bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decrypting the Relationship Between Corruption and Human Development: Evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Hardi Irsan , Saputra Jumadil , Hadiyani Rahmilia , Maulana Ar Razy Ridha , Idroes Ghalieb Mutig
Published: July 2023

Corruption is considered endemic in a large part of the world's population and is believed to be a factor that disrupts market behavior and distorts competition, thereby hindering economic growth and human development. This study aims to unveil the impact of corruption on Indonesia's human development through various approaches, utilizing Fully-Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), Moderated Regression Analysis (MRA), Path Analysis, and Vector Error Correction Model (VECM) methods, with data covering the period from 1995 to 2022. The results of the estimation are discussed in three parts: 1) Dynamic Impact, by analyzing the long-term direct effect of corruption on human development; 2) Indirect Impact, by examining the role of government expenditure, tax revenue, and public debt in mediating the effect of corruption on human development; and 3) Causal Impact, by determining the unidirectional and bidirectional relationships between all variables studied. The findings indicate that corruption does not have a lasting direct impact on human development. Moreover, government expenditure and public debt play a role in moderating the impact of corruption on human development. Additionally, there is no causal link between corruption and human development, whereas there are causal connections between human development, government expenditure, tax revenue, and public debt. The results of this study will be valuable in assessing the extent of corruption's impact on human development, particularly in Indonesia, and aim to raise awareness of policymakers, hence encouraging individuals to participate in combating corruption.
Unveiling the Carbon Footprint: Biomass vs. Geothermal Energy in Indonesia
Authors: Idroes Ghalieb Mutig , Syahnur Sofyan , Majid M. Shabri Abd , Idroes Rinadi , Kusumo Fitranto , Hardi Irsan
Published: July 2023

Global climate change, caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), has an enormous and unprecedented impact on our planet's ecosystem, development, and long-term sustainability. This study investigates the dynamic impact of biomass and geothermal energy on CO2 emissions in Indonesia from 2000 to 2020. Employing the Green Solow model with the approach of Fully-Modified Ordinary Least Squares (FMOLS), Dynamic Ordinary Least Squares (DOLS), Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) and Pairwise Granger causality test. The cointegration tests suggest the existence of a long-term equilibrium relationship between CO2 emissions, biomass, and geothermal energy. Empirical evidence reveals that although biomass and geothermal energy positively influence CO2 emissions, their overall impact is relatively low. This highlights the potential for these renewable energy sources to contribute to CO2 reduction and promote environmental sustainability. The Granger causality test confirms a causal relationship between CO2 emissions, biomass, and geothermal energy. Important policy recommendations for promoting sustainable energy practices in Indonesia involve investing in high-quality biomass and geothermal facilities to reduce emissions, implementing energy efficiency programs and fossil fuel conservation measures, and encouraging the use of electricity-based biomass and geothermal energy sources to reduce dependence on non-renewable fuels. These recommendations play a crucial role in achieving environmental and economic sustainability.
Mission critical voice quality of experience probability of successful delivery measurement methods
Authors: Pieper Jaden , Frey Jesse , Howarth Gary
Published: July 2023

This paper describes the probability of successful delivery (PSuD) measurement method for every word critical (EWC) and average message intelligibility (AMI) mission-critical voice (MCV) communications contexts. The PSuD measurement is a component of the MCV quality of experience (QoE) system developed by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Public Safety Communications Research Division (PSCR). In this paper, we present the probabilityiser (PBI), a tool that simulates an unreliable audio channel. Using the PBI we validate the PSuD measurement and demonstrate the measurement's utility on audio encoded with various codecs.
A Neonatal Case of Hemorrhagic Cystic Subcutaneous Fat Necrosis
Authors: Erdoğan Ordu Ayten , Karacan Ahmet , Nasuhi Budak Hasan , Yarcı Erbu , Ali Dorum Bayram
Published: July 2023

