабетичній ретинопатії і цукровому діабеті 2-го типу. Матеріали та методи. Дослідження включало 124 пацієнти (124 ока) із ЦД 2-го типу, у яких за Міжнародною клінічною шкалою тяжкості ДР Американської академії офтальмології (2002 рік) виявлена легка (29 очей, 1-ша група), помірна або тяжка (35 очей, 2-га група) непроліферативна ДР та проліферативна ДР (31 око, 3-тя група); контрольну групу становили 29 пацієнтів без ЦД. Усім пацієн-там були виконані загальноприйняті офтальмологічні дослідження, а також спектральнодоменна оптична когерентна томографія (ОКТ) з визначенням наявності та класифікації ДМН за ОКТ-критеріями: збільшення товщини сітківки за нормативною базою даних, наявність інтраретинальної рідини, а також додаткові параметри: центральна товщина сітківки (ЦТС, мкм) та макулярний об’єм (МО). Уміст L-селектину у крові визначали імуноферментним методом (Invitrogen ThermoFisher Scientific, СШA). Для статистичних досліджень використано програмні пакети MedStat і MedCalc v.15.1 (MedCalc Software bvba). Результати. Уміст L-селектину у сироватці крові пацієнтів з ДР та ЦД2 був вірогідно збільшений у всіх групах (у 1-й групі у 2,0 раза, у 2-й — у 2,3 раза і у 3-й — у 3,2 раза порівняно з контролем; p < 0,05) та корелював з показниками, що відображали тяжкість порушення вуглеводного обміну (вмістом глюкози та глікованого гемоглобіну), та товщиною сітківки. При розподілі за наявністю ДМН уміст L-селектину був вищим тільки при помірній НПДР і не відрізнявся при інших стадіях ДР. Наявність патогенетичного зв’язку збільшення вмісту L-селектину з розвитком ДМН було підтверджено у регресійному аналізі: виявлено зростання ризику виникнення ДМН із зростанням вмісту L-селектину (ВШ = 1,09; 95% ВІ 1,05–1,14 на кожну одиницю зростання, нг/мл). Висновки. Результати дослідження підтвердили сучасну концепцію щодо значення L-селектину як одного з ключових біомаркерів запалення, що відіграють роль у розвитку ДР і ДМН при ЦД2.
Management Skills Used by Diasporan Entrepreneurs for Overcoming Transnational Barriers to Success of Small Business Initiatives in New York
Authors: Akaeze Dr. Chris , Akaeze Dr. Nana
Published: April 2023

Despite the broad studies by researchers on Diasporan’s diverse support to the continent of Africa, little is known about the perspective and contributions of Diasporan Entrepreneurs. Overall, available findings tend to suggest that diasporan support to Africa mainly comes through financial, cultural, intellectual, social, and political capital. This qualitative multiple case study explores the perspective of 10 successful NYC-based Nigerian American owners about management skills and practices required to overcome transnational barriers and succeed with startup small business initiatives. Interview data were collected through semi-structured interviews, while David McClelland’s Need for achievement theory underpinned the study and served as a theoretical reference. The 4 key findings emerging from the thematic analysis of interviews data included: (a) Resilience/genuine commitment, (b) Financial/Resources management, (c) Human capital/business knowledge, and (d) Organization/Creative Problem-solving skills. Findings may contribute to positive social change as diaspora owners may use the knowledge for improving business skills, and success, which could lead to the creation of jobs and improvement in the standard of living. The Findings may also positively impact relatives, and local communities in Nigeria, as the diaspora flow of investments and remittances may increase. The result may also contribute to improving small business management skills in Africa.
Padlet as a Tool in Learning L2 Grammar
Authors: Halim Nisha Abd , Shapii Aspalila
Published: April 2023

