bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Age-Based Versus Young-Adult Thresholds for Nephrosclerosis on Kidney Biopsy and Prognostic Implications for CKD
Authors: Asghar Muhammad S. , Denic Aleksandar , Mullan Aidan F. , Moustafa Amr , Barisoni Laura , Alexander Mariam P. , Stegall Mark D. , Augustine Joshua , Leibovich Bradley C. , Thompson R. Houston , Rule Andrew D.
Published: May 2023

Significance Statement

Nephrosclerosis (glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and tubular atrophy) is the defining pathology of both kidney aging and CKD. Optimal thresholds for nephrosclerosis that identify persons with a progressive disease are unknown. This study determined a young-age threshold (18–29 years) and age-based 95th percentile thresholds for nephrosclerosis on the basis of morphometry of kidney biopsy sections from normotensive living kidney donors. These thresholds were 7.1-fold to 36-fold higher in older (70 years or older) versus younger (aged 18–29 years) normotensive donors. Age-based thresholds, but not young-age threshold, were prognostic for determining risk of progressive CKD among patients who underwent a radical nephrectomy or a for-cause native kidney biopsy, suggesting that age-based thresholds are more useful than a single young-age threshold for identifying CKD on biopsy.

Background

Nephrosclerosis, defined by globally sclerotic glomeruli (GSG) and interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA), is a pathology of both kidney aging and CKD. A comparison of risk of progressive CKD using aged-based thresholds for nephrosclerosis versus a single young-adult threshold is needed.

Methods

We conducted morphometric analyses of kidney biopsy images for %GSG, %IFTA, and IFTA foci density among 3020 living kidney donors, 1363 patients with kidney tumor, and 314 patients with native kidney disease. Using normotensive donors, we defined young-age thresholds (18–29 years) and age-based (roughly by decade) 95th percentile thresholds. We compared age-adjusted risk of progressive CKD (kidney failure or 40% decline in eGFR) between nephrosclerosis that was “normal compared with young,” “normal for age but abnormal compared with young,” and “abnormal for age” in patients with tumor and patients with kidney disease.

Results

The 95th percentiles in the youngest group (18–29 years) to the oldest group (70 years or older) ranged from 1.7% to 16% for %GSG, 0.18% to 6.5% for %IFTA, and 8.2 to 59.3 per cm2 for IFTA foci density. Risk of progressive CKD did not differ between persons with nephrosclerosis “normal compared with young” versus “normal for age but abnormal compared with young.” Risk of progressive CKD was significantly higher with %GSG, %IFTA, or IFTA foci density that was abnormal versus normal for age in both cohorts.

Conclusions

Given that increased risk of progressive CKD occurs only when nephrosclerosis is abnormal for age, age-based thresholds for nephrosclerosis seem to be better than a single young-age threshold for identifying clinically relevant CKD.
The influence of professional competency, professional commitment, and nursing organizational culture on the person-centered practice of nurses in long-term care hospitals: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Choi Yoon Saeng , Kim Su Hyun
Published: May 2023

Purpose: This study aimed to examine the influence of professional competency, professional commitment, and nursing organizational culture on the person-centered practice of nurses in long-term care hospitals. Methods: A total of 131 nurses in seven long-term care hospitals in Daegu city and Kyeongsang province participated in the study. Professional competency, professional commitment, nursing organizational culture, and person-centered practice were measured using the Nurse Professional Competence Short-Form, Professional Commitment Questionnaire, Nursing Organizational Culture scale, and Korean Measure of Person-Directed Care. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Nurses in long-term care hospitals had mean scores of 4.77±0.84 for professional competency and 4.27±0.89 for professional commitment out of a 1~7 scale and 3.45±0.44 for person-centered practice out of a 1~5 scale. Regarding nursing organizational culture, nurses had the highest score in relation-oriented organizational culture and the lowest score in task-oriented culture. Nurses’ professional competency (β=.59, p<.001) and innovation-oriented culture (β=.36, p<.001) were the factors influencing person-centered practice, which explained the variance of 52.5%. Conclusion: To improve person-centered practice in long-term care hospitals, it is necessary to implement strategies for improving nurses’ professional competency and innovation-oriented nursing organizational culture.
Yaşlılık Yolunda Dindarlık
Authors: Hısım Esra
Published: May 2023

Yasemin Apalı tarafından kaleme alınan bu eser, “yaşlılık yolundaki kimseler” olarak adlandırılan ileri yetişkin bireylerin dindarlık algısı ve dindarlık düzeylerinin incelendiği ampirik bir çalışmadır. Çalışma, Burdur ilinde yaşamını sürdüren yaşlılık yolundaki bireylerin dindarlık algısını çeşitli değişkenler açısından ölçmek üzere hazırlanmıştır. Belirtilen yaş grubunda konuya dair müstakil bir çalışma olmamasından ötürü yazar, bu konuyu ele alma tercihinde bulunmuştur.
EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE FACTORS AFFECTING THE INSULATION PERFORMANCE OF FLAME-RETARDANT MULTILAYER INSULATION MATERIALS
Authors: Ma Xiaoyong , Chen Shuping , Chen Lian , Wang Yujie , Jin Shufeng , Yu Yang , Mi Maoyuan , Shi Chaofan , Shi Yagang
Published: May 2023

