bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Local immune state in the women with miscarriage
Authors: Abramovskikh O. S. , Loginova Yu. V.
Published: October 2022

Functional state of immunity provides maintenance of immunological tolerance for allogeneic fetus, and high level of local protection against antigenic stimulation. Increased functional activity of phagocytic cells at systemic and local levels may cause impairment of complete fetoplacental complex, thus leading to abortion. The purpose of our study was to assess the state of local immunity in women with pregnancy loss.

The study involved 174 women in their reproductive age. The first group consisted of 65 patients (37.4%) with a diagnosis of miscarriage, the history of 2 abortions over the period from conception to the 20th week of gestation. The second group included 37 patients (21.2%) with documented recurrent pregnancy loss, with a history of 3 miscarriages. The control group consisted of 72 conditionally healthy women (41.4%) who had 2 or more term pregnancies with the same partner, without a history of obstetric and gynecological complications. Their mean age was 366 years old. Total number and viability of leukocytes, the indices of functional neutrophil activity, their functional reserve and neutrophil stimulation index were determined in cervical mucosal samples over the first phase of the menstrual cycle.

In the first phase of menstrual cycle, the women with miscarriage and recurrent pregnancy loss exhibited a statistically significant increase of phagocytosis by the neutrophils from cervical mucus as compared to the group of conditionally healthy women. Intensity of neutrophil phagocytosis in cervical mucus reached higher values in the women with recurrent pregnancy loss more often, compared to the control group. Evaluation of the functional reserve of cervical mucus neutrophils in the subjects with recurrent pregnancy loss and miscarriage showed a trend towards statistically significant differences: this parameter was higher in the patients than in control group. The ability of cervical mucosal neutrophils to produce reactive oxygen species (both spontaneous and induced) did not show statistically significant differences between the patients and controls.

Hence, we have observed aberrant functional activity of neutrophilic granulocytes from cervical mucosa in the groups of women with 2 or more abortions, without changing ability of the cells to produce reactive oxygen species. This finding may be explained by prevalence of oxygen-independent mechanisms of intracellular killing, thus suggesting a role of neutrophils for impaired balance of immunological tolerance in pregnant women at the local level.
Overview of the current situation of consumer demand for linseed oil in Kazakhstan
Authors:   Kazakh National Agrarian Research University, Almaty, Kazakhstan, Mukhametov A. Ye. , Kopylov M. V. ,   Voronezh State University of Engineering Technologies, Voronezh, Russia
Published: October 2022

The growth in flaxseed oil consumption is due to the popularity of a healthy lifestyle, the ease of its use in nutrition, and the increased demand of food manufacturers. Flax has gained great popularity as an ingredient for various flour products, jelly, cereals, etc. The purpose of the study is to study the flax oil market in Kazakhstan, the problems and prospects for its development. Methods – industry information from open and closed professional databases, reporting of enterprises, information about their foreign economic activity, publications in scientific literature and the media, consumer and expert surveys, monitoring of wholesale and retail prices, aggregated into a single information array was analyzed. Results – a detailed systematic analysis of market offers of oil of this agricultural crop in the republic in 2017-2021 was carried out, growth rates of its main indicators, trade balance in physical and value terms, production of this type of food in the regions of the Republic of Kazakhstan are presented. External factors affecting consumption and distribution channels are considered. The impact of quarantine restrictions due to the coronovirus pandemic, which disrupted established economic ties along the entire chain from growing oilseeds to their processing, was noted. The main directions for the sale of raw materials and commercial products were identified. Conclusions – the Kazakhstani linen sub-complex in a short period entered the top three world leaders. In the medium term, domestic exporters have the opportunity to strengthen their positions by market structuring and branding their products. It is necessary to carry out indu stry research, including development of the latest formulations of oil and fat products with the involvement of processing facilities; increasing the area under flax cultivation, applying the best farming practices that ensure preservation and increase in the fertility of farmland.
Levels and trends of antimicrobial resistance in Campylobacter spp. from chicken in the UK
Authors: Jorgensen Frieda , Rodgers John , Duncan Daisy , Lawes Joanna , Byrne Charles , Swift Craig
Published: October 2022

