bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFFECTIVENESS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF MERIT SYSTEM IN FILLING STRUCTURAL POSITIONS IN THE HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY OF SINJAI REGENCY SOUTH SULAWESI PROVINCE
Authors: Ambarawati Gusti Ayu , Gustiana Nurlita Putri , Dewi Ayu Raditya Kencana
Published: January 2025

This study aims to determine and describe the effectiveness of the implementation of the merit system in filling structural positions in Sinjai Regency, South Sulawesi Province. This study used a descriptive qualitative method with an inductive approach. The data collection techniques covered observation, interviews and documentation. Data were analyzed using some stages, namely data reduction, data exposure, and drawing conclusions. The effectiveness of the implementation of the merit system in filling structural positions in the Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDMA) of Sinjai Regency was based on Duncan's theory of effectiveness measures covering goal setting, integration and adaptation. The results of the study showed that the merit system in filling structural positions in the Human Resources Development Agency (BKPSDMA) of Sinjai Regency has been well implemented. This is indicated by the leadership’s commitment to the implementation of the merit system in filling structural positions, a strong legal basis, and support from the South Sulawesi provincial government for the BKPSDMA. However, the implementation faced some challenges, namely budget constraints, employee interest in taking competency tests, the unavailability of an Assessment Center, and the absence of functional assessors. The effort to address those challenges includes providing Assessment Center facilities, allocating budgets for the implementation of the merit system, and providing motivation and encouragement to employees.
Optimalisasi Penggunaan Website Newsroom dalam Meningkatkan Pelayanan Informasi Berbasis Elektronik
Authors: Tumija Tumija , Kafi Fadhilah
Published: January 2025

Tujuan penelitian ini mendapatkan gambaran optimalisasi penggunaan website newsroom, hambatan dan upayanya untuk meningkatkan pelayanan berbasis elektronik di Kabupaten Bekasi. Metode dalam penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Adapun tehnik analisisis data yang digunakan adalah reduksi data, penyajian data, dan verifikasi data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan website newsroom dalam meningkatkan pelayanan informasi berbasis elektronik pada Dinas Komunikasi Informatika Persandian dan Statistik Kabupaten Bekasi sudah optimal. Hal tersebut sesui tiga dimensi optimalisasi yaitu tujuan, alternatif keputusan dan sumber daya sudah dilaksanakan dengan baik sesuai Peraturan Bupati Bekasi Nomor 128 Tahun 2020. Namun dalam kualitas layanan dimensi efisiensi pada indikator pengunjung website newsroom hanya 50,6% dari pelayanan masyarakat. Kemudian dimensi system availability pada indikator kondisi jaringan internet masih terbatas. Adapun beberapa faktor penghambat dalam penggunaan website newsroom yaitu kurangnya sosialisasi, keterbatasan jaringan internet di dua Kecamatan, dan keterbatasan media elektronik. Hal ini di sebabkan karena masih banyaknya masyarakat yang memiliki ekonomi rendah. Upaya yang dilakukan Dinas Komunikasi Informatika Persandian dan Statistik melakukan sosialisasi dan meningkatkan jaringan internet. Adapun sarannya yaitu sebaiknya meningkatkan sosialisasi pelayanan informasi berbasis elektronik.
Kata kunci: Optimalisasi, Newsroom, Pelayanan Informasi Berbasis Elektronik.
Penilaian Tata Kelola Teknologi Informasi Berbasis Kinerja Organisasi Menggunakan Cobit 2019 dan Balanced Scorecard (Studi pada Dinas Komunikasi, Informatika, Persandian, dan Statistik Kabupaten Kolaka Timur)
Authors: Wahyudi Reski , Murdiyana Murdiyana , Ikhbaluddin Ikhbaluddin
Published: January 2025

Penelitian ini berangkat dari adanya beberapa fenomena penerapan Teknologi Informasi (TI) dalam pelayanan publik di Kabupaten Kolaka Timur, yang selanjutnya dirumuskan menjadi isu-isu strategis dalam Renstra sebagai upaya memberi solusi terhadap permasalahan tata kelola TI yang belum terintegrasi, kurangnya singkronisasi dan koordinasi perangkat daerah dalam membangun jaringan terintegrasi, kualitas SDM bidang TIK yang masih rendah, serta sarana prasarana TI yang belum memadai. Penelitian ini tertuju agar pengevaluasian peran tata kelola TI dalam meningkatkan kinerja organisasi pemerintahan, dengan fokus pada Dinas Komunikasi, Informatika, Persandian dan Statistik (Diskominfosantik) Kabupaten Kolaka Timur. Menggunakan pendekatan mixed method dengan desain eksploratori sekuensial, penelitian ini menggabungkan analisis kualitatif dengan validasi kuantitatif, pengumpulan data melalui wawancara dan kuesioner. Analisis dengan Balanced Scorecard mengungkapkan bahwa target kinerja yang berorientasi pada pelanggan tidak terpenuhi. Mengacu pada tujuan layanan pelanggan COBIT 2019, studi ini memetakan tata kelola TI di empat domain. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan domain APO02 (strategi terkelola) mencapai level 3, sedangkan APO03, BAI05, dan DSS06 mencapai level 2. rekomendasi berdasarkan kerangka kerja COBIT 2019 diberikan. Rekomendasinya adalah peningkatan tata kelola dan manajemen teknologi informasi, memastikan semua proses berfungsi penuh dan selaras dengan tujuan organisasi, dan mengikuti pedoman COBIT 2019 untuk meningkatkan praktik tata kelola TI supaya mendukung pencapaian tujuan strategis.
 
