bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managerial networking and competitive advantage: the moderating influence of competitive intensity
Authors: Mulyungi Antony , Atambo Wallace , Iravo Mike , Atikya Rukia
Published: December 2022

Because economic action is embedded in networks of inter-personal relations, many scholars have highlighted the importance of social ties in resource exchange for competitive advantage. Thus, through their networking activities and personal interactions, firm executives build social ties not only with business players but also with political entities. Conversely, at the centre of every industry’s environment is the concept of competitive intensity defined by Barnett (1997) as the “effect that an organization has on other’s survival, regardless of tactics involved”. Taking into consideration that managerial networking is widely viewed as far more common, relevant and effective in emerging markets such as Kenya, and further noting that market turbulences in Kenya are generally attributed to competitive pressure brought about by trade liberalization, this study sought to first establish the influence of managerial networking on competitive advantage in medium and large garment companies in Kenya. Subsequently, the study sought to determine the moderating influence of competitive intensity on the managerial networking-competitive advantage relationship in the forestated companies. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted with a sample of 83 firms being drawn from a population of 170 firms. Data was collected through questionnaires where a response rate of 86.7% was attained. Descriptive analysis was undertaken to establish the characteristics of the industry in relation to levels of managerial networking, competitive intensity and competitive advantage. Inferential analysis thereafter, aided in establishing relationships between the variables. The study had hypothesised that competitive intensity negatively moderates the managerial networking - competitive advantage relationship. The findings, however showed that competitive intensity positively moderated the relationship. Consequently, this study recommends that under intense competitive pressure, firms need to identify redundant networks to abandon and strategic networks to retain and join.  Further, organizations need to focus on utilizing network resources more effectively for greater ability to adapt and thrive.
Relationship between competitive aggressiveness on performance of commercial state corporations in Kenya
Authors: Mutiria Eric , Ngugi Karanja , Senaji Thomas
Published: December 2022

This study sought determine influence of Competitive Aggressiveness on performance of commercial State Corporations in Kenya. The study was guided by Resource-Based Theory. the study used a positivism research philosophy. The research study used descriptive research designs which was guided by hypothesis and focused on the frequency with which something occurs or the relationship between variables. The target respondents were three Managers from any department (finance, HR, administration or marketing) within the commercial state corporation. Therefore, the target population was 165 respondents from 55 commercial state corporations in Kenya. The study adopted a census of all the 55 commercial state corporations. The study collected both primary and secondary data and utilize both qualitative and quantitative data. Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) was used to help in data analysis. Simple linear regression model, and multiple linear regression model were used to assess the relationship between the study variables. From the results of the analysis the study concluded that and competitive aggressiveness influences both financial and non-financial performance of commercial state corporations. The study identifies that organizational structure moderates the relationship between intrapreneurship and performance. The study recommended that commercial state corporations should embrace intrapreneurship. Further managements of commercial state corporations should understand dimensions of intrapreneurship.
Hubungan Tingkat Stres Dengan Prestasi Belajar Mahasiswa Keperawatan Pada Masa Pandemic Covid -19 Di Kota Tangerang
Authors: Nainar Azizah Al Ashri , Maisarah Siti
Published: December 2022

Stres merupakan reaksi seseorang baik secara fisik ataupun emosional apabila ada perubahan dari lingkungan yang mengharuskan seseorang untuk menyesuaikan diri. Kondisi ini mengakibatkan perasaan marah, cemas dan frustasi, yang berdampak pada perubahan emosi, gangguan konsentrasi, prestasi belajar menurun, serta perilaku negatif yang tidak diterima oleh masyarakat  Penelitian ini bertujuan  untuk mengetahui hubungan tingkat stres dengan prestasi belajar mahasiswa keperawatan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 di Kota Tangerang. Desain penelitian ini menggunakan penelitian kuantitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional. Pengumpulan data menggunakan kuesioner tingkat stres DASS-42 dan prestasi belajar dengan melihat IP mahasiswa pada saat mengalami pandemi Covid-19. Sampel dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 78 responden. Pengambilan sampel dengan menggunakan teknik total sampling. Data dianalisis menggunakan uji Chi Square. Hasil didapatkan ada hubungan tingkat stres dengan prestasi belajar mahasiswa keperawatan pada masa pandemi Covid-19 di Kota Tangerang. Kesimpulan stress sangat mempengaruhi terhadap prestasi belajar mahasiswa
Gigasanalis, a new genus of the tribe Achilini with the description of a new species from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae)
Authors: Huang Xiu-Dong , Chen Xiang-Sheng , Yang Lin , Long Jian-Kun
Published: December 2022

A new planthopper genus, Gigasanalis Long & Chen gen. nov. (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Achilidae, Achilinae, Achilini) is established from South China (Hainan Province). A new species, Gigasanalis jianfenglingensis Long & Chen sp. nov., is described and illustrated.
High school students’ mathematical representation ability: Evaluation of disposition based on mastery learning assessment model (MLAM)
Authors: Darmayanti Rani , Syaifuddin Mohammad , Rizki Nopia , Sugianto Rahmad , Hasanah Niswatun
Published: December 2022

