bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blended care intervention for cancer aftercare in general practice centres: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Smits Michelle , Bolman Catherine , Mesters Ilse , Lechner Lilian
Published: November 2023

Background Combining effective eHealth programs with face-to-face consultations in general practice may help general practitioners (GPs) to care for cancer survivors.
Method This study protocol describes a two-armed randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate (cost-)effectiveness of a blended intervention integrating the Cancer Aftercare Guide (CAG) in general practice centres (GPCs). A process evaluation is also included in the study.
Discussion Results may be relevant to cancer aftercare, general practice, and the field of eHealth implementation in general. Potential challenges lie in recruitment due to the strain on the healthcare system since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trial registration The study is ongoing, patients are currently being enrolled. Enrolment started 11 August, 2023. A total of 86 patients have enrolled as of 22 November 2023.
The role of prejudice and prior contact in support for evidence-based interventions to reduce drug-related deaths: Results from a survey across the island of Ireland.
Authors: Miller Nicole M , Campbell Claire , Shorter Gillian W
Published: November 2023

Background: Stigmatized attitudes, opinions on opioid use, and prior contact with people who use drugs (PWUD) can contribute to what policies are supported and implemented to reduce drug-related deaths. This study examined how these variables relate to policy support for implementation of supervised injection sites, laws protecting bystander at the scene of an overdose, and over the counter naloxone on the island of Ireland.
Methods: A sample of 472 adults across the Island of Ireland completed an online survey. Hierarchical linear regression was performed to examine associations between respondent attitudes and policy support. Mediation analysis explored how stigma mediated the relationship between prior contact and policy support. Open-ended questions explored attitudes further and were analysed using codebook Thematic Analysis.
Results: The final model accounted for 29% of the variance in policy support. Non sympathetic attitudes towards people who use opioids predicted less policy support (β=-.18) and agreement that PWUD were not criminals predicted more policy support (β=.14). Mediation analysis showed that medium or high levels of familiarity with PWUD (compared to low) reduced social stigma, avoidance, and disgust which in turn increased levels of policy support. Medium familiarity (compared to low) showed a small indirect effect via sympathetic attitudes and condemnation. Meta inferences from the qualitative analysis evidenced mechanisms of stigma and prior contact.
Conclusion: Stigma reduction programs should consider the role of prejudice and target negative emotional reactions such as lack of sympathy towards PWUD. Programs to reduce stigma should be informed by the lived or living experience of PWUD, families and carers, to help increase knowledge, social acceptance and understanding to garner policy support for evidence-based intervention to reduce drug-related deaths.
Role of CT attenuation values in kidney stones: a combination of clinical investigations and molecular mechanism elucidation
Authors: Wang Jing , Guo Zihao , Ren Xiang , wang Shaogang , Zhu Yunpeng
Published: November 2023

Randall's plaque theory suggests a systemic process that affects the kidneys, and unenhanced computed tomography (uCT) scans can identify changes in tissue density during stone formation. We carried out a retrospective cohort study comprising 163 kidney stone formers (KSFs) and 168 healthy control participants. The CT attenuation values of renal papillae in KSFs are significantly higher than those in controls. Multivariable regression demonstrated that kidney stone formation was associated with age, CT attenuation values, serum calcium, eGFR, hematuria and urinary leukocyte. KSFs with abdominal aortic calcification had significantly higher aortic calcification index (ACI) than the controls, and there was a significant interaction between ACI and CT attenuation values. The gene expression profiles of aortic calcification and nephrolithiasis were subjected to bioinformatics analysis. Twenty-five common differentially expressed genes (cDEGs) were identified, and the IL-17 signaling pathway was found to be predominantly enriched among the upregulated cDEGs according to KEGG analysis. The expression of MMP1, CCL7, HSP 90α/β, NF-κb p65, and p-NF-κb p65 was elevated in cell or animal models and clinical samples. Triptolide treatment inhibited stone formation and preserved kidney function by blocking IL-17 signaling transduction in the nephrolithiasis rats model.
Underwater Image Enhancement by Combining Multi-Attention with Recurrent Residual Convolutional U-Net
Authors: Wang Shuqi , Chen Zhixiang , Wang Hui
Published: November 2023

The scattering and absorption of light lead to color distortion and blurred details in the captured underwater images. Although underwater image enhancement algorithms have made significant breakthroughs in recent years, enhancing the effectiveness and robustness of underwater degraded images is still a challenging task. To improve the quality of underwater images, we propose a combined multi-attention mechanism and recurrent residual convolutional U-Net (ACU-Net) for underwater image enhancement. First, we add a dual-attention mechanism and convolution module to the U-Net encoder. It can unequally extract features in different channels and spaces and make the extracted image feature information more accurate. Second, we add an attention gate module and recurrent residual convolution module to the U-Net decoder. It helps extract features fully and facilitates the recovery of more detailed information when the image is generated. Finally, we test the subjective results and objective evaluation of our proposed algorithm on synthetic and real datasets. The experimental results show that the robustness of our algorithm outperforms the other five classical algorithms, such as in enhancing underwater images with different color shifts and turbidity. Moreover, it corrects the color bias and improves the contrast and detailed texture of the images.
LNC01089-LINC00963/miR-1244-5p/IGF1 ceRNA axis might regulate FOXO signaling pathway in breast cancer patients: a biomarker discovery investigation
Authors: Rezaei Mohammad , Marghmaleki Ramin Masoudi , Boroujeni Farzaneh Sanati , Shahriari Abbas , Omidghaemi Shadi , Azadeh Mansoureh , Golshani Ashkan
Published: November 2023

