bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of a Mental Health Chatbot for People With Chronic Diseases: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: MacNeill A Luke , Doucet Shelley , Luke Alison
Published: May 2024

Background

People with chronic diseases tend to experience more mental health issues than their peers without these health conditions. Mental health chatbots offer a potential source of mental health support for people with chronic diseases.

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine whether a mental health chatbot can improve mental health in people with chronic diseases. We focused on 2 chronic diseases in particular: arthritis and diabetes.

Methods

Individuals with arthritis or diabetes were recruited using various web-based methods. Participants were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 groups. Those in the treatment group used a mental health chatbot app (Wysa [Wysa Inc]) over a period of 4 weeks. Those in the control group received no intervention. Participants completed measures of depression (Patient Health Questionnaire–9), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale–7), and stress (Perceived Stress Scale–10) at baseline, with follow-up testing 2 and 4 weeks later. Participants in the treatment group completed feedback questions on their experiences with the app at the final assessment point.

Results

A total of 68 participants (n=47, 69% women; mean age 42.87, SD 11.27 years) were included in the analysis. Participants were divided evenly between the treatment and control groups. Those in the treatment group reported decreases in depression (P<.001) and anxiety (P<.001) severity over the study period. No such changes were found among participants in the control group. No changes in stress were reported by participants in either group. Participants with arthritis reported higher levels of depression (P=.004) and anxiety (P=.004) severity than participants with diabetes over the course of the study, as well as higher levels of stress (P=.01); otherwise, patterns of results were similar across these health conditions. In response to the feedback questions, participants in the treatment group said that they liked many of the functions and features of the app, the general design of the app, and the user experience. They also disliked some aspects of the app, with most of these reports focusing on the chatbot’s conversational abilities.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that mental health chatbots can be an effective source of mental health support for people with chronic diseases such as arthritis and diabetes. Although cost-effective and accessible, these programs have limitations and may not be well suited for all individuals.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04620668; https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04620668
Capturing Patients’ and Clinicians’ Experiences of Using Video Consultations in Mental Health Outpatient Services: Qualitative Thematic Analysis
Authors: Shaker Ali Abbas , Simonsen Erik , Tarp Kristine , Borisov Radoslav Aleksandrov , Sørensen John Aasted , Bechmann Henrik , Austin Stephen F
Published: May 2024

Background

Over the last decade, there has been an increase in the evidence base supporting the efficacy of video consultations (VCs) in mental health services. Furthermore, the potential of VC treatment was also demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these promising results and conducive conditions for VCs, several studies have highlighted that the uptake and implementation of VCs continues to be slow, even after the pandemic. To facilitate and strengthen the implementation of VCs and exploit their potential as a useful tool for mental health disorder treatment, there is a need for a deeper understanding of the issues and experiences of implementing and using VCs as a treatment modality in clinical practice.

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate patients’ and clinicians’ experiences and attitudes toward using VCs in clinical practice.

Methods

Treatment was conducted through the VC modality. Semistructured interviews were conducted individually with patients (n=10) and focus group interview were conducted with clinicians (n=4). Patients had participated in weekly VC treatment over 2 months as part of mental health outpatient services in Denmark. Data from these interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

Thematic analysis of the patient interviews yielded two main themes: (1) adjusting to the practicalities of the VC format and (2) the practice of therapy using VCs. Patients experienced that using VCs was easy and convenient, and it was possible to establish and maintain a therapeutic alliance. They also described the contact as different to in-person therapy. The thematic analysis conducted on clinicians’ experiences of using VCs yielded three themes: (1) a shift in mindset from resistance to acceptance, (2) the contact is different when using the VC modality, and (3) adapting to a new way of working. Clinicians experienced that their initial concerns and resistance toward VC implementation gradually diminished over time as they gained clinical experience of using the modality. They expressed that contact with patients can be different when using the VC modality and that it took time to adjust to a new way of working therapeutically.

Conclusions

Both patients and clinicians experienced that VCs could enhance access to treatment and be meaningfully integrated into clinical practice. In addition, both groups described the contact when using the VC modality as being different to in-person therapy. Future research could examine patients’ and clinicians’ perceived differences regarding contact when using the VC modality and the implications for therapeutic interventions.
Searching COVID-19 Clinical Research Using Graph Queries: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Invernici Francesco , Bernasconi Anna , Ceri Stefano
Published: May 2024

Background

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, >1 million studies have been collected within the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset, a corpus of manuscripts created to accelerate research against the disease. Their related abstracts hold a wealth of information that remains largely unexplored and difficult to search due to its unstructured nature. Keyword-based search is the standard approach, which allows users to retrieve the documents of a corpus that contain (all or some of) the words in a target list. This type of search, however, does not provide visual support to the task and is not suited to expressing complex queries or compensating for missing specifications.

Objective

This study aims to consider small graphs of concepts and exploit them for expressing graph searches over existing COVID-19–related literature, leveraging the increasing use of graphs to represent and query scientific knowledge and providing a user-friendly search and exploration experience.