Mathematical representation is the ability of students to explore and use mathematical ideas explicitly. This study aimed to learn about the effectiveness of the Mastery Learning Assessment Model (MLAM) in mathematics learning at the Assyfa Learning Center Foundation Pasuruan, which then described students' abilities in solving mathematical representation problems evaluated from mathematical dispositions. MLAM is based on repeating a similar assessment through an overhaul of mastery learning from previous researchers. This study used a descriptive qualitative method. In the study presented here, 20 subjects were pooled and surveyed using a continuous assessment tool based on high, low, and moderate math ability. The results showed that almost all students could use representational images to solve mathematical problems, create mathematical models, and solve problems related to mathematical expressions. On the other hand, most students could not complete the two indicators of mathematical representation, namely making sketches and mathematical models based on the given situation and data. This result is indicated by the 75% of students who completed this lesson. Based on the Teaching Evaluation (TER) results, most students are also satisfied with this approach. It is expected that the MLAM assessment can improve students' mathematical representation skills.
Current Laboratory Testing Practices for Assessment of ERBB2/HER2 in Endometrial Serous Carcinoma and Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Hagemann Ian S. , Bridge Julia A. , Tafe Laura J. , Hameed Meera R. , Moncur Joel T. , Bellizzi Andrew M. , Dolan Michelle , Vasalos Patricia , Kane Megan E. , Souers Rhona J. , Yemelyanova Anna
Published: December 2022

Context.—

Therapy targeted at human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2; also known as ERBB2) was used initially for breast and gastroesophageal carcinoma and has more recently been adopted for endometrial serous carcinoma (ESC) and colorectal carcinoma (CRC). There is evidence that predictive biomarker testing algorithms for HER2 must be tumor type specific and that an algorithm validated for one tumor type cannot be applied to another.

Objective.—

To describe current laboratory practices for HER2 assessment in ESC and CRC.

Design.—

We surveyed laboratories participating in the 2021 College of American Pathologists (CAP) HER2 immunohistochemistry proficiency testing program.

Results.—

The survey was distributed to 1548 laboratories and returned by 1195, of which 83.5% (998) were in the United States. For ESC, 24.0% (287) of laboratories reported performing in-house testing for HER2 by immunohistochemical staining and/or in situ hybridization; of these, 44.3% (127) performed it reflexively on all cases of ESC. The most common criterion for evaluating HER2 was the American Society of Clinical Oncology/CAP 2018 guideline for breast carcinoma (69.0%; 194 of 281), whereas only 16.0% (45) of laboratories used guidelines specific to ESC. For CRC, 20.2% (239 of 1185) of laboratories performed in-house HER2 testing, and 82.0% of these (196) did the test only at the clinician’s request. A plurality (49.4%; 115 of 233) used gastroesophageal cancer guidelines when scoring CRC, 30.0% (70) used the CRC scoring system from the HERACLES trial, and 16.3% (38) used the American Society of Clinical Oncology/CAP 2018 guideline for breast carcinoma.

Conclusions.—

Laboratories vary in their approach to HER2 testing in ESC and CRC. Most laboratories did not report using tumor type–specific recommendations for HER2 interpretation. The lack of standardization could present a challenge to evidence-based practice when considering targeted therapy for these diseases.
What motivates Sao Paulo citizens to use bicycles as a mode of transportation? A study in the light of the Goal-Framing Theory
Authors: Fedrigo Foltram Felipe , Bigio Schnaider Paula Sarita , Pelegrina Juliano
Published: December 2022

Purpose – What motivates Sao Paulo citizens to use bicycles as a mode of transportation? To answer this question, we conceptually rely on the Goal-Framing Theory (Lindenberg, 2000), which seeks to understand how individual choices are made, and exogeneous variables such as climate and temperature which might influence in this decision.
Design/methodology/approach – Empirically, we conduct a quantitative study, relying on primary data from 252 respondents and analyzed by means of logistic regression models, through which we obtained the likelihood of using bikes and the relative weights of each of the variables defined in our theoretical section.
Findings – What motivates Sao Paulo residents are not economic reasons, but rather normative (doing what is right) or hedonic (the pursuit of personal satisfaction) aspects. In other words, we demonstrate that cyclists make this choice to comply with a norm, seeking for benefits to the environment and directly or indirectly to society, as opposed to benefitting individually from this decision.
Practical implications – The research has implication for public policies.
Originality/value – The study is one of the first to empirically test the Goal Framing Theory  (Lindenberg,  2000) and, as far as we could tell, the first to assess the motivations for the use of bicycles as a means of transportation in Brazil and in Latin America.
The utility of chest ultrasound-guided fine-needle biopsy in the diagnosis of plasmacytoma
Authors: Benbarka S S , Shubert P T , Irusen E M , Allwood B W , Koegelenberg C F N
Published: December 2022

Background. Plasmacytoma is a plasma cell dyscrasia originating from a single clone of plasma cells of B-lymphocyte lineage and produces a monoclonal immunoglobulin. Transthoracic fine-needle aspiration (TTNA) under ultrasound (US) guidance is a well-validated technique for the diagnosis of many neoplasms and has been shown to be safe and cost effective, with diagnostic yields comparable to more invasive techniques. However, the role of TTNA in the diagnosis of thoracic plasmacytoma is not well established.

