bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictors of the efficacy of infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Kazarin D. D. , Chupina M. S. , Shklyaev A. E.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The currently known prognostic criteria for biological therapy have limitations and have not been widely used in clinical practice.Aim. Find predictors of the effectiveness of biological therapy with infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis.Materials and methods. The object of the study was patients (n = 52) diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis in the active form of the disease, including 27 men and 25 women undergoing therapy with infliximab. Follow-up was carried out for three years from the start of therapy. The age of the examined persons ranged from 19 to 64 years (mean age 34.76 ± 2.13 years). The mean score on the Mayo scale was 6.1 ± 3.49.Results. In the course of our study, we obtained the following data on the effectiveness of infliximab therapy in patients with severe ulcerative colitis: a significant improvement in the dynamics of laboratory and instrumental parameters was recorded in 25 people (43.8%); the onset of stable clinical remission — in 15 people (26.3%); disease progression — in 5 cases (8.7%); lack of dynamics or a less pronounced effect — in 12 cases (21.2%).Conclusions. We have identified a system of clinical and laboratory factors that make it possible to predict the effectiveness of biological therapy with infliximab in patients with ulcerative colitis. The mathematical model in the form of a discriminant function makes it possible to divide patients into groups depending on the possible effect of the use of biological therapy with infliximab before its initiation (the sensitivity of the model is 83.3%, the specificity is 71.4%).
The possibilities of transabdominal sonographic diagnosis of liver and intestinal lesions in comorbid gastroesophageal reflux disease
Authors: Gorban V. V. , Matveeva E. V. , Gorban E. V. , Kameneva E. S.
Published: October 2022

Introduction. The spread of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), comorbid with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, requires modification of methods for non-invasive diagnosis of liver steatosis and fibrosis and concomitant gastrointestinal syndromes.Aim. Substantiation of a modified complex outpatient transabdominal sonographic diagnosis of combined lesions of the liver and intestines in comorbid GERD.Materials and methods. 165 outpatients with GERD (mean age 40.4 ± 2.9 years) underwent clinical and laboratory examinations, ultrasound examination (UE) of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), liver shear wave elastometry (SWE), esophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy (CS).Results and discussion. In patients with GERD, a pronounced transsyndromic comorbidity was observed. The degrees of steatosis and fibrosis of the liver according to SWE positively correlated with the biochemical indices APRI and FORNS. ST-index of liver steatosis was statistically significantly associated with the presence of esophagitis, bile sludge, gallbladder polyps and thickening of the colon wall according to ultrasound criteria, sigmoiditis according to CS. Steatosis on ultrasound was associated with male sex, increased waist circumference, lactase deficiency and deficiency of cholecalciferol in the blood, the presence of yeast-like fungi in feces. Liver fibrosis according to the FORNS index directly correlated with the volume of HE-reflux, duodenitis and intestinal damage according to the results of ultrasound, and according to the APRI index, it inversely correlated with the concentration of vitamin D3 in the blood. Fibrosis according to the ESP criteria directly correlated with the presence of hiatal hernia, bile sludge, and the volume of HE-refluxate according to ultrasound criteria; with lactase deficiency, as well as esophagitis and colitis on endoscopic signs.Conclusions. To identify steatosis and liver fibrosis, the SWE methodology can be considered priority, and serum panels of biomarkers – alternative. Ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract and SWE allow you to identify the degree of steatosis and fibrosis of the liver, the pathology of the esophagus, colon and the biliary system.
Nutrition of elderly persons during a new coronavirus infection
Authors: Solgalova S. A. , Kechedzhieva S. G.
Published: October 2022

A new coronavirus infection (COVID-19) of a particularly severe course is more often observed in the elderly, this is largely due to age-related immunological and metabolic changes, as well as polymorbidity. In the literature, increasing evidence highlights how malnutrition negatively affects the immune system functionality, impairing protection from infections.Individual vitamins and trace elements play an important role in supporting both innate and acquired immune defenses. Many chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases in the elderly are often associated with a high risk of malnutrition and a poorer prognosis. The main causes of malnutrition are limited mobility, catabolic changes in skeletal muscles, as well as a decrease in food intake, which can be further aggravated in the elderly. In this article the role of nutrition of elderly patients in the period of a new coronavirus infection pandemic is analyzed. Nutrition is a determinant of the health status of older persons. Inadequate nutrition contributes to the progression of many diseases, and also increases the risk of adverse outcomes, including coronavirus infection. Therefore, it is important to assess the nutritional status of patients infected with COVID‐19 at all stages of treatment. It is imperative to provide adequate nutrition, which will make up for the deficiency of micro- / macronutrients, primarily protein and energy necessary for the recovery of the body.According to modern recommendations, the management program for elderly patients with COVID-19 should include measures aimed at screening, preventing and treatment of malnutrition.
Diagnosis of disorders in the coagulation system, assessment of the risk of hemorrhagic complications in severe cirrhosis/liver diseases according to global screening tests of the hemostasis system and principles for their correction: guidelines
Authors: Maevskaya M. V. , Zharkova M. S. , Ivashkin V. T. , Bessonova E. N. , Geyvandova N. I. , Kitsenko E. A. , Korochanskaya N. V. , Kurkina I. A. , Melikyan A. L. , Morozov V. G. , Khoronko Yu. V.
Published: October 2022

