bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Social Role of Sugar Cane Cultivation in the Fertile Gharb Region of Morocco
Authors: Elhaddadi Mounia
Published: January 2023

A special report had been achieved in the GHARB region of Morocco; known as a large plain with abundant pure water sources especially rivers such as the SEBOU permanent river and others, very heavy clay soil sometimes so dark, and a Mediterranean climate; those conditions ameliorate the rate of agricultural activities including unique ones such as Sugar cane/Rice/Tobacco, etc. Sugar cane plays a crucial role in the population’s lifestyle’s amelioration and stability by improving their social and economic conditions besides sustainable development. The report that designed four categories of population afterward chose one best representative of each category to interrogate. The analysis of the statements showed similarities with universal values harvested from sugar cane cultivation in addition to unique ones related to the unicity of the geographic, cultural, and demographic data.
A Review of Significant Advances in Areca Fiber Composites
Authors: Gokarneshan Narayanan , Sathya Venkatesan , Lavanya Jayagopal , Shabnum Shaistha , Habeebunisa  , M. Anton Sona
Published: January 2023

This chapter provides a comprehensive review of the recent developments in the design of areca fiber composites. The physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of areca fiber and its composites are explained here. The species of Areca fiber represents the Arecaceae/Palmae family (like the coconut/palm trees), with regard to its physical and mechanical properties. Researchers identified that areca fiber holds prospective applications as an alternative to reinforced polymer composites in the automotive, aerospace, and construction industries. Surveys on bio-softening, adhesion, the effects of fiber length, chemical treatments of long areca fibers, the influence of mercerization on the tensile strength of long and short areca fibers, and areca husk have been done. Several researchers have utilized various natural fibers in developing bio-composites. Furthermore, the reinforced composite of natural fiber is a prospective research area, considering its mechanical properties, tensile strength, lightweight, nominal pricing, biodegradable/eco-friendly nature, and ease of procuring raw materials compared to synthetic fiber-reinforced composites. However, little research has been done on areca leaf fibers as a feasible fiber. This chapter provides information on the development and investigation of the mechanical behaviour of a natural fiber-reinforced epoxy composite of areca fiber with various configurations of areca fiber orientation.
Detection and Minimization of Malware by Implementing AI in SMEs
Authors: Rawindaran Nisha , Nawaf Liqaa , Bentotahewa Vibhushinie , Prakash Edmond , Jayal Ambikesh , Hewage Chaminda , Mohammed N. Alghazzawi Daniyal
Published: January 2023

The malware can threaten personal privacy by opening backdoors for attackers to access user passwords, IP addresses, banking information, and other personal data, whilst some malware extracts personal data and sends them to people unknown to the users. In this chapter, the authors will present recent case studies and discuss the privacy and security threats associated with different types of malwares. The small medium enterprises (SMEs) have a unique working model forming the backbone of the UK economy and malware affects SMEs’ organizations. Also, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as both an offense and defense mechanism, for the hacker, and the end user will be investigated further. In conclusion, finding a balance between IT expertise and the costs of products that are able to help SMEs protect and secure their data will benefit the SMEs by using a more intelligent controlled environment with applied machine learning techniques and not compromising on costs will be discussed.
Metamaterial Applications in Modern Antennas
Authors: Lashab Mohamed , Belattar Mounir , Hocine Sekkache , Ahmed Halfaya
Published: January 2023

The chapter presents different types of metamaterials, their historical evolution, physical properties, and applications in antennas design. Metamaterials are artificial structures that offer electric and magnetic properties that are not found in nature, such are negative permittivity and negative permeability. These properties are used in antennas design in order to obtain ultrawide bandwidth, high gain, and electrically small structures. Modern wireless mobile communication uses 5G technology and multi-input multi-output (MIMO) antennas, which are based on high-frequency transmission and ultrawide band. Metamaterials are very good candidate for this technology, where miniaturized antennas loaded with metamaterials structures are used. Recently, electromagnetic sensors were used for liquid identification in biological and medical substances based on metamaterials for the sake of high sensitivity and better classification. Different metamaterial types are used in these sensors, depending on the nature of liquid and the associated application.
Waste Separation and 3R’s Principles for Sustainable SWM: Practice of Households, Private Companies and Municipalities in Five Ethiopian Cities
Authors: Ahmed Abdulkerim , Pieter van Dijk Meine
Published: January 2023

In many developing countries, solid waste is not collected and disposed properly. This leads to public health risks; for example, due to water contamination and air pollution. This research examines how municipalities frame and act on waste separation and 3’R principles (reduce, reuse and recycling) and how they involve households and private providers to ensure sustainable SWM. Questionnaire, interview and Focus Group Discussions (FGD) were used to gather data from private and government municipal service providers. The findings indicated that, in Ethiopia, the federal rules, policies and contractual arrangements for SWC clearly show the necessity for waste separation and 3’R principles. Yet, the lack of commitment of the Cleaning Administration Agency (CAA) and Cleaning Administration Department (CAD), the less concern of the private companies and the residents toward the absence of responsible institution to integrate actors are existing challenges. The Ethiopian government needs to improve the governing capacity of municipalities. Besides, it should commit a full-scale implementation of sustainable SWM through raising public awareness of waste separation, the 3R’s principles, along with polluters’ pay principles. Otherwise, unnecessary loss of resources and overwhelming adverse impact on the environment, Ethiopian public health and safety will persist prevailing.
Spark Plasma Sintering of NiCrSiBC Alloys
Authors: Batista da Silva Escarlet , Giardinieri Azevedo Márcia , Aleksandrovna Matlakhova Lioudmila , Ferreira de Oliveira Bárbara , José de Oliveira Luciano
Published: January 2023

