bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the interaction of trade openness, income inequality, and poverty in Nigeria
Authors: Maku Olukayode Emmanuel , Ogede Jimoh Sina , Adelowokan Oluwaseyi Adedayo , Oshinowo Bamidele Olaitan
Published: April 2022

The literature on the nexus between trade openness, income inequality and poverty appears conspicuously and of diverse outcomes. Perhaps, the mixed findings may be attributed to the methodology and economic structure of the country in view. The current study examines the trade openness on income inequality and poverty in Nigeria between 1981 and 2019 using Autoregressive Distributed Lags (ARDL) methodology. Our findings show that trade openness had different effects on inequality and poverty in Nigeria in the short and long run. While its relationship with inequality is a short-run phenomenon, it had a long-run relationship with poverty. Overall, trade openness had a declining effect on inequality and poverty. In the former, its impact was not statistically significant. However, the gains of trade openness on inequality and poverty were reversed when inequality influenced trade openness. In essence, with the influence of inequality, trade openness had an increasing effect on poverty. As a result, this study makes several recommendations to policymakers. To begin, a policy framework must be established to ensure that Nigerian trade is integrated with the rest of the world. Evidence from this study has suggested that policies such as restricting trade through border closures must not feature as a policy option as long as one of the goals of the economy is poverty reduction and reduction in inequality.
Does customer service quality influence customer decision making process to use bank plan savings product? a study at Bank Mandiri Cirebon Siliwangi Branch
Authors: Suwandi Suwandi , Sujono Jennifer , Hermawati Wawat
Published: April 2022

Purpose — To determine the effect of customer service quality on customer decision to use bank plan savings of Bank Mandiri Cirebon Siliwangi branch.Research method — This study used a quantitative approach with a simple linear regression analysis technique. The research data is processed by statistical software. Samples in this study were 91 respondents with probability sampling using a simple random sample technique.Result — The findings indicated that customer service quality has a significant influence to customer decision in using bank plan savings of Bank Mandiri Cirebon Siliwangi Branch. In addition, this study also discovered that customer service quality has a contribution of 27.8% to the customer's decision to use the bank product, while the remaining 72.7% is influenced by other factors which is not examined by the author.
The effect of social media marketing on the growth of business: evidence from selected Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Benin City, Nigeria
Authors: Gbandi Eleazar Chibuzor , Iyamu Gloria Osasere
Published: April 2022

Purpose — This research investigated the effect of social media marketing on small and medium-sized business growth in Benin City, Nigeria.Research method — The study adopted a cross-sectional research design and data was gathered using a specially prepared questionnaire which was scored on a 5-point Likert scale. Four aspects of social media marketing were chosen to be studied: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. The population of the study includes all SMEs in Benin City, Nigeria. The study's sample size was 500 selected SMEs. The acquired data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics.Result — Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube were all found to have a positive and significant impact on the growth of SMEs.Recommendation — Based on the findings of the study, we urge that SMEs be encouraged to embrace social media marketing in order to compete in the global market. SME owners should also keep their social media accounts updated with content that educates, informs, and persuades customers to buy their products. In addition, SMEs owners should use social media marketing feedback as a catalyst for innovation and expansion.
Modelling new products acceptance among retailers in Nigeria
Authors: Adekunle Simon , Ejechi Jones Oghenemega
Published: April 2022

Purpose — The study modelled the determining factors affecting the acceptance of new products among retailers in Nigeria. Four antecedents of new product acceptance namely relationship quality, channel motivation, product advantage, and market competitiveness were explored.Research method — A cross-sectional survey research design was employed by using questionnaire to collect data for the study. The data obtained from eighty-six respondents were presented and analyzed using different statistical tools such as mean, correlation, and Partial Least Square Structural Equation Modelling (PLS-SEM) through the use of SmartPLS 3.0 software.Result — The study revealed that relationship quality and market competitiveness have positive and significant influence on new product acceptance among retailers. However, channel motivation and product advantage do not have a statistically significant influence on new product acceptance.Recommendation — The relationship between suppliers and retailers can be strengthened by taking advantage of the dynamic innovations in different social media platforms to establish uninterrupted links for effective communication. This study contributes to knowledge by adding to the emerging discourse on the strategic space occupied by retailers in guaranteeing the ultimate success of new products in the Nigerian business setting by providing insights on the determinants of new products acceptance among retailers.
Herding behavior and financial market price behavior under the COVID-19 pandemic: implications for the Amman Stock Exchange
Authors: Aldeki Raneem Ghazi
Published: April 2022