Kata kunci: Kinerja Organisasi, Tata Kelola Teknologi Informasi, Balanced Scorecard, COBIT 2019.
Kentlerde Turizmin Yönetilmesi ve Sürdürülebilir Gelişimi İçin Konaklama Vergisi: Dünya’dan Örnekler ve Türkiye Uygulaması
Authors: Tekin Ömer Faruk , Say Servet
Published: January 2025

Çalışmanın amacı, dünya ülkelerinden uygulama örnekleri vererek, 2023 yılı başında Türkiye’de yürürlüğe giren konaklama vergisini, özellikleri, temel unsurları, vergi sistemimiz içindeki yeri ve muhasebeleştirilmesi bakımından analiz etmektir. Turizmin sürdürülebilirliği, bir kalkınma ekonomisine dönüştürülmesi, doğal, tarihî ve kültürel değerlerin korunması ve turizme yönelik vergi politikaları sektörle ilgili tartışmaların başında gelmektedir. Öncelikle Avrupa ülkelerinde, ABD’de ve Japonya’da uygulanmaya başlayan son yıllarda daha fazla ülkede benimsenen konaklama vergisi de bu hususlarla birlikte tartışılan konulardan biridir. Turist vergisi, şehir vergisi gibi farklı terimlerle anılan konaklama vergisi, konaklama işletmeleri tarafından verilen hizmetler üzerinden alınan bir vergidir. Konaklama vergisi aşırı turizmin kontrol altında tutulması, turizm faaliyetleri sonucu ortaya çıkan olumsuzlukların en aza indirilmesi ve turizm hizmetlerinin kalitenin arttırılması amacıyla uygulanmaya başlamıştır. Ayrıca, yerel hizmetlerin turizmin yoğunlaştığı sezonlarda da kaliteli sunulması, kent yönetimlerinin malî bakımdan geliştirilmesi, yatırım ve tanıtıma yönlendirilen gelirlerle turizmin gelişim ve sürdürülebilirliğinin sağlanması amaçlanmaktadır. Bu çalışmada, ilk olarak turizm hizmetlerinin vergilendirilmesinin faydaları ve gerekçeleri incelenmektedir. Turizmde uygulanan vergiler üzerinde durularak, konaklama vergisinin tanımı ve teorik çerçevesi sunulmaktadır.
The Role and Impact of Zombie Firms in the Economic System: An Examination of Financial Sustainability and Innovation
Authors: Sumerli Sarıgül Sevgi , Avcı Pınar
Published: January 2025

Zombie firms, which are financially unsustainable, unable to pay their debts, and continue to survive face issues such as low profit margins, high debt burdens, and weak cash flows. In this context, the aim of this study is to examine the characteristics of these zombie companies, which Are not often adressed in the literature, and to evaluate their roles and impacts on the economic system. To achieve this aim, existing literature on zombie firms in both the world and Turkey has been reviewed, and a case study of a sample company has been analyzed to derive findings.According to the findings, zombie firms are characterized by high debt levels, negative profit profiles, high debt-to-equity ratios, elevated financial risks, and threats to their financial sustainability. It is observed that such companies also face high production costs and incur losses from their operations. Furthermore, the presence of zombie firms tends to increase during economic downturns, reinforced by low interest rates and government support. The findings indicate that zombie companies struggle to adapt to market dynamics and competitive conditions, remaining distant from innovation.Finally, the results of the study provide significant recommendations for both investors and policymakers.
Kentsel Altyapının İklim Değişikliğine Karşı Dirençli Hale Getirilmesinde Yeşil Altyapı Çözümleri
Authors: Göksoy Sevinçli Berfin , Bayrakcı Erdal
Published: January 2025

Bu çalışma, iklim değişikliğine karşı kentsel dirençliliği artırmada yeşil altyapının kritik rolünü incelemekte, bileşenlerini, faydalarını ve örnek uygulamaları vurgulamaktadır. Çalışma amacına uygun olarak, literatür taraması yöntemiyle desenlenmiştir. Sonuç olarak, yeşil altyapı, iklim değişikliği karşısında kentsel dayanıklılığı artırmaya yönelik dönüştürücü bir yaklaşımı temsil eder. Kentler genişlemeye ve gelişmeye devam ederken, iklim değişikliğinin getirdiği zorluklar acil olarak kent planlamacılarını, politika yapıcıları ve toplulukları geleneksel altyapı yaklaşımlarını yeniden düşünmeye zorlamaktadır. Doğal sistemleri kentsel ortamlara entegre eden yenilikçi bir kavram olan yeşil altyapı, kentsel dayanıklılığı artırmak için temel bir çözüm olarak ortaya çıkmıştır. Geniş bir şekilde tanımlanan yeşil altyapı, yağmur suyunu yönetmek, küresel ısınmanın etkilerini azaltmak ve hava kalitesini iyileştirmek için bitki örtüsünü, toprağı ve diğer doğal unsurları kullanan ve kente pek çok faydalar sağlayan bir dizi uygulamayı kapsar. Yeşil altyapıyı kentsel planlamaya entegre etmek, kentsel büyümeyi yönetmeye yönelik bütünsel bir yaklaşımı teşvik ettiği ve kentlere; aşırı hava olayları ve artan sıcaklıklar gibi iklim değişikliğinin getirdiği zorluklara karşı direnç kazandırabileceği için önemlidir.
Türkiye’de Kararnamelerin Bürokrasi Üzerindeki Etkisi: Parlamenter ve Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemlerinin Karşılaştırması
Authors: Kaya Recep
Published: January 2025

