bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Эндоскопическая семиотика гастритоподобной формы первичных неходжкинских лимфом желудка
Authors: Лозовая Валерия Витальевна , Малихова О. А. , Туманян А. О.
Published: September 2023

Aim. To characterize the main differentially significant endoscopic features specific to the gastritis-like form of primary gastric non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL).

Materials & Methods. This prospective study analyzes the results of complex endoscopic diagnosis in 43 patients with primary gastric NHL. They were examined and treated at the NN Blokhin National Medical Cancer Research Center from 2019 to 2023. The patients were 30–70 years of age, those over the age of 50 predominated and accounted for 79 % (n = 34). There were 33 women and 10 men. The control group included 45 patients with gastritis-like malignant gastric tumors: adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell cancer.

Results. The morphological analysis yielded a diagnosis of MALT-lymphoma in 90.7 % (n = 39) and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in 9.3 % (n = 4) of cases. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the clarification methods of complex endoscopic diagnosis were considerably higher compared to white-light mode examination. According to the results of complex endoscopic analysis, all patients were stratified into 4 groups with different types of H. pylori-induced atrophic gastritis (n = 10; 23.25 %), erosive gastritis (n = 10; 23.25 %), hyperplastic gastritis (n = 8; 18.6 %), and combined gastritis (n = 15; 34.9 %). The focus was laid on identifying the main differentially significant endoscopic features specific to the gastritis-like form of primary gastric NHL which distinguish it from the lesions in other malignant tumors.

Conclusion. The complex examination using 4 concrete clarification methods of endoscopic diagnosis is indispensable to properly interpret the detected changes and timely diagnose the gastritis-like form of primary gastric NHL. These include narrow-band imaging (NBI/BLI and LCI), close-focus and magnification examinations, combined narrow-band imaging and magnification examination, as well as endosonography.
Universal geometry of two-neutron halos and Borromean Efimov states close to dissociation
Authors: Naidon Pascal
Published: September 2023

The geometry of Borromean three-body halos, such as two-neutron halo nuclei or triatomic molecules close to dissociation, is investigated using a three-body model. This model enables to analytically derive the universal geometric properties found recently within an effective-field theory for halos made of a core and two resonantly-interacting particles [Phys. Rev. Lett., 128, 212501 (2022)]. It is shown that these properties not only apply to the ground three-body state, but also to all the excited (Efimov) states where the core-particle interaction is resonant. Furthermore, a universal geometry persists away from the resonant regime between the two particles, for any state close to the three-body threshold. This “halo universality”, which applies equally to all states, is different from the Efimov universality, which is only approximate for the ground state. It is explained by the separability of the hyper-radius and hyper-angles close to the three-body dissociation threshold.
The role of dermatocosmetics in the management of rosacea
Authors: Tserikidze N. G. , Sakaniya L. R. , Olenich I. V. , Korsunskaya I. M.
Published: September 2023

Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the facial skin. This pathology is characterized by hyperaemia, erythema, telangiectasia and other manifestations. It is also accompanied by a group of unpleasant symptoms, such as burning sensations, itching, and skin tightness. The pathogenesis of the disease has not been sufficiently studied. But it is generally accepted that it is based on  abnormalities in the immune system. In addition, excessive Demodex colonization and exposure to ultraviolet radiation may play a role in the development of rosacea. The incidence rate of rosacea worldwide reaches 5%. It is emphasized that some ethnicities face a greater risk of this disease than others. It is a very difficult task to treat rosacea for a specialist. The therapeutic approach differs in different forms of the disease. There is a wide range of treatments available for papulopustular rosacea, including systemic and topical medications and even physiotherapy. However, the therapy of erythematous rosacea mainly centres around the use of dermatocosmetic care. For patients with rosacea, it is important to choose products that, first of all, can effectively reduce skin redness and discomfort and will be well tolerated. A dermo-cosmetic composition has to have an anti-inflammatory effect and the ability to repair damaged skin. This article presents our own experience of using such drug in the monotherapy of erythematous rosacea and in the complex treatment of papulopustular disease. A significant effect had been achieved at 3–4 weeks of complex therapy in patients with papulopustular rosacea. We present a clinical case report of a 46-year-old patient N. as an example of the effectiveness of therapy.
Marker associations of chronic heart failure severity and cognitive dysfunction in elderly patients
Authors: Shishkova V. N. , Shishkov V. A. , Ustarbekova D. B.
Published: September 2023

Introduction. Next to neurodegenerative disorders, cardiovascular diseases are now the most common cause of cognitive impairment. The combination of factors such as older age and chronic heart failure is a corner-stone of a greater risk for developing vascular cognitive impairment.

Aim. To study the relationship between the parameters of the left ventricular ejection fraction and the concentration of NT-proBNP with the results of neuropsychological testing in patients with chronic heart failure in old age.

Materials and methods. The study included 200 elderly patients with CHF II–III FC. The neuropsychological examination included tests: tracking, Schulte tables, verbal associations, the Montreal Cognitive Function Assessment Scale (МоСА test). Laboratory tests included determination of the concentration of NT-proBNP in serum.

