bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pengaruh Daya Tarik Promosi, Kemudahan Penggunaan, dan Risiko Terhadap Minat Menggunakan E-Wallet pada Mahasiswa di Kota Batam
Authors: Yanti Dewi Apri , Prima Argo Putra
Published: December 2024

E-wallets offer many conveniences to users, despite the convenience and practicality of e-wallets, many people are reluctant to use them. Several factors contribute to the interest in using e-wallets, including promotional attractiveness, ease of use, and risk. This study aims to test passively and simultaneously. This type of research is quantitative with data collection techniques carried out by distributing questionnaires through google forms which are measured on a Likert scale. Testing in this study uses descriptive analysis, instrument test, classical assumption test, influence test and hypothesis testing. The population in this study were students majoring in accounting in Batam City and who had registered on the PDDIKTI website (Directorate General of Higher Education) with a total of 1631 students.  The sample in this study used Probability Sampling technique and sample determination using Slovin technique which amounted to 100 respondents. The results of the study simultaneously show that promotional attractiveness, ease of use and risk affect the interest in using e-wallets for students in Batam City.  However, based on the results of this study partially show that Promotional Attractiveness affects the interest in using e-wallets for students in Batam City. Ease of Use affects the interest in using e-wallets for students in Batam City. Meanwhile, risk has no effect on the interest in using e-wallets for students in Batam City.
Pengaruh E-Filing dan Relawan Pajak Terhadap Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi di KPP Pratama Batam Selatan
Authors: Manurung Ernisa Juniarti , Purba Mortigor Afrizal
Published: December 2024

Pajak adalah pembayaran wajib atau pungutan yang dibebankan pemerintah kepada masyarakat umum (wajib pajak) dalam mendanai pengeluaran rutin pemerintah dan biaya pembangunan tanpa memerlukan pembayaran langsung sebagai imbalannya. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk menilai bagaimana Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak Orang Pribadi di KPP Pratama Batam Selatan dipengaruhi oleh E-Filing dan Relawan Pajak. Pendekatannya bersifat kuantitatif; uji dengan data numerik dari data yang diserahkan. Pada tahun 2023, terdapat 427.426 WPOP yang terdaftar sebagai anggota KPP Pratama Batam Selatan. Pengambilan sampel secara acak dilakukan dengan prosedur pemilihan acak sebagai metode pengumpulan sampel. Contoh hasil perhitungan Rumus Slovin yang digunakan peneliti dengan menggunakan jumlah populasi sebanyak 427.426 dan tingkat kesalahan sebesar 10%. Responden yang diperoleh peneliti 99,9, dibulatkan menjadi 100. Metode pengumpulan data meliputi penggunaan kuesioner dengan skala Likert untuk penilaian, dimana peserta bereaksi terhadap serangkaian pertanyaan yang diberikan melalui Google Form. Penelitian ini mencakup berbagai uji, antara lain analisa deskriptif, uji regresi linier berganda, uji t, uji f, uji koefisien determinasi, uji multikolinearitas, uji heteroskedastisitas, uji validitas, dan uji normalitas. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan aplikasi SPSS 25. Hasil secara parsial: Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak dipengaruhi secara positif dan signifikan oleh Variabel E-Filing dan Relawan Pajak; secara parsial, Kepatuhan Wajib Pajak dipengaruhi secara positif dan signifikan oleh variabel E-Filing (X1) dan Relawan Pajak (X2).
Pengaruh Pendidikan, Pelatihan, dan Pengalaman Terhadap Skeptisisme Profesional Auditor Pada KAP di Kota Batam
Authors: Violin Kezia , Poniman Poniman
Published: December 2024

