bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Action leadership
Authors: Rojero Jiménez Roberto , Gómez-Romero José Gerardo Ignacio , Morán-Soto Gustavo
Published: October 2023

Abstract: Given the economic and social reality that MSMEs are experiencing in the post-pandemic world, it is necessary to have a new style of leaders who can solve new organizational problems, for which a new leadership model was generated that integrates previous theories. Three independent leadership theories were mixed to develop a multidimensional model that could facilitate a better leadership assessment aiming to analyze the most important characteristics that employees seek in a leader. Data from 384 MSMEs employees was collected to analyze 31 combined items from three instruments to assess transformational, authentic, and learning leadership. This data was analyzed for validity using exploratory and confirmatory factor analyzes, resulting in a new model that could help researchers to collect reliable data that could be analyzed using the lens of this new model that receives the name of "action leadership". This new multidimensional model will facilitate the development of better working environments in MSMEs, guiding the efforts of their leaders to be able to fulfil the needs of their employees and their expectations about how their leaders solve the challenges.
Keywords: Action Leadership; Transformational leadership; MSME´s
 
JEL codes: M10, M12
Factors Affecting Customer Perception Toward Customer Loyalty of Street Food Hygiene During The Pandemic: A Case of Bangsean, Thailand
Authors: Nakpathom Parinya , Pitchayadejanant Krittipat , Viet Minh Nhat , Vivatvani Vorrapob , Asmaniati Fetty
Published: October 2023

This research paper focused on the investigation of customer perception in the context of hygienic street food in the case of Bangsean City, Thailand. Three variables have been analyzed in this valuation as follows: food hygiene practice, service and sanitation operation, and street food atmosphere. Regarding research methodology, the authors used a quantitative approach to testify on an Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and Linear Regression Analysis. Particularly respondents were collected by distributing four hundred questionnaires to Thai citizen tourists who had recently visited the town with consumed street food in a place. As a result, indicated that customer perception positively affected customer satisfaction. Simultaneously, customer satisfaction positively affected customer loyalty. Moreover, the finding can be justified by a new persuasive method of contribution for the street food vendors in terms of hygiene conditions, in order that enhances the quality of food, service and sanitation operation advancement, and build-up an atmosphere which are the factors affecting to the customer’s perception.

Keywords:   Street Food Hygiene, Customer Perception, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Loyalty, Bangsean
Segmentation, Targeting and Positioning of The Tourism Industry before, during The Covid-19 Pandemic and After for The Tourism Industry in Indonesia
Authors: Hidayat Candra , Zeng Yi
Published: October 2023

This research aims to observingtourism businesspre, during and post Covid-19 pandemic. Evaluating and selecting market segment, firstly the highest foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia by nationality is Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Singapore, China and Australia. Secondly, foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia by gender male tourist bigger than female tourist is Malaysia, Timor-Leste, Singapore, India, Japan, America, England and South Korea. In reverse, female tourist bigger than male tourist is China and Australia. Thirdly, foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia by age Generation Y and Generation Z is Malaysia, Timor-Leste, China, India, Japan, America, England, South Korea and Australia. Equal between baby boomers and generation X, Generation Y and Generation Z is Singapore. Fourthly, international tourists spending more than $ 1000 are Singapore, China, India, Japan, America, England, South Korea and Australia. Afterwards, international tourists spending less than $ 1000 are Malaysia and Timor-Leste. Fifthly, international tourists arrivals by main purpose of visit for vacation more than 78 percent is Malaysia, Timor-Leste, China, Singapore, Australia, India, Japan, America, England and South Korea. Positioning strategies as a needs and wants from tourists and communicating and delivering the products. Indonesia needs in making appropriate strategy for more appealing and visible, through segmenting, targeting and positioning.

Keywords: Segmentation, Targeting, Positioning
Analysis of Tourism Village Management in Wewengkon Kasepuhan Customary Citorek, Lebak Regency, Banten Province-Indonesia
Authors: Mariati Sri , Prabowo Yogan Daru , Rahmanita Myrza , Habibie Fachrul Husain , Mustika Amalia
Published: October 2023

Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek is a traditional rural area which is one of the priorities for tourism development in Lebak Regency. As a traditional village that has unique cultural potential, this area also has a variety of natural potential because of its position as an enclave area of the Gunung Halimun Salak National Park (TNGHS), so it is not surprising that this area is directed to be developed as a tourist village thanks to the potential it has. This research aims to identify and analyze tourist village management based on tourist village components in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek. The research method used is a descriptive analysis method by comparing conditions in the field with the theory of tourist village components. The results of this research are that the management of tourist villages in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek is still natural and there is no special tourism village management so that each village runs independently. Therefore, it is necessary to have a tourist village management institution with a cluster model so that each village complements and integrates each ODTW as a form of shared enthusiasm in managing tourist villages in Wewengkon Adat Kasepuhan Citorek.