Campylobacter spp. are the most common bacterial cause of foodborne illness in the UK, with chicken considered to be the most important vehicle of transmission for this organism. It is estimated there are 500,000 cases of campylobacteriosis in the UK annually, with Campylobacter jejuni (C. jejuni) and Campylobacter coli (C. coli) accounting for approximately 91% and 8 % of infections, respectively. Although severe infection in humans is uncommon, treatment is seldom needed for human infection but usually involves the administration of a macrolide (e.g., azithromycin) or a fluoroquinolone (e.g., ciprofloxacin). An increased rate of resistance in Campylobacter in chicken to such antimicrobials could limit effective treatment options for human infections and it is therefore important to monitor changes in rates of resistance over time. In this report we analysed trends in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in C. jejuni and C. coli isolated from chicken in the UK. The chicken samples were from chicken reared for meat (ie. broiler chicken as opposed to layer chicken (ie. egg-laying chicken)) and included chicken sampled at slaughterhouses as well as from retail stores in the UK. Datasets included AMR results from retail surveys of Campylobacter spp. on chicken sampled in the UK from various projects in the time period from 2001 to 2020. In the retail surveys, samples were obtained from stores including major and minor retail stores throughout the UK (in proportion to the population size of each nation) and Campylobacter spp. testing was performed using standard methods with the majority of isolates obtained from direct culture on standard media (mCCDA). Data from national scale surveys of broiler chicken, sampling caecal contents and carcase neckskins at slaughterhouses, undertaken by APHA in 2007/2008, and between 2012 and 2018 were also included in the study. In the APHA-led surveys, Campylobacter were isolated using standard culture methods (culture onto mCCDA) and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by a standard microbroth dilution method to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of isolates. Care was taken when comparing data from different studies as there had been changes to the threshold used to determine if an isolate was susceptible or resistant to an antimicrobial in a small number of scenarios. Harmonised thresholds (using epidemiological cut-off (ECOFF) values) were employed to assess AMR with appropriate adjustments made where required to allow meaningful comparisons of resistance prevalence over time. Data from additional isolates where resistance to antimicrobials were predicted from genome sequence data were also considered.
Qualitative research exploring community food provision
Authors: UK Ipsos
Published: October 2022

Back to search Research programme: Research projects Project status: Completed Authors: Ipsos Date published: 2022-06-07 DOI: https://doi.org/10.46756/sci.fsa.pev512 There has been a steady increase in the use of community food providers over the last decade, and this has been exacerbated by the pandemic. The FSA’s Consumer Insights Tracker found that 15% of people (aged 16+) said they had used a food bank or food charity at least once in March 2022. This report explores the journey that food takes from suppliers to end consumers in the community food provision sector in the UK. The overall aim is to understand what support community providers might need in relation to food safety. This research was conducted as a small-scale exploratory piece of work aiming to address the following overarching objectives: How can we ensure that food from community providers is as safe as it should be? How can the FSA best support community providers to comply with food safety guidance?
The Relationship Between Business Strategy and Customer Satisfaction: A study of South African business performance
Authors: Jordaan Yolanda , Badenhorst Jacobus Johannes
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the inter-connected relationships of business strategy, customer satisfaction and business performance. Data was collected from senior executives in small, medium, large and corporate businesses in South Africa, and supplemented with existing available national customer satisfaction data. A total sample of 1,069 business leaders was realised of which 64 businesses had available customer satisfaction data. Findings revealed a relation between a clear business strategy and high levels of customer satisfaction. More importantly, both business strategy and customer satisfaction differentiate businesses on overall performance/success. This single survey study could not capture business-performance drivers within a value chain of decisions, actions and outcomes. The association between business strategy and customer satisfaction cannot be ignored by practitioners who aspire to improve business performance. Thus, if customer satisfaction aligns with a clear business strategy it can provide superior business performance in comparison to industry competitors. These results show conclusively that the clarity of a business’s purpose, through consistently prioritising one of Porter’s generic strategies, succeeds in satisfying customers. While previous research analysed the relationship between both business strategy and customer satisfaction with business performance, the originality of this study lies in linking business strategy with customer satisfaction. Furthermore, the research adapted existing business measurements to bring it in line with Porter’s generic strategies, and then adjusted the strategy classification to be consistent with how businesses prioritise strategies.
Predicting Consumer Purchasing Decision from Product Quality and Promotion through Brand Image
Authors: Saputra Asep
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine the effect of product quality and promotion on purchase decision with brand image as mediating variable. The research population were the consumers who have purchased and used a Xiaomi smartphone in Cirebon City. 100 respondents were taken as the research sample by non-probability using purposive sampling. The technique used for data analysis was path analysis using SPSS 26.0 for windows. The result showed that product quality has a positive and significant effect on brand image, product quality has a positive and significant effect on purchase decision, promotion has a positive and significant effect on brand image, promotion has a positive and significant effect on purchase decision, brand image has a positive and significant effect on purchase decision, brand image mediates the effect of product quality on purchase decision positively and significantly, brand image mediates the effect of promotion on purchase decision positively and significantly.
The Contribution of Microlending Models to the growth of Micro and Small Entrepreneurs
Authors: Goda Goodluck , Clifford Gomera William
Published: October 2022

Microfinance has been providing microcredit services to beneficiaries through group, individual, association loans, community banking, and corporative microlending models. The sector has been fostering the growth of business in the economy by enabling entrepreneurs to participate in a variety of income-generating activities. However, there is limited information on the extent the microlending models contribute to the performance of micro and small enterprises. Therefore, the current research primarily intended to assess the contribution of Microfinance Bank's microlending models to the growth of micro and small entrepreneurs in Tanzania. This was a mixed approach study which adopted explanatory design and used convenience and purposive sampling techniques to obtain 179 respondents. Questionnaires, document review and interviews were used to collect both primary and secondary data. Statistical Packages for Social Science were used to quantitatively analyse field data using descriptive statistics (SPSS). MAXQDA10 was also used to conduct a content analysis of qualitative data. 

