bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Is the Extent of the Church's Influence on Behavior Change among Adolescent Students in Catholic Secondary Schools of Murang'a East Sub-County in the Presence of Social Media?
Authors: Naomi W. Mwangi  , Dr. Mwita James  , Dr. James Wambugu
Published: November 2023

Social media has become an integral part of the lives of adolescents, granting them access to online networks and shaping their behaviors. This study examines the influence of the Church on behavior change among adolescent students in Catholic secondary schools of Murang'a East Sub-county amidst the presence of social media. The objectives of the study were to identify the social media platforms accessed by students, assess the effects of social media on behavior change, examine the Church's role in behavior change influenced by social media, and propose solutions to mitigate the negative effects of social media-induced behavior change. The study adopted a descriptive survey method, with a sample size of 345 respondents drawn from three Catholic-sponsored secondary schools. Data were collected through questionnaires, key informant interviews, and focused group discussions. The findings revealed that a majority of the students were actively involved in religious activities and accessed social media platforms, with Facebook being the most preferred site, followed by Instagram, Whatsapp, TikTok, and others. Students utilized social media for various purposes, such as chatting with friends and connecting with family, and discovered new skills and talents. Negative effects of social media use, including low self-esteem, cyberbullying, and misplaced ambitions, were also identified. The study established a positive correlation between social media usage and behavior change while recognizing the significant role of religion in shaping and preserving moral values. In conclusion, the study highlights the importance of religion in students' lives and confirms the impact of social media on behavior transformation. Recommendations include collaboration between the government and religious organizations to address internet-related challenges faced by students, as well as enhancing the capacity of teachers and school administrators to navigate social media and its associated issues.
Visual Compositions and Layout Designs of the Front Pages of Nigerian Newspapers: A Study of Vanguard, Punch, Daily Sun and Leadership
Authors: Dr. Akanni, Tunde  , Dr. Ibuot, Udo. P.
Published: November 2023

Nigerian newspapers have adopted several visual design elements in their bid to appeal to consumers. These elements aid the navigation of the news pages and, in turn, enhance their readability. This study sought to find out the current patterns of the visual designs of four selected national daily newspapers in Nigeria: Vanguard, Punch, Sun, and Leadership, between September 2014 and August 2015. The study was anchored on the Gestalt theory of visual perception, while visual analysis was adopted as a research methodology. The data generated was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 20.0 with the aid of frequency, percentage score, average, and the ratio of the information obtained from the newspapers sampled. Findings revealed that, though the four newspapers had specific formats, they obeyed fundamental newspaper design principles.
Ethno-Scientific Strategies to Cope with Climate Change Adopted by Dakamela Small Holder Communal Farmers in Nkayi District, Zimbabwe
Authors: Witness Dlamini  , Dr.  Whitehead Zikhali
Published: November 2023

Zimbabwe is currently grappling with a climate change dilemma characterized by erratic rainfall patterns and extreme temperature fluctuations. These climatic challenges have detrimental repercussions on the rural populace, primarily dependent on rain-fed agriculture for their sustenance. To mitigate the socioeconomic ramifications of climate change in rural areas like Nkayi District, Zimbabwe, the focus must shift towards implementing climate change adaptation measures aimed at bolstering agricultural productivity amidst fluctuating weather conditions. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the utilization of ethno-scientific knowledge, commonly referred to as indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), by smallholder communal farmers in the Dakamela area of Nkayi District as a means to adapt to climate change. The key strategies currently adopted by farmers include dry planting, crop diversification, early planting, livelihood diversification and cultivation of drought-tolerant crops. The study adopted a qualitative study design and was conducted during the 2022/2023 rainy season from November 2022 to April 2023. The study period was intentionally selected based on Zimbabwe's rainy season to investigate and identify essential ethno-scientific strategies employed by district farmers to address climate change. The paper advocates for policymakers and climate change experts to incorporate the indigenous knowledge held by local communities into the formulation and execution of climate change adaptation and mitigation initiatives in rural areas like Dakamela.
Places Where Things Have Happened: The Psychology of Location in Henry James’s The Portrait of a Lady
Authors: Mohammad I. Aljayyousi
Published: November 2023

This paper studies the psychological significance of the different locations in the novel The Portrait of a Lady and argues that each place symbolizes a stage in the main character, Isabel's growth. The paper also connects two trajectories: the physical and the psychological, showing their interactions and thematic significance in the context of the novel. In general terms, the three major locations, America, England, and Europe represent childhood, teenage, and maturity, with several nuances that are explained in the paper. The paper concludes with a philosophical observation about the constructed nature of spatial significance in literary works and in life in general, arguing how the meaning we give to places, on both the individual and collective levels, is always subjective.
Green Innovation Strategy as Antecedent of Performance Sustainability among ISO 14001-Certified Manufacturing Firms in Kenya: Does Regulatory Framework Play a Moderating Role?
Authors: James Kimuli Nzomo  , Dr. Godfrey Mungai Kinyua  , Dr. Evans Thomas Mwasiaji
Published: November 2023

