bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmochemical and Reactive Ion Etching of Gallium Arsenide in Difluorodichloromethane with Helium
Authors: Murin D. B. , Chesnokov I. A. , Gogulev I. A. , Anokhin A. L. , Moloskin A. E.
Published: November 2024

The kinetics of interaction of high-frequency plasma of difluorodichloromethane and its mixture with helium with the surface of gallium arsenide was experimentally studied. It was established that in the studied range of conditions, complete decomposition of the original difluorodichloromethane molecule to atomic carbon occurs. It has been confirmed that the main chemically active particles responsible for etching are reactive chlorine atoms. It has been shown that the etching process occurs in the mode of an ion-stimulated chemical reaction, where the desorption of products under the influence of ion bombardment plays a significant role in surface cleaning. The emission spectra of plasma radiation in the presence of a gallium arsenide semiconductor wafer are analyzed. Control lines and stripes were selected to control the speed of the etching process based on the emission intensity of the lines and stripes of the etching products.
БІБЛІОМЕТРИЧНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ЗВ’ЯЗКУ МІЖ РОЗВИТКОМ ВІДНОВЛЮВАНИХ ДЖЕРЕЛ ЕНЕРГІЇ ТА ТІНЬОВИМ СЕКТОРОМ ЕКОНОМІКИ
Authors: КАСЬЯН Денис
Published: November 2024

Мета дослідження полягає в аналізі наукових публікацій, які стосуються тем тіньової економіки та відновлюваних джерел енергії. Однією з цілей також є ідентифікація основних дослідницьких напрямків і тем, які перетинаються між тіньовою економікою та питаннями енергетики, зокрема відновлюваних джерел енергії. У наданому дослідженні використано кілька ключових методів для аналізу тематики тіньової економіки та відновлюваних джерел енергії. Бібліометричний аналіз застосовується для оцінки наукової продуктивності у вибраній тематиці на основі даних зі Scopus та інструменту Biblioshiny. Аналіз авторських ключових слів за допомогою тематичних мап і деревоподібних діаграм дозволяє візуалізувати основні напрямки досліджень і їхню еволюцію. Використано закон Лотки для аналізу продуктивності авторів. Кількість наукових публікацій у тематиці тіньової економіки та відновлюваних джерел енергії значно зросла з 2015 року. Найбільший пік публікацій припадає на період 2023–2024 років, що може бути пов'язано зі зростаючою актуальністю питань сталого розвитку та енергетичних реформ. Аналіз продуктивності авторів за законом Лотки показав, що близько 75% авторів публікують лише одну статтю. Лише невелика частка авторів є дуже продуктивними, публікуючи більше двох статей. Важливим результатом є значний рівень міжнародної співпраці в дослідженнях. Більше третини (34,65%) публікацій написано у міжнародному співавторстві. Німеччина та Малайзія мають найвищий рівень міжнародної співпраці, тоді як Індія та Кіпр публікують переважно однокраїнні статті. Тематична мапа ключових слів показує, що з 2023 року тематика досліджень продовжує еволюціонувати, охоплюючи такі поняття, як "країни, що розвиваються", "економічне зростання", "споживання енергії". Наукова новизна результатів дослідження полягає в інтеграції двох важливих напрямків досліджень — тіньової економіки та відновлюваних джерел енергії, що до цього моменту досліджувалися переважно окремо. Практична значущість результатів дослідження полягає в тому, що вони можуть бути використані для формування ефективних політик та стратегій у сфері сталого розвитку, зокрема для боротьби з тіньовою економікою та підтримки переходу на відновлювані джерела енергії. Результати дослідження мають значний практичний потенціал для застосування у політиці, стратегіях управління, а також для міжнародної співпраці у вирішенні проблем сталого розвитку.
Personalisation of antitumour drug therapy of disseminated gastric cancer within the framework of molecular classification
Authors: Guzhavin D.P. , Makiev G.G. , Abdulaeva R.Sh. , Obarevich E.S. , Vaniev I.A. , Kuznetsova O.A. , Gavrilova D.A. , Tryakin A.A.
Published: November 2024

gastric cancer, sequencing, mutations, molecular subtypes, microsatellite instability
WOMAN: THE CATALYST FOR SOCIAL EDUCATION AND LOCAL WISDOM OF SAKAI COMMUNITY IN RIAU
Authors: Erni Sukma , Roza Ellya , Yasnel Yasnel , Johanda Johanda , Kalipke Mohamad Agar , Miski Cut Raudhatul , Husin Norhazlina
Published: November 2024

This research concerns with the effort of the Sakai tribe in maintaining their local wisdom and social characters from generation to the next generation eventhough there is minimum outside social interaction. This research involved 9 key informants spread across 5 villages in Bengkalis Regency. They explained their lives in the Sakai people's village, how they modeled and educated the generations and communities to build a safe and peaceful life. The research findings confirm that in their daily lives, women interact a lot with children and other fellow women around the house. The socially visible modeling of women's behavior becomes an imitative model by their community. Patience, thoughtfulness, saving, restraint, not talkative, not getting angry often, using the mantra of overcoming minor problems, including demonstrating how they should behave into a social education slowly builds generational character and teach them how to survive in even difficult situations. This research concludes that Sakai women with their diversity have a strong role as a catalyst for social education and local wisdom of the Sakai people
TRANSFORMATION OF ISLAMIC PHILANTHROPY BY THE IDRISIYYAH TARIQA IN THE DIGITAL ERA
Authors: Munandar Siswoyo Aris , Fahrurrozi Fahrurrozi
Published: November 2024