Subcutaneous fat necrosis is rarely seen in the first weeks of life in newborns born with obstetric complications. It often shows a benign course and heals without complications. Metabolic complications, especially hypercalcemia, may accompany the lesions throughout the clinical course. Herein, we report a term newborn with an atypical course of subcutaneous fat necrosis, whose lesions progressed to a hemorrhagic, bullous character and subcutaneous necrosis with an abscess-like appearance and content.
Studi Literatur implementasi fatwa DSN MUI No.73 tentang Musyarakah Mutanaqishah
Authors: Vauziah Riva Adha , Muhammad Fattah Muharrik , Rahmadin Windi Laeli
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to find out how the implementation of the musyarakah mutanaqishah contract on mortgage financing (KPR) in Indonesia. The research method used is a qualitative method using a literature review. The source of this research is in the form of journals obtained from Google Scholar with topics around the implementation of the Musyarakah Mutanaqishah contract on mortgage financing. This study uses descriptive statistical analysis based on 16 published articles related to the implementation of the musyarakah mutanaqishah contract published by Google Scholar. All sample journal publications have been published for eight years from 2015 to 2022. The results showed that there were 3 articles which stated that the MMQ contract had not been implemented according to the fatwa, there were 8 articles whose implementation was according to the fatwa and there were 5 articles which still had many deficiencies related to the implementation of the MMQ contract. . Furthermore, the most articles published were in 2018 (31%) and the fewest were in 2015 and 2022 (6%). Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana implementasi akad musyarakah mutanaqishah pada pembiayaan kredit kepemilikan rumah (KPR) di Indonesia. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan literatur review. Sumber penelitian ini berupa jurnal yang didapatkan dari google scholar dengan topik seputar implementasi akad Musyarakah Mutanaqishah pada pembiayaan KPR. Studi ini menggunakan analisis statistik deskriptif berdasarkan 16 artikel publikasi terkait dengan implementasi akad musyarakah mutanaqishah yang di publikasi google scholar. Seluruh publikasi jurnal sampel telah diterbitkan selama delapan tahun mulai 2015 hingga 2022. Hasil penelitian menunjukan bahwa ada 3 artikel yang menyebutkan akad MMQ belum diimplementasikan sesuai fatwa, ada 8 artikel yang pengimplementasiannya sesuai fatwa dan ada 5 artikel yang masih memiliki banyak kekurangan terkait pengimplentasian akad MMQ . Selanjutnya paling banyak artikel diterbitkan pada tahun 2018 (31%) dan paling sedikit yaitu tahun 2015 dan 2022 (6%).
Implementasi Fatwa DSN MUI No.04/DSN-MUI/2000 Tentang Murabahah Pada LKS: Sebuah Studi Literatur
Authors: Setiawan Ijlal , Huda Misbahul , Islamia Haulia Nurul , Aulia Rafa
Published: July 2023

This study aims to determine the extent to which LKS implements DSN MUI Fatwa No: 04/DSN-MUI/2000 regarding Murobahah Contracts kafah in carrying out all kinds of business activities. The method used in this research process is the literature review method. This study used a qualitative approach to 17 journal articles that researchers obtained as secondary data on the Google Scholar platform. Researchers also obtained the data put forward by previous researchers reaching 80-95% which indicates that murabahah financing has a higher profit level for Islamic Financial Institutions. In addition to these findings, based on the journals that have been researched, the authors found that there are still Islamic Financial Institutions that do not fully comply with the provisions stipulated in the DSN-MUI Fatwa, there is a potential for hilah ribawiyah in transaction practices by camouflaging it using a wakalah contract. This study finds that the role of DPS in supervising Islamic Financial Institutions is not optimal from all existing elements. This study advises to those who work as DPS to fully pay attention to all actions taken by LKS so as not to deviate from Sharia principles. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui sejauh mana LKS mengimplementasikan Fatwa DSN MUI No: 04/DSN-MUI/2000 Tentang Akad Murobahah secara kafah dalam menjalankan segala sejenis aktifitas usahanya. Adapun metode yang digunakan dalam proses penelitian ini yaitu metode literature review. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif terhadap 17artikel jurnal yang peneliti dapatkan sebagai data sekunder pada platform google scholar. Peneliti juga mendapatkan data yang dikemukakan oleh Peneliti sebelumnya mencapai 80-95% yang menunjukkan bahwa pembiayaan murobahah tersebut mempunyai tingkat keuntungan yang lebih tinggi bagi Lembaga Keuangan Syariah. Selain penemuan tersebut, Berdasarkan jurnal yang telah diteliti, penulis menemukan bahwa masih terdapat Lembaga Keuangan Syariah yang tidak sepenuhnya mematuhi ketentuan-ketentuan yang sudah diatur dalam Fatwa DSN-MUI, adanya potensi hilah ribawiyah dalam praktek transaksi dengan mengkamuflasekannya menggunakan akad wakalah. Penelitian ini juga menjelaskan bahwa kurang maksimalnya peran DPS dalam mengawasi Lembaga Keuagan Syariah dari seluruh elemen yang ada. Penelitian ini menyarankan kepada bagi yang berprofesi sebagai DPS agar sepenuhnya memperhatikan segala tindakan yang dilakukan oleh LKS agar tidak keluar dari prinsip-prinsip Syariah.
Des idées républicaines au Québec depuis la commission Bouchard-Taylor*
Authors: Parenteau Danic
Published: July 2023

On assiste ces dernières années à un intérêt renouvelé pour le républicanisme dans le discours public et l’arène politique au Québec. Ce modèle politique universel, qui repose dans sa forme moderne sur la recherche de l’intérêt général et la défense du Bien commun, tout en s’arrimant à une conception forte des institutions comme médiations sociales et politiques, se manifeste ici essentiellement sous la forme de repères politiques, soit d’outils théoriques permettant de jeter un nouvel éclairage sur des enjeux actuels. Cet intérêt pour le républicanisme s’inscrit dans un contexte culturel, social ou politique plus large qui dépasse le cadre strictement québécois, car ce modèle offre des réponses aux questions touchant la gestion de la diversité ethnoculturelle, la perte d’influence du référent national ou l’effritement de la souveraineté de l’État-nation dans le contexte de mondialisation. Ces enjeux occupent une place croissante dans les débats publics partout en Occident. Mais dans le cas québécois, les raisons de l’influence croissante du républicanisme tiennent aussi à l’effondrement de la grande alliance souverainiste, force politique incontournable depuis les années 1960. Cette alliance qui avait réuni progressistes et nationalistes s’est rompue depuis le dernier référendum de 1995 et les repères de pensée qu’elle avait réussi à imposer dans le discours et le jeu politique ont aujourd’hui grandement perdu de leur influence, ouvrant ainsi la voie à de nouveaux repères, que la riche tradition de pensée républicaine est à même de fournir.
L’univers idéologico-politique des peuples autochtones au Québec*
Authors: Renaud Nicolas , Salée Daniel
Published: July 2023

