bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the causal associations of different types of statins use and knee/hip osteoarthritis: A Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Chen Xin , Huang Xin , Liu Youqun , Zhang Zhiwei , Chen Jiliang
Published: April 2024

Objective

This study comprehensively evaluated the causal relationship between different types of statins use and knee/hip osteoarthritis (OA) using a two-sample and multivariate Mendelian randomization (MR) method.

Methods

MR analysis was conducted using publicly available summary statistics data from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to assess the causal associations between total statins use (including specific types) and knee/hip OA. The primary analysis utilized the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method, with sensitivity analysis conducted to assess robustness. Multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis adjusted for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), intermediate-density lipoprotein cholesterol (IDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and body mass index (BMI).

Results

The MR analysis revealed a significant inverse association between genetically predicted total statins use and the risk of knee OA (OR = 0.950, 95%CI: 0.920–0.982, p = 0.002) as well as hip OA (OR = 0.932, 95%CI: 0.899–0.966, p <0.001). Furthermore, this study highlighted a reduced risk of knee/hip OA with the use of atorvastatin and simvastatin. Rosuvastatin use was associated with a decreased risk of hip OA but showed no association with knee OA. MVMR results indicated no correlation between exposure factors and outcomes after adjusting for LDL-C or IDL-C. HDL-C may not significantly contribute to statin-induced osteoarthritis, while BMI may play an important role.

Conclusion

This study provides compelling evidence of the close relationship between statin use and a reduced risk of knee/hip OA, particularly with atorvastatin and simvastatin. LDL-C and IDL-C may mediate these effects. These findings have important implications for the clinical prevention and treatment of knee/hip OA.
Language abilities and associated risk factors of school-aged children with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Hui Lim Hui , Ling Eh Yee , Rusli Yazmin Ahmad , See Goh Bee , Ibrahim Hasherah Mohd
Published: April 2024

Previous research on children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) reported unequivocal findings with regard to language skills, with the majority suggesting persistent difficulties in early childhood. While expressive language deficits improved with age, receptive language skills were consistently lower than peers. Further study investigating the long term and persistent impact of language deficits amongst school-aged children with CLP is warranted. This was a cross-sectional study, aimed to determine the language abilities and explore the associated risk factors in Malay speaking children with CLP in Malaysia. Fifty-two children with CLP aged 7- to 12-year-old participated in this study. Language skills were assessed using the Malay Preschool Language Assessment Tool and the adapted Subway–School–age Language & Assessment Measures. Findings revealed that 14 (26.92%) school-aged children with CLP demonstrated language deficits. Children with CLP performed significantly poorer in reading comprehension (p = 0.031) and narrative (p = 0.026) skills. It was found that the age significantly influenced total receptive language score (β = 0.421, p = 0.003) and total expressive language score (β = 0.477, p = 0.000). Findings suggested that children with CLP may continue to have persistent language deficits into their school-age years. Recommendations for regular monitoring of language performance especially for those from younger age groups is warranted to help maximize school attainment.
The genome regulatory landscape of Atlantic salmon liver through smoltification
Authors: Harvey Thomas N. , Gillard Gareth B. , Røsæg Line L. , Grammes Fabian , Monsen Øystein , Vik Jon Olav , Hvidsten Torgeir R. , Sandve Simen R.
Published: April 2024

The anadromous Atlantic salmon undergo a preparatory physiological transformation before seawater entry, referred to as smoltification. Key molecular developmental processes involved in this life stage transition, such as remodeling of gill functions, are known to be synchronized and modulated by environmental cues like photoperiod. However, little is known about the photoperiod influence and genome regulatory processes driving other canonical aspects of smoltification such as the large-scale changes in lipid metabolism and energy homeostasis in the developing smolt liver. Here we generate transcriptome, DNA methylation, and chromatin accessibility data from salmon livers across smoltification under different photoperiod regimes. We find a systematic reduction of expression levels of genes with a metabolic function, such as lipid metabolism, and increased expression of energy related genes such as oxidative phosphorylation, during smolt development in freshwater. However, in contrast to similar studies of the gill, smolt liver gene expression prior to seawater transfer was not impacted by photoperiodic history. Integrated analyses of gene expression, chromatin accessibility, and transcription factor (TF) binding signatures highlight chromatin remodeling and TF dynamics underlying smolt gene regulatory changes. Differential peak accessibility patterns largely matched differential gene expression patterns during smoltification and we infer that ZNF682, KLFs, and NFY TFs are important in driving a liver metabolic shift from synthesis to break down of organic compounds in freshwater. Overall, chromatin accessibility and TFBS occupancy were highly correlated to changes in gene expression. On the other hand, we identified numerous differential methylation patterns across the genome, but associated genes were not functionally enriched or correlated to observed gene expression changes across smolt development. Taken together, this work highlights the relative importance of chromatin remodeling during smoltification and demonstrates that metabolic remodeling occurs as a preadaptation to life at sea that is not to a large extent driven by photoperiod history.
Uplift the breaking trajectory1
Authors: Garcia Ana
Published: April 2024

