bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structure, functions, Performance and Gaps of Event-Based Surveillance (EBS) in Sudan, 2021: A Cross-Sectional Review
Authors: Malik Elfatih Mohamed , Abdullah Ahmad Izzoddeen , Mohammed Sabir Ali , Bashir Abdelgadir Ali , Ibrahim Rayyan , Abdalla Abdalla Mohammed , Osman Muntasir Mohamed , Mahmoud Tahani Amin , Alkhidir Mohamed Abdalhafiz , Elgorashi Suleiman Gamal , Elzain Muaaza Abasher , Mohamed Omer Elbadri , Ismaiel Ismaiel Mohamed , Fadelmula Hatim Fadelalsyeed , Magboul Babiker Ahmed Ali , Habibi Muzhgan , Sadek Mahmoud , Aboushady Ahmed , Lane Chris
Published: January 2022

Background

Event-based surveillance (EBS) is an essential component of Early Warning Alert and Response (EWAR) as per the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. EBS was established in Sudan in 2016 as a complementary system for Indicator-based surveillance (IBS). This review will provide an overview of the current EBS structure, functions and performance in Sudan and identify the gaps and ways forward.
Methods

The review followed the WHO/EMRO guidelines and tools. Structured discussions, observation and review of records and guidelines were done at national and state levels. Community volunteers were interviewed through phone calls. Directors of Health Emergency and Epidemic Control, surveillance officers and focal persons for EBS at the state level were also interviewed. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS, and the qualitative data were analysed using a thematic analysis, paying particular attention to the health system level allowing for an exploration of how and why experiences differ across levels. Written and verbal consents were obtained from all participants as appropriate.
Results

Sudan has a functioning EBS; however, there is an underestimation of its contribution and importance at the national and states levels. The link between the national level and states is ad hoc or is driven by the need for reports. While community event-based surveillance (CEBS) is functioning, EBS from health facilities and from non-health sectors is not currently active. The integration of EBS into overall surveillance was not addressed, and the pathway from detection to action is not clear. The use of electronic databases and platforms is generally limited. Factors that would improve performance include training, the presence of a trained focal person at state level, and regular follow-up from the national level. Factors such as staff turnover, income in relation to expenses and not having a high training degree (Diploma or MSc) were noticed as inhibiting factors.
Conclusion

The review recommended revisiting the surveillance structure at national and state levels to put EBS as an essential component and to update guidelines and standard operation procedures SOPs to foster the integration between EBS components and the overall surveillance system. The need for strengthening the link with states, capacity building and re-addressing the training modalities was highlighted.
Quiescence and Self-Renewal of Stem Cells ¬require a Type 2-Deiodinase mediated cell-autonomous surge in intra-cellular Thyroid Hormone signalling
Authors: De Stefano Maria , Ambrosio Raffaele , Luongo Cristina , Porcelli Tommaso , Mancino Giuseppina , Visconte Feliciano , Girolamo Daniela Di , Cicco Emery Di , Miro Caterina , Missero Caterina , Dentice Monica , Salvatore Domenico
Published: January 2022

Stem cells are critical for the regeneration and homeostasis of adult tissues. Thyroid hormone (TH), whose intracellular concentration is increased by Type 2 deiodinases (D2), is implicated in multiple cell functions. While reduced TH levels play a role in muscle stem cell activation, nothing in known about the role of TH in quiescence. Here we show that D2 is specifically expressed and marks quiescent stem cells in muscle and skin and increases intracellular TH. Acute D2-depletion in quiescent muscle stem cells triggers their spontaneous transition from G0 into a GAlert state. Upon muscle injury, D2-depletion increases the proliferative potential of activated precursor cells but impairs self-renewal of progenitors returning to quiescence. Genetic D2-depletion leads, in the long run or upon multiple injuries, to depletion of the stem cell pool and regenerative failure. Mechanistically, D2-produced TH sustains Notch signalling by directly promoting the expression of Notch receptors and their canonical target genes. In normal and pathological settings, transient drug-induced D2 blocking accelerates muscle regeneration and skin wound healing. In conclusion, a D2-induced increased in intracellular TH concentration is critical in maintaining stem cell quiescence and in regulating self-renewal. In this context, tissue-specific manipulation of TH may be an innovative therapeutic tool in the field of regenerative medicine.
Hydrological Response and Ecological Flow Optimization in Water Diversion Area of Inter-Basin Water Diversion Project
Authors: Bai Tao , sun xian-ge , Wei Jian , Wu Lianzhou
Published: January 2022