Keywords:   Tourism Village, Tourism Village Components, Institutions, Management
Indonesian Tourist Satisfaction towards GWK Cultural Park Using Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) as a Tool to Determine Improvement Priorities
Authors: Tirtawati NI Made , Negarayana Ida Bagus Putra , Julianti Ni Kadek Intan
Published: October 2023

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This research aims to identify the level of satisfaction of Indonesian tourists, the tourism product attributes that need improvement, and the loyalty of Indonesian tourists towards the tourism products at GWK Cultural Park. This research employs a quantitative method with 100 samples collected through accidental sampling. Primary data collection is conducted through questionnaires, field observations, and documentation. The analysis methods used in this research are the Customer Satisfaction Index (CSI) and Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA). The research findings indicate that the satisfaction index of Indonesian tourists stands at 84%, indicating that Indonesian tourists are delighted with the tourism products at GWK Cultural Park. Based on the Importance-Performance Analysis (IPA) results, the top priorities that the management should implement to enhance the satisfaction of Indonesian tourists are providing tourist attractions that match the price paid, having staff who quickly process entrance tickets, and ensuring that the tourist area is free from unpleasant odors. The level of loyalty among Indonesian tourists in the attitudinal loyalty category is 18%, the behavioral loyalty category is 45%, and the composite loyalty category is 37%. This research demonstrates that tourist attractions that align with the price paid, responsive staff, and an odor-free environment are crucial in enhancing the satisfaction of Indonesian tourists, who have an 82% chance of becoming repeat guests at GWK Cultural Park.

Keywords: Tourist Satisfaction, Tourist Loyalty, Indonesian Tourists, Tourism Products, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park
Реалізація андрагогічного підходу при проведенні курсів підвищення кваліфікації та перепідготовки офіцерів радіотехнічних спеціальностей, призваних за мобілізацією
Authors: Гризо А. А. , Костиря О. О. , Ковалевський С. М. , Ушаков С. І.
Published: October 2023

У статті викладено досвід проведення курсів підвищення кваліфікації та підготовки призваних за мобілізацією осіб офіцерського складу у системі професійної військової освіти. На підставі проведеного соціально-вікового аналізу показано, що при плануванні педагогічної діяльності доцільно використовувати андрагогічний підхід, який спирається на апробоване при підготовці фахівців радіотехнічних військ поєднання методів поетапного навчання, алгоритмізованого навчання та методу “доучування”. В якості засобу навчання задля реалізації цих методів пропонується використовувати розроблений імітатор дії постановника активних перешкод. Використання викладеного підходу при проведенні курсів потенційно дозволить покращити якість навчання, скоротити матеріальні та часові витрати, підвищити зацікавленість та мотивацію слухачів.
Interpretasi Islam Atas Wacana Childfree Gita Savitri
Authors: Maulida Rohmatul Laili  , Retpitasari Ellyda Retpitasari , Irma Juliawati
Published: October 2023

Wacana childfree menjadi diskursus yang ramai diperbincangkan di Indonesia setelah dikampanyekan oleh seorang influencer Gita Safitri pada platform media sosial. Childfree menjadi topik pembahasan yang diangkat di berbagai media massa dan media sosial. Salah satu media online yang membuka ruang terhadap pembahasan childfree adalah NU Online. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui makna pesan yang digunakan media NU Online dalam merepresentasikan childfree sebagai pesan yang dikonsumsi khalayak. Artikel ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan analisis framing model Robert Entmant. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pesan media yang ditampilkan oleh NU Online memiliki orientasi yang menekankan pada pesan-pesan Islam yang mengarahkan masyarakat pada tercapainya maqasid al-syariah (tujuan hukum Islam). Pernikahan dan kehadiran anak menjadi sebuah keniscayaan bagi manusia. NU Online menilai bahwa pilihan childfree di Indonesia tidak sesuai dengan tujuan hukum pernikahan dalam Islam dalam rangka menjaga keturunan (hizb nasl).
Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Cak Nun Sebut Jokowi Firaun di Media Detik.com dan Suara.com
Authors: Shinta Nurma Ababil  , Lukman Hakim  , Cindy Amrina Rosyada
Published: October 2023

Pada tanggal 18 Januari 2023 nama Cak Nun ramai diperbincangkan di media sosial setelah beredarnya video yang berisi kritikan terhadap presiden Jokowi. Bahkan nama Cak Nun justru mencuat dan menjadi tending posisi ke empat di twitter setelah mengunggah pada akun YouTubenya yang berisikan permintaan maaf dan mengaku kesambet. Dari ramainya perbincangan soal isu ini dan banyaknya masyarakat yang berspekulasi hingga terbagi menjadi dua kubu, yakni kubu yang merasa kecewa dan kubu yang mendukung. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menyibak tabir dan melihat framing yang digunakan oleh media online ketika mengemas suatu peristiwa yang diberitakan. Dan bagaimana kepemilikan media memengaruhi kenetralan dan keobjektifan pada pemberitaan medianya. Objek penelitian ini adalah pemberitaan "Cak Nun sebut Jokowi Firaun" pada media Detik.com dan Suara.com. Dimana kedua media ini, memiliki rating yang cukup tinggi untuk jumlah pembaca, dan termasuk kedalam 13 portal berita online terbaik di Indonesia oleh akun akudigitak pada Maret lalu . Adapun metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif yang menggunakan metode analisis framing model Zhong Pan dan Geral M.Kosichi. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa Detik.com melakukan framing terhadap pemberitaan Cak Nun sebut Jokowi Firaun terkesan kurang objektif dan menggunakan ungkapan atau sudut pandang seseorang yang pro pemerintah. Sementara Suara.com membentuk freming dengan cenderung sama dengan realitas sosial yang ada, yang dalam pemberitaannya juga mencantumkan ungkapan tokoh, yang mana ia lebih condong terhadap Cak Nun dengan melihat perannya dalam masyarakat selama ini.
Estimating support pressure with finite element and convergence-confinement method for different rock masses
Authors: Dönmez Hüseyin Onur , Tunçdemir Hakan
Published: October 2023

