bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EP-PQM: Efficient parametric Probabilistic Quantum Memory With Fewer Qubits and Gates
Authors: Khan Mushahid
Published: June 2024

Machine learning (ML) classification tasks can be carried out on a quantum computer (QC) using Probabilistic Quantum Memory (PQM) and its extension, Parametric PQM (P-PQM) by calculating the Hamming distance between an input pattern and a database of r patterns containing z features with a distinct attributes. For PQM and P-PQM to correctly compute the Hamming distance, the feature must be encoded using one-hot encoding, which is memory-intensive for multi-attribute datasets with a > 2. We can represent multi-attribute data more compactly by replacing one-hot encoding with label encoding; both encodings yield the same Hamming distance. Replacing these encoding schemes on a QC is not straightforward because PQM and P-PQM operate at the bit level, rather than at the feature level. We present an enhanced P-PQM, called EP-PQM, that allows label encoding of data stored in a PQM data structure and reduces the circuit depth of the data storage and retrieval procedures.
PIKfyve Inhibition Controls Inflammatory Gene Expression Networks and Activates TFEB via Oxidative Stress
Authors: Mercer Michael
Published: June 2024

Lysosomes have a myriad of roles in cells. Defective lysosomes cause cellular/organismal dysfunction, including infection or neurological diseases. Lysosomal adaptation enhances lysosomal functions. One adaptation pathway, controlled by transcription factor EB (TFEB), stimulates lysosomal genes, boosting the stress resolution capacity. TFEB is controlled by mTOR and PIKfyve, however whether responses align is unclear. How PIKfyve inhibition activates TFEB is also mysterious. Here, two projects explored the PIKfyve-TFEB pathway. First, using transcriptomics, qRT-PCR, and Western blots in wild-type and macrophages lacking TFEB/TFE3, PIKfyve and mTOR inhibition caused differential gene expression that was mostly TFEB-dependent. PIKfyve inhibition, possibly through TFEB, may promote anti-inflammation, increasing ATF3 and decreasing FOS and IL6RA. Second, fluorescent imaging showed PIKfyve inhibition disrupts mitochondrial dynamics and promotes ROS production, driving ROS-dependent TFEB activation. PIKfyve associated diseases are often assumed to be endo-lysosomal trafficking related, but our work suggests they may depend on gene expression changes and mitochondrial disruptions.
Accessible, Direct Photochemical Route for the Amine-Free Synthesis of Azoxybenzene and Functional Azoxy Derivatives via Nitroarene Homocoupling
Authors: Yaghoubian Ali
Published: June 2024

In this body of work, I report on a direct photochemical method for the one-pot synthesis of azoxybenzene and substituted azoxy derivatives from nitrobenzene building blocks. Using this approach, a 100% conversion efficiency of nitrobenzene and 93% yield of azoxybenzene was achieved. This protocol can be replicated at room temperature and under air, without the assistance of additional catalysts or reagents, and can be applied to substrates with a wide range of substituent groups. A family of porphyrin silane compounds were also studied as potential photocatalysts to facilitate the reduction of nitrobenzene to aniline. Although a 90% conversion efficiency of nitrobenzene and 32% yield of aniline was achieved, observed degradation of the catalysts limit potential application of this system.
From Limits to Possibilities: A Study of Existential Transformation Through the Expression of the Ideal-in-the-real
Authors: Will Gabriela
Published: June 2024

This thesis uses Merleau-Ponty's phenomenology to address the question of what makes an expression transformative. There is a dissonance in one's existence when an experience and its expression become inharmonious, and it is by re-aligning the two that one can renegotiate the limits and possibilities of one's world to accomplish a movement of transcendence. Through an exploration of various forms of artistic, linguistic, and existential expression, including those that are misguided or perverted, this thesis hopes to show how silence, creativity, and style are essential elements of any transformative expression. These elements help facilitate the subject's encounter of the ideal through their lived engagement in the sensible world. Expressing the phenomenological encounter of the ideal-in-the-real actualizes the deeper truth of the experience and transforms the world according to the new level of meaning.
Quantitative Computed Tomography Imaging and Machine Learning for Evaluating Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Moslemi Amir
Published: June 2024

