bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peran Employee Involvement dan Public Service Motivation, serta Mediasi Affective Commitment Terhadap Perceived Organizational Performance
Authors:   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia, Yuliani Fahrina , Sibarani Sondang E. M. ,   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia, Ebenheizer Steven ,   Program Pascasarjana Ilmu Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The government has regulated and legalized the compensation and benefits system through ap- plicable regulations and ratified nationally. However, the public sector needs to consider other non- monetary factors to improve employee performance, such as employee involvement, public service motivation, affective commitment, and perceived organizational performance. This research ques- tionnaire was distributed to public sector employees in an Indonesian government agency totaling 157 respondents, containing closed questions using a six-point Likert scale, an online survey plat- form, and processed using the Lisrel SEM method. This study was conducted to clarify the influence of previously identified and discussed individual-level factors as essential determinants of organiza- tional performance. Public sector managers must know better ways to manage and improve employee attitudes by paying attention to employee involvement, public service motivation, and affective com- mitment to improving organizational performance. The result of this study indicates that prioritizing employee involvement in HR management practices in the public sector has a significant impact on affective commitment and perceived organizational performance. However, in this study, the role of public service motivation has no impact both towards affective commitment and perceived organiza- tional performance, which is quite contradictory to some findings from previous studies.
Persepsi Risiko dan Motivasi Memiliki Asuransi Bencana Alam: Premi Polis Asuransi Banjir/Properti untuk Warga Berisiko Banjir di Wilayah DKI Jakarta
Authors:   Regulator & PR Dept. Head PT Asuransi Tugu Pratama Indonesia Tbk (PERTAMINA Group), Aristyavani Inadia
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini menjelaskan mengapa motivasi individu untuk memiliki asuransi yang berkaitan dengan kerugian yang dapat disebabkan oleh kebencanaan masih rendah. Penelitian ini mengem- bangkan Teori Motivasi Proteksi (TMP) dalam konteks perlindungan asuransi terhadap potensi keru- gian yang disebabkan oleh terjadinya bencana alam. Penelitian ini memilih bencana banjir dan dilakukan di area DKI Jakarta. Populasi dari penelitian adalah warga DKI Jakarta yang tinggal di daerah rawan banjir. Pemilihan sampel dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode sampel tidak acak, yakni sampel snow-ball, sebanyak 323 orang responden. Motivasi individu untuk membeli polis premi asuransi bencana bisa dijelaskan dengan menggunakan kerangka TMP, dimana tinggi rendah- nya motivasi dipengaruhi oleh tingkat persepsi mengenai risiko. Hasil penelitian ini mempunyai implikasi baik akademis (teoritis) ataupun praktis. Secara akademis, penelitian ini membuktikan bahwa TMP bisa dipergunakan untuk menjelaskan motivasi individu/orang untuk membeli produk asuransi yang terkait dengan risiko kerugian atas bencana banjir. Secara praktis, hasil penelitian ini bisa dipergunakan sebagai dasar referensi para pelaku usaha maupun regulator dan asosiasi ter- kait di sektor industri perasuransian umum nasional dalam pembuatan strategi untuk meningkatkan pemahaman manfaat kebutuhan hingga minat orang untuk memiliki produk asuransi terkait potensi risiko kerugian bencana.
Pengaruh Kinerja Environmental, Social dan Governance terhadap Kinerja Keuangan Lembaga Keuangan Mikro di Negara Berkembang tahun 2014-2018
Authors:   Departemen Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia, Danika Serafin , Faradynawati Ida Ayu Agung ,   KTH Royal Institute of Technology Sweden
Published: February 2025

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dalam rangka mengetahui pengaruh dari kinerja Environmental, So- cial and Governance (ESG) terhadap kinerja keuangan dari lembaga keuangan mikro (LKM) yang diukur oleh tingkat return on asset (ROA). Data-data sampel penelitian diperoleh melalui database MIX Market dan The World Bank. Total obvservasi yang digunakan adalah sebanyak 345 unit dari 69 LKM yang beroperasi di 34 negara berkembang dengan periode penelitian sepanjang lima tahun dari 2014-2018. Pengolahan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan metode regresi balanced panel data. Hasil dari penelitian menunjukkan bahwa terdapat signifikansi dan hubungan yang positif an- tara variabel independen social dengan kinerja keuangan, sedangkan variabel independen environ- mental maupun governance tidak menunjukkan hasil yang signifikan. Hasil robustness check menun- jukkan hasil yang konsisten bahwa kinerja sosial mempengaruhi kinerja keuangan LKM. Penelitian ini diharapkan dapat berkontribusi dalam memberikan perspektif baru terkait hubungan antara ESG dan kinerja keuangan dari industri keuangan mikro bagi regulator, akademisi dan LKM.
Perbandingan Volatilitas Asimetris Saham Bertanggung Jawab Sosial danSaham Konvensional di Indonesia Selama Pandemi Covid-19 Periode 2020-2021
Authors:   Departemen Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas IndonesiaFollow, Misbahuddin Muhammad Rizki , Adawiyah Wardatul ,   Departemen Manajemen, Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia
Published: February 2025