Objective. The aim of this study was to assess the utility of TTNA and cytology in confirming a diagnosis of plasmacytoma.Methods. All cases of plasmacytoma diagnosed from January 2006 to December 2017 by the Division of Pulmonology, Tygerberg Hospital, were retrospectively identified. All patients who underwent an US-guided TTNA and of whose clinical records could be retrieved were included in this cohort. The International Myeloma Working Group’s definition of a plasmacytoma was used as the gold standard. Results. A total of 12 cases of plasmacytoma were identified and 11 patients included (one patient was excluded owing to missing medical records). Six of the 11 patients (mean age 59.5 ± 8.5 years) were male. Radiologically, most had multiple lesions (n=7), most commonly bony (n=6) with vertebral body involvement (n=5) and pleural-based lesions (n=2). Rapid onsite evaluation (ROSE) was performed and documented in 6 of the 11 cases, and a provisional diagnosis of plasmacytoma was suggested in 5 of the 6 patients (83.3%). The final laboratory cytological diagnoses of all 11 cases were compatible with plasmacytoma which was further confirmed via a bone marrow biopsy (n=4) and by serum electrophoresis (n=7).Conclusion. US-guided fine-needle aspiration is feasible and is useful to confirm a diagnosis of plasmacytoma. Its minimally invasive nature may be the ideal investigation of choice in suspected cases.
Criteria for progressive fibrotic hypersensitivity pneumonitis in a Portuguese patient cohort
Authors: Seixas E , Ferreira M , Serra P , Aguiar R , Cunha I , Ferreira P G
Published: December 2022

Background. Hypersensitivity pneumonitis is a syndrome caused by sensitisation to inhaled antigens that leads to an abnormal immune response in the airways and lung parenchyma. Some patients previously diagnosed with certain types of fibrotic interstitial lung diseases, including fibrotic HP, are susceptible to develop a progressive fibrosing phenotype, despite initial state- of-the-art management.

Objectives. To characterise a cohort of patients with a multidisciplinary diagnosis of chronic f-HP, who were followed up in an ILD outpatient clinic of a hospital in Portugal, and to assess the prevalence of PF-ILD criteria in these patients.Methods. Data were collected from all patients with a definite or provisional diagnosis of f-HP after a multidisciplinary team discussion. Patients were followed up between December 2014 and July 2019. Data included clinical characteristics, high-resolution chest tomography disease patterns, lung function tests, bronchoalveolar lavage and further immunological work-up, biopsy reports, all ILD multidisciplinary team records and diagnostic confidence levels. Patients were assessed according to PF-ILD criteria as defined in the INBUILD trial.

Results. We identified 83 patients with an MTD of HP, who had been followed up for at least 12 months. Of these, 63 (75.9%) were diagnosed with f-HP. Of the 63 f-HP patients, 33.3% (n=21) fulfilled the predefined criteria for PF-HP: 66.7% had a relative decline of ≥10% forced vital capacity; 5% a relative decline of 5 - 9% FVC, with worsening symptoms or increased fibrosis on HRCT; and 23.8% had worsening respiratory symptoms with radiological progression.

Conclusion. This single-centre cohort study demonstrated that a third of f-HP patients presented with PF-ILD, as determined by progression during initial standard-of-care treatment. A usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP)/UIP-like pattern was present in >70% of patients with f-HP, and two-thirds of these patients had an FVC decline of ≥10%.
Position statement for adult and paediatric spirometry in South Africa: 2022 update
Authors: Maree D , Swanepoel R A , Swart F , Gray D M , Masekela R , Allwood B W , Van-Zyl Smit R N , Koegelenberg C F N
Published: December 2022

Spirometry is required as part of the comprehensive evaluation of both adult and paediatric individuals with suspected or confirmed respiratory diseases and occupational assessments. It is used in the categorisation of impairment, grading of severity, assessment of potential progression and response to interventions. Guidelines for spirometry in South Africa are required to improve the quality, standardisation and usefulness in local respiratory practice. The broad principles of spirometry have remained largely unchanged from previous versions of the South African Spirometry Guidelines; however, minor adjustments have been incorporated from more comprehensive international guidelines, including adoption of the Global Lung Function Initiative 2012 (GLI 2012) spirometry reference equations for the South African population.

All equipment should have proof of validation regarding resolution and consistency of the system. Daily calibration must be performed, and equipment quality control processes adhered to. It is important to have standard operating procedures to ensure consistency and quality and, additionally, strict infection control as highlighted during the COVID-19 pandemic.Adequate spirometry relies on a competent, trained operator, accurate equipment, standardised operating procedures, quality control and patient co-operation. All manoeuvres must be performed strictly according to guidelines, and strict quality assurance methods should be in place, including acceptability criteria (for any given effort) and repeatability (between efforts).

Results must be categorised and graded according to current guidelines, taking into consideration the indication for the test.
Still a role for the chest radiograph – humble but helpful!
Authors: Mer M
Published: December 2022

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Magnetic resonance imaging findings and the clinical characteristics of children with cerebral palsy at a public sector hospital in Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Nel C , Bezuidenhout J K , Thomson H C , Meyer P W A
Published: December 2022

Background. Cerebral palsy (CP) is a common cause of physical impairment in children. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can define different neuropathological patterns of brain injury in CP. There are limited data available on MRI findings of children with CP in Africa. 

Objective. To describe the clinical characteristics, risk factors and MRI findings of children with CP attending a developmental clinic at a tertiary hospital in South Africa; and to assess possible associations between the clinical characteristics and pathogenic neuro-imaging patterns. 

