bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigasi Faktor Yang Mempengaruhi Minat UMKM Menggunakan Cloud Accounting
Authors: Rahayu Isti , Dyah Ayu Noor Kharisma  , Primanita Setyono  , Noor Endah Cahyawati
Published: November 2023

Abstract

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises highly need information on their business financial condition. The financial information is generated from the accounting process conducted using cloud-based accounting software. This research study aims to investigate the factors affecting small and medium-sized enterprises making use of cloud accounting. The population in this research are small and medium-sized enterprises in The Special Region of Yogyakarta, and convenience sampling was used for selecting the research sample. Then, the data testing was conducted using regression analysis. By using the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), the research findings reveal that performance expectations, business expectations, and facilitating conditions have a positive influence on SMEs’ intention to using cloud accounting. However, this research study has not succeeded in proving the effect of social influence, hedonic motivation, and price value on the intention to using cloud accounting. For the implication, these research findings can be used by authorities as socialization to SMEs in order that they record their business by utilizing cloud-based accounting applications.

Keywords: Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Cloud Accounting, UTAUT

 

 

Abstrak

Usaha Mikro Kecil Menengah (UMKM)  sangat membutuhkan informasi kondisi financial usahanya. Informasi financial dihasilkan dari proses akuntansi yang dapat dilakukan menggunakan program aplikasi akuntansi berbasi cloud. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk membuktikan factor-faktor yang mempengaruhi minat UMKM menggunakan cloud accounting. Populasi dalam penelitian adalah  UMKM di Daerah Istimewa Yogyakarta, dengan pengambilan sampel secara convenience. Pengujian data dilakukan menggunakan analisis regresi. Dengan menggunakan  Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Tecnology (UTAUT),  hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekspektasi kinerja, ekspektasi usaha dan kondisi yang memfasilitasi berpengaruh positip terhadap minat UMKM menggunakan cloud accounting. Namun demikian penelitian ini tidak berhasil membuktikan pengaruh sosial, motivasi hedonis dan nilai harga terhadap minat menggunakan cloud accounting. Hasil penelitian ini dapat dimanfaatkan untuk sosialisasi  pihak yang berwenang kepada pemilik  UMKM untuk melakukan pencatatan usahanya dengan  memanfaatkan aplikasi akuntansi berbasis cloud.

Kata Kunci: UMKM, Cloud Accounting, UTAUT
Pengendalian Kualitas Kemasan Produk PCC Menggunakan Algoritma Apriori, New Seven Tools dan Usulan Poka Yoke
Authors: Naufal Muhamad , Hunusalela Zeny Fatimah , Sinambela Sahat
Published: November 2023

Masalah yang terdapat pada PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa Tbk yaitu terdapat kecacatan setiap bulannya pada kemasan PCC yaitu disebabkan robeknya kantung semen akibat belt conveyor, robeknya kantung saat pemuatan semen ke-truk, robeknya kantung semen karena lem kurang merekat, Kemasan rusak akibat kelebihan muatan dan juga rusaknya kantung semen akibat operator. Maka dari itu upaya mengendalikan kualitas pada kemasan semen akan menggunakan metode Algoritma Apriori, New Seven Tools, Poka Yoke serta software RapidMiner dan SolidWorks. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian, diketahui nilai confidence produk cacat dominan yaitu Kemasan rusak akibat material handling dan kemasan rusak akibat operator kurang teliti sebesar 100% dan nilai support sebesar 16%. Setelah diketahui faktor penyebab kecacatan pada kantung semen, kemudian dilakukan perancangan untuk mencegah terjadinya kecacatan pada produk kantung yaitu berupa alat bantu pada pemabatas belt conveyor yang tajam agar kantung semen terhindar dari robek, dengan membuat alat pencegahan berupa material karet licin yang menyerupai tabung di sisi kanan dan kiri di atas belt conveyor dengan desain mengerucut hingga 350cm. Alat ini berfungsi mencegah terjadinya sentuhan secara langsung pembatas belt conveyor yang bisa membuat kantung semen robek. Dengan adanya penelitian ini, diharapkan pihak perusahaan dapat menerapan usulan perancangan yang telah dibuat, guna untuk mengurangi risiko kecacatan.
Unnoticed Child from the Conflict Zone: A Study of Human Behaviour in Select Indian Graphic Novels
Authors: Rose J S Cynthiya , R Bhuvaneswari
Published: November 2023

Children in conflict-affected regions face numerous obstacles that can substantially impact their cognitive and behavioural development. The purpose of this study is to examine how Indian Graphic Novels, specifically Malik Sajad’s Munnu: A Boy from Kashmir and Varud Gupta & Ayushi Rastogi’s Chhotu: A Tale of Partition and Love, depict the routine of children’s lives in conflict-prone regions. The selected novels effectively convey the lived experiences of the young protagonists and offer an original perspective on their struggles. Children who are deprived of a safe environment due to violence are frequently subjected to financial, sexual, psychological, and physical maltreatment, as well as rules and restrictions from their parents, teachers, and neighbours. The ecological system theory, which contends that a child’s environment affects their general behaviour, is employed in the study. It underlines the effects of living in a conflict zone on behaviour, including post-traumatic stress disorder. Despite the significant influence of parents, culture, and social norms, the study demonstrates that the behaviour of young protagonists living in conflict zones is strongly influenced by their environment (chronosystem). According to the analysis, conflict-related violence against children has become a significant threat to global development. While the number of children affected by the violent environment is unclear, it is evident that those confined to ‘home life’ in a combat zone are at a greater risk of abuse and trauma. The study emphasises the critical requirement for defending the legal rights of children living in conflict areas and giving them a secure environment. It places a strong focus on the value of social services, healthcare, and education in preserving and advancing children’s rights. The purpose of the study is to contribute to a greater understanding of human behaviour in the context of conflict and its potential long-term effects on the development of children. The need to create a just and peaceful world for all children is underlined in the study.
Assessing air pollution emissions vs. abatement costs in agricultural practices
Authors: Arrighini Michele Francesco , Guariso Giorgio , Volta Marialuisa , Zecchi Laura
Published: November 2023