Purpose — This study investigates herding behavior and the link between herding behavior with the liquidity and volatility of financial markets amid the COVID-19 pandemic.Research method —This study employed the Cross-Sectional Absolute Deviation (CSAD) approach technique for each of the previous and COVID-19 phases, as well as for the complete sample period. The sample includes 172 securities that have been traded in the Amman Stock Exchange from January 2006 to February 2022. The full sample data was separated into three subsamples: 1) the whole period from January 1, 2006, to February 28, 2022; 2) prior the COVID-19 outbreak from January 1, 2006 to February 28, 2020; and 3) during the COVID-19 outbreak from March 1, 2020, to February 28, 2022.Result — The results for the whole sample period show that herding behavior may be detected in the Amman Stock Exchange during down-market intervals, and the result does not change before or during the COVID-19. Furthermore, both down liquidity and down volatility periods exhibit contrary herding behavior. The study found that financial market price behavior is an important factor that may contribute to herding behavior, which occurs when volatility increases and liquidity decreases in the Amman Stock Exchange, and the result does not change prior to the COVID-19 period. While liquidity has a negative and large influence throughout the COVID-19 period, herding tendency does not increase when volatility changes.Recommendation — This research assists traders in planning their purchasing and selling strategies in the COVID-19 various scenarios.
Дослідження вибіркового флокування в оздобленні картонних паковань
Authors: Палюх Олександр , Храпко Анна , Стратійчук Ірина
Published: April 2022

Розглянуто особливості технології нанесення коротко нарізаних волокон заданої довжини на клейову поверхню з високими адгезійними властивостями в технологічному процесі флокування поверхонь подарункових паковань, яка змінюється залежно до видів паковань. Досліджено умови забезпечення міцного закріплення ворсу до основи та отримання композитного матеріалу високої еластичності.
Встановлено чинники впливу на якісні показники формування флокованих зображень подарункових паковань, які визначаються змінними факторами, зокрема, видом паперу, фізико-механічними властивостями клеїв і ворсу та принципами їх нанесення.
За результатами аналізу проведених досліджень сформульовано рекомендації з виготовлення паковальної продукції із застосуванням технології флокування.
Встановлено, що флоковані поверхні паковань волокнами довжиною 1,3 мм мають однорідне заповнення без пробілів чи скупчення ворсу, що сприяє досягненню максимальних показників збіжності для утворення композитної структури матеріал +клей + флок, виявлені при застосуванні дисперсійного клею Papermax CR (Польша), з яким щільність та рівномірність розташування флоку на поверхні паковання відповідає вищим якісним показникам.
Визначено, що флоковані поверхні волокнами довжиною 0,8 мм більш стійкі до експериментальних випробувань — ледь помітний осип волокон свідчить про переваги застосування флоку дрібного мелення для утворення оздоблюваних поверхонь обмежених за розмірами подарункових паковань.
Моделювання зневоднення дисперсних матеріалів при виготовленні друкарського паперу
Authors: Штефан Євгеній Васильович , Зоренко Оксана Володимирівна
Published: April 2022

Проаналізовано технологічні чинники впливу на якість обробки паперового полотна у папероробних машинах. Розглянуто теоретичні аспекти процесу пресування паперового полотна з позицій механіки дисперсних вологонасичених матеріалів. Запропоновано модель мікрофрагменту вологонасиченого пористого паперового матеріалу. Розроблено методику визначення технологічних параметрів механічного зневоднення паперової маси при виготовленні друкарського паперу. Математична модель процесу пресування паперового полотна дозволяє враховувати форму і розміри часток матеріалу та кінетику відокремлення води. Встановлено закономірності відокремлення рідкої фази та ущільнення твердого каркасу дисперсної системи на етапі пресування паперового полотна. Запропоновані моделі дозволяють визначити екологічні режими зневоднення паперових півфабрикатів шляхом зменшення використання води та викиди парникових газів.
EDUCAÇÃO MATEMÁTICA INTEGRADA AO ENSINO À DISTÂNCIA NO TOCANTINS
Authors: Oliveira Paulo ALexandre
Published: April 2022

Editorial da edição especial da revista Desafios, para a publicação e divulgação de alguns trabalhos desenvolvidos pelo pós-graduandos do curso de Especialização Lato Sensu para Professores do Ensino Médio de Matemática da UFT.
PERFIL SOCIOECONÔMICO, LABORAL E DE SAÚDE DE TRABALHADORES DE RESTAURANTE HOSPITALAR
Authors: Ramos Sabrina Alves , Costa Bruna Vieira de Lima , Monteiro Marlene Azevedo Magalhães
Published: April 2022

Objetivo: estabelecer o perfil socioeconômico, laboral e de saúde de manipuladores de alimentos de um restaurante hospitalar institucional de Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio de questionário contendo variáveis sociodemográficas, antropométricas, hábitos de vida, presença de doenças crônicas não transmissíveis, ocupacionais e psicossociais. Resultados: Participaram 44 manipuladores de alimentos, sendo que 84,8% eram mulheres com idade média de 36,6 anos (±10,8). Quase a totalidade trabalhava a menos de cinco anos na instituição e 70,5% eram plantonistas. Dois terços dos trabalhadores tinham mais de nove anos de estudo e 54,5% apresentavam renda familiar de até três salários mínimos. Fatores de risco como hábito de fumar, etilismo e sedentarismo estiveram presentes em um terço dos participantes. A hipertensão arterial foi prevalente em 22,7% e o excesso de peso em 59,5%. O desgaste físico foi relatado por 86,4% e o psicológico por 59,0% dos manipuladores de alimentos. Apesar disso, 95,4% e 90,9% dos participantes relataram satisfação e motivação com o trabalho, respectivamente. Conclusão: A alta prevalência de excesso de peso e sedentarismo sinaliza a necessidade de vigilância em saúde nos locais de trabalho, ações de promoção de práticas alimentares saudáveis e de atividade física.
Does sectoral loan portfolio composition matter for the monetary policy transmission?
Authors: Dang Van Dan , Nguyen Hoang Chung
Published: April 2022

