bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Need of Simulation Based Learning in Obstetrical Practice to Address Inter Professional Education and Practice During Pandemic- A Study Protocol.
Authors: Karkada Sushmitha , Rai Sharada
Published: April 2024

Background:

Pandemic has created a huge Impact on learning and acquiring clinical skills. Simulation-based learning is one of the most efficient active learning techniques used to train diverse professionals. This Involves the transfer of knowledge and skills from the training setup to the actual clinical environment and thus allows mastery of skill sets which results In Improved patient outcomes. Thus Simulation-based learning keeps the clinical education on stream and also supports continual learning during the unprecedented situation, such as pandemics.

Methodology:

Formulating an interprofessional (IP) team of faculty including nurses, obstetricians, and neonatologlst; and developing a Learning module using simulation is the primary objective. Following which interprofessional students from medicine and nursing disciplines will be identified and training workshop will be conducted. Pretesting will be done and the post-test scores will be compared after the workshop in terms of knowledge, skill, and clinical decision making of selected obstetrical skills.

Outcome measures (knowledge, skill and clinical decision making) will be assessed before and after the Implementation of the module. Also, core IP competencies like teamwork & communication skills will be assessed during post test.

Discussion:

Simulation-based learning has matured as an educational strategy. With early clinical exposure and outcome based education, it Is very Important to Introduce the concepts of interprofessional education and practice among students. Also provides opportunities to lessen risks to patients and learners, enhances competence and confidence and reduces health care costs in the long run.

Trial registration: The study protocol is registered under Clinical Trials Registry-lndia (CTRI/2021/12/049675).
A novel method of assessing intraoperative surgical margins in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans: A specimen radiography system
Authors: Wang Qiang , Qian Leqi , Qi Fazhi , Liu Jiaqi
Published: April 2024

Background

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is one of the most challenging cutaneous cancers in surgical clinic practice. Excision with negative margins is essential for effective disease control. However, wide surgical margins and maximal tissue conservation are mutually exclusive. Mohs micrographic surgery conserves tissue but is time-consuming. Thus, we developed a novel specimen radiography system that can be used intraoperatively.

Aims

To introduce a specimen radiography system for evaluating intraoperative surgical margins in patients with dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans.

Methods

Since September 2017, we have treated seven biopsy-proven cases of local DFSPs via local excision with surgical margins of 2–4 cm. During operations, the operative specimens were screened using the specimen radiography system. All surgical specimens were pathologically examined intraoperatively.

Results

Five patients were men and two were women, of median age 36 years. The mean radiographic screening time was 9.7 ± 2.3 min. Radiographically negative margins were confirmed intraoperatively. The minimal margin width ranged from 5.0 to 35.4 mm (mean width 16.9 ± 10.4 mm). The intraoperatively negative radiographic margins were consistent with those revealed by postoperative pathology. The minimal pathological margin width ranged from 4.0 to 34.5 mm (mean 16.6 ± 10.1 mm) and was not significantly different from the intraoperative data.

Limitations

The sample size was small and positive or negative predictive values were not calculated.

Conclusions

We introduce a novel method of intraoperative surgical margin assessment for DFSP patients. It may find broad clinical and research applications during oncoplastic surgery.
Griboyedov’s Ball in the System of Historical Ballroom Dancing Traditions
Authors: Chertkov Alexey S.
Published: April 2024

The article deals with the ballroom dance practice peculiar to the culture of Russian society of the early 18th—19th century. Ball tradition is a “polyfunctional sociocultural phenomenon”, realizing important functions of culture, activating the process of aesthetic and ethical education of a personality involved in historical ball events. Historical ball culture is one of the forms of sociocultural practice of the nobility, which participated in dance celebrations according to the established ball structure, having a ceremonial form and its own aesthetic stylistics. One of the main motives for the fascination with balls was the aspiration of a part of the educated nobility for its own socialization within the estate. The period of flourishing of the ballroom dancing tradition fell on the second half of the 18th — first half of the 19th century. After the Imperial Court Ball in 1904 in the Winter Palace of St. Petersburg, the tradition of this type of festivities was interrupted. In the 1980s and early 1990s, through the efforts of enthusiastic constructors, ballroom dance programmes began to revive. In modern Russia, the institute of historical ballroom dancing clubs has been formed, and an institutional environment of entities engaged in the study and promotion of historical ballroom traditions is gradually forming.

Ballroom culture is characterized by a whole range of developmental functions that contribute to the formation of a socially adapted personality. The author proposes to supplement the communicative and marketing group of functions, inherent in the revival of historical ballroom traditions, with the function of social mythologization. To prove this thesis, the author defines the properties of ball culture as a social myth, which possesses rationality (consciousness), conceptual development (ceremoniality), aesthetic orientation, the presence of intension, communication, presentation or marketing purposes of the groups of people involved in it.

