bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Framing the wider determinants of health and health inequalities: local stakeholder views in England
Authors: Such Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Background:

Despite decades of concern, health inequalities persist and collaborations to address them at a local level are yet to prove effective. One potential way of improving actions to address health inequalities is to pay greater attention to the way the problems and solutions are framed.

Aims and objectives:

The aims of the study were to: 1) review existing advice and guidance on how to frame the wider determinants of health, health inequalities and how to address them in policy; 2) critically appraise this guidance with reference to a study of local action to address the wider determinants of health and health inequalities in England; and 3) offer insight into the future of framing these issues at the local level.

Methods:

An exploratory qualitative study of local actors’ activities and experiences that relate to framing health inequalities. Analysis is drawn from 14 in-depth, qualitative interviews with people working in health- and other-sector partnerships.

Findings:

Local actors engaged in systemic framing of the wider determinants, health inequalities and what to do about them across localities, albeit in a non-routinised or uniform way. Evidence and data were a key part of telling the story. Owing in part to resource constraint, local practitioners tended to work with people who quickly ‘got it’ (the structural, systemic nature of health inequalities) and focused their efforts on working in these partnerships; this was a reflection of the relational process of ‘co-framing’. Other tactics were used to try and persuade unconvinced colleagues or elected members. There were multiple challenges, however, to framing consistency, coherency and comprehensiveness of coverage, and using a systemic frame was no guarantee of cross-sectoral collaborative working.

Discussion and conclusion:

Re-framing health inequalities is challenging and relational for local practitioners. Local tactics that include tailoring, co-framing and building strong local examples offer promise.
Evaluation of renal markers in systemic autoimmune diseases
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hari , Yang Yuanyuan , Song Qi , Krishna Karthik , Jayaraman Vasanth , Wang Tianhao , Bei Kang , Rajasekaran John J.
Published: June 2023

Renal involvement is a common occurrence in subjects with systemic autoimmune diseases. The renal manifestation and its severity depend on the underlying condition and may reversely complicate the clinical course of autoimmune diseases. Renal function markers have been widely used in the assessment of normal functioning of kidneys including glomerular filtration rate and concentrating and diluting capacity of the kidney. An increase or decrease in the values of these markers may indicate kidney dysfunction. In this study, a number of critical renal markers were examined in seropositive autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), connective tissue disorder (CTD), and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The data from three cohorts of subjects enrolled in renal markers and autoimmune antibody testing between January 2015 to August 2019 were retrospectively studied. The prevalence of renal markers that were out of the reference range and their average levels in female and male subgroups across SLE, CTD, and RA cohorts were compared and analyzed. The levels of renal markers are significantly affected by the presence of autoantibodies, in particular eGFR, cystatin C, and albumin. Autoantibodies were also more frequent in subjects with severe renal function damage. Close follow-up of both renal markers and autoantibodies may potentially assist in the early diagnosis of kidney diseases and improve the survival and life expectancy of autoimmune patients.
Mixed-gender small-sided recreational team handball games in middle-aged and elderly are physiologically more demanding for women than men
Authors: Carneiro Ivone , Krustrup Peter , Castagna Carlo , Pereira Rita , Póvoas Susana
Published: June 2023

This study examined the physical and physiological demands and perceived experience of a multicomponent exercise mode, recreational team handball (TH), for middle-aged/elderly men and women, played as same- vs. mixed-gender 6v6 game formats. Matches’ heart rate (HR), blood lactate (BL), perceived experience, activity profile, player load and accelerometer variables were assessed. Forty-one participants, with at least 12 weeks of experience with recreational TH (22 men; 69±4 years, 19 women; 66±6 years), performed 2 same- and 2 mixed-gender matches on an indoor 40x20 m TH court. A game format-by-gender interaction was observed for mean HR (%HRmax), time spent ˃80 and ˃90%HRmax, respiratory rating of perceived exertion and for several of the external load variables (p≤0.05). During mixed-gender matches, time spent ˃80 and ˃90%HRmax, was higher for women vs. men (p≤0.017). During same- and mixed-gender matches, BL was lower for women than men (p≤0.015). Time spent ˃90%HRmaxwas lower for women (p =0.036), whereas time spent ˃80%HRmaxwas higher for men during same- vs. mixed-gender matches (p =0.034). The frequency, %total match time and distance covered with high-demanding movements were higher for men during same-gender than during mixed-gender matches (p≤0.036), and higher for men vs. women in same- and mixed-gender matches (p≤0.046). The frequency of high-intensity actions, accelerations, time spent in the higher player load zones and total accumulated player load, were higher for men vs. women during same- and mixed-gender matches (p≤0.044). Fun levels were very high (9.1–9.3 AU, 0–10). Mixed-gender small-sided recreational TH games are physiologically more demanding for middle-aged/elderly women compared to men. Men showed higher cardiovascular and activity profile demands when playing same-gender matches, which was opposite to women. Nevertheless, TH is a high-intensity and motivating exercise mode for both genders, regardless the gender game format, meaning that exercise interventions may use same- and mixed-gender matches to promote participants’ health.
Environmental enteropathy and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town Ethiopia
Authors: Regassa Rediet , Tamiru Dessalegn , Duguma Markos , Belachew Tefera
Published: June 2023

Background

Environmental Enteropathy is an inflammatory condition of the gut that leads to intestinal barrier dysfunction. It is a common problem in resource-limited countries and results from exposure to larger quantities of fecal bacteria to poor personal hygiene and environmental sanitation. Due to poor intestinal permeability, there is a problem with absorption of nutrients, which in turn leads to growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure. The aim of this study was to identify the children with an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (indicative of possible environmental enteropathy) and its association with water sanitation and hygiene in slum areas of Jimma Town so as to mitigate the problem of malnutrition in under-five children.

Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out from January to April 2021. A Lactulose mannitol test was performed to determine the prevalence of elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy) in children aged 12 to 59 months. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect data on water sanitation and hygiene (WASH) indicators and sociodemographic characteristics. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to isolate independent predictors for possible environmental enteropathy. All tests were two-sided and statistical significance was declared at P<0.05.

Results

The results of this study showed that 19.3% (95%CI: 14.8–23.7) of children had an increased lactulose to mannitol ratio (>0.15). On multivariable logistic regression analysis, the variables drinking water from unimproved water sources (AOR 3.741; 95%CI: 0.914–15.310,p = 0.048), unsafe coverage of water storage (AOR 0.363; 95%CI: 0.169–0.777, P = 0.009), public latrine utilization (AOR 0.139 95%CI: 0.024–0.816, P = 0.029),and hand washing less than 3 critical time of hand washing practices (AOR 4.369;95%CI: 1.411–13.524,P = 0.011) were significantly associated with an increased in lactulose mannitol ratio (possible indicative of intestinal permeability/environmental enteropathy).

Conclusion

This study showed that one fifth of under-five children in Jimma Town had an elevated lactulose to mannitol ratio (possibly environmental enteropathy). The WASH sectors and other governmental organizations should give emphasis to areas with poor water sanitation and hygiene to mitigate the problem of environmental enteropathy and related consequences like growth faltering, poor cognitive development, and oral-vaccine failure in the study area.
Radiation induced changes in profibrotic markers in the submental muscles and their correlation with tongue movement
Authors: King Suzanne N. , Kaissieh Nada , Haxton Chandler , Shojaei Marjan , Malott Luke , Devara Lekha , Thompson Rebecca , Osman Kate L. , Millward Jessica , Blackburn Megan , Lever Teresa E.
Published: June 2023

Swallowing impairment is a major complication of radiation treatment for oropharyngeal cancers. Developing targeted therapies that improve swallowing outcomes relies on an understanding of the mechanisms that influence motor function after radiation treatment. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there is a correlation between radiation induced changes in tongue movement and structural changes in irradiated submental muscles, as well as assess other possible causes for dysfunction. We hypothesized that a clinically relevant total radiation dose to the submental muscles would result in: a) quantifiable changes in tongue strength and displacement during drinking two months post treatment; and b) a profibrotic response and/or fiber type transition in the irradiated tissue. Sprague-Dawley adult male rats received radiation to the submental muscles at total dose-volumes known to provoke dysphagia in humans. A clinical linear accelerator administered 8 fractions of 8Gy for a total of 64Gy. Comparisons were made to sham-treated rats that received anesthesia only. Swallowing function was assessed using videofluoroscopy and tongue strength was analyzed via force lickometer. TGFβ1 expression was analyzed via ELISA. The amount of total collagen was analyzed by picrosirius red staining. Immunofluorescence was used to assess fiber type composition and size. Significant changes in licking function during drinking were observed at two months post treatment, including a slower lick rate and reduced tongue protrusion during licking. In the mylohyoid muscle, significant increases in TGFβ1 protein expression were found post radiation. Significant increases in the percentage of collagen content were observed in the irradiated geniohyoid muscle. No changes in fiber type expression were observed. Results indicate a profibrotic transition within the irradiated swallowing muscles that contributes to tongue dysfunction post-radiation treatment.
Hormonal responses to brief social interactions: The role of psychosocial stress and relationship status
Authors: Nickels McLean Nora , Maestripieri Dario
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the effects of psychosocial stress on hormonal responses to a social interaction with an opposite-sex individual to test the hypothesis that stress may interfere with or suppress adaptive neuroendocrine responses to courtship opportunities. Heterosexual men and women were randomly assigned prior to arrival to either a control or psychosocial stress condition (Trier Social Stress Test) and subsequently went through a social interaction test with an opposite-sex individual. Expected increases of testosterone for control participants who interacted with opposite-sex individuals were not observed, and changes in testosterone were not observed for those in the psychosocial stress condition either. However, exploratory analyses in control participants showed main and interaction effects of relationship status were significant for both cortisol and testosterone. Specifically, single individuals showed higher levels of cortisol compared to those in a relationship, and single individuals showed significantly higher concentrations of cortisol after a social interaction when compared to individuals who were in a relationship. For testosterone, only individuals in a relationship decreased in testosterone following the social interaction. This study suggests that relationship status and psychosocial stress may be important variables moderating the relationship between an ecological cue of a potential courtship opportunity and subsequent adaptive physiological responses.
Evaluation of the rubella surveillance system in South Africa, 2016–2018: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Gavhi Fhatuwani , De Voux Alex , Kuonza Lazarus , Motaze Nkengafac Villyen
Published: June 2023

