bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social-ecological model determinants of anaemia severity levels among children under five in Ashanti Region: A multinomial logistic regression based on the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Sackey Jonathan , Lokko Christiana Naa Momo , Baah Emmanuel Mensah
Published: December 2024

Anaemia is a significant global health issue, particularly affecting children under five years and women of reproductive age, with children being disproportionately impacted due to rapid growth and increased iron demand. It is an indicator of poor nutrition and health and a major barrier to social and economic development. For children under five, anaemia is a haemoglobin concentration below 110 g/l. This study aimed to examine the severity of anaemia among children under five in Ghana and identify predictors based on the socio-ecological model. Using data from the 2022 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS) and a sample of 662 children, multinomial logistic regression was applied for the analysis. The findings revealed that 32.4% of children experienced some form of anaemia, with 11.9% having moderate to severe anaemia. Individual (currently breastfeeding, had diarrhoea recently maternal age, maternal education, wealth index and ethnicity) and institutional (proximity to health facility) factors predicted anaemia severity. This study underscores the need for targeted interventions focused on individual factors, healthcare access, and breastfeeding support to reduce anaemia prevalence among children in Ghana.
'Flexibility is the name of the game’: Clinicians’ Views of Optimal Dose of Psychological Interventions for Psychosis and Paranoia
Authors: Fialho Carolina , Abouzahr Alya , Jacobsen Pamela , Shergill Sukhi , Stahl Daniel , Yiend Jenny
Published: December 2024

In the UK, NICE (2014) recommends a minimum of 16 sessions of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for the treatment of psychosis. One of the barriers to implementation is that clinicians’ views of optimum doses may not fit with this guidance. This study investigates the views of clinicians on the optimal dose of interventions. Fifteen clinicians participated in four focus groups and completed a bespoke questionnaire investigating experiences of dose in different contexts. We used the framework method for data analysis, with Voils et al. (2012) conceptualization of dose as the frame.
We identified three deductive themes on dose components; number, frequency, and length of therapy sessions. In community settings, participants recommended 1-5 sessions for shorter-term goals, 10-12 sessions for longer-term goals, and highlighted the importance of review after 20-26 sessions. While a range of 16-26 sessions was identified as optimal, a consensus formed around dose being variable to each individual. In inpatient settings, number of sessions was largely dependent on length of stay. In community settings participants found it helpful to initially have weekly sessions and then transition to fortnightly, while in inpatient settings participants met with patients 1-3 times a week. In community settings, participants reported often delivering 50–60 minute sessions (although that could vary); while in inpatient settings sessions lasted from 5 min to 2 hours. Dose recommendations for community settings applied to digital therapies.
We constructed four inductive themes on how clinicians adapt dose in clinical practice; (1) context matters, (2) individualised treatment approaches, (3) flexibility is key, and (4) balancing clinical idealism and service constraints. Complementing the NICE guidance, our findings endorsed the use of a variable index of sessions to address variability in clinical need. The incorporation of stakeholder views is essential to contextualise quantitative evidence-based recommendations.
Quality of Life Post Heart Failure Diagnosis: Population-Level Trends in the U.S
Authors: Alva Maria , Dolman Sarahfaye , Sikirica Slaven , Kolm Paul , Andrade Katherine , Zhang Zugui , Weintraub William
Published: December 2024

Background. Individuals with heart failure (HF) experience various symptoms making both diagnosis and disease burden estimates challenging. While HF-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are widely used, their focus on clinical cohorts limits their generalizability. Preference-based measures like the EQ-5D enable standardized health-related quality of life (QoL) comparisons across conditions, supporting resource allocation decisions. The CDC’s Healthy Days (HD) Survey—a simple two-question tool that can be mapped to the EQ-5D—offers a broader approach to tracking QoL but remains underutilized in HF populations. Methods. Using a nationally representative U.S. sample, we mapped HD Survey responses to EQ-5D utility scores to compare QoL between individuals with and without HF and examined changes in QoL over time. We assessed whether HD-derived scores align with HF-specific utility measures to support population-level health monitoring. Results. Individuals with HF report significantly more physically unhealthy days (8.46 vs. 3.42) and mentally unhealthy days (5.42 vs. 3.86) compared to those without HF. HF respondents are, on average, 20 years older than those without HF, consistent with HF's prevalence in older adults. The likelihood of an HF diagnosis is similar for men and women but higher among non-Hispanic whites and blacks than Hispanics and other races. Those with HF are more likely to have health insurance. Adjusting for age, sex, race, and insurance, mean EQ-5D utility scores for individuals with and without HF are 0.785 (95% CI: 0.714–0.825) and 0.840 (95% CI: 0.827–0.851), respectively. Utility scores for HF patients remain significantly lower than those without HF up to 10 years post-diagnosis. Conclusion. HF reduces QoL by 6.55%, surpassing the clinically significant threshold of a 1–2% decrement. These findings highlight the potential of the HD Survey to inform public health monitoring and underscore the need for tailored interventions to address QoL deficits in HF populations.
Hederagenin attenuates renal senescence in diabetic kidney disease by inhibiting DNMT1- mediated Klotho DNA methylation
Authors: Luo Guanfeng , Liu Minyu , Yu Wenbin , Liu Huaxi , Zhou Jie , Li Dexian , Chen Fangxin , Kwan Hiu Yee , Tang Yang , You Yanting , Zhao Xiaoshan , Sun Xiaomin
Published: December 2024