Agriculture is a vital component of human civilization, providing food, fiber, and fuel for billions of people worldwide. However, the agricultural sector has also been identified as a significant contributor to air pollution. This study investigates and analyses the impact of agrofarming activities on air pollution in very productive areas such as Northern Italy. It explores the various sources and mechanisms through which agriculture affects air quality compared to all the other emission sectors and the types of pollutants involved, and quantifies the consequences for human health of agricultural emissions. As a further and novel step, it highlights the technologies that can mitigate these negative impacts and promote sustainable agriculture by adopting an integrated assessment modeling approach. This study defines policy recommendations for the area at hand, determining the optimal compromises between air quality improvement and pollution abatement costs. For instance, it shows that it is possible to reduce the average PM2.5 concentration by 17% with an annual expenditure of 300 M€. Four percent of this improvement is due to end-of-pipe abatement measures in the agricultural sector. Such an improvement in air quality would translate into a reduction of tens of thousands of years of life lost by the resident population. This study concludes with an outlook of additional options for addressing the air pollution challenges associated with agro-farming activities that constitute a limit of the current study, but could open new research lines.
EFL Teachers’ Cognition on ICT: Relevance for Training and Professional Development
Authors: Widiatmoko Paulus
Published: November 2023

Teacher cognition has been known as what teachers think, know, and believe. Its origin could be traced back to the development of Psychology highlighted complex relationship between what people do, what they know, and what they believe. Educational researchers believe that in teaching, teachers’ mental lives play a role in their instructional choices. This study reports a case of EFL English teachers’ cognition towards the use of ICT to facilitate language skill practice. Attitudes on the use of ICT by thirty eight English teacher participants of a training program on the use of cloud-based apps were assessed resulting in a higher perceived level of affective factors and usefulness of technology products than the other two; their perceived control on their use and their behavioural intention to explore them. Further open-ended assessment and interview revealed familiarity with various technology products for language teaching as beginner users as the biggest percentages. Results of this assessment provided useful information for ICT training conducts suggesting effective methods and techniques of material delivery and assistance. Moreover, the findings revealed choices of approach and strategies to enhance ICT professional development covering both internal and external factors are related with their job responsibilities and nature.
Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Project Based Learning (PjBL) pada Pembelajaran Informatika Materi Pengolahan Angka Microsoft Excel
Authors: Sianturi Lupino
Published: November 2023

Model merupakan pola yang digunakan sebagai pedoman untuk meracang, melaksanakan suatu kegiatan agar hasil sesuai dengan yang diharapkan pendekatan seorang pendidik harus mampu merancang suatu model yang tepat  dalam proses kegiatan belajar mengajar baik dikelas mauapun di luar. Tujuan penelitian ini dibuat untuk (1) Menguraiakn Model Project Based Learning (PjBL) (2) Penerapan Model Project Based Learning (PjBL)  pada pembelajaran Informatika materi pengolahan angka Microsoft Excel Hasil Penelitian ini adalah : (1) PjBL merupakan model pembelajaran yang memiliki pendekatan belajar dengan menggunakan bantuan komputer dalam proses pembelajaran sehingga menumbuhkan minat belajar peserta didik (2) Penerapan Model PjBL pada pembelajaran Informatika materi pengolahan angka Microsoft Excel yang mampu menumbuhkan minat dan hasil belajar peserta didik.
In Vivo Effect of Single Intra-Articular Injection of Tranexamic Acid on Articular Cartilage and Meniscus
Authors: Wang Ming , Li Yucong , Lin Sien , Ong Michael T.Y. , Yung Patrick S.H. , Li Gang
Published: November 2023

Background:

Tranexamic acid (TXA) has been increasingly used in arthroscopic surgery to prevent hemarthrosis. Despite its effectiveness, safety concerns have been raised regarding its potential cytotoxicity to articular cartilage and meniscus following intra-articular injection.

Methods:

To evaluate the impact of TXA on cartilage and meniscus, a rat model of knee instability was utilized wherein anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) transection surgery was followed by a single intra-articular injection of TXA at varying concentrations (0, 20, 50, 100, and 150 mg/mL) in saline solution. Cell viability assessment of the cartilage and meniscus (n = 6 per group) was conducted at 24 hours, and gross observation and histological analysis of the medial tibial plateau and medial meniscus were conducted at 2, 4, and 8 weeks (n = 6 per group and time point).