To quantify the impact of inter-basin water transfer project on hydrological and ecological environment of downstream river, taking Hanjiang-to-Weihe inter-basin water transfer project in the initial operation period for example, hydrological response and ecological flow optimization in water diversion area after water transfer are discussed in this paper. Firstly, Multi-year reservoir operation model of "Sanhekou" is established by MIKE BASIN. Hydrological indicators system construct by Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration (IHA) and Range of Variability Approach (RVA). Then, verify change degree of hydrologic response before and after the reservoir is built. Moreover, 33 hydrological indicators in IHA consist of five groups to quantitatively evaluate the change degree of hydrological indicators. Finally, seven schemes of different ecological flow processes are set, and the optimal scheme is recommended by AHP. Considering ecological flow management, propose improvement measures from both engineering and non-engineering aspects. The results show that: (1) MIKE BASIN simulation results and design results have a high degree of fit, which verifies rationality of the model; (2) The overall hydrological change of the river is 72.91%, and hydrological response of the river lead to highly change; (3) Scheme 6 reduces overall change degree of hydrology to (56.63%) middle change under premise of less impact on economic benefits, recommended Scheme 6 as the optimal scheme. The research results not only provide important guidance and reference for maintenance and protection of ecological functions of rivers, but also the actual operation of reservoirs.
Changes in the oxidative status of dual-purpose hens rearing in the free-range system during cold, thermoneutral and hot period
Authors: Gerzilov Vasko , Alexandrova Albena , Georgieva Almira , Tzvetanova Elina , Keranova Neli , Boncheva Veselina , Petrov Petar
Published: January 2022

This trial studied the influence of environmental conditions (cold, thermoneutral and hot period) on oxidative status of different genotypes free-range laying hens and the effect of oxidative stress (OS) on their egg productive performance. In the experiment, carried with a two-year replication, were used six dual-purpose chicken genotypes with different origins. For determination of the oxidative status were measured the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total glutathione (tGSH) and the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). The highest egg production for all chicken genotypes was reported during the thermoneutral period. Biochemical parameters LPO and CAT were relatively more sensitive to environmental impact while the remaining (tGSH, SOD, GPX) exhibited a higher degree of stability. The lowest values of LPO for all genotypes were proved during the thermoneutral period. The cold period was most unfavorable – LPO values are elevated for all genotypes. The SOD and GPX values were higher during the cold and the hot periods compared to the thermoneutral. The results of analysis of variance showed that the factor “temperature period” compared to “year” and “genotype” had the most significant influence on all biochemical parameters (P<0.001). Significant phenotypic correlations (P<0.05) were detected among all biochemical parameters, except for correlation between SOD and tGSH. The chicken genotypes showed differences in their susceptibility to OS. Thermal stress (either cold or heat) affected adversely the oxidative status of hens because it induces OS and can play a significant role in determining chicken welfare and egg production.
Effectiveness of Community Integrated Intermediary Care (CIIC) Service Model to Enhance Family-Based Long-Term Care for Thai Older Adults in Chiang Mai, Thailand: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial TCTR20190412004
Authors: Aung Myo Nyein , Moolphate Saiyud , Aung Thin Nyein Nyein , Koyanagi Yuka , Kurusattra Akraporn , Chantaraksa Sutatip , Supakankunti Siripen , Yuasa Motoyuki
Published: January 2022

Background Populations around the world are ageing faster, with the majority living in low- and middle-income countries where health and social care are yet to be universal and inclusive for the ageing population. This community-integrated intermediary care (CIIC) model is a novel prevention-based, long-term care model enhancing the family-based care system traditionally practiced in Thailand and neighboring Asian countries, and many low-and middle-income countries globally. This study assessed the effectiveness of the CIIC model in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Method: The two-arm parallel intervention study was designed as a cluster randomized controlled trial. The study population at randomization and analysis was 2,788 participants: 1509 in 6 intervention clusters and 1279 in 6 control clusters. The research protocol was approved by the World Health Organization Ethics Review Committee WHO/ERC ID; ERC.0003064. The CIIC service intervention model is a combination of formal care and informal care in a subdistrict setting consisting of three components: (1) care prevention delivered as community group exercise and home exercise; (2) care capacity building of the family caregiver; and (3) community respite service. The primary outcome was family caregivers’ burden at six months follow-up and secondary outcome was activity of daily living. Analysis applied the intention to treat approach using cluster level analysis via STATA 11 SE. Result: Baseline characteristics did not differ between the two arms. Loss of follow up was 3.7%. Mean age of the participants was 69.53 years. Females comprised 60%. The COVID-19 pandemic caused delayed implementation. The proportion of families with reduced caregiver burden at six months follow-up was higher among the intervention clusters (mean 39.17%) than control clusters (mean 28.62%). The intervention clusters experienced less functional decline and fewer people with depression. Discussion: When communities are integrated for preventing care, and families are empowered for giving care, it is possible to secure universal access to health and social care for the older persons, with basic resources mobilized from communities. This study had shown the CIIC model as an effective and potential step to the realization of universal health and long-term care coverage being inclusive of ageing populations in Thailand and globally.Trial registration: It was registered at the Thailand Clinical Trial Registry—Trial registration number TCTR20190412004. https://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/#
Design of a highly selective bandstop filter using dual path capacitive coupled SIR structure
Authors: Younis Jihad , Rehman Muhammad Abdul , Khalid Sohail Khalid
Published: January 2022

