bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Apoptotic Effect of Cord Blood and Wharton's Jelly-derived
Mesenchymal Stem Cells on HT-29
Authors: Abatay-Sel Figen , Erol Ayse , Suleymanoglu Mediha , Demirayak Gokhan , Kekik-Cinar Cigdem , Kuruca Durdane Serap , Savran-Oguz Fatma
Published: February 2023

Background:

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer worldwide. Recently,
mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered a suitable cell therapy option for cancer due to
their high migration rate to the tumor site.

Objectives:

The study aimed to compare the effects of human umbilical cord blood derived-MSC (UCMSC)
and human Wharton’s Jelly derived-MSC (WJ-MSC) on the HT-29 cell line.

Methods:

UC-MSC was obtained by Ficoll-Paque density gradient and WJ-MSC by explant method. The
characterizations of MSCs and apoptosis assays were performed by flow cytometry, and caspase-3 protein
levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:

After 72 hours of HT-29 cancer cells incubation, it was indicated that WJ-MSC was more effective
at 1:5 and 1:10 ratios. Similar results were found for caspase-3 by ELISA. Moreover, WJ-MSC (1:5,
p < 0.006; 1:10, p < 0.007) was found to be more effective at both doses compared to UC-MSC.

Conclusion:

In this study, we used two different MSC sources at two different ratios to evaluate the apoptotic
effect of MSC in vitro on HT-29 CRC cells. As a result, WJ-MSC indicated a more apoptotic effect
on HT-29 cells compared to CB-MSC. We anticipated that this preliminary in vitro study would be extended
in future in vitro/in vivo studies. Moreover, investigating the behavior of MSC in colorectal tumor
microenvironment will be beneficial for the stem cell therapy approach.
Describing Nurses’ Competence in Primary Nursing Care Model: A Cross-sectional Study Conducted in an Italian Teaching Hospital
Authors: Cocchieri Antonello
Published: February 2023

Introduction:

Primary Nursing (PN) is a patient-focused nursing model that improves the quality of care. It has been defined over the years as a model to develop nurses’ personal knowledge, but the relationship between different nursing care models and nurses’ competence or experience still requires study.

Objectives:

The study aimed to describe nurses’ perceptions of their competence in the primary nursing care model and to identify sociodemographic and organisational predictors of nurses’ competence.

Methods:

A cross-sectional design was used to recruit nurses from wards using the PN care model and wards in which a team nursing care model was applied. A convenience sample of 142 nurses completed a self-administered questionnaire composed of a sociodemographic survey and the Nurse Competence Scale (NCS). Nurses’ age, gender, education degree, years as a registered nurse, months as a registered nurse under the specific nursing model, and type of employment contract were tested as potential independent predictors of nurses’ competence.

Results:

The PN nurses reported a better perception of their competence in all seven NCS categories. Independent predictors of a high level of competence in managing situations were an open-ended employment contract, greater work experience, working in a PN care model, and male gender. Predictors of a high level of competence in ensuring quality were greater work experience and working in a PN care model. Finally, an open-ended employment contract and working in a PN care model were both associated with a higher level of helping role, teaching–coaching, diagnostic functions, therapeutic interventions, and work role. The variables explained from 10% to 26% of the variance in all categories.

Conclusion:

PN model was found to be significantly positively correlated with nursing competence development. Advanced skills are involved in practising a personalized nursing care plan.
Evaluation of the influence of chromium and zinc ions on the collagenolysis process in solutions by the method of dynamic light scattering
Authors: Petrova A. V.  , Sidorova A. V.  , Sergeeva I. A.  , Petrova G. P.
Published: February 2023

Using the method of dynamic light scattering, it was found that the rate of collagen cleavage under the influence of bacterial collagenase decreases by almost 4 times when protein molecules are doped with Cr3+ ions, and when the enzyme activator of Zn2+ ions is added, it increases by 1.3 times. Based on the experimental data, the reaction rate constants k1 were calculated. It was found that when collagen molecules are tanned with a chromium salt, it becomes more resistant to degradation in solutions containing zinc ions than in solutions with the addition of calcium ions, as we described in earlier works. Keywords: collagen type 1, bacterial collagenase, chromium chloride, zinc chloride, dynamic light scattering method, translational diffusion coefficient, hydrodynamic radius, reaction rate constant, collagenolysis, Clostridium histolyticum.
Digital Processing Techniques Influence on Resolution of Acousto-Optical Blood Typing Method
Authors: Doubrovski V. A.  , Markov S. V.
Published: February 2023

The various digital techniques of photo images processing influence upon the resolution of the acousto-optical method (AOM) for instrumental blood typing according to the AB0 system has been studied. Experiments with blood samples were carried out using monoclonal antibodies (tsoliclones) of anti-A and anti-B types, as well as without them ("clean" sample) when the mixture was exposing simultaneously by a standing ultrasonic wave. The experiment was recorded by a digital camera. Different variants of statistical calculations have been proposed to process the photo images of the recorded phenomena, the results were compared with the traditional photometric approach. It is shown that the statistical processing of experimental results gives a higher resolution in blood group determination and, consequently, a higher reliability of its typing. A comparison of different variants for statistical photo frames processing was carried out to study the possibility to increase the resolution of AOM in blood typing. Keywords: acousto-optical blood typing method, monoclonal antibodies, digital processing techniques, blood typing, high resolution.
Dielectric study of blood serum of patients with oncohematological diseases
Authors: Kastro R. A.  , Plotnikova Liudmila Valerievna  , Salnikova Zh. A.  , Smirnov A. P.  , Kononov A. A.  , Vezo O. S.  , Garifullin A. D.  , Kuvshinov A. Yu.  , Voloshin S. V.  , Polyanichko A. M.
Published: February 2023

