bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological characterization of different primary genotypes of mango (Mangifera indica L.) in Bihar
Authors: Rai Ankur Kumar , Sengupta Samik , Kumar Ravindra , Rani Ruby , Pandey Ankit Kumar , Kumari Suman , Singh Gautam Pratap
Published: January 2024

The morphological characterization of mango genotypes plays a significant role to understand their diversity, identifying distinct traits, and providing valuable insights into their classification and breeding. Hence, the experiment was conducted on 25 primary mango genotypes at Bihar Agricultural University, Sabour, Bihar during the years 2020–2021. The results showed that the genotypes G-06 and G-42 had the earliest bud break (4th February). While genotype G-23 had the maximum panicle length (36.75 cm). The genotype G-28 had the maximum canopy volume of 397.42 m3 with the maximum plant spread in both directions (7.35m in north-south and 7.35 m in east-west direction). Based on the above findings, it can be concluded that genotypes G-11, G-12, G-30, G-23, G-28, and G-29 performed better in respect of floral attributes and more canopy volume, which are important factors for maximization of yield.
Impact of Green Human Resource Practices on Employee Job Satisfaction with Moderating Role of Psychological Green Climate in Private Higher Education Institutions of Afghanistan
Authors: Azimi Mohammad Ayaz
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of green human resource management practices (GHRMP) on employee job satisfaction (EJS) with the moderating role of green psychological climate in private higher education institutions in Kabul, Afghanistan by adopting a standard questionnaire, distributed to 200 employees working in different higher education institutions in Kabul, Afghanistan. The study employs a quantitative research design, with the hypothesis for the research being tested and data being acquired through a survey. Furthermore, mediation analysis has been employed to determine the relationship between the variables. Green HRM practices (green training and development and green reward) have a positive relationship with employee job satisfaction, according to the findings, and green psychological climate moderates the relationship between green HRM and employee job satisfaction. The study suggests that institutions for enhancing and intensifying employee performance should emphasize training as it inspires employees to work at higher levels.
Keywords: GHRM (green human resource management), GHRP (green human resource practices), GR (green reward), GT&D (green training and development), GPC (green psychological climate).
Effects of Operating Costs on Financial Performance of Oil and Gas Companies in Nigeria
Authors: Akinleye Gideon Tayo , Bolaji Yunus Abdulrasheed , Olatunji Opefolu Francis
Published: January 2024

This research examined the effects of operating costs on the financial performance of Oil and Gas companies in Nigeria. The study sampled five (5) firms out of all the listed Oil and Gas companies on the Nigerian Exchange Group plc. Secondary data were sourced to obtain panel data. The data collated were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. The study found that the coefficient of administrative cost is positive and statistically significant. The beta value of distribution cost is positive and statistically significant, the beta value of firm size is positive and statistically significant, but the beta value of selling cost is negative and statistically significant. This research therefore concluded that administrative and distribution costs of oil and gas companies and degree of their size contributed positively to the improvement of their financial performance, but selling cost contributed negatively meaning that money spend on was improperly utilized. The study recommended that selling costs of oil and gas companies in Nigeria need absolute control by those concern and should be minimized to enhance their financial concert.
Keywords: Financial performance, operating costs, Nigerian Oil and Gas companies
Trends in Arabic Educational Research: A Content Analysis of Eleven Saudi Refereed Journals in 2021
Authors: Alshammari Adel Ayed
Published: January 2024

This paper aims to uncover trends in Arab educational research published in 11 Saudi peer-reviewed journals in 2021 and analyse them using a set of indicators. In the end, 354 research papers were counted and subjected to content analysis using the ‘Systematic Literature Review (SLR) Form’. The results show that Arab education research is scarce at the global scale and disconnected from the global research landscape. There is a large traditional approach that refers to a unified modularity that focuses on quantitative research, does not serve educational research, does not contribute to its development, and does not benefit from its results. These results will be useful for the international community in general and Arab graduate students in particular who study in international universities and for their supervisors. This benefit comes from knowing the negative aspects of Arab scientific research that the study reveals.
Contemporary Trends in the Use of Social Media in Marketing and Branding
Authors: Trebyk Liudmyla
Published: January 2024

Modern companies exist in a highly competitive environment and are forced to look for new tools to promote their products and expand their audience. Companies, along with the mass media, use social communities as media resources to share their content with people they consider their audience. Initially, it was all about driving traffic to their websites, hoping to increase sales. But very quickly, social media went far beyond being just a place to share content. Today, social networks have become a full-fledged platform for promoting goods and services. And the formation and implementation of SMM strategies (social media promotion strategies) is becoming perhaps the most important link in the formation of the marketing system. Given the relevance of the research topic, its purpose is to summarise theoretical aspects and develop practical recommendations on the use of social media to promote products and create a positive company image. As a result of the study, the author analyses the dynamics of growth of social media users, identifies the benefits of forming a marketing campaign in social media, and develops recommendations on creating and implementing an SMM strategy for an enterprise.
The Impact of Digital Transformation on Project Management and Business Development: Case Studies in Diverse Industries
Authors: Sayed Ruslan
Published: January 2024