Flame-retardant multilayer insulation materials act as effective thermal insulation blankets of cryogenic containers that store flammable and explosive cryogenic liquids. This study used standard static liquid nitrogen boil-off calorimetry to test the insulation performance of eight groups of flame-retardant multilayer insulation materials with different wrapping parameters. The effects of four factors, namely the layer density, seaming process, number of reflector layer, and variable-density multilayer insulation arrangement, on the insulation performance were analysed. Three layer densities were considered: 4.47, 3.08, and 2.50 layers/mm. Two types of seaming processes were discussed: the overlapped and fold-over seaming processes. Three numbers of reflector layers were considered: 60, 70, and 80. Two variable-density multilayer insulation arrangements with similar thicknesses were discussed: 10-10-40 and 20-20-20 layers of reflectors allocated for low-, medium- and high-density segments. The conclusions are as follows: Decreasing the layer density enhances the performance of multilayer insulation; Using the fold-over seaming process results in less heat flux and lower apparent thermal conductivity; An increase in the number of reflector layers weakens radiative heat transfer, resulting in better thermal insulation; Furthermore, for a given wrapping thickness, reducing the number of reflectors appropriately in low- and medium-density segments improves the insulation performance; Optimizing and controlling the layer density of each density segment are also essential for variable-density multilayer insulation effects. This study provides supporting theories and reference data for practical engineering applications.
Learning Abilities of Students with Intellectual Disabilities for Cooking Indonesian Traditional Food “Opak Bakar”: From Step by Step Experiment to the Analysis
Authors: Apriyanti Vina Pemila
Published: May 2023

Children with intellectual disabilities are children who experience delays in the development of intelligence, they experience various kinds of obstacles. Therefore, children with intellectual disabilities are less able to be developed their academic learning and require development in other learning, namely in learning skills, one of which is learning the skills of making Indonesian traditional food "Opak Bakar". The skill of making “Opak Bakar” is taught in schools. This study aims to determine the ability to make Indonesian traditional food “Opak Bakar” skills in class X children with intellectual disabilities. Following the objectives to be achieved, this study used a descriptive method with a qualitative approach, data obtained through observation, interviews, and documentation studies. This research was conducted on 3 children with intellectual disabilities and 1 class X skills teacher. One of the theories that underlie this research is the task analysis theory. The results showed that mild children with intellectual disabilities were able to make grilled “Opak Bakar”, which started by washing rice, making glutinous rice, adding rice flour, drying opak, and burning “Opak Bakar”. Some children find it difficult to mix the glutinous rice, print the glutinous rice into a rectangle, cut the “Opak Bakar” thin and rectangular shape and determine the color of the Indonesian traditional food “Opak Bakar”. This study recommends that schools complete skills teaching aids that are following the types of skills programs in schools.
Okul Yöneticilerinin Program Okuryazarlık Durumlarının İncelenmesi
Authors: AYGÜN Emrah , TAŞDAN Murat
Published: May 2023

Bu araştırmada özel eğitim sınıfı bulunan okulların yöneticilerinin, program okuryazarlığı hakkında görüşlerinin ortaya konması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu bünyesinde özel eğitim sınıfı ve öğretmeni bulunduran anaokulu, ilkokul (I. Kademe), ortaokul (II. Kademe) ve liselerde (III. Kademe) görev yapan 16 okul yöneticisi ve bağımsız özel eğitim okulunda görevli 2 okul yöneticisi olmak üzere, toplam 18 okul yöneticisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak “Eğitim Programı Okuryazarlığı Yarı Yapılandırılmış Görüşme Formu” kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri nitel veri analizi süreçlerine uygun olarak içerik analizi yaklaşımıyla analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmada okul yöneticilerinin, “program okuryazarlığı kavramı” hakkında farklı bilgi kaynaklarından bilgi sahibi olsalar da büyük çoğunlukla sahip oldukları bilgiyi düşük ve orta düzeyli olarak tanımladıkları saptanmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda okul yöneticilerine hizmet içi eğitimlerin düzenli ve sistematik olarak ilerletilmesi, her yenilenen öğretim programlarından sonra okul yöneticilerinin bu programların kapsamı içeriği ve uygulama esasları hakkında bilgilendirme çalışmalarının düzenlenmesi önerilmektedir.
Differentiated, immunobased approach of anaplastic large cell lymphoma treatment in children and adolescents: literature review and protocol ALCL-NII DOG-2003 results
Authors: Volkova A. S. , Valiev T. T.
Published: May 2023