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized mainly by irreversible airflow limitation due to underlying pathological changes such as emphsysema and airway disease. Despite decades of research, there remain major challenges for managing patients with COPD, including: 1) inability to predict episodes of worsening symptoms, known as exacerbations, that may result in emergency room visits or hospitalizations, 2) differentiating COPD from asthma in patients that have features of both diseases, and, 3) prediction of COPD patients at an increased risk of disease progression. Spirometry test measurements are a simple and inexpensive approach to diagnosis COPD and categorize the severity of lung disease. Force expiratory volume in one second (FEV )1is one the most important spirometry test measurement . However, it is a global measurement that does not provide any information about the underlying disease ‚Äì information that could guide therapy decisions. Computed tomography (CT) imaging, in contrast, provides information about the underlying disease pathology (emphysema, airway disease, etc) and heterogeneity within the lung. In more recent years, predictive models play a significant role in predicting COPD outcomes, such as disease progression, hospitalization, acute exacerbation, emergency room visit and mortality. Machine learning algorithms are widely utilized as models to predict outcomes with maximum accuracy and minimal error. Therefore, the overaching objective of this thesis was to construct a comprehensive feature-set that carries global and regional lung information using combinations of demographics, spirometry test measurements and CT lung features. Then, the machine learning algorithms, including support vector machine (SVM) and neural networks, were applied to predict COPD outcomes, which can be both classification problems such as hospitalization prediction or classification of COPD/asthma, and regression problems such as predicting COPD progression as measured byFEV . Fea1ure selection also plays an important role in identifing the most important features, and for dimensionality reduction to reduce the complexity of the learning algorithm and the probability of overfitting. In this regard, this thesis proposed novel hybrid features selection with the aim of finding the most important predictors. Additionally, a feature selection algorithm based on nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) with geometry structure preserving and sparsity consideration was proposed to find most important features. In each of our studies, we demonstrated the performance of the learning algorithms were considerably increased by using CT pulmonary imaging features. Key words: COPD hospitalization, Spirometry test, CT lung biomarkers, Machine learning and Feature selection.
Examining Therapeutic Alliance as a Mechanism of Change in Dialectical Behavior Therapy for Subgroups of Individuals With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Fredborg Bev
Published: June 2024

Millions of people worldwide are diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD), a complex mental disorder characterized by significant affect lability, an unstable sense of identity, tumultuous interpersonal relationships, and difficulties managing impulsive behaviours. According to the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, to be diagnosed with BPD, individuals need to present with a minimum of 5 of 9 possible psychiatric symptoms, resulting in 256 possible combinations of symptoms. Given the significant symptom heterogeneity, recent research has examined whether reliable, homogenous subgroups of BPD symptoms exist. If so, it may be that individuals within each subgroup would benefit from tailored modifications to current interventions (namely, dialectical behavior therapy, or DBT) for the treatment of their unique subset of symptoms. In a recent study in our laboratory at the BPD Clinic, Antoine and colleagues (2022) applied a latent class analysis to existing data on the symptoms of individuals diagnosed with BPD and identified three BPD symptom subgroups, or "classes" of BPD symptoms, which are termed the interpersonally unstable, nonaffective labile, and dissociative/paranoid classes, respectively. In the current dissertation, these classes are examined as predictors of psychiatric functioning after individuals with BPD completed 12 months of standard DBT in outpatient mental health hospitals. Moreover, therapeutic alliance, which is defined as the strength of the relationship between the therapist and
their patient, is examined as a potential mediator of the relationship between class membership and psychiatric functioning posttreatment. Despite hypotheses that class membership would be
predictive of treatment outcome after 12 months of DBT, there were no significant relationships between class membership and psychiatric functioning, deliberate self-harm, or days in
treatment, and mediation with the therapeutic alliance did not occur. Nonetheless, DBT was effective across the symptom classes and therapeutic alliance predicted better outcomes. Specific
reasons as to why I failed to find meaningful relations between symptom classes and outcomes, clinical implications, and future directions are explored. This dissertation is the first to examine
how symptom class inclusion relates to DBT treatment outcomes as mediated by therapeutic alliance.
Exploring Children's Preferences for Media Characters in Relation to Gender Roles and Stereotypes
Authors: Ruggiero Adrianna
Published: June 2024

Children learn about gender and gender roles from various sources, including screen media. They also display gender-based or gender-stereotypical preferences in social contexts. Recent work shows that children's media is largely made up of gender-stereotypical characters. An intriguing question arises as to whether children themselves hold gender-stereotypical beliefs about media characters. The present research aimed to address this question in two studies (four experiments). In each experiment, the researcher explained that they were creating a brand-new television show and needed help choosing characters for the show. Then, children aged 4-5 and 7-8 years were presented with a pair of characters and asked who they thought would be best at teaching a stereotypically feminine domain or a stereotypically masculine domain in the show (Study 1), or who would be best at solving a problem in an episode vignette using one of four strategies: magic, talking, STEM, and physical power (Study 2). In Study 1, both age groups were more likely to choose female characters and female characters with a stereotypically feminine appearance (i.e., wearing a dress) to teach stereotypically feminine domains, but only 7- to 8-year-olds chose male characters and female characters with a counter-stereotypical appearance (i.e., wearing pants) to teach stereotypically masculine domains. In Study 2, children thought female characters would be best at solving problems using magic and talking, whereas male characters would be best at solving problems using physical power. In addition, 7- to 8 year-olds thought that female characters with a counter-stereotypical appearance would be best at solving problems using STEM or physical power. Given that children frequently engage with and learn from media characters, these results highlight the importance of creating multi-dimensional and complex characters that are not only defined by their gender or appearance.
Imagining the Glass Half-full: An Investigation of Imagery Enhanced Cognitive Bias Modification in GAD
Authors: Malivoire Bailee
Published: June 2024

