bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How do different agricultural managements interfere with the Phytoseiidae mite (Acari: Phytoseiidae) community in apple trees?
Authors: Rode Priscila de Andrade , Schussler Matheus , Bizarro Gabriel Lima , Ferla Noeli Juarez
Published: February 2024

In this study we performed the sampling of phytoseiid mites in different apple production orchards, and we evaluated the richness and abundance of these mites, as well as their distribution in the different strata of the plants. Furthermore, we studied how the different apple tree cultivars affect the diversity and distribution of these predatory mites. Collections were carried out in apple orchards in three different production areas: 1- organic agriculture (Antônio Prado, RS); 2- conventional agriculture (Muitos Capões, RS); 3- regenerative agriculture (São Joaquim, SC). In total, seven orchards were evaluated, in Muitos Capões and São Joaquim, two orchards of the Fuji and Gala, whereas in Antônio Prado, three cultivars (Eva, Fuji and Gala) were considered. In each orchard, 40 plants were evaluated, and from each plant a median branch was randomly chosen from which a leaf was removed from the apical, median and basal thirds. The collected leaves were taken to the laboratory, they were observed and the mites found mounted in Hoyer's medium and identified. A total of 695 phytoseiid specimens were collected. Greater abundance was noted in the apical stratum of plants of the Gala cultivar, demonstrating the effect of cultivar and stratum on phytoseiid richness, abundance and distribution. Neoseiulus californicus (McGregor) (Phytoseiidae) was the main species in areas of conventional and regenerative cultivation, being present in all evaluated orchards, but with low occurrence in areas of organic management. In organic orchards, species of the genus Euseius [Euseius mesembrinus (Dean) and Euseius inouei (Ehara and Moraes)] (Phytoseiidae) were more abundant. The results suggest that producers consider less intensive use of pesticides and herbicides in orchards in order to maintain populations of predatory mites due to their potential for biological control.
Cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps): 54 cases (2007–2022)
Authors: Ozawa Sarah M. , Pierce Kursten V. , Alexander Amy B. , Keller Krista A. , Tarbert Danielle K. , Guzman David Sanchez-Migallon , Sadar Miranda J. , Sheldon Julie D. , Meritet Danielle M.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

To describe the clinical features, histopathologic lesions, and outcome of cardiovascular disease in central bearded dragons.

ANIMALS

54 bearded dragons.

METHODS

Retrospective evaluation of captive bearded dragons with antemortem imaging or postmortem diagnosis of cardiovascular disease from 2007 to 2022 from 6 hospitals.

RESULTS

The total prevalence of cardiovascular disease was 3.3% (54/1,655). Physical examination findings were available in 46 cases with change in mentation being the most common finding (n = 28/46 [60.9%]), followed by dehydration (17/46 [37%]), palpable coelomic mass (13/46 [28.3%]), dyspnea (10/46 [21.7%]), and sunken eyes (10/46 [21.7%)]. Doppler auscultation revealed an arrhythmia in 5/34 (14.7%) animals. Diagnostic imaging was only performed on 21 animals, and 10 (47.6%) had cardiovascular abnormalities described. In total, 84 cardiovascular diagnoses were found in 54 animals. The most common diagnosis was myocarditis (n = 14) followed by aneurysms (11), pericardial effusion (9), atherosclerosis (7), epicarditis (7), and myocardial degeneration/necrosis (7). Overall, 62 causes of death were identified in 52 cases, with cardiovascular disease being the most common (n = 18/52 [34.5%]). Only 3/54 animals were diagnosed with congestive heart failure. Animals with aneurysms were more likely to die to due cardiovascular disease compared to other types of cardiovascular diagnoses (OR, 43.75; 95% CI, 4.88 to 392.65; P < .001).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in bearded dragons is challenging given the inconsistent clinical presentation; however, it should remain a differential in animals with nonspecific signs of illness. Antemortem diagnostics are recommended in suspected cases, including diagnostic imaging. Of the cardiovascular diseases described, aneurysms most often contributed to clinical demise.
Evaluation of viscoelastic coagulation monitoring parameters and fibrinogen concentrations in healthy dogs undergoing stifle arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy
Authors: Grace Mackenzie , Salazar Rebecca , Zayas Jose , Allen Philip
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

Evaluation of viscoelastic parameters along with Hct percentages, platelet numbers, and fibrinogen concentrations in healthy dogs undergoing elective stifle arthroscopy and tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). These results determine if dogs are in a normal, hypocoagulable, or hypercoagulable state at 4 different time points.

ANIMALS

Prospective study of 37 client-owned dogs enrolled between February 2, 2022, and November 10, 2022.

