bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical review of enterprise risk management culture drivers for insurance firms in Kenya
Authors: Kajwang Ben
Published: June 2022

The study examined the drivers of Enterprise Risk Management culture in insurance firms in Kenya. The research was conducted using a desktop methodology. This involves the use of qualitative data that is obtained from government publications, public records, historical and statistical documents, and technical and trade journals. This kind of data is commonly preferred since it is easily accessible hence it saves time and cost of field research. Therefore, this study relied on already published studies, public records, and online journals to obtain secondary data that was used to draw the results, conclusion, and recommendations of the study. The results from the empirical review were found to have conceptual and geographical gaps that the current study aimed to fill. Most of the findings from the reviewed studies revealed that the competence of risk assessment strategies, risk treatment strategies, corporate governance frameworks, and risk monitoring frameworks are some of the drivers of ERM culture in Insurance firms. The results also revealed that the implementation of effective ERM culture has a significant impact on the performance of insurance firms. This study will benefit most of the stakeholders in the insurance sector in Kenya. The findings of the study will also enable the risk committee to identify the factors that can help develop and maintain technical models that support the ERM function.
Lived experiences of adolescent boys with absent fathers
Authors: Terrance Phasha Kgethego , Calvin Makhubele Jabulani , Malebo Mokone Jocobeth
Published: June 2022

The phenomenon of absent fathers continues to be one of the major social problems affecting families globally. This study examined the lived experiences of adolescent boys who grow up in absent father families. The objectives of this study were to elucidate the experiences of adolescent boys with absent fathers, to describe the challenges faced by adolescent boys who grow up without a father and to determine their understanding of the role and value of having a father. A qualitative approach was followed for this study. Data were collected from 18 adolescent boys through face-to-face interviews and focus group discussions. The data collected was analysed thematically. The findings showed that adolescent boys regarded fathers as important figures in their lives and their families. The absence of fathers in their total upbringing has some negative ramifications, among others, financial challenges, poor academic progress, alcohol abuse and lack of immediate gender role model.
Social norm compliance and involvement with Covid-19
Authors: Mason Roger , Corbishley Karen M. , Dobbelstein Thomas
Published: June 2022

Consumer decisions are influenced by various variables, including compliance with society’s social norms and by involvement by consumers with the issue under consideration. Both variables have influenced consumers’ actions during previous pandemics. Therefore, this study investigated involvement with the Covid-19 pandemic, together with social norm compliance (SNC), their mutual influence, and how demographic characteristics and country of residence influenced these three issues. The methodology involved a quantitative descriptive cross-sectional survey, with a quota sample of 1096 responses, based on age, gender, education, habitation, and income. The research was conducted with populations representing the consumers who patronize major retailers in a developed country (Germany) and a developing one (South Africa). Data was collected via questionnaires e-mailed to commercial consumer panels covering both countries. The findings showed that involvement is influenced by gender, age, education, habitation, and country of residence, but that SNC is not influenced by demographics but does differ according to country. Further findings were that involvement with Covid-19 strongly influences SNC and, similarly, SNC also strongly influences involvement with Covid-19. Furthermore demographics, excluding habitation, also influence these variables. However, the relationship between the involvement and SNC variables does not differ between the two countries. This study has provided a better understanding of consumers’ involvement with Covid-19 and SNC as components of consumer behavior, which is important since, during the Covid-19 pandemic, retailers have been instrumental in implementing health protocols. Therefore, understanding the relationship between involvement with Covid-19 and SNC, and how they are influenced by consumer demographics, is important.
Tax dispute settlement mediation arrangements in the future tax court
Authors: Afiyati Ruwaidah , Sudarsono  , Negara Tunggul Anshari Setia , Koeswahyono Imam
Published: June 2022

Tax Dispute Settlement in the Tax Court has not provided a sense of justice and legal certainty and is only through litigation that is win-lose (win-lose). Settlement of tax disputes through litigation is less useful because the process is long and lengthy, besides that tax disputes continue to increase. The existing tax dispute resolution methods do not reflect the dispute resolution process that is simple, fast, low cost, and does not provide a sense of justice and legal certainty. Alternative tax dispute resolution is through a mediation process, but in this process there is no norm that regulates it. The purpose of this study is to find out how the mediation arrangement for tax dispute settlement in the Tax Court should be in the future. The research method used is a normative legal research method with a statutory approach, a historical approach, a concept approach and a comparative approach. The legal materials used consist of primary, secondary, and tertiary legal materials with the technique of collecting legal materials, namely through library research. The technique of analyzing legal materials is carried out by qualitative juridical methods. The results of the study indicate that the settlement of tax disputes through mediation can be regulated in the Tax Court Law by examining the Ordinary Procedure prior to the examination of the subject matter of the dispute, and mediation can be carried out for certain types of tax disputes, so as to achieve a simple, fast and low-cost dispute resolution for the taxpayers. disputing parties, and can reduce the number of disputes that must be examined and decided by the Tax Court.
The antecedents of repurchase intention in Indonesian e-commerce marketplace customers during the COVID-19 pandemic with age as a moderating variable: A study on e-commerce marketplace customers in Java
Authors: Dewi Ayu Savitri , Rohman Fatchur , Hapsari Raditha Dwi Vata
Published: June 2022