Maintaining an inquisitive mindset while presenting audit data critically is an approach that displays professional skepticism. To approve or reject findings by offering corrective measures, the auditor must first gather information about the activities of the audited organization, compare it with predetermined criteria, and then draw conclusions. An auditor has an obligation to uphold his profession by doing what is asked of him. In addition to stating consideration for the reliability of financial statements, it is their professional duty to adhere to the. The public and consumers alike will evaluate certified financial reports, so it is important to approach such reports with a healthy level of skepticism. The main objective of this research is to determine whether the professional skepticism of auditors at KAP in Batam City varies according to level of education, training and work experience. Saturated sampling was used to determine the sample size of 45 respondents for this quantitative research procedure. Using SPSS 26 software, this reconnaissance yielded considerable results. Education has a significant positive effect because the T test value of 0.031 is less than 0.05. Since the calculated T value of 0.000 is lower than 0.05, this indicates that training has a statistically significant positive impact. The stay experience is positive with a T test score of 0.000, lower than the significance level of 0.05. With an F significance level of 0.00 which is less than 0.05, the F test shows that the auditor's education, training and experience influence their professional skepticism. Therefore, auditors' professional skepticism is significantly influenced by their education, training, and experience. The elements influencing auditors' professional skepticism may be better understood with these data.
Sikap dan Niat Terhadap AI: Studi Perbandingan Generasi Berdasarkan Perilaku Terencana
Authors: Susanto Graciella Lorenz , Caroline Angela , Kornarius Yoke P. , Gusti Triningtyas E. P. , Gunawan Agus
Published: December 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengeksplorasi sikap dan niat keberlanjutan terhadap penggunaan Kecerdasan Buatan (AI) di antara tiga kelompok generasi, yaitu Generasi X, Generasi Y (yang sering dikenal sebagai Milenial), dan Generasi Z. Dalam penelitian ini, digunakan kerangka Teori Perilaku Berencana (TPB) sebagai landasan untuk memahami bagaimana setiap kelompok generasi tersebut memandang AI serta bagaimana pandangan mereka memengaruhi niat untuk terus menggunakan teknologi ini. Dengan menggunakan metode penarikan sampel purposive, data dikumpulkan dari 101 responden yang memiliki pengetahuan dan familiaritas dengan AI. Instrumen survei yang digunakan telah diuji validitas dan reliabilitasnya, memastikan bahwa pengukuran sikap terhadap AI dan niat keberlanjutan dilakukan secara akurat. Untuk menganalisis data, digunakan analisis regresi guna menguji hubungan yang dihipotesiskan antara sikap dan niat keberlanjutan penggunaan AI. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa sikap seseorang terhadap AI sangat berpengaruh pada niat mereka untuk terus menggunakan teknologi tersebut. Secara khusus, Generasi Z menunjukkan sikap paling positif dan memiliki niat tertinggi untuk melanjutkan penggunaan AI di masa depan, diikuti oleh Generasi Y dan terakhir Generasi X. Temuan ini sangat penting karena memberikan wawasan yang dapat digunakan oleh para pengembang teknologi AI, pendidik, serta pembuat kebijakan untuk merancang strategi yang lebih efektif dan sesuai dengan preferensi masing-masing generasi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian ini, para pemangku kepentingan diharapkan dapat menyesuaikan inisiatif mereka dalam mengembangkan AI sehingga lebih relevan bagi setiap kelompok usia. Penelitian lebih lanjut disarankan untuk memperluas cakupan demografi dan menggunakan pendekatan longitudinal guna melacak perubahan sikap dari waktu ke waktu.
Profitability in Moderate the Effect of CSR Disclosure on Company Value
Authors: Supandi Fatiha Fani Anggraeni
Published: December 2024

The goal of this study is to determine the effect of CSR Disclosure using the CSR Disclosure Index (X) on Company Value using the Price to Book Value (Y) through Profitability with the Return on Equity (Z) as a moderating variable with the Company objects listed on the Index SRI - KEHATI Period 2019 – 2023. This study’s population consist of 40 companies listed on the SRI - KEHATI Index for 2019 – 2023. The sample used in this research is 11 companies from a total population of 40 using the purposive sampling method. The data analysis technique used in this research is the Conceptual Model of a Simple Moderation method using SPSS ver 25 software with the add-on PROCESS by M. Hayes. The results of this research show that: (1) CSR Disclosure has a negative and significant effect on Company Value, (2) Profitability has a positive and significant effect on Company Value, (3) Profitability can moderate the relationship between the influence of CSR Disclosure on Company Value.
Evaluation of The Quality of Library Services and Facilities on The Level of Student Satisfaction at Mahaputra Muhammad Yamin University
Authors: Yeni Afni , Nurhayati  , Oktavia Diana
Published: December 2024

The library functions as a multifaceted hub for knowledge acquisition, offering a range of services including access to library materials, reading assistance, educational support, information dissemination, foundational research activities, and various additional roles. Considering the previously discussed roles of the library, it is crucial for it to have superior facilities, deliver exceptional services, and improve the effectiveness of its librarians. This study aimed to assess how service quality and library facilities influence student satisfaction. This investigation utilizes a quantitative research approach. This study was carried out at the Campus I Library of Mahaputra Muhammad Yamin University. The subjects of this study consisted of all active students from Mahaputra Muhammad Yamin University who visited the library. The sampling method employed in this study was accidental sampling. This study involved a sample of 42 students. Data were collected through the distribution of questionnaires to participants. The findings of the study indicated that the quality of library services and facilities had a partial impact on student satisfaction. The quality of library services and facilities had a significant impact on student satisfaction.
Public Relations Strategy in Building Brand Awareness: A Case Study of KDS
Authors: Chamid Abdul
Published: December 2024

This research aims to investigate the public relations strategies employed by PT Kefa Dadali Sinergindo (KDS), a nascent company in the food and renewable energy industry, to enhance its brand visibility. Established in late 2020, the company specializes in the production and distribution of coconut shell briquettes and banana snacks. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, this research delves into the company's public relations strategies. This methodology enables an in-depth exploration of the underlying meanings and nuances within the collected data. Through direct observation and in-depth interviews, the researcher aims to gain a comprehensive understanding of the company's public relations tactics. The findings of this research reveal that KDS predominantly utilizes a soft selling or indirect sales approach to foster brand awareness. Key strategies employed by the company include: 1) Press Releases: The company actively disseminates information about its products, services, and corporate activities through various media channels, including print and online publications; 2) Press Conferences: These events are convened to announce significant company developments, such as product launches or major milestones; 3) Launching Events: These events are designed to introduce new products to target consumers and media representatives. By effectively implementing these public relations strategies, KDS has successfully cultivated a positive brand image and garnered significant public attention.
Does Festival Quality Effect Psychological Well-being Through Festival Value and Festival Satisfaction?
Authors: Faezha Fadhilah Jihan , Rosnani Titik , Ramadania Ramadania , Heriyadi Heriyadi , Pebrianti Wenny
Published: December 2024