Nickel-based alloys of the NiCrSiBC system (colmonoy alloys) are normally deposited on stainless-steel substrates for coating applications, once they present high resistance to wear and corrosion at high temperatures. Typically, deposition occurs through welding processes, such as PTA (plasma transferred arc) or laser cladding. This study mainly aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the spark plasma sintering (SPS) process through the evaluation of the sintered body density, and structural and microstructural analysis of the Colmonoy-5. SPS sintering occurred at 900°C under 50 MPa for 15 minutes. Powder morphology was evaluated by confocal microscopy. The sintered samples were evaluated according to their density (Archimedes’ method), phase composition, microstructure, and hardness (Vickers hardness). Results showed that the Colmonoy-5 alloy can be effectively produced through SPS sintering, reaching densification above 90%. Microstructural analysis showed that there was the formation of hardening phases, such as borides and chromium carbides. The same phases are found in colmonoy alloys deposited on the stainless-steel substrate.
Using Nanotechnology for Enhancing the Shelf Life of Fruits
Authors: Kondle Ravi , Sharma Kushagra , Singh Gurpreet , Kotiyal Amit
Published: January 2023

Edible coatings are thin layers of edible materials formed directly on fruits, usually by immersing the fruits in a coating material solution, and they are one of the most intriguing food developments in recent years. Colorants, flavours, nutrients, and anti-browning and antimicrobial agents can all be carried by edible coatings, extending shelf life and reducing pathogen growth on food surfaces. To manage moisture transfer, gas exchange, or oxidative processes, edible coatings can be applied using various procedures such as dipping, spraying, or coating. Because these systems have a larger surface area, nanoparticles may help to improve the barrier characteristics and functionality of fruit preservation coatings. Antimicrobial nanoparticles (NPs) are employed as matrixes in edible coatings and films (ECF), which are then applied to fruits to extend shelf life and improve storage quality. Nano Chitosan is one of the most prevalent polysaccharides, protein, and lipid-based edible coatings. These are characterised by poor gas and water barrier qualities, and they are frequently used as moisture loss sacrifice agents. Therefore, the purpose of this book chapter is to study the effect of nano edible coatings such as chitosan/tripolyphosphate (TPP), chitosan-methyl cellulose/silica (SiO2), gelatin-fiber/titanium dioxide (TiO2), gelatin-chitosan/ (Ag/ZnO), Gelatin/kafirin to quality attributes and prolonging the shelf life of fruits.
BRCA Gene Mutations and Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kharaishvili Gvantsa , Kacheishvili Mariam , Akhvlediani Giorgi
Published: January 2023

Prostate cancer remains the second most common cancer in men, with diverse courses from indolent cases to aggressive diseases. Among the key factors implicated in its pathogenesis are genomic alterations such as the TMPRSS2-ERG and related fusion oncogenes, loss of tumor suppressor PTEN, p53 or NKX3.1, inflammation, enhanced DNA damage, and chromosomal instability. Men with prostate cancer who carry BRCA1/2 mutations are at more risk of worse disease and poor prognosis. Cancer cells with mutant BRCA1 or BRCA2 repair genes with defects in homologous recombination are vulnerable to PARP inhibitors that target the genetic phenomenon known as synthetic lethality to exploit faulty DNA repair mechanisms. With relevance to prostate cancer, other features of cancer cells may also sensitize to PARP inhibitors, including aberrant transcription due to the androgen-driven fusion oncogene TMPRSS2-ERG or PTEN loss. Several models of synthetic lethality and potential biomarkers suggested up to date are also discussed. The chapter also highlights the importance of genetic screening of men with BRCA and shows diagnostic utility of plasma-derived circulating tumor DNA.
Ecological Risk Index, Implications, and its Bioconcentration Ratio in Soils Contaminated with Heavy Metals
Authors: C. Meza García Anahí , G. Chan Quijano José
Published: January 2023

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a problem that is increasing worldwide due to human activities, and it is important to bear in mind that its toxicity and abundance in ecosystems can be serious. The remediation of these contaminated environments should be a priority in all countries, since the consequences that have been recorded are harmful to human and environmental health. In humans, it causes different diseases and even metals bioaccumulate in the human body, as well as in plants and animals, which come as food to the tables of many homes. Therefore, the objective of this chapter is to show the implications and consequences that heavy metals cause. In addition, show evaluation methods and techniques, such as the ecological risk index, to generate data that help investigations and possible alternatives for sustainable remediation. The impact that this theme must be relevant in the penta helix; because all the actors (government, society, business, academia, and civil associations) must cooperate and get involved for inclusive sustainability that provides solutions for the recovery of contaminated ecosystems, as well as for the care of human and environmental health.
Nutrient Supplying Potential of Crop Residues in Indian Agriculture
Authors: Singh Arjun , Choudhary Saroj , Prasad Meena Rajendra , Dass Anchal
Published: January 2023