Bien que l’univers idéologico-politique des peuples autochtones présents au Québec puisse sembler à première vue faire écho au vocabulaire et à la grammaire politiques qui émaillent le corpus idéologique québécois, il s’en démarque considérablement. On peut dans les faits parler d’un univers idéologico-politique parallèle. Un univers qui s’articule à l’évidence au contexte sociopolitique québécois, mais que l’on ne saurait ranger d’emblée pour autant dans la catégorie des « idéologies québécoises », car il se déploie en opposition au processus historique d’imposition de la norme sociétale québécoise (et canadienne) et donc d’une colonialité dont le monde autochtone a toujours récusé les termes et les conséquences. C’est principalement ce que tend à démontrer le présent texte à travers un tour d’horizon des principaux référents qui informent la parole et l’agir politiques autochtones au sein de la société québécoise. La démarche procède en examinant d’abord le processus de structuration de l’univers idéologico-politique autochtone au Québec. Elle se penche ensuite sur le tournant dé-colonial que semblent avoir pris la pensée et l’action politiques autochtones au cours des deux ou trois dernières décennies et montre que l’unicité philosophique et conceptuelle qui sous-tend l’agir et les aspirations politiques des peuples autochtones au Québec participe de la résurgence culturelle autochtone qui a cours depuis la deuxième moitié du vingtième siècle. Le texte conclut en mettant en relief les difficultés du discours politique autochtone à s’instituer à l’encontre du récit national québécois.
L’extrême droite au Québec. Bilan de la décennie 2010-2020*
Authors: Nadeau Frédérick
Published: July 2023

Cet article combine des données quantitatives et qualitatives afin de dresser un bilan de l’extrême droite québécoise au cours de la décennie 2010-2020. Dans la première partie, nous définissons l’extrême droite comme un écosystème d’idéologies et de mouvements sociopolitiques qui promeuvent une vision du monde inégalitaire, en rupture avec les valeurs et les institutions de la démocratie libérale et de la modernité, puis nous examinons trois types de facteurs (socioculturels, économiques et politiques) pouvant expliquer la montée de ces mouvements. Dans la deuxième partie, nous retraçons l’évolution des activités de l’extrême droite québécoise entre 2010 et 2020. Les données montrent que celle-ci a connu une augmentation constante et importante, passant par quatre phases distinctes (celles de germination, d’éclosion, de croissance et de diffusion), chacune étant liée à un contexte spécifique. Dans la troisième partie, nous revenons plus en détail sur la phase de diffusion, qui correspond à l’année 2020, durant laquelle la pandémie a favorisé un recadrage des discours de l’extrême droite autour de thèmes conspirationnistes, ce qui lui a permis de rejoindre des publics beaucoup plus larges et de normaliser, jusqu’à un certain point, quelques-unes de ses thèses antidémocratiques. En somme, sur un plan sous-jacent à l’ensemble de ces données, on remarque que les militants de l’extrême droite expriment surtout une volonté de se réapproprier une part de pouvoir et d’agentivité dans un contexte où ils se sentent humiliés, impuissants, et où ils ne croient plus les promesses brisées de la démocratie libérale.
A Note on the Differential Operator on Weighted Fock Spaces
Authors: Eskişehirli Beyaz
Published: July 2023

The differential operator Df = f′ is a canonical example of unbounded operators in many Banach spaces. In this study, we identify a class of weighted Fock spaces in which the differential operator is bounded. Then, we obtain some properties of the differential operator on these spaces in terms of its C*-algebraic structure in the one and two-dimensional cases.
Vegetation History of Lake Marmara (W. Türkiye) and Surrounding Area during the Last 700 Years
Authors: Kılıç Nurgül , Dağdeviren Rüya , Fural Şakir , Kükrer Serkan , Makaroğlu Özlem
Published: July 2023

In this study, a 65 cm long sediment core was obtained for pollen analysis from Lake Marmara situated in the west of Türkiye. The bottom sediment was dated by one AMS radiocarbon date on bulk organic carbon. Thus, the core provides information about the vegetation history of the lake for the last 700 years. Palynological evidence indicates that the vegetation around the lake basin was dominated by Quercus (evergreen oaks) and Pinus. The presence of Olea, Juglans, and Poaceae pollen grains reveals that this forest vegetation was interrupted from time to time by human impact. The existence of the non-arboreal Taraxacum and Plantago in the uppermost zones of the pollen diagram also indicates grazing or deterioration of the vegetation cover in this region from 1568 AD to the present.
Diagnosis of the Diseases Using Resampling Methods with Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Çelik Ahmet
Published: July 2023