Abstract

 

This article explores the transformational role of the Tarekat Idrisiyyah in the practice of Islamic philanthropy in the digital era through the Agen Care initiative. By utilizing information and communication technology, Agen Care has succeeded in increasing the efficiency of donation management, expanding the reach of social programs to remote areas, and increasing public awareness of the importance of social piety. Programs such as waqf, direct cash assistance, house renovation, education and health implemented by Care Agents have had a significant positive impact on the community. However, several technical and sustainability challenges are still faced. Implementation of these new strategies opens up opportunities to strengthen the role of the Idrisiyyah Tarekat as a relevant and effective agent of social change in the digital era. This article highlights how technology can strengthen and expand charitable activities, fulfill religious obligations, and contribute to creating a more prosperous and socially just society.

 

 
HARMONIZING RELIGIOUS COEXISTENCE THROUGH EDUCATION AND POLITICAL ECONOMY: A CASE STUDY OF PANDOWOHARJO VILLAGE
Authors: Mukotip Mukotip , Muslim Azis , Jamil Muhammad Abdun , Kusuma Danar , Azka Ibnu
Published: November 2024

The life of the Pandowoharjo people in the framework of harmony has been going on for a long time. Pandowoharjo Village is 1 of 75 villages in Bantul district, which administratively consists of 16 hamlets and 94 RTs, with a population in 2023 of 22,818 people. In this village, the majority of people are Muslim, reaching 93%, Catholics 3%, Christians 1% and Hindu-Buddhists below 1%. However, people can live side by side without conflict and are able to construct religious coexistence in daily life. The aim of this research is to find out how education and political economy can build coexistence in society. The research method used is a qualitative method. The research results show that; 1) Education has an important role in building coexistence, this is to provide understanding and a basic foundation for society. So far, there are various religious organizations that are active in community religious activities, and there are also religious leaders who call for the importance of maintaining religious coexistence. 2) Political economy is an important sector in efforts to maintain a harmonious life. In Pendoharjo Village, the entire community can access various sectors, including economic, political and educational, regardless of religious background. This is proof that Pandowoharjo Village has been able to construct coexistence in all aspects of life.
CULTURAL POLITICS OF EX-NONMAINSTREAM RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS MUHDI AKBAR IN THE SELAYAR ISLANDS
Authors: Saehu Rahmat , Syamsul Andi , Eko Putro Moh. Zaenal Abidin
Published: November 2024

Non-mainstream religious movements are a characteristic feature of island regions isolated by the sea. This movement first existed as a societal need at that time. This article attempts to answer the question of how a community of ex-nonmainstream religious movements carries out cultural politics to survive amid the increasingly dominant mainstream religion. This study is based on interview data and observations conducted on several informants. Movement history manuscripts are also a secondary data source in this research. Objectively, it was found that the ex-Muhdi Akbar community carried out cultural politics in three forms. First, they reoriented their movement from focusing on religion and politics to social and cultural ones. Second, open membership regulations and freedom in choosing an official religion means they have a higher emotional bond. Third, accommodation in the government strengthens their position as religious people and does not deviate so that the problems they previously experienced can be minimized. This form of cultural politics is a formula for the success of a non-mainstream religious movement.
Re-Examining Prisoner Treatment, Rehabilitation, and Systemic Reform: Opinion Piece
Authors: Ali Anika , Kelly Clive
Published: November 2024

Public attitudes towards prisoners remain extremely negative in the UK, with the prevailing opinion that they deserve whatever they get. Our justice system already imposes severe penalties, and no one should endure a lifetime of legally sanctioned discrimination thereafter. Everyone is better than their worst action and deserves a second chance. We all make mistakes, but with appropriate support, most prisoners can rehabilitate and lead productive lives.

There is gross inequality in the way men and women are treated by the justice system. The total prison population of England and Wales has more than quadrupled since 1955 and the increase is almost entirely accounted for by male prisoners. Men are more likely to be sent to prison than women for the same crime, get longer sentences, and are less likely to be granted parole.

The reasons why people offend have been investigated and the role of impaired mental health has been highlighted as a major contributory factor. The percentage of prisoners with a neurodivergent condition is much greater than that in the wider community, and this can play a large part in their behaviour both before and during imprisonment. Mortality is 50% higher in UK prisoners than among the general population, with an average reduction in life expectancy of 20 years. Both physical and mental health care provision in prison is often grossly inadequate.

Most crimes in every country are committed against men but their experiences have been ignored. Male victims of abuse and coercive control perpetrated by women account for over 30% of cases, with sexual and economic abuse reported by 20% and 53% of men respectively.

