bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
role of Tiktok as content marketing to maintain brand engagement
Authors: Wiwarottami Anggi Septyavi , Widyatama Rendra
Published: January 2024

In the digital era, social media platforms such as TikTok have become increasingly important in company marketing strategies. This research will focus attention on the use of TikTok as a tool to build and maintain customer engagement or brand engagement. The Originote, a local skincare brand from Indonesia which was founded in 2018, has felt the impact of the rapid development of technology and social media. One of the Originote products has not previously received much attention from the public and has had big challenges in building brand awareness. So this research was conducted with the main aim of investigating the role of social media on TikTok as an effective content marketing tool for maintaining brand engagement levels, especially for flagship products from The Originote. The research used descriptive qualitative methods for seven months from January 2023-July 2023, focusing on social media TikTok @theoriginote. Data was collected through content analysis and triangulation from different sources, including written notes, literature, journals, articles and the internet related to research. The research results show that Tiktok's role in marketing activities through video content to maintain brand engagement has a great influence on sales traffic. The brand engagement carried out by The Originote regarding the Hyalucera Moisturizer product received a positive response from followers of the Tiktok application, comments column, testimonials through video content, sharing video content of the Hyalucera Moisturizer product and reviews that can help convince consumers to buy this product.
Macrofungi Diversity in Wisdom Park UGM, Yogyakarta
Authors: Zahra Safa Auli , Safitri Salsabila , Nugraha Farhan Satya , Hidayah Hidayah , Aji Oktira Roka
Published: January 2024

Indonesia's warm and humid tropical climate provides an ideal setting for the flourishing of fungi. Fungi are pivotal in the intricate balance of nutrient cycles and soil fertility within forest ecosystems. They can be broadly categorized into two types: microscopic fungi, which are minuscule and require observation under a microscope, and macroscopic fungi, which can be identified based on visible morphological features without additional tools. Forests, with their limited sunlight and high humidity due to the dense canopy of trees, serve as fertile grounds for a myriad of fungal species. This research aims to analyze fungal diversity using the exploratory survey method, involving direct search and observation of macrofungi. The sampling was conducted in May 2023 within the Wisdom Park UGM area, covering an area of 3,762.12 m² with coordinates 7° 46'09"S 110°22'59"E. The findings revealed a commendable diversity in terms of shape and size. However, the color palette of fungi in the area exhibited limited variation, primarily consisting of subdued white and brown hues. Some identified fungal species include Ganoderma sp., Mycena sp., Trametes sp., Lepiota cristata, and Panaeolus fimicola. These fungi predominantly thrived on substrates such as trees, soil, leaf litter, and decaying wood.
Larvicidal Activity of 96% Ethanol Extract of Arabica Coffee Fruit Peel (Coffea arabica L.) on Mortality of Housefly Larvae (Musca domestica)
Authors: Lenggar Benta , Unida Tazkiah , Putra Ichsan Luqmana Indra
Published: January 2024

Houseflies (M. domestica) are vectors of disease in humans and animals, so vegetable insecticides are needed that can be used to control M. domestica populations, one of which is Arabica coffee fruit peel extract. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of giving various concentrations of 96% ethanol extract of Arabica coffee fruit peel on the mortality of M. domestica larvae, as well as calculating the LC50 and LT50 values of M. domestica larval mortality. The research design was a completely randomized design (CRD) using 20 third instar larvae of M. domestica. The concentration variations of Arabica coffee fruit peel extract tested were 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1% and 0% as control with 3 replicates using the feeding assay method. Larval mortality was observed for 48 hours (hour 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 28, 32, 36, 40, 44, and 48) post extract. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential analysis using Kruskal-Wallis test and probit analysis of LC50 and LT50. The results showed a significance value >0.05, meaning that there was no significant difference in the mortality of third instar larvae of M. domestica between treatments. The LC50 value obtained was 0.01%. LT50 values at concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1% were 274.52 hours, 134.90 hours, 532.20 hours and 0 hours, respectively. The conclusion of this study is that 96% ethanol extract of Arabica coffee fruit peel has no effect on the mortality of M. domestica larvae, the concentration of Arabica coffee fruit peel extract that causes the fastest death of M. domestica larvae is 0.1%, and LT50 at extract concentrations of 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5% is 274.52 hours, 134.90 hours, and 532.20 hours, at 0% and 1% concentrations have no LT50 value.
25in25: detecting heart failure in Swansea
Authors: Rucarean Delyth
Published: January 2024

In this month's heart failure, Delyth Rucarean discusses the service innovation that led to Swansea being selected as one of the sites for the 25in25 heart failure pilot programme.
CattleReview
Authors: Barrett David C
Published: January 2024

Introduction:

In this Cattle Review we consider papers on anthelmintic resistance, assessment of colostrum and postparturient hypocalcaemia.
Plan, prevent, protect: optimal sheep vaccination
Authors: Lovat Fiona , MRCVS BVSc
Published: January 2024