This study investigates the impact of festival quality on the psychological well-being of attendees at The Eras Tour in Indonesia, emphasizing the mediating roles of festival value and satisfaction. The background highlights the increasing significance of large-scale music events, which necessitate high-quality experiences to enhance attendee satisfaction and well-being. The research aims to explore how festival quality influences psychological well-being through perceived value and satisfaction. A questionnaire was administered to 190 Indonesian respondents who attended the concert, using a 5-point Likert scale for measurement. The analysis employed Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to evaluate the relationships among variables. Results indicate that festival quality positively affects both festival value and psychological well-being, confirming that higher quality leads to greater perceived value and emotional responses. While festival satisfaction did not significantly mediate this relationship, festival value emerged as a crucial mediator. These findings suggest that enhancing festival quality can improve attendees' psychological well-being, offering practical implications for event organizers to focus on aspects such as venue selection and service quality to foster a more satisfying experience. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these variables and develop validated measurement scales for better empirical comparisons.
توجيه القراءات عند الإمام الماوردي (ت: 450هـ) من خلال كتابه الحاوي الكبير في فقه مذهب الإمام الشافعي
Authors: د. هشام بن سليمان محمد الزريري
Published: December 2024

فكرة هذا البحث مبنية على جمع مواطن القراءات في كتاب الحاوي الكبير في فقه مذهب الإمام الشافعي للإمام الماوردي رحمه الله تعالى، الذي يعد من أهم شروح كتاب مختصر المزني المأخوذ من كتاب الأم للشافعي، هادفاً إلى ربط علم القراءات بعلم الفقه مؤكداً الصلة بينهما في استنباط المعاني، وتعدد الأقوال، واستيضاح المنهج العلمي الذي سار عليه الإمام الماوردي في توجيه القراءات.
وقد قسمت البحث إلى فصلين: الفصل الأول : فقد ضمّنته نبذة عن الإمام الماوردي، وكتابه الحاوي الكبير، وفيه ثلاثة مباحث: المبحث الأول: ترجمة موجزة عن الإمام الماوردي، المبحث الثاني: نبذة عن كتاب الحاوي الكبير وقيمته العلمية، المبحث الثالث: أساليب الإمام الماوردي في عرض وتوجيه القراءات، وأما الفصل الثاني: ففيه مواضع القراءات في كتاب الحاوي الكبير للماوردي، وختمت البحث بذكر أهم النتائج التي توصلت إليها، ومنها أن القراءات القرآنية أحد أسباب اختلاف الفقهاء خصوصا الشاذ منها، ومن رأى حجية القراءة الشاذة لم يعتدّ بها على أنها قرآن، وإنما عدّها خبراً، أو زيادة على النص، أو تفسيراً، ومنها تبحر الإمام الماوردي في عدد من العلوم، ولذا تعددت صور الاحتجاج عنده بين النظير من القرآن، والسنة النبوية، وأسباب النزول، وأقوال الصحابة وعملهم، واللغة العربية على تنوع أدواتها، ومنها قوة الاستنباط عند الإمام الماوردي في الاستشهاد بالقراءات في أكثر من باب من أبواب الفقه.
Association of serum iron with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in the cardiovascular patients: a retrospective cohort study based on the NHANES 1999–2018
Authors: Lu Jing , Ma Zhen , Zhang Xiaoxue , Zhong Wenhao , Zou Yunzeng , Yuan Jie
Published: December 2024

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the leading global causes of death, and serum iron (SI) levels may be associated with the mortality of CVD. However, there is still a knowledge gap regarding the relationship between SI and mortality in the CVD population.

Methods

An analysis was conducted utilizing data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 1999 to 2018. In our study, SI was used as the independent variable, and the mortality of the CVD patients was considered as the outcome. Kaplan–Meier curves, multivariable Cox proportional hazards model, and restricted cubic spline were employed to examine the association between SI and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CVD patients. Subgroup analysis was also carried out based on age, sex, weight, hypertension, Type 2 diabetes mellitus, and smoking status.

Results

A retrospective cohort study design was utilized, incorporating data from 1,903 CVD patients with an average age of 64.29 years. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant differences in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among the CVD patients based on quartiles of SI. Following multivariable adjustment, lower SI was associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CVD patients. The highest quartile of SI exhibited a 43% reduction in all-cause mortality (HR = 0.57, 95% CI: 0.45–0.72) and a 74% reduction in cardiovascular mortality (HR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.16–0.43) when compared to the lowest quartile. Restricted cubic spline showed a nonlinear relationship between SI and all-cause mortality and a linear relationship between SI and cardiovascular mortality. Additionally, the inverse relationship between SI levels and outcomes in the CVD patients remained consistent in subgroup analysis.