Performance sustainability has been a major concern in the manufacturing sector in Kenya. Most firms have recorded a dwindling performance: a decline in profits, an increase in environmental crisis and unmanaged waste. Firms in the manufacturing sector have been on the move to get ISO 14001 certification, which is perceived as critical as firms go green. It is, however, noted that despite the regulatory framework and increased ISO 14001 certification, sustainability challenges are still high. This study aimed to establish whether the regulatory framework had a moderating effect on the relationship between green innovation strategy and performance sustainability of ISO 14001-certified manufacturing firms in Kenya. The scholar operationalized a green innovation strategy using green products, green processes, green marketing and green organizational innovation strategy. The regulatory framework was operationalized using environmental regulations, clean technologies regulations and NEMA regulations, while performance sustainability was operationalized using financial, social and environmental performance. The study was anchored on triple bottom line theory, green business model innovation, and institutional and stakeholders' theory. The study adopted a positivism philosophy where descriptive and explanatory research design was adopted. A Census of all 60 ISO 14001-certified manufacturing firms in Kenya was conducted involving 218 respondents. Primary data was collected using semi-structured self-administered questionnaires and analysed using a multiple regression model. The study findings indicated that regulatory framework had a significant negative moderating effect on the relationship between green innovation strategy and performance sustainability of ISO 14001-certified manufacturing firms. The study recommended that the government should come up with a flexible regulatory framework that will encourage firms to adopt green innovation. It was further recommended that management should come up with an internal policy and train its staff so that it may improve their compliance, leading to the performance sustainability of the firms.
‘They Hid Our Palliatives and Now They Want to give us Vaccine’: Recontextualizations of COVID-19 Facebook Vaccination Discourses of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control
Authors: Udoumoh, Onyinyechi Blessing  , Ogbonna, Lilian Chinenyenwa  , Dr. Vivien Bello-Osagie
Published: November 2023

This study deployed Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) to investigate four (4) Nigerian Centre for Disease Control (hereafter, NCDC) COVID-19 vaccination updates and two hundred (200) ensuing reactions among Nigerian Facebook users. The study intends to ascertain how such reactions reflected the socio-political context and the intertexts in which the COVID-19 vaccination was embedded and how it affected the vaccine's receptiveness in Nigeria. NCDC was established in the year 2011 as a government health agency that deals with the outbreak of infectious diseases. The findings of the study revealed that NCDC ideologically framed itself as health experts, solution providers and health interventionists via the use of nomination strategies, such as proper nouns, dietic and professional anthroponyms, which are meant to trigger optimism among Nigerians. However, reactions to the COVID-19 updates have been re-contextualized to capture the socio-political intertexts at the time, which have affected the inoculation exercise. Respondents negatively framed the Nigerian government as the main social actors, engaging dialectic and phoric expressions as out-group markers, tropes such as metaphors and similes, among others, as topos for rejecting the vaccine. The study argues that COVID-19 vaccination reluctance and abstinence by Nigerians were largely informed by presupposed socio-historic and socio-cognitive factors, such as topos of corruption and distrust of government (35%), bad governance and demand for responsible government (15.5%) among other factors which are forms of protest for the civic rights of the people.
Scientific Research Sample Size Determination
Authors: Bostley Muyembe Asenahabi  , Peters Anselemo Ikoha
Published: November 2023

Determining the appropriate sample size is an essential factor for an empirical study. A sample size that is too small will not yield valid results or adequately represent the reality of the population under study. On the other hand, despite a large sample size yielding a smaller margin of error and being more representative, it significantly increases the time and cost required to conduct the study. Specific sampling techniques are used for specific research problems since one technique may not be applicable to all problems. Similarly, if the sample size is inappropriate, it may lead to an erroneous conclusion. The complexity of a study population determines the sampling strategy to be used. A given study may require more than one sample size determination approach. This review paper discusses the various methods that can be used to determine an appropriate sample size.
The study of the experience of using retinoid-containing products in Ukraine
Authors: Shtrimaitis O. V. , Kukhtenko O. S. , Deyneka A. S.
Published: November 2023

Aim. To analyze the use of retinoid-containing products in pharmaceutical and cosmetic practices in Ukraine and determine the prospects for developing domestic products with retinoids.

Materials and methods. The study employed such methods as surveys, mathematical statistics, data synthesis, and interpretation. The study object was senior students of higher pharmaceutical education, pharmacy employees (pharmacists), cosmetic industry professionals (dermatologists, cosmetologists), and visitors to beauty salons. The study was conducted from June to July 2023, during the russian military aggression. Internet surveys were used to interact with the target audience, including students of the National University of Pharmacy (Kharkiv) and the Municipal Institution of Higher Education “Rivne Medical Academy” (Rivne). Graduates of these educational institutions working in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical sectors, as well as professionals in the cosmetic industry and salon staff, were surveyed. A simplified formula for calculating a simple probability sample during public opinion surveys was used. The survey results obtained show the researched reality within the usual measure of reliability.

