bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increasing Vaccine Uptake Interventions: Lessons Learnt from South Asia
Authors: Kashif Talha Bin , Rahman Ummi Aiman , Anjum Urwa , , Ubaidullah , Ansari Tayyab Majeed , Khan Amna , Shahzad Fatah , Afzal Saira
Published: February 2024

Background: Vaccinations are arguably the most effective tool for preventing infectious diseases and reducing mortality. Pakistan reports some of the highest numbers in the world for unvaccinated children. The low vaccine uptake is attributable to numerous factors, such as illiteracy, vaccine hesitancy, and lack of resources. Given these challenges, effective policymaking is crucial for improving uptake and reducing childhood mortality. This study aims to review the data on vaccine uptake interventions in South Asia and provide insight into their effectiveness and impactfulness in guiding future endeavors in the country. Objective: To assess various vaccine uptake interventions aimed at Pakistani and other South Asian communities. To compare their effects in terms of increased vaccine awareness and coverage and decrease in disease prevalence, especially of communicable diseases. Methodology: The study systematically assessed literature related to vaccine uptake interventions using the PubMed and Google Scholar electronic databases. Articles were systematically screened and checked for eligibility according to PRISMA guidelines. They were assessed for quality and risk of bias, and finally added to the review. Statistical analysis was performed for available data, odds ratio and % increase in outcome were calculated for interventions, and forest plot was plotted where possible. P-values were calculated to check for significance, and heterogeneity was assessed using chi-square, tau, and I² tests. Results: The search yielded a total of 434 results, and after screening and eligibility check, 14 remaining studies were included in the review. Interventions were classified as either educational, vaccine delivery based, incentive based, and reminder based interventions. 8 studies reported educational interventions. The highest vaccine coverage odds were reported for DPT-3 coverage (Andersson, 2009) as a result of Focused Group Discussion Intervention (OD 95% CI = 3.46 [2.62, 4.58] p<0.0001) and BCG vaccine (Anjum, 2004) with House-to-House health messages (OD 95% CI = 3.10 [1.55, 6.19, p<0.001), with more than three times odds of vaccination as compared to no intervention (Control). There were 4 studies in the Delivery-based intervention group and two each in incentive and reminder groups. Upon comparison, multifaceted interventions targeted at vaccine awareness and delivery show the greatest odds of increasing vaccine coverage. Conclusions: The current systematic review includes the first quantitative analysis of vaccine uptake interventions specific to the South-Asian population. The significance of multifaceted interventions targeting vaccine literacy and delivery is evident from the results and should be considered during state-level decision-making. Further research with better resources and broader scope should be conducted to gather critical evidence on the topic.
Total ammonia aeration control (TAAC) theory – An innovative ammonia-based aeration controller
Authors: Budzynski Gregory
Published: February 2024

Water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) need optimized and robust solutions to ensure efficient and reliable operation for this critical environmental service. Secondary treatment aeration control is a prime example as the activated sludge treatment process consumes the largest amount of energy for WRRFs, which require oxygen to biologically remove the ammonia content through nitrification. The selected control strategy will directly impact system efficiency and ability to maintain discharge permit compliance levels. The use of an ammonia-based aeration controller has two major benefits for these systems: (1) cost savings, through minimization of energy usage, and (2) enhanced performance from a steady effluent ammonia concentration. These benefits come from an increase in the system biological kinetics. The process control improvements result in a higher rate of total nitrogen removal, via simultaneous nitrification/denitrification, through delivery of the minimum instantaneous oxygen necessary over time. The thesis contained herein is a novel controller algorithm, which leverages the relationship between primary input and output variables of this complex treatment process. The approach provides continuous output stability and a substantial reduction of the overall system costs, through decreased wear of large-budget equipment and by requiring fewer algorithm input data sources than any other possible solution.
Effect of climate change on soil erosion rate in a tropical Indian catchment
Authors: M. Anbazhagan , H. S. Nanditha , T. V. Reshmidevi
Published: February 2024

This study analyzes the variations in soil erosion rate in a tropical catchment in India using the empirical Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model integrated with climate change scenarios from an ensemble of global climate models (GCMs) included in the NEX Global Daily Downscaled Projections Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 dataset for Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSP) 126 and SSP 585. A set of seven GCMs are initially selected. Based on their ability to simulate the rainfall for the current scenario, the PROMETHEE-II method is used to rank the GCMs and the top four best-performing models are used for further analysis. Soil erosion rates projected for the future climate scenarios are compared with the current scenario. In the near future and in the middle of the century, soil erosion rates under the SSP 126 scenario are projected to be higher than that under the SSP 585 scenario. The ensemble average soil erosion rate is projected to increase by 15.41%–25.94% toward the end of the century for different emission scenarios, and the areas susceptible to high and very high soil erosion rates are projected to increase to 40.3%.
Characterizing variability of spatial patterns of annual and seasonal precipitation of Turkey and identifying the probable driving factors including teleconnection patterns
Authors: Kömüşcü Ali Ümran , Aksoy Mehmet
Published: February 2024

