bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the relationship between risk perception and public disaster mitigation behavior in geological hazard emergency management: a research study in Wenchuan county
Authors: Cai Jianmin , Hu Shiyu , Sun Fei , Tang Lan , Fan Gang , Xing Huige
Published: October 2023

Modern disaster emergency management emphasizes the collaborative participation of multiple parties. Exploring the relationship between risk perception and mitigation behaviors of the public is essential to develop the effectiveness of public disaster reduction and improve the performance of emergency management. Based on risk perception theory, a research framework on the relationship between risk perception and mitigation behaviors was constructed by selecting two phases of emergency management: pre-disaster preparation and mid-disaster emergency response. The results showed that self-efficacy positively influenced the pre-disaster mitigation behaviors and emergency evacuation behavior. Perceived severity only positively influenced the emergency evacuation behavior in mid-disaster. Additionally, pre-disaster evacuation drills positively influenced the emergency evacuation behavior and the behavior of asking for help from government departments in mid-disaster. The results indicate that pre-disaster mitigation behaviors can have a significant impact on mid-disaster behaviors only if pre-disaster mitigation behaviors provide clear guidance for the emergency phase of the disaster. Therefore, pre-disaster mitigation activities should be carried out strategically with the aim of improving the public’s emergency self-help capabilities in disasters, which provides theoretical and practical guidance for improving the effectiveness of public disaster mitigation and improving the government’s disaster emergency management system.
A one-health approach to using sheep in research, with a focus on neuroscience studies
Authors: Chatzimanou Tryfon , Tsingotjidou Anastasia
Published: October 2023

Sheep have been an important animal for both academic and basic sciences education, with a positive impact on the public health sector and, subsequently, One Health. This review presents the impact of sheep on research with a specific focus on neuroscience studies. Disorders, as well as neuroendocrine and environmental factors affecting the brain, the spinal cord, and the peripheral nervous system, are selected, and relevant research and sheep models mimicking human diseases are described. The review discusses various sheep models, encompassing prion, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, Huntington’s disease, and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (Batten Disease), along with ischemic stroke. Sheep play a pivotal role in elucidating the pathogenesis and/or treatment for the aforementioned diseases. Furthermore, this research is underpinned by solid neuroanatomy knowledge. Consequently, we outline the main reasons why sheep are such robust research models. In conclusion, we demonstrate the important role that sheep models fulfill in advancing the mission of the One Health Initiative.
The importance of education innovation and degree of innovative practices by principals in rural secondary schools in South Africa
Authors: Ramasimu Ntsieni Fitzgerald
Published: October 2023

After the inception of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, education emerged as a pivotal concern on the global agenda. The significance of education innovation lies in its ability to enhance the caliber of instruction and bolster school performance. In spite of the various obstacles faced by rural schools in South Africa, certain institutions are exhibiting indications of exceptional performance and advancement in terms of educational innovations, the provision of high-quality education, and the academic achievements of their students. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of principals' comprehension of the significance of educational innovation and their level of implementation of innovative practices on student achievement. The research employed a descriptive case study approach inside a quantitative research framework. A sample size of 108 secondary school principals in the Vhembe District, located in the Limpopo Province, was obtained through the utilization of random sampling procedures. Data collection was conducted through the utilization of questionnaires, while the analysis of the collected data was performed using descriptive statistical techniques. A total of 70 questionnaires were collected and deemed usable, resulting in a response rate of 64.8% for the study. The outcomes of the study indicate that principals within the Vhembe district had a comprehensive understanding of the imperative nature of educational innovation. Additionally, the research revealed that principals are utilizing many new leadership and management approaches in order to improve student achievement. This project aims to contribute to the enhancement of learner performance and the quality of education in secondary schools located in rural parts of South Africa through the promotion of educational innovation. The recommendations of the study hold potential value in the development of policies, the improvement of learner performance, and the provision of education of superior quality.
Evaluating employee engagement drivers in Nigeria's downstream electricity sub-sector
Authors: Adeosun Oluyemi Theophilu , Adegbite Waliu Mulero
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on employee engagement in a sector that transitioned from a fully government-owned to a privatized entity while retaining the majority of the legacy staff and bringing in new employees. The electricity sector has always piqued the interest of investors due to its strategic importance to the growth and development of other sectors, particularly in developing countries. This paper investigates some of the factors that influence employee engagement in the Nigerian power and electricity subsector. The study includes 824 employees from Nigeria's downstream electricity sector. Descriptive and ordinal regression analyses were used to determine the relationships between the variables. The study reveals that parameters such as office ambiance, clear communication, tool availability, health, and safety have relationships with or impact employee engagement. As a result, organizations' management must pay attention to and improve on them in order to retain their employees and provide their best discretionary effort. This research expands on theories of engagement in the post-privatization era and investigates the influence of key drivers on employee engagement in Nigeria's downstream power sector.
Analysis of factors contributing to road fatalities in the Emfuleni local Municipality, South Africa
Authors: Tlali Nthabiseng Mirriam , Simelane Nozipho Nkosikhona , Mofokeng Jacob
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study is to examine and analyze the many factors that contribute to the occurrence of automobile deaths within the Emfuleni Local Municipality. This study employed a hybrid analytics approach, employing a non-probability convenience sampling strategy. The researchers employed a descriptive study methodology to gather a sample of 168 participants, consisting of both traffic cops and motorists. The primary outcomes of the investigation revealed that road configuration, including small roads, hills, and sharp curves, was one of several influential elements in the occurrence of road traffic accidents (RTA). The dataset under analysis reveals that a substantial proportion of respondents possessing a standard 10/matric/grade 12 certificate had a higher level of agreement compared to those with a diploma/bachelor's degree about the primary responsibility of road layout in road traffic accidents (RTAs). The majority of participants identified stray or wild animals as a significant contributing cause to road accidents. Notably, female respondents and motorists residing in Emfuleni Municipality exhibited the highest level of agreement on this matter. Another significant contributing element was the presence of malfunctioning traffic signals, which was widely acknowledged as a causative factor in road collisions. The majority of respondents who possessed a standard 10/matric/grade 12 education exhibited the highest level of agreement. The results ultimately demonstrated that a majority of the participants concurred that a significant portion of the drivers and automobiles present on the road were not suitable for sharing the roads with other drivers, leading to the elevated occurrence of road traffic fatalities. The present circumstance necessitates prompt attention. Suggestions were proposed to provide assistance to the pertinent parties.
A stylo-rhetoric critique of rhetorical questions in N.G. Sibiya’s selected essays in Amalangabi
Authors: Dlamini Sizwe
Published: October 2023