In today's world, digitalisation is one of the main features of the modern economy; it is a systematic approach to the use of digital resources to increase labour productivity, competitiveness and economic development of the company as a whole, which contributes to the formation of a new technological order. The global trend of digitalisation in the economy in a rapidly changing environment requires the creation of new models and mechanisms of project management based on the foundation of both traditional methodologies and innovative business ideas and development strategies. Due to these trends, approaches to the development of modern project management are rapidly growing under the influence of digital technologies and automation. Modern project management is primarily focused on obtaining a quality result, while the process itself can be organised depending on the specifics of the project being implemented. The purpose of the study is to determine the impact of digitalisation on modern project management and, in general, on the development of modern business. To achieve this goal, a set of general scientific methods was used, including analysis, synthesis, generalisation, systematisation, induction and deduction. The study proves that modern project management is characterised by the active development and implementation of innovative digital technologies that allow team members to focus on the result and quality performance of their functions, while routine tasks can be performed using automated systems and artificial intelligence.
Brand Storytelling in the Age of Short Attention Spans: Strategies for Effective Communication
Authors: Rodinova Nataliia , Balyk Ulyana , Korobko Yulya , Plekhanova Tatyana
Published: January 2024

Storytelling is found as a mechanism of creating, developing and communicating the message. Storytelling is an effective marketing tool. This study focuses upon the tendencies in messages comprehension and changes within communication strategies for brand storytelling in the age of short attention spans. The research objective presents the certain research tasks oriented towards the identification of effective communication strategies and explanation of their application to enhance brand engagement. The research applies qualitative and qualitative methodology. Initially, the qualitative methods were used to explain the storytelling theory in marketing, peculiarities of brand storytelling in advertising, the images a brand delivers to the audience, and to describe short attention spans as a growing phenomenon. The survey applied quantitative methods to outline the contribution of brand storytelling as a communication technique, to reveal the effect of short attention spans upon brand communication, and to identify the most effective communication strategies for brand storytelling in the age of short attention spans. The survey data were collected through interviews among 158 individual customers between July-August, 2023. The results showed that effective communication strategies for brand storytelling are divided into direct and indirect. Direct strategies include narrative plot, intrigue, authenticity, surprise, visual image, audio background, obstacle, emotions, conflict and tension, small details, orientation towards future improvements. Indirect strategies involve mode of message transfer, pricing, frequency of transfer, time duration, sequence of brand stories, and personal appeal. The results may be implied by enterprises while generating brand storytelling and by psychologists studying consumers’ behaviour.
E-Commerce Taxation Challenges and Opportunities: From Clicks to Conversions in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
Authors: Scoromtsova Tetyana , Panura Iuliia , Tuchak Tetiana , Chayka Larysa
Published: January 2024

The modern world is becoming more and more technologically advanced, and people spend more time working, so there is no time left to do classic shopping in standard stores and supermarkets, but there are opportunities to purchase various goods and services online. This state of affairs is the reason why e-commerce has emerged and is actively developing. Today, e-commerce is no longer just online sales, but a complete system of doing business without classic offices and conservative stores. In recent years, e-commerce has been actively promoted in the service sector, including financial services. Such active development of this area leads to the need to pay special attention to the taxation of transactions involving the electronic sale of goods and services. With this in mind, the purpose of the article is to determine the specifics of the development and peculiarities of taxation of e-commerce transactions. As a result of the study and achievement of the objective of the work, the author has obtained a result which indicates that, in general, e-commerce transactions are taxed under standard taxation schemes, although there are peculiarities of accounting for electronic money and taking into account the fact of transfer of ownership of the product. In general, it is proved that e-commerce has great prospects and will gain more and more market shares of goods and services for various purposes.
Przyjęcie zlecenia zabójstwa
Authors: Wiak Krzysztof
Published: January 2024

Opracowanie zawiera analizę normatywną nowego typu przestępstwa „przyjęcia zlecenia zabójstwa w zamian za udzieloną lub obiecaną korzyść majątkową lub osobistą” (art. 148a Kodeksu karnego), wprowadzonego do Kodeksu karnego nowelizacją z 7 lipca 2022 r. Regulacja ta istotnie wzmacnia ochronę życia ludzkiego przez kryminalizację zachowań odległych jeszcze od rzeczywistego zamachu w postaci dokonania zabójstwa człowieka. Wykładnia znamion tego przestępstwa wywołuje pewne wątpliwości wymagające jednoznacznego rozwiązania. Przede wszystkim pojawia się obawa o potencjalne naruszenie zakazu karania za sam zamiar (cogitationis nemo patitur). W związku z tym wymagać należy potwierdzenia istnienia przestępnego zamiaru w postaci zewnętrznego zachowania się sprawcy odpowiadającego „przyjęciu” zlecenia. W praktyce orzeczniczej mogą pojawić się również trudności z rozgraniczeniem tego przestępstwa od karalnego przygotowania do zabójstwa. Osobną kwestią o charakterze aksjologicznym jest wykluczenie odpowiedzialności za przyjęcie zlecenia w formie „darmowej”.
Infrastrukturen und Investitionen im Bundesstaat – eine schwierige Beziehung
Authors: Raffer Christian , Scheller Henrik , Schwarting Gunnar
Published: January 2024

