bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vaccination Against SARS-Cov-2 among Patients with Parkinson’s Disease Based on the Results of COVPARK-LT Study
Authors: Kaladytė Lokominienė R. , Lokominaitė G.
Published: February 2024

Background. COVID-19 in patients with Parkinson’s disease leads to worsening of symptoms and development of severe/critical conditions; its long-term consequences are still being investigated. Data on vaccination against SARS-Cov-2 in Parkinson’s disease are inconsistent. There are no publications on this topic regarding Lithuania.
Materials and methods. The retrospective study COVPARK-LT was performed in the Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Clinics in 2022. Methods: analysis of anonymous data from electronic patient histories obtained during consultations for Parkinson’s disease in the out-patient department (form E025).
Objective: To investigate COVID-19 vaccination status and associated factors in patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Results. 173 patients were enrolled, 68 males (39.3%) and 105 females (60.7%), the average age of the cohort was 67.99±1.34 years, the duration of Parkinson’s disease was 7.73±0.54 years. The rate of vaccination against SARS-Cov-2 with at least one dose was 85.6% among study patients and 69.8% in the general population. The rate of full vaccination against SARS-Cov-2 was 81.5% in COVPARK-LT and 33.4% in the general population. The rate of laboratory-proven COVID-19 was 20% (N=5) in the non-vaccinated group of the cohort and 22.3% (N=33) in the vaccinated group (p=0.087). COVID-19 vaccine-negativity was associated with the history of vaccination against non-SARS-Cov-2 infections (odds ratio, OR: 0.18, p < 0.01), vaccination against influenza (OR: 0.21, p<0.01), male gender (OR: 0.68, p<0.05), male age (OR: 0.88, p<0.05), duration of Parkinson’s disease (OR: 1.1, p<0.001), and Parkinson’s disease stage according to Hoehn-Yahr (OR: 0.51, p<0.05).
Conclusions. The rate of vaccination against SARS-Cov-2 was higher in the COVPARK-LT cohort patients than in the general population in Lithuania. Non-vaccinated status was positively associated with female gender, younger age in men and earlier stage of Parkinson’s disease according to Hoehn-Yahr staging. Vaccinated status was associated with vaccination against other infectious diseases (influenza, tick-borne encephalitis, pneumococcus). The rate of COVID-19 in the COVPARK-LT cohort did not differ between non-vaccinated and vaccinated patients with Parkinson’s disease.
Co-occurrence of Myasthenia Gravis and Multiple Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Rynkevič G. , Kizlaitienė R.
Published: February 2024

Myasthenia gravis (MG) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are thought to have a common autoimmune mechanism as the number of reported co-occurrences of both diseases is increasing. The involvement of both T cells and B cells in the pathogenesis of these two diseases is suspected. As the symptoms and clinical course of MS and MG can be similar in some cases, this makes it difficult to consider the possibility of the coexistence of these disorders. However, laboratory and imagining findings are helpful in distinguishing both diseases and differentiating them from other neurological conditions. Additionally, there can be obstacles in effective treatment selection for patients with MS and MG coexistence. This article presents a clinical case of a woman with previously diagnosed MG who was admitted to hospital 12 years later with new-onset symptoms and was additionally diagnosed with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Remission of MG was achieved with medications and thymectomy, but treatment of MS had its challenges, as first-line immunomodulating drugs interferon beta-1a and dimethyl fumarate were not effective, and second line treatment with monoclonal antibody medication rituximab and ocrelizumab showed efficacy for both diseases, MG and MS. The presented case highlights the importance of considering a manifestation of another disease when treating an already diagnosed disorder. It also emphasizes the importance of further research into the relationship between MG and MS.
A Case Report of Subacute Combined Spinal Cord Degeneration Caused by Nitrous Oxide (‘Laughing Gas’) Abuse
Authors: Guk J. , Valančienė J. , Klimašauskienė A.
Published: February 2024

Although nitrous oxide (N2O) has long been used as an anesthetic, it’s use as a recreational drug has recently increased. As N2O abuse is associated with a number of adverse health effects, it has become a significant public health issue. Chronic abuse can lead to a number of neurological complications, most commonly related to functional vitamin B12 deficiency. One of the most encountered forms of N2O neurotoxicity is a subacute combined degeneration, which can cause permanent neurological damage. The medical community should therefore be aware of the increasing scale of recreational N2O exposure and the possible complications of this drug abuse. Early recognition and treatment of N2O toxicity are crucial. We present the case of an 18-year-old male who was diagnosed with subacute combined spinal cord degeneration related to N2O abuse.
Synthesis, characterization and substitution reaction studies of pyridyl N,N’-bidentate palladium(II) complexes. A kinetic and mechanistic study.
Authors:   , Mjwara Pinky Ncomela
Published: February 2024