Results. Based on the research results, the level of awareness regarding the use of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products with retinoids by both consumers and the key players of the retinoid-containing product market, including dermatologists, cosmetologists, and pharmacy workers, has been determined. The main advantages and disadvantages of using retinoid-containing products, the approaches of different respondent groups in choosing cosmetic/pharmaceutical products with retinoids, and consumer preferences and recommendations of pharmaceutical and cosmetic market experts have been identified. It has been found that adapalene, tretinoin, and isotretinoin are the most well-known among all retinoids used at the pharmaceutical and cosmetic markets in Ukraine. For the treatment of acne and psoriasis, the majority of respondents prefer pharmaceutical products (52.8 % and 72 %, respectively). In contrast, a significant percentage of respondents in all groups are ready to use cosmetic products for skin rejuvenation procedures.

Conclusions. The data obtained show the need to develop a domestic pharmaceutical product based on retinoids for the treatment of acne, psoriasis, rosacea, and keratosis. The composition and technology of the product developed should ensure minimal side effects while maintaining high therapeutic activity.
Una mirada a la educación matemática
Authors: Benitez Mojica David
Published: November 2023

El presente número de la revista Praxis, Educación y Pedagogía constituye una edición especial focalizada en una mirada a la Educación Matemática. Es importante destacar que, dada la amplitud del campo de investigación en esta área, resulta imposible abordar exhaustivamente todos sus aspectos en un solo número de la revista. No obstante, los seis artículos incluídos pueden ser clasificados en cinco campos de interés: la mediación instrumental, la resolución de problemas, la formación de profesores, la relevancia del estudio de la historia de las matemáticas en la Educación Matemática y el currículo.
Localization of foreign body in the maxillary sinus using multi slice CT scan
Authors: Basheer Taha Al-tekreeti Omar
Published: November 2023

Foreign body can be defined as any matter that created out of scope of the body but inter the body due to injury, Plain radiograph, computed tomography scan ,magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography could be used to assess and localize the foreign body, In this case report we will explain a case of foreign body established in the maxillary sinus and how CT scan was useful in determine the position of this foreign body, the surgeon reported that computed tomography scan was useful in such cases, so it can be concluded that computed tomography scan can assess the size and shape of the precisely and can give the exact position of foreign body but the patient receive higher dose of radiation rather than the dose has been received from dental panoramic tomography.
Antibacterial Effect of Aqueous and Alcoholic Ginger Extracts on Periodontal Pathogen Aggregatibacter Actinomycetem Comitans [An in Vitro Study] (Part 1)
Authors: M. Awad Sana'a , Abdul-Aziz. Ahmed Maha
Published: November 2023

Among natural food sources with antimicrobial activities, ginger rhizome has been used as widely grown food spices and medicinal crops for centuries. Furthermore, it possess antifungal and antioxidant properties due to the phenols – related constituents (gingerols) that constrain the growth of many Gram positive and Gram negative bacteria including some periodontal bacteria. The Actinomycetem comitans is a portion of the normal microbiota in numerous healthy individuals but is also a major etiological agent in some aggressive and chronic types of periodontitis. The present study was conducted to test the effect of aqueous and alcoholic ginger extracts on the growth of Aggregatibacter actinomycetem comitans in comparision to 0.2% chlorohexidine gluconate mouth wash and distilled water in vitro, determination of ginger extracts minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration and detection of active ingredients of ginger extracts by using the high-performance liquid chromatography as well as chemical elements.
Evaluation of Serum Homocysteine and Nitric Oxide Levels in Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Periodontal Diseases
Authors: Jabbar Hameed Dhamyaa , Abdul-Aziz Ahmed Maha
Published: November 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and periodontal diseases are common chronic inflammatory disorders. PCOS is a complicated condition affects overall health and causes broad spectrum changes that affect periodontal health status. Available evidence suggests that oxidative stress might comprise a link for the association between periodontal diseases and components of the metabolic syndrome. Both homocysteine (Hcy) and nitric oxide (NO) are considered to reflect the strength of oxidative stress. The aims of the study were to compare the periodontal health condition among the study groups (gingivitis, gingivitis +PCOS, chronic periodontitis (CP) and CP + PCOS group) by measuring the clinical periodontal parameters (Plaque Index (PLI), Gingival Index (GI), Bleeding on Probing (BOP), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD) and Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), and measure serum (Hcy) and (NO) and compare their levels between study groups , then correlate between these parameters with each other and with clinical periodontal parameters in order to determine the effect of PCOS on periodontal health status and levels of serum Hcy and NO.
Impact of Second-Order Slip on Radiative Magnetohydrodynamics Rotating Flow in Channel
Authors: Ali Aamir , Hussain Shahid , Umber Tehzeen , Ashraf Muhammad
Published: November 2023