Results. During neuropsychological testing, reduced indicators were obtained: during the MOS test in patients with left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) values < 40% and ≥ 40% and < 50% and with a concentration of NT-proBNP 7230 [3325; 8830] pg/ml; in the Schulte test, an increase in execution time was noted in patients with LVEF values < 40% and ≥ 40% and < 50% and with a concentration of NT-proBNP 2900 [700; 7500] pg/ml; in the tracking test – an increase in time in part A in patients with LVEF values < 40% and ≥ 40% and < 50% and with a concentration of NT-proBNP 5385 [2125; 8675] pg/ml and part B in patients with LVEF values < 40% and ≥ 40% and < 50% and with a concentration of NT-proBNP 6947 [3325; 9310] pg/ml, in the verbal association test – in patients with LVEF values < 40% and ≥ 40% and < 50% and with a concentration of NT-proBNP 2090 [608; 7126] pg/ml. Correlation analysis showed the presence of a significant relationship between LVEF indicators, the concentration of NT-proBNP and the results of neuropsychological testing (p < 0.001), while, according to the Rea&Parker classification, the connection was assessed as relatively strong and medium strength.

Conclusion. The cognitive impairments identified in this study in elderly patients with chronic heart failure were characterized by a decrease in concentration, memory, executive functions and the overall integrative index of cognitive functions. These disorders were significantly associated with a decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction and a high concentration of NT-proBNP.
SOSYAL MEDYADA LİNÇ KÜLTÜRÜ VE YAŞLI AYRIMCILIĞI
Authors: GÖNÜLLÜ Canan
Published: September 2023

Toplumsal bütünleşmenin önünde duran en büyük engellerden bir tanesi, toplumda var olan bir grup, kesim ya da topluluk hakkında geliştirilen ve yayılan önyargılar olabilmektedir. İletişimin ve etkileşimin arttığı günümüz toplumlarında da önyargıların yayılması ve toplumu etkileyebilir hale gelmesi çok kolay olabilmektedir.

Sosyal medyanın günümüzdeki kullanım şekliyle salt sosyal etkilerinden değil aynı zamanda hukuki dayanağı olan etkilerinden söz etmek de mümkün hale gelmiştir. Gerek kullanıcıların yeterli teorik bilgiye sahip olmadan paylaşımlarda bulunması gerekse de sosyal medya konusundaki hukuki düzenlemelerin henüz çok kapsamlı olmaması gerekçesiyle kimi zaman kişilerin kişilik haklarının ihlaline kadar varabilen ve çeşitli mağduriyetlere yol açan çeşitli durumların ortaya çıktığı gözlemlenebilmektedir. Belli bir grup, millet ya da kesim hakkında yapılan sosyal medya paylaşımları, toplumun birer parçası olan kimi kesimler hakkında peşin hüküm oluşmasına ve sonrasında bu kişilerin sosyal yaşantılarında, etiketlenmelerine ya da toplumdan tecrit edilmelerine yol açan aksaklıklara sebep olabilmektedir. Bu durumun da spesifik örnekler üzerinden toplumsal infial yaratabilecek ya da dijital linç adı verilen durum aracılığıyla yaşandığını görmek mümkündür.

Bu çalışmada yasal olarak sınırları çizilmiş olup suç olarak nitelendirilen ayrımcılığın; sosyal medyada yaşlılarla ilgili olan yönü incelenecektir. Öncelikle sosyal medya, kitle iletişim özgürlüğü ve dijital linç gibi konunun sosyal boyutu incelenecek ardından da konunun hukuki temelleri çalışmaya konu edilecektir. Derleme niteliğindeki bu çalışmanın amacı, literatürde linç kültürü olarak yer alan kavramla, hukuki olarak yaşlı ayrımcılığı şeklinde tanımlanmış kavram arasında yaşlılık sosyolojisi bakış açısıyla ilişki kurabilmektir. Bunun için, öncelikle kitle iletişim kavramı ve sosyal medyanın mahiyeti incelenmiş ardından da linç kültürü ve yaşlı ayrımcılığıyla ilgili hukuki dayanaklar ilişkilendirilmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda, sosyal mecralardaki söylem ve paylaşımların, ayrımcılığa neden olmak konusunda sosyolojik bir problem olabildiğine ulaşılmıştır.
Development of Student Worksheets Based on Problem Based Learning on Excretory System Material for Grade XI Senior High School
Authors: Lubis Rizka Riswani , Tanjung Indayana Febriani , Adlini Miza Nina
Published: September 2023

The Problem Based Learning (PBL) model of high-level intellectual learning, namely analysis, criticism, and conclusions is applied to LKPD used as a support in learning activities according to the competencies achieved. The research aims to determine the validity, practicality, and effectiveness of PBL-based worksheets on excretory system material. This type of research is Research and Development (RnD) with a 4D model (Define, Design, Development, Disseminate). The results showed that student worksheets based on problem-based learning were made with a score of 100% (content validation) very valid criteria, 75% (construct validation) valid criteria, 98% (biology teacher response), and 81.5% (student responses) very practical criteria. The LKPD proved to be effective in achieving increased results (N-Gain) by achieving a high-class average score of 0.702. And it was concluded that the PBL-based LKPD that was made was valid, practical, and effectively applied in classroom learning activities
Increasing Students' Creative Thinking Through Differentiated Learning with an CRT-Integrated PjBL Model
Authors: Aisah Dian Nur , Munandar Kukuh , Wadiono Gandu , Jannah Salsta Ridlotul
Published: September 2023