The influence of structural as well as electronic properties of bidentate N,N chelates with different substituents on the mononuclear Pd(II) complexes were investigated. The complexes were synthesized and characterized by various spectroscopic methods such as 1H & 13C NMR, FT-IR, LC-MS, CHN and single x-ray crystallography. For the first set of complexes (Chapter 3), we studied the unexplored kinetics and mechanistic behaviour of N,N’-pyridyl Pd(II) complexes, viz. dichloro-(N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)aniline)palladium(II) (PdL1), dichloro-(4-fluoro-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)aniline)-palladium(II) (PdL2), dichloro-(4-bromo-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)aniline)-palladium(II) (PdL3), dichloro-(4-methoxy-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)aniline)-palladium(II) (PdL4) and dichloro-(4-ethyl-N-((pyridin-2-yl)methyl)aniline)-palladium(II) (PdL5). The substitution behaviour of coordinated chloride atoms by three bio-relevant thiourea nucleophiles, viz. thiourea (TU), N,N’-dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and N,N,N’,N’-tetramethylthiourea (TMTU), of different steric demands was studied in a 0.1 M solution of ultra-pure water under pseudo-first order conditions. The reactions were studied as a function of concentration and temperature using standard Stopped-Flow and UV-Vis spectrophotometric technique. The substitution of the chloride atoms from the Pd metal by thiourea nucleophiles was a two-step reaction where the chloride trans to the pyridine ligand was substituted first, since the pyridine has a stronger trans effect compared to the amine group. The reactivity of mononuclear Pd(II) complexes containing bidentate N,N’-donor ligands with different substituents depends on the electronic effects of the complexes. The reactivity of the complexes increased with the presence of electron withdrawing substituents and decreased when an electron donating group was attached on the para position of the aniline moiety. The electron withdrawing groups influence the pull of electrons from the electron deficient amine that is coordinated to the metal center which results in the loss of electron density from the ligand moiety and increases the electrophilicity of the metal center and thus the substitution reaction. The reactivity of the nucleophiles depends on steric effects, with the bulky TMTU being the least reactive. The negative entropies and second order kinetics for all the substitution reactions support an associative mode of substitution mechanism. DFT calculations were performed to account for the observed reactivity of all the complexes studied. For the second set of novel Pd(II) complexes (Chapter 4), viz. bis[N-(4-bromophenyl)pyridine-2-carboxamidato] Palladium (Pd1) and Palladium(II) [N-(4-bromophenyl)-2-pyridinecarboxamide), pyridine chloride (Pd2), crystals were obtained and the structures were studied. Pd1 crystallizes in the monoclinic crystal system and in the P21/c space group, and Pd2 crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, with the space group Pbca.
Exposure to Adverse Life Events among Children Transitioning into Adolescence: Intersections of Socioeconomic Position and Race
Authors: Assari Shervin , Najand Babak , Donovan Alexandra
Published: February 2024

Background: Racism is shown to diminish the protective effects of family socioeconomic position (SEP) resources for racial minorities compared to the majority groups, a pattern called minorities’ diminished returns. Our existing knowledge is minimal about diminished returns of family SEP indicators on reducing exposure to adverse life events among children transitioning into adolescence. Aim: To compare diverse racial groups for the effects of family income and family structure on exposure to adverse life events of pre-adolescents transitioning to adolescence. Methods: In this longitudinal study, we analyzed data from 22,538 observations belonging to racially diverse groups of American 9–10-year-old children (n = 11,878) who were followed while transitioning to adolescence. The independent variables were family income and family structure. The primary outcome was the number of stressful life events with impact on adolescents, measured by the Life History semi-structured interview. Mixed-effects regression models were used for data analysis to adjust for data nested to individuals, families, and centers. Results: Family income and married family structure had an overall inverse association with children’s exposure to adverse life events during transition to adolescence. However, race showed significant interactions with family income and family structure on exposure to adverse life events. The protective effects of family income and married family structure were weaker for African American than White adolescents. The protective effect of family income was also weaker for mixed/other race than White adolescents. Conclusion: While family SEP is protective against children’s exposure to adverse life events, this effect is weaker for African American and mixed/other race compared to White youth.
A literature review of online exams in HE in Physics and Maths
Authors: Braun Martin
Published: February 2024

During the COVID pandemic, universities around the globe had to move not only their content delivery online, but also their assessments. Due to COVID causing significant upheaval in Higher Education (HE), this enforced experiment also afforded an opportunity to reflect on traditional, invigilated, closed book exams (ICBE) resulting in research and advice in this area. A systematic review of this academic and grey literature was performed concentrating on maths heavy physics examinations to investigate what guidance is given to examination writers, educators who prepare students for exams and HE examinees themselves. The literature review results were divided into: Advice for examiners who need to provide an invigilated open book exam (UOBE), discussions on cheating, advice for students and case studies. It was found that ICBEs were good at examining lower order cognitive skills, e.g. recall and understanding, but higher order skills, such as analysing and synthesising, are better examined with access to a larger range of resources. Guidance on making academic misconduct more difficult also suggested using higher order thinking skills in exam questions as responses to these type of tasks are more individual and getting outside help may be more difficult in a time constrained UOBE. Furthermore, literature encouraged reflection on the motivation for cheating and suggested that overly demanding assessment may encourage students to seek inappropriate help. The advice for students highlighted the need to prepare as thoroughly for a UOBE as they would for a traditional exam. Probably the thrust should change from pure memorization to students preparing their notes so that they can efficiently access their material to locate relevant parts for synthesis during a UOBE. Some of the case studies used statistical methods to investigate comparability of grades between UOBEs and ICBEs and some of the studies found them comparable, so a large shift of results may be due to other factors rather than the exam type. Other studies describe their approach and include stakeholder reflections. The main recommendation to exclude lower cognitive skills can pose a problem for maths heavy exams as they mainly assess how well an examinee has mastered these skills before building on them. However, it seems advisable to climb higher up Bloom’s taxonomy if possible. Also, it may be conceivable to break up exams into shorter sections that require individual uploading before access to the next part is granted to reduce the possibility of outside help. Furthermore, individualised maths type problems could be achievable by using different data sets for a question. Student advice should highlight the differences between UOBEs and ICBEs so that they can prepare appropriately.
Mercedes: variedad de sorgo para la producción de forraje de alta calidad en Durango
Authors: Jiménez-Ocampo Rafael , Rosales-Serna Rigoberto , Domínguez-Martínez Pablo Alfredo
Published: February 2024

