bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia: a realist review protocol
Authors: Yadav Uday Narayan , Smith Matthew , Agostino Jason , Sinka Victoria , Williamson Leonie , Wyber Rosemary , Butler Danielle C , Belfrage Mary , Freeman Kate , Passey Megan , Walke Emma , Hammond Belinda , Lovett Raymond , Douglas Kirsty A
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Chronic disease remains the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in Australia. Regular structured, comprehensive health assessments are available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as annual health checks funded through the Medicare Benefits Schedule. This realist review aims to identify context-specific enablers and tensions and contribute to developing an evidence framework to guide the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Methods and analysis

The review will involve the following steps: (1) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander engagement and research governance; (2) defining the scope of the review; (3) search strategy; (4) screening, study selection and appraisal; (5) data extraction and organisation of evidence; (6) data synthesis and drawing conclusions. This realist review will follow the Realist and MEta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards guidance and will be reported as set up by the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols statement. The realist programme theory will be developed through a literature review using multiple database searches from 1 November 1999 to 31 June 2022, limited to the English language, and stakeholder consultation, which will be refined throughout the review process. The study findings will be reported by applying the context–mechanism–outcome configuration to gain a deeper understanding of context and underlying mechanisms that influence the implementation of health checks in the prevention and early detection of chronic diseases among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this review will be using secondary data. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.

Systematic review registration

The review protocol has been registered on the international prospective register of systematic reviews: CRD42022326697.
Understanding the psychological experiences of loneliness in later life: qualitative protocol to inform technology development
Authors: Rees Jessica , Liu Wei , Ourselin Sebastien , Shi Yu , Probst Freya , Antonelli Michela , Tinker Anthea , Matcham Faith
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Loneliness is a public health issue impacting the health and well-being of older adults. This protocol focuses on understanding the psychological experiences of loneliness in later life to inform technology development as part of the ‘Design for health ageing: a smart system to detect loneliness in older people’ (DELONELINESS) study.

Methods and analysis

Data will be collected from semi-structured interviews with up to 60 people over the age of 65 on their experiences of loneliness and preferences for sensor-based technologies. The interviews will be audio-recorded, transcribed and analysed using a thematic codebook approach on NVivo software.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received ethical approval by Research Ethics Committee’s at King’s College London (reference number: LRS/DP-21/22-33376) and the University of Sussex (reference number: ER/JH878/1). All participants will be required to provide informed consent. Results will be used to inform technology development within the DELONELINESS study and will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications and conferences.
Patients’ experiences with the application of medical adhesives to the skin: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Hofman Hannelore , Beeckman Dimitri , Duljic Tanja , Al Gilani Samal , Johansson Sara , Kottner Jan , Kinnaer Lise-Marie , Eriksson Mats
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Medical adhesives are adhesives used in medical devices to establish and maintain contact with the body over a period of time (usually by application to the skin) and are widely used in most care settings. Application of medical adhesives to the skin can lead to skin stripping, mild or severe allergic reactions and skin irritation that may manifest as redness, itching or rash. Adhesive-related skin injury can lead to infection, delayed wound healing and an increased risk of scarring. These injuries can cause severe discomfort and pain, and can affect the patient’s quality of life. A systematic review summarising patient’s experiences on this topic will contribute to informing adhesive producers and policy makers, and guiding further development and improvement of available technologies.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol is based on the principles of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols guideline. A systematic search will be conducted in CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsycINFO. In addition, manual searches will be performed, reviewing the reference lists of relevant reviews and articles included for quality assessment. Qualitative studies using various methods will be considered for inclusion. Screening of title, abstract and full text will be done by two reviewers. The methodological quality of studies under consideration will be critically assessed by two reviewers using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool for Qualitative Research. Data extraction will be performed independently by two reviewers using a predefined data extraction form. Meta-aggregation will be used to summarise the evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval or consent is required because no participants will be recruited. This systematic review protocol is published in an open access journal to increase transparency of the research methods used. Results will be disseminated at national and international conferences.
Spatiotemporal variations in childhood lymphoma cancer incidence and its survival rate in Iran, 2005–2015: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ziyaee Samaneh , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Azizmohammad Looha Mehdi , Rahimi Forough , Khodakarim Soheila
Published: June 2023

Background

Childhood lymphoma is the second leading cause of cancer in children under 15 years of age in Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the spatial and time variations in lymphoma incidence as well as the children’s survival time in Iran.

Method

This cross-sectional study was conducted using lymphoma cases (children under 14 years of age) from 2005 to 2015, and the data were obtained from the National Cancer Registry Center. The frequency, age-standardised incidence rate (ASIR), spatial clustering in national level and the survival rate (1 year and 5 years) using Kaplan-Meier method were evaluated. We used Spatial and Temporal Scan statistics software in order to detect statistically significant clusters in spatial analysis.