Features of charge transfer and dielectric relaxation processes in blood serum samples of patients with oncohematological diseases and healthy donors were investigated by dielectric spectroscopy method. The observed features of the dielectric spectra for donors and patients, namely the decrease in conductivity in the high frequency region, the correlation between the degree indicator s and the total protein content, as well as changes in the spectrum of relaxation complexes indicate a change in the quantitative ratios of blood components in the presence of disease. This system rearrangement is the result of the fact that conformation of proteins (albumins and immunoglobulins) for patients is change. Keywords: Dielectric spectroscopy, serum, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, multiple myeloma, charge transfer, dielectric relaxation.
Second-harmonic generation in the surface layer of a dielectric spheroidal particle: I. Analytical solution
Authors: Kapshai V. N.  , Shamyna A. A.  , Talkachov A. I.
Published: February 2023

The problem of second-harmonic generation by a plane elliptically polarized electromagnetic wave in a thin optically nonlinear surface layer of a dielectric particle shaped as an ellipsoid of revolution is solved. The generalized Rayleigh-Gans-Debye approximation is used for an analytical description with taking into account the difference in refractive indices of the medium corresponding to the frequencies of the exciting and generated radiation. The limiting forms of functions are obtained, with the use of which the electric field strength of the generated radiation is expressed. The order of dependence of these functions on the linear dimensions is found, when the lengths of the semiaxes of the particle are small compared to the wavelength of the exciting radiation and their ratio remains constant. It was found that the power density of the generated radiation in this case is determined to a greater extent by the chiral components of the nonlinear dielectric susceptibility tensor and is proportional to the fourth power of the length of the semiaxis of the particle, if the shape of the spheroidal particle differs significantly from the spherical one. The solution of this problem, obtained by other authors, is supplemented for the possibility of applying to the description of generation in the surface layer of a dielectric particle not only in the form of a prolate, but also in the form of an oblate spheroid. Corrections of inaccuracies and misprints made in similar works by other authors are proposed. The relationships between the formulas used in these works are found, taking into account the corrections and the formulas used in this work. Keywords: second-harmonic generation, dielectric spheroidal particle, generalized Rayleigh-Gans-Debye model, small particle approximation, chiral component.
Study of optical and cooperative parameters of fibrous quartz heat shielding on experimental data on its reflection spectra
Authors: Cherepanov V. V.  , Mironov R. A.
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the results of a study of a number of key optical characteristics of some highly porous thermal protection materials based on amorphous SiO2 fibers in the near and mid IR ranges. In the optical part of the statistical simulation model of such materials, based on the rigorous Mie theory, its application requires the introduction of cooperative corrections to the results of interaction with electromagnetic radiation of individual fragments. These corrections are introduced into the model in the form of an additional multiplier (Cs) of the scattering and absorption Mie efficiencies, which was usually used as a model tuning parameter when interpreting the experimental results of thermophysical studies. In this work, using the example of TZM-23M materials (Russia), made of a relatively thick (~9 μm) silica fiber PS-23 (Belarus), for the first time, data were obtained that make it possible to study the Cs parameter as a spectral quantity. The study is based on the results of experimental determination of the spectral hemispherical reflectivity of layers of material of two or more optical thicknesses in the wavelength range 0.83-16.65 μm. These data and Zege's asymptotic formulas were used to estimate the values of the absorption and scattering coefficients. The spectral parameter Cs is determined from the value of the scattering coefficient in the process of solving the inverse optical problem. The data obtained are compared with the results calculated on the basis of classical approximations of the optical constants. The results of this work can be useful for specialists in the field of radiation heat transfer and the interaction of electromagnetic radiation with complex partially transparent media with high spectral albedo scattering values. Keywords: Silica fibrous thermal protection, reflectivity, experiment, absorption and scattering spectrum, optical model, Mie theory, cooperative corrections.
Jordan’s Population-Based Food Consumption Survey: Protocol for Design and Development (Preprint)
Authors: Al-Shami Islam , Al Hourani Huda , Alkhatib Buthaina , Alboqai Omar , AlHalaika Dima , Al-Jawaldeh Ayoub
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

One of the factors influencing health and well-being is dietary patterns. Data on food consumption are necessary for evaluating and developing community nutrition policies. Few studies on Jordanians’ food consumption and dietary habits at various ages have been conducted, despite the increased prevalence of overweight, obesity, and chronic diseases. This will be the first study focusing on Jordanians’ food consumption patterns that includes children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

OBJECTIVE

This cross-sectional study aims to describe the design and methodology of the Jordan’s Population-based Food Consumption Survey, 2021-2022, which was developed to collect data on food consumption, including energy, nutrients, and food group intake, from a representative sample of Jordanians and to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity and their relationship to food consumption.