Methods. This was a retrospective cross-sectional study. The cohort of 112 children was identified from the clinic’s REDcap database. Clinical information was obtained from existing medical records of the patients. Findings from brain MRI reports were classified according to the MRI classification system (MRICS) for CP. The MRI reports were rated independently by two study investigators. A descriptive analysis was conducted. 

Results. A total of 112 patient files and MRI brain reports were reviewed. Spastic CP was the most common type of CP (n=75%). The most common perinatal risk factors included prematurity (31%) and low birthweight (28%). Nineteen (17%) children acquired CP after the neonatal period. CP sub-type showed a significant association with functional motor impairment classified as per the gross motor function classification system (GMFCS), p<0.001. Predominant grey matter injury (PGMI) was the most common pathogenic MRI pattern identified (30%). The radiological findings (per MRICS) had a significant association with both the CP sub-type (p<0.005) and functional impairment according to the GMFCS (p<0.001). 

Conclusion. Standardised classification of neuro-imaging findings can assist in defining the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CP.
Tratamento de sarna notoédrica a baixo custo em gatos de abrigo
Authors: Gila Lana Isabella , Neves de Almeida Julio Cesar , Machado Castro Sarah , Souto e Silva Gonçalves Marianne , Soriano da Fonseca Samantha Luiza , Santana da Hora Aline
Published: December 2022

A sarna notoédrica é uma dermatopatia parasitária causada pelo ácaro Notoedres sp. Apesar de os gatos serem os hospedeiros mais suscetíveis à infestação, roedores, lagomorfos e humanos também podem se infectar. É uma doença comumente encontrada em abrigos por ser transmitida pelo contato direto entre os animais. Atualmente, os medicamentos prescritos para o tratamento de sarna notoédrica em gatos são onerosos e incompatíveis com a realidade do manejo de gatos de abrigos. Este trabalho relata o tratamento bem-sucedido e de custo reduzido de um felino diagnosticado com Notoedres sp. e de seus 63 contactantes, em um abrigo de gatos na cidade de Uberlândia, Minas Gerais, utilizando ivermectina por via subcutânea.
On the Possibility of Using Geoinformation Technologies to Study Economic Inequality (Based on the Materials of the Siberian Region of 1926-1927)
Authors: Vladimirov Vladimir Nikolayevich , Krupochkin Evgenii Petrovich
Published: December 2022

The article discusses the possibilities of using geoinformation technologies to study economic inequality. The methodology and technique of applying geospatial analysis in the study of wage inequality of employees of district cities of the Siberian Territory in 1926-1927 are shown. Statistical bulletins published in 1926-1929 in Novosibirsk were used as sources. Data were selected that characterize the salaries of employees of the district cities of Siberia for 8 quarters, covering almost 2 years – 1926 and 1927. During the development of GIS, a 1:3000000 scale map of the Siberian Region was digitized, on which there is a coordinate grid, the situation (hydrographic network and relief displayed by washing) and administrative division were plotted according to the zoning data of 1929. A series of maps was built reflecting the average salary level of employees in district cities, as well as the dynamics of wages based on quarterly statistics. The highest salary of employees is observed in Novosibirsk. It is noticeable that cities with low wages are concentrated in the south of Western Siberia. The growth rates of wages in cities show a greater variation than the average salary. The largest increase in wages is demonstrated by those cities in which its level was low or average. It can be stated that there are certain prospects in the use of geoinformation technologies to study economic inequality.
Insight on the application of graphene to sandy soils to improve water holding capacity
Authors: Alessandrino Luigi , Mastrocicco Micòl
Published: December 2022

In this study, the changes in relevant hydraulic parameters (namely hydraulic conductivity, total and effective porosity, specific retention, and longitudinal dispersivity) induced by the introduction of graphene in a calcareous sandy soil and a siliciclastic riverine soil were monitored and modelled via leaching column experiments. Constant pressure head tests were used to calculate the hydraulic conductivity of each column, while leaching experiments were run to estimate total porosity and specific retention, and for each treatment three replicates were done. Columns were then run under saturated conditions via a low flow peristaltic pump and monitored for chloride concentrations. CXTFIT 2.0 was employed to inversely model the column experiments and retrieve effective porosity and longitudinal dispersivity. Results highlighted small changes of hydraulic conductivity and porosity, induced by graphene addition for both soils. A marked increase of specific retention values was instead recorded in the amended columns respect to control ones. Chloride breakthrough curves modelling showed that graphene doubled dispersivity in the calcareous sandy soil compared to the control, while it halved dispersivity in the siliciclastic riverine soil with respect to the control. The results highlight that graphene induces positive shift in the capacity of sandy soil to retain porewater but at the same time it also alters solute transport parameters, like dispersivity, suggesting that further studies need to focus on using several exposure concentrations, durations and mode of exposure, and apply simulated field conditions or perform experiments in real field conditions, to understand the fate of unwanted compound in soils amended with graphene.
Physiological changes and gene responses during Ganoderma lucidum growth with selenium supplementation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tan Wei , Zhou Jie , Ye Lei , Jia Dinghong , Li Xiaolin
Published: December 2022