Students’ creative thinking skills need to be continuously improved. However, the creative thinking of students at SMAN Arjasa (Arjasa Senior High School) based on the observation results is still low. This research aimed to improve students' creative thinking skills through the application of differentiated learning models of Project-Based Learning (PjBL), integrated with Culturally Responsive Teaching (CRTs). This research employed classroom action research, consisting of 2 cycles including planning, acting, observing, and reflecting. The data were analyzed using a Paired Sample t-Test to determine the differences in each cycle, and an n-gain analysis was used to determine the increase in students' creative thinking skills. The results showed that the application of differentiated learning with the PjBL integrated with CRT was able to improve students' creative thinking skills in the biology subject. Learning according to students' characteristics and cultural integration provides a more meaningful learning experience for students.
Antagonistic Activity of Extremophilic Bacteria Against Phytopathogens in Agricultural Crops
Authors: Asyakina Lyudmila , Serazetdinova Yuliya , Frolova Anna , Fotina Natalya , Neverova Olga , Petrov Andrey
Published: September 2023

Wheat is a vital agricultural crop whose phytopathogens include fungi of the genera Fusarium and Alternaria. Synthetic pesticides, which are used to combat them, have a negative impact on the environment. Therefore, there is a need for developing safe and effective biopesticides. We aimed to create a consortium of extremophilic microorganisms isolated from natural sources to protect wheat from the diseases caused by Alternaria and Fusarium fungi.

Ten isolates of extremophilic microorganisms were tested for their antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and their antagonistic activity against phytopathogens. Based on the results, we developed microbial consortia and evaluated their effectiveness in protecting wheat from phytopathogens.

Five of the strains under study showed the highest activity, three of which were biocompatible, namely Leclercia sp., Sphingomonas paucimobilis, and Lactobacillus plantarum. Four consortia were created from these microorganisms, of which consortium B (with a 2:1:1 ratio of the strains, respectively) proved the most effective. In particular, it increased the area free from the phytopathogen by 4.2% compared to the average values of its individual microorganisms. Also, the consortium had a phytostimulating effect on wheat seedlings (germination of 73.2–99.6%) and protected the seeds infected with phytopathogens from morphometric changes.

The resulting consortium can be used as a biopesticide since it is highly effective in protecting wheat from Alternaria and Fusarium pathogens.
Does anthropomorphism exist in the Islamic creed?
Authors:   Dagestan Islamic University named after Sheikh Muhammad-Arif, Bagilov Musa K.
Published: September 2023

The article deals with the question of the inadmissibility of the idea of the articulation of Allah, the possibility of limiting It by space or movement, i. e. the inadmissibility of some similarity of the Almighty with His creations. Monotheism — which is the basis of the Islamic creed — means to be convinced of the uniqueness of Allah in his essence, in actions and attributes (sifat), which implies His absolute incomparability. A person comes to the idea of the similarity of Allah with His creations due to a misunderstanding of the verses of the Quran, due to the fact that he did not follow the path that the scientists paved, and did not follow them at all. The article also substantiates the position of Islamic scholars regarding the understanding and interpretation of those verses of the Quran and hadiths that falsely suggest thoughts of the likeness of Allah to his creations. This position manifests itself in two methods, which later became known as: tawil — interpretation of an obscure word, i. e. the selection of a suitable meaning from the paradigm of meanings of an obscure word that complies with the rules of the Arabic language and does not indicate a flaw in relation to Allah Almighty, and tafwiz — leaving the meanings of these words to the will of Allah, with conviction That Allah is not like any of His creations.
Prospects of ecumenical dialogue in the early works of the Holy Bishop Nikolaj Velimirović
Authors:   Ss. Cyril and Methodius Theological Institute of Postgraduate and Doctoral Studies, Cvetković Damjan
Published: September 2023

Both in social and theological spheres we can see a tendency to the strict definition of the relation of the Bishop Nikolaj Velimirivić to ecumenical dialogue, which in itself is a kind of simplification. In this article an attempt is made to overcome this simplification and to highlight the main features of his theological position vis-à-vis the ecumenical movement and the creation of the frames for ecumenical dialogue. With time the Holy Bishop will change his initial views on the ecumenical movement, but they are certainly important for understanding the historical and theological context of the development of the ecumenical dialogue in the beginning of the 20th century. The main aim of the writing of this article is the underlining and highlighting the very meaning of ecumenism, which for Bishop Nikolaj was not a unity on purely utilitarian and political basis, but a certain type of the panhumanist universalism, which carries within itself the potential ideals of the allhuman equality and spiritual brotherhood. Therefore we do not consider the before mentioned type of the institutialized ecumenical movement, which relativizes the Church, its dogmas, canonical structure and liturgical tradition and placing it on the same level with all other Christian denominations, who take part in the before mentioned movement, but we speak about the spiritual dialogue of the brothers in Spirit, notwithstanding to what confessions they belong to.
Christian paradoxology
Authors:   Belgorod Orthodox Theological Seminary, Goryachev Priest Daniil
Published: September 2023