Renal senescence plays a crucial role in the development of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). The progression of DKD can accelerate the senescence process of the kidney, making it more susceptible to diabetes-induced damage and accelerating the process of renal fibrosis. However, there is no effective treatment for this pathological process. Hederagenin (Hed) has shown promising improvements in renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease and DKD, but its mechanism in DKD-induced renal senescence remains unclear. In this study, we found that Hed exhibited significant anti-renal senescence effects in palmitic acid-induced HK-2 cell senescence and in the kidneys of db/db mice. Additionally, through the GEO database, we discovered that Klotho is significantly downregulated in patients with DKD, and Hed can restore the expression of Klotho in senescence HK-2 cells and the kidneys of db/db mice. We utilized molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and surface plasmon resonance to find that Hed can bind to DNMT1. CHIP-qPCR experiments revealed that Hed competitively inhibits the binding of DNMT1 to the Klotho promoter region. Collectively, our study demonstrates that Hed possesses anti-renal senescence effects by interfering with the DNMT1-mediated Klotho DNA methylation process, thereby restoring Klotho expression and reducing DNA damage. These findings provide new mechanistic insights into the therapeutic potential of Hed in the treatment of DKD.
Virological Outcomes and Dolutegravir Resistance Mutations in HIV-infected Patients: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Study in Mozambique
Authors: Altan Anna Maria Doro , Majid Noorjehan , Orlando Stefano , Uamusse Elton , Rafael Marcia , Sidumo Zita , Guidotti Giovanni , Ciccacci Fausto
Published: December 2024

Introduction The global HIV epidemic remains a public health challenge. Dolutegravir (DTG) has become a cornerstone of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens due to its efficacy and tolerability. However, the emergence of DTG resistance is a concern. This study aims to evaluate virological outcomes and the emergence of resistance mutations in patients treated with DTG in Mozambique.Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in seven DREAM centers in Mozambique. Data were collected from electronic medical records of patients on DTG-based ART between July-2022 and December-2023. Virological suppression rates, patient demographics and clinical characteristics, and the prevalence of resistance mutations were analyzed.Results A total of 29,601 patients were included, 98.1% (29,051 patients) were on DTG-based ART. The overall virological suppression rate among patients on DTG was 95% (27,622/29,051). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the following factors independently associated with virological suppression: older patients (aged > 50 years) had higher odds of achieving virological suppression (OR: 2.45, 95% CI: 1.85–3.26, p < 0.001), longer duration on ART (> 5 years) was also associated with suppression (OR: 1.92, 95% CI: 1.44–2.58, p < 0.001), female patients had higher odds of suppression (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.75–0.97, p = 0.02), and patients treated in Quelimane City had lower odds of suppression compared to those in Machava (OR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.52–0.86, p = 0.01). Of the 74 samples sent for resistance testing, 17 were analyzed for DTG resistance, and 8 displayed resistance major mutations. The most common mutations identified were G118R and E138K, variably associated with other major mutations.Conclusions This study demonstrates the effectiveness of DTG within the DREAM program in Mozambique, with a high rate of virological suppression. However, the emergence of resistance mutations underscores the need for ongoing monitoring and surveillance to optimize treatment outcomes and preserve the efficacy of DTG.
Rotating Flow of Two Immiscible Liquids in a Vertical Concentric Annulus
Authors: sabrina nouri
Published: December 2024

This paper conducts a numerical and analytical investigation into the impact of the rotation rate on the dynamics of two immiscible liquids flow between vertical concentric cylinders. The governing momentum and energy equations are solved using numerical method. The discretization of momentum and energy equations is realized employing the finite volume method. The correlation between velocity and pressure fields is established using the SIMPLER algorithm, ensuring interface continuity. The flow is induced by radial density gradients resulting from thermal boundary conditions. The inner cylinder is characterized by a dimensionless temperature of 0.5, while the outer cylinder is at -0.5. The adiabatic condition is maintained for horizontal boundaries. The vertical equation of motion incorporates the buoyancy term, assuming axisymmetric flow. The analytical solution considers the flow in one dimension focusing on azimuthal velocity profile. The study explores the impact of an analytical and numerical rotational Reynolds numbers on flow patterns and heat transfer. Both numerical and analytical findings converge effectively, particularly at low rotational rates. The observation that the rotation of the inner cylinder exerts centrifugal forces, impacting the flow of water and oil differentially, serves to validate the assumption of a planar interface.
PERAN PEMBIAYAAN MURABAHAH SEKTOR PRODUKTIF DALAM MENINGKATKAN PENDAPATAN ANGGOTA USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH (UMKM) BAITUL MAAL WAT TAMWIL (BMT) LANTASIR KOTA KEDIRI
Authors: Martalia Elva , Samsuri Ali , Mahfudhotin Mahfudhotin
Published: December 2024