Background. Anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare variant of highly aggressive lymphomas in children and adolescents. ALCL is characterized by a heterogeneous clinical manifestation with nodal and extranodal lesions, various morphological variants, variable expression of T-cell markers and cytogenetic aberrations involving the ALK gene. Due to the rarity of this disease (up to 10–15 % of all non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas in children), there are no uniform standards for ALCL therapy. Block treatment schemes similar to those applied in the treatment of B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are used; less often there can be used protocols similar to the therapy of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Taking into account the unfavorable effect on the prognosis of T-cell markers expression in ALCL, we developed protocol ALCL-NII DOG-2003, which considered the immunological features of the tumor.

Aim. To assess the effectiveness of differentiated immunobased ALCL therapy by domestic protocol ALCL-NII DOG-2003.

Materials and methods. From 01.03.1997 to 01.10.2022, 60 patients with primary diagnosed ALCL were included in the study. The diagnosis was based on histological, immunohistochemical and cytogenetic criteria of WHO classification of hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues tumors. According to treatment program, patients were subdivided in 2 groups: patients treated by NHL-BFM 95 protocol (n = 21) and by ALCL-NII DOG-2003 (n = 39). The male:female ratio was 1,3:1 in group of patients with NHL-BFM 95 protocol and 1,4:1 – in ALCL-NII DOG 2003. The effectiveness assessment was based on overall, event-free and relapse-free survival with SPSS 21.0 computed program. The differences between groups were significant with p ≤0.05.

Results. The use of risk-adopted, immuno-oriented protocol made it possible to obtain a 10‑year EFS in 97.4 ± 2.6 %, whereas results of the standard NHL-BFM 95 protocol are 63.9 ± 10 % (p = 0.001).

Conclusion. The use of a differentiated approach to ALCL treatment, considering not only the stage and prognostic risk group, but also the immunological features of the tumor, is more effective, and allows achieving significantly higher survival rates, than standard program (NHL-BFM 95).
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia: the current state of the issue
Authors: Vasilchenkova P. I. , Galtseva I. V. , Lukina E. A.
Published: May 2023

Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a rare disease characterized by the appearance of anti-erythrocyte autoantibodies and subsequent destruction of red blood cells by cells of the immune system. The destruction mechanisms of erythrocytes loaded with autoantibodies are well studied; however, the initial mechanisms that trigger the production of antibodies to own erythrocytes antigens remain unclear. In the pathogenesis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, an important role is played by impaired immunological tolerance, in which T-lymphocytes play a key role. The study of T-lymphocytes subpopulation in patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia by flow cytometry can provide valuable information for studying the disease pathogenesis and developing new approaches to its treatment.
Stochastic Ground-Motion Simulation of the 2021 Mw 5.9 Woods Point Earthquake: Facilitating Local Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analysis in Australia
Authors: Tang Yuxiang , Martin Mai P.
Published: May 2023

The 2021 Mw 5.9 Woods Point event is the largest onshore earthquake that has occurred in the recorded history of southeastern Australia since European settlement. To study its source and ground-motion characteristics and to extract information for local seismic hazard analysis, we employ a stochastic finite-fault simulation approach to simulate ground motions for this event based on the observations collected from 36 onshore stations. We determine the regional distance-dependent attenuation parameters using the horizontal Fourier acceleration amplitude spectrum in the frequency range of 0.1–20 Hz. We parameterize path parameters using different models to consider uncertainties and sensitivities. To investigate local site effects, we construct a VS30-based site amplification model. Source parameters are then determined by fitting the theoretical Brune’s ω2 model with a reference Fourier source spectrum at 1.0 km. The κ0 value for the reference rock site is estimated as κ0=0.01  s, and dynamic stress drop is found to be 41.0 MPa by minimizing the overall absolute residual of 5% damped pseudospectral acceleration. We validate the simulations by comparing simulated and observed ground motions in terms of various intensity measurements; analyses of residuals show that the simulations are in good agreement with observations (average residual is close to 0). To facilitate future probabilistic seismic hazard analysis, six selected ground-motion models are ranked using the deviance information criteria based on an independent data set consisting of field observations and simulated ground motions.
Pengembangan Video Pembelajaran Untuk Melatihkan Kreativitas Dan Inovasi Pada Materi Kegiatan Ekonomi Dan Jenis Pekerjaan Kelas IV SD
Authors: Putri Sisilia Novilen Rahayu , Prasetya Andreas Erwin , Rusmawan Rusmawan
Published: May 2023