Results

A total number of 746 girls and 1610 boys were diagnosed with lymphoma during a 10-year period. ASIRs (per 100 000 people) for girls ranged from 0 in Ilam to 3.47 in Yasuj, and it ranged from 0.19 in Ilam to 5.91 in Yazd for boys from 2005 to 2015. Spatial analysis result showed a large statistically significant cluster (the most likely cluster) for both boys (relative risk (RR)=2.37) and girls (RR=2.49) located in the northwest of Iran. Fortunately, survival rate for both boys and girls was over 95.5%.

Conclusion

Lymphoma incidence rates had heterogeneous geographical distribution, and some significant clusters were identified which strengthens the role of possible aetiological factors, and further studies are needed to clarify this ambiguity. Fortunately, the survival rate of this cancer in Iran was good and it was similar to the high-income countries.
Moral injury and quality of life among military veterans
Authors: McDaniel Justin Tyler
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Moral injury concerns transgressive harms and the outcomes that such experiences may cause. A gap in the literature surrounding moral injury, and an outcome that may be important to include in the mounting evidence toward the need for the formal clinical acknowledgement of moral injury, has to do with the relationship between moral injury and quality of life. No studies have examined this relationship in US military veterans—a population that is disproportionately exposed to potentially morally injurious events.

Methods

A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted yielding 1495 military veterans. Participants were asked questions about moral injury and quality of life, among other things. Multivariable linear regression was used to characterise the adjusted relationship between moral injury and quality of life.

Results

Moral injury (mean=40.1 out of 98) and quality-of-life (mean=69.5 out of 100) scores were calculated for the sample. Moral injury was inversely associated with quality of life in an adjusted model, indicating that worsening moral injury was associated with decreased quality of life (adjusted unstandardised beta coefficient (b)=−0.3, p<0.001). Results showed that age moderated said relationship, such that ageing veterans experienced an increasingly worse quality of life with increasingly severe moral injury (b=−0.1, p=0.003).

Conclusions

Results of the study showed that moral injury was inversely associated with quality of life and that this relationship rapidly worsens with age. More work is needed to more precisely understand this relationship and to determine the best strategies for intervention.
Patterns, procedures, and indications for pediatric surgery in a Tanzanian Refugee Camp: a 20-year experience
Authors: Rapaport Sarah , Enumah Zachary Obinna , Ngude Hilary , Rhee Daniel S , Abbas Mohamed , Lekey Amber , Winch Peter J , Sakran Joseph V , Stevens Kent A
Published: June 2023

Background

There are 103 million displaced people worldwide, 41% of whom are children. Data on the provision of surgery in humanitarian settings are limited. Even scarcer is literature on pediatric surgery performed in humanitarian settings, particularly protracted humanitarian settings.

Methods

We reviewed patterns, procedures, and indications for pediatric surgery among children in Nyarugusu Refugee Camp using a 20-year retrospective dataset.

Results

A total of 1221 pediatric surgical procedures were performed over the study period. Teenagers between the ages of 12 and 17 years were the most common age group undergoing surgery (n=991; 81%). A quarter of the procedures were performed on local Tanzanian children seeking care in the camp (n=301; 25%). The most common procedures performed were cesarean sections (n=858; 70%), herniorrhaphies (n=197; 16%), and exploratory laparotomies (n=55; 5%). Refugees were more likely to undergo exploratory laparotomy (n=47; 5%) than Tanzanian children (n=7; 2%; p=0.032). The most common indications for exploratory laparotomy were acute abdomen (n=24; 44%), intestinal obstruction (n=10; 18%), and peritonitis (n=9; 16%).

Conclusions

There is a significant volume of basic pediatric general surgery performed in the Nyarugusu Camp. Services are used by both refugees and local Tanzanians. We hope this research will inspire further advocacy and research on pediatric surgical services in humanitarian settings worldwide and illuminate the need for including pediatric refugee surgery within the growing global surgery movement.
Investigation of traversable wormhole solutions in modified $$f(R)$$ gravity with scalar potential
Authors: Malik Adnan , Naz Tayyaba , Qadeer Abdul , Shamir M. Farasat , Yousaf Zeeshan
Published: June 2023

The objective of this manuscript is to investigate the traversable wormhole solutions in the background of the $$f(R, \phi )$$

f
(
R
,
ϕ
)

theory of gravity, where R is the Ricci scalar and $$\phi $$
ϕ
is the scalar potential respectively. For this reason, we use the Karmarkar criterion for traversable static wormhole geometry to create a wormhole shape function. The suggested shape function creates wormhole geometry that links two asymptotically flat spacetime regions and meets the necessary requirements. The embedding diagram in three-dimensional Euclidean space is also discussed in order to demonstrate the wormhole configurations. For our current analysis, we choose the suitable values of free parameters for $$f(R, \phi )$$

f
(
R
,
ϕ
)

gravity models to discuss the wormhole geometry. It can be observed that our proposed shape function provides the wormhole solutions with less amount of exotic matter. It can be noticed that energy conditions especially null energy conditions are violated for all considered models. The violation of energy conditions indicates the existence of exotic matter and wormhole geometry. It is concluded that the shape function acquired through the Karmarkar technique yields validated wormhole configurations with even less exotic matter correlating to the chosen $$f(R, \phi )$$

f
(
R
,
ϕ
)

gravity models.
Search for the production of dark matter candidates in association with heavy dimuon resonance using the CMS open data for proton–proton collisions at $$\sqrt{s}$$ = 8 TeV
Authors: Elgammal S. , Louka M. , Ellithi A. Y. , Hussein M. T.
Published: June 2023