For the title of an article to state that breaking is an 1980s pop cultural trend, this may have been forgivable in the 1990s, but it is not today. It is 2021 (at the time of writing this), and everyone has access to research via the internet. Breaking was not a trend that ended in the 1980s, and then ‘made the leap’ to the Olympics. It has succeeded in preserving and evolving the vocabulary that attracts the best dancers to it from around the world to this day. The dancers who upheld its history and solidified its place in the dance pantheon have created relationships with realms once thought of as intangible such as theatre and academia. Many hip hop dance movies have copied the format and theme of resilience found in the original cult classics such as Beat Street and Breaking. In this article, I explore the tensions emerging from lazy research practices sustained in the media surrounding the announcement that breaking would be included in the Olympic Games. I argue that mainstream media networks need to have a greater respect for the dance, its practitioners and its traditions to avoid this type of appropriation.
Tracing dental horror in contemporary American cinema
Authors: Marini Anna Marta
Published: April 2024

Horrific scenes of dental torture, as well as dental loss and decay, hold a viscerally disturbing quality. Focusing on human teeth – whether deciduous or permanent – I argue that dental horror has been pervasive in horror cinema, albeit seldom used as a central theme. In particular, American narratives touching upon teeth encompass meanings related to power and aesthetics, strongly connected to moral values and human integrity – and consequently to notions of decay, powerlessness and traumatic transformation. To foreground dental horror in American cinema, this article develops an original model of analysis, tracing three main themes that shape dental horror: dental violence (including dentistry and dental torture), dental disease and decay, and the legacy of the Tooth Fairy folk tale.
From xenophobia to bodily effluvia: Monsters as anthropomorphized swearwords
Authors: Leahy Frank
Published: April 2024

Swearwords typically reference one of five subjects: the supernatural (‘Jesus Christ!’), sex (‘fuck’), bodily effluvia (‘shit’), disease (‘poxy’) or disfavoured social groups (insert your own). Monsters typically embody some or all of these characteristics and, this article argues, capture attention involuntarily in the same way swearwords do. Monsters can thus profitably be theorized as anthropomorphized swearwords.
‘Mimic the strata’ or what is becoming about becoming – The Thing
Authors: Oyarzun Eduardo Valls
Published: April 2024

The article presents a post-humanist reading of John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982). At 40, the second adaptation of John Campbell’s Jr novella Who Goes There? (1938) has recently undergone a revival of critical interest. However, this interest has only elicited – to date – new iterations of the traditional paradigm of ideological readings of the film. This article attempts to read The Thing outside the paradigm of ideology and human(ist) subjectivity, as per the formulation of Louis Althusser (2014), as well as to critique such paradigm. First, the article offers an analysis of the ideological components at work in various traditional readings of the film. Then it scrutinizes ways in which these traditional readings can be overcome. This opens the possibility of a post-humanist interpretation of the film, an interpretation in which the Thing is not just a manifestation of otherness, but a material and effective realization of life seen from a non-humanist perspective. This reading arises after dispensing with the subject–object relationship enforced in Althusser’s ideological structures. Outside these structures, the article then ponders on the materiality of the Thing through Deleuze’s and Guattari’s concept of the Body without Organs (‘BwO’), which envisages the body as a material dimension for the flow of becoming, a dynamic force field free of fixed and normative pre-conceptions. Finally, the article explores the new sources of horror in the film, as well as the ethico-political implications this analysis brings to fore.
Introduction
Authors: Tomaselli Keyan G.
Published: April 2024

This number of the Journal of African Cinemas continues with its variable entries, full articles, reviews and a report on an arts festival and interview with one of its film festival organizers. These two items reveal the energy, vibrancy and contribution of a smaller, shorter, less well-known film festival event. Tigritudes was held during 2023 at the first established South African film school, then known as the Pretoria Technikon, set up in 1971. The Tigritudes Arts Festival relocates the school’s transformed significance as the Tshwane University of Technology (renamed from 2004) within the contemporary period.
People vs. ‘god of plague’: Socialist China’s anti-zoonotic campaign media as environmental media
Authors: Wang Yiman
Published: April 2024

This article cross-pollinates environmental media studies with socialist China’s anti-snail fever campaign media, including two 1965 science education films, a 1961 song book, all entitled ‘Song wensheng’ (‘Sending away god of plague’), and a 1970 Chijiao yisheng shouce (‘The handbook for barefoot doctors’). Through studying popular audio-visual and print media produced to support the socialist state-sponsored campaign against snail fever – the longest anti-zoonotic campaign in China – I adopt a cross-media approach to campaign media. Unpacking the environmental unconscious in campaign media, I advance the concept of compost media to intervene in environmental media studies by going beyond critiquing the Capitaloscene, and revealing socialist campaign media as quintessential to environmental media.
The animal effect in David Cronenberg
Authors: Lee Nathan
Published: April 2024