This study aims to examine the factors that affect customers repurchase intention in the e-commerce marketplace during the COVID-19 pandemic on Java Island in Indonesia, using the extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) theory and UI/UX Concept. Perceived ease of use, shopping experience, e-trust, and age are variables that are predicted to affect e-commerce marketplace repurchase intention behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic. The data were collected through an online survey from e-commerce marketplace customers in Java who have had at least two experiences of purchasing goods or services through e-commerce in Java. In total, 250 valid responses were analyzed to test hypotheses using structural equation modeling and multi-group analysis.  The results show that perceived ease of use, shopping experience, and e-trust are found to significantly affect the repurchase intention in e-commerce marketplace. The study also show that e-trust has a role in mediating the relationship between both perceived ease of use towards repurchase intention and shopping experience towards repurchase intention. However, the multi-group analysis did not find any significant differences between shopping experience and repurchase intention across age groups. Finally, this paper ended with some discussions, implications, limitations, and conclusions.
An exploration of the causes and effects of flight attendant fatigue in Turkish aviation
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa Kemal , Erbudak Gozde , Gunduz Sema
Published: June 2022

The rapid growth in civil aviation operations in recent years has raised expectations from flight attendants. Their duties have been intensified, and flight attendants have become subject to physical and mental fatigue due to irregular sleep, inadequate rest time, and long working hours. This study investigates the causes and effects of fatigue among flight attendants of a Turkish airline company through a self-administrated questionnaire. The survey is run online by 152 flight attendants. The results show that flight attendants have trouble falling asleep before flight duty. Before night flights and during layovers, the sleep duration is dramatically low. The results also reveal that factors related to scheduling, i.e., long duty days, night flights, and consecutive working days, play an essential role in fatigue. Thus, airline companies should revise their scheduling practices. In balancing work and social life, men struggle more than women, and married flight attendants have more difficulty than single ones. The findings provide valuable insights for airline companies and policymakers to seriously manage fatigue-related factors to ensure the safety of aviation operations and the well-being of flight attendants.
The influence of entrepreneurial orientation on strategic alliance decision between rural banks and financial technology
Authors: Santoso Doni , Ainur Rofiq  , Mintarti Rahayu
Published: June 2022

This paper aims to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation on strategic alliance decisions between rural banks and financial technology with a case study on People's Credit Banks and Sharia People's Financing Banks in the Malang Financial Services Authority area. This research is quantitative research with data collection methods using questionnaire instruments as a tool to collect data. The study used saturated sampling or census techniques. The sample is a strategic decision maker in BPR and BPRS in the Malang Financial Services Authority (OJK Malang) area which includes Malang City, Malang Regency, Batu City, Pasuruan City, Pasuruan Regency, Probolinggo City and Probolinggo Regency. The results showed that Innovativeness, Proactiveness, and Risk-Taking had a significant and positive effect on strategic alliance decisions between rural banks - fintech companies. That is, the high or low level of Innovativeness, Proactiveness, and Risk-Taking affect the strength or not decisions of BPR's strategic alliance with Fintech.
Stability and Security of Western Balkans within the Context of Pandemic Consequences
Authors: Sokolova P.
Published: June 2022

The article analyses influence of the pandemics on economic and political developments as well as on the conflict resolution process in the Western Balkan (WB) region. The unprecedented epidemiological conditions of the years 2020–2021 led to utter deterioration of regional economic rates. Serbia can be named as the only exception with its GDP growth in 2020 (although also negative) higher than the regional and, moreover, European average. Negative political consequences of the two recent years with COVID‑19, observed in the article, range from the rise of “covidocracy”, namely strengthening of executive institutions at the expense of the local parliaments, courts and media freedom, to the landmark changes in political elites of Montenegro and Kosovo as well as deterioration of conflicts in Kosovo and Bosnia. The pandemics has also negatively affected the pace of the European integration process in the region. The slowdown was connected both with turbulences inside the EU given its initial lack of solidarity and with an attempt to address the crisis on the national rather than on the European level, its consequent emphasis on the internal rather than external development. The EU perspective as such has grown more distant from the Western Balkans. Yet, regional cooperation with the introduction of the “Open Balkans” initiative has accelerated, which has been designed to bring the WB countries closer to the European common market. At the same time, the pandemics significantly strengthened Russian and Chinese presence in the region, which provoked the EU into geopolitical race. The author comes to a conclusion, however, that eventually, the European assistance can be characterized as systemic and structural, masterminded within the context of future WB integration in the EU institutions. Nevertheless, European mediation in the situation of stalemate in Belgrade–Pristina negotiations could not prevent serious degradation of the conflict over Kosovo’s status. In Bosnia, former High Representative’s imposition of the Genocide denial ban also sparked off the crisis, which puts the future of a unified Bosnian state into question. These negative developments in conflict management, to some extent triggered by the pandemics, can impair stabilization process and security in the Western Balkans.
New Crisis of Iceland’s Economy
Authors: Kravchuk A.
Published: June 2022