Vaccination is an integral part of progressive preventative flock health management. It sits within a toolbox of measures, which include good biosecurity and nutrition, to effectively prevent or control disease on farm. The decision to vaccinate sheep is primarily motivated by animal welfare and the wish to optimise health by giving sheep the best chance to be free from avoidable disease. The NOAH vaccination guideline introduces the concept of two categories of vaccination to support flock health planning. Category one vaccines are considered ‘core’ vaccinations that should be thought of as the foundation of a standard vaccination programme and category two vaccinations are against diseases for which the level of threat to flock health and welfare will vary on an individual farm basis.
National TB Conference: a collaborative approach towards a TB-free future
Authors: Tomlinson Sarah
Published: January 2024

Bovine tuberculosis is a devastating disease because of the massive impacts it has on the farm business and the knock-on effects on animal and farmer health and welfare. The National TB Conference was held to champion what has been achieved by working together as part of the bovine tuberculosis eradication strategy and to start the conversation on what is needed from all stakeholders to achieve a bTB-free status in England and Wales.
The impact of bovine viral diarrhoea virus on fertility in cattle and the protective effect of vaccination
Authors: Caldow George , Henderson Katrina
Published: January 2024

Bovine viral diarrhoea virus (BVDV) infection is associated with significant reproductive losses in cattle through the detrimental impact of both persistent and transient infection on breeding females and males. The pathology within the reproductive tract is well described, although the mechanisms that lead to reproductive failure have yet to be fully unravelled. Prolonged shedding of virus following acute infection of bulls in both the peri- and post-pubertal periods has been observed, although the significance of this in relation to reproductive failure and the spread of infection has yet to be fully explored for the UK situation. Infection and recovery lead to an immune state in the female that is protective against breeding failure and generation of persistently infected calves. Vaccination using either of the two vaccines licensed for the control of BVDV infection in breeding cattle in the UK has been shown to be protective against fetal infection. In the UK where regional and herd level eradication of BVDV is progressing against a background of endemic infection, vaccination would appear to offer stopgap mitigation against reinfection until such times as national eradication is achieved.
3D power frequency intensive electric field sensor based on a lithium niobate electro-optic crystal
Authors: Zhang Jiahong , Chen Zewen , Lei Hongyi
Published: January 2024

In order to conveniently measure the power frequency intensive electric field in any
direction in space, a lithium niobate (LN) crystal-based three
dimensional (3D) intensive electric field sensor with an
all-dielectric structure has been developed. A regular triangular
prism structure with three 1D (one-dimensional) electric field sensors
fixed on its three sides is designed and fabricated. By setting the
orientation of the z-axes of the three 1D electric field
sensors at 54.7° with respect to the three edges of the prism, the
detection directions of the three 1D electric field sensors are
perpendicular to each other. Compared to existing 3D electric field
sensors that directly arrange three 1D electric field sensors along
three mutually perpendicular directions, the overall device volume of
the newly designed 3D sensor is significantly reduced. Experimental
results reveal that the linear measurement ranges of the 3D electric
field sensor along the three axes are
3.71 kV/m–388 kV/m, 2.78 kV/m–403 kV/m,
and 4.50 kV/m–375 kV/m, respectively. When the electric
field strength is 82.05 kV/m, the measurement error is less
than 4.97% when the 3D electric field sensor is rotated 360° in the yoz and xoy planes.
Attempts to apply fiber optic sensing technology to desert research: laboratory measurement and field observation on the movement of desert sand particles
Authors: Ma Xin
Published: January 2024

Sand particle movement can lead to sand collision, which may even generate large amounts of sand dust and finally trigger a sandstorm. However, there is a lack of effective observation methods for sand particle scale at present due to the harsh environment of the desert. In this article, we attempt to use fiber optic sensing technology to address the above issues. Based on that, laboratory measurement and field observation of sand particle motion are carried out. In the laboratory, the sand particle vibration is detected. In the field observation, the results we obtained are consistent with the actual movement of sand particles. The proposed technique exhibits high resolution and good repeatability for sand particle motion measurement and observation. This work will promote the application of optical fiber sensing technology as a new means for desert research.
Jamming in Hybrid FSO-RF Networks: Analysis
and Mitigation Techniques
Authors: MALIK MOHAMMAD , Shukla Ashish , Bhatnagar Manav R. , qazi Gausia
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we propose a novel switching scheme,
which operates as per the presence and absence of the jammer; in
the absence of jammer, scheme I will be used in which free space
optical (FSO) channel gets higher priority and radio frequency
(RF) channel will work as a backup link; while in presence
of jammer, just reverse will happen and FSO will work as a
backup link. We have studied the performance metrics of both
the schemes for a hybrid FSO-RF system in terms of outage
probability (OP) and average bit-error rate (ABER) and derived
its closed-form expressions, which have been verified by Monte Carlo simulations. It has been shown through numerical results
that proposed scheme outperforms existing hybrid RF/FSO
systems in the presence of a jammer.
Prediction models of COVID-19 fatality in nine Peruvian provinces: A secondary analysis of the national epidemiological surveillance system
Authors: Nieto-Gutierrez Wendy , Campos-Chambergo Jaid , Gonzalez-Ayala Enrique , Oyola-Garcia Oswaldo , Alejandro-Mora Alberti , Luis-Aguirre Eliana , Pasquel-Santillan Roly , Leiva-Aguirre Juan , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Loyola Steev
Published: January 2024