This study aims to examine the asymmetric volatility of socially responsible stocks and compare it with conventional stocks during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia. The research used asymmetric volatility modelling with the GJR-GARCH model to detect the presence of a leverage effect in the sample which consisted of one index and 20 socially responsible stocks and 21 indices and 34 conventional stocks. The data used is compiled from Thomson Eikon Reuters and Tradingview with a data collection period of January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. The results of the study found that there was a significant leverage effect on the SRI-KEHATI index. However, there is no significant leverage effect on socially responsible stocks at the individual level. The study also found that the socially responsible stock index had a higher leverage effect value than the majority of conventional indices in the research sample. The results of this study suggest for investors to choose socially responsible stocks more carefully if the purpose of adding these socially responsible stocks is to reduce risk in their investment portfolios during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Komunikasi Lingkungan dalam Kinerja Berkelanjutan UKM di Indonesia (StudiKasus terhadap UKM Tulip Craft dan Kopi Salarea)
Authors:   Fakultas Ekonomi dan Bisnis, Universitas Indonesia, Ismaeni Fahrul
Published: February 2025

This study aims to formulate an environmental communication strategy for the sustainable performance of SMEs in Indonesia. Taking the case of Tulip Craft and Salarea Coffee, this is qualitative research with a case study approach. After conducting observations, interviews with informants with purposive sample criteria and literature studies regarding the concept of sustainable performance and environmental communication, the results of this study indicate that Tulip Craft and Salarea Coffee SMEs implement sustainable performance in their business because they consider aspects of business profits (profit), social empowerment (people) and the impact of the natural environment (planet). Tulip Craft puts it into practice through environmentally friendly products whose production often involves residents as a form of social empowerment. Meanwhile, Salarea Coffee does not specifically sell environmentally friendly products. Their profits are channelled to the Salarea Foundation to carry out environmentally friendly activism such as the construction of the Salarea Garbage House and barista training for Special Educational Needs students in Garut. In conclusion, SMEs can implement sustainable performance with environmental communication strategies that run pragmatic and constitutive elements through two lines: environmentally friendly and “non-environmentally friendly” products. Either way, it must lead to profit as a prerequisite for social empowerment and environmentally friendly products/activities.
Pengaruh Motivasi Merger dan Akuisisi Terhadap Performa Perusahaan di Indonesia Periode 2010-2019
Authors:   Universitas Indonesia, Robbani Zaid Naqy , Adawiyah Wardatul ,   Universitas Indonesia
Published: February 2025

The objective of this study is to examine the effects of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) motivations on the financial performance of companies operating in Indonesia during the period from 2010 to 2019. The primary objective of this study was to examine the variations in business performance in relation to the three distinct reasons for mergers and acquisitions. There are three primary incentives identified in the literature, including value-chain extension, technology seeking, and other motiva-tions. The sample comprises 72 firms that are listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. During the des-ignated research period, a total of 137 merger and acquisition (M&A) transactions were observed. The present study employed a feasible generalized least squares (FGLS) approach. The present study has identified a positive correlation between other mergers and acquisitions and firms' performance in Indonesia, with regards to three distinct types Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis bagaimana jenis motivasi kegiatan merger dan/atau akuisisi (M&A) perusahaan mempengaruhi performa keuangan perusahaan pada perusahaan di In-donesia pada tahun 2010 hingga 2019. Fokus pada penelitian ini juga untuk memahami dan men-guji bagaimana perbedaan pengaruh dari tiga tipe motivasi perusahaan dalam melakukan M&A terhadap performa perusahaan. Ketiga motivasi tersebut diantaranya adalah perluasan rantai ni-lai (value-chain-extension), technology-seeking dan campuran. Penelitian ini menggunakan sampel yang terdiri dari 72 perusahaan yang tercatat pada Bursa Efek Indonesia. Selama periode penelitian, terdapat 137 kegiatan M&A. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode feasible general-ized least square. Penelitian ini menemukan bahwa dari tiga motivasi perusahaan melakukan M&A, hanya kegiatan M&A tipe campuran yang memiliki pengaruh positif signifikan terhadap performa perusahaan.of M&A motivation.
The Genotoxic Effects of Heavy Metals in Fly Ash from Thermal Power Plants on Wheat, Depending on Wind Direction
Authors: Bulut Hüseyin , Yildirim Fatih
Published: February 2025

Plants, due to their fixed locations, are susceptible targets to environmental stress. Among these stresses, heavy metal stress has increased since the Industrial Revolution. Thermal power plants that utilize fossil fuels play a significant role in the release of heavy metals into the environment. This study investigates the role of air currents in the transport of fly ash from thermal power plants and its genotoxic effects on wheat using molecular methods. The mobility of retrotransposons affecting genomic stability was assessed through IRAP (Inter-Retrotransposon Amplified Polymorphism) analysis. The IRAP analysis results indicate a polymorphism rate of 54.6% in wheat seedlings located 1 km northwest of the thermal power plant. The lowest polymorphism rate, 29.66%, was observed in wheat samples 10 km east of the plant. Physical damage in the nucleus caused by heavy metals was evaluated using the comet assay, which measures tail length, tail DNA percentage, and tail moment. Similar to the IRAP analysis, significant damage was observed in the northwest, southwest, and west directions across all three parameters. The findings of this study underscore the impact of heavy metal pollution and emphasize the importance of air currents in the dispersion of these pollutants.
Transformation and Fragmentation of Wetlands in Mekong Delta Floodplains: A Case Study in Dong Thap Province, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Ho , Dinh Tran , Phan-Van Phu , Nguyen-Quoc Hau
Published: February 2025