The rapid diagnosis of diseases is very important for the early start of the treatment process. Pneumonia is a disease that affects the lungs and can cause death in advanced cases. Pneumonia is still today diagnosed by doctors while examining chest X-ray images. As diagnosis of the diseases using machine learning algorithms will be useful. In addition, high success of rate will be obtained while classifying balanced dataset by using machine learning algorithms. Resampling methods are used to balance the dataset by using under-sampling or over-sampling methods. In literature, there is no study comparing under-sampling and over-sampling methods. In the study, an open source dataset was used which included two classes published through the Kaggle data store. The data set includes 1341 healthy and 3875 pneumonia chest X-ray images. Two different resampling methods named Random under-sampling (RU) and ADASYN (Adaptive Synthetic) over-sampling were used while balancing healthy and pneumonia images. After this operation obtained data were used for training machine learning algorithms. In the study, first and second level attributes of the X-ray images in the dataset were used. Logistic Regression (LR) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms were used for classification of dataset. According to the results obtained, 93.109% accuracy rate of classification success was achieved of X-ray image dataset which balanced by ADASYN over-sampling method with SVM algorithms.
Generating variability from motor primitives during infant locomotor development
Authors: Hinnekens Elodie , Barbu-Roth Marianne , Do Manh-Cuong , Berret Bastien , Teulier Caroline
Published: July 2023

Motor variability is a fundamental feature of developing systems allowing motor exploration and learning. In human infants, leg movements involve a small number of basic coordination patterns called locomotor primitives, but whether and when motor variability could emerge from these primitives remains unknown. Here we longitudinally followed 18 infants on 2–3 time points between birth (~4 days old) and walking onset (~14 months old) and recorded the activity of their leg muscles during locomotor or rhythmic movements. Using unsupervised machine learning, we show that the structure of trial-to-trial variability changes during early development. In the neonatal period, infants own a minimal number of motor primitives but generate a maximal motor variability across trials thanks to variable activations of these primitives. A few months later, toddlers generate significantly less variability despite the existence of more primitives due to more regularity within their activation. These results suggest that human neonates initiate motor exploration as soon as birth by variably activating a few basic locomotor primitives that later fraction and become more consistently activated by the motor system.
Urban biogeography of fungal endophytes across San Francisco
Authors: Gibson Emma , Zimmerman Naupaka B.
Published: July 2023

In natural and agricultural systems, the plant microbiome–the microbial organisms associated with plant tissues and rhizosphere soils–has been shown to have important effects on host physiology and ecology, yet we know little about how these plant-microbe relationships play out in urban environments. Here we characterize the composition of fungal communities associated with living leaves of one of the most common sidewalk trees in the city of San Francisco, California. We focus our efforts on endophytic fungi (asymptomatic microfungi that live inside healthy leaves), which have been shown in other systems to have large ecological effects on the health of their plant hosts. Specifically, we characterized the foliar fungal microbiome of Metrosideros excelsa (Myrtaceae) trees growing in a variety of urban environmental conditions. We used high-throughput culturing, PCR, and Sanger sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer nuclear ribosomal DNA (ITS nrDNA) region to quantify the composition and structure of fungal communities growing within healthy leaves of 30 M. excelsa trees from six distinct sites, which were selected to capture the range of environmental conditions found within city limits. Sequencing resulted in 854 high-quality ITS sequences. These sequences clustered into 85 Operational Taxonomic Units (97% OTUs). We found that these communities encompass relatively high alpha (within) and beta (between-site) diversity. Because the communities are all from the same host tree species, and located in relatively close geographical proximity to one another, these analyses suggest that urban environmental factors such as heat islands or differences in vegetation or traffic density (and associated air quality) may potentially be influencing the composition of these fungal communities. These biogeographic patterns provide evidence that plant microbiomes in urban environments can be as dynamic and complex as their natural counterparts. As human populations continue to transition out of rural areas and into cities, understanding the factors that shape environmental microbial communities in urban ecosystems stands to become increasingly important.
Effect of Combined Application of Herbicides on the Growth, Yield Attributes, Yield and Profitability of Kharif Groundnut [Arachis hypogaea (L.)]
Authors: Priyanka  , Mehriya M. L. , Choudhary Ramesh , Mamata
Published: July 2023

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a significant oilseed crop extensively cultivated throughout India. Despite the availability of high-yielding varieties and modern agricultural practices, the productivity of groundnut remains relatively low. Weed infestation is identified as one of the primary factors contributing to reduced productivity among various unstable factors. During the early stages of growth, groundnut exhibits slow initial growth, making it a poor competitor against weeds. To enhance growth and yield, effective weed management strategies are crucial. To address this, a field experiment was conducted during the kharif season of 2019 at Agricultural Research Station, Mandor, Agriculture University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. The experiment consisted of thirteen treatments involving pre- and post-emergence herbicides, including weedy check and weed-free check, with three replications in a randomized block design. Results revealed that weed-free treatment recorded significantly lower weed density, weed dry matter and higher weed control efficacy, ultimately leading to improved growth, yield attributes, and overall yield of groundnut as compared to weedy check. Among weed control measures, Pendimethalin + imazethapyr @ 1.0 kg /ha (PE) + one manual weeding at 30 DAS (Days After Sowing) recorded significantly lower weed density, weeds dry matter and increased weed control efficiency, growth parameters (plant height and dry matter accumulation), yield attributes (number of pods /plant, pod yield /plant, number of kernels /pod and seed index) and yield (pod yield, kernel yield, haulm yield, biological yield, harvest index, and shelling out-turn), followed by pendimethalin @ 1.0 kg /ha (PE) + imazethapyr @ 75 g /ha at 20 DAS. Economically, these treatments recorded significantly higher gross returns, net returns and B: C ratio, proving to be more profitable than other herbicide applications used in the groundnut crop.
Trauma-Informed Legal Advocacy: Medicolegal Approaches & Best Practices for Immigration Attorneys
Authors: Cuthrell Kimberly Morton
Published: July 2023

