bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Standardized Clinical Data Harmonization Pipeline for Scalable AI Application Deployment (FHIR-DHP): Validation and Usability Study
Authors: Williams Elena , Kienast Manuel , Medawar Evelyn , Reinelt Janis , Merola Alberto , Klopfenstein Sophie Anne Ines , Flint Anne Rike , Heeren Patrick , Poncette Akira-Sebastian , Balzer Felix , Beimes Julian , von Bünau Paul , Chromik Jonas , Arnrich Bert , Scherf Nico , Niehaus Sebastian
Published: January 2023

Background

Increasing digitalization in the medical domain gives rise to large amounts of health care data, which has the potential to expand clinical knowledge and transform patient care if leveraged through artificial intelligence (AI). Yet, big data and AI oftentimes cannot unlock their full potential at scale, owing to nonstandardized data formats, lack of technical and semantic data interoperability, and limited cooperation between stakeholders in the health care system. Despite the existence of standardized data formats for the medical domain, such as Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resources (FHIR), their prevalence and usability for AI remain limited.

Objective

In this paper, we developed a data harmonization pipeline (DHP) for clinical data sets relying on the common FHIR data standard.

Methods

We validated the performance and usability of our FHIR-DHP with data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV database.

Results

We present the FHIR-DHP workflow in respect of the transformation of “raw” hospital records into a harmonized, AI-friendly data representation. The pipeline consists of the following 5 key preprocessing steps: querying of data from hospital database, FHIR mapping, syntactic validation, transfer of harmonized data into the patient-model database, and export of data in an AI-friendly format for further medical applications. A detailed example of FHIR-DHP execution was presented for clinical diagnoses records.

Conclusions

Our approach enables the scalable and needs-driven data modeling of large and heterogenous clinical data sets. The FHIR-DHP is a pivotal step toward increasing cooperation, interoperability, and quality of patient care in the clinical routine and for medical research.
Clinic-Integrated Smartphone App (JomPrEP) to Improve Uptake of HIV Testing and Pre-exposure Prophylaxis Among Men Who Have Sex With Men in Malaysia: Mixed Methods Evaluation of Usability and Acceptability (Preprint)
Authors: Shrestha Roman , Altice Frederick L , Khati Antoine , Azwa Iskandar , Gautam Kamal , Gupta Sana , Sullivan Patrick Sean , Ni Zhao , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Phiphatkunarnon Panyaphon , Wickersham Jeffrey A
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND

HIV disproportionately affects men who have sex with men (MSM). In Malaysia, where stigma and discrimination toward MSM are high, including in health care settings, mobile health (mHealth) platforms have the potential to open new frontiers in HIV prevention.

OBJECTIVE

We developed an innovative, clinic-integrated smartphone app called JomPrEP, which provides a virtual platform for Malaysian MSM to engage in HIV prevention services. In collaboration with the local clinics in Malaysia, JomPrEP offers a range of HIV prevention (ie, HIV testing and pre-exposure prophylaxis [PrEP]) and other support services (eg, referral to mental health support) without having to interface face to face with clinicians. This study evaluated the usability and acceptability of JomPrEP to deliver HIV prevention services for MSM in Malaysia.

METHODS

In total, 50 PrEP-naive MSM without HIV in Greater Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, were recruited between March and April 2022. Participants used JomPrEP for a month and completed a postuse survey. The usability of the app and its features were assessed using self-report and objective measures (eg, app analytics, clinic dashboard). Acceptability was evaluated using the System Usability Scale (SUS).

RESULTS

The participants’ mean age was 27.9 (SD 5.3) years. Participants used JomPrEP for an average of 8 (SD 5.0) times during 30 days of testing, with each session lasting an average of 28 (SD 38.9) minutes. Of the 50 participants, 42 (84%) ordered an HIV self-testing (HIVST) kit using the app, of whom 18 (42%) ordered an HIVST more than once. Almost all participants (46/50, 92%) initiated PrEP using the app (same-day PrEP initiation: 30/46, 65%); of these, 16/46 (35%) participants chose PrEP e-consultation via the app (vs in-person consultation). Regarding PrEP dispensing, 18/46 (39%) participants chose to receive their PrEP via mail delivery (vs pharmacy pickup). The app was rated as having high acceptability with a mean score of 73.8 (SD 10.1) on the SUS.