Wetlands in the Vietnam Mekong Delta (VMD) have experienced significant reduction and fragmentation since the economic reforms of 1986. This study analyzes land use/land cover (LULC) changes impacting wetland cover between 1990 and 2022 using Landsat imagery within the VMD floodplain, with a particular focus on Dong Thap Province. Landscape metrics were employed to quantify wetland loss and fragmentation. Results indicate that by 2022, approximately 80% of wetlands had been converted to other LULC types, predominantly for rice cultivation. Analysis of landscape metrics, including the number of patches, patch area, core area, and edge characteristics, reveals increased fragmentation, with smaller and more isolated patches replacing larger, contiguous wetlands over the past three decades. Key drivers of this fragmentation include population growth, land reclamation, agricultural expansion, and shifts in farming systems. Given the escalating impacts of climate change, these findings provide essential insights for land use planning and the development of wetland conservation strategies in the Dong Thap Province, the VMD.
The Clinical Spectrum of Malformations of Cortical Development in a Cohort of Bulgarian Patients
Authors: Deneva-Todorova Daniela , Bojinova Veneta , Topalov Nikolay , Aleksandrova Iliana , Slavkova Elena , Asenova Asya , Rodopska Elena , Koleva Maya , Tomov Veselin , Dimova Petya
Published: February 2025

Malformations of cortical development (MCD) are a heterogeneous group of diseases, that cause epileptic seizures, motor deficit and mental retardation. We analysed the clinical course, seizure characteristics and neuroimaging data in patients with cortical malformations, treated between 2006 and 2021 in the Clinic of Child Neurology of MHATNP “St. Naum”. We studied 205 patients with MCD, 94 girls (45.9%) and 111 boys (54.1%), with a mean age of 7.7 years, ranging from one month to 18 years of age. Ac- cording to the type of cortical malformation, patients were divided into five groups: 31 patients (15.12%) with heterotopia, 52 (25.3%) – with polymicro- gyria, 47 (22.9%) – with lissencephaly, 59 (28.9%) – with cortical dysplasia and 16 (7.8%) – with schizencephaly. Ninety-five (46.3%) of our patients were with intellectual disability. Mo- tor deficit was reported in 122 children (59.5%) and 173 patients (84.4%) had epileptic seizures. The seizures were focal in 42 (20.57%) of the cases, with mo- tor manifestation in 20 and secondary generalisation – in 7 of them. Forty-six patients experienced generalised seizures. Mixed type of seizures were regis- tered in 83 patients. In two children, the seizures could not be classified. The seizures frequency varied significantly, but patients with cortical dysplasia had the highest rate of daily seizures – 52.5% (n = 31), followed by patients with polymicrogyria – 25% (n = 13). Malformations of cortical development are a heterogeneous group of dis- orders, associated with mental retardation, epilepsy and motor deficit in childhood. Our study provides phenotypic information that would be useful for future genotype-phenotype correlations.
The Effect of Foot-Ankle Condition On Physical Performance in Cerebral Palsy With Spastic Equinus Deformity
Authors: Uysal İsmail , Özden Fatih , Karaman Özgür Nadiye , İmerci Ahmet
Published: February 2025

Background: The severity of foot disability in children with cerebral palsy (CP) should be examined with both objective and subjective assessment tools. This cross-sectional study investigated the effect of foot-ankle function on physical performance in CP with spastic equinus deformity.

Methods: A cross-sectional prospective study was performed on 61 children with cerebral palsy. Participants were evaluated by Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Oxford Ankle Foot Questionnaire for Children (OxAFQ-C), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), Single Leg Stance Test (SLST), 3-Meter Backward Walking Test (3MBWT) and Functional Reach Test (FRT).

Results: The mean age of the children with CP (28 female, 33 male) included in the study was 11.3±4.4 years. Individuals with higher ankle-foot function had better TUG, 3MBWT, and SLST performances (p<0.005). OxAFQ-C physical scale was moderately correlated with TUG (r=−0.474) and SLST (right extremity-eyes open) (r=0.386) (p<0.01). In addition, there was a low significant correlation between 3MBWT, SLST (right extremity-eyes closed), SLST (left extremity-eyes open), and SLST (left extremity-eyes closed) with OxAFQ-C physical scale (p<0.05). OxAFQ-C school and play scale had a moderate to weak correlation coefficient (r=0.257-0.430) with all physical performance tests (p<0.05). In addition, there were moderate and low correlations between OxAFQ-C emotional scale with TUG (r=−0.495) and 3MBWT (r=−0.298), respectively.