Background
Breast carcinoma (BC) ranks as one of the most prevalent illnesses among women, and a variety of factors, including inherited and environmental factors, can impact its start and progression. A variety of biological biomarkers (measurement of enzymes, hormones, and mRNA and microRNA expression patterns) have been identified for the prediction of poor prognosis and diagnosis of BC. In this study, we tried to analyze the expression patterns of mRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and find novel biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis of BC during a systems biology approach.
Methods
Microarray analysis was performed to find novel potential BC biomarkers. Using miRWalk, lncRRIsearch, STRING, and Cytoscape, non-coding and protein interaction analysis was utilized and visualized. Pathway enrichment and gene ontology analyses were performed to find accurate biological mechanisms of selected RNAs. The correlation of lncRNA and mRNA expression level with the survival rate of BC patients was shown using GEPIA2. Expression level of miRNA was performed using ENCORI. Using qRT-PCR on 50 tumor samples compared to 50 control samples for validation of bioinformatics expression analyses and understanding of diagnosis capability of selected RNAs (using Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.
Results
IGF1 expression level had a significant reduction in BC, based on microarray and qRT-PCR experiments. LINC00963 and LNC01089 also have significant decrease in expression level, based on GEPIA2 and qRT-PCR. LNC01089 and LINC00963 could represent suitable BC diagnostic (depending on ROC analysis) and prognosis (clinicopathological analysis) biomarkers. The two mentioned lncRNAs have direct interaction with IGF1 mRNA. miR-1244-5p as a potential up-regulated oncogene of BC suppresses the expression level of LNC01089, LINC00963, and IGF1. IGF1 is a key modulator of the FOXO signaling pathway. The mentioned RNAs have a significant correlation with clinicopathological features of BC patients, including age, lymph node metastasis, and menopausal status.
Conclusion
LINC00963 and LNC01089, as the two potential tumor suppressors of BC, could regulate the FOXO signaling pathway through direct interaction with IGF1 mRNA. miR-1244-5p also might have a critical role in FOXO regulation through suppression of IGF1 and two mentioned lncRNAs.
Exploring key regulators involved in cardiac ischemic preconditioning through proteomic analysis in ischemia reperfusion mice models
Authors: jiang yi , Chen Guodong , Luo Minghao , Luo Suxin , He An , Lv Dingyi , Peng Yuce , Ma Dan , Huang Longxiang , Li Yuanjing
Published: November 2023

Background
Reperfusion therapy improved acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients’ prognosis. However, the ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury remains unsolved. During clinical practice, patients with recurrent angina manifested better outcomes after ACS, suggesting brief periods of sublethal ischemia separated by periods of short bursts of reperfusion delivered before the ischemic insult, known as ischemic preconditioning (IPC) could provide the cardio-myocardium with a means of protecting against ACS. However, the exact physiological mechanism remains controversial. Based on proteomic analysis, this study explored the role of mitochondrial metabolism in IPC and potential targets of IPC.
Methods
IR and IPC mice models were established as protocol, and myocardium tissue was acquired from animal models as samples. Mass spectrometry analysis was employed to acquire the protein expression profile. Comprehensive proteomic analysis was performed for differentially expressed protein acquisition, functional enrichment, hub gene identification, etc. GSE45818 was obtained from NCBI GEO for external validation.
Results
After the left anterior descending artery ligation, the myocardial blush was diminished and restored after untied. The following hematoxylin-eosin staining of cardiac slices demonstrating IPC and IR mice models were well established. After that, the rest of the cardiac samples were further proceeded through mass spectrometry analysis, and 3034 effective proteins were identified by mass spectrometry analysis. Among them, 145 proteins were significantly expressed between IPC and IR groups, and their corresponding genes’ function was enriched in mitochondrial translation and gene expression, ribosome component, etc. Differentially expressed genes (DEG) intersecting with mitochondrial genes were 19 mitochondria-related DEGs. Based on that, nine hub genes were obtained via PPI network analysis (Cox4i1, Cox5a, Cox7b, Ndufa2, Ndufa11, Ndufs2, Ndufs3, Ndufv1, and Uqcr11). Combined with protein expression data, 3 hub genes (Cox4i1, Cox7b, and Ndufa2) were differentially expressed between IR and IPC groups. The Cox4i1 showed adequate discrimination ability in external validation.
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that IPC may exert therapeutic effects through up-regulating Cox4i1 expression in alleviating IR injury, and COX4 isoform changing could be a promising regulatory target of IR.
Target Link Protection against Link-Prediction-Based Attacks via Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Based on Random Walk
Authors: Jiang Zhongyuan , Liu Haibo , Li Jing , Li Xinghua , Ma Jianfeng , Yu Philip S.
Published: November 2023