La producción agropecuaria requiere constantemente de semilla de sorgo, de precio bajo, para reducir costos en la producción de forraje. El objetivo fue desarrollar una variedad de sorgo adaptada en riego y temporal, para producir forraje de calidad alta. Se desarrolló la variedad Mercedes (LAM-1m-2m-3u), mediante selección masal, a partir de una población heterogénea colectada en Las Mercedes, Durango. Esta variedad superó la media de rendimiento estatal (32.7 t ha-1), con un promedio productivo de forraje verde en riego de 42.1 t ha-1. La variedad Mercedes, comparada con TOM 3, presentó menos días a la emergencia de la espiga (81 vs 93 días después de la siembra: DDS), altura de corte (256 vs 297 cm) y peso mayor del grano (17.4 g/1 000 semillas vs 12.8 g/1000 semillas). Mercedes se recomienda principalmente para la producción de forraje (verde y ensilado). La cariópside es color rojo-anaranjado y muestra una superficie larga del grano cubierta por la gluma. Mercedes registró resistencia a ergot (Claviceps spp.) y tolerancia al acame. El proceso de transferencia tecnológica de la variedad Mercedes se encuentra avanzada y se corroboraron los valores de rendimiento y calidad de forraje.
Between Half and Perfect Cadences
Authors: Zhang Xieyi (Abby)
Published: February 2024

This article explores Dvořák’s various uses of the period with modulating antecedent. Whereas current-day form theory considers antecedent-consequent periods to consist of two phrases whose cadential strengths result from differentiated cadences, such as half cadence (HC) to perfect authentic cadence (PAC), some periods by Dvořák use PACs to close both halves, one in a foreign key and another in the home key. This alternate strategy relies on key relationships rather than cadential hierarchies to establish the conventional arrangement of weak to strong cadences. Drawing on compositions that deploy this theme variant, this article enlists form-functional analysis, voice-leading analysis, and perspectives from Reicha’s Treatise on Melody (1814) to raise questions about tonal trajectories and cadential hierarchies that are associated with modulating antecedents. Investigation of this phrase type leads to new ways of understanding antecedent-consequent periods in the nineteenth century while also providing ways to understand modulations within otherwise tight-knit theme types in music by Dvořák and other composers from the same time period.
“Aus Mozart gestohlen”: Beethoven and Die Entführung aus dem Serail
Authors: Agmon Eytan
Published: February 2024

I begin by showing that two Beethoven sketches, a well-known 1790 entry in the so-called “Kafka” miscellany and an entry in “Landsberg 10” (part of a group of sketches, 1805, for the Allegro theme of the overture known as Leonore No. 2), point to the overture of Mozart’s Die Entführung aus dem Serail. I then consider additional connections between Beethoven’s opera and Mozart’s, in general, and specifically regarding certain corresponding components. I conclude by considering the implications of these findings within the larger context of the Mozart legacy that Beethoven, for better but also for worse, inherited.
Public Music Theory’s Neoliberal Learning Outcomes
Authors: Belcher Owen , Kim Catrina , Reese Alan
Published: February 2024

Recent years have seen a growing interest in integrating “public music theory” (PMT) into the classroom. While proponents argue that PMT-related class projects enhance traditional learning outcomes, some advocate for PMT assignments that focus explicitly on job training, thus aligning the learning outcomes of the music theory class with those of music entrepreneurship programs—students learn to “market themselves, fundraise, and interact with the broader public beyond traditional concert performances” (Belcher and Grant 2019). We argue that such discourse reflects a neoliberal frame that encourages a marketized view of music theory pedagogy—how music theory mastery can be sold to our students as a boost to their careers. PMT, with its emphasis on practical skills and interaction with a (potentially paying) public, is particularly susceptible to this framing.

Building on Moore’s (2016) critique of musical entrepreneurship programs and Ritchey’s (2019) examination of neoliberalism’s effects on classical music, we analyze the role neoliberal values play in theorists’ decisions to bring PMT into the classroom and publish PMT themselves. We elucidate the neoliberal frame in several examples drawn from our own teaching experiences and from others. In our critique, we identify covert learning outcomes promoting a neoliberal perspective and engage with the following questions: How are music theory faculty, like all university instructors, under a particular “pressure to embody and transmit the values of power” (Bousquet 2008, 93)? And, in light of this pressure, how can we negotiate differences between our economic realities and societal ideals in our teaching?
On the Tonic Added-Sixth Chord in Jazz
Authors: Martin Henry
Published: February 2024