This article proposes and interprets the force of an ‘animal effect’ in the films of David Cronenberg. Starting from the concept of zoonosis, or the mingling of human with non-human beings, I argue that beyond the literal hybridizations of man and animal that transpire at the level of narrative in such films as The Fly (1986), Naked Lunch (1991) and eXistenZ (1999), there is a formal dimension of animality that articulates their textual construction. Drawing on the concept of ‘becoming-animal’ in the philosophy of Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari, I enlist the notion of an animal effect to foreground the importance of form and signification in Cronenberg against the prevailing critical emphasis on ‘the body’ in his work. The article defends these claims through a close reading of Naked Lunch, whose formal strategies imply the presence of non-human perceptual agents shaping the narrative, an aesthetic strategy that requires the viewer to actively make sense of their viewership by grasping the ‘inhuman formalism’ of Cronenberg’s cinema.
AVALIANDO A INFLUÊNCIA ORGANIZACIONAL DIGITAL USANDO UM ROBÔ: EXPERIMENTO COMPARATIVO A PARTIR DE MODELOS DE GERAÇÃO DE LINGUAGEM NATURAL E INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL GENERATIVA
Authors: Terra Carolina , Santos Márcio Carneiro dos , Sousa Gisela
Published: April 2024

O artigo explora pesquisas realizadas nos âmbitos acadêmico e prático sobre influência digital. Descreve uma prova de conceito de um modelo de avaliação de influência digital, a partir da utilização da plataforma de inteligência artificial generativa ChatGPT. Usando técnicas de prompt design se construiu um índice com métricas relacionadas ao objetivo proposto automatizando uma parte da análise. Um estudo comparativo entre as métricas sugeridas pelo robô e construtos teóricos reconhecidos na área, indicou possibilidade de integração entre metodologia tradicional e abordagem apresentada. O experimento identificou ganhos de produtividade e capacidade de lidar com volume de dados, ressaltando que a revisão humana segue fundamental.
[RE]CRIANDO A MEMÓRIA AFETIVA PAISAGÍSTICA ATRAVÉS DA INTELIGÊNCIA ARTIFICIAL
Authors: Prazeres Daniel Jesus De Souza , Venturelli Suzete
Published: April 2024

O artigo propõe uma articulação no uso da inteligência artificial no campo da imagem em textos sobre memória e natureza. Utiliza uma atividade realizada por alunos na disciplina de paisagismo e jardinagem na pós-graduação em design de interiores, quando apresentaram um texto narrando uma experiência afetiva da infância em contato com a natureza, visando [re]construir a memória do passado em contexto influenciado pelo tempo contemporâneo. A partir desses textos, [re]criou-se a história da memória afetiva pela Inteligência Artificial – IA como imagem algorítmica associada aos acontecimentos. Referências teóricas derivadas de Adir Ubaldo Rech, Giselle Beiguelman, Jacques Rancière e Margaret Boden.
IA E PRODUÇÃO ACADÊMICA: UM AUTOENSAIO
Authors: Machado Marta
Published: April 2024

Neste autoensaio, descrevo minha experiência, até agora, com ferramentas de inteligência artificial (IA) na produção acadêmica. Algumas aplicações de IA tem sido úteis para traduções e revisões de textos acadêmicos, além da geração de animações para video abstracts de divulgação científica. Já o ChatGPT, que uso para explorações iniciais sobre temas e para notas de rodapé, ainda apresenta limitações e inconsistências, necessitando revisões e ajustes até a redação final. A IA, embora se configure como recurso valioso para pesquisadores, não substitui a capacidade humana de estabelecer conexões entre o mundo real e a literatura. Portanto, encorajo uma abordagem equilibrada em seu uso na produção acadêmica.
A töredezettség ára – Miért nem áll készen a globális gazdaság az eljövendő sokkhatásokra?
Authors: Füredi Anita
Published: April 2024

Kristalina Georgieva: The Price of Fragmentation – Why the Global Economy Isn’t Ready for the Shocks Ahead) Eredetileg megjelent: Foreign Affairs 2023, 102(5): 131-142 A Nemzetközi Valutaalap igazgatója hosszú tanulmányt jelentetett meg a Foreign Affairs folyóiratban, ami alapján összefoglalásunk készült.
A gombák joga az ökoszisztéma védelme
Authors: Saralegui Clara Fernandez
Published: April 2024

Számos kutatást végeztek, végeznek a Los Cedros biológiai rezervátumban, amely Ecuador északnyugati részén, Imbabura tartományban található. A rezervátum 1000 és 2700 méter közötti magasságban fekszik, négy folyó szeli át.
Note for the P versus NP Problem
Authors: Vega Frank
Published: April 2024

P versus NP is considered as one of the most fundamental open problems in computer science. This consists in knowing the answer of the following question: Is P equal to NP? It was essentially mentioned in 1955 from a letter written by John Nash to the United States National Security Agency. However, a precise statement of the P versus NP problem was introduced independently by Stephen Cook and Leonid Levin. Since that date, all efforts to find a proof for this problem have failed. Another major complexity class is NP-complete. It is well-known that P is equal to NP under the assumption of the existence of a polynomial time algorithm for some NP-complete. We show that the Monotone Weighted Xor 2-satisfiability problem (MWX2SAT) is NP-complete and P at the same time. Certainly, we make a polynomial time reduction from every directed graph and positive integer k in the K-CLOSURE problem to an instance of MWX2SAT. In this way, we show that MWX2SAT is also an NP-complete problem. Moreover, we create and implement a polynomial time algorithm which decides the instances of MWX2SAT. Consequently, we prove that P = NP.
San Francisco Javier, actor de relaciones internacionales en el siglo XVI: diplomacia y valores
Authors: Guibert Ucín José María
Published: April 2024