Makalenin konusu, Parlamenter sistem ve Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemi karşılaştırmasında Türkiye’de kararnamelerin bürokrasi üzerindeki etkisidir. Bu çalışmada Parlamenter dönemde ve özellikle Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sisteminde kararnamelerin bürokrasi kurumu üzerindeki etkilerinin nasıl ve ne denli olduğu ele alınmaktadır. Makalenin kapsamını, Parlamenter dönemde yürütmenin sıklıkla başvurduğu düzenleyici işlemlerden biri olan ve günümüzde uygulanma imkânı kalmayan kanun hükmünde kararnameler ile Türkiye’ye özgü hükümet sistemi modeli olan Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemi döneminde çıkarılan Cumhurbaşkanlığı kararnameleri oluşturmaktadır. Çalışmada ilk olarak bürokrasinin özellikleri ele alınmış, sonrasında ise Parlamenter ve Cumhurbaşkanlığı Hükümet Sistemleri açıklanmıştır. Daha sonra da kararname konusuna değinilmiştir. Ayrıca hükümet sistemleri temelinde kararnamelerin bürokrasi üzerinde etkileri ve bürokrasi kurumundaki değişim ve dönüşümde oynadığı roller belirtilmiştir. Çalışma, bürokrasi ve hükümet sistemleri ile kararnameler kapsamında bugüne kadar yayınlanan literatür çalışmalarından faydalanılarak hazırlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda çalışmanın Kanun Hükmünde Kararnameler ve Cumhurbaşkanlığı Kararnameleri arasındaki farklılık ve bürokrasi üzerindeki etkilerinin nasıl ve ne şekilde olduğunu ortaya koyması bakımından literartüre katkı sağlayacağı düşünülmektedir.
Vatandaşların Yaşam Kalitesinin Arttırılmasında Sosyal Belediyecilik Uygulamalarının Etkinliği: Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyesi Örneği
Authors: Uçar Ahmet , Çağatay Uluç
Published: January 2025

Belediyeler kamu hizmetlerini vatandaşlara en yakın düzeyde etkin ve verimli bir şekilde sunan tüzel kişiliği olan yönetim birimleridir. Günümüzde çok sayıda kamu hizmeti ya doğrudan ya da merkezi yönetimlerle birlikte belediyeler tarafından yerine getirilmektedir. Bu hizmetlerden biri de sosyal devlet ilkesi bağlamında gerçekleşen sosyal belediyecilik uygulamalarıdır. Son zamanlarda kamu hizmetleri önemli ölçüde çeşitlenmiş ve değişmiştir. Bilhassa sosyal devlet ve sosyal belediye uygulamalarının başlamasıyla bu değişiklikler ortaya çıkmaya başlamıştır. Zira toplumun çeşitli kesimlerinin ihtiyaçlarına yönelik yaşamlarını kolaylaştırıcı faaliyetlerle belediyeler sosyal belediye uygulamalarını çeşitlendirmişlerdir. Bu anlamda 1990’lı yıllardan sonra devletin ve bilhassa belediyelerin gerçekleştirmeye çalıştığı sosyal belediyecilik uygulamaları bu çalışmanın ana konusunu oluşturmaktadır. Dolayısıyla bu çalışmada metot olarak literatür taraması ve içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Bu kapsamda önce sosyal açılardan riskli olarak kabul edilebilecek yoksullar, yaşlılar, kimsesizler, işsizler, kadınlar ve çocuklar gibi kesimlere yönelik hizmetler bağlamında ele alınabilecek olan sosyal devlet ve sosyal belediyecilik uygulamaları literatür taraması yoluyla anlatılmıştır. Daha sonra çalışmanın ana konusunu oluşturan Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyesinin bu konuda yaptığı faaliyetlerin yaşam kalitesine olan etkileri belediyenin hazırlamış olduğu stratejik planları incelenerek ve içerik analizi yapılarak ortaya çıkarılmaya çalışılmıştır. Yapılan içerik analizine göre Aydın Büyükşehir Belediyesi hazırladığı stratejik planın amaçlarının çoğunda ulaşım, çevre, sağlık, tarım ürünlerinin iyileştirilmesi ve dezavantajlı grupların yaşamlarını kolaylaştırma vb konularda vatandaşların yaşam kalitesini yükseltecek hizmetlere yer verdiği gözlenmiştir. Sonuç bölümünde bu bilgiler ışığında bazı öneriler sunulmuştur.
Controlling Large Language Model Hallucination Based on Agent AI with LangGraph
Authors: Wang Jialin , Duan Zhihua
Published: January 2025

As Large Language Models (LLMs) become integral to Natural Language Processing (NLP) applications, their tendency to generate hallucinations — outputs misaligned with input data or real-world facts — presents a significant challenge. This paper introduces a novel approach leveraging Agent AI within the LangGraph system to systematically detect and mitigate LLM hallucinations. The framework categorizes hallucinations into three distinct types: Hallucination Knowledge Positive (HK+), Hallucination Knowledge Negative (HK-), and normal responses. HK+ represents errors where the model has relevant knowledge but provides incorrect answers, while HK- denotes hallucinations arising from insufficient knowledge. Normal responses are accurate outputs requiring no intervention. The proposed method employs corrective Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to address HK- cases by supplementing missing knowledge. For HK+, a human-in-the-loop mechanism is activated to rectify errors and ensure accuracy. Normal responses proceed without additional processing. This structured approach improves the precision and reliability of LLMs across diverse application scenarios. By integrating Agent AI for dynamic classification and targeted intervention, the LangGraph system significantly reduces hallucination rates, offering a robust solution for enhancing LLM performance in real-world deployments. This research provides new perspectives and methodologies for advancing LLM stability and dependability.
Research on detection methods of related substances and degradation products of the antitumor drug selpercatinib
Authors: Xiang Jingjing , Cai Liangliang , Wang Qin , Zhu Yonghong , Han Yong
Published: January 2025