The Indian agriculture sector has seen tremendous changes over the period. The country’s food grain production has increased from just 50 million tons (mt) in the 1950s to 308 mt at present, around a sixfold rise. All of this could become possible due to the introduction of green revolution technologies in the 1970s and onwards, such as the introduction of high-yielding varieties, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, selective herbicides, and improvement of irrigation facilities with improved agronomic management. According to an estimate, chemical fertilizers alone account for 50% of growth in the country’s foodgrain production. In the early 1950s, total fertilizer consumption in India was just 0.069 mt, which has increased to 2.25 mt in 1970–71 and 32.5 mt at present. This about 14.4 times rise in fertilizer consumption since the 1970s level to the present highlights the role of fertilizers and nutrient management in Indian agriculture. However, a continuous increase in fertilizer consumption over the year has invited many secondary agricultural problems, such as multi-nutrient deficiency, increased cost of production, and declining factor productivity of fertilizers. Imbalance and overuse use of fertilizers, along with increased cropping intensity and reduced recycling of residues are some of the reasons for such problems. Increased agricultural production also generates a large volume of surplus residue, which often creates problems for farmers. It is well-understood facts from various research studies that crop residues are the hidden treasurer of all the essential nutrients and organic carbon. This chapter highlights the potential of crop residue in nutrient recycling in India and the availability of surplus crop residue.
Perspective Chapter: Topoisomerase 1 and Colo Rectal Carcinoma
Authors: Mohamed Nabil Helaly Ahmed , Ghorab Doaa
Published: January 2023

Topoisomerase 1 is the main enzyme playing an important role in relaxing. The supercoiled DNA strands allow the replication fork to transcribe the DNA to RNA and finally control protein production in active and replicating cells. Blocking this essential machinery is a cornerstone mechanism in treating tumors, such as liver, breast, and metastatic colorectal carcinoma. Irinotecan is a topoisomerase inhibitor that blocks the replication ending in DNA break and tumor cell death. This chemotherapy has been successfully used in combination to overcome metastatic colorectal carcinoma. The topoisomerase-1 inhibitor makes a protein DNA complex stuck with the replicating fork creating a single DNA break, unlike topoisomerase-2, which is responsible for double DNA break. This inhibitor is exposed to drug resistance with complex machinery. Drug resistance can occur as a result of altered DNA methylation, changes in topoisomerase expression, histone recombination, or drug export pump. High expression of topoisomerase-1 is a marker of the number of tumors suggesting multiple roles of topoisomerase-1.
Synthetic Approaches for Pharmacologically Active Decorated Six-Membered Diazines
Authors: Najajreh Yousef , Awwad Khoury Maha
Published: January 2023

Diazine alkaloid (pyridazine, pyrimidine and pyrazine) scaffold, a widespread two-nitrogen containing compounds in nature (DNA, RNA, flavors, and fragrances), constitutes a central building block for wide range of pharmacological applications. Diazines are reported to exhibit antimetabolite (antifolate and), anticancer, antibacterial, antiallergic, tyrosine kinase, antimicrobial, calcium channel antagonistic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antihypertensive, antileishmanial, antituberculostatic, anticonvulsant, diuretic and potassium-sparing, to antiaggressive activities. Pyridazine (1,2-diazine), pyrimidine (1,3-diazine) and pyrazine (1,4-diazine) are found as mono-systems, fused or annulated in pharmaceutical, agrochemical or materials. These six-membered heterocyclic aromatic moieties defined as privileged scaffolds constitute diverse chemical structures and as such hold substantial interest for organic, medicinal and biological chemists. This chapter will focus on elaboration of the different synthetic approaches applied in preparing pharmacologically active decorated diazines with special care on pyrimidines (non-fused substituted forms) that are endowed with clinical applications. Synthetic approaches applied in preparing selected FDA approved drugs with pyrimidine as a central unit bearing different substituents will be intensively explored. Special attention will be given to novel synthetic methodologies that served molecules with improved druglikeness and ADME-Tox properties.
Management of Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Stecca Tommaso , Nistri Cristina , Pauletti Bruno , Di Giacomo Adriana , Colaut Flavio , Ruperto Mariangela , Caratozzolo Ezio , Bonariol Luca , Massani Marco
Published: January 2023