Background

Rubella is a leading vaccine-preventable cause of birth defects. We conducted this study to evaluate the rubella surveillance system in South Africa from 2016 to 2018. The rubella surveillance system had not been evaluated since its inception; therefore, a formal evaluation is necessary to assess key attributes and to ascertain the extent to which the system achieves its objectives.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess the usefulness, simplicity, positive predictive value, timeliness, and data quality of the rubella surveillance system from 2016 to 2018. We reviewed retrospective rubella surveillance data and conducted a survey with key stakeholders of the system. We compiled a summary report from the survey and calculated the annualized detection rate of rubella and non-rubella febrile rash, positive predictive value, the proportion of complete records, and timeliness between the surveillance steps. We compared our results with recommended performance indicators from the 2015 revised World Health Organization African regional guidelines for measles and rubella surveillance.

Results

The rubella surveillance system was useful but weak in terms of simplicity. The annualized detection rate of rubella febrile rash was 1.5 per 100,000 populations in 2016, 4.4 in 2017, and 2.1 in 2018. The positive predictive value was 29.1% in 2016, 40.9% in 2017, and 32.9% in 2018. The system did not meet the timeliness goal in the health facility component but met this goal in the laboratory component. The system had poor data quality, particularly in the health facility component.

Conclusions

The rubella surveillance system was useful, although it was not simple to use and had low PPV, poor timeliness, and poor data quality. Efforts should be made to improve the system’s simplicity, PPV, timeliness, and data quality at the facility level.
Exploring regional disparities in lung cancer mortality in a Brazilian state: A cross-sectional ecological study
Authors: Dias Marques Vlaudimir , Massago Miyoko , da Silva Mariana Teixeira , Roskowski Igor , de Lima Daniel Augusto Nunes , dos Santos Lander , Louro Estela , Gonçalves Simone Tomás , Pedroso Raissa Bocchi , Obale Armstrong Mbi , Pelloso Sandra Marisa , Vissoci João Ricardo Nickenig , Staton Catherine Ann , Nihei Oscar Kenji , Carvalho Maria Dalva de Barros , Dutra Amanda de Carvalho , de Andrade Luciano
Published: June 2023

Background

Lung cancer (LC) is one of the main causes of mortality in Brazil; geographic, cultural, socioeconomic and health access factors can affect the development of the disease. We explored the geospatial distribution of LC mortality, and associated factors, between 2015 and 2019, in Parana state, Brazil.

Methods and findings

We obtained mortality (from the Brazilian Health Informatics Department) and population rates (from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics [IBGE]) in people over 40 years old, accessibility of oncology centers by municipality, disease diagnosis rate (from Brazilian Ministry of Health), the tobacco production rate (IBGE) and Parana Municipal Performance Index (IPDM) (from Parana Institute for Economic and Social Development). Global Moran’s Index and Local Indicators of Spatial Association were performed to evaluate the spatial distribution of LC mortality in Parana state. Ordinary Least Squares Regression and Geographically Weighted Regression were used to verify spatial association between LC mortality and socioeconomic indicators and health service coverage. A strong spatial autocorrelation of LC mortality was observed, with the detection of a large cluster of high LC mortality in the South of Parana state. Spatial regression analysis showed that all independent variables analyzed were directly related to LC mortality by municipality in Paraná.

Conclusions

There is a disparity in the LC mortality in Parana state, and inequality of socioeconomic and accessibility to health care services could be associated with it. Our findings may help health managers to intensify actions in regions with vulnerability in the detection and treatment of LC.
Evaluation of the influence of correcting for gillnet selectivity on the estimation of population parameters
Authors: Klein Zachary , McCormick Joshua
Published: June 2023

Gill nets are a common sampling technique in inland and marine fisheries. However, gill nets are size selective and may result in bias estimates of population parameters. As such, selectivity is commonly assessed using indirect estimation techniques. Indirect estimates of gillnet selectivity have been suggested to improve estimates of important populations metrics (e.g., total annual mortality), but this assertion has not been assessed. In the current study, we simulated hypothetical populations of channel catfishIctalurus punctatus, lake troutSalvelinus namaycush, walleyeSander vitreus, and white crappiePomoxis annularisand sampled the populations based on published gillnet encounter and retention probabilities. Total annual mortality and von Bertalanffy parameters were then estimated using unadjusted (not “correcting” for selectivity processes) and adjusted (“correcting” for selectivity processes) age and(or) length data to evaluate the value of accounting for gillnet selectivity when estimating these metrics. Our results indicate that adjusting for retention and encounter probabilities rarely leads to improved estimates of total annual mortality,K, andL∞. For instance, estimates of annual mortality of lake trout based on age data adjusted for retention probability resulted in an overestimate ofAby 14.4%. As such, we suggest that analysis of gillnet selectivity only be used when specific questions are being addressed (e.g., catch-at-age models) or in situation when all processes contributing to gillnet selectivity (e.g., contact probability, size-specific availability) are known.
Anemia in an ethnic minority group in lower northern Thailand: A community-based study investigating the prevalence in relation to inherited hemoglobin disorders and iron deficiency
Authors: Pyae Thinzar Win , Sanchaisuriya Kanokwan , Athikamanon Surasak , Sanchaisuriya Pattara , Srivorakun Hataichanok , Chaibunruang Attawut , Fucharoen Supan
Published: June 2023