Methods

We considered the COVID-19 Open Research Dataset corpus and summarized its content by annotating the publications’ abstracts using terms selected from the Unified Medical Language System and the Ontology of Coronavirus Infectious Disease. Then, we built a co-occurrence network that includes all relevant concepts mentioned in the corpus, establishing connections when their mutual information is relevant. A sophisticated graph query engine was built to allow the identification of the best matches of graph queries on the network. It also supports partial matches and suggests potential query completions using shortest paths.

Results

We built a large co-occurrence network, consisting of 128,249 entities and 47,198,965 relationships; the GRAPH-SEARCH interface allows users to explore the network by formulating or adapting graph queries; it produces a bibliography of publications, which are globally ranked; and each publication is further associated with the specific parts of the query that it explains, thereby allowing the user to understand each aspect of the matching.

Conclusions

Our approach supports the process of query formulation and evidence search upon a large text corpus; it can be reapplied to any scientific domain where documents corpora and curated ontologies are made available.
MyPEEPS Mobile App for HIV Prevention Among Transmasculine Youth: Adaptation Through Community-Based Feedback and Usability Evaluation
Authors: Adedoja Dorcas , Kuhns Lisa M , Radix Asa , Garofalo Robert , Brin Maeve , Schnall Rebecca
Published: May 2024

Background

Transgender men and transmasculine youth are at high risk for acquiring HIV. Growing research on transgender men demonstrates increased HIV risk and burden compared with the general US population. Despite biomedical advancements in HIV prevention, there remains a dearth of evidence-based, sexual health HIV prevention interventions for young transgender men. MyPEEPS (Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education, and Prevention around Sexuality) Mobile is a web-based app that builds on extensive formative community–informed work to develop an evidence-based HIV prevention intervention. Our study team developed and tested the MyPEEPS Mobile intervention for 13- to 18-year-old cisgender young men in a national randomized controlled trial, which demonstrated efficacy to reduce sexual risk in the short term—at 3-month follow-up. Trans men and transmasculine youth resonated with basic HIV educational information and sexual scenarios of the original MyPEEPS app for cisgender men, but recognized the app's lack of transmasculine specificity.

Objective

The purpose of this study is to detail the user-centered design methods to adapt, improve the user interface, and enhance the usability of the MyPEEPS Mobile app for young transgender men and transmasculine youth.

Methods

The MyPEEPS Mobile app for young transgender men was adapted through a user-centered design approach, which included an iterative review of the adapted prototype by expert advisors and a youth advisory board. The app was then evaluated through a rigorous usability evaluation.

Results

MyPEEPS Mobile is among the first mobile health interventions developed to meet the specific needs of young transgender men and transmasculine youth to reduce HIV risk behaviors. While many of the activities in the original MyPEEPS Mobile were rigorously developed and tested, there was a need to adapt our intervention to meet the specific needs and risk factors among young transgender men and transmasculine youth. The findings from this study describe the adaptation of these activities through feedback from a youth advisory board and expert advisors. Following adaptation of the content, the app underwent a rigorous usability assessment through an evaluation with experts in human-computer interaction (n=5) and targeted end users (n=20).

Conclusions

Usability and adaptation findings demonstrate that the MyPEEPS Mobile app is highly usable and perceived as potentially useful for targeting HIV risk behaviors in young transgender men and transmasculine youth.
MyPEEPS Mobile App for HIV Prevention Among Transmasculine Youth: Adaptation Through Community-Based Feedback and Usability Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Adedoja Dorcas , Kuhns Lisa M , Radix Asa , Garofalo Robert , Brin Maeve , Schnall Rebecca
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Transgender men and transmasculine youth are at high risk for acquiring HIV. Growing research on transgender men demonstrates increased HIV risk and burden compared with the general US population. Despite biomedical advancements in HIV prevention, there remains a dearth of evidence-based, sexual health HIV prevention interventions for young transgender men. MyPEEPS (Male Youth Pursuing Empowerment, Education, and Prevention around Sexuality) Mobile is a web-based app that builds on extensive formative community–informed work to develop an evidence-based HIV prevention intervention. Our study team developed and tested the MyPEEPS Mobile intervention for 13- to 18-year-old cisgender young men in a national randomized controlled trial, which demonstrated efficacy to reduce sexual risk in the short term—at 3-month follow-up. Trans men and transmasculine youth resonated with basic HIV educational information and sexual scenarios of the original MyPEEPS app for cisgender men, but recognized the app's lack of transmasculine specificity.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to detail the user-centered design methods to adapt, improve the user interface, and enhance the usability of the MyPEEPS Mobile app for young transgender men and transmasculine youth.

METHODS

The MyPEEPS Mobile app for young transgender men was adapted through a user-centered design approach, which included an iterative review of the adapted prototype by expert advisors and a youth advisory board. The app was then evaluated through a rigorous usability evaluation.