Hemostasis disorders in cirrhosis / severe liver disease are complex, as they affect both pro- and anticoagulant factors, as well as pro- and antifibrinolytic components. Most of the tests that are used in clinical practice to assess coagulation do not take into account the compensatory capabilities of this system as a whole. This document provides guidance for the optimal application and interpretation of global screening tests in the assessment of hemostasis in cirrhosis/severe liver disease, analysis of risk factor of spontaneous and perioperative hemorrhagic complications in these patients, and possible ways to correct them. Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common hematological abnormalities in cirrhosis/ severe liver disease. The frequency of thrombocytopenia in such patients at the stage of liver cirrhosis is 70%, at the pre-cirrhotic stage – 6%. The latest scientific data on the use of thrombopoietin receptor agonists in chronic liver diseases are presented: which patients are the best candidates for a such of therapy. The rationality and limitations in prescribing blood components to patients with liver cirrhosis/severe liver diseases are described. Emphasis is placed on the fact that a number of hemorrhagic complications develop for other non-coagulopathic reasons: decompensated portal hypertension, traumatization of a varicose vein with trophic wall disorders, etc. Data are presented on the use of viscoelastic tests to optimize the management of patients with liver cirrhosis, which simultaneously assess the four main known components of the hemostasis system: the coagulation cascade, platelets, anticoagulant mechanisms and the fibrinolysis system. These tests allow optimization of transfusion of blood components in such patients and should be further studied. Research in this very complex area of hepatology is ongoing and must continue.
Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Suplotovа L. A. , Kulmametova D. S. , Fedorova A. I. , Dushina T. S. , Makarova O. B.
Published: October 2022

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is one of the most common liver diseases, morphologically representing a whole spectrum of pathological conditions, from steatosis and steatohepatitis to fibrosis, the clinical outcomes of which can be liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The frequency of adverse outcomes in the course of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease significantly increases against the background of type 2 diabetes mellitus, which is probably due to the pathogenetic synergy of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus associated with metabolic syndrome. The commonality of pathogenetic links, as a result, suggests the unidirectionality of therapeutic approaches. In this connection, a search was made for studies and meta-analyses in large electronic databases (MEDLINE, Scopus, UpToDate, CyberLeninka) in order to study modern methods of pharmacotherapy for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The results of a number of experimental and clinical studies evaluating the effect of hypoglycemic drugs of the group of sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitors on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease demonstrate a wide range of intrahepatic effects that affect the manifestations of liver steatosis and fibrosis through the regulation of oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, effects on intrahepatic inflammation, autophagy and apoptosis, as well as indirectly affecting hepatic metabolism, by reducing body weight. In addition, today gliflozins are rushing to occupy a completely new therapeutic niche, demonstrating anticarcinogenic effects in experimental studies. Thus, the pleiotropic effect of inhibitors of the sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 suggests a potential hepatoprotective effect in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its outcomes.
Vibrio pathogenicity island and phage CTX genes in Vibrio alginolyticus isolated from different aquatic environments
Authors: Khouadja Sadok , Roque Ana , Gonzalez Mar , Furones Dolors
Published: October 2022

In the present study, we investigated the presence of four Vibrio cholerae virulence genes (ctxA, VPI, Zot and ace) in 36 Vibrio alginolyticus isolates obtained from different seawater, sediments and aquatic organisms. We tested the virulence of 13 V. alginolyticus strains against juveniles of Sparus aurata and this virulence was correlated with the presence of V. cholerae virulence genes. A positive amplification for the virulence pathogenicity island was produced by five V. alginolyticus strains and four for cholerae toxin. Some of the V. alginolyticus strains are pathogenic to aquatic animals and might have derived their virulence genes from V. cholerae. V. alginolyticus strains can be considered as a possible reservoir of V. cholerae virulence genes.
Effects of inorganic arsenic species on the antioxidant enzyme system of the Amazon Sword Plant (Echinodorus amazonicus Rataj)
Authors: Şener İdris , Yabanlı Murat , Yozukmaz Aykut
Published: October 2022

