bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between the C-Reactive Protein–Albumin–Lymphocyte (CALLY) Index and Adverse Clinical Outcomes in CAD Patients after PCI: Findings of a Real-World Study
Authors: Pan Ying , Wu Ting-Ting , Deng Chang-Jiang , Jiang Zhi-Hui , Yang Yi , Hou Xian-Geng , Yan Tuo , Wang Shun , Feng Yu-Juan , Zheng Ying-Ying , Xie Xiang
Published: April 2024

Background: The C-reactive protein–albumin–lymphocyte (CALLY) index is a novel inflammatory biomarker, and its association with the prognosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) has not previously been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of using the CALLY index on adverse outcomes in CAD patients undergoing PCI. Methods: From December 2016 to October 2021, we consecutively enrolled 15,250 CAD patients and performed follow-ups for primary endpoints consisting of all-cause mortality (ACM) and cardiac mortality (CM). The CALLY index was computed using the following formula: (albumin × lymphocyte)/(C-reactive protein (CRP) × 104). The average duration of the follow-up was 24 months. Results: A total of 3799 CAD patients who had undergone PCI were ultimately enrolled in the present study. The patients were divided into four groups according to the CALLY index quartiles: Q1 (≤0.69, n = 950), Q2 (0.69–2.44, n = 950), Q3 (2.44–9.52, n = 950), and Q4 (>9.52, n = 949). The low-Q1 group had a significantly higher prevalence of ACM (p < 0.001), CM (p < 0.001), major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) (p = 0.002), and major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCEs) (p = 0.002). Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that a low CALLY index was significantly linked with adverse outcomes. After univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis, the risk of ACM, CM, MACEs, and MACCEs decreased by 73.7% (adjust hazard risk [HR] = 0.263, 95% CI: 0.147–0.468, p < 0.001), 70.6% (adjust HR = 0.294, 95% CI: 0.150–0.579, p < 0. 001), 37.4% (adjust HR = 0.626, 95% CI: 0.422–0.929, p = 0.010), and 41.5% (adjust HR = 0.585, 95% CI: 0.401–0.856, p = 0.006), respectively, in the Q4 quartiles compared with the Q1 quartiles. Conclusions: This study revealed that a decreased CALLY index was associated with worse prognoses for CAD patients after PCI. The categorization of patients with a decreased CALLY index could provide valuable evidence for the risk stratification of adverse outcomes in CAD patients after PCI. Clinical Trial Registration: The details are available at http://www.chictr.org.cn (Identifier: NCT05174143).
New Insights into Pacing Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kim Sung Soo , Park Hyung Wook
Published: April 2024

Pacing induced cardiomyopathy (PICM) can occur as a complication due to pacing the right ventricle. Its precise definition varies across different studies, leading to uncertainty as to the best approach for managing this entity. More than 10% of patients who undergo chronic right ventricular pacing develop PICM. Risk factors associated with PICM include reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), the proportion of right ventricular pacing, and paced QRS duration. The main approach to treating PICM has been upgrading to biventricular pacing cardiac resynchronization therapy when the LVEF decreases. However, emerging evidence suggest that conduction system pacing might provide an opportunity to manage PICM.
Disparities in Mitral Valve Disease Associated with Heart Failure
Authors: Foley Olivia , Hammond Rebecca , Au Kristine , Asghar Noureen , Tauseef Abubakar , Jabbar Ali Bin Abdul , Millner Paul , Mirza Mohsin
Published: April 2024

Heart failure (HF) affects millions of people around the world and is a prevalent health issue in the United States. In many cases, HF has an intricate connection with mitral valvular disease (MVD), which can alter a patient’s disease course. Factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, and social determinants of health impact the prevalence, etiology, and treatment of MVD associated with HF. This literature review examines the connection between MVD and HF among adult patients, considering MVD as both a cause and an outcome of HF. This article also identifies the differences in epidemiology and treatment of MVD associated with HF across different gender, ethnicity, race, and socioeconomic groups. This is in an effort to not only identify currently overlooked disparities but to highlight potential ways to improve them. MVD was analyzed based on its hemodynamic subtypes, mitral regurgitation (MR) and mitral stenosis (MS), as these subtypes encompass different etiologies of MVD. The purpose of this article was to identify broad disparities in MVD in association with HF in the adult population. The results of this study found stark differences between prevalence, treatment, and disease outcomes across groups. Women and Black patients were identified as high-risk for under-utilization and prescription delay of treatment options. Women were often treated at more advanced stages of MVD, while treatment was often delayed in Black patient populations. Factors such as these impact treatment outcomes. Conversely, men and White patients were identified as lower-risk groups for treatment inadequacies and poor HF and MVD related outcomes. Socioeconomic status (SES) was also found to play a role, with low SES being a risk factor for developing rheumatic heart disease. Low SES groups are also more likely to develop HF, which predisposes to secondary MR. Despite general knowledge of these disparities, few studies analyze HF and MVD for specific groups. This literature review is thus necessary to identify current inequities in care and underscore potential solutions to raise awareness for further research efforts and funding. This analysis identifies MVD treatment guidelines and contributing social determinants of health as areas that must be addressed to minimize HF and MVD disparities.
Mitral Regurgitation and Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: Confluence of Challenges for Transcatheter Treatment
Authors: Sisinni Antonio , Barreiro-Pérez Manuel , Calvo-Iglesias Francisco , Estévez-Loureiro Rodrigo
Published: April 2024

