bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The patients’ preferences in breaking bad news: A scoping reviewThe patients’ preferences in breaking bad news: A scoping review
Authors: Barikani Atefeh , Negarandeh Reza , Ghasemi Elham
Published: April 2024

Background & Aim: Patients’ preferences in breaking bad news to the patients may vary from one culture and society to another. This study aimed to determine patients' preferences for breaking bad news.
Methods & Materials: This scoping review study was conducted on the articles published in databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, Proquest, Embase, and Medline (PubMed) up to the end of December 2023. After removing the duplicate results. The titles and abstracts of the articles were reviewed to observe the probable connections with the review question, and the unrelated items were omitted. The original articles, which were published in English entered into the study. The articles that have reported patients’ preferences in emergency settings or parents’ preferences for breaking bad news, were excluded from the study. The textual data were extracted from the remaining articles and then analyzed using conventional content analysis.
Results: Fifty-nine studies included in this review about the patients’ preferences were classified into four categories: “the right to know what is happening to them”, “receiving emotional support”, “participating in decision-making”, and “observing the requirements of giving the bad news to the patients”. Nonetheless, there were variations in patients' preferences among different backgrounds.
Conclusion: Given the influence of the patient’s background in breaking bad news, the existing solutions in Western communities may not be practical or completely useful for Eastern. The results of this study can be used to observe patients’ preferences in breaking bad news from different backgrounds.
Nurses’ experiences of caring for COVID-19 patients: A systematic review of qualitative studies
Authors: Valiee Sina , Nemati Seyde Mona , Mahmoodi Parvin
Published: April 2024

Background & Aim: Nurses are considered one of the most important members of the healthcare system in facing pandemics, including COVID-19. This study was conducted to explain the nurses' experiences in caring for patients diagnosed with COVID-19.
Methods & Materials: This study was a qualitative systematic review. A structured search was conducted using CINAHL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Pub Med, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, MedNar, and ProQuest. All qualitative studies describing nurses’ experiences of caring for patients with Covid-19 were included. This review was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology for systematic reviews. Themes and narrative statements were extracted from included papers using the JBI SUMARI data extraction tool.
Results: The findings of 46 qualitative studies were included in this systematic review. From the data analysis, four themes "Professional Development", "Psychological exhaustion", "Care Challenges" and "Work-family conflict" were extracted.
Conclusion: Nurses have experienced conflicts between their work and family and challenges when caring for patients with COVID-19. Hence, they were psychologically under pressure but professionally developed. To ensure the survival of nurses in critical situations, all their needs must be carefully monitored and the necessary support provided to them.
Risk factors of hazardous alcohol use among adult males: A systematic review
Authors: Nhat Trieu Van , Uthis Penpaktr , Watthayu Nantiya
Published: April 2024

Background & Aim: Hazardous alcohol use is the most prevalent form of alcohol misuse, distinct from harmful or dependent use. This drinking behavior is a widespread practice among males, leading to a myriad of health and social challenges. Preventing hazardous alcohol use is crucial to reducing negative consequences and avoiding more severe forms of alcohol misuse. There has been no systematic review of its risk factors. This study aims to provide comprehensive information on hazardous alcohol use risk factors in adult males by systematically summarizing current evidence.
Methods & Materials: The protocol was registered with PROSPERO. PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, EBSCOhost (APA PsycArticles), and Google Scholar were searched. The inclusion criteria were English-language observational studies published between 2012 and 2022 with male participants aged 18 to 65. Two reviewers carried out the quality assessment. A narrative synthesis was conducted to synthesize the findings.
Results: Out of 6,842 records yielded from the systematic search, 20 studies were included. All of these were cross-sectional studies with 19 out of 20 classified as high quality and one as moderate. The included studies identified several factors that increased the risk of hazardous alcohol use including lower education level, positive family history of alcohol use, smoking, high alcohol density neighborhoods, depressive symptoms, drinking motives, and negative life events. Little research has been done on other variables that may also play a role.
Conclusion: Several risk factors for hazardous alcohol use were identified. Future research, particularly longitudinal studies, is recommended to validate these findings.
Şiî Tefsir Geleneğinde Şia Düşüncesini Mutedil Çerçeveye Oturtma Çabaları: Seyyid Cemâleddin İstırâbâdî Örneği
Authors: Küçük Ahmet , Hanif Mohammad Ajmal
Published: April 2024

Şiî geleneğin gövdesi kabul edilen İmâmiyye (Ca’feriyye/İsnâaşeriyye) fırkasının Kur’ân-ı Kerim’de açıkça geçmeyen imâmet nazariyesinin delillendirilmesi için birçok ayeti bağlamından koparma pahasına zorlama yorumlarla Kur’ân’a söyletme çabalarına sıkça rastlanmaktadır. Fakat bu duruma düşmekten imtina edip imâmet nazariyesine makuliyet kazandırmaya çalışan bir kısım tefsir otoriteleri de vardır. Tabersî, Tabâtabâî ve kısmen Tûsî de bunların arasında sayılabilir.
Çalışmamıza esas teşkil eden Istırâbâdî ise Şiî düşüncesini mutedil çizgiye oturtmaya çalışanların daha ılımlı bir örneğidir. Birkaç ayet müstesna tutulursa, Istırâbâdî, konunun bağlamını dikkate alarak karşılaştığı her ayet ve kavramı, Sünnî tefsirler ile uyum içerisinde, imâmet ve Ehl-i beyt inancı ile ilişkilendirmez. Bu çalışmada, Istırâbâdî’nin bu tutumu, adı geçen diğer Şiî otoriteler başta olmak üzere Sünni müfessirler ile karşılaştırmalı olarak titiz bir metin analizi yöntemiyle ortaya konulmaya çalışılacaktır.
The Correlation Study Between Lipid Profile Parameters and Hba1c In Type 2 Diabetic Patients Compare with Healthy Persons in Babylon Province
Authors: H. Ali Shaimaa , H. Naji Hawraa , Al-Hayani Amina Jasim , A. Dabbi Mohammed , Hamed Obaid Rusul , Hassanin Hashim Noor
Published: April 2024