Background

Anemia is a globally well-known major public health problem. In Southeast Asia where there is ethnic diversity, both iron deficiency (ID) and inherited hemoglobin disorders (IHDs) are prevalent and are considered to be the major factors contributing to anemia. However, little is known about the anemia burden among the ethnic minorities. In this study, we determine the burden of anemia, in relation to ID and IHDs, among the Karen ethnic minorities living in the rural area of lower northern Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted at Ban Rai district, Uthai Thani province. Study participants included 337 Karen people aged over 18 years. Socio-economic and health-related information were obtained through interviews and recorded by local health staff. Anemia, IHDs and ID were diagnosed according to standard laboratory methods. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was applied to identify risk factors of moderate-to-severe anemia.

Results

The prevalence of overall anemia was 27.9% (95% CI = 23.2–33.0). Mild and moderate anemia were detected in 18.7% (95% CI = 14.7–23.3) and 8.9% (95% CI = 6.1–12.5) respectively. Severe anemia was found in one case (0.3%). Various forms of IHDs were identified in 166 participants, constituting 49.3% (95% CI = 43.8–54.7). The most common form of IHDs was α+-thalassemia (32.9%), followed by β-thalassemia (12.2%), α0-thalassemia (4.2%), hemoglobin E (3.9%), and hemoglobin Constant Spring (0.9%). Among 308 participants who were investigated for ID, the prevalence was discovered to be 6.8% (95% CI = 4.3–10.2). Analysis of risk factors of moderate-to-severe anemia revealed that individuals with ID, β-thalassemia and age > 65 years were at high risk with adjusted odds ratio of 17 (95% CI = 3.8–75.2), 6.2 (95% CI = 1.4–27.8) and 8.1 (95% CI = 1.6–40.4) respectively.

Conclusions

Anemia among the Karen is of public health significance; and IHDs are the major contributing factors. Because of the high risk of developing moderate-to-severe anemia, special attention should be paid to individuals affected with ID, β-thalassemia and the elderly. Public awareness of the health burden of severe thalassemia syndromes should also be campaigned.
Environmental inefficiencies for arrival flights at European airports
Authors: Olive Xavier , Sun Junzi , Basora Luis , Spinielli Enrico
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we analyze two months of trajectory data for aircraft landing in five major European airports. Based on open ADS-B data from the OpenSky Network and open performance models, we enrich all trajectories with automatically detected procedure information, fuel consumption, and emissions for supported aircraft types. To assess the inefficiencies associated with holding patterns, point merges, and continuous descent operations across different airports, we propose methodologies to quantify and compare these environmental inefficiencies. Holding patterns are found to have a higher negative impact on the environment than point merge and continuous descent operations. Furthermore, the paper provides recommendations for procedure evaluations of future airports, which could help policymakers and relevant stakeholders to evaluate the environmental performances of arrival procedures based on open data and open models.
A cross-sectional study of fear of surgery in female breast cancer patients: Prevalence, severity, and sources, as well as relevant differences among patients experiencing high, moderate, and low fear of surgery
Authors: Engel Sophia , Jacobsen Henrik Børsting , Reme Silje Endresen
Published: June 2023

Background

Fear of surgery has been associated with more postoperative pain, disability, and a lower quality of life among patients undergoing various surgical procedures. While qualitative studies indicate breast cancer patients to be afraid of surgery, detailed quantitative analyses are lacking. The present research aimed at investigating the prevalence, severity, and sources of fear of surgery in this patient group and to compare patients reporting different degrees of such fear.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 204 breast cancer patients, 18–70 years old, and scheduled for surgery at Oslo University Hospital, Norway. Following their preoperative visit participants completed validated psychological questionnaires online. Among these, the primary outcome measure, the Surgical Fear Questionnaire (SFQ; scores: 0–10 per item, 0–80 overall). Patients were grouped based on SFQ-percentiles (<25th= little, 25th–75th= moderate and >75thpercentile = high fear) and compared on psychological (anxiety, depression, experienced injustice, optimism and expected postsurgical pain), sociodemographic, and medical outcomes.

Results

195 patients completed the SFQ. On average fear of surgery was low (M = 26.41, SD = 16.0, median = 26, min-max = 0–80), but omnipresent. Only 1.5% (n = 3) indicated no fear at all. Overall, patients feared surgery itself the most (M = 3.64, SD = 2.8). Groups differed significantly (p < .001) in their experience of anxiety, depression, and injustice, as well as their disposition to be optimistic, and expectance of postsurgical pain. Differences between groups concerning demographic and medical information were largely insignificant.