In our current investigation, we have discussed the effects of second-order slip and radiation on the flow of a generalized rotating fluid inside a channel in the presence of a magnetic field. The flow equations are transformed into a set of ordinary differential equations with the help of suitable similarity transformations, and the resultant coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations are solved analytically. Using the obtained results, the effects of the involved physical parameters on the flow dynamics are examined and described physically. In addition, Pearson’s coefficient of correlation has been utilized to measure the linear association between different variables. The impact of emerging dimensionless parameters such as Hartman number, rotation parameter, radiation parameter, viscosity parameter, first- and second-order slip parameter, Schmidt number, and suction parameter on the Nusselt number and Sherwood number have all been investigated using a slope linear regression approach across the whole data points. The [Formula: see text]-test approach has been adopted to explore the relationship between various involved physical parameters.
Actions of enterprises to improve the situation of women on the labour market
Authors: Lasota Julia
Published: November 2023

The topic of discrimination against women in the labour market, although frequently addressed, is still extremely relevant in many European and other countries. In addition to rules regulated by law, the equality policies of companies also have a significant impact on the situation of women. The aim of the research was to analyse the strategies of companies that support women and to describe the measures that companies put in place to enable and encourage women to start a career, or come back to work, thus ensuring gender diversity, which also has a positive impact on the success of the company. The article refers to the current situation in Poland in the context of other European Union countries. The research is based on a historical method and an analysis of available documents. The analysis of data found in available reports prepared by enterprises and focusing on the effectiveness of strategies supporting gender diversity, allowed me to conclude that the implemented measures are bringing the expected results, and that the current policy should be continued and expanded, as more and more women decide to return to professional activity, thus leading to a reduction of gender discrimination in the labour market.
Podmiot moralny we współczesnej ochronie zdrowia – dylematy etyczne i dystres moralny w pracy pielęgniarki
Authors: Borkowska Natalia
Published: November 2023

Pielęgniarka jako pracownik ochrony zdrowia powinna kierować się w swoim postępowaniu nie tylko zasadą niewyrządzania pacjentowi krzywdy, lecz także działania w jego najlepiej pojętym interesie, w poszanowaniu jego autonomii oraz sprawiedliwego podziału zasobów. W świetle włączania nowych technologii w opiekę nad pacjentem warto ocenić potrzebę dostosowania dotychczasowo obowiązujących zasad etycznych celem świadczenia jak najlepszej opieki, budowania relacji terapeutycznej z pacjentem oraz przeciwdziałania występowania u pielęgniarki dylematów etycznych i dystresu moralnego
textologie sémiotique et la méthodologie de la recherche linguistique
Authors: Petöfi János Sándor
Published: November 2023

DANS CET ESSAI je vais m'occuper de quelques aspects des relations entre la textologie sémiotique et la méthodologie de la recherche linguistique. Après quelques observations générales (1), je vais analyser les aspects et les facteurs centraux de la textologie sémiotique, que j'utilise comme cadre théorique (2); ensuite, je vais traiter quelques aspects de base de la relation entre la textologie sémiotique et la méthodologie de la recherche linguistique (3) et, enfin, je vais exposer quelques conclusions (4). Dans l'analyse des facteurs centraux je vais me servir de termes latins, ou quasi-latins, d'une part pour éviter d'attribuer des significations idiosyncratiques aux termes traditionnellement connus, et, d'autre part, pour assurer une cohérence terminologique à mes travaux, publiés en différentes langues.
incidences de la diversité sur la description linguistique
Authors: Jucquois Guy
Published: November 2023

La problématique du terrain en anthropologie permet de mieux comprendre ce qui se produit chez le sujet lors d'une rencontre avec une culture différente de la sienne. On constate, en effet, la perte ou l'obnubilation de ce qui constitue les éléments identitaires et une lente et progressive reconstitution d'une axiologie personnelle. Les variances linguistique et culturelle se présentent sous deux formes (diversité et changement). La description théorique doit les prendre en compte en évitant, autant que faire se peut, et le réductionnisme et l'ethnocentrisme, mais cela implique-t-il également la légitimité d'une diversité de modèles descriptifs ? La comparaison des axiologies descriptives devrait mieux mettre en évidence les particularités liées aux diverses topiques et se consacrer davantage aux corrélations à établir entre elles.
Site-specific effects of acetylation within histone H3 tail peptide on liquid-liquid phase separation with DNA
Authors: Mimura Masahiro , Sugai Hiroka , Kameda Tomoshi , Kitahara Ryo , Kitazawa Soichiro , Shinkai Yoichi , Kurita Ryoji , Tomita Shunsuke
Published: November 2023