Support pressure is a key factor in the stability of the excavation area during mining and tunneling. The vital thing desired in an underground engineering structure is to ensure that the structure survives safely throughout its lifetime. For this reason, choosing the right support system at the planning stage is very important for the pressure that will affect the support system must be determined with a certain convergence. This article aims to discuss the support pressures by the finite element method and convergence-confinement method and compare the results. A series of two-dimensional finite element models are established to analyze support pressure with different rock masses selected from the literature. The results reveal that since the convergence-confinement method and the finite element method have high-order relationships regarding support pressures and displacements for weak rock masses, the support pressures and the displacement values for similar conditions can be estimated with the convergence-confinement method, which is more practical than the finite element method.
Life History on the Placelessness of an Old Woman Who Lost Her Home in the Korean War
Authors:   Korean Association for Qualitative Inquiry, Park Youngju , Kim Seohyun
Published: October 2023

War brings a sudden shock and ordeal to ordinary people, undermines human life, and leaves behind scars and losses. This study aimed to investigate in depth the placelessness of an old woman who lost her hometown due to the Korean War, and holistically examine the significance of her life journey through a study of her life history. After carefully selecting an old woman in her late 80s who was displaced by the Korean War, data were collected through 15 in-depth interview sessions with the participant. The analyses of the oral data were conducted using Mandelbaum’s (1973) three-dimensional framework. After identifying the significances inherent in the participant’s perception and experience, it was found that the ‘dimensions’ were considered ‘my hometown to which I can no longer go back’; the ‘turning points’ were ‘my home was destroyed by the war’; the ‘adaptation’ was ‘a life full of suffering and sickness in a new place.’ This study and its findings resonate the significance of the notion of placelessness due to war, and discussions are made on related topics to emphasize the importance of reconsidering the historical value of the life story of an old woman who lost her hometown during the Korean War; the research also underpins the uniqueness of this particular population. The significance of the study lies in its reconstruction of the life history of the old woman who underwent the Korean War, and its provision of insights into the notion of placelessness from the perspective of a person who was displaced.
Trends in Phenomenological Qualitative Study on Secondary Special Education
Authors:   Korean Association for Qualitative Inquiry, Kim Juhee , Park Eunsu , Lim Kyoungwon
Published: October 2023

This study aimed to implications and future research directions for phenomenological qualitative research in the field of secondary special education by analyzing trends in phenomenological qualitative research conducted in the field of secondary special education. For this purpose, a total of 32 phenomenological papers related to secondary special education published by May 2023 were selected. The selected study were attempted hermeneutical phenomenological reflection according to overall research trends, research methodological trends, and Van Manen’s concept of existence. As a result of the study, it was confirmed that the research participants in the field of secondary special education were mainly parents and teachers, that ‘lived experience’ was the key word throughout the analysis study, and that interviews were used as the main data collection method. In addition, the results of hermeneutical phenomenological reflection were presented using Van Manen’s four concepts of existence, ‘body,’ ‘relation,’ ‘space,’ and ‘time’. Using the results, the direction and implications of phenomenological qualitative research in the field of secondary special education were discussed.
Spousal Caregiving Experiences of Elderly Family Care Workers
Authors:   Korean Association for Qualitative Inquiry, Choe Miseon , Kim Seohyun
Published: October 2023

This study was conducted to explore spousal caregiving experiences among elderly family care workers in depth. To achieve this, seven elderly family care workers who were taking care of their spouses were selected as study participants through purposive and snowball sampling methods. Data were collected in an average of two or more interviews, and spousal caregiving experiences were analyzed for content and meaning using Giorgi (1985)’s phenomenological qualitative method. The results showed 219 meaning units, 58 focal meanings, and 16 emerging themes, and we identified 4 essential themes by reviewing their correlations. The themes were divided into the following categories: ‘It is my spouse, whether you hate it or love it,’ ‘A tunnel with no end in sight for caregiving,’ ‘Challenges and achievements as an elderly family care worker,’ and ‘A journey of spousal caregiving, which becomes more mature as I embrace myself as an elderly family care worker,’ The central theme was ‘Tending to my spouse with my own hands at home while the twilight fades,’ Based on these results, this study suggests that elderly family care workers need institutional, financial, and emotional support to ensure they can provide spousal caregiving in a stable manner at the clinical and policy levels of social welfare.
The Weimar/Russia Comparison Revisited
Authors: Hanson Stephen E. , Kopstein Jeffrey S
Published: October 2023