Results:

The chondrocyte viability was significantly decreased in the 50, 100, and 150 mg/mL TXA groups compared with the specimens injected with saline solution only (saline group) (p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), as was meniscal cell viability (p = 0.042, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively). At week 8, the saline and 20 and 50 mg/mL groups showed relatively normal appearances, whereas the 100 and 150 mg/mL groups exhibited increased and varying severity of cartilage and meniscal degeneration. In the 150 mg/mL group, the mean Osteoarthritis Research Society International score was significantly higher than that in the saline and 20 mg/mL groups (p = 0.010 and p = 0.007). Additionally, the mean meniscus score in the 150 mg/mL group was significantly higher than that in the saline, 20 mg/mL, and 50 mg/mL groups (p = 0.020, p = 0.021, p = 0.031, respectively).

Conclusions:

Our findings indicate that concentrations of TXA at or above 100 mg/mL can lead to decreased cell viability in both cartilage and meniscus, resulting in significant cartilage degeneration in rats with ACL transection. Furthermore, the use of 150 mg/mL of TXA led to significant meniscal degeneration.

Clinical Relevance:

It is prudent to avoid using concentrations of TXA at or above 100 mg/mL for intra-articular injection, as such concentrations may result in adverse effects on the cartilage and meniscus.
Cone dysfunction in ARR3-mutation-associated early-onset high myopia: an electrophysiological study
Authors: Feher Tamas , Széll Noémi , Nagy István , Maróti Zoltán , Kalmár Tibor , Sohajda Zoltán , Barboni Mirella T. S.
Published: November 2023

Background
Myopia-26, a Mendelian form of early-onset high-myopia caused by mutations in the X-chromosomal ARR3 gene and predominantly affecting females, curiously, may provide an alternative route of investigation to unveil retinal mechanisms underlying pathological eye growth. We conducted a case-control cross-sectional prospective electrophysiological study in genetically characterized Myopia-26 patients (ARR3 heterozygous mutants) compared with high myopes harboring intact ARR3 alleles.
Results
Participants were 24 females: 10 healthy controls (E-CTRL, mean age = 31.5 ± 8.8 years) and 14 high myopes (HM; mean age = 27.0 ± 13.1 years) divided in two groups: seven without (M-CTRL) and seven with (MYP-26) genetic alteration in the ARR3 gene. The clinical evaluation included complete eye screening and ISCEV full field ERGs recorded from both eyes under mydriasis. Spherical equivalent was comparable (mean=-9.55 ± 2.46 and − 10.25 ± 3.22 for M-CTRL and MYP-26, respectively) and BCVA was significantly different between M-CTRL (full BCVA) and MYP-26 (mean = 0.406 ± 0.253). E-CTRL and M-CTRL showed similar light-adapted flash and flicker ERG amplitudes; however, the prior values were reduced by cca. 35% (a- and b-waves alike), the latter by cca. 55% in the MYP-26 group (F(2,47) > 21.821, p < 0.005). The presence of myopia slightly reduced dark-adapted a-wave amplitudes (~ 20%), but this was not specific for ARR3 mutations (M-CTRL vs MYP-26, p = 0.999).
Conclusions
The cone dysfunction observed in MYP-26 patients is not the consequence of HM, i.e. elongation of the eye, it rather plays a role in the pathogenesis of Myopia-26. Further studies may reveal retinal mechanisms connecting cone dysfunction to eye growth in Myopia-26 patients.
Does arthroscopic or open washout in native knee septic arthritis result in superior post-operative function? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials and observational studies.
Authors: Kennedy Grace Elizabeth Margaret , Tharmaseelan Abisha , Phillips Jonathan R A , Evans Jonathan T , Kunutsor Setor K
Published: November 2023

Aims
Septic arthritis (SA) of the native knee joint is associated with significant morbidity. This review compared post-operative functional outcomes (patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) and range of movement (ROM)) following arthroscopic washout (AW) and open washout (OW) amongst adult patients with SA of the native knee. The need for further operative intervention was also considered.
Methods
Electronic databases of PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science and Scopus were searched between 16 February 2023–18 March 2023. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and comparative observational analytic studies comparing function (reflected in PROMs or ROM) at latest follow-up following AW and OW were included.
A narrative summary was provided concerning post-operative PROMs. Pooled estimates for mean ROM and re-operation rates were conducted using the random-effects model.
The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias assessment tool-2 for RCTs, and the Risk of Bias in Non-Randomized Studies of Interventions tool for observational analytic studies.
Results
Of 2,580 retrieved citations, seven articles (one RCT, and six cohort studies) met the inclusion criteria. Of these, five had some concerns/ moderate risk of bias and two had serious risk.
There was a slight tendency for superior mean PROMs following AW compared with OW, but due to small effect sizes this was unlikely clinically relevant. Additionally, the use of four different PROMs scales made direct comparisons impossible. AW was associated with superior ROM (mean difference 20.18 degrees (95%CI 14.35, 26.02; p<0.00001)), whilst there was a tendency for lower re-operation requirements following AW (OR 0.64, 95%CI 0.26, 1.57, p=0.44).
Conclusions
AW was associated with equivalent to superior post-operative function and lower requirement for further intervention compared with OW. Results need to be interpreted cautiously, taking into consideration the methodological and clinical heterogeneity of the included studies.
Systematic review registration: PROSPERO 2022, CRD42022364062
nanoRAPIDS, an analytical pipeline for the discovery of novel bioactive metabolites in complex culture extracts at nanoscale
Authors: Wezel Gilles van , Santiago Isabel Nunez , Machushynets Nataliia V. , Mladic Marija , Bergeijk Doris van , Elsayed Somayah , Hankemeier Thomas
Published: November 2023