The tendency to interpret ambiguous information in a threatening, negative way (i.e., negative interpretation bias) contributes to the development and maintenance of chronic worry and anxiety pathology. Cognitive bias modification for interpretations (CBM-I) is an intervention that directly targets negative interpretation bias through repeated exposure to ambiguous scenarios that resolve in a benign or positive fashion. Additional research is needed to identify CBM-I procedures that yield the greatest effects for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The present study investigated the acute effects of using imagery to enhance CBM-I compared to standard CBM-I without imagery and a neutral control condition on interpretation bias, worry, intrusive thoughts following worry, effectiveness and concreteness of problem solving, and negative future imagery. Adults high in worry and GAD symptoms (N = 42) were randomly assigned to one of three conditions: (1) imagery enhanced CBM-I, (2) standard CBM-I, or (3) neutral control and were asked to complete their respective training for 25 minutes per day for one week. Outcomes were assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and two-weeks post intervention. Participants also completed daily worry monitoring during the intervention week. All three conditions showed statistically significant improvements in most outcomes, which limits conclusions about the specificity of effects of CBM-I. There was preliminary evidence the IMG condition buffered against a worsening in interpretation bias relative to the NEUT condition, however, this was only the case for one interpretation bias outcome. Further, daily worry monitoring revealed improvements in worry over the course of the 7-day training period across all conditions. Importantly, this study was unpowered as it was interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Further data collection is required to test the hypotheses.
Parenting Correlates of Children's Emotion Regulation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Irwin Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Emotion regulation is central to adjustment and research suggests that parenting is critically influential in socializing children's emotion regulation skills. However, substantial limitations and inconsistencies exist in this literature, including conceptual challenges in defining emotion regulation, poor convergent validity among emotion regulation measures, inconsistencies regarding the relationship between parenting and children's emotion regulation and the lack of a systematic approach to assessing moderation. This meta-analysis consists of 61 independent effect sizes, including 8,854 children in the middle childhood period. The analyses revealed a significant overall effect of r = .13 (validated by two imputation methods yielding comparable effects), indicating that supportive parenting styles and practices are significantly and positively associated with adaptive child emotion regulation. Several moderators (e.g., demographic and methodological features) were examined. The sole moderator to emerge was the informant (i.e., parent, child) for emotion regulation and parenting constructs in a given study. Specifically, the effect was moderated by whether the informants were the same for both constructs (e.g., parent reporting on both child emotion regulation and parenting variables) or different (e.g., parent reporting on child emotion regulation and child reporting on parenting), such that the association was significantly stronger when the informant for both constructs was the same (r = .19) as compared to when informants were different (r = .10). Controlling for study informants, no additional moderators emerged reliably in meta-regression analyses. Findings highlight the need for more rigorous assessment of these constructs, with consideration of common-method variance, reporting biases, discrepancies in children’s and parents’ perspectives, and the extent to which emotion regulation measures, in particular, align with the intended definitions of the variables and with other unintended constructs. In light of the multidimensional and transactional influences on children’s emotion regulation, continued exploration of proximal and distal moderators, both theoretical and methodological, is strongly recommended across empirical and clinical intervention literatures.
Motivated Memory in Younger and Older Adults: A Comparison of Self-serving and Prosocial Incentives
Authors: Dematagoda Shadini
Published: June 2024

Despite its age-related declines, episodic memory remains sensitive to reward throughout the lifespan. Recent work suggests that prosocial motives are more influential in older vs. younger adults. However, the impact of prosocial reward on episodic memory is yet to be examined. The current study investigated the relative impact of self-serving and prosocial reward in younger and older adults using a motivated-encoding paradigm. Younger (n = 110) and older (n = 102) adults were randomly assigned to a reward recipient (self vs. charity). They viewed a series of scenes associated with high or low reward, with reward receipt contingent on performance during a subsequent old/new recognition test. Contrary to hypotheses, reward magnitude (high/low) and recipient (self/charity) did not influence recognition. However, response bias was sensitive to reward magnitude in both age groups. These findings suggest that the mechanisms of rewardmodulated memory may be similar for self-serving and prosocial reward across adulthood.
The Influence of Perceived Peer Norms on Transgender University Students' Alcohol Use
Authors: Uhrig Alexandra
Published: June 2024

Heavy drinking is prevalent in university students and is associated with concerning health consequences, but alcohol use has not been examined closely for transgender students in Canada. This study is a secondary data analysis using cross-sectional data from 64,650 Canadian university students. The study's aims included describing patterns of alcohol use and alcohol-related harms for students with different gender identities and determining if gender identity moderated associations between alcohol use and alcohol-related harms and between descriptive norms and alcohol outcomes. Differences in alcohol outcomes were observed between cisgender men and cisgender women, between cisgender and transgender participants, and between three transgender subgroups. A moderating effect of gender identity was observed for binary versus nonbinary students' alcohol use and for cisgender women versus cisgender men. Directions for future research include considering the effect of gender minority stress and clinical implications include addressing suicidal ideation and sexual violence in transgender students. 
Striking the Right Note: Spatial Analysis of the Live Music Venues in London, Ontario, Canada
Authors: Kariunas Olivia
Published: June 2024