Just over a quarter-century ago, the authors published a widely read essay comparing Weimar Germany and Post-Soviet Russia in historical perspective. After Russia’s unprovoked assault on Ukraine, comparisons of Vladimir Putin’s regime with Nazi Germany are once again tragically relevant. Reexamining our arguments from 1997 shows the continuing relevance of the variables we emphasized in that essay: the burdensome legacies of the past imperial regime, intense international pressure to marketize post-Soviet Russia’s statist economy, and Russia’s weak party system. Three main issues in our earlier article, in retrospect, required greater development: pinpointing the time span needed to assess regime change, distinguishing mobilizational and patrimonial forms of ‘anti-liberal statism,’ and exploring more fully the foreign policy options for would-be defenders of the liberal global order facing powerful revanchist challenges. We conclude that this sort of ‘replication’ of earlier research should be encouraged more often among political scientists adopting the comparative-historical approach.
Main problems of mine drum design
Authors: Fidrovska Nataliia , Slepuzhnikov Yevhen , Nesterenko Viktoriia , Musaiev Zaur
Published: October 2023

Problem. The article deals with the problem of mine drums, namely, an adjusted approach to the justification of their design, and suggests ways to improve their operational properties. Mine drums ensure the reliable operation of the entire hoisting machine and often the safety of people themselves, so the topic discussed in the article is very relevant. Gool. The practice of designing mine drums is based on the use of elemental stiffeners, such as ribs, rings and braids. This significantly increases the weight and complexity of the drum manufacturing, and also leads to the appearance of local stresses at the welding points. In mine drums, not only the drum shell, but also the lining is loaded. Methodology. To increase their stiffness, they are reinforced with braids, which not only increases the weight of the drum itself, but also significantly complicates the technology. At the same time, the strength of the frontal lobes decreases, i.e. we have the opposite effect. This greatly complicates the operation of the structure and leads to the destruction of welds and cracks. Reinforcing the welds does not improve the situation, but, on the contrary, reduces the durability of the mine drum shell. Results. The calculations of the strength of the headwall by the simplified and refined methodology showed that the strength of the headwall is fully ensured and the need to install an additional structure in the form of scarves does not make sense. Originality. Additional factors were taken into account that were not considered in previous calculations, such as the stiffness of the headstays themselves and the coefficient of friction between the rope and the drum. Practical value. The application of the new methodology for calculating the strength of the mine rope drum shell proposed in this paper can significantly improve the operation of mine hoisting machines, reduce the number of repairs, and ensure their durability. In addition, the metal consumption of the drums is significantly reduced, which allows to obtain significant savings in their cost and ensure reliable operation of the entire mine hoisting process.
Rescue Antenatal Corticosteroids in Late Preterm Birth after Completion of the Initial Cycle of Antenatal Corticosteroids during the Early Preterm Period
Authors: Jeong Da Eun , Lee Jung Yun , Oh Eun Ji , Lee Kyong-No , Kim Hyunsu , Kim Hyeon Ji , Park Jee Yoon , Jung Young Hwa , Oh Kyung Joon , Choi Chang Won
Published: October 2023

Background: Late preterm birth is associated with increased risks of adverse neonatal outcomes, including respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and hypoglycemia. The use of antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) has been shown to reduce these risks in early preterm infants. However, the efficacy of rescue ACS in late preterm infants remains uncertain. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of rescue ACS in reducing the incidence of RDS and hypoglycemia in late preterm infants. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on women who delivered singleton late preterm infants (34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks of gestation) at a tertiary hospital. The inclusion criteria were completion of the initial cycle of ACS in the early preterm period (before 34 + 0 weeks of gestation). Data on maternal baseline characteristics, ACS administration, and neonatal outcomes were collected from medical records. Statistical analyses, including logistic regression and multivariate modeling, were performed to assess the association between rescue ACS and neonatal outcomes. Results: A total of 155 singleton late preterm infants were included in the study. Among them, 27.8% (43/155) received rescue ACS after 34 weeks of gestation, while 72.2% (112/155) did not. Neonates who did not receive rescue ACS had a significantly higher incidence of RDS compared to those who did (10.7% vs. 0%, p = 0.038). However, the results were not statistically significant in the multivariate analysis (odds ratio (OR), 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.00–1.48; p = 0.087). Additionally, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of hypoglycemia (glucose level ≤40 mg/dL) (8.0% vs. 9.3%, p = 0.755) and hypoglycemia (glucose level ≤60 mg/dL) (52.7% vs. 37.2%, p = 0.106) between the two groups. Conclusions: Rescue ACS administration in late preterm infants was not associated with a reduced risk of RDS. Additionally, there was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoglycemia. Further studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm these results and assess potential long-term implications.
Abdominal Radical Hysterectomy as an Alternative Treatment Option for Patients with Cervical Cancer without Access to Radiotherapy Facilities
Authors: Ye Yanna , Li Zhiqiang , Chen Biliang , Kang Shan , Ling Bin , Wang Li , Yao Jilong , Lan Jinghe , Liu Ping , Chen Chunlin
Published: October 2023