This study aims to develop learning videos and determine the quality of the results of developing learning videos in social studies class IV SD. This research was conducted at SDN Bhaktikarya Condongcatur. This type of research is Research and Development (R&D) with the ADDIE model. Data collection techniques used are observation, interviews and questionnaires. The results of this study: 1) development of learning videos based on the ADDIE stages, namely analyze, design, develop, implement and evaluate, 2) The quality of learning videos obtained from validation results through 2 media experts and 2 material experts got a score of 4.53 entered into the category "Very good". The videos developed are also proven to be able to train students' creativity and innovation skills based on the results of observation scores, questionnaires and interviews. Thus it is concluded that the learning videos have very good quality and are suitable for use in the learning process.AbstrakPenelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan video pembelajaran dan mengetahui kualitas hasil pengembangan video pembelajaran pada mata pelajaran IPS kelas IV SD. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SDN Bhaktikarya Condongcatur. Jenis penelitian ini adalah Research and Development (R&D) dengan model ADDIE. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan yaitu observasi, wawancara dan kuesioner. Hasil dari penelitian ini: 1) pengembangan video pembelajaran berdasarkan tahapan ADDIE, yaitu analyze, design, develop, implement dan evaluate, 2) Kualitas video pembelajaran diperoleh hasil validasi melalui 2 ahli media dan 2 ahli materi mendapatkan skor 4,53 masuk ke dalam kategori “Sangat Baik”. Video yang dikembangkan juga terbukti mampu melatihkan keterampilan kreativitas dan inovasi peserta didik berdasarkan hasil skor observasi dengan rerata 4,14 masuk kategori “Baik”. Hasil kuesioner tertutup memperoleh rerata 4,49 masuk kategori “Sangat Setuju” kemudian hasil wawancara mendukung hasil observasi dan kuesioner. Dengan demikian disimpulkan bahwa video pembelajaran memiliki kualitas sangat baik dan layak digunakan dalam proses pembelajaran.
The Popular Ergogenic Substances in Sport and Physical Activity
Authors: Świtała Katarzyna
Published: May 2023

Few supplements have a scientifically proven ergogenic effects of improving exercise capacity and/or physical performance in sport. The athletes require specialised nutrition, including precisely good quality supplementation, i.e. scientifically tested. Nowadays, more and more athletes use nutritional supplementation to improve their sporting performance both at the elite and non-elite levels. In this review, ergogenic substances such as the β-alanine, caffeine, creatine monohydrate, creatine malate, sodium bicarbonate were analysed among athletes/active people from an exercise and health capacity perspective. The aim of this review is to analyse the efficacy, mechanisms of action, dosage, side effects of the selected ergogenic substances, among athletes involved in physical effort/specific sport disciplines. Furthermore, the article will show the benefits of using these supplements in terms of health as well as improvement of exercise capacity among athletes.
Trend and Visualization of Artificial Intelligence Research in the Last 10 Years
Authors: Prahani Binar Kurnia , Imah Elly Matul , Maureen Irena Yolanita , Rakhmawati Lusia , Saphira Hanandita Veda
Published: May 2023

Technology is permeating every aspect of our everyday lives, and businesses are increasingly turning to learning algorithms. These technologies are commonly associated with Artificial Intelligence (AI), Deep Learning (DL), Machine Learning (ML), and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). Due to previous research exciting findings, implications, and limitations, the research publication on AI, ML, DL, and ANN will increase each year. Finally, the growth analysis of AI, ML, DL, and ANN publications in last 10 years brings up the results that the publications significantly increase each year. This research utilizes descriptive analyses and bibliometrics. Implications of the investigation of specific keyword mapping visualization results on AI, ML, DL, and ANN, can be created and enhanced for more study. A different area of future research might focus on using fewer terms, particularly to study learning methods like AI, ML, DL, and ANN in a convolutional neural network.
The Incidence of Information Technologies on the Profitability of Service Firms
Authors: Avecillas Danny Arevalo , Alipio Rober Luciano , Valdiviezo Holger Cevallos , Valenzuela Patricia Valdiviezo
Published: May 2023

The main objective of the research is to measure the influence of information technologies, management practices, knowledge management and training on the financial performance of companies in the service sector. Non-experimentation in the design has been chosen, reaching the correlational level and it has been framed in the quantitative procedure. Official sources of secondary data were used, from the period 2011-2017. The results were obtained using panel data analysis, following the production function proposed by Cobb-Douglas, in addition, regressions have been used in the long-term analysis. Demonstrating through the results that making investments in IT allows obtaining better profitability indicators, as well as knowledge management moderates the relationship in the long and short term.
Changing the Designs of Business Models of Wholesale Food Markets in the Context of the Transformation of the State Regulatory System
Authors: Liliia Matraeva , Ekaterina Vasiutina , Olga Kaurova
Published: May 2023