METHODS

All dogs received a standardized anesthetic protocol. Patients enrolled in the study underwent stifle arthroscopy using a 3-portal technique with a TPLO performed by board-certified surgeons. Viscoelastic testing, Hct percentage, fibrinogen concentration, and platelet numbers were measured preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, 24 hours postoperatively, and 14 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Stifle arthroscopy and TPLO surgery was not associated with significant effects on viscoelastic coagulation monitoring and fibrinogen concentrations in healthy dogs when comparing the time points.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Humans have a high risk of thrombotic events when undergoing elective orthopedic surgery and are often placed on prophylactic antithrombotic medication prior to surgery. Viscoelastic coagulation monitoring in dogs undergoing similar orthopedic procedures has been evaluated in veterinary medicine, but the effects on platelets and fibrinogen concentrations from similar orthopedic procedures and uniform anesthesia protocols have not been documented. Cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency is the most common orthopedic injury in dogs. Treatment requires elective surgical correction for the best results and improved long-term prognosis. The findings of this study suggest that similar preoperative prophylactic antithrombotic intervention is not needed for canine patients.
Low levels of microRNA-21 in neutrophil-derived exosomes may contribute to airway smooth muscle hyperproliferation in horses with severe asthma
Authors: Vargas Amandine , Mainguy-Seers Sophie , Boivin Roxane , Lavoie Jean-Pierre
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophilic inflammation is associated with the degree of airway obstruction in severe equine asthma (SEA), but the contribution of these leukocytes to bronchial remodeling remains ill defined. Neutrophils could cause structural alterations of the airways by the release of exosomes, a type of cell-derived nanoparticles that can modify the biology of local and distant cells. Neutrophil-derived exosomes have been shown to increase airway smooth muscle (ASM) cell proliferation in humans and horses. Therefore, this study aimed to identify neutrophil exosomal microRNAs (miRs) implicated in the regulation of ASM biology in SEA.

ANIMALS

6 horses with SEA and 6 healthy controls.

METHODS

The expression of selected miRs in exosomes from peripheral neutrophils was studied by quantitative PCR. The effects of miR-21 transfection in ASM cells were evaluated by gene expression analysis and proliferation studies.

RESULTS

The miR-21 was downregulated in neutrophil exosomes from SEA horses, and it attenuated the proliferation of ASM cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

The lower level of miR-21 in neutrophil-derived exosomes could contribute to ASM hyperproliferation, which could, in turn, promote the thickening of the bronchial wall in SEA.
Evaluation of a novel, sensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone assay as a diagnostic test for thyroid disease in cats
Authors: Peterson Mark E. , Dougherty Eric , Rishniw Mark
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

Clinicians commonly use thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentrations to diagnose thyroid disorders in humans and dogs. In cats, canine TSH chemiluminescent immunoassays (CLIA) assays are commonly used to measure TSH, but these TSH-CLIAs cannot measure low TSH concentrations (< 0.03 ng/mL) and therefore cannot distinguish between low-normal concentrations and truly low TSH concentrations (characteristic of hyperthyroidism). Our aim was to evaluate a novel TSH assay based on bulk acoustic wave (BAW) technology that has lower functional sensitivity (0.008 ng/mL) than TSH-CLIAs.

ANIMALS

169 untreated hyperthyroid cats, 53 cats treated with radioiodine (131I), 12 cats with chronic kidney disease (CKD), and 78 clinically healthy cats.

METHODS

Serum concentrations of T4, TSH-CLIA, and TSH-BAW were measured in all cats. Untreated hyperthyroid cats were divided into 4 severity groups (subclinical, mild, moderate, and severe), whereas 131I-treated cats were divided into euthyroid and hypothyroid groups.

RESULTS

Test sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for identifying hyperthyroidism were higher for TSH-BAW (90.5%, 98.9%, and 86.9%) than TSH-CLIA (79.9%, 76.7%, and 21.7%; P < .001). Test sensitivity for identifying 131I-induced hypothyroidism was only 45.5% for T4 versus 100.0% for both TSH-CLIA and TSH-BAW (P = .03), whereas TSH-BAW had a higher positive predictive value (100%) than did either TSH-CLIA (81.2%) or T4 (71.9%).

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Serum TSH-BAW alone or together with T4 is a highly sensitive and specific diagnostic test for evaluating feline hyperthyroidism and iatrogenic hypothyroidism. Finding low serum TSH-BAW concentrations is most useful for diagnosing subclinical and mild hyperthyroidism, in which serum T4 remains within or only slightly above the reference interval.
Neurofilament light chain concentration does not correlate with disease status in Labrador Retrievers affected with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis
Authors: Perino Jacquelyn H. , Patterson Margaret , Momen Mehdi , Borisova Mina , Heslegrave Amanda , Zetterberg Henrik , Gruel Jordan , Binversie Emily E. , Anderson Ryan S. , Rylander Helena , Cameron Starr , Miranda Benjamin , Conidi Gabi , Svaren John , Sample Susannah J.
Published: February 2024

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma neurofilament light chain (pNfL) concentration was altered in Labrador Retrievers with idiopathic laryngeal paralysis (ILP) compared to a control population. A secondary aim was to investigate relationships between age, height, weight, and body mass index in the populations studied.

ANIMALS

123 dogs: 62 purebred Labrador Retrievers with ILP (ILP Cases) and 61 age-matched healthy medium- to large-breed dogs (Controls).

METHODS

Dogs, recruited from August 1, 2016, to March 1, 2022, were categorized as case or control based on a combination of physical exam, neurologic exam, and history. Blood plasma was collected, and pNfL concentration was measured. pNfL concentrations were compared between ILP Cases and Controls. Covariables including age, height, and weight were collected. Relationships between pNfL and covariables were analyzed within and between groups. In dogs where 2 plasma samples were available from differing time points, pNfL concentrations were measured to evaluate alterations over time.

