bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate Change Stress Testing for the Banking System
Authors: Rogge Ebbe
Published: December 2023

717It is apparent that climate change is creating financial risks. These risks are of such a nature that they can be regarded as systemic: they are exogenous shocks which may simultaneously cause or contribute to the failure of multiple significant financial institutions. As a result, regulatory tools available to monitor and manage systemic risk have recently been deployed in the context of climate change risks. Such tools include stress testing and scenario analysis. This article examines international initiatives, such as those of the Network for Greening the Financial System, as well as specific central bank initiatives including those by the Bank of England. After some initial observations around climate data, stress test design, and central banks’ mandate, this paper continues to discuss further possible inclusion in the prudential regulatory framework. In particular, the question is raised if capital requirements should be adjusted and if changes should be made to the risk management and governance framework. This paper argues in favour of the latter, but is more cautious as regards the former.
Memoryscapes: The Evolution of Sri Lanka’s Aragala Bhoomiya as a People’s Space of Protest
Authors: Hettiarachchi Radhika , Hemachandra Samal Vimukthi
Published: December 2023

The ‘aragalaya’ or the ‘people’s struggle’ was perhaps one of the most important and successful movements of Sri Lanka’s long history of democracy. In 2015, democracy prevailed, unexpectedly and against all odds, when Sri Lankans, unsatisfied with their political representation, ‘voted out’ a government. In 2022, just as unexpectedly and for the first time in its history, the people of Sri Lanka ousted a government through mass protest and uprising. The protesters, cutting across socio-economic class and arguably many other barriers, came together and marched to Colombo’s Galle Face Green, in parallel to each other and to each other’s goals. This time, they came to do more than simply oust a government but for an idea of justice, equity, democracy, and system change. This article explores the memories and perspectives of those who ‘lived’ on the protest site and the relationship between memory, place, and the social construction of space, as they reconvened for a memory-mapping exercise in co-creating public histories of the aragalaya (struggle) and the aragala bhoomiya (site of struggle).
Chemical properties, crystallinity, and fiber biometry of Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) wood for pulp raw material: the effect of age and position
Authors: Darwis Atmawi , Karliati Tati , Sutrisno  , Alamsyah Eka Mulya , Rumidatul Alfi , Melani Lili , Kim Hyoung Jin , Iswanto Apri Heri , Fatriasari Widya
Published: December 2023

Jabon (Anthocephalus cadamba) is a promising plant species with straight, visually pleasing trunks that can be harvested at a young age as a resource for pulp and paper production due to the rapid growth rate possessed. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the chemical composition and fiber biometry of 3, 6, and 9-year-old Jabon wood, determining their suitability as a pulp and paper raw material. Samples were collected from both stem and branch sections and analyzed according to the Tappi standard. Fiber cell maceration was conducted to enable the precise measurement of fiber dimensions and derivatives. The results showed high cellulose, holocellulose, and lignin content in Jabon wood, with low to moderate levels of extractives and ash. Additionally, the crystallinity index (CrI) increased with age, particularly from 3 to 9 years old. The branch of the plant, with Grade II fiber derivative quality, had lower CrI compared to the stem, while the inner stem showed a lesser value than the outer part. In conclusion, 3-year-old Jabon wood is a potential raw material for pulp and paper production.
Insiderhandel als finanzieller Anreiz für Hinweisgeber
Authors: Meier Dominik
Published: December 2023

889Missstände in Unternehmen werden zu selten oder zu spät aufgedeckt. Um die Aufdeckung von Compliance-Verstößen zu verbessern, hat der Unionsgesetzgeber im Jahr 2019 die Whistleblower-Richtlinie verabschiedet. Sie verpflichtet die Mitgliedstaaten, Hinweisgeber vor Repressalien zu schützen. Die nationalen Gesetzgeber haben bei der Umsetzung größtenteils keine Belohnung für Hinweisgeber vorgesehen. Dies steht im Gegensatz zur ökonomischen Forschung, die finanzielle Anreize als nützliches Mittel für die Erhöhung der Meldebereitschaft ansieht. Die nationale Zurückhaltung bei der Belohnung von Whistleblowern gibt jedoch Anlass, über eine andere Form finanzieller Anreize für Whistleblower nachzudenken: die Erlaubnis zum Insiderhandel. Dieser Beitrag argumentiert, dass das Insiderhandelsverbot aus Art. 8, 14 MAR unter bestimmten Voraussetzungen für die Aufdeckung unternehmensinterner Missstände nach Maßgabe des Erwägungsgrunds 24 S. 3 MAR teleologisch zu reduzieren ist.

890Illegal corporate behavior often goes unnoticed. To enhance the exposure of illicit conduct, the EU passed the Whistleblower Directive in 2019. This directive mandates member states to safeguard whistleblowers from reprisals. Most national legislators have not incorporated financial rewards for whistleblowers into their national law. This is contrary to economic research, which regards financial incentives as an effective means to enhance reporting willingness. However, the national reluctance to reward whistleblowers gives reason to consider another form of financial incentive for whistleblowers: permission for insider trading. This article argues that, under certain conditions, the prohibition of insider trading (Art. 8, 14 Market Abuse Regulation) should be teleologically reduced for the purpose of revealing illegal corporate behavior.
Bestimmung der Angemessenheit von Abfindung und Ausgleich auf Basis des Börsenwerts der Gesellschaft
Authors: Witt Carl-Heinz
Published: December 2023