Perhaps we should question the true purpose of prisons, and try to better understand if prisons really are intended to rehabilitate offenders, and support their reintegration back into society, or whether they are purely disciplinary institutions that contribute to an already failing system? Human rights should extend to all people, and the current approach ought to be re-examined. In most European countries prisoner numbers have fallen and they are rehabilitated actively back into the community to allow them to resume a productive role in society. Isn’t it about time for a careful reassessment of whether the UK should adopt a similar approach?
Evaluation of gestational weight gain in women with twin pregnancies and its relationship to neonatal birth weight. A pilot study
Authors: Wierzejska Regina
Published: November 2024

Background

To date, there have been no studies in Poland on weight gain in women with twin pregnancies in relation to recommendations.

Objective

The aim of this study was to analyze the gestational weight gain of women with twin pregnancies depending on their body weight before pregnancy, and to assess the relationship between the observed weight gain and the neonatal birth weight.

Material and Methods

The study was conducted among 50 women in twin pregnancies and their 100 newborns delivered
after 36 weeks of gestation. Gestational weight gain was assessed based on the American Institute of Medicine guidelines for women in twin pregnancies. Data on the pre-pregnancy body weight and gestational weight gain were collected by interviewing the patients. Neonatal data were obtained from the hospital medical records.

Results

Normal gestational weight gain was observed only in 38% of the women. In women with monochorionic pregnancy, too low body weight gain occurred almost 3 times more often than in women with dichorionic pregnancy (74% vs. 26%), (p<0.001). Women with monochorionic pregnancies also gave birth to statistically significantly more newborns with low birth weight (<2500 g), compared to women with dichorionic pregnancies (62.5% vs. 37.5%) (p=0.007). The mean birth weight of newborns born to mothers with excessive weight gain was 151 g higher than children born to mothers with normal weight gain (2727 g vs. 2576 g) (p=0.035).

Conclusions

In the majority of studied women in twin pregnancies, gestational weight gain was not compliant with the current recommendations. The risk of insufficient weight gain is higher in women with monochorionic pregnancies compared to women with dichorionic pregnancies.
Academic research contributions from Ibero-American countries to general knowledge, engineering, and computer science up to 2023 and COVID impact
Authors: Castillo-Velazquez Jose-Ignacio , Huerta Monica
Published: November 2024

Although commonly, competitive intelligence analysis is applied to companies, where new investments and operation expenditures are considered along with changes in the market, competitive intelligence can be applied to different countries' academic research production, which impacts science, technology and innovation making a difference in their competitiveness. This work shows the academic research production for all areas of knowledge, and also specifically for engineering and computer science, from all the Ibero-American countries, based on the SCOPUS database from 2001 to 2023. The results show that based on the volume of their academic production, for an affordable analysis, the Ibero-American countries can be classified into three groups, considering an order of magnitude difference for each group. The leading group is composed of countries producing between 200,000 and about 2 million documents, the second group of countries producing between 20,000 and 200,000 documents, and the third group of countries producing between 2,000 and 20,000 documents. The COVID pandemic impacted all the countries which showed a decrease in annual production over the last two years. The results also show the priority areas of knowledge that these countries invest in and the main countries that they collaborate with. The behavior of production for engineering and computer science is like that of general production, but there are some specific internal factors for specific countries such as in the case of Brazil, the country in which production fell most dramatically, followed by Spain and Colombia. On the other hand, Peru and Ecuador show a high interest in engineering and computer science. This work offers a high value decision-making tool to leaders in academic research, the principals of research driven institutions and investors from industry in Ibero-America. The academic production is related to the size of the GDP and the percentage of the GDP invested by a country in research development and innovation.
Investigation of GaP-Based Structures by Electrochemical Capacitance-Voltage Profiling
Authors:   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Ivkin L. I. , Yakovlev G. E. ,   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Zubkov V. I. ,   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University, Solomonov A. V. ,   Saint Petersburg Electrotechnical University
Published: November 2024

Gallium phosphide substrate structures with different crystallographic orientation and degree of doping have been studied by means of electrochemical capacitance-voltage (ECV) profiling. A brief description of the ECV profiling as well as its advantages over the conventional capacitance-voltage technique are given. The ECV measurement modes for GaP structures has been worked out, and the necessary electrolyte meets the requirement of polishing character during etching the samples has been selected. During the experiment, the current-voltage and capacitance-voltage characteristics were measured, by which the type of conductivity for each of the samples was determined. Depth distribution profiles of majority charge carrier concentration were obtained. The doping uniformity of samples with p- and n-type impurities is shown up to a depth of 1 μm.
Harnessing Natural Language Processing (NLP) to Enhance Search Engine Performance
Authors: S K Sathya Hari Prasad  , M Lavan
Published: November 2024