Pancreatitis is a major public health issue worldwide. There is geographical variation in the burden of acute and chronic pancreatitis (CP). Globally, the age-standardized prevalence rate increased from 1990 to 2017. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is now one of the most common reasons for hospitalization with a gastrointestinal condition. The essential requirements for the management of AP are accurate diagnosis, appropriate triage, high-quality supportive care, monitoring for and treatment of complications, and prevention of relapse. Clinicians should be aware of the time course and the best management of AP, identifying which patient will have a severe course allowing earlier triage to an intensive care unit and earlier initiation of effective therapy. CP is a pathologic fibroinflammatory syndrome of the pancreas in individuals with genetic, environmental, and other risk factors who develop persistent pathologic responses to parenchymal injury or stress. Diagnosing the underlying pathologic process early in the disease course and managing the syndrome to change the natural course of disease and minimize adverse disease effects are the managing paradigm. In this review, we consider recent changes in the management of acute and CP, as well as common misunderstandings and areas of ongoing controversy.
Milk Borne Brucellosis
Authors: Alewy Almashhadany Dhary , F. Zefenkey Zean , Hassannejad Sahar , Jasim Mohammed Nyan , F. Rashid Rzgar , R. Hassan Rawaz , O. Hassan Abdullah
Published: January 2023

Milk is full of nutrients, making it an ideal environment for several infectious diseases, that come at the forefront is brucellosis. The zoonotic disease brucellosis in humans is mostly ignored, and the annual number of human cases is commonly reported as 500,000. Consumption of tainted dairy products is the most common vector for the transmission of human Brucellosis. Confirmation of disease via culture is considered the gold standard, but is not always possible. Serological tests and molecular tests are alternative methods. The milk Ring Test is considered the method of choice for the surveillance of dairy herds. The control of risk factors and surveillance are the cornerstones of brucellosis prevention. Eliminating animal infections is the most effective preventative technique. Cattle, goats, and sheep vaccination are advised in enzootic regions with high prevalence rates. The main methods of preventing human infection are public education, food safety measures, occupational hygiene, and laboratory safety. The pasteurization of milk before it is consumed directly or used to make products like cheese is a crucial step in avoiding transmission from animals to people. Both education initiatives and laws prohibiting the sale of unpasteurized milk products can be successful.
Evaluation, Diagnosis and Treatment of Ascariasis: An Updated Review
Authors: Nath Mukhopadhyay Narendra
Published: January 2023

Ascaris lumbricoides (Round Worm) is the most common human helminth with a world wide distribution. Incidence of ascariasis remain very high in the tropical and sub tropical countries with poor sanitation, personal hygiene, and rural areas where defaecation in open place is still a common practice. Ascariasis is classified as a neglected tropical disease. Infections have no symptoms in more than 85 percent of cases specially if the number of cases are small. Pathogenecity and clinical features are either due to migrating larvae or due to adult worms. Larval migration may lead to allergic reactions, ascaris pneumonia. Adult worms are often responsible for nutritional deficiencies, toxic effects due to hypersensitivity &mechanical effects leading to intestinal obstruction. Ectopic ascariasis can lead to acute biliary obstruction, cholangitis, acute pancreatitis, acute obstructive appendicitis and peritonitis due to perforation of an intestinal ulcer or break down of a post operative suture line. Medical therapy with Albendazole is the first line drug ascariasis can be eliminated by preventing faecal contamination of soil. Advancement in recombinant protein technology may provide first step in discovery of Ascaris vaccine as well as pan helminthic Vaccine. This chapter is a updated review of ascariasis.
Oilseed Rape: Biology, Use, Current Cultivation Issues and Agronomic Management
Authors: Jankovska-Bortkevič Elžbieta , Jurkonienė Sigita , Gavelienė Virgilija , Prakas Petras
Published: January 2023

Oilseed rape is an economically crucial agricultural crop widely grown in many countries. It is an herbaceous plant which belongs to the Brassicaceae family and, according to the nature of vegetation, is present in spring and winter subspecies. Over the years, the area of oilseed rape increased due to its widespread use for producing technical and food oil, fuel and other market needs. Oilseed rape oil is one of the most widely used food oils on the globe. It is valued for its high content of unsaturated fatty acids and odorlessness. The yield of oilseed rape mainly depends on its genetic potential, agronomic management, and environmental conditions. Thus, oilseed rape growers worldwide meet not only common, but also climate zone-specific agronomic issues, e.g., various unfavourable abiotic and biotic factors characteristic to a particular climate zone. Thanks to the efforts of breeders, scientists, and chemical companies, the solutions to the big problems such as disease resistance, lodging, delayed harvest, weed, pest and pod shatter control, are already available and still under search aiming to reveal the full potential of the cultivars.
Perspective Chapter: Artifact Remains in Indonesia as an Object of Field Study of Learning Media for the History of Indonesian Fine Arts Course
Authors: Iswahyudi
Published: January 2023

Education is basically a social institution that functions as organized intelligence or becomes the center of various intelligences that are organized to serve the existing social system. As an integral part of that process, educational media is something that every professional teacher must master. In addition, educational media can be used as an effective means of communication in order to obtain an interactive teaching and learning process. One of the media for art education, both symbolic and aesthetic. Symbolic artifacts can be categorized in non-formal aspects because they are more general in nature and prioritize the value of symbols. Artifacts that are aesthetic in nature are categorized as formal because they are more specifically as works of art. They are objects made by humans in the past that are considered to have symbolic and aesthetic value. The reason that is basis of this writing is because of the existence of artifacts in various forms which are historical relics as it is known that there are many in various regions in Indonesia.
Designing “Landing Page” for Websites Based on the User Experience: Review, Analysis, and Interpretation
Authors: Fabisiak Luiza , Jagielska Barbara
Published: January 2023