The subject of the review is a work on paradoxes in Theology. The focus of the reviewed book is on the Triadological and Christological dogmas. The first part of the book establishes the paradoxical nature of these dogmatic formulations due to the discovery of a logical contradiction in them. The reviewer draws attention to the patristic texts used here by the Protestant author. Attention is also drawn to the conclusion of a historical and theological nature, which shows that from the first to the twentieth century, no author offered an Orthodox explanation of the dogma of the St. Trinity, which would be free from contradictions. The same choice between logic and dogmatics, according to the monograph, accompanies Christology. In the second part of the book, the author offers his own model for resolving theological paradoxes, which he called the RAPT-model (rational affirmation of paradoxical theology), which causes the reviewer’s critical attitude. The review concludes that the author failed to maintain a position that simultaneously satisfies both dogmatic fidelity and logical consistency. At the same time, D. Anderson, developing his own analytical approach, according to the reviewer, evades orthodoxy.
Daily rainfall assimilation based on satellite and weather radar precipitation products along with rain gauge networks
Authors: Rodriguez-Ramirez Maria Asucena , Fuentes-Mariles Óscar Arturo
Published: September 2023

The analysis of the spatial and temporal distribution of storm events contributes to a better use of water resources, for example, the supply of drinking water, irrigation practices, electricity generation and management of extreme events to control floods and mitigate droughts, among others. The traditional observation of rainfall fields in Mexico has been carried out using rain gauge network data, but their spatial representativeness is unsatisfactory. Therefore, this study reviewed the possibility of obtaining better estimates of the spatial distribution of daily rainfall considering information from three different databases, which include rain gauge measurements and remotely sensed precipitation products of satellite systems and weather radars. In order to determine a two-dimensional rainfall distribution, the information has been merged with a sequential data assimilation scheme up to the diagnostic stage, paying attention to the benefit that the rain gauge network density has on the estimation. With the application of the Barnes method, historical events in the Mexican territory were analyzed using statistical parameters for the validation of the estimates, with satisfactory results because the assimilated rainfalls turned out to be better approximations than the values calculated with the individual databases, even for a not very low density of surface observations.
Evaluating 2021 extreme flash flood of Teesta River
Authors: Shampa  , Nejhum Israt Jahan , Hussain Md. Manjurul , Islam Mohammad Muddassir , Zoha Rubaid Hassan
Published: September 2023

Due to global warming, extreme hydroclimatic events (e.g., floods) are expected to happen more frequently and last longer. This study investigated such an extreme flood in the transboundary Teesta River that occurred in October 2021. We attempted to quantify the event's impact using data from time series flood levels, precipitation-related satellite images, and two-dimensional hydromorphological modeling. We found it challenging for people to cope with such a hazardous event since the depth of the flooding increased 6.98-fold in just 24 h. Our simulation results indicate that a sand-filled sediment measuring 0.27 m thick covered more than 33% cropland, and the velocity increased by almost 2.5 times. 136,000 individuals were marooned in the water. Compared to previous flooding events in its basin, which occurred in India and Bangladesh, the river appears to have some natural shock absorption features, i.e., a wide braided plain. We propose impact-based forecasting with a proactive early response as a valuable tool for managing such extreme events.
Isolated hepatic perfusion for metastases of uveal melanoma: hospital outcomes
Authors: Unguryan V.M. , Kazantsev A.N. , Korotkikh A.V. , Ivanov S.A. , Belov Yu.V. , Kaprin A.D.
Published: September 2023

Objective: To evaluate hospital outcomes of isolated hepatic perfusion for metastases of uveal melanoma.Methods: In 2020-2022, 38 isolated hepatic perfusion procedures for unresectable metastases of uveal melanoma were performed in the Kostroma Regional Cancer Center. Our study included the following complications: death, bleeding, tumor lysis syndrome, abscess in the left lobe of the liver, peritonitis, asystole, lower extremity deep vein thrombosis, hydrothorax, acute liver failure, anasarca, polyserositis, ischemic cholangiopathy, common hepatic artery thrombosis, detachment of the common hepatic artery intima. We calculated a composite end point (the sum of all the complications).Results: In 2 cases, there was an accidental decannulation of the cannula placed in the proper hepatic artery in the 30th minute of perfusion. Due to hemodynamic instability, the procedure was terminated. Death from worsening liver failure was reported in 3 cases. Postoperative bleeding was diagnosed in 7 patients, and relaparotomy was performed to stop the bleeding. Subsequently, no concerns were reported. The combined end point was 42.11%.Conclusion: Isolated hepatic perfusion is an unsafe treatment option for patients with liver metastases of uveal melanoma.
Received 12 May 2023. Revised 16 June 2023. Accepted 21 June 2023.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Contribution of the authorsConception and study design: A.D. Kaprin, Yu.V. BelovData collection and analysis: A.N. Kazantsev, V.M. UnguryanStatistical analysis: A.N. Kazantsev, V.M. Unguryan, A.V. KorotkikhDrafting the article: A.N. Kazantsev, V.M. UnguryanCritical revision of the article: A.D. Kaprin, Yu.V. Belov, S.A. IvanovFinal approval of the version to be published: V.M. Unguryan, A.N. Kazantsev, A.V. Korotkikh, S.A. Ivanov, Yu.V. Belov, A.D. Kaprin
Ambient Noise Tomography studies for geothermal exploration in the Canary Islands
Authors: Cabrera-Pérez Iván , D’Auria Luca , Soubestre Jean , Martínez van Dorth David , Cervigón-Tomico Germán , Martín-Lorenzo Alba , Przeor Monika , García-Hernández Rubén , Ortega Víctor , Padilla Germán D. , Barrancos José , Padrón Eleazar , Pérez Nemesio M.
Published: September 2023