The intricate interplay between mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction may result in two clinical scenarios: prosthesis-related LVOT obstruction after mitral valve replacement (TMVR) and systolic anterior motion (SAM)-associated MR. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiology, risk assessment, and transcatheter interventions for mitigating the likelihood of LVOT obstruction in patients undergoing TMVR. In addition, it extends its focus to SAM-associated MR, elucidating the different aetiological mechanisms contributing to this phenomenon, beyond hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Transcatheter treatment options, are explored as potential therapeutic strategies, offering insights into their hemodynamic effectiveness and limitations.
Features of lung lesions in HIV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection in patients with varying degrees of immunodeficiency
Authors:   Infectious Deseases Hospital No. 2, Moscow, Mozgaleva N.V. , Parkhomenko Yu.G. ,   Infectious Deseases Hospital No. 2, Moscow,   Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Chernyaev A.L. ,   Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow,   Pulmonology Scientific Research Institute, Moscow,   Avtsyn Research Institute of Human Morphology of FSBSI Petrovsky National Research Centre of Surgery, Moscow, Samsonova M.V. ,   Pulmonology Scientific Research Institute, Moscow,   The Loginov Moscow Clinical Scientific Center, Moscow, Vedyapin P.A. ,   Infectious Deseases Hospital No. 2, Moscow, Glukhoedova N.V. ,   Moscow Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Moscow, Zhilenkova A.S. ,   Moscow Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Moscow, Tsyganova E.V. ,   Moscow Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Moscow, Tishkevich O.A. ,   Infectious Deseases Hospital No. 2, Moscow, Mazus A.I. ,   Moscow Centre for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Treatment, Moscow
Published: April 2024

Introduction.The development of the COVID-19 pandemic along with the ongoing pandemic of HIV infection has raised the question of how these two diseases interact. This study examines morphological changes that occur in lung tissue during HIV/SARS-CoV-2 coinfection in patients with varying levels of immune status. Materials and methods. The study included 6 deceased HIV-infected patients who had a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19, which was confirmed postmortem by the detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in lung samples obtained during biopsy using polymerase chain reaction. Three patients were with newly diagnosed HIV infection; three patients had a relatively intact immune status (CD4+ more than 200 cells/μl) and no opportunistic infection and received effective antiretroviral therapy. To perform histologic examination, we used histochemical stains by Van Gieson, Grocott, Ziehl-Neelsen, PAS reaction as well as immunohistochemistry (IHC) with antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid and cytomegalovirus. Results. The macroscopic picture in all cases was characterized by a decreased airiness and compaction of the lung tissue. Microscopically, patients with newly diagnosed HIV demonstrated diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) with pneumocystis pneumonia and cytomegalovirus infection. Nucleocapsid of SARS-CoV-2 was revealed in hyaline membranes and alveolar cells. In patients with controlled HIV, we detected manifestations of various phases of DAD and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) syndrome with a predominant distribution of SARS-CoV-2 in macrophages and blood vessels. Conclusion. Lung damage in severe HIV-associated immunodeficiency was determined by the combination of direct cytopathic effect of coronavirus and opportunistic pathogens. In controlled HIV and relatively intact immune status, immune mediated action of SARS-CoV-2 could take place manifesting in diffuse alveolar damage and making the morphological picture comparable to that in HIV-negative patients.
Effect of a two-month water-soluble silicon intake on Iba1+ and CD68+ liver macrophages in laboratory rats
Authors:   IN Ulyanov Chuvash State University, Cheboksary, Grigoreva E.A. , Gordova V.S. ,   Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University, Kaliningrad, Sergeeva V.E. ,   IN Ulyanov Chuvash State University, Cheboksary, Smorodchenko A.T. ,   Medical School Berlin – University of Health and Medicine, Berlin
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Silicon compounds are widely used in industrial production; therefore, people are highly likely to have constant contact with this element. Hepatic macrophages are crucial in maintaining homeostasis in the liver; thus, investigating their reaction can provide new information on their possible participation in the inflammation induced by silicon supplied with water. The aim was to explore how Iba1+ and CD68+ liver cells in laboratory rats respond to the intake of silicon with drinking water at a concentration of 10 mg/l during two months. Materials and methods. Laboratory rats were divided into 2 groups: the control group (n=5) received drinking bottled water ad libitum, whereas the experimental one was given the same water with addition of sodium metasilicate nonahydrate (Na2SiO3 × 9 H2O) at a concentration of 10 mg/l in terms of silicon. This corresponded to the maximum allowable concentration, according to SanPiN 2.1.4.1074-01 in force at the time of the experiment. The animals were withdrawn from the experiment 2 months after had begun. The liver was removed and fixed in 10% neutral formalin and embedded in paraffin according to the standard protocol. Iba1+ and CD68+ structures were detected with immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence methods using specific antibodies. Results. We compared the expression patterns of the two macrophage markers and detected that in the experimental group, the median area of Iba1-positive cells in the livers of rats had a 0.87-time decrease compared to that in the control group (p=0.000006). The experimental group showed an increase in the number of Iba1+ and CD68+ cells (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively). We revealed that in the experimental group, immunofluorescence in Iba-1+ liver macrophages decreased (p=0.01), whereas that in CD68+ macrophages increased (p=0.27). Conclusion. The intake of water-soluble silicon at a concentration of 10 mg/l activates liver macrophages in a relatively short period of exposure (two months). Therefore, the safety of silicon compounds in the conditions of their constant supply should be studied more thoroughly.
Optimization of the protocol for kidney gross examination after nephrectomy due to neoplasm
Authors:   Krasnoyarsk Regional Pathoanatomical Bureau, Krasnoyarsk, Garkusha T.A. ,   V.F. Voyno-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Krasnoyarsk
Published: April 2024