The primary web design method is user experience-based “landing page” web design. It enables you to expand the reach of a particular company, institution, or application. It aims to present́ the most relevant information on the owner’s website. A simple approach, such as split A/B testing, can provide reliable data because it includes an appropriate set of alternatives. This article provides an overview, analysis, and interpretation of the results obtained. It presents good and bad practices of existing landing pages. The approach showed optimal solutions in aggregate, segmented, and individual site users.
Methods of enhancing the MOO CEM algorithm
Authors: Bekker James
Published: January 2023

With the increasing need to solve problems faster and with fewer resources, great emphasisis placed on optimisation. Many real-world problems require addressing more than oneobjective that are in conflict, as well as taking into consideration a number of practical restrictionsor constraints. The multi-objective optimisation using the cross-entropy method (MOOCEM) algorithm is one of many algorithms that addresses the need to solve multi-objectiveproblems effectively, but it has a number of limitations. This paper explores methods ofenhancing the MOO CEM algorithm in order to improve the efficiency and increase the functionalityof the algorithm, allowing for it to be applied to additional classes of problems.Three possible methods of enhancement were identified: using the beta distribution to improvesampling, adding functionality to solve constrained problems and, lastly, implementinga non-dominated sorting algorithm to solve problems with more than two objectives. Thenew algorithms incorporating these enhancements were developed and tested on benchmarkproblems. Subsequently, the results were analysed using standard performance indicatorsand compared to results produced by the original MOO CEM algorithm. The findings of thisstudy indicate that using the beta distribution improves sampling and therefore algorithmefficiency. Methods of handling constraints and solving problems with an increased numberof objectives were implemented successfully. Based on these results, a final algorithmimplementing the enhancements is presented.
The Value of Interleukin-17A as a Prognostic Indicator in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Karasahin Emine Fusun , Sebin Engin , Akın Sen Irem , Karaşahin Omer
Published: January 2023

Background: SARS-CoV-2 infections (COVID-19) first occurred in Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and spread worldwide, causing significant mortality and morbidity. IL-17A may mediate numerous immunopathological effects secondary to cytokine release syndrome during SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there has not been enough research on its effect on prognosis. Objectives: This study evaluated the predictive power of serum interleukin (IL)-17A level as a prognostic marker in COVID-19. Methods: The study included 152 patients diagnosed with COVID-19 by real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis of nasopharyngeal swab samples in the infectious diseases department and intensive care unit of our hospital between October 1 and December 31, 2020. The control group consisted of 40 asymptomatic healthcare workers who had negative RT-PCR results during routine COVID-19 screening in our hospital. Samples were collected in anticoagulant-free tubes and left at room temperature for 30 minutes. Afterward, it was centrifuged at 1000 × g for 15 minutes at 4°C per the instructions provided with the enzyme-linked immunoassay (ELISA) kit. Serum IL-17A levels were measured using the Human Interleukin 17A ELISA Kit. Results: Serum IL-17A levels were significantly higher in COVID-19 patients than in controls (P < 0.001). IL-17A levels increased significantly in association with disease severity in patients with the moderate, severe, and critical disease, with a less pronounced difference between severe and critical patients (moderate vs. severe, P < 0.001; severe vs. critical, P = 0.048). IL-17A levels at hospital admission and day 7 were significantly higher in non-surviving patients (P < 0.001). At a cut-off value of 210.25 ng/L, IL-17A at admission had a predictive power of 0.792 (P < 0.001). Compared to baseline, IL-17A values on day seven were significantly increased in non-survivors (P = 0.004) and decreased in survivors (P = 0.014). An increase of 26.17 ng/L or more on day 7 had a predictive mortality power of 0.634 (P = 0.005). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that IL-17A, an important part of the immune system previously shown to be useful in the treatment and follow-up of COVID-19, may also help predict mortality in COVID-19 patients.
BoPMLPIP: Application of Classification Techniques to Explore the Impact of PIP among BoPs
Authors:   MAKAUT, West Bengal, India, Panda Debadrita , Mukhopadhyay Sabyasachi , Saha Rajarshi
Published: January 2023

This study tries to gain insight into the effect of demographic and psychological variables on the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP) consumers for making Packaging Influenced Purchase (PIP) decisions by focusing on two specific consumer behaviour theories - compensatory consumption and consumers’ resistance. Being the product's face, packaging contributes heavily to the above mentioned two streams of consumption behaviour. A collection of ten demographic variables and four psychological variables have been administered on a sample of 1400 BoP consumers to explore their effect behind making PIP of selected FMCG products. Various classification techniques have been deployed to capture the impact of these variables. This experimental research design revealed that both demographic and psychological variables affect the PIP. The comparison between urban and rural BoPs potentially comes with the guidelines for practical marketing implications.
Penanggulangan Tindak Pidana Perkosaan dalam KUHP dan Qanun Jinayat Melalui Pendekatan Keadilan Restoratif
Authors: Amsori Amsori
Published: January 2023