Iceland was affected by the 2008 financial crisis more than any other European state, as its financial sector virtually collapsed. In 2020 Reykjavik again faced the economic crisis triggered by the coronavirus pandemic, which, according to government forecasts, should have caused the largest decline in GDP and exports of goods and services for half a century. In this article, the author intends to explore the history of formation and the current state of the Icelandic economy, as well as the state policy on the development of its main export industries – fishing, aluminium production and tourism. The paper also provides an assessment of the nature of the new economic crisis impact on the country’s key industries and of the prospects for recovery and further growth of the economy after quarantine restrictions removed. The current crisis has less affected the Icelandic fishing and aluminium industry, which are quite stable and provide production volumes close to its maximum values, but has severely hit its tourism, as the industry has lost more than 2/3 of the export earnings. However, the decline in number of tourists began even before the pandemic and was due to the fact that Icelandic air companies lost about 53% of their maximum carrying capacity. Nevertheless, the crisis created preconditions for the early recovery of the Icelandic tourism industry: national currency got weaker, the unemployment grew, the cost of labor decreased, but, unlike during the 2008 crisis, the tourism infrastructure was actively developing. In conclusion, the author suggests that the crisis will push Iceland to look for new sources of economic growth, which could be based on developing energy and science intensive industries (e.g. data centers, crypto mining farms, bioengineering and biomedicine centers, etc.). Moreover, the growing US-China rivalry over influence on Iceland could contribute to the latter’s economic development, as historical analysis shows that Reykjavik is more than able to competently use the contradictions between states pursuing great-power politics in order to obtain certain economic benefits.
Currency Internationalization: Analysis of World Experience and Choice of Russian Path
Authors: Arkhipova V.
Published: June 2022

The research is devoted to the key issues of currency internationalization (CI) that means much for world economic order changing and multipolar development. The purpose of the article is to determine the role of state and influence of political and economic factors on CI processes as well as work out recommendations and possible variant of reform vector for Russian Ruble development. There are five conceptual approaches to construct the combined classification of the CI stages proposed for accurate CI level definition and the detailed finalized categorization of its main factors. The article also discusses the CI standard benefits and the most common threats. The research includes investigation and comparative analysis of the three representative examples of international CI experience – namely the US, the European with about a 20-year “free CI” practice for euro and the deeply regulated Chinese model. The results reaffirm top status of the US dollar and highlevel position of euro, but attach importance to political factors in achieving it and provide insight into the RMB strategy and CI progress, thus demonstrating how developing countries change peripheral role in the world economy. The Russian monetary and financial policy of 1990–2019 is specified as the “cold” one with weak status of the Ruble, but we reveal and assess some recent steps on CI activation such as bilateral stimulation of settlements in national currencies, creation of alternative systems, the digital Ruble project analysis, the decision on payments for gas in Rubles, etc. These measures can be considered as forced CI and the starting point of its vector. According to main findings we also propose the mechanisms for further Russian CI strategy creation.
How does the Renewal of Trading Partners Affect the Economic Activity of Enterprises?
Authors: Batyaeva A.
Published: June 2022

The article dwells upon the following aspects of the enterprises behavior in relation to their trading partners: what are the main characteristics of the trading partners’ renewal process? What is the share of enterprises actively changing their counterparts? Did the process of changing partners fade or gain momentum in the period from 1992 to 2020? Are there differences in the indicators of economic activity (prices, capacity and labor utilization rates, orders, stocks, investments, financial situation) between those who actively changed partners and those whose trading partners’ composition was more or less stable? What happens in times of crisis: do enterprises tend to preserve their business relationships or, conversely, do they have to revise them more actively? The unique REB surveys’ data make it possible to get answers to these and other questions.
Cracking "Rational Ignorance" With Institutional Arrangement: A Study on the Reasons and Countermeasures for the Lack of Willingness to Express Community Public Service Needs of Urban Residents —— A Survey Based on Dalian City Community
Authors: Teng Can , Wang Lili
Published: June 2022

In order to further optimize the supply of community public services and meet the needs of residents for a better life in the community, this paper takes the behavioral hypothesis of "rational ignorance" as the framework for analysis and explores the root causes of the lack of willingness of urban residents to express their needs for community public services. The low civic awareness, high costs and low returns are the essential reasons for the lack of willingness of urban residents to express their needs, and they are also the endogenous factors influencing the low participation of urban residents in community governance and the poor performance of community public service provision. With the help of Williamson's institutional hierarchy framework, this paper proposes countermeasures for the lack of willingness of urban residents to express their needs for community public services from different levels of institutional arrangements in order to create a sound and complete environment for residents to express their needs, thereby alleviating the contradiction between supply and demand of urban community public services and building a new pattern of community governance that is jointly negotiated, built, and shared.
Vegetation Characteristics of The Maleo Bird (Macrochepalon Maleo) Habitat at Natural Tourism Park of Towuti Lake, South Sulawesi
Authors:   Universitas Andi Djemma, Karim Hadijah
Published: June 2022