Post-translational modifications (PTMs) of histone proteins are recognized as critical factors governing the regulation of chromatin condensation through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). Here, we report the impact of acetylation sites within the N-terminal histone H3 peptide on LLPS with nucleosomal linker DNA. In our model system mimicking partial chromatin structures, non-acetylated H3 peptide and DNA undergo LLPS driven primarily by electrostatic interactions. We found that enzymatic acetylation of the H3 peptide significantly inhibits LLPS, and further experiments using synthetic H3 peptides with different acetylation sites revealed that inhibitory effects of acetylation vary markedly depending on the modification site; acetylation near the ends of the 20-residue H3 peptide (i.e., H3K4ac and H3K18ac) inhibits LLPS more than that near the center (i.e., H3K9ac and H3K14ac). The degree of this inhibitory effect correlates with the ability to thermally stabilize double-stranded DNA, and 1,6-hexanediol assays suggest that not only electrostatic interactions but also hydrophobic interactions play an important role in droplet formation when H3 peptide is acetylated. Our findings provide fundamental insights that link LLPS-mediated chromatin condensation to various biological phenomena dependent on acetylation sites within histone proteins.
Understanding and Fine Tuning the Propensity of ATP-Driven Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation with Oligolysine
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Wu Yongxian , Luo Ray
Published: November 2023

Liquid-Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) plays pivotal roles in the organization and functionality of living cells. It is imperative to understand the underlying driving forces behind LLPS and to control its occurrence. In this study, we employed coarse-grained (CG) simulations as a research tool to investigate systems comprising oligolysine and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) under conditions of various ionic concentrations and oligolysine lengths. Consistent with experimental observations, our CG simulations captured the formation of LLPS upon the addition of ATP and tendency of dissociating under high ionic concentration. The primary driving force behind this phenomenon is the electrostatic interaction between oligolysine and ATP. An in-depth analysis on the structural properties of LLPS was conducted, where the oligolysine structure remained unchanged with increased ionic concentration and the addition of ATP led to a more pronounced curvature, aligning with the observed enhancement of $\alpha$-helical secondary structure in experiments. In terms of the dynamic properties, the introduction of ATP led to a significant reduction in translational and vibrational degrees of freedom but not rotational degrees of freedom. Through keeping the total number of charged residues constant and varying their entropic effects, we constructed two systems of similar biochemical significance and further validated the entropy effects on the LLPS formation. These findings provide a deeper understanding of LLPS formation and shed lights on the development of novel bioreactor and primitive artificial cells for synthesizing key chemicals for certain diseases.
Students’ Information Seeking Behavior and Information Needs
Authors:   Babeș-Bolyai University, Gabriela Florescu
Published: November 2023

"All around the world, universities and university libraries have faced the decline in the importance as a physical entity. This decline has multiple causes, such as the change of users' expectations and needs, the universities switch from exclusively on-site work and teaching to remote or more flexible schedules, the availability of alternative sources of information, the use of new technologies (social networks, mobile technologies), the preference for anytime and remote access from personal devices, the demand for greater compatibility and interoperability of systems, and the transformation of library user from consumer into content creator. Thus, this research aims to study the information-seeking behavior of college students in the context of traditional and electronic resources). Urquhart and Rowley's model of information-seeking behavior will be applied along with Wilson's model, to identify the factors that influence information-seeking behavior: the design of information resources, the educational infrastructure, the organizational culture, the availability and access constraints, the information culture, the search strategy, the support and training, the pedagogy, the behavior of teachers regarding information, and the study discipline and curriculum. Nonetheless, the article will explore information literacy skills and the barriers to accessing and using them: cultural aspects related to teaching and learning styles, language proficiency and digital culture. Methods. Initial stages of the project assess the current level of inclusion of industrial property topics into higher education curricula and labour market needs. Samples include Slovenian technical sciences faculties, and employers of technical profiles with needs for industrial property knowledge. Online surveys are used for data collection. Results. General, not positive, alignment was found in terms of expected competencies: Companies do not place high priorities on industrial property competencies of their non-law employees. Furthermore, many higher education institutions do not include these topics in their teaching. Industrial property teaching is needed, but not done, which implies the need for educators-employers dialogue. A relatively traditional image of libraries emerges, as they are usually not involved in teaching. This provides an excellent opportunity for libraries to evolve and become more proactive. Conclusions. Our findings offer a valuable contribution to the planning of a systematic and holistic intellectual property curriculum for technical studies within the European Union."
Emergence and persistent spread of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae high-risk clones in Greek hospitals, 2013 to 2022
Authors: Tryfinopoulou Kyriaki , Linkevicius Marius , Pappa Olga , Alm Erik , Karadimas Kleon , Svartström Olov , Polemis Michalis , Mellou Kassiani , Maragkos Antonis , Brolund Alma , Fröding Inga , David Sophia , Vatopoulos Alkiviadis , Palm Daniel , Monnet Dominique L , Zaoutis Theoklis , Kohlenberg Anke ,   Greek CCRE study group
Published: November 2023

Background

Preliminary unpublished results of the survey of carbapenem- and/or colistin-resistant Enterobacterales (CCRE survey) showed the expansion of carbapenemase-producing Klebsiella pneumoniae (CPKP) sequence type (ST) 39 in 12 of 15 participating Greek hospitals in 2019.