The symbolic experience of re-enactors in recreating historical dances is largely mythologemic in nature, appealing to some of today’s youth and adults. Passionate about ballroom culture under the guidance of experienced choreographers, they create memorable aesthetic ballroom symbols, involving patrons and supporters in the process. Griboyedov’s historical ballroom dance programmes are part of the institutional environment considered in this article, correspond to the style of the noble era, have a ceremonial and entertaining context and contribute to the promotion of the cultural heritage of the great Russian playwright and diplomat A.S. Griboyedov.
Chinese Snowscape As a Phenomenon
Authors: Chan Zhuy , Alekseeva Galina V.
Published: April 2024

With unique aesthetic value, snowy landscapes are one of the most important subjects in Chinese painting. Due to their purity, elegance, serenity, simplicity and cold charm, snow scenes have been the focus of artists and scholars from long ago. The artistic features and cultural connotations of Chinese snow paintings have attracted the attention of many Chinese and Russian scholars. However, there is no typological study of snow landscape in their works. In this regard, the authors consider it necessary to actualize this topic. The article provides historical information about the study of snowy landscape, the history of Chinese painting masters’ appeal to this theme. The classification of snow painting depending on seasons, geographical regions of China, atmospheric phenomena, and themes is offered. The authors suggest their definition of the concept of “Chinese snow landscape” and the author’s classification of the content of snow paintings. The paper applies a typological approach to the analysis of “snow” scenes, and examines the development of traditional Chinese aesthetic contexts from ancient artistic codes to contemporary theories. Outstanding examples of snow landscape painting are presented. Snow painting is an important medium of Chinese cultural heritage that demonstrates the diversity and richness of Chinese culture. The given overview of China’s snow scene painting as a phenomenon in the work of Chinese artists can serve as a basis for further in–depth studies.
Manuscript Copy of “The Jewish War” by Josephus Flavius “Rukaniskania” of Prince Dmitry Vasilievich Romodanovsky
Authors: Anisimova Tatiana V.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the study of a manuscript book of the middle of the 17th century, kept in the collection of E.E. Egorov in the Manuscripts Department of the Russian State Library and containing the text of the Slavonic translation of Josephus Flavius’ “The Jewish War”. This copy, which remained unaccounted for in the domestic historiography of the monument, is accompanied by additional articles, one of which, dating back to the “Tale of the Princes of Vladimir”, which remained unknown until now, is introduced into the scientific turnover. The owner of the book, judging by the entry in its margins, was Prince Dmitry Vasilyevich Romodanovsky, exiled in 1660 to the Solovetsky Monastery.

On the basis of a review of manuscripts belonging to the family of D.V. Romodanovsky and a comparison with one written by him himself, it is proved that the prince also produced the manuscript of Egorov. It is assumed that it was written by D.V. Romodanovsky still at home, before his exile to the Solovetsky monastery. It was possible to read in ultraviolet rays the erased record on the protective sheet, which testifies to the fact that the manuscript was put up for sale in the 17th century. An attempt is made to find the antigraph of additional articles of the book, particularly in the libraries of the Solovetsky Monastery and the Romodanovskys. It is concluded that it is necessary to introduce the manuscript under study into a wide scientific circulation as an important historical source.
V.A. Favorsky’s Theory of the Book and the Problem of Artistic Interpretation of Literary Content
Authors: Fedoseenkov Nikolay N.
Published: April 2024

The article is devoted to the actual problems of the theory of the book, created and largely practically implemented by V.A. Favorsky and his associates in the 1930s —1950s. This theory was based on the principle of perception of the book as a synthetic art, which is confirmed by the tradition of handwritten books, relevant to the era of printing. The main contradiction faced by those who largely follow the work of V.A. Favorsky remains the correlation of the aesthetic concept of the book with its literary content. There are many dark places in V.A. Favorsky’s theory connected with this problem. Different approaches to this problem, characteristic of such a complex, synthetic work as a book, are analyzed, including issues related to the psychology of creativity, with a deep study of literary material when working on a book. The ambiguous experience of V.A. Favorsky, associated with immersion in the material of the book, with the study of the cultural context of the work, is considered. The article also highlights the important problem for V.A. Favorsky of the perception of a literary text in connection with the ideology and historical context of various epochs.

The theoretical legacy of V.A. Favorsky does not lose relevance in our time, when the art of books is in need of pioneering approaches related to electronic publications of various types, including on the basis of the principle of “relay race of arts”, developed by the director and art theorist S.V. Obraztsov. Taking into account the current state of book publishing and its prospects, an updated appeal to the legacy of V.A. is proposed. Favorsky, which would solve the task of creating books at a high artistic level, taking into account the educational and informative functions of the book, without contradictions with the literary content of the work.
Isolation, Characterization and Structure Elucidation of Antidiabetic Compound “2-({4-oxo-1H,2H,3H,4H,4aH-cyclopenta[b]pyridine-2-yl} methyl)-1H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 4aH-Cyclopenta[b]Pyridine-4-one” from the barks of Parkia timoriana (DC.) Merr.
Authors: Ruthiran Papitha , Chinnadurai Immanuel Selvaraj
Published: April 2024