Purpose ─ The paper empirically explores the conditioning role of loan portfolio diversification in the monetary policy pass-through via the bank lending and risk-taking channels.
Methods ─ Data of Vietnamese commercial banks during 2007–2019 is employed to perform regression using the two-step system generalized method of moments in dynamic panel models. For robustness, we approach different choices of monetary policy indicators, ranging from interest-based tools to quantitative-based policy, and consider a rich set of sectoral exposure measures to proxy loan portfolio diversification.
Findings ─ Lower interest rates or greater liquidity injection during monetary expansion may increase bank lending and bank risk, thus confirming the working of the bank lending and risk-taking channels of monetary policy transmission. Notably, the potency of these banking channels may be weakened for banks diversifying loan portfolios more into various economic sectors.
Implication ─ The findings call for monetary authorities to concentrate on certain types of banks, depending on their loan portfolios when setting monetary policy. When managing banking supervision, banking supervisors should also acknowledge the tradeoff between bank lending and bank risk in response to monetary shocks.
Originality ─ For the first time, this paper explores the conditional role of loan portfolio composition and thus further supports the recent upsurge in empirical studies highlighting the role of business models in monetary policy pass-through.
The Stochastic Organization of Genomes and the Doctrine of Energy-Information Evolution Based on Bio-Antenna Arrays
Authors: Petoukhov Sergey
Published: April 2022

The article continues the author's publications about the matrix-tensor study of universal rules of stochastic (probabilistic) organization of long single-stranded DNA sequences in eukaryotic and prokaryotic genomes. The author reveals that corresponding matrices of probabilities of n-plets in n-textual representations of each genomic DNA are numerically interrelated each with other in such algebraic form, which has analogies with formalisms of the known tensor-matrix theory of digital antenna arrays. These arrays combine many separate antennas into a single coordinated ensemble with unique emergent properties, due to which antenna arrays are widely used in devices of medicine, astrophysics, avionics, etc. The noted analogies allow putting forward the author's hypothesis that the stochastic organization of genomic DNAs is connected with bio-antenna arrays. From the point of view of this hypothesis, many known facts about using principles of antenna arrays in inherited physiological phenomena are collected in a single grouping with genomic DNAs. This new topic about the biological meaning of profitable properties of antenna arrays includes problems of biological evolution, the origin of the genetic code, regenerative medicine, and the development of algebraic biology. These issues are discussed jointly with the author's results of quantum information analysis of stochastic features of genomic DNAs.
Cross-sectional Analysis of Beams Subjected to Saint-Venant Torsion Using the Green’s Theorem and the Finite Difference Method
Authors: Fogang Valentin
Published: April 2022

This paper presents an approach to the elastic analysis of beams subjected to Saint-Venant torsion using Green’s theorem and the finite difference method (FDM). The Saint-Venant torsion of beams, also called free torsion or unrestrained torsion, is characterized by the absence of axial stresses due to torsion; only shear stresses are developed. The solution to this torsion problem consists of finding a stress function that satisfies the governing equation and the boundary conditions. The FDM is an approximate method for solving problems described with differential or partial differential equations; it does not involve solving differential equations, equations are formulated with values at selected nodes of the structure. In this paper, the beam’s cross-section was discretized using a two-dimensional grid and additional nodes were introduced at the boundaries. The introduction of additional nodes allowed us to apply the governing equations at boundary nodes and satisfy the boundary conditions. Beam’s cross-sections of various shapes and openings were analyzed using this model; shear stresses, torsion constant, and warping were determined. Furthermore, beams with thin-walled closed sections, single-cell or multiple-cell, were analyzed using the stress function whereby the linear distribution of the shear stresses over the thickness was considered; closed-form solutions for shear stresses and torsion constant were presented. For rectangular cross-sections, the results obtained in this study showed good agreement with the exact results, and the accuracy was increased through a grid refinement. For thin-walled closed sections it was noted that the maximal shear stress in the midline occurs at the position with the smallest thickness, which is in agreement with Bredt’s analysis, but the maximal shear stress in the cross-section did not necessarily occur at that position; moreover, the values of torsion constant were higher than those calculated using Bredt’s analysis
The Binding Landscape of Serum Antibodies: How Physical and Mathematical Concepts can Advance Systems Immunology
Authors: Prechl József , Papp Krisztián , Kovács Ágnes , Pfeil Tamás
Published: April 2022

Antibodies constitute a major component of serum on protein mass basis. We also know that the structural diversity of these antibodies exceeds that of all other proteins in the body and they react with an immense number of molecular targets. What we still cannot quantitatively describe is, how antibody abundance is related to affinity, specificity and cross reactivity. This ignorance has important practical consequences: we also do not have proper biochemical units for characterizing polyclonal serum antibody binding. The solution requires both a theoretical foundation, a physical model of the system, and technology for the experimental confirmation of theory. Here we argue that the quantitative characterization of interactions between serum antibodies and their targets requires systems-level physical chemistry approach and generates results that should help create maps of antibody binding landscape.
Prostate Cancer as a Channelopathy
Authors: Sakellakis Minas
Published: April 2022