Conclusion: The results showed that foot-ankle performance influenced physical performance on time-based physical tasks but not better performance-based physical conditions. It was concluded that foot-ankle condition was most strongly associated with sit-to-stand and walking performance.
Morphological Characteristics of the Intrinsic Foot Muscles in Individuals With Flat Foot: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Taş Serkan , Ekici Ece , Yüzbaşioğlu Ümit , Özdemir Asena Ayça
Published: February 2025

Background: The purpose of this meta-analysis was to discern the changes in morphological characteristics of the intrinsic foot muscles, including changes in the cross-sectional area (CSA) and thickness of the abductor hallucis (AbH), flexor hallucis brevis (FHB), flexor digitorum brevis (FDB), and abductor digiti minimi (AbDM) in individuals with flat foot (FF).

Methods: We conducted our literature search in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus electronic databases. We included English-language case-control and cross-sectional studies comparing the morphological features of the intrinsic foot muscles in adults with and without FF. The methodological quality of the five studies that met the inclusion criteria was assessed with an adapted version of the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for cross-sectional studies. The mean difference (MD) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was used to quantify the effects between adults with and without FF.

Results: The study included five studies, one of which was classified as high quality, while the remaining studies were classified as moderate quality. The CSA of the FHB (MD = −0.41, 95% CI = −0.61, −0.22; p < 0.001, I2:59%) and AbDM (MD = −0.21, 95% CI = −0.32, −0.11; p< 0.001; I2=1%) and the thickness of the AbDM (MD = −1.43, 95% CI = −1.81, −1.05; p< 0.001; I2=1%) were lower in individuals with FF than in the control group. However, the CSA of the AbH and FDB, and the thickness of the AbH, FHB, and FDB exhibited no significant differences between the FF and control groups.

Conclusion: The results of our study indicate that individuals with FF exhibited significant atrophy of the FHB and AbDM muscles. However, the morphology of the AbH and FDB muscles did not appear to influence foot posture, based on the five studies that were considered.
Regulative synthesis of capsular polysaccharides in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis
Authors: Wang Xingye , Wang Jie , Li Ning , Fan Xin , Wang Beinan
Published: February 2025

Streptococcus suis
(
S. suis
) is an important zoonotic pathogen causing substantial economic losses in the swine industry.
S. suis
serotype 2 (SS2) is often isolated from the diseased.
S. suis
expresses capsular polysaccharide (CPS), a virulence factor crucial for their survival in the blood. However, the role of CPS in the pathogenesis of
S. suis
is incomplete. Here, we showed a dynamic regulation of CPS in
S. suis
pathogenesis. In a mouse infection model, an SS2 strain (05ZYH33) was detected in the nasal-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) as early as 30 min after intranasal inoculation without bacteremia. Histological analysis revealed that 05ZYH33 in the nasal cavity invaded the olfactory epithelium, resulting in early brain inflammation. Transmission electron microscopy showed that 05ZYH33 isolated from NALT and CSF at early infection time had a thin layer of CPS, and those detected in the blood 5 h post- inoculation showed a much thicker CPS. In addition, adoptive transfer of anti-CPS restricted 05ZYH33 in the blood but not in NALT or CSF. However, an antiserum directed to multiple non-CPS virulence factors (anti-V5) efficiently inhibited 05ZYH33 in NALT, CSF, and blood. Thus, 05ZYH33 colonizes NALT more efficiently without CPS and subsequently invades the meninges through the olfactory nerve system. These findings provide valuable information for the treatment of
S. suis
infection and the development of vaccines across serotypes of
S. suis
by targeting CPS-independent immunity.
Basal ganglia output (entopeduncular nucleus) coding of contextual kinematics and reward in the freely moving mouse
Authors: Verma Rodriguez Anil K , Ramírez-Jarquin Josue O , Rossi-Pool Román , Tecuapetla Fatuel
Published: February 2025

The entopeduncular nucleus (EPN) is often termed as one of the output nuclei of the basal ganglia owing to their highly convergent anatomy. The rodent EPN has been implicated in reward and value coding whereas the primate analog internal Globus Pallidus has been found to be modulated by some movements and in some circumstances. In this study, we sought to understand how the rodent EPN might be coding kinematic, reward, and difficulty parameters, particularly during locomotion. Furthermore, we aimed to understand the level of movement representation: whole-body or specific body parts. To this end, mice were trained in a freely moving two-alternative forced choice task with two periods of displacement (return and go trajectories) and performed electrophysiological recordings together with video-based tracking. We found (1) robust reward coding but not difficulty. (2) Spatio-temporal variables better explain EPN activity during movement compared to kinematic variables, while both types of variables were more robustly represented in reward-related movement. (3) Reward-sensitive units encode kinematics similarly to reward-insensitive ones. (4) Population dynamics that best account for differences between these two periods of movement can be explained by allocentric references like distance to reward port. (5) The representation of paw and licks is not mutually exclusive, discarding a somatotopic muscle-level representation of movement in the EPN. Our data suggest that EPN activity represents movements and reward in a complex way: highly multiplexed, influenced by the objective of the displacement, where trajectories that lead to reward better represent spatial and kinematic variables. Interestingly, there are intertwining representations of whole-body movement kinematics with a single paw and licking variables. Further, reward-sensitive units encode kinematics similarly to reward-insensitive ones, challenging the notion of distinct pathways for reward and movement processing.
Shoe configuration effects on equine forelimb gait kinetics at a walk
Authors: Aoun Rita , Ogunmola Zaneta , Musso Anaïs , Taguchi Takashi , Takawira Catherine , Lopez Mandi J.
Published: February 2025