This study aims to examine the effects of Arsenite (As+3) and Arsenate (As+5) on the aquatic macrophyte Amazon Sword Plant (Echinodorus amazonicus Rataj). To this aim, different concentrations of As+3 and As+5 (0, 6, 18 and 54 μM) were analyzed. At the end of the trail, photosynthetic pigment contents, total protein amounts, the enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT) activities and the amount of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the leaf samples of E. amazonicus were investigated. The antioxidant enzyme activities increased at low concentrations (32.13% for SOD, 185% for CAT and 201.5% for POX in the groups of 6 μM As+5), but decreased at high concentrations (64.98% for SOD, 21.64% for CAT and 21.29% for POX in the groups of 54 μM As+3). MDA increased in all the treatment groups. The highest MDA contents were observed as 96% for 54 μM As+3 and 71.50% for 54 μM As+5. Photosynthetic pigment contents and the amount of protein were decreased with higher concentrations. The most significant decreases in protein content were 65% for 54 μM As+3 and 34.9% for 54 μM As+5. As a result, the toxicity of As+3 was higher and the toxic effect increased at higher concentrations.
Using plant data to estimate biodegradable COD fractions – case study kwaMashu WWTP
Authors: Brouckaert Barbara , Brouckaert Christopher , Singh Akash , Pillay Kaverajen , Flores-Alsina Xavier , Ikumi David
Published: October 2022

A modelling study is under way in preparation for a planned upgrade of the capacity of the kwaMashu WWTP in eThekwini, South Africa, from 50 to 80 ML/d. When the configuration of an existing plant is to be changed, the most critical part of the model calibration is the influent wastewater fractionation. However, the constantly varying characteristics of wastewater make experimental determination of an adequately representative set of components difficult, time-consuming and expensive, which constitutes significant barriers to the adoption of modelling by many municipalities. Compliance and process monitoring generate large sets of influent measurements of chemical oxygen demand (COD), free and saline ammonia (FSA), total suspended solids (TSS), etc., but these are insufficient for modelling purposes. In particular, biodegradability is not routinely measured. However, since influent fractionation is designed to predict the fate of material in the wastewater treatment process, it should be possible to infer the fractionation from a combination of influent and plant measurements. This case study demonstrates the application of a pair of modelling tools, a probabilistic influent fractionator and a simplified steady‑state plant‑wide model, to estimate the influent fractionation, together with certain unmeasured or unreliable operational parameters.
Alternatives of Developing Technological Entrepreneurship in the World
Authors: Belskikh I. E. , Kosobokova E. V.
Published: October 2022

The article studies possible alternatives of developing technological entrepreneurship in Russia and in the world in view of scenario approach: territorial communications in the scale of Big Eurasia programs; upgrading raw material technologies, in particular, mass access of small forms of technological business to completion of worked-out wells and mines; developing service sector for global economy (construction, transport, education, recreation, etc.). In this case gradation of countries according to the level of entrepreneurship development is carried out. Four groups of countries are named: highly-developed, medium-developed, underdeveloped and countries of the ‘falling type’ (for example, Afghanistan, Haiti, Somali, etc.). Classical definition of technological entrepreneurship tasks was formulated: selection of ideas, organization of financing, commercialization and mass production. The significance of private sector as a principle driver of the innovation process was highlighted. Types of financing for technological innovation were systematized according to countries: venture, in-company, state and mixed. State-private partnership for this type of business was assessed. Examples were provided on the basis of Russian and Danish experience in the underground construction. The authors proposed a global pyramid of technological entrepreneurship describing levels of development hierarchy.
cologo-Economic Substantiation of Industrial Introducing of Solid Municipal Waste Technologies
Authors: Alyabeva M. V. , Miroshnikov L. A. , Verevkin O. V.
Published: October 2022

The article studies methods of recycling waste in the Russian Federation, including its effective recycling within the frames of introduction of the closed cycle, which aims at resolving ecological problems in the field of treating solid municipal waste (SMW) to obtain power and at cutting greenhouse gas emissions. Household and solid industrial waste litters our environment, spoils landscape and makes up the base of harmful biological, chemical and biochemical matters entering the sphere of our life. In social infrastructure fields of solid municipal waste take a bottom position. Objects of this type require serious attention and the effective system of treating waste should be developed. In this connection a research was done concerning output of dumping gas on SMW field in the city of Belgorod in order to obtain information about its energy use. The article provides findings of technological and economic analysis of the waste recycling process by getting biogases. The importance of obtained results of calculation and research could provide chances of implementing new innovation projects on power utilization of waste in case of acceptable payback period and profitability.
Managing Intangible Assets as a Driver for Growth and Development of Industrial Enterprise
Authors: Elina O. A. , Bykova O. N.
Published: October 2022