RESULTS

MyPEEPS Mobile is among the first mobile health interventions developed to meet the specific needs of young transgender men and transmasculine youth to reduce HIV risk behaviors. While many of the activities in the original MyPEEPS Mobile were rigorously developed and tested, there was a need to adapt our intervention to meet the specific needs and risk factors among young transgender men and transmasculine youth. The findings from this study describe the adaptation of these activities through feedback from a youth advisory board and expert advisors. Following adaptation of the content, the app underwent a rigorous usability assessment through an evaluation with experts in human-computer interaction (n=5) and targeted end users (n=20).

CONCLUSIONS

Usability and adaptation findings demonstrate that the MyPEEPS Mobile app is highly usable and perceived as potentially useful for targeting HIV risk behaviors in young transgender men and transmasculine youth.
A Study on the Components of English Learning Well-being of Non-English Major College Students
Authors: Zhou Jia , Tang Weihong
Published: May 2024

The goal of foreign language education is not only to cultivate students’ language knowledge and competence but also to make the recipients feel well-being and happiness. Taking Chinese non-English major college students as the research object, this paper thoroughly investigates the components of Chinese students’ English learning well-being through one-to-one semi-structured interviews, using the PERMA theoretical model of well-being as the theoretical framework. It was found that positive emotion, engagement, relationships, meaning, and accomplishment in the PERMA model of well-being all appeared in Chinese students’ English learning experiences. In addition, negative emotions and multiple character strengths contributed to the enhancement of students’ English learning well-being.
Giving Voice to the Unvoiced: The Rise of Indian Dalit Literature
Authors: Chauhan Niyati
Published: May 2024

The word "Dalit" connotes people who are impoverished, oppressed, abused, and in need. The origin of the Indian caste system is not a widely accepted theory. There are several forms of inequality that give rise to social prejudice in every civilised community. Additionally, it is dressed in "Casteism" in India. The subaltern literary voices of the tribals, Dalits, and other minority groups were absent from discourses tailored to the tastes of the nobility. The dalits are denied their basic rights to equality, property ownership, and education. Dalit literature thus arises as a voice for all those marginalised, oppressed, and exploited populations who have long suffered from societal injustice and exploitation. The liberation of Dalits from this never-ending slavery is the central theme of Dalit literature. Dalit experiences and expressions are positing the history in quotidian. Though they may appear as alien and anathema to the “upper” caste sensibility, they can be read as embodying the political in all its dimensions. Since Dalit literature is based on ideas of equality, liberty, justice, and solidarity rather than pleasure, it is important for Dalit critics to find a new imagery of “beauty and truth”, which is more responsive to contemporary lived realities. Otherwise, Dalit literature will forever be condemned for its lack of merits and the taste within the overarching framework of traditional aesthetics. The Dalit writers’ rejection of the hegemony of a caste-based universalism challenges the neat binary world of postcolonial literary theory and calls attention to the internal contradictions of Indian society.
Síndrome de Miller-Dieker: reporte de dos casos
Authors: Mendoza Torres José Cruz , Coiscou Domínguez Nelson Ramón
Published: May 2024

Introduction: Miller-Dieker syndrome has an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance and belongs to the group of neuronal migration disorders. It is characterized by the presence of type 1 lissencephaly, global development delay, microcephaly, epilepsy and facial dysmorphisms caused by mutations in chromosome 17p13. Miller-Dieker syndrome is an extremely rare disease with a prevalence of 1 case per 100,000 live births. Case presentation: We present two cases of Miller-Dieker syndrome in which data from the physical examination and questioning were clues that allowed a strong diagnostic suspicion and that, in turn, the definitive diagnosis by means of FISH allowed us to provide adequate management in order to improve the long-term prognosis. Conclusion: A high diagnostic suspicion must be achieved through physical examination aimed at identifying alterations in patients with difficult-to-control epilepsy, since it allows guiding the etiological diagnosis and thereby providing adequate treatment. Keywords: Miller-Dieker syndrome; lissencephaly type 1; chromosome 17p13.3 deletion syndrome; epilepsy; microcephaly
El programa de Ciencias Médicas Odontológicas y de la Salud del Posgrado General de la UNAM (2011 a 2023)
Authors: Fortoul van der Goes Teresa I. , Manzanarez Villegas Aleithia , Ochoa Cabrera Alba , Castillo Sosa Yahalí , Silva Méndez Magnolia , Martínez Zúñiga Aída , Estrada Nieves Ana María , Morales Sánchez Eduardo
Published: May 2024

By reviewing the scientific literature specialized in sleep disorders (TS) carried out in Mexico, especially at the TS Clinic (Faculty of Medicine-UNAM) at the General Hospital of Mexico (CTS-HGM) from 1948 to 2020, it was possible to document the history of ST research in Mexico and the role played by the CTS-HGM. Sleep Medicine (MS) is one of the newest specialties in Mexico and case research in this field began around 1948, while formal research in 1974. The founding of CTS-HGM in 1997 led to significant development in TS research in Mexico. In addition, the CTS-HGM became a center of care for patients with these problems, as well as important research center since its publications cover all the diagnostic categories of the CITS. Keywords: PMDCMOS; master’s; doctoral; graduation; enrollment; fields of knowledge.
Employee Motivation & The Impact of Employee Motivation Programs on Job Satisfaction
Authors: Prajapat Bhavesh
Published: May 2024