This article presents the design of a wideband bandstop filter (BSF) with the ultimate goal of improving selectivity. The designedfilter is consists of a dual-path Capacitive Coupled Step Impedance Resonator (DP-CCSIR). A theoretical analysis of theproposed DP-CCSIR structure has been presented in this paper. It has been observed that the selectivity can be improved byincreasing the order of the dual coupled step impedance resonator. The proposed design produces a wideband BSF centeredat 5.25 GHz with fractional bandwidth of 58.5%. The results have demonstrated that the resonant frequencies are regulatedby varying the electrical length of CCSIR. Moreover, it has also been realized that dual-path CCSIR is involved in producingthe finite frequency transmission poles, hence leading to better selectivity. However, the proposed design has been validatedthrough the fabrication of three prototypes. The measurement shows good concurrence with the simulated results.
Plant Invasion by Chromolaena Odorata Alters Soil Microbiome and Provides Insight Into the Role of the Fcb Group of Bacteria.
Authors: N Lini , Reghu Rani Jalajakumari , Narayanan Manoj , Santhosh Ramachandran Sarojini , Sugathan Shiburaj , Chithra Abhirami Ajith Kumar , Sophy Abhijit Joy Kumar
Published: January 2022

Purpose Plant invasion provides an excellent working model for understanding the effects of soil microbial communities associated with natural plant populations. In this study, we investigated the diversity and abundance of soil microbial communities of Chromolaena odorata, one of the most invasive weeds, and Tridax procumbent, a native plant in the same family. Methods Elemental analysis of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in soil samples was performed using a CHN analyzer. Meta-genome analyses were performed using Oxford Nanopore sequencing. The data assembly, analysis, and classifications of all functional categories were performed using the SqueezeMeta v1.0.0 Pipeline.ResultsThere is an increase in pH along with an increase in C, H, and N in the soil of the invasive plant C. odorata. Copiotrophic microbiome along with the gene families responsible for transport, metabolism of carbohydrates and cellular processes are more abundant in C. odorata soil. In contrast, oligotrophic microbial communities along with gene families involved in energy production and cellular maintenance are more abundant in the T. procumbens soil.ConclusionOur studies show the association of plant invasion with an increase in nutrient cycling and foster the development of copiotrophic organisms, including Bacteroides. This is associated with an increase in carbohydrate metabolism and substrate utilization, as well as activation of pathways for stress adaptation and resistance.
The Impact of The COVID-19 Pandemic On Binge Eating Behaviors In Adolescents And Young Adults
Authors: Freizinger Melissa , Jhe Grace , Dahlberg Suzanne , Pluhar Emily , Raffoul Amanda , Slater Wallis , Shrier Lydia
Published: January 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent public health measures have resulted in a worsening of eating disorder symptoms and an increase in psychological distress. The present study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents and young adults with bingeing behaviors and binge eating disorder (BED). Additionally, the study explores if individuals with food insecurity experienced increased binge eating symptoms and negative feelings.Method: Participants (n=39) were a convenience sample who participated between November 2020 to January 2021 in a weight and lifestyle management program at an urban New England pediatric hospital. Participants completed online surveys that assessed (1) exposure to and impact of COVID-19 on binge eating behaviors, (2) participants’ and their families’ ability to attain food and its association with bingeing behaviors, and (3) the relationship between food insecurity and negative emotions.Results: Nearly half of all participants (48.7%) reported moderate to severe bingeing during the COVID-19 pandemic; those who experienced a higher impact of COVID-related stress reported more binge-eating behaviors (p = 0.03). There were no associations between indicators of food insecurity and binge eating nor between food insecurity and negative feelingsConclusions: Higher levels of pandemic-related stress were associated with greater binge-eating behaviors. It is necessary for clinicians caring for adolescents and young adults with bingeing behaviors monitor symptoms and provide treatment for their patients despite barriers to care imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Expression and Storage of Breastmilk Among Urban Mothers in Southern India: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice (KAP) Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: K Renuka , R Umadevi , Subramanian Muthathal
Published: January 2022

Background: Breast milk is always the best milk for the baby. Despite the advantages, many mothers are not able to pursue breastfeeding for various reasons. Breast milk can be continued for the babies even in their mother’s absence for a while by expressing and storing the breast milk. Aims: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding expression and storage of breast milk (EBM) among mothers. Methods: A community-based descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted for 3 months in the urban field practice area, Chennai. A sample size of 400 was selected using the systematic random sampling technique. The information was gathered using a pre-tested, structured questionnaire, which was then analysed using SPSS Version 16.0 and presented using appropriate statistical methods. Results: Out of 400, only 7% of them had adequate knowledge regarding the expression and storage of breast milk. A positive attitude towards the expression and storage of breast milk was seen among 3/4th (77%) of them. But only 2% had good practices related to expression and storage of breast milk. Conclusions: Overall, knowledge and practice regarding EBM were very low, but more mothers had a positive attitude towards EBM. As there is a positive attitude towards it, the practices can be improved if the mothers are trained continuously during the antenatal period.
Three-dimensional Structural Modeling (3D SM) and Joint Geophysical Characterization (JGC) of Hydrocarbon Reservoir: A Case Study of the Kadanwari field in Middle Indus Basin (MIB), Southeastern Pakistan
Authors: Khan Umair , Du Jiangfeng , Hussain Shafqat , Jiang Zhengwen , Ali Shahzad , Ali Ikram , Khan Majid , Zhang Baoyi
Published: January 2022