METHODS

Participants were selected by stratified random sampling, using the Estimated Population of the Kingdom by Governorate, Locality, Sex, and Households, 2020 as the sampling frame. The food consumption survey sample was at the population level, representing gender and age classes (8-85 years old). The data collection period was 6 months. Food consumption was assessed using 24-hour dietary recall (2 nonconsecutive days, 1 week apart) interviews representing weekdays and weekends. In addition to data on food consumption, information on the use of food supplements, sociodemographic and socioeconomic status, and health was gathered. Weight, height, and waist circumference were all measured.

RESULTS

The survey included 632 households with 2145 participants, of which 243 (11.3%) were children, 374 (17.4%) were adolescents, 1428 (66.6%) were adults, and 99 (4.6%) were older adults. Three food consumption databases were used to stratify the mean 24-hour dietary recall food consumption into energy intake, carbohydrates, proteins, fats, fiber, vitamins and minerals, and food groups. BMI was calculated and classified as normal, overweight, or obese. Central obesity was classified as normal or abnormal based on the waist-to-height ratio. The survey results will be disseminated based on age, energy, nutrient, and food group consumption. The prevalence of overweight and obesity by age group will be presented, as well as a comparison to the situation in Eastern Mediterranean countries.

CONCLUSIONS

The survey data will be helpful in nutritional studies, assessing changes in dietary patterns, and developing and evaluating nutrition or health policies. It will be a solid base for developing a future national surveillance system on food consumption patterns with comprehensive food consumption, physical activity, biochemical, and blood pressure data.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/41636
Geographic, Demographic, and Socioeconomic Disparities and Factors Associated With Cancer Literacy in China: National Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: He Siyi , Li He , Cao Maomao , Sun Dianqin , Yang Fan , Yan Xinxin , Zhang Shaoli , Xia Changfa , Yu Yiwen , Zhao Liang , Shi Jufang , Li Ni , Yu Xue Qin , Chen Wanqing , He Jie
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

Cancer literacy is associated with several health-related behaviors and outcomes. However, there is still a lack of nationwide surveys for cancer literacy in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate cancer literacy in China, explore disparities, and provide scientific evidence for policy makers.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in mainland China in 2021 using the multistage probability proportional to the size sampling method. Both the reliability and validity of the questionnaire were evaluated. The awareness levels were adjusted by sampling weights and nonrepresentativeness weights to match the actual population distributions. The Rao-Scott adjusted chi-square test was applied to test geographic, demographic, and socioeconomic disparities. A generalized linear model was used to explore potential factors.

RESULTS

A total of 80,281 participants aged 15-74 years were finally enrolled from 21 provinces, with an overall response rate of 89.32%. The national rate of cancer literacy was 70.05% (95% CI 69.52%-70.58%). The rates were highest regarding knowledge of cancer management (74.96%, 95% CI 74.36%-75.56%) but were lowest regarding basic knowledge of cancer (66.77%, 95% CI 66.22%-67.33%). Cancer literacy was highest in East China (72.65%, 95% CI 71.82%-73.49%), Central China (71.73%, 95% CI 70.65%-72.81%), and North China (70.73%, 95% CI 68.68%-72.78%), followed by Northeast (65.38%, 95% CI 64.54%-66.22%) and South China (63.21%, 95% CI 61.84%-64.58%), whereas Southwest (59.00%, 95% CI 58.11%-59.89%) and Northwest China (57.09%, 95% CI 55.79%-58.38%) showed a need for improvement. Demographic and socioeconomic disparities were also observed. Urban dwellers, the Han ethnic group, and population with higher education level or household income were associated with prior knowledge. The questionnaire showed generally good internal and external reliability and validity.

CONCLUSIONS

It remains important for China to regularly monitor levels of cancer literacy, narrow disparities, and strengthen health education for dimensions with poor performance and for individuals with limited knowledge to move closer to the goal of Healthy China 2030.
Projections of Lung Cancer Incidence by 2035 in 40 Countries Worldwide: Population-Based Study (Preprint)
Authors: Luo Ganfeng , Zhang Yanting , Etxeberria Jaione , Arnold Melina , Cai Xiuyu , Hao Yuantao , Zou Huachun
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

The global burden of lung cancer (LC) is increasing. Quantitative projections of the future LC burden in different world regions could help optimize the allocation of resources and provide a benchmark for evaluating LC prevention and control interventions.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to predict the future incidence of LC in 40 countries by 2035, with an emphasis on country- and sex-specific disparities.

METHODS

Data on LC incidence from 1978 to 2012 were extracted from 126 cancer registries of 40 countries in Cancer Incidence in Five Continents Volumes V-XI and used for the projection. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) per 100,000 person-years and the number of incident cases were predicted through 2035, using the NORDPRED age-period-cohort model.