Parkia timoriana (D.C.) Merr is a medicinal plant with long-known usage as a traditional medicine. This plant’s bark and pods have been used in medicine and food supplements. P. timoriana bark was extracted with ethyl acetate and purified using silica gel column chromatography. A pure compound, 2-({4-oxo-1H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 4aH-cyclopenta[b]pyridine-2-yl}methyl)-1H, 2H, 3H, 4H, 4Ah cyclopenta[b]pyridine-4-one (BCPP) was isolated and spectroscopic analysis was performed to determine its chemical structure. Antidiabetic studies were conducted using Bis-Cyclopenta-Pyridin (BCPP) for its enzymatic inhibition. In vitro cell culture assays, gene expression studies and in silico docking studies were done to ascertain the antidiabetic activity. P. timoriana bark was extracted using the solvents based on its polarity: hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol. At a 125 μg/ml concentration, BCPP demonstrated 75% inhibition of alpha-amylase, 74% inhibition of alpha-glucosidase and a 59% increase in glucose uptake by yeast cells (3.3 ± 0.0058 at 125 μg/ml). BCPP increased the expression of the PPARγ gene in 3T3-L1 cells by 0.23-fold. There is an increase in fold change of PPAR- γ at 25 μg/ml – 0.11-fold; at 50 μg /ml – 0.25-fold; at 75 μg /ml – 0.37-fold; 100 μg /ml – 0.73-fold; and at 125 μg/ml, there is an upregulation of 1.10-fold in 3T3-L1 cells. In silico docking studies confirmed the alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibitory activities of BCPP. This study suggests the application of BCPP as a potential antidiabetic agent that can be used in drug design and pharmaceutics.
A short review of saturated fatty acids: applications and microalgal sources
Authors: Renugadevi Kasi , Jemmy Christy , Valli Nachiyar C.
Published: April 2024

Stress-related diseases have been increasing in recent decades due to industrialization and changes in our life style. Some age-related diseases, cancer and neurodegenerative diseases can be prevented by altering our life styles and consuming nutraceutical rich diets. Saturated fatty acids are considered as one of such compounds which help in preventing diseases and improving health. They are proven to have antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, neuroprotective, anticancer activity etc. They are also exploited in industries as food colouring agents, in cosmetics etc. Current demand cannot be solely met through plant and animal sources. The chemical method of synthesis of this nutraceutical has some disadvantages. Hence, it is better to find alternate microbial source of such compounds. This review focuses on the application of saturated fatty acids and their possible microalgal sources.
Development of female specific SCAR marker in spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb. Ex. Wild) and its validation
Authors: Mishra Sujit K. , Mishra Ramya R. , Nag Atul , Naik Aparupa , Panigrahi Jogeswar
Published: April 2024

Momordica dioica is a dioecious vegetable crop belonging to the family Cucurbitaceae. Fifty RAPD primers were used to analyze the male and female DNA bulks consisting of six females and six male genotypes of Momordica dioica respectively and 23 of them have differentiated the reproductive DNA bulks. One of the primers, OPB07, amplified a female reproductive bulk specific fragment of 326 bp (OPB07326) and was also present exclusively in all female genotypes used to prepare the reproductive bulk. This unique fragment OPB07326 was cloned and sequenced and was developed into female specific SCAR marker MdFSOPB07255. This SCAR marker has also amplified the unique female-specific fragment of 255 bp in all the six female genotypes used for the preparation of the bulk. The existence of this female-specific fragment in M. dioca genome was also affirmed by southern hybridization of DIG-labeled probe of OPB07326 with EcoRI restricted profile of all the six female genotypes. Further, the MdFSOPB07255 marker was successfully employed to identify eight female genotypes out of ten M. dioica genotypes with unknown reproductive feature. Thus, MdFSOPB07255 could be utilized as an efficient and reliable DNA marker for early differentiation of reproductive type at the sapling stage.
Модифицированный метод поиска решения сбалансированных транспортных задач: метод степенного ранга
Authors: Kumari A. , Bose T. , Gupta G. , Bala R.
Published: April 2024

The transportation problem is categorised an essential optimization problem in which a route is determined to transport a specific amount of quantity from an origin to a destinations with minimum total cost. In this paper, the authors introduce a novel method to find quick initial basic feasible solution for a balanced transportation problem. The new technique returns either the optimal solution or the solution closest to the optimal one. The proposed method is explained using a numerical problem and the results are compared with some existing methods.