Pendahuluan: Perkosaan merupakan salah satu bentuk kejahatan seksual yang dilakukan baik oleh orang pribadi atau kelompok tertentu kepada orang lain tanpa didasari atas kerelaan terhadap korban yang dilakukan secara sadar dan sengaja, maka perkosaan merupakan salah satu bentuk kejahatan karena tidak hanya merugikan orang, baik pribadi atau kelompok secara fisik yang menjadi korban, tetapi juga merugikan mental jasmaniah dan rohaniah. Tujuan:  menganalisis penanggulangan tindak pidana perkosaan dalam KUHP dan qanun jinayat melalui pendekatan keadilan restoratif. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan jenis penelitian deskriptif analisis dengan metode pendekatan keadilan restoratif. Hasil Pembahasan: Berdasarkan hasil penelitian peradilan adat oleh masyarakat Aceh dipandang sebagai alternatif awal dan memiliki potensi positif ditengah semakin banyaknya masalah yang bisa diatasi oleh masyarakat tanpa harus pergi ke aparat penegak hukum. Kesimpulan: Qanun Jinayat menetapkan hukuman minimal dan maksimal bagi pelaku perkosaan dan menjatuhkan hukuman perkosaan terhadap anak dengan hukuman yang lebih berat.
Dampak Media Sosial dan Minimnya Pengetahuan Kespro Terhadap Perilaku Seksual Beresiko Remaja di SMP Negeri 1 Moyo Utara
Authors: Ana Lestari  , Rafi’ah Rafi’ah  , Iga Maliga
Published: January 2023

Kasus kesehatan reproduksi yang paling banyak terjadi di Indonesia adalah kasus seks pra-menikah yaitu sebesar 15-20% dari total remaja. Masa remaja merupakan masa peralihan dari anak-anak menuju dewasa. Rendahnya pengetahuan remaja tentang kesehatan reproduksi dan kemudahan mengakses media informasi yang tinggi mendukung remaja sering bersikap tidak tepat terhadap organ reproduksinya. Pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk memberikan edukasi kepada remaja tentang dampak media sosial dan pengetahuan kespro serta perilaku seksual beresiko remaja sebagai upaya preventif munculnya permasalahan kesehatan reproduksi di kalangan remaja. Target pengabdian kepada masyarakat ini adalah remaja di SMP Negeri 1 Moyo Utara. Metode yang digunakan dalam pengabdian ini adalah observasi, wawancara, pemutaran film pendek, penyuluhan, diskusi, dan tanya jawab.
Trends in Venous Thromboembolism Readmission Rates after Ischemic Stroke and Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Shu Liqi , Havenon Adam de , Liberman Ava L. , Henninger Nils , Goldstein Eric , Reznik Michael E. , Mahta Ali , Al-Mufti Fawaz , Frontera Jennifer , Furie Karen , Yaghi Shadi
Published: January 2023

Background and Purpose Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a life-threatening complication of stroke. We evaluated nationwide rates and risk factors for hospital readmissions with VTE after an intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) or acute ischemic stroke (AIS) hospitalization.Methods Using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project (HCUP) Nationwide Readmission Database, we included patients with a principal discharge diagnosis of ICH or AIS from 2016 to 2019. Patients who had VTE diagnosis or history of VTE during the index admission were excluded. We performed Cox regression models to determine factors associated with VTE readmission, compared rates between AIS and ICH and developed post-stroke VTE risk score. We estimated VTE readmission rates per day over a 90-day time window post-discharge using linear splines.Results Of the total 1,459,865 patients with stroke, readmission with VTE as the principal diagnosis within 90 days occurred in 0.26% (3,407/1,330,584) AIS and 0.65% (843/129,281) ICH patients. The rate of VTE readmission decreased within first 4–6 weeks (P<0.001). In AIS, cancer, obesity, higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, longer hospital stay, home or rehabilitation disposition, and absence of atrial fibrillation were associated with VTE readmission. In ICH, longer hospital stay and rehabilitation disposition were associated with VTE readmission. The VTE rate was higher in ICH compared to AIS (adjusted hazard ratio 2.86, 95% confidence interval 1.93–4.25, P<0.001).Conclusions After stroke, VTE readmission risk is highest within the first 4–6 weeks and nearly three-fold higher after ICH vs. AIS. VTE risk is linked to decreased mobility and hypercoagulability. Studies are needed to test short-term VTE prophylaxis beyond hospitalization in high-risk patients.
Diabetes and Stroke: What Are the Connections?
Authors: Mosenzon Ofri , Cheng Alice YY , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Sacco Simona
Published: January 2023