This article deals with rhetorical questions as a literary device in N.G. Sibiya’s selected essays in Amalangabi (1993). Rhetorical questions are employed for different purposes in literature, and this discourse intends to discover the rhetorical purpose they serve in Sibiya’s essays specifically. The study is motivated by the discovery that, even though rhetorical questions are used artistically in N.G. Sibiya’s essays, there seems to be no work, so far, that has been done to examine this. Since the study observes the rhetoric or stylistic use of rhetorical questions, literary stylistics is adopted as a theory to theoretically ground the analysis. Textual analysis, as a qualitative research technique, is also adopted because data is primary collected, organised, and interpreted from Sibiya’s two essays (Amalimi and Izibongo). The analysis of data will highlight how Sibiya employs rhetorical questions for different stylistic effects in his essays. This includes their emphasis and persuasive effects. It also includes their role as a channel to express strong emotions, their ability to draw readers to the problem and promote critical discussions, and their ability to challenge common assumptions and beliefs.
The role of the fourth industrial revolution in achieving economic development: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Selemela Adelaide , Khwela Michael Nkosinathi , Selelo Mohale Ernest
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this paper is to examine and analyze how the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) contributed to economic growth and development in South Africa. It argues that the 4IR is a pathway to achieve economic growth and development. Although much emphasis from the literature indicates the negative impact of the 4IR on human development, this paper brings to light that the 4IR is an engine to the headway of economic development. To get the expected results, desktop research is used, covering South Africa as an area of focus.  Hence, it adopted a literature-based methodology that relies on the use of existing literature to critique the role of the 4IR in enhancing economic development. It reveals that the 4IR is detrimental to human development, however, it can be used as a catalyst for economic growth and development. It thus recommends that the 4IR must be fully embraced by both the government and private sector for the betterment of economic development and business growth amongst others.
Market share improvement strategy formulation through application digital platform in Sharia Bank of Indonesia
Authors: Hartanto Andri , Ratri Wahyuningtyas
Published: October 2023

The digital platform brings changes in the competitive advantage-building strategy for companies. In this regard, digital platforms have a crucial role in providing added value to companies by providing opportunities to improve effective information management. The research aims to determine the utilization of the digital platform of Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share and know the strategy of Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share through the utilization of the digital platform. This research method is a qualitative-research using SWOT analysis. The results of this study indicate that the utilization of the digital platform Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share with ease in opening an account online, digital service improvement, convenience and accessibility, cost efficiency and operational benefits, enhanced customer experience, increased customer base and market reach, increased security and improved BSI performance. Bank Syariah Indonesia's strategy for increasing market share through the utilization of digital platform based on swot analysis there are 20 alternative strategies that can be carried out namely 5 (five), SO Strategy (Strengths-Opportunities), 5 (four) WO strategies (Weaknesses-Opportunities), 5 (five) ST Strategy (Strengths-Threats) and 5 (five) WT Strategies (Weaknesses-Threats).
Digital transformation dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness for big data analytics and artificial intelligence: A review
Authors: Motjolopane Ignitia , Chanza Martin
Published: October 2023