Ganoderma lucidum basidiomycota is highly appreciated for its health and nutrition value. In the present study, Ganoderma lucidum was cultivated as selenium transformation carrier, and the physiological changes and gene responses by selenium supplementation were revealed through high-throughput RNA-Seq technology. As a result, selenium supplementation increased the stipe length and the cap size, but decreased the cap thickness of G. lucidum. Mineral salt supplementation could greatly promote the formation of triterpene acids and selenium in G. lucidum. The highest yield was gained in the treatment with selenium content of 200 µg/g. Subsequently, the tissues of G. lucidum at budding and mature stages in this treatment group were sampled for transcriptome analysis and compared to those of a control group without selenium supplementation. A total of 16,113 expressed genes were obtained from the transcriptome of G. lucidum, and GO-annotated unigenes were mainly involved in molecular functions and KEGG-annotated ones were highly expressed in ribosomal pathway. Furthermore, genes involved in carbon metabolism pathway were most promoted by selenium at budding stage of G. lucidum, while gene expression was the highest in the pathway of amino acid biosynthesis at mature stage of G. lucidum. Specially, selenium-related genes in G. lucidum, such as GL23172-G, GL29881-G and GL28298-G, played a regulatory role in oxidoreductase, antioxidant activity and tryptophan synthesis. The results provide a theoretical basis for further study of selenium-enriched mushrooms and aid to development of Se-enriched foodstuff and health products made from fungi.
Knockdown of hsa_circ_0008922 inhibits the progression of glioma
Authors: Xue Chunhong , Liu Chang , Yun Xiang , Zou Xiaoqiong , Li Xin , Wang Ping , Li Feng , Ge Yingying , Zhang Qingmei , Xie Xiaoxun , Li Xisheng , Luo Bin
Published: December 2022

Background

A glioma is a tumor originating from glial cells in the central nervous system. Although significant progress has been made in diagnosis and treatment, most high-grade glioma patients are prone to recurrence. Therefore, molecular targeted therapy may become a new direction for adjuvant therapy in glioma. In recent years, many studies have revealed that circular RNA (circRNA) may play an important role in the occurrence and development of many tumors including gliomas. Our previous study found that the expression of hsa_circ_0008922 was up-regulated in glioma tissues upon RNA sequencing. The biological mechanism of circ_0008922 is still unreported in gliomas. Therefore, in this study, we preliminarily outlined the expression of hsa_circ_0008922 in glioma and explored its biological functions.

Methods

The expression of hsa_circ_0008922 in forty glioma tissues and four glioma cell lines (A172, U251, SF763 and U87) was detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The correlation between hsa_circ_0008922 expression and clinicopathological features of glioma patients was evaluated by Fisher’s exact test. To understand the potential function of hsa_circ_0008922 in glioma, we constructed small interfering RNA (siRNA) to hsa_circ_0008922 to downregulate its expression in glioma cell lines A172 and U251. With these hsa_circ_0008922 downregulated cells, a series of assays were carried out as follows. Cell proliferation was detected by CCK8 assay, migration and invasion were determined by wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Colony formation ability was evaluated by plate clonogenic assay. Moreover, flow cytometry combined with Western blot was performed to analyze apoptosis status and the expression of apoptotic related proteins (caspase 3 and caspase 9). Finally, the possible biological pathways and potential miRNA targets of hsa_circ_0008922 were predicted by bioinformatics.

Results

We found that the expression of hsa_circ_0008922 in glioma tissues was 3.4 times higher than that in normal tissues. The expression of has_circ_0008922 was correlated with WHO tumor grade. After down-regulating the expression of hsa_circ_0008922, malignant biological behavior of glioma cells was inhibited, such as cell proliferation, colony formation, migration, and invasion. At the same time, it also induced apoptosis of glioma cells. Predicted analysis by bioinformatics demonstrated that hsa_circ_0008922 may be involved in tumor-related pathways by acting as a molecular sponge for multiple miRNAs (hsa-let-7e-5p, hsa-miR-506-5p, hsa-let-7b-5p, hsa-let-7c-5p and hsa-let-7a-5p). Finally, we integrated our observation to build a circRNA-miRNA-mRNA predictive network.
“If There’s One Bad Apple, It Affects All of Us”: Filipino-Canadian Men’s Cultural Perspectives on Mental Health, Mental Illness and Stigma
Authors: Sato Christa , Espina Ferdinand , Este David , Ferrer Ilyan
Published: December 2022

In Canada, there is a dearth of comprehensive literature on the specific needs for the health and well-being of racialized newcomers, especially for mental health in the rapidly growing Filipino-Canadian diaspora. Using two focus groups with 14 participants, this article identified the following themes: Filipino-Canadian men’s conceptualization of mental illness, health, and stigma; gender and intergenerational expectations as a form of mental health stigma; and motivations for joining the Strength In Unity (SIU) project. The insights from these Filipino men should inform approaches to addressing mental health in Filipino communities in Canada.
A Theoretical Perspective on the Role and Functions of Soil Resources in the Information and Knowledge Society
Authors: Cioruța Bogdan-Vasile , Coman Mirela
Published: December 2022

Much has been written about the soil over time, from different perspectives, however, the soil as an entity, as well as its role and functions are far from being fully recorded. In the Information and Knowledge Society, soil still has a significant role to play, in terms of its functions at the community level. We set out to make some scientific remarks and examples on these issues. Also, the soil is subjected to analysis as a cosmic-telluric-biotic product, in its gradual transition from the Hunting and Agrarian Society to the Society based on technology, information, and knowledge. What we have managed to summarize is a summum of definitions of the soil, and a conglomeration of functions, carefully nuanced and delimited, which open the way for the reader from the soil seen as a resource-support of the technosphere to the soil treated as a primary scientific concern.
Biochemical Screening of Fluted Pumpkin Leaf
Authors: Frances Ejimofor Chiamaka , Enoch Nwakoby Nnamdi , Johnson Oledibe Odira , Eziamaka Afam-Ezeaku Chikaodili , Ann Mbaukwu Onyinye
Published: December 2022