The findings of the study show that microlending models of microfinance banks contribute to the growth of micro and small entrepreneurs. It is thus recommended that microfinance banks should use appropriate lending model that is compatible with the nature of micro and small firms for growth and sustainable operations as they constitute the larger portion of lending clientele.
Students’ Views toward the Usage of Weblogs for Educational Purposes in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Authors: Omodara Oladele Dennis , Aboderin Olukayode Solomon
Published: October 2022

The  aim  of  this  paper  was  to  evaluate  students’  views  toward  the  usage  of  weblogs  for educational purposes in Ondo state tertiary institutions. Three research questions were designed to guide the study. The population consisted of all undergraduates in three selected tertiary institutions in Ondo state. The sample of the study consisted of 358 respondents who were selected using convenience and purposive sampling techniques. A self-structured questionnaire was used to collect data. The result of the findings revealed that students are aware of the usage of weblogs for educational purposes. The findings revealed that students show a positive perception toward the weblog. It was also revealed that Blogs help to provide solutions to Group assignments through enhanced interaction, promote reflective learning, and enhance interaction between teachers and students. Lastly, the results of the study revealed that constraints such as inadequate electricity, bad internet facility, lack of mobile phones and personal computers, lack of relevant software, and insufficient knowledge are the constraints toward the usage of weblogs. Based on the findings of this study, it was recommended among other things that administrators of tertiary institutions should create an enabling environment for intellectual exchange, aligning with tertiary institutions' curriculum to promote the use of weblogs for educational purposes. It was also recommended that Governments should install robust and reliable Internet (Wi-Fi) facilities through the Department of ICT Directorate in the tertiary institutions.
Pengaruh Rasio Profitabilitas Terhadap Harga Saham Perusahaan Perbankan yang Terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada Tahun 2015 - 2021
Authors: Muhidin Muhidin , Situngkir Tiar Lina
Published: October 2022

This study was conducted to determine the effect of return on assets, return on equity and earnings per share on stock prices of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2015-2021. This study uses quantitative methods with verification approaches. The research sample amounted to 10 banking companies with a research period of 7 years taken using purposive sampling technique so that the number of data studied was 70 data. This study uses multiple linear regression analysis to determine the effect of the independent variable on the dependent variable either partially or simultaneously. The results of data analysis show that partially return on assets and earnings per share have an influence on stock prices. while return on equity has no effect on stock prices. Simultaneously return on assets, return on equity and earnings per share have an influence on stock prices of banking companies listed on the IDX in 2015-2021.

Keywords: Return on Asset, Return on Equity, Earning per Share, Stock Price
Effect of zeaxanthin addition to feeding on non-specific immune performance in the Penaeus vannamei
Authors: Mi Hanwen
Published: October 2022

In recent years, the market demand for aquatic products has also been increasing. However, due to environmental pollution, many aquatic organisms become weaker in immunity and thus develop various diseases, which affect overall aquatic production. Currently, people enhance the immune performance of aquatic animals by adding peptidoglycan, astragalus polysaccharide, and vitamins to aquatic feeds; the addition of zeaxanthin (Zeaxanthin, 3,3'-dihydroxy-b-carotene) has not been reported to enhance immunity. This experiment investigated the effect of zeaxanthin on some immune indicators in South American white shrimp. The results of the kit showed that zeaxanthin had a significant effect on the activity of lysozyme, NOS and CAT (P<0.05), with a decreasing trend in the activity of lysozyme and an increase in the activity of nitric oxide synthase and catalase as the concentration of zeaxanthin added increased. Next, there were no significant differences in the activities of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX). Among them, the addition of 0.5% zeaxanthin had the greatest effect on NOS and CAT activity. As shown above and combined with the actual economic benefits, 0.5% zeaxanthin was selected as the best feed additive.
The concept of “state-forming people” in modern Russian political science
Authors:   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, Ufa branch, Gallyamov Rushan , Kuchumov Igor ,   R. G. Kuzeev Institute of Ethnological Studies — Subdivision of the Ufa Federal Research Centre of the Russian Academy of Science
Published: October 2022