This study aimed to identify primary modes of annual and seasonal precipitation in Turkey using a rotated Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) method, and the resulting patterns were described concerning the prevalent atmospheric circulations, orography, and continentality. The varimax rotation of the EOF determines modes that are more localized in space than the conventional EOF modes The first three EOFs accounted for approximately 67% and 62% of the total variance in the annual and wet season precipitation series, respectively, whereas only 50% of the variance was captured by the first three EOFs for dry season precipitation. Spatially different atmospheric circulation mechanisms are major drivers of variability in Turkish precipitation on annual and seasonal timescales. The spatial coherence of the highest negative and positive EOF1 loadings of the annual data was observed in the western and southern regions where westerly and northwesterly circulations prevailed during the wet season. A lower spatial coherency was observed with the dry season precipitation. The contribution of atmospheric moisture advection to precipitation variability diminishes in summer, whereas that of local land surface processes increases. Some regional teleconnection patterns, such as the Arctic Oscillation (AO) and North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), also contributed to the annual variability in precipitation.
Important Role of Pyrolysis and Hydrothermal Carbonization in a Sustainable Circular Bioeconomy: A Brief Literature Review
Authors: Jansson Eira , Kjell Malin , Ålund Karin
Published: February 2024

This is a brief but focused literature review of articles centered around pyrolysis and hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) using various feedstocks, including residues from industries, agriculture, and landfill waste. The deployment of bio-wastes will be the cornerstone of circular bio-economies in the future. The main emphasis is on gleaning how these two technologies can contribute to a sustainable circular (bio) economy, by understanding the process parameters influencing the quality, type and quantity of the final output. HTC and pyrolysis, it may be undeniably stated, can support the progress towards a clutch of sustainable development goals (SDGs), as they operate right at the confluence of solid waste management and renewable energy production. As mentioned in many of the articles reviewed in this paper,  a high process temperature usually results in higher yields of bio-oil and biogas/pyrogas (and thereby less biochar), implying a  higher energy recovery. HTC trumps pyrolysis on many counts – economy, energy-efficiency and product (hydrochar) quality.  However, pyrolysis is a simpler method to regulate, and pyrochar, has a higher market value vis-à-vis hydrochar. While both these technologies generate valuable end-products regardless of the type of feedstock used; the articles reviewed clearly show that the feedstock does influence the quality of the output and thereby the application to which it can be directed. The review leads to recommendations for future research in collecting data and creating a model to investigate various process parameters. Some of these recommendations are detailed comparative life cycle assessments (LCAs) to study the environmental impacts of  technology-choices, , research into tailoring the  optimal method and temperature to the feedstock deployed, and comprehensive  forecast-based economic analysis of commercial-scale pyrolysis and HTC projects, are called for. As stated at the beginning, this is a brief review, which can also be expanded to take more published articles into its fold.
Does Gut Microbiome have an Effect on Wilson’s Disease Phenotype?
Authors: Gao Shan , Zhou Mei , Zhang Hedong , Tang Zhenchu
Published: February 2024

Wilson’s Disease (WD), a genetic metabolic disorder, is characterized by the
accumulation of copper in the liver and brain, resulting in a range of clinical symptoms.
The clinical manifestations of WD vary widely. The present study introduces the distinctive
features of intestinal microbiota in Chinese patients with WD, presenting diverse clinical
symptoms. It shows a reduction in the diversity of gut microbiota among patients with
hepatic symptoms associated with WD, particularly in the genus responsible for SCFAs
production. It demonstrates an increase in the Haemophilus microorganism. This study
may offer novel insights for further investigation into the mechanisms underlying the occurrence,
development, and treatment of WD subtypes.
Identification and Characterization of Prognostic Macrophage Subpopulations for Human Esophageal Carcinoma
Authors: Li Penghui , Gao Xiaohui , Huang Di , Gu Xinyu
Published: February 2024

Aims:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between the cellular
ecosystem and the progression of esophageal carcinoma (ESCA) based on the evolution of
macrophages and to analyze the potential of using macrophages as a new therapeutic approach in
ESCA treatment.

Background:

Macrophage-based immunotherapy could be used for treating ESCA patients, but
its clinical application is limited by the intra-tumor heterogeneity of macrophages.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to analyze the diversity, differentiation trajectory, and
intercellular communication of macrophages in ESCA and its prognostic significance.

Methods:

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data in the GSE154763 dataset were downloaded
from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) to identify cell clusters and annotate cell types using
the Seurat R package. The scRNA-seq profiles of macrophages were extracted, and cluster
analysis was performed to identify macrophage subsets. The differentiation trajectories of
macrophage subgroups were visualized employing Monocle2. Finally, ligand-receptor pairs and
communication intensity among the classified subgroups were analyzed using Cell Chat.