921Kürzlich hat es der Bundesgerichtshof erstmals für grundsätzlich zulässig erklärt, auf den Börsenwert als alleinige Schätzgrundlage abzustellen, wenn es darum geht, die Angemessenheit der Abfindung wie auch – und das ist neu – des festen Ausgleichs zu bestimmen, wie sie in einem Unternehmensvertrag den außenstehenden Aktionären der beherrschten Gesellschaft zu offerieren bzw. zu gewähren sind (§§ 304, 305 AktG). Ökonomische Bewertungsverfahren, insbesondere das Ertragswertverfahren, werden damit nicht gänzlich verdrängt, genießen aber keinen Vorrang, und auch dem Meistbegünstigungsprinzip hat der Senat eine Absage erteilt. Andererseits bleiben der Heranziehung des Börsenwerts zur Bestimmung angemessener Kompensationsleistungen Grenzen gesetzt. Der Beitrag analysiert all‘ diese Aussprüche des BGH und ihre Bedeutung für die Praxis und für künftige Spruchverfahren.

Recently the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) got another chance to hold on the determination of appropriate compensation payments to external shareholders of a controlled corporation under sec. 304 and 305 of the German Stock Corporation Act (AktG). For the first time the BGH ruled that for settlement payments as well as for compensation the stock market price can in principle be the sole basis of estimation. This does not mean that economical evaluation methods, particularly the capitalized earnings method, are displaced completely, but it no longer takes precedence. At the same time, the principle that external shareholders should be compensated at the most favourable 922conditions was rejected by the BGH. On the other hand in certain cases the stock market price cannot be of crucial importance in the above-mentioned context. In this piece the BGH’s holding and its relevance for the entrepreneurial practice as well as for future valuation proceedings (Spruchverfahren) will be analysed.
Positivization of Fatwas of the National Sharia Council of the Indonesian Ulema Council in the Sharia Banking Law: Problems and Challenges
Authors: Baidhowi Baidhowi , Rofiq Ahmad , Murtadho Ali , Sani Ahmad Zaharuddin Sabri Ahmad
Published: December 2023

The positivization of DSN MUI's fatwa within Sharia Banking Law ensures compliance with sharia principles. This study examines how DSN MUI incorporates its fatwas into the law and the associated strategies. Using a descriptive qualitative approach with historical, normative, and philosophical methods, primary data include UUPS and MUI fatwas from 2000/2007, while secondary data encompass statutory theory and supportive materials. Findings reveal a methodical and democratic positivization process. Law No. 7 of 1992 marked the onset of Islamic banking via profit-sharing financing. Law No. 10 of 1998 introduced dual banking, while GBHN 1999 and the 1945 Constitutional Amendment further empowered the DPR. DSN MUI was established by MUI to implement Islamic economics. Up to 2007, DSN MUI issued 64 fatwas, formerly non-binding but now legally binding through legislative integration. Although MUI holds a central role in establishing sharia principles, its position remains extrinsic to institutional structures. UUPS designates MUI as a sharia authority (Article 26) and a mass organization simultaneously. DSN MUI plays a pivotal role in supervising sharia compliance in banking products. UUPS absorbs DSN MUI's fatwas, evident in clause alignment with the fatwas. Articles 26 and 32 delineate MUI's role in overseeing sharia compliance. In summary, positivization of DSN MUI's fatwa in Sharia Banking Law implements Islamic law in Indonesia by melding DSN MUI's supervision and determination of sharia principles in banking.
La experiencia de la Asociación Civil “Progreso de la Agricultura Familiar” (Santiago del Estero, Argentina) como expresión de los procesos asociativos y la vinculación institucional en el territorio
Authors: Infante Camila Mariana
Published: December 2023

State institutions that give support to family farming have strategic functions for the development of this productive sector. Using a qualitative methodology based on the review of documentary sources and in-depth interviews with an extension technician and farming families, this article aims to inform the formation and development process of an associative form of family farming located in Santiago del Estero (Argentina) and built through links with the provincial delegation of the National Institute of Family, Peasant, and Indigenous Agriculture. Conclusions revolve around the idea that the associative forms not only contribute to strengthening the commercial structure of the producers, but also constitute dynamic agents for the development of the territories.
إدارة الأزمات من منظور السياسة الشرعية
Authors: Abu Sbaih Taghreed Yaaqub
Published: December 2023

The concept of crisis management has become one common terminology in various fields, especially in shariah science. This study, the presentation of this confrontation and how it confronts a global disease crisis known as the Corona "Covid-19 crisis". It demonstrates the practical and applied aspect of managing this crisis through the preventive and therapeutic aspects. It aims also to get out of it with the least losses possibility within the controls of Islamic law to fulfil the individual and the collective interests to preserve the necessities that must be preserved. The study reached several conclusions, including our prophets (peace be upon him) skill, and his companions (may Allah be pleased with them). In managing many of the crises they were subjected to. To show also that this knowledge was known to them even though not in its modern terms. As that the Glorious Sharia realizes through its faculties every crisis that arises in the Islamic Nation and finds out the legitimate solutions for it.
Very-high-power Short-duration Ablation versus Conventional Ablation for Pulmonary Vein Isolation in Atrial Fibrillation: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pranata Raymond , Karwiky Giky , Iqbal Mohammad
Published: December 2023