CONCLUSIONS

JomPrEP was found to be a highly feasible and acceptable tool for MSM in Malaysia to access HIV prevention services quickly and conveniently. A broader, randomized controlled trial is warranted to evaluate its efficacy on HIV prevention outcomes among MSM in Malaysia.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05052411; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05052411

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

RR2-10.2196/43318
Experimental evaluation of the cytoprotective effect of probiotic metabolites of Bacillus subtilis B-9909 strain on the culture of isolated hepatocytes
Authors:   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of RAS, Zabokritskiy Nikolai A.
Published: January 2023

The aim of the study was to study cytoprotective effect of BAS (metabolites produced by probiotic microorganisms of the genus Bacillus) of a sterile puffer culture of probiotic microorganisms of the Bacillus subtilis VCPM B-9909 on the culture of isolated hepatocytes when modeling their toxic damage. The preparation of a sterile puffer culture of Bacillus subtilis B-9909 was carried out by sterilizing filtration of the culture fluid of this strain. The work was carried out using a transferable L-41 cell culture line, which allows assessing the toxicity of various substrates on cell cultures and withstanding toxic effects in different concentrations. At the first stage of the research, the maximum non-toxic dose of sterile fugate and the minimum toxic dose of CCl₄ in relation to the cells of the L-41 culture were determined to solve the tasks set. At the next stage of research, cytoprotective effect of BAS, which are part fugate strain Bacillus subtilis B-9909, was studied and proved in relation to the cells of the L-41 line. cytoprotective and regenerative effects of BAS in the composition fugate strain Bacillus subtilis B-9909 were demonstrated on the model of toxic damage to the culture of isolated hepatocytes. In preclinical studies to assess the toxicity and safety of an experimental sample biohepatoprotector on experimental animals, it was found that the complex of biologically active substances (metabolites) administered intragastrically intraperitoneally is non-toxic and safe for laboratory animals and does not cause any pathological changes in their internal organs and tissues. The basis biohepatoprotector, which has a multifunctional mechanism of action that allows to effectively restore depressed liver functions, while simultaneously normalizing immunological parameters, is its active biocomponent — metabolites of probiotic spore-forming bacteria, which, when introduced into the body, produce a complex of biologically active metabolites (antibiotics, proteolytic, amylolytic, etc.enzymes, immunoglobulins, as well as interleukins, vitamins, proteins, amino acids, and others bioactive substances). The experimentally established cytoprotective effect of the complex of BAS, which are part fugate culture of Bacillus subtilis strain B-9909, will allow us to develop new promising medical immunobiological drugs that have a protective effect on human organs and tissues in the future. Thus, as a result of the conducted studies, it was found that the BAS in the composition fugate of the Bacillus subtilis B-9909 strain not only have a pronounced cytoprotective effect, but also have a positive effect on the regenerative abilities of liver cells, which is a significant factor for the further use of this strain biocomponent immunotropic biohepatoprotector.
Evaluation of the dynamics of changes in Covid-19 seroprevalence in various social groups during the SARS-COV-2 pandemic
Authors:   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Education, Kritsky Igor S. , Zurochka Vladimir A. ,   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Hu Desheng ,   Department of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Sarapultsev Aleksey P. ,   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: January 2023

Serological methods have become especially in demand during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, as they have high specificity, ease of implementation, good speed and relatively low cost.People with symptoms of COVID-19 were found to be statistically significantly more likely to test positive for IgM and IgG. The positivity coefficient was also significantly higher in the group of people with symptoms of coronavirus infection. The distribution of the density of positive ELISA results for all types of antibodies was multimodal in both groups of patients, with many peaks that differ both in density values and in time periods of their detection. When analyzing the multimodal distribution of the obtained seroprevalence results for the period from 06/01/2020 to 01/18/2022, it was found that in people at risk, peaks of increased density of positive for IgM results appeared earlier, which may reflect the initial spread of infection in asymptomatic patients. The smallest differences in the time of occurrence of peaks of high density of seropositive ELISA results between groups was determined for IgA — from 2 to 8 days. This may be due to the relatively short seroconversion time for this type of antibody. In general, using serological methods for diagnosing COVID-19, it is possible to assess the prevalence of coronavirus infection in different cohorts of the population, as well as to study in more detail the features of the immune response to SARS-CoV-2.
Haracteristics of morphometric parameters in tissues of exudative lesions of Reinke’s space
Authors:   Branch No. 3, Federal State Budgetary Institution “3, Central Military Clinical Hospital named after V.I. A.A. Vishnevsky» of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, Kovalev Mikhail A. , Davydova Evgeniya V. ,   Chelyabinsk Regional Clinical Hospital, Russia, Astakhova Lyudmila V. ,   GBUZ Multidisciplinary Center for Laser Medicine
Published: January 2023