RESULTS

No significant difference in pNfL concentration was found between ILP Cases and Control (P = .36). pNfL concentrations had moderate negative correlations with weight and height in the Control group; other variables did not correlate with pNfL concentrations in ILP Case or Control groups. pNfL concentrations do not correlate with ILP disease status or duration in Labrador Retrievers.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

There is no evidence that pNfL levels are altered due to ILP disease duration or progression when compared with healthy controls. When evaluating pNfL concentrations in the dog, weight and height should be considered.
Literature review details and supports the application of platelet-rich plasma products in canine medicine, particularly as an orthobiologic agent for osteoarthritis
Authors: Carr Brittany J. , Miller Allison V. , Colbath Aimee C. , Peralta Santiago , Frye Christopher W.
Published: February 2024

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and other platelet-derived products represent a subset of regenerative medicine and have been researched in the veterinary community for the treatment of osteoarthritis, soft tissue wounds, tendinopathies, periodontitis, and fracture repairs. PRP is simple to produce, relatively affordable, safe, and can be delivered on site, making it an appealing therapeutic agent in veterinary medicine. As an orthobiologic for the treatment of osteoarthritis, it is one of few interventions with clinical study support that possess anabolic potential. Platelet product variability is wide ranging and often described in terms of cellular content or platelet enrichment. Growth factors associated with platelet activation and subsequent degranulation may mediate inflammation, modulate cellular immune response, and promote tissue repair. Product composition, dosage, and application likely influence treatment outcomes depending on the classification of the disease targeted. Sufficient canine data regarding the formulation and clinical application of canine PRP exist to warrant review. The aim of this narrative is to provide scientific background and clinical insight for veterinarians regarding platelet product content/formulation, mechanisms of action, considerations for use, and clinical application in dogs.
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Workplace: Current State and Future Perspectives
Authors: Lyapin И. А.
Published: February 2024

Rapid technological developments in Artificial Intelligence technologies and its multiple applications on the workplace have stoked many fears and speculations in the society about possible job loss. Current studies report no decrease in demand of high-skilled workers associated with AI technologies. Also, there are no evidences that they will displace jobs in the near future. More companies keep on using and scaling AI in nearly every industry. Most of the businesses are getting benefits after implementation of AI. Most of the progress AI made relate to highly-educated and skilled occupations. To develop further, companies should decide which tasks and routines to be performed and delegate them to humans or robots. AI will not only lead to automation, but will also complement labor. Implementation of AI technologies widely across all industries still face challenges. Part of the limitations is technical related, there are also potential issues with data protection, its fraudulent use and cybersecurity are the main challenges to focus. Businesses and authorities should harness AI development and benefit from the increased productivity and working performance. Focus should be on ensuring the transition to new technologies is smooth and stressless.
Socio-economic aspects of the introduction of artificial intelligence technologies
Authors: Fedorov M. V.
Published: February 2024

The main objective of the paper is to give an overview of global effects of AI technologies, including socio-ethical principles, direct and non-direct economic impact and regulatory frameworks for developing strategies of sustainable development based on AI technologies. We will discuss these problems considering AI as a part of the global process of technological development, and, therefore, will briefly overview relationships between AI and other close fields (computational technologies, data acquisition techniques etc). A particular focus will be on global risks associated with the intensive use of AI technologies. Special attention will be given to the issues of international standardization of AI and related technologies. A section on AI-based social ranking will discuss fundamental problems inherent for such systems (biases, non-transparency etc). That section will be followed by a section on deepfakes which will be discussed in view of their dramatic effect on the conception of trust, both on individual and population/state levels. The paper will also discuss effects of widespread introduction of AI on other fields of research, such as chemical sciences and molecular biology. We will discuss pathways for sustainable development of “Trustworthy AI” which may achieve the desired balance between the benefits and risks of using these technologies and a global scale. We will discuss approaches that may lead to development of strategic principles for accessing long term effects of AI followed by relevant regulatory approaches.
Problems of Artificial Personality (Artificial Intelligence) Control
Authors: Gurov O. N. , Sherstov A. V.
Published: February 2024

Today, a number of researchers representing both technical knowledge and the humanities believe that it is necessary to endow Artificial Intelligence with subjective “human” qualities, which include the ability to self-aware, as well as to make a free choice. In this regard, the problem of the AI autonomy becomes extremely relevant, and further – AI creator’s rights and capabilities (or ineligibility) to hold control over AI. Within this framework the Artificial Personality project has been developing over the past 20 years. Given its active scientific and social activities with the involvement of the remarkable interdisciplinary community, the project is far from complete. The presented article summarizes the executed research for Artificial Personality conceptualization and demonstrates that today the fundamental possibility of the creation of Artificial Personality has not yet been convincingly proven. Also, conceptually, there has not been formulated the single generally accepted approach to promising methods and technology for the implementation and the embodiment of the Artificial Personality. So, at the current stage, the study of the Artificial Personality is rather abstract theoretical research. As a result of the study, the authors come to the conclusion that today it is reasonable to use the results of the Natural Personality and Natural Intelligence studies and transfer the methods that have shown their relative effectiveness in various existing manifestations of real social life to the field of creating the concept of Artificial Personality. The proposed approach for the conceptualization of Artificial Personality will help to create a theoretical and methodological foundation for theoretical research and further implementation of Artificial Personality projects.
Methodology for Evaluating State Organization Readiness for Digital Transformation Based on Movsesyan-Raspopin’s Digital Maturity Model
Authors: Movsesyan A. B. , Raspopin E. I.
Published: February 2024