The well-known vegetable Telfairia occidentalis, sometimes known as the fluted pumpkin leaf, is utilized throughout Nigeria. In Igbo, it is typically referred to as Ugu. The objective of this study was to ascertain the biochemical (phytochemical) makeup of Telfairia occidentalis, a popular vegetable in Nigeria. The study made use of fluted pumpkin leaf extract that was treated differently by soaking in ethanol and water. Alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, tannins, steroids, and phenol compounds were all present in the ethanolic extract at the conclusion of the research, but terpenoids were not, making seven out of the eight phytochemicals present.  Alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, glycosides, and phenol compounds were all present in the water extract, while saponin, tannin, and terpenoids were not. This made five out of the eight phytochemicals present. According to quantitative analysis, the flavonoid concentration in the fluted pumpkin leaf was the highest (11.83 mg/100 g), followed by steroid (11.67 mg/100 g), saponin (4.58 mg/100 g), alkaloid (3.63 mg/100 g), terpenoids (3.56 mg/100 g), and phenol (3.50 mg/100 g), while tannin had the lowest value (0.51 mg/100 g).
Kluver Bucy Syndrome: An Overview of the Clinical Interplay
Authors: Okikiade Adedeji , Osharode Aromedonghene , Aremu Natalie , Chibuike K. Uba , Ogunesan Damisola , Olubunmi Olojede
Published: December 2022

Kluver Bucy Syndrome (KBS) was initially reported by Sanger Brown and Edward Albert Sharpey-Schafer. In 1939, a bilateral temporal lobectomy was conducted on a Rhesus monkey named Aurora. Three weeks after this procedure, Aurora began to exhibit behavioral changes. These behavioral changes exhibited by Aurora were observed and recorded by Paul Clancy Bucy, a neurosurgeon, and Heinrich Kluver, a neuropsychiatrist; these behavioral changes were given the name Kluver-Bucy syndrome. The first human Kluver-Bucy case was diagnosed in 1955 in a 22-year-old male patient.

Kluver-Bucy syndrome (KBS) is a complex neuropsychiatric disease that usually occurs after bilateral damage to the medial temporal lobes. The syndrome is mainly seen in adults, male and female equally. However, although the syndrome can also be seen in children, the symptoms in children are slightly different from how the symptoms manifest in adults. There are a plethora of etiologies and manifestations of KBS, but it most commonly manifests as a triad of hypersexuality, hyperorality, and hyperphagia.

The diagnosis of KBS is primarily centered around the identification of damages to the medial lobe of the brain using signs and symptoms, imaging studies, and most importantly, Magnetic Resonant Imaging (MRI). It is also essential to rule out and confirm possible differentials and etiologies during the management of KBS. KBS has no known cure, but the various manifestations can be ameliorated with medications like antidepressants and antipsychotics. The prognosis is generally poor for KBS.
Scenario Analysis of Indonesian Ferronickel Supply Chain Resilience with System Dynamics
Authors: Tul Munikhah I Anna , Ramdhani Ade Yanyan , Pratama Aiza Yudha , Arini Ratih Windu
Published: December 2022

This study aims to determine the impact of Indonesian government policies on the supply chain resilience of the ferronickel industry in Indonesia. The existing problem is that the law prohibits nickel ore exports, and the policy of industrial downstream causes delays in the process of nickel processing. The problems happen because Indonesia's nickel industry is still incapable of downstream. As a result, the nickel supply chain faces dynamic and complex events that can disrupt operational activities. At the same time, supply chains need to withstand and recover from disruptions quickly. Therefore, Supply Chain Resilience, which is the ability to survive, adapt, and recover from disruptions to meet customer needs, is needed. This study uses system dynamics to analyze complex and dynamic systems to provide more practical policy advice. The system dynamics model starts by building a conceptual model through a system diagram. Inside the model is a causal loop diagram, then proceeds with developing a quantitative stock flow diagram (SFD) model. Finally, this SFD model operated with several scenarios used as policy suggestions for the Indonesian government.
Glow Sticks and Other Stories: Children’s Picture Book Revealing Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) and Ways to Cope With It
Authors: Hermawan Lidia Dini Tjoa
Published: December 2022

This journal reveals Separation Anxiety Disorder (SAD) symptoms that may appear during childhood as well as ways children could cope with it in children picture books using realistic fiction as genre and first person point of view.  All characters in five stories experience SAD’s symptoms such as irrational worries that something bad will happen to them or to their attachment figures, excessive distress, difficulty sleeping alone, school refusal and even physical complaints such as nausea, headaches and stomachaches caused by unfortunate life events such as loss of loved ones, parental separation or divorce and economic hardships. This journal shows possible ways children may be able to face challenges and overcome their symptoms proactively by using self-directed Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) such as identifying thought patterns, breaking through negative thoughts, facing fear and putting it all together.
INCREASING KEDAI KOPI NADI’S BRAND AWARENESS TO ITS TARGET MARKET THROUGH INSTAGRAM
Authors: Jessica Jessica
Published: December 2022