Murabahah financing is a sales contract for goods by stating the acquisition price with an agreed profit margin between the buyer and seller. Murabahah financing can be used to help with capital issues for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). This study aims to understand the implementation of productive sector murabahah financing at Baitul Mall Wat Tamwil (BMT) Lantasir in Kediri City and to determine the role of productive sector murabahah financing in improving MSMEs at BMT Lantasir in Kediri City. This study uses a qualitative research method with descriptive analysis, aiming to create a systematic, factual, and accurate description and illustration of the facts and the relationships between the investigated phenomena. This research was conducted using data collection techniques in the form of direct interviews with related parties. The results of this study conclude that the implementation of productive sector murabahah financing at BMT Lantasir in Kediri City includes completing requirements such as (photocopy of husband's/guardian's ID card, collateral documents, and form filling). The murabahah financing is carried out by BMT purchasing the members' needed goods and reselling them to the members with an agreed margin. This is done by BMT Lantasir. The role of productive sector murabahah financing in improving MSMEs has been carried out by adhering to Islamic principles in providing capital loans to the community to develop their businesses and create job opportunities for the surrounding community. This is evidenced by the increased income of MSME actors who received financing compared to before and after receiving financing. Hence, there is a significant increase in sales turnover and income.
OPTIMIZING CASH WAQF EDUCATION IN PROMOTING COMMUNITY WELFARE USING COMMUNITY BASED RESEARCH
Authors: Ilahi Muhammad Redo , Afrianty Nonie , Bahril Muthi’ ‘Adilah
Published: December 2024

Waqf is one of the Islamic financial instruments with great potential, which can improve people's life quality. The purpose of this Community Service activity is to provide education about cash waqf to employees of the Religious Affairs Office of North Seluma District. In order to overcome the problems of the activities, researchers are taking steps to carry out direct socialization (face to face). The method of this community service is Community Based Research (CBR). The implementation of this community service activity is carried out by training using the lecture method in delivering material and pre-test and post-test methods as an effort to explore employees' level of understanding of the material presented before and after in accordance with indicators of increasing understanding. Based on the community service activities carried out, it can be concluded that the service program designed by the researcher has been implemented according to plan. Researchers obtained data from 15 KUA employees that changed significantly between before and after conducting cash waqf education for employees of the North Seluma District Religious Affairs Office. Employees of the North Seluma District Religious Affairs Office have knowledge about cash waqf and have the intention to start conducting cash waqf.
PENGARUH KOREAN WAVE DAN BRAND AMBASSADOR TERHADAP MINAT BELI ONLINE PADA MARKETPLACE TOKOPEDIA
Authors: Devitasari Ginda Aprilia , Fitrianatsany Fitrianatsany
Published: December 2024

The purpose of this research is to identify how Korean Wave and brand ambassadors effect online purchasing intention in the Tokopedia marketplace. The research method used is quantitative using multiple regression analysis. This research uses primary data obtained from distributing questionnaires to Tokopedia marketplace users who are the population in this study. Users aged 17-50 years and who have used the Tokopedia marketplace for the last two years and made purchases at least 4 times are the sample. This research uses a non-probability sampling technique with a proportional sampling type with a sample of 100 respondents. Based on the test results for the Korean Wave and Brand Ambassador variables, they have a positive and significant effect on Online purchasing intention on the Tokopedia Marketplace. The results of the F test simultaneously with the Korean Wave and Brand Ambassador variables have a significant effect on online purchasibg intention, with it being known that Fcount is 10.643 > F table 2.358 and is significant 0.000 < 0.1. Meanwhile, partially the Korean wave variable has a positive and significant effect on online purchasing intention, and the brand ambassador variable has a positive and significant effect on online purchasing intention. The R Square coefficient of determination test is 0.380, meaning that the percentage contribution of the Korean Wave and Brand Ambassador variables to online purchasing intention is 38% and the remaining 62% comes from other variables outside the research.
APPLICATION REPASTRA-G: REVOLUTION PASAR TRADISIONAL GUBENG UPAYA MENINGKATKAN DAYA SAING GLOBALISASI UMKM SEBAGAI PENINGKATAN EKONOMI SOSIAL EKONOMI/UMKM
Authors: Damara Agasta Dwi
Published: December 2024

In the digital age, technology utilization is commonplace in economic growth, but traditional markets seem to be lagging behind. Indonesia currently has approximately 13,450 traditional markets that accommodate around 13 million stall vendors and over 9 million street vendors. Instead of being a support, the rapid development of e-commerce and online shopping has become a major competitor, threatening the percentage of the economy that has been supported by this sector. The positive potential of technology for traditional markets is actually abundant. However, in reality, technology has become a threat to the sustainability of traditional markets and the MSMEs that operate under them. The author uses a literature review method, focusing on the role of digital technology in economic growth that is ready to compete with modern (online) markets. Therefore, the author developed a platform that can be used by both consumers and sellers, capable of revolutionizing the concept of sales in the Gadang Malang traditional market. The platform, named REPASTRA-G, combines digital technology with local cultural richness to create an ecosystem that benefits MSMEs and street vendors. This platform offers features such as Maps REPASTRA-G, Smart Pecagin, and Serc Kios, as well as promoting local products and showcasing the stories behind each product, to preserve local culture. REPASTRA-G demonstrates that technology can be the key to empowering MSMEs and street vendors, reviving traditional markets, and preserving local culture. With a smart and integrated approach, REPASTRA-G can serve as an example for other traditional markets in Indonesia, helping them compete in the digital age.
PENGARUH KOMPETENSI, MOTIVASI DAN KOMPENSASI TERHADAP KINERJA KARYAWAN KONVEKSI FARZAN STORE COMAL KABUPATEN PEMALANG
Authors: Nursi Sa’id , Awali Husni
Published: December 2024