In the digital era characterized by an abundance of online information, efficient search engine tools are pivotal for navigating this vast ocean of content. Natural Language Processing (NLP), an offshoot of Artificial Intelligence, has emerged as a transformative force revolutionizing search engine, ensuring greater accuracy and efficacy in delivering search results. By Empowering Search Engines with NLP: NLP goes beyond the conventional keyword matching technique to unravel the genuine intent behind user queries, even when they are ambiguous or contain typos. Picture searching for the "best pizza near me" and receiving customized results tailored to your specific preferences, encompassing crust type, toppings, and individual dietary restrictions. Thanks to NLP, this is now within reach as it extracts the latent meaning concealed within apparently straightforward queries.
ЕКОЛОГО-ЕКОНОМІЧНЕ ЗНАЧЕННЯ ВИРОБНИЦТВА ЕНЕРГЕТИЧНИХ КУЛЬТУР
Authors: Колесник Т.В. , Поліщук І.В.
Published: November 2024

Стаття розглядає актуальну проблему переходу до відновлюваних джерел енергії та аналізує потенціал енергетичних культур в цьому контексті. Дослідження охоплює широкий спектр питань, включаючи екологічні наслідки вирощування енергетичних культур, їх економічну доцільність, а також соціальні аспекти. Особлива увага приділяється порівнянню різних видів енергетичних культур та виявленню оптимальних стратегій їх використання. Автори статті пропонують рекомендації щодо розвитку біоенергетики в Україні та інших країнах. Стаття надає комплексний аналіз еколого-економічних аспектів виробництва енергетичних культур. На основі проведеного дослідження сформульовано рекомендації для аграрних підприємств та інвесторів, зацікавлених у розвитку цього напрямку. Дослідження охоплює такі питання, як вибір оптимальних культур для вирощування, оцінку економічної ефективності проектів, а також розробку стратегій збалансованого розвитку сільського господарства та енергетики.
INTEGRAL ASSESSMENT OF TOURISM DEVELOPMENT IN ŁÓDŹ AND ŁÓDŹ VOIVODESHIP IN 2004–2021
Authors: Горіна Г.О.
Published: November 2024

The main aim of the article is to present an assessment of the dynamics and determine the trends in the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship in 2004-2021, as well as to compare them. Comparison of the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship was carried out on the calculation and analysis of integral indicators. The integral indicator was calculated based on 14 indicators grouped into three groups: 1) tourist accommodation establishments (9 indicators); 2) museums, including branches (3 indicators); 3) organization of mass events (2 indicators). Data collection by groups of indicators was carried out by the statistical observation method. As an information base, it is advisable to use official sources of information, namely data from the official website of Central Statistical Office of Poland and Regional Statistical Office in Łódź. To bring a significant number of different-quality and different-sized analytical indicators of tourism development, which were used to calculate the integral indicator, into a comparable form, they were normalized. Determination of weighting coefficients was carried out by an expert method (ranking method). The analysis allows come to conclusion about presence of common upward trend in the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship with elements of fluctuation in the period of 2004-2019 as well as general dramatic decline in 2020. However, compound annual growth rate of the tourism development in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship for the analyzed period differs and equals 9,04% and 7,18% respectively. With continued investment in infrastructure, cultural and tourist projects, the region is likely to continue to grow as a popular tourist destination in the coming years. The development of tourism in Łódź and Łódź Voivodeship has been driven by a combination of the following factors: converting a rich history and cultural heritage into cultural and entertainment centers both for tourists and for the locals; significant investment in tourism infrastructure; investing in marketing, advertising and destination management; development of the entertainment industry, etc.
The Influence of Price and Promotion on Purchasing Decisions in the Shopee Marketplace
Authors: Lukman S  , Akhtar M , Agusman Aris Affandy , Hartini Hartini
Published: November 2024

This study aims to determine and analyse: the effect of price on purchasing decisions; the effect of promotion on purchasing decisions; and the effect of price and promotion on purchasing decisions. This type of research is quantitative research with a causal associative approach. The study sample consisted of 70 respondents aged 20 – 25 in Makassar. Data collection techniques using questionnaires and documentation techniques. Data analysis techniques are carried out after data from all respondents or other data sources are collected with analytical activities including test prerequisite analysis and hypothesis testing (multiple linear regression). Through instrument and data quality tests (validity test and reliability test), classic assumption tests (normality test, multicollinearity test, heteroscedasticity test, autocorrelation test), multiple linear regression test, t-test, F test, coefficient of determination. The results of the study show that: price had a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions in marketplace Shopee with a significance value is 0,000 > 0,05; promotion had a positive and significant effect on buying decisions in marketplace Shopee with a significance value is 0,008 > 0,05; and overall, price and promotion had a positive and significant effect on purchasing decisions in marketplace Shopee with significance value is 0,000 > 0,05..
Kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc của người bệnh phổi tắc nghẽn mạn tính tại bệnh viện Đa khoa Cà Mau
Authors: Dương Thanh Nhân , Lê Khắc Bảo , Trịnh Minh Trọng
Published: November 2024

Đặt vấn đề: Bệnh phổi tắc nghẽn mạn tính (PTNMT) là bệnh hô hấp phổ biến, thường do hút thuốc lá và ô nhiễm môi trường. Bệnh gây khó thở, ho mạn tính và có thể tiến triển nặng. Tuy nhiên, nhiều người bệnh (NB) thiếu kiến thức và không tuân thủ dùng thuốc đúng cách. Điều này làm giảm hiệu quả điều trị và tăng nguy cơ biến chứng. Do đó, việc xác định thực trạng kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc của NB để xây dựng kế hoạch nâng cao nhận thức và tuân thủ dùng thuốc đúng cách là yếu tố then chốt giúp kiểm soát bệnh tốt hơn, giảm gánh nặng và cải thiện chất lượng cuộc sống của NB.