This creative thesis is made to solve the problem that Kedai Kopi Nadi has namely low brand awareness. This cafe has been around for more than a year, but few people know about it. In fact, Kedai Kopi Nadi’s ambiance and price of the products can beat other cafes such as Montana, Zona Nyaman, and Kopi Nusantara. Unfortunately, the only social media they have, namely Instagram, is not used properly so it becomes ineffective for marketing. With a target market of university students ranging from 18 to 25 years old, showing off Kedai Kopi Nadi’s USP on Instagram is effective to attract them. Kedai Kopi Nadi has several USPs that can be highlighted on the Instagram content. Its strengths are the product price, the ambiance or atmosphere of the cafe, and the product menu. Not only that, the writer collected answers from Kedai Kopi Nadi’s customers and target market to create content that was suitable for Kedai Kopi Nadi. The writer got more information on what to highlight in the content by doing it. By making the Instagram content, the writer aims to introduce the brand widely to the audience and to increase Kedai Kopi Nadi’s brand awareness.
Análise de Contribuições da Produção Tecnológica de uma ICT para a Agenda 2030
Authors: Silva Kelly Cristina Leite da , Silva Fabio Pacheco Estumano da , Pereira Dayan Rios
Published: December 2022

O agronegócio é um segmento representativo da economia brasileira, e o Estado do Pará tem se tornado expressivo na produção agropecuária. Entretanto, o desenvolvimento econômico precisa ocorrer atrelado ao desenvolvimento sustentável para que não ofereça risco à biodiversidade Amazônica. Assim, este trabalho buscou analisar os resultados de projetos de Pesquisa, Desenvolvimento e Inovação de uma Instituição Científica, Tecnológica e de Inovação (ICT), localizada no Pará, que desenvolve soluções para o agronegócio, para identificar as contribuições da ICT para o cumprimento da Agenda 2030. As análises indicaram fortes contribuições da ICT estudada para o cumprimento de metas e ODS da Agenda 2030 por meio de capacitações tecnológicas, coleções biológicas científicas e processos agropecuários. Ao mesmo tempo, entende-se que é necessário continuar buscando métodos que consigam mensurar com maior precisão de que forma ocorrem as contribuições para a Agenda 2030 frente à sua diversidade de abrangência.
Mapeamento Patentário de Utilização de Resíduos do Café no Brasil, na América Latina e no Mundo
Authors: Franchi Rosângela Aparecida da Silva , Silva Barbara Manhães Resende da , Barbosa Tatielli Gonçalves Gregório
Published: December 2022

O Brasil é o maior produtor mundial de café e produz enorme quantidade de resíduos que impactam o meio ambiente, mas que podem ser utilizados de forma sustentável. Por outro lado, EUA e Alemanha são os maiores importadores da bebida e, também, geram resíduos significativos. O estudo consiste em pesquisar e em apontar, por meio de informações tecnológicas extraídas dos documentos de patentes da base de dados do Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) e das ferramentas de busca Latipat-Espacenet e Derwent Innovations Index, algumas possibilidades para utilização dos resíduos de café. É uma pesquisa exploratória, quanto aos objetivos, com uma abordagem qualitativa e quantitativa, utilizando os procedimentos de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental. O estudo conclui que é possível transferir os dados constantes nos documentos de patentes, especialmente para identificar inovações tecnológicas e apontar a subutilização no Brasil dos resíduos de café com a possibilidade de gerar novos produtos com alto valor agregado.
Respeito, mas… episódio de radiodifusão do preconceito à diversidade sexual por meio do humor:
Authors: Santos Chaves Kleber
Published: December 2022

Resumo: Este ensaio tem origem na audição de uma fala LGBTfóbica difundida por um programa de uma emissora de rádio em Livramento de Nossa Senhora, no interior baiano. Neste texto, cujo objetivo apriorístico foi advertir, pela via da instrução, os difusores do episódio de preconceito, resgato o histórico de implementação e regulamentação do rádio e seus princípios no Brasil. Além disso, apresento levantamentos estatísticos que indicam a audiência que tal veículo alcança no país mesmo em nossos dias, enfatizando o impacto que as informações radiodifundidas têm nas cidades interioranas. Esta metodologia objetivou introduzir o processo de análise, caracterização e desconstrução da fala do locutor da emissora, permitindo-me classificar o episódio como um de caráter LGBTfóbico, ainda que velado e disfarçado pelo recurso do humor. Sustenta, teoricamente, o cerne dos processos analíticos uma revisão de literatura com variados autores que discutem preconceito, LGBTfobia e o emprego do humor como instrumento de discriminação.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Radiodifusão do preconceito. LGBTfobia velada. Humor.
Cenas de dissenso no cinema documentário indígena:
Authors: Porfírio Iago
Published: December 2022