Abstrak: Sumber daya manusia (SDM) merupakan suatu aset yang paling penting bagi perusahaan, dimana para karyawan itu pada hakekatnya berfungsi sebagai faktor penggerak jalannya atau kegiatan di suatu perusahaan. Suatu organisasi dapat melakukan aktivitasnya untuk mencapai tujuan yang diingikan perlu adanya manajemen yang baik terutama sumber daya manusia, karena sumber daya manusia merupakan modal utama dalam merencanakan, mengorganisir, mengarahkan serta menggerakkan sumber daya lainnya yang ada dalam suatu organisasi. Riset ini menggunakan penelitian lapangan (field research) dan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Objek penelitian ini adalah karyawan Konveksi Farzan Store Comal Kabupaten Pemalang. Teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling Cara ini dipilih agar sampel yang diambil dapat mewakili sifat populasi tersebut. Kriteria sampel yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu karyawan Konveksi Farzan Store Comal Kabupaten Pemalang dan masa kerja karyawan minimal sudah berkerja selama 1 tahun. Hasil penelitian menunjukan Kompetensi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di konveksi Farzan Store Comal Kabupaten Pemalang. Motivasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di Konveksi Farzan Store Comal Kabupaten Pemalang. Kompensasi berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kinerja Karyawan di Konveksi Farzan Store Comal Kabupaten Pemalang.
Kata Kunci: kompetensi; motivasi; kompensasi; kinerja.
 
Abstract: Human resources (HR) are the most important asset for a company, where employees essentially function as a driving factor for the running or activities in a company. An organization can carry out its activities to achieve the desired goals, good management is needed, especially human resources, because human resources are the main capital in planning, organizing, directing and mobilizing other resources in an organization. This research uses field research and uses a quantitative approach. The object of this research is employees of Konveksi Farzan Store Comal, Pemalang Regency. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling. This method was chosen so that the samples taken can represent the nature of the population. The sample criteria used in this study were employees of Konveksi Farzan Store Comal, Pemalang Regency and the employee's work period had been working for at least 1 year. The results of the study showed that competence had a positive and significant effect on employee performance at the Konveksi Farzan Store Comal, Pemalang Regency. Motivation had a positive and significant effect on employee performance at the Konveksi Farzan Store Comal, Pemalang Regency. compensation has a positive and significant effect on employee performance at the Farzan Store Comal convection, Pemalang Regency.
Keywords: competence; motivation; compensation; performance.
PERILAKU PENGELOLAAN KEUANGAN SYARIAH PADA GENERASI MILENIAL DALAM MEMEDIASI LITERASI KEUANGAN SYARIAH DAN PERILAKU INVESTASI
Authors: Khusnia Nur , Yazid Muhammad
Published: December 2024

Abstrak: Tujuan utama dari penelitian ini adalah untuk berkontribusi pada literatur dengan berfokus pada hubungan antara literasi keuangan syariah dan perilaku investasi sekaligus mengidentifikasi efek mediasi perilaku pengelolaan keuangan syariah di kalangan generasi milenial. Penelitian ini mengadopsi desain penelitian kuantitatif. Data penelitian ini diperoleh melalui penyebaran dan pengisian kuesioner oleh generasi milenial di Surabaya. Penyebaran kuesioner dilakukan dalam rentang waktu 3 bulan (September-Oktober 2023). Populasi dalam penelitian ini terdiri dari generasi milenial di Surabaya, dan teknik pengambilan sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling. SmartPLS versi 4 digunakan sebagai alat analisis data. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa literasi keuangan syariah berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap perilaku pengelolaan keuangan syariah, perilaku pengelolaan keuangan syariah berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap perilaku investasi, perilaku pengelolaan keuangan syariah berpengaruh positif dan signifikan dalam memediasi hubungan tersebut. antara literasi keuangan syariah dengan perilaku investasi, dan literasi keuangan syariah tidak berpengaruh terhadap perilaku investasi.
Kata Kunci: literasi keuangan; perilaku manajemen; investasi; generasi milenial; efek mediasi.
 
Abstract: The main objective of this study is to contribute to the literature by focusing on the relationship between Islamic financial literacy and investment behavior while identifying the mediating effect of Islamic financial management behavior among millennials. This study adopts a quantitative research design. The data of this study was obtained through distributing and filling out questionnaires by millennials in Surabaya. The questionnaires were distributed within a span of 3 months (September-October 2023). The population in this study consisted of millennials in Surabaya, and the sampling technique used was purposive sampling. SmartPLS version 4 was used as a data analysis tool. The results showed that Islamic financial literacy has a positive and significant effect on Islamic financial management behavior, Islamic financial management behavior has a positive and significant effect on investment behavior, Islamic financial management behavior has a positive and significant effect in mediating the relationship between Islamic financial literacy and investment behavior, and Islamic financial literacy has no effect on investment behavior.
Keywords: financial literacy; management behavior; investment; millennial generation; mediation effect.
TRANSAKSI UANG ELEKTRONIK ERA DIGITAL PERSPEKTIF FIQH MUAMALAH KONTEMPORER
Authors: Sandi Ridwan Kurnia , Maulidya Meisha , Suryani Suryani , Itang Itang , Marfu’ah Siti , Humaemah Ratu
Published: December 2024