Numerous studies have firmly established the role of ion channels in essentially all basic cellular functions. Apart from their role in ion transport, they can form macromolecular complexes with adhesion proteins, and signaling molecules. Ion channels are not only responsible for cellular electrogenesis and excitability, but they also regulate the necessary conditions for tissue homeostasis, such as differentiation, proliferation and apoptosis. Although cancer is not officially classified as a channelopathy, it has been increasingly recognized that ion channel aberrations play an important role in virtually all cancer types. Ion channels can exert pro-tumorigenic activities due to genetic or epigenetic alterations, or as a response to molecular signals, such as growth factors, hormones, etc. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men in the United States. Increasing evidence suggests that ion channels and pumps play a critical role in the regulation of prostate cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis evasion, migration, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and angiogenesis. There is also evidence suggesting that ion channels might play a role in treatment failure in prostate cancer. Hence, they represent promising targets for diagnosis, staging and treatment. Here, the role of major types of ion channels involved in the development and progression of prostate cancer were reviewed. Identifying the underlying molecular mechanisms of the pro-tumorigenic effects of ion channels, may potentially inform the development of novel therapeutic strategies to counter this malignancy.
Idle Vibration Reduction of a Diesel Sport Utility Vehicle
Authors: Ryu Seokwon , Kim Dongju , Lee Booyoung , Han Doohee , Jung Insoo , Chung Jintai
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a study on the idle vibration reduction of a diesel sport utility vehicle (SUV). To reduce idle vibration, the transmission paths of vibration from the engine to the driver seat floor were investigated with the vehicle components related to idle vibration. Furthermore, operational deflection shape (ODS) tests were conducted to visualize the vibration shapes during engine idling. Experimental modal analyses were performed to obtain the natural frequencies and mode shapes. Through the ODS and modal tests, the vibration characteristics of the diesel SUV during idling were identified. Considering these vibration characteristics, a multi-body dynamic model for the diesel SUV described by differential equations of motion was established to evaluate the idle vibration. To implement the dynamic model effectively, the equivalent stiffnesses and damping coefficients included in the model were determined experimentally or analytically. The established dynamic model was verified by comparing the natural frequencies and idle vibration levels between simulations. Using this dynamic model, we analyzed the effects of various design variables on idle vibration and obtained an optimal design for reducing the idle vibration level. Finally, we present a design guide to reduce the idle vibration for diesel SUVs.
Damage Detection and Level Classification of Roof Damage After Typhoon Faxai Based on Aerial Photo and Deep Learning
Authors: Xu Jinglin , Zeng Feng , Liu Wen , Takahashi Toru
Published: April 2022

Following the occurrence of a typhoon, quick damage assessment related to residents can facilitate quick dispatch of house repair and disaster insurance works. Employing a deep learning method, this study used aerial photos of the Chiba prefecture obtained following the Typhoon Faxai in 2019 to automatically detect and evaluate the roof damage. This study comprised three parts: training deep learning model, detecting the roof damage using trained model, and classifying the level of roof damage. The detection object comprised roof outline, blue tarps, and roof completely destroyed. The roofs were divided into three categories: roof without damage, roof with blue tarps and roof completely destroyed. the F value obtained using the proposed method was higher than those obtained using other methods. In addition, it can be further divided into 5 levels from level 0 to 4. Finally, the spatial distribution of the roof damage was analyzed using ArcGIS tools. The proposed method is expected to provide certain reference for the real-time detection of the roof damage after the occurrence of a typhoon.
A One-Dimensional Serial ECG Diagnosis Approach Based on Ensemble Deep Learning
Authors: JiangSi Qing , Gao HaoJun , Wu Jian
Published: April 2022

An electrocardiograph (ECG) reflects the health of the human heart and is used to help diagnose arrhythmia and myocardial infarction(MI) in clinical practice. Early diagnosis of arrhythmia helps implement preventive measures and plays a crucial role in saving a patient's life. With the increasing demand of clinicians for ECG analysis technology, intelligent detection and diagnosis of ECG signals has become a more efficient means to assist physicians in diagnosing cardiovascular diseases. This paper introduces an ECG diagnosis approach based on an ensemble deep learning combination of CNN(convolutional neural network) and SLAP(stacked-long short term memory architecture for prediction) architecture. ECG data is denoised and further divided into single heartbeats to achieve data standardization and sample diversity. Adam optimizer and BCEwithlogitsloss multi-classification loss function were used to enhance the model effect, and the system achieved the classification effect of 99.3% average accuracy, 99.0% F1-value, and 99.2% sensitivity in MIT-BIH standard database classification. It also shows good generalization ability on the Tianchi data set.
Executive Function-Related Improvements on a Commercial CBT-Based Weight Management Intervention: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Michaelides Andreas , Mitchell Ellen Siobhan , Behr Heather , Ho Annabell Suh , Hanada Grant , Lee Jihye , McPartland Sue
Published: April 2022