Link prediction is a network analysis model used to discover missing links or future relationships that may appear, which has been widely used in many real network systems to predict the potential relationship between two individuals. However, link prediction can also be used by attackers to identify sensitive links that users are unwilling to expose, which makes only removing sensitive links from the original network ineffective and leads to the disclosure of privacy. In this paper, we propose a target link protection mechanism via artificial bee colony algorithm based on random walk (RABC), which can defend the link prediction attacks based on Resource Allocation (RA) metric effectively.To enhance the local search ability of RABC, the random walk algorithm is combined with the original artificial bee colony algorithm. Then, we compare our method with other existing methods, which shows that RABC has higher efficiency while ensuring the effectiveness. Finally, extensive experiments on real social networks are conducted to demonstrate the good performance of RABC on protecting sensitive links from being detected successfully by link prediction model. Furthermore, the perturbed networks generated by RABC is transferable to defend against other link prediction attacks.
Granular Syntax Processing with Multi-task and Curriculum Learning
Authors: Zhang Xulang , Mao Rui , Cambria Erik
Published: November 2023

Syntactic processing techniques are the foundation of Natural Language Processing (NLP), supporting many downstream NLP tasks. In this paper, we conduct pair-wise Multi-Task Learning (MTL) on syntactic tasks with different granularity, namely Sentence Boundary Detection (SBD), text chunking, and Part-of-Speech(PoS) tagging, so as to investigate the extent to which they complement each other. We propose a novel soft parameter sharing mechanism to share local and global dependency information that is learned from both target tasks. We also propose a Curriculum Learning (CL) mechanism to improve MTL with non-parallel labeled data. Using non-parallel labeled data in MTL is a common practice, whereas it has not received enough attention before. For example, our employed PoS tagging data do not have text chunking labels. When learning PoS tagging and text chunking together, the proposed CL mechanism aims to select complementary samples from the two tasks to update the parameters of the MTL model in the same training batch. Such a method yields better performance and learning stability. We conclude that the fine-grained tasks can provide complementary features to coarse-grained ones, while the most coarse-grained task, SBD, provides useful information for the most fine-grained one, PoS tagging. Additionally, the text chunking task achieves state-of-the-art performance when joint learning with PoS tagging. Our analytical experiments also show the effectiveness of the proposed soft parameter sharing and CL mechanisms.
Surgical Management and Outcome of Large and Giant Intracranial Aneurysm
Authors: Barbarawi Mohammed M. Al , Alawneh Khaled Z. , Bqour Abdelhalim Z. , Abdelaziz Walla , Qudsieh Suhair M. , Barbarawi Ala M. , Jarrar Sultan M. , Jaradat Amer A. , Megdadi Anwar , Ghammaz Owais
Published: November 2023

Large and giant intracranial aneurysms, exceeding 10 mm and 25 mm in diameter, respectively, are rare in neurosurgery. These lesions carry substantial morbidity and mortality risks, often causing mass effects, intracranial hemorrhage, stroke, or seizures. We present our experience with 54 patients diagnosed with these aneurysms at King Abdullah University Hospital. We conducted neurological assessments and preoperative evaluations using the modified Rankin Scale. Individualized treatment strategies, employing surgical techniques or endovascular embolization, were tailored to each patient. Surgical interventions, including direct clipping, aneurysmal wall resection, aneurysmorrhaphy with clipping, and cross-clamping (average duration: 20 minutes), were performed in 32 cases (59.2%). Endovascular coiling was utilized in 22 patients (40.8%), with 10 requiring flow diverter stents. Of the cases, 32 were giant aneurysms, and 22 were large aneurysms. The cohort included 28 females and 26 males, averaging 46.9 years. Aneurysms were predominantly in the anterior circulation (80.6%), with initial symptoms including mass effect (78.7%), cerebral ischemia (8.3%), intracranial hemorrhage (3%), and seizures (2.8%). Outcomes ranged from favorable to excellent in 70.4% of patients, while 18.5% experienced poor outcomes, primarily in posterior circulation aneurysms or due to poor preoperative conditions. The overall mortality rate was 11.1%, with eight fatalities. Management of giant intracranial aneurysms remains challenging, with higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to other neurosurgical conditions. No universally effective technique exists, emphasizing the importance of meticulous perioperative planning and surgical expertise. Further research and treatment advancements are needed to enhance the management of these complex aneurysms.
Antiphospholipid Antibodies as Potential Predictors of Disease Severity and Poor Prognosis in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus-Associated Thrombocytopenia: Results from a Real-World CSTAR Cohort Study
Authors: Li Jun , Peng Liying , Wu Lijun , Ding Yufang , Duan Xinwang , Xu Jian , Wei Wei , Chen Zhen , Zhao Cheng , Yang Min , Jiang Nan , Zhang Shangzhu , Wang Qian , Tian Xinping , Li Mengtao , Zeng Xiaofeng , Zhao Yan , Zhao Jiuliang
Published: November 2023