Wholesale food markets have always been in the focus of public administration, since they are an effective mechanism for regulating the movement of goods. This article examines the organizational, legal and economic conditions for the development of wholesale food markets on the example of 7 countries of the European and Pacific regions. The results of formalization of basic variants of business model structures that reflect the strategic priorities of the organization of the wholesale food market management system in the context of national food security strategies are presented. The modelling effects of each business model are determined and their adaptive abilities to changing environmental conditions are analyzed.
The Impact of Learning Management System (LMS) Usage on Students
Authors: Furqon Muhammad , Sinaga Parlindungan , Liliasari Liliasari , Riza Lala Septem
Published: May 2023

The swift advancement of technology has stimulated a metamorphosis in the realm of education, particularly in the domain of learning. Previously limited to face-to-face interactions, learning is now conducted online via a variety of devices and platforms. One of the popular platforms currently being widely used by online learning in schools and universities is the Learning Management System (LMS). The LMS serves as a comprehensive platform that facilitates educational engagement between educators and learners in the context of remote instruction. The objective of this investigation was to examine the effects of utilizing a Learning Management System (LMS) on students. This study uses a literature review method. The findings indicate that, overall, the utilization of Learning Management Systems (LMS) had a beneficial effect on academic performance among students and fostered a favorable perception of LMS implementation in educational endeavors. It is anticipated that educators will take into account the findings of this investigation when utilizing LMS to facilitate the educational process.
The Development and Validation of a Metacognitive Questionnaire for Music Learning
Authors: Li Wen , Manoharan Pravina , Liu Fen , Cui Xuerong
Published: May 2023

Although music learners’ metacognition could regulate and improve their practice and performance, respectively, metacognitive measurement tools for music domains remain scarce. Hence, this study aimed to develop and validate a Metacognitive Questionnaire for Music Learning (MQML). Through item analysis, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), two rounds of research were conducted on 513 valid questionnaires to analyze the item discrimination, reliability, and validity of the questionnaire. This study developed a questionnaire consisting of two subscales, eight factors, and 35 items. The MQML was explored and validated with a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.960 for the overall scale, subscale Cronbach’s alpha values were 0.914 and 0.947. An eight-factor metacognitive structural model was validated for the first time in the music field. Essentially, MQML could provide empirical data for music students’ metacognition strategies and expand the current body of literature on music cognition.
Analytical Method of Stimulation for Labour of Top-Managers
Authors: Malyarets Lyudmyla , Iastremska Olena , Tutova Anastasiy , Dorokhov Oleksandr
Published: May 2023

The problem of economic stimulation of top managers remains relevant and unresolved. Economic incentives of top managers should be based on the performance of the enterprise, and this relationship is recognized by economists, scientists, and practitioners. The main problem here is the development of a scale of economic incentives. In most cases, economic incentives are associated with only one indicator of performance - the company's profit, which is a criterion for incentives. But objectively, the criteria may be other indicators that reflect the efficiency of financial resources, fixed assets, labor resources, and the effectiveness of investment and innovation. A new analytical method has been developed that strengthens the objectivity of stimulating the work of top managers. The proposed logic of the stages of calculating the incentives of top managers allows not only to describe the performance of the enterprise using an appropriate system of indicators but also to establish the relationship between them and the economic incentives of top managers to ensure effective performance in general. The advantage of the proposed analytical method of stimulating top managers is to take into account the business needs of enterprises, the peculiarities of their activities.
EUCLIDA: 3D Augmented Reality Card for Learning Numeracy about Geometry
Authors: Putri Agustiani , Wahyuningsih Tia , Salsabil Ananti Nabila , Wicaksono Alim , Zahira Shofa Gharitza , As’ari Abdur Rahman , Osman Sharifah
Published: May 2023

Students consider that spatial geometry is tough, they require equipped mastery of concepts and visualized 2D object. This study is addressed to develop and evaluate EUCLIDA card integrated with AR using 4D model. The EUCLIDA card was claimed to satisfy the valid standard, because it achieves a percentage of 90%, from the appraisal data of two specialists and one practitioner. Moreover, EUCLIDA card also fulfills the utility aspects, because it obtained a percentage of 93% based on the outcome of learning activities observed and gained 97% from the student feedback survey on operating EUCLIDA card. It can be concluded that the EUCLIDA card is considered valid and useful.
Pre-service TVET Teachers’ Digital Competence: Evidence from Survey Data
Authors: Bitemirova Sholpan , Zholdasbekova Saule , Mussakulov Kussan , Anesova Albina , Zhanbirshiyev Sultanbek
Published: May 2023

This study sought to translate and validate the Digital Competence Scale for University Students among Kazakhstani undergraduate students aimed at the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) educator diploma (n = 202), and also to discover the status quo of their digital competence. The translation and trans-cultural validation of the scale produced a bi-factorial 10-item instrument, like the original. The questionnaire evidenced acceptable validity and reliability. On average, the participants reported a medium digital competence score. Practical implications and directions for future research are provided.
A critical investigation analysing the key determinants of artificial intelligence in enhancing employee engagement in multinational companies
Authors: Prasad KDV , Vaidya Rajesh , Rani Ridhi
Published: May 2023