San Francisco Javier fue testigo y actor de las relaciones internacionales en el siglo XVI. Fue uno de los fundadores de la Compañía de Jesús y protagonizó la expansión de esta y del conjunto de la Iglesia católica hacia Oriente. Su misión estaba centrada en la evangelización y promoción de valores. Actuó en lo que hoy en día conocemos como India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Japón y la costa de China. Generó una red de colaboraciones en distintos ámbitos: eclesial, cultural, político o económico. Era nuncio, luego era diplomático enviado por el papa a aquellos lugares. Mantuvo también relación diplomática directa con el rey Juan III de Portugal a cuyo cargo estaban aquellas tierras de misión. Tuvo que buscar recursos económicos y por ello se relacionó con distintos agentes que le podían ayudar. Entendía y cuidaba la diplomacia internacional como un medio para sus fines relacionados con la misión evangelizadora y el bien común.
Jesuit Refugee Service’s Influence on International Refugee Policy
Authors: McPherson Giulia
Published: April 2024

As an organization committed to working with and standing alongside those who have been forcibly displaced from their homes, advocacy is a core element of Jesuit Refugee Service’s work around the world. With policymakers, donor governments, and host communities, JRS advocates for, and with, those who seek safety and the opportunity to rebuild a life for themselves and their families. Through a network of staff across the globe implementing programs each and every day, JRS identifies the challenges faced in meeting the basic needs of those we serve, and which policies can improve those circumstances. In this article, we share examples of three areas where JRS has exerted influence and action on such policies. This includes access to refugee education, protecting the right to asylum, and placing a spotlight on one of the world’s most forgotten crises, the conflict in Syria.
Os equipamentos fotoativadores são todos iguais?
Authors: Shimokawa Carlos Alberto Kenji , Giannini Marcelo
Published: April 2024

APÓS SALIENTARMOS A IMPORTÂNCIA DA FOTOATIVAÇÃO na Odontologia atual, a próxima pergunta, que é uma das mais frequentes quando o assunto é fotoativação, é: “Os equipamentos fotoativadores são todos iguais?” Existem equipamentos de diversas marcas, cores, formatos, desempenhos e preços disponíveis no mercado1. Esse último é um dos fatores mais importantes no momento da escolha de um novo equipamento fotopolimerizador. O preço dos equipamentos varia muito no mercado brasileiro, de menos de 500 até mais de 6 mil reais. Outro fator, desconhecido por muitos cirurgiões-dentistas, é que a luz emitida por esses equipamentos pode variar bastante e influenciar diretamente na polimerização de materiais resinosos.
La tradición de los Estudios de la Salsa, un abordaje desde los Estudios Artísticos
Authors: González Vélez César Augusto
Published: April 2024

El artículo "Estado del arte de la tradición de los estudios de la salsa desde la perspectiva de los estudios artísticos" ofrece un recorrido exhaustivo a través de los estudios sociales y culturales relacionados con la música salsa. En su desarrollo, los autores analizan de manera crítica los problemas fundamentales que han moldeado la comprensión de este género musical. El artículo aborda cinco problemas clave que han surgido en el ámbito de los estudios de la salsa. En primer lugar, se presenta el "problema ontológico", que cuestiona la definición misma de la salsa y busca entender su esencia y características distintivas. El segundo problema, denominado "el problema de la tradición", se enfoca en explorar y definir la tradición en el contexto de los estudios sobre la salsa. Se plantea la pregunta fundamental de qué constituye la tradición en este campo y cómo ha evolucionado a lo largo del tiempo. Un tercer desafío es el "problema urbano rural", donde se analiza cómo se representan y entrelazan los desplazamientos entre el entorno urbano y rural en la historia de la salsa. El artículo también examina el "problema histórico", que se centra en las diferentes narrativas que han dado forma a la historia de la salsa, investigando cómo se ha construido su historia y cómo estas construcciones han influido en la percepción del género. Por último, el "problema de las prácticas" explora diversos aspectos prácticos que rodean la salsa, como el baile, el coleccionismo, la producción musical y los roles de los gestores y cronistas. Estas prácticas se analizan en profundidad para comprender su papel en la formación y difusión de la salsa como fenómeno cultural.
El tratamiento narrativo del cuerpo como representación de la anomia en Los ejércitos (2007), de Evelio Rosero
Authors: Cabra Hernández Jhon Erick
Published: April 2024