In this work, we present a search for the possible production of Dark Matter particles at the Large Hadron Collider alongside a new hypothetical neutral gauge boson denoted by $${Z}^{\prime }$$

Z

′

. The topology of the studied events is dimuons plus large missing transverse momentum. The study is performed using the CMS open data samples collected by the CMS experiment in the LHC proton–proton collisions at center-of-mass energy of 8 TeV in 2012, which corresponds to an integrated luminosity of 11.6 $$\hbox {fb}^{-1}$$

fb

-
1

, and the corresponding CMS open Monte Carlo samples. Two benchmark scenarios were used for interpreting the data, the Dark Higgs scenario and the effective field theory formalism. No evidence for the existence of dark matter candidates was found. 95$$\%$$
%
confidence level limits are set on the masses of the $${Z}^{\prime }$$

Z

′

and the cutoff scale of the effective field theory.
EEG-Based Brain-Computer Interactions in Immersive Virtual and Augmented Reality: A Systematic Review
Authors: Nwagu Chukwuemeka , AlSlaity Alaa , Orji Rita
Published: June 2023

Brain-computer interactions allow humans to passively or actively control computer systems using their brain activity. For more than a decade now, these interactions have been implemented and evaluated in immersive virtual environments where they prompt novel means of human interaction with systems. In this paper, we present a systematic review of 76 studies published over the last 10 years that develop and evaluate immersive virtual reality or augmented reality systems with electroencephalography-based interactions. The aim of the review is to summarize and highlight trends in technology design, research methods, current practices, techniques used in systems of this kind, challenges and opportunities that present direction for future research in this area. Our analysis uncovers useful insights, limitations, and highlights of the trends, innovations, and usability and technical challenges at the intersection of brain-computer interfaces and immersive technologies, as well as recommendations for future research.
WAMS: A Flexible API for Visual Workspaces Across Multiple Surfaces
Authors: Bateman Scott , Gutwin Carl , Mansoor Hamid , Nacenta Miguel , van der Kamp Michael , Baliesnyi Mykyta , Gagnon Kolton , Rollheiser Jesse
Published: June 2023

Applications that use multiple devices and surfaces provide new opportunities for innovative interaction -- but despite the wide variety of research that has been carried out on multi-surface systems, building these kinds of applications is still difficult. In particular, multi-surface apps that use interactive visual workspaces are complicated because current tools do not provide low-level access to a connected and interactive graphical canvas that is shown on different devices. This difficulty limits the explorations that designers and developers can carry out within the multi-surface design space. To address this problem, we have developed WAMS -- an open-source web-based toolkit that provides several programming abstractions for building visual-workspace applications across multiple surfaces. WAMS uses three main concepts -- a virtual visual workspace, views onto that workspace, and graphical workspace objects -- and provides support for connecting multiple devices, creating and manipulating objects, managing and laying out views, and handling events from multiple surfaces. WAMS simplifies the development of a wide variety of applications including composite display configurations, shared-workspace groupware, systems that place different UI elements onto different devices, and bring-your-own-device applications. We describe WAMS's main abstractions and concepts, provide several examples that show the breadth of the approach, and assess the toolkit in terms of effectiveness, coverage, extensibility, and integration with existing practices and tools.
AI-On-Skin: Towards Enabling Fast and Scalable On-body AI Inference for Wearable On-Skin Interfaces
Authors: Balaji Ananta Narayanan , Peh Li-Shiuan
Published: June 2023

Existing artificial skin interfaces lack on-skin AI compute that can provide fast neural network inference for time-critical applications. In this paper, we propose AI-on-skin - a wearable artificial skin interface integrated with a neural network hardware accelerator that can be reconfigured to run diverse neural network models and applications. AI-on-skin is designed to scale to the entire body, comprising tiny, low-power, accelerators distributed across the body. We built 7 AI-on-Skin application prototypes and our user trials show AI-On-Skin achieving 20X and 50X speedup over off-body inference via Bluetooth and on-body centralized microprocessor based inference approach respectively. We also project the power performance of AI-on-skin with our accelerator fabricated as silicon chips instead of emulated on FPGAs and show 10X further power savings. To the best of our knowledge, AI-on-Skin is the first ever wearable prototype to demonstrate skin interfaces with on-body AI inference.
Towards Flexible Authoring and Personalization of Virtual Reality Applications for Training
Authors: Ketoma Vix Kemanji , Vanderdonckt Jean , Meixner Gerrit
Published: June 2023