The article analyzes the theoretical and applied aspects of the application of the concept of "state-forming people" in modern Russian political science from the point of view of its implementation in the system of constitutional law. The analysis is carried out on the basis of a study of the latest documents discussed in connection with the adoption of amendments to the Constitution of the Russian Federation initiated by the President of the Russian Federation during its nationwide discussion in 2020. Particular attention is paid to a comparative study of the positions of various authors and legal institutions, the points of view of which were formulated in the course of the discussion that unfolded in the scientific community. The emphasis is on the characterization of the ambiguous understanding of one of the most important political categories adopted and included in the text of the current Constitution of the Russian Federation. It is shown that at present in domestic political science and political practice there has not yet been a final interpretation of this most important definition.
Review on Automatic Smart Car Parking System
Authors: Adablanu Selorm
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study is to provide an automated, user-friendly, and dependable parking system. Even if parking spots are known, many cars may chase them down, severely clogging the roads. In this study, we build and put into practice a smart parking system prototype. The suggested system has three operating modes: ON, OFF, and EMERGENCY. Through an IR sensor, the system was able to detect the presence of the automobiles blocking the main parking entrance. These IR sensors output data to the PLC (programmable logic controller). A worldwide trend is moving toward automatic automobile parking systems to determine precisely how much space is available for cars and to collect money as parking fees due to a scarcity of parking places and trained personnel. This new plan enhances the present auto parking system's dependability, and it can be readily put into place since it is highly cost-effective—using solar panels to provide all of its power—and the inexpensive IR sensor lowers the overall implementation cost. This type of equipment is important to address the issue of a lack of parking space in crowded cities since it is completely automated and assigns each user a unique ID that corresponds to the trolley that is assigned to them. The proportion of Indians who own cars and motorbikes has lately grown, boosting metropolitan traffic, as a result of changing economic behavior and an improvement in living standards. In order to facilitate the transportation network and guarantee the quality of urban life, parking difficulties will present a significant obstacle. In most major cities, it can be challenging for drivers to find a parking spot, especially during rush hour. The problem comes from not knowing where the open spots could be at that moment.
Exploratory Study to the Common Architecture of University Computerized Systems and the Solution to its Architectural Problems
Authors: Awad Mohammed M I
Published: October 2022

This research has been focused on exploring the common architecture of university computerized systems (UCSs) to discover the common gaps and problems available in the architecture of most universities worldwide. Three universities have been selected to study and explore the common architecture of their systems; in addition to the literature of other universities. As a result, there are several problems in this architecture; these problems are direct results of tight-coupling, stand-alone applications, integration gap and interoperability gap. Therefore, this research has presented Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) as a solution to the mentioned problems. The solution has been described and a prototype has been designed, implemented and tested successfully as a proof to concept.
Knowledge and use of contraceptives among adolescents in Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogu Ijeoma Julia , Igwe Ijeoma
Published: October 2022

Background: Adolescence is a period of life marked by physical and psychological changes, experiences, desires, behavior, and sexuality. Globally, adolescents have been reported to engage in early sexual activities and at early age while many indulge in unprotected sex (Durowade, Babatunde,et al, 2017). Unprotected sex exposes adolescents to adverse outcomes such as unplanned pregnancy, pregnancy related risks, sexually transmitted illnesses, unsafe abortion and human immunodeficiency virus infection (Center for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). All these negative outcomes can be averted with the proper use of contraceptives. This study therefore intends to determine the knowledge and use of contraceptives among adolescents in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria. Methodology: Six hundred male and female adolescents aged 12 to 19 years and in- school students of Nsukka Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria completed an anonymous survey that assessed their knowledge, sources of knowledge and attitudes towards contraception. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 21.0. The results were presented in frequencies and percentages. Chi-square test of association was used to test knowledge of contraceptive use and other variables. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with contraceptive use with 95% confidence interval. Variables with ρ-value less than 0.05 were considered as significantly associated with contraceptive use. Findings: The mean age of participants was 15.2 years. Knowledge of contraceptive was statistically significant with age (0.004), type of school (0.006) and year of study (0.006). The sources of knowledge about contraception for the adolescents were mostly friends (38.7%), parents (25.8%) and mass media (14.8%). The most known contraceptive is the condom (82.5%). 41.7% of the adolescents have been involved in sexual activities out of which 53.2% did not use contraceptives during the last time of intercourse.
Measurement and Structural Assessment of Circular Economy Model
Authors: Goel Ashima , Singh Ajay kumar
Published: October 2022

Circular Economy model of sustainable development is the self- referring mechanism which aims at extending the life of resources. The circular economy mechanism is gaining popularity across the globe and organisations have started measuring their circularity. The present study aims to develop a Comprehensive framework (CFA) for CE and assess the measurement and structural model of the CE Framework. For the purpose of the study a questionnaire was developed based on the seven pointer Likert scale and distributed across Nifty 100 Organisations. The model was measured and assessed using Smart PLS Software on the basis of 180 responses received. The CFA(Comprehensive Framework Analysis)model for CE is an integrated tool for conducting empirical investigations across organisations and countries to measure the extent of CE environment and develop a ranking framework for its implementation
BÜTÜNLEŞİK ZAMAN SERİSİ ANALİZİ İLE TALEP TAHMİNİ: İLAÇ TEDARİK ZİNCİRİNDE BİR UYGULAMA
Authors: SARI Tuğba , GÜL Bünyamin Salih
Published: October 2022