The objective of the study is to determine whether artificial intelligence (AI) tools, software, and technology can assist management in identifying intangibles such as the employee engagement level and offer hints as to what factors influence it and how management can work to enhance it. A descriptive study was carried out to better understand the research topic. A structured survey questionnaire was employed to collect the data, in which the closed-ended questions used a Likert-type scale. The questionnaire measured AI’s effects on productivity, organisational effectiveness, employee satisfaction, and employee engagement. The survey was published on Google Forms, and a link was provided to the respondents. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 28. Statistically significant results were obtained on the association between AI and the determinants of organisational effectiveness, increased productivity, employee satisfaction, and employee engagement. AI thus influences the study variables, and the results are statistically significant. The employees of an organisation will adopt and use new technologies if the technology is easy to use and adopt and beneficial to them. The management of organisations can source technologies like AI and other tools that are easy to use, and they can implement such technologies in a phased manner, educating employees on the advantages and benefits of the technology to maximise employee engagement.
Implementation of Image Quality Improvement Methods and Lung Segmentation on Chest X-Ray Images Using U-Net Architectural Modifications
Authors: Rudiansyah Rudiansyah , Kesuma Lucky Indra , Anggara Muhammad Ikhsan
Published: May 2023

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that causes acute respiratory distress syndrome due to the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Rapid and accurate screening and early diagnosis of patients play an essential role in controlling outbreaks and reducing the spread of this disease. This disease can be diagnosed by manually reading CXR images, but it is time-consuming and prone to errors. For this reason, this research proposes an automatic medical image segmentation system using a combination of U-Net architecture with Batch Normalization to obtain more accurate and fast results. The method used in this study consists of pre-processing using the CLAHE method and morphology opening, CXR image segmentation using a combination of U-Net-4 Convolution Block architecture with Batch Normalization, then evaluated using performance measures such as accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, and IoU. The results showed that the U-Net architecture modified with Batch Normalization had successfully segmented CXR images, as seen from all performance measurement values above 94%.
Classification of Epilepsy Diagnostic Results through EEG Signals Using the Convolutional Neural Network Method
Authors: Sari Tri Kurnia , Rini Dian Palupi , Samsuryadi Samsuryadi
Published: May 2023

The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body as a central nervous system which functions as a controlling center, intelligence, creativity, emotions, memories, and body movements. Epileptic seizure is one of the disorder of the brain central nervous system which has many symptoms, such as loss of awareness, unusual behavior and confusion. These symptoms lead in many cases to injuries due to falls, biting one’s tongue. Detecting a possible seizure beforehand is not an easy task. Most of the seizures occur unexpectedly, and finding ways to detect a possible seizure before it happens has been a challenging task for many researchers. Analyzing EEG signals can help us obtain information that can be used to diagnose normal brain activity or epilepsy. CNN has been demonstrated high performance on detection and classification epileptic seizure. This research uses CNN to classify the epilepsy EEG signal dataset. AlexNet and LeNet-5 are applied in CNN architecture. The result of this research is that the AlexNet architecture provides better precision, recall, and f1-score values on the epilepsy signal EEG data than the LeNet-5 architecture.
Leaders and Followers Algorithm for Balanced Transportation Problem
Authors: Angmalisang Helen Yuliana , Angmalisang Harrychoon , Sumarauw Sylvia Jane
Published: May 2023

Leaders and Followers algorithm is a metaheuristic algorithm which uses two sets of solutions and avoid comparison between random exploratory sample solutions and the best solutions. In this paper, it is used to solve the balanced transportation problem. There are some modifications in the proposed algorithm in order to fit the algorithm to the problem. The proposed algorithm is evaluated using 138 problems. The results are better than the results obtained by other algorithm from previous studies. Overall, Leaders and Followers algorithm has no difficulty in finding optimal solution, even in problems that have large dimension, number of supply and number of demands.
Identifying Marketing Challenges of health-related knowledge-based products of the Technological Units Located in the Growth Centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences
Authors: Naghavi Alhosseini Solmaz Sadat , Azad Naser , Valmohammadi Changiz , Naami Abdollah
Published: May 2023

Background: Marketing is a vital but less addressed capability in knowledge-based companies and is a leading contributor to challenges in this sector.
Objectives: This study aimed to identify the marketing challenges of health-related knowledge-based products.
Methods: This research is a qualitative study. The participants included 10 experts from technology units located in the growth centers of Tehran University of Medical Sciences, who were selected by purposive sampling and using the theoretical saturation index. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and analyzed using MAXQDA version 10 and qualitative content analysis with an inductive approach.
Results: Data analysis led to the extraction of 4 main categories, including legal/regulatory, financial, infrastructural, and market factors. Each of these main categories consisted of several subcategories that described a specific aspect of the challenges of this field.
Conclusions: Legal/regulatory, financial, infrastructural, and market factors are among the marketing challenges experienced by technology units located in the growth centers.
ERADICATION OF DICHOTOMIES BETWEEN THEOLOGY AND THE NATURAL WORLD IN WENDELL BERRY’S JAYBER CROW
Authors: Blessy C. , Alexander Ashish
Published: May 2023