Assessing the readiness and maturity of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) is a foundation for implementing emerging technologies like big data analytics and artificial intelligence to drive their digital transformation endeavours. This study emphasises that readiness and maturity dimensions offer descriptive and prescriptive guidelines for gauging the current and desired levels of preparedness and maturity required to achieve desired digital transformation outcomes. However, prevailing readiness and maturity models overlook the diverse stages of advancement in big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This research explores the dimensions essential for assessing SMEs' readiness to adopt big data analytics and artificial intelligence. This paper identifies the key dimensions for evaluating SMEs' readiness and maturity across different categories of big data analytics and artificial intelligence by conducting a systematic literature review and employing cluster analysis. The study's principal findings underscore that SMEs' readiness for maturity is influenced prominently by strategic leadership and organisational culture, closely trailed by information technology, security, and business model transformation. Additionally, three pivotal dimensions encompass data analytics and governance, cost-benefit and risk management, and environmental factors. Consequently, proposing that evaluating digital readiness and maturity for SMEs should encompass these six dimensions, thoughtfully considering various prerequisites related to analytics and artificial intelligence.
An assessment on factors contributing to road fatalities on R546 Route in Mpumalanga Province: A case of Govan Mbeki Municipal Area
Authors: Nkosi Nkosinathi Cowan , Mofokeng Jacob , Ndou Livhuwani Levy
Published: October 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate the consequences of road accidents and explore novel approaches aimed at promoting safer behavior among road users. The enforcement of road traffic laws serves as a means to generate income while also ensuring compliance with traffic regulations and fostering a safer road infrastructure that is conducive to enhancing the well-being of individuals and bolstering the economy of South Africa. The data collection process utilized an approach based on non-probability sampling, namely intentional sampling. A total of 30 individuals were selected to participate in the study. This sample consisted of government officials (n=13), taxi operators (n=4), taxi commuters (n=8), and senior academics (n=5). The study's results were categorized into three main themes: human error emerged as the primary factor contributing to road traffic fatalities, insufficient allocation of resources to address road fatalities, and the enhancement of law enforcement operating procedures and working hours. These themes were derived from the perspectives of the participants and findings from previous studies in the existing literature. The findings of the study indicate that professional and organizational factors have a more significant impact on dangerous conduct when compared to external and personal factors. The report provides recommendations for mitigating contributory factors by adopting innovative technical devices to avoid and minimize road fatalities. Additionally, it suggests implementing policy-based measures and establishing regulatory organizations to reduce the occurrence of accidents.
Identifying National Identities in Jabulani Mngadi’s Inaugural Novel, Imiyalezo
Authors: Sibiya Dumisani
Published: October 2023

This article aims to discuss national identities as depicted by Mngadi in his debut novel, Imiyalezo (1978). Affirming du Bois’ (1903) notion of the double consciousness and Anderson’s (1983) concept of ‘imagined communities’, the article contends that the national identities are not only a depiction of the idealised past but also the author’s wrestling with the present. Just like people generally remember the good old days when they face the bad new ones, these national identities are essentially hybrid in nature, representing both the past and the present. Rooted in the backdrop of the postcolonial theory and based on the textual approach of the qualitative research method, this article asserts that Mngadi is a postcolonial writer, he ‘writes back’, rights the wrongs of the past, as he attempts to reassert the somehow lost and threatened identities of his nation and in the process speaks on behalf of the subaltern. The article provides a deep understanding of identity issues in South Africa’s post-independence epoch, with reference to Mngadi’s debut novel, and locates the significance of this novel during colonial oppression and in post-independence.
A more than 21-year odyssey of developmental local government in South Africa
Authors: Ngumbela Xolisile
Published: October 2023