Conclusion

Higher SI is associated with a decreased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in CVD patients. Our results emphasize the importance of iron supplementation for this particular group.
Tools for regulating metabolic diseases: extracellular vesicles from adipose macrophages
Authors: Zhang Liang , Lou Kecheng , Zhang Yunmeng , Leng Yuanjing , Huang Yuqing , Liao Xinxin , Liu Xiaoliang , Feng Shangzhi , Feng Guoqiang
Published: December 2024

Metabolic diseases have gradually become one of the most significant global medical burdens. Diseases such as obesity, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, along with their complications, are clinically categorized as metabolic diseases. Long-term oral medication significantly reduces patient compliance and quality of life. Therefore, alternative therapies that intervene at the cellular level or target the root causes of metabolic diseases might help change this predicament. Research has found that extracellular vesicles derived from adipose macrophages can effectively regulate metabolic diseases by influencing the disease’s development. This regulation is likely related to the role of these extracellular vesicles as important mediators in modulating adipose tissue function and insulin sensitivity, and their involvement in the crosstalk between adipocytes and macrophages. This review aims to describe the regulation of metabolic diseases mediated by adipose macrophage-derived extracellular vesicles, with a focus on their involvement in adipocyte crosstalk, the regulation of metabolism-related autoimmunity, and their potential as therapeutic agents for metabolic diseases, providing new avenues for diagnosis and treatment.
Immunoadjuvant therapy in the regulation of cell death in sepsis: recent advances and future directions
Authors: Islam Md. Monirul , Watanabe Eizo , Salma Umme , Ozaki Masayuki , Irahara Takayuki , Tanabe Subaru , Katsuki Ryusuke , Oishi Dai , Takeyama Naoshi
Published: December 2024

Sepsis is characterized by a concomitant early pro-inflammatory response by immune cells to an infection, and an opposing anti-inflammatory response that results in protracted immunosuppression. The primary pathological event in sepsis is widespread programmed cell death, or cellular self-sacrifice, of innate and adaptive immune cells, leading to profound immunological suppression. This severe immune dysfunction hampers effective primary pathogen clearance, thereby increasing the risk of secondary opportunistic infections, latent viral reactivation, multiple organ dysfunction, and elevated mortality. The types of cell death include apoptosis (type I programmed cell death), autophagy (type II programmed cell death), NETosis (a program for formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs)) and other programmed cell deaths like pyroptosis, ferroptosis, necroptosis, each contributing to immunosuppression in distinct ways during the later phases of sepsis. Extensive apoptosis of lymphocytes, such as CD4+, CD8+ T cells, and B cells, is strongly associated with immunosuppression. Apoptosis of dendritic cells further compromises T and B cell survival and can induce T cell anergy or promote regulatory Treg cell proliferation. Moreover, delayed apoptosis and impaired neutrophil function contribute to nosocomial infections and immune dysfunction in sepsis. Interestingly, aberrant NETosis and the subsequent depletion of mature neutrophils also trigger immunosuppression, and neutrophil pyroptosis can positively regulate NETosis. The interaction between programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death 1 ligand (PD-L1) plays a key role in T cell modulation and neutrophil apoptosis in sepsis. The dendritic cell growth factor, Fms-like tyrosine kinase (FLTEL), increases DC numbers, enhances CD 28 expression, attenuates PD-L1, and improves survival in sepsis. Recently, immunoadjuvant therapies have attracted attention for their potential to restore host physiological immunity and homeostasis in patients with sepsis. This review focuses on several potential immunotherapeutic agents designed to bolster suppressed innate and adaptive immune responses in the management of sepsis.
A study on the role of sea ice in the nitrous oxide cycle in the Prydz Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Wu Man , Zhan Liyang , Liu Jian , Zhang Jiexia , Ye Wangwang , Delille Bruno
Published: December 2024

N2O is one of the most important greenhouse gases and ozone depletor, which was a matter of more and more concerned. The Southern Ocean was considered as one of the most important N2O source and was believed to account for ~1/4 of oceanic budget. However, there is uncertainty about this budget due to limited data availability. In this study, field and lab works were conducted for better understanding of N2O dynamics during sea ice melting and sea ice formation. In the field study, taking advantage of the Chinese Antarctic cruise, a 10 days’ time series study was carried out at a station in the Prydz Bay, Antarctica, where, surface water N2O was observed continuously, and the adjacent ice cores were taken for N2O analysis. In the lab, an ice growing simulation system was constructed to study the N2O dynamics during the sea ice formation. The result of endmember mixing models and calculation of N2O partition in three phases during sea ice formation provide important information about the dynamics of N2O during ice melting and sea ice formation processes, that is, the sea ice melting regulated N2O concentration and saturation status, which can be an explanation for reported N2O undersaturation observed in polar oceans, whereas during the sea ice formation, most of the N2O will be expelled to the deeper water while a small amount of retain the sea ice and less amount of N2O release to the atmosphere.
Case report: Atypical POEMS syndrome without polyneuropathy, complicated by borderline TAFRO syndrome
Authors: Tan Shuai , Shang Mingyue , Masaki Yasufumi , Ni Jing , Da Yuwei , Sun Jing , Cao Yaofang , Su Li , Sun Wanling
Published: December 2024