Abstract: Examining employee motivation and the effect of motivation programs on job satisfaction is the goal of the current study. The purpose of the study is to investigate how different motivational techniques affect worker morale, output, and general job satisfaction. Numerous efforts for work-life balance, professional growth, financial incentives, recognition programs, and encouragement are available. The findings show that these initiatives greatly improve employee work satisfaction. The research highlights the significance of customized incentive schemes in fostering job contentment and suggests optimal approaches for establishments aiming to enhance their incentive structure. The significance of matching employee requirements and preferences with motivating programs is also covered in the study. The study also identifies critical elements, such as corporate culture and managerial support, that enhance the efficacy of these programs
IOT Mining Tracking & Worker Safety Helmet
Authors: Vishwakarma Anand
Published: May 2024

Abstract: The digital revolution in the mining industry is being driven by the growing applications of IoT. In this research, we focus on one of the most important aspects of mine safety – the development of next-gen smart helmet systems. Imagine a smart helmet that is worn by miners and continuously monitors vital environmental parameters such as temperature, humidity and gas levels, but it goes further than simple monitoring. It can also detect if a miner takes the helmet off for any reason or if it becomes damaged due to obstacles inside the mine. This innovative system uses IoT to make a significant improvement in worker safety over traditional methods. With real-time information and hazard alerts, mine operators can proactively prevent accidents and improve overall operations. The collected data can also be used to detect potential hazards and take preventive measures to reduce the risk of accidents and save lives. The development of a smart helmet system marks a paradigm shift for mine safety, ushering in a new era of data-driven decision-making and improved worker protection.
Revolutionizing Online Assessment Security with Secure ExamChain: A Decentralized Approach
Authors: Vaidya Bhaskar Narayan
Published: May 2024

Abstract: In today's digital era, data has become a paramount asset, surpassing traditional commodities in value. As users increasingly prioritize safeguarding their information from external threats, blockchain technology emerges as a premier solution, offering unparalleled security and data integrity. Initially associated with cryptocurrency, blockchain has evolved to serve diverse private and enterprise applications, ensuring robust data protection. The core of blockchain technology lies in its decentralized architecture, which enables secure and efficient data transmission within a network, keeping information shielded from unauthorized access while granting privileged users exclusive rights for data interaction. Major global corporations such as Walmart, IBM, and Google are actively integrating blockchain technology to develop Decentralized Applications (DApps). These smart systems, executed on distributed computer networks, facilitate the creation of Smart Contracts—automated, secure, distributed ledgers that enable tamper-proof and transparent transactions. Utilizing the robust cryptographic algorithm SHA256, Smart Contracts generate a 256-bit signature for input text, ensuring data security and integrity. The Ethereum Blockchain Platform, a widely adopted public network, plays a crucial role in enabling secure transaction exchanges through DApps. Blockchain technology's impact spans various sectors, including marketing, business, education, and supply chain management. This study explores the application of the Ethereum Blockchain Platform within the academic system, specifically focusing on the development of an Online Examination System. The proposed application leverages Smart Contracts, NodeJS for server runtime, and MongoDB as the database system, demonstrating enhanced security over traditional cloud-based solutions. The findings highlight the superior trustworthiness and reliability of blockchain-based online examination systems compared to conventional methods.
Chemodrug resistance: Cancer’s fight for survival
Authors: Alcántara Colin Jafet , Sandoval Cabrera Antonio , Martinez Quintero Daniel Alejandro , Santillán Benítez Jonnathan Guadalupe
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Chemoresistance is a multifactorial phenomenon implicated in all failed therapies and accounts for 90% of all cancer deaths and 30% of relapses. Objective. To understand the genetic mechanisms by which cancer cells acquire resistance to chemo drugs. Methodology. A non-systematic review study was carried out, in which genes and proteins involved in chemoresistance were searched using the terms “Cancer Drug resis-tance [Title/Abstract]”. From the articles obtained, highly involved genes, emerging genes, and proteins related to resistance were recognized. To obtain more specific information about genes, their interactions, and proteins associated with metabolism, the tools “The Human Protein Atlas”, “STRING CONSORTIUM 2022,” and The Small Molecule Pa- thway Database were used for their review. Results. From this review it was found that there are genes highly related to resistance such as: ABCA3, ABCB1, ABCB2, ABCC1, ABCC2, ABCG2, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, GSTA1. Recently recognised genes such as: FOXO3,FOXM1, Skp2, Snail, Twist1, ZEB1 and SLCO1B3. Conclusions. It is necessary to taking account new approaches related to cancer treatments considering chemoresistence and the genes related to the resistence.
Current evidence of climate driven colour changes in insects and its impact on sexual selection
Authors: Haque Md Tangigul , Khan Kawsar , Herberstein Marie
Published: May 2024