Задача транспортировки классифицируется как важная задача оптимизации, в которой определяется маршрут для перевозки определенного количества товара от пункта отправления до пункта назначения с минимальными общими затратами. В этой статье авторы представляют новый метод быстрого нахождения начальных базовых возможностей для решения сбалансированной транспортной задачи. Новый метод возвращает либо оптимальное решение, либо ближайшее к оптимальному решение. Предложенный метод иллюстрируется на примере численного решения, а полученные результаты сравниваются с некоторыми существующими методами.
Optimizing the Prediction of Adsorption in Metal-Organic Frameworks Leveraging Q-Learning
Authors: Osaro Etinosa , Colón Yamil
Published: April 2024

The application of machine learning (ML) techniques in materials science has revolutionized the pace and scope of materials research and design. In the case of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a promising class of materials due to their tunable properties and versatile applications in gas adsorption and separation, ML has helped survey the vast material space. This study explores the integration of reinforcement learning (RL), specifically Q-learning, with Gaussian processes (GPs) for predictive modeling of adsorption in MOFs. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the RL-driven framework in guiding the selection of training data points and optimizing predictive model performance for methane and carbon dioxide adsorption, using two different reward metrics. Our results highlight the adaptability and versatility of RL in navigating the adsorption predictions in MOFs, with the integration of GPs enhancing the robustness and reliability of predictive modeling.
Deciphering Spin-Activity Relationship of FeN4 Moieties Bridged in Halogenated MXenes for Oxy-gen Reduction
Authors: Zhang Shuren , Sun Genban
Published: April 2024

Spin control of FeN4 moieties is critical for enhancing the electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The relationship between Fe-N4 spin state transitions and ORR activity is complex and remains controversial due to discrepancies between theoretical models and experimental catalyst structures, along with potential misinterpreting characterization data. In this study, we utilized Ti3C2Tx MXenes with various terminations (−I, −Br, −Cl, −F, and −O), integrated with iron phthalocyanine (FePc), to form model catalysts with defined FeN4-Tx-Ti structures, allowing for precise modulation of the FeN4 spin states and establishing a clear correlation between the intermediate spin state and improved ORR performance. Specifically, Ti3C2Brx/FePc, featuring 88.1% intermediate spin state, exhibited superior electrochemical performances, with an ORR half-wave potential of 0.94 V versus RHE, and doubled power densities in Zn-air batteries (252.5 mW cm-2) and H2-O2 fuel cells (350.7 mW cm-2) compared to FePc with 17.1% intermediate spin state. Theoretical studies confirmed that the intermediate spin state leads to electron filling in the anti-bonding orbital composed of Fe 3dz2 and O2 π* orbitals, significantly improving O2 activation and ORR activity. This research advances our understanding of the spin-related origins of catalytic activity and sets the stage for the design and optimization of advanced ORR catalysts.
When Do Quantum Mechanical Descriptors Help Graph Neural Networks Predict Chemical Properties?
Authors: Li Shih-Cheng , Wu Haoyang , Menon Angiras , Spiekermann Kevin , Li Yi-Pei , Green William
Published: April 2024

Deep graph neural networks are extensively utilized to predict chemical reactivity and molecular properties. However, because of the complexity of chemical space, such models often have difficulty extrapolating beyond the chemistry contained in the training set. Augmented model with quantum mechanical (QM) descriptors is anticipated to improve its generalizability. However, obtaining QM descriptors often requires CPU-intensive computational chemistry calculations. To identify when QM descriptors help graph neural networks predict chemical properties, we conduct a systematic investigation of the impact of atom, bond, and molecular QM descriptors on the performance of directed message passing neural networks (D-MPNNs) for predicting 16 molecular properties. The analysis surveys computational and experimental targets, classification and regression tasks, and varied dataset sizes from several hundred to hundreds of thousands of datapoints. Our results indicate that QM descriptors are mostly beneficial for D-MPNN performance on small datasets, provided that the descriptors correlate well with the targets and can be readily computed with high accuracy. Otherwise, using QM descriptors can add cost without benefit or even introduce unwanted noise that can degrade model performance. Strategic integration of QM descriptors with D-MPNN unlocks potential for physics-informed, data-efficient modeling with some interpretability that can streamline de novo drug and material designs. To facilitate the use of QM descriptors in machine learning workflows for chemistry, we provide a set of guidelines regarding when and how to best leverage QM descriptors, a high-throughput workflow to compute them, and an enhancement to Chemprop, a widely adopted open-source D-MPNN implementation for chemical property prediction.
PregPred: an In-Silico Alternative to Animal Testing for Predicting Developmental Toxicity Potential
Authors: Tieghi Ricardo , Rath Marielle , Moreira-Filho Jose , Wellnitz James , Martin Holli-Joi , Gates Kathleen , Hogberg-Durdock Helena , Kleinstreuer Nicole , Tropsha Alexander , Muratov Eugene
Published: April 2024

Background: Understanding potential prenatal and development toxicity hazard associated with the use of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products is an important component of women health. This hazard can be estimated from chemical structure of respective agents using Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship (QSAR) models; however, the development of reliable models is challenging due to the complex nature of this endpoint. Methods: Aggregating and curating data from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Teratogen Information System (TERIS) database, and select independent studies, we have created, to the best of our knowledge, the largest publicly available dataset comprising compounds annotated as developmental toxicants or not toxicants. Results: We built several binary classification QSAR models exhibiting a correct classification rate of 62-72%, a sensitivity of 66-75%, a specificity of 59-82%, and high coverage of 70-90% assessed using five-fold external validation protocol. We developed a publicly accessible web portal PregPred for developmental toxicity prediction of both overall toxicity and trimester-specific toxicity predictions. Conclusions: Due to high accuracy and coverage as well as public accessibility of the respective web portal, our models can be employed as a computational tool to support regulatory assessment of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products in alignment with the 3Rs (refining, reducing, and replacing) of animal testing. This in silico model holds the potential to substantially influence the field of developmental toxicology, steering regulatory practices toward safer drug development for pregnant women. The first-of-its-kind curated dataset of developmental toxicants and all developed models implemented as a user-friendly web tool, PregPred, are freely available at https://pregpred.mml.unc.edu/).
Complex Pathways Drive Pluripotent Fmoc-Leucine Self-assemblies
Authors: Singh Nishant , Paul Subir , Gayen Kousik , Gil Cantavella Pau , Escuder Beatriu
Published: April 2024