This paper examines the significance of live music venues in London, Ontario, Canada. Incorporating spatial analysis using geospatial practices, demographic characteristics, and economic evidence, this study provides foundational information about London's live music venues ecosystem and its potential to be a music city hub in North America. It argues that London has ample human capital resources and a desirable geographic location to support a vibrant creative community but does not have the supply of live music venues to support further growth of the industry. The author supports investments directed towards the creative sector and community to aid in the development of another economic driver for the London economic and cultural economies.
Asian Hornbill Bibliography: a dynamic, online, open-access reference database for use in manuscript citations and hornbill research
Authors: Raman T. R. Shankar , Hegde Maitreyi , Pawar Pooja , Datta Aparajita
Published: June 2024

Bibliographic databases and citation tools are integral aids to research. The Asian Hornbill Bibliography presents a compendium of research on Asian hornbills by combining an open access bibliographic database with the free and open source reference manager, Zotero. The bibliography, also hosted and made accessible from the IUCN Hornbill Specialist Group website, includes 725 publications, including books, book chapters, journal articles, reports, conference proceedings, general articles, and media reports. Here, we describe the process of parsing an initial list of references stored in a word document to an appropriate bibliographic format and its subsequent import into a Zotero Group Library created to be public and open. Hornbill researchers can freely use the bibliography, join the Zotero Group or copy the bibliography for their use. Researchers can use Zotero plugins to insert citations in manuscripts and generate reference lists formatted in accordance with any of more than 10,000 citation styles. A static, annually updated version of the Bibliography is also available under a Creative Commons license. The Asian Hornbill Bibliography will be dynamically updated by continuously updating the database of references in the Zotero Group Library using available easy-to-use citation import tools or manual entry, if required. The Asian Hornbill Bibliography will be expanded to be an authoritative and valuable research aid for hornbill researchers worldwide.
Surveying the Perspectives of Middle and High School Educators Who Use Role-playing Games as Pedagogy
Authors: Cullinan Maryanne
Published: June 2024

This qualitative study analyzes interviews from 11 educators who use TTRPGs as pedagogy to identify common perspectives about what benefits these games bring to their classrooms. Findings across settings include practitioner reports of increased engagement, new social connections, the development of affinity groups, and a lowering of perceived social stakes for students in the setting. Additionally, teachers described a change in student attitudes about success in the classroom from an individualistic to collectivist stance. These findings are then examined through Gary Alan Fine’s TTRPG Frame Theory. Also noted is the lack of connection between the current work of RPG scholars and the work of these practitioners.
COVID-19 Stressors and Cannabis and Alcohol Use in the Canadian Territories
Authors: Sathiyamoorthy Aranee , Schwartz Naomi , Hobin Erin
Published: June 2024

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic and related public health restrictions have been associated with high cannabis and alcohol use among Canadians. Little is known about cannabis and alcohol use in the Canadian territories during the pandemic, despite generally higher substance use rates. This study’s objective was to examine the association between self-reported changes in mental health status and financial stressors resulting from the pandemic on daily/almost daily cannabis use and heavy drinking in the Canadian territories.
Methods: This study analyzed data from 993 individuals aged 16 and over residing in the territories collected from September to December 2021 as part of the 2021 Cannabis Policy Study in the Territories. Weighted logistic regression models estimated the association of self-reported mental health status (“worse”/“not worse”) and financial impact (“negative impact”/“no negative impact”) related to the pandemic with daily/almost daily cannabis use (≥5 days per week) and heavy drinking (≥ 4 drinks for women and ≥ 5 drinks for men per occasion at least once a month) in the past 12 months. Models were adjusted for sex, age group, education, perceived income adequacy, territory, ethnicity, living in a capital city, living alone, and having children ≤17 years old.
Results: In adjusted models, self-reported worse mental health related to the pandemic had no significant associations with daily/almost daily cannabis use (OR = 1.17, 95% CI:0.72,1.91) and no association with heavy drinking (OR = 1.01, 95% CI:0.63,1.62). Self-reported negative financial impact showed associations above one for daily/almost daily cannabis use (OR = 1.10, 95% CI:0.58,2.08) and with heavy drinking (OR = 1.27, 95% CI:0.75,2.17), though confidence intervals crossed one, indicating no statistical significance.
Conclusion: No significant associations were observed between COVID-19 stressors and higher substance use in late 2021. Continued monitoring of the long-term impacts of the pandemic on substance use in the Canadian territories is warranted.
BIMBINGAN TEKNIS PENELITIAN TINDAKAN KELAS BAGI GURU MATEMATIKA DAN IPA DI SMAN 4 KOTA BENGKULU
Authors: Handayani Dewi , Amida Nadia , Amir Hermansyah , Wiwit
Published: June 2024