Microbial natural products form the basis of most of the antibiotics used in the clinic. The vast majority has not yet been discovered, among others because the hidden chemical space is obscured by previously identified (and typically abundant) antibiotics in culture extracts. Thus, efficient metabolic dereplication is key to the discovery of those molecules that may represent our future medicines. Here we present an analytical platform for the efficient identification and prioritization of low abundance bioactive compounds at nanoliter scale, called nanoRAPIDS. NanoRAPIDS encompasses analytical scale separation and nanofractionation of natural extracts, followed by high-throughput bioassay, automated mass spectrometry identification, and Global Natural Products Social molecular networking (GNPS) for dereplication. As little as 10 μL crude extract is thereby fractionated into 384 fractions. First, bioactive congeners of iturins and surfactins were identified in Bacillus, based on their activity against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria and/or fungi. Subsequently, bioactive molecules were identified in an extensive network of angucyclines elicited by catechol in cultures of Streptomyces sp. This allowed the discovery of a highly unusual N-acetylcysteine conjugate of saquayamycin, despite low production levels in an otherwise abundant molecular family. These data underline the utility and broad application of the technology for the prioritization of minor bioactive compounds in complex extracts.
Balneotherapy for the treatment of post-COVID syndrome: A randomized pilot trial
Authors: Diana Ovejero , Judit Villar-García , Marta Trenchs-Rodriguez , Daniel Lopez , Anna Ribes , Xavier Nogues , Robert Güerri-Fernandez , Natalia Garcia-Giralt
Published: November 2023

Background
Post-Acute COVID Syndrome (PACS) is a complex disorder that currently lacks effective evidenced-based therapies to manage it. This pilot randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of balneotherapy on PACS symptomatology.
Methods
Ninety-eight adults with PACS visited at Hospital del Mar Research Institute, Barcelona (Spain) were included to the study. Participants in the intervention group were allocated to 12 sessions of balneotherapy delivered in one month. The control group continued with their usual care. The primary outcome was to evaluate the absolute change in questionnaire scores between baseline and two follow-up points: immediately after balneotherapy (one-month post-baseline for the control group), and 2 months post-baseline. The following scales/questionnaires were employed: Post-COVID-19 functional status scale, mMRC dyspnea Scale, SF-36, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Memory failures in everyday life following severe head injury, and Visual Analogic Scale (VAS).
Results
Forty-seven patients in the balneotherapy group and 43 in the control group completed the study. After balneotherapy, significant improvement was detected in the balneotherapy group vs the control group in various SF-36 domains, PSQI total score, HAD’s anxiety subscale, and VAS. Among these, SF-36’s energy/fatigue and pain subscales exhibited the most prominent changes (p-value < 0.0001). One month after balneotherapy, some of these differences were lost between groups although persisting beneficial effects were maintained particularly in SF-36’s pain and energy/fatigue scales.
Conclusion
Balneotherapy comprise a safe and tolerable rehabilitative modality that can alleviate several symptoms that characterize PACS, particularly musculoskeletal pain and fatigue.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05765591 (13/03/2023)
Role of oxidative stress and IL-17 induced inflammatory cytokines in thyroid carcinoma with Hashimoto's thyroiditis
Authors: xing chenhao , lu Yamin , Liu Guangxia , Chen Fang , hou zhan , Zhang Yiwen
Published: November 2023

Objective: To investigate the expression changes and mechanism of oxidative stress and IL-17 induced inflammatory factors in thyroid cancer with Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Method: 40 patients with thyroid cancer accompanied by Hashimoto's thyroiditis were selected as the PTC+HT group, 45 patients with simple thyroid cancer as the PTC group, 42 patients with simple Hashimoto's thyroiditis as the HT group, and 40 healthy individuals as the control group (NC). Evaluate the oxidative stress indicators NO, eNOS, superoxide dismutase (SOD), inflammatory indicators IL-17A, IL-1β and IL-6, thyroid hormones and their antibodies TPOAb and TGAb, as well as related biochemical indicators.
Result: The inflammatory and oxidative stress indicators such as IL-17A were significantly increased in the PTC and HT groups compared to the control group, while the PTC+HT group further increased; There was a significant difference in thyroid hormone levels between the PTC+HT group and the HT group compared to the control group (P<0.05); TPOAb, TGAb and NO, eNOS, IL-17A, IL-1 β、IL-6 showed a significant positive correlation and a significant negative correlation with SOD (P<0.05); eNOS, SOD, and IL-17A are risk factors for these three different diseases.
Conclusion: IL-17 and its induced inflammatory factors and oxidative stress are highly expressed in PTC+HT, and the synergistic effect between inflammation and oxidative stress leads to thyroid hormone levels and antibody abnormalities in PTC+HT patients. eNOS, SOD, and IL-17A can serve as effective indicators for predicting the occurrence and evaluating changes in PTC+HT disease, and also provide a theoretical basis for future treatment of PTC+HT.
Wood products with advanced solar-to-thermal conversion and
phase change energy storage
Authors: Li Shujun , Dang Ben , Yang Chenhui , Zhou Tao , Yin WeiMing , Liu Shouxin , Zhang Yahui , Xu Ting , Si Chuanling , Li Jian , Chen Zhijun
Published: November 2023