Background

Selpercatinib, a selective RET kinase inhibitor, is approved for treating various cancers with RET gene mutations such as RET-rearranged thyroid cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The presence of process-related and degradation impurities in its active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) can significantly affect its safety and effectiveness. However, research on detecting these impurities is limited.

Methods

This study developed and systematically validated a High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method for identifying selpercatinib and its related impurities. The method utilized a 4.6 mm × 250 mm chromatographic column with 5 μm particles, employing a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, a detection wavelength of 235 nm, an injection volume of 10 μL, and a column temperature of 35°C. Mobile phase A was composed of a 9:1 ratio of water to acetonitrile, with the aqueous component adjusted to pH 2.5 and containing 2 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4) and 0.4% triethylamine. Mobile phase B was pure acetonitrile. The gradient elution program was as follows: 0–2 min, 5%B; 2–15 min, 5% to 15%B; 15–30 min, 15% to 35%B; 30–35 min, 35% to 45%B; 35–36 min, 45% to 5%B; 36–45 min, 5%B.

Results

The chromatographic method established in this study was validated according to the ICH Q2 (R1) guidelines. The developed HPLC method demonstrated excellent specificity, sensitivity, stability, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. It efficiently separated the impurities present in selpercatinib, thereby confirming the method’s efficacy in ensuring the purity and quality of the drug.

Conclusion

The chromatographic method established in this study can be used for the detection of selpercatinib and its impurities, providing significant reference value for the quality research of selpercatinib bulk drug and its preparations, and ensuring the safety of medication for patients.
Are enhanced rock weathering rates overestimated? A few geochemical and mineralogical pitfalls
Authors: Power Ian M. , Hatten Victoria N. J. , Guo Minger , Schaffer Zivi R. , Rausis Kwon , Klyn-Hesselink Heather
Published: January 2025

There is considerable uncertainty when quantifying carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from enhanced rock weathering (ERW). Faster CDR rates mean ERW may significantly impact climate change mitigation, and more carbon credits will financially benefit private companies. However, overestimating CDR risks undermining ERW if meaningless carbon credits are counted. Here, we aim to contribute to the discussion of CDR quantification by describing three potential pitfalls relating to the geochemical and mineralogical compositions of rock powders. First, rock powders used for ERW are often mineralogically complex and may initially exhibit fast dissolution rates due to reactive surfaces and phases, leading to overestimating long-term CDR rates. Second, the dissolution of accessory carbonates within ERW rock powders will tend to dominate cation and dissolved inorganic carbon fluxes, which, if not identified, can be misconstrued as silicate weathering and overestimate CDR. Third, methods that rely on measuring cations may be prone to misinterpretation as cations will often not be balanced with dissolved inorganic carbon, e.g., during strong acid weathering. As another example, mineral dissolution during solid-phase testing (e.g., cation exchange) is also unrelated to carbonic acid weathering and, thus, may overestimate CDR rates. To avoid these pitfalls, we recommend (1) incorporating high-dosage test plots into ERW trials that avoid reapplication of rock powders that replenish initially fast reactivity, (2) screening rock powders for carbonate minerals using sensitive techniques and distinguishing carbonate and silicate weathering, and (3) measuring carbon to verify carbon dioxide removal. High-quality carbon credits must be durable, additional, and not overestimated.
Unsupervised machine learning model for phenogroup-based stratification in acute type A aortic dissection to identify postoperative acute gastrointestinal injury
Authors: Ma Yuhu , Yang Xiaofang , Weng Chenxiang , Wang Xiaoqing , Zhang Baoping , Liu Ying , Wang Rui , Bao Zhenxing , Yang Peining , Zhang Hong , Liu Yatao
Published: January 2025

Objective

We aimed to explore the application value of unsupervised machine learning in identifying acute gastrointestinal injury (AGI) after extracorporeal circulation for acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).

Methods

Patients who underwent extracorporeal circulation for ATAAD at the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from January 2016 to January 2021 were included. Unsupervised machine learning algorithm was used to stratify patients into different phenogroups according to the similarity of their clinical features and laboratory test results. The differences in the incidence of perioperative AGI and other adverse events among different phenogroups were compared. Logistic regression was used to analyze the high-risk factors for AGI in each phenogroups and random forest (RF) algorithms were used to construct diagnostic models for AGI in different phenogroups.

Results

A total of 188 patients were included, with 166 males and 22 females. Unsupervised Machine Learning stratified patients into three phenogroups (phenogroup A, B, and C). Compared with other phenogroups, phenogroup B patients were older (P < 0.01), had higher preoperative lactate and D-dimer levels, and had the highest incidence of AGI (52.5%, P < 0.001) and in-hospital mortality (18.6%, P = 0.002). The random forest model showed that the top four risk factors for AGI in phenogroup B were cardiopulmonary bypass time, operation time, aortic clamping time, and ventilator time, which were significantly different from other phenogroups. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for diagnosing postoperative AGI of phenogroup A, B, and C were 0.943 (0.854–0.992), 0.990 (0.966–1.000), and 0.964 (0.899–0.997) using the RF model, respectively.