Amaç: Bir ürünün tedarik zinciri faaliyetlerinin etkin bir şekilde planlanıp yürütülmesi, o ürünün gelecekteki talebinin isabetli bir şekilde tahmin edilmesini gerektirir. Bu kapsamda bu çalışmada, ilaç sektöründe geçmiş dönem satış verileri analiz edilerek, bir ürünün gelecekteki talebine yönelik bir tahmin yapılması hedeflenmiştir.Yöntem: Çalışma kapsamında Türkiye’de üretilen bir ilacın 36 aylık satış verileri zaman serisi yöntemleri ile analiz edilmiştir. Yapılan analizlerde, ARIMA, Holt-Winters üstel düzeltme ve her iki yöntemin yapay sinir ağları (YSA) ile bir araya getirildiği bütünleşik YSA tahmin modelleri kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Çalışmanın bulgularına göre, her üç yöntemle yapılan tahminlerin düşük seviyede hata verdiği ve oldukça isabetli olduğu belirlenmiştir. Bu üç model arasında en iyi tahmin sonucunu veren yöntemin ise bütünleşik YSA modeli olduğu tespit edilmiştir.Özgünlük: Bu çalışma literatürde kısıtlı araştırma alanı bulan ilaç talep tahmini probleminin çözümü için önerdiği bütünleşik analiz modeli ile hem yöntem hem de kullanılan veri seti itibarıyla mevcut çalışmalardan ayrışmaktadır. Çalışmanın ilaç talep tahmini literatüründeki açığın giderilmesine katkıda bulunacağı ve pratikte uygulanabilirliği sayesinde tedarik zinciri yönetimi kararlarında yöneticilere destek sağlayacağı öngörülmektedir.
HEMŞİRELERİN VERİMLİLİK TUTUMLARININ FARKLI VARDİYALAR İLE BİREYSEL VE MESLEKİ ÖZELLİKLERİNE GÖRE KARŞILAŞTIRILMASI
Authors: DURMAZ Saide , HARMANCI SEREN Arzu
Published: October 2022

Amaç: Bu çalışmanın amacı farklı vardiyalarda çalışmakta olan hemşirelerin verimlilik tutumlarının farklı vardiyalarda çalışma durumlarına ve diğer bağımsız değişkenlere göre değişip değişmediğini araştırmaktır.Yöntem: Tanımlayıcı tipteki bu çalışmaya ABC Üniversitesi Hastanesinde çalışan toplam 176 hemşire dâhil edilmiştir. Tanımlayıcı bilgi formu ile Verimliliğe İlişkin Tutum Ölçeğini içeren veri toplama aracı gerekli izinler alındıktan sonra gece ve gündüz vardiyalarında çalışan hemşirelere ulaştırılmış ve çalışmaya katılmaya gönüllü olan hemşireler tarafından doldurulmuştur. Doldurulan anketler bilgisayar ortamına aktarıldıktan sonra tanımlayıcı istatistikler (yüzde, ortalama, standart sapma) ile parametrik (bağımsız gruplarda t-testi ve tek yönlü varyans analizi) ve parametrik olmayan (Mann Whitney U Analizi ve Kruskall Wallis) karşılaştırma analizleri kullanılmıştır.Bulgular: Sabit ve vardiyalı çalışma durumlarına göre Verimliliğe İlişkin Tutum Ölçeği’nin Mesleğe Bağlılık ve Ödüllendirme alt boyutlarında gruplar arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı fark olduğu saptanmıştır (p<0,05). Karşılaştırmalı analizlerde, gelir durumu, kurumdan memnuniyet, birimden memnuniyet, kurumda çalışma süresi, birimde çalışma süresi, ücret gibi diğer bağımsız değişkenlere göre de alt grupların verimlilik düzeyleri arasında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı farklılıklar saptanmıştır (p<0,05).Özgünlük: Hemşirelerin verimlilik tutumları çalıştıkları vardiyaya ve bazı kişisel ve mesleki özelliklerine göre değişkenlik göstermektedir.
The Effect Of Characteristic, Psychological And Organizational Factors On Nurse Performance At Royal Prima Hospital
Authors: Sarumaha Abrianus , Girsang Ermi , Eliza Putri Lubis Yolanda , Wahyuni Nasution Sri
Published: October 2022