Purpose of the study: The novel Jayber Crow (2000) by Wendell Berry is packed with his ecological and sociological concerns. This study aims to analyse Wendell Berry’s novel Jayber Crow from ecocritical viewpoints, specifically ecotheology and environmental humanities. Methodology: Descriptive analysis has been done by the researcher using primary data and secondary data. Main Findings: A person’s connection to the earth is a reflection of their divine and human interactions. Berry’s Christian and agricultural ideas throughout the book demonstrate how improving oneself and working on the natural world are related. Applications of this study: This research can help researchers and English literature students who are interested in the field of ecocriticism and environmental studies. Novelty/Originality of this study: In this research, it is shown that man’s work enables him to be imaginative because of his connection to a particular place. The novel Jayber Crow is a profoundly ecotheological narrative that aims to eliminate the dichotomies between theology and the natural world.
Problems of Establishment of the Optimal Digital Taxation Model in the Paradigm of Competition between Tax Jurisdictions
Authors:   Professor of the Department of Financial, Tax and Banking Law of the All- Russian State University of Justice (Russian Law Academy of the Ministry of Justice of the Russian Federation), LL.D., Professor, Kazachkova Zemfira M. , Cheremnykh Irina A. ,   Lawyer
Published: May 2023

The subject of the research is presented by actual problems of digital taxation both at the international level and at the level of individual countries. Particular attention is paid to foreign experience, as well as to the OECD proposals for reforming the tax system due to rapid digitalization of the economy. The practical significance of the research lies in considering the prospects for the unilateral introduction of a digital tax in the Russian Federation and a presentation of the optimal model of digital taxation for our country.
Approaches to Defining the Artificial Intelligence Concept: Problem Setting
Authors:   Head of the Department of Legal Regulation of Public Administration and Economics of the Law Institute of the Russian University of Transport (RUT), LL.D., Chebotareva Anna A. , Keropyan Yulia P. ,   Degree-Seeking Student of the Academic Degree of PhD (Law) of the Law Institute of the Russian University of Transport (RUT), Assistant Judge of the Commercial Court of the Transbaikal Territory
Published: May 2023

This article analyzes the main approaches to the definition of the concept of artificial intelligence in the scientific literature, normative legal acts and judicial practice, this is due to the fact that in the available scientific papers a comprehensive approach to understanding the legal nature of artificial intelligence, its law enforcement and, accordingly, the legal regulation is not sufficiently developed. The authors used methods: analysis and synthesis, comparative legal method of research. Results. The study noted that the definitions considered to a greater extent have technical characteristics, in this connection, raises the question associated with the development of the definition of «artificial intelligence», in terms of law. This is necessary, first of all, in order to further form a clear understanding of the legal regulation of the use of artificial intelligence in the legal field. The authors also draw attention to the fact that currently law enforcement has not developed a unified approach to the use of the concept of «artificial intelligence», in addition, judicial practice in this direction is at its initial stage of development.
Individual Autonomy and Medical Paternalism
Authors:   Dean of the Law Faculty, Head of the Department of Constitutional Law of the Saint Petersburg State University, PhD (Law), Associate Professor, Belov Sergey A.
Published: May 2023

The article presents results of analysis of balancing physicians’ paternalism, traditional for the medicine in general and Russian medicine in particular, with principle of patients’ personal autonomy. The analysis bases on the data, published in the scholar literature on the surveys of doctors’ attitude to the paternalism and autonomy, as well as on the organized by the author survey of doctors of N.I.Pirogov Clinic of High Medicine Technologies of St.Petersburg State University and in analysis of judicial practice in cases on informed consent. The author concludes, that innovative medical practice in Russia rejected paternalism, while the conservative part of health care system (military medicine) as well as the courts still support this approach. The vague and uncertain legislative requirements to the content and form of informed consent partly give grounds for this, but more general problem is that the courts do not apply constitutional provisions directly and even protect personal non-material rights of patients, violated in cases when doctors act without patient’s consent.
On Registration of Rights to Land Plots, Forest Plots and Aquatic Objects Required for Subsurface Resource Management on the Continental Shelf
Authors:   Teaching Assistant of the Department of Legal Protection of the Environment of the Saint Petersburg State University, Tarzyan Mikhail K.
Published: May 2023