Naturally porous wood, which has the potential to incorporate photothermal absorbers and phase-change materials, has proven to be a valuable scaffold for advanced solar-to-thermal materials and heat management technologies. Nonetheless, the light-absorbing role of lignins, which contain numerous polyaromatic rings, has been largely overlooked. Our study presents a straightforward approach to enhance solar light absorption by wood through in-situ complexation of Fe 3+ with the phenolic hydroxyl groups found in demethylated wood lignin. Phase change energy storage is subsequently achieved by in situ polymerization of polyethylene glycol and hexamethylene diisocyanate to form polyurethane in the cell lumen. This effective combination of solar-to-thermal energy conversion and phase change energy storage exploits the polyaromatic rings of lignin to enhance light-harvesting and utilizes the porous structure of natural wood for the accommodation of phase change materials. The resultant wood shows a real-life application for long-lasting solar-to-thermal conversion, thermal insulation and solar-thermal-electric conversion. This smart wood product provides a cost-effective, highly stable, and easy-to-implement solution for energy conversion and thermal management technologies.
Pan-cancer Analysis for the Prognostic and Immunological Role of CD47: Interact with TNFRSF9 Inducing CD8+T Cell Exhaustion.
Authors: Liang Hongxin , Yao Lintong , Xie Daipeng , Chen Duo , Dai Jinchi , Qiu Hongrui , Wang Huili , Li Hao , Leng Jinhang , Tang Ziming , Jiao Xiuwei , Qiu Liyun , Zhou Haiyu
Published: November 2023

Purpose
The role of CD47 in the effectiveness of immunotherapy has been researched. An understanding of the impact of CD47 on the tumor immune microenvironment, particularly with regard to CD8 + T cells, remains inadequately clarified. Our research focuses on investigating the prognostic and immunological significance of CD47 to gain a deeper understanding of its potential applications in immunotherapy.
Methods
The examination of differential gene expression, prognosis, immunological infiltration, pathway enrichment, and correlation was conducted using various R packages, computational tools, datasets, and cohorts. The notion was validated by the use of single-cell sequencing.
Results
CD47 was expressed in nearly all cancer types, associated with poor prognosis in pan-cancer. The immunological research revealed that CD47 exhibited a stronger correlation with T-cell infiltration as opposed to T-cell rejection in cases of multiple cancers. The cytotoxic CD8 + T cell Top group had a poorer prognosis in the CD47-high group than the CD47-low group showing CD47 might impair CD8 + T cell function. Mechanism exploration found that CD47 differential genes in multiple cancers were enriched in the CD8 + T-cell exhausted pathway. Subsequent analysis of the CD8 TCR Downstream Pathway and correlation analysis of genes further demonstrated the significant involvement of TNFRSF9.
Conclusion
There is a strong correlation between CD47 and the exhaustion of CD8 + T cells, which in turn can facilitate immune evasion by cancer cells, ultimately resulting in a negative prognosis. Hence, the genes CD47 and T-cell exhaustion-linked genes, particularly TNFRSF9, exhibit potential as dual antigenic targets and offer valuable insights into the realm of immunotherapy.
Tocilizumab timing and COVID-19 mortality: a cohort study of early vs late administration
Authors: MacGregor Fiona , O’Prey Alison , Caulfield Carolyn , MacTavish Pamela , Lowrie Richard , Henderson Philip
Published: November 2023

Background
The optimal timing of tocilizumab treatment during the disease course of COVID 19 has yet to be adequately defined in the context of randomised controlled trials, and the effect of tocilizumab on real-world populations remains unclear. We examined the effect of different timing of tocilizumab, on mortality, in a cohort of adults with COVID 19.
Methods
All adults (≥ 18 years old) with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to four hospitals in the West of Scotland between 8th Jan 2021 and 31st March 2021 and who received tocilizumab were included in a retrospective cohort study. Patients were assigned to either an early (day 0 or day 1 of admission) or late (days 2 to 7 of admission) cohort based on tocilizumab initiation. The primary outcome was 90 day all-cause mortality, in early versus late cohorts. Secondary outcomes were 28 and 180 day all-cause mortality.
Results
203 patients were included (138 in the early cohort and 65 in the late cohort). Mortality was significantly higher in the late cohort compared to the early cohort (adjusted OR: 3.33; CI: 1.29 to 8.54; p = 0.012). The secondary outcomes demonstrated the same effect with higher rates of death at 28 days (late cohort adjusted OR: 3.28; CI 1.23 to 8.75; p = 0.018) and 180 days (late cohort adjusted OR: 3.70; CI 1.45–9.45; p = 0.006). This effect was seen whether the outcome was adjusted or unadjusted. Mortality at 90 days in the early cohort was 22% (n = 30) compared to 45% (n = 29) in the late cohort (P = < 0.001).
Conclusion
Early administration of tocilizumab within the first 2 days of hospitalisation was associated with significant survival benefit compared to late exposure. Late administration was associated with particularly high mortality.
An empirical study on the impact of pre-processing steps for code-mix text
Authors: Tiwari Paras , Chowdary C. Ravindranath
Published: November 2023