A major specific feature of today’s fast growing enterprises is a high share of intangible assets in the structure of organization property and considerable costs for R & D in the overall structure of expenditure. As a rule this feature is typical of enterprises of the highly-technological sector. They are characterized by a high degree of innovation in their functioning (new branches, new methods of production) or their results (advanced, revolutionary products), by using deep scientific knowledge, experience and advanced technologies. For these enterprises the problem of adequate managing of intangible assets is of paramount importance. The authors provide findings of the research dealing with the role of intangible assets as a factor of the highly-technological nature in the development of enterprise. They analyze key approaches in managing intangible assets aimed at growth and development of industrial production, put forward a model of managing intangible assets that can create optimum conditions for growth and development of enterprise in conditions of current challenges in the outward environment and objectives of national industrial policy.
Key Principles of Governing Business-Incubator in University
Authors: Nachevskiy M. V.
Published: October 2022

Efficiency of economy development directly depends on implementation of measures supporting business entities, including upgrading entrepreneurial infrastructure. This problem was repeatedly discussed at the highest level of state governance of the Russian Federation, in particular within the frames of the President of Russian address to the Federal Assembly in 2021. Business-incubators are a key element of such infrastructure. It should be pointed out that specialized literature has not thoroughly studied the issue of business-incubators functions in today’s economy.  In general these functions can be differentiated in accordance with the stage of macro-economic development and overall strategy of finance and economic policy observed within the frames of a concrete state, depending on geopolitical situation, trends in global economy changes, possible foreign economic preferences and risks. Effectiveness of today’s incubator development, viewed both in finance and social aspect directly depends on the quality of methodological tools of their functioning efficiency appraisal. The article gives a classification of business-incubators by a number of important economic and managerial criteria, which gives a chance to find their most preferable type depending on strategic goals and objectives of developing the incubator’s founder and general functioning requirements of the relative territorial (federal, regional or municipal) system of entrepreneurial work support.  The author underlines that today’s business-incubator should possess a multi-sectoral character, it should be set up for the conventionally unlimited period, provide system and various finance support to residents , be integrated into space of digital economy, realize its own education programs of different profile and have a preventive model of management. Business-incubator is considered in two aspects. In a wider sense it is a specialized social and economic institution oriented to provision of long-term rise in intensity and finance and economic efficiency of entrepreneurial activity at the expense of favorable conditions for locating potentially competitive businessstructures at the initial stage of their life cycles on special territories.  In the narrower sense business-incubator is an entity of territorial (federal, regional or municipal) system of supporting entrepreneurial initiatives, which could ensure their progressive development at the expense of providing production, technological, finance, information, consultative and other resources on preference or free of charge basis.
Small Molecule Antagonists Targeting Growth Factors/Receptors
Authors: Yang Dajun , Wang Shaomeng
Published: October 2022

Control of cell proliferation is regulated by interaction of soluble growth factors and cell membrane receptors. Studies of growth factors and their receptors provide a new approach to elucidate mechanisms of cancer progression, and more importantly, a unique potential for development of targeted anticancer therapy. A growth factor (ligand) binding to its receptor(s) triggers a complex series of intracellular signaling pathways th_at may culminate in a change in cell behavior. Considerable number of studies indicate that the inappropriate expression and/or activation of the growth factor/receptors can mediate abnormal cellular signaling and oncogenic transformation both in vitro and in vivo system. These results strongly support the hypothesis that growth factors/receptors plays an important role in the tumorigenesis of cancer.
A number of families of structurally related growth factors and receptors have been identified and were considered as potential targets for specific antitumor therapy. This review will focus on recent advances in drug discovery that have identified small organic molecules that affect ligand binding, kinase activity, and signaling transduction and alter cell function. Recent progress of small molecule-based drug discovery targeting several growth factor/receptor families is presented. Approach utilizing computer based 3D pharmacophore searches is discussed. These approaches to develop novel anticancer therapies focus on mechanisms different from conventional chemotherapeutic and radiotherapeutic regimens. These targeted anticancer therapies may be highly tumor cell specific, since they do not require host accessory factors. Furthermore, these potential small molecule drugs may have the capacity to synergistically or additively improve the presently available hormonal, radiation or chemotherapy of cancer.
Insomnia – Is it a Symptom or a Disorder?
Authors: Senel Gulcin Benbir
Published: October 2022

Insomnia disorder is a common public health problem with a prevalence of approximately 2-5% of the population. It is of major importance to differentiate the insomnia disorder from the isolated symptoms and normal variants, and to define the secondary or associated conditions. Insomnia was mainly classified as acute and chronic insomnia disorder based on the 3rd edition of the International Classification of Sleep Disorders. Many models have been developed to explain the underlying mechanisms of insomnia, such as the Drosophila model, the cognitive model, the psychobiological inhibition model, the neurocognitive model, stimulus control model, hyperarousal model and the “3P model” (Spielman model). Optimizing the environmental conditions, lifestyle changes and elaborating the triggering factors are the first step in the management of insomnia disorders.
An Object-Based Model in Physics
Authors: Suprun Sergey P. , Suprun Anatoly P. , Petrenko Victor F.
Published: October 2022