Results:

A total of 8 cell types were identified between ESCA tissues and paracancer tissues. The
most abundant macrophages in ESCA tissues were further divided into 5 cell clusters. Compared
with the normal tissues, the proportion of HSPA6+ macrophages in ESCA tissues increased the
most, and the number of ligand-receptor pairs that mediated the communication of HSPA6+
macrophages with mast cells and monocytes also increased significantly. More importantly, a
high proportion of HSPA6+ macrophages was inversely correlated with the survival outcomes for
ESCA patients.

Conclusions:

This study analyzed the diversity, distribution and differentiation trajectory of
macrophages in ESCA tissues at single-cell level and classified a prognostic macrophage subtype
(HSPA6+ macrophages) of ESCA, providing a theoretical basis for macrophage-targeted therapy
in ESCA.
Unconventional Remedies for Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Journey into
Alternative Treatments
Authors: Deng Elen , Khachemoune Amor
Published: February 2024

:

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer and
is typically found on sun-exposed skin. Risk factors include ultraviolet radiation exposure, older
age, fairer complexion, smoking, and immunosuppression. SCC is a slow-growing tumor with
the possibility of metastasis if not treated. The clinical presentation can range from a dry, scaly
erythematous patch or plaque to a firm hyperkeratotic papule, plaque, or nodule, depending on
the histological type via biopsy. The first-line therapies for SCC removal are standard excision
and Mohs microscopic surgery; however, there are novel and alternative non-surgical options
being considered for the treatment of SCC. This review summarizes the current guidelines for
treating low-risk and high-risk SCC and discusses rare, experimental, and anecdotal non-surgical
treatments for SCC in the literature.
Designing, Optimising, and Assessing a Novel Emulgel Containing Minoxidil for Controlled Drug Release, Incorporating Marine-based Polymers
Authors: Mathew Flowerlet , Saral A. Mary
Published: February 2024

Objective:

This study aimed to develop an emulgel containing minoxidil as a drug for hair
growth promotion in diseases, such as androgenetic alopecia, using gelling agents, such as chitosan and
fucoidan.

Methods:

In this study, gelling agents were selected for the emulgel formulation. By various evaluation
tests and through optimization, the chitosan-fucoidan combination was selected as the gelling agent
for the preparation of emulgel using various evaluation parameters.

Results:

X2, the best emulgel formulation, contained 2.54 % chitosan and 0.896 % fucoidan. Chitosan
prolonged the duration of drug release, and controlled release was obtained. Fucoidan increased
the gelling activity, water absorption rate, and stability of the formulation. In this study, the X2 formulation
showed the highest percentage of drug release at the 12th hour. It was found to be 99.7%, which
followed the zero-order release model.

Conclusion:

Owing to the wide range of biological activities of fucoidan, the loaded active substance
can be protected, and at the same time, its potency can be improved, resulting in effective
treatment. Because fucoidan has diverse properties and potential, it will be widely used in the biomedical
and pharmaceutical industries in the future.
The Association between NADPH Oxidase 2 (NOX2) and Drug Resistance in Cancer
Authors: Dong Shiqi , Chen Chao , Di Chang , Wang Shufan , Dong Quan , Lin Wenxin , Liu Duo
Published: February 2024

:

NADPH oxidase, as a major source of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), assumes
an important role in the immune response and oxidative stress response of the body.
NADPH 9 oxidase 2 (NOX2) is the first and most representative member of the NADPH oxidase
family, and its effects on the development of tumor cells are gaining more and more attention. Our
previous study suggested that NCF4 polymorphism in p40phox, a key subunit of NOX2, affected
the outcome of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma patients treated with rituximab. It hypothesized that
NOX2-mediated ROS could enhance the cytotoxic effects of some anti-tumor drugs in favor of patients
with tumors. Several reviews have summarized the role of NOX2 and its congeners-mediated
ROS in anti-tumor therapy, but few studies focused on the relationship between the expression
of NOX2 and anti-tumor drug resistance. In this article, we systematically introduced the NOX
family, represented by NOX2, and a classification of the latest inhibitors and agonists of NOX2. It
will help researchers to have a more rational and objective understanding of the dual role of
NOX2 in tumor drug resistance and is expected to provide new ideas for oncology treatment and
overcoming drug resistance in cancer.
Low Frequency of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding Despite Non-Steroidal
Anti-Inflammatory Drugs and Corticosteroids in Patients with
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Carvajal-Gutiérrez Wilder , Cisneros-Cisneros María A. , Calixto Omar-Javier , Meneses-Toro Maria-Alejandra , Rueda Andrés Jesús Prada , Vega-Báez Merardo A. , Álvarez-Vargas Duván A. , Uscátegui-Ruiz Adriana C. , Romero-Sanchez Consuelo , Bello-Gualtero Juan-Manuel
Published: February 2024

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease. It has been
identified that non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and corticosteroids can be essential
risk factors for developing complications such as upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB).