Trauma-informed legal advocacy is a compelling approach to utilize when attorneys represent traumatized individuals. Trauma-informed legacy advocacy in partnership with medicolegal approaches is a growing field within the medical and legal professions with theoretical underpinnings still developing. Excessive conflicts, trauma, persecution, human rights violations, and war across the globe are associated with an increased efflux of individuals and families from affected areas and an increased influx of people in host countries that are largely developed countries including North America, Australia, and Europe, making the role of immigration attorneys challenging. The traumatic experiences of these immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers with psychological or neuropsychiatric symptoms not only stem from past traumatic experiences but also are associated with potential fears of being deported, separated from family, legal ramifications, and residential uncertainties in host countries while harboring memories of suffering from fear of persecution due to nationality, race, religion, political opinion, affiliation in a social group, and sexual orientation in countries of origins. Though much of the literature on trauma-informed practice focuses on the secondary traumatic stress of medical professionals, little attention has been geared toward the secondary traumatic effects on attorneys. While the increasing demand for an immigration psychological evaluation may be beneficial for an immigration case and helps create an avenue for immigration attorneys to understand their clients’ traumatic experience, there is a gap in knowledge about how to limit attorneys’ exposure to secondary trauma when providing trauma-informed legal advocacy, how to identify malingering among clients, and how a client’s trauma and memory lapse interplay. This article discusses the importance of immigration attorneys understanding and utilizing trauma-informed legal advocacy, recognizing the re-traumatization of victims during legal appearances, the importance of an immigration psychological evaluation of a client, and developing routine self-care practices.
A Descriptive Study of Patients with Blunt Trauma Chest, Its Management and Outcome
Authors: Bansod Atish N. , Wankhede Abhijit M. , Jadhav Vaishnavpriya K. , Kothari Kathan M. , Umalkar Rohan
Published: July 2023

Aims and Objective: This study assessed the clinical profile, management, polytrauma incidence, and outcome of 64 cases of blunt trauma chest at a tertiary care centre.

Study Design: Prospective study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of general surgery, Indira Gandhi Government Medical College, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India between June 2020 to Nov 2022.

Materials and Methods: Data were collected on patients admitted with blunt trauma chests. Demographics, symptoms, signs, management modalities, and treatment outcomes were recorded.

Results: Vehicular accidents caused 48.4% of cases, with a mean age of 42.4 years and an M: F ratio of 6.1:1. Chest pain and tenderness were common presenting symptoms and signs. Conservative management was used in 45.3% of cases, tube thoracostomy in 54.7%, thoracotomy in 3.1%, and exploratory laparotomy with splenectomy in 1.6%.

Conclusion: Blunt chest trauma usually caused by vehicular accidents. It can be managed with thoracostomy or conservative methods depending on the clinical presentation and severity.
Effect of Green Banking Practice on the Performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria: An Electronic Banking System Approach
Authors: Gbanador Monday A. , Okeke Obinna
Published: July 2023

The study examined the effect of green banking practice on the performance of Deposit Money Banks in Nigeria. The study employed the historical data research design while the quarterly time series data spanning through the period of 2012 to 2021 were collated from the CBN Statistical Bulletin. The Johansen cointegration test, Parsimonious Error Correction model and the fully modified Least Square were used for the data analysis.The findings indicated evidence of long-run relationship between green banking and the performance of Deposit money banks. Thus, the study concludes that banks can enhance their performance and environmental protection by adopting and promoting socially responsible and environmentally sustainable investment through the vehicle of green banking. In view of the findings therefore, the researcher suggests that the Central Bank of Nigeria should formulate and implement relevant policies that will encourage the full adoption of green banking practices by banks. Finally, Deposit Money Banks should educate their customers as well as creating awareness regarding the benefit of utilizing the electronic banking products in order to enhance the adoption of green banking in Nigeria.
Health Assessment of the Ikwerres and Okrikas Ethnic Group of Rivers State, Nigeria: Using Body Mass Index and Waist-to-Hip Ratio
Authors: Asiwe Nicholas , Irozulike Faustina Chiamaka , Wariboko Lenton Igwangi , Adheke Oghenefego Michael
Published: July 2023

Background: Body mass index (BMI), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), are acceptable indicators in accessing health status that are used to assess cardiometabolic disorders and to predict future health risks. The aim of the study assesses the health status of Ikwerres and Okrikas ethnic groups using BMI and WHR.