A topological model of the object-based space is represented as a bundle
allowing for a complete description of an object by specifying the intensity and rigidity
of its properties, and the object itself is represented as a resultant vector. As a case
study, an object-based space is constructed that makes it possible to obtain the relations
of the special theory of relativity as the conservation laws of informational content
without using the hypothesis on the existence of space and time.
Delayed-Choice Quantum Eraser in a Space-time Description
Authors: Suprun Sergey P. , Suprun Anatoly P. , Petrenko Victor F.
Published: October 2022

Analysis of the quantum physics experiments relying on the object-based
concepts in space-time terms leads to irresolvable paradoxes. These paradoxes can be
resolved by accepting that the wave function collapse, similar to time, matches the
object-based model in consciousness that describes the result of observation and,
moreover, the understanding of this means that the fact is fixed in the mental map.
Congestive Heart Failure: Insight on Pharmacotherapy
Authors: Bharathi G.S Sri , Sundaram S Sakthi , S Prabhakaran , V Lalitha , Sherief S Haja , R Duraisami , S Sengottuvelu
Published: October 2022

Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is the inability of the heart to supply blood to other organs and tissues to meet its need for metabolism. Over 64.3 million people around the world live with heart failure. Some of the common causes of CHF include myocardial infarction, increase in blood pressure, atrial fibrillation and cardiomyopathy. The complete etiology of CHF is complex. Patients with HF often experience fatigue, dyspnea, and pain, lack of energy, cognitive impairment and depression. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) is a measure of the amount of blood pumped from the heart's left ventricle during each contraction. It is used as a phenotypic marker in the indication of the pathophysiological mechanism and sensitivity to therapy. The pathogenesis of HF with low ejection fraction is that of a progressive state. The various classes of drugs used clinically for the treatment of congestive heart failure are diuretics, beta blockers, ACE inhibitors and vasopressin receptor antagonists. The management of Heart failure includes acute decompensation, chronic management and palliative care. Cardiac glycosides are a varied group of naturally obtained compounds used in the treatment of CHF. They exhibit their action by binding to and inhibiting Na+/K+-ATPase. Then, they consequently increase the force of myocardial contraction. The primary structure of these drugs is a steroidal framework, which is the pharmacophoric component that is responsible for their activity. The most familiar cardiac glycosides are digitoxin, digoxin, oleandrin, bufalin, ouabain, marinobufagenin, telocinobufagin and aerobufagenin. Among other cardiac glycosides, digoxin has been proven to improve symptom alleviation, functional capacity, quality of life and exercise tolerance in patients with mild to moderate HF in clinical trials. Early detection and prevention interventions, as well as lifestyle changes, are essential.
Design and implementation the stability and direction of hexapod robot motion
Authors: Rangkuti Syahban , Liestyowati Dwi , Syaripudin Arif
Published: October 2022

Robotics technology has developed rapidly and applied to various fields of work that cannot be done by humans. Many forms and types of robots used include the hexapod robot. The purpose of this research is to regulate the direction of the hexapod robot’s motion and be able to avoid obstacles to maintain the stability of its motion using a PID control system. In establishing a good control system, various types of sensors are used, those are ultrasonic and inertial measurement unit sensors. The shape of the hexapod robot is made to be integrated with the robot's legs. Each leg of the robot consists of 3 joints, joined by a servo motor. There are 18 servo motors. Eight ultrasonic sensors are used to detect surrounding objects, run well, and ability to avoid obstacles. The main orientation of the hexapod robot motion is to move forward, but if there are obstacles, it will find a solution to turn using ultrasonic sensors. An inertial measurement unit sensor is used to maintain the robot’s body’s stability.
Dialectiek van ons regionale ontwikkelingsstreven
Authors: Molema Marijn
Published: October 2022

Na ruim 180 jaar is in Franeker weer een oratie namens de RUG te horen. Marijn Molema aanvaardt er vrijdag 28 januari 2022 zijn bijzondere leeropdracht aan de Rijksuniversiteit Groningen. De bijzondere leerstoel is ingesteld door het Fries Sociaal planbureau (FSP). “Regio, werk samen aan brede welvaart” De titel van de bijzondere leeropdracht is ‘Regionale Vitaliteit & Dynamiek’. Molema vindt dat regio’s een bijdrage kunnen leveren aan de uitdagingen van onze tijd, zoals klimaatverandering, sociale ongelijkheid en de Covid-pandemie. Regio’s hebben veel kwaliteiten, niet alleen economisch maar ook in sociaal en cultureel opzicht. De bijzonder hoogleraar wil met wetenschap hulp bieden aan overheden, politieke partijen, bedrijven en andere instellingen. In krachtenbundeling schuilt hun kans, aldus Molema: “Schep niet teveel vertrouwen in grootse ontwikkelplannen, maar werk samen aan de brede welvaart van je regio.” Verbindingen leggen Met de bijzonder leeropdracht wil het FSP de verbinding tussen academische en toegepaste wetenschap versterken. Kennis vindt hierdoor nog beter zijn weg naar de provincie Fryslân en de omliggende regio’s. De leeropdracht richt zich op het heden, verleden en de toekomst van regionale ontwikkeling.
Estructura y diversidad vegetal en un bosque de pino encino con disturbios en diferentes cronosecuencias
Authors: Ruiz González Miguel Ángel , Campos Angeles Gisela Virginia , Reyes Hernández Valentín José , Rodríguez Ortiz Gerardo , Enríquez del Valle José Raymundo
Published: October 2022