POEMS syndrome is a complex and rare hematological disease involving multiple physiological systems. According to the currently accepted diagnostic criteria for POEMS syndrome, polyneuropathy is one of the primary mandatory criteria. A patient presented with M protein, Castleman disease (CD), elevated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), extravascular volume overload, and endocrinopathy. However, edema of the extremities hindered the diagnosis of polyneuropathy by electromyography (EMG). Eventually, we diagnosed the patient with atypical POEMS syndrome without polyneuropathy. The case also exhibited features consistent with TAFRO syndrome, such as anasarca, thrombocytopenia, and renal insufficiency. This underscores the need to emphasize that TAFRO syndrome is principally a systemic inflammatory disorder. Timely diagnosis and treatment with dexamethasone, followed by several sessions of lenalidomide and dexamethasone (Rd) regimen chemotherapy, resulted in complete remission (CR), and was followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). This case offers valuable insights into the diagnosis and treatment of POEMS syndrome, which may prompt a reconsideration of the diagnostic criteria for this syndrome.
Emodepside: the anthelmintic’s mode of action and toxicity
Authors: Njeshi Charity N. , Robertson Alan P. , Martin Richard J.
Published: December 2024

Nematode parasitic infections continue to be a major health problem for humans and animals. Drug resistance to currently available treatments only worsen the problem. Drug discovery is expensive and time-consuming, making drug repurposing an enticing option. Emodepside, a broad-spectrum anthelmintic, has shown efficacy in the treatment of nematode parasitic infections in cats and dogs. It is now being considered and trialed for the treatment of onchocerciasis, trichuriasis (whipworm), and hookworm infections in humans. Its unique mechanism of action distinguishes it from traditional anthelmintics, positioning it as a promising candidate for combating resistance to other current drugs. Here, we provide a brief review of the available information on emodepside’s pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability. We highlight the potential benefits and risks associated with its use, examining key toxicity effects. By exploring the literature, we aim to provide insights into the risks associated with emodepside that may impact its application in veterinary and human medicine. Although emodepside demonstrates a favorable safety profile, continued monitoring of its toxicity is crucial, particularly in vulnerable populations. This mini-review serves as a concise resource for researchers and clinicians interested in anthelmintic therapy.
Reframing risks in rare diseases: economics of networks, spillovers, and scale
Authors: Runge Carlisle Ford , Campbell James , Runge Carlisle P.
Published: December 2024

Rare diseases affect over three hundred million individuals globally. Investment in research and development remains incommensurate with the challenges rare diseases pose. Further investment in information sharing platforms to promote common and standardized network technologies for rare disease is needed. Rare disease R&D generates information and assets that spill over in other ways, providing benefits that may not be apparent to investors ex ante. Analytical and computational methods recently applied at scale are promising. One important way of achieving efficiencies of scale in R&D is clustering rare diseases into groups with similar traits.
Genomic and Epidemiological Surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 Epidemic in Northwestern Greece
Authors: Sakaloglou Prodromos , Bozidis Petros , Kourou Konstadina , Kostoulas Charilaos , Gouni Athanasia , Tsaousi Eleni , Koumpouli Despoina , Argyropoulou Sofia , Oikonomidis Petros , Peponi Helen , Sarantaenas Ioannis , Christaki Eirini , Georgiou Ioannis , Gartzonika Konstantina
Published: December 2024

In early 2020, Greece was affected by the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic, and since then, the continuous emergence of fast-spreading variants has caused surges of new SARS-CoV-2 infections. In this study, we performed genomic, phylogenetic, and epidemiological analyses to investigate the SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in northwestern Greece. From March 2020 to February 2022, nasopharyngeal samples obtained from patients suspected to have COVID-19 were tested for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Complete SARS-CoV-2 genomic sequences were generated from selected positive samples. Northwestern Greece experienced four distinct waves of the epidemic following the first wave, which was mainly observed in Attica and other parts of Greece. The positivity index was rising throughout the pandemic waves in several geographical units, with the highest levels recorded in prominent tourist destinations characterized by high agricultural density. The phylogenetic analyses revealed 34 different lineages, with B.1, B.1.1, B.1.1.305, B.1.1.318, B.1.177, B.1.1.7, B.1.617.2, AY.43, and BA.1 being the most prevalent lineages in the region. Although multiple lineages were co-circulating, each pandemic wave was dominated by a different lineage. The SARS-CoV-2 epidemic in northwestern Greece was characterized by the successive introduction of new lineages, resulting in surges of new SARS-CoV-2 infections.
Dose–Response Curve in REMA Test: Determination from Smartphone-Based Pictures
Authors: Postnikov Eugene B. , Sychev Alexander V. , Lavrova Anastasia I.
Published: December 2024

We report a workflow and a software description for digital image colorimetry aimed at obtaining a quantitative dose–response curve and the minimal inhibitory concentration in the Resazurin Microtiter Assay (REMA) test of the activity of antimycobacterial drugs. The principle of this analysis is based on the newly established correspondence between the intensity of the a* channel of the CIE L*a*b* colour space and the concentration of resorufin produced in the course of this test. The whole procedure can be carried out using free software. It has sufficiently mild requirements for the quality of colour images, which can be taken by a typical smartphone camera. Thus, the approach does not impose additional costs on the medical examination points and is widely accessible. Its efficiency is verified by applying it to the case of two representatives of substituted 2-(quinolin-4-yl) imidazolines. The direct comparison with the data on the indicator’s fluorescence obtained using a commercial microplate reader argues that the proposed approach provides results of the same range of accuracy on the quantitative level. As a result, it would be possible to apply the strategy not only for new low-cost studies but also for expanding databases on drug candidates by quantitatively reprocessing existing data, which were earlier documented by images of microplates but analysed only qualitatively.
Analyzing the Impact of Binaural Beats on Anxiety Levels by a New Method Based on Denoised Harmonic Subtraction and Transient Temporal Feature Extraction
Authors: Rankhambe Devika , Sanjay Ainapure Bharati , Appasani Bhargav , Srinivasulu Avireni , Bizon Nicu
Published: December 2024