Code-mix is widespread in domains like sentiment classification, polarity identification, dialect identification, question answering, part-of-speech tagging, named entity recognition, speech technologies, and other emerging domains. Studying the impact of pre-processing steps has been limited to the monolinguals. The emerging contributions in various applications for code-mix data lack such a dedicated study. Our study fills the gap. In this paper, we conduct an empirical study involving 512 combinations of pre-processing steps with 7 different tokenizers applied to 3 multi-domain datasets. We have investigated the impact of these pre-processing steps and tokenizers on the performance of three conventional neural networks and five machine-learning techniques. Our study includes a detailed analysis of 3,44,064 scores. Our study shows mean differences of 0.3276, 0.2178, 0.1999, and 0.1467 over the Matthews Correlation Coefficient, Macro-F1, Weighted-F1, and Accuracy, respectively , due to the choice of pre-processing steps. We propose to choose the best-performing set of pre-processing steps for good performance.
CKD-Associated Pruritus is associated with greater use of antidepressants and anti-pruritus medications
Authors: Titapiccolo Jasmine Ion , Neri Luca , Schaufler Thilo , Arens Hans-Jurgen , Usvyat Len , Stuard Stefano , Soro Marco
Published: November 2023

Chronic kidney disease–associated pruritus (CKD-aP) is a common, yet underdiagnosed condition among patients on hemodialysis. Considering the lack of established treatment pathways, we sought to evaluate the use of antidepressant, systemic antihistamines or gabapentinoid medications among patients with CKD-aP in the year following pruritus assessment. We included 6209 hemodialysis patients in the analysis. We retrospectivelly extracted clinical and patient-reported data from electronic health records. The intensity of CKD-aP was assessed by KDQOL-36 and 5-D Itch questionnaires. Prescription of antidepressant, antihistamine, and gabapentinoids was ascertained by the occurrence of a suggestive active medical order in patients’ medical records. We observed a consistent and graded association between the severity of CKD-aP and the use of antidepressant, systemic antihistamines and gabapentinoid medications. This association remained consistent and intensified over the duration of the year after pruritus screening. This trend was robust even after accounting for potential confounding factors. Even though we cannot exclude the possibility that these drugs have been prescribed to treat medical conditions warranting their use, previous evidence suggested that doctors may also use such medications in the attempt to buffer CKD-aP. These findings underline the importance of further elucidating current treatment strategies adopted in clinical practice to address CKD-aP.
Fast Dynamical Analysis of High-dimensional Fractional-Order Memristive-Coupled Hopffeld Neural Networks utilizing a modiffed Non-Classical Methods
Authors: Liu Tian Ming , Chen Yan Mao , Liu Qi Xian
Published: November 2023

Solving high-dimensional fractional differential equations has consistently remained one of the most signiffcant challenges within the realm of fractional calculus. Classical numerical methods often grapple with extensive history datasets, resulting in decreased computational efffciency. Existing non-classical methods frequently result in huge dimensional integer-order systems. To address these issues, an improved non-classical method is established in this paper. By introducing an integral interval decomposition strategy, the decay rate of the integrand in the non-classical method is signiffcantly accelerated, achieving a transition from algebraic decay to exponential decay. Consequently, there is a substantial reduction in the dimensionality of the approximate integerorder systems. Simultaneously, the introduction of the interpolation quadrature method further improves the computational accuracy. Theoretical analysis and numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method offers substantial performance advantages in tackling fractional differential equations. In conclusion, the dynamic behavior of a high-dimensional memristive-coupled Hopffeld neural network was effectively investigated using the proposed method by phase diagrams and bifurcation diagrams. The proposed method demonstrates the capability to accurately identify both chaotic and periodic behavior within the system. Furthermore, it offers a substantial reduction in computation time for high-dimensional systems. This efffciency in capturing complex dynamics while decreasing computational overhead can be highly advantageous in various applications. It holds crucial theoretical implications for the numerical solution of fractional differential equation. Furthermore, it has the potential to foster and stimulate research and practical applications within the realm of fractional order systems.
Internet-assisted cognitive behavioral intervention with telephone coaching versus an educational control for antenatal depression: protocol for a randomized controlled trial with population-based screening
Authors: Sourander Andre , Matinolli Hanna-Maria , Korpilahti-Leino Tarja , Ristkari Terja , Koffert Tarja , Arrhenius Bianca , Ståhlberg Tiia , Hinkka-Yli-Salomäki Susanna , Berglund Mari , Upadhyaya Subina , Yunus Wan Mohd Azam Wan Mohd , Sinokki Atte , Marjamäki Altti , Kankaanranta Iida , Palmroth Johanna , Sourander Saana , Zadkova Anna , Casagrande Linda , Yamada Yuko , Karjalainen Satu , Kurki Marjo , Vuori Miika
Published: November 2023

Background
Antenatal depression is common and identifying effective treatments is crucial to avoid harmful consequences of unrecognized and untreated depression. Up to 15% of pregnant women suffer from antenatal depression and there is mounting evidence that the consequences can be devastating for both the woman and her child.
Methods
This ongoing research project evaluates the efficacy of the Stronger Together internet-assisted cognitive behavioral intervention (iCBT) with telephone coaching for antenatal depression. It is a large population-based two-parallel group randomized controlled trial. The overarching hypothesis is that iCBT programs are easy to access, affordable and will reduce self-reported symptoms of antenatal depression better than an educational control. The intervention group is also expected to report less anxiety symptoms after treatment than the control group.
The study population consists of all Finnish or Swedish speaking women, aged ≥ 18 years, who attend maternity health check-ups at 13-18 weeks of gestation in selected areas of Finland. The aim is to recruit all women who exceed 10 points on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and meet other eligibility criteria. Other measures used are the Beck Depression Inventory-II, the General Anxiety Disorder 7-Item Scale, the Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire-Revised, the Social Phobia Inventory and the Perceived Stress Scale. The primary data are collected at baseline and 11 weeks after randomization. The women are randomized 1:1 to the Stronger TogetheriCBT intervention, which combines seven weekly themes on a digital platform with weekly telephone coaching, or the educational control group. The CBT components include psychoeducation, behavioral activation, coping with social relationships, cognitive restructuring and preventing setbacks. The educational control group receives psychoeducational material about wellbeing during pregnancy. Both groups continue to receive standard treatment and maternity health check-ups.
Discussion
We hypothesize that the Stronger Together iCBT intervention will reduce self-rated symptoms of antenatal depression, general and pregnancy-related anxiety, social phobia and stress. The intervention might offer an accessible and effective treatment for depressed pregnant women.
Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04223115, Date of first registration: January 10, 2020
Advanced OFDM-Based Wideband Transmission and Direction- Finding for Wearable Devices in Rician Channels
Authors: Aldelemy Ahmad , Oguntala George , Gadhafi Rida , Amar Ahmed , Shuaieb Wafa S. , Abd-Alhameed Raed
Published: November 2023