Conclusion

Phenogroup stratification based on unsupervised learning can accurately identify high-risk populations for postoperative AGI in ATAAD, providing a new approach for implementing individualized preventive and therapeutic measures in clinical practice.
Cardioneuroablation for reflex syncope or functional bradyarrhytmias: new insight from a single center experience
Authors: Valenti Noemi , Di Monaco Antonio , Romanazzi Imma , Vitulano Nicola , Troisi Federica , Quadrini Federico , Vitullo Antonio , Sgarra Luca , Caruso Rosa , Anzelmo Vincenzo , Guida Pietro , Brunetti Natale Daniele , Grimaldi Massimo
Published: January 2025

Background

Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a new approach to treat reflex syncope and functional bradyarrhytmias caused by autonomic imbalance. We report our experience using CNA.

Method

From September 2022 to July 2023, we took care of 21 patients (mean age 42 ± 21 years; 62% male) affected by reflex syncope or functional bradyarrhythmias. All patients underwent CNA under conscious sedation targeting the superior and/or inferior paraseptal ganglionated plexus (GPs).

Results

Nine patients were affected by vasovagal syncope (VVS) and twelve by functional bradyarrhythmias. In 3 cases (14%) the ablation was performed only on the GPs of the right atrium, while in the remaining 86% of cases we performed biatrial lesions. As regards the acute results, we highlighted an increase in sinus heart rate (12 ± 15 bpm, p = 0.001), a shortening of the PQ interval (−18 ± 18 msec, p < 0.001), a reduction of the correct sinus node recovery times (cSNRT) (−142 ± 204 msec, p = 0.114), a shortening of the AH interval (−31 ± 26 msec, p = 0.008), a reduction of the effective refractory period of the atrio-ventricular node (−156; interquartile range from −30 to −160 msec, p = 0.042) and an increase in the Wencheback point (27 ± 20 bpm, p < 0.001). At follow-up, a single patient, due to persistent symptoms and bradyarrhythmic disorder, underwent permanent pacemaker implantation; no other patient had recurrence of syncope, and all remained persistently asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Our results confirm the efficacy and safety of CNA for the treatment of VVS and functional bradyarrhythmias, although further studies are needed to support these findings.
Support in digital health skill development for vulnerable groups in a public library setting: perspectives of trainers
Authors: Standaar Lucille M. B. , Israel Adriana M. C. , van der Vaart Rosalie , Keij Brigitta , Friele Roland D. , Beenackers Mariëlle A. , van Tuyl L. H. D.
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The digitalization of healthcare poses a risk of exacerbating health inequalities. Dutch public libraries offer freely accessible e-health courses given by trainers. However, there is limited knowledge on whether these libraries successfully reach and support those in need. This study aimed to explore trainers’ perspectives on the challenges, successes, and potential improvements in digital health skill education in a library setting.

Materials and methods

Trainers of the e-health course were interviewed. Topics included: the role of the library in digital health skills education, the successes and challenges in reaching groups with a low socioeconomic position, the perceived impact of the digital health skills education, and strategies for future improvement in digital health skills education. A deductive analysis based upon the interview guide topics was performed. A second inductive analysis was applied to identify underlying patterns. Coding was done independently and cross-checked. Codebooks and themes were determined in discussion with authors.

Results

Three themes emerged. 1) Trainers’ services, skills and expertise: Trainers identified older adults, youth, people with low (digital) literacy, the unemployed, and people from non-native cultural backgrounds as the groups most in need of support. Trainers felt equipped to address these groups’ needs. 2) The libraries’ reach: improving engagement, perceived accessibility, and clients’ barriers: Despite trainers’ efforts to adjust the course to the target groups’ level of commitment, digital and literacy levels, and logistics, the digital health course predominantly engages older adults. Experienced barriers in reach: limited perceived accessibility of the public library and clients’ personal barriers. 3) Collaborations with healthcare, welfare and community organizations: Trainers emphasized that collaborations could enhance the diversity and number of participants. Current partnerships provided: reach to target groups, teaching locations, and referral of clients.

Discussion

Trainers in public libraries recognize a various target groups that need support in digital health skill development. The study identified three challenges: accessibility of the digital health course, reach of the public library, and clients’ personal barriers. Public libraries have potential to support their target groups but need strategies to improve their engagement and reach. Collaborations with healthcare, welfare, and community organizations are essential to improve their reach to those most in need of support.
A comparative analysis of protected area expansion strategies for biodiversity and ecosystem services: a case study of Hainan Island
Authors: Wang Lijuan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The allocation of limited resources to simultaneously protect biodiversity and provide ecosystem services (ESs) is a critical global challenge in achieving the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. One common strategy for this challenge is to expand existing protected areas (PAs), but the efficiency of different expansion methods for biodiversity and ESs remains unknown.

Methods

This study investigated two strategies, preserving existing PAs (“locking”) versus reassessing their boundaries (“unlocking”), to evaluate their effectiveness in achieving biodiversity and ES targets. The study used Marxan, a spatial modeling tool, to assess the effectiveness of PAs expansion strategies on Hainan Island in China.