Background: To investigate the role of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) in the disease severity and prognosis of SLE-related thrombocytopenia.
Methods: This multicenter prospective study was conducted based on data from the CSTAR registry. TP was defined as a platelet count＜100×109/L. Demographic characteristics, platelet count, clinical manifestations, disease activity, and autoantibody profiles were collected at baseline. Relapse was defined as the loss of remission. Bone marrow aspirate reports were also collected.
Results: A total of 350 SLE-TP patients with complete follow-up data, 194 (55.4%) were aPLs positive. At baseline, SLE-TP patients with aPLs had lower baseline platelet counts (61.0×109/L vs. 76.5×109/L, P＜0.001), and a higher proportion of moderate to severe cases (24.2% vs. 14.1% ; 18.0% vs. 8.3%, P＜0.001). SLE-TP patients with aPLs also had lower platelet counts at their lowest point (37.0 × 109/L vs. 51.0 × 109/L, P=0.002). In addition, thean increasing number of aPLs types was associated with a decrease in the baseline and minimum values of platelets ( P＜0.001, P=0.001). During follow-up, SLE-TP carrying aPLs had a higher relapse rate (58.2% vs. 44.2%, P=0.009) and a lower complete response (CR) rate. As the types of aPLs increased, the relapse rate increased, and the CR rate decreased. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the ratio of granulocytes to red blood cells (G/E), the total number of megakaryocyte and categories.
Conclusion: SLE-TP patients with positive aPLs had more severe disease a lower remission rate but a higher relapse rate.
Associations between a normal-range free thyroxine concentration and ovarian reserve in infertile women undergoing treatment via assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Zhang Qiaoling , Zhang Dandan , Liu Haoyuan , Fu Jinyun , Tang Li , Rao Meng
Published: November 2023

Background Some recent studies have shown that female subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is associated with diminished ovarian reserve (DOR). In this study, we aimed to investigate whether serum-free thyroxine (fT4) concentrations within the reference range are associated with ovarian reserve in women.Methods This cross-sectional study included 4933 infertile women with normal-range fT4 concentrations who received assisted reproductive technology treatment in our clinic. The data of women in different fT4 concentration tertiles (namely 12–15.33, 15.34–18.67, and 18.68–22 pmol/L) were compared with ovarian reserve markers, namely the anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) concentration, the antral follicle count (AFC), and the number of aspirated oocytes. The primary outcomes were the AMH concentration and the risk of DOR, diagnosed as an AMH concentration < 1.1 ng/mL.Results The average ages of women in the low-normal, middle-normal, and high-normal fT4 tertiles were 33.20 (standard deviation [SD]: 5.11), 32.33 (SD: 5.13), and 31.61 (SD: 5.10) years, respectively (p < 0.0001). AMH concentrations (adjusted mean: 3.32 [95% confidence interval {CI}: 3.16 to 3.50] vs. 3.51 [3.40 to 3.62] vs. 3.64 [3.50 to 3.80] ng/mL, p = 0.022) were significantly different between the fT4 concentration tertiles. The risk of DOR was significantly increased in the low-normal (adjusted odds ratio: 1.61 [95% CI: 1.01 to 2.58]) and middle-normal (1.47 [95% CI: 1.00 to 2.16]) tertiles compared with the high-normal tertile. Subgroup analysis showed that AMH concentrations were significantly different among the fT4 concentration tertiles in women aged < 35 years (adjusted mean: 3.94 [95% CI: 3.70 to 4.20] vs. 4.25 [4.11 to 4.39] vs. 4.38 [4.18 to 4.58], p = 0.028), whereas this difference was not significant in women aged ≥ 35 years (p = 0.534). The general additive models using fT4 as a continuous variable indicated that a lower fT4 concentration within the normal range was significantly associated with a lower AMH concentration (p = 0.027), a lower AFC (p = 0.018), a lower number of aspirated oocytes (p = 0.001), and a higher risk of DOR (p = 0.007).Conclusion Low-normal fT4 concentrations are associated with lower ovarian reserve in infertile women
Performance Evaluation of Free Space Optical Communication System
Authors: Shaligram Mahajan Hrushikesh , Bajaj Praveen Kumar
Published: November 2023

In the rapidly evolving technology sector, the rapidly increasing demand for high-speed data transmission has driven significant advancements in data transfer technologies. Traditional optical fiber offers data transfer rates of 10 Gbps, but the telecommunications industry's escalating demands have led to the emergence of Free Space Optics (FSO) as a potential solution, capable of achieving speeds of up to 100 Gbps. The speed of data transmission is intricately linked to signal quality, quantified by the Quality Factor (Q). FSO, utilising the Earth's atmosphere as its propagation medium, is the focal point of our performance analysis. This study explores the critical factors influencing data transmission speed and signal quality in FSO systems, including wavelength, laser power, modulation techniques, and the distance between transmitter and receiver telescopes. The analysis focuses on assessing the Quality Factor and BER(Bit Error Rate) of signals, utilising Optical System simulations across a range of bit rates (10 Gbps, 12 Gbps, 14 Gbps, and 15 Gbps) and transmission distances of 10 km, 15 km, 20 km, 24 km, and 28 km. An Eye Diagram is employed for signal analysis, providing valuable insights into the comparison of Quality Factor (Q) and Bit Error Rate (BER). This research highlights the potential of FSO as a high-speed data transmission technology and its implications for the telecommunications industry.
The effect of Usnea longissima extract on chemotherapy-associated multi-organ damage in rats
Authors: Bingul Eda , Suleyman Bahadir , Mammadov Renad , Bulut Seval , Dogru Tugba Erkmen , Altuner Durdu , Suleyman Halis
Published: November 2023