This article investigates the major-mode tonic added-sixth chord in jazz, a characteristic harmony well established by the 1930s. Beginning around 1930, routine use of the tonic added-sixth chord established it as a “dialect” distinct from the triadic dialect of early jazz, ragtime, and the various styles and genres antecedent to jazz. The article begins with an examination of how ".fn_scaledegree(6)."/I can be understood as both “dependent” on ".fn_scaledegree(5)." and “independent” in both dialects. Examples from the literature then follow, with particular focus on transitional pieces, where the underlying tonics were triadic but independent ".fn_scaledegree(6)."/Is in the melody created de facto added-sixth chords. Such pieces exhibited a freer use of ".fn_scaledegree(6).", enabling it to function in tonic harmonies without depending on ".fn_scaledegree(5).". Once independent of ".fn_scaledegree(5).", ".fn_scaledegree(6)." was eventually treated as a chord tone routinely added to the triad without melodic impetus and establishing the added sixth as a standalone jazz chord. After presentation of a table that summarizes the functions of ".fn_scaledegree(6)."/I, the conclusion suggests a possible “inclusive” ".fn_scaledegree(6)." as a subcategory of the independent ".fn_scaledegree(6)." and then proceeds to issues regarding advancing ".fn_scaledegree(6)."/I, ".fn_scaledegree(5)."/I, or both to deeper structural levels and the relevance of tonic-triad types at such levels.
“Your Soul is the Whole World”: The Spaces of Claude Vivier’s Siddhartha
Authors: Goddard Christopher
Published: February 2024

At 28’ duration and scored for a massive orchestra of eighty-nine players, Siddhartha (1976) eclipses all other works in Claude Vivier’s catalogue in dramatic scope and sonic grandeur. The composition dates from soon after Vivier returned to Canada following his studies with Karlheinz Stockhausen in Cologne from 1972–74, which left a lasting impact on the young composer. Siddhartha showcases the extent of that influence in its diligent use of “formula technique” and its unconventional distribution of the orchestra into smaller groups on stage. In this article, I outline how the work’s principal melody transforms across contrasting spatial domains: in “acoustic space,” expressed in physical location on stage, and in “metaphorical space,” expressed in pitches-in-register. Using Hesse’s novel as a hermeneutic model, I then consider alternate poetic readings of the work vis-à-vis its interaction of spatial properties in the large-scale form. Ultimately, I argue that Siddhartha is a deeply personal piece that communicates, through the medium of musical structure, feelings of alienation and connection during an unsettled time in Vivier’s life.
Global Philosophy of Music
Authors: Lee Gavin S. K.
Published: February 2024

Neo-Taoists in third-century China believed that music should not be too emotive, as this resulted in an imbalance that disrupted the natural human state. This perspective is congruent with the older Taoist tenet that one should relinquish socially constructed desires in order to follow the Tao or “pathway.” The epitome of Neo-Taoist music aesthetics can be found in philosopher and guqin player Ji Kang’s thesis that Music Has in It Neither Sorrow Nor Joy. According to Ji, music itself is harmonious and qi-preserving, whereas listener emotions deplete one’s vitality or qi.

Despite many scholars drawing parallels between Ji’s and Hanslick’s aesthetics, these similarities are superficial in nature and obscure a fundamental divergence. In this paper, I argue that whereas Hanslick’s theory reflects the “apolitical” positivism of mid-century Austria, Ji’s thesis of “pure” music connotes his political retreat from a corrupt court he despised. Recent research in Wilfing 2018 shows how Austrian positivism was a clinical ideology intended to be the opposite of the fiery revolutionary ideals thought to be championed by Enlightenment philosophers. Seemingly in parallel, and as part of a larger move to renounce socially constructed desires (e.g., for wealth and fame) and mores, Ji Kang turned towards a musical metaphysics of cosmic harmony that connotes his resistance against assimilation to an unjust social order. The political connotations of Ji Kang’s metaphysics suggest we pause in considering contemporary European and North American musicological discourses that are well-intentioned but are often inappropriately universalized within their own contexts, not to mention other geographies. Upon recognizing that even metaphysics can have a social dimension, we might perhaps begin to dismantle neo-Kantian ethical universality.
Female Subjectivities in the Words, Music, and Images of Progressive Metal
Authors: Burns Lori
Published: February 2024

Heavy metal scholarship affirms the genre to be dominated by male performers and points to a preponderance of patriarchal values and hypermasculinity, with performances contributing to an aesthetic production of misogyny, power, and intensity. The notion of heavy metal as a hegemonic discourse has been queried, however, by recent scholars who reveal metal to support a range of gendered and sexualized subjectivities. This paper examines how a specific metal vocalist—Tatiana Shmayluk (of the Ukrainian band Jinjer)—navigates the discourse of progressive metal to challenge hegemonic norms and create space for alternative female subjectivities.