Executive functioning is a key component involved in many of the processes necessary for effective weight management behavior change (e.g., setting goals). Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and third-wave CBT (e.g., mindfulness) are considered first-line treatments for obesity, but it is unknown to what extent they can improve or sustain executive functioning. This pilot randomized controlled trial examined if a CBT-based generalized weight management intervention would affect executive functioning and executive function-related brain activity in individuals with obesity or overweight. Participants were randomized to an intervention condition (N=24) that received the Noom Weight program or to a control group (N=26) receiving weekly educational newsletters. EEG measurements were taken during Flanker, Stroop, and N-back tasks at baseline and months 1 through 4. After 4 months, the intervention condition evidenced greater accuracy over time and, to some extent, neural markers of executive function (error-related negativity and beta and gamma band powers) compared to the control group on the Flanker and Stroop tasks. The intervention condition also lost more weight than controls (-7.1 pounds vs. +1.0 pounds). Given mixed evidence on whether CBT-based interventions can change markers of executive function, this study contributes preliminary evidence that a multicomponent CBT-based weight management intervention (i.e., that provide both support for weight management and is based on CBT) can help individuals sustain executive function compared to controls.
Telemedicine for Otolaryngology: Challenges, Opportunities, Limitations, and the Impact of COVID-19
Authors: Langlie Jake , Finberg Ariel , Griff Jessica , Mittal Rahul , A. Eshraghi Adrien
Published: April 2022

Objectives: As institutions modified medical practices to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, providers were forced to modify care through the implementation of telemedicine. The objective of this article is to review the current practices of otolaryngology during the COVID-19 pandemic and the limitations of telemedicine in current practice. Methods: A thorough review of the PubMed and MEDLINE databases was performed for publications between 2020 and 2021. Studies discussing telemedicine in otolaryngology during COVID-19 pandemic were selected. Results: As worldwide cases of COVID-19 continue to oscillate, we must continue to be vigilant in our clinical practice, implementing safe techniques to mitigate the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus through the continual use of telemedicine in all specialties of otolaryngology. Trends of increased patient acceptance of the use of telemedicine have been seen across subspecialities, including otolaryngology. Conclusion: Currently there are challenges associated with the implementation of telemedicine in the field of otolaryngology that rely heavily on adjunct physical examination, imaging studies, and specialty procedures. However, telemedicine has tremendous potential and can be adapted to include in the otolaryngologist’s toolbelt during public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Granular Superconductivity in Hydrides under Pressure
Authors: Hirsch Jorge
Published: April 2022

It has been suggested that the measured magnetic properties of hydrides under pressure claimed to be high temperature superconductors indicate that the materials are granular superconductors. Such materials will show reduced or no magnetic field expulsion under field cooling, and will trap magnetic fields when the external magnetic field is removed. They will also exhibit hysteretic behavior in magnetoresistance and other transport properties. Here we point out that hysteresis in transport properties has never been reported for hydrides under pressure. Its presence, with the expected features, would indicate that the materials trap magnetic flux, hence that they can sustain persistent currents without dissipation, something that all superconductors can do. Conversely, its absence would indicate that these materials are not superconductors.
Improved DeepSORT Algorithm Based on Multi Feature Fusion
Authors: Liu Haiying , Pei Yuncheng , Bei Qiancheng , Deng Lixia
Published: April 2022

Pedestrian multi-target tracking technology plays an important role in artificial intelligence, driverless, virtual reality and other fields. The pedestrian multi-target tracking algorithm DeepSORT based on detection is widely used in industry. It mainly tracks multiple pedestrian targets continuously and keeps their ID unchanged. In order to improve the applicability and tracking accuracy of DeepSORT algorithm, this paper improved the IOU distance measurement in the matching process. At the same time, ResNet50 is used as the feature extraction backbone network, and combined with FPN (Feature Pyramid Network), the appearance features of multi-layer pedestrians are fused to improve the tracking accuracy of DeepSORT algorithm. The proposed algorithm is verified on the public data set MOT-16 and it’s tracking accuracy is enhanced to 4.1%.
Degradation of P(3HB-co-4HB) films in Simulated Body Fluids
Authors: Vodicka Juraj , Wikarska Monika , Trudicova Monika , Junglova Zuzana , Pospisilova Aneta , Kalina Michal , Slaninova Eva , Obruca Stanislav , Sedlacek Petr
Published: April 2022