Objective:

This study aimed to describe the safety profile of drugs used to treat RA focused in
UGIB.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study of patients with RA between 2015 and 2021, a description of
the population, and an evaluation of the relationship with UGIB through bivariate analysis and logistic
regression.

Results:

Of 405 individuals, 16 presented UGIB (93.8% women, mean age was 65±13.6 years).
No statistically significant differences were found regarding UGIB and medication use, except for
the mean dose of corticosteroids. In the multivariate analysis, it was found that the presence of anemia
in the last three months had an adjusted OR (AOR) of 16.1 (95% CI 2.74- 24.23) and higher
HAQ values during the previous three months had an AOR of 6.17 (95% CI 1.79- 21.24).

Conclusion::

This study found a low frequency of UGIB in patients with RA. More significant disability
and anemia in the previous months were independently associated with UGIB. The low frequency
of NSAID use in this population is noteworthy. In general, reasonable medication use related
to this complication is recommended.
Endocrine Adverse Events Related To Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Treatment: Relationship Between Antibodies and Severity of Thyroid Dysfunction
Authors: Miguélez González María , Galdón Sanz-Pastor Alba , Áñez Gómez Roberto , Brox Torrecilla Noemi , Muñoz Moreno Diego , González Fernández Laura , Maricel Rivas Alejandra , López Guerra Aurelio , Álvarez Rosa , Arranz José Ángel , Márquez Rodas Iván , Escudero Vicente , Sanjurjo María , Martín Vallejo Javier , Martín Miguel , González Albarrán Olga
Published: February 2024

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to identify predictive and risk factors for the
development of immune-related endocrinopathies and to analyze the incidence and characteristics
of immune-related endocrinopathies in our population

Design:

A retrospective, single-centre cohort carried out at Gregorio Marañón Hospital between
January 2018 -December 2019.

Methods:

A total of 163 patients were enrolled. In January 2018 and December 2019, we treated
patients who underwent ICI treatment in the Medical Oncology Department of General University
Hospital Gregorio Marañón, a tertiary care public hospital in Madrid, as part of an observational,
retrospective, single-center cohort study.

Results:

Endocrinopathies were diagnosed in 19.5% of the patients (n = 32). The tumours with
the highest incidence of endocrinopathies were non-small cell lung cancer (25,9%), kidney cell
cancer (25%) and hepatocarcinoma (20%). Among the 32 patients who developed endocrinopathy,
18,8%, 19,13%, and 21,28% received anti-CTLA-4, anti-PD-1 and anti-PDL-1, respectively.
Thyroid dysfunction was the most frequent endocrinopathy (12,8%). A higher percentage of
patients with negative antiTPO and antiTG antibodies developed G1 hypothyroidism compared
to patients with positive antibodies who developed a higher proportion of G2 hypothyroidism.
The presence of an initial phase of thyrotoxicity was not related to greater severity. We observed
longer progression-free survival in patients who developed thyroid dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Pre-existing antibodies were independently associated with endocrinopathies.
Moreover, our study let us conclude that the presence of thyroid autoantibodies may be related
to its severity. It is important to determine anti-thyroid antibodies prior to the start of immunotherapy
as a risk factor for thyroid dysfunction, which in turn is a prognostic marker.
Development and Characterization of Sulfasalazine Cubosomes for Potential Transdermal Drug Delivery
Authors: Mathew Mekha , Patil Anasuya , G Hemanth
Published: February 2024

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis is indeed a constant, progressive autoimmune disease
that acts on the synovial membrane, distinguished by joint pain, swelling, and tenderness. Sulfasalazine
belongs to BCS Class IV having low solubility and low permeability. To overcome the issue and
provide a localized effect Cubosomes were chosen for the transdermal drug delivery system.

Objective:

The primary objective of this investigation was to pass on sulfasalazine-loaded cubosomes
over the skin to treat rheumatoid arthritis. On the way to overcome this issue of oral sulfasalazine
and provide localized effect, Cubosomes were chosen for the transdermal drug delivery system.

Methods:

Sulfasalazine-loaded cubosomes were prepared by the top-down method using GMO and
Poloxamer 407. Different concentrations of lipid and surfactant were used in the formulation using 32
full factorial designs. The prepared formulations were assessed for p.s, z,p, %EE, FTIR, SEM, invitro
release, ex-vivo permeation, and deposition studies with pH 7.4 phosphate buffer saline.

Results:

The particle size varies between 65 nm to 129 nm, while the negative zeta potential ranged from -
18.8 mV to -24.8 mV. The entrapment efficiency was between 87% and 95%. The formulations' in-vitro
drug release was carried out for 12 hours. The optimized formulation showed a controlled release of sulfasalazine
and better ex-vivo permeation and deposition properties than sulfasalazine suspension.