La siguiente reflexión se propone interpretar cómo en Los ejércitos, de Evelio Rosero, el tratamiento narrativo del cuerpo resulta un aspecto central en la representación literaria de la anomia; característica principal de la novela de crímenes colombiana del presente siglo. Esto se desarrollará a través de la guía de algunos planteamientos de Gustavo Forero Quintero al referirse a este tipo de ficcionalización. En este orden de ideas, el texto se divide de la siguiente manera: I. El lugar del cuerpo en la narrativa de crímenes. II. Corpografías en Los ejércitos.
Breaking the Chains: Child Labour’s Effect on Educational Achievement among Basic School Students in The Tamale Metropolis
Authors: Siibaway Mohammed , Majialuwe Eric Kojo
Published: April 2024

Child labour remains one of the key issues hindering the efforts of governments and international organisations to ensure that children across the world achieve quality education. This paper examines the effects of child labour on the educational achievement of basic school students in the Tamale metropolis and how some victims have achieved educational success despite the potential threats of child labour. The research was anchored on human capital theory and social cognitive theory. The design used for this research was a case study. The approach used in gathering the data from forty-two (42) respondents was a qualitative approach. A semi-structured interview guide and a focus group discussion guide were the instruments used to gather the data. The data was analysed using a thematic approach. The research found that poverty, peer influence, cultural and social norms, gender roles and norms, and the culture of fostering are the factors influencing the activities of child labour in the Tamale metropolis. The research also found that reduced learning time, poor academic performance, and school dropout are the effects of child labour has on the educational achievement of victims. The paper also revealed that individual determination and support from families, communities, teachers, NGOs, and state institutions are necessary in facilitating the efforts of victims in overcoming the woes of child labour and achieving educational success. The paper believes that economic interventions alone are insufficient in dealing with child labour and advocates for a holistic approach that challenges gender roles, addresses societal norms, and creates a supportive environment for the education of every child in Ghana.
Deny Sanctioned Officials Access to Government: The Best Strategy for Minimizing Public Corruption Until Appropriate Legislation is Enacted by the Liberian Government
Authors: Gobewole Stephen
Published: April 2024

This study examines corrupt behaviors in the Liberian government due to the inability of Liberia’s anti-corruption commission and its judicial system inability to hold public officials accountable. Moreover, since the nation’s inception government officials have used bribery, rent-seeking, and public resources embezzlement to accumulate personal wealth. This study analyzes survey, empirical, and sanctions data collected by Transparency International, The United States Department of the Treasury, United States Foreign Assistance by Country from The United States government, The United Nations Development Programme, and drawing on Liberia’s Political Economy by S. Gobewole, 2016. It then correlates associations between the numbers measuring government corruption, sanctioned official behaviors, and incidence of foreign assistance to Liberia to demonstrate an increase in public corruption due to officials’ behavior. This has resulted from Liberia’s judicial institutions incapacity to regulate bribery, rent seeking, and resource embezzlement, which have perpetuated and increased public corruption in the Liberian government, a situation that demands legislative action to punish United States Department of the Treasury sanctioned public officials.
Computational pathology: an evolving concept
Authors: Prassas Ioannis , Clarke Blaise , Youssef Timothy , Phlamon Juliana , Dimitrakopoulos Lampros , Rofaeil Andrew , Yousef George M.
Published: April 2024

The initial enthusiasm about computational pathology (CP) and artificial intelligence (AI) was that they will replace pathologists entirely on the way to fully automated diagnostics. It is becoming clear that currently this is not the immediate model to pursue. On top of the legal and regulatory complexities surrounding its implementation, the majority of tested machine learning (ML)-based predictive algorithms do not display the exquisite performance needed to render them unequivocal, standalone decision makers for matters with direct implications to human health. We are thus moving into a different model of “computer-assisted diagnostics”, where AI is there to provide support, rather than replacing, the pathologist. Herein we focus on the practical aspects of CP, from a pathologist perspective. There is a wide range of potential applications where CP can enhance precision of pathology diagnosis, tailor prognostic and predictive information, as well as save time. There are, however, a number of potential limitations for CP that currently hinder their wider adoption in the clinical setting. We address the key necessary steps towards clinical implementation of computational pathology, discuss the significant obstacles that hinders its adoption in the clinical context and summarize some proposed solutions. We conclude that the advancement of CP in the clinic is a promising resource-intensive endeavour that requires broad and inclusive collaborations between academia, industry, and regulatory bodies.
Awareness and Knowledge of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder Among Middle-Aged and Older People Living With HIV/AIDS in Southern Nevada: Implications for HIV/AIDS Community-Based Education Programs
Authors: Ranuschio Brandon , Bell Sherry , Flatt Jason , Barnes Lianne , Puno Trinity , Navarro Andrea , Ribeiro Alexander , Sheik-Yosef Nadia , Villalobos Esmeralda , Wackens Janelle , Liboro Renato M.
Published: April 2024