The shift in vertical forces on the equine hoof surface by heart-bar, egg-bar, and wooden clog shoes can significantly impact gait kinetics. Hypotheses tested in this study were that vertical, braking, and propulsion peak force (PF) and impulse (IMP) are different while shod with heart-bar, egg-bar, open-heel, and wooden clog shoes, or while unshod, and the resultant ground reaction force vector (GRFYZ) has the longest duration of cranial angulation with open-heel shoes followed by unshod, then egg-bar and heart-bar shoes, and the shortest with wooden clog shoes. Forelimb GRFs were recorded as six non-lame, light-breed horses walked across a force platform (four trials/side) while unshod or with egg-bar, heart-bar, open-heel, or wooden clog shoes. Outcomes included vertical, braking, and propulsive peak forces (PFV, PFB, PFP) and impulses (IMPV, IMPB, IMPP), percent stance time to each PF, braking to vertical PF ratio (PFB/PFV), walking speed (m s−1), total stance time (ST) and percent of stance in braking and propulsion. The magnitude and direction of the resultant GRFYZ vectors were quantified at 5% stance increments. Kinetic measures were compared among shoeing conditions with a mixed effects model (p-value < 0.05). A random forest classifier algorithm was used to predict shoeing condition from kinetic outcome measures. All results are reported as mean ± SEM. Trial speed, 1.51 ± 0.02 m s−1, was not different among shoeing conditions. The PFV was lower with wooden clog (6.13 ± 0.1 N kg−1) versus egg-bar (6.35 ± 0.1 N kg−1) shoes or unshod (6.32 ± 0.1 N kg−1); the PFP was higher with wooden clog (0.81 ± 0.03 N kg−1) versus open-heel (0.71 ± 0.03 N kg−1) or egg-bar (0.75 ± 0.03 N kg−1) shoes or unshod (0.74 ± 0.03 N kg−1), and lower with open-heel compared to heart-bar shoes (0.77 ± 0.03 N kg−1). Both IMP B and IMPV were higher with open-heel shoes (−0.19 ± 0.008 N s kg−1, 3.28 ± 0.09 N s kg−1) versus unshod (−0.17 ± 0.008 N s kg−1, 3.16 ± 0.09 N s kg−1), and IMPV was higher with wooden clog shoes (3.26 ± 0.09 N s kg−1) versus unshod. With wooden clog shoes, PFB/PFV (0.12 ± 0.004) was higher than unshod (0.11 ± 0.004). Percent time to peak PFV, PFB, and PFP, and percent braking time were highest and percent propulsion time lowest with wooden clog shoes. The magnitude of the GRFYZ vector with the wooden clog shoe was the highest among shoeing conditions during the first stance half, lowest during the second stance half, highest during late propulsion, and had the most gradual braking to propulsion transition. Vectors were angled cranially with wooden clog shoes slightly longer than the others. Wooden clog shoes was the only shoeing condition accurately predicted from kinetic measures. Distinct, predictable changes in gait kinetics with wooden clog shoes may reduce stresses on hoof structures. Study results enhance knowledge about shoe effects on equine gait kinetics and cutting-edge measures to quantify them.
Prediction of clinical deterioration within one year in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease using the systemic coagulation-inflammation index: a retrospective study employing multiple machine learning method
Authors: Hou Ling , Min Ming , Hou Rui , Tan Wei , Zhang Minghua , Liu Qianfei
Published: February 2025

Background

Inflammatory response and the coagulation system are pivotal in the pathogenesis of clinical deterioration in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), prompting us to hypothesize that the systemic coagulation-inflammation (SCI) index is associated with clinical deterioration in COPD.

Methods

A cohort of 957 COPD patients (mean age: 68.4 ± 7.8 years; 74.4% male) from January 2018 to December 2021 was analyzed. Six machine learning models (XGBoost, logistic regression, Random Forest, elastic net (ENT), support vector machine (SVM), and K-nearest neighbors (KNN)) were evaluated using accuracy, precision, recall, F1-score, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC).

Results

Our study encompassed 957 patients, out of which 171 were classified in the clinical deterioration of COPD (cd-COPD) cohort. Significant disparities in age, comorbidities like respiratory failure, C-reactive protein, lymphocyte count, red blood cell distribution width (RDW), SCI, procalcitonin (PCT), and D-dimer were depicted between the cd-COPD and non-cd-COPD groups. Concerning machine learning and model comparison, the SVM model showcased consistent performance and strong generalization capabilities on both the training and testing sets compared to the other five machine learning (ML) models. The SCI index, as the most influential predictor, demonstrated a median of 93.08 in cd-COPD compared to 81.67 in non-cd-COPD patients.