Background: To compare the oncological outcomes of Chinese patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) 2018 stage IIIC cervical cancer (CC) receiving radical chemoradiotherapy (R-CT), abdominal radical hysterectomy (ARH), or neoadjuvant chemotherapy and radical surgery (NACT). Methods: Overall, 4086 patients in 47 hospitals from 2004 to 2018 were divided into groups according to stage (4029 with stage IIIC1 and 57 with stage IIIC2). Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied to compare the 5-year overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) of the three initial treatments before and after propensity score matching (PSM). Results: The 5-year DFS was worse in patients with stage IIIC2 than in those with stage IIIC1 (post-PSM: 68.3% vs. 39.9%, p < 0.001). For stage IIIC1, the ARH group had better 5-year OS (post-PSM: 71.0% vs. 80.0%, p < 0.001) and DFS (post-PSM: 67.2% vs. 71.0%, p < 0.001) than the R-CT group, while the NACT group had worse 5-year DFS (post-PSM: 67.7% vs. 55.3%, p = 0.002). The 5-year OS (post-PSM: 80.9% vs. 70.5%, p < 0.001) and DFS (post-PSM: 70.7% vs. 54.1%, p < 0.001) were better in the ARH than in the NACT group. For stage IIIC2, the 5-year DFS was better in the ARH than in the NACT group (45.4% vs. 30.1%, p = 0.025). Conclusions: The oncological prognosis of patients with stage IIIC1 CC was generally better than that of patients with stage IIIC2, thereby supporting the rationale behind the classification of stage IIIC. In less developed areas, the ARH is a promising alternative treatment option for patients with stage IIIC; nonetheless, the use of NACT is not advisable. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered at http://apps.who.int/trialsearch/, registration number CHiCTR1800017778.
A Retrospective Study Comparing of Group B Streptococcus Invasiveness in Pregnant Women and Infants
Authors: Yang Hui , Zhang Shengmei
Published: October 2023

Background: Group B streptococcus (GBS) is commonly recognized as an opportunistic pathogen, which can cause infections in pregnant women and their newborns. The aim of this study was to explore the invasiveness of GBS by comparing various indices of pregnant mothers and newborns. Methods: This retrospective study involved 6892 consecutive GBS screened pregnant women, and 48 GBS-positive newborns. The data of pregnant women and newborns was compared by Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis test. A p-value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: After excluding the other risk factors which can cause adverse pregnancy outcomes, there were no differences between pregnant women in GBS-positive and GBS-negative groups, except the age group. In the GBS-negative and positive groups the incidence of prematurity, premature rupture of membranes (PROM), and chorioamnionitis were 1.06% and 0.74%, 7.72% and 8.14%, 0.63% and 0.74%, respectively. The corresponding p-values were 0.619, 0.263, and 0.626. The GBS-positive rate was 6.83% (201/2943) in the 19–30 years (y) group, 6.89% in the (262/3802) in the 31–40 y group, and 1.36% (2/147) in the 41–52 y group (p = 0.031). The indices in the different newborn groups exhibited significant differences. Analysis of the data revealed significant differences in delivery mode, gestational age, neonatal birth weight, and Apgar scores among the GBS-colonization, GBS-infection, and death groups (p = 0.010, 0.004, 0.022, and 0.000 < 0.05, respectively). Conclusions: After excluding related factors, the evidence showing that GBS-colonization independently induced adverse pregnancy outcomes in pregnant women was insufficient. GBS was more likely to attack premature newborns with low weight and poor health status.
Treatment of Early Cesarean Scar Pregnancy with Double Balloon Catheter: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Passerini Irene , Marasciulo Francesco , Prefumo Federico , Fichera Anna , Fratelli Nicola , Ferrari Filippo Alberto , Ferrari Federico , Odicino Franco
Published: October 2023

Background: Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a pregnancy in the scar area or “niche” from a prior hysterotomy, usually from a cesarean section. Currently, there is no consensus on the best management of CSP. A recent proposed treatment consists in placing a cervical ripening double-balloon catheter in the uterus under ultrasound guidance. Methods: In this systematic review on cervical ripening double-balloon catheter (CRDBC) treatment for CSP, we performed a literature search in electronic databases (Scopus, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library), from their inception until April 2023. The review was written following PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews. Results: We identified 30 studies, and we finally analyzed 5 studies that met the inclusion criteria (one case report, two retrospective case series studies, a retrospective cohort study, and a retrospective multicentric case series). The total of pregnancies treated with CRDBC is 71, of which 8 (11%) were cervical pregnancies. The gestational age at treatment ranges from 5 + 0 to 10 + 1 gestational weeks, with variable human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels (433–64.700 IU/mL). Most of the patients (73%) received adjuvant systemic methotrexate (MTX) and the catheter dwell time ranges from 1 to 5 days. Treatment was successful in all the patients. Maternal complications, defined as the need for transfusion, vaginal bleeding resulting in readmission, or requiring further treatment occurred in a small number of patients (4.2%). Conclusions: CRDBC was successful in the treatment of early CSPs. The effectiveness and safety of this minimally invasive method is testified to a small rate of maternal complications. Further prospective studies are warranted to explore this treatment modality. The study was registered on INPLASY (https://inplasy.com/), registration number: INPLASY202390070 (doi: 10.37766/inplasy2023.9.0070).
Virulence Factors of the Fungal Pathogen Stagonospora nodorum Manipulate Hormonal Signaling Pathways in Triticum aestivum L. by Regulating Host Plant MicroRNA Expressions
Authors: Nuzhnaya Tatyana , Veselova Svetlana , Burkhanova Guzel , Maksimov Igor
Published: October 2023