Maleo birds (Macrocephalon maleo) generally have habitats in forests near hot springs, but in East Luwu Regency their habitat is found on the shores of Lake Towuti. It is suspected that the habitat of maleo birds at the site has different characteristics. This study aims to identify the vegetation characteristics of maleo bird habitat in the sleeping area and tread where to lay eggs. Vegetation analysis was carried out by purposive sampling with a plot size of 20 m x 20 m in the sleeping area, and 5 m x 5 m in the laying site where the egg-laying was located. The data collected are the name of the type, diameter, the individual number of trees, poles, stakes, and seedlings. The results showed that in sleeping areas, macadamia hildebrandii trees have the highest INP values. Macadamia hildebrandii fruit is thought to be one of [1]the feeds for Maleo birds. In egg-laying habitats, Imperata cylindrica has the highest INP compared to other types. On the tread of the egg-laying nests can be seen maleo birds eating grass grains. There are differences in ecological index [2]values found in sleeping habitats, namely H'= 2.24 (medium), Dmg= 3.02 (low), and E= 0.81 (high). However, in egg-laying habitats, the Ecological Index values found were H'= 0.62 (low), Dmg= 0.93 (low) and E= 0.30 (low). The discovery of maleo birds in Lake Towuti TWA makes the area one of the remaining in situ habitats in South Sulawesi and can be a consideration for the government to maintain and preserve it.
Pengaruh Penggunaan Repeater Back-to-Back pada Perancangan Microwave Menggunakan Teknik Space Diversity
Authors: Jannah Miftakhul , Wahyudi Eka , Manaf Muntaqo Alfin
Published: June 2022

Di era modern ini pertukaran informasi dan kecepatan data menjadi hal yang sangat penting dan dapat betukar informasi tanpa adanya gangguan. Dalam jurnal ini kami melakukan perancangan jaringan radio gelombang mikro dengan menggunakan space diversity dan repeater back to back dan penelitian pengaruh repeater back to back pada konfigurasi space diversity. Pada perancangan link microwave terdapat sebuah obstacle berupa perbukitan yang menjadi penghalang antara site Banjarnegara dengan site Jagung Pekalongan, obstacle pada perancangan menyebabkan terjadinya diffraction loss sehingga tidak mendapatkan hasil availability yang sesuai target. Penggunaan repeater back to back dan space diversity dalam satu link mampu menghasilkan kehandalan sistem yang optimal. Link transmisi yang jauh dan terrain roughness sebesar 42,67 meter, received signal level -97,66 dBm, fading margin 28,71 dan availability 99,99963%  merupakan hasil penggunaan space diversity dengan spasi maksimum 200λ atau 8,58 meter dengan repeater back to back.

Keywords: Gelombang mikro, space diversity, Repeater back to back,  Availability, Pathloss 5.0.
Analisis dan Perancangan Aquascape menggunakan Protokol MQTT untuk Media Pengiriman Data Suhu dan pH
Authors: Kurniawan Reza , Syifa Fikra Titan , Leksono M. Lukman
Published: June 2022

Aquascape merupakan sebuah seni mengatur tanaman air , ikan hias dan batu pada sebuah akuarium. Berbeda dengan akuarium pada umumnya aquascape menjadi tempat hidup dan berkembang ikan sekaligus tumbuhan air. Tumbuhan air untuk berkembang akan membutuhkan energi melalui proses fotosintesis. Proses fotosintesis tumbuhan air memerlukan pencahayaan sebagai pengganti sinar matahari. Sehingga dibuatlah suatu sistem media pengiriman data atau monitoring suhu air dan kualitas ph untuk mengetahui kualitas kesehatan aquascape tersebut. Suhu air ideal suhu air di dalam aquascape tersebut yaitu 20-28 derajat Celcius dan nilai PH yang baik adalah 6,0 – 8,0. Sistem ini berbasis mikrokontroler NodeMCU ESP8266 yang terhubung dengan sensor suhu DS18B20 dan PH Senor. Dengan dibuatnya sebuah sistem ini yang dihubungkan ke melalaui protokol MQTT, terdiri dari rangkaian alat - alat diatas diharapkan dapat melakukan pengiriman data atau monitoring suhu air dan kualitas PH secara realtime walaupun pengguna diluar rumah atau lokasi yang jauh dari aquascape tersebut, pengguna dapat memonitoring kesehatan aquascape tersebut.
General Relativity Fractal for Cosmic Web
Authors: Rozgacheva Irina
Published: June 2022