Discussion

This study was the first to demonstrate fear of surgery to be prevalent and relevant among female breast cancer patients. The higher a patients’ fear group, the poorer their preoperative psychological constitution. This, largely irrespective of their current diagnoses or treatments, medical history, and demographics. Fear of surgery might thus cater as a prognostic marker and treatment target in this patient group. However, given the cross-sectional character of the present data, prognostic studies are needed to evaluate such claims.
The role of flavin mononucleotide (FMN) as a potentially clinically relevant biomarker to predict the quality of kidney grafts during hypothermic (oxygenated) machine perfusion
Authors: van de Leemkolk Fenna E. M. , Lo Faro M. Letizia , Shaheed Sadr , Mulvey John F. , Huurman Volkert A. L. , Alwayn Ian P. J. , Putter Hein , Jochmans Ina , Lindeman Jan H. N. , Ploeg Rutger J. ,   on behalf of the COMPARE Trial Collaboration and the Consortium for Organ Preservation in Europe (COPE)
Published: June 2023

Hypothermic machine perfusion (HMP) provides preservation superior to cold storage and may allow for organ assessment prior to transplantation. Since flavin mononucleotide (FMN) in perfusate has been proposed as a biomarker of organ quality during HMP of donor livers, the aim of this study was to validate FMN as a biomarker for organ quality in the context of HMP preserved kidneys. Perfusate samples (n = 422) from the paired randomised controlled COPE-COMPARE-trial, comparing HMP with oxygenation (HMPO2) versus standard HMP in kidneys, were used. Fluorescence intensity (FI) was assessed using fluorescence spectroscopy (excitation 450nm; emission 500-600nm) and validated by fluorospectrophotometer and targeted liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Fluorescence intensity (FI)(ex450;em500-600) increased over time during machine perfusion in both groups (p<0.0001). This increase was similar for both groups (p = 0.83). No correlation, however, was found between FI(ex450;em500-600) and post-transplant outcomes, including day 5 or 7 serum creatinine (p = 0.11; p = 0.16), immediate graft function (p = 0.91), creatinine clearance and biopsy-proven rejection at one year (p = 0.14; p = 0.59). LC-MS/MS validation experiments of samples detected FMN in only one perfusate sample, whilst the majority of samples with the highest fluorescence (n = 37/38, 97.4%) remained negative. In the context of clinical kidney HMP, fluorescence spectroscopy unfortunately appears to be not specific and probably unsuitable for FMN. This study shows that FMN does not classify as a clinically relevant predictive biomarker of kidney graft function after transplantation.
Is Faith Supernatural?
Authors: Ruczaj Stanisław
Published: June 2023

The Cognitive Science of Religion represents a contemporary attempt at a naturalistic explanation of religion. There is debate as to whether its account of how religious beliefs arise is reconcilable with the religious account, which holds that religious beliefs are caused by God. In my paper, I argue that these two accounts cannot be reconciled when it comes to the specific question of how Christian religious beliefs arise if one accepts an important theological doctrine of the supernaturality of Christian belief. This doctrine implies that there can be no natural explanation for how Christian beliefs arise because they are a gift of divine grace. This leads to a conundrum for Christian theists: they can either reject the CSR account of how their religious beliefs arise, or they can reject the supernaturality of Christian belief. I argue that the latter is preferable. I then draw on the work of the theologian Denis Edwards to illustrate how one can drop this doctrine without abandoning some other fundamental tenets of Christian theology.
A Basic Two-Sector New Keynesian DSGE Model of the Indian Economy
Authors: KUMAR Anshul
Published: June 2023

Indian economy is going through underlying changes in the post-pandemic recovery process. Effects of policies, monetary or fiscal, on macroeconomy need a thorough analysis in these recessionary times. In this context, this study develops a closed-economy DSGE model to see the impact of monetary policy on the Indian economy. The model includes price rigidities, and parameters are calibrated using the data on Indian economy. The model includes two sectors – intermediate goods and final goods producers, an inflation-targeting regime following the Taylor rule. Model is simulated for a positive productivity shock and an expansionary monetary policy shock. Results show that a positive productivity shock improves overall economic activity, and an expansionary monetary policy shock increases output for the short term only.
Enjoying a Quiet Life Even During a Great Recession? Evidence From the Greek Olive Oil Industry
Authors: KERAMIDOU Ioanna , MIMIS Angelos
Published: June 2023

The research investigates the link between market concentration and efficiency by analyzing the Greek olive oil industry data from 2006 to 2014. Unlike previous research on this issue, which focused on the impact of overall company efficiency on market power, we study the association between the three types of firm efficiency (profit, technical, and scale) and market concentration. Our theoretical framework and research assumptions were not predefined but were generated by modelling the data from the Greek oil olive sector through data mining techniques. The predicted causal relationships constructed in the preceding stage were investigated using partial least squares path modeling (PLS-PM) regression. The results show a significant negative relationship between market concentration and technical and profit efficiency. The paucity of completion resulted in prolonged firm inefficiencies, demonstrating that Greek enterprises, even during a severe recession, refrained from rigorous efforts to enhance technical and profit efficiency as they would in a competitive market, preferring instead to live a quiet life (QL). This study has several policy implications for regulators and policymakers, such as extending antitrust rules, which may enhance company efficiency and competitiveness.
International Tourism, Financial Deepening and Economic Growth: Insights from Southern African Countries
Authors: MISHRA P. K. , ROUT Himanshu B. , SAHOO Debasis , KUMAR Pradip , CHAINI S. R.
Published: June 2023