Although a significant amount of biomedical research has been conducted to study HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), there has been scant research done to assess the awareness and knowledge of this public health concern among middle-aged and older people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWH). Our qualitative community-based participatory research study sought to address this research gap by examining the awareness and knowledge of HAND among relevant stakeholders in southern Nevada, USA. We conducted 15 semistructured interviews with middle-aged and older PLWH to examine their awareness and knowledge of HAND and access to pertinent resources. After our thematic analysis of our interviews, we identified two overarching themes: (1) limited awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH, and (2) southern Nevada social determinants of health. Our findings underscore the importance of raising awareness and knowledge of HAND among PLWH through community-based education programs, and improving access to resources related to social determinants of health.
Inhibitory Roles of
Apolipoprotein E
Christchurch Astrocytes in Curbing Tau Propagation Using Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Models
Authors: Murakami Rei , Watanabe Hirotaka , Hashimoto Hideko , Kashiwagi-Hakozaki Mayu , Hashimoto Tadafumi , Karch Celeste M. ,   the Dominantly Inherited Alzheimer Network (DIAN),, Iwatsubo Takeshi , Okano Hideyuki
Published: April 2024

Genetic variants in the
apolipoprotein E
(
APOE
) gene affect the onset and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). The
APOE
Christchurch (
APOE
Ch) variant has been identified as the most prominent candidate for preventing the onset and progression of AD. In this study, we generated isogenic
APOE3
Ch/
3
Ch human-induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from
APOE3
/
3
healthy control female iPSCs and induced them into astrocytes. RNA expression analysis revealed the inherent resilience of
APOE3
Ch/
3
Ch astrocytes to induce a reactive state in response to inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, cytokine treatment changed astrocytic morphology with more complexity in
APOE3
/
3
astrocytes, but not in
APOE3
Ch/
3
Ch astrocytes, indicating resilience of the rare variant to a reactive state. Interestingly, we observed robust morphological alterations containing more intricate processes when cocultured with iPSC-derived cortical neurons, in which
APOE3
Ch/
3
Ch astrocytes reduced complexity compared with
APOE3
/
3
astrocytes. To assess the impacts of tau propagation effects, we next developed a sophisticated and sensitive assay utilizing cortical neurons derived from human iPSCs, previously generated from donors of both sexes. We showed that
APOE3
Ch/
3
Ch astrocytes effectively mitigated tau propagation within iPSC-derived neurons. This study provides important experimental evidence of the characteristic functions exhibited by
APOE3Ch/3Ch
astrocytes, thereby offering valuable insights for the advancement of novel clinical interventions in AD research.
Socio-demographic Determinants of Infertility: A Study in Four Selected Provinces of Iran
Authors: Bibi Razeghi Nasrabad Hajieh , Hosseini-Chavoshi Meimanat , Abbasi-Shavazi Mohammad Jalal
Published: April 2024

Objectives: Infertility is one of the reproductive health issues that not only affects infertile couple’s life, but it is a matter of demographic concerns on a vast scale. This study aims to examine the impact of socio-demographic factors on the incidence of infertility. Materials and Methods: We used data from our cross-sectional fertility survey conducted in 2017 in four selected provinces of Iran including Gilan, West Azarbaijan, Sistan and Baluchistan, and Yazd. Using a structured questionnaire, 4088 women of reproductive age were interviewed in the survey for their reproductive life history as well as their socio-demographic and economic condition. Bivariate (chi-square test), and multivariate (Multiple Logistic Regression) analyses are applied to the data to meet the aim of the study. P values less than 0.05 are considered statistically significant where differentials are tested. Results: The prevalence of current infertility according to clinical definition varied from 7.4% in Yazd, 8.6% in West Azerbaijan, 12.4% in Gilan, and 22.3% in Sistan and Baluchistan. Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant association between infertility and the age and age at marriage of women. Controlling for other socio-demographic variables probability of being infertile increases as women get married at an older age. In addition, women who lived in a household with the lowest socio-economic conditions were 80 percent more likely to experience infertility compared to those living in households with the highest socio-economic conditions. Living in Sistan and Baluchistan was also a strong predictor of infertility in the study resulting in a high odds ratio (3.050) compared with women living in Yazd province Conclusions: Women’s age and age at marriage are the most important demographic characteristics in explaining infertility and having a lower socio-economic condition trigger it. Since the age of marriage is increasing in Iran, it may affect primary infertility where childbearing is postponed to the late 30s and early 40s.
Industria láctea en Costa Rica: desafíos y oportunidades para su desarrollo sostenible
Authors: Benavides Vindas Shirley , Hughes Araya Nitchel
Published: April 2024

This article addresses the contemporary status of the dairy industry in Costa Rica, emphasizing the challenges and opportunities it presents for its evolution. A thorough analysis of the industrial structure, production, employment generation, and the dynamics of exports and imports in relation to preferential tariff fluctuations is conducted. During the study period, a significant increase in Costa Rican dairy production is highlighted, and notable challenges are pinpointed, including tariff changes under the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA) and heightened competition with global dairy firms. Nevertheless, the vast potential for establishing market differentiators and capturing niche segments in this industry is underscored. The importance of institutional backing and the execution of strategies, designed in synergy between public and private sectors, is accentuated. The study’s outcomes suggest that the competitiveness of the dairy sector, both locally and internationally, is crafted through the amalgamation of efforts in pursuit of a favorable environment. The article concludes with recommendations aimed at amplifying industry competitiveness and advocating sustainable growth.
Improved design of self-tapping screw (STS) for Korean larch and red pine cross laminated timber (CLT)
Authors: Lee In-Hwan , Lee Sang-min , Kim Keon-Ho
Published: April 2024