This paper is an assessment of 21 years of developmental local government as advocated through the 1998 White Paper on local government. In the 21st century, local governments have developed into hubs for developmental objectives. This suggests that they are now expected to go beyond the fundamentals of providing services. For instance, the agenda of local governments has automatically adopted South Africa's idea of a developmental state that primarily prioritises economic development and the need to consider the most suitable intervention scales. With the implementation of the National Development Plan (NDP) in 2012, South African authorities formalised their intention to pursue a developing state. The authorities' conviction that the developmental state approach is a factor for development is evident from reading the NDP. Because of the vertical connections between regional, sub-regional and local processes of change, strategies must be well-suited to one another, different interventions may be most effective at various spatial scales, and strategy and implementation may also be most effective at particular scales. This study used a multi-site case study as the sole type of research methodology. The study took an exploratory approach, because it constituted contextual research, allowing the researcher to investigate and record research phenomena in line with diverse participant interpretations. The study discovered that despite the ideals outlined in the 1998 White Paper, National Development Plan, and District Development Model, emphasising the influence of the local sphere as closer to citizens, and thus more responsible for their welfare and development, factors such as public participation, a lack of skills, and sub-par infrastructure delivery have negatively impacted developmental local government outcomes. In the end, local government is unable to fulfill its responsibility for development. The paper contends that local government's performance, assessed against its constitutional purposes, hinders the realisation of a progressive state in South Africa against a backdrop of local government incapacity.
The effect of brand experience and service quality on customer loyalty mediated by customer satisfaction
Authors: Nadhifa Shafira , Sunaryo  , Surachman
Published: October 2023

This study aims to examine the effect of brand experience and service quality on customer loyalty mediated by customer satisfaction at BCA.  This study uses explanatory research with a quantitative approach. The population in this study were all customers who transacted at BCA Branch Gresik. The study employed the purposive sampling technique. The sample in the study was 160 BCA customer respondents. Data was collected through surveys, documentation, and the use of Likert scales to test instruments. The data was analyzed using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) modeling. The results showed that brand experience has no significant effect on customer satisfaction. Service quality has a positive and significant effect on customer satisfaction. In addition, customer satisfaction also has a positive and significant effect on customer loyalty. Customer satisfaction can mediate the relationship between brand experience and service quality on customer loyalty. The findings of this study suggest that BCA Gresik should provide a good experience for customers and improve service quality during customer transactions at the Bank. By increasing these two things, customers will feel satisfied which creates loyal customers.
The impact of corporate image and relationship marketing on customer loyalty in mediated customer satisfaction at SMEs
Authors: Ulfatus Sa'adah Vina , Mugiono  , Susilowati Christin
Published: October 2023

The primary objective of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate image, relationship marketing, and customer satisfaction on customer loyalty. The present study employs a quantitative methodology to provide an explanatory analysis. The study sample comprised customers residing in the city of Malang who patronize the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) known as Rampis Bang Raden. The research utilized the purposive sampling method. The study's sample size consisted of 170 participants. The data gathering methods employed in this study encompassed surveys, documentation, and the utilization of Likert scales to assess the instrument. The data underwent analysis through the utilization of the structural equation model partial least squares (SEM-PLS) modeling technique. The results of this study suggest that there is a considerable relationship between corporate image and relationship marketing, and their impact on consumer loyalty. Furthermore, the influence of corporate image and relationship marketing on customer satisfaction is also substantial. Enhancing customer happiness can lead to an increase in customer loyalty. The mediating role of customer happiness can be observed in the association between corporate image, relationship marketing, and customer loyalty. The results of this study indicate that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), such as Rampis Bang Raden, are able to uphold both product distinctiveness and quality, while simultaneously enhancing amicable buyer interactions in order to sustain consumer loyalty.
The impact of corporate social responsibility, corporate value, and profitability on the share prices of Sri Kehati Index Companies from 2016 to 2020
Authors: Yuana Pusvita
Published: October 2023

Investor interest in a company can be measured by changes in the share price of each company. This research will test and analyse the impact of corporate social responsibility, profitability and enterprise value on share prices. The share price becomes an attraction for investors and becomes the basis for the valuation of the company, which can be observed from the rising or falling share price trend. The data source uses secondary data in annual financial and sustainability reports of each company listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) and Sri Kehati Index, respectively, in 2016 - 2020. The data analysis method uses panel data regression, which was conducted in stages to determine the most appropriate regression model, and finally fixed effect was selected. The results of the study show that the variables of profitability and firm value affect stock prices, while social responsibility does not.
Strategic positioning and is it a useful construct in improving performance of microfinance institutions in Kenya
Authors: Kapukha Jackline , Makau Muathe Stephen
Published: October 2023