Aim

We conducted a rapid survey to determine the extent of spread of CPKP high-risk clones in Greek hospitals in 2022 and compare the distribution of circulating CPKP clones in these hospitals since 2013.

Methods

We analysed whole genome sequences and epidemiological data of 310 K. pneumoniae isolates that were carbapenem-resistant or ‘susceptible, increased exposure’ from Greek hospitals that participated in the European survey of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (EuSCAPE, 2013–2014), in the CCRE survey (2019) and in a national follow-up survey (2022) including, for the latter, an estimation of transmission events.

Results

Five K. pneumoniae STs including ST258/512 (n = 101 isolates), ST11 (n = 93), ST39 (n = 56), ST147 (n = 21) and ST323 (n = 13) accounted for more than 90% of CPKP isolates in the dataset. While ST11, ST147 and ST258/512 have been detected in participating hospitals since 2013 and 2014, KPC-2-producing ST39 and ST323 emerged in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Based on the defined genetic relatedness cut-off, 44 within-hospital transmission events were identified in the 2022 survey dataset, with 12 of 15 participating hospitals having at least one within-hospital transmission event.

Conclusion

The recent emergence and rapid spread of new high-risk K. pneumoniae clones in the Greek healthcare system related to within-hospital transmission is of concern and highlights the need for molecular surveillance and enhanced infection prevention and control measures.
Achieving Competency for Year 1 Doctors in Singapore: Comparing Night Float or Traditional Call
Authors: Tan Mae Yue , Koh Zong Jie , Kumar Shoban Krishna , Foo Rui Min , Tan Rou An , Chandran Nisha Suyien , Lin Jeremy Bingyuan , Mahadevan Malcolm , Tng Eng Loon
Published: November 2023

Introduction: The night float (NF) system has been instituted in some hospitals in Singapore to improve the working hours and wellbeing of junior doctors. There have been concerns of compromised learning and patient safety with NF. The objective of this study is to compare clinical competency outcomes, based on existing assessment framework, between post-graduate year 1 (PGY1) doctors working on NF versus traditional call (TC) systems. The secondary aim was to explore patient safety outcomes between these groups of PGY1s.
Methods: Data on the formal assessments of PGY1s using the Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) and medical errors were prospectively collected between May 2021 and April 2022 from two hospitals that employed different on-call systems. Data was analysed descriptively. Categorical data was analysed using the Chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test where appropriate.
Results: One hundred and ninety-three PGY1s consented to the study. There was no statistically significant difference in the clinical competency of PGY1s in both groups. The number of PGY1s who had ‘needs improvement’ scores in a detailed EPA was not significantly different (9.0% in the NF group versus vs 3.7% in the TC group (p = 0.14)). They nonetheless passed the overall core EPA and no PGY1 failed their postings. No serious reportable medical errors occurred in either group.
Conclusion: PGY1s who worked on NF are equally competent compared to those who worked on TC based on the EPA assessment matrix. Patient safety is not compromised by PGY1s working on NF.

Keywords: Clinical competence, Float, Junior doctor, Patient safety, Wellbeing
Vulnerability Assessment of Fishing Communities in Kerala, Towards the Impact of Climate Change-With Special Reference to Cherai
Authors: Devi Sarada , P Arunachalam , A.P Sachin Pavitran
Published: November 2023

Â The fisheries sector in India and Kerala, though performing well, faces serious challenges such as socio-economic conflicts, low income to the common fishermen, low catch per unit effort, over exploitation of marine resources, unsustainable harvesting and also susceptibility to hazards related to climate change. These affect the production and progress of fisheries sector, which depends on the marine resources. The ill effects of climate change can take many forms including natural hazards, and can affect the livelihood of the farmers economically, socially, environmentally, and even physically. This can be addressed through regulation to over exploitation, diverting the fishermen to other livelihood sectors and by means of active participation of all the stakeholders in increasing the adaptive capacity through sustainable and planned capacity building strategies and development measures. This study deals with the socio economic characteristics of fishermen in Kerala and specifically studies the vulnerability assessment of fishing communities towards the impacts of climate change.
Analisis Promosi Jabatan Pegawai Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Muara Bulian
Authors: Subhan Muhammad , Miftah AA , Afril Lestari Windi
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to determine the implementation system, the factors that influence, and the impact of promotion on employee performance improvement at Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Muara Bulian. This thesis uses a qualitative approach with data collection methods through interviews and documentation. Based on the research conducted, the following results were obtained: First, the system for implementing employee promotion at Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Muara Bulian has been implemented according to company procedures such as criteria or conditions, assessment, and no bribes or factors of closeness to superiors because of the provisions in giving Promotion of positions for employees is determined by Central Bank Syariah Indonesia. Second, factors that influence employee promotion at Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Muara Bulian are honesty and responsibility, loyalty, experience and work performance as measured by the amount and quality of financing distributed. Third, the impact of job promotion on improving employee performance at Bank Syariah Indonesia KCP Muara Bulian is the emergence of work enthusiasm and motivating employees to improve better performance and from the results of this performance an increase in the number of customers and financing every year
Penerapan Metode Klasifikasi Multinomial Naive Bayes
Authors: Rinaldi Rival , Goejantoro Rito , Syaripuddin Syaripuddin
Published: November 2023