Virtual reality applications offer the promise to immerse end users in a synthetic environment where several actions could be observed, simulated, and reproduced, before transferring them to reality, which makes them particularly appropriate for training. Yet, when the training requires complex handling of information, the tasks become cognitively intensive, and developing adequate applications becomes challenging. To address this challenge, we define a method for developing head-mounted-display-based virtual reality applications for modular training tasks, composed of a training model with parameters, a step-wise approach for supporting this development, and a software framework enacting the application of this approach. Authoring such applications is expected to become more flexible and provide personalization facilities. To evaluate the impact of this method, we define a case study concerning an application for training school teachers who deal with a variety of situations in a classroom for an experiment involving N= 7 participants for a set of tasks. Pre-study and post-study acceptances reveal the impact of the software framework and a workload evaluation is conducted using the NASA TLX questionnaire.
The Community, the Workplace, and Public Health Measures: A Qualitative Study of Factors that Impacted the Wellbeing of Rural Health Service Staff in Victoria, Australia, during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: King Olivia A. , Buccheri Alison , Isaacs Anton , Bishop Jaclyn , Alston Laura , Versace Vincent L. , Wong Shee Anna , Sourlos Nick , Imran Didir , Jacobs Jane , Murphy Fiona , Kennelly Melissa , Field Michael
Published: June 2023

Increasing evidence of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare workers’ mental health and wellbeing has prompted concerns about the longer-term impacts on healthcare delivery and health workforce sustainability. For rural health services and communities, the pandemic has compounded existing challenges including workforce shortages, potentially leading to further health inequalities. This qualitative interview study aimed to explore factors within and external to the health service environment that influenced health service staff mental health and wellbeing in rural and regional Victoria, Australia, during the first two years of the COVID-19 pandemic (2020-2021). Participants were recruited from nine publicly funded rural and regional health services. Semistructured interviews were conducted via videoconference, audio-recorded, and transcribed. Data were analysed using a five-stage framework approach. Eighteen health service staff from four rural areas participated in the study. A range of factors that were perceived by participants to influence their wellbeing were identified. These were coded to four main themes: (1) rural community relations, (2) the nature of the health workplace, (3) self-care and supportive networks, and (4) public health measures and the unpredictable nature of the pandemic. Factors coded to these themes were described as both positive and negative influences on health staff mental health and wellbeing. Optimising the mental health and wellbeing of rural health staff is imperative to the sustainability of this workforce during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. Rural health services must consider the community and health service (meso-level), individual (microlevel), and broader pandemic context (macrolevel) when developing and implementing strategies to promote staff wellbeing. Strategies must encompass the development of senior leadership capabilities, mechanisms to support effective leadership, and optimal communication processes within health services. Given the potential for community support to positively influence rural health staff wellbeing, community engagement should be a feature of health service wellbeing strategies.
An Alternative Method for Analytical Solutions of Two-Dimensional Black-Scholes-Merton Equation
Authors: Yu Jun , Tomas Michael J.
Published: June 2023

We present a method of deriving analytical solutions for a two-dimensional Black-Scholes-Merton equation. The method consists of three changes of variables in order to reduce the original partial differential equation (PDE) to a normal form and then solve it. Analytical solutions for two cases of option pricing on the minimum and maximum of two assets are derived using our method and are shown to agree with previously published results. The advantage of our solution procedure is the ability of splitting the original problem into several components in order to demonstrate some solution properties. The solutions of the two cases have a total of five components; each is a particular solution of the PDE itself. Due to the linearity of the two-dimensional Black-Scholes-Merton equation, any linear combination of these components constitutes another solution. Some other possible solutions as well as the solution properties are discussed.
Burden of Neural Tube Defects and Their Associated Factors in Africa: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wakoya Reta , Afework Mekbeb
Published: June 2023

Background. Neural tube defects are a type of congenital anomaly caused by an abnormality in the development of the brain and spinal cord during embryogenesis. They cause high rates of mortality, morbidity, and lifelong disability. There are several studies carried out worldwide reporting different findings on the burden and associated factors. The aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the burden of neural tube defects and their associated factors in Africa. Methods. A total of 58 eligible articles were identified systematically using databases such as PubMed, Embase, African Journal Online Library, ProQuest, Cochrane, Google Scopus, Google Scholar, and Grey literature. Extracted data were analyzed using STATA 16.0 statistical software. The heterogeneity of studies was determined using the Cochrane Q test statistic and