The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness and safety of very-high-power short-duration (VHPSD) ablation (70–90 W/4–7 s) with conventional ablation (30–40 W/>20 s, 50 W/7–11 s) for pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with AF. A total of 13 studies were included in this analysis (1,527 patients). AF recurrence occurred in 14% (95% CI [11–18%]) of the VHPSD group. VHPSD was associated with lower AF recurrence (OR 0.65; 95% CI [0.48–0.89]; p=0.006) compared with the conventional ablation group. Subgroup analysis showed that additional ablation beyond PVI had a similar rate of AF recurrence (16% versus 10%) compared with PVI alone. Procedure and ablation durations were significantly shorter in the VHPSD group with a mean differences of –14.4 minutes (p=0.017) and −14.1 minutes (p<0.001), respectively. Complications occurred in 6% (95% CI [3–9%]) of the VHPSD group, and the rate was similar between the two groups (OR 1.03; 95% CI [0.60–1.80]; p=0.498). VHPSD ablation resulted in less AF recurrence and a shorter procedure time. Additional ablation beyond PVI alone in VHPSD may not provide additional benefits.
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in rheumatologic disease: A case report indicating possible need of prophylaxis
Authors: Tejas Bende , Yogya Jha , Sushrut Ganpule , Geethu Joe , Rajeev Soman
Published: December 2023

An 81-year-old female with Granulomatosis and polyangiitis on immunosuppression with methotrexate, steroids, and Rituximab but not on prophylaxis, developed a finding of Pneumocystis Jirovecii Pneumonia (PJP). She was treated with an alternative regimen, clindamycin and primaquine along with caspofungin and corticosteroids. Secondary prophylaxis with cotrimoxazole was initiated after completion of treatment. This case highlights the importance of early diagnosis, treatment difficulties, and the need for prophylaxis for HIV-negative patients on immunosuppressive treatment.
Cognitive Competencies of Secondary School Teachers in Jordan from Their Point of View
Authors: AL-Momani Mohammad Omar
Published: December 2023

The difficulties facing those in charge of the learning process, especially in the subject of vocational education in the schools of the Jordanian Ministry of Education, are a major obstacle to the failure to achieve the goal of educational trends to raise the generation. Therefore, those in charge of the teaching process must be familiar with general educational trends and professional competence; The purpose of evaluating educational trends in vocational education is to find out their reality and find solutions to them. The current study aims to assess the reality of educational trends and methods of teaching in Jordan by those in charge of them with the aim of advancing them in accordance with the professional competencies they studied and what the reality produces from modern theories and sciences. Consisting of(200)A teacher and a female teacher of vocational education in Jordan. The study concluded that the teachers’ performance is acceptable, which calls for attention to the preparation of specialized cadres in the field of vocational education and the provision of professional concerns to suit the nature of the subject.
Energy Consumption and Economic Growth Nexus in the SAARC Region
Authors: Tahir Muhammad , Ali Jan Ahmad , Quaid Ali Shah Syed , Woon Lai Fong , Kashif Shad Muhammad , Danial Muhammad
Published: December 2023

In recent years, demand for energy consumption has increased, especially in emerging countries such as the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries. This study thus aims to investigate the explicit relationship between energy consumption and economic growth in the SAARC countries. The researchers employed panel econometric techniques using data for the period 2002-2020. The study used pooled OLS, fixed effect and GLS estimators for estimation purposes. The pivotal results of the work revealed that the nexus of energy consumption with per capita income is not only significant but also takes an inverted u-shaped. As research evidence in the SAARC region is limited, we expect policymakers working in the energy sector to benefit significantly from the results of this study. This work contributes to the limited empirical studies exploring the impact of energy consumption on economic growth specifically in the SAARC region, with interesting findings that provide important insights to the SAARC region on electricity consumption and per capita income.
Keywords: energy consumption, economic growth, SAARC countries, panel data.
A Study on Intercultural Communication between Japanese Employers Based in Malaysia and the Malaysian Employees
Authors: Idrus Hairuzila , Ridhuan Tony Lim Abdullah M.
Published: December 2023

Intercultural communication is the process of exchanging, negotiating, and mediating cultural differences between people from different cultural backgrounds, encompassing language, non-verbal gestures, and spatial relationships. Research on intercultural communication involving Japanese individuals has mainly focused on comparisons between Japanese and Westerners, particularly Americans. As Japan plays a significant role in the global business environment, foreign businesspersons working with Japanese companies may encounter communication gaps due to cultural values, assumptions, business customs, and language differences. In Malaysia, where there are several Japanese companies employing many Malaysians, there is a strong interest in learning the Japanese language and culture. Malaysians are impressed with the work culture of Japanese companies and seek to learn from them, which enhances their chances of working in Japanese companies, both in Malaysia and Japan. Effective communication between Japanese employers and Malaysian employees is crucial for learning from people of different cultures. To gain deeper insights into the intercultural communication in Japanese corporations working environment, this study examines the situations and challenges faced by Japanese employers working with Malaysian employees, and vice versa. The participants consist of Japanese employers and Malaysian employees who interact with Japanese employers in their day-to-day jobs. A qualitative study using focus groups was adopted, and the responses were analyzed using thematic analysis, leading to the emergence of three main themes: working culture, communication ability, and cultural differences. This paper discusses the results based on these themes and presents recommendations to improve intercultural communication in the workplace.
Keywords: intercultural communication, workplace, Japanese, Malaysian
The Impact of COVID-19 on Packaging Design and Production: A Case Study
Authors: Le Quyen Tran Thi
Published: December 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic was one of the biggest challenges in recent history that affected all aspects of socio-economic life, as well as the ecological environment of our planet. Before the pandemic, the packaging industry captured the interest of governments because of their commitments regarding designs for sustainability. These commitments intended to reduce single-use plastic packaging, increase the use of recyclable materials, and use eco-friendly materials. The crisis, however, has negatively impacted, and changed these priorities. The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the changes in packaging design and production during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on a case study in the food packaging industry. A secondary data analysis method was conducted to collect information for the process of comparing and evaluating the factors affecting the change of this industry, and a case study was conducted for the food packaging sector. The obtained research results showed that these companies had the ability to improvise in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and suggesst a potential model in order to solve urgent problems in the new context.
Keywords: packaging design, design for sustainability, COVID-19 pandemic, case study analysis
Debt's DoubleEdged Scythe: Assessing Farmer's Indebtedness on Sustainability
Authors: Shekhawat Sanju , Kumari Oum
Published: December 2023