Conclusion:

Overall study findings support the possibility of applying transdermal sulfasalazineloaded
cubosomes to alleviate rheumatoid arthritis.
Influential Factors Related to Patient Hospitalization Due to COVID-19: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Pouredalati Malihe , Sharifpoor Elham , Dastyar Neda , Hosseinnataj Abolfazl , Khajoie Fateme , Ahmadi Atefeh , Shafiei-Bafti Mehdi
Published: February 2024

Aim:

This study aimed to determine the factors related to hospitalization associated with
COVID-19.

Methods:

A total of 1000 patients with confirmed COVID-19 by positive PCR test participated in this
study. They were randomly selected from positive test patients during this time. They or their firstdegree
relatives were contacted over the phone and were asked the questions of the checklist regarding
socio-demographics and factors related to the period of the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of
recent infection with COVID-19, and probable factors affecting patients’ hospitalization. Mean and
standard deviation were used for describing quantitative variables and frequency (percent) of qualitative
variables. Moreover, logistic regression was applied to determine influential factors related to
patients’ hospitalization due to COVID-19.

Results:

The mean age of the patients was 46.66±17.39, and 53.6% were men. Moreover, 65.6%
suffered from chronic diseases. Cough, nausea, chest pain, and fever were the most common symptoms,
which were found in more than 50% of patients. It was found that the chances of hospitalization
increased with older ages, having more children, addiction of the patient or spouse, job other
than health care provider, not regularly using dairy products, not consuming supplements, recent
stressful life events, not obeying physical distancing and hospitalization or dead of family members
from COVID-19 during patient’s infection.

Conclusion:

Age, number of children, self-addiction or spouse addiction, job, dairy products or supplement
consumption, encountering stressful life events, social distancing, and status of COVID-19
in family members were found to be influential factors in the hospitalization during infection by
COVID-19. People with risk of hospitalization can benefit from modifying their life styles and preventive
interventions.
Protective Role of Electroacupuncture Against Cognitive Impairment in Neurological Diseases
Authors: Xin Yueyang , Zhou Siqi , Chu Tiantian , Zhou Yaqun , Xu Aijun
Published: February 2024

Many neurological diseases can lead to cognitive impairment in patients, which includes
dementia and mild cognitive impairment and thus create a heavy burden both to their families and
public health. Due to the limited effectiveness of medications in treating cognitive impairment, it is
imperative to develop alternative treatments. Electroacupuncture (EA), a required method for Traditional
Chinese Medicine, has the potential treatment of cognitive impairment. However, the molecular
mechanisms involved have not been fully elucidated. Considering the current research status, preclinical
literature published within the ten years until October 2022 was systematically searched through
PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Ovid, and Embase. By reading the titles and abstracts, a total of
56 studies were initially included. It is concluded that EA can effectively ameliorate cognitive impairment
in preclinical research of neurological diseases and induce potentially beneficial changes in molecular
pathways, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular cognitive impairment, chronic pain, and
Parkinson’s disease. Moreover, EA exerts beneficial effects through the same or diverse mechanisms
for different disease types, including but not limited to neuroinflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neurogenesis,
synaptic plasticity, and autophagy. However, these findings raise further questions that need
to be elucidated. Overall, EA therapy for cognitive impairment is an area with great promise, even
though more research regarding its detailed mechanisms is warranted.
The methodology of identifying signs of illegal activities of persons providing legal and financial services in the bankruptcy process
Authors:   Elena N. Kolesnikova Ryazan Branch of the Moscow University of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Russia named after V.Ya. Kikot, Kolesnikova Elena N.
Published: February 2024

В статье рассматриваются актуальные вопросы выявления признаков противоправной деятельности лиц, оказывающих юридические и финансовые услуги в процедурах банкротства как предприятий, так и граждан. На основе использования обширного эмпирического материала сформулирован структурированный перечень признаков, свидетельствующих о потенциальной предумышленности и неправомерности действий лиц, оказывающих услуги гражданам и предприятиям-должникам на различных стадиях признания несостоятельности (банкротства). Актуальность исследования, результаты которого изложены в настоящей статье, предопределило то обстоятельство, что именно результативность и возможность формулировать однозначные выводы о наличии или отсутствии признаков противоправной деятельности третьих лиц определяют успешность доказывания фиктивных и преднамеренных банкротств, неправомерных действий при банкротстве хозяйствующего субъекта. Методологическую основу статьи составили действующие законодательные и нормативные правовые акты в сфере признания хозяйствующего субъекта несостоятельным (банкротом), правоприменительная практика, опубликованные результаты научных и прикладных исследований по схожей проблематике. Выводы и предложения, сформулированные в статье, описывают обладающие научной новизной рекомендации по выявлению признаков притворных и мнимых сделок, свидетельствующих о злоупотреблении правом и позволяющих лицам, оказывающим юридические, финансовые или иные услуги занять в делах о банкротстве позицию фиктивного доминирующего кредитора.
Conflict of interest in public service and ways to overcome it
Authors:   Marina V. Buzina Academy of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia, Buzina Marina V. , Roman Egor M. ,   Egor M. Roman University of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia
Published: February 2024