Reinke’s edema, polyps and nodules of the vocal folds, belong to the exudative lesions of the Reinke’s space (EPPR), have common features of pathogenesis, are similar in etiology, morphogenesis and clinical manifestations, but have a characteristic topography of the location on the vocal folds. Cellular elements of both the lamina propria, the subepithelial zone, and the connective tissue take part in maintaining tissue and immune homeostasis. The study of the morphometric features of EPPR in representatives of vocal professions was the aim of the work. Microscopic studies in 47 tissue samples were performed on a DMRXA microscope (Leika, Germany) using the Image Scope M program (Germany). Statistical processing of the material was carried out using the Statistica 10.0 for Windows software package. Our data showed a number of features of the cellular composition and stromal component in various EPPRs. The tissues of angiomatous polyps and vocal nodules contained a large number of fibroblasts and had a high specific area of the vasculature. In tissue samples of myxoid polyps and with Reinke’s edema, a significant increase in the number of lymphocytes, histiocytes, the height of the epithelial layer and the specific area of the fluid component of the connective tissue was shown. The absence of an inflammatory process was indicated by the minimum content of all ESPR of neutrophils and macrophages in the tissues.
Монастырь Хамарын-хийд: история и современное состояние (по материалам полевой экспедиции 2022 г.)
Authors:   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS (6, Sakhyanova St., 670047 Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation), Van Irina D.
Published: January 2023

The article introduces results of the 2022 field expedition to Mongolia aimed at exploring history and culture of Khamaryn Khiid Monastery in Dornogovi Province, and provides brief historical and biographical data on the latter’s founder Ven. Luvsan Danzanravjaa. Goals. The study seeks to reconstruct key stages in the formation of the monastery’s architectural complex. Methods. The research methods employed are those of historical/topographical analysis (sacred objects), participant observation, comparison, historical/biographical investigation, and etymological analysis (toponyms). Results. Nowadays, Khamaryn Khiid serves as a tourist spot rather than a religious center. Both domestic and foreign tourists are eager to visit this sacral place in the Eastern Gobi. Despite extensive infrastructure development measures have been undertaken, there is still a lack of hotels and public eating places. The monastery has a high potential to become a leading object of religious tourism.
Статистические ежегодники стран-членов Совета экономической взаимопомощи как источник по истории сельского хозяйства Монголии
Authors:   Kalmyk Scientific Center of the RAS (8, Ilishkin St., 358000 Elista, Russian Federation), Kamandzhaev Narma A.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Statistical yearbooks of COMECON (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance) member countries to have resulted from intergovernmental cooperation are still explored by researchers for various aspects of socialist Mongolia’s socioeconomic development. Goals. The article aims to characterize statistical yearbooks of COMECON member countries as a source on the history of agriculture in Mongolia. Materials and methods. The paper analyzes the mentioned statistical yearbooks published between 1970 and 1990. The main research methods employed are the historical descriptive, comparative, and analytical ones. Results. The agricultural section of yearbooks includes an impressive number of indicators grouped into various categories. The quantitative and qualitative composition of indicators remained virtually unchanged from 1970 to 1989, while the 1990 yearbook witnessed significant structural changes. Conclusions. The statistical yearbooks of COMECON member countries are consolidated statistical digests with a fairly voluminous nomenclature of indicators, extensive time coverage, and a well-defined structure. The main advantage of theirs over national statistical materials is that they grant an opportunity to conduct a comparative analysis of various indicators, including in the agricultural sector. The most important data are specific indicators and average values that can primarily attest to actual agricultural production intensification degrees in Mongolia in 1960–1989. All this characterizes statistical yearbooks of COMECON member countries as a very important and useful source on the history of agriculture in Mongolia.
Система признаний и поощрений Российской империей бурятской родовой элиты XVIII–XIX вв.
Authors:   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS (6, Sakhyanova St., 670047 Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation), Purbueva Natalya M. , Sodnompilova Marina M.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The article examines the system of recognition and encouragements adopted by the Russian Empire for representatives of Buryat tribal elites in the 18th–19th centuries. The focus of the study makes it possible to trace key mechanisms to have facilitated the incorporation of Buryat tribal elites into Russia’s corresponding environment. The legalization of official powers of 18th– 19th century Buryat tribal elites was paralleled by that Imperial Russia developed a corresponding system of recognition and encouragements. The latter was not only to consolidate the high social status of the local nobility but rather to facilitate their further incorporation into the Russian power structures. Goals. The paper aims to investigate Imperial Russia’s system of recognition developed for representatives of Buryat tribal elites throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Materials and methods. The study analyzes archival materials housed at the State Archive of Buryatia, such as employee and formulary lists of Buryat tribal executives, decrees and instructions of His Imperial Majesty on rewards granted to the latter. The research methods employed include the historical comparative and comparative typological ones that have proved instrumental in analyzing the mentioned Russian system, and compiling a content analysis of archival materials involved. Conclusions. The work reveals the special recognition and rewards system was developed to regulate relations with representatives of local Buryat elites and guarantee their integration into imperial structures. The system of awards and distinctions was used by the Russian government to encourage Buryat tribal and clan leaders for certain services rendered to the state, as well as for successfully fulfilled tasks assigned.
Модернизационный вектор трансформации традиционного кочевого общества Монголии
Authors:   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS (6, Sakhyanova St., 670047 Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation), Gombozhapov Alexandr D. , Zhalsanova Valentina G.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. Transformation of a nomadic society is a multifaceted process. The social organization and inner structure of Mongolia’s nomadic society have undergone cardinal changes of the 20th century — only to experience various impulses of further development. Goals. The article aims to reveal the inner substantial side inherent to the transformation process within contemporary Mongolia’s nomadic society. The paper considers the social system of nomads as a self-organizing one that adapts to new market conditions and commodity-money relations to regenerate the institutions of traditional society, strengthen new social orders, and create advanced forms of social alliances and interactions. Materials. The work analyzes literary and field materials for insights into the phenomena of transformation in economic, social and cultural spheres of Mongolia’s nomads. Results. The study shows nomadic households are being gradually involved into market relations to be incorporated in the general division of labor system; defines functions of a contemporary nomadic community, such as protection of pastures in use, sharing of water and other natural resources, etc. Conclusions. The study delineates key characteristics inherent to the observed transformation of nomadic society, namely: commodification and individualization of nomadic livestock breeding and, as a consequence, rationalization of economic behavior, preservation of a mobile (migratory) lifestyle to be accompanied by fixation of nomadic boundaries and distinct localization of seasonal camps, replacement of traditional values by market ones. It is emphasized that kinship ties are being gradually replaced by territorial ones when it comes to identify borders of present-day nomadic social groups. The emergence of a territorial community attests to the overcoming of conservative features typical of nomadic society once largely based on family ties, tribal background, etc.
Белый цвет в традиционном мировоззрении тувинцев и бурят: семантика и ассоциативный тезаурус
Authors:   Institute for Mongolian, Buddhist and Tibetan Studies, Siberian Branch of the RAS (6, Sakhyanova St., 677047 Ulan-Ude, Russian Federation), Dyrkheeva Galina A. , Tsybenova Chechek S.
Published: January 2023