Nurse performance is a determining factor in the success of achieving hospital goals in nursing services. Various studies on the performance of nurses in Indonesia show that the performance of nurses is still relatively low between 47.6% - 53.4%. Nurse performance is thought to be influenced by 3 factors, namely individual factors, psychological factors and organizational factors. The purpose of this study was to analyze the effect of characteristic, psychological, and organizational factors on nurse performance. This research is a quantitative research with a cross sectional study approach. The research was conducted at the Royal Prima Hospital, Medan. The research population was 367 people, the sample obtained was 115 people. Sampling by purposive sampling. Data analysis was univariate, bivariate with chi-square test, and multivariate with multiple logistic regression at 95% confidence level ( a=0.05). The results showed that the factors that influence the performance of nurses at the Royal Prima General Hospital Medan are psychological factors (job satisfaction) (p=0.011), organizational factors (leadership and organizational culture) respectively p = 0.004 and p = 0.002. Individual characteristic factors had no effect, namely age (p=1,000), gender (p=0.661), education (p=0.454), and years of service (p=0.090). The most dominant variable influencing the nurse's performance is the leadership variable, Exp(B)/OR = 6.633, meaning that the nurse who states leadership is in a good category has a 6.6 times higher chance of having a good performance than the nurse who states that leadership is not good. It is recommended that the leadership of the Royal Prima General Hospital Medan to provide guaranteed incentives to all nurses so as to increase satisfaction. Head of the room to demonstrate leadership that is acceptable to all parties. Hospitals should maintain and improve the organizational culture that has been good so far.
An Integrative Review of the Acceptance of Wearable Health Technologies by Saudi Arabian Elderly Persons
Authors: ALENEZI Lafi , SUMMONS Peter , LARKIN Roslyn
Published: October 2022

The use of wearable technologies has recently expanded in our daily lives. Wearable health technologies aim to continuously transfer people’s physiological data to them and are thus assumed to increase the quality of health services in the clinical domain.
Shift‐share Analyses of Malaysia’s Export Competitiveness: The Case of Oleochemical Products
Authors: OTHMAN Norashida , YUSOP Zulkornain
Published: October 2022

Palm oil is the most commonly used edible oil globally and is found in many consumer products. In Malaysia, this industry is one of the key economic drivers of the Malaysian economy. Despite the recent covid-19 pandemic year, Malaysia's palm oil industry has faced challenges from reduced demand from China, as well as unfavourable prices.
How Satisfactory is Distance Education for Pre-Service English Language Teachers?
Authors: ÖNAL Ahmet
Published: October 2022

Several national and international higher education institutions had already started offering distance education to their students; however, the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in the first quarter of 2020 accelerated this process and educational institutions at all levels had to switch to distance education in line with the precautions taken by the governments. It can be argued that neither the educational institutions nor the teachers/instructors and students were well-prepared for such a swift shift. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify distance education satisfaction levels of pre-service English language teachers by shedding light on the variables that may have an influence on their perceptions. A mixed methods research design, involving 122 pre-service English language teachers studying at a state university in Turkey, was employed within the study and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected and analyzed. For the analysis of the quantitative data, descriptive statistics, independent samples t-test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Mann-Whitney U test were utilized. Likewise, qualitative data was analyzed via content analysis. The results of the analyses indicate that the implementation of distance education is regarded as satisfactory in some respects and unsatisfactory in some other respects. It can be hypothesized that the specification of these aspects will possibly help both educational institutions and teachers/instructors design and implement their distance education operations more effectively since the opinions and perceptions of the students as to the implementation of distance education are revealed within the study.
Ozone, DNA-active UV radiation, and cloud changes for the near-global mean and at high latitudes due to enhanced greenhouse gas concentrations
Authors: Eleftheratos Kostas , Kapsomenakis John , Fountoulakis Ilias , Zerefos Christos S. , Jöckel Patrick , Dameris Martin , Bais Alkiviadis F. , Bernhard Germar , Kouklaki Dimitra , Tourpali Kleareti , Stierle Scott , Liley J. Ben , Brogniez Colette , Auriol Frédérique , Diémoz Henri , Simic Stana , Petropavlovskikh Irina , Lakkala Kaisa , Douvis Kostas
Published: October 2022

Abstract. This study analyses the variability and trends of ultraviolet-B (UV-B, wavelength 280–320 nm) radiation that can cause DNA damage. The variability and trends caused by climate change due to enhanced greenhouse gas (GHG) concentrations. The analysis is based on DNA-active irradiance, total ozone, total cloud cover, and surface albedo calculations with the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts – Hamburg (ECHAM)/Modular Earth Submodel System (MESSy) Atmospheric Chemistry (EMAC) chemistry–climate model (CCM) free-running simulations following the RCP 6.0 climate scenario for the period 1960–2100. The model output is evaluated with DNA-active irradiance ground-based measurements, satellite SBUV (v8.7) total-ozone measurements, and satellite MODerate-resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Terra cloud cover data. The results show that the model reproduces the observed variability and change in total ozone, DNA-active irradiance, and cloud cover for the period 2000–2018 quite well according to the statistical comparisons. Between 50∘ N–50∘ S, the DNA-damaging UV radiation is expected to decrease until 2050 and to increase thereafter, as was shown previously by Eleftheratos et al. (2020). This change is associated with decreases in the model total cloud cover and negative trends in total ozone after about 2050 due to increasing GHGs. The new study confirms the previous work by adding more stations over low latitudes and mid-latitudes (13 instead of 5 stations). In addition, we include estimates from high-latitude stations with long-term measurements of UV irradiance (three stations in the northern high latitudes and four stations in the southern high latitudes greater than 55∘). In contrast to the predictions for 50∘ N–50∘ S, it is shown that DNA-active irradiance will continue to decrease after the year 2050 over high latitudes because of upward ozone trends. At latitudes poleward of 55∘ N, we estimate that DNA-active irradiance will decrease by 8.2 %±3.8 % from 2050 to 2100. Similarly, at latitudes poleward of 55∘ S, DNA-active irradiance will decrease by 4.8 % ± 2.9 % after 2050. The results for the high latitudes refer to the summer period and not to the seasons when ozone depletion occurs, i.e. in late winter and spring. The contributions of ozone, cloud, and albedo trends to the DNA-active irradiance trends are estimated and discussed.
Ice fog observed at cirrus temperatures at Dome C, Antarctic Plateau
Authors: Vignon Étienne , Raillard Lea , Genthon Christophe , Del Guasta Massimo , Heymsfield Andrew J. , Madeleine Jean-Baptiste , Berne Alexis
Published: October 2022