Комплекс правовых проблем, связанных с причинами и условиями нарушений, государственными служащими правил служебного поведения, их профилактикой и применением соответствующих правовых мер для разрешения инцидентов, охватывается понятием «конфликт интересов». Конфликт интересов, как и коррупция в целом, порождаются в значительной степени несовершенством законодательства о государственной службе и несовершенством внутриведомственной правоприменительной практикой. Государственные служащие и должностные лица не заинтересованы в разоблачении ситуаций конфликта интересов, ибо это чревато негативными последствиями не только для их личных интересов, но и для имиджа государственного органа. Демонстрация лояльности к руководителям и правонарушителям сулит только личные выгоды государственному служащему. Глубина такого конфликта зависит не только от личных качеств государственных служащих, предопределяющих мотивацию корыстного поведения государственного служащего, но и от факторов, среди которых важными являются правовые, организационные и нравственные «пороки» на государственной службе. Главное следствие конфликта интересов – снижение качества выполнения должностных функций, понижение значимости различных государственных и общественных сфер, игнорирование публичных интересов. Предупреждение конфликта интересов способствует качественному осуществлению государственных полномочий. Целью настоящей статьи является анализ деятельности государства и его органов по предотвращению и урегулированию конфликта интересов на государственной службе и выработка рекомендаций по ее совершенствованию. В результате статьи рассмотрено понятие категории «конфликт интересов» на государственной службе, проанализированы источники правового регулирования общественных отношений, возникающих вследствие конфликта интересов на государственной службе, выявлены проблемные аспекты применения мер по урегулированию конфликта интересов в уголовно-исполнительной системе, выработаны предложения по совершенствованию мер по урегулированию конфликта интересов на государственной службе.
A review of recent advances in Internet of Things-based customer relationship management to improve customer satisfaction and loyalty in the airline industry
Authors:   School of Information and Physical Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia, Almansour Hussain ,   Department of Management and Information Systems, College of Business Administration, University of Ha'il, Ha’il, Saudi Arabia, Luo Suhuai ,   School of Information and Physical Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia, Lin Yuqing ,   School of Information and Physical Sciences, College of Engineering Science and Environment, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
Published: February 2024

Airlines use strategies to build and keep profitable, loyal customers through customer relationship management (CRM). However, as customer needs change, CRM systems must also change. With the Internet of Things (IoT) offering new ways to improve how customers experience services, airlines are combining IoT with their CRM systems. The connections airlines have with partners, airports, hotels, and banks can help meet these changing customer needs. However, past studies have not fully looked into how IoT-enhanced CRM helps make customers more satisfied and loyal or how airlines' connections with others play a part. Therefore, this study looks into how IoT-enhanced CRM is improving customer satisfaction and loyalty in airlines. It also examines how airlines' connections with others can support the relationship between IoT-enhanced CRM and customer satisfaction and loyalty. The study suggests a model and makes suggestions about the importance of IoT-enhanced CRM in making customers more satisfied and loyal. It also outlines how to test these suggestions and suggests directions for future research.
The Role of Sustainability in Building Customer Loyalty and Satisfaction: Examining the Mediating Impact of Trust in the Banking Sector
Authors: Singh Kanwal Jeet , Rastogi Tanya , Nayan Rajiv
Published: February 2024

In today’s world, where environmental concerns are on the rise, sustainability has become a critical issue for businesses to address. In the banking sector, the adoption of sustainable practices can not only help mitigate environmental impacts but also lead to improved customer loyalty. This study seeks to determine how sustainability affects customer satisfaction and loyalty in the banking industry while also examining the mediating effects of trust. The study utilised a quantitative research approach, where data was collected from 380 customers of various banks using Google form with an online survey. Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) was employed to analyse the data using Smart Pls 4. The SEM results indicated that sustainability significantly impacts customer loyalty and satisfaction in the banking sector. Furthermore, the findings demonstrated that the relationship between satisfaction and loyalty as well as between sustainability and customer loyalty is mediated by trust. Specifically, the results showed that trust fully mediates the connection between sustainability and consumer loyalty. The results of this research suggest that banks should prioritise incorporating sustainable practices into their operations as a way to enhance customer loyalty. The study also highlights the importance of building trust and satisfaction with customers as they play a crucial role in the success of sustainability initiatives. Overall, the study contributes to the existing literature on trust, customer loyalty, sustainability and satisfaction, in the banking industry, providing valuable insights for policymakers and bank managers.
Accounting Education in India: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: Rao V. Appa , Maddeni Venkatesh
Published: February 2024