Guru adalah komponen penting dalam menciptakan pembelajaran yang inovatif, kreatif dan menyenangkan di sekolah. Salah satu upaya menciptakan guru yang professional dan berkualitas yaitu dengan kemampuannya untuk meneliti yaitu Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK). Observasi ke SMAN 4 Kota Bengkulu, masih ditemukan guru yang belum mengetahui prosedur, pembuatan proposal dan implementasi PTK di kelas. Kegiatan pengabdian ini ditujukan bagi guru- SMAN 4 Kota Bengkulu yang berjumlah 16 orang (khusus guru MIPA) dengan metode ceramah dan praktek langsung dalam pembuatan proposal PTK. Setelah dilakukan pelatihan pembuatan proposal PTK, peserta pengabdian memahami bahwa PTK sangat penting dalam meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran. Peserta sangat antusias dalam mengikuti kegiatan bimbingan teknis pembuatan proposal PTK dan sebanyak 85% peserta berhasil membuat proposal PTK. Beberapa tahapan umum dari PTK diantaranya yaitu kegiatan perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pengamatan dan kegiatan refleksi untuk perbaikan di siklus berikutnya.
Kata kunci: Penelitian Tindakan Kelas, Guru Matematika dan IPA, Bimbingan Teknis
Early access programs for medicines: a reform proposal for the Italian National Health Service
Authors: Popoli Patrizia , Giuliani Giovanni , Cavaliere Arturo , Jommi Claudio
Published: June 2024

The present paper illustrates a reform proposal on early access for medicines. In this proposal early access stands for patient’s access, outside of clinical trials and covered by the Italian National Health Service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, SSN), to a new medicine or an indication of an already approved medicine before the approval o in between the approval and the decision on price and reimbursement status. The proposal emerged from a multi-stakeholder working group within the Sixth Edition of the “Seminari di Mogliano Veneto”. The reform proposal is aimed at converting the current early access programs (mainly, the programs introduced with Laws 648/96 and 326/03) into a single program inspired by the one introduced in France in 2021. The proposal provides indications on eligibility criteria for drugs and patients, application procedure, evaluation process, economic safeguard clauses, data collection, issues derived from the circumstance that the drug/indication included into the early access program is not reimbursed afterwards and the actions to implement this program.
Relation between interleukin-13 and annexin-V levels and carotid intima-media thickness in nephrotic syndrome
Authors: Elsehmawy Asmaa , Gouda Rasha Mahmoud , Diab Fatma Elzhraa Ahmed , Saleh Ola Ismail , Galal Heba Mohamed , Al Anany Mona Gamal El Din , Abd Elgwad Salwa Samir , Hassan Marwa Mohsen , Ahmed Mohamed Ahmed Mostafa Kamal , Elamir Ahmed Yousri
Published: June 2024

Background and aim: The aim of the current study is to assess the relation between carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurements, renal Doppler resistive index (RI) and serum levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) and annexin-V (An-V) in children with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS).
Materials and methods: The present case-control study was conducted on 60 children with INS and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy children. All participants were subjected to evaluation of serum levels of IL-13 and An-V and ultrasound Doppler measurement of CIMT and renal RI.
Results: Patients expressed significantly higher An-V (5.9 ± 2.6 vs. 2.1 ± 0.8 ng/mL, p<0.001) and IL-13 (19.2 ± 7.6 vs. 3.4 ± 1.4 ng/L) levels when compared with healthy counterparts. Moreover, it was shown that patients had significantly higher CIMT (0.49 ± 0.06 vs. 0.35 ± 0.03, p<0.001) as compared to controls. No significant differences were noted between the studied groups regarding right or left RIs. Correlation analysis identified significant direct correlation between serum An-V levels and albumin/creatinine ratio (ACR) (r = 0.55), cholesterol (r = 0.48), triglycerides (r = 0.36), IL-13 (r = 0.92) and CIMT (r = 0.53). Similar correlations could be found between serum IL-13 levels and CIMT measurements and the corresponding parameters.
Conclusions: The present study suggests an association between higher early atherosclerosis expressed as elevated CIMT measurements in children with INS and elevated serum levels of An-V and IL-13.
Penyusunan kas kecil sebagai upaya peningkatan kompetensi otomatisasi tata kelola perkantoran
Authors: Purnamasari Endah Dewi , Ghina Aliyah
Published: June 2024

Tujuan pengabdian ini untuk membantu dalam persiapan uji kompetensi otomatisasi tata Kelola perkantoran dengan memberikan pemahaman yang berkaitan dengan akuntansi yaitu dengan materi kas kecil dengan dua metode variabel dan uang muka. Kas kecil memiliki peran penting dalam perusahaan, Kas kecil merupakan kas yang dapat diisi dan digunakan untuk membiayai pembiayaan rutin dengan nilai yang relatif kecil. Fungsi kas kecil juga untuk mempermudah dalam proses pencatatan keuangan dan transaksi di instansi tersebut. Untuk itu perusahaan atau instansi membutuhkan sumber daya yang kompeten dalam penyusunan kas kecil seperti merencanakan dan mengatur kas kecil. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengabdian ini dengan cara memberikan materi terkait Kas kecil. Hasil pretest dan posttest terlihat adanya peningkatan pemahaman terkait kas kecil. Pengabdian ini diharapkan membantu dalam persiapan uji kompetensi otomatisasi tata Kelola perkantoran, agar bisa menyelesaikan soal-soal dengan tepat dan cepat.
Pemanfaatan berbagai macam tanaman herbal yang digunakan sebagai obat tradisional
Authors: Santoso Rizky Budi , Akrom Akrom
Published: June 2024