Introduction. Nephrectomy is most often performed to treat kidney cancer. Literature suggests that malignant neoplasms can develop paraneoplastic glomerulopathies and metabolic disorders, including nephropathies. Moreover, glomerulopathies and metabolic disorders may not be associated with a tumor. The aim of the study was to develop a method for gross examination of the kidney with a tumor obtained after nephrectomy, with attention being paid to sample collection for immunofluorescence and electron microscopy. Materials and methods. I analyzed 171 kidney samples after nephrectomy due to tumors to detect the appropriate distance for kidney parenchyma sampling from the tumor on a pilot basis. Results. I present an optimized protocol for kidney gross examination after nephrectomy due to a neoplasm. I estimated the appropriate distance from the tumor for sampling the kidney parenchyma to be at 3 cm. Conclusion. Glomerulopathies are characterized by bilateral lesions, regardless of their origin. Often being asymptomatic or oligosymptomatic, they lead to a decreased kidney function. The simultaneous morphological diagnosis of glomerular pathology in patients with a kidney tumor may be the only option to diagnose glomerulopathies in time. The described method allows a reliable diagnosis of glomerulopathy in these patients. This, in turn, will help health care providers to initiate therapy in good time and prevent rapid disease progression.
Application of cyto-histological correlation as a quality control in diagnosing cervical pathology
Authors:   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Pakharukova M.I. ,   Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Yekaterinburg, Lysak E.E. ,   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Ryzhankova K.V. ,   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Kotugina M.A. ,   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Rebrikova L.N. ,   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg, Ermolaeva P.E. ,   Central City Clinical Hospital No. 23 of Yekaterinburg, Yekaterinburg, Beikin Ya.B. ,   Ya.B. Beikin Clinical and Diagnostic Center, Yekaterinburg
Published: April 2024

Introduction. In Russia, cervical cancer screening with cytological techniques faces a problem of quality control. Currently, it is necessary to standardize the methodology for comparing the results of morphological methods. The aim of the paper was to compare the findings of cytological and histological studies when diagnosing cervical pathology, classify discrepancies, and evaluate the effectiveness of the cytological method. Materials and methods. A comparative retrospective analysis of cytological examination followed by histological examination was carried out in 2,739 patients. Results. Both methods showed coincidence in 57.9% of cases. Minor and major discrepancies were determined in 29% and 13.1% of cases, respectively. The cytologic technique showed the following figures: sensitivity of 79.3%, specificity of 77.6%, positive prognostic value of 80%, and negative predictive value of 76.9%. When using the liquid-based cytology method, the number of true positive results was significantly higher, while that of false negative results was lower. The interval of up to 2 months between cytological and histological examinations yielded the highest rate of true positive and the lowest rate of false negative results. Conclusion. Comparing the results of morphological methods is most likely to be the best option for ensuring quality control of laboratory tests. This should be a guideline with a subsequent revision of samples in the presence of discrepancies, analysis of their causes, and evaluation of method effectiveness.
ScholarOne - Does Personality Matter in EFL Communicative Teaching? A Dispositional Perspective of Teacher Immediacy
Authors: Chen Xian , Shameem Rafik-Galea
Published: April 2024

English as a Foreign Language (EFL) pedagogy is a complicated process in
which various psychological elements, including personality
characteristics and socio-interactive preferences contribute to the
effectiveness of teacher-learner communication. Based on the Big Five
Personality Dimensions, this qualitative study explored the relationship
between EFL teachers’ personality types and instructional immediacy. The
findings revealed that extraversion, agreeableness, and openness induced
immediacy and that the opposite ends of agreeableness and
self-centeredness precluded immediacy. However, introversion was found
to have mixed effects on immediacy, depending on the EFL teachers’
self-awareness of communicative importance. Thus, personality influences
communication skills.
Sacralisation of the Adygs grave structures
Authors:   Kabardin-Balkar Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Timur R. Zagazezhev
Published: April 2024