In this study, the finite element method (FEM) was used to determine the effect of the optimal angle of the thread and double thread application among self-tapping screw (STS) design information on the improvement of the withdrawal capacity of the connection. It was modeled by reflecting the design information of an Italian STS distributed in the domestic wooden building market, and the stress distribution of the connections was compared according to the change in the thread angle. A cross laminated timber (CLT) composed of five layers was modeled as a member. The STS modeling was centered on the threaded area, and two threaded angles were applied: 90° and 95°. Additionally, the stress changes were compared when double threads located in the middle of the thread pitch in the screw pitch were applied to improve the withdrawal capacity of the connection. The domestic STSs were manufactured using four materials and two shapes. The finite element analysis and strength performance tests of the STS types indicated that the material properties, angle of the screw thread, and shape of the screw thread affect the Korean CLT withdrawal capacity.
Relationships between middle school students’ digital literacy skills, computer programming self-efficacy, and computational thinking self-efficacy
Authors: Gümüş Muhammed Murat , Kukul Volkan , Korkmaz Özgen
Published: April 2024

This study aims to explain the relationships between secondary school students' digital literacy, computer programming self-efficacy and computational thinking self-efficacy. The study group consists of 204 secondary school students. A relational survey model was used in the research method and three different data collection tools were used to collect data. The structural equation model was used in data analysis to reveal a model that explains and predicts the relationships between variables. According to the results of the research, it was determined that digital literacy of secondary school students affected their computer programming self-efficacy, digital literacy affected their computational thinking self-efficacy, and computer programming self-efficacy affected their computational thinking self-efficacy. It was also found that digital literacy skills have an indirect effect on secondary students' computational thinking self-efficacy on computational thinking self-efficacy.
How Internal Customer Relationship Management and Word of Mouth, Affect Customer Loyalty
Authors: Vem Linus Jonathan , Mshelmbula Joy Philip , Ochigbo Abel Daniel , Agwom-Panle Ruth
Published: April 2024

Originality: The competition in the banking industry has necessitated a concerted effort to ensure a sustainable internal and external customer relationship. Studies that focus on the internal customer relationship and internal customers’ word of mouth on external customer loyalty is rareObjective: This study investigates how Employees' Positive Word of mouth (PWoM) mediates the relationship between internal customer relationship management (IntCRM) and external Customer Loyalty (CL) using social exchange and image theoryMethodology: A cross-sectional research design was used, and a sample of 384 customers was drawn from an unknown pool of customers to respond to the CL questionnaire, while 315 bank employees responded to the IntCRM and PWoM Questionnaires. A partial least approach to structural equation modelling technique, via SMART-PLS version 4. was deployed to analyze the hypothesized relationships.Results: Findings on the direct relationship between IntCRM and CL were not supported due to insufficient evidence. While indirect relationships were established through the mechanism role of PWoM, supporting our argument that social exchange between employer and employee stimulates a positive attitude that attracts external customersImplications: The findings suggest the importance of relating discretely with the internal customer, since their perceptions and behaviours can influence the external customers’ attitudes towards the organization. The study also integrates the boundary of Human Resource Management (HRM) practice with Marketing strategy in ensuring customer loyalty in the banking industry. JEL Classification: M5, M31How to Cite:Vem, L. J., Mshembula, J. P., Ochigbo, A. D., Agwom-Panle, R., (2024). How Internal Customer Relationship Management and Word of Mouth Affect Customer Loyalty. Etikonomi, 23(1), 81 – 92. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.26921.
Risk Transmission of Foreign Subsidiary in ASEAN Emerging Countries
Authors: Karyani Etikah , Agusman Agusman
Published: April 2024

Research Originality: To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the impact of home country parent bank risks on destination country subsidiaries in an ASEAN setting. Moreover, this study adds to the previous literature by using the post-global financial crisis period in ASEAN countries, various  types of risks, and dynamic panel data.Research Objectives: This study aims to examine the association between parent and foreign subsidiary banks. The study also examines how bank regulation, national governance, and financial deepening in host countries affect the association.Research Methods: This study uses dynamic panel data of 43 foreign banks operating in ASEAN emerging countries during the period 2010-2018.Empirical Results: The findings indicate a significantly positive association between parent and subsidiary bank risk, particularly for credit and liquidity risks. National governance and bank regulation mitigate the risk transmission. In contrast, financial deepening amplifies the transmission of risks between parent and subsidiary banks.Implications: This finding has important implications, in terms of policy interventions and regulatory mechanisms that national governments can deploy to lower risk exposure of subsidiary banks, while at the same time encouraging foreign investments into the financial services sectors in ASEAN countries.JEL Classification: F30, G21, G32How to Cite:Karyani, E., & Agusman. (2024). Risk Transmission of Foreign Subsidiary: Evidence from ASEAN Emerging Countries. Etikonomi, 23(1), 129 – 146. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.32703.
The Co-Movement Between Commodity Prices and the Economic Growth of Malaysia
Authors: Pinjaman Saizal , Taasim Shairil Izwan , Yun Wong Sing , Yassin Jain
Published: April 2024