There are initiatives to promote the creation of predictive COVID-19 fatality models to assist decision-makers. The study aimed to develop prediction models for COVID-19 fatality using population data recorded in the national epidemiological surveillance system of Peru. A retrospective cohort study was conducted (March to September of 2020). The study population consisted of confirmed COVID-19 cases reported in the surveillance system of nine provinces of Lima, Peru. A random sample of 80% of the study population was selected, and four prediction models were constructed using four different strategies to select variables: 1) previously analyzed variables in machine learning models; 2) based on the LASSO method; 3) based on significance; and 4) based on a post-hoc approach with variables consistently included in the three previous strategies. The internal validation was performed with the remaining 20% of the population. Four prediction models were successfully created and validate using data from 22,098 cases. All models performed adequately and similarly; however, we selected models derived from strategy 1 (AUC 0.89, CI95% 0.87–0.91) and strategy 4 (AUC 0.88, CI95% 0.86–0.90). The performance of both models was robust in validation and sensitivity analyses. This study offers insights into estimating COVID-19 fatality within the Peruvian population. Our findings contribute to the advancement of prediction models for COVID-19 fatality and may aid in identifying individuals at increased risk, enabling targeted interventions to mitigate the disease. Future studies should confirm the performance and validate the usefulness of the models described here under real-world conditions and settings.
Age-related changes in the hematopoietic stem cell pool revealed via quantifying the balance of symmetric and asymmetric divisions
Authors: Kawahigashi Teiko , Iwanami Shoya , Takahashi Munetomo , Bhadury Joydeep , Iwami Shingo , Yamazaki Satoshi
Published: January 2024

Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are somatic stem cells that continuously generate lifelong supply of blood cells through a balance of symmetric and asymmetric divisions. It is well established that the HSC pool increases with age. However, not much is known about the underlying cause for these observed changes. Here, using a novel method combining single-cell ex vivo HSC expansion with mathematical modeling, we quantify HSC division types (stem cell—stem cell (S-S) division, stem cell—progenitor cell (S-P) division, and progenitor cell—progenitor cell (P-P) division) as a function of the aging process. Our time-series experiments reveal how changes in these three modes of division can explain the increase in HSC numbers with age. Contrary to the popular notion that HSCs divide predominantly through S-P divisions, we show that S-S divisions are predominant throughout the lifespan of the animal, thereby expanding the HSC pool. We, therefore, provide a novel mathematical model-based experimental validation for reflecting HSC dynamics in vivo.
The study on surface morphology and decorative properties of Magnesium-glass-board (MGB)
Authors: Song Chaojun , Wang Jinxin , Wu Zhanwen , Zhang Feng , Zhu Zhaolong , Guo Xiaolei , Cao Pingxiang
Published: January 2024

In order to improve the decorative properties of Magnesium-Glass-Board (MGB), the surface morphology and decoration performance of MGB, are studied in detail by using profilometer, microscope and SEM, and the influence of its characterization, such as surface roughness, surface porosity and wettability, on decorative properties of MGB is analyzed by comparing with medium density fiberboard (MDF) and medium density particleboard (MDP). The results first showed that the surface of MGB has a porous structure, but MDF and MDP are not, resulting in a poor decorative performance of MGB. Second, it is found that the surface wettability of MGB is better than others. Third, the hot-pressing parameters including pressure, temperature and time have different influence on decorative performance of MGB during hot-pressing experiment. Finally, the surface bonding strength is positively correlated with pressure, but not with temperature and time. In general, a higher surface bonding strength led to a better decorative performance of MGB. The furthermore research can concentrate on the modification method of the MGB’s surface according to this paper’s conclusion to improve the lamination performance of melamine paper.
Src-NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 complex and recognition memory of imprinting in domestic chicks
Authors: Chitadze Lela , Meparishvili Maia , Lagani Vincenzo , Khuchua Zaza , McCabe Brian J. , Solomonia Revaz
Published: January 2024

Src is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase participating in a range of neuronal processes, including synaptic plasticity. We have recently shown that the amounts of total Src and its two phosphorylated forms, at tyrosine-416 (activated) and tyrosine-527 (inhibited), undergoes time-dependent, region-specific learning-related changes in the domestic chick forebrain after visual imprinting. These changes occur in the intermediate medial mesopallium (IMM), a site of memory formation for visual imprinting, but not the posterior pole of the nidopallium (PPN), a control brain region not involved in imprinting. Src interacts with mitochondrial genome-coded NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NADH2), a component of mitochondrial respiratory complex I. This interaction occurs at brain excitatory synapses bearing NMDA glutamate receptors. The involvement of Src-NADH2 complexes in learning and memory is not yet explored. We show for the first time that, independently of changes in total Src or total NADH2, NADH2 bound to Src immunoprecipitated from the P2 plasma membrane-mitochondrial fraction: (i) is increased in a learning-related manner in the left IMM 1 h after the end of training; (ii), is decreased in the right IMM in a learning-related way 24 h after training. These changes occurred in the IMM but not the PPN. They are attributable to learning occurring during training rather than a predisposition to learn. Learning-related changes in Src-bound NADH2 are thus time- and region-dependent.
Aptenodytes forsteri optimization algorithm for low-carbon logistics network under demand uncertainty
Authors: Zhu Yuhua , Fan Xiang , Yin Chuanzhong
Published: January 2024