Mục tiêu: Xác định tỷ lệ kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc đúng của người bệnh phổi tắc nghẽn mạn tính đang điều trị tại Phòng khám Lao-bệnh phổi và Khoa Hô Hấp-Lao, Bệnh viện Đa khoa Cà Mau.

Đối tượng và phương pháp nghiên cứu: Nghiên cứu mô tả cắt ngang trên 119 NB PTNMT đang điều trị tại Phòng khám Lao-bệnh phổi và Khoa Hô hấp-Lao, Bệnh viện Đa khoa Cà Mau thông qua phỏng vấn trực tiếp NB bằng bộ câu hỏi soạn sẵn về kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc trong khoảng thời gian từ 12/2023 đến 03/2024 với phương pháp chọn mẫu toàn bộ những NB thỏa các tiêu chí chọn mẫu và đồng ý tham gia nghiên cứu.

Kết quả: Có 93,3% NB là nam giới; tuổi trung bình 70,82±8,47, trình độ học vấn từ trung học cơ sở trở xuống chiếm 87,6%. Thời gian mắc bệnh trung bình là 8,79±7,26 năm, với tần suất trung bình xuất hiện đợt cấp và cần nhập viện là 2,14 lần. Tỷ lệ NB PTNMT có kiến thức chung đúng là 51,3% và có tuân thủ dùng thuốc đúng là 53,8%.

Kết luận: Kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc của NB PTNMT trong nghiên cứu còn thấp, gần một nửa số NB có kiến thức chung và tuân thủ dùng thuốc chưa đúng.

Từ khóa: kiến thức chung; bệnh phổi tắc nghẽn mạn tính; tuân thủ dùng thuốc
The Influence of Financial Well-Being on Happiness and Financial Decision Making in Indonesia
Authors: Dewi Fransiska , Purwantoro R Nugroho
Published: November 2024

Previous studies have investigated the effect of financial well-being on happiness, and emotions on financial decision making, but there were not many that have combined both. This research aims to reveal the effect of financial well-being on happiness, and the effect of happiness on financial decision-making among Indonesians. Source of financial well-being, province, and gender are included as moderating variables to the relationship between financial well-being and happiness. The analysis examined primary data from a sample of 152 respondents across the country with PLS-SEM and secondary data from World Happiness Report, GDP/capita, amount of saving in general bank and retirement saving for Indonesians with regression. Based on analysis on the primary and secondary data, financial well-being has positive correlation with happiness, and happiness has positive correlation with financial decisions. However, based on analysis from the primary data, there are no effect from all moderating variables. This research adds to the literature of financial well-being, happiness, and financial decision making, and its findings also provide opportunities for future research within the fields.
Talent Measurement Model of Islamic Banking: Theoretical and Practice Perspectives
Authors: Samidi Sudarmawan
Published: November 2024

Talent measurement is a crucial component of talent management (TM). It involves the application of various measurement methodologies to assess the current and long-term potential, competencies, and contributions of employees in their roles. This study explores and integrates the theory of talent measurement from previous research with the practice of talent measurement model in Islamic banking. This study uses personal interview with the experts from selected Islamic banking in Indonesia, provides insights into how the traditional nine-box grid model is adapted within the context of Islamic banking, incorporating the principles of Maqāṣid al-Sharīʿah to ensure alignment with Islamic values. The findings suggest that integrating ethical dimensions into talent evaluation enhances fairness, employee engagement, and long-term organizational sustainability. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of addressing talent risk factors and suggest strategies to improve talent retention in Islamic banking. This research offers valuable contribution to both theory and practice, proposing a more holistic and values-driven approach to talent management in the Islamic financial sector.
Immunomodulatory activity of kersen leaf extract (Muntingia calabura) on diabetic rats: analysis of immune response
Authors: Hasan Fonnie Esther , Yunus Reni , Magdalena Magdalena
Published: November 2024