Introduction. The article examines results of associative experiments with native speakers of Tuvan and Buryat to analyze the color term ‘white’. Goals. The paper attempts conceptual and semantic analyses of obtained associative fields in comparison to traditional cultural representations of Tuvans and Buryats. Materials and methods. The paper considers materials of associative experiments attended by native speakers of Tuvan and Buryat in different years. Results. The study reveals that associative meanings of the color terms ak and sagaan are largely constituted by semes common to nomadic culture and relating to milk, white ritual food, religious representations of white as a pure and sacred color. In the associative thesaurus of Tuvan and Buryat, white conveys predominantly light semantics and positive emotions, correlates with a wide range of objects and phenomena of the outer world. Like in lexicographic sources, no semantics associated with negative emotions have been traced. However, despite such concepts as ‘death’ and ‘passing away’ are not associated with white color, nor there are any linguistic mentions — this color is involved in corresponding customs and rites. The experimental materials also show meanings specific to both the Tuvan and Buryat linguocultures, which results from differing ethnocultural traditions and language structures. In Buryat, such discrepancies occur in reactions of religious contexts — Sagaalgan, Sagaan Ȕbgen. In Tuvan, those are toponyms, such as Ak-Turug, Ak-Khem, and the reaction kara that has broad functional meanings. The analysis also shows that many associative values coincide with main meanings of corresponding lexemes (reactions/superordinates unge(n) and on). Conclusions. The study confirms that cultural and historical similarity plays an important role, and many ethnocultural stereotypes of native speakers of related languages have more conformities than differences.
Entrepreneurial Orientation Among Student Entrepreneurs
Authors: Venzon Wilbert C.
Published: January 2023

Abstract: The discussion of entrepreneurial orientation among student entrepreneurs is the main topic of this review. This study examines five characteristics of entrepreneurial orientation: autonomy, risk-taking, proactiveness, innovativeness, and competitive aggressiveness. The focus of this review is on how to prepare students to be student entrepreneurs by giving them the tools they need to have an entrepreneurial orientation. The first thing is to be able to innovate, which is crucial as they create new models, markets, and products or services Second is autonomy which gives them the freedom to create and carry out their business plan. It is a crucial component and attribute of an entrepreneurial orientation. Their risk-taking attitude comes in third. In order to be prepared in the case that the firm fails, student entrepreneurs must take into account this component. Fourth is being proactive. The shifting market demands need students to look for new opportunities, act carefully, and ensure that they are the first to enter a new market. Lastly, competitive aggressiveness that will directly and strongly contest attempts by rivals to enter the market and strengthen their position
Effect of Spatholobus Suberectus Extract (SSE) on RANKL-treated RAW264.7 and LPS-induced Bone Loss
Authors: Lee Dae Joong , Hwang Jong Hyun , Park Do Hwi , Kang Ki Sung , Jeon Chan Yong , Hwang Gwi Seo
Published: January 2023