Jinjer’s defiance of genre boundaries and Shmayluk’s metal vocal expression emerge through a multi-faceted dialogue with an array of cultural references. To illuminate the unique blend of referentiality and creative expression within Jinjer’s work, this article offers analyses of three music videos: “I Speak Astronomy,” “Perennial,” and “Pit of Consciousness.” With the aim of understanding how Shmayluk navigates the discursive space of metal music, the selected songs are situated in relation to the subgenres to which they refer, and specifically to male-fronted metal bands that mobilize similar thematic materials. The close readings of these music videos are grounded in the existing analytic literature on metal music, with consideration of genre-based compositional, stylistic, and expressive elements to unveil Shmayluk’s challenges to the constraints upon “femininity” in metal music.
Reimagining Formal Functions in Post-Tonal Music
Authors: Utz Christian
Published: February 2024

Modernist concepts of temporality (“non-linear time”) are variously cross-related to conventional concepts and qualities of time (“linear time”) (Kramer 1988, 20–65). This is exemplified by Salvatore Sciarrino’s creative method, which reconciles more conventional elements of discursive organicist design (processes of accumulation, multiplication, and transformation) with strategies of rupture and formal deterioration (“little bang,” “window form”). This unique mixing of “linear” and “non-linear” strategies is staged within a soundscape of mostly minimal dynamics and reduced activity at the edge of silence, sensitizing the listener toward micro-alterations. This article introduces key strategies in Sciarrino’s temporal form based on analytical investigations of three works that differ substantially in duration, density, and genre: Quintettino no. 1 (1976, ca. 3 min.) for clarinet and string quartet, Efebo con radio (1981, ca. 11 min.) for voice and orchestra, and the music theater work Da gelo a gelo: 100 scene con 65 poesie (2006, ca. 110 min.). My analyses are framed by a discussion of the relationships between musical beginnings or endings and constellations of duration and density. Sciarrino’s works prominently feature a semanticization of musical material by metaphorical, agential, or paratextual means that is also evident in his interpretation of Anton Webern’s orchestral piece op. 6, no. 4 (1909). The analyses demonstrate how the composer’s explicit and implicit semanticization of his material allows the listener to understand Sciarrino’s works as reimaginations of conventional formal functions in which the familiar appears unfamiliar.
Gestural Temporality in Sciarrino’s Recitativo oscuro
Authors: Boyle Antares
Published: February 2024

Sciarrino’s writings describe a compositional philosophy that prizes multidimensionality and spatiotemporal discontinuity (1998, 2004). Yet his simultaneous allegiance to teleology, holism, and fractal hierarchies reveals an underlying unifying organicism with which these qualities may initially seem to conflict. I take Sciarrino’s 1999 piano concerto Recitativo oscuro as a case study for examining the composer’s gestural organicism and its various contradictions and double meanings. First, close analysis of the opening piano solo demonstrates how seemingly contradictory aesthetic priorities—organic unity and temporal multiplicity—co-exist within a single passage. Drawing from Kramer’s (1988) concept of “gestural time,” Hatten’s (2004) theory of gesture, segmentation theories, and scholarship on intensity and temporal function, I show how temporal multiplicity in the piano solo arises through conflict between gestural energetics and contextual segmentation. I then expand my analysis to the full concerto, arguing that the orchestra’s cyclic and naturalistic sonic ecosystem causes the piano gestures to take on representative functions in addition to their energetic syntax, creating what Sciarrino (2001) calls “dimensional intermittence” as they reference distant temporal realms both within and beyond the concerto. I conclude by arguing that while the intensity profile of the earliest gestures and phrases is eventually reproduced across the form of the entire work, the concerto’s form nevertheless resists reductive understanding. Instead, listeners are invited to hear form through the complex mechanics and idiosyncrasies of “gestural behavior” (Sciarrino 1998).
Unveiling the Myth of Import Substitution Policy in Pakistan
Authors: Muhammad Zeshan
Published: February 2024

Due to the import substitution policy, domestic firms and end users have to pay a higher price for the imported intermediate inputs, and final consumption items compared to the international market prices. The data show that the use of imported intermediate inputs has increased in agriculture, manufacturing, and services sectors over the last two decades in Pakistan. Clearly, the import substitution policy is unable to meet its primary objectives of substituting expensive imported items for cheaper domestic intermediate and final consumption items rather it is leading toward an unsustainable economic environment for domestic and international trade.
What are the Factors Making Pakistan’s Exports Stagnant? Insight from Literature Review
Authors: Ghulam Mustafa  , Saqib Hussain
Published: February 2024

Lowering exports is considered as one of the paramount reasons of widening trade deficit of Pakistan, which has become a long-standing challenge that country is facing since the beginning of the century. During the last two decades, the contribution of exports in GDP has been declined from 16 to 10 percent (World Bank, 2021). If we look at Pakistan’s share in global trade, it is dropped from 0.15 percent in 2005 to 0.12 percent in 2021. Export competitiveness of Pakistan is shrinking, while the competitors like Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam are experiencing expansion in export competitiveness. The stagnancy in Pakistan’s exports brings about a number of challenges like increasing current account deficit, burden of foreign debt, exchange rate, and other macroeconomic problems (Government of Pakistan, 2021-22; Defever, et al. 2020). Various reasons of declining export are suggested by the economists and researchers. To gather concrete evidence, a comprehensive desk review or literature review is required to unleash what factors are bringing down Pakistan’ exports. For that purpose, the underlying piece of research aims to weave up a review of existing literature on exports and unfolds the significant factors which influence exports.
School Education in Post-18th Amendment Balochistan: A Political Economy Perspective
Authors: Kakar Rafiullah
Published: February 2024

In the wake of devolution of education to provinces through the 18th Constitutional Amendment, there has been a noticeable increase in public spending on school education. Moreover, certain reforms have been introduced in education planning, management and monitoring. These measures have enhanced availability of physical infrastructure and reading and writing material for schools and improved education monitoring. There is also evidence of marginal improvements in overall literacy rate and reading and arithmetic skills.