As China’s "double carbon" goal continues to advance, logistics as a key area of carbon emissions and low-carbon logistics center site selection are key links in the process. However, existing studies on logistics center location often ignore the impact of demand uncertainty, which leads to a waste of resources in the planning and construction processes. We take logistics cost and carbon emission as the objectives, and the multi-objective site selection model established based on stochastic programming theory takes demand uncertainty as a stochastic constraint. We transform the stochastic constraint model into a 0–1 mixed integer multi-objective planning model by utilizing the idea of equivalence transformation. The Aptenodytes Forsteri Optimization (AFO) algorithm is combined with the Ideal Point Method to solve the model, and the algorithm is compared with the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO), Differential Evolutionary (DE), Tabu Search (TS), Sparrow Search (SS) algorithms, and the exact solver Linear Interactive and General Optimizer (LINGO). The examples verify the validity of the models and algorithms, with an average reduction of 6.2% and 3.6% in logistics costs and carbon emissions in the case of demand determination, and at the confidence level of 0.9 under demand uncertainty, both logistics costs and carbon emissions are decreased to varying degrees. This study provides a new research idea for the low-carbon logistics location problem under demand uncertainty, which helps to promote the transformation of the logistics industry to low-carbon and high-efficiency.
A study on altruistic consumption of Chinese residents from the perspective of intergenerational income mobility
Authors: Shao Yingying
Published: January 2024

Resident consumption is an important link to smooth the domestic circulation and promote the economy to achieve high-quality development. To stimulate the vitality of residents’ consumption and achieve the expansion and quality of consumption, we should not only focus on the scale and willingness of residents to consume, but also consider the motivation of consumption. The paper analyzes the impact of intergenerational income mobility on residents’ marginal propensity to consume and consumption altruism motive by expanding the Over Lapping Generation Models and combining the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) data. The results of the study show: Intergenerational Income Elasticity has a significant positive effect on residents’ marginal propensity to consume. When Intergenerational Income Elasticity increases, the "altruistic motive" of residents’ consumption will also increase significantly. Compared with rural residents, Intergenerational Income Elasticity has a stronger positive effect on urban residents’ marginal propensity to consume and marginal propensity to consume education. With the effect of intergenerational factors, urban residents’ consumption shows stronger altruistic motives.
The profile of genome-wide DNA methylation, transcriptome, and proteome in streptomycin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Wu Zhuhua , Li Haicheng , Wu Jiawen , Lai Xiaoyu , Huang Shanshan , Yu Meiling , Liao Qinghua , Zhang Chenchen , Zhou Lin , Chen Xunxun , Guo Huixin , Chen Liang
Published: January 2024

Streptomycin-resistant (SM-resistant) Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) is a major concern in tuberculosis (TB) treatment. However, the mechanisms underlying streptomycin resistance remain unclear. This study primarily aimed to perform preliminary screening of genes associated with streptomycin resistance through conjoint analysis of multiple genomics. Genome-wide methylation, transcriptome, and proteome analyses were used to elucidate the associations between specific genes and streptomycin resistance in M. tuberculosis H37Rv. Methylation analysis revealed that 188 genes were differentially methylated between the SM-resistant and normal groups, with 89 and 99 genes being hypermethylated and hypomethylated, respectively. Furthermore, functional analysis revealed that these 188 differentially methylated genes were enriched in 74 pathways, with most of them being enriched in metabolic pathways. Transcriptome analysis revealed that 516 genes were differentially expressed between the drug-resistant and normal groups, with 263 and 253 genes being significantly upregulated and downregulated, respectively. KEGG analysis indicated that these 516 genes were enriched in 79 pathways, with most of them being enriched in histidine metabolism. The methylation level was negatively related to mRNA abundance. Proteome analysis revealed 56 differentially expressed proteins, including 14 upregulated and 42 downregulated proteins. Moreover, three hub genes (coaE, fadE5, and mprA) were obtained using synthetic analysis. The findings of this study suggest that an integrated DNA methylation, transcriptome, and proteome analysis can provide important resources for epigenetic studies in SM-resistant M. tuberculosis H37Rv.
Development and evaluation of a computerized algorithm for the interpretation of pulmonary function tests
Authors: Huang Yuh-Chin T. , Henriquez Luke , Chen Hengji , Henriquez Craig
Published: January 2024