Insects exhibit diverse colours that play a crucial role in
communication that directs inter- and intra-species interactions such as
predator-prey interactions and sexual selection. Anthropogenic climate
change may impact insects colour expression and consequently their
physiology and behaviour. Insects can respond to changing climatic
through phenotypic plasticity or genetic modification, however it is
unclear how any of the resulting changes in body and wing colour may
impact interactions with conspecifics and heterospecific (e.g.,
predator, prey, and mate). The aim of this review is to synthesis the
current knowledge of the consequences of climate driven colour change on
insects. Firstly, we discussed the environmental factors that affect
insect colours, and then we outlined the adaptive mechanisms in terms of
phenotypic plasticity and microevolutionary response. Secondly, we
conducted a systematic review and performed a qualitative analysis to
understand how experimental rearing temperature influences insect
colouration. Finally, we gave an overview of the beneficial or
maladaptive impact of colour change on sexual selection. We concluded by
identifying research gaps and highlight potential future research areas.
Alzheimer's proteinopathy in olfactory neuroepithelium from persistent olfactory impairment SARS-CoV-2 patients
Authors: Grosso Carlos Alberto Ayala , Pieruzzini Rosalinda , Rodriguez Cesar , Gil Mireya , Fernandez-Mestre Mercedes , Duque Kharelys , Cubillan Lisbeth
Published: May 2024

Persistent olfactory impairment (POI) and dysgeusia are lingering
symptoms following recovery from Acute Respiratory Syndrome
Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. These symptoms, along with
neurological changes affecting mood, anxiety, cognitive function, and
sleep, have significant public health implications. However, the cause
of these symptoms is still unknown. For this reason, we investigated
whether the presence of certain proteins, such as amyloid Aβ and
α-synuclein in the olfactory mucosa tissue of POI patients, could be
associated with neurological changes. We conducted a study where we
collected tissue biopsies and cultured cells from patients with
normosmic non-cognitive impairment, hyposmic mild cognitive impairment
or Alzheimer’s disease, and persistent olfactory impairment (POI) who
had been infected with SARS-CoV-2 for 20 months or more. We then
examined the expression of amyloid Aβ, α-Synuclein, and tau proteins
using immuno-fluorescence and flow cytometry methodology. Our findings
revealed that for the first time, amyloid Aβ, α-Synuclein, and tau
proteins were detected in olfactory mucosa tissue sections and in
cultured olfactory-derived mesenchymal stromal cells from patients with
normosmia, hyposmia, and POI post-SARS-CoV-2 with neurological
alterations. We also observed that POI occurred in younger post-COVID-19
patients than in those with hyposmia-mild cognitive impairment and
normosmia non-cognitive impairment. Immunoreactive positive cells for
Aβ, α-syn, and tau proteins were observed in sustentacular-like cells,
intermediate cells, and parenchymal sub-lamina propria cells from
olfactory mucosa tissue. Our study suggests that the presence of these
biomarkers in middle-aged patients may indicate a protein dysmetabolism
that could contribute to the progression of a neurodegenerative
disorder.
Doubly exponential growth and decay for a semilinear heat equation with logarithmic nonlinearity
Authors: Long QunFei
Published: May 2024

In this note, we consider the initial boundary value problem for a
parabolic equation with logarithmic nonlinearity, which has been studied
by Chen et al. (J. Math. Anal. Appl. 2015, 422, 84-98) and Han (J. Math.
Anal. Appl. 2019, 474, 513-517). On the one hand, we not only prove the
existence of doubly exponential decay solutions, but also find its
threshold, and obtain the solutions with ∥ u 0 ∥ 2 2 → 0 + is always
zero. On the other hand, we also prove the existence of doubly
exponential growth solutions. The reseach results in this note extend
previous results from both decay and growth.
Using Commercial Satellite Imagery to Reconstruct 3 m and Daily Spring Snow Water Equivalent
Authors: Pflug Justin M , yang Kehan , Cristea Nicoleta , Boudreau Emma Troy , Vuyovich Carrie , Kumar Sujay
Published: May 2024