Results and discussion

The current PAs system, which encompasses 8.82% of the island, is inadequate for protecting the target levels of biodiversity and ES. We experimented with expanding the PAs to 15% using both strategies. The results revealed that, compared with the “unlocking” strategy, the “locking” strategy favored ES protection (66.49% vs 86.84%), but did so at the expense of biodiversity conservation. In contrast, the “unlocking” strategy required a larger area for expansion and led to increased habitat fragmentation compared wtih the “locking” approach. These findings underscore the need for a strategic approach to expanding PAs and balancing between biodiversity conservation and ES provision. This study offers valuable insights that could be used for broader applications in PAs management and biodiversity conservation planning.
Alcohol intake exacerbates experimental autoimmune prostatitis through activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-mediated Th1 differentiation
Authors: Xu Shun , Chen Jing , Yue Shaoyu , Zhang Yifan , Zhao Shengyu , Hu Yongtao , Zhang Cheng , Guan Wenrui , Zhang Li , Zhang Ligang , Liang Chaozhao
Published: January 2025

Background

Epidemiological investigations have revealed a significant association between alcohol consumption and chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). Nevertheless, the potential mechanisms are still inadequately revealed. This research aimed to investigate the impact of alcohol on CP/CPPS using an animal model and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

Methods

We first established the widely used animal model for CP/CPPS, experimental autoimmune prostatitis (EAP). During the induction of EAP, mice were fed with alcohol or control diet. The HE staining, ELISA, and behavioral experiments were employed to assess the severity of inflammation in EAP mice and EAP-alcohol mice. Patients with a history of chronic alcohol consumption were also included to evaluate the effects of chronic alcohol consumption on CP/CPPS. Subsequently, proteomic analysis, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry were utilized to investigate the underlying mechanism involved both in vivo and in vitro.

Results

HE staining, ELISA, and behavioral experiments showed that alcohol exacerbated the severity of EAP in mice and patients. Proteomic and KEGG pathway analyses showed that abnormal Th1 differentiation and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway were significantly enriched. Subsequent mechanistic research showed that alcohol significantly activated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and increased the Th1 cell differentiation both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, PI3K inhibitor LY294002 and shRNA-PI3K plasmid inhibited PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation, reduced Th1 cell differentiation, and alleviated EAP inflammation severity, respectively.

Conclusion

Our study is the first to demonstrate that alcohol intake promotes Th1 cell differentiation and exacerbates EAP by activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Additionally, the role of LY294002 in inhibiting PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to relieve EAP suggests that it can serve as a promising therapeutic target for CP/CPPS.
Analysis of acoustic field characteristics of mesoscale eddies throughout their complete life cycle
Authors: Ma Xiaodong , Zhang Lei , Xu Weishuai , Li Maolin
Published: January 2025

Mesoscale eddies exert a profound influence on oceanic temperature and salinity structures, thereby altering the ecological environment and acoustic propagation characteristics. Prior research on acoustic propagation beneath mesoscale eddy effects has predominantly concentrated on fragmented, snapshot-style analyses. In contrast, this study employs a holistic approach by integrating multi-source data to elucidate oceanic temperature and salinity structures, ultimately impacting their ecological environment and acoustic propagation. While the existing paper, this study adopts a more comprehensive and successional methodology. Through the amalgamation of multi-source data, this research introduces an innovative mesoscale eddy tracking algorithm and an enhanced Gaussian eddy model. Utilizing the BELLHOP ray theory model, this investigation scrutinizes the acoustic field characteristics of a cyclonic eddy and a typical anticyclonic eddy (CE-AE) pair exhibiting complete life cycles in the Northwest Pacific. The results reveal that the complete life cycles of mesoscale eddies substantially impact the acoustic field environment. As a CE intensifies, the convergence zone (CZ) distance diminishes, the CZ width expands, and the direct wave (DW) distance shortens. Conversely, an intensifying AE increases the CZ distance, contracts the CZ width, and prolongs the DW distance. This paper presents a quantitative analysis to delineate the critical factors influencing eddy life cycles, indicating that both eddy intensity and deformation parameters significantly affect acoustic propagation characteristics, with eddy intensity exerting a more substantial influence. This research substantially contributes to the application of sea surface altimetry data for underwater acoustic studies and provides preliminary insights into the impacts of eddy parameters on underwater acoustic propagation within typical mesoscale eddy environments. Moreover, this research offers a foundation for future investigations into the intricate relationships between eddy dynamics and acoustic propagation in oceanic systems.
Population dynamics and seasonal variation in biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China
Authors: Lauden Hagai Nsobi , Lyu Shaoliang , Alfatat Alma , Mwemi Happiness Moses , Alam Jamaluddin Fitrah , Chen Ning , Wang Xuefeng
Published: January 2025

This study examined the population dynamics and seasonal variation (winter-summer) in the biological characteristics of black sea bream (Acanthopagrus schlegelii) in Zhanjiang coastal waters, China. Key growth parameters were estimated using the von Bertalanffy growth model, revealing an asymptotic length (L∞) of 505.05 mm and a growth coefficient (K) of 0.26 year-¹, with an estimated longevity of 11.24 years. Mortality analysis showed a total mortality rate (Z) of 0.35 year-¹, primarily driven by natural causes (M = 0.33 year-¹) with minimal fishing impact (F = 0.02 year-¹), resulting in a low exploitation rate (E) of 0.05. Length-weight relationship (LWR) analysis indicated positive allometric growth in females and nearly isometric growth in males, with significant seasonal variations in condition factors (K). Yield Per Recruit (YPR) analysis identified a maximum sustainable exploitation rate (Emax) of 0.421, with a conservative management approach suggested at E0.1 = 0.355. Seasonal variations in reproductive indices, with higher Gonadosomatic Index (GSI) and Hepatosomatic Index (HSI) in winter, highlight the species’ reproductive cycle. The findings suggest that Acanthopagrus schlegelii is stable, with low fishing pressure. Seasonal GSI and HSI variations suggest fisheries management should time fishing to reduce impacts on reproductive success. Maintaining exploitation rates below Emax is essential for sustainable management, contributing valuable insights for fisheries conservation in coastal China.
Characteristics of ocular findings of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 in China
Authors: Wang Shudan , Feng Jiaoyang , Zhu Rui , Jin Xin , Ding Yiheng , Jin Di , Guo Yu , Zhang Hong
Published: January 2025

Purpose

This study aimed to report the ocular manifestations in individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and investigate any correlation between the occurrence of ocular symptoms and systemic symptoms.