Now-a-days accounting education is facing many challenges in view of revolutionary changes in accounting education. These are technological changes, professional changes, changes in business environment and updating accounting as science. The aim of accounting education is to enlighten the youngsters about advanced accounting knowledge and promoting the continuous organisational reforms in the area of accounting. Accounting as a reporting information system, the profession can cover micro and macro-economic activities in organisations. Against this backdrop, the paper makes an attempt to i) study and analyse the level of the accounting knowledge and technical knowledge possessed by the sample respondents, ii) examine the latest accounting knowledge among the sample respondents and iii) analysis opportunities and challenges in accounting education in India. The present study is empirical and descriptive in nature and based on primary and secondary data. The primary data is collected from students, research scholars, academicians, accounting practitioners and industry professionals through a structured questionnaire with the help of the Google Form. The secondary data is collected from articles, periodicals, magazines, newspaper, research journals and websites.
Firms Characteristics and Board Composition Impact on Dividend Policy: A Study on Role of Crisis (Pandemic) Period in Indian Context
Authors: Shah Avani , Shome Samik , Bhayani Sanjay
Published: February 2024

The global pandemic has weakened the company’s financial stability and slowed the economy. Using 241 Indian-listed companies of the BSE (A Group) for 5 years (i.e., 2017–2021), the study aims to examine the moderating role of the pandemic crisis on the dividend policy and its determinants associations. Applying the regression technique, the study reveals that profitability, liquidity, leverage, firm size and board independence have significant impact on dividend policy for the Indian listed businesses. However, the overall findings of the study suggest that the instability in the economic condition that occurred for the years 2020 and 2021 has weakened the association of free cash flows, the board size, CEO duality, and board independence with the dividend policy in India. The study also reports the positive impact of the crisis on dividend policy; accordingly, it implies that Indian firms may prefer to pay dividends during the crisis period to calm investors and restore their confidence. Relatively a low relationship between free cash flows and the state of the economy with the dividend policy is an indicator of serious agency problems.
Price Discovery and Volatility Spillover: An Empirical Analysis of Indian Futures-Spot Cardamom Markets
Authors: Garg Sonia , Narwal Karam Pal
Published: February 2024

Price discovery and its related volatility spillover effect are significant indicators in commodity derivatives market to hedge the risk against sharp price fluctuations. This study empirically analyses the price discovery and volatility spillover using vector error correction model, Granger causality and bivariate exponential GARCH model (EGARCH) in Indian cardamom spot-futures markets. Daily time series data of spot market and near month futures contracts spanning the period from January 2009 to December 2020 have been used for the study. These price series data are based on the authenticated sources of Multi Commodity Exchange. The results of vector error correction model supported by Granger causality test indicates that spot market plays the role of leader as it is more efficient in reflecting the new information to prices. The results of bivariate EGARCH (1,1) model show that volatility spillover from cardamom spot market to futures market is dominant.
Testing Corporate Life Cycle Theory: A Multinomial Logistic Regression Approach
Authors: Singh Ravinder , Gupta C. P. , Chaudhary Pankaj
Published: February 2024

Purpose: This article tests the corporate life cycle theory in the context of an emerging market. Design/Methodology/Approach: We use 3179 non-financial Indian firms’ data for the period 2011-2020 to validate the claim. To access the robustness of empirical relationships, we employ multinomial logistic and probit regression models. Findings: The findings indicate that firms’ age follow a non-linear pattern over its life cycle. Firms at the birth and decline stages experienced lower profitability, higher investment opportunities and less likelihood for dividends. Growth firms experiences higher investment opportunities, therefore raising more funds from debt along with paying dividends for reputation building. Furthermore, mature firms with larger size and shrinking investment opportunities, generating cash flows due to higher profitability. Thus, they pay dividend and consider being less risky. For 5 years of out-of-sample data (2016-2020), our model predicts with an average accuracy of 65%. From the perspective of inter-stage transition, firms in the birth and decline stages have a tendency to improve their position, whereas firms in the mature stages are relatively stable in future period. Originality: It seems that very few studies have examined the issue of how the firm characteristics varies over its lifecycle in emerging markets and our research bridges this gap in the literature.
Long Run Performance of Rights Issues and FPOs: Evidence from India
Authors: Subrahmanayam N. , Rao T. Kameswara
Published: February 2024