Methods: The study adopted a descriptive cross-sectional study design where it comprises of 300 respondents (139 females and 161 males) between the age of 18-37 years were randomly selected. BMI was deduced from the division of body weight by the square root of standing height and WHR by direct division of waist circumference and hip circumference.

Results: A study of 300 subjects from Ikwerre and Okrika ethnic groups in Rivers State found that 11.8% were underweight, 76.4% normal weight, 7.5% overweight, and 4.3% obese in males. The association of BMI was significant with gender differences, and the waist-to-hip ratio showed that 69.6% of males were within the normal range. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio are significant.

Conclusion: BMI shows gender differences and the association between BMI and WHR is significant.
Modern Tourism Strategies and their Impact on Revitalizing International Tourism
Authors: Jassim Dr. Radhi Hammoud
Published: July 2023

Modern tourism strategies relate to implementing new and effective methods to attract international tourists and promote sustainable growth in the tourism industry. These strategies include the use of modern technology, the development of unique and different tourist experiences, the preservation of local culture and the natural environment, and the directing of efforts towards emerging markets. It also contributes to achieving economic growth, providing job opportunities, and promoting cultural exchange and international cooperation. It is important that these strategies are compatible with the concept of sustainable development, in which the environment, culture and human heritage are preserved, sustainable job opportunities are created and cooperation between stakeholders is enhanced. in general. It can be said that modern tourism strategies have a significant impact on revitalizing international tourism and achieving sustainable growth in this sector, and are necessary to meet the needs of tourists, improve their experience, and make tourist sites more attractive and competitive at the global level. It also aims to reduce the negative effects of tourism on the environment, culture and societies. Addition to Todays travelers is increasingly aware of their environmental footprint as they seek places that prioritize sustainability. By implementing practices such as eco-friendly accommodations, responsible wildlife tourism, and community tourism initiatives these sites can attract environmentally conscious travelers. Sustainable tourism strategies not only help preserve natural and cultural resources, but also enhance the reputation of a tourist site and attract a wider audience. Digital marketing and technology play an important role in stimulating international tourism. With the widespread use of the internet and social media, tourism spots can reach a global audience and showcase their unique offerings. Online travel agencies and social media websites and platforms enable travelers to search, plan and book their trips with ease. Moreover, technologies such as virtual reality and augmented reality provide immersive previews of tourist sites, allowing travelers to experience a place before they arrive. These digital strategies have proven highly effective in inspiring and seducing international tourists.
Fair Allocation of Scarce CAR T-Cell Therapies for Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Derman Benjamin A. , Parker William F.
Published: July 2023

This Viewpoint discusses the unfairness of current CAR T-cell therapy allocation practices and offers alternative methods to more fairly allocate therapy.
Are New Alzheimer Drugs Better Than Older Drugs?
Authors: Molchan Susan , Fugh-Berman Adriane
Published: July 2023

This Viewpoint explores whether there are benefits to drugs targeting β-amyloid protein in treating Alzheimer disease.
High‐content screening of drug combinations of an mPGES‐1 inhibitor in multicellular tumor spheroids leads to mechanistic insights into neuroblastoma chemoresistance
Authors: Zaghmi Ahlem , Aybay Erdem , Jiang Long , Shang Mingmei , Steinmetz‐Späh Julia , Wermeling Fredrik , Kogner Per , Korotkova Marina , Östling Päivi , Jakobsson Per‐Johan , Seashore‐Ludlow Brinton , Larsson Karin
Published: July 2023

High‐throughput drug screening enables the discovery of new anticancer drugs. Although monolayer cell cultures are commonly used for screening, their limited complexity and translational efficiency require alternative models. Three‐dimensional cell cultures, such as multicellular tumor spheroids (MCTS), mimic tumor architecture and offer promising opportunities for drug discovery. In this study, we developed a neuroblastoma MCTS model for high‐content drug screening. We also aimed to decipher the mechanisms underlying synergistic drug combinations in this disease model. Several agents from different therapeutic categories and with different mechanisms of action were tested alone or in combination with selective inhibition of prostaglandin E2 by pharmacological inhibition of microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1). After a systematic investigation of the sensitivity of individual agents and the effects of pairwise combinations, GFP‐transfected MCTS were used in a confirmatory screen to validate the hits. Finally, inhibitory effects on multidrug resistance proteins were examined. In summary, we demonstrate how MCTS‐based high‐throughput drug screening has the potential to uncover effective drug combinations and provide insights into the mechanism of synergy between an mPGES‐1 inhibitor and chemotherapeutic agents.
High Freshwater Flux Solar Desalination via a 3D Plasmonic Evaporator with an Efficient Heat‐Mass Evaporation Interface
Authors: Yang He , Li Dong , Zheng Xiaodong , Zuo Jianyu , Zhao Bo , Li Dan , Zhang Jianwei , Liang Zhiqiang , Jin Jian , Ju Sheng , Peng Meiwen , Sun Yinghui , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2023