Abstract: A new method for constructing exact solutions of the General Relativity equations for a dusty matter with fractal property is proposed. This method allows to find the solution of the GR-equations in terms of matter velocities : the connection coefficients and the Ricci tensor of space-time are expressed in terms of matter velocities; the metric tensor and the matter density are found as functions of velocity from the GR-equations. The connection coefficients and the Ricci tensor are invariant with respect to the discrete scaling transformation of velocity , where is constant. Therefore, the found solution can be used to simulate the fractal properties of the cosmic web in terms of matter velocities. This solution includes isotropic and anisotropic distributions of matter density. In an isotropic case, there is a class of exact solutions including both the well-known Friedmann’s solution and a solution with a periodic distribution of the matter density in space. This last solution may be used to simulate the quasi-periodic distribution of matter in the cosmic web. It is possible that, the cosmic web and its fractal properties are the space-time primary properties. These properties are described with a deformation tensor of the space-time.
Activated Carbon-added Li4Ti5O12/Sn Composite Synthesized through Sol-Hydrothermal Method for Anode Active Material in Lithium-ion Battery
Authors: Ma'dika Benediktus , Nabila Balqis , Syahrial Anne Zulfia
Published: June 2022

Li4Ti5O12 (LTO) exhibits zero-strain behavior, exceptional cycle stability, low cost, and high safety. However, it is still low in electronic and ionic conductivity. Incorporating Sn into LTO materials can increase electronic conductivity and specific capacity. However, Sn still experiences volumetric expansion during the charging/discharging process. Adding activated carbon (AC) into the LTO/Sn composite can help improve the expansion resistance and electronic conductivity. In this work, the AC was first synthesized from charcoals through the carbon activation process and mixed with LTO precursors through the sol-hydrothermal method followed by mixing with Sn through the mechanochemical process to produce LTO@AC/Sn composites. The Sn content was fixed at 15 wt.%, while the AC contents were varied at 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.%. The AC specific surface area is increased by more than 100% compared to the non-activated one. The best effects of AC on grain morphology and distribution were found in the LTO/Sn contained 3 wt.% of AC, leading to transfer resistance, ohmic resistance, specific capacity, and coulombic efficiency were found to be 48.1 Ω, 8.5 Ω, 138 mAhg-1, and near 100%, respectively. The result suggests that the LTO@AC/Sn could be a favorable anode active material in lithium-ion batteries.
ANALYSIS OF PRODUCTION AND REPRODUCTION INDICATOR OF POLISH HOLSTEIN-FRIESIAN CATTLE OIN THREE CONSECUTIVE LACTATIONS
Authors:   Student Students Scientific Association of Animal Geneticists, Department of Genetics and General Animal Breeding, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, STEFANIAK Wiktoria P , CZERNIAWSKA-PIĄTKOWSKA Ewa ,   Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, KOWALEWSKA-ŁUCZAK Inga ,   Department of Genetics and Animal Breeding, West Pomeranian University of Technology Szczecin, Poland, KOSTIUK Volodymir ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, MELNYK Oleg ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine, MYLOSTYVYI Roman ,   Department of Technology Processing of Livestock Products, Dnipro State Agrarian and Economic University, Dnipro, Ukraine, WRZECIŃSKA Marcjanna ,   Department of Ruminant Science, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland, KOSSAKOWSKI Kamil ,   Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Department of Environment Hygiene and Animal Welfare, Wrocław, Poland
Published: June 2022

The aim of the research was to determine the productivity and reproduction indices of the Polish Holstein-Friesian Black-and-White variety cows in three consecutive lactations. The research was carried out in the Experimental Station of the National Research Institute Kołbacz on the Dębina farm. The herd of 1025 cows were kept in free-stall barns and fed with TMR system. The yield (kg) of milk, FCM milk, protein and fat was analyzed; content (%) of protein and fat and selected reproductive parameters such as age at the first calving, as well as inter-pregnancy periods and calving interval, period service, postpartum downtime in three consecutive 305-day lactations. The studies indicated that the average yield of milk, fat and protein showed an increasing tendency in the next three lactations. The average protein and fat content were similar. The highest results of these ingredients were obtained in cows in the second lactation. Lactation efficiency influenced the value of the analyzed fertility indices. With the increase in cows’ productivity, the calving interval and inter-pregnancy period, including period service and postpartum downtime, were significantly longer. The longest calving interval and inter-pregnancy period were observed in the third lactation, and the shortest in the first lactation of cows. With the extended of the calving period, the yield of milk, protein, and fat increased. The age at the first calving was the lowest in the 2nd and the highest in the 3rd lactation. The cows calving first for the first time had the highest milk fat content and the shortest calving period. The service period was the longest in the 2nd lactation and occurred in cows with the highest fat content. Postpartum downtime in the studied herd of cows was the longest in the third lactation. The resting period was extended with the increase in the yield of: milk, FCM milk, protein and fat
Trunk Range of Motion and Patient Outcomes After Anterior Vertebral Body Tethering Versus Posterior Spinal Fusion
Authors: Pahys Joshua M. , Samdani Amer F. , Hwang Steven W. , Warshauer Spencer , Gaughan John P. , Chafetz Ross S.
Published: June 2022

Background:

Anterior vertebral body tethering (AVBT) for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is postulated to preserve motion compared with traditional posterior spinal fusion (PSF), but few studies exist to date. We used a validated computerized 3D model to compare trunk motion between patients treated with PSF and AVBT, and analyzed trunk motion in relation to the lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV).