This paper aims to examine the effect of strategic leadership, resource allocation, information technology, customer focus, and differentiation on the performance of microfinance institutions in Nairobi City County. The study was founded on a resource-based view, dynamic capability and life-cycle theories. A target of 300 employees was targeted from which a sample of 172 research participants was recruited. The sample was selected through a combination of both stratified and sampling techniques. Questionnaires were used for primary data collection. Analysis used both descriptive and multiple regression analyses. The findings of the study indicated the urgency for microfinance organizations to adopt growth strategies that encompass innovative digital advancements, the introduction of novel products, innovation-focused strategies, and the digitization of services. The findings further highlighted the pivotal roles played by strategic positioning, strategic leadership, information technology integration, and differentiation in significantly shaping microfinance institutions’ performance. The findings also indicated that a unit enhancement of strategic positioning indicator had a significant enhancement on their individual performance. However, the effect of customer focus and resource allocation did not exhibit the same level of significance. The study recommended the reinforcement of strategic positioning, optimized resource allocation, embracing technological integration, and an unwavering focus on customer needs. The study recommended the exploration of diverse leadership styles, resource allocation strategies, and the undertaking of comparative analyses to draw insights into the effects of these factors on microfinance institutions.
STUDY OF INLAND WATERWAY TRANSPORT ROUTING OPTIONS UNDER CONDITIONS OF UNCERTAINTY IN NAVIGATIONAL RESTRICTIONS
Authors: PENCHEVA Velizara , ASENOV Asen , GEORGIEV Ivan , IVANOV Boril , ZANEV Ivelin
Published: October 2023

Given the uncertainty of the navigating conditions on the Danube River, the hydrological situation on the Bulgarian leg of the river is predicted using ARIMA methods. The forecast is based on statistical daily hydrological data for a period of five years. A mathematical routing model is developed under the condition that it is not possible for a self-propelled vessel to continue its voyage due to draft limitation. Options including waiting for navigation opening, partial lightening on a barge, and a complete or partial modal shift to rail or road transport through an alternative port are considered. An acceptable option is determined, taking into account the additional costs and transit time. A routing simulation is made using SPSS software.
AN APPROACH TO TECHNOLOGICAL EQUIPMENT SELECTION FOR MEASURING RAILWAY TRACK GEOMETRY
Authors: BUREIKA Gintautas
Published: October 2023

The most-used railway track geometry measurement systems are considered in this study. The advantages and disadvantages of considered systems and the necessity and application of these technologies in European railways were examined. The decisive factors of the operation of measurement equipment were considered. Real-time railway track condition monitoring systems were evaluated by 14 experts according to a scale of 13 criteria. Questionnaire data were processed using Kendall’s rank correlation method, and the mean ranks were normalized using the average rank transformation into weight method. The most relevant evaluation criteria describing the principles of operation and quality of the most promising technologies were defined. The most important criteria for assessing the suitability of technologies were determined by applying the technique for order of preference by similarity to ideal solution. Finally, basic conclusions and recommendations were formulated.
ENHANCING MOBILITY: DEVELOPING A PEDESTRIAN SOLUTION FOR LOCOMOTION CHALLENGES AND ROAD SAFETY
Authors: WNUK Aneta , JANKOWSKA-KARPA Dagmara
Published: October 2023

Orthopedic crutch attachments (caps) are an important but underestimated element supporting the safety of pedestrians, including elderly road users with disabilities. A review of the literature shows that this topic is rarely the subject of research and new solutions. In 2022, the multidisciplinary team of the Motor Transport Institute started multi-stage work to develop and implement innovative multi-functional attachments to orthopedic equipment as an element improving the comfort of movement of this group in various weather conditions. Focus group interviews with potential users, which were a part of the project, indicated the most important features of the selection of such a solution, such as material, anti-slip properties, ease of replacement, durability (low abrasion), ensuring stability, and quiet operation. On this basis, the final prototype of the orthopedic crutch attachment presented in the article was developed. In addition, areas related to road safety and pedestrian safety devices were identified, the implementation and promotion of which could improve the functioning of orthopedic equipment users.
Makna dan Penerapan Uang Pisah pada Pemutusan Hubungan Kerja dalam Hukum Ketenagakerjaan Indonesia
Authors: Hernawan Ari
Published: October 2023

The Employment Law, the Job Creation Law and their derivatives only provide separation pay as an obligation of the employer which must be fulfilled to the employee when terminating their employment relationship due to certain reasons, while leaving the amount to be regulated in the separate work agreement, the company regulations or the collective work agreement. The absence of authentic interpretation and provisions regarding the amount of separation pay in employment regulations in Indonesia raises problems in both the meaning and the application of the law. The questions raised in this research are whether the court decision that applies the amount of severance pay the same as the amount of reward for the fulfilled term of office is correct, and is the meaning behind setting the amount of separation pay determined in the work agreement, the company regulations, or the collective work agreement. This research aims to identify and analyze the aforementioned problems. The research method used is normative and analytical descriptive which relies on secondary data as the source. The results of the research display that, in cases where it is not regulated, the judge ultimately determines the amount of separation pay to be the same as the calculation of the gratuity for long service. This is not entirely correct because the reward for a long period of service is intended as a gratuity for years of service that has been dedicated to the company so that rational considerations are the basis for the calculation and separation money is intended more as a bond of love so that the moral dimension is stronger.
Sikap Hakim dalam Menerapkan Pasal 1321 KUHPerdata: Studi Putusan Pengadilan di Indonesia
Authors: Sugiastuti Natasya Yunita , Desmayanti Rakhmita , Shahin Nahla Samir Ahmed
Published: October 2023