Life insurance is a risk management service provide payment to policyholders in the event of a disaster that has been stipulated in the agreement. A classification system needs to be done to facilitate the company in making decisions to provide policies to customers. One system that can be used is multinomial Naive Bayes. Multinomial Naive Bayes is a simple probabilistic classification that has more than two groups or categories. An algorithm using Bayes theorem assumes all independent variables. The aim of this study is to obtain an accuracy level of 5 different proportions with the Naive Bayes multinomial method used in insurance customer payment status data. The data used is the customer data of PT. Prudential Life Samarinda in 2019 with the status of current premium payment, substandard and non-current and using 5 independent variables, namely income, age, amount of premium payment, sex and employment. The results of the measurement of classification accuracy using APER status premium payment on insurance customer data of PT. Prudential Life 2019 Naive Bayes multinomial method showed 22,96% misclassification at 50:50 proportion, at the proportion of 60:40 there were 21,43% misclassification, at the proportion of 70:30 there were 19,05% misclassified, at proportions 80:20 had a misclassification of 14,29%, and a proportion of 90:10 has a misclassification of 7,14%.
Peramalan Produksi Kelapa Sawit Menggunakan Metode Pegel’s Exponential Smoothing
Authors: Sinaga Yetty Veronica Lestari , Wahyuningsih Sri , Siringoringo Meiliyani
Published: November 2023

Time series data analysis using Pegel's exponential smoothing method are an analysis of time series that is influenced by trend and seasonal data patterns. The data used in this study was oil palm production in East Kalimantan Province from January 2014 until December 2018. This study aims to predict oil palm production for January, February, March in 2019. Forecasting results were verified based on the MAPE value and monitoring signal tracking method. The results showed that in the Pegel method, the exponential smoothing model without a multiplicative seasonal trend with a MAPE value of 7.84% had better forecasting accuracy than the other methods. The forecast results of the Pegel's exponential smoothing method without a multiplicative seasonal trend can be used to predict the next 3 periods, namely January, February and March 2019. The forecast results for the next 3 periods have increased in succession.
Peramalan Inflasi Kota Balikpapan Menggunakan Metode Singular Spectrum Analysis
Authors: Sergio Andrean , Wahyuningsih Sri , Siringoringo Meiliyani
Published: November 2023

Singular Spectrum Analysis (SSA) is a nonparametric forecasting method capable of separating time series data into interpretable trend, seasonal, cycle, and noise. Methods with component separation are suitable for characterizing economic and business data trends that tend to contain stationary, trend, cycle, and seasonal factors. One of the economic data that can be used in research is inflation. The purpose of this study is to obtain the results of inflation forecast in Balikpapan City from November 2022 to October 2023. Based on the forecasting results of the SSA method on inflation in Balikpapan City, the MAAPE value was 23.53% which showed that the forecasting results were quite accurate. Based on the results of inflation forecast from November 2022 to October 2023, there was a decrease in inflation in November 2022 by -0.64% or it could be said that there would be deflation by 0.64%. Over the next period, inflation tends to increase where the highest inflation will occur in June 2023, which is 1.96%.
The Necessity of Developing Soft Skills in STEM Areas in Higher Education, with Special Focus on Engineering Training
Authors: Holik Ildikó , Dániel Sanda István , Molnár György
Published: November 2023

One of the challenges of higher education today is to prepare students for the demands of the labour market. A goal becoming ever more important is that, in addition to the so-called hard skills (knowledge obtained from textbooks), the development of soft skills (inter- and intrapersonal skills) also be emphasised. It is a particularly important question in the field of STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), and especially in engineering education, which abilities and skills are essential for new graduates on the labour market. The aim of our questionnaire survey, conducted in 2022, was to map the specifics of soft skills among engineering students. A total of 208 engineering students filled in our online questionnaire. We examined the characteristics of soft skills based on a list of 39 items. The 5 soft skills considered most important were problem-solving, reliability, resilience, communication and independent work. Students regarded themselves as most characterized by reliability, problem solving, independent work, responsibility and cooperation. Our research results drew attention to the importance of developing soft skills, especially social skills. Keywords: STEM, soft skills, social skills development
Continuous Glucose Monitoring Reduce Duration of Hypoglycemia in Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Li Wenqiong , Hou Yani , Chen Yihong
Published: November 2023