RESULTS

Global ASRs of the 40 studied countries were predicted to decrease by 23% (8.2/35.8) among males, from 35.8 per 100,000 person-years in 2010 to 27.6 in 2035, and increase by 2% (0.3/16.8) among females, from 16.8 in 2010 to 17.1 in 2035. The ASRs of LC among females are projected to continue increasing dramatically in most countries by 2035, with peaks after the 2020s in most European, Eastern Asian, and Oceanian countries, whereas the ASRs among males will continue to decline in almost all countries. The ASRs among females are predicted to almost reach those among males in Ireland, Norway, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Canada, the United States, and New Zealand in 2025 and in Slovenia in 2035 and even surpass those among males in Denmark in 2020 and in Brazil and Colombia in 2025. In 2035, the highest ASRs are projected to occur among males in Belarus (49.3) and among females in Denmark (36.8). The number of new cases in 40 countries is predicted to increase by 65.32% (858,000/1,314,000), from 1.31 million in 2010 to 2.17 million in 2035. China will have the largest number of new cases.

CONCLUSIONS

LC incidence is expected to continue to increase through 2035 in most countries, making LC a major public health challenge worldwide. The ongoing transition in the epidemiology of LC highlights the need for resource redistribution and improved LC control measures to reduce future LC burden worldwide.
University Students' Understanding & Perception Toward Medical IoT and its Associated Factors: A Cross Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Cheung Chak Kwan , Mao Shing Yui , Leung Chun Hin , Lam Michelle Che Yan , Iu Kwan Ying , Tang Suki , Leung Ka Kin John , Wan Eric Yuk Fai , Chan Esther Wai Yin
Published: February 2023

BACKGROUND

With increasing coverage of wireless high-speed networks, the internet of things (IoT) is becoming increasingly relevant in many sectors, including healthcare. While current medical IoT is often restricted to inpatient care and specific populations with access to devices, there is potential for further integration into medical services. The support and understanding of medical IoT by healthcare providers and users may influence the extent of medical IoT utilization in healthcare and its associated benefits.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this paper was to assess the understanding and perception of medical IoT by healthcare and non-healthcare undergraduate students, and to compare any differences between these two populations.
The secondary objective was to look for association among demographics, understanding of medical IoT, and perceptions of medical IoT. We also identified factors that contributed to the perception of medical IoT usage by undergraduate students from programs under different faculties.

METHODS

This exploratory cross-sectional study recruited 206 undergraduate students from The University of Hong Kong (HKU) to complete a 3-part online questionnaire developed by the researchers. Data on basic demographics, understanding of medical IoT, external factors affecting usage of medical IoT, and perception of medical IoT were collected and analyzed using bivariate and multivariate logistic regression on SPSS.

RESULTS

206 students were between the age of 18 to 25 years with more than half enrolled in a healthcare-related program under HKU Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine. Compared with other undergraduate students (18.2%), more healthcare (45.0%) students had heard of medical IoT (P<.001). Overall, healthcare students were found to have a better understanding of medical IoT when compared with non-healthcare students (P=.03). While both groups showed an overall positive perception towards using medical IoT, healthcare students were relatively less positive in their perception in two items related to medical IoT companies’ usage of consumer’s data without consent and the causation of pressure and anxiety by medical IoT usage.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite having a better understanding of medical IoT, healthcare students had a similar overall positive perception as other undergraduate students towards medical IoT usage. Our study results suggest that simultaneous improvement of medical IoT functions and user experience as well as integration of medical IoT discussion and education in the undergraduate curriculum is needed. Such comprehensive efforts can help to support future healthcare providers in adapting to new technologies and users in making better informed decisions.
“I Wanna Sound Like You so Why Don’t I?” Expectations Versus Reality for Egyptian Learners of English
Authors: Hamad Aliaa N.
Published: February 2023

We all come with our preconceived notions. The expectations of 180 Egyptian learners of EFL at a private institution in Egypt revealed that the majority of learners expect to sound like native speakers by the end of the 3-month course and teachers to do all the work and provide them with a textbook. This could be attributed to the learners’ previous experience with language learning. Still, teachers need to be able to anticipate and fulfill their needs.
Ciudad, afectos y emociones en La cara de la miseria (1926) de José Osorio Lizarazo
Authors: Darrigrandi Navarro Claudia
Published: February 2023

El objetivo de este artículo es analizar el libro La cara de la miseria (1926) del colombiano José Antonio Osorio Lizarazo. Mientras la crítica de Osorio Lizarazo ha enfatizado la mirada social del autor, en este artículo se propone analizar su recorrido por la ciudad con énfasis en espacios que tensionan el imaginario de la ciudad moderna. Construye así la imagen de una ciudad-archipiélago. Además, se explora al cronista como un “investigador de emociones”, asunto que ha pasado desapercibido. La metodología corresponde a un análisis textual a partir del mobile turn y de la teoría de los afectos. Se concluye que el periodista profesional afecta y es afectado por el contacto con la materialidad urbana y los habitantes de la ciudad-archipiélago. De este modo, Osorio Lizarazo es un mediador entre la ciudad y el conurbano que también se investiga a sí mismo y se reconoce como parte de ambos espacios.
Crónicas del suburbio en Argentina. El caso atípico de “Trópico de Villa Diego”, de Mario Castells
Authors: Destéfanis Laura
Published: February 2023