Abstract. As the near-surface atmosphere over the Antarctic Plateau is cold and pristine, its physico-chemical conditions resemble to a certain extent those of the high troposphere where cirrus clouds form. In this paper, we carry out an observational analysis of two shallow fog clouds forming in situ at cirrus temperatures – that is, temperatures lower than 235 K – at Dome C, inner Antarctic Plateau. The combination of lidar profiles with temperature and humidity measurements from advanced thermo-hygrometers along a 45 m mast makes it possible to characterise the formation and development of the fog.
High supersaturations with respect to ice are observed before the initiation of fog, and the values attained suggest that the nucleation process at play is the homogeneous freezing of solution aerosol droplets. This is the first time that in situ observations show that this nucleation pathway can be at the origin of an ice fog. Once nucleation occurs, the relative humidity gradually decreases down to subsaturated values with respect to ice in a few hours, owing to vapour deposition onto ice crystals and turbulent mixing. The development of fog is tightly coupled with the dynamics of the boundary layer which, in the first study case, experiences a weak diurnal cycle, while in the second case, it transits from a very stable to a weakly stable dynamical regime. Overall, this paper highlights the potential of the site of Dome C for carrying out observational studies of very cold cloud microphysical processes in natural conditions and using in situ ground-based instruments.
Low-complexity methods to mitigate the impact of environmental variables on low-cost UAS-based atmospheric carbon dioxide measurements
Authors: Britto Hupsel de Azevedo Gustavo , Doyle Bill , Fiebrich Christopher A. , Schvartzman David
Published: October 2022

Abstract. This article assesses the individual and joint impact of pressure, temperature, and relative humidity on the accuracy of atmospheric CO2 measurements collected by unmanned aerial systems (UASs) using low-cost commercial non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensors. We build upon previous experimental results in the literature and present a new dataset with increased gradients for each environmental variable to match the abrupt changes found in UAS-based atmospheric vertical profiles. As a key contribution, we present a low-complexity correction procedure to mitigate the impact of these variables and reduce errors in this type of atmospheric CO2 measurement. Our findings support the use of low-cost NDIR sensors for UAS-based atmospheric CO2 measurements as a complementary in situ tool for many scientific applications.
Melting relations of Ca–Mg carbonates and trace element signature of carbonate melts up to 9 GPa – a proxy for melting of carbonated mantle lithologies
Authors: Sieber Melanie J. , Wilke Max , Appelt Oona , Oelze Marcus , Koch-Müller Monika
Published: October 2022

Abstract. The most profound consequences of the presence of Ca–Mg carbonates
(CaCO3–MgCO3) in the Earth's upper mantle may be to lower the
melting temperatures of the mantle and control the melt composition.
Low-degree partial melting of a carbonate-bearing mantle produces
CO2-rich, silica-poor melts compositionally imposed by the
melting relations of carbonates. Thus, understanding the melting relations
in the CaCO3–MgCO3 system facilitates the interpretation of
natural carbonate-bearing silicate systems. We report the melting relations of the CaCO3–MgCO3 system and
the partition coefficient of trace elements between carbonates and carbonate
melt from experiments at high pressure (6 and 9 GPa) and temperature
(1300–1800 ∘C) using a rocking multi-anvil press. In the
absence of water, Ca–Mg carbonates are stable along geothermal
gradients typical of subducting slabs. Ca–Mg carbonates
(∼ Mg0.1–0.9Ca0.9–0.1CO3) partially melt
beneath mid-ocean ridges and in plume settings. Ca–Mg carbonates
melt incongruently, forming periclase crystals and carbonate melt between 4
and 9 GPa. Furthermore, we show that the rare earth element (REE) signature
of Group-I kimberlites, namely strong REE fractionation and depletion of
heavy REE relative to the primitive mantle, is resembled by carbonate
melt in equilibrium with Ca-bearing magnesite and periclase at 6 and
9 GPa. This suggests that the dolomite–magnesite join of the
CaCO3–MgCO3 system might be useful to approximate the REE
signature of carbonate-rich melts parental to kimberlites.
Objective and subjective voice evaluation in Covid 19 patients and prognostic factors affecting the voice
Authors: ÇEÇEN Ayse , KORUNUR ENGIZ Begüm
Published: October 2022