Background: Currently, the role of microRNAs in plant immune responses is being actively studied. Thus, our aim was to research the effect of Stagonospora nodorum (Berk.) NEs SnToxA and SnTox3 on the expression of miRNAs involved in the wheat–S. nodorum interaction and to determine the role of phytohormones in this process. Methods: The expressions of nine conserved microRNAs were studied by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction in three different wheat genotypes of bread spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) infected with S. nodorum. Phytohormone treatments (trans-zeatin, 2-chloroethylphosphonic acid (etefone is the chemical precursor of ethylene), and salicylic acid) were applied. The results were compared with disease symptoms, the redox status of plants, and the expression of fungal necrotrophic effector (NE) genes of SnToxA and SnTox3 and genes of SnPf2, SnStuA, alongside SnCon7 transcription factors (TFs). Results: Salicylic acid (SA) and cytokinins (CK) are involved in the development of defense reactions in wheat plants against S. nodorum, by regulating the expression of fungal NEs and TFs genes, inducing an oxidative burst in all three wheat genotypes. Moreover, ethylene enhanced the virulence of the pathogen by increasing the expression of fungal NE and TF genes, thereby resulting in a decrease in the generation of reactive oxygen species in all three cultivars. The nine miRNAs played a role in the development of wheat resistance against S. nodorum. NE SnTox3 mainly suppressed the expression of three miRNAs: miR159, miR393, and miR408, while NE SnToxA suppressed miR166 expression. Conversely, treatment with CK and SA increased the expression of miR159 and miR408; treatment with CK increased the expression of miR393 and miR166. Ethylene inhibited the expression of miR159, miR408, miR393, and miR166. Suppression of miP159 expression by NE SnTox3 was most likely associated with the activation of the ethylene signaling pathway. NEs SnToxA and SnTox3 suppressed the expression of miR408, whose role most likely consisted of inhibiting the catalase activity, via SA and CK regulation. In addition, NE SnToxA hijacked the SA signaling pathway and manipulated it for fungal growth and development. Fungal TFs SnPf2 and SnStuA could be involved in the regulation of these processes indirectly through the regulation of the expression of NE genes. Conclusions: The results of this work show, for the first time, the role of microRNAs in the development of wheat resistance against S. nodorum and the effect of S. nodorum NEs SnToxA and SnTox3 on the activity of plant microRNAs.
Overexpression of PSAT1 is Correlated with Poor Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Li Hongmu , Wu Chun , Chang Wuguang , Zhong Leqi , Gao Wuyou , Zeng Mingyue , Wen Zhesheng , Mai Shijuan , Chen Youfang
Published: October 2023

Purpose: Current evidence suggests that phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 (PSAT1) is overexpressed in various tumors. Herein, we investigate the significance of PSAT1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and its correlation with immune infiltration. Methods: The expression profile of PSAT1 in NSCLC patients and related clinical information was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA-NSCLC) databases. In silico and experimental validation were conducted to assess the role of PSAT1 in NSCLC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to investigate the disparities in biological functions between groups with high and low PSAT1 expression. Additionally, the biological characteristics and immune cell infiltration were compared between these two groups. We also assessed whether PSAT1 expression could predict the sensitivity of NSCLC patients to immunotherapy using the immunophenotype score (IPS) and an anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy cohort (IMvig-or210). Furthermore, the difference in drug sensitivity between PSAT1-high and PSAT1-low expression cell lines was investigated. Results: Analysis of transcriptional expression profiles using TCGA data revealed overexpression of PSAT1 in NSCLC tissues correlated with poor overall survival (OS). GSEA results showed enrichment of DNA recombination and repair, nucleotide biosynthesis, and the P53 signaling pathway in the PSAT1-high group. Experimental validation demonstrated that the knockdown of PSAT1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, and invasion of NSCLC. Immune cell infiltration analysis revealed an immune-activated tumor microenvironment in the PSAT1-low group. It was also observed that PSAT1-low cell lines were more likely to benefit from immunotherapy and several chemotherapy drugs. Conclusions: PSAT1 has enormous potential for applications in the prediction of NSCLC patient outcomes and provides the foothold for more precise individualized treatment of this patient population.
Development and Validation of a Prognosis-Prediction Signature for Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma Based on 11 Telomere-Related Genes
Authors: Liu Jia , Sha Sha , Wang Jian , Gu Xiaowei , Du Menghua , Lu Xu
Published: October 2023