The article focuses on the most apparent signs of sacralisation in Adyghe funeral buildings. This feature of the people’s funeral and burial culture has received relatively little attention in national Caucasian studies. The work is based on traditional legends and the author’s field materials. The investigation revealed that providing magical characteristics to barrows and tombstones, commemorating the graves of heroically dead individuals slain by lightning, and so on occurred throughout the historical territory of Adyghe habitation. The identification and analysis of several rites performed earlier around graves by both western and eastern Adyge allows us to draw conclusions about the people’s spiritual culture and the common worldview of its representatives. The custom of honouring of grave structures has its roots in antiquity, but many of its echoes are found today, perceived as part of the new monotheistic religion.
Similarities and differences in the formation and use of interjective phraseological units Russian and Kabardian-Cherkassian languages
Authors:   The Institute for the Humanities Research – Affiliated Kabardian-Balkarian Sci-entific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Angela A. Afaunova
Published: April 2024

The article presents the results of the analysis of interjectional phraseological units of the Russian and Kabardino-Circassian languages in a comparative aspect. The purpose of the article is to study, typologize interjectional phraseological units of the Kabardian-Circassian language and compare them with the Russian language (determining what is common and what is different in semantics, in methods of formation and use). This work provides a review of the works of leading linguists who analyzed phraseological units both in the Adyghe languages and in domestic linguis-tics, and selected and studied extensive illustrative material on the languages under study. When preparing the article, such methods of linguistic research as description, comparison, juxtaposi-tion, method of scientific and grammatical analysis, classification and typologization were used. The work proves that in the functional sphere of interjection phraseological units, the same features that characterize other types of phraseological units and interjection words find their place, i.e., determine national and cultural specifics, reflect well-known historical events; show emotionality; in terms of semantic meaning, they fully correspond to the expressions; do not act as members of the proposal. It has been established that most interjection phraseological units form synonymous series under the requirements placed on them, like independent words. The study proposes the author’s classification of the analyzed units according to the method of formation, according to the activity of use, and according to composition.
Irony in the emotive vocabulary of the Kabardian-Circassian language
Authors:   The Institute for the Humanities Research – Affiliated Kabardian-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Мadina H. Tokmakova , Boris Ch. Bizhoev ,   The Institute for the Humanities Research – Affiliated Kabardian-Balkarian Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences
Published: April 2024

This article explores irony in the emotive vocabulary of the Kabardian-Circassian language. The connection between the expression and perception of irony and the cultural prerequisites of socie-ty has been noted. The dual function performed by irony in emotive vocabulary is noted. Using examples from Kabardian fiction, the main ways and means of expressing irony (metaphor, hy-perbolic comparison, personification, various stylistic figures, graphic symbols), its types (irony, self-irony, author’s irony) are considered. Mention is made of the frequent proximity of irony to lies and their use in manipulation. It is shown how in emotive texts the implementation of diction-ary emotive semantics occurs, but most often how vocabulary units not marked with emotivity “acquire” emotive-connotative meanings. The influence of irony on the development of metaphor-ical meanings of polysemantic words and enantiosemy has been revealed.
Ethnocultural characteristics of the toastmaster's linguistic personality in table communication
Authors:   Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov, Svetlana K. Bashieva , Marina Ch. Shogenova ,   Kabardino-Balkarian State University named after H.M. Berbekov
Published: April 2024

The problem of the inseparable connection of language and culture is one of the significant problems in modern philological research, which actualizes the understanding of a linguistic personality as a generalized type of native speaker of an ethnic language and ethnic culture, the characteristic of which consists of the specifics of thinking, speech behavior, preferences of reference (prototypical) cultural values and moral norms. This article examines the ethnocultural characteristics of the linguistic personality of the toastmaster, whose cognitive potential reflects the system of ideological, philosophical, and moral experience of the ethnos. The research material provides a basis to identify such markers of the toastmaster’s linguistic personality as readiness to create dynamic speech in structured communication, selectivity in addressing ethnocultural values, the ability to observe the main principles of traditions, the ability to demonstrate oratory and linguistic creativity, the desire to preserve the cognitive, pragmatic and ethical foundations of communicative tolerance.
Organization of public catering at events on the occasion of the celebration of the coming of age of heir Nikolai Alexandrovich on May 6, 1884 in the Nalchik district
Authors:   Kabardino-Balkar Scientific Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Elena A. Anishchenko
Published: April 2024