In legal science, coercion, error and fraud as regulated in Article 1321 of the Civil Code are classic defects of will. Parties who express an agreement without freedom, based on Article 1449 of the Civil Code, are given legal protection in the form of the right to request cancellation of the agreement. The problem is that the defect in the will lies in the process of forming the agreement so that it is impossible to obtain written evidence. In fact, letters are the main evidence in civil proceedings and hence the duty of the judge is to identify and to realize the formal truth. The aim of this research is to determine the judge's attitude in deciding whether there is a defect of will in forming an agreement. This normative legal research uses statutory, conceptual, case, and analytical approaches. Secondary data was obtained through literature study, the analysis was qualitative and concluded inductively. The research results show that there remain judges whose legal considerations are only based on proof that the parties have signed an agreement. There are also judges who look at the relevance of the surrounding legal facts thoroughly and comprehensively so that they can find any defects of will in the construction of the formation of the agreement.
HRFNet: A Novel Hierarchical Rich-scale Fusion Network for Remote Sensing Semantic Segmentation
Authors: Zhang Haoxue , Xie Gang
Published: October 2023

The semantic segmentation of high-resolution remote sensing images (HR-RSI) is crucial for a wide range of applications, such as precision agriculture, urban planning, natural resource assessment, and ecological monitoring. However, accurately classifying pixels in HR-RSI faces challenges due to densely distributed small objects and scale variations. Existing techniques, including Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and other methods for hierarchical feature extraction and fusion of remote sensing image, often do not achieve the desired accuracy. In this paper, we propose a novel approach called the Hierarchical Rich-scale Fusion Network (HRFNet) to address these challenges. HRFNet utilizes advanced information rating and image partition techniques to extract rich-scale features within image layers. This allows for the adaptive exploration of both local and global contextual information. Moreover, we introduce a structured intra-layer to inter-layer feature aggregation module, which enables the adaptive extraction of fine-grained details and high-level semantic information from multi-layer feature maps in a highly flexible manner. Extensive experimentation has been conducted to validate the effectiveness of our proposed method. Our results demonstrate that HRFNet outperforms existing techniques, achieving state-of-the-art (SOTA) results on benchmark datasets, specifically the ISPRS Potsdam and Vaihingen datasets.
Modeling Role of Sustainable Supply Management Practices on performance and sustainable development of South Africa’s listed companies.
Authors: Kato Ahmed Idi , Manchidi NH
Published: October 2023

The effective implementation of a sustainable supply chain leadership (SSCL) strategy at each organization’s level, positively impacts on corporation’s competitive advantage and sustainable development. While fears have been acknowledged in previous literature, the benefit of designing Sustainable supply chain models for operational excellence and sustainable development is a noteworthy exploration. The study collected statistical data using an online Survey- monkey questionnaire from 46 of the top 100 JSE-listed companies with the intention to elucidate the large firms’ transition from longstanding linear approaches to sustainable production and consumption to a more circular approach. A bivariate data analysis was used to generate the results in SPSS. The results indicate a positive contribution of SSCL strategy to operational excellence and sustainable development of large corporations if only the entire supply chain system is well-coordinated and implemented. This study makes a vital contribution by proposing a new SSCL model for fast-tracking corporate sustainability and enhancing corporate contributions to sustainable growth.
Blood Cell Classification: Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and Vision Transformer (ViT) under Medical Microscope
Authors: Abou Ali Mohamad , Dornaika Fadi , Arganda-Carreras Ignacio
Published: October 2023

Deep Learning (DL) has made significant advances in computer vision with the advent of Vision Transformers (ViT). Unlike Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), ViTs use self-attention to extract both local and global features from image data, and then use residual connections to feed these features directly into a fully networked multilayer perceptron head. In hospitals, hematologists prepare peripheral blood smears (PBSs) and read them under a medical microscope to detect abnormalities in blood counts such as leukemia. However, this task is time-consuming and prone to human error. This study investigates the transfer learning process of Google ViT and ImageNet CNNs to automate the reading of PBSs. The study used two online PBS datasets, PBC and BCCD, and transferred them into balanced datasets to investigate the influence of data amount and noise immunity on both neural networks. The PBC results show that Google ViT is an excellent DL neural solution for data scarcity. The BCCD results show that Google ViT is superior to ImageNet CNNs in dealing with unclean, noisy image data because it is able to extract both global and local features and use residual connections, despite the additional time and computational overhead.
Evidence of Age Estimation Procedures in Forensic Dentistry: Results from an Umbrella Review
Authors: Albernaz Neves João , Bandeira Lopes Luísa , Machado Vanessa , Botelho João , Delgado Ana , Mendes José João
Published: October 2023