La dinámica que siguen la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación en un sitio después de sufrir un disturbio es un indicador de la resiliencia del ecosistema afectado. En este estudio se analizaron la composición florística y los cambios en la sucesión vegetal de acuerdo con la cronosecuencia de diferentes disturbios, en un bosque de pino-encino del Sur de Oaxaca, México. Se usó un muestreo selectivo estableciendo 28 sitios de muestreo de 400 m2, en los cuales se realizó un censo de todos los individuos vasculares durante las temporadas de estiaje y lluvias de 2018. Se estimaron y analizaron la diversidad alfa y la beta, así como la estructura vertical y horizontal en todas las cronosecuencias: 1) incendios (IF) ocurridos hace un año (IF-1), cinco años (IF-5) y seis años (IF-6); 2) tierras de cultivo con descanso agrícola (DA) de ocho años (DA-8) y 20 años (DA-20); 3) libre pastoreo (PA) y 4) una zona de referencia, sin intervención (C1). La mayor riqueza (89) se registró durante la temporada de lluvias (F = 0.0154) en un área con descanso agrícola durante 20 años. En el área con incendio ocurrido un año antes se observó la diversidad más baja: Shannon = 1.26 y Shannon = 1.60 en ambas temporadas. El índice de valor de importancia más alto (86.55%) fue calculado para Pinus lawsonii Roezl en el área con incendio ocurrido seis años atrás. El disturbio ocasionado por fuego fue el que causó mayor daño a la estructura y diversidad de la vegetación, sin embargo, también fue en el que la vegetación reapareció en menor tiempo. La composición florística varió de acuerdo con el tipo, severidad y tiempo transcurrido después del disturbio, mientras que la riqueza de especies se relacionó con la estructura vegetal en el sitio, que determina las condiciones microambientales. Los resultados son útiles para la aplicación de medidas de restauración y conservación.
Evaluation of Bidikmisi scholarship program at state Islamic universities in Indonesia
Authors: Misra Isra , Sadikin Ali , Adlina Fadiah
Published: October 2022

This study raised the theme of evaluating the Bidikmisi scholarship program at State Islamic Universities in Indonesia with the CIPP Model approach. The Bidikmisi scholarship program is the government's flagship program for outstanding students who are less able to meet the costs of higher education. This research is evaluation research focusing on four areas: context, input, process, and product evaluation. The research subjects were one managing director, three universities within the Ministry of Religion of the Republic of Indonesia, and 15 student informants who received the Bidikmisi scholarship. The results of the research on the evaluation of the Bidikmisi scholarship program show that (1) the context of the program is carried out in accordance with the technical instructions issued by the directorate of Islamic higher education related to the evaluation of the Bidikmisi scholarship program. (2) Evaluation of inputs is carried out by meeting the criteria considering starting from setting evaluation goals to the results of program evaluation, and program targets are high school graduates who have academic and non-academic achievements. (3) In the current process, the Bidikmisi scholarship program has been running for ten years with satisfactory results, and the selection is made openly and transparently. (4) The product of this program evaluation is policy improvement and service improvement to prospective scholarship recipients. The program manager must maintain its performance by improving program quality, achievement process, and control. Programs should focus on increasing resources by strengthening program recipients' academic skills and knowledge.
The evaluation of the programs of gender-responsive school in Yogyakarta
Authors: Sudrajat Sudrajat , Saliman Saliman , Supardi Supardi
Published: October 2022