Passive solar desalination with interfacial heating is a promising technique to utilize solar energy to convert seawater into fresh water through evaporation and condensation. However, the current freshwater flux of solar desalination is much below industrial requirements (> 20 L m−2 h−1). Herein, it is demonstrated that a 3D plasmonic evaporator with an efficient heat‐mass evaporation interface (HM‐EI) achieves a freshwater flux of 29.1 L m−2 h−1 for 3.5 wt.% NaCl, which surpasses the previous solar evaporators and approaches the level of reverse osmosis (the highest installed capacity in industrial seawater desalination technology). The realization of high freshwater flux solar desalination comes from the efficient HM‐EI comprising a grid‐like plasmonic macrostructure for enhanced energy utilization in heat properties and a large‐pore microstructure for accelerated ion transport in mass properties. This work provides a new direction for designing next‐generation solar evaporators with high freshwater flux for industrial requirements.
Micromotion Derived Fluid Shear Stress Mediates Peri‐Electrode Gliosis through Mechanosensitive Ion Channels
Authors: Trotier Alexandre , Bagnoli Enrico , Walski Tomasz , Evers Judith , Pugliese Eugenia , Lowery Madeleine , Kilcoyne Michelle , Fitzgerald Una , Biggs Manus
Published: July 2023

The development of bioelectronic neural implant technologies has advanced significantly over the past 5 years, particularly in brain–machine interfaces and electronic medicine. However, neuroelectrode‐based therapies require invasive neurosurgery and can subject neural tissues to micromotion‐induced mechanical shear, leading to chronic inflammation, the formation of a peri‐electrode void and the deposition of reactive glial scar tissue. These structures act as physical barriers, hindering electrical signal propagation and reducing neural implant functionality. Although well documented, the mechanisms behind the initiation and progression of these processes are poorly understood. Herein, in silico analysis of micromotion‐induced peri‐electrode void progression and gliosis is described. Subsequently, ventral mesencephalic cells exposed to milliscale fluid shear stress in vitro exhibited increased expression of gliosis‐associated proteins and overexpression of mechanosensitive ion channels PIEZO1 (piezo‐type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1) and TRPA1 (transient receptor potential ankyrin 1), effects further confirmed in vivo in a rat model of peri‐electrode gliosis. Furthermore, in vitro analysis indicates that chemical inhibition/activation of PIEZO1 affects fluid shear stress mediated astrocyte reactivity in a mitochondrial‐dependent manner. Together, the results suggest that mechanosensitive ion channels play a major role in the development of a peri‐electrode void and micromotion‐induced glial scarring at the peri‐electrode region.
Perspectives on preparedness for pediatric emergencies after residency: A needs assessment
Authors: Delgado Eva M. , Fischer Jason , Scott Kevin R. , Mamtani Mira , Xiong Ruiying , Tay Khoon‐Yen , Verma Archana , Franco Marleny , Szydlowski Ellen , Toto Regina L. , Conlon Lauren , Posner Jill C.
Published: July 2023

Background

General emergency physicians provide most pediatric emergency care in the United States yet report more challenges managing emergencies in children than adults. Recommendations for standardized pediatric emergency medicine (PEM) curricula to address educational gaps due to variations in pediatric exposure during emergency medicine (EM) training lack learner input. This study surveyed senior EM residents and recent graduates about their perceived preparedness to manage pediatric emergencies to better inform PEM curricula design.

Methods

In 2021, senior EM residents and graduates from the classes of 2020 and 2019 across eight EM programs with PEM rotations at the same children's hospital were recruited and surveyed electronically to assess perceived preparedness for 42 pediatric emergencies and procedures by age: infants under 1 year, toddlers, and children over 4 years. Preparedness was reported on a 5‐point Likert scale with 1 or 2 defined as “unprepared.” A chi‐square test of independence compared the proportion of respondents unprepared to manage each condition across age groups, and a p‐value < 0.05 demonstrated significance.

Results

The response rate was 53% (129/242), with a higher response rate from senior residents (65%). Respondents reported feeling unprepared to manage more emergency conditions in infants compared to other age groups. Respondents felt least prepared to manage inborn errors of metabolism and congenital heart disease, with 45%–68% unprepared for these conditions across ages. A heat map compared senior residents to recent graduates. More graduates reported feeling unprepared for major trauma, impending respiratory failure, and pediatric advanced life support algorithms.

Conclusions

This study, describing the perspective of EM senior residents and recent graduates, offers unique insights into PEM curricular needs during EM training. Future PEM curricula should target infant complaints and conditions with lower preparedness scores across ages. Other centers training EM residents could use our findings and methods to bolster PEM curricula.
Distribution and association of common leaf rust (Puccinia sorghi Schwein) and turcicum leaf blight [Exserohilum turcicum (Pass.)] of Maize (Zea mays L.) with biophysical factors in Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mohammed Asmea , Bekeko Zelalem , Tesso Bulti
Published: July 2023