Purpose: We evaluated whether Spatholobus suberectus extract (SSE) can be used as a means of preventing and treating osteoporosis by measuring its effect on osteoclast differentiation, gene expression, and bone resorption.Methods: SSE was used to examine the effect on RAW 264.7 cells stimulated with RANKL to induce bone resorption. The inhibitory effect of TRAP formation and the expression of the bone resorption factors TRAP, cathepsin K, and MMP-9 during differentiation were measured. The effects on the differentiation-related factors NFATc and TRAIL and on the expression of OC-STAMP, DC-STAMP, ATP6v0d2, MITF, c-Fos, and inflammation-related factors were also evaluated. The effect on bone resorption was evaluated by culturing RANKL-treated osteoclasts on artificial bone fragments and observing the resulting resorption traces. The effect on bone damage in experimental animals was also measured.Results: SSE inhibited the differentiation of RANKL-stimulated osteoclasts into osteoclasts and suppressed the expression of cathepsin K, TRAP, MMP-9, NFATc1, TRAIL, MITF, OC-STAMP, DC-STAMP, ATP6v0d2, and c-Fos genes. Bone pore formation due to osteoclast action was also inhibited, and LPS-induced bone loss was suppressed in animal experiments.Conclusions: SSE could be useful for the prevention or treatment of osteoporosis by inhibiting osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption and suppressing bone loss induced in experimental animals. However, studies of larger populations are required.
A fault diagnosis system for CNC hydraulic machines: a conceptual framework
Authors: Anzari Fajar , Septiani Winnie , Sugiarto Dedy , Luis Martino
Published: January 2023

The fault diagnosis process in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) hydraulic machines for steel processing relies on skills, experiences, and maintenance technicians' understanding of the machine. The problem is many junior maintenance technicians are inexperienced and unskilled. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for a fault diagnosis system for the CNC hydraulic machine to help a maintenance technician in a fault diagnosis process. The framework uses association rule mining to discover hidden association patterns between fault symptoms and causes from historical machine fault data. The framework has consisted of data standardization, knowledge acquisition, and a model of the fault diagnosis system. The data standardization aims to make the data ready to be mined by assigning a fault tag for each record of historical fault data. The tagged repair records are used to produce symptoms–cause associative knowledge. The produced knowledge is refined by corrective actions acquired from expert knowledge. The knowledge is then stored in the fault knowledge database in the form of IF-THEN rules. The reasoning machine is developed to map the fault symptoms as IF and the causes as THEN. Production operators can fill in the fault symptoms by choosing the standardized fault symptom tag. When a maintenance technician reviews a fault report, the system, through a reasoning machine, will access the appropriate IF-THEN rules based on the fault symptoms that the production operator has filled in. The system concludes the fault cause and recommends suitable corrective action.
Determinant factors in increasing the livability of the city of Padang from the perspective of transportation
Authors: Yosritzal Yosritzal , Aziz Rizki , Noer Melinda , Putri Dita Oktaviani , Sani Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Padang has been determined to be a livable city in 2024, according to the Mission of the City Major 2019-2024. Some improvements have been made, such as more BRT corridors, widening the sidewalk, and adding benches along the sidewalks. However, achieving a livable city is far more than just those thingies; we also need to know what people need and what the government is willing to do. This study explores the determinant factors in achieving the livable city criterion for Padang, especially regarding transportation-related variables in the expert views along and public and government interests. The quadrant analysis of Expectation-Performance and Effort-Effect Analysis was used to identify the determinant and priority factors in improving the livability of Padang. The results show that improving some essential elements has satisfied public expectations. Still, more things need to do, such as an integrated transportation system, comfortable public transportation, transportation for disabled persons, and a more environmentally friendly transportation mode. With less effort and high effect, the most priority factors are comfortable and secure pedestrian facilities, improving traffic to reduce travel time, and improving public transport facilities.
A Commentary on Selected Fragments of Alcaeus: Political Fragments
Authors:   A.M. Gorky Institute of World Literature of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Stepantsov Sergey A.
Published: January 2023

The book presents a detailed commentary on selected political fragments of Alcaeus of Mytilene, one of the greatest lyric poets of Ancient Greece. The commentary is preceded by a concise description of the dialect of Lesbian poetry and supplemented by a survey of political and cultural history of Lesbos from the earliest times up to the politically turbulent time of Alcaeus, written by E. Solomatina. The commentary is intended for a wide range of students of Greek literature.
Technology Integration in the Classroom: A literature review
Authors: Chacón-Prado Mónica de Jesús
Published: January 2023