Padlet can be used as a platform to collaborate in collecting ideas, brainstorming, and more. Students will be able to access it for free, no matter what device they have. Padlet is used in this research as a tool in learning L2 Grammar as it is in line with the Malaysian education blueprint whereby there is the need of leveraging ICT to scale up quality learning across Malaysia in shift 7. This study explores the impact of Padlet in learning L2 grammar among primary ESL students and it aims to study the students’ perceptions of using Padlet in learning L2 grammar and it consists of observation, document analysis, pre-post tests and semi structured interviews collected from 24 respondents and 2 teachers. The data were analysed using SPSS and thematic analysis. The findings suggest that when students use learning software such as Padlet, they achieve better understanding of L2 Grammar because Padlet highly motivates them to connect the use of technology with the contents of the lesson. Moreover, they are able to trace their grammar acquisition by doing their self-assessment from the activities and material provided by the teacher during every lesson.
The costs and benefits of kleptoparasitism in frigatebirds: An integrative review
Authors: Padmakumar Vidya , Shanthakumar Murugan
Published: April 2023

Kleptoparasitism is a foraging strategy that involves stealing food from other animals. Frigatebirds are seabirds that are known to engage in kleptoparasitism, especially on other nesting seabirds such as boobies and tropicbirds. This paper reviews the kleptoparasitic behavior of frigatebirds, focusing on the factors that influence its occurrence, frequency and success. The ecological and evolutionary implications of kleptoparasitism for frigatebirds and their prey is also assessed. The paper draws on evidence from various studies conducted in different regions of the world, including the Indian Ocean, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The review indicates that kleptoparasitism is a complex and dynamic behavior that reflects the interactions between frigatebirds and their environment.
Accident Detection and Alerting System using Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Gopinath V. , Bhavani G. , Sai G. Uday , Chandana G.
Published: April 2023

Abstract: The Aim of Our project is to Focus on Late Responses By Emergency Services During the time of Road Accidents Which Leads to Death of Many lives, Where to Culminate this Apart , Our Project Majorly Focuses On Gathering Images and Informative Selection, Location Trackingand Transferring Notification. Though traditional machine learning approaches Had been outperformed by feature engineering methods which can select an optimal set of features. On contrary, Modernly it is known that deep learning models such as Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) can extract features and it ables to reduce the computational cost automatically. The proposed implementation increases the survival rate by meager percentage. Efficient computation occurs when the algorithm utilizes the maximum GPU and the right functions.
A Smart Attendance Capturing Mobile App
Authors: Khodaskar Dr. A. A. , Dengre Aradhya , Rathi Ayush , Rathi Krishna , Awasthi Madhav , Thorat Tanish
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Keeping track of attendance while engaging students in the classroom may be tough, especially when the class is big. The conventional method of calling pupils' names is tedious and time-consuming, and proxy attendance is always a possibility. To address this problem and maintain track of students' attendance, we presented a smart attendance management system (SAMS) using face recognition, and location.This system replaces the traditional method with a mobile application which eventually reduces the use of pen and paper. The student needs to install the application on the mobile. the application will work as a user interface that can be accessed by Teachers, Students, and admins.Students can view their overall attendance using face recognition and their statistical data is also presented in the application. Each student can be tracked using a unique user ID and the student's presence can be recognized by using GPS coordinates typically longitudes and latitudes.
Career Recommendation System
Authors: Joshi Snehal , Jadhav Manasi , Londase Pratiksha , Nikat Sakshi
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Career recommendation system aims to offer direction and assist students in selecting engineering streams with the help of a WebApp. Nowadays, there are more educational courses available, making it easier for students to pick courses that interest them. However, in the 22nd century, more than half of the youths do not exercise their freedom of choice and make wellinformed decisions. A number of factors contribute to this. One of the main reasons is the lack of awareness of all the available options. The other well-known hindrance is the family pressure of following a well-known or previously followed path when it comes to choosing a career. This results in candidates ending up in the wrong fields and dropping out of college midway through the course. As a result, time and money are wasted. Moreover, it may happen that a deserving candidate was denied a seat in an institution since its capacity was full at the start of the course. The proposed WebApp aims to develop a system that would suggest a course based on certain fundamental information about the student such as academic performance, extracurricular activities, personal interests and aims. The WebApp will try to mimic the role of a career counselor, use a chatbot to interact with the student and recommend to them the branches of engineering that align with their interests the most, by making use of Machine Learning to provide an unbiased recommendation