Ambient Noise Tomography is a geophysical exploration technique that has proven to be highly efficient for studies at different scales and for multiple purposes, such as geothermal exploration. In this article, we introduce this technique by reviewing its various steps. Additionally, we present some examples of applications from studies conducted in the Canary Islands (specifically in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and La Palma) for geothermal exploration purposes.The study realized in Gran Canaria reveals a series of low-velocity zones in the southern and eastern parts of the island, which could be linked to convective cells. In Tenerife, a low-velocity zone has been observed, potentially associated with a superficial clay cap that could facilitate the ascent of gases to the surface. Finally, the study carried out in La Palma highlights the existence of two low-velocity zones in the southern part of the island, possibly related to  hydrothermally altered clay zones, indicating a circulation of hydrothermal fluids.
The HYDROTHERM code as a tool for integrating geophysics in geothermal prospecting
Authors: García de la Noceda Celestino , Albert Beltrán José F.
Published: September 2023

The use of numerical codes in simulating geothermal reservoirs is one of the most powerful tools for integrating geology, geochemistry, and geophysics in high enthalpy geothermal research processes. This paper summarizes some examples of USGS HYDROTHERM code application results on the islands of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, which are considered very different geothermal models. The first island has normal geothermal gradient, the second has magmatic bodies near the surface and Tenerife has a comparison between geophysical techniques to determine the recharge-discharge flows of the Cañadas-Teide system. In the first two islands there are boreholes that allow adjusting and validating the models, whereas Tenerife or La Palma have been studied using the same methodology but lack verification boreholes. Nevertheless, their model results are consistent with other geophysical techniques.  This highlights the great potential of this code as an integrating tool for the different prospecting techniques to understand geothermal system operations and determine the most suitable location for deep exploration drilling. The significant benefit of this code is the capability to reproduce different  evolutionary and casuistry models reliably using the same geological and thermal parameters for all islands.
The Distinctive Asymmetrical Decentralization in the Archipelagic Region: The Case of West Nusa Tenggara Province of Indonesia
Authors:   University of Brawijaya, Karlina Rahayu Restu
Published: September 2023

Decentralization has repercussions for the area in a variety of areas, including political, social, cultural, financial, defense and security, and public services, among others. Sumbawa Island and Lombok Island are the two principal islands that make up West Nusa Tenggara. There are 280 islands in all, 32 of which are inhabited. Sumbawa Island is one-third the size of Lombok Island in terms of area, but Lombok Island has a population that is about three times that of Sumbawa Island. This study contends that because the archipelagic region is not organized by its island-specific traits but rather around land-based development, this has the potential to exacerbate discrepancies between islands. This study found that, there are only minimal maritime authorities in the archipelagic province in managing archipelagic water, and there is fiscal and ethnic disparity between the Lombok and Sumbawa Islands. Moreover, there are inequalities in health care facilities and medical staff between Lombok and Sumbawa Island, the small population of Sumbawa Island has an impact on educational resources, and the maritime infrastructure on the other small islands surrounding Sumbawa Island is inadequate.
The Impact of Sales Promotion, User Interface and User Experience Design on Shopee App Users' Repurchase Intentions
Authors: Tobing Gulielmus Brahma Rantau Lumban , Adinata Patrick Vivid , Pranatasari Fransisca Desiana , Kristia Kristia
Published: September 2023

By 2022, Gen Z and millennial consumers dominated Shopee usage in Indonesia. Similar e-commerce platforms are forced to constantly innovate to remain competitive in the market due to increasing competition. Therefore, the primary focus of e-commerce platform development should be on the user interface, user experience design, and promotions that are appealing and easy to access so that potential customers are inclined to repurchase. This research aims to determine the influence of UI design, UX design, and promotions on the repurchase intention of users of the Shopee application. The sampling method used was systematic sampling. Ninety-six respondents are included in the sample. This study uses descriptive analysis, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression, and hypothesis testing for data analysis. SPSS Statistics 28.0 was used for data processing. The study found that user interface design, user experience design, and sales promotions statistically impact the repurchase intention of users of the Shopee application. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of repurchase intent in e-commerce.
MODEL OF PEDESTRIAN CROSSING BEHAVIOUR BASED ON ROAD TRAFFIC AND HUMAN FACTORS: A CASE STUDY OF MALAYSIA’S SHAH ALAM CITY
Authors: Nasrudin Na’asah , Khalid Nurul Shakila , Abdullah Yusfida Ayu , Marzukhi Marlyana Azzyati , Seng Lim Boon
Published: September 2023