Farmers’ debt is a major issue in India’s current agricultural environment. It is widely considered as one of the main obstacles to rural development. A decrease in agricultural output and a worsening of socio-economic opportunity disparities are the results. In the 77th cycle of the NSS, from January to December 2019, the situational assessment of agricultural households and land and holdings of households in rural India-2019 performed. In each of these surveys, information on household debt was gathered. Approximately 35% of rural families (45.1% of agricultural households and 21.5% of non-agricultural households) reported spending money on fixed capital. In metropolitan areas, 15% of families reported spending money on fixed capital formation (25.3% self-employed households, 11% other households), the debt percentage of cultivators is higher than that of non-cultivators in rural India. This demonstrates the farmer’s descent into debt. Government should initiate the over-come indebtedness not only urban area but also rural area of state. Government programs have a significant impact on farmers’ decisions therefore the study may offer advice to policymakers on effective ways to raise knowledge about debt reduction among farmers and rural residents. Financial incentives, such as a 0% interest rate, might go a long way toward enlightening rural farmers.
Keywords: NSS survey, 77
Učne vsebine o Dravskem polju v geografskih izobraževalnih gradivih
Authors: Konečnik Kotnik Eva , Kolnik Karmen
Published: December 2023

Poglavje se osredotoča na analizo učnih vsebin o Dravskem polju v izbranih učnih gradivih. Kvantitativni pregled pokaže, da je zastopanost Dravskega polja uravnotežena glede na površinski delež, ki ga ta pokrajina zavzema v Sloveniji. Od kvantitete je didaktično pomembnejše vprašanje, v kolikšni meri učne vsebine (tako besedilne kot grafično-ilustrativne) dosegajo kvalitativna merila v smislu prenosljivosti z vidika razvijanja raznolikih geografskih ali splošnih učnih kompetenc in z vidika prenosa učnih spoznanj z npr. proučevane regije Dravskega polja na druge geografske pokrajine Slovenije. Pri ugotavljanju vsebinske in procesne zastopanosti geografskih značilnosti glede na ciljno kompetenčno usmerjenost je bilo ugotovljeno nesorazmerje v didaktičnih merilih. Pri izboru tematike za učna gradiva je ključna kombinacija ožje geografske znanosti in didaktike geografije; temeljno je izbrati tiste geografske značilnosti, ki so v geografski znanosti in didaktiki geografije prepoznane kot najbolj ilustrativne, interpretativne in prenosljivo-splošno-izobraževalne.
Mentalni zemljevidi Dravskega polja
Authors: Konečnik Kotnik Eva , Jesenek Bračko Petra , Ivajnšič Danijel , Žiberna Igor
Published: December 2023

V poglavju Mentalni zemljevidi Dravskega polja je prikazana raznolikost zaznav in pojmovanj o Dravskem polju na vzorcu učencev in dijakov zaključnih razredov osnovne šole ter gimnazije. Poglavje se osredotoča tudi na nekatere vidike strukturne analize prepoznanih vsebin ter na načine pristopanja k ustvarjanju mentalnih zemljevidov. Potrjena je bila različnost pristopanja k izražanju znanja na mentalnih zemljevidih glede na spol in starost, ne pa tudi glede na lokacijo šole. Tematska analiza vpisov je pokazala, da obstaja določen razkorak med t. i. šolskim znanjem, tudi med znanjem različnih predmetov, ter vsakdanom, kar bi lahko interpretirali tudi kot razkorak med pojmovnim in zaznavnim ali med teorijo in prakso. Temeljna veščina, ki jo želimo razvijati s poukom geografije, to je geografsko mišljenje (vzročna-posledičnost, celostne interpretacije pokrajine, trajnostni vidiki vsebin) je bila izražena v zelo nizkem deležu. Priložnost regionalno-geografskega izobraževanja se kaže v poglabljanju pokrajinskih interpretacij, kar je povezano s kartografsko in jezikovno-izrazno pismenostjo.
Neofiti v gramoznicah na Dravskem polju: primer gramoznice Strnišče v občini Kidričevo
Authors: Vovk Ana
Published: December 2023

V poglavju je prikazano spremljanje neofitov v gramoznici Strnišče v občini Kidričevo. Neofiti so invazivne rastline, ki se same hitro širijo. Raziskovalno delo je potekalo pretežno na terenu in je bilo vezano na popisovanje in odstranjevanje neofitov. Najbolj pogosto se je pojavljal japonski dresnik. Območje proučevanja je bilo omejeno na treh površinah na 30 x 30 m; opravljen je bil popis rastlin. Spremljanje neofitov je bilo opravljeno po Braun-Blanquetovi metodi. Podatki kažejo teritorialno zastopanost tujerodnih vrst na preučevanem območju. Poleg zastopanosti vrst je pomembna tudi njihova združenost ali socialnost, ki pomeni širitveni potencial na območju zarasti tujerodnih vrst. Analiza spremljanja teh vrst kaže pojavljanje le-teh na celotnem območju gramozne jame Strnišče, podobno pa lahko opazujemo tudi ob drugih gramoznicah na Dravskem polju.
Bir üniversite hastanesinde üriner inkontinans ve prolapsus cerrahisi geçiren kadınların beş yıllık değerlendirilmesi: Retrospektif bir çalışma
Authors: PARLAS Manolya , BİLGİÇ Dilek , KURT Sefa
Published: December 2023