Conclusion

The SCI is markedly elevated in cd-COPD patients compared to COPD patients, and SVM demonstrates reliable performance in cd-COPD prediction.
Redescription of Aspidosiphon (Paraspidosiphon) steenstrupii Diesing, 1859 (Sipuncula: Aspidosiphonidae) and the reinstatement of three species
Authors: Silva-Morales Itzahi , Carrera-Parra Luis F.
Published: February 2025

Sipuncula, specifically the family Aspidosiphonidae, faces taxonomic challenges due to brief original descriptions and the poor condition or loss of the type material. Detailed standardized redescriptions are essential to understanding the diversification in this group. Herein, a comprehensive redescription of Aspidosiphon (Paraspidosiphon) steenstrupii based on an extensive material collection from the tropical Western Atlantic is provided. Based on morphological data and the analysis of COI sequences, we delimited A. (P.) steenstrupii morphologically, restricting its distribution to the tropical Western Atlantic. Also, the redescriptions and proposals for reinstatement of A. (P.) exostomum, A. (P.) ochrus, and A. (P.) speculator, previously considered junior synonyms of A. (P.) steenstrupii, are included. Furthermore, a comprehensive discussion on diagnostic morphological features to recognize aspidosiphonid species and a detailed revision of synonyms of A. (P.) steenstrupii are included. Notable differences in morphology and genetic data suggest the need for revising the taxonomic status of several synonyms within the family, highlighting underestimated diversity in sipunculans.
Role of contrast-enhanced ultrasound with time-intensity curve analysis about thyroid nodule and parenchyma for differentiating BRAF V600E mutation status
Authors: Hu Zhipeng , Xue Rong , Liu Zhixi , Liu Liang , Gong Zheli
Published: February 2025

Background

The BRAF V600E mutation was proven associated with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) which has more aggressive behavior and could affect the outcome of PTC. The objective of this study was to observe more contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) time-intensity curve (TIC)—based quantitative parameters in nodules and surrounding parenchyma and analyze the association between the TIC-based quantitative parameters and BRAF V600E mutation status in patients with PTC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 447 PTC patients was conducted. Prior to thyroidectomy or fine needle aspiration (FNA), all patients had CEUS and had their BRAF V600E mutations examined. Based on their mutation status, the patients were split into two groups. The two groups were compared in terms of sex, age, quantitative CEUS characteristics, pathological findings, vascular invasion, capsular invasion, and cervical lymph node metastases.

Results

A total of 240 patients were in the mutation negative group and 207 patients were in the BRAF mutation positive group. The BRAF-positive group exhibited significantly higher arrival time (AT) and time to peak enhancement (TTP) of the nodules, among other direct quantitative characteristics. The BRAF-positive mutant nodules showed significantly higher arrival time change and time to peak change compared to the surrounding parenchyma for indirect quantitative metrics.

Conclusion

The time-dependent quantitative parameters of CEUS time intensity curve in nodules and surrounding parenchyma have clinical value in distinguishing BRAF V600E mutation positive nodules from gene mutation negative nodules. Quantitative CEUS characteristics may be beneficial in detecting the BRAF V600E mutation status and informing the subsequent clinical choice.
Comparison of fracture resistance between immediate and delayed composite restorations with or without fiber after root canal treatment: a field-emission-gun scanning electron microscope study
Authors: Kaynar Zeynep Buket , Akbal Dinçer Gözde , Donmez Nazmiye
Published: February 2025

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the fracture resistance of immediate and delayed restorations after root canal treatment (RCT).

Methods

Sixty human intact premolar teeth were used. Teeth were prepared disto-occlusally. After RCT, teeth were randomly divided into two groups according to restoration times (immediate or 3 months delayed). The three month delay was imitated by thermomechanical aging. Then, samples were divided into six subgroups (n = 10). While I (Composite resin), II (Flowable bulk-fill) and III (Ribbond+Flowable bulk-fill) were restored immediately, Groups IV, V and VI were restored with temporary filling material and stored in distilled. After subjected to thermo-cycling (2,500 cycles, 5–55 °C) and exposed to 60,000 cycles in a chewing simulator, Group IV (Composite resin), V (Flowable bulk-fill) and VI (Ribbond+Flowable bulk-fill) were restored. All of the teeth were fractured on the universal testing machine. Failure modes were analyzed using scanning electron microscope. Data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk and two-way ANOVA tests (p < 0.05).

Results

The highest fracture resistance was recorded in Group III while the lowest in Group VI. No statistically significant difference was observed among groups (p > 0.05). Most of the repairable fractures were seen in Groups I and II.

Conclusion

Delaying the permanent restorations of teeth for 3 months did not affect fracture resistance. However, it was suggested to avoid delaying restorations for obtaining repairable surfaces.
Morphofunctional changes in the immune system in colitis-associated colorectal cancer in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia mice
Authors: Dzhalilova Dzhuliia , Silina Maria , Kosyreva Anna , Fokichev Nikolai , Makarova Olga
Published: February 2025

Background

One of the effective strategies for the treatment of tumor diseases, including colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC), is immunotherapy. During inflammation, NF-κB is activated, which is connected with the hypoxia-inducible factor—HIF, regulating the immune cells functioning and influences the CAC development. Organisms differ according to their hypoxia resistance and HIF expression. Therefore, the aim of the study was to characterize the thymus, spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes morphofunctional features, as well as changes in the subpopulation composition of peripheral blood cells and mesenteric lymph nodes in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia C57Bl/6 mice in CAC.