The following article discusses one of the most current topics: technology in education, emphasizing in a very crucial aspect as it is technology integration. Consequently, the text first provides a general overview of the term with different perspective on the matter since it summarizes the latest research trends towards the topic of technology integration (TI). Furthermore, the article promotes an analysis of its pros and cons helping the reader to take a stand on TI and education. Finally, the relevance to the Costa Rican context of such intricate topic is discussed in order to shed some light to it.
The effect of cerium dioxide nanocrystals on the prooxidant status of rat lung fibroblasts in vitro under γ-irradiation conditions
Authors:   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kot Yu. , Kot K. ,   V. N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ministry of Education and Science of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Kavok N. ,   Institute for Scintillation Materials, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine, Klochkov V. ,   Institute for Scintillation Materials, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kharkiv, Ukraine
Published: January 2023

Redox-active nanocrystals of cerium dioxide (CeO2) are of interest as antioxidants; therefore, it is relevant to study the potential ability of these nanocrystals to correct prooxidative markers in irradiated cell culture in vitro. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the effect of redox-active spherical nanocrystals of cerium dioxide on markers of oxidative stress induced by γ-irradiation in a two-dimensional culture of rat lung fibroblasts. Materials and methods. The study was performed on a monolayer of lung fibroblasts of Wistar rats. Nanocrystals were added to the nutrient medium one hour before irradiation until their final concentration in the medium of 2.5 μg/L. The cells were incubated with nanocrystals for one hour and then irradiated. The radiation dose was 0.75 Gy. The concentration of 8-isoprostane was determined by  spectrophotometry. The concentration of free oxygen species and the degree of lipid peroxidation in living cells were determined by fluorimetry. Visualization and measurement of fluorescence intensity were performed by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results. 3 hours after irradiation under the conditions of pre-incubation with CeO2 nanocrystals, the content of reactive oxygen species, the level of lipid peroxidation, and the content of 8-isoprostane were significantly decreased in rat lung fibroblast culture. At the same time, incubation with cerium dioxide nanocrystals  much more effectively reduced the content of reactive oxygen species in the cytoplasm of cells than in their nuclei and nucleoli in particular. Conclusion. Preincubation of rat lung fibroblasts in vitro with СeО2 nanocrystals can significantly reduce the oxidizing effects of ionizing radiation.
The evolution of performance measurement systems in public health organizations: A preliminary analysis
Authors: Capalbo Francesco , Ippolito Adelaide , Smarra Margherita , Sorrentino Marco
Published: January 2023

The aim of this work is to carry out a theoretical analysis of the processes of change over the years recent have characterized performance measurement systems in the public sector, with particular reference to health organizations.
Control environment and integrity management in educational system in Greece
Authors: Chaidemenos Stavros , Kyriakogkonas Panagiotis , Pappa Evangelia
Published: January 2023

The purpose of the research: First, to recognize and analyze the types of unethical behavior among the educational staff of any level of public education units in Greece. Second, to identify elements of control environment that are in place and promote ethical conduct and set the tone at the educational unit level. Our results could provide the basis for targeted enhancements of the control environment of the various educational units and facilitate the drawing of centralized strategies that will promote integrity through principled-based codes of conduct and clear lines of responsibility, etc.
The influence of sustainability aspects on B2B purchasing decisions: The special case of the healthcare industry
Authors: Ulrich Patrick , Häußler Simone
Published: January 2023

Companies are increasingly under pressure to report not only on their financial performance but also on their social and environmental performance in their entire supply chain. Regulations such as ISO 14001 or the new supply chain act provide a normative framework for sustainable corporate practices. Though, evidence on how sustainability aspects influence purchasing decisions is yet still limited. This research takes up from this point and investigates the influence of sustainability aspects on B2B purchasing decisions in German listed firms. Hence, we conducted a quantitative survey using a set of criteria. The goal of the survey was to determine 1) the level of sustainability maturity in general, as well as 2) the level of integration of sustainability into B2B purchasing decisions. We find that the respondents are already aware of the need to integrate sustainability aspects into different business areas, but sustainability aspects have no significant impact on B2B purchasing decisions yet. As a result, price and quality still play a crucial role in B2B purchasing decisions. Our findings shed new light on this under-researched area of B2B purchasing and could be of interest to policy-makers, companies and stakeholders
Entering the era of decentralization: An investigation of new trends in data management
Authors: Karger Erik , Jagals Marvin
Published: January 2023

Data build the foundation for many modern technologies like artificial intelligence. Data are of increasing relevance for companies. Nowadays, however, the management of data is no longer only an intraorganizational phenomenon. To get access to more data, companies are increasingly willing to share their own data with other organizations. Furthermore, decentralized technologies like blockchain are supposed to have potentials for the management, storage, or sharing of data. This study aims to investigate three current trends of decentralization within data management: Interorganizational data governance, data ecosystems, and blockchain-based data management. We provide an initial overview of these developments and present avenues for future research
Using augmented reality for organizational learning: An overview of possible applications and potentials
Authors: Syfuß Dustin , Karger Erik
Published: January 2023