The present study intends to develop pedestrian crossing behaviour models based on road traffic and human factors. A questionnaire was distributed to 663 pedestrians in Shah Alam. Respondents were asked to complete a questionnaire regarding their risk perceptions and attitudes pertaining to walking and road crossings. This study identified two human factors that influenced pedestrian crossing behaviour: the “risk-taker” and the “rule-follower.” The modelling analysis revealed a substantial correlation between human factors and crossing behaviour. Analysis of pedestrian crossing behaviour is useful to evaluate the implementation of novel pedestrian crossing environments. The study offers insights applicable to urban planning and policy approaches for reducing pedestrian accidents by utilising strategies such as extended signal timing, audible signals, countdown timers, and optimising intersection design to improve pedestrian safety.
COMBINATIVE FRAMEWORK FOR VALUE ENGINEERING AND BUILDING INFORMATION MODELLING IMPLEMENTATION AT LOD300 STAGE
Authors: Zaidi Ahmad Aqil , Abd-Karim Saipol Bari , Fariq Nazirul , Yun Hsiao
Published: September 2023

Value Engineering (VE) involves a multidisciplinary team approach in a highly systematic workshop aimed at achieving Value for Money (VfM) focused on improving the function of a project, product, or service, not merely reducing costs. In the construction industry, VE is applied during the design or pre-construction phases of public, private, or Building Information Modelling (BIM)-based projects where benefits can be maximised. VE can be implemented more effectively with BIM, especially in providing accurate and adequate information. It is important to understand how these two concepts are related and how they benefit projects. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of research that combines VE practice with BIM to evaluate viable alternatives or improve design. This paper investigated the need for VE in the LOD300 phase for construction projects in Malaysia. In this work, a quantitative methodology was used to incorporate findings from the literature into a questionnaire survey that was purposefully distributed to industry practitioners with knowledge of VE, BIM, or both. A sample of 186 was drawn from a total population of 353 professionals: Members of the Institute of Value Management Malaysia (IVMM), Public Works Department of Malaysia (PWD) VM and BIM, and myBIM Centre Malaysia. 32% of responses were received, and the data collected were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).  Based on the results, a framework was developed to include VE at the LOD300 phase in BIM. This paper provides empirical evidence of the benefits of this approach and offers construction practitioners with an overview of how VE can be systematically applied to BIM.
KEY FACTORS INFLUENCING THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY NEIGHBOURHOOD THROUGH PLS-SEM MODEL ASSESSMENT. CASE STUDY: SS4, PETALING JAYA, SELANGOR, MALAYSIA
Authors: Hashim Siti Fatimah , Nasrudin Na’asah , Raja Othman Raja Norashekin , Abdullah Yusfida Ayu , Mohd Salleh Mohd Zahid
Published: September 2023

Urbanisation brought about by advances in human civilisation affects the daily life of the people. The rising trend in the percentage of dual-earner households had created many problems for families living in cities. This has resulted in challenges of work-life balance, caregiving demands in raising children and dependents as well as running a household, and physical and social environment issues in the urban neighbourhood. The cities should be designed to accommodate the needs of families in terms of public facilities and social capital within the neighbourhood and the nearby surrounding urban areas. Hence, this study aimed to assess the relationship between physical and social environment factors within the local community in the study area through 248 questionnaire survey distributed to the head of household as a target group of this study via systematic and stratified sampling. The modelling analysis revealed that, social environment factor is the main factor that most positively influences the level of family-friendly neighbourhood than the physical environment factor in terms of trusted, willing to help, feel connected, get along with one another, give support, close-knit neighbourhood and share same value among families and communities in the study area. Thus, the needs of urban families and communities towards social capital should be taken into consideration in the study area, specifically.
SPATIAL WALKABILITY INDEX (SWI) OF PEDESTRIAN ACCESS TO RAIL TRANSIT STATION IN KUALA LUMPUR CITY CENTER
Authors: Ruslan Nurfadhilah , Naharudin Nabilah , Salleh Abdul Hakim , Abdul Halim Maisarah , Abd Latif Zulkiflee
Published: September 2023

Walkability is crucial for sustainable transportation in cities but measuring it may be difficult due to unclear criteria that could be used as well as the methods available. This study aims to measure the Spatial Walkability Index (SWI) of pedestrian access to rail transit stations in Kuala Lumpur City Center by using a comprehensive set of criteria including Connectivity, Land use mix, Comfort, Security, and Safety, which are all represented as ground measurable parameters in this study. SWI was derived using Analytical Network Process (ANP) and GIS analysis. ANP is a decision-making technique that uses pairwise comparison to derive the weightage of the ground measurable parameters which then were used to determine the SWI for pedestrians by using GIS proximity analysis. In this analysis, the weightage of parameters located on the road were used as basis in deriving the SWI. As a result, the SWI for pedestrian access to rail-transit stations in KL City Center was determined. The results revealed that the SWI for most of the area was in average level. Based on analysis conducted, the SWI was greatly influenced by its criteria, proving how ANP can aid in analyzing the SWI by incorporating the weightage of its criteria.
EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE PERCEIVED IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY CITY INDICATORS AND SATISFACTION LEVELS TOWARDS THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT IN SHAPING A HEALTHY CITY
Authors: Hashim Lim Noor Hashimah , Hasnan Liyana , Zainal Abidin Nurdiyana , Chowdhury Md. Shahariar , Abdul Jalil Nurul Azlia Shazreen
Published: September 2023