Complex structural geology generally leads to significant consequences for hydrocarbon reservoir exploration that needs a comprehensive methodology for complete comprehension. Despite a large number of existing wells in the Kadanwari field, Middle Indus Basin (MIB), southeastern Pakistan, the depositional environment of the Early Cretaceous stratigraphic sequence is still poorly understood, which has implications for regional geology as well as economic significance. To improve the understanding of depositional environment of complex heterogeneous reservoirs with associated 3D stratigraphic architecture, spatial distribution of facies and properties, and hydrocarbon prospects, a new methodology of three-dimensional structural modeling (3D SM) and joint geophysical characterization (JGC) is introduced in this research. JGC makes use of seismic interpretation-aided 3D SM, 3D seismic attributes analysis coupled with petrophysical modeling using 3D seismic reflection, and borehole data. Subsequently, the 3D SM reveals that the Kadanwari field experienced multiple stages of complex deformation dominated by NW to SW normal fault system, high relief horsts, half-graben, and graben structures. 3D SM and 3D fault system models (FSMs) further depict that the middle part of the sequence experienced more deformation compared to the surroundings of major faults with predominant oriented in S30°-45°E and N25°-35°W, azimuth as 148°–170° and 318°–345°, minimum (28°), mean (62°), and maximum (90°) dip angles. The applied variance edge attribute better portrays the inconsistency of the seismic data associated with faulting and estimated high reflection sediments presumed to be potential hydrocarbon traps. The high amplitude and loss of frequency anomalies of sweetness and root mean square (RMS) amplitude attributes represent cleaner and payable sand-rich shoreward facies revealing gas saturated sand, while relatively low amplitude and high-frequency anomalies indicate sandy shale, shale, and pro-delta facies, unfavorable zones for gas potential. The quantitative petrophysical modeling result shows that E sand interval has good effective porosity (∅ eff ) and hydrocarbon saturation (S hc ) compared to G sand interval. The derived average petrophysical properties, such as volume of shale (V shale ), average porosity (∅ avg ), ∅ eff , water saturation (S W ), and S hc of the E sand interval are 30.5%, 17.4%, 12.2%, 33.2%, 70.01%, respectively. The newly introduced 3D SM and JGC workflow is an effective tool for highlighting potential areas of high quality reservoir development.
A multi-sectoral evidence synthesis on religious beliefs, intimate partner violence and faith-based interventions
Authors: Istratii Romina , Ali Parveen
Published: January 2022

In recent decades, more studies have emerged that examine the relationship between religion / spirituality, marital functioning and mental health. The scholarship on domestic violence (DV) / intimate partner violence (IPV) and religion does not appear to have integrated this evidence sufficiently and also lacks a multi-sectoral perspective. Ultimately, evidence from psychology and counselling needs to be bridged with evidence from public health and international development programming and studies in anthropology and sociology. A better integration could help to increase understanding of the multidimensional effects of religious parameters in the experience of DV / IPV and to identify how these effects could be leveraged resourcefully in faith-based interventions at community level and in psychosocial counselling involving victims, survivors and perpetrators in religious contexts. The current synthesis is the result of a systematic review that was conducted to start to bridge this multi-sectoral and multidisciplinary evidence to identify specifically: a) the influence of religious beliefs and experience on the rationalisations, behaviour and mental health of victims, survivors and perpetrators, and b) faith-based interventions in community and psychological counselling and their effectiveness. In pursuing these questions, we aimed to overcome the dominance of western definitions and paradigms of domestic violence or religion by combining evidence from sectors that are more international, such as public health and international development, and studies conducted in low-and middle-income societies that received less attention historically. We especially sought to distance ourselves from rigid understandings of ‘religion’ in an effort to make the review more relevant to diverse religious traditions and experiences.
Grapevine Injury and Fruit Yield Response to Simulated Auxin Herbicide Drift
Authors: Haring Steven C. , Ou Junjun , Al-Khatib Kassim , Hanson Bradley D.
Published: January 2022

Grape growers are concerned about the potential impact of drift from commonly used auxinic herbicides. In California, this is frequently related to herbicides used in cereals and noncrop areas, whereas in other parts of the United States concerns are often related to dicamba- and 2,4-D-resistant cropping systems. Our objective was to compare the relative sensitivity of winegrapes to simulated auxinic herbicide drift, including grapevine symptomology, grape yield, and grape quality. In a small-plot herbicide evaluation, we applied 1/900×, 1/300×, 1/100×, and 1/33× rates of 2,4-D, aminopyralid, dicamba, and triclopyr based on 1× field rates of 1454, 122.5, 280, and 2240 g⋅ha–1 ae, respectively. Aminopyralid resulted in similar symptomology to 2,4-D and dicamba—namely, leaf cupping, leaf crinkling, excessive tendril twisting, and tendril death, although these symptoms were generally subtle. Triclopyr resulted in much greater levels of necrosis compared with the other herbicides. In our study, triclopyr was the only herbicide associated with grape yield loss, and greater triclopyr rates were also associated with increased grape sugar levels. This study demonstrates that grapes are sensitive to low rates of simulated herbicide drift, but symptoms do not necessarily indicate yield loss or quality effects. This study indicates that auxin-type herbicide simulated drift symptoms are not reliable markers for winegrape yield or quality reduction.
Re-examining the notion of local economic development (LED) post democratization: anticipated outputs, impediments and future expectation(s)
Authors: Mlambo Daniel N. , Manganyi Tsakie P. , Mphurpi Jabu H.
Published: January 2022