Öffentliche Infrastrukturen bilden eine zentrale Funktionsvoraussetzung des öffentlichen Gemeinwesens. Gleichzeitig werden angesichts der zunehmend spürbaren Auswirkungen verschiedener Megatrends wachsende infrastrukturelle und soziale Transformationserfordernisse immer dringlicher. Föderalstaaten wie die Bundesrepublik stehen hierbei mit ihrer Mehrebenenstruktur in den kommenden Jahren vor besonderen Herausforderungen, da sie die dafür erforderlichen Infrastrukturinvestitionen im Verbund von Bund, Ländern und Kommunen steuern, finanzieren und nicht zuletzt auch kommunikativ vermitteln müssen. Der Themenschwerpunkt problematisiert deshalb – unter den Vorzeichen der gegenwärtigen Polykrise – den Status Quo der Infrastrukturforschung, die ausgeprägte Schnittstellen zwischen verwaltungs-, politik- und finanzwissenschaftlicher Forschung aufweist. Zudem diskutieren die Autor*innen der einzelnen Beiträge verschiedene Ansätze mit unterschiedlicher politischer Eingriffstiefe, mit denen sich die zentralen Herausforderungen dieses notwendigen Umbaus der soziotechnischen Systeme einschließlich der damit verbundenen gesellschaftlichen Routinen adressieren lassen. Der Fokus liegt dabei auf Governance-, Finanzierungs- und Implementierungsfragen, die in einem politikverflochtenen Mehrebenensystem ein besonderes Maß an Koordinationsanstrengungen erfordern.
Der Rechtsweg als Instrument zur Verhinderung öffentlicher Projekte? Zur Rolle des Bundesverwaltungsgerichts bei staatlichen Infrastrukturvorhaben
Authors: Winkelmann Thorsten , Fellner Erwin
Published: January 2024

Die Auseinandersetzungen um die Bereitstellung staatlicher Infrastrukturen verlagern sich zunehmend in die Gerichtssäle, obwohl die Rechtsprechung den Behörden bei der Erstellung öffentlicher Vorhaben hinsichtlich Art, Lage, Dimensionierung und Ausstattung einen breiten Beurteilungsspielraum einräumt. Trotz dieser richterlichen Selbstbeschränkung und der erheblichen Kostenrisiken, die mit den Klagen verbunden sind, gehen Bürger häufig in Zusammenarbeit mit Umweltverbänden gegen staatliche Infrastrukturprojekte gerichtlich vor. Anhand einer systematischen Auswertung sämtlicher beim Bundesverwaltungsgericht im Zeitraum von 2015 bis 2022 eingereichten Klagen zur Umweltverträglichkeit von öffentlichen Projekten lassen sich mindestens drei Konsequenzen identifizieren: Erstens weist das Gericht weitgehende Regelverstöße nach, die bis zur Feststellung der Rechtswidrigkeit und der Nichtvollziehbarkeit des Vorhabens reichen. Hieraus ergeben sich – zweitens – weitergehende bauliche, gestalterische und technische Auflagen, aus denen ‒ drittens ‒ Kosten- und Terminüberschreitungen resultieren.
Planung, Finanzierung und Gestaltung der Krankenhausinfrastruktur – periodische Reformen, persistierende Schwierigkeiten
Authors: Männle Philipp
Published: January 2024

Krankenhäuser sind zentrale soziale Infrastrukturen. Deshalb ist es kein Wunder, dass dort auftretende Schwierigkeiten, etwa Investitionsdefizite oder Infrastrukturumbauten, enorme öffentliche Resonanzen auslösen. Regelmäßig werden diese Schwierigkeiten vordergründig als Kompliziertheiten ausgeflaggt, als eine Art lösbare Probleme etwa der Bedarfsplanung oder der Mittelaufbringung. Deshalb herrscht kein Mangel an guten Vorschlägen, wie die Lage „in den Griff“ zu bekommen wäre. Es wachsen die Ansprüche an Politik und Verwaltung, solche Lösungen zu bewirken – und wo immer dies unterbleibt, wird der Ruf nach Reformen laut. Demgegenüber formuliert dieser Beitrag die These, dass sich die Schwierigkeiten bei der Planung, Gestaltung und Finanzierung der Krankenhausinfrastruktur als Komplexität darstellen – und das hat Folgen für Infrastrukturpolitik, die dann weniger als „Patendlösungsinstanz“ (Watzlawick, 2021, S. 8) gefragt, sondern gefordert ist, angesichts widerstreitender Interessen, inkongruenter Perspektiven, wechselhafter Rahmenbedingungen und hoher sozialer Dynamik immer wieder aufs Neue Infrastrukturentscheidungen zu ermöglichen, zu treffen und umzusetzen.
Transformationsbedarfe für die kommunale Infrastruktur aus der Finanzierungsperspektive
Authors: Raffer Christian , Scheller Henrik
Published: January 2024

Welche finanziellen Bedarfe wird die ökologische Transformation auf kommunaler Ebene in Deutschland in den kommenden zwei Jahrzehnten erfordern? Da hierzu nur grobe Schätzungen in einer überschaubaren Anzahl an Studien vorliegen, zielt dieses Essay darauf ab, literaturbasiert die jährlichen Bedarfe für die beiden Bereiche Klimaschutz und Klimaanpassung aufzuzeigen. Die so ermittelten Transformationsbedarfe werden dann in Bezug zum bestehenden finanzföderalen Setting gesetzt, um zu diskutieren, inwieweit sich die bestehenden Finanzierungskanäle und -mechanismen für die Abwicklung entsprechender Transferströme eignen (würden). Diese top-down-Perspektive wird durch eine bottom-up Betrachtung ergänzt, indem Ansätze aufgezeigt werden, die in verschiedenen Kommunen bereits verfolgt werden, um die eigene Haushaltswirtschaft auf eine Nachhaltigkeitssteuerung hin auszurichten.
Das Ringen um die Infrastruktur in der Energiewende: Konfliktkulturen verstehen und gestalten
Authors: Radtke Jörg
Published: January 2024