Anxiety is a widespread mental health issue, and binaural beats have been explored as a potential non-invasive treatment. EEG data reveal changes in neural oscillation and connectivity linked to anxiety reduction; however, harmonics introduced during signal acquisition and processing often distort these findings. Existing methods struggle to effectively reduce harmonics and capture the fine-grained temporal dynamics of EEG signals, leading to inaccurate feature extraction. Hence, a novel Denoised Harmonic Subtraction and Transient Temporal Feature Extraction is proposed to improve the analysis of the impact of binaural beats on anxiety levels. Initially, a novel Wiener Fused Convo Filter is introduced to capture spatial features and eliminate linear noise in EEG signals. Next, an Intrinsic Harmonic Subtraction Network is employed, utilizing the Attentive Weighted Least Mean Square (AW-LMS) algorithm to capture nonlinear summation and resonant coupling effects, effectively eliminating the misinterpretation of brain rhythms. To address the challenge of fine-grained temporal dynamics, an Embedded Transfo XL Recurrent Network is introduced to detect and extract relevant parameters associated with transient events in EEG data. Finally, EEG data undergo harmonic reduction and temporal feature extraction before classification with a cross-correlated Markov Deep Q-Network (DQN). This facilitates anxiety level classification into normal, mild, moderate, and severe categories. The model demonstrated a high accuracy of 95.6%, precision of 90%, sensitivity of 93.2%, and specificity of 96% in classifying anxiety levels, outperforming previous models. This integrated approach enhances EEG signal processing, enabling reliable anxiety classification and offering valuable insights for therapeutic interventions.
Haptic Technology: Exploring Its Underexplored Clinical Applications—A Systematic Review
Authors: Pacheco-Barrios Kevin , Ortega-Márquez Jorge , Fregni Felipe
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Haptic technology has transformed interactions between humans and both tangible and virtual environments. Despite its widespread adoption across various industries, the potential therapeutic applications of this technology have yet to be fully explored. Methods: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and randomized crossover trials was conducted, utilizing databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. This review included studies reporting clinical applications of haptic technology in rehabilitation, cognition, wellness, and mental health among adult subjects. Results: This systematic review included 34 studies, of which 20 focused on clinical outcomes and 14 on learning clinical skills. The results showed that haptic devices, both robotic and non-robotic, enhance sensorimotor performance and motor function in rehabilitation settings, especially in post-stroke recovery, with reported effect sizes ranging from 0.2 to 0.7. The majority of the haptic technologies reported were integrated into robotic systems (40%). Haptic devices were also reported to improve clinical skills training by providing tactile feedback that enhances procedural performance and trainee self-efficacy. In fact, surgical simulations accounted for 79% of all the modalities used for medical training. Conclusions: This review underscores the potential yet underexplored applications of haptic technology in healthcare, including medical education, rehabilitation, cognition, and mental health. The key limitations of this review include heterogeneity across studies, small sample sizes, and a scarcity of comprehensive, long-term investigations. Therefore, future research should aim to validate these findings further and expand the applications of haptic technology to maximize its utility in the healthcare industry and clinical practice.
Effect of Skin-to-Skin Care on the Day of Birth on Skin Colonization in Preterm Infants: A Pre- and Post-Implementation Study
Authors: Deshpande Poorva , Akhtar Nosheen , Mansur Maura , McGeer Allison , Shah Vibhuti
Published: December 2024

Background/Objectives: Maternal skin-to-skin contact (MSSC) in neonates has been shown to reduce nosocomial infections. In preterm infants, exposure to maternal skin commensals within the first 24 h may prevent colonization by hospital-acquired pathogens. However, the impact of early MSSC on skin colonization in preterm infants is unknown. Our aim was to compare skin colonization patterns on days 2, 3, and 7 of life in preterm infants (280/7 to 316/7 weeks gestational age) who received MSSC within the first 24 h from birth with those who did not. The primary outcome was the rate of skin colonization with bacterial pathogens. The secondary outcome was the rate of Staphylococcus aureus colonization. Methods: This prospective pre- and post-implementation study was conducted at Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto. Skin swabs were obtained at 24–36 h, 48–72 h, and day 7 of life. Infant mouth and rectal swabs were collected on day 7. Maternal nasal–rectal swabs were obtained at any time from recruitment to day 7. Results: Twenty-seven infants were included in the pre-implementation group and seventeen were included in the post-implementation group, respectively. Post-implementation infants received an increased duration of SSC during the first week. No differences in colonization with pathogens vs. commensals or Staphylococcus aureus colonization were observed between groups at any time point. Skin was fully colonized in both groups by day 7. Conclusions: No differences in skin colonization patterns were identified in the first week of life for preterm infants receiving early MSSC. Larger studies with longitudinal data are needed to further evaluate the impact of MSSC on skin colonization.
Smoking-Associated Changes in Gene Expression in Coronary Artery Disease Patients Using Matched Samples
Authors: Merzah Mohammed , Póliska Szilárd , Balogh László , Sándor János , Fiatal Szilvia
Published: December 2024