Obat tradisional adalah ramuan yang berasal dari tumbuhan-tumbuhan yang berkhasiat. Pemanfaatan dan pengobatan obat tradisional ini terus menerus dipakai turun temurun dalam menyelesaikan segala permasalahan kesehatan manusia. Kegiatan ini bertujuan untuk memberikan sosialisasi kepada siswa SMKS Indonesia Yogyakarta dalam meningkatkan pengetahuan siswa terhadap manfaat dari obat tradisional. Kegiatan promosi kesehatan menggunakan metode Participatory Action Research (PAR). Hasil kegiatan ini diperoleh siswa laki-laki memperoleh nilai rata-rata pre-test 78,4 dan post-test 97,6. Sedangkan perolehan nilai rata-rata pre-test siswa perempuan yakni sebesar 81,3 dan post-test sebesar 98,8. Dengan demikian dapat disimpulkan bahwa sosialisai berupa penyampaian materi presentasi dan diskusi dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan pemahaman siswa-siswi mengenai obat tradisional di SMKS Indonesia Yogyakarta. Diharapkan hasil dari kegiatan promosi kesehatan ini dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan siswa terhadap manfaat penggunaan obat tradisonal sebagai pengobatan berbagai macam penyakit.
DECODING GAY LINGO: A MORPHO-SOCIOLINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF SWARDSPEAK AMONG COLLEGE STUDENTS
Authors: QUIMOSING-OCAY Abigail , OCAMPO Dennis P.
Published: June 2024

The dynamic and creative nature of a language can lead to the development of linguistic deviations, such as the use of gay language. Gay language engages people of different ages, genders, and sexuality – inevitably including students. Thus, the study aimed at decoding morpho-sociolinguistic features of the gay language as used by college students. It used an explanatory sequential research design, utilising questionnaires and interviewing to gather data. Results revealed that there are more student swardspeakers than non-swardspeakers. Significantly, all LGBTQIA+ and “Prefer-Not-to-Say” groups are swardspeakers, while female swardspeakers outnumbered male swardspeakers. This study found most students use swardspeak in public places, in social media, and in texting. Morphological derivations of swardspeak include but are not limited to addition of the “j” phoneme, change of the final phoneme, clipping with affixation, code-switching, connotation through images, and eponymy. Finally, building relationships, concealment, and self-expression are some of the common reasons why students use swardspeak. Thus, the study recommends that a sociolinguistic primer of swardspeak can be developed to encourage students in learning a language. This can promote language competence among students.
Optimizing fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) oil yield and compositions in intercropping through growth-promoting bacteria and mycorrhiza
Authors: Amiriyan Chelan Zahra , Amini Rouhollah , Dabbagh Mohammadi Nasab Adel
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Biofertilizers and intercropping are two main components in sustainable production systems.

Materials and methods

A two-year (2020–2021) study was conducted in East Azarbaijan, Iran, to evaluate the effects of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), growth-promoting bacteria (GPB) and chemical fertilizer (CF) on fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) (F) oil yield and compositions in intercropping with Moldavian balm (Dracocephalam mobdavica L.) (MB). The cropping patterns included MB sole cropping, fenugreek sole cropping (F) and replacement intercropping ratios consisted of Moldavian balm : fenugreek (MB:F (1:1)), MB:F (2:2) and MB:F (4:2) and additive intercropping of MB:F (100:50).

Results

For both years, among the intercropping patters, the highest seed and oil yields were obtained in MB:F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with CF and AMF+GPB. In all cropping patterns except MB:F (4:2), the highest anthocyanin, total flavonoid, and mucilage contents were observed in plants received AMF+GPB. At all treatments, the linoleic, oleic, and linolenic acid were the main components of fenugreek oil. In MB:F (1:1), (2:2), (4:2), and (100:50) intercropping patterns, the linoleic acid content in AMF+GPB treatment, increased by 9.45%, 6.63%, 15.20%, and 7.82%, respectively, compared with sole fenugreek. The highest total land equivalent ratio (LERT) values were obtained in 2021 and MB:F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with CF (1.70) and AMF+GPB (1.63).