Pulmonary function tests (PFTs) are usually interpreted by clinicians using rule-based strategies and pattern recognition. The interpretation, however, has variabilities due to patient and interpreter errors. Most PFTs have recognizable patterns that can be categorized into specific physiological defects. In this study, we developed a computerized algorithm using the python package (pdfplumber) and validated against clinicians’ interpretation. We downloaded PFT reports in the electronic medical record system that were in PDF format. We digitized the flow volume loop (FVL) and extracted numeric values from the reports. The algorithm used FEV1/FVC<0.7 for obstruction, TLC<80%pred for restriction and <80% or >120%pred for abnormal DLCO. The algorithm also used a small airway disease index (SADI) to quantify late expiratory flattening of the FVL to assess small airway dysfunction. We devised keywords for the python Natural Language Processing (NLP) package (spaCy) to identify obstruction, restriction, abnormal DLCO and small airway dysfunction in the reports. The algorithm was compared to clinicians’ interpretation in 6,889 PFTs done between March 1st, 2018, and September 30th, 2020. The agreement rates (Cohen’s kappa) for obstruction, restriction and abnormal DLCO were 94.4% (0.868), 99.0% (0.979) and 87.9% (0.750) respectively. In 4,711 PFTs with FEV1/FVC≥0.7, the algorithm identified 190 tests with SADI < lower limit of normal (LLN), suggesting small airway dysfunction. Of these, the clinicians (67.9%) also flagged 129 tests. When SADI was ≥ LLN, no clinician’s reports indicated small airway dysfunction. Our results showed the computerized algorithm agreed with clinicians’ interpretation in approximately 90% of the tests and provided a sensitive objective measure for assessing small airway dysfunction. The algorithm can improve efficiency and consistency and decrease human errors in PFT interpretation. The computerized algorithm works directly on PFT reports in PDF format and can be adapted to incorporate a different interpretation strategy and platform.
Building Back Truth in an Age of Misinformation, Leslie Stebbins (2023)
Authors: Lawson Brendan T
Published: January 2024

Review of: Building Back Truth in an Age of Misinformation, Leslie Stebbins (2023)

Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, 206 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-53816-314-6, h/bk, £25.00
Identifying suitable zones to Kappaphycus alvarezii (Doty) L.M.Liao farming in densely portion of Atlantic South
Authors: Sampaio Frederico , Landuci Felipe
Published: January 2024

Algae aquaculture rapidly expanded into what currently represents approximately half of global marine aquaculture production landings (51%). In Brazil, seaweed aquaculture is more concentrated on the exotic species K. alvarezii, and the rearing areas are restricted to the southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, northern São Paulo State, and central Santa Catarina State. The southern coast of Rio de Janeiro State, which comprises two socio-economical and geographically important bays: Ilha Grande and Sepetiba, is densely populated with multiple economic activities using coastal environments, where recently algae farming is considered strategic to its socioeconomic development, an alternative to oil-based economy. This study serves as a tool to identify suitable areas for Kappaphycus farming in this densely urbanized portion of southern Atlantic. We formulated suitability maps, as a marine spatial planning tool to facilitates decision making, for civil society, managers and investors while providing resources for algae farming sustainable development. Thirty-one maps were generated related to the criteria and constraints that influence their productivity. Individual weights were obtained through the judgment of technicians, researchers, and other stakeholders using the pairwise comparison method. The criteria and weights were combined using the multicriteria decision rules and the suitability map was created derived from reclassifications. Of the total area calculated, 12,88% are areas restricted for cultivation and 87,12% were considered suitable areas. The analyses indicated aquaculture potential for the entire region. Sepetiba Bay has more most suitable areas than Ilha Grande bay. However, the presence of heavy metals in Sepetiba Bay should be taken account when the biomass is for human consump even if it can be used for other purposes. The results contribute to the construction of a marine spatial planning, which assists producers, decision makers, and social actors in the sustainable development of seaweed farming.
Charlotte Perkins Gilman Magyarországon
Authors: Bollobás Enikő
Published: January 2024

Tanulmányom témája Charlotte Perkins Gilmannak (1860-1935), az amerikai fe-minizmus első hulláma ismert képviselőjének magyarországi megjelenése, beleértve budapesti látogatásait és műveinek magyar nyelvű kiadásait. Ám mielőtt bemutatom Gilmanpályájának magyar kapcsolódásait, röviden összefoglalom három legjelentősebb, feminista tételekből strukturált művének legfőbb állításait, amelyek azután budapesti előadásainak, illetve A nő és a társadalomlapba küldött írásainak sarokköveiként is szolgáltak. Végül kitérek egy különös következetlenségre („elv-hűtlenségre”), amely Gilman gondolkodásának éppúgy a sajátja volt, mint kora sok más gondolkodójának, Amerikában és Európában egyaránt.
Prognostic Value in Preoperative Veterans RAND-12 Mental Component Score on Clinical Outcomes for Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Lateral Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Khosla Ishan , Anwar Fatima  N. , Roca Andrea M. , Medakkar Srinath S. , Loya Alexandra  C. , MacGregor Keith  R. , Oyetayo Omolabake O. , Zheng Eileen , Kaul Aayush , Wolf Jacob C. , Federico Vincent P. , Lopez Gregory  D. , Sayari Arash J. , Singh Kern
Published: January 2024