Notwithstanding the limited gains, the reforms and increased public spending have not translated into commensurate improvements in schooling and learning outcomes. Analysis of proximate causes indicates that learning outcomes are not improving because the various elements of education system are not aligned around the goal of learning. In contrast, expansion of schooling appears to have remained a strategic objective of education delivery but it hasn’t experienced significant improvement either because of the existence of serious policy incoherence among various elements of education system. Prevalence of centralised, politically-influenced, discretionary and outdated planning and management practices combined with ineffectiveness of accountability mechanisms across the education delivery chain have undermined the effectiveness of well-intended reforms.

A deeper exploration of these issues through the “political settlement” lens reveals that education outcomes aren’t recording major improvements because elite interest is aligned neither with the goal of learning nor access. Instead, elite interest is aligned more around patronage politics. Short-term, clientelist, political objectives govern education provision, owing to the highly fragile, exclusive, fragmented and personalised nature of political settlement. The predatory nature of political settlement has adversely affected both the design and implementation of reform initiatives.
Women in Disaster Policy: A Bibliometric Mapping of the Research Literature 2015-2023
Authors: Karima Nayla
Published: February 2024

The research regarding women in disaster policy discourse received attention from scholars and policymakers as the current leading international disaster policy had a shortfall in mentioning women’s rights. Although many studies have deliberated how women engage with disaster, research that systematically maps how the literature regarding women in disaster policy develops has not yet been conducted. Per the result through the bibliometric mapping, the 58 pieces of literature included by the PRISMA (Preferred Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework are clustered into health, environment, economic, and socio-political contexts. The discourse discussion revolves around women’s vulnerability, capacity and capability, and strategy and policy initiatives. The study contributes to the literature by mapping the research trajectory regarding women in the disaster risk reduction policy framework following the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030 establishment. A recommendation model of the disaster policy framework and prospective research agenda is developed through the study.
Hypertension and Cholesterol among Late Adults in Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Population-Based Survey
Authors: Eliyanti Uzma , Hanif Ihsan
Published: February 2024

The global prevalence of hypertension is relatively high. In 2012, the death rate due to cardiovascular disease reached 17 million per year, with 45% of the contributors being hypertension. In 2015, globally, cholesterol cases accounted for 4.5% of ischemia of heart disease and 2% of strokes. Until 2017 and 2020, cholesterol disease was mainly experienced by adults aged 20 years or more, with a percentage of 10% of the population. Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between hypertension and cholesterol. Methodology: The design study used data from the 5th batch of the Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) organized by the Rand Corporation. IFLS-5 was conducted in 2014-2015, with 16,204 households and 50,148 individuals interviewed. Stratified random sampling to select respondents from the province to the place of residence. This study used a cross-sectional study design with inclusion and exclusion criteria from a total of 11,062 respondents. Results: Respondents with late-adult criteria in Indonesia were 50.17% women aged 51.98 (± 9.51), 84.04% married, 22.22% high school graduates, 70.14% Javanese, and 59.88% urban residents. The prevalence of cholesterol in late adults in Indonesia was 8.26% (95% CI: 0.08 – 0.09). The prevalence of hypertension in late adulthood in Indonesia was 20.91% (95% CI: 0.20 – 0.22). The results showed that cholesterol (OR = 4.06, 95% CI 3.53 – 4.67, p = <0.001) was statistically significant with hypertension. Conclusion: The prevalence of hypertension and cholesterol among late adults in Indonesia shows that hypertension and cholesterol are statistically significant and there was a relationship between people suffering from hypertension and having potential cholesterol disease.
Systematic Review of Economic Evaluation Studies of Stroke Disease: Cost Effectiveness
Authors: Nuzulia Farah Ardhila
Published: February 2024

Background: Updating pharmacoeconomics of stroke in the past 5 years from Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific Area. This ischemic stroke study relates to telestroke and stroke care. To evaluate the extent and economic quality of published ischemic stroke economic evaluation especially in telestroke and stroke care in the past 5 years.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines.. The inclusion criteria for the studies were 1) original research article, 2) cost-effectiveness, 3) comparing pharmacoeconomics with QALY's result, and 4) the limitation is from the past 5 years.
Results: A total of 12 studies were included from 2018-2022. The concern of the studies is in telestroke and stroke care which come from 5 Europian, 2 Americas, and 5 Pacific Area. The mean QHES scale score was 80 ± 100. All of the studies were published in English.
Conclusion: Cost-saving the result is based on the time horizon, the base year for costing, the QALY Threshold, and the discount rate used by the authors themselves. The nationality and income country will take a few values to impact the result of studies.
Dosage Adjustment as an Efficiency in Treatment Costs for Chronic Kidney Disease Patients
Authors: Kartikawati Nurfina Dian , Rahmawati Fita
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) treatment, in all stages, has been shown to impose a big economic burden. To reduce drug costs, dose adjustment can be used in CKD treatment. Apart from saving costs, dose adjustments can also reduce the risk of side effects due to excessive doses. This research aimed to identify the dose suitability of CKD patient treatment and calculate the difference in treatment costs before and after the dose adjustments.
Method: This research was a cross-sectional study using descriptive analysis. Data was collected from medical records in UGM Academic Hospital using purposive nonrandom sampling in inpatient CKD patients with decreased creatinine clearance and serum creatinine who underwent hospitalization for at least one year.
Result: There were 58.14% male patients and 41.86% female patients. Most of the patients have stage 5 CKD (46.51%) and hypertension comorbidities (59.30%). Around 69.14% of drugs used in treatment required dose adjustment and only 52.33% of them had appropriate doses based on the Lexicomp Drug Information Handbook. The class of drugs that required the most dose adjustments was antibiotics with 14 occurrences. After the dose adjustment, the saved cost from patients with inappropriate doses was IDR 1,766,330. The biggest cost difference after the dose adjustment was IDR 1,090,865, which comes from the antibiotic group.
Conclusion: Dosage adjustments can reduce the incidence of medication errors, improve clinical outcomes, and increase the effectiveness of clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness.
Perception Towards Illness and Health Care System: A Survey among Heart Disease Patients in Public Hospital in Yogyakarta Province
Authors: Banjarani Resi Rizki , Andayani Tri Murti , Dwi Endarti
Published: February 2024