This article critically assesses the notion of Local Economic Development (LED) and utilizes South Africa as a case of reference, through which the conceptualization and underpinnings, associated with LED, are understood. South Africa has come through what one may call three waves of development change, which comprise the apartheid period (1949–1990), the transition period (1990–1994) and the post-apartheid era (1994–present). During both the apartheid and transition period, South Africa was at war with itself and neighbouring countries and economic growth, resources, employment and service delivery were scarce, particularly to the black majority because of the apartheid regimes destabilization policies. Post democratization, and with the inauguration of the democratic elected African National Congress (ANC) government, there were envisioned blueprint frameworks that ought to reverse the erstwhile apartheid regimes policies of racism, inequality and segregation. These were earmarked to alter South Africa’s development and economic growth landscape through the lens of LED. Hence, the promotion of LED was identified as a noteworthy strategy that can ultimately lead to community development, economic growth and poverty relief.
Performance of exploratory structural equation model (ESEM) in detecting differential item functioning
Authors: Ayanwale Musa Adekunle
Published: January 2022

The validity of a standardised test is questioned if an irrelevant construct is accounted for the performance of examinees, which is wrongly modeled as the ability in the construct (test items). A test must ensure precision in the examinee's ability irrespective of their sub-population in any demographic variables. This paper explored the potentials of gender and school location as major covariates on the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) mathematics items among examinees (N=2,866) using Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM). The results remarked that the test is multidimensional (six-factors) with compliance fix indices of (χ2 (940)=4882.024, p < 0.05, CFI=0.962, TLI=0.930, RMSEA=0.038, SRMR=0.030, 90 % CI=0.037-0.039, Akaike information criterion (AIC)=147290.577, Bayesian information criterion (BIC)=149585.436 and Sample-size adjusted BIC=148362.154) respectively. Also, there were 10 (20 %) significant DIF items in the WAEC to gender, while 3 (6 %) of the items indicated significant DIF to school location. Observed DIF items acquaint test developers; the existence of DIF may differentially affect the performance of examinees with the same ability level. The implications of the test are severe for the examinees. Hence, accurate and unbiased assessment should be the basic principles for any test item measurement, and test developers need to test the items to be free from biases psychometrically.
Enhancing teaching and learning in higher education through formative assessment: Teachers’ Perceptions
Authors: MOHAMAD HANEFAR Shamsiah Banu , ANNY Nusrat , RAHMAN Sajedur
Published: January 2022

A good assessment system is one of the preconditions for quality education. Formative assessment is comparatively an emerging idea to assess the students throughout the academic year with the intention to identify and overcome the weaknesses of the students and enhance their learning outcome. Taking these into account, this study attempted to explore the teachers’ perceptions of the use of formative assessment in enhancing teaching and learning in Bangladesh higher education. A mixed-method study was employed with survey and semi-structured interview as the data collection methods. 100 participants were randomly (simple random) selected for the survey, and 6 participants were purposively selected for the interviews. For analysing the data, descriptive analysis and content analysis were used. The findings of the study revealed majority of the participants agreed that formative assessment is crucial to enhance teaching and learning in Bangladeshi colleges. Nonetheless, there are some challenges like - teachers’ biasness, shortage of teachers, large class, poor infrastructure, insufficient power supply, and heavy workload of the teachers. As a whole, this study will provide a fundamental ground for future research in formative assessment in Bangladeshi colleges specifically and for comparative study with other higher education institutions globally.
Academic Intellectual Capital Scale: A Validity and Reliability Study
Authors: ÖZALP Uğur , ÇETİN Münevver
Published: January 2022

The aim of this study was to develop a scale instrument for measuring academic intellectual capital in the Turkish higher education context depending on student perceptions. The sample consisted of students of higher education institutions in the 2020-2021 academic year. Data were gathered in two stages. Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was conducted in the first stage and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) was conducted in the second stage. The EFA sample consisted of 538 students studying in 96 higher education institutions while the CFA sample consisted of 492 students studying in 112 higher education institutions. Principal Axis Factoring (PAF) extraction and Promax rotation methods were used in EFA. Results of EFA showed that the scale had a three-factor structure with 20 items. The three-factor structure was confirmed with CFA. Cronbach’s alpha, stratified alpha, Composite Reliability and McDonald’s omega were calculated in order to determine the reliability of the scores obtained from the scale. Item discrimination was verified by calculating item-total correlation and item-remainder correlation. Also, t-test was carried out between upper and lower 27% to check item discrimination. Analyses were conducted making use of R (ver. 4.1.2) and RStudio (ver. 2021.09.1 build 372). Overall, results showed that the structure of Academic Intellectual Capital Scale was valid. The measurement tool was concluded to have three factors and 20 items, all in affirmative form.
PENGARUH HARGA, KUALITAS PRODUK, DAN PROMOSI TERHADAP KEPUTUSAN PEMBELIAN MARKETPLACE SHOPEE
Authors: Dwijantoro Rizky , Dwi Bernadin , Syarief Nobelson
Published: January 2022