The article examines the features of the activities of the authorities and self-government institu-tions in organizing catering at the celebrations on May 6, 1884, the coming of age of the heir to the Russian throne, Nikolai Alexandrovich, in the villages of the Nalchik district of the Terek re-gion. The article analyzes the office documentation of the Nalchik district administration: orders, reports, invoices, information, and statements. On its basis, the issues of interaction between gov-ernment structures at the regional, district and precinct levels and local governments on the organ-ization of celebrations and public catering at the expense of public funds were studied. The main directions of document flow of government and self-government institutions within their compe-tence in organizing catering at public events are analyzed. A conclusion is drawn about the pro-cess of organizing and budgeting ceremonial events to celebrate the coming of age of the Heir to the Throne in the villages of the Nalchik District. A review of event and financial reporting on celebrations was conducted. Treasurers and village gatherings play an important role in handling public monies for festive activities. At the same time, the role of village authorities was high-lighted, whose responsibilities included resolving organizational concerns related to the celebra-tion. The conclusion is made about the full control of local government institutions and govern-ment structures over the issues of spending funds from village public funds offices for organizing mass events and public catering, as well as about changes in local gastronomic practices in the process of integrating the indigenous population of the region into the socio-economic space of the Russian Empire.
Using Level-Specific Fit Evaluation of Model Fit to Assess Multilevel Structural Equation Model
Authors:   Korean Society for Educational Evaluation, Lee Bitna
Published: April 2024

While a level-specific approach has been proposed for the valid evaluation of multilevel structural
equation modeling (MSEM), the traditional simultaneous approach remains predominant among
researchers. In fact, research on level-specific approaches is limited, and some studies have focused on
multilevel confirmatory factor analysis models. This study conducted a Monte Carlo study to explore
the performance of a LS approach for MSEM with a direct path between variables under five design
factors: intraclass correlation (ICC), the number of groups (NG), group size (GS), the size of path
coefficient (PCS), and misspecification type (MT). The results showed that the LS approach performed
better than the SI approach even in MSEM at between-group level. This study identified three key
findings. First, the performance of RMSEA was found to improve with an increase of ICC or GS.
Second, the performance of LS fit indices (RMSEA, CFI, and TLI) was more promising for detecting
the misspecified between-level model with a decrease of PCS. Third, the effect of PCS on CFI or TLI
was strong when ICC was small. The study concludes with a summary and implications of the results.
An Application of Bayesian Network Based Cognitive Diagnostic Modeling
Authors:   Korean Society for Educational Evaluation, Choi Saeil
Published: April 2024

Bayesian networks(BN) are a probabilistic graphical model that represents a system of variables and
their conditional interdependencies using directed acyclic graphs. Once the probabilistic models are
built and embedded in a graphical structure, evidence of variables can be efficiently propagated
through the network and inference about students can be made. This study is to explore the potential
of BN as a new framework for cognitive diagnostic modeling by developing and applying BN-based
cognitive diagnostic models to a real test data set and comparing the results with those from the
conventional cognitive diagnostic modeling. For this purpose, the current study surveyed theoretical and
pedagogical aspects of reading in English as a foreign/second language, introduced provisional models,
and applied the models to a set of reading comprehension data from a TOEIC practice test. The
results show that BN-based cognitive diagnostic modeling can be an efficient framework that can
handle diverse aspects of reading comprehension. The study then addresses some issues from the
analysis and discusses the implications in relation to application of cognitive diagnostic modeling.
Issue of feminism in works of V. Pelevin (on the examples of novels “iPhuck 10” and “Secret views of Mount Fuji”)
Authors: Meiping Yan , Peijun Chen
Published: April 2024

The article examines an important issue of mass culture concerning the image of a woman, presented in two works by V. Pelevin. The relevance of the topic is due to the high interest in the problem of feminism in the Western world, as well as related scandals of the recent years. The article, firstly, explores the cultural discourse into which Pelevin immerses his characters. Secondly, Nietzschean motives of male and female dualism in Pelevin's work, combined with the Chinese philosophy of Taoism, which presents the novelty of the study, are also identified.
Experimenter evidence unmasking as a confound in (Bayesian) optional stopping
Authors: Sadibolova Renata , Terhune Devin B
Published: April 2024

Bayesian optional stopping refers to the practice of repeatedly performing a statistical analysis on a dataset as new data are collected until a pre-specified Bayesian evidence criterion is reached. This procedure is becoming increasingly common owing in part to its efficacy in optimizing data collection. Discussions of this procedure to date have been restricted to statistical issues and have omitted consideration of any methodological implications of this procedure. Here we highlight experimenter awareness of the current evidence state during data collection (experimenter evidence unmasking) as a methodological confound in this procedure. Experimenter evidence unmasking has the potential to influence an experimenter to implicitly or explicitly modify their experimental behaviour in ways that can reduce the internal validity of a study by biasing the assessment of an experimental manipulation. We conclude by offering recommendations for circumventing this confound and for the transparent reporting of experimenter masking procedures.
Mapping the Traits Desired in Followers and Leaders onto Fundamental Dimensions of Social Evaluation
Authors: Benson Alex J , Woodley Hayden Jerney Randolph , Jensen Lynden Dale , Hardy James
Published: April 2024