Novel model of biodegradable PHA copolymer films preparation was applied to evaluate biodegradability of various PHA copolymers and discuss its biomedical applicability. In this study, we illustrate the potential biomaterial degradation rate affectability by manipulation of monomer composition via controlling biosynthetic strategies. Within the experimental investigation, we have prepared two different copolymers of 3-hydroxybutyrate and 4-hydroxybutyrate – P(3HB-co-36 mol.% 4HB) and P(3HB-co-66 mol.% 4HB), by cultivating thermophilic bacterial strain Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 and further investigated its degradability in simulated body fluids (SBFs). Both copolymers revealed faster weight reduction in synthetic gastric juice (SGJ) and artificial colonic fluid (ACF) than simple homopolymer P3HB. In addition, degradation mechanisms differed across tested polymers, according to SEM micrographs. While incubated in SGJ, samples were fragmented due to fast hydrolysis sourcing from substantially low pH, which suggest abiotic degradation as the major degradation mechanism. On the contrary, ACF incubation indicated obvious enzymatic hydrolysis. Further, no cytotoxicity of the waste fluids was observed on CaCO-2 cell line. Based on these results in combination with high production flexibility, we suggest P(3HB-co-4HB) copolymers produced by Aneurinibacillus sp. H1 as very auspicious polymers for intestinal in vivo treatments.
TINDAKAN IMITASI GAYA HIDUP PEMENGARUH PADA GENERASI MILENIAL
Authors: Kristinova Jessica Claudia
Published: April 2022

Current technological developments present various kinds of professions in society, one of which is influencer. Influencers can be considered as agents of change in modern times. The task and role of influencers is as a source of information and innovation in society. Influencers are closely related to an up-to-date lifestyle. Hedonism, materialistic, and shopaholic lifestyle. This is an imitation of the lifestyle followed by the millennial generation. The millennial generation is more concerned with the brand than the quality and usability of the goods. The purpose of this research is to find out the millennial generation's lifestyle, analyze the forms of imitation that occur due to the influence of influencers, understand how or efforts to deal with imitation of the influencer's lifestyle. This study uses a qualitative method using a descriptive approach. Data collection techniques used literature review and non-participant observation. The theory used in this research is Talcott Parsons' theory of social action. The results of this study indicate that the millennial generation tends to imitate the lifestyle of influencers through social media. The form of imitation is imitation of clothing and beauty products. This research is expected to help ordinary people to be selective in choosing their lifestyle and needs.

 

Keywords: Lifestyle; Millennial Generation; Imitation; Influencer

 
Abstrak
Perkembangan teknologi saat ini menghadirkan berbagai macam profesi di masyarakat, salah satunya adalah influencer. Influencer bisa dianggap sebagai agent of change di zaman modern. Tugas dan peran influencer adalah sebagai sumber informasi dan inovasi di masyarakat. Influencer erat berkaitan gaya hidup yang up to date. Gaya hidup hedonisme, materialistis, dan shopaholic. Hal tersebut menjadi imitasi gaya hidup yang diikuti oleh generasi milenial. Generasi milenial lebih mementingkan merk daripada kualitas dan kegunaan barang. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui gaya hidup generasi milenial, menganalisis bentuk imitasi yang terjadi akibat pengaruh influencer, memahami cara atau upaya menghadapi imitasi gaya hidup influencer. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif dengan menggunakan pendekatan deskriptif. Teknik pengumpulan data menggunakan kajian literatur dan observasi non partisipan. Teori yang digunakan dalam penelitian, yakni teori tindakan sosial Talcott Parsonss. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan jika generasi milenial cenderung melakukan imitasi gaya hidup influencer melalui media sosial. Bentuk imitasi yang dilakukan, yakni imitasi pakaian dan produk kecantikan.  Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat membantu masyarakat awam agar selektif dalam memilih gaya hidup dan kebutuhan.

 

Kata Kunci: Gaya hidup; Generasi milenial; Imitasi; Influencer
Minimasi Waste pada Proses Produksi Bracket B6H-F194X-00 Menggunakan Lean Manufacturing untuk Mencapai Target Produksi di PT. ABC
Authors: Ningrum Fajriah , Azmi Nora
Published: April 2022