Methods

Hypoxia tolerance was assessed by gasping time measurement in hypobaric decompression chamber. Based on the outcome, the mice were assigned to three groups characterized as ‘tolerant to hypoxia’, ‘normal’, and ‘susceptible to hypoxia’. A month after determining hypoxia resistance CAC was modeled by intraperitoneal azoxymethane (AOM) administration and three cycles of dextran sulfate sodium consumption. Mice were sacrificed on the 141st day after the AOM administration, a morphological, morphometric and immunohistochemical study of tumors, morphological and morphometric study of thymus and spleen, and subpopulation composition of peripheral blood cells and mesenteric lymph nodes assessment were carried out.

Results

Tumors in tolerant and susceptible to hypoxia mice were represented by glandular intraepithelial neoplasia and adenocarcinomas, the area of which was larger in susceptible mice. Immunohistochemical study revealed a more pronounced Ki-67+ staining in tumors of susceptible mice. In CAC, only in tolerant mice, expansion of the thymic cortex was observed relative to the control group, while in susceptible ones, no changes were detected. Only in susceptible to hypoxia mice, spleen germinal centers of lymphoid follicles enlargement were observed. Only in susceptible mice during CAC, in comparison to the control group, the relative and absolute number of B-lymphocytes and relative—cytotoxic T-lymphocytes in blood increased. The relative cytotoxic T-lymphocytes and NK cells number in peripheral blood during CAC was higher in susceptible to hypoxia mice compared to tolerant ones. In susceptible to hypoxia mice, more pronounced changes in the mesenteric lymph nodes subpopulation composition of cells were revealed—only in them the absolute and relative number of B-lymphocytes and NK cells, the absolute number of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes increased, and the relative number of macrophages decreased.

Conclusions

Morphofunctional differences in the thymus, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes and blood immune cells reactions indicated the more pronounced immune response to the CAC development in susceptible to hypoxia mice, which should be taken into account in experimental studies.
Assessment of the potential of drug-drug interactions among population-based oldest-old people in Turkiye
Authors: Özaydın Fuat Nihat , Özaydın Ayşe Nilüfer
Published: February 2025

Background

The risk of potential drug‒drug interactions is highest in oldest-old people. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the frequency and type of potential drug‒drug interactions in population-based oldest-old people.

Methods

The type of study was descriptive. Ethical permission was obtained (13.04.2022/153). All participants were informed, and their written consent was obtained. The “oldest-old” were defined as those who were ≥85 years of age during the study period and living in Turkiye. These people were reached from every region of Turkiye via the snowball method and were visited at their homes. Data were collected via face-to-face interviews. Age, sex, city of residence, and generic names of regularly used medications were recorded. The medications used were analyzed according to the Beers 2019® Criteria and UpToDate® Lexicomp® drug interaction guides. SPSS was used for statistical analysis, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Data were collected from the 549 oldest-old people throughout Turkiye. Among the participants, 61.2% (n = 336) were women. The median age of the women was 88.00 years (minimum = 85, maximum = 101), and the median age of the men was 88.00 years (minimum = 85, maximum = 102). The distributions of men and women in the different age groups were similar (p = 0.341). The distributions of men and women across regions were similar (p = 0.826), most of whom (n = 300, 54.6%) had ≥1 potential drug‒drug interaction, according to the UpToDate analysis. The median number of medications used continuously was 4.0 (minimum = 0, maximum = 19). The median number of potential drug‒drug interactions was 1.0 (minimum = 0, maximum = 21). As the number of medications used increased, the number of potential drug‒drug interactions also increased (r = 0.737; p = 0.001). The number of potential drug‒drug interactions decreased with increasing age (r = −0.104; p = 0.015). According to the Beers 2019® Criteria, potential drug‒drug interactions were detected in only eight patients. The concordance between the Beers 2019® Criteria and the UpToDate®Lexicomb® drug interaction data was poor compared with the number of potential drug‒drug interactions (kappa = 0.024, p < 0.001). Central nervous system medications are a common group that can cause potential drug‒drug interactions according to both guidelines. Moreover, potentially inappropriate medications defined by the Beers 2019® Criteria were the most common causes of potential drug‒drug interactions, according to UpToDate®Lexicomb® drug interactions. The frequency of potential drug‒drug interactions was found to be high in the population-based oldest-old people interviewed in Turkiye. It has been determined that the use of more than one guide in the evaluation of potential drug‒drug interactions is safer.
BOEING ответит за всё. Мировая промышленность в эпоху экономических санкций
Authors: Ageev Valery
Published: February 2025

Сегодня для России остро стоит вопрос поднятия отечественной промышленности, авиапрома в частности, на качественно другой уровень. Всё это получило название – “технологическое лидерство”. Однако на этом фоне не менее интересен другой вопрос: какой урон нанесут последствия украино-российского кризиса западной и мировой промышленности?
Влияние экологических течений на развитие судостроения
Authors: Magarovsky Vyacheslav
Published: February 2025

Статья является первой из двух частей, в которых рассматриваются проблемы развития современного судостроения, связанные с борьбой за  их экологичность. Представлен анализ влияния на судостроение внедряемых под патронажем Международной морской организации мер по снижению эмиссии углекислого газа от судов. Рассмотрены перспективы применения на судах энергосберегающих технических решений и возобновляемых источников энергии. В качестве наиболее перспективных технических решений анализируется применение альтернативных видов топлива и адаптированной к ним или новой энергетики.
HELPRESIDENT Structured Framework: A Systematic Review Supporting Struggling Family Medicine Residents
Authors: Taher Muna , Salem Mohamed , Alhor Fawzia
Published: February 2025