Smoking is a well known risk factor for coronary artery disease (CAD). However, the effects of smoking on gene expression in the blood of CAD subjects in Hungary have not been extensively studied. This study aimed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) associated with smoking in CAD subjects. Eleven matched samples based on age and gender were selected for analysis in this study. All subjects were non-obese, non-alcoholic, non-diabetic, and non-hypertensive and had moderate to severe stenosis of one or more coronary arteries, confirmed by coronary angiography. Whole blood samples were collected using PAXgene tubes. Next-generation sequencing was employed using the NextSeq 500 system to generate high-throughput sequencing data for transcriptome profiling. The differentially expressed genes were analyzed using the R programming language. Results: The study revealed that smokers exhibited non-significant higher levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and triglycerides compared to non-smokers (p > 0.05), although high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was also elevated. Despite this, the overall lipid profile of smokers remained less favorable. Non-smokers had a higher BMI (p = 0.02). Differential gene expression analysis identified 58 DEGs, with 38 upregulated in smokers. The key upregulated genes included LILRB5 (log2FC = 2.88, p = 1.05 × 10−5) and RELN (log2FC = 3.31, p = 0.024), while RNF5_2 (log2FC = −5.29, p = 0.028) and IGHV7-4-1_1 (log2FC = −2.86, p = 0.020) were notably downregulated. Heatmap analysis showed a distinct clustering of gene expression profiles between smokers and non-smokers. However, GO analysis did not identify significant biological pathways associated with the DEGs. Conclusions: This research illuminates smoking’s biological effects, aiding personalized medicine for predicting and treating smoking-related diseases.
Assessment of the American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS-SRC) for Prediction of Early Postoperative Complications in Patients Undergoing Cytoreductive Surgery for Ovarian Peritoneal Carcinomatosis
Authors: Kabeya Cedric , Khaled Charif , Polastro Laura , Moreau Michel , Bucella Dario , Fastrez Maxime , Liberale Gabriel
Published: December 2024

Ovarian cancer (OC) is diagnosed at a locally advanced stage in two-thirds of cases. The first line of treatment consists of cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant chemotherapy. However, CRS can be associated with high rates of postoperative complications (POCs), and detection of fragile patients at high risk of POCs is important. The American College of Surgeons Surgical Risk Calculator (ACS-SRC) provides a predictive model for early POCs (30 days) for any given surgical procedure. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of the ACS-SRC in predicting the occurrence of early POCs for patients undergoing CRS for OC. This was a retrospective study that included patients undergoing CRS for advanced OC between January 2010 and December 2022. Early POCs were reviewed, and the rate of POCs was compared with those predicted by the ACS-SRC to evaluate its accuracy (i.e., discrimination and calibration). A total of 218 patients were included, 112 of whom underwent extensive surgery/resection. A total of 94 complications were recorded. This cohort demonstrated correct calibration of the ACS-SRC for the prediction of surgical site infection, readmission, and the need for nursing care post-discharge (NCPD; transfer to revalidation center or need for nursing care at home). Using both the discrimination and calibration methods, the score only predicted NCPD. In this study, the ACS-SRC was shown to be of little value for patients undergoing cytoreductive surgery for ovarian peritoneal carcinomatosis, as it only accurately predicted NCPD.
Cyclosporine A Causes Gingival Overgrowth by Promoting Entry into the S Phase at the G1/S Cell Cycle Checkpoint in Gingival Fibroblasts Exposed to Lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Takeuchi Reiri , Kuwahara Noriko , Amino Yuta , Hayashi Sachiyo , Taguchi Chieko , Suzuki Itaru , Suzuki Haruka , Nagashima Teruaki , Arikawa Kazumune , Okada Yuichiro , Nomoto Takato , Hiratsuka Koichi
Published: December 2024

Objectives: Cyclosporine A promotes gingival fibrosis by enhancing the proliferation of gingival fibroblasts, leading to gingival overgrowth. The population of gingival fibroblasts is regulated by cell cycle machinery, which balances cell growth and inhibition. Cells that detect DNA damage pause at the G1/S checkpoint to repair the damage instead of progressing to the S phase. Previous studies have linked drug-induced gingival overgrowth to the response of fibroblasts to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cyclosporine A. This research investigates the effects of cyclosporine A on the G1/S checkpoint and its mediators in LPS-treated gingival fibroblasts to clarify the mechanisms behind cyclosporine-A-induced gingival overgrowth. Methods: Semi-confluent human gingival fibroblasts were treated with LPS or cyclosporine A in DMEM. Cell proliferation was evaluated by counting the total number of cells. The distribution of the cell cycle phases was analyzed using flow cytometry. Additionally, the expression levels of mRNAs and proteins related to cell cycle regulators were quantified by reverse-transcription quantitative PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Results: Cyclosporine A treatment significantly enhanced cell proliferation and the G1-S cell cycle transition. It increased the mRNA levels of CDC25A and CYCLIN D while decreasing those of RB1, SMAD3, and SMAD4. Additionally, it upregulated the protein levels of CDC25A, CYCLIN D, CDK4, CDK6, and pRB and downregulated the protein levels of SMAD3 and SMAD4. Conclusions: Gingival overgrowth induced by cyclosporine A could be attributed to these alterations.
Load Probability Density Forecasting Under FDI Attacks Based on Double-Layer LSTM Quantile Regression
Authors: Zhao Pei , Zhang Jie , Ling Guang
Published: December 2024