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis fenomena uang elektronik dalam perspektif fiqh muamalah kontemporer. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan pendekatan studi Pustaka, Sumber data yang digunakan dari jurnal berupa hasil dari nilai transaksi belanja yang menggunakan uang elektronik. Hasil penelitian ini menujukkan bahwa penggunaan uang elektronik dalam era digital dapat dianggap sah dalam perspektif fiqh muamalah kontemporer, selama memenuhi prinsip-prinsip dasar syariah seperti akad yang jelas, keadilan, dan bebas dari riba serta gharar. Namun, penting untuk memperkuat regulasi, transparansi, dan keamanan guna memastikan bahwa transaksi uang elektronik tetap sesuai dengan nilai-nilai Islam. Hal ini didukung dengan keluarnya edaran DSN-MUI no:116/DSN-MUI/IX/2017 tentang uang elektronik syariah menunjukkan adanya peningkatan substansial dalam penggunaan uang elektronik oleh konsumen Indonesia selama lima tahun terakhir karena uang elektronik memudahkan komunikasi dan memberikan banyak keuntungan bagi penggunanya, maka penggunaannya dianggap sah. Akad yang digunakan oleh penerbit dengan pengguna uang elektronik umumnya akad titipan (wadi’ah) dam akad pinjaman (qardh).
Kata Kunci: Uang Elektronik; Muamalah; Hukum Islam
 
Abstract: This research aims to analyze the phenomenon of electronic money from the perspective of contemporary muamalah jurisprudence. This research uses a qualitative method with a library study approach. The data sources used are journals containing the results of transaction values from shopping using electronic money. The results of this study indicate that the use of electronic money in the digital era can be considered valid from the perspective of contemporary Islamic commercial jurisprudence, as long as it adheres to the basic principles of Sharia such as clear contracts, justice, and freedom from usury and uncertainty. However, it is important to strengthen regulation, transparency, and security to ensure that electronic money transactions remain in accordance with Islamic values. This is supported by the issuance of DSN-MUI circular no:116/DSN-MUI/IX/2017 regarding sharia-compliant electronic money, which shows a substantial increase in the use of electronic money by Indonesian consumers over the past five years because electronic money facilitates communication and provides many benefits to its users, thus its use is considered legitimate. The contracts used by issuers with electronic money users generally include the deposit contract (wadi’ah) and the loan contract (qardh).
Keywords: Electronic Money; Muamalah; Islamic Law
Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills in Elasticity and Hooke’s Law through Problem-Based Learning with PhET Media and Mechanics Kits
Authors: Niko Salma , Odja Abdul Haris , S. Payu Citron
Published: December 2024

This research was conducted in Class IX of SMA Negeri Posigadan. This research aims to determine the influence of the Problem-Based Learning model assisted by PhET media and Mechanics Kit on problem-solving ability in elasticity and Hooke's law. This research employs an experimental method. The population of this research comprises all grade IX students in the odd semester of SMA Negeri Posigadan for the academic year 2023/2024. The research sample was selected using random sampling, consisting of two classes: the experimental class, with 22 students applying the Problem-Based Learning model assisted by PhET media and mechanics Kit, and the control class, with 22 students applying the conventional model. Data for this research were obtained using test instruments in six essay questions. The results indicate that the experimental class received an average pretest score of 35.7 and an average post-test score of 82.1. Meanwhile, the control class obtained an average score of 31.3 and an average post-test score of 62.6. Both classes were found to have a normal distribution (obtained  and homogeneity (obtained . Subsequently, both classes were given different treatments, and a post-test was administered at the end of the lesson. From the statistical data analysis (one-tailed t-test), it obtained  or 5.031.68, indicating a significant influence of applying the Problem-Based Learning model assisted by PhET media and Mechanics Kit on problem-solving abilities in elasticity and Hooke's law.
EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF FODDER PURCHASE AS A DROUGHT MITIGATION STRATEGY FOR SMALLHOLDER CATTLE HOLDINGS IN SOUTH AFRICA
Authors: Nketiah Prince , Ntuli Herbert , Tetteh Bright K D
Published: December 2024

The study set out to investigate how fodder-purchase as a drought response strategy impacts smallholder cattle farmers' (SCF) cattle inventory during drought years. Information on self-financed fodder purchasing as a drought mitigation strategy is thin in the literature. We used pooled survey data from the National Income Dynamics Study (NIDS) collated in the years 2015 and 2017 in South Africa. The nationally representative data was comprised of smallholder cattle households that experienced 2015 to 2017 sustained drought events in South Africa. Propensity score matching method (PSM) was used for the analysis. Factors that influence SCF's decision to adopt fodder purchasing as a drought mitigation strategy include age, income, market participation, crop farm ownership, recipients of secondary off-farm income, social support beneficiaries and land ownership. The PSM result shows that fodder-purchase significantly and positively impacts smallholder cattle production during drought.
The Bruce-Mengden and Cornelis Cruys Maps of the Lower Don (1696-1705): An Inflection Point in the Practice of Russian Cartography?
Authors: Davies Brian
Published: December 2024

Maps of the lower Don and Azov region produced by James Bruce and Cornelis Cruys in connection with Peter I’s 1696 Azov campaign appear to mark the point at which cartographic work undertaken on Russian territory by specialists in Russian service began moving beyond the traditional chertezh mapping model and embraced the principles of the new Western European geodesic cartography. This was becoming possible through greater familiarization with Copernican cosmography and higher mathematics, the importation of new instruments of observation, and the establishment of new centers of calculation on Russian soil. The adoption of the new geodesic cartography served the Petrine imperial project—not only in supporting communications and logistics on the empire’s frontiers, but in winning European acknowledgment of Russian Imperial sovereignty. The process of adoption also illustrates the manner in which a network of collaborating scholars in Russia and abroad was quickly assembled.
Peter I in Kolomenskoe
Authors: Heath Ekaterina
Published: December 2024