Objective: To evaluate the effect of Veterans RAND 12-item health survey mental composite score (VR-12 MCS) on postoperative patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) after undergoing lateral lumbar interbody fusion.Methods: Retrospective data from a single-surgeon database created 2 cohorts: patients with VR-12 MCS ≥ 50 or VR-12 MCS < 50. Preoperative, 6-week, and final follow-up (FF)- PROMs including VR-12 MCS/physical composite score (PCS), 12-item Short Form health survey (SF-12) MCS/PCS, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS-PF), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), visual analogue scale (VAS)-back/leg pain (VAS-BP/LP), and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were collected. ∆6-week and ∆FF-PROMs were calculated. Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) achievement rates were determined from established cutoffs from the literature. For intercohort comparison, chi-square analysis was used for categorical variables, and Student t-test for continuous variables.Results: Seventy-nine patients were included; 25 were in VR-12 MCS < 50. Mean postoperative follow-up time was 17.12 ± 8.43 months. The VR-12 MCS < 50 cohort had worse VR-12 PCS, SF-12 MCS, PROMIS-PF, PHQ-9, VAS-BP, and ODI scores preoperatively (p ≤ 0.014, all), worse VR-12 MCS/PCS, SF-12 MCS, PROMIS-PF, PHQ-9, and ODI scores at 6-week postoperatively (p ≤ 0.039, all), and worse VR-12 MCS, SF-12 MCS, PROMIS-PF, PHQ-9, VAS-BP, VAS-LP, and ODI scores at FF (p ≤ 0.046, all). The VR-12 MCS < 50 cohort showed greater improvement in VR-12 MCS and SF-12 MCS scores at 6 weeks and FF (p ≤ 0.005, all). The VR-12 MCS < 50 cohort experienced greater MCID achievement for VR-12 MCS, SF-12 MCS, and PHQ-9 (p ≤ 0.006, all).Conclusion: VR-12 MCS < 50 yielded worse mental health, physical function, pain and disability postoperatively, yet reported greater improvements in magnitude and MCID achievement for mental health.
The Political Economy of Fisheries Development During Joko Widodo’s Regime
Authors: Nasution Anta Maulana , Wicaksono Viga Ananda
Published: January 2024

The article discusses the political economy of fisheries development in Indonesia and its dynamics during Joko Widodo's regime. The development of the fisheries sector, particularly marine fisheries, has faced ups and downs since Indonesia's independence. During the New Order era, fisheries development depended on foreign investment and international aid, which on several occasions has driven severe conditions in depleted fish stocks and the marginalization of small-scale fishermen. The fisheries sector began to be measured politically after the reform period when Indonesia established the Department/Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries. Even so, the direction of fisheries development has not met its consistency. When Joko Widodo served as president, he created a big vision for maritime development, namely "Global Maritime Axis," where the fisheries sector became one of the national development priorities. Jokowi appointed Susi Pudjiastuti as Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries (MAF). Under Susi, the development of fisheries began to be reformed and she enacted many strict policies to deal with fisheries problems that have been occurring for decades. Susi gained many political pressures because her strict policies disrupted the oligarchic system that had controlled fisheries resources at the time. Fisheries development experienced inconsistencies from the last of 2019 until the end of 2020 because the first Minister of MAF in Jokowi's second period made contradictory policies from Susi's period. Since 2021, Indonesia's fisheries development has been using a blue economy model implemented through the regulation on measured fishing.
Kemandirian Perempuan Pedesaan dalam Menentukan Pilihan Politik di Ranah Pemilihan Kepala Desa: Studi Perilaku Memilih dari Dimensi Sosiologi dan Psikologi
Authors: Kushandajani Kushandajani , Fitriyah Fitriyah , Alfirdaus Laila Kholid , Martini Rina
Published: January 2024

Suara pemilih perempuan pedesaan jumlahnya cukup signifikan, tetapi dipertanyakan kualitas. Riset ini dilakukan dalam rangka menjawab pertanyaan seberapa mandiri perempuan perdesaan dalam menentukan pilihan politiknya, melalui dimensi sosiologi dan psikologi. Teori perilaku memilih dari dua dimensi tersebut diterapkan untuk menjelaskan perilaku pemilih perempuan dalam konteks pemilihan kepada desa.  Riset ini menggunakan dimensi sosiologi yang berisi variabel kondisi sosial ekonomi, agama, dan afiliasi sosial politik serta serta pengaruh keluarga/lingkungan. Adapun dimensi psikologis mencakup variabel sikap, persepsi, emosi, dan perilaku yang ditujukan kepada kandidat kepala desa perempuan. Penggunaan metode kuantitatif dirasa tepat karena bertujuan mengukur tingkat persepsi pemilih perempuan dalam menentukan pilihan di ranah pemilihan kepala desa. Hasil riset menunjukkan perilaku politik perempuan dalam pilkades tidak diputuskannya secara mandiri, melainkan menggunakan referensi  panutannya yakni figur laki-laki yang menjadi rujukan baik dalam keluarga maupun lingkungan sosio-kultural. Ketergantungan ini berimplikasi pada batasan psikologis pemilih perempuan kepada kandidat kepala desa  perempuan.
Editorská poznámka
Authors: Mraček David , Malkovská Alžběta
Published: January 2024

Editorská poznámka
Pracovní stres v komunitním tlumočení: dotazníkové šetření mezi tlumočníky s pracovními jazyky čeština a španělština
Authors: Brožová Zuzana
Published: January 2024