Methods

A retrospective electronic survey was conducted among the general public in northern China from December 2022 through February 2023. Inclusion criteria for COVID-19 was confirmed testing positive via a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test or testing positive for COVID-19 via an antigen kit. The anonymous survey collected information on demographics, systemic COVID-19 symptoms, ocular diagnosis and symptoms, comorbidities and disease history.

Results

A total of 2,405 survey responses were collected and the final analysis included individuals in the 335 COVID-19 positive group and 434 individuals in the COVID-19 negative group. Among COVID-19 positive patients 66.3% (n = 222) reported experiencing ocular symptoms. Dryness (n = 106, 31.6%), blurred vision (n = 81, 24.2%), eye pain (n = 72, 21.5%), and itching (n = 71, 21.2%) were the main features. COVID-19 was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of conjunctivitis, iritis, uveitis, retinal vein occlusion and optic neuritis. The majority of individuals (51.0%) developed eye symptoms after the onset of COVID-19 systemic symptoms. There was no significant association between the severity of systemic symptoms and ocular symptoms.

Conclusion

Individuals with COVID-19 were significantly more likely to experience ocular symptoms. COVID-19 was found to be associated with a higher prevalence of retinal diseases. The majority of individuals developed ocular symptoms right after the onset of systemic symptoms.
Severe ARDS due to disseminated toxoplasmosis in a person with HIV successfully treated with ECMO: a case report
Authors: Medina Daniel , Ávila Renzo , Rodríguez-Sevilla Graciela , Gumucio Víctor , Bonilla María , Abelenda-Alonso Gabriela , Niubó Jordi , Saumoy Maria , Tiraboschi Juan , Fuset María Paz , Imaz Arkaitz
Published: January 2025

Disseminated toxoplasmosis (DT) is an uncommon but severe complication associated with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). This case report describes the successful treatment of a 28-year-old male individual with AIDS who developed severe and life-threatening acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) resulting from DT, in which extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was employed effectively.
Identifying subgroups of teacher burnout in elementary and secondary schools: the effects of teacher experience, age and gender
Authors: Alghamdi Mohammed H. , Sideridis Georgios
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Teacher burnout is a serious problem that requires quick attention and management since it not only compromises educational quality but also strains schools’ financial resources.

Research objective

The purpose of the present study was to profile burnout indicators for teachers in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. A secondary goal was to evaluate the consistency of burnout profiles between elementary and secondary school teachers.

Method

Participants were 703 teachers who participated in the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS 2019) and were part of the measurement in Saudi Arabia and participated in this study. A series of nested latent class models were run using 1–6 classes to identify an optimal number of interpretable subgroups (latent classes) that best describe the latent construct of teacher burnout in the elementary and high school setting.

Results

The most important finding was that more than one-third of the teachers reported high levels of burnout irrespective of education level or gender. Furthermore, teachers’ experience and age were positive predictors of burnout with older teachers having significantly elevated levels of burnout. Gender on the other hand did not play a significant moderating role in teachers’ levels of burnout.

Implications

Reducing the number of students in each class, reorganizing the administrative work that has to be done, adding more support personnel to classrooms, and increasing time management skills and tactics via professional development programs are all potential solutions that might help alleviate the problem of teacher burnout.
Network modeling of problematic social media use components in college student social media users
Authors: Chen Jianyong , Su Ting , Dong Junqiang , Li Yuzhi , Feng Ju , Chen Yingxiu , Liu Gu
Published: January 2025

Background

While the constitutive features of problematic social media use (PSMU) have been formulated, there has been a lack of studies in the field examining the structure of relationships among PSMU components.

Method

This study employed network analytic methods to investigate the connectivity among PSMU components in a large sample of 1,136 college student social media users (Mage = 19.69, SD = 1.60). Components of PSMU were assessed by the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale (BSMAS) derived from a components model of addiction. We computed two types of network models, Gaussian graphical models (GGMs) to examine network structure and influential nodes and directed acyclic graphs (DAGs) to identify the probabilistic dependencies among components.

Result

Relapse component consistently emerged as a central node in the GGMs and as a parent node of other components in the DAGs. Relapse and tolerance components exhibited strong mutual connections and were linked to the most vital edges within the networks. Additionally, conflict and mood modification nodes occupied more central positions within the PSMU network for the low-BSMAS-score subgroup compared with the high-BSMAS-score subgroup.

Conclusion

Our findings shed new light on the complex architecture of PSMU and its potential implications for tailored interventions to relieve PSMU.
The value of privacy for people with dementia
Authors: Buhr Eike , Schweda Mark
Published: January 2025

Introduction

The concept of privacy marks an astonishing gap in the discussion about care for people with dementia (PwD). In general, questions of privacy play an important role and attract much attention in the ethics of nursing care. Yet, when it comes to dementia care, there is hardly any systematic ethical debate on the topic at all. It almost seems as though PwD lost any plausible interest in privacy and no longer had a private sphere that needed to be considered or protected. However, this not only contradicts widespread moral intuitions but also ignores the views and needs of those affected.