We applied the social evaluation framework to investigate the traits desired in an “ideal” follower, which were compared to the traits desired in an “ideal” leader. Across three studies and five samples, both differences and similarities in role-specific preferences mapped onto the Vertical-Horizontal dimensions of the social evaluation framework in ways that aligned with the demands of each role. Traits higher on the Horizontal-morality facet (e.g., cooperative, dutiful) and lower on the Vertical-assertiveness facet (e.g., confident, ambitious) differentiated ideal follower preferences from ideal leader preferences. Focusing on the traits most strongly desired in relation to each role, traits that supported social coordination and collective goal attainment (i.e., work ethic, cooperativeness) were prioritized in relation to ideal followers, whereas intelligence was prioritized for ideal leaders. Trustworthiness was equally valued across both roles. Moreover, we differentiated between necessary and luxury traits by adjusting the budget individuals could allocate towards the desired traits. Investments in necessary versus luxury traits further supported the social evaluation framework and highlighted the need to account for the facet-level distinctions within the Vertical (assertiveness, ability) and Horizontal (morality, friendliness) dimensions. Further, these findings were found to be robust across manipulations (e.g., the target’s gender and hierarchical level).
Partisanship is Why People Vote in Person in a Pandemic
Authors: Kim Seo-young Silvia , Bandreddi Akhil , Alvarez R. Michael
Published: April 2024

Objective: The choice of voting methods has increasingly become a politicized, partisan issue. We ask: can a nationalized partisan rhetoric cast doubt on vote-by-mail (VBM) despite years of experience and a raging pandemic? Methods: Using 2020 general election records in Colorado, an established all-mail voting state, we analyze first the general choice of voting methods using supervised machine learning and then the choice to switch to in-person voting despite having used VBM in previous cycles. Results: The choice of voting modes is mainly habitual; local variations of COVID-19 hardly mattered. Republican partisanship played an important role in predicting "switchers" to in-person voting; the probability was 5.2% conditional on being a Republican as opposed to 1.9% for a Democrat. Conclusion: The results suggest that voting in person can be heavily polarized by partisan communication, despite being a health behavior in a pandemic and voters having experience with mail voting.
Can the study of Middle Palaeolithic Lithic assemblages of Cardina- Salto do Boi site (Côa Valley) help to understand site formation processes?
Authors: Ramos Patricia , Aubry Thierry Jean
Published: April 2024

The archaeological site of Cardina-Salto do Boi (Guarda, Portugal) is one of the few studied sites with Middle Palaeolithic occupations in the Côa Valley. These span MIS 6 to MIS 3, which constitutes a favourable circumstance for studying dwelling dynamics diachronically. Most of the information regarding Neanderthal occupation of the site refers to the assemblages belonging to a 6 m2 area (H’/I’-17/19), where the excavation reached the bedrock, and the deposits were subject to absolute dating. In this study, we tried to understand how the lithic assemblages of two other test areas N/O-15/17 and Z/A’-6/8 could relate to the findings of area H’/I’-17/19. The assemblages of all areas were revised and subject to raw material and technological analysis. These are mostly composed of quartz knapping remains, but a shift in the type of quartz preferred between 51-39 ka and 80-51 ka could be identified. The vertical distribution of raw materials and the technological traits of the assemblages allowed the differentiation of five groups and indicate that the most recent phase of Neanderthal occupation of the site being possibly present at the base of the known stratigraphic sequences in the areas N/O-15/17 and Z/A’-6/8.
Wet Air Oxidation Process in Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Martins Oludare
Published: April 2024

This project examines the application of wet air oxidation process in treating process wastewater with high organic content. The work focuses on investigating the efficiency of the Wet Air Oxidation (WAO) process as a pre-treatment step in an integrated chemical/biological water treatment process for industrial wastewater. Wet air oxidation is a process of oxidizing the organic compounds and inorganic components of wastewater at elevated operating conditions of temperature and pressure. High pressures of about 2-20 MPa are required for the process to keep the reactions in the liquid aqueous phase.

Literature from authors and researchers in process wastewater treatment are used in investigating the efficiency of the Wet Air Oxidation process in detoxifying highly organic wastewater. Reactor design, energy requirements and its effect on operating variables like temperature and pressure were also reviewed.Effects of oxygen and mass transfer limitations on the overall performance of the reactor was also discussed.

The increasing use of catalysts in making the Wet Air Oxidation process more efficient was also studied.Catalysts effect on the WAO efficiency process was investigated.Some other commercial WAO reactor configurations were reviewed with each having its advantages and limitations when compared with the conventional Zimmerman process.Emerging and upcoming technologies in WAO were also reviewed with the obvious advantages pointed out.
Interoceptive Accuracy, Sensitivity, and Attention are Associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors
Authors: Reid-Russell Azure , Nock Matthew
Published: April 2024