It is generally accepted that interpreting is a stressful occupation. However, literature on the topic of work-related stress and the stress factors involved in the profession of public service interpreters remains scarce. By presenting a few studies aimed at analyzing the impact of stress on interpreters working primarily in public service settings, as well as in legal settings, this article provides an overview of potential stress factors and highlights the need for training in recognizing potentially stressful situations and knowing how to cope with them among students of interpreting. The second part of the article analyzes the data from a questionnaire survey conducted among 41 Czech/Spanish interpreters, which was designed as part of a larger study. The findings are consistent with previous research on the topic; overall, the interpreters indicated that the stress they experience stems mostly from inadequate working conditions, such as noise, poor acoustics and ventilation, connection problems, etc., as well as from not having enough time to prepare for an assignment. To a lesser extent, they also mentioned being affected by the pressure associated with the importance of the assignment, their lack of knowledge of the terms used in Spanish, and the content of what was being interpreted.
Čeňková, Ivana – Holkupová, Jiřina – Štěpánková, Dita – Vávrová, Kateřina – Nenutil, Libor (2019) Česká společnost 21. století se nedomluví s cizinci: co na to říkají komunitní tlumočníci?
Authors: Přibylová Marie Hana
Published: January 2024

Review on Čeňková, Ivana – Holkupová, Jiřina – Štěpánková, Dita – Vávrová, Kateřina – Nenutil, Libor (2019) Česká společnost 21. století se nedomluví s cizinci: co na to říkají komunitní tlumočníci? Praha: Filozofická fakulta Univerzity Karlovy.
Ivana Čeňková and Interpretation in the EU Institutions
Authors: Jones Roderick
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
Happy Birthday from Luxembourg!
Authors: Horváth Ildikó
Published: January 2024

Scientific Life
Review on the screening of urine glucose for early diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in school children and adolescents with obesity in Hong Kong
Authors: Pang Gloria Shir-Wey , Chung Thomas Wai-Hung , Choy Heather Hiu-Ting , Lee Ching-Yin , Tung Joanna Yuet-Ling , Fu Antony Chun-Cheung , Tsang Jennifer Wing-Yan , Yau Ho-Chung , Belaramani Kiran M. , Wong Lap-Ming , But Betty Wai-Man , Chow Jasmine Chi-Kwan , Wong Shirley Man-Yee , Cheung Patrick Chi-Hung , Lo Priscilla Wai-Chee , Ng Kwok-Leung , Poon Sarah Wing-Yiu , Chan Kwong Tat , Chan Angela Mo-Kit , Wong Sammy Wai-Chun , Tay Ming-Kut , Chung Ying-Ki , Lam Yuen-Yu , Kwan Elaine Yin-Wah
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are growing health concerns. Since 2005, Student Health Service (SHS) and Hong Kong Paediatric Society formulated a protocol on urine glucose screening (UGS) for early diagnosis of T2DM in students with obesity in Hong Kong. This study reviews students with T2DM captured by this screening program and compare the data with the Hong Kong Children Diabetes Registry (HKCDR) database, to see if the UGS program facilitates early diagnosis of T2DM.

Methods

Students between the ages of 10–18 years old with age- and sex-specific body mass index (BMI) >97th percentile who attended SHS between the school years from 2005/06 to 2017/18 were recruited for UGS. Those tested positive for random urine glucose underwent diagnostic testing for T2DM according to ADA guidelines. Demographic data and investigatory results from UGS and HKCDR within the same time period were compared.

Results

A total of 216,526 students completed UGS in the said period; 415 (0.19 %) students were tested positive for urine glucose of which 121 students were diagnosed with T2DM. UGS picked up 23 % of the newly diagnosed T2DM cases. When compared to the HKCDR database, students diagnosed via UGS were significantly younger, less obese, and had fewer diabetic related complications. The negative predictive value of UGS is high and can effectively rule out T2DM.

Conclusions

Urine glucose screening is an inexpensive and simple test that allows for early diagnosis of T2DM among obese school students. Other methods including POCT HbA1c can be explored to improve program effectiveness.
Cringe witnessing in post-millennial stand-up comedy performances by Ali Wong and Ali Quandil
Authors: Elshazly Deena Shazly
Published: January 2024

Cringe comedy, wittily disseminating truth through the interplay between the verbal and contextual, centralizes vicarious/embarrassment as its endpoint through levels of para/linguistic incongruity and social superiority. This paper focuses on the stand-up comedian presentation along with paratextual elements that document the sociopolitical situation in two different cultures contributing to the process of perception on the part of the gazing audience. The paper questions the spectatorial gaze through post-millennial media practices that pertain to the visual among other visceral affects thus diminishing the role of the active witness whose role is beyond watching. The act of witnessing, globally foregrounded and requested by the turn of the twenty-first century, is investigated within the structure of stand-up comedy to figure out whether or not the spectator is an active witness or a by-stander. For this purpose, the study applies Andy Lavender’s model of performance modalities to stand-up comedy performances by the American Ali Wong and the Egyptian Ali Quandil; Don Wong and Mawdoa Hareemi Shweya (Some Feminine Stuff) in 2022 and 2021 respectively. Lavender’s model proposes that four modalities (the emotional, physical, discursive, contextual) turn the actor/performer into the physical medium of communication to the audience.
Theory Beyond Fukuyama-ism
Authors: Gan Zachary
Published: January 2024