Conclusions

In general, it could be concluded that MB:F (100:50) intercropping pattern treated with AMF+GPB improved the oil yield and unsaturated fatty acid contents of fenugreek compared with sole cropping and could be recommended in sustainable production systems.
Reflectance spectroscopy: a non-invasive strategy to explore skin reactions to topical products
Authors: Mancuso Antonia , d’Avanzo Nicola , Cristiano Maria Chiara , Paolino Donatella
Published: June 2024

Reflectance spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful analytical technique in the field of dermatology, offering a non-invasive strategy to assess several cutaneous properties and skin response to topical products. By analyzing reflected light across different wavelengths, reflectance spectroscopy allows the quantification of cutaneous parameters, such as erythema index and melanin content. Moreover, this analytical technique enables the monitoring of any changes in skin physiology facilitating the assessment of long-term effects of topical products as well as predicting cutaneous diseases. This review provides an overview of the application of reflectance spectroscopy in investigating skin properties and reaction to topical applied products, including both pharmaceutical and cosmetic formulations, thereby aiding in the development of personalized solutions tailored to individual needs.
Systemic immune-inflammation index mediates the association between metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and sub-clinical carotid atherosclerosis: a mediation analysis
Authors: Wang Wei , Guo Xiu Li , Qiu Xiu Ping , Yu Yun Jie , Tu Mei
Published: June 2024

Background

Limited research has been conducted to quantitatively assess the impact of systemic inflammation in metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and sub-clinical carotid atherosclerosis (SCAS). The systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), which integrates inflammatory cells, has emerged as a reliable measure of local immune response and systemic inflammation Therefore, this study aims to assess the mediating role of SII in the association between MAFLD and SCAS in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Method

This study prospectively recruited 830 participants with T2DM from two centers. Unenhanced abdominal CT scans were conducted to evaluate MAFLD, while B-mode carotid ultrasonography was performed to assess SCAS. Weighted binomial logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines (RCS) analyses were employed to analyze the association between the SII and the risk of MAFLD and SCAS. Mediation analysis was further carried out to explore the potential mediating effect of the SII on the association between MAFLD and SCAS.

Results

The prevalence of both MAFLD and SCAS significantly increased as the SII quartiles increased (P<0.05). MAFLD emerged as an independent factor for SCAS risk across three adjusted models, exhibiting odds ratios of 2.15 (95%CI: 1.31–3.53, P < 0.001). Additionally, increased SII quartiles and Ln (SII) displayed positive associations with the risk of MAFLD and SCAS (P < 0.05). Furthermore, a significant dose-response relationship was observed (P for trend <0.001). The RCS analyses revealed a linear correlation of Ln (SII) with SCAS and MAFLD risk (P for nonlinearity<0.05). Importantly, SII and ln (SII) acted as the mediators in the association between MAFLD and SCAS following adjustments for shared risk factors, demonstrating a proportion-mediated effect of 7.8% and 10.9%.

Conclusion

SII was independently correlated with MAFLD and SCAS risk, while also acting as a mediator in the relationship between MAFLD and SCAS.
Coastal CUBEnet: an integrated observation and modeling system for sustainable Northern Gulf of Mexico coastal areas
Authors: Stanic Steve , Wiggert Jerry D. , Bernard Landry , McKenna Jason , Sunkara Vishwamithra , Braud James , Diercks Arne
Published: June 2024

The University of Southern Mississippi has developed the coastal CUBEnet environment. Coastal CUBEnet is a high-resolution, coastal ocean sensor, modeling, and data sharing web-based network that provides the environmental intelligence needed to support the complex modeling of the interlinked processes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. With near-real time data delivery via a common infrastructure, CUBEnet uses state of the art sensors to provide a set of networked measurements systems, visualization tools, and model developments to gain an understanding of the Gulf of Mexico’s marine environments. CUBEnet is also a mechanism for improved human engagement with Gulf of Mexico resources and provides stake holders with the data needed to make informed coastal, environmental, and economic decisions. The Coastal CUBEnet’s data environment utilizes both stationary and uncrewed mobile systems and high-resolution distributed sensors to create a networked platform across the northern coastal Gulf of Mexico. CUBEnet’s modeling environment has developed an implementation of The Coupled Ocean Atmosphere Wave Sediment Transport (COAWST) Model for the Mississippi Bight region that has been applied to investigate shore to shelf advective exchange processes, and their influence on coastal water quality conditions that support the region’s prolific marine ecosystem. CUBEnet’s modeling environment provides prototype modeling applications that are supported by real-time observations of key coastal environmental variables. CUBEnet’s Web accessible visualization tools provide parameter fields and vertical profiles from hydrodynamic models and field observations. Nowcasts and forecast results are available for the Eastern LA coastline, MS coastline, Mobile Bay, and the West coast of Florida.
Spatiotemporal variation in marine litter distribution along the Bulgarian Black Sea sandy beaches: amount, composition, plastic pollution, and cleanliness evaluation
Authors: Bekova Radoslava , Prodanov Bogdan
Published: June 2024