A partir do conceito de dissenso de Jacques Rancière, proponho, neste artigo, uma discussão das cenas dissensuais mobilizadas no cinema documentário indígena com especial atenção ao filme Ava Yvy Vera – a terra do povo do raio, de 2016. Em um primeiro momento, a proposta é pensar as imagens enquanto mobilizadoras de cenas de dissenso, na medida em que conjugam para si uma vida sensível e são intermediadas por entidades sensíveis a partir do conceito de “seres-terra” desenvolvido por Cadena. Posteriormente, a leitura do filme Ava Yvy Vera se baseia na ideia do sensível e político da imagem na figuração de cenas dissensuais, com métodos que vão de uma opacidade ou de uma poética da relação a uma potência da fabulação para se opor ou reorientar os regimes de visibilidade.PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Cenas de dissenso. Cinema documentário indígena. Políticas da imagem. Sensível. Guarani.
Physician-as-Patient—Vulnerabilities and Strengths
Authors: Castro-Frenzel Karla
Published: December 2022

In this narrative medicine essay, a pediatric anesthesiologist explores the unique strengths of physicians facing serious illness along with sense of isolation they may also feel when they become patients.
Effect of a Virtual Home-Based Behavioral Intervention on Family Health and Resilience During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Popescu Filoteia , Sommer Evan C. , Mahoney Margaret R. , Adams Laura E. , Barkin Shari L.
Published: December 2022

Importance

Virtual home-based interventions may bolster protective factors, such as family health and resilience, during stressors such as the COVID-19 pandemic; however, their effectiveness is unknown.

Objective

To examine the effectiveness of a virtual health coaching intervention on family health and resilience during the pandemic.

Design, Setting, and Participants

In this parallel-group, single-site randomized clinical trial, 123 parents and their 2- to 8-year-old children were enrolled at a pediatric clinic or community partner site in Tennessee from March 10 to August 11, 2021. Follow-up surveys were completed between June 29 and November 11, 2021.

Interventions

All participants received 11 weekly cooking videos and associated home-delivered groceries. The intervention group also received 12 weekly, 30-minute virtual health coach sessions.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcome was the validated 6-item (range, 6-30) Family Healthy Lifestyle Subscale (FHLS) scores. The secondary outcome was the validated 6-item (range, 0-6) Family Resilience and Connection Index (FRCI) scores. Outcomes were determined a priori and evaluated at baseline and 12-week follow-up. A priori independent t tests and multivariable tobit regression models assessed intervention effects, and post hoc, secondary interaction models assessed whether effects differed over baseline outcomes.

Results

Among the 123 enrolled families, 110 (89%) were included in the primary analyses (parent mean [SD] age, 35.1 [8.2] years; 104 [95%] female; 55 [50%] non-Hispanic Black; child mean [SD] age, 5.2 [1.7] years; 62 [56%] male). Intervention-control group mean differences were nonsignificant for follow-up FHLS scores (0.7; 95% CI, −0.6 to 2.0; P = .17) and FRCI scores (0.1; 95% CI, −0.5 to 0.6; P = .74). Tobit regression model intervention effects were nonsignificant for FHLS scores (0.9; 95% CI, −0.3 to 2.2; P = .15) and FRCI scores (0.4; 95% CI, −0.2 to 1.1; P = .17). Post hoc, secondary models found no significant interaction for FHLS scores (1.3 increase per 5-point decrease; 95% CI, −0.2 to 2.7; P = .09), with significant intervention associations for baseline scores of 6 to 23. The interaction was significant for FRCI scores (0.4 increase per 1-point decrease; 95% CI, 0.01 to 0.8; P = .047), with significant intervention associations for baseline scores of 0 to 3.

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of families with young children, weekly virtual health coaching did not detectably improve family health and resilience. Post hoc, secondary results provided preliminary evidence of potential effectiveness among families with low baseline scores.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05328193
Perceived Stress and Prediction of Worse Disease Activity and Symptoms in a Multiracial, Multiethnic Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Cohort
Authors: Patterson Sarah , Trupin Laura , Hartogensis Wendy , DeQuattro Kimberly , Lanata Cristina , Gordon Caroline , Barbour Kamil E. , Greenlund Kurt J. , Dall'Era Maria , Yazdany Jinoos , Katz Patricia
Published: December 2022

Objective

Studies have suggested a potential link between traumatic experiences, psychological stress, and autoimmunity, but the impact of stress on disease activity and symptom severity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) remains unclear. The present study was undertaken to examine whether increases in perceived stress independently associate with worse SLE disease outcomes over 3 years of follow‐up.

Methods

Participants were drawn from the California Lupus Epidemiology Study (CLUES). Stress was measured annually using the 4‐item Perceived Stress Scale (PSS). Participants with increases of ≥0.5 SD in PSS score were defined as having an increase in stress. Four outcomes were measured at the year 3 follow‐up visit: physician‐assessed disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index); patient‐reported disease activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire); pain (Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] pain interference scale); and fatigue (PROMIS fatigue scale). Multivariable linear regression evaluated longitudinal associations of increase in stress with all 4 outcomes while controlling for potential confounders.

Results

The sample (n = 260) was 91% female, 36% Asian, 30% White, 22% Hispanic, and 11% African American; the mean ± SD age was 46 ± 14 years. In adjusted longitudinal analyses, increase in stress was independently associated with greater physician‐assessed disease activity (P = 0.015), greater self‐reported disease activity (P < 0.001), more pain (P = 0.019), and more fatigue (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

In a racially diverse sample of individuals with SLE, those who experienced an increase in stress had significantly worse disease activity and greater symptom burden at follow‐up compared to those with stress levels that remained stable or declined. Findings underscore the need for interventions to bolster stress resilience and support effective coping strategies among individuals living with lupus.