ABSTRAK Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kuantitatif yang dilakukan pada pelanggan marketplace Shopee. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dan membuktikan apakah keputusan pembelian pada marketplace Shopee dipengaruhi oleh harga, kualitas produk dan promosi. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah mahasiswa yang pernah melakukan pembelian melalui Shopee. Sampel yang diambil dalam penelitian ini yaitu berjumlah 75 responden dengan metode Purposive Sampling dengan menyebarkan kuisioner melalui googleform. Teknik analisis yang digunakan adalah analisis deskriptif dan analisis inferensial dengan menggunakan alat analisis Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa variabel harga dan kualitas produk berpengaruh terhadap keputusan pembelian. Promosi juga yang berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap keputusan pembelian. Kata Kunci: keputusan pembelian, harga, kualitas produk, promosi ABSTRACT This study uses a quantitative descriptive method conducted on Shopee marketplace customers. The purpose of this research is to find out and prove whether purchasing decisions in the Shopee marketplace are determined by price, product quality, and promotion. The population in this study were students who had made purchases through Shopee. The sample taken in this study was to find 75 respondents using the purposive sampling method by distributing questionnaires through google form. The analytical technique used is descriptive analysis and inferential analysis using Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis tool. The results showed that the variables of price and product quality had an effect on purchasing decisions. Promotion also has a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions. Keywords: purchase decision, price, product quality, promotion
A longitudinal study of corporate social responsibility expenditure and ownership structure of financial firms
Authors: Abu Jahid Md. , Harun Ur Rashid Md. , Abdul Kaium Masud Md. , Yaya Rizal
Published: January 2022

There is a dearth of longitudinal studies of corporate social responsibility expenditure (CSRE) and corporate governance in Bangladesh, which has been the impetus for this study. The study aims to identify the relationship between ownership structure and CSR expenditure. The empirical study considered a longitudinal period of 2007–2019 of listed financial firms (banks and non-banking financial institutions) of Bangladesh. The final sample consisted of 461 firm-year observations for 53 firms. The study incorporated a set of theories, including agency cost theory and stakeholder theory. The study applied the ordinary least square (OLS) regression technique to test hypotheses. The results of multiple regression analysis showed that foreign ownership and managerial ownership contribute positively and significantly to CSRE. However, the study did not document any relationship between institutional ownership and CSRE. The study used rigorous and alternative measurement techniques to further verify the findings. It was concluded that value creation from CSRE is highly dependent on the ownership structure of financial firms. The empirical study has significant theoretical and managerial implications.
AcknowledgmentComments and suggestions from the discussants and paper presenters and audiences of International Conference on Sustainable Innovation (ICoSI 2020) at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia, have been gratefully acknowledged, which helps us to improve the quality of this paper.
Aplicación de la curva en S para determinar el nivel de desarrollo de equipos de trabajo
Authors: Guerrero Chávez Luis Arnulfo
Published: January 2022

Introducción: García, Rodríguez, Díaz y Estrada (1988, p. 70) definen al equipo de trabajo como “una entidad social altamente organizada y orientada hacia la consecución de una tarea común” que reconocen y valoran sus “propios roles funcionales” (Bejarano, 2019, p. 112). Para Arrea (2016, p. 97), trabajar en equipo “no es cualidad innata” y debe aprenderse aplicando reglas. Para Guerrero, Delgado y Sánchez (2018), investigadores y empresas coinciden en los factores que propician el trabajo en equipo. Para su éxito, las organizaciones requieren basar su funcionamiento en el trabajo en equipo (Rojas, Jaimes y Valencia, 2018). Beal, Bohlen y Raudabaugh (1964), Shein (1973), Hersey y Blanchard (1986) definen la madurez de un equipo como el nivel de desarrollo en que se encuentra, y es función de combinación de las competencias de sus integrantes (Guerrero, et al., 2018), medida usando una escala para establecer el grado de madurez (Guiridkian y Cassanelli, 2010).
La curva en S modela funciones que crecen gradualmente en su inicio, se aceleran a la mitad del período y terminan lentamente. A su vez, describe y pronostica el crecimiento poblacional humano, animal y de productos (Aguilar et al., 2012 y Zartha et al., 2017).
Método: El presente estudio es cuantitativo con un diseño descriptivo transversal, que trabajó con una muestra incidental, conformada por 32 equipos de trabajo de 25 empresas de manufactura de la ciudad de Chihuahua, cuyo criterio central de inclusión fue pertenecer al departamento de producción. El objetivo del estudio fue desarrollar de manera gráfica el proceso de desarrollo que siguen los equipos, aplicando la curva logística de crecimiento, con la ecuación R(t) (Guerrero, 2006), usando la variable madurez del equipo (Montanari y Pilatti, 2014), a lo largo del tiempo, relativa a los 9 factores que establece el Modelo Integral y Dinámico, aplicando su instrumento de medición (Guerrero, 2013), Su justificación surge del hecho de contar con una representación gráfica que muestre el desarrollo de la madurez del equipo en función del tiempo.
Resultados: Se generó una curva en S utilizando los valores calculados de madurez del equipo, por medio de regresión lineal simple, para determinar los valores de tiempo, en los niveles de la escala de madurez. Se determinaron los coeficientes de localización, b = 82 y de forma k = 0.26, y se definieron los porcentajes para cada fase de desarrollo del Modelo Integral y Dinámico, y sus tiempos estimados.
Discusión y conclusiones: La curva trazada coincide con la curva propuesta por Katzenbach y Smith (1995). A partir de la curva S generada, se establecieron porcentajes y se definieron límites para cada fase del Modelo Integral y Dinámico que debe atravesar un equipo de trabajo, así como los tiempos estimados que puede tomar en cada fase.
Use of spray nozzles to recover dissolved methane from an Upflow Anaerobic Sludge Blanket (UASB) reactor effluent
Authors: Santos C. M. Q. , Ditchfield C. , Tommaso G. , Ribeiro R.
Published: January 2022