Methods:

This was a single-center retrospective review of a consecutive series of skeletally immature patients with AIS who underwent motion analysis prior to PSF (n = 47) or AVBT (n = 65) and 2 years postoperatively. Patients were divided into 4 groups on the basis of the LIV (≤L1, L2, L3, L4). Computerized 3D kinematic evaluations included thoracic and lumbar flexion, extension, side-bending, and rotation. Patient outcomes were assessed using the Scoliosis Research Society (SRS)-22 questionnaire.

Results:

The LIV was ≤L1 in 48 patients treated with AVBT and 23 treated with PSF, L2 in 4 AVBT and 8 PSF patients, L3 in 10 AVBT and 8 PSF patients, and L4 in 3 AVBT and 8 PSF patients. PSF patients had a significant loss of motion in all 4 directions at 2 years postoperatively (e.g., flexion loss was 11° for ≤L1 to 30° for L4; p < 0.001). This equated to a 7° loss of trunk flexion per additional LIV level included in the fusion. AVBT patients only demonstrated loss of flexion and side-bending at 2 years postoperatively (e.g., flexion loss of 11° for L1 to 17° for L4; p < 0.001). Preoperative curve size and flexibility did not have any significant impact on differences in trunk motion between AVBT and PSF. SRS-22 scores were predominantly similar for AVBT versus PSF preoperatively and at 2 years postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Patients treated with AVBT experienced predominantly less motion loss compared with PSF patients at 2 years postoperatively. Patients treated with PSF demonstrated loss of motion in all planes that increased with each additional LIV from ≤L1 to L4, with 7° loss of flexion per additional LIV. However, the differences in total trunk motions were relatively modest for PSF and AVBT with an LIV of ≤L1. Preoperative curve magnitude and flexibility had no significant impact on trunk motion in either group. SRS-22 scores were similar for both groups at 2 years postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes of Revision Total Ankle Arthroplasty Using the INBONE II Prosthesis
Authors: Jamjoom Bakur A. , Siddiqui Bobby M. , Salem Hatem , Raglan Martin , Dhar Sunil
Published: June 2022

Background:

The literature on the outcome of revision total ankle arthroplasty (TAA) remains limited. In this study, we aimed to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of revision TAA at a high-volume center in the United Kingdom.

Methods:

This study was a retrospective review of 28 patients who underwent 29 revision TAAs using the INBONE II Total Ankle System (Wright Medical Technology/Stryker). Demographic, radiographic, and patient-reported outcome measure data were analyzed.

Results:

The mean duration from primary TAA to revision was 87.5 months (range, 16 to 223 months). The main indication for the revision was aseptic loosening after the primary TAA (83%). Additional procedures were required in 76% of ankles. At a mean follow-up of 40 months (range, 24 to 60 months), the infection rate was 7%, the reoperation rate was 7%, and the implant survival rate was 97%. A significant postoperative improvement in the radiographic component alignment measures was observed. The subsidence, loosening, and heterotopic ossification rates in this study were comparable with those in other reports and did not influence the clinical outcome. A significant improvement was observed in the Manchester-Oxford Foot Questionnaire (MOXFQ) in all domains and the EuroQol-5 Dimensions (EQ-5D) in 3 domains at 24 months postoperatively.

Conclusions:

Revision TAA using the INBONE II prosthesis was associated with good short-term survival and improvement in postoperative scores at 2 years. Maintenance of the postoperatively improved alignment was documented at the follow-up. The results of this study support the notion that revision TAA is a satisfactory option for failed primary TAA.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Dealing with Unwanted Donations: A Content Analysis of Small Academic Canadian Library Webpages
Authors: Cardozo Paula
Published: June 2022

While archives and special collections continue to welcome unique and valuable resources, small academic libraries can struggle with how to manage donation offers intended for their main collections. There is a need to be selective considering falling print circulation, workload pressures on library personnel, and space restrictions. Additionally, limited collections funds needed for more current and higher-demand resources can be strained by the higher processing costs of donated materials. These pressures are compounded by prospective donors seeking a home for items they no longer want, a perception that small academic libraries need all donations, and a lack of understanding about the qualifications and expertise of academic library workers. Clearly communicated and regularly reviewed guidelines can help discourage unwanted donations in ways that lessen alienating our patrons. This article provides a content analysis of donations webpages from small academic libraries in Canada to identify trends and provide support for libraries reviewing their own policies and procedures in an effort to manage donor expectations.
Position Paper on the Conduct of the Autopsy during and after the COVID Pandemic
Authors: PSP
Published: June 2022

This document is a supplement to DOH memorandum 2021-0425.
With the widespread availability of COVID-19 vaccines, pathologists – both in-training residents and consultants– are attempting to return to their pre-pandemic workload and learning to live with COVID-19. One of the mostimportant jobs of the pathologist is the performance of the autopsy, and residents, as future pathologists, must also be trained to be adept at performing an autopsy. Fear of COVID-19 should not be a deterrent nor an excuse for not performing autopsies when the benefits of performing an autopsy outweighs its risks. In this light, the following updated recommendations are made.
Efectos ecotóxicos del Hg en el río Madre de Dios usando Daphnia magna (Daphniidae) y Paracheirodon innesi (Characidae)
Authors:   , Meniz Oshiro Esther
Published: June 2022