Book Review
Kuranty and Cross-Cultural Communication
Authors: Griffin Clare
Published: December 2024

Book Review
Новое издание Езды в остров любви
Authors: Гречаная Е. П.
Published: December 2024

Book Review
A New Source on the History of Russia – the Diary of Christoph Bousch
Authors: Dumschat Sabine
Published: December 2024

Book Review
A Foreign Servant of Tsar Aleksei Mikhailovich: Personal Experience and Collected Knowledge of an Interpreter
Authors: Steindorff Ludwig
Published: December 2024

Book Review
Reply to Dumschat and Steindorff
Authors: Rusakovskiy Oleg
Published: December 2024

Response
OPTIMIZING READY-MIXED CONCRETE TRANSPORTATION BY A TRUCK MIXER ROUTING MODEL FOR CONCRETE PLANTS
Authors: Dönmez Ozan Aykut , Öner Erdinç
Published: December 2024

This study aims to develop a truck mixer routing model to increase the efficiency of concrete delivery operations in concrete plants and to propose suitable solution methods for the model. In this study, a mixed-integer linear programming model was developed, based on a variant of the vehicle routing problem known as the capacitated vehicle routing problem with time windows, by incorporating constraints specific to concrete transportation. The objective of the model is to reduce transportation costs by minimizing the total distance travelled by truck mixers and the total number of truck mixers used. The model was first addressed by exact solution methods in Gurobi Optimizer. Since the vehicle routing problem is classified as an NP-hard problem, the complexity of the model increases with the number of customers, leading to a longer computation time. Thus, the model was addressed by a heuristic method developed for this study. The results show that the Gurobi Optimizer provided optimal solutions for up to 15 customers and 15 vehicles within a reasonable computation time, whereas the heuristic method quickly provided near-optimal solutions with a 3.39% cost increase on average.
YEŞİL KAMPÜS ENERJİ FİZİBİLİTE ETÜDÜ: SÜLEYMAN DEMİREL ÜNİVERSİTESİ ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: Gümüşbaş Serdar Mustafa , Gürel Barış
Published: December 2024

Eğitim kurumları, sürdürülebilir kalkınma hedeflerine ulaşmak için çevresel, sosyal ve ekonomik etkileri azaltarak, yeşil kampüsler oluşturmalı ve toplumda sürdürülebilirlik bilincini artırmalıdır. Enerji ve İklim Değişikliği göstergesi, Yeşil Kampüs derecelendirmesinde önemli bir yer tutmakta ve binaların enerji tüketimi genel tüketimin büyük bir kısmını oluşturmaktadır. Süleyman Demirel Üniversitesi’nde yapılan bu çalışmada, binaların enerji tüketim verileri analiz edilmiş ve Enerji Yönetimi ile Enerji Verimliliği konusunda çözüm önerileri sunulmuştur.
SCARLET SPUR ELMA ÇEŞİDİ ATIKLARININ BAZI FONKSİYONEL ÖZELLİKLERİNİN İNCELENMESİ
Authors: Şen Arslan Hülya , Topuz Sefa , Yerlikaya Sabire
Published: December 2024

Bu çalışmada Scarlet Spur elma çeşidinin kabuğu, posası ve yaprakları dondurularak kurutulmuş ve toz hale getirilmiştir. Toz örneklerin nem (%) ve renk analizleri yapılmıştır. Kurutulan tozlar etanol:su (42:58 v/v) karışımıyla klasik yöntemle ekstrakte edilmiştir. Elde edilen ekstraktlar ve meyve suyu arasında ABTS antioksidan aktivitesi (104,85 mg TE/g), DPPH serbest radikali indirme aktivitesi (9,96 mg TE/g) ve TFFM bakımından (84,72 ± 0,04 mg GAE/g) en yüksek değere sahip olan ekstraktın yaprağa ait olduğu belirlenmiştir. Kabuk, posa ve yapraktan elde edilen ekstraktların Eschrichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli), Staphylococus aureus ATCC 25923 (S. aureus), Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 (L. monocytogenes) patojenleri üzerine inhibisyon etkiye sahip olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. 5 log KOB/ml konsantrasyona sahip patojenler üzerine en yüksek etkiyi yapraktan alınan ekstraktlar göstermiştir. Yaprağın TFMM bakımından zengin olmasının bu etkiyi gösterdiği düşünülmektedir. Bu çalışma ile, elma atığı olarak düşünülen dokularından alınan ekstraktların patojen mikroorganizmalara karşı antimikrobiyal ajan olarak ve doğal antioksidan madde olarak kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir.
TEKSTİL ATIKSULARINDAKİ BOYARMADDENİN ADSORPSİYON YÖNTEMİ İLE GİDERİMİ
Authors: Delikanlı Niyazi Erdem , Gemici Betül Tuba , Seğmen Fatma , Turan Emel , Yaşa Büşra , Ucun Özel Handan
Published: December 2024