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas and a source of energy. Recovering this gas means lower greenhouse gas emission and potential reduction of energetic costs. The lack of full-scale results, the use of different methodologies to detect dissolved methane (d-CH4) and the fact that no process to remove d-CH4 from anaerobic effluents is energetically or economically viable at full-scale urged a different approach to the problem. To avoid methodological interference and facilitate comparison of results the Standard Test Method number D8028-17 published by ASTM International can be used to determine d-CH4. The use of real anaerobic reactor effluent also helps results to be compared. In this study, 80 samples from a full-scale anaerobic reactor showed an average concentration of dissolved methane of 14.9 mg·L−1, meaning an emission of 229 kg of CO2 eq·h−1 and an average of 113.5 kW wasted. Using spray nozzles, an alternative to the methods being researched, the average methane recovery was 11.5 mg·L−1 of CH4, an efficiency of 81.6%, meaning 177 kg of CO2 eq·h−1 emissions avoided and 87.9 kW of recoverable energy.
Protective Effect of Panax Notoginseng Saponins on Apolipoprotein-E-deficient
Atherosclerosis-prone Mice
Authors: Yang He , Liu Zuodong , Hu Xiangka , Liu Xiaojuan , Gui Liuming , Cai Zengxiaorui , Dai Chunmei
Published: January 2022

Background:

It is widely recognized that atherosclerosis (AS) is related to vascular inflammation.
Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) extracted from the roots of Panax notoginseng have been shown to possess
anti-inflammatory activity. It is widely used in the clinical treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,
but the protective effect of PNS on atherosclerosis is not fully understood. This study was designed to
test the effects of PNS administration in apolipoprotein (apo)-E-deficient (ApoE-/-) mice on the activation of
NF-κB p65, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and Calpain1 proteins.

Methods:

24 ApoE-/- mice fed with high-fat diet for 8 weeks to create the AS model. PNS, dissolved in three
distilled water, was administered orally to two treatment groups at dosages of 60 mg/kg/d/mice and 180
mg/kg/d/mice. After 8 weeks, peripheral blood was collected for assessing the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C and
HDL-C in serum by Biochemical Analyzer. HE staining was used to observe pathomorphological changes in
the aortic root. Oil Red O staining was used to observe the lipid deposition in the aortic root. ELISA kits were
used to assess the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in serum. The expression levels of NF-κB p65, IL-1β, IL-6,
TNF-α, and Calpain1 proteins in the aortic root were identified by Western blot.

Results:

After PNS administration for 8 weeks, the levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, IL-1β and TNF-α were decreased,
the level of HDL-C was increased in apoE-/- mice. The arrangement of the tissue of aortic root tended
to be normal, the cell morphology was restored, and the lipid depositions were reduced in apoE-/- mice treated
with PNS. Moreover, PNS inhibited the expression levels of NF-κB p65, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and Calpain1 proteins
of aortic root tissues in apoE-/- mice.

Conclusion:

PNS may inhibit the progression of atherosclerotic lesions via their anti-inflammatory biological
property. PNS suppress the NF-κB signaling pathway and inhibits the expression of pro-inflammatory factors
such as NF-κB p65, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and Calpain1 proteins in aortic root tissues of apoE-/- mice.
Resveratrol and Cervical Cancer: A New Therapeutic Option
Authors: Mirzaei Hamed , Asemi Zatollah , Shafabakhsh Rana , Reiter Russel J. , Aschner Michael
Published: January 2022