La crónica urbana está presente en las letras argentinas ya desde el siglo xix, sin embargo es llamativa la ausencia de algunos enclaves de gran peso demográfico y social, como es el caso de las ciudades de periferia. El objetivo de este trabajo es analizar de qué modo Mario Castells representa la ciudad de Villa Gobernador Gálvez, situada al sur de Rosario, en su Trópico de Villa Diego (2014), mediante una aproximación comparativa con otras crónicas urbanas, cuyas vertientes mayores las ofrecen la mirada del cronista foráneo o el registro periodístico sensacionalista. De este modo, se observa qué cambios opera la mirada endógena, esto es, la de un cronista que es parte de ese paisaje humano que viene a representar. Sin perder nunca el foco de la crónica de corte histórico-político, Castells hace uso de recursos que evidencian el trabajo intelectual de un grupo social al que se le niega, desde la hegemonía, esa posibilidad de intervención en la esfera de la producción discursiva y cultural.
No ficción y representación de la violencia de género .Los casos de femicidios en Chicas muertas, de Selva Almada
Authors: Bonano Mariana
Published: February 2023

Entre los discursos de no ficción desplegados, en particular por escritoras, tomaron impulso en la última década aquellos que desde una perspectiva de género apuntan a visibilizar una problemática que acucia históricamente a las mujeres y a las disidencias sexuales en general: la violencia ejercida sobre el cuerpo por cuestiones de género. La presente propuesta apunta a examinar la obra de no ficción Chicas muertas, de la escritora argentina Selva Almada, que ahonda en tres femicidios impunes, ocurridos en la provincia argentina de Entre Ríos en la década de 1980, cuando el país recién retornaba a la democracia. La premisa de la que partimos es que el relato de Almada no se erige como una investigación sobre los crímenes de las adolescentes, sino como una indagación en la que la mirada del yo narrador se identifica con una subjetividad femenina que pone en cuestión lo real instituido en tanto sociedad presente, producto de un orden heteropatriarcal.
La Serna, Miguel. With Masses and Arms. Peru’s Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2020.
Authors: García Rodríguez Ileana
Published: February 2023

Reseña del libro: La Serna, Miguel. With Masses and Arms. Peru’s Túpac Amaru Revolutionary Movement. Chapel Hill: The University of North Carolina Press, 2020.
Revisitando el populismo democraticida en la Alemania Nazi Hett, Benjamin Carter (2021), La muerte de la democracia, México, Crítica
Authors: Vega Báez Juan Antonio
Published: February 2023

No disponible.
Más gobierno central, menos gobernabilidad y gobernanza territorial: las juntas auxiliares en Puebla
Authors: Torres Fragoso Jaime
Published: February 2023

En el presente trabajo se explica la relación establecida entre el Ayuntamiento del municipio de Puebla y sus juntas auxiliares. Después de describir las características de estas demarcaciones, con base en el análisis de la gestión del presupuesto participativo y de sus principales problemáticas, se analizan sus grados de gobernabilidad y gobernanza. Entre las conclusiones se destaca que la reforma de 2013 a la Ley orgánica municipal, con la cual las juntas auxiliares dejaron de ser órganos de gobierno, generó resultados negativos y dañó sus condiciones de gobernabilidad y gobernanza
Panorama de la independencia partidista en América Latina: una mirada desde la ideología
Authors: Cisneros Yescas Isaac
Published: February 2023

El autor muestra el panorama de la independencia partidista en América Latina, enfatizando la configuración que ejerce la ideología en los ciudadanos sin identidad partidaria. Analiza el fenómeno desde un enfoque cuantitativo y utiliza datos del Barómetro de las Américas 2018-2019; el argumento analítico distingue entre independientes que no manifiestan un vínculo ideológico, de aquellos que sí lo manifiestan. Asimismo, diferencia a los independientes según su posicionamiento ideológico de izquierda, centro, derecha y sin ubicación ideológica. Los resultados muestran que existe una mayoría de ciudadanos sin identidad partidaria en la región
Beauty and Wellness Sector in Sikkim: Policies and Challenges
Authors: Devi Dr. Tulika
Published: February 2023

Abstract: Being one of the fastest growing and most significant industries in both India and Sikkim, this paper attempts to address issues relating to the beauty and wellness sector in the state of Sikkim. Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in the consumption of beauty and wellness services. The reason for this growth is the rising consumerism, globalisation and changing lifestyles of consumers. The objective of the paper is to understand the various services provided by this sector and also to understand the various policies implemented for this sector in the state of Sikkim. The challenges faced by this sector have also been tried to be identified along with the alignment strategies.
Progress in Tourism Management: Insights for the tourism industry corporate governance
Authors: Del Gaudio Giovanna , Di Taranto Enrico , Spano Maria
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to analyse the intellectual, conceptual, and social structure of the papers published in the Tourism Management (TM) journal. The paper uses a bibliometric analysis, studying the scientific production and the impact of TM, the main cited journals as well as the journals citing TM, the most productive countries and universities, the most cited authors and publications and the topics of the conceptual structure. The results of the analysis allow us to define the strategic journey undertaken by various editorial boards that have occurred over the years. Findings provide insights into the tourism industry’s corporate governance actors and future research and directions for both the scientific community and experts in the tourism industry
Effects of herbivory and non-growing seasonality on plant secondary metabolites: a meta-analysis
Authors: Skovmand Lotte , O'Dea Rose , Greig Keri , Amato Katherine , Hendry Andrew
Published: February 2023

Plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) are produced by plants to overcome
environmental challenges, both biotic and abiotic. We were interested in
characterizing how non-growing seasonality in temperate climates affects
overall PSM production in comparison to herbivory. Typically, herbivory
is measured from spring to summer when plants have high resource
availability and are prioritizing growth and reproduction. However,
autumn seasonality also challenges plants as they cope with limited
resources and prepare survival for winter. Using meta-analysis, we
recorded overall PSM concentrations across 22 different PSM classes from
58 published papers, as well as compared concentrations of five
phenolics PSM classes – hydroxybenzoic acid, flavan-3-ol, flavonol,
hydrolysable tannin, and condensed tannin. We then calculated effect
sizes for herbivory (absence to presence) and seasonality (growing to
non-growing), while considering other variables (e.g., plant type, time
after herbivory, temperature, and precipitation). We found that neither
herbivory nor seasonality affect overall PSM production. However, we
discovered different trends among the individual phenolics classes,
including herbivory having a positive effect on flavonol production and
non-growing seasonality having a positive effect on flavan-3-ol and
condensed tannin production. We discuss how these responses stem from
three factors: 1. some PSMs are constitutively produced by plants
whereas others are induced only during herbivory or non-growing
seasonality, 2. plants produce metabolites with higher costs only during
seasons when other resources for growth and reproduction are less
available, and 3. some PSM classes serve more than one function for
plants and such functions can be season-dependent. The final outcome of
our meta-analysis is that non-growing seasonality does affect PSM
production differently from herbivory, and we therefore see value in
further investigating how non-growing seasonality impacts interactions
between PSM production and herbivory.
A novel cubic-exp evaluation algorithm considering non-symmetrical axial response signals of confocal microscopes
Authors: Hagemeier Sebastian , Pahl Tobias , Breidenbach Johannes , Lehmann Peter
Published: February 2023

The depth discrimination in confocal microscopy is based on the digital
analysis of depth response signals obtained by each camera pixel during
measurement. Various signal processing algorithms are used for this
purpose. The accuracy of these algorithms is inter alia restricted by
the axial symmetry of the signals. However, in practice response signals
are rather asymmetrical especially in case of measurement objects with
critical surface structures such as edges or steep flanks. We present a
novel signal processing algorithm based on an exponential function with
a cubic argument to handle asymmetrical and also symmetrical depth
response signals. Results obtained by this algorithm are compared to
those of commonly used signal processing algorithms. It turns out that
the novel algorithm is more robust, more accurate and exhibits a
repeatability of a similar order compared to other algorithms.
Fault tolerant control for open winding brushless DC motor with power device failure
Authors: Qi Huang , Xianting Zhang , Likun Xue , Ling Luo , Ruiqing Ma
Published: February 2023

Brushless DC motor (BLDCM) is widely used in aerospace equipment. But
the neuter port in conventional BLDCM windings could lead to torque
ripples and low reliability. Each phase winding of the open winding BLDC
is connected to an H-bridge inverter, and its phase voltage and phase
current could be controlled independently, which has a certain fault
tolerance. Firstly, the circuit topology and conduction mode of the
open-winding brushless DC motor are introduced, and a Matlab simulation
model is established according to the mathematical equation of the
motor. Then, the operation characteristics of the open winding brushless
DC motor with power device failure are analyzed, and the characteristics
of two fault-tolerant control methods, compensation and reconstruction,
are discussed. Finally, the open winding brushless DC motor and
controller are processed, and the experimental platform is built to
verify the operation characteristics of the open winding brushless DC
motor with normal operation and compensation operation.
Article Full Title: Outcomes of patients with intracranial germ cell tumour with choriocarcinoma element or β-HCG level higher than 500 IU/L under radiotherapy-based treatments Short Running Title: Intracranial choriocarcinoma
Authors: Li Bo , Feng Jin , Chen Li , Li Chunde , Liu Wei , Chen Huiyuan , Qiu Xiaoguang
Published: February 2023

Background: In previous studies, patients with intracranial
germ cell tumour (iGCT) with pure choriocarcinoma or mixed germ cell
tumours with choriocarcinoma element showed similar dismal prognoses,
with median overall survival (OS) of 22 months and 1-year survival rate
of approximately 60%. However, these conclusions need to be updated
because radiotherapy, which is the milestone for this disease, was not
applied in a number of patients. Methods: Clinical data of
patients with iGCTs with histologically confirmed choriocarcinoma
element or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-HCG) > 500
IU/L were collected from the archives of our institution and
retrospectively studied. Results: A total of 76 patients were
eligible for this study. In terms of the initial treatment, 11 patients
underwent surgery, four patients received radiotherapy, and 61 patients
received chemotherapy. Except for two early deaths, all patients
received radiotherapy (craniospinal irradiation [CSI], n=23;
non-CSI, n=51). The median follow-up duration for the entire series was
63 months (range, 6–188 months). The 5-year event-free survival (EFS)
and OS rates were 81.5% and 84.1%, respectively. Among patients who
did not have early death or progressive disease after induction
chemotherapy, multivariate analysis revealed that chemotherapy cycles
(>4 vs. ≤4) (hazard ratio [HR] for EFS 0.144, p=0.020;
HR for OS 0.111, p=0.028) and β-HCG levels (>3000 IU/L vs.
≤3000 IU/L) (HR for EFS 4.342, p=0.059; HR for OS 6.614, p=0.033) were
independent factors for survival. Radiation volume (non-CSI vs. CSI) was
not proven to be a prognostic factor for either EFS or OS (HR for EFS
1.902, p=0.59; HR for OS 2.425, p=0.49). Conclusions: Patients
with iGCTs with choriocarcinoma element or β-HCG >500 IU/L
showed improved survival with radiotherapy-based treatments. Additional
chemotherapy cycles could result in additional survival benefits.
Patients with β-HCG level >3000 IU/L had poorer prognosis.
Effects of Semaglutide on Albuminuria and Kidney Function in People With Overweight or Obesity With or Without Type 2 Diabetes: Exploratory Analysis From the STEP 1, 2, and 3 Trials
Authors: Heerspink Hiddo J.L. , Apperloo Ellen , Davies Melanie , Dicker Dror , Kandler Kristian , Rosenstock Julio , Sørrig Rasmus , Lawson Jack , Zeuthen Niels , Cherney David
Published: February 2023