Common leaf rust (CLR) and turcicum leaf blight (TLB) are the key foliar diseases of maize in Ethiopia. However, in Eastern Ethiopia, information related to the distribution and abundance of CLR and TLB and the relationship of the diseases with independent variables are lacking. Therefore, this study was initiated with the objectives of assessing the distribution of CLR and TLB and their association with biophysical factors and cropping systems. A survey was conducted in the 2019 cropping season in different agroecological zones of East and West Hararghe zones and a total of 120 fields were surveyed. For each field assessed, disease parameters and information on cropping system were recorded. Data were analyzed by using the SAS GENEMODE procedure. Result showed that CLR incidence ranged from 16.84% to 100% in Kombolcha and Kuni districts, respectively. The severity level ranged from 6.0% for Kombolcha to 58.2% for Kuni and Chelenko districts. However, the TLB incidence ranged from 13.4% to 100% at Kobo and Haramaya districts, respectively. Similarly the severity level ranged from 6.0% to 58.0% at Kombolcha and Kuni districts, respectively. Result also showed the presence of higher values of CLR incidence, and severity (>61.7% and >32.1%, respectively) and higher level of TLB incidence and severity (>58.1% and >30.2%, respectively) were highly associated with the West Hararghe Zone, Altitude >2000 m.a.s.l., Kuni and Haramaya districts, fields without any type of fertilizer, un weeded fields, intercroped with sorghum, maize verities sown in June, and seeds collected from previous yield resulted in the highest disease incidence and severity. Among the independent variables, district was the most important variable in its association with CLR incidence (χ2 = 647.93 and 341.18, 7 df) and severity (χ2 = 219.56 and 112.83, 7 df) and with TLB incidence (χ2 = 758.91 and 350.03, 7 df) and severity (χ2 = 330.92 and 124.04, 7 df) when entered first and last into the logistic regression model, respectively. Hence, it is concluded that CLR and TLB are the most widely distributed and important foliar diseases of maize in the Hararghe highlands. Information from this study is very useful to maize growers to device an ecologically sound, and effective management options against these diseases in the study are and elsewhere where the diseases are common and prevalent.
Estimating presymptomatic episodic memory impairment using simple hand movement tests: A cross‐sectional study of a large sample of older adults
Authors: Wang Xinyi , St George Rebecca J. , Bindoff Aidan D. , Noyce Alastair J. , Lawler Katherine , Roccati Eddy , Bartlett Larissa , Tran Son N. , Vickers James C. , Bai Quan , Alty Jane
Published: July 2023

INTRODUCTION

Finding low‐cost methods to detect early‐stage Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a research priority for neuroprotective drug development. Presymptomatic Alzheimer's is associated with gait impairment but hand motor tests, which are more accessible, have hardly been investigated. This study evaluated how home‐based Tasmanian (TAS) Test keyboard tapping tests predict episodic memory performance.

METHODS

1169 community participants (65.8 ± 7.4 years old; 73% female) without cognitive symptoms completed online single‐key and alternate‐key tapping tests and episodic memory, working memory, and executive function cognitive tests.

RESULTS

All single‐key (R2adj = 8.8%, ΔAIC = 5.2) and alternate‐key (R2adj = 9.1%, ΔAIC = 8.8) motor features predicted episodic memory performance relative to demographic and mood confounders only (R2adj = 8.1%). No tapping features improved estimation of working memory.

DISCUSSION

Brief self‐administered online hand movement tests predict asymptomatic episodic memory impairment. This provides a potential low‐cost home‐based method for stratification of enriched cohorts.

Highlights

We devised two brief online keyboard tapping tests to assess hand motor function.

1169 cognitively asymptomatic adults completed motor‐ and cognitive tests online.

Impaired hand motor function predicted reduced episodic memory performance.

This brief self‐administered test may aid stratification of community cohorts.
Bismut in der Dynamisch Kovalenten Chemie: Makrocyclen und Siebenkernige Komplexkationen mit Ungewöhnlichen Strukturen
Authors: Stoy Andreas , Jürgensen Malte , Millidoni Christina , Berthold Chantsalmaa , Ramler Jacqueline , Martínez Sebastián , Buchner Magnus R. , Lichtenberg Crispin
Published: July 2023

Dynamisch kovalente Chemie (DCvC) ist ein wertvolles und breit eingesetztes Werkzeug in der modernen Synthesechemie, das auf dem reversiblen Knüpfen und Brechen kovalenter Bindungen basiert. Eine der inhärenten Stärken dieses Ansatzes ist das Potential, in einfachen Syntheseprotokollen reversibel neue Strukturmotive generieren zu können, die mit anderen Methoden nur schwer oder gar nicht zugänglich sind und eine Vielzahl von Bindungsbrüchen und ‐knüpfungen erfordern. Bislang sind diese fundamentalen synthesechemischen und konzeptionellen Herausforderungen in der DCvC verstärkt mit leichteren p‐Block‐Elementen angegangen worden, obwohl schwerere p‐Block‐Elemente angesichts geringer Bindungsdissoziationsenergien ideal geeignet für den Einsatz in der DCvC erscheinen. Wir zeigen hier, dass eine zweikernige metallorganische Bismutverbindung, bestehend aus zwei Thioxanthen‐verbrückten BiMe2‐Einheiten, bereitwillig selektive und reversible Bi−C Bindungsbrüche vollzieht, wenn sie externen Stimuli ausgesetzt wird. Das Ausnutzen von DCvC in der metallorganischen Chemie schwerer p‐block‐Elemente gewährt Zugang zu präzedenzlosen Makrocyclen und oligonuklearen Komplexen mit Fass‐ähnlicher Struktur.