I

2

test statistics with forest plots. A random effects model was used to examine the pooled burden of neural tube defects, subgroups of the region, subtypes of NTDs, sensitivity analysis, and publication bias. The association between NTDs and associated factors was studied using a fixed-effect model. Results. Fifty-eight studies with a total of 7,150,654 participants in 16 African countries revealed that the pooled burden of neural tube defects was 32.95 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 29.77-36.13). The Eastern African region had the highest burden in the subgroup analysis, with 111.13 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 91.85–130.42). South African countries had the lowest burden, at 11.43 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 7.51–15.34). In subtype analysis, spina bifida had the highest pooled burden at 17.01 per 10,000 births (95 percent CI: 15.00-19.00), while encephalocele had the lowest at 1.66 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 1.12-2.20). Maternal folic acid supplementation (AOR: 0.38; 95% CI: 0.16-0.94), alcohol consumption (AOR: 2.54; 95% CI: 1.08-5.96), maternal age (AOR: 3.54; 95% CI: 1.67-7.47), pesticide exposure (AOR: 2.69; 95% CI: 1.62-4.46), X-ray radiation (AOR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.05-6.78), and history of stillbirth (AOR: 3.18; 95% CI: 1.11-9.12) were significantly associated with NTDs. Conclusion. The pooled burden of NTDs in Africa was found to be high. Maternal age, alcohol consumption, pesticide and X-ray radiation exposure, history of stillbirth, and folic acid supplementation were significantly associated with NTDs.
Supplementary Figure S9 from Single-Cell Evolutionary Analysis Reveals Drivers of Plasticity and Mediators of Chemoresistance in Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wollenzien Hannah , Afeworki Tecleab Yohannes , Szczepaniak-Sloane Robert , Restaino Anthony , Kareta Michael S.
Published: June 2023

In silico removal and characterization of isolation of murine cells.
Data from Identification of a ΔNp63-Dependent Basal-Like A Subtype-Specific Transcribed Enhancer Program (B-STEP) in Aggressive Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wang Xin , Kutschat Ana P. , Aggrey-Fynn Joana , Hamdan Feda H. , Graham Rondell P. , Wixom Alexander Q. , Souto Yara , Ladigan-Badura Swetlana , Yonkus Jennifer A. , Abdelrahman Amro M. , Alva-Ruiz Roberto , Gaedcke Jochen , Ströbel Philipp , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Wegwitz Florian , Hermann Patrick , Truty Mark J. , Siveke Jens T. , Hahn Stephan A. , Hessmann Elisabeth , Johnsen Steven A. , Najafova Zeynab
Published: June 2023

Abstract
A major hurdle to the application of precision oncology in pancreatic cancer is the lack of molecular stratification approaches and targeted therapy for defined molecular subtypes. In this work, we sought to gain further insight and identify molecular and epigenetic signatures of the Basal-like A pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) subgroup that can be applied to clinical samples for patient stratification and/or therapy monitoring. We generated and integrated global gene expression and epigenome mapping data from patient-derived xenograft models to identify subtype-specific enhancer regions that were validated in patient-derived samples. In addition, complementary nascent transcription and chromatin topology (HiChIP) analyses revealed a Basal-like A subtype-specific transcribed enhancer program in PDAC characterized by enhancer RNA (eRNA) production that is associated with more frequent chromatin interactions and subtype-specific gene activation. Importantly, we successfully confirmed the validity of eRNA detection as a possible histologic approach for PDAC patient stratification by performing RNA-ISH analyses for subtype-specific eRNAs on pathologic tissue samples. Thus, this study provides proof-of-concept that subtype-specific epigenetic changes relevant for PDAC progression can be detected at a single-cell level in complex, heterogeneous, primary tumor material.
Implication:
Subtype-specific enhancer activity analysis via detection of eRNAs on a single-cell level in patient material can be used as a potential tool for treatment stratification.
An android application and speech recognition-based IoT-enabled deployment using NodeMCU for elderly individuals
Authors: Avi Arunav Mallik , Rana Md. Sohel , Bedar Mustakim Billah , Talukder Md. Asif
Published: June 2023

The internet of things (IoT) is the trendiest technology in the computing, Embedded and modern control systems industries. An efficient IoT-enabled home automation technique that allows users to remotely control home appliances and observe sensor data from a long distance via internet connectivity. This study identifies a smart approach to assisting any user, particularly elderly individuals, to control home appliances and monitor home weather conditions using an Android application and voice command using speech recognition. Multiple specialized microcontrollers, especially NodeMCU and other components like sensors, networks, relays, fans, lights and android devices are used to implement this proposed system. This IoT platform device is configured to recognize the instructions from the Android application to control appliances as well as compute real-time weather data from sensor and upload the sensor data stream to the IoT web server. The dedicated IoT web server, that is accessible by the Android application for further IoT operations. On the other hand, the Google Speech to Text (STS) service enables a facility to control home appliances through voice command. Mobility issues plague the elderly, complicating even the simplest tasks. From observation of this research, they can control this proposed system without ever touching any physical switches.
Royal Victoria Hotel Industrial Strategies and Efforts Towards the Impact of The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mery Larasanti Nidya , Aditia Darma Nasution Dito
Published: June 2023