Nature uses complex self-assembly pathways to access distinct functional non-equilibrium self-assemblies. This remarkable ability to steer same set of biomolecules into different self-assembly states is done by avoiding thermodynamic pit. In synthetic systems, on demand control over ‘Pathway Complexity’ to access self-assemblies different from equilibrium structures remains challenging. Here we show versatile non-equilibrium assemblies of the same monomer via alternate assembly pathways. The assemblies nucleate using non-classical or classical nucleation routes into distinct metastable (transient hydrogels), kinetic (stable hydrogels) and thermodynamic structures [(poly)-crystals and 2D sheets]. Initial chemical and thermal inputs force the monomers to follow different assembly pathways and form soft-materials with distinct molecular arrangements than at equilibrium. In many cases, equilibrium structures act as thermodynamic sink which consume monomers from metastable structures giving transiently formed materials. This dynamics can be tuned chemically or thermally to slow down the dissolution of transient hydrogel, or skip the intermediate hydrogel altogether to reach final equilibrium assemblies. If required this metastable state can be kinetically trapped to give strong hydrogel stable over days. This method to control different self-assembly states can find potential use in similar biomimetic systems to access new materials for various applications.
Complex Pathways Drive Pluripotent Fmoc-Leucine Self-assemblies
Authors: Paul Subir , Gayen Kousik , Gil Cantavella Pau , Escuder Beatriu , Singh Nishant
Published: April 2024

Nature uses complex self-assembly pathways to access distinct functional non-equilibrium self-assemblies. This remarkable ability to steer same set of biomolecules into different self-assembly states is done by avoiding thermodynamic pit. In synthetic systems, on demand control over ‘Pathway Complexity’ to access self-assemblies different from equilibrium structures remains challenging. Here we show versatile non-equilibrium assemblies of the same monomer via alternate assembly pathways. The assemblies nucleate using non-classical or classical nucleation routes into distinct metastable (transient hydrogels), kinetic (stable hydrogels) and thermodynamic structures [(poly)-crystals and 2D sheets]. Initial chemical and thermal inputs force the monomers to follow different assembly pathways and form soft-materials with distinct molecular arrangements than at equilibrium. In many cases, equilibrium structures act as thermodynamic sink which consume monomers from metastable structures giving transiently formed materials. This dynamics can be tuned chemically or thermally to slow down the dissolution of transient hydrogel, or skip the intermediate hydrogel altogether to reach final equilibrium assemblies. If required this metastable state can be kinetically trapped to give strong hydrogel stable over days. This method to control different self-assembly states can find potential use in similar biomimetic systems to access new materials for various applications.
Rhodium-Catalyzed [5 + 1 + 2] Cycloaddition of Yne-3-Acyloxy-1,4-Enynes (YACEs) and Carbon Monoxide: Reaction Development and Mechanism
Authors: Cui Qi , Zhang Pan , Li Bing-Wen , Jin Yi , Zhang Qianwei , Bai Hong-Xi , Yu Zhi-Xiang
Published: April 2024

Developing new reaction to synthesize challenging eight-membered carbocycles is a research frontier of organic synthesis. Reported here is the development of the first Rh-catalyzed [5 + 1 + 2] cycloaddition of yne-3-acyloxy-1,4-enyne (Yne-ACEs, short as YACEs) and CO, in which sequentially 5-carbon (generated from 3-acyloxy-1,4-enynes), 1-carbon (CO) and 2-carbon (alkynes) are embedded into the final 5/8 scaffold containing cyclooctatrienone structure. This reaction has broad scope and can be carried out under mild conditions. Keys to the success of the present [5 + 1 + 2] reaction, discovered and supported by experiments and ab initio calculations, include: using terminal alkyne in the 3-acyloxy-1,4-enyne moiety of the substrates so that 1,2-acyloxy migration (instead of 1,3-acyloxy migration, a step required for competing [4 + 2 + 1] reaction) can be realized; applying electron-rich aryl group (here is p-dimethylamino aryl) in the acyloxy group to make [5 + 1] pathway disfavored. Quantum chemical calculations have also been used to answer why this reaction is [5 + 1 + 2] but not [5 + 2 + 1] (where alkyne insertion is ahead of CO insertion), and the factors disfavoring the competitive [5 + 2], [5 + 1] and [4 + 2 + 1] reactions.
VOCES DE NIÑEZ MIGRANTE EN CHILLÁN. RELATOS DE MITOS Y LEYENDAS SIN FRONTERAS
Authors: Mora María Loreto
Published: April 2024