Die Energiewende in Deutschland steht unter Druck wie noch nie: Sie soll so schnell wie möglich vorangetrieben werden, um die Abhängigkeiten von fossilen Energien zu reduzieren. Ein wesentliches Regime hierbei: Nutzung von Windkraft gekoppelt an den Netzausausbau. Dafür sind massive Eingriffe erforderlich, der Widerstand dagegen nimmt tendenziell zu. In der Forschung sind die Herausbildung spezifischer Akteurskoalitionen und Vetoplayer-Konstellationen einschließlich der konkreten Strategien von kritischen Akteuren, die für die Verhinderung der Energiewende-Maßnahmen kämpfen, analytisch noch unterbelichtet. Der Beitrag analysiert deshalb – basierend auf umfangreichem empirischen Datenmaterial – fünf Windkraft- und zwei Netzausbaukonfliktfälle in Deutschland. Eingebettet wird die Analyse in die gegenwärtige Diskussion um die Streitfähigkeit der Demokratie: Braucht die Energiewende mehr offen ausgetragene Auseinandersetzungen? Die These lautet, dass „mehr Streit“ keine Lösung für Energiewendekonflikte darstellt. Stattdessen braucht es mehr Wissen über das Wie der Konfliktaustragung und die Defizite bzw. geeignete Beteiligungsformate, weil hierin wesentliche Faktoren für das Gelingen der zukünftigen Energiewende erkannt werden.
Beteiligung der kommunalen Spitzenverbände an der Bundesgesetzgebung: Eine Analyse der Anhörungspraxis in den Bundesministerien und den Ausschüssen des Deutschen Bundestages (2017–2021)
Authors: Bernhard Jonas , Klausch Martin
Published: January 2024

Dieses Papier befasst sich mit der Beteiligung der kommunalen Spitzenverbände (KSV) an der Bundesgesetzgebung in der 19. Legislaturperiode des Deutschen Bundestages (2017–2021). Eine Analyse aller 543 in diesem Zeitraum verkündeten Gesetze zeigt, dass eine formelle Beteiligung des Deutschen Städtetags, des Deutschen Landkreistags oder des Deutschen Städte- und Gemeindebunds in nur 62 Prozent aller kommunalrelevanten Gesetzgebungsverfahren dokumentiert ist. In den Bundesministerien ist die Beteiligungsrate verglichen mit den Bundestagsausschüssen insgesamt höher, wobei sowohl zwischen den einzelnen Ressorts als auch zwischen den Ausschüssen auffällige Unterschiede bestehen. Eine genauere Untersuchung des Themenkontexts liefert erste Erklärungsansätze, warum die Verbände in manche Gesetzgebungsverfahren eingebunden werden, während sie in anderen Fällen außen vor bleiben. So ist eine stärkere Beteiligung bei politisch bedeutsamen Vorhaben zu verzeichnen, die der Bundestag bereits in erster Lesung debattiert. Gesetze mit KSV-Beteiligung sind zudem inhaltlich komplexer, was auf eine höhere Nachfrage nach dem für die effektive Politikformulierung benötigten Praxiswissen der KSV hindeutet.
How do Supreme Audit Institutions reflect societal change? A Prosopographical Analysis of Top Civil Servants in the German States (1945–2022)
Authors: Veit Sylvia , Seyfried Markus
Published: January 2024

Research on top civil servants reveals the increasing heterogeneity within this once rather homogeneous group across many countries in recent decades. While changes in the composition of administrative elites in government departments and agencies in different countries have received considerable attention in existing literature, top civil servants in Supreme Audit Institutions (SAI) have so far hardly been considered. In light of this gap, this article investigates the change of socio-demographic and career backgrounds among SAI presidents in the German states over more than 70 years (1945–2022), utilizing prosopographical data. The results indicate larger changes with regard to gender representation and study background, whereas age, career background, and educational degree have undergone only moderate changes.
Kämpfe um den Rechtsstaat. Eine historisch-materialistische Perspektive
Authors: Pichl Maximilian
Published: January 2024

Die Krise des liberalen Konsenses ist auch eine Krise des Rechtsstaates. Der Rechtsstaat entstand in langwierigen historischen Kampfzyklen als eine rechtsförmige Apparatur, die das neu entstandene staatliche Gewaltmonopol umfassend kontrollieren sollte. Dieses liberale, aber an den Nationalstaat gebundene Modell war lange Zeit hegemonial. Doch der Rechtsstaat ist erneut dynamisch umkämpft. Neoliberale Strategien zielen auf eine Umgehung rechtsstaatlicher Strukturen, national-konservative Ansätze verteidigen das territoriale Rechtsstaatsmodell gegen die Transnationalisierung und autoritäre Akteur:innen demontieren die Institutionen und Verfahren des Rechtsstaates. Durch eine materialistische Analyse wird gezeigt, wie der Rechtsstaat aus politischen und rechtlichen Kämpfen entstanden ist und wie der aktuelle Kampfzyklus eingeordnet werden kann.
On a biharmonic coupled system with non-standard nonlinearity: Existence, blow up and numerics
Authors: Bouhoufani Oulia , Messaoudi Salim A. , Alahyane Mohamed
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider a coupled system of two biharmonic equations with damping and source terms of variable-exponent nonlinearities, supplemented with initial and mixed boundary conditions. We establish an existence and uniqueness result of a weak solution, under suitable assumptions on the variable exponents. Then, we show that solutions with negative-initial energy blow up in finite time. To illustrate our theoritical findings, we present two numerical examples.
International Environmental Law: A Case for Transformative Change through the Lens of Children’s Human Rights
Authors: Morgera Elisa
Published: January 2024