This study explores the correlation between the perceived importance of healthy city indicators and the satisfaction level towards the effectiveness of the government in creating a healthy city environment. Nineteen distinct healthy city indicators, categorised within 5 dimensions, were tested for their significance in relation to satisfaction levels towards the effectiveness of the local authority. The cross-sectional data collected from face-to-face questionnaire survey was analysed using Goodman and Kruskal's gamma, while controlling for socio-demographic variables (n=121). Significant indicators include; (i) improving accessibility to public spaces (β= .528, p= .004), recreational and commercial areas (β= .506, p= .001); (ii) increasing the availability of public transport (β= .398, p= .026) complemented by proper infrastructures and facilities (β= .305, p= .014), (iii) providing more variety of green spaces (β= .529, p= .004), and improving the continuity of green networks (β= .399, p= .015); (iv) introducing measures to improve the quality of housing, focusing on increasing occupants’ comfortability and healthy living (β= .474, p= .005); (v) facilitating better accessibility to business and commercial areas (β= .598, p= .000); (vi) improving street connectivity and increasing the number of intersections (β= .418, p= .002). Although this study only found a meaningful connection between the perceived importance of indicators and satisfaction levels towards the government without a comparative analysis against the current city condition, this does not negate the crucial role of subjective perceptions in the government’s efforts to manage public expectations. Studies of this nature provide opportunities for further exploration, particularly in involving public participation in the planning processes.
Anthropometric indexes and cardiovascular risk in Ecuadorian university students: A comparison with international references
Authors: Cáceres-Vinueza Silvia , Frias-Toral Evelyn , Suárez Rosario , Daher-Nader Jorge , Flor-Muñoz Enrique , Márquez-Vinueza Mirna , Guevara-Flores Luisa Valeria , Duarte-Vera Yan
Published: September 2023

Some anthropometric measures help evaluate the cardiovascular (CV) risk and body fat areas considered more critical for CV risk than excess weight. This research aims to obtain anthropometric measurements from university students to establish risk predictors of cardio-metabolic alterations or cardiovascular disease (CVD). A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out. Variables studied were height (m), weight (kg), body mass index (BMI), abdominal perimeter, waist-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). One thousand two hundred fifty young adults participated; 62.4% were women, 31.04% were overweight, and 14.32% were obese. Mean values of all the evaluated parameters were lower in women than in men [height (1.58m vs. 1.70m), weight (61.46 kg vs. 76.38 kg), BMI (24.66 Kg/m2 vs. 26.32 Kg/m2), abdominal perimeter (78.49 cm vs. 88.81 cm), WHR (0.79 vs. 0.87), and WHtR (0.50 and 0.52)]. The mean BMI in men was overweight but normal in women. There were no significant differences between both genders concerning abdominal perimeter and WHR. Finally, mean WHtR was high in both women and men, establishing a prediction of CVD risk for both genders.
Keywords: Body Mass Index, Waist-Hip Ratio, Waist-Height Ratio, Medical Students, Cardiovascular Diseases, Cardiometabolic Risk Factors
Assessing Elevated Blood Glucose Levels Through Blood Glucose Evaluation and Monitoring Using Machine Learning and Wearable Photoplethysmography Sensors: Algorithm Development and Validation
Authors: Shi Bohan , Dhaliwal Satvinder Singh , Soo Marcus , Chan Cheri , Wong Jocelin , Lam Natalie W C , Zhou Entong , Paitimusa Vivien , Loke Kum Yin , Chin Joel , Chua Mei Tuan , Liaw Kathy Chiew Suan , Lim Amos W H , Insyirah Fadil Fatin , Yen Shih-Cheng , Tay Arthur , Ang Seng Bin
Published: September 2023

Background

Diabetes mellitus is the most challenging and fastest-growing global public health concern. Approximately 10.5% of the global adult population is affected by diabetes, and almost half of them are undiagnosed. The growing at-risk population exacerbates the shortage of health resources, with an estimated 10.6% and 6.2% of adults worldwide having impaired glucose tolerance and impaired fasting glycemia, respectively. All current diabetes screening methods are invasive and opportunistic and must be conducted in a hospital or laboratory by trained professionals. At-risk participants might remain undetected for years and miss the precious time window for early intervention to prevent or delay the onset of diabetes and its complications.

Objective

We aimed to develop an artificial intelligence solution to recognize elevated blood glucose levels (≥7.8 mmol/L) noninvasively and evaluate diabetic risk based on repeated measurements.