Background: The occurrence and progression of lung cancer are correlated with telomeres and telomerase. Telomere length is reduced in the majority of tumors, including lung cancers. Telomere length variations have been associated with lung cancer risk and may serve as therapeutic targets as well as predictive biomarkers for lung cancer. Nevertheless, the effects of telomere-associated genes on lung cancer prognosis have not been thoroughly studied. We aim to investigate the relationship between telomere-associated genes and lung cancer prognosis. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas and Genotype-Tissue Expression databases were used as training sets to build a predictive model. Three integrated Gene Expression Omnibus datasets served as validation sets. Using cluster consistency analysis and regression with the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, we developed a telomere-related gene risk signature (TMGsig) based on 11 overall survival-related genes (RBBP8, PLK1, DSG2, HOXA7, ANAPC4, CSNK1E, SYAP1, ALDOA, PHF1, MUTYH, and PGS1). Results: The results indicated a negative outcome for the high-risk score group. Immunological microenvironment and somatic mutations differed between the high- and low-risk groups. A statistically significant difference existed between the low-risk and high-risk groups in terms of the expression levels of B cells and CD4 cells, and the risk score was essentially inversely linked with immune cell expression. Conclusions: TMGsig can predict outcomes in patients with lung adenocarcinoma.
Secondary Protein Aggregates in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Almost the Rule Rather than the Exception
Authors: Moda Fabio , Ciullini Arianna , Dellarole Ilaria Linda , Lombardo Annalisa , Campanella Nicole , Bufano Giuseppe , Cazzaniga Federico Angelo , Giaccone Giorgio
Published: October 2023

The presence of protein aggregates is a hallmark of many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s disease (PD), Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). Traditionally, each disease has been associated with the aggregation of specific proteins, which serve as disease-specific biomarkers. For example, aggregates of α-synuclein (α-syn) are found in α-synucleinopathies such as PD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), and multiple system atrophy (MSA). Similarly, AD is characterized by aggregates of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and tau proteins. However, it has been observed that these protein aggregates can also occur in other neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to disease progression. For instance, α-syn aggregates have been detected in AD, Down syndrome, Huntington’s disease, prion diseases, and various forms of FTLD. Similarly, Aβ aggregates have been found in conditions like DLB and PD. Tau aggregates, in addition to being present in primary tauopathies, have been identified in prion diseases, α-synucleinopathies, and cognitively healthy aged subjects. Finally, aggregates of TDP-43, typically associated with FTLD and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), have been observed in AD, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), MSA, DLB, and other neurodegenerative diseases. These findings highlight the complexity of protein aggregation in neurodegeneration and suggest potential interactions and common mechanisms underlying different diseases. A deeper understating of this complex scenario may eventually lead to the identification of a better elucidation of the pathogenetic mechanisms of these devastating conditions and hopefully new therapeutic stragegies.
LINC01572 is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zheng Yaolin , Zhang Zhenshan , Li Xueyan , Wu Leilei , Liu Xinliang , Liu Liang , Chen Jiayan , Wei Dongping
Published: October 2023

Background: Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most common and lethal cancer types worldwide. LINC0572 is a long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) that has been associated with the clinical characteristics of several types of malignancy. However, the biological mechanism of LINC0572 in LUAD is still unclear and remains to be elucidated. Methods: R packages and online bioinformatic tools were used to investigate the biological characteristics of LINC01572, including its abnormal expression, oncogenic role, and clinical prognostic value. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to investigate the biological functions of LINC01572 in tumorigenesis and development. These included colony formation assays, cell migration assays, flow cytometry, cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) cell proliferation and tumor transplant growth experiments. Results: Bioinformatics results showed that LINC01572 was overexpressed in both LUAD and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) patients. LINC01572 overexpression was associated with shorter overall survival (OS) in LUAD. Further study of clinical specimens confirmed that LINC01572 was highly expressed in the tumor tissue of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In vitro experiments also confirmed that LINC01572 was overexpressed in tumor cell lines. Inhibition of LINC01572 expression significantly impaired cell proliferation, cell migration, and clone formation. Experiments in nude mouse revealed that transplanted tumors with low expression of LINC01572 had significantly slower rates of growth in terms of volume and weight compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immune landscape profiling showed that LINC01572 can promote tumor initiation and progression by deregulating the cell cycle and immunocyte infiltration. Conclusions: LINC01572 is overexpressed in tumor tissue relative to adjacent normal tissue. Moreover, LUAD patients with high expression of LINC01572 showed a worse survival prognosis. LINC01572 is associated with tumor initiation, progression and immune dysregulation. It therefore has potential value as a novel biomarker and therapeutic target in LUAD.
Ömer Rıza Doğrul'un Tanrı Buyruğu Meal/Tefsirinde Yahudilere ve Hıristiyanlara Yönelik Eleştirileri
Authors: ÖZDEMİR Ahmet
Published: October 2023