  

INTRODUCTION

These post hoc analyses of the STEP 1–3 trials (NCT03548935, NCT03552757, NCT03611582) explored the effects of semaglutide (up to 2.4mg) on kidney function.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

STEP 1–3 included adults with overweight/obesity; STEP 2 patients also had type 2 diabetes. Participants received once-weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 1.0mg (STEP 2 only), 2.4mg, or placebo for 68 weeks, plus lifestyle intervention (STEP 1 and 2) or intensive behavioral therapy (STEP 3). Changes in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) and UACR status from baseline to week 68 were assessed for STEP 2. Changes in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were assessed from pooled STEP 1–3 data.

RESULTS

In STEP 2, 1,205 (99.6% total cohort) patients had UACR data; geometric mean baseline UACR was 13.7, 12.5, and 13.2 mg/g with semaglutide 1.0mg, 2.4mg, and placebo, respectively. At week 68, UACR changes were –14.8% and –20.6% with semaglutide 1.0 and 2.4mg, respectively, and +18.3% with placebo (between-group differences [95% confidence interval] vs. placebo: −28.0% [−37.3, −17.3], P<0.0001 semaglutide 1.0mg; −32.9% [−41.6, −23.0], P=0.003 semaglutide 2.4mg). UACR status improved in greater proportions of patients with semaglutide 1.0 and 2.4mg versus placebo (P=0.0004 and P=0.0014, respectively). In the pooled STEP 1–3 analyses, 3,379 participants had eGFR data; there was no difference between semaglutide 2.4mg and placebo in eGFR trajectories at week 68.

CONCLUSION

Semaglutide improved UACR in adults with overweight/ obesity and type 2 diabetes. In participants with normal kidney function, semaglutide did not have an effect on eGFR decline.
Initiation of continuous glucose monitoring is linked with improved glycemic control and reduced clinical events in type 1 and type 2 diabetes in the Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Reaven Peter D. , Newell Michelle , Rivas Salvador , Zhou Xinkai , Norman Gregory J. , Zhou Jin J.
Published: February 2023

  

Objective: To determine the benefit of starting continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) in adult-onset type 1 diabetes and type 2 diabetes (T1D; T2D) on longer-term glucose control and serious clinical events.

Research Design and Methods: A retrospective observational cohort study within the VA Health Care System was used to compare glucose control, and hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia related admissions to emergency rooms or hospitals and all-cause hospitalization between propensity score weighted initiators of CGM and non-CGM users over 12-months. 

Results: 5,015 T1D and 15,706 T2D CGM users receiving insulin and similar numbers of non-CGM users were identified from 1/1/2015-12/31/2020. Declines in HbA1c were significantly greater in T1D CGM users (-0.26%,CI:-0.33%,-0.19%)  and T2D CGM users (-0.35%,CI:-0.40%, -0.31%) than in non-users at 12 months. Percentages of patients achieving HbA1c < 8% and < 9% after 12 months were greater in CGM users. 

In T1D, CGM initiation was associated with significantly reduced risk for hypoglycemia (HR: 0.69,CI:0.48-0.98) and all-cause hospitalization (HR 0.75, CI:0.63-0.90). In T2D patients, there was a reduction in risk for hyperglycemia in CGM users (HR 0.87, CI:0.77-0.99) and all-cause hospitalizations (HR 0.89, CI:0.83-0.97). Several subgroups (based on baseline age, HbA1c, hypoglycemic risk or follow-up CGM use) had even greater responses.

Conclusion: In a large national cohort, initiation of CGM was associated with sustained improvements in HbA1c in later-onset T1D patients and T2D patients using insulin. This was accompanied by a clear pattern of reduced risk for admissions to emergency rooms or hospitals for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia and for all-cause hospitalization. 
A National Physician Survey of Deintensifying Diabetes Medications for Older Adults with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Pilla Scott J. , Jalalzai Rabia , Tang Olive , Schoenborn Nancy L. , Boyd Cynthia M. , Golden Sherita H. , Mathioudakis Nestoras N , M. Maruthur Nisa
Published: February 2023

  

Objective: Determine physicians’ approach to deintensifying (reducing/stopping), or switching hypoglycemia-causing medications for older adults with type 2 diabetes.