Methods

This study was conducted at KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Singapore, and 500 participants were recruited (mean age 38.73, SD 10.61 years; mean BMI 24.4, SD 5.1 kg/m2). The blood glucose levels for most participants were measured before and after consuming 75 g of sugary drinks using both a conventional glucometer (Accu-Chek Performa) and a wrist-worn wearable. The results obtained from the glucometer were used as ground-truth measurements. We performed extensive feature engineering on photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor data and identified features that were sensitive to glucose changes. These selected features were further analyzed using an explainable artificial intelligence approach to understand their contribution to our predictions.

Results

Multiple machine learning models were trained and assessed with 10-fold cross-validation, using participant demographic data and critical features extracted from PPG measurements as predictors. A support vector machine with a radial basis function kernel had the best detection performance, with an average accuracy of 84.7%, a sensitivity of 81.05%, a specificity of 88.3%, a precision of 87.51%, a geometric mean of 84.54%, and F score of 84.03%.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that PPG measurements can be used to identify participants with elevated blood glucose measurements and assist in the screening of participants for diabetes risk.
The Status of Data Management Practices Across German Medical Data Integration Centers: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Gierend Kerstin , Freiesleben Sherry , Kadioglu Dennis , Siegel Fabian , Ganslandt Thomas , Waltemath Dagmar
Published: September 2023

Background

In the context of the Medical Informatics Initiative, medical data integration centers (DICs) have implemented complex data flows to transfer routine health care data into research data repositories for secondary use. Data management practices are of importance throughout these processes, and special attention should be given to provenance aspects. Insufficient knowledge can lead to validity risks and reduce the confidence and quality of the processed data. The need to implement maintainable data management practices is undisputed, but there is a great lack of clarity on the status.

Objective

Our study examines the current data management practices throughout the data life cycle within the Medical Informatics in Research and Care in University Medicine (MIRACUM) consortium. We present a framework for the maturity status of data management practices and present recommendations to enable a trustful dissemination and reuse of routine health care data.

Methods

In this mixed methods study, we conducted semistructured interviews with stakeholders from 10 DICs between July and September 2021. We used a self-designed questionnaire that we tailored to the MIRACUM DICs, to collect qualitative and quantitative data. Our study method is compliant with the Good Reporting of a Mixed Methods Study (GRAMMS) checklist.

Results

Our study provides insights into the data management practices at the MIRACUM DICs. We identify several traceability issues that can be partially explained with a lack of contextual information within nonharmonized workflow steps, unclear responsibilities, missing or incomplete data elements, and incomplete information about the computational environment information. Based on the identified shortcomings, we suggest a data management maturity framework to reach more clarity and to help define enhanced data management strategies.

Conclusions

The data management maturity framework supports the production and dissemination of accurate and provenance-enriched data for secondary use. Our work serves as a catalyst for the derivation of an overarching data management strategy, abiding data integrity and provenance characteristics as key factors. We envision that this work will lead to the generation of fairer and maintained health research data of high quality.
Digital Health Reimbursement Strategies of 8 European Countries and Israel: Scoping Review and Policy Mapping
Authors: van Kessel Robin , Srivastava Divya , Kyriopoulos Ilias , Monti Giovanni , Novillo-Ortiz David , Milman Ran , Zhang-Czabanowski Wojciech Wilhelm , Nasi Greta , Stern Ariel Dora , Wharton George , Mossialos Elias
Published: September 2023

Background

The adoption of digital health care within health systems is determined by various factors, including pricing and reimbursement. The reimbursement landscape for digital health in Europe remains underresearched. Although various emergency reimbursement decisions were made during the COVID-19 pandemic to enable health care delivery through videoconferencing and asynchronous care (eg, digital apps), research so far has primarily focused on the policy innovations that facilitated this outside of Europe.

Objective

This study examines the digital health reimbursement strategies in 8 European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom) and Israel.

Methods

We mapped available digital health reimbursement strategies using a scoping review and policy mapping framework. We reviewed the literature on the MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, and Web of Science databases. Supplementary records were identified through Google Scholar and country experts.

Results

Our search strategy yielded a total of 1559 records, of which 40 (2.57%) were ultimately included in this study. As of August 2023, digital health solutions are reimbursable to some extent in all studied countries except Poland, although the mechanism of reimbursement differs significantly across countries. At the time of writing, the pricing of digital health solutions was mostly determined through discussions between national or regional committees and the manufacturers of digital health solutions in the absence of value-based assessment mechanisms. Financing digital health solutions outside traditional reimbursement schemes was possible in all studied countries except Poland and typically occurs via health innovation or digital health–specific funding schemes. European countries have value-based pricing frameworks that range from nonexistent to embryonic.

Conclusions

Studied countries show divergent approaches to the reimbursement of digital health solutions. These differences may complicate the ability of patients to seek cross-country health care in another country, even if a digital health app is available in both countries. Furthermore, the fragmented environment will present challenges for developers of such solutions, as they look to expand their impact across countries and health systems. An increased emphasis on developing a clear conceptualization of digital health, as well as value-based pricing and reimbursement mechanisms, is needed for the sustainable integration of digital health. This study can therein serve as a basis for further, more detailed research as the field of digital health reimbursement evolves.