The toxic effects of doxorubicin and cisplatin in various organs have been associated with oxidative stress. Studies have shown that Usnea longissima has strong antioxidant effects. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of ethyl acetate extract from Usnea longissima (ULE), which is known to have strong antioxidant effects, on chemotherapeutic-induced heart, kidney, liver and ovarian toxicity. Albino Wistar female rats were divided into five groups (12 rats per group): healthy (HG), doxorubicin (DOX), Cisplatin (CIS), Doxorubicin + ULE (DULE), Cisplatin + ULE (CULE). In this experiment, ULE was given 100 mg/kg orally. After 1 hour, 2.5 mg/kg doxorubicin and 2.5 mg/kg cisplatin were administered intraperitoneally. Drug treatments continued once a day for seven days. At the end of seven days, six rats from each group were euthanised and heart, kidney, liver and ovary tissues were analysed biochemically. The remaining rats were left in the laboratory with male rats for 45 days for reproduction. ULE inhibited chemotherapeutic-induced increase in malondialdehyde, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6 and decrease in total glutathione in liver, kidney and ovarian tissues. ULE also inhibited the increase of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in serum. ULE treatment had no protective effect against doxorubicin and cisplatin cardiac toxicity. On the other hand, ULE also decreased the delay in pregnancy induced by chemotherapy. ULE may be considered as adjuvant therapy in patients receiving chemotherapy to reduce liver, kidney and ovarian toxicity.
Gendered impacts of 2022 floods on livelihoods and health vulnerability of rural communities in select Southern states in Nigeria
Authors: Ejem Agwu A. , Ben-Enukora Charity A.
Published: November 2023

Background: Social factors, gender norms and roles as well as biological and physiological differences lead to gender gap in post-disaster vulnerabilities. This emphasizes the need to adopt vulnerability approach in disaster management.Objective:This study investigated the relationship between gender dynamics and the impact of the 2022 floods in Nigeria on the health and livelihoods of men and women in select Southern states.Methodology:The authors adopted a mixed-method approach. Survey was used to gather data from 383 persons affected by the floods; a content analysis was done on secondary data from Flood Rapid Needs Assessment of the selected states; and an in-depth interview was conducted on the flood-affected persons.Results:The norms and roles of female members in their homes and the wider communities exposed them to vulnerabilities during the floods. As a result, more females than males lost their lives, jobs, and sources of livelihood during the floods. The females suffered more health vulnerabilities during and after the floods, were more traumatized, fell more ill as a result of the trauma caused by the flood, and suffered more from poor sanitary conditions after (and as a result of) the floods.Conclusion:It was concluded that inequalities in exposure and sensitivity to risk along with differences in access to resources, opportunities, and capabilities systematically hinder the females and make them more vulnerable to the effects of floods in Nigeria.Contribution:There should be a gendered response to disasters in Nigeria, and disaster planners should address the different needs of men and women, boys and girls.
Connectedness of Vietnamese bank stock returns under the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Phu Ha Nguyen , Tram Anh Luong , Hong Thai Le
Published: November 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the sensitivity of connectedness among bank stock returns in Vietnam. The aim of this study is to examine the strength of this connectedness along with the effect of government lockdown policy and COVID-19 cases on the total connectedness index (TCI) of 16 listed banks on Vietnamese stock exchanges. They are assessed using the database of FiinPro on the banking sector between January 2020 and July 2022, Vietnam Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and The World Health Organization (WHO) on the COVID-19 pandemic, employing a time-varying-parameter vector autoregressive (TVP-VAR) connectedness framework and the conditional quantile regression model. The results show that at the firm level, there is strong interdependence among bank stock returns with the average TCI being as high as 90.66%. It is also revealed that medium and large-sized banks are receivers of shock, while smaller banks are transmitters. As far as the impact on TCI is concerned, the widespread of the pandemic with the increasing number of COVID-19 cases is significantly negative, whereas the tightening of lockdown is significantly positive. Besides, the degree of the impact varies according to the 95th, 75th, 50th and 25th levels of conditional quantile regression. Based on the study’s findings, individual investors are recommended to thoroughly analyze the connectedness of banks before making investment decisions, while bank regulators should strengthen controls on credit relationships with small banks. Regarding policy makers, it is proposed to apply flexible restrictions and short-term lockdown depending on the actual outbreak of the pandemic.
AcknowledgmentThe paper was conducted within the scope of Project QG21.48 of Vietnam National University.
Ionic Liquid-Catalyzed Multicomponent Synthesis of Isoxazole-5(4H)-ones: in vitro Activities and Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Queiroz Yasmine , de Freitas Yasmin , Lima Juliana , Ribeiro Luciano , Ramos Luciana
Published: November 2023