Amaç: Bir üniversite hastanesinde üriner inkontinans ve prolapsus cerrahisi geçiren kadınların beş yıllık retrospektif olarak değerlendirilmesidir.
Gereç ve Yöntem: Bir üniversite hastanesinin 2017-2022 yılları arasında üriner inkontinans ve prolapsus cerrahisi geçiren 137 olgunun kayıtları retrospektif olarak incelenmiştir. Kayıtların 17’si tekrarlayan girişler olduğundan, toplamda 120 kadının verileri değerlendirilmiştir. Olguların yaş, obstetrik ve jinekolojik öyküsü, ürojinekolojik şikayetler ve süresi, başvuru yapılan klinik, tanıları, geçirilen operasyon tipi, yılı, yatış süresi gibi parametreleri analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular: İncelenen olguların yaş ortalaması 59.63±10.66 (min 34- max 81) ve %77.5’i postmenopozal dönemdeydi. Kadınların ortalama gebelik ve doğum sayısı sırasıyla 3.36±2.07 (min 0-max 9) ve 2.50±1.42 (min 0-max 9) idi. Kadınların %35’si üriner inkontinans, %27.5’i perinede ele gelen kitle ve %26.7’si ise ele gelen kitle ile birlikte üriner inkontinans şikayetleri ile hastaneye başvurmuştu. Hastaneye başvuruların ortalama 4.03±5.52 (min 0- max 25) yıl sonra olduğu ve en sık üriner inkontinans (%28.3) ve sistosel (%28.3) tanılarıyla yatışlarının olduğu belirlenmişti. Olgular en fazla transobturator tape (TOT) (%38.3) ve sakrokolpopeksi (%12.5) operasyonu geçirmişti. Cerrahi nedeniyle hastanede yatış süresi ortalama 3.42±1.33 (min 1-max 7) gündü. Kadınların %13.4’ünün tekrarlayan pelvik taban cerrahisi mevcuttu ve %5’inin post-op dönemde disparoni bildirdiği saptandı.
Sonuç: Kadınlar ortalama dört yıl sonra ürojinekolojik semptomlarla hastaneye başvurmuşlar ve çoğunlukla üriner inkontinans ve sistosel tanısı almışlardır. Ağırlıklı olarak TOT ve sakrokolpopeksi cerrahisi uygulanmıştır. Yaklaşık her on kadından birinin tekrarlayan ürojinekolojik cerrahi öyküsü mevcuttur. Düşük oranda operasyon sonrası dönemde disparoni bildirilmiştir. Veri kayıtlarının daha kapsamlı tutulması ve takip edilmesinin sağlık çalışanlarının planlamalarına yol göstereceği düşünülmektedir.
Unlocking Employee Performance: Knowledge Sharing, Motivation, and Innovation Dynamics
Authors: Pinata Febby Tiara , Sumartik Sumartik , Firdaus Vera
Published: December 2023

This quantitative study investigates the intricate interplay between knowledge sharing enablers, motivation work behavior, individual innovation capability, and the performance of secretariat employees in the Sidoarjo Regency. The research, encompassing all 70 secretariat employees, employs a total sampling technique and utilizes Likert-scale questionnaires. Employing multiple linear regression analysis, the findings reveal that knowledge sharing enablers, motivation work behavior, and individual innovation capability significantly influence the performance of secretariat employees in the Sidoarjo Regency. This study sheds light on the pivotal roles of collaborative knowledge sharing, motivated work behavior, and individual innovation in enhancing the overall efficiency of secretariat operations, offering valuable insights for organizational development and human resource management in a global context.
Highlights:

Collaborative Dynamics: Explore the influence of knowledge sharing, motivation, and innovation capability on the performance of secretariat employees.
Quantitative Analysis: Utilize multiple linear regression to unveil the significant impact of knowledge sharing enablers, motivation work behavior, and individual innovation capability.
Global Relevance: Provide insights into enhancing secretariat operations with implications for organizational development and human resource management on a global scale.

Keywords: Knowledge Sharing, Motivation, Innovation Capability, Employee Performance, Secretariat Operations
Preparing secondary school science teachers for learner-centered teaching in Tanzania’s Teacher Training Colleges: Educators’ perceived challenges and perspectives
Authors: Mkimbili Selina , Kayima Festo
Published: December 2023

This study explored learner-centered science teaching approaches that eight science-teacher educators from two teacher education colleges in Tanzania, consider when teaching their students, and the challenges encountered when attempting to implement these approaches. We used a semi-structured interview to collect data which we analysed interpretively.  Our findings revealed that the aspects of learner-centered pedagogy, such as engaging student teachers in practical work and discussion, and linking classroom science to the real world, were insufficiently considered by the teacher educators in the teacher colleges studied. The challenges and or difficulties that the teacher educators in these colleges perceive to impede the implementation of learner-centered science teaching in teacher education and as well as the possible approaches that can support the implementation of learner-centered science teaching in such colleges are discussed.
Prácticas de alimentación infantil antes y después de la pandemia por Covid-19, Ensanut 2012 a 2022
Authors: González-Castell Luz Dinorah , Unar-Munguía Mishel , Bonvecchio-Arenas Anabelle , Ramírez-Silva Ivonne , Lozada-Tequeanes Ana Lilia
Published: December 2023