The article is devoted to legal conflicts arising in connection with the absence in the current legislation of a legal mechanism for providing a person engaged in the use of the subsoil of the continental shelf, necessary for such use of a land plot, as well as a forest plot or a water body. Examples of the use of land plots for the purposes of offshore subsoil use are considered, according to the results of the study of which it is concluded that there is no uniform approach and the need to develop common criteria that do not allow limiting either the rights of the subsoil user or other subjects of land rights.
Application of Fundamental and Criminal Law Principles in Bringing to Sports Liability: A Brief Overview
Authors:   Associate Professor of the Department of Theory and History of State and Law of the Saint Petersburg State University, PhD (Law), Associate Professor, Vasilyev Ilya A.
Published: May 2023

Sports disputes resolution has a private legal nature and therefore per se should not be based on the principles of a branch of public law such as criminal law. At the same time sport sanctions sometimes have a negative effect comparable with administrative law and even criminal law. However, does this lead to the conclusion that it is necessary to extend to sports liability the guarantees provided by criminal law principles? The use of general principles of law in sports jurisprudence, at first view, should not cause the slightest doubt. At the same time, doubts in the said conclusion may suddenly appear by the reflection of certain principles of criminal law of fundamental values. Is this indeed the case, or does the practice of sports dispute resolution (un)intentionally maintain ambiguity and selective recognition of general principles? One can give the example of the principle nulla poena sine culpa, the desire to extend it to any sporting legal order is quite obvious. The heterogeneity of the institute of sports liability demonstrates several variants of such without taking into account the fault of the subject of sport, and raises reasonable questions about the inconsistency of this example with the piety of the general principles of law. Let us turn to the practice of the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), which in this brief review will allow to reveal features of the current sports jurisprudence on a global level and offer some answers to the questions we have mentioned.
Knowledge and perceptions of smallholder farmers regarding Solanum incanum L. use as a pesticide in Mkoba community in Gweru, Zimbabwe
Authors:   Nelson Mandela University, Zivanayi W , Hlangothi B , Rasana NH
Published: May 2023

This study explored the knowledge and perceptions the smallholder farmers in Mkoba village hold regarding the use of extracts of the root and fruit of S. incanum. A questionnaire was administered to 49 sampled respondents (age range 16 to 70 years) from Mkoba village who practiced communal gardening and used Solanum incanum as a pesticide. The data were reported in frequency tables and graphs. The Chi-square was used to determine the associations between the respondents’ perceptions and education level, age, and gender at p = .05. An independent t-test was also used to determine whether there was a statistically significant difference between the different educational groups in their perceptions of S. incanum at p = .05. Of the 49 respondents, 20(40.8%) were in the age range of 30-50 years, and 30 (61.2%) were female. The study found that respondents were knowledgeable about the S. incanum preparations, of which 18 (36.7%) of that indigenous knowledge came from their parents. Many uses of S. incanum were reported which included wound healing 23 (46.9%), toothache 32 (65.3%), and stomach-ache 34(69.3%) remedy. There were mixed opinions reported regarding its environmental user-friendliness, health benefits, and efficacy. Twenty-six 26 (53%) of the respondents believed that S. incanum was non-poisonous and therefore they did not see the need for any precautional measures including the use of personal protective clothing. The most prevalent symptoms of diseases were skin rash 30 (61.2%), nausea 13 (26.5%), headache 15 (30.6%), and poor vision 8 (16.3%) and these symptoms were common in the age group 30 to 60 years. The popular use of S. incanum was attributed to the strong cultural background as well as the unavailability of money to purchase commercial pesticides. Appropriate awareness and education programmes in the community should be organised by the community leaders to increase the level of knowledge to enhance appropriate attitudes and perceptions regarding the hazards S. incanum brings as a pesticide. Key words: Solanum incanum, knowledge, perceptions, pesticides, poison, health- symptoms, smallholder
Prediction of Compressive Strength of Self-Compacting Concrete using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Aggarwal Paratibha , Gurjar Gulshan K. , Aggarwal Yogesh , Kumar Pankaj
Published: May 2023

The paper deals with the use of Deep Neural Networks (DNN), Artificial Neural Network (ANN), and Random Forest (RF) for estimating the 28- day compressive strength of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing silica and filler (fly ash, marble powder, and lime powder) with a comparative performance analysis of all techniques. A total of 179 data were taken from literature already published with eight input variables for modelling. The evaluation and comparison of the performance of predicted models were made using the same datasets in training and testing based on correlation coefficient (CC), Coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). The results showed that proposed model's performance could be improved when training takes place in a Deep Neural Network model with multiple hidden layers. Sensitivity analysis was used to quantify the effect of different variables on concrete strength with coarse aggregate greatly affecting the compressive strength of SCC, followed by fine aggregate content and quantity of silica. A dependable prediction tool is provided through this investigation which suggests that the present model can help scientists and engineers in the optimization of the mixture design of SCC.