Snow water equivalent (SWE) distribution at fine spatial scales (≤ 10 m)
is difficult to estimate due to modeling and observational constraints.
However, the distribution of SWE throughout the spring snowmelt season
is often correlated to the timing of snow disappearance. Here, we show
that snow cover maps generated from PlanetScope’s constellation of Dove
Satellites can resolve the 3 m date of snow disappearance across seven
alpine domains in California and Colorado. Across a 5-year period (2019
– 2023), the average uncertainty in the date of snow disappearance, or
the period of time between the last date of observed snow cover and the
first date of observed snow absence, was 3 days. Using a simple
shortwave-based snowmelt model calibrated at nearby snow pillows, the
PlanetScope date of snow disappearance could be used to reconstruct
spring snow water equivalent (SWE). Relative to lidar SWE estimates, the
SWE reconstruction had a spatial coefficient of correlation of 0.75, and
SWE spatial variability that was biased by 9%, on average. SWE
reconstruction biases were then improved to within 0.04 m, on average,
by calibrating snowmelt rates to track the spring temporal evolution of
fractional snow cover observed by PlanetScope, including fractional snow
cover over the full modeling domain, and across domain subsections where
snowmelt rates may differ. This study demonstrates the utility of
fine-scale and high-frequency optical observations of snow cover, and
the simple and annually repeatable connections between snow cover and
spring snow water resources in regions with seasonal snowpack.
Measuring the Unmeasured: Exploring the Concept of “Supply Chain Quotient” [SCQ]
Authors: Narayanan N. Sureshkumar PP , Ghapar Farha , Chew Li Lian , Kaliani Sundram Veera Pandiyan , Jayamani Umahdevi , Muhammad Azlina
Published: May 2024

The concepts of intelligence quotient (IQ) and emotional quotient (EQ) have long been recognized as essential indicators of cognitive and emotional capabilities. However, the field of supply chain management lacks a standardized measure to assess the competencies required for successful supply chain operations. This article aims to fill this gap by introducing the concept of Supply Chain Quotient (SCQ) as a novel measure of supply chain competence. The SCQ framework expands beyond traditional intelligence and emotional factors, considering the unique skills and characteristics required in the complex world of supply chains. Drawing from existing literature on supply chain management, human resources, and cognitive psychology, this research explores the key dimensions and components that comprise the SCQ. The paper also examines potential methodologies and approaches for assessing and quantifying the SCQ, including self-assessment tools, case studies, and behavioral assessments. By introducing the SCQ, this research contributes to the understanding and evaluation of supply chain competence, providing organizations with a framework to identify, develop, and leverage talent in their supply chain functions. Additionally, it opens avenues for future research and practical applications to enhance supply chain performance and improve overall organizational outcomes.
Optimizing Working Capital Management in Supply Chain Finance: A Multi-Dimensional Approach
Authors: Narayanan N. Sureshkumar PP , Ghapar Farha , Chew Li Lian , Sundram Veera Pandiyan Kaliani , Jayamani Umahdevi , Muhammad Azlina
Published: May 2024

The efficient management of working capital is crucial for businesses to sustain operations, improve financial performance, and enhance competitiveness in today's dynamic and globalized supply chains. Supply chain finance, an emerging field that focuses on optimizing financial flows and relationships within supply chains, offers opportunities for businesses to improve working capital management. This research aims to explore the multi-dimensional aspects of working capital management in the context of supply chain finance and propose strategies for optimizing financial performance. By examining the interplay between cash flow, inventory management, and accounts receivable/payable, this study will provide insights into effective working capital management practices that can be implemented across different stages of the supply chain. Through a simple desktop research and literature survey, this research will contribute to the existing body of knowledge on supply chain finance and provide practical recommendations for businesses seeking to enhance their financial performance through optimized working capital management.
CEO Incentives for Risk-Taking and Compensation Duration
Authors: Kubick Thomas R. , Robinson John R. , Starks Laura T.
Published: May 2024

When determining new equity grants, corporate boards face a tradeoff between the CEO’s incentives generated from the grant’s duration versus those arising from the convexity of the embedded equity risk. We hypothesize and find that boards lengthen the horizon of new compensation grants in the presence of greater pre-existing compensation sensitivity to stock return volatility (vega). In addition, consistent with our hypothesis, we find stronger results in the presence of greater left-tail risk. Further, employing two exogenous shocks to left-tail risk, we provide evidence consistent with our hypothesis that grant horizons are related to risk incentives. Our analysis of the interaction of these two incentive mechanisms provides new insights on compensation contracting.

JEL Classifications: J33; M52.
Testate amoebae of the natural monument bog “Klyukvennoye-2” (Usman pine forest, Voronezh Oblast, Russia)
Authors: Загумённая О.Н.
Published: May 2024

В работе впервые рассматриваются результаты изучения видового состава сооб- ществ раковинных амеб из разнотипных микробиотопов, отличающихся по степени обводнен- ности и составу субстрата переходного болота Клюквенное-2 (ООПТ) Усманского бора. Выяв- лено 72 вида раковинных амеб. Наиболее богатыми по числу видов и количественному обилию были мезофильные сообщества раковинных амеб, населяющие промежуточные местообитания между моховыми и водными микробиотопами. Сообщество раковинных амеб, населяющих су- хие сфагновые кочки, отличалось самыми низкими показателями. Среди всех выявленных видов Arcella gibbosa имела максимальное количественное обилие.