Objetivo. Describir la tendencia en las prácticas de alimentación infantil en México antes y después de la pandemia por Covid-19, usando datos de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud y Nutrición (Ensanut) 2012, 2018-19, 2021 y 2022. Material y métodos. Población: mujeres 12-59 años y sus hijos/as < 24 meses. Se calcularon los indicadores de alimentación infantil según la Organización Mundial de la Salud 2021. Se realizaron modelos de regresión logística para analizar tendencias entre encuestas ajustando por variables sociodemográficas, considerando el diseño muestral. Se muestran las tendencias de lactancia materna (LM) y fórmula comercial infantil (FCI) por área urbano/rural y ocupación de la madre. Resultados. La prevalencia ajustada de LM exclusiva en niñas/os menores de seis meses aumentó (14.8% en 2012; 28.6% en 2018-19 y 33.6% en 2021-22; p<0.001). El consumo de FCI en niñas/os < 12 meses se redujo de 62.8 a 42.8% entre 2012 y 2018-19 y permaneció en 43.3% en 2021-22 (p<0.001). Conclusiones. Las prácticas de alimentación infantil mejoraron principalmente entre 2012 y 2018-19, y la tendencia positiva se desaceleró en 2021-22.
Display of PETase on the cell surface of Escherichia coli using the anchor protein PgsA
Authors: Yamashita Takuma , Matsumoto Takuya , Yamada Ryosuke , Ogino Hiroyasu
Published: December 2023

Enzymatic degradation of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is attracting attention as a new technology because of its mild reaction conditions. However, the cost of purified enzymes is a major challenge for the practical application of this technology. In this study, we attempted to display the surface of the PET-degrading enzyme, PETase, onto Escherichia coli using the membrane anchor, PgsA, from Bacillus subtilis to omit the need for purification of the enzyme. Immunofluorescence staining confirmed that PETase was successfully displayed on the surface of E. coli cells when a fusion of PgsA and PETase was expressed. The surface-displaying E. coli was able to degrade 94.6% of 1 mM bis(2-hydroxyethyl) terephthalate in 60 min, and the PET films were also degraded in trace amounts. These results indicate that PgsA can be used to present active PETase on the cell surface of E. coli. This technique is expected to be applied for efficient PET degradation.
IDaTPA:Importance Degree Based Thread Partitioning Approach in Thread Level Speculation
Authors: Li Yuxiang , Zhang Xiaoguo , Wang Xinyong , Huang Shuaina , Su Yaning
Published: December 2023

As an auto-parallelization technique with the level of thread on multi-core,Thread-Level Speculation (TLS) which is also called Speculative Multithreading(SpMT), partitions programs into multiple threads and speculatively executesthem under conditions of ambiguous data and control dependence. Thread par-titioning approach plays a key role to the performance enhancement in TLS.The existing heuristic rules-based approach (HR-based approach) which is anone-size-fits-all strategy, can not guarantee to achieve the optimal thread parti-tioning. In this paper, an importance degree based thread partitioning approach(IDaTPA) is proposed to realize the partition of irregular programs into mul-tithreads. IDaTPA implements biasing partitioning for every procedure with amachine learning method. It mainly includes: constructing sample set, expres-sion of knowledge, calculation of similarity, prediction model and the partitionof the irregular programs is performed by the prediction model. Using IDaTPA,the subprocedures in unseen irregular programs can obtain their optimal parti-tion. On a generic SpMT processor (called Prophet) to perform the performanceevaluation for multithreaded programs, the IDaTPA is evaluated and averagelydelivers a speedup of 1.80 upon a 4-core processor. Furthermore, in order toobtain the portability evaluation of IDaTPA, we port IDaTPA to 8-core processorand obtain a speedup of 2.82 on average. Experiment results show that IDaTPAobtains a significant speedup increasement and Olden benchmarks respectively deliver a 5.75% performance improvement on 4-core and a 6.32% performanceimprovement on 8-core, and SPEC2020 benchmarks obtain a 38.20% performanceimprovement than the conventional HR-based approach.
A prospective natural history study of post acute sequalae of COVID-19 using digital wearables: Study protocol
Authors: El-Toukhy Sherine , Hegeman Phillip , Zuckerman Gabrielle , Anirban Roy Das , Moses Nia , Troendle James F. , Powell-Wiley Tiffany M.
Published: December 2023

Background
Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC) is characterized by having 1 + persistent, recurrent, or emergent symptoms post the infection’s acute phase. The duration and symptom manifestation of PASC remain understudied in nonhospitalized patients. Literature on PASC is primarily based on data from hospitalized patients where clinical indicators such as respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation have been predictive of disease trajectories. Digital wearables allow for a continuous collection of such physiological parameters. This protocol outlines the design, aim, and procedures of a natural history study of PASC using digital wearables.
Methods
This is a single-arm, prospective, natural history study of a cohort of 550 patients, ages 18 to 65 years old, males or females who own a smartphone and/or a tablet that meets pre-determined Bluetooth version and operating system requirements, speak English, and provide documentation of a positive COVID-19 test issued by a healthcare professional or organization within 5 days before enrollment. The study aims to identify wearables collected physiological parameters that are associated with PASC in patients with a positive diagnosis. The primary endpoint is long COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 3 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis, whichever comes first. The secondary endpoint is chronic COVID-19, defined as ≥ 1 symptom at 12 weeks beyond first symptom onset or positive diagnosis. We hypothesize that physiological parameters collected via wearables are associated with self-reported PASC. Participants must be willing and able to consent to participate in the study and adhere to study procedures for six months.
Discussion
This is a fully decentralized study investigating PASC using wearable devices to collect physiological parameters and patient-reported outcomes. Given evidence on key demographics and risk profiles associated with PASC, the study will shed light on the duration and symptom manifestation of PASC in nonhospitalized patient subgroups and is an exemplar of use of wearables as population-level monitoring health tools for communicable diseases.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04927442, Submitted: 6/15/2021, First posted: 6/16/2021.
A method for improving the constancy of cone shape and size perception using a single RGB-D image
Authors: Nguyen Quang Huy , Choi Hyouk Ryeol
Published: December 2023