The interpretative clarifications under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child on children’s human right to a healthy environment help illuminate areas for transformative change through the evolutive interpretation and implementation of international environmental law. This article explores how the 2023 UN General Comment No. 26 on children’s rights and the environment, with a special focus on climate change, sheds new light on: a holistic approach to environmental protection; the minimum content of State obligations, including with regard to inter-generational equity; a more ambitious interpretation of precaution; and the inclusiveness of international environmental law fora.
Does learning organization create workplace happiness of educators? A post-pandemic perspective
Authors: Qamar Faisal , Bhutto Niaz Ahmed , Nisar Sadia , Channa Khalil Ahmed , Ghumro Niaz Hussain , Hussain Sadam , Khaliq Minahil
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND:

Higher education industry has seen a dramatic shift in the new normal. Given that, the present study proposes learning organization as a predictor of happiness of teachers and the academic administrators because happiness is vital to enhancing performance during unprecedented times.

OBJECTIVE:

Drawing on the resource based view (RBV) and ability, motivation and opportunity (AMO) framework, this research aims to investigate workplace happiness of university-level educators in the post-pandemic era. It proposes learning organization as a determinant of happiness at work through indirect path of perceived organizational support. Furthermore, it also proposes moderation of achievement motivation between learning organization and workplace happiness.

METHODS:

Using simple random sampling, data were collected through survey questionnaire from 172 staff and faculty members of universities/HEIs in Sindh, Pakistan. The study employed structural equation modeling through SmartPLS for data analysis.

RESULTS:

The study findings suggest that learning organization indirectly predicts happiness at work through perceived organizational support. However, moderation of employee achievement motivation could not be supported.

CONCLUSION:

Applying learning organization model and utilizing AMO and RBV theories, the study offers implications from theoretical and managerial perspectives. It proposes a holistic framework for achieving workplace happiness amidst post-COVID era. The study recommends that during times of uncertainty, the universities/HEIs may implement the model of learning organization as a strategic tool to foster happiness at work. It could result in a satisfied, committed and engaged workforce. Limitations and future research areas are discussed.
Ameliorative Role of Mitochondrial Therapy in Cognitive Function of Vascular Dementia Mice
Authors: Wu Deng-Pan , Wei Yan-Su , Du Yu-Xuan , Liu Ling-Ling , Yan Qiu-Qing , Zhao Yuan-Dan , Yu Chao , Liu Jin-Yuan , Zhong Zhen-Guo , Huang Jin-Lan
Published: January 2024

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction plays a vital role in the progression of vascular dementia (VaD). We hypothesized that transfer of exogenous mitochondria might be a beneficial strategy for VaD treatment. Objective: The study was aimed to investigate the role of mitochondrial therapy in cognitive function of VaD. Methods: The activity and integrity of isolated mitochondria were detected using MitoTracker and Janus Green B staining assays. After VaD mice were intravenously injected with exogenous mitochondria, Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests were used to detect cognitive function of VaD mice. Haematoxylin and eosin, Nissl, TUNEL, and Golgi staining assays were utilized to measure neuronal and synaptic injury in the hippocampus of VaD mice. Detection kits were performed to detect mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨ), SOD activity and the levels of ATP, ROS, and MDA in the brains of VaD mice. Results: The results showed that isolated mitochondria were intact and active. Mitochondrial therapy could ameliorate cognitive performance of VaD mice. Additionally, mitochondrial administration could attenuate hippocampal neuronal and synaptic injury, improve mitochondrial ΔΨ, ATP level and SOD activity, and reduce ROS and MDA levels in the brains of VaD mice. Conclusions: The study reports profitable effect of mitochondrial therapy against cognitive impairment of VaD, making mitochondrial treatment become a promising therapeutic strategy for VaD.
Research Participants’ Perspectives on Precision Diagnostics for Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Smith Hadley Stevens , Robinson Jill O. , Levchenko Ariel , Pereira Stacey , Pascual Belen , Bradbury Kathleen , Arbones Victoria , Fong Jamie , Shulman Joshua M. , McGuire Amy L. , Masdeu Joseph
Published: January 2024