Compilación de mitos y leyendas de niños y niñas migrantes residentes en la ciudad de Chillán, Chile
Food insecurity and sociodemographic factors in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Novoa-Sanzana Stephanie , Moya-Osorio José , Morejón Terán Yadira , Ríos-Castillo Israel , Becerra Granados Luis Miguel , Prada Gómez Gloria , Ramos de Ixtacuy Mónica , Fernández Condori Roxana Carla , Nessier María Celeste , Guerrero Gómez Ana , González-Céspedes Laura , Nava-González Edna J. , Pérez Ocampo Luisa , Castillo-Albarracín Adriana Nathaly , Durán-Agüero Samuel
Published: April 2024

Objective.

To understand the association of food insecurity with sociodemographic factors in a sample population in Latin America during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods.

This was a multicenter cross-sectional study conducted in 10 countries in Latin America using an online survey through various digital platforms from October 14, 2020 to February 15, 2021. Statistical analysis of data was performed by applying descriptive statistics, chi-square test, and logistic regression analysis.

Results.

Of a total of 6 357 surveys, 58.2% of respondents experienced food security, 29.3% were slightly food insecure, 9.2% were moderately food insecure, and 3.3% were severely food insecure. Concerning the association food insecurity and sociodemographic variables, there is a significant association in the variables studied, including area of residence, education level, occupation, number of persons in the household, household with children younger than 10 years of age, and socioeconomic level.

Conclusions.

These findings indicate that sociodemographic factors associated with food insecurity during the COVID-19 pandemic in Latin America were rural residence; complete and incomplete basic and secondary schooling; occupation (homemaker, unemployed, and self-employed); low, medium-low, and medium socioeconomic level; household with more than four persons; and household with children younger than 10 years of age.
INFLUENCE OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL AND MEDIUM FAMILY BUSINESSES ON CRM IMPLEMENTATION: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Hail Chifae El , Koraichi Mustapha El
Published: April 2024

Purpose: This paper aims to explore the customer relationship management (CRM) strategies adopted by Family Small and Medium Entreprises (SME), while highlighting the impact of their characteristics and their assets on the choice and the adoption of these CRM strategies.
 
Methodology: Since the unique case study approach allows in-depth, multi-faceted explorations of complex issues, we opted for it as a research strategy in order to develop a detailed understanding of the problem. Therefore, an in-depth case study was carried out within a small and medium family business in Morocco.
 
Findings: Through this study, we have highlighted causal links between the characteristics and specificities of the family SMEs and their impacts on the adoption and implementation of CRM tools and strategies. While some characteristics linked to the nature of family SMEs such as participatory management style, familiness, the desire to transmit the business to future generations and proximity to customers constitute assets for the implementation of CRM, other characteristics, such as the desire to maintain financial independence and recruitment policies that are most often in favor of family members despite their competence, can negatively influence the implementation of successful CRM projects.
 
Implications for Theory and Practice: The results of the present paper allow the authors to draw conclusions that are relevant to both academics and practitioners. As for the theoretical implications, this study highlights the relationship between the characteristics of family SMEs and the choice and implementation of CRM strategies, while relying on their strengths. Furthermore, developing a good understanding of the specificity of CRM adoption and implementation approaches within family SMEs has important managerial implications for family SME decision-makers, as it can help them make better decisions regarding the choice of relevant CRM strategies and to optimize the deployment of available human, financial and technological resources, while relying on their socio-emotional wealth and their motivation to perpetuate the company.
 
Originality: This paper is one of the first to explore CRM strategies adopted by family SMEs. The authors present a conceptual framework that can help researchers and practitioners better understand how the family business nature can influence decisions about CRM tools and strategies implementation.
WORK STRESS AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THE EMPLOYEES OF A SERVICE COMPANY IN THE CITY OF MANIZALES
Authors: Diaz Jairo Toro , Grajales Jairo Carmona , Soto Elvia Margoth Echeverry , Arias Gabriel Eduardo Escobar
Published: April 2024

Objective: The study seeks to determine the levels of work stress in the employees of a service company, describing the causes and their financial impact.

 

Theoretical Framework: The concepts of work stress defined as a general state of tension that triggers different emotional, cognitive, physiological and behavioral reactions are addressed, as well as some causing factors such as: Physical Environment, Job Demand, Knowing the tasks and interpersonal relationships.

 

Method: The study has a mixed approach, where qualitative categories were given quantitative management of the data, to find numerical evidence and be able to explain in more detail the presence of the event. The ILO-WHO Work Stress scale was used as an instrument, which was applied to 33 employees of a Contact Center company in the city of Manizales.

 

Results and Discussion: The results obtained revealed that work stress is below the limit of the intermediate stress range (81.09 / 90.02) and that due to Absenteeism and Turnover, the company has had costs of $43,995,586 COP according to approximate calculations.