This article is devoted to the current methodology for assessing the readiness of a state organization for digital transformation in Industry 4.0, based on the Movsesyan-Raspopin digital maturity assessment model.The methodology reveals a systematic understanding of digital transformation and is designed to assess the digital maturity of an organization. The key feature of the methodology is the interrelation of the company’s strategy, strategic goals of digital transformation, strategic priorities of the organization’s development, and the available technologies, which allows determining the ways of its further development and economic effect to achieve maturity in Industry 4.0.The article describes the Movsesyan-Raspopin digital maturity assessment model in detail. The basic design of this model consists of organizational domains and integrating elements and evaluates the current and target levels of digital maturity, as well as prioritizes development directions and a set of digital transformation initiatives. The article also analyzes the concepts of “digital transformation” and “digital maturity”, analyzes existing approaches to assessing digital maturity of Deloitte, Boston Consulting Group, Capgemini Consulting, PwC, and models developed by experts Berghaus S., Back A., Kaltenrieder B., Gimpel H., Newman, M. et al.
The Role of Customer Satisfaction and Awareness as A Measure of Customer Loyalty- A Study on Select Banks
Authors: Sasikumar Swathi , Sundaram N
Published: February 2024

Purpose: The study wants to examine customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness using developed constructs for select Nifty Banks.
 
Theoretical framework: The theoretical framework for the study is to analyze customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness using constructs of General Services (GS), Product Cognizance (PC), Technology Services (TS), and Social Responsibility (SR).
 
Design/methodology/approach: The cluster sampling method was used to collect data from bank customers (n=360) using the self-administered questionnaire. The research used Partial Least Squares – Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypothesis using SmartPLS 4.
 
Findings: The result showed, that there is low customer satisfaction with Technology Services (TS) and that hypothesis was rejected.
 
Research, Practical & Social implications: The study has provided recommendations for banks were discussed to pay more attention to customer fulfilment and awareness which convert satisfaction to customer delight.
 
Originality/value:  Due to market sustainability and dynamics, the Indian banking industry has undergone many major changes such as digital banking units (DBU), digital currencies, and social green initiatives. Bank has incorporated many advancements to overcome its rivals. So, the study wants to know the customers are aware of these changes among their banks and whether they are satisfied with products and services.
 
Contribution/Originality: The study wants to rank the select banks of India based on the constructs built, which measure customer loyalty through customer satisfaction and awareness.
Resilient Pedagogical Advancements: Fostering Ict Tools for Post-Pandemic Esl Learning Through Sustainable Development –A Review
Authors: Immanuel Jefry , A Mohamed Sahul Hameed M
Published: February 2024

Background: The  COVID-19  pandemic  spurred  a  revolutionary  shift  in  education,  notably  in language acquisition.  Rooted in the principles of sustainable development, this study probes the  post-pandemic  linguistic  pedagogy,  spotlighting  the  refinement  of  English  as  a  second language's (ESL) receptive and expressive competencies within this novel framework.   Method: With  a  targeted  approach  to  Language  Skills  (LSRW)  acquisition,  employing  25 meticulously  selected  eLearning  applications,  it  addresses  the  reconfiguration  of  English language instruction following the pandemic-induced disruption of conventional methods.   Results: These  digital  resources  facilitated  unprecedented  levels  of  engagement,  ensnaring students' focus through compelling visual aids. Furthermore, they bridged the scholastic divide between educators and learners. Consequently, students found these platforms indispensable for acquiring English as a second language in the online setting. This inquiry propels a call for further investigation into harnessingtechnology-driven learning to enhance ESL environments, all firmly grounded in the  foundational principles of  sustainable development.  It emphasizes the  imperative  of  fostering  environmentally  conscious  and  socially  inclusive  educational practices.   Conclusion:Ultimately, it stands as an invaluable compendium for English language educators worldwide,  furnishing  insights  to  surmount  the  pandemic-induced  pedagogical  hurdles  and embrace  the  innovative  learning  prospects  it  has  ushered  in,  while  advancing  the  cause  of sustainable development in education.
Impact of Digital Banking Products During Covid-19 In Rural Areas of Vellore District
Authors: Lavanya Balasubramaniyan , Rajkumar Athisayam Dunstan
Published: February 2024

Objective: The purpose of the study is to identify the impact of digital banking products during the Covid-19 pandemic. It also aims to analyze the importance and problems of digital products during the pandemic.   Method: To achieve the research objective, quantitative approaches were utilized. SPSS 3.0 is used for statistical analysis. The period of study lasted for 6 months. The sampling unit chosen is in and around the Vellore district. Percentage analysis, Correlation, Chi-square test, and T-test are used for the study.   Results: The results reveal that ATM services, Internet banking, and Digital payment apps were the most used digital products by customers and they can even able to pay their utility bills on time. and the customers can even pay their utility bills easily through net banking, mobile banking, and digital payment apps.   Conclusion: The study suggests that banks have to take necessary action to resolve customer issues such as network issues and server errors. By concentrating on these issues, it is expected that banks will address all the digital issues faced by their customers in the future.
Die historische Bedeutung Tuistos seit dem 16. Jahrhundert - An Beispielen aus bildenden Künsten, Chroniken, Rechtsgeschichte und Literatur
Authors: Haari-Oberg Ilse
Published: February 2024