The spread of the COVID-19 Virus occurred very quickly, the lack of responsive public awareness caused the virus to spread and eventually claimed lives and caused unrest. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected economic activity. The impact of COVID-19 on the hospitality industry in Indonesia has also been badly affected. Various strategies were carried out by the hotel industry and the government in reducing the impact of increasingly large losses. The research aims to analyze the strategies and efforts of the Hotel Victoria industry towards the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive approach is the foundation of research by collecting data through observation, interviews and document studies. The conclusions from this research are; The occupancy rate of the Hotel Royal Victoria has fallen sharply. In 2019 the occupancy rate of Hotel Royal Victoria was 37%. The impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic includes decreasing hotel occupancy rates, increasing operational costs, and termination of employment. The strategies implemented by Hotel Royal Victoria in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic include: having a CHSE certificate, issuing frugal Meals Box and Rice Bowl packages, promoting on social media, offering room rates with a 50% discount on travel platforms, and conducting employee reviews. whose contract has expired. These strategies were recognized as very effective and helped Hotel Royal Victoria survive during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Effect of Social Media and Word Of Mouth on Purchase Decisions at the MayShopping Store
Authors: Atma Asyifa , Ernawati Sri
Published: June 2023

This researcher aims to examine the influence of social media and word of mouth on purchasing decisions at the MayShopping store. This study aims to determine the effect of social media and word of mouth on purchase decisions at the MayShopping store. The method of collecting data in this study was carried out by distributing questionnaires to 96 consumers of MayShopping store respondents. The research method used is the associative method. Data analysis uses validity test, reliability test, classic assumption test, multiple linear regression test, correlation coefficient test, coefficient of determination test, T test and F test. The results of this study indicate that Social Media has a significant effect on purchase decisions with a calculated t value of 9.215 > 1.661 and a significant 0.000 <0.05. Word of Mouth has a significant effect on purchase decisions with a tcount of 3.056 > 1.661 and a significant 0.003 <0.05. Social Media and Word Of Mouth together have a significant effect on purchase decisions with a Fcount of 13.053 > 3.99 and a significant value of 0.000 <0.05.
Determinants of Financial Statement Fraud in Perspective Hexagon Fraud Theory
Authors: Dini Febriani  , Cahyati Ari Dewi , Anisa Putri  , Neneng Lasmita Susanti
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this research is to analyze the effect of the hexagon fraud theory; stimulus, opportunity, rationalization, capability, ego, collusion, company size on financial statement fraud in energy sector companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2016-2020 using the F-Score model as a measurement. This study uses a sample of 39 energy sector companies with a total of 186 observations. This study uses multiple regression analysis techniques. The results of this study indicate that the stimulus (pressure) in terms of financial targets and external pressure and opportunity in terms of the nature of industry affects financial statement fraud. While rationalization in terms of change in auditors, capability  in terms of change in directors, ego (arrogance) in terms of CEO duality, collusion in terms of market performance ratios, and company size have no effect on financial statement fraud.
A new species of Tremella from India
Authors: THOMAS ANJITHA , ARUN KUMAR T.K.
Published: June 2023

A new Tremella species was collected and described from Kerala State, India. Morphological features along with molecular data confirmed the novelty of the species. The new species T. poilkavensis is characterised by amber brown to blackish brown basidiocarp, stalked basidia, conidiospores budding off from basidia, growth on ascomata of Biscogniauxia species and presence of host hyphae within the basidiocarp.
Grappling with legacies of pain, shame, and blame in independent schools: Reclaiming lament and refocusing praise through Psalm 22
Authors: Spencer Michael E.
Published: June 2023

As many schools grapple with issues of sexual misconduct and legacy abuse, this article revisits the thinking of Walter Brueggeman and Rolf Jacobson and the “costly losses” initiated by a displacement of the psalmic traditions of lament and praise. The article explores the shift from the social gospel to the prosperity gospel. Drawing from the work in theology and trauma studies by Shelly Rambo and Serene Jones, the article considers the power of lament psalms, most specifically Psalm 22, in providing a theological, trauma-informed framework that witnesses to those who have suffered sexual abuse. Moving beyond institutional apology, lament opens the opportunity for grappling with legacies of pain, shame, and blame while confronting the ethos in which lament and praise were lost. Ultimately, reclaiming lament and refocusing praise will require a collaborative commitment by survivors and institutions joining voices to move toward healing, forgiveness, justice, and restoration.
Extraction and characterization of novel lignocellulosic fibers from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for composite materials
Authors: Makri Hocine , Rokbi Mansour , Meddah Mostefa , Belayachi Naima , Khaldoune Abderraouf
Published: June 2023