This paper proposes a new technique for wideband transmission and direction-finding using orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) for wearable devices in noisy Rician channels. The technique uses a coded OFDM signal combined with a pseudo-random permutation and a Walsh sequence to mitigate inter-carrier interference, peak-to-average power ratio, and frequency offset. The technique also inserts a pilot symbol into each OFDM block and uses it for frequency offset estimation, channel estimation, message detection, and angle of arrival estimation. The technique employs a delay discrimination algorithm to extract the first arriving impulse from each antenna channel and then applies a direction-finding algorithm to estimate the angle of arrival. The technique is evaluated through rigorous simulations using MATLAB. It shows superior performance and reliability compared to existing methods in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, bit error rate, and angle error.
A decadal Twin Dipole mode in the Southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans
Authors: Gao Xing , Li Yuanlong , Lin Pengfei , Zhang Lei , Lu Ying , Ren Qiuping , Wang Fan
Published: November 2023

Our analysis of observed sea surface temperature (SST) data robustly detects dipole-pattern decadal anomalies in the southern Atlantic and Indian Oceans (SAIOs) which co-occur like twins. This trans-basin mode on decadal timescales, termed as the Atlantic-Indian Twin Dipoles (AITDs), is effective in promoting synchronized regional SST extremes in both basins such as the Benguela Niño/Niña and Ningaloo Niño/Niña and thereby exerts notable climatic and socioeconomic impacts. Further, the mechanism of the AITDs is investigated using observational data, ocean model experiments, and climate models. A positive phase of the AITDs – with warm and cold SSTs in the southwestern and northeastern sectors of the SAIOs, respectively – is coupled with alterations in subtropical highs that involve a variety of regional air-sea processes. Specifically, wind-driven coastal ocean dynamics and cloud-controlled radiative heating play key roles in the South Atlantic, while the perturbed turbulent heat flux by air temperature advection is more important in the Indian Ocean. Both the Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation (IPO) and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM) are conducive to the AITDs by modulating the subtropical highs. By highlighting the trans-basin linkage between the SAIOs, our results have important implications for the decadal prediction of the Southern-Hemisphere climate and regional extremes.
Whole exome sequencing shows novel COL4A3 and COL4A4 variants as causes of Alport syndrome in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil
Authors: Araújo Washington Candeia , Falcão Raul Maia , Uchoa Raquel Araujo Costa , Garcia Carlos Alexandre , Silva Arthur Quintiliano Bezerra , Ferreira Leonardo Capistrano , Duggal Priya , Souza Jorge Estefano S. , Jeronimo Selma M. B.
Published: November 2023

Background. Alport syndrome is a progressive and hereditary nephropathy characterized by hematuria and proteinuria as well as extra renal manifestations as hearing loss and eye abnormalities. The disease can be expressed as autosomal recessive or autosomal dominant at COL4A3 and COL4A4 loci, respectively, or X-linked at the COL4A5 locus. This study investigated two unrelated families with nephropathy from Brazil with the aim to identify the mutations involved with the disease.
Methods. Whole Exome Sequencing was performed for 4 people from each pedigree (case, parents and a sibling). DNA sequences were mapped against the human genome (GRCh38/hg38 build) to identify associated mutations.
Results. Two novel deleterious variants in COL4A3 and COL4A4 loci on chromosome 2 were identified. The variants were detected in the probands with mutant alleles in the homozygous state, a premature stop codon at position 481 of COL4A3 protein and a frameshift mutation leading to a stop codon at position 786 of COL4A4 protein. For both Alport cases the putative variants were surrounded by broad Runs of Homozygosity as well as genes associated with other hereditary nephropathies.
Conclusions. Two novel variants were identified in two unrelated families from northeast of Brazil. The two deleterious variants identified are located on ROH´s locus with all variants in a homozygous state.
Universities driving innovation in the ‘new normal’: a multi-ontological perspective of dynamic capability microfoundations for knowledge exchange
Authors: Kelleher Leonard , Ulrichsen Tomas Coates
Published: November 2023