Age estimation is an important tool when dealing with human remains or undocumented minors. Although the skull, the skeleton or the hand-wrist are used on age estimation as maturity indicators, they often present lack of good conditions for a correct identification or estimation. Few systematic reviews (SRs) have been recently published; therefore, this umbrella review critically assesses their level of evidence and provides a general comprehensive view. An electronic database search was conducted in four databases (PubMed, Cochrane, WoS, LILACS) up to December 2022, focusing on SRs of age estimation through forensic dentistry procedures. The methodological quality was analyzed using the measurement tool to assess SRs criteria (AMSTAR2). Eighteen SRs were included, five of critically low quality, six of low quality, three of moderate quality and four of high quality. The SRs posited that Willems’ method is more accurate and less prone to overestimation; most methods seem to be geographically sensitive; and 3D-Imaging and artificial intelligence tools demonstrate high potential. The quality of evidence on age estimation using dental approaches was rated as low to moderate. Well-designed clinical trials and high standard systematic reviews are essential to corroborate the accuracy of the different procedures of age estimation in forensic dentistry.
Neuroadaptive Biochemical Mechanisms of Remote Ischemic Conditioning
Authors: Baranova Ksenia , Nalivaeva Natalia , Rybnikova Elena
Published: October 2023

This review summarizes the currently known biochemical neuroadaptive mechanisms of remote ischemic conditioning. In particular, it focuses on the significance of the pro-adaptive effects of remote ischemic conditioning, which allow prevention of neurological and cognitive impairments associated with hippocampal dysregulation after brain damage. The neuro-immuno-humoral pathway of transmitting a conditioning stimulus, as well as the molecular basis of the early and delayed phases of neuroprotection, including anti-apoptotic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components, are also outlined. Based on the close interplay between the effects of ischemia, especially mediated by interaction of HIF factors and steroid hormones, the involvement of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical system in remote ischemic conditioning is also discussed.
Lipopolysaccharide Stimulates A549 Cell Migration through P-tyr 42 RhoA and Phospholipase D1 Activity
Authors: Mahmud Shohel , Hamza Amir , Min Jung Ki , Islam Rokibul , Dogsom Oyungerel , Park Jae-Bong
Published: October 2023

Cell migration crucial contributor to metastasis, a critical process associated with the mortality of cancer patients. The initiation of metastasis is triggered by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), along with the changes of the expression of EMT marker proteins. Inflammation plays a significant role in carcinogenesis and metastasis. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), a typical inflammatory agent, promoted the generation of superoxide through the activation of p-Tyr42 RhoA, Rho-dependent kinase 2 (ROCK2) and the phosphorylation of p47phox. In addition, p-Tyr42 RhoA activated phospholipase D1 (PLD1), with PLD1 and phosphatidic acid (PA) being involved in superoxide production. PA also regulated the expression of EMT maker proteins. Consequently, we have identified MHY9 (Miosin IIA, NMIIA) as a PA-binding protein in response to LPS. MYH9 also contributed cell migration and the alteration of the expression of EMT marker proteins. P-Tyr42 RhoA, PLD1 and MYH9 associated to form a complex, which was distributed in both the cytosol and nucleus. In addition, we have found that p-Tyr42 RhoA and PLD1 associated with the ZEB1 promoter. Taken together, we propose that p-Tyr42 RhoA and PLD1, responsible for producing PA, and PA-bound MYH9 are involved in the regulation of ZEB1 expression, thereby promoting cell migration.
Osteonecrosis of Humeral Head after Arthroscopic Capsular Release for Postoperative Shoulder Joint Stiffness: A Case Report
Authors: Lee Jae Hoo , Kim Hyung Suh , Nha Kyung Wook
Published: October 2023