Organizations and enterprises face a fast-paced and rapidly changing environment today. To be able to keep up with the environment’s changes, organizational learning is important. Augmented reality (AR) might be a technology that can help to improve the efficiency and possibilities of organizational learning. AR offers a technical possibility to extend the real environment with additional information. Teaching is one of the various areas in AR that might make sense for. Here, the added value from AR, such as an increase in learning success and motivation, has been identified. At the same time, collaborative learning and working on virtual models are possible through AR. In this process, people can understand contexts more efficiently through real-time feedback, as well as a different perspective on objects and processes. Despite its potential, the application of AR for organizational learning is a topic that is underexplored. This study aims to shed light on the potential that AR can have for educational purposes. Based on a review of existing literature, we show different applications of AR for learning and outline and summarize the results of prior studies
Affecting factors interest in stablecoin as the digital money
Authors: Wattanasin Peerapat , Kraiwanit Tanpat , Virunhaphol Somchai
Published: January 2023

This research aims to study the factors influencing interest in stablecoins using convenience sampling from a nationwide sample by collecting data through online Google Forms distributed on platforms such as Facebook and Line. This research selected 460 samples from the general public and analyzed them with the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) model. The results showed that living space affected interest in stablecoins at a significance level of 0.05. Living in a residential area in Bangkok also had an impact on interest in stablecoins. Other factors such as age, education level, and income were not significantly related at 0.05. Government digital currency service providers could use these results to develop a plan for disseminating knowledge among the target groups for maximum efficiency. This could also be applied to the government’s knowledge dissemination regarding central bank digital currency (CBDC), which would be the first step in Thailand’s move towards becoming a digital economy. It could also be used as a basis for further research to explore the reasons why people living in Bangkok are more interested in stablecoins than those in other provinces
Women’s board presence and firm performance: Evidence from a sample of Italian listed companies
Authors: Carabelli Marina
Published: January 2023

This study analyzes the relationship between the presence of women on the board of directors and the performance results achieved by a sample of listed companies on the Italian stock market. Although many studies have investigated the relationship between women on board and corporate governance effectiveness, research results are inconclusive regarding their impact on corporate performance. The article analyzes a set of board attributes in relation to the presence of women on the board for 47 Italian listed companies for the years 2018 and 2019. Preliminary results show a positive correlation between the participation of women on the board of directors and sampled companies’ performance. Therefore, the results confirm the importance of women’s presence on the board of directors in influencing the financial performance of companies
Exploring the best corporate governance practices in the public sector organizations in Ghana: The challenges, issues, and prospects
Authors: MacCarthy John , Adoboe-Mensah Nicholas
Published: January 2023

The study aims to explore the corporate governance practices in the public sector entities in Ghana to identify weaknesses for improvement based on appointments to the boards, conflicts between CEOs and the boards, etc. The results confirm structural weaknesses in corporate governance practices in the public sector entities in Ghana and require drastic improvement to be aligned with the advanced economies. Based on the findings, the study recomments that the President desists from appointing the CEOs and allows the boards to appoint the CEO
ESG society with education values: Trust
Authors: Yeung Shirley Mo Ching
Published: January 2023

Through qualitative analysis of visual impacts and sustainable materials with experiential learning of logo design for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) society, the main takeaway of this study is to realise the importance of developing talents with 3 As (Accommodation, Adaptation, Adjustment) mindset with Trust for ESG-related initiatives. Developing a 3 As mindset with pioneer actions to change, accept others’ mistakes, and learn from the mistakes/experiences for developing a stronger power of learning. Besides, we need to think about the triangulation among 3 As and Trust (education values with social and governance) and the use of sustained materials (environmental mindset) in educating the community about the meaning of ESG.
The impact of auditor-provided non-audit services on audit quality: A review of the archival literature
Authors: Quick Reiner , Toledano Daniel Sánchez , Toledano Joaquín Sánchez
Published: January 2023

The paper gives an overview of the results of a structured literature review. It covers archival studies on the relationship between non-audit services (NAS) fees and factual as well as perceived audit quality published in journals included in the accounting subject category of the SCImago Journal Ranking. It also includes a critical evaluation of the research methods applied in prior research and offers avenues for future research. The provision of NAS to audit clients creates threats to auditor independence. Consequently, regulators have focused on the simultaneous provision of audit and NAS for many years and restricted it over time. This paper aims to assess which regulatory actions are justified in light of related archival research findings. Overall, prior research does not clearly prove a negative impact of non-audit services on factual audit quality. However, it demonstrates a negative relationship between non-audit fees and audit quality perceptions. Moreover, it also reveals that tax consulting fees are less problematic
Elementary-step based kinetic modeling using KASTER: a top-down approach applied to methane steam reforming
Authors: Siradze Sébastien , Poissonnier Jeroen , Cruz Ana Rita Costa da , Thybaut Joris
Published: January 2023