Heterocycles of the isoxazolone class stand out in the pharmaceutical field because they have numerous biological properties, such as antioxidant, antifungal and antibacterial properties. Thus, isoxazole derivatives have attracted the attention of organic researchers, and several procedures have been developed to obtain these compounds. The present study aimed to synthesize 17 derivatives of isoxazol-5(4H)-ones using a multicomponent reaction catalyzed by an acidic ionic liquid, which allowed yields from 20-96% of the products. To evaluate the bioactivity of the compounds, the synthesized derivatives were analyzed at various concentrations against bacteria and fungi; the derivatives, in general, showed a moderate activity of 125 μg mL-1 against the fungus Candida tropicalis (ATCC 13803) and four derivatives showed an inhibition of < 15.62 μg mL-1 for Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis (ATCC 12228). Furthermore, the antioxidant potential of the derivatives was evaluated by measuring their ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl1-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals, resulting in a remarkable reduction percentage of up to 81.06%. To gain further insights into the structure-activity relationships, a principal component analysis was conducted to classify the compounds into active and inactive classes, providing a comprehensive understanding of their bioactivity profiles.
E-Service Quality and E-Wom Regarding Consumer Behavior Based on Maqashid Asy-Shariah
Authors: Hayati Mardhiyah , Ali Juhary , Heri Mad , Utami Pertiwi
Published: November 2023

The E-commerce usage service quality index is the lowest among other parameters. The purpose of the study investigates the effect of e-Service Quality and e-WOM on consumer behavior using the maqasid ash-shariah approach. This research uses quantitative methods with an associative statistical approach. The results showed that e-service quality and e-WOM have a positive influence on consumer behavior. This means that when the e-service quality and Electronic Word of Mouth variables increase, so does the consumer behavior variable to make purchases in e-commerce transactions. The novelty of this research is the development of marketing management theory from the perspective of Islamic Economics in the digital era. Theoretical implications show that choosing the right e-service quality and e-WOM results in a positive response to the service quality of e-commerce users. From the perspective of Islamic Economics, the values of maqashid asy-syari'ah can influence the goal of achieving human welfare. So that all needs for goods/services have a benefit for human needs, be it dharuriyah, hajiyah and taxiniyah. The results of this research can be used as input for the Government to improve Electronic System Operator (PSE) services. So that later e-commerce can provide even better services.
Determination, Recovery and Investigation of Antioxidant Properties of Commonly Used Pesticides in Some Types of Date Fruits
Authors: YILMAZ Güldeniz , AKIN Mustafa , ŞAKİ Neslihan
Published: November 2023

In this study, five types of dates imported from different countries, namely Iran, Medina, Tunisia, Jerusalem, and Baghdad, were selected to determine the antioxidant activity properties of dates. In addition, 10 pesticide residues used in date plants were analyzed and the effects of pesticide residues on recovery using were investigated. Antioxidant activities of the date extracts were determined by using DPPH and Folin–Ciocalteu phenol reagent assays. Pesticide residue studies were performed by using LC-MS-MS technique and recovery studies were carried out by using AOAC.2007.01 and 15662 Quechers methods Antioxidant activity and total phenol contents of date fruit were affected by location, genetic variability, environmental characteristics, maturation stages, and extraction methods. A lot of residual pesticides were determined in the extracts. It was determined that the Dioxacarb residue in the Medina date fruit was above the tolerance limit. According to AOAC 2007.01 Quechers method, the highest recovery of Chlorpyrifos Methylin was found as 57.069 in Medina date. In the study, it was determined that date extracts showed lower antioxidant activity compared to standard antioxidants. Many pesticide residues were detected in the pesticide analyzes made on dates, and some of them were found to be above the specified limits. It is of great importance that the pesticide residue amounts in foodstuffs are determined beforehand and not exceed the tolerance limits, both in terms of consumer health and in terms of not returning the exported food products. Within the scope of the study, pesticide residues commonly used in Date fruit were analyzed and determined.
Evidencias arqueológicas del buitre negro (Aegypius monachus) en la protohistoria del noreste de la Península Ibérica. El caso del Serrat dels Espinyers (Isona, Pallars Jussà, Lérida)
Authors: Albizuri Silvia , Garcés Ignasi , Belmonte Cristina , Nadal Jordi
Published: November 2023

El estudio de 16 huesos de una gran ave ha permitido identificar un ejemplar adulto de buitre negro (Aegypius monachus) hallado en el interior de un silo ibérico del Serrat dels Espinyers en el Prepirineo de Lérida, aproximadamente contemporáneo a la instalación de un campamento militar romano y a la fundación de la ciudad romana de Aeso, a corta distancia del yacimiento. El silo, datado entre finales del siglo II y la primera mitad del siglo I a.C. contenía depósitos intencionales de otros animales, destacando el esqueleto en conexión de un équido y los restos de catorce perros. La aparición de huesos de buitre negro es inusual en la protohistoria europea y los escasos ejemplos documentados se relacionan con depósitos de carácter cultual de época romana, hecho que en el caso de estudio refuerza el carácter simbólico de este animal y aporta nuevas evidencias sobre los ritos asociados a la fase final de la cultura Ibérica.
Perceptions of Leisure-time Physical Activity for People Living with Disabilities amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic in the City of Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Mkwelo Asemahle , Shai Karabo , Madide Siphokuhle , Mahlalela Engel , Malema Phindile , Malema Makhaya
Published: November 2023

Background:

Leisure time physical activity is an essential part of taking care of the body and the mind. It assists in keeping our bodies healthy and functioning. However, COVID-19 challenged the community’s ability to engage in leisure time physical activity.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of leisure-time physical activity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in the City of Cape Town for people with disabilities.