PT. ABC merupakan perusahaan manufaktur di Tangerang dan memiliki tipe produksi make to order. Produk Bracket B6H-F194X-00 merupakan salah satu produk dengan jumlah permintaan tertinggi dan selalu diproduksi setiap bulannya. Permasalahan yang terjadi yakni target produksi tidak tercapai pada bulan September 2020 – Febuari 2021 yang disebabkan adanya waste, dampaknya perusahaan hanya dapat mengirimkan produknya sebesar 653 pcs/hari dari rata – rata target produksi sebesar 1100 pcs/hari. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk meminimasi waste pada proses produksi Bracket B6H-F194X-00 menggunakan Lean Manufacturing untuk mencapai target produksi di PT. ABC. Penelitian diawali dengan pemetaan Current State Mapping dan waste yang teridentifikasi yaitu waste waiting, unnecessary motion, transportation, overprocessing, dan defect. Pembobotan waste dilakukan menggunakan Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (Fuzzy AHP) dan didapatkan bahwa waste transportation merupakan waste dominan dengan bobot 0.3059. Bobot masing – masing waste digunakan untuk pemilihan Value Stream Analysis Tools (VALSAT) dan diperoleh tools Process Activity Mapping (PAM) dengan bobot skor 7.527. Usulan perbaikan menggunakan metode 5W+1H yakni penggunaan work bench, penggabungan aktivitas transportasi dan penambahan tempat pembuang skrap piercing sementara. Hasil perbaikan kemudian digambarkan dengan PAM setelah perbaikan serta dipetakan melalui Future State Mapping diperoleh bahwa total produksi menjadi 1103 pcs/hari dan target produksi dapat tercapai.
Rapid Evaluations of Innovations: A Scoping Review
Authors: Norman Gill , Mason Thomas , Dumville Jo , Bower Peter , Wilson Paul , Cullum Nicky
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThere is increasing demand for more rapid evaluation of innovation in health and social care to support timely decision-making about service redesign. Making evaluations more rapid raises challenges of rigour and effective use of resources, but assessment of rapid evaluation methodologies has been lacking. Objectives: To map the developing field of methods of rapid evaluation of innovation in health and related social careDesign: Scoping reviewMethods: We searched multiple databases and websites of key organisations to identify rapid evaluations of innovations, methods of rapid evaluation or rapid evaluation of implementation in high income countries.We extracted information to enable us to classify and map existing studies on key characteristics. We undertook a narrative synthesis to identify the evidence and the gaps, focussing on the different approaches to conducting rapid evaluation in primary research. ResultsWe identified 14069 records from our searches, evaluated 352 in full text and included 72 studies. We identified four main approaches used for rapid evaluation: (1) Use of a methodology designed specifically for rapid evaluation;(2) Increasing rapidity by doing less or using a less time-intensive methodology;(3) Use of alternative technologies and/or data to increase the speed of an existing evaluation method; (4) Adaptation of part of a non-rapid evaluation We found little research comparing rapid and non-rapid evaluation.ConclusionsThis scoping review identified a lack of clarity about what ‘rapid evaluation’ means but identified useful preliminary categories. There is a need for clarity and consistency in terms of: what constitutes rapid evaluation; consistent terminology in reporting evaluations as rapid; the development of specific methodologies for making evaluation more rapid; and assessment of the advantages and disadvantages of rapid methodology in terms of rigour, cost and impact.
Genetic association between the LncRNA ANRIL rs10757272 Polymorphism and Intracranial Aneurysm Susceptibility in Asians
Authors: Zhao wei , He aijie , Zou Peng
Published: April 2022

Current epidemiological studies reporting the role of LncRNA ANRIL rs10757272 polymorphism and intracranial aneurysms risk remain controversial. In the present study, we conducted a meta-analysis to resolve this inconsistency. Medline database (PubMed) and Embase databases were retrieved to collect the publications evaluating the association with a time limit of August 20, 2021. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength of the association. Subgroup analysis, heterogeneity analyses, and publication bias was assessed in the meta-analysis. Finally, 2853 cases and 13426 controls were enrolled in this meta-analysis based on inclusion criteria. The pooled results indicated that the rs10757272 polymorphism is significantly associated with the risk of intracranial aneurysms in all genetic models (homozygous model, odds ratio (OR) = 1.48, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.28–1.71, Pheterogeneity = 0.11, I2 = 50.9; heterozygous model, OR = 1.26, 95% CI = 1.09–1.46, Pheterogeneity = 0.15, I2 = 42.8; dominant model, OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.19–1.57, Pheterogeneity = 0.12, I2 = 48.1 and recessive model, OR = 1.23, 95% CI = 1.13–1.34, Pheterogeneity = 0.24, I2 = 28.8). Subgroup analyses showed consistent results. In conclusion, our findings provided evidence that the rs10757272 polymorphism is associated with susceptibility to intracranial aneurysms in Asians.
Prognostic Factors For IVF-ICSI Live Birth Rate in Infertile Women with rAFS Stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ Ovarian Endometriosis
Authors: Le Fang , Kang Quanmin , Sun Yu , Chen Ruizhe , Yang Xinyun , Wang Ning , Gao Huijuan , Jin Fan , Lou Hangying , Zhu Yimin
Published: April 2022