Background: Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) has the potential to be a valuable tool for measuring glucose concentrations in preterm neonates, but its actual effect on infants is still unclear. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis to evaluate the clinical effect of CGM on blood glucose levels in preterm infants requiring intensive care. Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing CGM with other interventions, and identified five studies that met our eligibility criteria. The quality of the included studies was assessed using Cochrane’s Collaboration tool. Results: Our meta-analysis demonstrated that CGM, when combined with a protocol for adjusting glucose infusion, was associated with a decrease in the average duration of hypoglycemia, a greater percentage of time spent in the euglycemic range, and reduced time spent in mild and severe hypoglycemia compared with other interventions and controls. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CGM, with a protocol for adjusting glucose infusion, increases the time spent in the euglycemic range, and reduces the duration of hypoglycemia in preterm infants during the first week of life.
Human Menopausal Gonadotropins in Combination for Stimulation does not Improve IVF Outcomes in POSEIDON Group 4 Patients, When Compared to Recombinant Follicle Stimulating Hormone Alone: A Prospective Randomized, Non-Blinded, Controlled Pilot Trial
Authors: Qiu Jiahui , Luo Shan , Bai Yu , Zeng Xun , Li Xiaohong
Published: November 2023

Background: To evaluate whether the addition of human menopausal gonadotropin (HMG) during the early follicular phase of controlled ovarian stimulation improves clinical outcomes in patients classified as group 4 on the Patient-Oriented Strategy Encompassing IndividualizeD Oocyte Number (POSEIDON) classification. Methods: A prospective, randomized, and non-blind controlled trial was conducted, involving 172 patients seeking infertility treatment with an indication for in vitro fertilization (IVF) or intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI). Among them, 78 patients were randomly assigned to the HMG/follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) group, receiving 75 IU of HMG for FSH on either day 2 or day 3 of menstruation, while 94 patients were assigned to the FSH monotherapy group. Results: The total dose of gonadotropin used in the HMG/FSH group (2510.77 ± 368.11) was higher than that in the FSH alone group (2310.98 ± 641.33), indicating greater medication usage (p < 0.001). In terms of the mean number of retrieved oocytes and good quality embryos, the HMG supplementation group demonstrated a slight increasing trend (3.79 and 1.43, respectively) compared to the FSH alone group (3.44 and 1.16, respectively), though these differences did not show statistical significance. There is no significant difference in the outcomes of ongoing pregnancy rates, biochemical pregnancy rates, or clinical pregnancy rates per end-cycle or embryo transfer cycle between the two groups. Conclusion: The addition of HMG to FSH during the early follicular phase for IVF/ICSI did not provide any benefits for patients classified as group 4 on the POSEIDON classification. Clinical Trial Registration: The study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (https://www.chictr.org.cn), registration number: ChiCTR2100043040.
Bioinformatic Identification of the Pyroptosis-Related Transcription Factor-MicroRNA-Target Gene Regulatory Network in Angiotensin II-Induced Cardiac Remodeling and Validation of Key Components
Authors: Huang Tiejun , Ding Jieqiong , Lin Li , Han Lu , Yu Liangzhu , Li Mincai
Published: November 2023

Background: Accumulative evidence suggests that pyroptosis plays a key role in mediating angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced cardiac remodeling However, the potential role of pyroptosis-related transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA)-gene regulatory networks in mediating Ang II-associated cardiac remodeling remains largely unknown. Therefore, we identified the pyroptosis-related hub genes and constructed a transcription factor (TF)-miRNA-target gene regulatory network using bioinformatic tools to elucidate the pathogenesis of Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling. Methods: The pyroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified from the cardiac remodeling-related dataset GSE47420. Gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis were performed to identify the pyroptosis-related hub DEGs. A TF-miRNA-target gene network was constructed and further validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) in animal experiments. The correlation between the pyroptosis-related hub DEGs and cardiac remodeling was evaluated using comparative toxicogenomics database. The drug-gene interaction analysis was performed to identify potential drugs that target the pyroptosis-related hub DEGs. Results: A total of 32 pyroptosis-related DEGs were identified and enriched in the inflammation-related pathways by KEGG analysis. 13 of the 32 pyroptosis-related DEGs were identified as hub DEGs. Furthermore, a TF-miRNA-target gene regulatory network containing 16 TFs, 6 miRNAs, and 5 hub target genes was constructed. The five pyroptosis-related hub target genes (DDX3X, ELAVL1, YWHAZ, STAT3, and EED) were identified as crucial cardiac remodeling-related genes using the comparative toxicogenomics database (CTD) database. Five drugs including celecoxib were identified as potential drugs for the treatment of cardiac remodeling. Finally, the expression levels of two top-ranked TF-miRNA-target genes axis were verified by qRT-PCR in mice with Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling and found to be generally consistent with the microarray results. Conclusions: This study constructed a pyroptosis-related TF-miRNA-target gene regulatory network for Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling. Five pyroptosis-related genes (DDX3X, ELAVL1, YWHAZ, STAT3, and EED) can be considered the core genes associated with pyrotposis-related cardiac remodeling. The findings of this study provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms of Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling and may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for Ang II-induced cardiac remodeling.