The impact of tourism development on financial development via its effects on economic growth and country openness in Southern African countries for the period 1995 to 2019 was examined relying on pooled mean group-based estimation of panel ARDL regression, and the results lend supports to the tourism-led financial development hypothesis in these countries in the long-run. The findings infer that the development of the travel and tourism sector can spur financial development as the former by contributing to output, employment and income warrant an enhanced role of the financial sector.
Characterizing the Anchoring Effects of Official Forecasts on Private Expectations
Authors: BARRERA CHAUPIS Carlos R.
Published: June 2023

The paper proposes a method for simultaneously estimating the treatment effects of a change in a policy variable on a numerable set of interrelated outcome variables (different moments from the same probability density function). Firstly, it defines a non-Gaussian probability density function as the outcome variable. Secondly, it uses a functional regression to explain the density in terms of a set of scalar variables. From both the observed and the fitted probability density functions, two sets of interrelated moments are then obtained by simulation. Finally, a set of difference-in-difference estimators can be defined from the available pairs of moments in the sample. A stylized application provides a 29-moment characterization of the direct treatment effects of the Peruvian Central Bank’s forecasts on two sequences of Peruvian firms’ probability densities of expectations (for inflation -π- and real growth -g-) during 2004-2015.
Autoregressive Distributed Lag Approach for Estimating the Nexus between Net Asset Value of Mutual Fund and Economic Determinants in India
Authors: PACHIYAPPAN Sathish , SHRIVASTAVA Ankita , RAJ V John Paul , VELLAIYAN Saravanan
Published: June 2023

India has seen a phenomenal growth in cumulative mutual fund investment from Rs 7.93 trillion in 2012 to Rs 40.38 trillion in 2022, which is more than a five-fold increase since last 10 years. Retail investors are now realizing the power of savings and Systematic Investment Plans (SIP) to build long term wealth. A financial literacy wave which is sweeping across India has projected mutual funds as a significant contributor and beneficiary of this phenomenon. The evolving economic landscape of India provides investors with excellent opportunities to capitalize on these fluctuations through systematic investment in safe investment vehicles like mutual funds. The market associated with mutual funds is always subjected to economic risks. The erratic fluctuations in macroeconomic variables can largely explain the Volatility in Net Asset Value (NAV) of equity oriented mutual fund schemes. With this background, this paper examines the impact of select macroeconomic variables on mutual funds’ performance in India. To analyse this, monthly observations of select macroeconomic variables, average NAV of large cap, mid cap, and small cap funds collected for a period of 10 years starting from January 2013 to November 2022. Descriptive statistics is used to probe the characteristics of the variable. In addition, correlation and ordinary least square method is applied to check the existing relationship and impact level of macroeconomic factors on NAV of select schemes. Lastly, short and long run relationship is analysed using Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model (ARDL).
Systematic Literature Review of Housing Policies in Carbon Emission Reduction: Reflection for Indonesia
Authors: Buton Aswar Husen , Yuli Nensi Golda , Maharika Ilya Fadjar
Published: June 2023

Housing cannot be separated from the discourse of carbon emissions in all building cycles: planning and design, material preparation, construction, operations, and demolition. Various countries have successfully reduced carbon emissions in the housing sector, one of which is by using policy instruments. However, reviewing the effectiveness of these policies has yet to be thoroughly explored. Using the systematic literature review method, this article aims to identify the policies implemented to reduce carbon emissions in housing and contextualize them for Indonesia. After careful identification of the relevant articles, 16 selected articles were reviewed. The study found that taxation, zero-carbonization, and strategies for retrofitting are adequate policies in many countries. Framework for Indonesia was discussed for recommendations.
Investigation on microfloral association in the roots of Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., a medicinally important tropical pulse-crop and their possible applications for crop improvement: a review
Authors: Rit Rajarshi , Choudhury Debapriya , Mukherjee Chandrama , Dutta Sikha
Published: June 2023

Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam.) Verdc., an economically important medicinal plant belongs to the Leguminosae family. Being Afro-Asian origin, the plant has long tradition of uses. It is primarily used for its antiurolithiatic property although it has other medicinal uses. Being Leguminosae member, this plant can form rhizobial nodules and mycorrhizal associations. The rhizobia obtained from this plant are mostly belonged to Bradyrhizobium sp. Although, Rhizobium pusence has also been reported. Microbes as biofertilizers can be used to increase yield of this plant, as well as there is great potential for utilizing the microbes derived from this plant. In this review we aim to describe the plant M. uniflorum - its taxonomic characteristics, economic uses, putative active constituents, and beneficial microflora along with their applications.
The Role of Sport in Achieving Sustainable of Athletic Women in Northern Governorates of Palestine
Authors: Hethnawi Maryam , Amara Sofiene , Boukari Samia , Abdelhaq Imad , Ben Amar Imen , Chortane Sabri Gaied , Khalifa Riadh
Published: June 2023