Purpose
To investigate whether the assisted reproductive technology (ART) outcome differed amongst women with primary and recurrent endometriomas and to identify prognostic factors for a poor cumulative live birth rate (cLBR) in women with severe endometriosis by a retrospective cohort analysis.
Methods
A total of 836 patients with stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ ovarian endometriosis were included; of which 734 women without and 102 with recurrent endometrioma underwent 1048 ART cycles. The main outcome measures were cumulative clinical pregnancy rate (cPR) and cLBR per cycle. Prognostic factors of ART outcome were identified by comparing women who became pregnant with those who did not, using univariate and adjusted multiple logistic regression models.
Results
In all, 549 (65.67%) women became pregnant and 507 (60.65%) had a live birth. The cumulative cPR and LBR per cycle were 54.20% and 48.38%, respectively. In the recurrent group, the antral follicle count (AFC) and number of retrieved oocytes were lower than for women with primary endometriomas. However, the cLBR were similar between the two groups. Further, after multivariate analysis, ages ≥35 y and time interval ≥2 y between surgery and ART were independent factors associated with lower cLBR in patients with severe endometriosis. Number of surgeries ≥2 and lower AFC were also associated with negative ART outcomes.
Conclusion
An advanced maternal age, an altered ovarian reserve, number of surgeries, and/or longer interval between surgery and ART had a negative impact on ART cLBR for infertile women with rAFS stage Ⅲ and Ⅳ ovarian endometriosis.
Retrospective trial registration number
: IRB-20210319-R, date of registration: 4.10.2021
Decentralisation and community engagement for better mental health services development in the conflict-affected regions of Ukraine
Authors: Klymchuk Vitalii , Vysotska Krystyna , Gorbunova Viktoriia
Published: April 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore how conflict-affected communities in Ukraine (the Lugansk region) can develop sustainable mental health services in decentralised settings. The main interest focuses on communities' perception of their problems and solutions that communities can create to achieve better mental health coverage. Design/methodology/approachSeries of roundtables (4 roundtables, 62 participants overall), accompanied by interactive brainstorming techniques, were conducted with communities' representatives from the East of Ukraine (Lugansk region, government-controlled area). Participants were provided with the opportunity to discuss mental health services development challenges and create affordable solutions for their communities. Results of discussions were submitted to qualitative analysis and offered to review by participants. FindingsDecentralisation in Ukraine led to allocating funds alongside responsibilities for developing the services to communities. Most of the communities appear not to be ready to acknowledge the role of mental health services, entirely relying on the existing weak psychiatric hospital-based system. Rising-awareness interactive capacity-building activities for the community leaders and decision-makers effectively promote community-based mental health services development. Five clusters of challenges were identified: leadership, coordination, and collaboration problems; infrastructure, physical accessibility, and financial problems; mental health and primary healthcare workforce shortage and lack of competencies; low awareness in mental health, available services, and high stigma; war, crises, and pandemic-related problems. Communities foresaw seven domains of actions: increasing the role of communities and service users in the initiatives of governmental bodies; establishing in the communities local coordination/working groups dedicated to mental health service development; developing the community-based spaces (hubs) for integrated services provision; embedding the mental health services in the existing services (social, administrative, healthcare); mental health advocacy and lobby lead by local leaders and service users; increasing capacity of communities in financial management, fundraising; developing of services by combining efforts and budgets of neighbouring communities. OriginalityThe paper is original in terms of its topic (connecting decentralisation and community engagement for understanding the challenges of mental health services development) and research strategy (engagement of Ukrainian communities, qualitative analysis of the discussion results and applying the best practices and international recommendations to the local context).
Elucidation of the Salt Tolerance Mechanism of Rice by Profiling the Transcriptome in Sea Rice 86 Root
Authors: Ji Lirong , Zhang Meiping , Li Dan , Zhang Yongliang , Zhang Jiayu
Published: April 2022

Background and aim In order to explore the molecular mechanism of salt tolerance of rice (Oryza sativa L）.Methods the transcriptome of 0.9% NaCl treated seawater rice roots was sequenced with Sea Rice 86 with strong salt tolerance.Results The results showed that 1055 differential genes were obtained by transcriptome sequencing, of which 691 differential genes were up-regulated and 364 differential genes were down regulated. Through go analysis of differentially expressed genes, it was found that salt stress caused differential expression of genes related to metabolic process, cell process, protein binding, catalytic activity, antioxidant activity and cell separation of Sea Rice 86, which may be Sea Rice 86 played an important role in root resistance to salt stress; The differentially expressed genes were annotated with KEGG function, The differentially expressed genes in plant hormone signal transduction, galactose metabolism, glutathione metabolism, plant pathogen interaction and glycolysis / gluconeogenesis were compared after 3 and 0 days of salt treatment (glycolysis / gluconeogenesis), phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, etc. The results of differentially expressed genes were consistent with the transcriptome data verified by qRT-PCR. There were significant differences in ion content, proline and peroxide metabolism in seawater rice roots under salt stress.The molecular mechanism of salt stress in the roots of Sea Rice 86 was deeply discussed, which provided a basis for further application in genetic engineering and molecular breeding.
Sociodemographic and Survival Profile of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Patients Attending a Tertiary Health Facility in India
Authors: Shaik Riyaz Ahamed , Holyachi Sharan K , Ahmad Mohammad S , Almehmadi Bader A , Kalaburgi Riyaz A , Ahmad Ritu K , Miraj Mohammed , MV Madhusudhana
Published: April 2022

Our objectives of the study is to assess the sociodemographic profile and survival profile of HIV patients. A retrospective cohort study was conducted among patients enrolled at a single antiretroviral therapy center at North Karnataka. A total of 11099 were recruited during April 2007 to January 2020. The outcome of interest was the time to death in months of HIV patients on ART. R Studio Version 1.3.1093 was used for statistical analysis. Out of 7423 HIV-positive people majority were female (51.4%), heterosexual typology (89.2%), and in the age group 31 to 45 years (45.5%). In the multivariable analysis that hazards of mortality increased by 3.11 times and 2.11 times in patients with baseline CD4 count < = 50 and baseline CD4 count 51 to 200 respectively as compared to those who had baseline CD4 count > 200. The mortality rate was high in the initial three months after the start of ART and overall survival probabilities among HIV-infected patients declined over follow-up time. This study proved that age, sex, baseline CD4 count, and TB status act as risk factors for mortality among HIV-positive individuals. Prevention strategies, control measures, and program planning should be done based on the sociodemographic determinants of mortality.