This essay argues that anti-capitalist resistance today is often strangulated by what I call “Fukuyama-ism”, or a widespread resignation to the hegemony of global capitalism at the level of the political and cultural unconscious. Using Kant’s famous text Perpetual Peace, I explore various dimensions of Fukuyama-ism and strategies to overcome its cultural pervasiveness. To this end, I consider Kant’s commentary on the relationship of theory and practice, and examine Kant’s defense of theory when set against practice or “practicality” in this manner. Similar to Kant’s concerns about the dominance of “practicality”, I argue that Fukuyama-ism powerfully relegates anti-capitalist resistance primarily to the realm of practice, thereby insulating Capitalism from systemic and theoretical critiques. I argue that Kant’s analysis of theory and practice has renewed relevance in the context of Fukuyama-ism in order to reinvigorate anti-capitalist resistance and shed the pervasive hold of Fukuyama-ism over our political and cultural imaginations. Presently, we must heed Kant’s call to dismantle the notion that theory and practice can be in any way antithetical, and re-assert the power of theory to imagine new methods of resistance to an environment of an all-encompassing cultural Capitalism.
Comparing methods of musical pitch processing: How perfect is Perfect Pitch?
Authors: Unrau Andrea
Published: January 2024

Unrau interrogates notions of “perfect” and “relative” pitch. She establishes which of these two processing methods is more useful across different listening conditions, why relative pitch seems to “win out” for most people as their primary method of processing music, and how the two processes could possibly interact or affect each other.
‘To Sir with Love’: A Critical Analysis of the Transnational Community Communicated through the Mail-Order Bride Industry
Authors: Brooks Gillian
Published: January 2024

The clichéd notion that the United States of America is the power of authority has long been criticized by theorists. However, in such critical analyses, the gendered authority exerted by America is rarely discussed. The patriarchal presence that is continuously encouraged in mainstream culture can be traced to the center of this power of authority. This paper intends to examine how such an emphasis on American power was created and how this image is being communicated to the international community through the lucrative mail-order bride industry. In particular, this paper will analyze how the mail-order bride trade sets to profit from the Third World woman's culturally imperialistic vision of America while catering to the needs of the patriarchal First World male. In examining the mail-order bride industry's reliance on the theme of nostalgia, it will be shown that a profitable market has emerged as a result of catering to a culture that prioritizes the patriarchal male individual, rather than those deemed as minorities in today's western society.
Municipal Government Communications: The Case of Local Government Communications
Authors: Killingsworth Colleen
Published: January 2024

Applying the single case study method to investigate to what extent local governments value and practice excellent public relations will help to improve the performance of local government communications. The purpose of this case study is to gain a deeper understanding of how the principles of excellent public relations apply to a specific context. The results found the lack of political support for corporate communication poses a number of constraints to strategic and effective communication. This case study revealed interesting implications for further study, including exploring public relations theory related to the need to develop a model for public sector communication.
The Theory of Unrealistic Expectations: Utilizing a Framework of Established Mass Communication Theories to Develop a New Perspective on a Current Communications Challenge
Authors: Smith Donald L.
Published: January 2024

Mass communication theories are utilized to shed light on a challenge faced by the Canada Revenue Agency. The author leverages established theories to propose a new one – The Theory of Unrealistic Expectations. He explains that if people can see a network, they are far more likely to have realistic expectations about how long it will take for them to move through the queue or get service. For example, people who use highways that are jammed with traffic on holiday weekends know that their journey will take a long time and they will likely make an accommodation by leaving early. That is not the case when the network can’t be seen. The author uses this theory to reflect on why many people who file their taxes online do so at the last minute, thus creating challenges for the Canada Revenue Agency.
Temperature dependent dielectric characteristics of PPY/Y2O3 composite
Authors:   Institute of physics, The Islamia university of Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur 63100, Pakistan, Riaz M. , Ali M. ,   Scool of Engineering and Digital Arts, University of Kent, Canterbury Kent, United Kingdom, Fareed F. ,   Institute of Physics, Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan, Pakistan, Ali S. M. ,   Department of Physics and Astronomy, College of Science, P.O. BOX 2455, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia, Alam M. ,   Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Published: January 2024

The Y2O3 doped polypyrrole composites has been synthesized (PPy-Y2O3) through an insitu polymerization route, to get dielectric properties for potential applications. XRD confirmed the formation of the composites. SEM confirms the flakier structure in the PPyY2O3. The impedance of pure Y2O3 ~ 14 Ω, PPy ~12 Ω to PPy-10%Y2O3 ~10 Ω compositesdecreased, signify the increase in AC conductivity of PPy-Y2O3. The temperature-dependent dielectric properties follow the Maxwell-Wagner model. AC conductivity of the PPy/Y2O3, increased with an increase in temperature depending on Jonscher’s power law. Therefore, the present study suggested that PPy-Y2O3 composites can be considered useful for device applications.