Stroke is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Diabetes is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications, including stroke. People with diabetes have a 1.5–2 times higher risk of stroke compared with people without diabetes, with risk increasing with diabetes duration. These risks may also differ according to sex, with a greater risk observed among women versus men. Several mechanisms associated with diabetes lead to stroke, including large artery atherosclerosis, cerebral small vessel disease, and cardiac embolism. Hyperglycemia confers increased risk for worse outcomes in people presenting with acute ischemic stroke, compared with people with normal glycemia. Moreover, people with diabetes may have poorer post-stroke outcomes and higher risk of stroke recurrence than those without diabetes. Appropriate management of diabetes and other vascular risk factors may improve stroke outcomes and reduce the risk for recurrent stroke. Secondary stroke prevention guidelines recommend screening for diabetes following a stroke. The diabetes medications pioglitazone and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists have demonstrated protection against stroke in randomized controlled trials; this protective effect is believed to be independent of glycemic control. Neurologists are often involved in the management of modifiable risk factors for stroke (including hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and atrial fibrillation), but less often in the direct management of diabetes. This review provides an overview of the relationships between diabetes and stroke, including epidemiology, pathophysiology, post-stroke outcomes, and treatments for people with stroke and diabetes. This should aid neurologists in diabetes-related decision-making when treating people with acute or recurrent stroke.
EXPLAINING POLITICAL PARTY VIGILANTISM AND VIOLENCE IN PARLIAMENTARY BY-ELECTIONS IN GHANA
Authors:   Institute of African Studies, University of Ghana, Asante Richard , Gyampo Ransford Van ,   epartment  of  Political  Science,  University  of  Ghana
Published: January 2023

Electoral violence often perpetrated by political party vigilante groups in Ghana has been a major setback to Ghana’s drive towards democratic maturity. In particular, acts and incidence of violence have been alarming during parliamentary by-elections at the constituency level, which have often led to major casualties like deaths, injuries, destruction of property, inter-party conflicts, as well as social and communal tensions. Yet, very little attention has been given to electoral violence and vigilantism during parliamentary bye-elections. This study fills this gap by drawing on interviews, general observations, and archival sources to examine the causative factors for the persistence of parliamentary by-election violence, at the constituency level. The central questions addressed in the paper are: what is the motivation for the involvement of political party vigilante groups in parliamentary by-elections and associated conflicts?; what strategies do political parties use to mobilize vigilante groups during parliamentary bye-elections; and what are the implications of parliamentary by-election conflicts for inter-party and communal relations, at the constituency level? The study concludes on the note that, the stakes are often high in the conduct of bye-elections, as the whole concentration of the nation is deployed to small constituencies where such elections are held, culminating in a more pronounced activities of vigilante groups in such communities, during by-elections. It finally raises the question with regards to how to manage the rising incidence of vigilante group activities in the conduct of bye-elections, and suggests this, as being the focus of any future research activity on political vigilantism in Ghana.
Digitalising Local Democracy: Citizen Participation in Monitoring Local Government Elections through Crowdsourcing Methods in Tanzania
Authors:   Department of Economics and Social Studies School of Spatial Planning and Social Sciences, Ardhi University, Shayo Deodatus Patrick
Published: January 2023

Election is one of the cornerstones of modern liberal democracies and digital crowdsourcing is a growing phenomenon for monitoring electoral process. Election monitoring organisations have embraced digital platforms for crowdsourcing election data. Despite the existence of crowdsourced local information via digital spaces, limited research investigated crowdsourced election monitoring at local government level in Tanzania. We used document analysis to review types of crowdsourcing and semi-structured interviews to explore challenges surrounding citizen participation in monitoring local government elections. We found that digitally enabled crowd-monitors participated in monitoring and sharing information related to malpractices and positive conduct in the 2014 local elections. While crowdsourcing is deployed in local elections, costs, poor preparation and planning, digital divide, trust and poor infrastructure may hamper crowd participation in monitoring. In order to improve existing efforts, we propose opportunities to promote crowdsourcing citizen participation through digital tools in forthcoming local elections. These includes the use of mobile phones for free short message services, early planning and building partnerships among government institutions, election monitoring organisations, and the citizens. Therefore, digital crowdsourcing is not a silver bullet in addressing all challenges of electoral integrity; rather other traditional monitoring approaches are indispensable.
Diálogos sobre democracia: a crítica agonística e a teoria da justiça como equidade
Authors: Grubba Leilane Serratine , Pellenz Mayara , Kamphorst Marlon André
Published: January 2023

A pesquisa objetiva investigar a teoria da justiça como equidade, de John Rawls à luz da crítica do pluralismo de Chantal Mouffe. Trata-se de uma pesquisa de análise filosófica, que primeiro irá discorrer sobre a justiça como equidade de Rawls para, após, realizar um cotejo entre a teoria da equidade e a crítica agonística de Mouffe. Busca-se analisar os modelos filosóficos propostos, suas fissuras e avanços para com a Democracia. Apresenta como resultados que a finalidade primaz da teoria rawlsiana é formatar um sistema político e social sustentado na busca da igualdade entre as pessoas e sua sociedade. De cunho liberal, a teoria da justiça tem no pluralismo agônico uma de suas críticas, que demonstra falhas no sistema democrático defendido por Rawls; mas, de forma especifica, não expressam validamente um sistema que possa igualar ou superar a teoria da justiça como equidade.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided coiling and glue is safe and superior to endoscopic glue injection in gastric varices with severe liver disease: a retrospective case control study
Authors: Jamwal Kapil D. , Padhan Rajesh K. , Sharma Atul , Sharma Manoj K.
Published: January 2023