Tekstil endüstrisinde, özellikle kot üretiminde kullanılan indigo boyalarının giderimi, biyolojik arıtım yöntemleriyle zor olmaktadır. Bu boyalar, kimyasal yapıları nedeniyle biyolojik olarak zor parçalanır ve bu durum çevresel sorunlar yaratır. Bu nedenle, indigo boyalarının etkili bir şekilde giderilmesi için daha ekonomik ve verimli ileri arıtım yöntemlerine ihtiyaç duyulmaktadır. Adsorpsiyon, düşük maliyetli, etkili ve çevre dostu bir yöntem olarak öne çıkmaktadır. Çalışmada, ceviz kabuğunun farklı konsantrasyonlardaki performansı detaylı olarak incelenmiştir. Ceviz kabuğunun 0.1 gr/L ile 5 gr/L arası konsantrasyonlarında en az %71 oranında renk giderimi sağladığı tespit edilmiştir. Uçucu kül ve ceviz kabuğu olmak üzere iki farklı adsorbent karşılaştırılmıştır. Yapılan analizlerde, ceviz kabuğunun %90, uçucu külün ise %86 oranında renk giderimi sağladığı belirlenmiştir. Bu sonuçlar, ceviz kabuğunun düşük konsantrasyonlarda bile etkin bir adsorbent olduğunu ortaya koymaktadır. Ceviz kabuğu, ekonomik ve çevresel açıdan uçucu küle kıyasla daha avantajlıdır. Düşük konsantrasyonlarda dahi yüksek giderim verimi sunması, ceviz kabuğunu indigo boyalarının gideriminde umut verici bir biyosorbent haline getirmektedir. Doğal malzemelerin, özellikle ceviz kabuğu gibi biyosorbentlerin atık su arıtımında kullanımı, sürdürülebilir ve ekonomik çözümler sunmaktadır.
Providing psychological therapy support and improving post-discharge data collection: Preliminary evaluation of the ‘Paddle’ app (Preprint)
Authors: Thew Graham Richard , Lee Michelle , Wolsey Ineke , Giles Fiona , Hayden Emma , Jell Grace , Peacock Jamie , Pimm John , Ryder Joanne , Salvadori Alison , Clark David Millar
Published: December 2024

UNSTRUCTURED

Background: Clinical trials of psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy typically show sustained post-treatment effects. However, less is known about individuals’ outcomes following treatment in routine practice, and additionally, patient representatives have highlighted a need for better post-discharge support. The ‘Paddle’ app aims to address these issues. Paddle allows patients to store their therapy materials, reflect on sessions, and monitor their wellbeing during and after treatment, completing outcome questionnaires and monthly reviews.

Method: Study 1 evaluated patients’ use of Paddle during treatment in routine practice. Patient and therapist surveys explored feasibility, acceptability and helpfulness. Study 2 examined the feasibility of using the app post-discharge, inviting users to submit monthly questionnaires for six months, and seeking feedback via survey.

Results: Findings indicated Paddle was feasible to implement with few technical problems. Although not all patients wanted to use an app in Study 1, uptake was 66% and users found it acceptable and helpful for organising and remembering therapy information. In Study 2, 49% of users submitted follow-up data. Of those who reliably improved during treatment, 73% remained so throughout the six-month follow-up period. Among all users, 20% showed further reliable improvement at least once compared to their end of treatment score. We introduce the concept of ‘reliable relapse’, which occurred for 36% of users who had reliably recovered during treatment, highlighting that some experience fluctuations or deterioration.

Conclusion: These preliminary findings suggest Paddle shows promise in supporting patients to collate therapy resources and monitor their wellbeing during and after treatment. It may help to improve rates of follow-up data collection, which warrants further investigation.
An emerging trend of at-home uroflowmetry— Designing a new vibration-based uroflowmeter with artificial intelligence pattern recognition of uroflow curves and comparing with other technologies (Preprint)
Authors: Tsai Vincent FS , Pong Yuan-Hung , Tsai Yao-Chou , Yang Stephen SD , Li Ming-Wei , Tsai Yu-Ting
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

With an aging population, patients complaining about low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) increased year by year. For functional evaluation of low urinary tract (LUT), bladder diary (BD) and uroflowmetry (UFM) are both common non-invasive examinations for patients with LUTS. Voiding pattern of a patient is currently measured by hospital uroflowmetry and/or home bladder diaries. However, bladder diaries are less objective and often contain missed data, while hospital uroflowmetry lacks repeated measurements and convenience. Thus, it is important to develop a convenient and artificial intelligence(AI) based at-home uroflow monitoring.

OBJECTIVE

This study developed an innovative home vibration-based uroflowmetry for uroflow-curve pattern recognition and voiding parameters measurement and compared it with other home uroflowmetry.

METHODS

Seventy-six male participants with informed consents received uroflowmetry for voiding symptoms. An accelerometer attached on the urine bucket of the uroflowmeter detects vibration signals generating root mean square (RMS), maximal amplitude (Mmax) and the uroflowmeter measures voiding parameters and creates uroflow curves simultaneously. Vibration signals were processed with an artificial intelligence (AI) model (Convolution Neural Network) to recognize six patterns of uroflow curves to assist diagnosis.

RESULTS

Seventy-six participants’ voiding volume ranged from 50 ml to 690 ml (average: 192.50 ±155.58 ml). The correlation analysis revealed positive correlations between voided volume and RMS (R=0.768, p<.001), maximal flow rate (Qmax) and Mmax (R=0.684, p<.001), voiding time and signal time (R=0.838, p<.001), time to Qmax and time to Mmax (R=0.477, p<.001). AI pattern recognition demonstrated high accuracy with all three indicators (precision, recall, and F1 score) surpassing 0.97.