 

Research Implications: The evidence from the study showed information that allows companies in the service sector to generate strategies for stress management and contribute to reducing costs due to absenteeism and turnover, the above could be used in other sectors or companies in the region.

 

Originality/Value: The value lies in contributing to the development of the state of the art on the subject and as a reference for future studies since the state of the art shows little research in Contact Center companies in Latin America, likewise for companies generating well-being strategies and the management of the stress.
Sharia Risk of Government-Owned Islamic Rural Banks during COVID-19 in Indonesia
Authors: Nisa Riza Zahrotun , Nainggolean Yunieta Anny , Faturohman Taufik
Published: April 2024

This study examines the effect of government ownership on the sharia risk of Islamic rural banks using all publicly available data of 156 BPRSs from 23 provinces in Indonesia. This research uses a quantitative method with secondary data obtained from the Financial Services Authority (OJK). Regressions using panel data regressions are employed to analyze the relationship between government ownership and sharia risk. Non-halal income is employed to measure the sharia risk between 2019 Q4 and 2020 Q3, representing the timeline before and during COVID-19. In all models and periods, the results found a significant positive effect of government ownership variables on non-halal income. However, the degree decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reveals that government-owned Islamic rural banks are found to have lower non-halal income during the pandemic. We also find that more significant firms with higher leverage tend to have higher non-halal income. This study is expected to contribute to the still thin literature on sharia risk, especially in the context of Islamic rural banks in Indonesia. Results will have implications to the regulator to assure the sharia compliance of the Islamic finance industry. This is essential to gain trust from the Islamic society, which is concerned about the observance of Islamic banks.JEL: G21
A Model to Identify the Potential Target for Leveraged Buyout
Authors: Hermawan Devina , Tanuwijaya Elaine , Aditama Jonathan , Kusno John Iwan , Teja Adrian
Published: April 2024

This study aims to find a model based on agency theory to identify the target firms of leveraged buyout (LBO) transactions one year ahead. The likelihood of a firm being a target in an LBO transaction is estimated using logistic regression. The dependent variable is defined as one for the LBO target and zeroes otherwise. The independent variables are a firm's financial characteristics related to agency problems: leverage, tangible assets, free cash flow, market-to-book value ratio, profitability, and revenue growth. The sample is public-to-private LBO transactions in the United States from 2009 to 2019. We find that a firm with high leverage and free cash flow is more likely to become an LBO target. The findings are consistent with the agency theory. The management uses firm high free cash flow to gain more debt to pursue their benefits which is detrimental to shareholders' interest. Contrary to previous research, the firm's tangible asset does not increase the likelihood of becoming an LBO target.
Factors Affecting Potential Company Bankruptcy During The Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Rinofah Risal , Kusumawardhani Ratih , Maha Putri Virginia Athadhita
Published: April 2024

The Covid-19 pandemic that occurred has damaged the Economy of Indonesia and even the world. This poses a threat to companies in various sectors. Thus, this study aims to test the role of financial ratios (current ratio, debt to asset ratio, return on asset, total asset turnover, sales growth) and macroeconomic factors (inflation, exchange rate, interest rates, and economic growth) in predicting financial distress conditions in the pharmaceutical, telecommunications, hotel and restaurant, health, financing institutions listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, with the research model altman Z-Score Modification as measured by methods based on multiple linear regression. The data used in this study is secondary data, in the form of company financial statements taken quarterly for 2019-2020. The results proved that the current ratio, total asset turnover, sales growth had a significant positive effect in predicting financial distress. In contrast, the debt to asset ratio had a significant negative impact, while inflation, exchange rates, interest rates, and economic growth did not affect financial distress conditions.
Do executive compensation and government ownership effected performance banking listed in Asean?
Authors: Sihombing Rut Nova Gita , Setiawan Doddy
Published: April 2024

This study identifies and analyzes the relationship between executive compensation and government ownership effected performance banking listed in Asean. The research sample is 96 Asean listed companies. This study examines the static between the framework, which controls for the specific effects of each of the factors being tested. This study finds that executive compensation has effect positively on ROE and Tobin’s Q. This finding indicates that investors perceive this as advantageous conditions. This indicates that executive compensation effect how board of executive improve bank performance. Another result shows that government ownership has a positive effect on bank performance.
The M&A Short-Term Wealth Effect of A Consistent Dividend-Paying Firm
Authors: Tirtasaputra Veeghan Frances , Salim Veren Geby , Kusno John Iwan , Teja Adrian
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe paper examines the MA short-term wealth effect of a consistent dividend-paying firm. The consistent dividend-paying firm is unique because they are associated with lower agency problems. Hence, it is expected that the MA by the dividend-paying firm has a short-term positive wealth effect. To test the hypothesis, we perform two steps analysis. The event-study method examines the acquirer stock performance on the announcement date, the deal close date, and the announcement to deal close date. The cross-section regression to test the short-term wealth effect of MA by the dividend-paying firm. The dependent variable is the acquirer's stock performance from the event-study method. The independent variable is a dividend-paying firm. The control variables are the acquisition deal value relative to the acquirer's stock market capitalization, the acquirer's stock dividend yield, and the acquirer's price-to-book value (PBV) ratio. The samples are MA transactions in ASEAN-5 (Indonesia, Malaysia, The Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam) for 2015-2019. The regression analysis shows that the variable representing a dividend- paying firm has a negative sign. The finding suggests that investors react negatively to the MA by the dividend-paying firm. The negative wealth effect is relatively small compared to the MA deal value and the acquirer's stock valuation. The result is that the MA by a dividend-paying firm provides a short-term positive wealth effect.JEL: G34, G35
The Role of Locus of Control as a Mediation of Financial Literacy and Financial Inclusion on The Financial Performance of MSMEs
Authors: Budiasni Ni Wayan Novi , Ayuni Ni Made Sri
Published: April 2024