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory and systemic zoonosis form caused by a virus belonging to the Coronaviridae family. Although several studies have shown the otolaryngology symptoms are affected in COVID-19 patients, the number of studies regarding the COVID-19 effects on voice is limited. Our study aims to evaluate the effect of COVID-19 on voice objectively - subjectively and compare it with the control group. 50 hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 and 50 healthy individuals were included in the study as study and control group, respectively. All subjects were trained to vocalize a continuous/a/ vocal pattern at speech sound intensity for Maximum Phonation Time. Voice samples were recorded using a Sony (ICD-PX470) audio recorder and analyzed by the Praat program. Dysphonia grades were ranked on 4-point scales (grade: 0=none; 1= mild; 2= moderate; 3=severe). It is seen from the results that, there were significant differences between the male and female participants in acoustic parameters of fundamental frequency (F0) (p<0.001), shimmer and mean harmonic to noise ratio (HNR) (p=0.011). There was also a significant difference in F0 values of infected and healthy participants (p=0.008). However, there was no significant interaction between gender and health status in any acoustic parameters (p>0.05). The degree of thoracic computed tomography (CT) involvement had no significant effect on parameters (p>0.05), while there was a weak positive relationship between the duration of hospitalization and F0 (rs=0.397, p=0.004). Dysphonia was positively associated with health status (rs=0. 682, p<0.001), and female infected participants reported more frequent dysphonia than males. In our study, we examined the effect of COVID-19 on voice both objectively and subjectively and evaluated the relationship between CT involvement and duration of hospitalization, which made our study more reliable. Future studies with larger and more specific patient groups to investigate the relationship between COVID-19 and dysphonia will shed a light on the subject.
Liver trauma in children with Syrian Civil War: How should treatment management?
Authors: ÇELİKKAYA Mehmet Emin , ATICI Ahmet , KORKMAZ İnan , EL Çiğdem , AKÇORA Bülent
Published: October 2022

Patients with liver injuries should be considered multidisciplinary cases, and the decision to operate should be made according to each patient’s clinical and hemodynamic stability. In this study, we aimed to describe treatment management approaches and appropriate operation times for children with liver injuries resulting from the Syrian Civil War. A total 32 patients who were admitted to a pediatric surgery clinic between 2010 and 2020 with liver injuries resulting from Syrian Civil War were examined retrospectively. Patients were evaluated according to age, gender, type of injury, accompanying trauma, treatment modality, and mortality. A total of 21 patients were injured with shrapnel, while 11 patients suffered from blast effect injury. The mean pediatric trauma score of the patients was 5.2, while the mean pediatric trauma score of the six patients who died was 3.11. Liver suturing was performed in four patients due to bleeding. A segmentectomy was performed in one patient with active bleeding in segment 7. This bleeding was stopped by ligating the branches of the hepatic artery. Two patients who were operated on in Syria and to whom packing was applied due to uncontrolled bleeding were referred to Turkey. One patient with inferior vena cava injury died due to excessive blood loss and instability at the time of admission, and six patients died due to accompanying head trauma and/or multiple body trauma. The main purpose in emergency operations is to stop bleeding. Rarely, however, suturing or even segment resection in the bleeding area may be required.
Factors affecting the result of a conservative treatment in post-collapse osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Hongnaparak Theerawit , Nawatthakul Anuchit , Iamthanaporn Khanin , Yuenyongviwat Varah
Published: October 2022

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) affects patients' quality of life. In our institute, some patients in the post-collapse state denied having an operation and considered continuing conservative treatment. Hence, the purpose of this study was to compare patient characteristics between patients who had total hip arthroplasty and those still on conservative treatment. We collected the data of seventy patients who had osteonecrosis of the femoral head with femoral head collapse from the hospital electronic database. All patients underwent the same approach in consideration of THA. We advised patients to shift to a THA treatment plan from a conservative one if the pain did not decrease by conservative treatment or improvement did not meet the patient's lifestyle and daily living requirements. We recorded the patient's demographic data, physical examination and hip radiographic. Twentynine patients (40 hips) had THA, while 31 patients (45 hips) were still undergoing conservative treatment. There were no differences in the patients' base demographic data. However, patients with THA had a lower rate of history of previous core decompression before head collapse than patients still undergoing conservative treatment (90.3% and 37.9%, respectively, p<0.01). In the conservative treatment group, most cases had femoral head collapse at the superolateral head, while patients in the THA group had an increased number of patients with collapse at the superomedial part of the femoral head. This study revealed that patients considering the continuation of conservative treatment had a higher rate of history of core decompression and a lower rate of supermedial femoral head collapse. Thus, these factors might be considered in the discussions with patients concerning the prognosis of the disease.