Arthroscopic capsular release (ACR) is used for persistent shoulder stiffness after an index surgery. No cases of post-ACR humeral head osteonecrosis have been reported to date. A 56-year-old male patient underwent open reduction and internal fixation using a hook plate for acromioclavicular joint dislocation. Despite hardware removal, the patient presented with unresolved shoulder pain and range-of-motion (ROM) limitation. He had a history of hypertension, chronic hepatitis B infection, and alcohol consumption. Preoperative ROM was forward flexion 90°and internal rotation sacral level. Preoperative functional status was visual analog scale (VAS) score 4, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons (ASES) score 51, and Constant–Murley (CMS) score 48, and normal radiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Standard ACR was performed with 360° release of the joint capsule via electrocautery ablation. Six-months post-ACR, ROM (forward flexion: 135°, abduction: 135°, external rotation: 70°, internal rotation: T10 vertebra) and functional outcomes (VAS 2; ASES79; CMS 75) were significantly improved, without interval change in radiographic assessment. However, 21 months later, he had recurrent shoulder pain and decreased ROM. Radiography revealed humeral head osteonecrosis. Patients with intrinsic or extrinsic risk factors related to humeral head circulation disturbance should be monitored for humeral head osteonecrosis post-ACR.
Application of Intracranial Compliance in Clinical Approaches for Brain Disorders
Authors: Gholampour Seifollah
Published: October 2023

Intracranial compliance (ICC) plays a pivotal role in understanding the underlying mechanisms of various brain disorders and is of great clinical importance. Therefore, addressing the challenges in practical application of ICC is crucial for neurosurgeons. This study explored the significance of ICC assessment considering the time-dependency of specific brain disorders through two distinct approaches: short and large time elapsed (TE) in measuring volume or intracranial pressure (ICP) changes in the ICC equation (∆Volume/∆ICP). Variations in ICC values were observed across various ICC assessment methods and different TE values. Notably, the compensatory response of the brain exhibited non-monotonic and variable changes in a large TE for certain brain disorders, diverging from patterns observed in short TE assessments. Furthermore, the recovery behavior of the brain changed under different brain disorders when exposed to short and long TE conditions. These findings emphasized the dynamic nature of ICC and provided valuable insights into the correct practical assessment of ICC by selecting the appropriate TE, as well as considering the differences in strain rates and loading durations on the brain in different brain disorders. These insights also shed light on the reasons why, despite its clinical significance, ICC monitoring has not yet become a standard component of clinical care, unlike ICP monitoring.
Accounting for the Evolution of Sedentarism in Food Security Assessment
Authors: Michels Jacob , Beghin John C.
Published: October 2023

Widely used estimates of food-insecure populations are likely to be biased upwards, lacking adjustment for global increases in sedentary behavior in recent decades. We first construct a household model to account for sedentary choices during leisure and work time decisions. The model rationalizes increasing sedentary behavior from the household by accounting for increasing returns to cognitive human capital vs physical capital, alongside increased productivity of more sedentary activities both at work and at home. The household model then informs an empirical model that makes use of our unique international pseudo-panel data on sitting time, which serves as a proxy for sedentarism. We econometrically estimate a transfer function linking sedentarism to widely available covariates, which then are used to make out-of-sample predictions and can be applied to a large set of countries. The estimated sedentary time can be used to adjust the physical activity level reflected in the minimum dietary energy requirement used to determine a cutoff for food insecurity.
Deciphering the Role of SEC61G in Glioblastoma Multiforme Progression
Authors: Swati Kumari , Quazi Sameer , Arfin Saniya , Panda Siva Prasad , Prakash Anand , Kumar Dhruv
Published: October 2023

Aim: Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is a prevalent brain cancer which accounts for 80% of cases globally with a noticeably short life expectancy subsequent diagnosis. There are several factors associated with GBM including alterations and over expressions of oncoproteins. Analysis of SEC61G expression in GBM patient’s favor tumour progression, which promotes an environment of oxidative stress, while preventing apoptosis.
Methods: In this article using in silico tools including GEPIA2, ULCAN, LinkedOmics, Gene MANIA and mirTEd, we observed the role of SEC61G gene in GBM progression by analyzing the expression, positive correlation associated with metabolic, mitochondrial gene, immune cell infiltration level, gene interaction networks, miRNA association as well as survival analysis.
Results: The expression of the mitochondrial, metabolic genes PGLS, PGK1, EIF6, and EIF3K which are involved in redox metabolism and CD63 immunoregulation, as well as other genes that promote tumour progression and invasion, including EGFR, LANCL2, BCL2L12, SEC61G-DT, KDELR1, CDKN2A, IFNA16, IFNA10, and BCL7C were positively correlated with the increased/high expression of SEC61G.We also found hsa-mir-380-5p to be unregulated in glioblastoma phenotypes.
Conclusion: Our findings suggest that SEC61G associated redox metabolism, complement system and immunoregulation, as well as miRNA expression can be targeted to develop a potential therapeutic approach for GBM patients.