The aim of this investigation is to evaluate the use of new lignocellulosic fiber extracted from Centaurea hyalolepis plant as a potential reinforcement for light-weight composite applications. In this study, anatomical structure and morphological surface of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were conducted. The physical-chemical, thermal, crystalline,mechanical, characteristics of extracted fibers were also examined using Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and tensile test. ATR-FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of the main components of lignocellulosic fiber (lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose). XRD revealed the presence of cellulose with a crystallinity index of 57.93%.By densimetry, the density of Centaurea hyalolepis was determined as 1.13 g/cm3. The Centaurea hyalolepis was found to be thermally stable up to 271°C. The kinetic activation energy was determined as 115.943 kJ/mol. Tensile tests revealed that the mean tensile strength and Young’s modulus of Centaurea hyalolepis fiber were about 372,5 MPa and 9.036 GPa respectively. Because of the dispersion in the experimental tensile results, the Weibull statistical analysis with two parameters was carried out. Regard these findings, the Centaurea hyalolepis fibers can be a suitable candidate for low density polymeric composites reinforcement.
Campaigning or Not in the 2016 Referendum? UK Environmental Non-Governmental Organisations and European Union Membership
Authors: Berny Nathalie , Gravey Viviane
Published: June 2023

Environmental non-governmental organisations stood out during the 2016 European Union referendum campaign. Despite clear reputational and regulatory risks, they participated in this fraught political debate in sharp contrast to other civil society sectors. This challenges common assumptions that material concerns, and ultimately survival, prevail in campaigning choices. We argue that campaigning choices reflect commitments to values that underpin these organisations’ raison d’être. Drawing on a pragmatist view of organisations, we analyse how external (media, regulatory) and internal (competence, governance processes) pressures shaped the campaigning choices of nine UK environmental organisations. We find that most environmental non-governmental organisations chose to engage, some even officially registering for Remain. Those active at the European Union level were most likely to engage – but also most open to criticism. Overall, environmental non-governmental organisations struggled to adapt their usual expertise-based, elite-focused campaigning style to the referendum which raises questions for civil society’s ability to speak for Europe, and contribute to controversial democratic debates, beyond the United Kingdom.
The influence of the substitution degree and length of alkyl chains on the sizing properties of alkylation starches
Authors: Shen Yanqin , Qiao Jinyu , Wu Hailiang , Yao Yijun
Published: June 2023

In this work, a series of alkylation starches (St-C n) with different alkylation degrees was synthesized by introducing alkyl chains (the number of carbon atoms was 3, 8, and 12, respectively) onto starch. The influence of the substitution degree ( DS) and length of the alkyl chains on the sizing properties of alkylation starches was studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra provided evidence for the linkage of alkyl chains onto the starch structure. Benefiting from the flexibility characteristic of the alkyl chain and the weakening hydrogen bonding to starch structure, St-C8 alkylation starch film with a DS of 0.114 exhibited a high elongation break of 4.64%, which is higher than that of the modified starches reported in most of the literature. Moreover, the alkyl chain could reduce the internal stress of the starch adhesive layer among fibers, which improved the adhesion of alkylation starch to cotton fibers. The St-C12 alkylation starch obtained by the longer alkyl chain weakened the adhesion among fibers due to the strong hydrophobic effect. This work provides a new idea to achieve starch plasticization.
Racially Just, Trauma-Informed Care for Black Students
Authors: McAdoo Gene , Williams Keara , Howard Tyrone C.
Published: June 2023

Anti-blackness precludes Black people from being viewed as rights-bearing individuals and justifies the degradation of Black people, Black history, and Black culture. In this conceptual article, we suggest that (1) anti-blackness is trauma-inducing, (2) schools are often the first sites where Black students encounter anti-blackness and subsequent trauma, (3) anti-black racial trauma deleteriously affects Black youth's holistic wellbeing. Moreover, we contend that schools’ writ-large and teacher education programs can play an important role in providing the knowledge, resources, and dispositions needed to train teachers to recognize the persistence of anti-blackness and play a pivotal role in ameliorating it.
“Showing the Good and Bad Together”: A Participatory Exploration of Strengths and School-Based Trauma with Black Elementary Youth
Authors: Duane Addison
Published: June 2023

Current conceptualizations of trauma-informed practice in urban education spaces fail to center the strengths of Black youth, nor do they interrogate the role of schools in causing trauma. In partnership with an elementary-aged participatory Student Advisory Board, this article explores the both/and of strengths and school-based trauma for these Black youth. Through narrative analysis coupled with student art and poetry, findings highlight the normative nature of Black brilliance (Gholson et al., 2012). Situating strengths and school-based trauma together promotes a more comprehensive view of trauma, especially as it relates to liberatory trauma-informed educational practice in urban contexts.
Disentangling the Reproductive From the Liberatory in Urban School Contexts: Trauma-Informed Practice for Racially Just Systemic Teaching
Authors: Goldin Simona , Duane Addison , Khasnabis Debi
Published: June 2023