Accurate load prediction is critical for boosting high-quality electricity use, as well as safety in energy and power systems. However, the power system is fraught with uncertainty, and cyber-attacks on electrical loads result in inaccurate estimates. In this study, a probability density prediction method is proposed to provide reliable predictions in the face of false data injection (FDI) attacks. The method effectively integrates data-driven and statistical algorithms such as double-layer long short-term memory (DL-LSTM) networks, quantile regression (QR), and kernel density estimation (KDE). To acquire predicted values under diverse conditional quartiles, the FDI-attacked data of different types were first simulated and then utilized as the training set for the QR-DL-LSTM model. A probability density curve was drawn using the Gaussian kernel function, and interval estimates were used to more thoroughly analyze and assess predictive capability. Power load data from a wind farm in northeast China were used to confirm the availability and effectiveness of the QR-DL-LSTM model. The final results show that the proposed model has a 1.13 and 0.26 reduction in MAPE and MSE compared to the original LSTM. According to our research, the suggested model can successfully describe future power systems full of possible risks and uncertainties with great accuracy.
A Review of Passenger Counting in Public Transport Concepts with Solution Proposal Based on Image Processing and Machine Learning
Authors: Radovan Aleksander , Mršić Leo , Đambić Goran , Mihaljević Branko
Published: December 2024

The accurate counting of passengers in public transport systems is crucial for optimizing operations, improving service quality, and planning infrastructure. It can also contribute to reducing the number of public transport lines where a high number of vehicles is not needed in certain periods during the year, but also by increasing the number of lines where the need is increased. This paper provides a comprehensive review of current methodologies and technologies used for passenger counting, without the actual implementation of the automatic passenger counting system (APC), but with a proposal based on image processing and machine learning techniques and concepts, since it represents one of the most used approaches. The research explores various technologies and algorithms, like card swiping, infrared, weight and ultrasonic sensors, RFID, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, LiDAR, thermos cameras, including CCTV cameras and traditional computer vision methods, and advanced deep learning approaches, highlighting their strengths and limitations. By analyzing recent advancements and case studies, this review aims to offer insights into the effectiveness, scalability, and practicality of different passenger counting solutions and offers a solution proposal. The research also analyzed the current General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) that applies to the European Union and how it affects the use of systems like this. Future research directions and potential areas for technological innovation are also discussed to guide further developments in this field.
Exploring the Impact of Different Saccharomyces cerevisiae Strains on the Flavor Profile of Greengage Alcoholic Beverage Using GC-E-Nose, HS-GC-IMS, and HS-SPME-GC-MS
Authors: Shi Zhenbao , Li Wenzhe , Chen Ziqiang , Peng Zhengcong , Ma Mingtao , Zhang Jinglong , Wu Dianhui , Xie Guangfa , Lu Jian
Published: December 2024

Greengage alcoholic beverage (GAB) is gaining popularity for its distinctive fruity aroma and nutritional benefits. The Saccharomyces cerevisiae strain applied for fermentation significantly influences the metabolic production of aroma compounds, making the selection of S. cerevisiae strains to be critical for enhancing the unique flavor profile of the GAB in commercial production. In this study, the effects of two common commercial S. cerevisiae strains (SY, EC-1118) and two laboratory-derived strains (ET008-c54, NM-8) on the flavor profile of the GAB were investigated. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of the GAB samples were analyzed using GC-E-Nose, HS-SPME-GC-MS, and HS-GC-IMS. Results showed significant differences in the flavor compound content of the GAB fermented by different strains. Nine VOCs were identified as potential markers by partial least squares–discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) combined with variable importance in projection (VIP), with ethyl esters playing a key role in distinguishing the aroma characteristics of different groups. Consequently, 13 aromatic compounds were selected and considered to be the typical VOCs of the GAB. Notably, β-ionone and ethyl octanoate emerged as representative aroma compounds, both showing the highest concentrations in the SY sample. These findings will provide valuable insights into the aroma differences of the GAB fermented by different strains and offer theoretical guidance for selecting suitable strains in the industrial production of the GAB.
New Studies for Dynamic Programming and Fractional Differential Equations in Partial Modular b-Metric Spaces
Authors: Büyükkaya Abdurrahman , Kesik Dilek , Yeşil Ülkü , Öztürk Mahpeyker
Published: December 2024

This study explores innovative insights into the realms of dynamic programming and fractional differential equations, situated explicitly within the framework of partial modular b-metric spaces enriched with a binary relation R, proposing a novel definition for a generalized ℷC-type Suzuki R-contraction specific to these spaces. By doing so, we pave the way for a range of relation-theoretical common fixed-point theorems, highlighting the versatility of our approach. To illustrate the practical relevance of our findings, we present a compelling example. Ultimately, this work aims to enrich the existing academic discourse and stimulate further research and practical applications within the field.