Methods:

The study was conducted using a descriptive qualitative research design, making use of semi-structured interviews with open-ended questions. The study used a purposive sampling technique to recruit participants from NGOs’ in the City of Cape Town townships, which caters to people with disabilities. Eight participants were recruited and interviewed for this study. The participants were free and voluntarily to participate in the study, were able to withdraw from the study at any time, and were made aware of their rights.

Results:

The study reported two themes which are leisure time physical activity during and post COVID-19 and leisure time physical activity support to advance participation. Results have shown that the participants had different perceptions of leisure time physical activity and they engaged in different leisure time physical activities of their own understanding. The challenges people with disabilities experienced were similar during and post the COVID-19 pandemic and they included a lack of facilities and financial support.

Conclusion:

The COVID-19 pandemic had a psychological and physical impact on the participants and more resources need to be made available to advance leisure time physical activity for people with disabilities.
Lignocellulose Degrading Bacteria in Soil
Authors: Rawat Archana , Kotiyal Parul Bhatt , Singh Soni , Verma Neeraj
Published: November 2023

The degradation of wood is a highly complex process involving the
activities of several different microbes. It has been explored through research that
microorganisms have developed various strategies (enzymatic and nonenzymatic) to
utilize wood. In the present article, we are presenting the enzymes that originated from
fungi and bacteria and their reactions to decomposing wood. Analysis of enzymes
involved in wood degradation will not only be helpful in the study of the wood
degradation process but also provide information about various ecological niches of the
microorganisms. Genomic and secretome data have revealed the importance of the
enzymes secreted by microorganisms such as fungi and bacteria in wood degradation in
ecological niches.
relationship of exclusive breastfeeding in the effort to prevent stunting in toddlers at Cidahu Health Center in 2022
Authors: Anisah Imella , Muninggar Muninggar , Wahidin Wahidin , Prihantiningsih Anggarani , Raidanti Dina
Published: November 2023

The provision of exclusive breastfeeding is believed to influence the occurrence of stunting. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the occurrence of stunting at the Cidahu Health Center in 2022. This research used purposive sampling method, with a population of mothers with stunted toddlers aged 24-59 months from 8 villages, totaling 271 toddlers. The sample size for this study was determined using total sampling, involving 56 respondents. Data analysis utilized univariate analysis with frequency distribution and bivariate analysis using the chi-square test with Odds Ratio (OR) calculation. The research results showed that the majority of respondents at the Cidahu Health Center provided exclusive breastfeeding, accounting for 65%, with 379 (31.5%) being male infants and the remaining 365 (30.3%) female infants. There is a significant relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the occurrence of stunting in toddlers aged 24-59 months (?-value 0.000 < 0.05). In conclusion, this study found a relationship between exclusive breastfeeding and the occurrence of stunting in toddlers aged 24-59 months. The recommendation for mothers and families is to consider this research as input to encourage exclusive breastfeeding to prevent stunting
Visual Environment Aspects of Public Building Design for People with Down Syndrome
Authors: Chalim Tania , Hayati Arina , Defiana Ima
Published: November 2023

Down syndrome is a trisomy genetic disorder resulting in cognitive delays in the fetus. Cognitive impairment in Down syndrome affects short-term memory and motor impairment due to the characteristic hypotonia of the muscles. People with Down syndrome tend to be visual learners. Through visuals, they are easier to remember and repeat. Visual memory in Down syndrome is better than auditory memory in receiving information. Therefore, the visual environment aspect is presented as a facility in architectural element designs to improve cognition, memory, and motor skills in the wayfinding orientation stimulus. Aspects of the visual environment are offered to stimulate the sensory vision repeatedly. Sensory architecture has a role in activating the body in receiving information, exploring the world, providing taste, and forming social relationships. This paper aims to discuss the design of the visual environment in stimulating the sensory vision of people with Down syndrome to facilitate wayfinding orientation. Visual environment design through colours, patterns, materials, and light are presented as tools to activate visual understanding in responding to and remembering wayfinding orientations. Aspects of the visual environment are communication and encouraging physical activity for users.
Animation Concept as a Media to Increase Awareness of Gender-Based Violence against Women with Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Suciady Kezia , Sutanto Ryan , Yudani Hendian
Published: November 2023

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) continues to be a global issue that disproportionately affects women from all walks of life. Awareness and recognition of GBV in Indonesia keeps increasing, yet the attention on how it impacts women with disabilities is dangerously low. This design aims to present a solution to socialize the issue towards the general public of Indonesia. This is a qualitative descriptive research, data gathering was done in the form of interviews with important figures in the correlating fields, as well as a focus group discussion with individuals representing the target audience. Findings revealed a shortage in resources when handling GBV cases against women with Intellectual Disabilities (ID), a lack of participation from the Indonesian governmental body in aiding victims, along with a substantial interest towards a short animation video posted on YouTube with the addition of promotion on Instagram and TikTok as a socialization media and method.
Tránsitos Perceptuales del Espacio Vivido en la Casa del Caribe Colombiano - Caso Ciudad de Sincelejo
Authors: Sierra Franco Angélica María , Bethoven Zuleta Fabian Adolfo , Lora Banquez Cristian José
Published: November 2023