Background/Aims: Gastric varices (GV) are present in 25% of cirrhotic patients with high rates of rebleeding and mortality. Data on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided treatment in severe liver disease (model for end stage liver disease sodium [MELD-Na] >18 and Child-Turcotte-Pugh [CTP] C with GV) are scarce. Thus, we performed a retrospective comparison of endoscopic glue injection with EUS-guided therapy in cirrhotic patients with large GV.Methods: A retrospective study was performed in the tertiary hospitals of India. A total of 80 patients were recruited. The inclusion criteria were gastroesophageal varices type 2, isolated gastric varices type 1, bleeding within 6 weeks, size of GV >10 mm, and a MELD-Na >18. Treatment outcomes and complications of endoscopic glue injection and EUS-guided GV therapy were compared.Results: In this study, the patients’ age, sex, liver disease severity (CTP, MELD-Na) and clinical parameters were comparable. The median number of procedures, injected glue volume, complications, and GV obturation were better in the EUS group, respectively. On subgroup analysis of the EUS method (e.g., direct gastric fundus vs. paragastric collateral [PGC] coil placement), PGC coil placement showed decreased coil requirement, less injected glue volume, decreased luminal coil extrusion, and increased successful GV obturation.Conclusions: EUS-guided treatment is more efficient and safer, and requires a smaller number of treatment sessions, as compared to endoscopic treatment in severe liver disease patients with large GV. Furthermore, PGC coil placement increases the complete obliteration of GV.
Impact of Environmental Disclosure on Firm Performance: The Mediating Role of Green Innovation
Authors: Malik Fizzah , Wang Fangjun , Li Jiyuan , Naseem Muhammad Akram
Published: January 2023

This study focuses on the impact of environmental disclosure on financial performance. Moreover, the current study aims to explore the mediating impact of green innovation and provide novel evidence regarding this relationship using stakeholder and signalling theory. This study used a sample dataset comprising Chinese firms listed on Shanghai and Shenzhen stock exchange for the period of 2005–2016. In our measurement model, green innovation is the partial mediator between the positive relationship of environmental disclosure and firm performance. Empirical results show that environmental disclosure affects firm financial performance directly and positively influences it through green innovation in Chinese firms. The study suggests that Chinese firms have implications for improved performance by increasing environmental disclosure and green practices

Este estudio se centra en el impacto de la divulgación de información medioambiental en los resultados financieros. Además, el presente estudio tiene como objetivo explorar el impacto mediador de la innovación verde y proporcionar evidencia novedosa con respecto a esta relación utilizando la teoría de las partes interesadas y de la señalización. Este estudio utilizó una muestra que comprende empresas chinas que cotizan en las bolsas de Shanghái y Shenzhen durante el período 2005-2016. En nuestro modelo de medición, la innovación verde es el mediador parcial entre la relación positiva de la divulgación ambiental y el rendimiento de la empresa. Los resultados empíricos muestran que la divulgación medioambiental afecta directamente al rendimiento financiero de la empresa e influye positivamente en él a través de la innovación verde en las empresas chinas. El estudio sugiere que las empresas chinas podrían mejorar su rendimiento aumentando la divulgación medioambiental y las prácticas sostenibles.
Survey-based Evidence on Positive Synergies between Adaptive Culture and a Balanced Scorecard
Authors: Gago-Rodríguez Susana , Vikson Tom
Published: January 2023

Prior management accounting research has addressed how organizational culture may substitute or complement the use of decision-making and control of management accounting systems (MASs). However, this paper argues that not all organizational cultures and MASs are equal. Their compatibility determines whether their usage together creates any positive or negative synergies. This paper follows a 2017 survey-based methodology with 102 managers of different nationalities. Collected responses indicate the role that culture plays in their usage of the balanced scorecard (BSC) and their consciousness concerning Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). Remarkably, our survey of managers reveals that adaptive cultures create positive synergies with the BSC and, consequently, positive judgments on the KPI scale.

Las investigaciones anteriores sobre contabilidad de gestión han abordado cómo la cultura organizativa puede sustituir o complementar el uso de la toma de decisiones y el control de los sistemas de contabilidad de gestión (SCG). Sin embargo, este artículo sostiene que no todas las culturas organizativas y los SCG son iguales. Su compatibilidad determina si su uso conjunto crea sinergias positivas o negativas. Este trabajo sigue una metodología basada en una encuesta realizada en 2017 a 102 directivos de diferentes nacionalidades. Las respuestas recogidas indican el papel que desempeña la cultura en el uso del cuadro de mando integral (CMI) y su conciencia sobre los indicadores clave de rendimiento (ICR). De forma notable, nuestra encuesta a los directivos revela que las culturas adaptativas crean sinergias positivas con el CMI y, en consecuencia, juicios positivos en la escala de los ICR.