Struggling residents in family medicine programs present significant challenges for both the residents themselves and the programs. The main objective is to address these challenges effectively which requires a greater focus on strategies to manage and support these residents. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, focusing on articles published in the last 10 years on managing struggling residents in family medicine programs. The HELPRESIDENT framework was found to provide a clear, structured approach to supporting struggling residents, improving their performance and well-being. Implementing structured frameworks like HELPRESIDENT and SOAP supports struggling residents through comprehensive assessments, targeted interventions, and ongoing monitoring, fostering a positive learning environment.
Advancing Hydroponic Farming through Magnetic Separation Technology: Enhancing Nutrient Recovery and Water Efficiency
Authors: Olasehinde Adeoluwa Abraham
Published: February 2025

Aim: With the growing demand for sustainable agriculture, there is an urgent need to develop new technologies that can help in optimizing indoor farming systems. The study will look into how magnetic separation technology (MST) can be used in hydroponic systems to enhance nutrient recovery and water efficiency.
Study Design: The study design is a quasi-experimental study involving plants grown in a well-controlled hydroponic environment, and the efficacy of MST on nutrient recovery versus water use efficiency was studied. The approach to the comparison considered conventional hydroponic systems against MST-integrated hydroponics.
Methodology: Pilot tests were performed to evaluate the efficacy of MST in recovering key nutrients from recirculating water, reducing fertilizer usage, and improving plant health. The nutrient monitoring system with IoT-based monitoring integrated into the MST system for real-time adjustment in nutrient concentration.
Results: The results revealed that through MST implementation, the nutrient retention efficiency increased by 15%, and operational cost was reduced by 20%. Additionally, plants that were grown under MST conditions had better growth rates and tolerance against nutrient imbalances.
Conclusions: The results suggest that the adoption of MST in hydroponic farming considerably enhances its sustainability by reducing nutrient waste and enhancing water conservation. This study contributes to the increasing number of studies related to smart agricultural technologies and supports wider sustainability goals, especially within the United States.
A Quantitative Assessment of Drought Trends in Uganda Using Statistical Models for Hydrological Indicators
Authors: Magara Genesis , Okrah Abraham , Yao Yawlui Ignatius Senyo , Yeboah Emmanuel , Darko George , Akimana Diane , Awuku Vincent , Quist Ishmeal , Sarfo Isaac
Published: February 2025

This study investigates drought patterns in Uganda's Eastern (E), Northeastern (NE), Northwestern (NW), and Southwestern (SW) regions, focusing on the frequency, intensity, and duration of drought events and their impacts on water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. Using data from ERA5, GPCC, and CRU TS (1960–2020), the study applies the Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), and Standardized Runoff Index (SRI) to analyze drought trends. Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) regression and random forest models identify key predictors of drought events. Results show that the E and NE regions experience more frequent but shorter droughts, while the NW and SW regions face prolonged and intense droughts. SPI and Potential Evapotranspiration (PET) are key predictors of SPEI, with PET consistently influencing drought severity. The random forest model showed moderate predictive accuracy (MSE = 0.29, R² = 0.35) but struggled to predict SPI in the NW and SW. The study highlights the need for region-specific interventions and improved drought prediction models, integrating remote sensing, land-use data, and machine learning. Policy recommendations include enhancing climate data integration for water resource management and strengthening regional drought response systems.
Influence of Different Level of Boron on Uptake of Nutrients in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) Crop
Authors: Dwivedi Anshuman , Dwivedi Deepak Kumar , Kumar Vinay
Published: February 2025

A field experiment was conducted at the research plot of Udai Pratap Autonomous College (UPAC), Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, adjoining the Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Soil Science, to study the effect of levels of boron on nutrient uptake in the wheat crop of the rabi season 2012-13. Boron was applied at six levels (0.0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 kg ha-1), with NPK @ 120:80:60, and the experiment was laid out in Randomized block design (RBD) with three replications. The application of 2 kg boron ha-1 recorded significantly higher boron uptake (95.50 g ha-1) in grain, higher uptake of boron in straw (145.27 g ha-1), total boron uptake (240.77 g ha-1). The amount of increase in P uptake above control was larger at the optimum B level (2.0 kg B ha-1) treatment. The authors suggested the use of optimum level of boron for better nutrient uptake.
Analysis of Socio-demographic Characteristics of Australian-based West Africans Survivals of 2014-2016 Ebola Epidemic During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Mandoh Sulaiman L , Bwititi Phillip T , Nwose Ezekiel U
Published: February 2025

Background: This study investigated how the West Africans who survived Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic 10-years ago, but now living in Australia, perceived the psychosocial impact of COVID-19.
Objective: The objective of this report is to narratively describe the demographic characteristics of the study participants.
Methods: The study was a sequential mixed methods involving online survey questionnaire followed by qualitative interview.
Results: A total of 68 participants initially subscribed to the online survey including approximately 51% women.
Conclusion: The distribution of participants into stratified age groups, education, marital status and occupation are described amongst others.