Background: Understanding research participants’ responses to learning Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk information is important to inform clinical implementation of precision diagnostics given rapid advances in disease modifying therapies. Objective: We assessed participants’ perspectives on the meaning of their amyloid positron emission tomography (PET) imaging results for their health, self-efficacy to understand their results, psychological impact of learning their results, experience receiving their results from the clinical team, and interest in genetic testing for AD risk. Methods: We surveyed individuals who were being clinically evaluated for AD and received PET imaging six weeks after the return of results. We analyzed responses to close-ended survey items by PET result using Fisher’s exact test and qualitatively coded open-ended responses. Results: A total of 88 participants completed surveys, most of whom had mild cognitive impairment due to AD (38.6%), AD (28.4%), or were cognitively unimpaired (21.6%). Participants subjectively understood their results (25.3% strongly agreed, 41.8% agreed), which could help them plan (16.5% strongly agreed, 49.4% agreed). Participants with a negative PET result (n = 25) reported feelings of relief (Fisher’s exact p < 0.001) and happiness (p < 0.001) more frequently than those with a positive result. Most participants felt that they were treated respectfully and were comfortable voicing concerns during the disclosure process. Genetic testing was anticipated to be useful for medical care decisions (48.2%) and to inform family members about AD risk (42.9%). Conclusions: Participants had high subjective understanding and self-efficacy around their PET results and did not experience negative psychological effects. Interest in genetic testing was high.
Comprehensive Analysis of Metabolites in Postmortem Brains of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Kurano Makoto , Saito Yuko , Yatomi Yutaka
Published: January 2024

Background: Disturbed metabolism has been proposed as being involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and more evidence from human AD brains is required. Objective: In this study, we attempted to identify or confirm modulations in the levels of metabolites associated with AD in postmortem AD brains. Methods: We performed metabolomics analyses using a gas chromatography mass spectrometry system in postmortem brains of patients with confirmed AD, patients with CERAD score B, and control subjects. Results: Impaired phosphorylation of glucose and elevation of several tricarboxylic acid (TCA) metabolites, except citrate, were observed and the degree of impaired phosphorylation and elevation in the levels of the TCA cycle metabolites were negatively and positively correlated, respectively, with the clinical phenotypes of AD. The levels of uronic acid pathway metabolites were modulated in AD and correlated positively with the amyloid-β content. The associations of nucleic acid synthesis and amino acid metabolites with AD depended on the kinds of metabolites; in particular, the contents of ribose 5-phosphate, serine and glycine were negatively correlated, while those of ureidosuccinic acid and indole-3-acetic acid were positively modulated in AD. Comprehensive statistical analyses suggested that alterations in the inositol pathway were most closely associated with AD. Conclusions: The present study revealed many novel associations between metabolites and AD, suggesting that some of these might serve as novel potential therapeutic targets for AD.
The Assessment of Situational Judgement Questionnaire: A Novel Instrument to Detect Susceptibility to Financial Scamming
Authors: Getz Sarah J. , Levin Bonnie E. , Galvin James E.
Published: January 2024

Background: Existing measures of scam susceptibility lack ecological validity and situational variability. Evidence suggests that all adults may be susceptible to scams, though a comprehensive fraud victimization theory remains to be explored. Objective: To identify cognitive and sociodemographic variables that differentiate individuals with high scam susceptibility from those less susceptible. This article describes the development and feasibility of the Assessment of Situational Judgment questionnaire (ASJ), a brief tool designed to detect scam susceptibility. Methods: The 17-item ASJ was developed using a combination of existing scams reported by the Florida Division of Consumer Services and legitimate scenarios. Participants were presented with scam and legitimate scenarios and queried regarding their willingness to engage. Response options were offered with instructions on a 7-point Likert scale (extremely unlikely to extremely likely). Pilot data from a development sample provided the foundation for the final version of the ASJ. Results: The final version of the ASJ was administered to 183 online participants. The Scam factor (8 items) explained 50.6% of the variance. The Legit factor (9 items) reported on a 7-point Likert scale explaining 10.6% of the variance. A Scam to Legit ratio provides a proxy for overall scam susceptibility. Cut-off scores of 24 on the Scam factor, 47 on the Legit factor, and 0.62 on the ratio optimize measures of scam susceptibility. Conclusions: The ASJ is a brief, ecologically valid measure of scam susceptibility. There is a need for a sensitive and specific tool to detect scam susceptibility in clinical, community, and financial settings.
Computer multimedia aided design and hand-drawn effect analysis based on grid resource sharing cooperative algorithm
Authors: Gu Xiaohong
Published: January 2024

Hand-drawn is one of the few visual descriptors that can directly represent visual content, and has significant research in the area of computer vision. Aiming at the problem of sparse features in the realm of hand-drawn image retrieval, hand-drawn images, and the easy deformation of hand-drawn images, this paper proposes a feature extraction method of grid resource sharing collaborative algorithm, which can be obtained utilizing precisely extracted semantic characteristics from hand-drawn images through computer multimedia-aided design Efficient and accurate retrieval results. First, the fundamental framework for obtaining semantic features is algorithm; then the attention model mechanism is the grid resource sharing collaborative introduced in the process of supervised training, and the attention structure block is introduced after the convolutional neural network’s bottom layer. To locate effective semantic features, In order to accomplish high-precision retrieval, the attention structure block combines channel attention structure and spatial attention structure to build the attention structure block. The last feature descriptor is then created by combining various semantic feature levels. The proposed strategy is practical and efficient, as demonstrated by the experimental findings on the comparison database Flickr15k. In addition, in the task of hand-drawn image classification, the proposed attention mechanism greatly improves the classification accuracy.
Domination in bipolar fuzzy soft graphs
Authors: Amin Umair , Fahmi Aliya , Yaqoob Naveed , Farid Aqsa , Hassan Muhammad Arshad Shehzad
Published: January 2024