A top-down kinetic modeling methodology is proposed using the in-house
developed software tool ‘KASTER’. As a case study, it is applied in the
assessment of methane steam reforming (MSR) kinetics on a Ni catalyst,
including water-gas shift (WGS) as a side-reaction. The complexity of
the reaction mechanism is gradually enhanced, leading ultimately, to a
microkinetic model. The reactor equations are solved in a transient
manner, preventing the crucial numerical challenges encountered in the
steady-state solution. The model providing the best balance between
detail and significance was found to be of the
Langmuir-Hinshelwood-Hougen-Watson (LHHW) type accounting for
dissociative adsorption. In this model, the rate-determining steps of
MSR and WGS are CO formation and COOH formation, respectively. While the
microkinetic variant indicated that both CH
dissociative adsorption and CO formation are kinetically relevant steps
in MSR, CO formation is found to be rate determining at 923 K using the
adopted methodology.
Smaller hippocampal volume is associated with reduced posttraumatic stress symptoms in pediatric cancer patients and survivors following a brief novel martial arts-based intervention
Authors: Marusak Hilary , Evanski Julia M. , Iadipaolo Allesandra , Ely Samantha L. , Zundel Clara G. , Gowatch Leah , Bhogal Amanpreet , Owens Zazai , Cohen Cindy , Goldberg Elimelech , Bluth Martin , Taub Jeffrey , Harper Felicity , Rabinak Christine
Published: January 2023

Pediatric cancer patients and survivors frequently report posttraumatic
stress symptoms (PTSS), which are associated with variation in
stress-sensitive brain regions, including the hippocampus. We examined
the impact of a novel, four-week martial-arts-based meditative
intervention on cancer-related PTSS in pediatric patients and survivors,
and whether hippocampal volumes at baseline correlate with PTSS severity
and/or changes in PTSS over time. PTSS did not significantly change from
baseline to post-intervention. However, smaller hippocampal volume was
correlated with more severe re-experiencing PTSS at baseline, and
greater reductions in PTSS post intervention. Together, hippocampal
volume may be a biomarker of PTSS severity and intervention response.
Nowcasting from Space: Impact of Tropical Cyclones on Fiji’s Agriculture
Authors: Noy Ilan , Blanc Elodie , Pundit Madhavi , Uher Tomas
Published: January 2023

This study investigates the feasibility of using remote sensing data for post-disaster damage assessment. Satellite imagery can be a source of easily available, fast, affordable, and accurate data for assessing disaster impacts. This study focuses on Fiji, its agriculture sector, and the tropical cyclones that have battered the country in recent years. It finds that remote sensing data, when combined with pre-event socioeconomic and demographic information, can improve both nowcasting and post-disaster damage assessments of tropical cyclones on agriculture.
Pictorial based learning: Promoting conceptual change in chemical kinetics
Authors: Habiddin Habiddin , Herunata Herunata , Sulistina Oktavia , Haetami Aceng , Maysara Maysara , Rodic Dusica
Published: January 2023

This study aimed to examine the effect of pictorial based learning (PcBL) on conceptual change in the topic of chemical kinetics. The four-tier instrument (FTDICK) previously developed was deployed to map conceptual change within chemical kinetics concepts. First-year chemistry students at an Indonesian university formed an experimental and a control group. The experimental group experienced the PcBL approach while the control one experienced direct instruction (DI). The conceptual changes demonstrated by the two groups are classified into four categories, namely complete, partial, false and random. Complete conceptual change (CCC) had the highest occurrence rate among the four categories. However, generalising that PcBL and DI are influential in promoting conceptual change in the field of chemical kinetics may be too ambitious. Therefore, further research is needed to reach that conclusion. The effectiveness of PcBL and DI in promoting conceptual change in this study was almost equal. However, in answering the FTDICK questions, the PcBL students showed a better performance reflecting more sound scientific understanding than DI students did.
Metabolism of the mother, placenta and fetus in diabetes
Authors: Dugalic Stefan , Todorovic Jovana , Macura Maja , Gutic Bojana , Milincic Milos , Bozic Dragana , Stojiljkovic Milica , Petronijevic Milica , de Luka , Pantic Igor , Perovic Milan , Parapid Biljana , Gojnic Miroslava
Published: January 2023

Metabolic changes occur due to the effects of placental hormones such as human chorionic gonadotropin and human placental lactogen in normal pregnancies. These effects enable the development of insulin resistance among all pregnant women, significantly pronounced in the third trimester. In pregnancies complicated by pre-gestational or gestational diabetes mellitus, these changes are more intensive as they affect the fetoplacental unit. In pregnancies complicated by diabetes the increased number of placental macrophages leads to the increased production of different cytokines which include leptin, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interleukins. This review addresses placental vascular changes that lead to adverse pregnancy outcomes, along with the effects of the maternal hyperglycemia and fetal hyperinsulinemia.