The immune response to high blood glucose levels leads to an inflammatory response and also produces inflammation mediators. Immunomodulatory functions of Kersen (Muntingia calabura) need further enhancement to ensure that its benefits are more widely recognized by the public. This study aims to determine the immunomodulatory activity of Kersen leaf in inducing and modulating the immune response in diabetic rats. This study was an experimental laboratory with a pre-and post-test with a control group design. The subjects were 30 white rats (Rattus Novergicus Wistar Strain), were treated with extract M. calabura dose 1 (100 mg/kg bw/day), dose 2 (200 mg/kg bw/day), dose 3 (300 mg/kg bw/day). For clinical evaluation, three control groups were formed, including a Normal Control Group, a Diabetes Mellitus (DM) Positive Group, and a DM Positive Group treated with Anti-Diabetic Drugs. The highest amount of IFN-γ concentrations were found in the DM positive control group + antidiabetic drugs (710.3 ± 27.2 ng/mL).  The highest number of Nitrit Oxide (NO) concentration was found in the DM positive control group (103.7 ± 10.2 µmol/L). The highest average amount of pancreatic β cell regeneration was found in the normal control group.  The DM positive control group and the treatment group had a significant difference (p < 0.05) It means that there is a significant difference in the data of all treatment groups, or these three groups have anti-diabetic activity by repairing or preventing damage to the pancreas organ in DM rats. This study revealed that M. calabura possesses immunomodulatory activity, capable of inducing and modulating immune responses in diabetic rats.
Protocol for a mixed methods process evaluation for a randomised controlled trial to improve shared decision-making about, and uptake of, osteoporosis medicines: the iFraP study
Authors: Bullock Laurna , Cherrington Andrea , Clark Emma M , Fleming Jane , Bentley Ida , Nicholls Elaine , Webb David , Smith Jo , Bathers Sarah , Lewis Sarah , Horne Robert , O'Neill Terence W , Mallen Christian D , Jinks Clare , Paskins Zoe
Published: November 2024

Background High quality shared decision-making (SDM) conversations involve people with or at risk of osteoporosis and clinicians working together to decide, where appropriate, which evidence-based medicines best fit the person’s life, beliefs, and values. The improving uptake of Fracture Prevention drug treatments (iFraP) intervention comprises a computerised Decision Support Tool (DST), clinician training package and information resources, designed for use in UK Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) consultations. The iFraP intervention will be tested in a pragmatic, parallel-group, individual randomised controlled trial in patients referred to four FLSs in England. This mixed methods process evaluation aims to assess which components of iFraP were delivered and how (fidelity), whether iFraP results in a change in osteoporosis drug treatment initiation rates and how, and how context affects implementation of iFraP and outcomes. Methods We will collect quantitative data using (1) Case Report Forms completed by FLS clinicians; (2) self-reported questionnaires completed by patient participants; and (3) DST analytic data. We will collect qualitative data using (1) semi-structured interviews with patients who receive the iFraP intervention in their FLS appointment, FLS clinicians delivering iFraP appointments, and primary care clinicians that have consulted with a patient following their iFraP FLS appointment; and (2) FLS consultation recordings. A triangulation protocol will be used to integrate the quantitative and qualitative findings to generate novel insights about the intervention under evaluation. Discussion The process evaluation, alongside the trial, will help to understand what elements of the iFraP intervention were delivered and how, the mechanisms of impact and how context affected implementation and outcomes, and intervention acceptability. Mixed methods interpretation will lead to further insights about the implementation of SDM and DSTs in-practice. Trial registration ISRCTN: 10606407, 21/11/2022 https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN10606407
How compromised is reproductive performance in the endangered North Atlantic right whale?
Authors: Frasier TR , Hamilton PK , Pace RM
Published: November 2024

The endangered North Atlantic right whale Eubalaena glacialis showed limited recovery from the cessation of industrial whaling until 2011, and has since been in decline. Research is therefore focused on identifying what factors are limiting recovery and what conservation actions will be most effective. A compromised reproductive rate is one of the reasons for this lack of recovery, yet there is no consensus on how to quantify reproductive performance. As one potential solution, we propose a relatively simple approach where we calculate the theoretical maximum number of calves each year. Comparing this expected number to those observed (which is thought to be an accurate representation of those births that actually occurred) provides a means to quantify the degree to which reproduction is compromised annually and trends thereof over time. Implementing this approach shows that, between 1990 and 2017, the number of calves born never came close to the theoretical maximum, resulting in overall reproductive performance of only about 27% of that expected. In addition to quantifying the degree to which reproduction is compromised, this approach should also be useful for quantifying the role of reduced reproductive performance in limiting species recovery, and for aiding research programs focused on identifying what factors are compromising reproduction.
Aandacht voor het leesproces
Authors:   , Prosper Cornelia Ingeborg Astrid
Published: November 2024

Strengthening reading skills is a priority for the Dutch government, as good text comprehension is essential for learning and for functioning in society. Research indicates that Dutch youngsters are reading less proficiently and less willingly, necessitating effective reading lessons.
In reading and literature lessons in Dutch (and modern foreign language classes), the focus is often on answering questions about texts, with little attention to reading and understanding literary texts such as poetry. This is a missed opportunity, as reading such texts can enhance reading skills and understanding of language and culture.
This study is the first to investigate how higher general and pre-university students read and understand poetry compared to prose (short stories and expository texts), using text-with-questions and eye movement technology. A first finding is that reading performance for poetry is consistently lower than for prose at all grade levels. Additionally, students’ poetry comprehension does not improve between grades, while prose comprehension does. Notably, the eyetracking data shows that students read both poetry and prose quickly and linearly (superficially) for the first time, but read poetry texts longer after reading a question.
Subsequently, a reading program for poetry and prose was developed and tested. The program is based on observational learning from videos of students' eye movements. Students who participated in the program read and understood poetry, short stories, and expository texts significantly better, also compared to students who followed regular reading lessons. Therefore, it is recommended to focus on students’ reading processes, especially poetry, in Dutch and other classes.
Regenerative messages from young disc cells
Authors:   , van Maanen Josette Christina
Published: November 2024