The study aimed to identify the role of sports in achieving the sustainable development of women in the Palestinian society, and to identify the level of knowledge of the study sample of the concept of sustainable development. Two areas, and the study population included all workers in some Palestinian institutions in the northern governorates of Palestine. The study sample consisted of (2040) respondents. The sample studied for the role of sport in achieving sustainable development for women also came to a moderate degree, with an arithmetic mean (3.22). The study recommended the need to promote the concept of sustainable development within the Palestinian educational curricula and sports circles, and to strengthen the sports strategies of Palestinian institutions for the important role of sport in achieving sustainable development.
Influence of Situational Leadership on Employees’ Commitment In A Non-Government Organisation (NGO) In Owerri
Authors: Chukwuocha Chidinma
Published: June 2023

This study examined the influence of the Situational Leadership model on Employee Commitment in Youth Enhancement Organisation (YEO), a Non-Governmental Organisation in Owerri, Nigeria. The study evaluated the impact of the directive and supportive leadership Behaviours on Affective and Continuance Employee Commitment. Data were collected from 143 employees from the different departments of YEO using a structured questionnaire adopted and modified from previous studies. Multiple Regression Analysis for the data gave a significant impact between Directive Leadership Behaviour (β = 2.323, p<0.01), and Supportive Leadership Behaviour (β = 1.424, p<0.0) on Employee Commitment. It also shows a significant impact between Directive behaviour (β = 1.514, p<0.01) and affective commitment, Supportive Leadership Behaviour (β = 3.123, p<0.01) on Continuance Employee Commitment The findings of this study reveal that Situational Leadership of Directive and Supportive have a positive impact on Employee Commitment (affective and continuance) and are ideal in sustaining affective and continuance commitment in the Organisations. It is hoped that the study would convince the leadership of similar organisations to be proactive in embracing situational leadership styles, especially in dynamic environments and situations.
A combined impedance compensation strategy applied to external automatic defibrillators
Authors: Qi Qi , Yu Ming , Ge Jianhui , Li Chuanjun , Zhang Guang , Chen Feng
Published: June 2023

Transthoracic impedance is one of the key factors affecting the success of defibrillation. Impedance compensation technique is used to adjust defibrillation parameters according to the transthoracic impedance of the defibrillator. In this paper, a combined impedance compensation strategy is proposed to address the shortcomings of existing compensation strategies. In order to evaluate the performance of the combined compensation strategy, this paper uses the prototype as the experimental machine, and uses two AED with representative impedance compensation strategies as the control machine, and the simulated defibrillation method is used for comparative testing. The results show that the combined impedance compensation has a more steadier distribution over the defibrillation energy and current: compared with the energy-based impedance compensation strategy, this strategy can significantly reduce the peak current (25 Ω: 27.8 vs. 54.7 A; 50 Ω: 20.7 vs. 32.3 A) and average current (25 Ω: 24.8 vs. 37.5 A) of defibrillation at low impedance, and compared with the current impedance compensation strategy, it can significantly reduce the defibrillation energy (150 Ω: 8.6 vs. 1.7 %, 175 Ω: 15.6 vs. 4.9 %, 200 Ω: 21.9 vs. 8.5 %) at high impedance. Impedance compensation is more precise and the current passing during defibrillation is steadier.
Openess anders denken
Authors: Wilde Anika , Kramer Friederike
Published: June 2023

Die Open-Science- und vor allem die Open-Access-Bewegung haben ihre Ursprünge primär in den MINT-Fächern und sind geprägt von deren Publikationskulturen und dazu passenden Infrastrukturen. Mit den technischen Entwicklungen der letzten drei Jahrzehnte wurde beides nach und nach vom Analogen ins Digitale übersetzt. Was ist aber, wenn Openness nicht übersetzt, sondern neu gedacht wird? Im Beitrag werden die Unterschiede, Herausforderungen und speziellen Bedürfnisse der Künste dargelegt und Lösungsansätze aufgezeigt. Hierfür werden Themenbereiche wie Diversität, Infrastruktur für multimediale Materialien oder auch homogenes Datenmanagement betrachtet. Nach einer kurzen Einführung werden anhand von Praxisberichten aus der Hochschule für Schauspielkunst Ernst Busch (HfS), dem Hochschulübergreifenden Zentrum Tanz (HZT) und der Universität der Künste (UdK) die Situation an künstlerischen Einrichtungen und ihr Umgang mit Openness erläutert. Für das Neu-Denken ist der Perspektivwechsel unerlässlich und so bietet sich gerade für die MINT-Fächer der Blick auf die Künste an. Mit ihrer Vielfalt und Kreativität begegnen sie den Herausforderungen des Digitalen mit Innovation wie Visionen und kreieren eine moderne Openness für alle.
Metformin Treatment is Associated with Mortality in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes and Chronic Heart Failure in the Intensive Care Unit: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Guo Qiao , Hong Weilong , Chen Jie , Zhu Xiwen , Duan Guangyou , Huang He , Duan Chenyang
Published: June 2023

Objective: Patients receiving intensive care often have diabetes mellitus (DM) together with chronic heart failure (CHF). In these patients, the use of metformin in intensive care is controversial. This study was aimed at assessing the mortality rates of patients with DM and CHF treated with metformin.