Although significant research has focused on suicide, surprisingly little examines the role of interoception, or the perception of bodily states. We examined associations between dimensions of interoception and suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). This online study (N = 450) assessed interoceptive accuracy, sensitivity, and attention as well as STBs. People with recent STBs reported: perceiving body sensations less accurately (i.e., lower interoceptive accuracy), difficulty perceiving lower intensity sensations (i.e., lower interoceptive sensitivity), and paying more attention to sensations (i.e., greater interoceptive attention). Interoceptive sensitivity moderated the association between negative affect and recent suicidal behaviors, such that people with lower interoceptive sensitivity (i.e., difficulty perceiving lower intensity sensations) were more likely to report suicidal behaviors at all levels of negative affect, whereas people with higher interoceptive sensitivity were more likely to report suicidal behaviors only at high levels of negative affect. Interoception may represent an important, underexamined process for understanding STBs.
Global Care Policy Index 2020 Country Report: Sweden
Authors: Haolie Jiang , Harisfadillah Izzah Haziqah , Paul Anju Mary
Published: April 2024

Sweden actively promotes gender equality and this is reflected in its relatively high score for the GCPI. However, its reliance on collective bargaining agreements mediated by trade unions leaves non-unionized workers without as many labor protections. The growing migrant domestic worker population in Sweden is particularly vulnerable.
AUTOMATIC WEIGHT CRITERIA FOR SAW-BASED DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM USING GRADIENT DESCENT
Authors: Ibnu Daqiqil ID  , Anhar Aditia
Published: April 2024

Modern organizations always utilize a Decision Support Systems (DSS) to have informed decision-making. The Simple Additive Weighting (SAW) method is a prevalent approach used in DSS for evaluating alternatives based on specific criteria. However, the subjectivity inherent in determining criteria weights in SAW poses a significant challenge. This research introduces a new approach, combining the SAW method with Gradient Descent to automatically determine criteria weights. By doing so, it takes advantage of the similarities between SAW and linear equations. Our research shows that this method produces more accurate and unbiased criteria weights, as confirmed by the Mean Square Error (MSE) analysis. In conclusion, incorporating Gradient Descent into the Decision Support System has the potential to greatly improve its effectiveness by automating the criteria weight determination process in various decision-making scenarios, leading to more accurate and less subjective decision support in organizations.
A comparative study of ferric carboxymaltose and iron sucrose as a parenteral iron treatment in iron deficiency anemia during pregnancy in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Sandip Kumar Ghosh  , Raston Mondal  , Sutapa Mandal  , Arindam De
Published: April 2024

Background: Anemia from the Greek word (anhaima) meaning “without blood” is the deficiency of red blood cell and/or hemoglobin which result in reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of blood causing tissue hypoxia.
Aims and Objectives: To study the efficacy and safety of intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) versus iron sucrose in the management of iron deficiency anemia in pregnancy.
Materials and Methods: A prospective, single-center, comparative interventional randomized study was carried among 180 antenatal mother admitted to antenatal ward in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology of Burdwan Medical College and Hospital, from July 1st, 2020, to December 30th, 2021.
Results: A total of 180 patients, 90 patients in each FCM and iron sucrose group, were included in the study. There was significant (P=0.001) mean change in hemoglobin (Hb) level in both the groups from pre-treatment to 3 and 6-week post-treatment. There was also a significant (P=0.001) mean change in ferritin level in both the groups from pre-treatment to 3 and 6-week post-treatment. The mean change in Hb level and ferritin level was higher among patients of FCM compared to iron sucrose. The adverse reactions were lower among patients of FCM than iron sucrose.
Conclusions: This study found that FCM is safer than iron sucrose. Treatment with FCM resulted in rapid replenishment of iron stores in pregnant women with significantly high rise of Hb and ferritin levels over a 6-week period with lesser adverse effects.
Some Thoughts on the Monetary Approach to Balance of Payments Theory
Authors: Coppock D.J.
Published: April 2024

Not available.
Dividend Capacity of Public Enterprises in Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Manohar Krishna
Published: April 2024

Not Available.
Optimisasi Proses Pembelajaran di SMAN 6 Barru: Peningkatan Kualitas Pendidikan melalui Tata Kelola Nilai Siswa dan Bahan Ajar yang Efektif
Authors: Johanis M Andrew Ridow , Ahyuna Ahyuna , Suradi Andi Asvin Mahersatillah , Arifin Arham , Akhriana Asmah , Sy Hasyrif , Djafar Imran , Rizal Muhammad , Piu Sri Wahyuningsih , Arifin Suci Ramadhani
Published: April 2024

Kegiatan pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini telah sukses menghadirkan perubahan positif dalam upaya meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan. Melalui pelatihan pembuatan bahan ajar cerdas dengan Pictory AI dan tata kelola nilai siswa dengan Microsoft Excel, guru di SMAN 6 Barru kini memiliki kompetensi yang lebih tinggi dalam merancang pembelajaran yang inovatif. Keberhasilan program terlihat dari partisipasi aktif para guru dalam seluruh kegiatan, serta antusiasme mereka dalam mengimplementasikan metode dan bahan ajar yang telah dipelajari. Rekomendasi untuk program berkelanjutan meliputi pendampingan implementasi yang lebih intensif dan perluasan cakupan peserta. Program ini dapat menjadi model inspiratif bagi sekolah lainnya yang juga berupaya meningkatkan kualitas pendidikan.
 