This paper was the first to present the results of investigations of species composition of testate amoebae from different microbiotopes with regard to watering and a substrate type of the protected natural area “ bog Klyukvennoye-2” of Usman Pine Forest. A total of 72 species of testate amoebae were identified. Mesophilic communities of testate amoebae dwelling in the intermediate habitats between moss and aquatic microbiotopes were the richest in terms of species number and abundance. These indicators for the testate amoebae community inhabiting dry sphagnum tussocks turned out to be the least. Arcella gibbosa had the highest abundance among all identified species.
The influence of hydrological and meteorological factors on the water quality of the Novosibirsk reservoir in the years of mean water content
Authors: Двуреченская С.Я. , Ермолаева Н.И. , Кондакова О.В.
Published: May 2024

Установлено влияние гидрологических и метеорологических факторов (температу- ры воды, атмосферных осадков, притока воды в водохранилище, сбросов в нижний бьеф, уров- ня и объема водохранилища, интенсивности внешнего водообмена) на химический состав воды (содержание растворенного кислорода, взвешенных веществ, нитратов, нитритов, соединений, содержащих аммонийный азот, сульфатов, хлоридов, фосфатов, ряда органических веществ и тяжелых металлов) Новосибирского водохранилища в средние по водности годы. Рассмотрены периоды весеннего наполнения водохранилища и летней стабилизации уровня воды на отметке нормального подпорного уровня как периоды формирования качества воды водохранилища и наиболее активного развития биоты.

The influence of hydrological and meteorological factors (water temperature, precipitation, intensity of external water exchange, water inflow into the reservoir, discharge to the downstream, water level, reservoir volume) on the chemical composition of water (content of dissolved oxygen, suspended solids, nitrates, nitrites, compounds containing ammonium nitrogen, sulfates, chlorides, phosphates, a number of organic substances and heavy metals) of Novosibirsk Reservoir in the mean-water years was analyzed. The period of reservoir filling in spring and the period of water level standing at the normal maximum operating level in summer were investigated as the times most important for water quality and biota development in the reservoir.
Species features of bioaccumulation of heavy metals in leaves of poplar Populus canadensis Moench and ash Fraxinus americana L. in the urban ecosystem
Authors: Березин Г.И. , Олькова А.С.
Published: May 2024

Поиск растений-концентраторов тяжелых металлов (ТМ) имеет значение с диагно- стической и ремедиационной сторон. В ходе работы были измерены валовые содержания Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb в листьях тополя канадского Populus canadensis Moench и ясеня американского Fraxinus americana L. – деревьев, часто используемых в озеленении населенных мест. Методом атомно-абсорбционой спектроскопии исследованы воздушно-сухие биопробы листьев деревьев, собранные в течение одного вегетационного сезона на 5 участках, расположенных на террито- рии г. Кирова (Россия, Кировская область). Показано, что в листьях тополя в большей степени аккумулировался цинк, максимальное накопление которого установлено в промышленных зонах города. Листья ясеня в большей степени накапливали медь и свинец, содержание которых было высоким на всех участках.

The search for heavy metal concentrator plants is important in terms of diagnostics and remediation. In the course of the work, the gross contents of Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb were measured in the leaves of poplar Populus Canadensis Moench and ash Fraxinus Americana L. These trees are often used in the landscaping of populated areas. Air-dry samples of tree leaves collected during one growing season at 5 sites located on the territory of Kirov (Russia, Kirov oblast) were studied by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Zinc was accumulated to a greater extent in poplar leaves. Maximum accumulation of zinc was noted in the industrial areas of the city. Ash leaves largely accumulated copper and lead, the content of which was high throughout.
Leukocytes of the blood of rodents from the “Kologrivsky Forest” Nature Reserve and Kostroma Forestry Site
Authors: Климова А.С. , Сиротина М.В.
Published: May 2024

Впервые изучены эколого-физиологические и видовые особенности системы лей- коцитов крови двух видов цикломорфных грызунов – рыжей полевки Myodes glareolus Schreber, 1780 и малой лесной мыши Apodemus uralensis Pallas, 1811 на сопредельных территориях Коло- гривского и Костромского районов Костромской области. Установлено, что лейкоформулы иссле- дуемых грызунов видоспецифичны и значимо отличаются у особей, обитающих на территории заповедника «Кологривский лес» и на территории Костромского лесничества. Многофакторный дисперсионный анализ выявил существенное влияние на лейкоформулу всех изученных фак- торов: «локация отлова», «видовая принадлежность», «пол», «стадия популяционного цикла» и «год исследования». Относительно высокая степень девиации индекса селезенки у исследуемых видов свидетельствует о неоднородности популяций по данному признаку. При этом достоверной сопряженности риска развития спленомегалии у мышевидных грызунов с особенностями их ре- продуктивной стратегии и восприимчивости к инвазиям не обнаружено.