Low back pain is a common health problem in both people and dogs. While the pain is often brief, it can lead to chronic pain that impacts the daily life of patients. A common cause of chronic back pain is intervertebral disc degeneration. A young, healthy disc is resilient, allowing it to withstand spinal forces easily. However, as the disc ages, it becomes less resilient, and its composition changes, which can lead to disc degeneration. In a degenerating disc, a pro-inflammatory environment and disc bulging can irritate nearby nerves and lead to back pain. Despite its prevalence, current standard-of-care treatments often do not fully resolve the pain long-term as they do not address the underlying degeneration process. Therefore, recent research focuses on regenerative therapies that repair the degenerated disc.

A promising approach involves extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs are secreted by all types of cells and carry biological messages between cells. The EVs secreted by juvenile disc cells (notochordal cells, NCs) are particularly interesting as they may carry key regenerative messages. This thesis presents an explorative investigation into the potential of NC-EVs as a future therapy. We developed and validated a methodology for characterizing EVs with broader applicability in other regenerative medicine fields. Furthermore, we discovered that EVs from NCs carry many proteins linked to inflammation. By using deteriorated disc cells and tissues from two species that suffer from disc-related back pain, dogs and humans, we explored the therapeutic potential of NC-EVs. We demonstrated that they subtly reduce inflammatory mediators. Overall, these findings improve our understanding of how NC-EVs function and offer a stepping stone for a better translation of such therapies to the clinic.
Gene redundancy and metabolic flexibility in Aspergillus niger
Authors:   , Müller Astrid
Published: November 2024

The study of primary carbon metabolism in filamentous fungi presents significant
opportunities for the production of industrially valuable metabolites, leveraging their
ability to convert biomass substrates into useful products. Carbon metabolism is also an essential process in fungal physiology, balancing energy availability, growth and survival through the assimilation and breakdown of organic carbon sources. Aspergillus niger, notable for its protein secretion capacities and metabolic diversity, stands at the forefront of this research area. Recent advancements in molecular technologies, particularly CRISPR/Cas9, have substantially enhanced our understanding of filamentous fungal physiology and their metabolic pathways. Despite these advancements, there remains a critical need for deeper insights into the diversity and redundancy of enzymes involved in carbon metabolism. Such knowledge is essential to engineer more versatile and efficient industrial fungal cell factories.
Flooding to stay afloat - Tidal River Management in Southwestern Bangladesh as sedimentation enhancing strategy to combat sea level rise
Authors:   , Islam Md Feroz
Published: November 2024

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) delta in Bangladesh is one of the world’s most vulnerable deltas to climate change and relative sea level rise (RSLR). Tidal River Management (TRM), an indigenous practice from southwestern Bangladesh, can potentially be utilized to counteract RSLR. TRM involves breaching dikes to allow sediment-rich water to flow into low-lying areas inside the polders known as beels, raising land levels through sedimentation. Using 2D morphodynamic models we demonstrated that TRM could elevate land at rates sufficiently to keep pace with projected RSLR even when operated seasonally. With multiple inlets in TRM, the rate of land level increment and spatial uniformity of sediment deposition can be enhanced. Seasonal operation of TRM, especially during monsoons when river salinity is low, would maximize agricultural use of the land throughout the year. The results of 2D morphodynamic models indicate tide dominated flow region and mixed flow regions are most suitable for TRM operation. Moreover, beels located closer to the sea has the highest potential for TRM. Operation of TRM in multiple-beel along the same river reach can be a promising and efficient option to speed up raising land elevation over the entire lower GBM delta. Depending on local conditions repeated application of TRM even during monsoon will be required in the same beel every 3-35 years to keep pace with RSLR. Sedimentation enhancing strategy (SES) like TRM can potentially be used to counterbalances RSLR in deltas around the world facing similar challenges, however, effective governance and stakeholders’ inclusion will be required.
Gut Bacterial Microbiome Profiles Associated with Colorectal Cancer Risk: A Narrative Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Russ Christian A , Zertalis Nicholas A , Nanton Veronica
Published: November 2024

Objective: Recent studies have shown a potential link between the gut microbiome and colorectal cancer (CRC). A wide array of research into this topic was performed over the past decade, illustrating a keen interest in the potential causal relationship between the gut microbiome and CRC. However, the cancer research community is lacking a concise review of this kind, which aims to explore the evidence linking the human gut microbiome to the risk of developing CRC.

Design: This narrative review was carried out by two independent reviewers who assessed the database outcomes from Medline and EMBASE during May 2020. A meta-analysis was undertaken to study the link between Helicobacter pylori and CRC. The meta-analysis was processed through Stata (StataCorp LLC, Lakeway Drive, College Station, Texas, USA).