The research aims to evaluate the implementation of the gender-responsive school program in Yogyakarta. It is a descriptive evaluation using the CIPP (Context, Input, Process, Product) model involving the principal, head of the gender-responsive school program, teachers, employees, and students as the subjects. Data were collected by (1) interviews with principals, teachers, heads of gender-responsive school programs, and students; (2) a study of documentation of various educational activities related to the program. Data were analyzed using a qualitative data analysis model by Miles and Huberman consisting of (1) data collection, (2) data reduction, (3) data display, and (4) data verification/conclusion. The research results can be seen from four aspects: (1) the context in implementing gender-responsive school programs refers to various references, including Presidential Instruction No. 9 of 2000, Regulation of the Minister of National Education of the Republic of Indonesia No. 8 of 2008. (2) The inputs for implementing the gender-responsive school program have met the requirements in terms of human resources (teachers and education staff) and the facilities and infrastructure. Most of the teachers already have adequate knowledge about the program's implementation. An integrated team in school management has planned the facilities and infrastructure. (3) Implementing gender-responsive schools is carried out well by developing school culture and organizing activities inside and outside learning. (4) The product of the gender-responsive school program is the formation of conducive school culture, facilities, and infrastructure that ensure the privacy of both male and female students.
A Pre- and Post- MCCG 2012 Evaluation on the Impacts of Corporate Governance and Intellectual Capital with Firm Performance
Authors: Chang Yen Wen , Ng David Ching Yat
Published: October 2022

This paper aims to examine and compare the impact of corporate governance (CG) and intellectual capital (IC) on firm performance (FP) between pre- Malaysia Code of Corporate Governance (MCCG) 2012 and post- MCCG 2012 of GLCs. Panel data analysis was used. The data were collected from the annual report of the 32 GLCs from 2005 to 2012 (pre- MCCG 2012) and from 2013 to 2020 (post- MCCG 2012). There was a total of 512 firm-year observations. The CG of post- MCCG 2012 has a greater impact on earnings per share (EPS) compared to pre- MCCG 2012. The IC of pre- MCCG 2012 has a greater impact on return on equity (ROE), Tobin’s Q and EPS.
Keywords: Corporate Governance; Intellectual Capital; MCCG 2012; Government-Linked Companies
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3909
Politeness Performed by Four Female in 'Imperfect The Series'
Authors: Revita Ike , Trioclarise Rovika , Legino Rafeah
Published: October 2022

The article describes the politeness performed by four females depicted in the Series Imperfect. The objective is to describe the maxims of politeness utilized by the female characters in the Series. The data were the polite utterances of four females collected by note-taking. The analysis uses the theory of appropriateness and context. Among six maxims of politeness, these females only utilized three of them: generosity, agreement, and sympathy. Generosity is mainly used (50%) because the females tried to minimize the benefit and maximize the cost in line with the women's language-- carefully speaking.
Keywords: female; maxims; politeness
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians), and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3917
Natural Fabric with Pineapple Fibres used as a Batik Medium
Authors: Azuan Mohamad Fareez , Samin Mohd Azhar , Legino Rafeah
Published: October 2022

This study is about the pineapple fibre (natural fibre fabric) utilized in Malaysia Batik products. The history of Pineapple Leaf Fibre in Malaya started in 1938s. Along with Malaysia's textile development, pineapple leaf fibres have begun to be used as raw material for textile production. This study aims to identify the sustainability of Pineapple fibre in the Malaysian batik industry. This research used field study methods, library studies, and interviews. The novelty of this study is to create awareness and acceptance among Malay batik producers towards the use of natural Pineapple fabric.
Keywords: Batik; Fabric; Pineapple Fibres; Natural; Medium
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2022. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open-access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under the responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v7iSI8.3923
Low– and Medium–Socioeconomic-Status Group Members’ Perceived Challenges and Solutions for Healthy Nutrition: Qualitative Focus Group Study
Authors: Hermsen Sander , van Kraaij Alex , Camps Guido
Published: October 2022

Background

Although digital tools for healthy nutrition have shown great potential, their actual impact remains variable as digital solutions often do not fit users’ needs and barriers. This is especially poignant for priority communities in society. Involving these groups in citizen science may have great benefits even beyond the increase in knowledge of the lives and experiences of these groups. However, this requires specialized skills. Participants from priority groups could benefit from an approach that offers sensitization and discussion to help them voice their needs regarding healthy nutrition and technology to support healthy eating.

Objective

This study aimed to gather insights into people’s thoughts on everyday eating practices, self-regulation in healthy eating, and skill acquisition and on applying technological innovations to these domains.

Methods

Participants answered 3 daily questionnaires to garner their current practices regarding habits, self-regulation, skills, and technology use surrounding healthy eating and make it easier for them to collect their thoughts and experiences (sensitization). Within a week of filling out the 3 questionnaires, participants took part in a web-based focus group discussion session. All sessions were transcribed and analyzed using a thematic qualitative approach.

Results

A total of 42 people took part in 7 focus group interviews of 6 people each. The analysis showed that participants would like to receive support from technology for a broad range of aspects of nutrition, such as measuring the effect their personal nutrition has on their individual health, providing them with reliable product information, giving them practical guidance for healthy eating and snacking, and reducing the burden of registering food intake. Technology should be easy to use, reduce burdens, and be tailored to personal situations. Privacy and cost were major concerns for the participants.