Introduction: Heart disease is still a major concern in the Indonesian health sector. Wrong perceptions of heart disease are a significant barrier to preventing and controlling heart disease. This study aims to determine the illness and health care system perception in heart disease patients at Government Hospital Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta.
Method: This study was analytic observational with a cross-sectional design with sampling using a convenience sampling technique. Data collection used a questionnaire method with direct interviews with patients. Data analysis used Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Chi-Square tests.
Result: The results obtained 108 patients consisting of 51 men and 57 women. Based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, 88.89% of patients had a good perception of illness, and 56.48% had a good perception of the healthcare system. Chi-Square test analysis showed sociodemographic variables associated with illness perception were total family income monthly (p=0.000) and duration of heart disease (p=0.021). In contrast, the perception of the health care system is related to the variables of age (p=0.001) and educational status (p=0.002).
Conclusion: The heart disease patients in Government Hospital Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta have an excellent perception of illness and the healthcare system. Patients' perceptions will increase if patient knowledge and hospital service quality are improved.
Ragam Bahasa dalam Pelayanan Perpustakaan di Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur
Authors: Sholihatin Endang , Maulah Nur Syafiqotul , Kartiko Ica Veronika , Juliana Jamiatun , Agustin Khovifah Nur Wahyu , Retno Diana Puspita , Istiqomah Wahyu Nur
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini mengkaji penggunaan ragam bahasa dalam pelayanan perpustakaan di Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur.  Dalam kegiatan pelayanan, bahasa merupakan salah satu hal yang sangat penting untuk menunjang kegiatan.  Bahasa merupakan alat komunikasi yang digunakan oleh masyarakat luas dengan lafal hingga intonasi ucapan manusia.  Berdasarkan hal tersebut, tujuan dalam penelitian yaitu 1) untuk mengetahui penggunaan ragam bahasa dalam pelayanan di perpustakaan Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur dan 2) untuk mengetahui efektivitas penggunaan ragam bahasa dalam pelayanan di perpustakaan Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur.  Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian ini adalah 1) Penggunaan ragam bahasa dalam pelayanan di perpustakaan Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur yaitu 96,3% responden menggunakan bahasa Indonesia serta 3,7% responden menggunakan bahasa jawa dan campuran dari bahasa Jawa dan bahasa Indonesia. Berikutnya, 2) penggunaan ragam bahasa dalam pelayanan di perpustakaan Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur diketahui efektif karena 96,3% responden atau pengunjung perpustakaan Universitas pembangunan Nasional “Veteran” Jawa Timur mayoritas memahami penggunaan bahasa Indonesia. Sehingga Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat membantu pengembangan perpustakaan Universitas Pembangunan Nasional "Veteran" Jawa Timur khususnya dalam permasalahan bahasa.
Pengungkapan Diskriminasi Sosial pada Tokoh Utama Penyandang Kebutuhan Khusus dalam Film Miracle In Cell No.7 (Kajian Sosiologi Sastra)
Authors: Zahro Fatihmatun , Nawawi Nawawi
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengungkapkan diskriminasi sosial pada tokoh utama penyandang kebutuhan khusus dalam film Miracle In Cell No.7. Data penelitian dikumpulkan menggunakan metode kualitatif diskriptif dengan pendekatan sosiologi sastra. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan teknik simak dan catat. Teknik analisis data deskriptif mulai dari klasifikasi data, penyajian data dan penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah pengungkapan diskriminasi sosial dengan melihat empat aspek yaitu diskriminasi Sosial yang terjadi di halaman rumah Melati, diskriminasi sosial yang terjadi di ruang intograsi kantor polisi, diskriminasi sosial yang terjadi di dalam sel penjara, diskriminasi sosial yang terjadi di ruang sidang banding. Diskriminasi adalah tindakan pembedaan terhadap seseorang atau sekelompok masyarakat. Tindakan pembedaan yang paling sering kita temui di masyarakat antara lain, ras, agama, kelas sosial ekonomi, dan kondisi fisik seseorang. Seperti dalam film Miracle In Cell No.7, bahwasannya tokoh utama bernama Dodo Rozak yang mengalami kelainan genetikal, berhak mendapatkan keadilan dan kesetaraan dengan yang lainnya, karena pada hakekatnya manusia adalah mahluk sosial, kita tidak bisa hidup tanpa adanya bantuan orang lain, maka dari itu, kita tidak boleh memandang dengan siapa kita berteman, bergaul atau berinteraksi, tidak peduli bahwa ia berkebutuhan khusus, ras dan agamanya apa, karena pada hakekatnya kita semua sama, maka perlakukanlah mahluk sosial dengan sebaik-baiknya.
Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Scaffolding Terhadap Kemampuan Menulis Resensi Buku pada Siswa Kelas XI SMA Negeri 6 Medan
Authors: Siregar Hotmaida , Barus Frinawaty Lestarina
Published: February 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini untuk pengaruh model Scaffolding terhadap kemampuan menulis resensi siswa kelas XI SMA Negeri 6 Medan. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode eksperimen, dengan pendekatan kuantitatif Jumlah sampel sebanyak 70, masing-masing 35 orang untuk kelas kontrol dan eksperimen.. Dari skor kemampuan siswa menulis resensi buku dengan menggunakan model pembelajaran Scaffolding dibandingkan dibandingkan dengan model pembalajaran Teacher Learning Together diperoleh nilai to = 3,88 setelah diuji signifikansinya pada taraf signifikan 5% dengan df = (N1+N2)-2 = (34-34)-2 =66. Pada taraf t dengan df = 66 diperoleh taraf signifikansinya 1,99, karena to yang diperoleh lebih besar daripada t tabel yaitu 3,88 >1,99, maka hipotesis nihil (Ho) ditolak dan hipotesis alternatif (Ha) diterima. Hal ini membuktikan bahwa model pembelajaran Scaffolding lebih berpengaruh dalam meningkatkan kemampuan siswa dalam menulis resensi buku.
Penggunaan Media Infografis Digital Berbasis Aplikasi Canva Sebagai Peningkat Hasil Belajar Siswa dalam Pembelajaran Teks Anekdot
Authors: Mala Nadia Nur , Martono Boedi , Mardiana Ninik
Published: February 2024