AbstractResearch Originality: This research is an initial attempt to unveil the structure of the dynamic relationship between commodity prices and the economic growth of Malaysia at various frequencies and moments in time.Research Objectives: This paper investigates the co-movement and lead-lag relationship between commodity prices and the economic growth of Malaysia at different frequencies and moments in time. Research Methods: The relationship between the variables is studied based on monthly data from 2015 to 2022 using the time-frequency analysis of Continuous Wavelet Transformation model. This method analyses the direction and lead-lag relationship between two time series to determine which variables are leading and the direction of their co-movement. Empirical Result: The relationships between commodity prices and economic growth are varied depending on frequency and moments in time. In the short run, most commodity prices exhibit an inverse relationship led by economic growth. Meanwhile, a positive co-movement with economic growth is indicated for most commodity prices in the medium run. These variables mostly move in unison, except for rubber and palm oil, which led the relationship. Nevertheless, the co-movement of commodity prices and economic growth showed a diminishing magnitude in the long run.Implications: Malaysia's policy frameworks should consider the economic dynamic responses towards commodity prices in facilitating its economic growth. In addition, efforts should be made to diversify economic activities, reducing the level of dependence on commodities in the country’s trade basket.JEL Classification: Q32, O44, O11How to Cite:Pinjaman, S., Taasim, S.I., Yun, W.S., & Yassin, J. (202x). The Co-Movement Between Commodity Prices and the Economic Growth of Malaysia. Etikonomi, 23(1), 11 – 26. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.34368.
Role of Financial Literacy and Saving Habits on Fintech Adoption post Covid-19
Authors: Nugraha Deni Pandu , Setiawan Budi , Emilda Emilda , Masyhuri Muhammad , Quynh Mac Nhu , Nathan Robert Jeyakumar , Fekete‐Farkas Maria , Hágen István
Published: April 2024

Research Originality: This research paper enriches existing literature on drivers of fintech adoption, including the impact of perceived trust, individual innovativeness, savings habits, and government support on Indonesian users' post-COVID-19 pandemic fintech adoption intentions.Research Objectives: This study examines the impact of post-covid changes in people's behaviour, savings habits and accelerated financial literacy on strengthening Technology Adoption Model (TAM) among Indonesian fintech users. Research Methods: The researchers surveyed 536 people living in Indonesia. The data was analysed using structural equation modelling with moderator variables. Empirical Results: It found that ease of use, usefulness, trust and personal innovativeness are key drivers of adoption intentions. The research also found that savings habits significantly increase the influence of government support on fintech adoption. Implications: This research has two important implications. First, digital finance companies should further improve fintech app service quality and security. Second, the government should also encourage the expansion of a fintech-based startup ecosystem by providing regulatory support to accelerate the progress of Indonesia's digital finance industry.JEL Classification: M21, G23, O36How to Cite:Nugraha, D. P., Setiawan, B., Emilda, E., Masyhuri, M., Quynh, M. N., Nathan, R. J., Fekete-Farkas, M., & Hagen, I. (2024). Role of Financial Literacy and Saving Habits on Fintech Adoption post Covid-19. Etikonomi, 23(1), 63 – 80. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v23i1.37856.
Antibiotics for Acute Sinusitis in Children: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Conway Shannon J. , Mueller Grace D. , Shaikh Nader
Published: April 2024

CONTEXT

Acute sinusitis is one of the leading causes of antibiotic prescriptions in children. No recent systematic reviews have examined the efficacy of antibiotics compared with placebo.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to determine if antibiotics are superior to placebo in the treatment of acute sinusitis in children.

DATA SOURCES

Medline and Embase were searched from their origin to July 2023.

STUDY SELECTION

We considered randomized placebo-controlled studies focusing on the treatment of acute sinusitis. In all studies, symptoms were present for <4 weeks and subjects were <18 years of age.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two authors independently extracted the data. We pooled data primarily using fixed-effects models.

RESULTS

Analysis of 6 included studies showed that antibiotic treatment reduced the rate of treatment failure by 41% (with a risk ratio of 0.59; 95% confidence interval 0.49–0.72) compared with placebo. There was substantial heterogeneity between the studies (I2 = 69.7%), which decreased substantially when the 1 study with a high risk of bias was removed (I2 = 26.9%). Children treated with antibiotics were 1.6 times more likely to have diarrhea than those who were not treated with antibiotics (risk ratio = 1.62, 95% confidence interval 1.04–2.51).

LIMITATIONS

A small number of studies were eligible for inclusion. Included studies differed in their methodology.

CONCLUSIONS

In children with clinically diagnosed acute sinusitis, antibiotics significantly reduced the rate of treatment failure compared with placebo. However, given the favorable natural history of sinusitis, our results could also support close observation without immediate antibiotic treatment.