Tuisto wird erstmals in Tacitus’ Germania (98 n. Chr.) als erdgeborener Gott und Stammvater der Germanen erwähnt. Gegen Ende des 15. Jahrhunderts greift Annius von Viterbo in seinen Antiquitates (1498) Tuisto wieder auf und ebnet damit den Weg für eine reiche Tradition, die bis ins 19. Jahrhundert anhalten wird. Anhand von vier Studien, die der Interpretation der Figur Tuistos in den bildenden Künsten, in den Chroniken, in der Rechtsgeschichte und in der Literatur nachgehen, beleuchtet dieser Band die Vielfalt der Rezeption der Gestalt Tuistos. Die Autorin skizziert auch, welche politischen und kulturellen Ansprüche für die jeweilige Zeit aus der Materie hervorgehen.
El rol de la mujer en las Fuerzas Armadas: Desde la óptica de los Colegios de Defensa Iberoaméricanos
Authors: Gómez Nieto Ricardo
Published: February 2024

A través de este libro, todas las Fuerzas Armadas del Continente Americano hacen el más justo reconocimiento a la trascendencia de contar con la mujer en nuestras instituciones armadas y resaltan, en especial, el papel que ha significado su presencia en las misiones de seguridad y defensa de nuestros países.
Perspectives on chemotherapy-induced toxicities in pancreatic cancer
Authors: Verma Henu Kumar , Sahu Tarun , Bhaskar LVKS
Published: February 2024

Despite breakthroughs in screening, identification, and therapy, pancreatic cancer (PC) remains a serious issue in cancer-related mortality. This comprehensive review investigates the long-term and latent effects of chemotherapy in PC, focusing on commonly used medicines such as gemcitabine, docetaxel, irinotecan, nab-paclitaxel, and others. Gemcitabine, a common PC medication, causes a variety of adverse effects, including myelosuppression and weariness. Combination therapy, such as docetaxel and irinotecan, enhance toxicity, resulting in problems such as neutropenia and gastrointestinal difficulties. Significantly, chemotherapy-related complications, such as thrombosis and cardiac difficulties connected to paclitaxel, present serious concerns. Erlotinib, gefitinib, vatalanib, and sunitinib studies show significant side effects. Despite ongoing challenges, determining the causes of the low objective response rate in gemcitabine-refractory patients remains challenging. The study emphasizes the importance of future advances in cancer etiology, arguing for large, straightforward studies examining combination chemotherapies to improve tolerance and minimize chemotherapy-induced sequelae. This overview serves as a thorough guide for physicians, researchers, and policymakers as they navigate the complex terrain of PC chemotherapy, providing significant insights to improve patient care.
THE DETECTION OF FRAUD : HOW DO FINANCIAL STABILITY AND FINANCIAL DISTRESS AFFECT FRAUDULENT FINANCIAL REPORTS?
Authors: Nurul Nurul Hidayah , Fitria Fitria Ningrum Sayekti
Published: February 2024

The rise of financial statement fraud is currently the basis for research conducted. Companies often use financial statement fraud schemes. These show how important it is to check on a business' health often and take corrective measures if necessary. Falsifying financial accounts is a common practice among businesses to give the impression that everything is fine when it is not. The purpose of this study is to estimate and analyze how financial stability and financial distress impact financial statement fraud.  The investigation will encompass all manufacturing businesses listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange between 2020 and 2022. Based on the results of the purposive sampling method, We used  a sample size of 35 companies  for the study, which equates to about 105 sample data will be observed for three years, from 2020 to 2022. After that, multiple linear regression is used to analyze the data. This study contributes to the increasing body of data indicating the incidence of fraudulent accounting is not the same in times of economic boom and bust. This research shows that financial stability has not a deleterious effect on the likelihood of financial statement fraud and financial distress significantly and positively affects financial statement fraud.. The implication to the research, it is crucial for businesses to adopt preventive measures and to ascertain early on whether they are healthy or not in order to avoid making false financial statements.
PENGARUH GREEN STRATEGY DAN GREEN INVESTMENT TERHADAP CARBON EMISSION DISCLOSURE DENGAN MEDIA EXPOSURE SEBAGAI VARIABEL PEMODERASI
Authors: Ramadhani Kamila , Astuti Christina Dwi
Published: February 2024

This study aims to examine the effect of Green Strategy and Green Investment on Carbon Emission Disclosure with Media Exposure as a Moderating Variable. This study uses secondary data obtained from sustainability reports and annual reports. The research population is in the energy sector, the transportation and logistics sector, the infrastructure sector, and the basic materials sector from 2019 – 2021 with purposive data analysis for sampling technique, and sample companies in this research were 300 companies and there were 10 outlier data, so the total observation data in this research was 290 companies.  . The data analysis technique used in this research is multiple linear analysis. Further research is suggested to add independent variables that affect disclosure of carbon emissions such as environmental management system and green intellectual capital or expand the corporate sector used in conducting this research such as non-cyclical consumers, cyclical consumers, and technology. The results obtained from this study are that the influence of the green strategy has a positive effect on carbon emission disclosure. The effect of green investment has no positive effect on carbon emission disclosure. Media exposure is able to strengthen the effect of green investment on carbon emission disclosure, but is unable to strengthen the effect of green strategy on carbon emission disclosure
Usurping the Role of an Underperforming State: A Case of South Africa
Authors: Mello David , Louw Valery
Published: February 2024