Results: Thirty one papers were included in this narrative review, of which 12 were included in the meta-analysis. From these papers, Fusobacterium and Bacteroides were reported most frequently as enriched in those with CRC versus the control populations. The meta-analysis showed an odds ratio of 1.49 (95% CI: 1.19–1.86), including a total of 20,001 events. This meta-analysis concluded that H. pylori infection significantly increases the risk of CRC, albeit with evidence of publication bias.

Conclusion: Bacteria have been found to increase the risk of CRC; however, a definitive causal relationship cannot be concluded or excluded using case-control studies. To fully understand the potential link of the bacteria listed, alterations in research design and execution are required. The assessment found a need for a large-scale cohort study conducted over a significant period of time to thoroughly evaluate the potential relationship between gut microbiome and CRC risk.
Modern views on the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse liver diseases
Authors: Akhmedov V. A. , Isaeva A. S.
Published: November 2024

Currently, the term sarcopenia is primarily understood as a decrease in muscle strength as a key characteristic of sarcopenia, taking into account that the most unfavorable clinical outcomes occur in patients with a combination of impaired muscle strength and function. In particular, grip strength combined with evaluation of the end-stage liver disease (MELD) model is the best predictive model among widely used methods for diagnosing sarcopenia in patients with cirrhosis of the liver. Given that muscle mass does not always correlate well with muscle strength or function in the population of patients with cirrhosis of the liver, there is a need for a comprehensive diagnosis of sarcopenia based on a combination of functional research methods with modern instrumental methods. The presented review article highlights current information on the diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with chronic diffuse liver diseases. Aspects of antrometric methods, functional tests, methods for evaluating muscle strength and mass, and physical performance are reflected. Special attention is paid to the advantages of modern methods of instrumental diagnosis of sarcopenia in patients with diffuse liver diseases. The advantages and disadvantages of each of the methods of instrumental diagnostics are noted.
Difficulties in diagnosis of small intestine diseases
Authors: Krivosheev A. B. , Khvan L. A. , Bukhgeym S. L.
Published: November 2024

The article analyzes the problem of clinic and diagnosis of chronic small intestinal obstruction. Two women who had been undergoing longterm radiation therapy for gynecologic malignant neoplasms were observed. Endoscopic methods of investigation proved to be uninformative. The diagnosis was verified by radiological examination, and the localization of the process was specified. In one patient chronic small intestinal obstruction was provoked by a foreign body.
Hirtelen nyári időjárás-változás és a halálozás összefüggése
Authors: Barna István , Paksy András , Kékes Ede
Published: November 2024

A 25 fok feletti maximum-hőmérséklet, a hőmérséklet-ingadozás jelentős kockázati tényező, amelynek során irodalmi adatok alapján növekszik a szív- és érrendszeri betegségek, az akut vesebetegségek és a halálesetek száma egyaránt. Saját elemzésünk során szoros összefüggést találtunk a napi maximális hőmérséklet és az ugyanazon a napon meghaltak száma között. Az összefüggés az ország egyes régióiban hasonló volt. A korai felismerés, a betegekkel való szoros együttműködés és a legfontosabb életmódbeli tanácsok betartásával jelentősen enyhíthető a hősokk okozta hirtelen állapotromlás. A megelőzés létfontosságú a betegek egészségének megőrzéséhez a szélsőséges hőség időszakaiban is.
Analysis of Hearing Monitoring in Children during Annual Visits to an Outpatient Hearing Health Service Program
Authors: de Souza Daniely Hackbarth , Haas Patricia , Machado Marcos José , Cigana Luciana Berwanger , de Paiva Karina Mary
Published: November 2024

Preserving the integrity of the auditory system is crucial for language development, learning, and social interaction. Any interruption in these processes during development can result in significant functional impairments. The objective was to carry out a longitudinal analysis of audiological data from children who underwent an initial assessment at SASA in 2018 and were followed up for 4 years at the outpatient's annual consultations. This is a retrospective cross-sectional study with children who underwent initial assessment for hearing loss and follow-up at a reference service for the Unified Health System (SUS), from January 2018 to December 2022. Children aged 0 to 12 years old who underwent an initial assessment for hearing loss and follow-up in the service's database, where secondary data analyses will be carried out. Data from 127 subjects with an average age of 20 months were analyzed. 60.62% of the subjects were diagnosed with some degree of hearing loss, and the etiology of the change remained unknown in 29.90% of the cases. A considerable percentage of subjects remained under follow-up during annual consultations. There was good adherence to annual returns and follow-ups at the outpatient clinic, indicating a high attendance rate.
A Solution to the Seat-Product Problem
Authors: Bailey Jack
Published: November 2024

Seat-product models of the effective number of parties offer our best explanation for why party-systems fragment. Yet they rely on a simplification. Rather than model the effective number of parties writ large, they models this index using the largest party alone. This induces a positive bias, since small parties have a suppressive effect. I show that we can derive new seat-product models without need for this simplification. The key is to recognise that the effective number of parties is information theoretic in nature. This lets us use well-known information theoretic identities to avoid party shares altogether. Further, this process produces an interesting by-product: a new “root rule” of elections. Just like the cube root of a nation's population approximates the number of seats in its assembly, I show that the square root of the actual number of parties approximates the effective number of parties as well.