El río Madre de Dios, en la selva del Perú, es un cuerpo de agua que puede recepcionar relaves y desechos con mercurio vertidos por la minería aurífera artesanal, informal e ilegal. Por ello se evaluó el efecto ecotóxico de mercurio (Hg) por la minería en el río Madre de Dios empleando Daphnia magna (Daphniidae) y Paracheirodon innesi (characidae), en agua superficial y sedimentos mediante la determinación del nivel toxicidad con la escala ecotóxica de Roig usando la concentración letal media (CL50) y concentración efectiva media (CE50) para el efecto subletal nado extraño. Se muestrearon cuatro puntos en época seca del 2019 entre la zona del cruce con el río afluente Colorado y el puerto del distrito Boca Colorado, y se determinó el Hg y otros metales pesados en ambos compartimentos, evaluándose adicionalmente el pH y la conductividad eléctrica. En los cuatro puntos de muestreo, el Hg en agua superficial y sedimentos no sobrepasaron los Estándar de Calidad Ambiental peruano de agua de ríos de selva - categoría 4 (<0,0001 mg L-1). El punto con mayor toxicidad en P. innesi en agua fue el punto intermedio entre zona minera y el puerto de Boca Colorado; sin embargo, llega a ser levemente tóxico. Los valores de CL50 en agua y sedimento en D. magna fueron mayores a 100 % a las 24 y 48 h, es decir, son muestras no tóxicas.
Relación entre polifarmacia y mortalidad en adultos mayores atendidos en el servicio de geriatría del Centro Médico Naval durante los años 2010-2015
Authors:   , Plasencia Castillo Carol Ivette , Salvatierra Hoyos Brenda Karol
Published: June 2022

Introducción: La polifarmacia es frecuente en los adultos mayores. La asociación entre polifarmacia y mortalidad es controvertida debido a la dificultad del control de confusores, como la comorbilidad y la interacción entre ellas y el sexo. Objetivos: demostrar la asociación entre polifarmacia y mortalidad, así como el rol del sexo y la comorbilidad en adultos mayores. Materiales y métodos: Estudio observacional, analítico, retrospectivo. Se analizó una base de datos de un estudio realizado en un consultorio externo de geriatría en un hospital militar en Perú. Se incluyeron pacientes ambulatorios ≥ 60 años de edad. Se define polifarmacia como el consumo de ≥ 5 fármacos por ≥ 90 días. Se realizaron regresiones de Cox ajustadas por edad, estado civil, deterioro cognitivo, fragilidad física, dependencia funcional y número de comorbilidades. Se realizaron análisis de subgrupos para el riesgo de muerte por polifarmacia estratificados por sexo y presencia de comorbilidad. Resultados: La polifarmacia incrementó el riesgo de mortalidad en el modelo ajustado por sexo en 15.16 veces (1.80-21.66) y en 5.55 (2.90-10.06) para mujeres y varones respectivamente. El Hazard Ratio en pacientes no comórbidos fue de 1.94 (1.17-2.05; IC95%). Conclusiones: El riesgo de mortalidad por polifarmacia es mayor en las mujeres que en los varones. La polifarmacia es un factor de riesgo para mortalidad independientemente del sexo y las comorbilidades del paciente.
Efectos del ejercicio aeróbico sobre los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2: Revisión sistemática
Authors:   , Miranda Tueros Mercedes , Ramirez Peña Joshua Jimmy Rony
Published: June 2022

Antecedentes: Se recomienda la actividad física para mejorar los parámetros metabólicos de los pacientes diabéticos, sin embargo, no existe consenso sobre cuáles podrían ser los efectos potenciales del ejercicio aeróbico sobre el perfil metabólico en los adultos mayores diabéticos, por lo que realizamos una revisión sistemática y metaanálisis. Métodos: Utilizamos las bases de datos PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Cochrane library, Web of Science y el buscador, Google Scholar. Se seleccionaron los ensayos controlados aleatorizados (ECA) según los criterios de inclusión. Dos revisores determinaron de forma independiente si los estudios cumplían con los criterios de inclusión, extrajeron los datos y utilizaron la herramienta Cochrane de riesgo de sesgo (ROB). Los análisis cuantitativos se realizaron en R V. 4.0.5 utilizando efectos aleatorios. Resultados: Las búsquedas identificaron 8697 estudios, de los cuales 7 ECA se incluyeron en la síntesis cualitativa. Se evaluó que la mayoría de los estudios tenían un ROB alto o bajo en al menos tres dominios. El metaanálisis mostró que el ejercicio aeróbico fue eficaz para mejorar los niveles de glucosa (diferencia de medias estandarizada [SMD]: -1,04; intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 %: -1,27; -0,81), presión arterial sistólica ([SMD]: -0,79; [IC]: -1,02; -0,56), presión arterial diastólica ([SMD]: -0,75; [IC]: -0,98; -0,52), hemoglobina glucosilada ([SMD]: -0,57; [IC]: -0,77; -0,37), HDL ([SMD]: 0,35; [IC]: 0,15; 0,55), triglicéridos ([SMD]: -0,26; [IC]: -0,47; -0,06). No se informaron efectos adversos significativos. Conclusiones: El ejercicio aeróbico demostró tener una mejoría significativa en los componentes del síndrome metabólico en adultos mayores diabéticos y no se reportaron efectos adversos importantes. Sin embargo, recomendamos más ECA que tengan un mayor tiempo de intervención para establecer el impacto sobre los síntomas y las complicaciones.
Measurement of Real Estate Affordability in Bahir Dar City
Authors: Dinku Getahun Fetene
Published: June 2022