Governments are calling upon universities to work with civil society, the public and private sectors to harness lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic for a step-change in innovation, to boost economic growth and sustainable/equitable transitions. However, a paucity of university strategic management frameworks which enable enhanced fulfilment of economic development, civic engagement and sustainability social responsibilities through knowledge exchange may impede delivery of this ambition. In this study, we develop a multi-ontological perspective of the dynamic capability microfoundations UK universities are using to enable knowledge exchange and achieve the innovation step-change ambition within the uncertain and dynamic post-pandemic ‘new normal’. We argue that the microfoundations being utilised suggest a reflexivity failure, impeding universities’ ability to adapt their strategic management to foster radical system change, limiting prospects that the step-change ambition will be achieved.
JEL Classification I23 · O30
A CORRELATIONAL STUDY TO ASSESS THE EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AMONG B.SC (NURSING) FINAL YEAR STUDENTS
Authors:   Professor, Department of Child Health Nursing, Velammal College of Nursing, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India., Jothilakshmi R. , JesindaVedanayagi V. ,   HOD &Professor, Department of Mental health nursing, Sacred Heart Nursing College, Madurai, Tamilnadu, India.
Published: November 2023

Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to manage both your own emotions and understand the emotions of people around you. The study is titled A correlational study to assess the emotional intelligence and academic performance among B.sc(N) final year students in selected nursing colleges at Madurai.. The objectives were 1)To find out the level of emotional intelligence among the Bsc(N) final year students 2.To assess the level of academic performance among the Bsc(N) final year students 3.To determine the correlation between the emotional intelligence and academic performance among the Bsc(N) final year students 4.To associate the socio demographic variables with the level of emotional intelligence among the Bsc(N) final year students 5.To associate the socio demographic variables with the academic performance among the Bsc(N) final year students. Methodology: A Quantitative approach and descriptive correlational design were used. 62 nursing students were selected by purposive sampling technique and the data were collected using an Emotional intelligence questionnaire. Results: The levels of emotional intelligence for all domains such as Emotional awareness of average EI was 33(53.22%), good EI was 28 (45.16%) and excellent EI was 1 (1.61%). Regarding emotional management, average EI was 23(37.09%), good EI was 29(46.77%) and excellent EI was 10 (16.12%). Social emotional awareness of average EI was 11 (17.74%), good EI was 36 (58.06%) and excellent EI was 15 (24.19%). Relationship management of average EI was 18 (29.03 %), good EI was 33 (53.22%) and excellent EI was 11 (17.74%). Total score of emotional intelligence, in that average EI was 16 (25.80%), good EI was 43(69.35%) and excellent EI was 3 (4.83%). The non-significant p-value infers that there was no involvement among level of emotional intelligence and selected demographic variables except type of personality (x = 8.28, p - value 0.015). There was no involvement among level of emotional intelligence and selected demographic variables except education of father (x= 18.89, p - value 0.002, support system (x = 12.62, p - value 0.001). and type of personality (x = 7.094, p - value 0.007), Conclusions: Nursing students who were more emotionally intelligent performed better in both the continuous assessments and the final professional examination. Therefore, it is possible that emotional skill development may enhance nursing students academic performance.
Rastreio Cognitivo em Adultos com Esclerose Múltipla
Authors: Wanderley Clarice Maria Siqueira Falcão , Almeida Larissa Nadjara Alves , De Oliveira Bianca Etelvina Santos , Lima Ivonaldo Leidson Barbosa
Published: November 2023

Objetivo: Analisar o desempenho de adultos com Esclerose Múltipla (EM) em rastreio cognitivo e observar a correlação entre a idade e as habilidades cognitivas. Métodos: É uma pesquisa descritiva, observacional, transversal e quantitativa. Foi realizada com 27 indivíduos com diagnóstico médico de EM: 22 mulheres, 5 homens, com idades entre 20 e 60 anos. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por meio de três instrumentos: Montreal Cognitive Assessment (Moca); Bateria Breve de rastreio cognitivo e um Protocolo de identificação pessoal. A análise dos dados foi realizada de forma quantitativa, descritiva e inferencial. Aplicou-se o teste de Mann-Whitney e correlação de Spearman, com significância de p<0,05. Resultados: A maioria dos participantes apresentou queixas de memória e dificuldades nas provas de subtração e evocação tardia. Verificou-se que houve correlação negativa entre a idade e o desempenho nas provas de rastreio cognitivo. Os participantes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o escore do Moca e foram observadas diferenças estatísticas na memória incidental (p=0,049), memória imediata (p=0,019), memória tardia (p=0,007), no desenho do relógio (p=0,037), na fluência verbal semântica (p=0,008), repetição de dígitos (p=0,006), na subtração (p=0,026), linguagem (p=0,001), fluência verbal fonêmica (p=0,05), abstração (p=0,019), evocação tardia (p<0,001) e no escore total do Moca (p<0,001). Conclusão: Quanto maior a idade do paciente com esclerose múltipla, pior o funcionamento cognitivo, principalmente da memória e das funções executivas.
PENSAR SOBRE A TRANSPARÊNCIA PÚBLICA PARA PENSAR O FINANCIAMENTO DA EDUCAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE SOBRE AS LEIS ORÇAMENTÁRIAS
Authors: Quirino Simony , Barbosa Gouveia Andréa
Published: November 2023

O artigo discute a transparência das leis orçamentárias e verifica a qualidade das informações disponibilizadas no que se refere às metas para a educação, no ciclo orçamentário 2014-2017, em municípios paranaenses. Inicialmente, observa-se a forma como essas leis são apresentadas e que tipo de informações contêm, e cria-se um índice de perfil de publicidade. Depois, são selecionados sete municípios para averiguar aspectos relativos à inteligibilidade das informações. Constatou-se problemas relacionados ao acesso, à publicidade e à inteligibilidade dessas leis que comprometem o controle social.