The writing in this issue is inspired and springs from what hooks and Duncan-Andrade have called critical hope. A transgressive hope invoked by critical scholars and practitioners for centuries. Hope that strives, at every turn, to break systems of oppression that produce and reproduce trauma. Hope for the ways in which we can leverage trauma-informed practice (TIP) as a practice of liberation. In this special issue, authors illuminate how TIP can advance collective goals of urban education as liberation, speaking to multiple facets of urban education, as advanced by Milner and Lomotey, with particular attention to youth voice, multidisciplinary perspectives, policy, teaching and teacher education, and families and communities.
Registration of essential medicines in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Green A , Lyus R , Ocan M , Pollock AM , Brhlikova P
Published: June 2023

Objectives

To audit national drug registers (NDRs) in Kenya, United Republic of Tanzania and Uganda with respect to national Essential Medicine Lists (EMLs) and to conduct an analysis of highly registered products including a sub-analysis of highly registered antimicrobial products.

Design

Retrospective analysis of registration of essential medicines and medicinal products on NDRs as of February 2018.

Setting

Not applicable.

Participants

None.

Main outcome measures

Registration status of essential medicines by country, essential medicine status of registered products by country and medicines with more than 50 registrations across all three countries.

Results

A high proportion of essential medicines are not registered: Kenya 28% (175/632), United Republic of Tanzania 50% (400/797) and Uganda 40% (266/663). Of registered products on the NDRs, more than half are not essential: Kenya 71% (4350/6151), United Republic of Tanzania 64% (2278/3590) and Uganda 58% (2268/3896). When the three NDRs were combined, there were 42 medicines with over 50 registered products, accounting for 30% (4153/13637) of products, many of which were non-essential.

Conclusions

Non-registration of essential medicines is a barrier to availability. Over-registration of medicines, particularly non-essential medicines, diverts regulatory resources towards registering non-priority and, sometimes, clinically sub-optimal medicines. The East African Community Medicines Registration Harmonization Project has the potential to improve access to key medicines if registration of essential medicines is prioritised and registration of non-essential medicines is restricted.
Situational Factors of Compulsive Buying and the Well-Being Outcomes: What We Know and What We Need to Know
Authors: Nanda Ambika Prasad , Banerji Diptiman , Singh Nihal
Published: June 2023

Marketing as a discipline has evolved with the unintended consequences of making consumers spend more and buy things they do not need, resulting in significant consumer well-being challenges such as financial debt, negative emotional states, and ill-health. Even though the ill-effects of buying have been investigated in the extant literature, a comprehensive understanding of situational factors (or environmental factors) that socially responsible marketers can act upon has been missing. We find that compulsive buying behavior (CBB) poses significant challenges to consumer well-being but is rarely given due importance. CBB has been conceptualized by impulse purchase in its most basic form, progressing to obsession-compulsion, lack of self-control, and addiction in its extreme form requiring clinical interventions. After a thematic analysis of N  =  67 articles around situational factors leading to CBB, the findings are arranged under five broad categories resulting in the BEEST framework (Brand, Environment, Economic, Sociological, and Technological). Further, ten sub-themes under these five broad categories and four sub-themes under psychological moderating factors affecting the relationship between situational factors and CBB are explicated. The study ends with future research directions in situational factors research in CBB area to increase consumer well-being or minimize consumer ill-being.
Concomitant occurrence of Wernicke’s encephalopathy and sarcopenia due to vitamin D depletion in patients with alcohol use disorder: a case report
Authors: Fraenkel Emil , Orlický Michal , Fedičová Miriam , Gdovinová Zuzana , Lazúrová Ivica
Published: June 2023

Individuals with alcohol use disorder frequently suffer from vitamin D deficiency, in addition to deficiencies in vitamins B12, folic acid and B1. This is due to inadequate dietary intake and behavioural changes. Each of these deficiencies results in different clinical symptoms. Subacute spinal cord degeneration, together with radicular and sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy, arises from B12 vitamin and folic acid deficiencies. B1 vitamin deficiency leads to Wernicke’s encephalopathy, which can include the classical triad of symptoms (i.e. cognitive changes, ataxia and ophthalmoplegia). Sarcopenia is a consequence of a long-term deficiency of vitamin D. This current case report describes a 43-year-old female patient with alcohol use disorder who complained of dizziness, postural disturbance and episodes of intermittent paraesthesia. She was subsequently shown to have concomitant Wernicke’s encephalopathy and sarcopenia due to vitamin D deficiency. This case report presents the diagnostic process undertaken to exclude conditions related to ataxia and paraparesis other than vitamins D and B1 deficiencies. It also emphasizes the importance of concomitant replacement of the depleted vitamins because the vitamin deficiency may occur simultaneously, which causes the accompanying manifestations of several clinical syndromes.