Methods: The Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care database was used to identify patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and CHF. A 90-day mortality comparison was conducted between patients who were and were not administered metformin. Propensity score matching analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression were used to ensure the robustness of our results.

Results: A total of 2153 patients (180 receiving metformin and 1973 not receiving metformin) with T2DM and CHF were included in the study. The 90-day mortality rates were 30.5% (601/1971) and 5.5% (10/182) in the non-metformin and metformin groups, respectively. In the propensity score matching analyses, metformin use was associated with a 71% lower 90-day mortality (hazard ratio, 0.29; 95% confidence interval, 0.14–0.59; P < 0.001). The results were insensitive to change when sensitivity analyses were performed.

Conclusion: Metformin treatment may decrease the mortality risk in critically ill patients with T2DM and CHF in the intensive care unit.
Japan as a Pivot for Turkey? The Japanese Perspective on the Making of a New World Order, Transcontinental Maritime Alliances, the Ukraine Crisis, and the End of Multipolarity
Authors: Esenbel Selçuk
Published: June 2023

The paper discusses the recent rise of the Japanese “free and open Indo-Pacific” strategy of alliances and partnerships between Asia and the West in the context of Turkey’s current debate over its membership in the Western alliance of NATO versus the new Eurasianist turn toward Russia and China. The particular geographic focus of the paper is from Istanbul “between Europe and Asia,” looking at Japan’s “free and open Indo-Pacific” strategy from a historian’s perspective by making an analogy with Japan’s prewar foreign policy and global strategy with Britain. The paper argues that the Russian aggression that erupted with the Ukrainian crisis has been quickening the visibility of this emerging grand strategy of Japan, which has been in the making for some time. But the future of the global order is still unclear in view of the ongoing war in Ukraine and Russian and Chinese challenges to the international system. The situation also negatively impacts the global relations of the United States with regional powers, relations that were formed during the Cold War. Japan has more than a century of friendly relations with Turkey, a relationship that is still carried out in an Asianist discourse of shared cultural values, mutual help in times of dire crisis, and Turkish admiration for Japan’s modernity that has retained tradition. The question is whether, in this fluid global situation, this historically friendly context can help Japan be a “pivot” for Turkey in taking steps toward a proactive free and open Indo-Pacific partnership. The prospect might have political implications for Turkey’s future in the making of a new global order by offering an incentive for staying on the Western front.
YTHDF2/m6A/NF‐κB axis controls anti‐tumor immunity by regulating intratumoral Tregs
Authors: Zhang Linda , Dou Xiaoyang , Zheng Zhong , Ye Chang , Lu Thomas X , Liang Hua L , Wang Liangliang , Weichselbaum Ralph R , He Chuan
Published: June 2023

N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) in messenger RNA (mRNA) regulates immune cells in homeostasis and in response to infection and inflammation. The function of the m6A reader YTHDF2 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in these contexts has not been explored. We discovered that the loss of YTHDF2 in regulatory T (Treg) cells reduces tumor growth in mice. Deletion of Ythdf2 in Tregs does not affect peripheral immune homeostasis but leads to increased apoptosis and impaired suppressive function of Treg cells in the TME. Elevated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling in the TME promotes YTHDF2 expression, which in turn regulates NF‐κB signaling by accelerating the degradation of m6A‐modified transcripts that encode NF‐κB‐negative regulators. This TME‐specific regulation of Treg by YTHDF2 points to YTHDF2 as a potential target for anti‐cancer immunotherapy, where intratumoral Treg cells can be targeted to enhance anti‐tumor immune response while avoiding Treg cells in the periphery to minimize undesired inflammations.
Kenmotsu 3-manifolds and gradient solitons
Authors: Mofarreh F. , De U.C.
Published: June 2023

The aim of this article is to characterize a Kenmotsu 3-manifold whose metric is either a gradient Yamabe soliton or gradient Einstein soliton. It is proven that in both cases this manifold is reduced to the manifold of constant sectional curvature. Finally, we verify the obtained results by an example.
On fixed points of some multivalued mappings under certain function classes
Authors: Karakaya V. , Sekman D.
Published: June 2023

It is well known that the Banach contraction principle implies the existence of fixed points of single-valued mappings. On the other hand, S.B. Nadler has solved the problem that guarantees the existence of fixed point for multivalued mapping. However, we have to emphasize that similar methods are not applied for nonexpansive multivalued mappings. The aim of this study is to investigate the existence of a fixed point on nonexpansive multivalued mappings with the help of function sequences and functions having shifting distance property. In addition, some hypothesis of this work were explained with an interesting example.
On some integral inequalities for $(h,m)$-convex functions in a generalized framework
Authors: Kórus P. , Nápoles Valdés J.E.
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we present some new integral inequalities of Hermite-Hadamard type. To obtain these results, general convex functions of various type are considered such as $(h,m)$-convex functions. The main results extend some previously known inequalities by taking fractional integral operators.