Conclusions

This study shows that people from low– and medium–socioeconomic-status groups have a need for specific support in tailoring their knowledge of healthy nutrition to their own situation and see technology as a means to achieve this.
A Novel Concentrated, Interdisciplinary Group Rehabilitation Program for Patients With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Nonrandomized Clinical Intervention Study
Authors: Frisk Bente , Njøten Kiri Lovise , Aarli Bernt , Hystad Sigurd William , Rykken Sidsel , Kjosås Ane , Søfteland Eirik , Kvale Gerd
Published: October 2022

Background

Pulmonary rehabilitation has been demonstrated to be a highly effective treatment for people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its availability is scarce worldwide, and new and innovative rehabilitation models are highly warranted. Recently, the group behind the present study published a protocol describing a novel concentrated, interdisciplinary group rehabilitation program for patients with chronic illnesses. The current paper describes an extension of this protocol to patients with COPD.

Objective

The objective of this study is to explore the acceptability of concentrated, interdisciplinary group pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with COPD. The intervention is expected to improve functional status and be highly acceptable to patients.

Methods

This study will include 50 patients aged over 40 years who fulfill the diagnostic criteria for COPD: a forced expiratory volume at the first second (FEV1) <80% of expected and a FEV1/forced vital capacity ratio below the lower limit of normal according to the Global Lung Function Initiative. An interdisciplinary team consisting of physicians, physiotherapists, psychologists, pharmacists, clinical nutritionists, and nurses will deliver the treatment to groups of 6 to 10 patients over 3 to 4 consecutive days with a 12-month follow-up. The intervention is divided into three distinct phases: (1) pretreatment preparation for change, (2) concentrated rehabilitation, where the patient is coached to focus on making health-promoting microchoices, and (3) integration of the changes into everyday living, aided by digital follow-up and 2 on-site clinical examinations. Statistical significance will be set at α=.05.

Results

The recruitment period will last from April 2022 until June 2023.

Conclusions

If successful, this highly novel rehabilitation format might change the way we deliver care for patients with COPD, leading to substantial societal and socioeconomic gains. The study will expand knowledge on the concentrated treatment format as a rehabilitation model for people with COPD.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05234281; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05234281

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/40700
The Post-Roe Political Landscape Demands a Morality of Caution for Women’s Health
Authors: Goodday Sarah , Karlin Daniel , Suver Christine , Friend Stephen
Published: October 2022

The recent Supreme Court decision (ie, Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization), revoking the constitutional right to abortion in the United States, has the potential to dramatically disrupt progress in women’s health research. The typical safeguards to ensure confidentiality and privacy of research participants in studies that collect certain types of personal health information may not hold against criminal investigations surrounding suspected pregnancy terminations. There are additional risks to participants in digital health research studies involving the use of wearable devices capable of tracking physiological measures, such as body temperature and heart rate, as these have shown promise for tracking conception and could be used to identify pregnancy termination signatures. There are strategies researchers can use to protect the safety of participants in health research who could get pregnant, while also maintaining integrity of research methods. The objective of this viewpoint is to discuss potential strategies to protect research participants’ privacy that include the minimization of nonessential sensitive personal health information and anonymization protocols in the event of miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. We invite others to join this discussion so as to not let the current political landscape impede progress in women’s health and reproductive research, while also protecting research participants.
Assessment of Best Performing Top 10 Economies Based on OECD Green Growth Indicators: Using AHP, TOPSIS and Regression
Authors: Mughees Muhammad , Ayaz Muhammad
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Rapid economic growth is often accompanied by environmental depletion. Recent years have witnessed green growth as a renowned efficient approach to tracking the progress towards sustainable development. Green growth is imperative with the current energy depletion rate and environmental crisis. Green indicators and statistics can measure environmentally sustainable development; thus, they evaluate green growth and support its integration into policy. This study uses MCDM (Multi-criteria decision-making) techniques and OECD indicators for the world’s top 10 economies to evaluate their green growth. This research aims to rank the top 10 economies according to green growth. The top-ranked best-performing country will be further analyzed to assess its renewable energy production.
Nanoparticles, Their Synthesis, Effects and Their Applications in Nanotechnology
Authors: Ballal Sushma J , C Yashwanth , BR Chethana , Anuroopa Dr.
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Nanoparticles are defined as the particles at the scale measuring from 1-100 nanometers. Nanotechnology is embedded in the operation of all miniscule particles measuring in factor of 10-9 . These materials have a significant role in medicine, pharmacy, biotechnology, environment and other fields. Nanoparticles are used as agents in drug and gene delivery for the treatment of certain tumor and cancer treatment. However, nanoparticles are environmentally toxic and pose challenges to the society with respect to their removal. This review would present a well refined knowledge of the nanoparticles, types, synthesis by chemical and biological methods, with their applications. Along with them the review presents about the nanotechnology, the fields it’s being utilized and techniques involved, and the recent updates in this evolving branch of science.