Cumhuriyetin ilk yıllarında alfabedeki değişim, yeni eserlerin yazılması ihtiyacını doğur-muştur. Bu eserleri kaleme alanlar da Osmanlı Devleti’nin son dönemlerinde yetişen alimler ol-muştur. Onlardan bir tanesi de o günkü Osmanlı coğrafyasının farklı bölgelerinde eğitim almış olan Ömer Rıza Doğrul’dur. Doğrul, eserlerinde gerek Türkiye gerekse İslam dünyasının aydın-lanmasına, sorunlarını çözmesine ve yeni bir ivme kazanarak yükselmesine yönelik eserler kale-me almıştır. O eserlerden bir tanesi de Tanrı Buyruğu’dur. Bu eser kısa, öz ve doyurucu açıkla-malardan teşekkül etmiştir. Üzerinde durduğu konulardan bir tanesi de tahrif edilmiş dine sahip olan Yahıudi ve Hıristiyanlardır. Çalışmamızın temelini de bu konu oluşturmaktadır. Çünkü bu iki din ve mensupları, günümüzde dünya coğrafyasında etkileri bakımından önemli bir yere sa-hiptirler. Kur’an’ın anlatımında da geniş bir yer işgal etmektedirler. Peygamberlerinin tebliğ ettik-leri dinden uzaklaşmaları, şirk unsurunu barındırmaları, ibadet, haramlar ve muamelat konusun-da tamamen farklı bir yapıya bürünmeleri nedeniyle Müslümanların onlardan ders alması ve aynı hatalara onların da düşmemesi için hatırlatmalarda bulunulmaktadır. Doğrul’un değerlendirmele-ri de Yahudi ve Hıristiyanların, dinlerinin özünü kaybederek tamamen farklı bir yapıya bürünme-leri ekseninde cereyan etmektedir. Çalışmamızda bu iki din mensuplarının inanç ve yaşantıları noktasında nasıl bir yapıya büründükleri iki ayrı başlık altında ele alınmıştır. Peygamberleri dö-neminde nasıl bir tavır ortaya koydukları, sonraki zaman dilimlerinde ilahi mesajın nasıl bir deği-şime uğratıldığı konuları işlenmiştir.
Cardiometabolic health across menopausal years is linked to white matter hyperintensities up to a decade later
Authors: Schindler Louise , Subramaniapillai Sivaniya , Ambikairajah Ananthan , Barth Claudia , Crestol Arielle , Voldsbekk Irene , Beck Dani , Gurholt Tiril Pedersen , Topiwala Anya , Suri Sana , Ebmeier Klaus P. , Andreassen Ole A. , Draganski Bogdan , Westlye Lars T. , de Lange Ann-Marie G
Published: October 2023

The menopause transition is associated with several cardiometabolic risk factors. Poor cardiometabolic health is further linked to microvascular brain lesions, which can be detected as white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) using T2-FLAIR magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Females show higher risk for WMHs post-menopause, but it remains unclear whether changes in cardiometabolic risk factors underlie menopause-related increase in brain pathology. In this study, we assessed whether cross-sectional measures of cardiometabolic health, including body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), blood lipids, blood pressure, and long-term blood glucose (HbA1c), as well as longitudinal changes in BMI and WHR, differed according to menopausal status at baseline in 9,882 UK Biobank females (age range 40-70 years, n premenopausal = 3,529, n postmenopausal = 6,353). Furthermore, we ex amined whether these cardiometabolic factors were associated with WMH outcomes at the follow-up assessment, on average 8.78 years after baseline. We found that postmenopausal fe males showed higher levels on baseline blood lipids and HbA1c compared to premenopausal women, beyond the effects of age. Over time, BMI increased more in the premenopausal compared to the postmenopausal group, while WHR increased to a similar extent in both groups. The change in WHR was however driven by increased waist circumference only in the premenopausal group. While the group level changes in BMI and WHR were in general small, these findings point to distinct anthropometric changes in pre- and postmenopausal females over time. Overall, poorer cardiometabolic health at baseline, as well as longitudi nal increases in BMI and WHR, were associated with larger WMH volumes measured up to a decade later. Our findings emphasise the importance of monitoring cardiometabolic risk factors, such as abdominal adiposity and hypertension, in females from midlife through the menopause transition and into the postmenopausal phase, to ensure improved cerebrovascular outcomes in later years.
An Overview of Strategic Interventions for Agriculture, Climate Change, and Food Security Proposed by the National Science and Technology Commission at the 9th Biennial Conference on Science and Technology
Authors: R.M.R Ahammed , Perera Rasitha Thilini Suranjana , K.G.D Piyumali , Kaluarachchi K.D. K. G , D Silva S. K. B. , Munagamage Thilini , P Piyankarage C. S. , Shahmy Seyed , Karunaratne Veranja
Published: October 2023

Agriculture in Sri Lanka occupies 46% of the land and consumes over 80% of the country's freshwater resources. Rice farming is the most prominent agricultural practice, with 1.8 million families engaged in it. The annual tea production contributes to 285,877 metric tons of export volume, which accounts for nearly 38% of the total agricultural products, with a target of $2,044 million in income by 2025. Climate change and natural resources significantly impact agriculture, with irregular rainfall patterns, temperature variation, and drought causing substantial challenges as a whole. The proposed interventions at BICOST IX 2023 under the food crops, plantation, and export crops sectors include enhancing certified seed production, promoting value-added products, and developing training and awareness programs for low-carbon lifestyles with the view of addressing them all in all. Also, food security is another area that has negative consequences linked to climate change impacts in the sector, with nearly 26% of the population expected to be affected by food security by 2050. The COVID-19 pandemic consequences and the conflict between Russia and Ukraine might worsen the situation further. From a Sri Lankan perspective, the implications of proposed strategic interventions could help sustain a healthy national economy while committing to the universal goals of SDGs 1, 2, and 13, the Paris Accords, and the Milan Urban Food Policy Fund. However, more concerns can be put forward to minimise or eliminate diseases in the agriculture sector due to climate change and minimise food waste or loss, which is lacking in the report.