Arguments

This conceptual analysis sets out to explore the value of privacy for PwD. We first outline the origins and dimensions of the concept of privacy itself and point out problems and limitations in the context of dementia. Especially the prevalent liberal conceptions’ dependence on the idea of individual autonomy poses considerable challenges to an adequate understanding of the moral significance of privacy for PwD. Therefore, we subsequently examine alternative ways of conceptualizing the value of privacy in the context of dementia care.

Conclusion

We argue that autonomy-based concepts of privacy may still apply in the early stages of dementia. In the further course of the syndrome, however, the relevance of other normative aspects comes to the fore, especially respect for remaining personal preferences as well as objective criteria of dignity and well-being. Thus, we outline in a differentiated way how and to what extent privacy can be of normative importance even beyond the purview of autonomy and should consequently be considered in dementia care.
Remediating cognitive inflexibility in obsessive compulsive disorder and anorexia nervosa neither moderates nor mediates treatment effects: an exploratory study
Authors: van Passel Boris , Danner Unna N. , Dingemans Alexandra E. , Broekman Theo G. , Sternheim Lot C. , Becker Eni S. , van Elburg Annemarie A. , van Furth Eric F. , Hendriks Gert-Jan , Cath Daniëlle C.
Published: January 2025

Objective

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and anorexia nervosa (AN) are conditions associated with poor cognitive flexibility, a factor considered to interfere with treatment, but research into the relationship between cognitive flexibility and treatment outcome is limited. This study explores whether baseline measures of cognitive flexibility predict outcomes in OCD and AN, evaluates whether changes in these measures contribute to treatment outcome, and evaluates the effectiveness of adjunctive cognitive remediation therapy (CRT) in improving cognitive flexibility.

Methods

This secondary analysis utilized linear mixed model analysis on data from a randomized controlled multicenter clinical trial involving adult participants with OCD (n=71) AND AN (n=61). Participants underwent 10 twice-weekly sessions of either CRT or a non-specific active control intervention (specialized attention therapy; SAT), followed by treatment as usual. Assessments using Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale and the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire were conducted at baseline, post-CRT/SAT and at 6 and 12 months. Cognitive flexibility was evaluated through the Trail Making Test (TMT), the Color-Word Interference Test (CWIT) and the Detail and Flexibility Questionnaire (DFlex).

Results

Levels of cognitive flexibility at baseline did not predict or moderate treatment outcome, nor did change in cognitive flexibility (baseline post-CRT/SAT) mediate treatment outcome, with CRT providing no greater improvement in measures of cognitive flexibility than SAT.

Conclusions

This study failed to find any relationship between measures of cognitive flexibility and treatment outcome in OCD and AN, and thus questions hypothetical associations between measures of cognitive flexibility and mechanisms of change in patients with OCD and AN.
Being in a position to know: attuned responsiveness as the hallmark of experiential knowledge and expertise in mental healthcare
Authors: Dings Roy , Strijbos Derek W.
Published: January 2025

Inclusion of people with lived experience into various mental healthcare settings is rapidly increasing. In this article we explicate and address two challenges that hinder this development. First, a descriptive challenge: what is the unique and complementary epistemic contribution of people with lived experience in mental healthcare, precisely? Second, a normative challenge: how to evaluate these contributions of people with lived experience to mental healthcare? To address these challenges, we propose a novel conceptual ‘lens’ through which to understand the epistemic contributions of people with lived experience. Our approach diverges from the orthodox view by not construing these contributions in terms of (experiential) knowledge, but in terms of perceptual and agential skills which put people with lived experience in a unique ‘position to know’. More specifically, we reckon that such contributions are best understood in terms of what we call ‘responsiveness’ and ‘attunement’. The main goal of this paper is to show how the ‘Attuned Responsiveness’-Framework allows us to satisfactorily address the descriptive and normative challenge, thereby providing the practice of expertise-by-experience in mental healthcare with a more solid conceptual basis.
The impact of long-term care insurance on the health status and healthcare expenditure of older adults in China
Authors: An Ran , Xiu Shujie , Yang Xiaosheng , Wang Shishi
Published: January 2025

Objective

Long-term care needs have grown with population aging. This study explores the relationships among health status, healthcare expenditure, and long-term care insurance (LTCI) among the older adults.

Methods

Using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011, 2013, 2015, 2018, and 2020) and based on the demand model for healthcare services, this study employed the difference-in-difference (DID) method to assess how the implementation of LTCI contributed to the health status and healthcare expenditures of the older adults. The propensity score matching DID method (PSM-DID) and other tests were used to conduct further robustness checks.

Results

The findings demonstrate a significant positive impact of LTCI on improving the health status and reducing healthcare expenditures in the elderly population. The PSM-DID indicates that LTCI can effectively improve the health status of the elderly population and reduce their healthcare spending.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the development of relevant policy frameworks for LTCI in China is recommended. These include consider the differences among the various pilot cities and social strata to allow policy adjustments and improvements in a timely, establish a dynamic and diversified long-term care insurance financing mechanism, encourage collaboration between medical institutions and elder care facilities, establish effective contact between LTCI and medical institutions, and use incentive policies such as tax relief to provide financial support and subsidies.