This study examines the relationship between financial literacy and financial inclusion of MSMEs' financial performance in Buleleng Regency, where the locus of control variables are intervening variables. This phenomenon is essential to be studied given the condition of the performance of MSMEs in the Buleleng Regency, which is not optimal, and the importance of the MSME sector to improve the national economy. This research was conducted using quantitative methods and data analysis techniques using SEM (Structural Equation Modeling) with the PLS (Partial Least Square) method. The processed sample is 100 MSMEs samples with the Slovin formula determined by the random sampling technique. The test results show that the locus of control can intervene variables between financial literacy and financial inclusion of MSME's financial performance in Buleleng Regency with a positive and significant influence. These results reinforce that the Locus of Control has an important role in supporting the influence between financial literacy and financial inclusion on the financial performance of MSMEs in the Buleleng Regency.
Financial Inclusion on Indonesia's Financial System Stability: The Role Intervening of Financial Technology
Authors: Endiana I Dewa Made , Merawati Luh Komang
Published: April 2024

This study aims to express the concept of thinking related to in-depth financial development through financial inclusion with the intervention of new technological developments which are expected to have a positive impact on increasing the stability of Indonesia's financial system. This study uses the Estimation Error Correction Model (ECM). Banking instruments represented by international investment banking have a significant effect in the long term on the stability of the Indonesian financial system. Then on financial inclusion instruments, the number of financial office services has a significant influence on NPL performance which reflects the performance of the financial system. Fintech instruments that encourage financial inclusion, such as the number of ATMs and e-money, do not have a significant impact on financial system stability. Policy recommendations that can be made can be through fintech socialization as a form of financial integration to achieve speed, effectiveness and efficiency of access to unbanked communities. In addition, in the short term, as the socialization and realization of fintech processes are integrated into the unbankable community, the construction of bank branches as financial service offices also needs to be carried out as an effort to expand the deepening of access to financial information and services
Interaction between Gender and Cognitive Factor toward Investment Decision
Authors: Situngkir Tiar Lina , Nugraha Nugraha , Disman Disman , Supriyatna Yayat
Published: April 2024

This study aims to analyze whether there is an influence of irrational behaviour of individual investors in determining investment decisions. The irrational behaviour studied in this article are overconfidence and risk aversion. To increase the complexity, the moderating variables of gender and income level are used to sharpen the influence on investment decisions. The data used are primary data collected from 161 individual investor respondents. The data available in this study were analysed using the Moderated Regression Analysis Technique. From the data processing results, it was found that irrational behaviour proxied by overconfidence and risk aversion has an influence on investors in determining investment decisions. It is proven that risk aversion interacts with gender in influencing investment decisions. At the same time, gender does not interact with the independent variable in influencing investment decisions. JEL : G4, G41
Strategy to Increase Sharia Banking Performance through Value-added Creation Intellectual
Authors: Supriyadi Didit
Published: April 2024

Based on the continuous flourishing of Sharia banking all over the globe, the current study aims to examine the impact of various factors on Sharia banking performance. These factors include cost efficiency, financial risks, funding, board characteristics, environmental analysis, and strategic value-added creation intellectual. A quantitative research methodology with a survey technique was employed to collect 421 respondents' data from 33 financial institutions, including 20 Sharia business units and 13 Sharia commercial banks. Descriptive analysis and structural equation modeling were performed in SmartPLS 3.0 software. The findings revealed the significant positive impact of environmental analysis on board characteristics, financial risk, cost efficiency, and funding. Likewise, results revealed the significant impact of board characteristics on financial risks, cost efficiency, funding, and value-added creation intellectual. Strategic value-added creation intellectual was found to positively impact the performance of Sharia banking in Indonesia. Except funding that has a moderate influence on Sharia banking performance, all other variables reflected the strong presence and impact on Sharia banking performance. The current study is novel in the existing body of literature by introducing this strategic value-added creation intellectual as a predictor of Sharia banking performance in Indonesia, along with the impacts of various other factors. Theoretically, the current study adds to the body of literature by providing a comprehensive framework related to the factors that impact Sharia banking performance. Moreover, based on the study results, the banks should keep a fair track of their capital and returns to enhance their performance. Simultaneously, it helps Sharia banks identify the significance of winning the investors' confidence by providing them security and catering to their needs cost-effectively.