The ecological, physiological and species-specific characteristics of the leukocyte profile of two species of cyclomorphic rodents, the bank vole Myodes glareolus (Schreber, 1780) and the pygmy wood mouse Apodemus uralensis (Pallas, 1811), were studied for the first time in the adjacent territories of the Kologriv and Kostroma districts of the Kostroma Oblast. It was established that the leukocyte profiles of the studied rodents are different in different species and vary significantly among individuals inhabiting the Kologrivsky Forest Reserve and the Kostroma Forestry. Multivariate analysis of variance showed that the white blood cell differential parameters largely correlate with the following factors: “location of capture,” “taxonomic species,” “gender,” “stage of the population cycle,” and “year of study.” The relatively high degree of deviation of the splenic index in the studied species indicates the heterogeneity of populations for this trait. At the same time, no reliable association was found between the risk of developing splenomegaly in mouse-like rodents, and the characteristics of their reproductive strategy and susceptibility to invasions.
Forecasting Gas Well Production and Analysing Pressure Dynamics: A Study of Transient Flow and Pressure Drop in Natural Gas Formation
Authors: Alagoz Ekrem
Published: May 2024

This paper presents an analysis of gas well production forecasting and pressure dynamics within natural gas formations. Focused on transient flow conditions and assuming Darcy flow with zero skin factor, the study delves into two key aspects: production forecasting and pressure drop analysis. The primary objective is to develop a production forecast until the average reservoir pressure declines to 2,000 psi. Additionally, the paper examines the pressure drop along the well, detailing its components including friction, acceleration, and gravitational potential, with depth profiles presented for at least one average reservoir pressure scenario. The analysis also considers temporal variations in pressure drop, providing insights into how these dynamics evolve over time. Through rigorous examination and discussion, this study offers valuable insights into optimising gas well production strategies and understanding pressure behaviour in natural gas formations.
Factores que intervienen en la administración del hogar
Authors: Martínez Ortega Ma. de los Ángeles , Vivanco Martínez Miguel Ángel
Published: May 2024

El objetivo de esta investigación fue identificar los factores principales considerados en la administración del hogar para luego señalar su relación con el nivel educativo, la edad y el género. Para ello, se realizó un análisis directo de la forma en cómo se ha presentado el ingreso y gasto a nivel nacional, a partir de la Encuesta Nacional de Ingresos y Gastos de los Hogares (ENIGH) 2022, con un total de 37 millones de viviendas analizadas. Como complemento se efectuó una encuesta con una muestra de 212 casos para identificar y contrastar la forma en que algunas familias administran sus hogares (caso de estudio) a través de la prueba de ji al cuadrado, utilizando el software IBM SPSS Statistics 23. Los resultados señalaron que la principal fuente de ingreso de los hogares fue el trabajo, que sumó el 65.7 % del ingreso total, posteriormente las transferencias y la estimación del alquiler de la vivienda, que representaron el 17.2 y 11.8 %, respectivamente. El gasto corriente por grandes rubros fue para alimentos, bebidas y tabaco, posteriormente para transporte y en tercera posición para la educación. Los hogares de la CDMX, Baja California y Querétaro presentaron el mayor gasto promedio mensual.  Igualmente, los resultados del caso de estudio mostraron que únicamente el 56 % reconocen que administran sus hogares y de ellos 58 % son mujeres. Finalmente se acepta la H0, ya que el resultado de la prueba fue mayor que 0.05, es decir, no existe una correlación directa entre la administración del hogar con la edad, el género ni el nivel de educativo.
Validez de contenido de un instrumento de medición para medir el éxito en la implementación del TPM
Authors: Castillo Salcido Paola Fernanda , García Martínez Rafael , Hernández Gómez Jesús Andrés , Poblano Ojinaga Eduardo Rafael , Noriega Morales Salvador A.
Published: May 2024

La validación de contenido constituye una etapa crítica y compleja en el proceso de desarrollo de instrumentos de medición comúnmente empleados para evaluar constructos complejos en la investigación social y administrativa, ya que debe asegurarse que los ítems o variables medibles de cada constructo sean representativos. Por eso, el objetivo de esta investigación fue reportar y discutir la validación de contenido de manera práctica de un instrumento de medición que evalúa el éxito en la implementación del mantenimiento productivo total (TPM, por sus siglas en inglés) a partir de cinco constructos: participación y compromiso de la gerencia (PCG), educación y capacitación (EC), involucramiento del personal (IP), cambio de cultura organizacional (CCO) y éxito en la implementación del TPM (ETPM). Para llevar a cabo el procedimiento de validación se empleó el método de juicio de expertos y el índice de contenido de Lynn (I-CVI), así como una revisión de literatura, y recopilación y formulación de ítems que conforman los constructos, los cuales fueron validados mediante el juicio de expertos, quienes examinaron las dimensiones de relevancia, coherencia y claridad de los ítems. Las respuestas de los expertos fueron analizadas utilizando el método del índice de validez de contenido de Lynn (I-ICV, S-CVI/ave, S-CVI/UA) para cada ítem en cada una de las dimensiones. Los resultados muestran que los ítems son representativos del constructo correspondiente, lo que indica que el instrumento posee una validez de contenido muy alta con un nivel de significancia del 5%. Como resultado, se presenta un instrumento con validez de contenido para medir el éxito de la implementación del TPM a través de los cuatro constructos propuestos.