CONCLUSIONS

Usage of home uroflowmetry increases because of convenience, repeated measurement, and big data application. This vibration-based home uroflowmetry with AI assistance is feasible for at-home voiding parameters measurement and uroflow-curve pattern recognition. Compared with other technologies, vibration-based uroflowmetry demonstrates advantages for intuitive and contact-free usage of home uroflowmetry.

CLINICALTRIAL

The research protocol was approved by the institutional review board (IRB: 107-B-10-01).
Health Organizations and Public Interaction on Instagram: A Study of Topics, Emotions, and Sentiment (Preprint)
Authors: Paradise Vit Abigail , Magid Avi
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Social media is an essential tool of Health organizations, who use this platform to deliver evidence-based information, educate the public, dispel myths, and promote a healthier, more informed society.

OBJECTIVE

To categorize health organizations' content on social media into topics, examine public engagement, sentiment and emotional responses to these topics and identify gap in fear between health organizations' messages and public response.

METHODS

Real data was collected from the official Instagram accounts of health organizations worldwide. The BERTopic algorithm for topic modeling was used to categorize health organizations' posts into distinct topics. For each identified topic, we analyzed the engagement metrics (number of comments and likes) of posts categorized under the same topic, calculating the average engagement received. Additionally, we examined the sentiment and emotional content of both posts and responses within the same topic, providing insights into the distributions of sentiment and emotions for each topic. Particular attention was paid to the presence of the fear emotion in the posts and responses.

RESULTS

A total of 6,082 random posts and 82,982 comments were collected from the official Instagram accounts of eight health organizations. The study reveals that topics related to COVID-19, vaccines, and humanitarian crises (such as the Ukraine conflict and the war in Gaza) generated the highest engagement. Our sentiment analysis of the responses to health organizations' posts showed that topics related to vaccines and Monkeypox generated the highest percentage of negative responses. Fear was the dominant emotion expressed in the posts text, while the public's responses showed more varied emotions, with anger notably high in discussions around vaccines. Gaps were observed between the level of fear conveyed in posts published by health organizations and the in the fear conveyed in public’s responses to such posts especially regarding mask-wearing during COVID-19 and the influenza vaccine.

CONCLUSIONS

This study underscore the importance of transparent communication that consider the emotional and sentiment-driven responses of the public on social particularly regarding vaccines. Understanding the psychological and social dynamics associated with public interaction with health information online can help health organizations achieve public health goals, fostering trust and efficiency, countering misinformation, and promoting informed health behavior.
STUDY OF RENAL FUNCTION TESTS IN THYROID DISORDER PATIENTS
Authors: VANITA SHARMA  , USHYENDER SHARMA  , BHARTI KAWATRA  , J P BHARTIYA  , H K WALIA
Published: December 2024

Objective: To analyse serum creatine, urea, fT3, fT4 and TSH among thyroid disorder patients.
Method: 75 thyroid disorder patients were included in the study. Serum creatinine and blood urea were determined by the colorimeteric method using an autoanalyzer c311. Thyroid Profile-fT3, fT4, and TSH were estimated by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum creatinine and blood urea were found to be raised among hypothyroidisms.
Results: The mean fT3=2.09, mean fT4= 0.88 and mean TSH=17.82μIU/ml, mean urea=72.32 mg/dl and mean creatinine=2.4 mg/dl. The highest creatinine value was 12 mg/dl and highest urea value among the hypothyroidism patient was found to be 180.4 mg/dl.
Conclusion: Assessment of hypothyroidism and its effect on kidney will be helpful in early diagnosis and management of the patients
DUAL TARGET REVERSE TRANSCRIPTION POLYMERASE CHAIN REACTION FOR SARS-COV-2 FOR ENHANCING ACCURACY WITH E GENE AND ORF1B GENE: A CROSS-SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: GAUTAM BARIK  , ISHITA SARKAR  , DHIRAJ BISWAS  , SANJAYA KUMAR SAHOO
Published: December 2024

Objectives: The pandemic of the recently emerged 2019- novel coronavirus infection was a challenge to public health. The current gold standard for the molecular diagnosis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for the qualitative and quantitative detection of viral nucleic acids. However, superior combination of gene targets for SARS-CoV-2 detection is underexplored. To find out the possible combination of target genes for maximizing RT-PCR accuracy in SARS-CoV-2 detection.
Methods: This study is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Kolkata. Study population included all SAR-CoV-2-infected patients attended either inpatient or outpatient department in a tertiary care hospital in eastern India. 870 patient’s respiratory tract samples with the clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 were collected. E gene, N gene, RNA dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) (open reading frame [ORF1ab]) gene, ORF1b gene, and human RNase P (Internal control) gene targets were detected.
Results: Among all the genes, E gene was the most frequently detected (n=665; 86.70%) closely followed by N gene (n=429; 83.30%). ORF1b could be detected in 69.73% (n=159). RdRp was least frequently detected in only 44.64% (n=175). The E gene and ORF1b could simultaneously be detected in 85.12% samples when tested together. E gene and N gene could be detected together in 71.16% and E gene and RdRp could be detected in only 53.41%.
Conclusion: Our study found that the combination of E gene and ORF1b gene as optimal targets for assay design as these two genes are expressed simultaneously, that will minimize inconclusive results and maximize diagnostic yield.