Today, the increasing population in urban areas is forcing government agencies, builders and investors to focus on building real estate housing. However, the affordability of these housing is becoming a concern. This research examines the affordability of real estate housing in Bahir Dar. The study utilizes household income survey; conducts real estate market assessment; explores town housing policy and land tenure system; values financial accessibility; investigates the housing demand; compares and contrasts the experience of international housing policy and land tenure system with local system. The study develops a conceptual housing policy framework to address the housing affordability challenge. Four common internationally accepted approaches were used to measure the affordability of real estate housing. Based on the study a median household has 4,500 Birr monthly income. Results show that only 20% of residents have their own housing unit, while the majorities are living on rent and/or other means. Price of a prevailing standard real estate housing unit is approximately 2,200,000 Birr. Presently, only 14% of real estates are owned by local residents from more than 600 real estate houses sold in the city. This study can help the Municipal Government in identifying possible groups who need housing subsidy and can take a lesson to improve the housing policy. In addition, real estate investors can use it in improving their market strategies. Individuals can also benefit from the research for decision-making when investing in real estates.
Electrolyzed water for the microbiologic control in the pandemic dental setting: A systematic review
Authors: Cárdenas Angélica M. , Campos Vanessa , Francesco Fabrizio Di , Cafferata Emilio A. , Vernal Rolando
Published: June 2022

Background
The use of electrolyzed water has brought recent attention due to its antimicrobial properties. Indeed, electrolyzed water has been proposed for the sterilization of dental materials and instruments without compromising their structural integrity. In addition, electrolyzed water has been proposed as a mouthwash to control bacterial and viral oral infections without detrimental effects on the oral mucosa. However, there is no current consensus or evidence synthesis that could indicate its potentially favorable use in the dental setting, particularly nowadays during the COVID-19 context. Therefore, this systematic review aimed to elucidate whether the use of electrolyzed water could improve the microbiologic control in the COVID-19 pandemic dental setting.
Methods
MEDLINE via Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane’s CENTRAL, Scopus, LILACS, and Web of Science databases were searched up to September 2021 to identify experimental studies utilizing electrolyzed water for eliminating microorganisms in a dental setting. Besides, a manual and a grey literature search were performed. The data selection and extraction were performed individually and in duplicate. The Risk of Bias (RoB) was assessed with the Nature Publication Quality Improvement Project (NPQIP) score sheet. The study protocol was registered at PROSPERO CRD42020206986.
Results
From a total of 299 articles, 63 studies met the inclusion criteria. The included studies assessed several types of electrolyzed waters, which showed a high disinfection potential when used to deal with different oral conditions. Electrolyzed water demonstrated a broad antimicrobial spectrum and was highly efficient in the dental office disinfection against viruses, fungi, and bacteria, being compatible with most dental materials. In addition, the use of electrolyzed water could be protective against SARS-CoV-2 infection and contamination in the dental office. Regarding the RoB, only 35.18% of entries were answered as ‘Yes’, thus achieving less than half of the reporting sheet.
Conclusion
Electrolyzed water is effective in disinfecting contaminated surfaces, dental materials, and equipment. Therefore, their use is recommendable in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic dental setting.
Supporting Dynamic Update Scheme for Assured Deletion Based-Multi-Copy Association Tree
Authors: Tian Junfeng , Bai Ruxin , Zhang Tianfeng
Published: June 2022

As one of the most important cloud computing services, cloud storage provides storage resources for resource-constrained users, which reduces their local overhead and computing cost. As an extension of cloud computing, fog computing introduces a fog layer between the cloud and users to deploy computing, storage, and other types of equipment, allowing users to operate outsourced data conveniently. Although cloud storage brings many conveniences to users, assured data deletion is still one of the crucial security challenges. In addition, since cloud servers usually store data in a decentralized manner, it is difficult for users to centrally and securely operate data blocks. This paper proposes an efficient and secure cloud data deletion scheme (SDUS-AD) that supports dynamic data updates in multi-copy scenarios. In this scheme, a new dynamic structure is designed, which improves the traditional Merkle hash tree, thereby realizing the dynamic update of outsourced data efficiently and safely. A cloud-fog-user layer structure is used to meet the needs of resource-constrained users (such as mobile users) to update data, and a secure and trusted fog cluster is constructed using the trusted cloud platform management model based on TPM alliance to ensure the confidentiality of data privacy. Security analysis shows that SDUS-AD meets real-world security requirements. Detailed performance analysis and simulation experiments show that SDUS-AD is efficient, safe, and feasible.