South Africa, like many African states after independence, has begun its downward spiral in several areas, including development, lawlessness, poverty, and poor service delivery. These are the primary hallmarks of an underperforming state. Some critics have begun viewing South Africa as a failing state or even a failed state. It is the authors’ conviction that the downward spiral can be arrested if there is a will and provided that appropriate interventions are implemented timeously. This article conceptualises a sovereign state, a failed state, and looks at the symptoms of a failing state, which seem to be creeping into South Africa. Furthermore, the article considers the burden put on citizens by a failing state as they must take over the responsibilities of the state as individuals and the collective. Most importantly, the paper makes recommendations that may be considered when trying to arrest the failure of the South African state in performing its crucial functions.
Examining Public Responses to the Vigilante Lynching of an Accused Witch in Ghana
Authors: Adinkrah Mensah , Cody Johnita
Published: February 2024

Assaults on women as witches still occur in modern Ghana. In Ghana, impoverished, widowed and older women are regularly stereotyped as witches and accused of practicing malevolent witchcraft. Many are subjected to lethal and non-lethal acts of aggression. In July 2020, a nonagenarian woman was accused of witchcraft and lynched by a transitory public mob. In this article, we analysed approximately 400 readers’ comments left at a Ghana-based internet news website (Ghanaweb.com), which reported the crime. The objective was to identify and analyse the major themes expressed. The data indicate that the commenters overwhelmingly were appalled by the disregard of the victim’s human rights. In alignment with previous literature, the data also revealed that the commenters attributed the 2020 lynching incident to several established drivers of modern-day witch-lynching, such as scapegoating, patriarchal terrorism, religious manipulation, ignorance about mental health and the ageing process, and limited social safety nets for older and indigent people. Many commenters called upon the authorities to impose draconian punishment on the offenders to deter future incidents. We conclude by offering a set of recommendations for curtailing witchcraft-related violence in Ghana.
Controversies of micronutrients supplementation in hair loss
Authors: Nagendran Prabhakaran , Sakkaravarthi VinuPriya
Published: February 2024

Hair loss is a common problem causing significant psychosocial impact in the affected individuals. Supplementation of micronutrients in various combinations is commonly practiced by dermatologists for hair loss. Even though the micronutrients are essential for hair growth, their exact role in the pathogenesis of hair loss is controversial. Therefore, in the absence of documented deficiency, the role of supplementing these micronutrients is debatable. It may rather lead to toxicities and unintentional medical consequences. Due to inadequate evidence supporting the role of micronutrients in hair loss, further research is recommended to bridge the gaps in our knowledge. This perspective discusses the role and controversies in using various micronutrients in hair loss.
Kerusakan hutan jati di Jawa oleh eksploitasi VOC, 1611-1796
Authors: Salsabila Faza
Published: February 2024

Di Pulau Jawa, hutan jati tersebar di berbagai daerah dan dikenal sebagai hutan tertua dengan pengelolaan hutan yang terbaik di Indonesia. Sejak abad ke-12, tepatnya masa kerajaan Singasari dan Majapahit, kayu jati dimanfaatkan sebagai pembangunan kota dan bahan pembuatan kapal-kapal sebagai sarana transportasi dan armada angkatan laut. Namun, seiring berjalannya waktu, pemanfaatan tersebut justru menimbulkan eksploitasi pada hutan jati. Eksploitasi hutan jati di Jawa semakin meningkat ketika VOC berhasil menguasai sebagian hutan di pesisir utara pulau Jawa dengan melakukan penebangan paksa, memungut hak kayu jati dari penguasa-penguasa lokal, dan memberikan upah rendah pada para pekerja. Melalui metode penelitian sejarah yang terdiri dari empat tahapan, yaitu heuristik, kritik, interpretasi, dan historiografi, tulisan ini mengkaji lebih lanjut kegiatan eksploitasi hutan jati di Jawa yang dilakukan VOC demi memenuhi kebutuhan mereka seperti industri pembuatan kapal dan penjualan ke pasar internasional. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa kegiatan eksploitasi oleh VOC mengakibatkan banyaknya hutan jati yang menghilang di daerah pesisir utara Jawa, merusak hutan di area bekas tebangan, dan memiskinkan rakyat di sekitar hutan. Puncak kerusakan ini terjadi bersamaan dengan bangkrutnya VOC pada tahun 1796.
Perubahan gunung kunci dari fungsi benteng pertahanan menjadi taman hutan raya, 1917-2023
Authors: Mutawally Anwar Firdaus , Dienaputra Reiza D.
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan menelusuri perkembangan fungsi benteng gunung kunci di Kabupaten Sumedang. Selama ini dikenal masyarakat karena unsur mistis, sehingga belum banyak yang mengetahui sisi historis maupun upaya konservasi alam. Diperlukan kajian ilmiah yang membahas gunung kunci dari segi sejarah maupun konservasi alam. Fokus penelitian adalah perkembangan gunung kunci mulai benteng pertahanan pada masa kolonial hingga menjadi taman hutan raya pada masa kemerdekaan. Metode sejarah digunakan dalam penelitian ini dengan empat tahap yakni heuristik, kritik, interpretasi dan historiografi. Penulis mendapatkan data sejarah dari perpustakaan, lembaga kearsipan, sumber daring, lokasi benteng dan koleksi pribadi. Sumber penelitian dari dokumen, buku, jurnal, laporan penelitian, prasasti dan sumber lisan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa gunung kunci bermula sebagai benteng pertahanan pada 1917. Hal ini dilakukan sebagai bentuk preventif pemerintah kolonial untuk menghindari serangan dari luar atau pemberontakan. Perubahan fungsi benteng dari infrastruktur pertahanan. Di mulai sejak tahun 1960-an dengan utilisasi gunung kunci sebagai kawasan hutan produksi pinus. Sejak tahun 1977 menjadi objek wisata yang dibuka bebas untuk pengunjung. Pada tahun 2004, beserta Gunung Palasari ditetapkan statusnya menjadi taman hutan raya di Indonesia.
PELATIHAN PENGEMBANGAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN SEBAGAI INOVASI PENDIDIKAN BAGI PENDIDIK TINGKAT DASAR DI DESA SUKOSEWU
Authors: Puspitasari Ika , Arifin Shokhibul , Solekah Putri Nur , Nadiya Salsabila Putri , Maftuhah Rifa’atul
Published: February 2024