Proses belajar mengajar membuat siswa pandai dalam bidang akademik, non akdemik, inovatif dengan menggunakan media digitalisasi. Belajar adalah kewajiban yang sangat penting untuk peserta didik. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif deskriptif dan metode yang digunakan adalah metode penelitian tindakan kelas (PTK). Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk mendeskripsikan peningkatan hasil belajar menggunakan media infografis yang dibuat menggunakan aplikasi canva dari sampel penelitian yang di pilih menggunakan metode pengambilan acak, penelitian ini dilakukan di kelas XI-Ipa 1MA Hasyim Asy’ari Bangsri Sukodono. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah terdapat peningkatan hasil belajar siswa kelas XI- Ipa 1. Penelitian tindakan kelas terdapat dua siklus dan pra-siklus, pada pra-siklus, siswa mendapat nilai rerata 67,04 dengan nilai ketuntasan klasikal 45%, pada siklus satu, setelah diberikan treatmen, didapatkan hasil rerata 73,7 dengan ketuntasan klasikal sebesar 63,7% dan pada siklus 2 setelah dilakukan perbaikan didapat rerata sebesar 79,3% dengan nilai klasikal 90%. Dari hasil tersebut, dapat ditarik kesimpulan jika media infografis dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai media pembelajaran, untuk membantu siswa dalam meningkatkan hasil belajar.
Pengembangan Media Pembelajaran Flipbook pada Materi Teks Eksposisi Kelas X SMK Al-Huda Grogol
Authors: Nurwanto Septian Hadi , Rahmayantis Marista Dwi , Sasongko Sempu Dwi , Kurniawan David Rindu
Published: February 2024

Hasil observasi di SMK Al-Huda Grogol mengindikasikan minimnya penggunaan media pembelajaran terutama dalam pelajaran Bahasa Indonesia. Hal ini terlihat dari praktik pengajaran di mana guru hanya menggunakan buku teks sebagai alat bantu, menyebabkan proses belajar menjadi pasif dikarenakan motivasi belajar siswa berkurang. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan ini, diperlukan solusi berupa alat bantu (media pembelajaran) yang lebih menarik dan interaktif guna memancing partisipasi aktif siswa saat pembelajaran berlangsung. Penelitian pengembangan media pembelajaran berbentuk flipbook dalam konteks pengajaran teks ekposisi. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk memfasilitasi siswa saat belajar serta mendorong keterlibatan aktif mereka saat pembelajaran berlangsung. Research and Development (R&D) dengan model Borg and Gall adalah metode pengembangan yang digunakan. Data dikumpulkan melalui validasi oleh ahli media dan ahli materi, serta uji kevalidan. Analisis data menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Hasil penelitian media pembelajaran flipbook pada materi Teks Eksposisi untuk kelas X SMK Al-Huda dinyatakan valid dengan persentase validasi sebagai berikut: aspek materi mendapatkan persentase validasi antara 90-97,7%, aspek bahasa mendapatkan persentase validasi antara 90-96,4%, dan aspek penyajian mendapatkan persentase validasi antara 89,4-95,5%.