The concept of domination in graphs is very ancient. Several types of notions of domination in graphs have been discussed by many researchers. In this work, the concept of domination and some notions of domination sets, minimal dominating sets, independence sets, and maximal independence sets are introduced in bipolar fuzzy soft graphs. Additionally, several properties of dominating sets are discussed and some theorems in bipolar fuzzy soft graphs are proved.
The value of work simulation rehabilitation: A qualitative study
Authors: Dorstyn Diana , Oxlad Melissa , Whitburn Sharni , Fedoric Boris , Roberts Rachel , Chur-Hansen Anna
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Using simulation methods that replicate specific job demands can accelerate return-to-work following an illness or injury. However, the components of simulation vary markedly. OBJECTIVE: The current study explores the perceptions and experiences of service users to better understand what aspects are required to facilitate a well-designed, work-specific simulation. METHODS: Thirteen injured workers (10 men, 3 women) and four staff (3 allied health, 1 manager) involved in a simulation-based rehabilitation program were interviewed. Interview data were analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. RESULTS: Three major themes resulted: 1) simulation can facilitate successful rehabilitation, 2) the importance of offering multiple, realistic simulations to replicate varying occupations, and 3) effective simulation involves collaboration with a worker’s existing health professionals. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation tasks can be effectively integrated into injury rehabilitation, although are challenging to implement and require further validation studies. The present findings may provide some guidance for rehabilitation services looking to implement this method within a broader, biopsychosocial return-to-work program.
Recent advances in multi-criteria decision analysis: A comprehensive review of applications and trends
Authors: Więckowski Jakub , Sałabun Wojciech , Kizielewicz Bartłomiej , Bączkiewicz Aleksandra , Shekhovtsov Andrii , Paradowski Bartosz , Wątróbski Jarosław
Published: January 2024

In recent years, multi-criteria decision support methods have become widely used research tools by both scientists and practitioners. Theoretical works involving new multi-criteria methods and developments of existing methods immediately find applications in areas of business practice. This paper attempts to sort out the areas of application of MCDA methods. For this purpose, the relevant literature from 2018–2023 was reviewed. The inclusion selection criteria were defined as addressing multi-criteria practical issues, open accessibility, comprehensive research methodology and findings, and the use of an MCDA method in the evaluation process. Detailed research identified that the main areas of use of MCDA methods are healthcare, energy management, supplier selection, and transportation. Due to the timeliness and importance of the problem, a detailed study of the use of MCDA methods in sustainability issues was separated. The paper contributes contributions to both theory and economic practice. The article provides a series of recommendations both on the methodological side of the problems to be solved and shows the practical prism of individual decision models, offering ready-to-use decision models, and providing a comprehensive review of recent MCDA advancements, fostering informed and reliable decision-making. Additionally, this review sheds light on the latest developments in MCDA, emphasizing trends in Decision Support Systems (DSS) and prominent application areas in contemporary research.
Twins with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins: Strategies for diagnosis and management
Authors: Brady S. , Krishnan U. , Saqi A. , Vargas D.
Published: January 2024

We present a case of dichorionic-diamniotic twin females who developed hypoxemic respiratory failure. They were ultimately diagnosed by lung biopsy with alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins. This case highlights a practical approach to reaching a diagnosis in infants with suspected developmental lung disease.
“Tremendous burdens often unveil enormous gifts”: The experiences of South African caregivers implementing speech and language teletherapy for children with cerebral palsy during COVID-19
Authors: Evangelou Gabriela , Adams Skye Nandi
Published: January 2024

PURPOSE: In accordance with South Africa’s restrictions to mitigate the spread of COVID-19, some speech-language pathologists (SLPs) attempted to engage in novice teletherapy regimes to ensure continuity of care for children with cerebral palsy (CP). This study aimed to explore the experiences of caregivers of children with CP implementing SLP teletherapy during COVID-19 in South Africa. The goal was to shed light on how these families can be better supported and how teletherapy practices can be adjusted for this population. METHODS: This study employed a qualitative phenomenological research design using in-person and virtual semi-structured interviews with 18 purposively sampled participants with children with CP who received speech and language teletherapy during COVID-19. The data was evaluated using an inductive thematic analysis approach whereby themes elicited from the caregivers’ narratives were analyzed. RESULTS: Interviews (n = 18) unveiled the significant understanding caregivers gained by becoming integral and active stakeholders in the provision of teletherapy. Caregivers were able to meaningfully communicate and bond with their children with CP. However, caregivers also assumed the burden that teletherapy placed on them, as they had to renegotiate their role during the pandemic in order to provide routine teletherapy. CONCLUSION: Findings indicated the need for person-centered SLP teletherapy interventions that utilize contextually and culturally responsive techniques and resources.
Factors influencing caregiver buy-in to early intervention physical therapy
Authors: Fergus Andrea , Wyker Carlee , Heyl Nicole , Lewis Tayler , Hartsook Katherine
Published: January 2024