Pendidik harus mampu menguasai teknologi dan harus kreatif dalam menciptakan berbagai media pembelajaran yang sesuai dengan capaian pembelajaran yang diinginkan. Inovasi media pembelajaran dapat merangsang pikiran, perasaan, perhatian peserta didik sehingga proses belajar dapat mendorong peserta didik belajar lebih baik. Di Desa Sukosewu terdapat 1 SDN Sukosewu, 2 Madrasah Ibtidaiyah yaitu MI Matlaul Islam dan MI Fathul Ulum. Permasalahan yang dihadapi pendidik di sekolah tersebut adalah kemampuan dalam mengembangkan media pembelajaran yang inovatif. Kelompok KKN Desa Sukosewu yang mengusung tema inovasi pendidikan berinisiatif melaksanakan program pelatihan pengembangan media pembelajaran bagi pendidik tingkat dasar yang ada di Desa Sukosewu. Pelaksanaan dilakukan dengan pemberian materi, latihan dan praktik membuat media pembelajaran. Berdasarkan hasil evaluasi dan tindak lanjut menunjukkan bahwa pendidik mendapatkan pengetahuan terkait pengembangan media pembelajaran dan mampu mengimplementasikan media pembelajaran yang sudah dibuat dalam proses pembelajaran di sekolah.
Aziridination via Nitrogen-Atom Transfer to Olefins from Photoexcited Azoxy-Triazenes
Authors: Mitchell Joshua , Hussain Waseem , Bansode Ajay , O'Connor Ryan , Parasram Marvin
Published: February 2024

Herein, we report that readily accessible azoxy-triazenes can serve as nitrogen atom sources under visible light excitation for the phthalimido-protected aziridination of alkenes. This approach eliminates the need for external oxidants, precious transition metals, and photocatalysts, marking a departure from conventional methods. The versatility of this transformation extends to the selective aziridination of both activated and unactivated multi-substituted alkenes of varying electronic profiles. Notably, this process avoids the formation of competing C–H insertion products. The described protocol is operationally simple, scalable, and adaptable to photoflow conditions. Mechanistic studies support that the photofragmentation of azoxy-triazenes results in the generation of a free singlet nitrene. Furthermore, a mild photoredox-catalyzed N–N cleavage of the protecting group to furnish the free aziridines is reported. Our findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable and practical methodologies for the synthesis of nitrogen-containing compounds, showcasing the potential for broader applications in synthetic chemistry.
Improved Estimates of Folding Stabilities and Kinetics with Multiensemble Markov Models
Authors: Zhang Si , Ge Yunhui , Voelz Vincent
Published: February 2024

Markov State Models (MSMs) have been widely applied to understand folding mechanisms and predict long timescale dynamics from ensembles of short molecular simulations. Most MSM estimators enforce detailed balance, assuming that trajectory data is sampled at equilibrium. This is rarely the case for ab initio folding studies, however, and as a result, MSMs can severely underestimate protein folding stabilities from such data. To remedy this problem, we have developed an enhanced-sampling protocol in which (1) unbiased folding simulations are performed and sparse tICA is used to obtain features that best capture the slowest events in folding, (2) umbrella sampling along this reaction coordinate is performed to observe folding and unfolding transitions, and (3) the thermodynamics and kinetics of folding are estimated using multiensemble Markov models (MEMMs). Using this protocol, folding pathways, rates, and stabilities of a designed alpha-helical hairpin, Z34C, can be predicted in good agreement with experimental measurements. These results indicate that accurate simulation-based estimates of absolute folding stabilities are within reach, with implications for the computational design of folded mini-proteins and peptidomimetics.
Bartender: Martini 3 Bonded Terms via Quantum Mechanics-based Molecular Dynamics
Authors: Pereira Gilberto P. , Alessandri Riccardo , Domínguez Moisés , Araya-Osorio Rocío , Grünewald Linus , Borges-Araújo Luís , Wu Sangwook , Marrink Siewert J. , Telles de Souza Paulo Cesar , Mera-Adasme Raul
Published: February 2024

Coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have grown in applicability over the years. The recently released version of the Martini CG force field (Martini 3) has been successfully applied to simulate many processes, including protein-ligand binding. However, the current ligand parameterization scheme is manual and requires an a priori reference all-atom (AA) simulation for benchmarking. For systems with suboptimal AA parameters, which are often unknown, this translates into a CG model which does not reproduce the true dynamical behavior of the underlying molecule. Here we present Bartender, a quantum mechanics (QM)/MD-based parameterization tool written in Go. Bartender harnesses the power of QM simulations and produces reasonable bonded terms for Martini 3 CG models of small molecules in an efficient and user-friendly manner. For small, ring-like molecules, Bartender generates models whose properties are indistinguishable from the human-made models. For more complex, drug-like ligands, it is able to fit functional forms beyond simple harmonic dihedrals, and thus better captures their dynamical behavior. Bartender has the power to both increase the efficiency and the accuracy of Martini 3-based high-throughput applications by producing stable and physically realistic CG models.
Site-Selective Benzylic C–H Hydroxylation in Electron-Deficient Azaheterocycles
Authors: Kaur Milanpreet , Cooper Julian C. , Van Humbeck Jeffrey F.
Published: February 2024

Benzylic C–H bonds can be converted into numerous functional groups, often by mechanisms that involve hydrogen atom transfer at the key bond breaking step. The abstracting species is most often an electrophilic radical, which makes these reactions best suited to electron-rich C–H bonds to achieve appropriate polarity matching. Thus, electron deficient systems such as pyridine and pyrimidine are relatively unreactive, and relatively underrpresented in substrate scopes. In this report, we describe a new method for benzylic hydroxylation—essentially an unknown reaction in the case of pyrimidines—that makes use of an iodine(III) reagent to affords very high selectivity towards electron-deficient azaheterocycles in substrates with more than one reactive position and prevents over-oxidation to carbonyl products. The identification of key reaction byproducts supports a mechanism that involves radical coupling in the bond forming step.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Based Electrical Sensor: Dimethylamine Substituted Alkynylated Anthracene for H2 Detection
Authors: Islam Khadimul , Daniel Thomas , Paily Roy , Kumar Akshai
Published: February 2024

The demand for hydrogen is on a continuous rise in view of its application as a clean-burning and alternate carbon-free energy source. It is flammable at concentration above 4 % in air and is odorless. Fabrication of highly sensitive and selective hydrogen sensors based on small organic molecules which operate at room temperature is challenging. This work describes the fabrication of a hydrogen sensor containing -conjugated organic semiconductor based on a N,N-dimethylamine substituted tetraalkynylatedanthracene that can detect H2 at concentrations as low as 150 part per million (ppm) at room temperature. The N,N-dimethyl amine containing tetraalkynylatedanthracene (AnPhNMe2) has been synthesized by tetra-fold Sonogashira reaction employing a catalyst system based on Pd(CH3CN)2Cl2 + cataCXium® A. A precisely con-trolled fabrication is enabled by employing a μ-gridder printing system. The gas sensor shows excellent sensitivity, fast response and high recovery to H2 at room temperature. Moreover, after the interaction with H2, the surface electron of the ANPhNMe2 gets enhanced and shows a decrease in the resistance of the fabricated device. Sensor exhibits a limit of detection of 49 ppb with the highest sensitivity of 19.95% for the detection of 900 ppm of H2, with a response time of 10 to 20 seconds. This work aims to develop a proof-of-concept for enhancing room temperature hydrogen sensing by developing a low cost printed sensor.
Towards Understanding Trans-Cleavage of Natural and Synthetic Nucleic Acids by Cas12a for Sensitive CRISPR Biosensing
Authors: Deng Fei , Sang Rui , Li Yi , Yang Danting , Deng Wei , Goldys Ewa
Published: February 2024

CRISPR/Cas systems have been widely utilized for the development of biosensing platforms for precision molecular diagnostics. Their remarkable biosensing performance critically depends on the efficiency of sequence-independent trans-cleavage in type V and VI Cas effectors. Cas12a, a typical example of type V Cas effector exhibits varying trans-cleavage efficiency on different types of nucleic acids, and also in response to different nucleobase sequences. However, the underlying mechanism of Cas12a’s trans-cleavage characteristic remains unclear. To explore this mechanism, we introduced Xeno nucleic acids (XNA) as potential trans-cleavage substrates of Cas12a. XNAs are chemically modified nucleic acid analogues, which originate from chemical modifications of nucleobases, sugar moieties, and the backbone. We observed a progressive decrease in trans-cleavage rates by Cas12a across different types of XNAs, in the following sequence: nucleobase-modified XNA > sugar moiety-modified XNA > backbone-modified XNA. In addition, more complex chemical modifications on either of the three above locations led to the lowering of the trans-cleavage rate of Cas12a. These findings elucidate the mechanism behind Cas12a’ trans-cleavage characteristic, which is attributed to varying molecular complexity of the sugar moieties and nucleobases. Based on these findings, we also developed a colorimetric CRISPR/Cas12a biosensing system utilizing XNA for the detection of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), with a limit of detection of 10 pM and a 4 logs detection range from 10 pM to 100 nM. These results indicate that XNA can serve as a novel Cas12a trans-cleavage target for sensitive biosensing applications.