Research Design and Methods: In this national survey, U.S. physicians in general medicine, geriatrics, or endocrinology reported changes they would make to hypoglycemia-causing medications for older adults in three scenarios: good health, HbA1c 6.3%; complex health, HbA1c 7.3%; poor health, HbA1c of 7.7%.

Results: There were 445 eligible respondents (response rate 37.5%). In patient scenarios, 48%, 4%, and 20% of physicians deintensified hypoglycemia-causing medications for patients with good, complex, and poor health, respectively. Overall, 17% of physicians switched medications without significant differences by patient health. Half of physicians selected HbA1c targets below guidelines for older adults with complex or poor health.

Conclusion: Most U.S. physicians would not deintensify or switch hypoglycemia-causing medications within guideline-recommended HbA1c targets. Physicians’ preference for lower HbA1c targets than guidelines needs to be addressed to optimize deintensification decisions.
E-Modul Berbasis Pendekatan Saintifik Bagi Siswa Alfaclass Pada Mata Pelajaran Marketing Di Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan
Authors: Kamaludin Desmon , Sudarma I Komang , Simamora Alexander Hamonangan
Published: February 2023

Tidak tersedianya media pembelajaran untuk program vokasi Alfaclass menjadi permasalahan utama pada penelitian ini. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan proses pengembangan dan validitas e-modul berbasis pendekatan saintifik bagi siswa alfaclass. Jenis penelitian ini yaitu pengembangan dengan menggunakan model ADDIE. Subjek pada penelitian ini adalah ahli desain, ahli isi dan ahli media, 3 orang siswa alfaclass sebagai uji coba perorangan, dan 6 orang siswa alfaclass sebagai uji coba kelompok kecil. Metode pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu angket dan wawancara. Instrumen yang digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data yaitu lembar kuesioner. Teknik analisis data menggunakan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Diperoleh hasil uji ahli desain pembelajaran sebesar 96,66%, uji ahli isi pembelajaran sebesar 94,47%, uji ahli media pembelajaran 93,75%, uji coba perorangan sebesar 95,55%, dan uji coba kelompok kecil sebesar 97,18% yang keseluruhan skor diperoleh kategori sangat baik. Disimpulkan bahwa e-modul berbasis pendekatan saintifik bagi siswa alfaclass layak digunakan dalam pembelajaran. Implikasi dari penelitian ini adalah memberikan peningkatan motivasi siswa dalam belajar dan mendorong guru alfaclass untuk melaksanakan pembaharuan dalam proses pembelajaran.
Video as an Educational Tool for Teaching and Learning for Primary School Students: A Research Approach by Greek Teachers
Authors: Evangelou Filippos
Published: February 2023

The aim of this study is to explore the views of active teachers in primary schools on the benefits (potential/advantages), barriers (limitations/disadvantages) and selection criteria regarding the use of video as an educational tool in teaching and learning for primary school students. To fulfil this purpose, a qualitative research approach was chosen and the opinions of 15 active Greek teachers were recorded. Convenience sampling was applied for the selection of the sample. The research was implemented using an appropriately designed anonymous questionnaire in the form of a written paper, which included three main open-ended questions and was considered for the purposes of the research as an open-ended structured interview type questionnaire. The following conclusions emerged from the findings: a) The main advantages recorded by the teachers were the visualization and understanding of abstract concepts, the mobilization of students' attention, the option to pause and restart at any point, accessibility, openness, etc., b) The main barriers are that it takes a lot of time to find the appropriate video, the risk of low quality of the video, lack of knowledge and skills of instructors for pedagogical use of video, lack of technological equipment in schools, passive activity, etc., (c) The main criteria for selecting a video are the duration of the video, the connection with the profile and needs of the students, the possibility of accessibility for students with special needs, etc.
Outlook on Mozambique’s Agribusiness as a Driving Force for Family Farmers
Authors: Guina José , Ferrão Jorge , Samamade Nancy , Fernandes Tito Horácio
Published: February 2023

Family farming is the predominant mode of agricultural production in the world and in Mozambique, producing food, preserving traditional food systems, contributing to a balanced diet, and safeguarding the world’s agro-biodiversity. Micro and family farms have the potential to deal with the complex set of challenges faced in the region, if they are provided with the necessary support, such as agri-technology assistance, infrastructures, and organizational development, to boost local economies and lift communities out of poverty. The present review aimed at showing whether, and to what extent, services of entrepreneurial value could be provided by agrarian incubators to nurture small farmers, namely youngsters and women, to meet market requirements and make a living in the agriculture sector. The focus was on the clarification of the question to what extent smallholder farmers are currently educated at professional schools on how to become successfully self-employed. The answer to this question is needed to outline the current mismatch between vocational agriculture education of farmers and actual market requirements. It was evident that farmers are not educated to successfully meet market requirements and that agriculture incubators considering investment in agribusiness, could be a promising alternative or useful addition for farmers’ vocational preparation. Incubators provides suitable plans for market technologies with agritech start-ups delivering state-of-the-art means to motivate local adaptation, and use, of sustainable practices. There is the need to investigate how to maintain and improve family farmers’ organizations, creating vibrant and inclusive rural societies, while increasing agricultural output with product quality and safety.