Los espacios en los que las personas desarrollan su cotidianidad se constituyen en un reflejo de su propia identidad, otorgándole a estos valores íntimos que actúan de manera recíproca en la configuración de una identidad habitacional regional. Se reconoce la relación topofílica de las personas con los espacios, durante el proceso evolutivo de construcción del hábitat. Se exploran unidades habitacionales de diversas tipo/topologías, utilizando el método de los calificativos asociados, para determinar la percepción del hábitat. Los resultados muestran la descripción espacio-funcional de los cronotopos representativos de estas unidades, en desarrollo de categorías que ayudan a definir rasgos de identidad.
Standardized Comparison of Voice-Based Information and Documentation Systems to Established Systems in Intensive Care: Crossover Study
Authors: Peine Arne , Gronholz Maike , Seidl-Rathkopf Katharina , Wolfram Thomas , Hallawa Ahmed , Reitz Annika , Celi Leo Anthony , Marx Gernot , Martin Lukas
Published: November 2023

Background

The medical teams in intensive care units (ICUs) spend increasing amounts of time at computer systems for data processing, input, and interpretation purposes. As each patient creates about 1000 data points per hour, the available information is abundant, making the interpretation difficult and time-consuming. This data flood leads to a decrease in time for evidence-based, patient-centered care. Information systems, such as patient data management systems (PDMSs), are increasingly used at ICUs. However, they often create new challenges arising from the increasing documentation burden.

Objective

New concepts, such as artificial intelligence (AI)–based assistant systems, are hence introduced to the workflow to cope with these challenges. However, there is a lack of standardized, published metrics in order to compare the various data input and management systems in the ICU setting. The objective of this study is to compare established documentation and retrieval processes with newer methods, such as PDMSs and voice information and documentation systems (VIDSs).

Methods

In this crossover study, we compare traditional, paper-based documentation systems with PDMSs and newer AI-based VIDSs in terms of performance (required time), accuracy, mental workload, and user experience in an intensive care setting. Performance is assessed on a set of 6 standardized, typical ICU tasks, ranging from documentation to medical interpretation.

Results

A total of 60 ICU-experienced medical professionals participated in the study. The VIDS showed a statistically significant advantage compared to the other 2 systems. The tasks were completed significantly faster with the VIDS than with the PDMS (1-tailed t59=12.48; Cohen d=1.61; P<.001) or paper documentation (t59=20.41; Cohen d=2.63; P<.001). Significantly fewer errors were made with VIDS than with the PDMS (t59=3.45; Cohen d=0.45; P=.03) and paper-based documentation (t59=11.2; Cohen d=1.45; P<.001). The analysis of the mental workload of VIDS and PDMS showed no statistically significant difference (P=.06). However, the analysis of subjective user perception showed a statistically significant perceived benefit of the VIDS compared to the PDMS (P<.001) and paper documentation (P<.001).

Conclusions

The results of this study show that the VIDS reduced error rate, documentation time, and mental workload regarding the set of 6 standardized typical ICU tasks. In conclusion, this indicates that AI-based systems such as the VIDS tested in this study have the potential to reduce this workload and improve evidence-based and safe patient care.
Optimization of HPMC and Na-CMC as Gelling Agents on Physical Properties and Stability in Sunflower Seed Oil Gel Formulation
Authors: Putri Rahmani Sanubari Indah , Zulkarnain Abdul Karim
Published: November 2023

Abstract: In recent years, skincare with natural ingredients is being developed for it has fewer side effects and is relatively suitable for all skin types. One of the potential ingredients from the natural ingredients is sunflower seed oil, which has proven to have potential as a skin moisturizer and fight acne bacteria. The purpose of this study was to make a gel formulation of sunflower seed oil by optimizing the combination of the gelling agent of HPMC and Na-CMC. The Simplex Lattice Design method was used to optimize the gel base with Design Expert software version 13. There were 8 gel formulas made and evaluated including organoleptic, homogeneity, pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion. The independent variables in SLD were the amount of HPMC and Na-CMC, while the responses included pH, viscosity, and spreadability. The optimal formula suggested by SLD is a combination of 1.451% HPMC and 1.549% Na-CMC. The optimal formula has a pH of 6.813 ± 0.041, a viscosity of 194.8 ± 2.94 dPas, an adhesion of 6.29 ± 0.50 seconds, and a spreadability of 21.5 ± 10.05 cm2. The optimum prediction formula from the software has no significant difference from the test results which show that the method can be used to predict the physical properties of sunflower seed oil gel preparations. The results of the physical stability test also stated that its physical properties were stable in terms of pH, viscosity, spreadability, and adhesion.
The Effectiveness of Teachers’ Directives: A Case Study
Authors: Ge Wu
Published: November 2023

This paper analyzes the current situation of the effectiveness of teachers’ directives in Yuanjiang No.1 Senior High School by means of questionnaires and classroom observations, and makes some suggestions to give effective directives. It is hoped that the research results can provide some teaching insights for teachers. It is found that teachers often use single and direct directives in the classroom, which is not conducive to language input. In the choice of strategies, teachers tend to focus on translation and other strategies like demonstration are used infrequently. In addition, personal factors like teacher's volume and speaking speed also affect students' understanding. The result of the study suggests that teachers should enrich the forms of directives and select directive strategies according to the teaching situation appropriately, so as to promote students' understanding and improve the classroom efficiency.