The threat of anthropogenic marine litter, particularly plastic pollution, to marine ecosystems and human health, has spurred mitigation initiatives and global scientific research. Following the Marine Strategy Framework Directive guidelines, this study evaluated marine litter distribution, cleanliness, and plastic pollution indices along Bulgarian Black Sea beaches in 2023. The survey integrates visual assessment, manual sampling, and drone mapping, distributing the beaches along the coastline to encompass a broader range, totaling 45, including 28 remote/natural, 10 semi-urban, and 7 urban beaches. Results indicate a 48% decrease in marine litter distribution on beaches from 1462 ± 147 items/100 m in 2021 to 753 ± 97 items/100 m in 2023, with Artificial polymer materials/plastic materials constituting 88.62% of the total litter amount. A comprehensive plastic macro litter pollution assessment was carried out along Bulgarian beaches using PAI for the first time. In 2023, the average cleanliness status of Bulgarian beaches was classified as “moderate” (CCI: 7.61 ± 1.00), with clean northern and central beaches contrasting with dirty southern beaches. Urbanized beaches were assessed with the highest level of pollution (PAIAV,23: 5.51; CCIAV,23: 18.16). In the long term, cleanliness and plastic pollution maintain “moderate” values with CCIAV,18-23: 8.81 ± 0.89, and PAIAV,18-23: 2.35 ± 0.32, persisting throughout the period, necessitating ongoing monitoring and intervention strategies. Despite identifying a significant number of clean beaches, none meet the EU threshold value of 20 litter items/100 m. This study highlights the urgent need for effective interventions to combat litter accumulation and plastic pollution, particularly in urban or semi-urban beaches, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration for sustainable solutions and coastal ecosystem preservation.
Implementation of an optimised tele-medicine platform for stroke in South Australia improves patient care
Authors: Kurunawai Craig , Chen Chushuang , Willcour Matthew , Tan Aaron , Mahadevan Joshua , Waters Michael , Harvey Jackson , Van Eunen Joanne , Dixon Karen , Piantedosi Bianca , Bivard Andrew , Parsons Mark William , Davis Stephen M. , Donnan Geoffrey Alan , Jannes Jim , Kleinig Timothy
Published: June 2024

Background

Patients with a large vessel occlusion require a transfer from a primary stroke centre to access thrombectomy, often over significant distances in regional areas. We sought to optimise stroke care access in the regional South Australian Tele-Strokeservice (SATS) to improve patient access to thrombectomy.

Methods

We undertook a 24-month interventional historically controlled cohort study comparing acute stroke care metrics in the SATS. This consisted of a 12-month control period and a 12-month intervention monitoring period. The study intervention considered of an education package provided to the regional hospitals, a stroke neurologist roster to receive consultations and the intervention of a centralised tele-stroke system to provide treatment advice and organise patient transfers where needed. The SATS services 61 rural hospitals in South Australia, and Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. Suspected acute stroke patients presenting to the participating regional hospitals in SATS network where a telehealth consultation took place.

Results

Over the study period, there were 919 patient referrals, with 449 consultations in the pre-intervention phase and 470 in the post-intervention phase. Demographic features in both epochs were similar. The post-intervention phase was associated with shorter door-to-scan time (35 min, IQR: 18,70; vs. 49 min, IQR:25,102, p < 0.0001), faster door-to-thrombolysis time (58 min, IQR: 39,91, vs.83 min, IQR: 55,100, p = 0.0324) and a higher portion of patients treated with thrombectomy (54, 11.5% vs. 26, 5.8%, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

An optimised implementation of a streamlined telehealth platform with ongoing education and feedback to referring sites was associated with improved stroke workflow metrics and higher thrombectomy rates.
Emotional eating, internet overuse, and alcohol intake among college students: a pilot study with virtual reality
Authors: Marchena-Giráldez Carlos , Carbonell-Colomer Myriam , Bernabéu-Brotons Elena
Published: June 2024

Introduction

The term emotional eating (EE) describes the tendency to eat as an automatic response to negative emotions and has been linked to anxiety and depression, common symptoms among the university population. The EE tendencies have also been associated with excessive internet use and an increase in alcohol intake among young university students.

Methods

The aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the tendency towards EE and other health-compromising behaviors, such as excessive internet use or high alcohol intake. Additionally, it aims to investigate the association of these risky behaviors with the participants’ performance level in a virtual reality (VR) task that assesses their executive functioning, and to assess impulsivity and levels of anxiety and depression.

Results

The results associate EE with excessive internet (r = 0.332; p < 0.01). use but not with alcohol consumption. Alcohol consumption was not associated with anxiety, depression, or impulsivity, but it was related to altered executive functions in the VR task: flexibility and working memory explained 24.5% of the variance. By contrast, EE and internet overuse were not related to executive function but were associated with impulsivity, depression, and anxiety. Impulsivity and depressive symptoms accounted for 45% of the variance in EE. Depression, trait anxiety and impulsivity explained 40.6% of the variance in internet overuse.

Discussion

The results reveal distinct patterns of psychological and neuropsychological alterations associated with alcohol consumption compared to emotional eating (EE) and excessive internet use. These findings underscore significant differences in the contributing factors between addictions and other substance-free addictive behaviors. For a deeper understanding of the various contributing factors to EE in college students, further research is recommended.