Globally, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer and the third main cause of death related to cancer in women. The cervical cancer mortality rate is higher in underdeveloped and developing vs. developed countries. Chronic infection with human papilloma virus (HPV) can trigger cervical cancer, by an interplay of a variety of pathways and molecules (i.e., inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and apoptosis) leading to carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Cervical carcinoma is treatable in early stages, while it progresses to metastasis at advanced stages; however, generally it is poorly manageable with current treatment options. For future advances in the treatment of metastatic or recurrent cervical cancer carcinoma, identification of new therapeutic platforms is necessary. A new generation of drugs, herbs and spices afford novel opportunities for cancer therapy. Among the herb-based components, resveratrol has several beneficial effects given its anti-cancer activities (e.g., anti-angiogenesis, anti-proliferation, anti-metastatic and pro-apoptotic). Hence, this therapeutic agent may have promising potential if clinically corroborated to possess anti-cancer efficacy. Here, we summarize the chemopreventive and treatment actions of resveratrol for cervical cancer as well as its mechanism of action.
Random-Forest-Algorithm-Based Applications of the Basic Characteristics
and Serum and Imaging Biomarkers to Diagnose Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yang Juan , Sui Haijing , Jiao Ronghong , Zhang Min , Zhao Xiaohui , Wang Lingling , Deng Wenping , Liu Xueyuan
Published: January 2022

Background:

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is considered a s the early stage of Alzheimer's Disease (AD). The purpose of our study was to analyze the basic characteristics andserum and imaging biomarkers for the diagnosis of MCI patients as a more objective and accurate approach.

Methods:

The Montreal Cognitive Test was used to test 119 patients aged ≥65. Such serum bio-markers were detected as preprandial blood glucose, triglyceride, total cholesterol, Aβ1-40, Aβ1-42, and P-tau. All the subjects were scanned with 1.5T MRI (GE Healthcare, WI, USA) to obtain DWI, DTI, and ASL images. DTI was used to calculate the anisotropy fraction (FA), DWI was used to calculate the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and ASL was used to calculate the cerebral blood flow (CBF). All the images were then registered to the SPACE of the Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI). In 116 brain regions, the medians of FA, ADC, and CBF were extracted by automatic anatomical labeling. The basic characteristics included gender, education level, and previous disease history of hypertension, diabetes, and coronary heart disease. The data were randomly divided into training sets and test ones. The recursive random forest algorithm was applied to the diagnosis of MCI patients, and the recursive feature elimination (RFE) method was used to screen the significant basic features and serum and imaging biomarkers. The overall accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity were calculated, respectively, and so were the ROC curve and the area under the curve (AUC) of the test set.

Results:

When the variable of the MCI diagnostic model was an imaging biomarker, the training accuracy of the random forest was 100%, the correct rate of the test was 86.23%, the sensitivity was 78.26%, and the specificity was 100%. When combining the basic characteristics, the serum and imaging biomarkers as variables of the MCI diagnostic model, the training accuracy of the random forest was found to be 100%; the test accuracy was 97.23%, the sensitivity was 94.44%, and the specificity was 100%. RFE analysis showed that age, Aβ1-40, and cerebellum_4_6 were the most important basic feature, serum biomarker, imaging biomarker, respectively.

Conclusion:

Imaging biomarkers can effectively diagnose MCI. The diagnostic capacity of the basic trait biomarkers or serum biomarkers for MCI is limited, but their combination with imaging biomarkers can improve the diagnostic capacity, as indicated by the sensitivity of 94.44% and the specificity of 100% in our model. As a machine learning method, a random forest can help diagnose MCI effectively while screening important influencing factors.
Preparation of Modified Chitosan-based Nanoparticles for Efficient
Delivery of Doxorubicin and/or Cisplatin to Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Matalqah Sina M. , Aiedeh Khalid , Mhaidat Nizar M. , Alzoubi Karem H. , AL-Husein Belal A.
Published: January 2022

Purpose:

The aim is to develop a novel pH-responsive modified chitosan-based nanoparticles
system for active loading of doxorubicin (DOX) and triggered intracellular release.

Methods:

Nanoparticles were formed in an aqueous medium via ionic interaction between negatively
charged chitosan derivative and positively charged DOX at neutral pH and then transformed in situ
into cisplatin (CIS) cross-linked nanoparticles through cross-linking the formed micelles via chelation
interaction between the negatively charged polymeric carrier and cisplatin. Nanoparticles were characterized
in terms of particle size and zeta potential using DLS and TEM. Drug loading efficiency and
encapsulation efficiency were determined based on the physio-chemical proprieties of the polymer and
the amount of the cross-linking agent. In vitro release studies were performed using the dialysis method
at different pHs. Finally, the cytotoxic effects of these nanoparticles were performed against the
MCF-7 BrCA cell line under different pHs.

Results:

The average particle size of polymer alone and DOX nanoparticles was 277.401 ± 13.50 nm
and 290.20 ± 17.43 nm, respectively. The zeta potential was -14.6 ± 1.02 mV and -13.2 ± 0.55 mV,
respectively, with a low polydispersity index. Drug loading and encapsulation deficiencies were determined,
dependent on the amount of the cross-linking agent. In vitro release studies showed that the
release of DOX from these nanoparticles was pH-dependent. Moreover, results showed that the cytotoxicity
magnitude of DOX-loaded nanoparticles against MCF-7 BrCA cells was higher compared
with free DOX.

Conclusion:

These novel pH-sensitive nanoparticles proved to be a promising Nano-drug delivery for
tumor-targeted delivery of DOX.