The 3D shape of a solid is the most crucial object property. Object shape and size information can be derived from depth information as it provides rich 3D geometric information. It can be found from the literature a substantial number of strategies to estimate the shape and size of solid objects from depth information. Nevertheless, the quality of depth information is a function of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Additionally, noise is inherently embedded in the depth information. As a consequence, using those techniques, the perception of the shape and size of 3D objects from depth solely, results in viewpoint-dependent accuracy and precision. In the current study, we perform a detailed analysis of the degree of constancy of shape and size perception that representative techniques can achieve on depth information of a real cone object, as it is a commonly encountered man-made object. Furthermore, we propose a novel shape and size perception strategy utilizing both 2D and 3D information to enhance the constancy of object shape and size perception. The results clearly show that a remarkable enhancement in the constancy of the shape and size perception of cone objects is observed using the novel method.
Development of Novel Pyrimidine Nucleosides as Potential Anticancer Agents: Synthesis, Characterization, and Invitro Evaluation against pancreatic cancer
Authors: Frimpong Esther , Bulusu Raviteja , Okoro Joy , Inkoom Andriana , Ndemazie Nkafu , Rogers Sherise , Zhu Xue , Han Bo , Agyare Edward
Published: December 2023

The present study proposed modification of 5-FU by conjugation with an acyl chloride and a 5-membered heterocyclic ring to improve its invitro cytotoxicity and metabolic stability. XYZ-I-71 and XYZ-I-73 were synthesized by introducing a tetrahydrofuran ring on 5-fluorocytosine (a precursor of 5-FU) and conjugation with octanoyl chloride and lauroyl chloride, respectively. The analogs were characterized by NMR, micro-elemental analysis, HPLC, and LC-MS. The antiproliferative activity of the analogs was determined against MiaPaCa-2, PANC-1, and BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells. The analog’s stability in human liver microsomes was quantified by HPLC. Analysis of the 1H-NMR spectra displayed amide bonds at 7.80 ppm and 7.73 ppm, confirming the conjugation of octanoyl and lauroyl chloride to 5-fluorocutosine, respectively. The purity of both analogs was 99.6%. We found that the XYZ-I-73 (IC50 3.6 ± 0.4μM) analog was most effective against MiaPaCa-2 cells compared to XYZ-I-71(IC50 12.3±1.7μM), GemHCl (IC50 24.2 ± 1.3 μM), Irinotecan (IC50 10.1 ± 1.5 μM) and 5-FU (IC50 13.2 ± 1.1 μM). For PANC-1 cell growth inhibition, XYZ-I-73 (IC50 3.9 ± 0.5) was again observed as the most effective agent compared to XYZ-I-71(IC50 8.7±0.9 μM), GemHCl (IC50 10.07±0.9), 5-FU (IC50 20.43±1.2) and Irinotecan (IC50 11.6 ±1.1). A similar pattern of XYZ-I-73 (IC50 5.9 ± 0.7) anticancer activity against BxPC-3 cells was found to be higher than XYZ-I-71(IC50 7.7 ± 0.8), GemHCl (IC50 10.95±0.9), 5-FU (IC50 14 ± 1.1) and Irinotecan (IC50 9.5±1.0). For 24-hour MiaPaCa-2 cell migration studies, XYZ-I-73 (5μM) significantly reduced migration (# of migrated cells, 168 ± 2.9), followed by XYZ-I-71(315±2.1), Gem-HCl (762±3.1) and 5-FU (710 ± 3.2). PARP studies demonstrated significant inhibition of PARP expression of XYZ-I-73 treated cells compared to 5-FU and XYZ-I-71. Further, BAX and p53 expressions were significantly increased in cells treated with XYZ-I-73 compared to 5-FU and XYZ-I-71. In vitro, metabolic stability studies showed that 80 ± 5.9 % of XYZ-I-71 and XYZ-I-73 remained intact after 2-hour exposure in liver microsomal solution compared to 5-FU. The XYZ-I-73 analog demonstrated a remarkable cytotoxic effect and improved in vitro metabolic stability over the selected standard drugs and may have potential anticancer activity against pancreatic cancer.
Morphological and microstructural characterization of an ancient Chola bronze statuette by neutron based non-invasive techniques.
Authors: Cantini Francesco , Creange Sara , Li Yueer , Eijck Lambert van , Kardjilov Nikolay , Kabra Saurabh , Grazzi Francesco
Published: December 2023