OBJECTIVE: The family-centered care framework of Early Intervention (EI) has shifted the focus toward caregiver engagement, but the underlying processes that build this are unknown. The aims of this study were 1) to describe the process of caregiver engagement in therapy and (2) to identify factors perceived to influence caregiver buy-in, confidence, and engagement in EI. METHODS: This preliminary descriptive study utilized quantitative questionnaires and qualitative semi-structured interviews of EI participants (23 caregivers and four physical therapists). Interviews were transcribed and theme coded until saturation was achieved and a concept map was developed. RESULTS: All caregivers believed that their children benefited from EI, that they were empowered and confident in caring for their children, and their quality of life improved based on the quantitative data. The qualitative data revealed that building a rapport and therapeutic relationship is the foundation to developing buy-in. Reciprocal communication is critical to the relationship and the buy-in. Caregiver knowledge and awareness of progress foster caregiver buy-in and confidence once the relationship is established. CONCLUSION: Improved understanding of the factors influencing the development of buy-in will provide a framework for the clinician to enhance caregiver buy-in. Enhanced buy-in may promote parental engagement and improved outcomes for the child and family.
The health and quality of life of dental workers in jordan during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Al-Hourani Zeid A. , Almhdawi Khader A. , AlBakri Isra A. , Alibrahim Anas N. , Obeidat Donia
Published: January 2024

BACKGROUND: Dental team members are susceptible to high mental and physical stress levels, which could have increased during the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate Jordanian dental workers’ health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and determine its predictors during the COVID-19 Pandemic. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional survey study conducted on dental team members, namely; Dentists, dental Assistants, and Dental Technicians. The survey questionnaire was composed of questions related to stress during COVID-19, a short-form survey of 12 items (SF-12), a Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scale (DASS-21), and a Nordic musculoskeletal disorder questionnaire (NMQ). Descriptive analyses were used to describe the main outcome measures, and multiple variable regression analysis was conducted to identify the quality of life predictors. RESULTS: Participants’ HRQoL measured by SF-12 showed a mean±SD score of 67.1±17.19 for the physical component and 54.51±20.27 for the mental component. The Nordic scale showed symptoms of lower back pain as 63.9% over 12 months, 32% over 12 months’ functional limitation symptoms, and 45% in 7 days The regression model was found strong for our study with 53.8% variations (r2 = 0.538, F = 43.739, P < 0.001) in health-related quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Our study concluded that the level of HRQoL among Jordanian dental specialists during COVID-19 was observed to impact levels of physical and mental well-being which negatively influence the quality of life. Predictive factors like depression, stress, anxiety, musculoskeletal health, and individual everyday quality of life significantly affect the HRQoL of dental specialists.
Pengaruh Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning terhadap Keterampilan Kerjasama dan Hasil Belajar Mahasiswa pada Mata Kuliah Genetika
Authors: Maisaroh Dewi , Saputri Virani Rika , Narsan Vifty Octanarlia
Published: January 2024

Model Problem Based Learning merupakan salah satu model pembelajaran yang dikembangkan untuk meningkatkan ketrampilan mahasiswa dalam memecahkan suatu masalah pada kehidupan nyata. Model pembelajaran problem based learning ini juga merupakan salah model pembelajaran yang dapat memfasilitasi munculnya keterampilan abad 21. Hasil belajar dan keterampilan kerja sama merupakan salah satu keterampilan abad 21 yang penting untuk dimiliki oleh peserta didik. Metode penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode penelitian pre-experiment dengan desain penelitian One-Group Pretest-Posttest Design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 53 mahasiswa semester 4 program studi Tadris Biologi pada IAIN Metro 2023. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah tes tertulis untuk pengumpulan data hasil belajar yang berjumlah 25 soal pilihan ganda dan lembar observasi keterampilan kerjasama untuk mengumpulkan data keterampilan kerjasama mahasiswa berjumlah delapan pernyataan. Berdasarkan data hasil penelitian keterampilan kerjasama diketahui bahwa indikator kekompokan dalam tim merpakan indikator kerjasama yang memiliki presentase tertinggi dengan skor 96%. Dan berdasarkan uji statistik hasil belajar mahasiswa data tidak berdistribusi normal, maka dilanjutkan dengan uji nonparametrik diantaranya uji Wilcoxon, Mann-Whitney, dan Kruskal Willson yang didapatkan nilai Asymp. Sig. (2-tailed) 0,001 ˂ 0,25 yang artinya bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan dalam penggunaan PBL terhadap hasil belajar mahasiswa.
Pengembangan Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik Berbasis Group Investigation pada Materi Keanekaragaman Hayati sebagai Sumber Belajar Siswa Kelas X SMA/MA
Authors: Noka Anggy Salsabila , Dewi Asih Fitriana
Published: January 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan lembar kerja peserta didik berbasis Group Investigation pada materi keanekaragaman hayati sebagai sumber belajar siswa kelas X MA Ma’arif 9 Kotagajah, menganalisis kelayakan lembar kerja peserta didik oleh ahli materi dan ahli media, serta menganalisis respon guru dan peserta didik terhadap lembar kerja peserta didik berbasis Group Investigation yang dikembangkan oleh peneliti. Penelitian dengan menggunakan model ADDIE, teknik yang digunakan dalam mengumpulkan data yaitu berupa angket dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian dari validasi ahli materi yang dilakukan sebanyak 2 kali mendapatkan hasil presentase akhir 89% dengan kategori “sangat baik”, validasi ahli media yang dilakukan sebanyak 2 kali mendapatkan hasil presentase akhir 88% dengan kategori “sangat baik”. Hasil respon guru biologi mendapatkan presentase 91% dengan kategori “sangat baik” dan respon peserta didik mendapatkan presentase 92% dengan kategori “sangat baik”. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa lembar kerja peserta didik berbasis Group Investigation pada materi keanekaragaman hayati dinyatakan “sangat layak” digunakan dalam pembelajran biologi.