The community service program has successfully brought about positive changes in the efforts to enhance the quality of education. Through training in creating smart teaching materials using Pictory AI and managing student grades with Microsoft Excel, teachers at SMAN 6 Barru now possess higher competencies in designing innovative learning experiences. The program's success is evident in the active participation of the teachers throughout the activities and their enthusiasm in implementing the methods and teaching materials they have acquired. Recommendations for ongoing programs include more intensive implementation support and broadening the scope of participants. This program can serve as an inspirational model for other schools striving to improve the quality of education.
Legal Responsibility For Occupational Safety Of Parcel Delivery Courier Partners In Indonesia
Authors: Alfiaturrohmania Ulil , Fidhayanti Dwi
Published: April 2024

The lives of courier partners in the package delivery industry in Indonesia are full of safety-threatening challenges, especially when they use the "Cash On Delivery" (COD) payment system. Courier partners are often intimidated and mistreated by some customers, often buyers do not want to pay for COD packages because they feel the package is not suitable or the delivery is late, they must also be faced with the risk of traffic accidents. Courier partners are also considered informal workers who do not have clear attachments to service provider companies or government agencies, which causes companies to not have clear guidelines for risk management in this matter. This research was conducted to find out how legal responsibility for the work safety of courier partners in Indonesia and to find out the challenges and risks experienced by courier partners when carrying out their work. The research method used in this research is normative juridical using a statutory approach. Primary and secondary legal materials were obtained through literature studies and analyzed using descriptive methods. The results showed that the law enforcement used to protect the work safety of courier partners is Law No. 1 of 1970 concerning work safety.
Indonesia Sebagai Anggota International Centre For Settlement Of Investment Disputes
Authors: Casily Stephanie
Published: April 2024

International Centre For Settlement Of Investment Disputes (ICSID) is an effort to settle investment disputes by means of arbitration. This institution aim to create a just, effective, and fair treatment towards both contracting parties which are (a) investor from another state and (b) host state. As dispute might rise within an investment contract, Indonesia believes that by joining ICSID, the investors will be given the ultimate protection of unfair treatment from Indonesia. This is due to the fact that investors are allowed to bring such dispute into the arbitration of ICSID, should a violation is being conducted. Even if the intention of Indonesia to join ICSID was made in good faith, many violations of the investor’s responsibility result in many cases of ICSID. Moreover, ICSID’s claim to solve a dispute with effective, and fair treatment towards both contracting parties are at stake, considering there are a lot of cases that require more than 10 (ten) years to be settled. Therefore, many people are expressing their concern of Indonesia’s status as one of the ICSID member. The method of  this research is based on a Case Based Approach and considered as a normative legal research as it’s type in order to answer the research question regarding Indonesia’s status as an ICSID member.
CRIMINAL LIABILITY OF MANAGERS IN THE POLISH COMPETITION LAW – DEVELOPMENT AND THE PERSPECTIVE OF PROCEDURAL GUARANTEES
Authors: Materna Grzegorz
Published: April 2024

The article discusses the issue of legal liability of managers set out in the Polish competition and consumer protection law, resulting from the Act of 16 February 2007 on competition and consumer protection (Dz. U. (Journal of Laws) of 2021, item 275) (hereinafter: Competition Act). The starting point for my reflections is the provisions of the Competition Act providing for financial liability of persons in managerial positions for infringing prohibitions resulting from competition law (Article 106a of the Competition Act). In Polish law this type of liability is subsidiary to the liability of undertakings. It was also introduced to the Competition Act relatively recently, after the principles of undertakings’ liability for infringements of competition law had been formed and developed. My goal is to present the scope of managers’ liability and present conclusions resulting from the recent, still rather innumerable, case law of the Polish Competition Authority (President of Office for Competition and Consumer Protection, UOKiK). Due to the quasi-criminal nature of Article 106a, I propose my own reflections on the development of managers’ liability considering whether the law and judicial decisions recognize adequate standards of their rights.
Book Review
Authors: David Yadin
Published: April 2024

Book review by Yadin David.
Co-Writing with Care: Ethics in/as Rehearsal
Authors: Anderson Morgan , Conte Justine
Published: April 2024

This article offers a vision of how scholars in community-engaged research can use peer co-writing to rehearse ethical engagement as an ongoing, contingent practice woven throughout the research process. The authors position ethics as both a process of constant rehearsal and the thing they are rehearsing for. As the co-authors cared for each other as scholars and people, through both honest critique and humble support, co-writing became a rehearsal space for translating theoretical ideas of ethics and community engagement into embodied practice. They found María Puig de la Bellacasa’s formulation of knowledge products as “matters of care” influential in shaping how they understand and practise ethics. Positioning the enactment of care as the ethical standard of collaboration does the work of making research more sustainable and generative by placing value on the interpersonal relationships that make research viable and not only on the research product. It also allows them to interrogate how individual knowledges are informed by larger communities and challenges them to acknowledge how all thinking is a collaborative process.