In this article, we study the long run equity performance of Indian firms which issued Seasoned Equity Offering (SEO) during the period January 2010–December 2022. With a sample of 177 such SEO issuing firms, we show that the long run equity performance of these SEO issuing Indian firms have been significantly inferior compared to firms from the same industry which are similar w.r.t other parameters like size, age and price-book ratio. Investing in an SEO at the close of the first trading day and holding it for 5 years, on an average, gave 17% (3% on an annualised basis) fewer returns than comparable firms. This pattern is more or less independent of the market conditions (bull or bear) except for a brief period during the global financial crisis. The study’s findings suggest that Indian firms that issue SEOs may be underperforming their industry peers over the long term. This could be due to a number of factors, such as the companies raising capital for dilutive purposes, using the proceeds to invest in underperforming projects, or facing challenges in integrating new equity into their existing business operations. Additionally, the study’s findings highlight the importance of careful consideration of long-term performance when evaluating investment opportunities in SEOs. To further explore the factors contributing to the underperformance of SEO-issuing firms, future research could investigate the specific reasons for their lower returns, analyze the impact of different types of SEOs (e.g., rights issues vs. follow-on public offerings) on long-term performance, and examine the role of market timing and investor sentiment in influencing the performance of SEOs.
mHealth Gratitude Exercise Mindfulness App for Resiliency Among Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Staff: Three-Arm Pretest-Posttest Interventional Study
Authors: Peterson Neil E , Thomas Michael , Hunsaker Stacie , Stewart Tevin , Collett Claire J
Published: February 2024

Background

Health care is highly complex and can be both emotionally and physically challenging. This can lead health care workers to develop compassion fatigue and burnout (BO), which can negatively affect their well-being and patient care. Higher levels of resilience can potentially prevent compassion fatigue and BO. Strategies that enhance resilience include gratitude, exercise, and mindfulness.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 3-week daily resiliency practice, prompted via a gratitude, exercise, and mindfulness smartphone app, impacted the professional quality of life, physical activity, and happiness level of health care workers in a newborn intensive care unit setting.

Methods

In total, 65 participants from a level III newborn intensive care unit at a regional hospital in the western United States completed this study. The Professional Quality of Life Scale, Physical Activity Vital Sign, and Subjective Happiness Score instruments were used to evaluate the effects of the mobile health (mHealth) intervention. Further, 2-tailed dependent paired t tests were used to evaluate participant pre- and postintervention instrument scores. Multiple imputation was used to predict scores of participants who practiced an intervention but did not complete the 3 instruments post intervention.

Results

Dependent t tests using the original data showed that participants, as a whole, significantly improved in BO (t35=2.30, P=.03), secondary trauma stress (STS; t35=2.11, P=.04), and happiness (t35=–3.72, P<.001) scores. Compassion satisfaction (CS; t35=–1.94, P=.06) and exercise (t35=–1.71, P=.10) were trending toward, but did not reach, significance. Using the original data, only the gratitude intervention group experienced significant improvements (CS, BO, and happiness), likely due to the higher number of participants in this group. Analysis using imputed data showed that participants, as a whole, had significant improvements in all areas: CS (t64=–4.08, P<.001), BO (t64=3.39, P=.001), STS (t64=4.08, P<.001), exercise (t64=–3.19, P=.002), and happiness (t64=–3.99, P<.001). Looking at the intervention groups separately using imputed data, the gratitude group had significant improvements in CS, BO, STS, and happiness; the exercise group had significant improvements in STS and exercise; and the mindfulness group had significant improvements in CS and happiness.

Conclusions

Phone app delivery of resilience-enhancing interventions is a potentially effective intervention model for health care workers. Potential barriers to mHealth strategies are the technical issues that can occur with this type of intervention. Additional longitudinal and experimental studies with larger sample sizes need to be completed to better evaluate this modality.
An Intelligent Customer-Driven Digital Solution to Improve Perioperative Health Outcomes Among Children Undergoing Circumcision and Their Parents: Development and Evaluation (Preprint)
Authors: Kwa Zhi Yin , Li Jinqiu , Loh Dale Lincoln , Lee Yang Yang , Liu Guangyu , Zhu Lixia , Pikkarainen Minna , He Honggu , Mali Vidyadhar Padmakar
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Circumcision as a common elective pediatric surgery worldwide is a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience for parents and children. Although current perioperative interventions proved effective, such as reducing preoperative anxiety, there are limited holistic solutions using mobile apps.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the development and primary evaluation of an intelligent customer-driven smartphone-based app program (ICory-Circumcision) to enhance health outcomes among children undergoing circumcision and their family caregivers.

METHODS

Based on the review of the literature and previous studies, Bandura’s self-efficacy theory was adopted as the conceptual framework. A multidisciplinary team was built to identify the content and develop the apps. Semistructured interviews were conducted to evaluate the ICory-Circumcision.

RESULTS

The ICory-Circumcision study was carried out from March 2019 to January 2020 and comprised 2 mobile apps, BuddyCare app and Triumf Health mobile game app. The former provides a day-by-day perioperative guide for parents whose children are undergoing circumcision, while the latter provides emotional support and distraction to children. In total, 6 participants were recruited to use the apps and interviewed to evaluate the program. In total, 4 main categories and 10 subcategories were generated from content analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

ICory-Circumcision seemed to lean toward being useful. Revisions to ICory-Circumcision are necessary to enhance its contents and features before advancing to the randomized controlled trial.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04174404; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04174404