The evolution of metallurgy is a fundamental aspect related to the knowledge of the technological level of ancient civilizations, for which the information was mostly part of an oral tradition. The ancient, preserved artefacts are the only keepers of this long gone knowledge. Most advanced non-invasive techniques provide us the key to access it. Neutron techniques are nowadays the only available approach for revealing, non-destructively and with good spatial resolution, the morphological and micro-structural properties within the whole volume of densely composed artefacts such as bronze statues. Application of neutron methods allows us to learn about ancient artefacts manufacturing methods and to study at a very detailed level the current conservation status in their different parts. As part of a research project dedicated to the study of ancient Asian bronzes led by the Rijksmuseum Metal Conservation Department, four statues from the Rijksmuseum Asian collection were analysed using non-invasive neutron techniques. In this work, we present the investigation of a South Indian bronze statuette depicting Shiva in the form of Chandrasekhara (AK-MAK-1291, c. 1000-1200 A.D.) by means of white beam tomography, energy selective neutron imaging (performed on CONRAD-2 at HZB, DE, and on FISH at TU-Delft, NL) and neutron diffraction (on ENGIN-X at ISIS, UK). The application of neutron imaging revealed the inner structure of the statue and allowed us to investigate the conservation state and potential cracking on the surface and in the bulk, to understand the interconnection of the different sections of the statue and to obtain clues about the manufacturing processes. These morphological and microstructural results were employed to guide neutron diffraction analyses that allowed us to precisely characterize compositional differences, the presence of dendrites and columnar growth peak structures related to casting. This work is a complete non-invasive analytical investigation on an archaeological bronze artefact, providing outstanding results: from a quantitative analysis of the composition and microstructure to an in-depth morphological analysis capable of unveiling details on the ancient casting methods of the statue.
Root nodules of Lindera aggregate select specific microbiota for nitrogen fixation and nutrition metabolism
Authors: Luo Xia , Gong Yinping , Ma Yuying , Chen Menglan , Zhu Xunmei
Published: December 2023

Plants have the capability to assemble microbiota in the rhizosphere soil (RS) and subsequently select specific microbial communities in the root endosphere (ES). However, the difference in the microbial community composition among root microhabitats remain inadequately elucidated despite their critical roles in the plant-microbiota feedback. In this study, we initially assessed fungal and bacterial communities in ES and RS of Lindera aggregate, aiming to investigate the microbial community composition and ecological functions of diverse root microhabitats using amplicon sequencing and multivariate analysis. Our findings revealed a significant reduction in the fungal diversity in ES compared to RS, with the lowest diversity observed in root nodules (RN). Additionally, the bacterial community composition of lateral roots (LR) exhibited significant distinctions when compared to RN. Further analysis indicated that the entire microbial networks of RN displayed a higher total number of nodes, edges, and modularity, albeit with a lower density in comparison to those in LR. Moreover, the potential functional composition in RS was significantly different from that of ES. Bacteria and fungi in ES play an active part in carbon, nitrogen, sulfur, and iron respiration, especially in nitrogen fixation. Altogether, our study unveiled that root microhabitats of the L. aggregate could recruit specific microbial communities, thereby regulating nutrient absorption and metabolism. This insight enhances our understanding of the selective influence that plants exert on soil microorganisms.
Interaction Between Neuroimmune Activation Mechanisms in Epilepsy: The S100b Signalling Network and Brain-gut-bio-axis
Authors: He Jianxun , Bo Yan , Li Beilei , Hao Jing , Miao Chuhan , Sha Ren , Yu Haodong
Published: December 2023

Background: Epilepsy is a syndrome characterised by abnormal firing in the brain, with numerous risk factors. Autoimmune central nervous system diseases are currently being widely explored; however, the neuroimmune processes involved in epilepsy have not been fully elucidated. This disorder is associated with the rise in the blood protein S100b concentration; hence, S100b levels are considered damage markers.
Methods: It described a systematic search in databases such as PubMed and Web of Science, using keywords such as “epilepsy”, “neuroimmune activation”, “S100b protein”, “brain-gut axis”, and “gut microbiome”. The inclusion criteria were based on relevance to the targeted aspects of epilepsy, and the search was limited to studies published within the last 15 years. The study conducted a thematic synthesis to identify common themes, patterns, and emerging insights related to neuroimmune activation in epilepsy.
Results: It discussed the challenges of detecting electrical injury using microscopy and the two aspects of epilepsy pathology: pathological complications such as traumatic brain injury and neuron-based molecular screening.
Conclusion: The study provides an overview of epilepsy and its highly synchronised abnormal discharge in a group of neurons. It also expects that S100b can be used as immune activation material to amplify immune responses in epilepsy simultaneously with intestinal immune suppression. The symbiotic relationship with intestinal biological immune upregulates the intestinal immune function, alleviating adverse outcomes of neural immunity in local brain regions, emphasising the need to understand better the interaction between neuroimmune activation mechanisms in epilepsy and the potential for new treatments.
Macroalgae biorefinery and its role in achieving a circular economy
Authors: Lawrence James , Oliva Armando , Murphy Jerry D. , Lens Piet N. L.
Published: December 2023

Availability of fossil fuels and feedstocks is a major problem currently faced by a variety of sectors thus highlighting the importance of transitioning towards a circular economy. Increased pollution, fossil fuel availability and other adverse effects are just some of the reasons that have prompted a need to find additional resources for fuel. One such feedstock that has shown to be both promising and viable is macroalgae. This chapter focuses on the latest scientific literature related to the development of macroalgae biorefineries, focusing on the different biological processes and how the resulting generated bioproducts can positively impact the global bioeconomy. The fundamental biological processes are explained while also providing details on specific problems the sector currently faces. Potential areas of further development and recent scientific discoveries of a variety of macroalgal species are also discussed.