This study was aimed to evaluate the connection between lipid profile and glycated hemoglobin (Hba1c) parameters (LDL, HDL VLDL, cholesterol and triglyceride) in the patients of type 2 diabetes mellitus compare with healthy person, also determine the significant differences between these parameters among healthy and diabetic patients, after assumed whole blood and serum specimens from laboratory of Diabetes and Endocrinology Center in Marjan hospital and private in the Babylon City between the period from October 2022 to February 2023.
The results revealed significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) between study groups in the levels of Hba1c, also it was revealed significant increase (P ˂ 0.05) in all lipid profile include: cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL levels in diabetic group of study compare with control, the results showed significant positive correlation between VLDL and Hba1c in diabetic group, also it was revealed positive correlation between cholesterol and Hba1c in control and diabetic groups, and the results showed negative correlation between triglycerides and Hba1c in both control and diabetic groups, and the results revealed significant positive correlation between body mass index and glycated glucose (Hba1c) in diabetic group.
The research was concluded that the lipid profile level in diabetic patients is correlated with the HbA1c value and the significant positive correlation was conducted between HDL and Hba1c in diabetic group, also the study was concluded significant differences (P ˂ 0.05) between diabetic and healthy group in the levels of Hba1c and other lipid profile parameters.
Preliminary Study about Desalinated Water and Alkalinity
Authors: Benouali Djillali , Benhammadi Samia , Kherici Samira , Kadri Sofiene
Published: April 2024

One of the promising techniques to meet the needs of growing population for drinking water is the desalination of seawater and brackish water. Desalination is carried out mainly by multi-stage flash (MSF) or reverse osmosis (RO).  The water obtained by desalination (RO, MSF and others processes) can be used as drinking water, after the reconstruction of its salts content (blending). However, reverse osmosis can produce, under certain pressure, flow and feed water quality,  water similar in their physic-chemical properties as conductivity, Total Dissolved Salts (TDS) to bottled natural water, widely marketed. In any case, it would be interesting to be able to distinguish reverse osmosis water from sprig water. In this context, the determination of the alkalinity (TA) and the pH and subsequently the verification of the correlation between these two parameters are proposed in this work. Also, a comparison of the physic-chemical quality of drinking water supplied by MSF and RO is made. The parameters, pH, conductivity, TA, TDS and hardness (TH) were discussed. These two types of water are practically identical by physic-chemical quality since the blending is done in the same way by injecting CO2/Calcium carbonate. However, reverse osmosis water contains more sodium chloride because of the low retention rate of membranes against this ion.
mRNA Expression and DNA Methylation of CXCL16 in Menstrual Blood and Endometrium Tissue of Subjects with Endometriosis and Pelvic Pain
Authors: Febriyeni Febriyeni , Hestiantoro Andon , Tulandi Togas , Muharam Muharam , Asmarinah Asmarinah , Sandra Ferry
Published: April 2024

BACKGROUND: The cytokine chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) plays an important role in the pathophysiology of endometriosis by regulating the inflammatory response and contributing to the pain-associated endometriosis. Despite this, the impact of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, on CXCL16 has yet to be fully understood. Therefore, this research was conducted to assess both the mRNA expression and DNA methylation levels of the proinflammatory gene CXCL16 in the endometrium tissue and menstrual blood of patients with and without endometriosis.METHODS: Thirty-five women with and without endometriosis were involved in this research. Subjects' menstrual blood samples were collected using filter paper pads, meanwhile the endometrium tissue were collected by performing biopsy, from which DNA and RNA were extracted. The DNA methylation levels of the CXCL16 were measured using the pyrosequencing method following bisulfite conversion treatment. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression level was measured using the quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) method and analyzed with the Livak method.RESULTS: The mRNA expression of CXCL16 in menstrual blood of endometriosis subjects was 2.42 times higher compared to control group (p=0.030). Furthermore, the expression of CXCL16 in menstrual blood was identical to that in endometrial tissue (p=0.173). DNA methylation analysis showed that CXCL16 in the menstrual blood of endometriosis subjctes had lower methylation levels compared to controls (p=0.004), indicating hypomethylation.CONCLUSION: Increased mRNA expression and hypomethylation of CXCL16 in the menstrual blood of endometriosis patients could serve as a direct marker for diagnosing endometriosis. However, further study to validate these findings and explore the potential of CXCL16 as a diagnostic tool, and additional research involving larger patient for the cohorts study is necessary.KEYWORDS: CXCL16, DNA methylation, endometrium, menstrual blood, mRNA expression, pain
Kredyty zagrożone NPL oraz odpisy na straty kredytowe w sektorze bankowym
Authors: Czechowska Iwona Dorota , Lipiński Czesław , Stawska Joanna , Stępińska Joanna , Zatoń Wojciech , Borys Marcin
Published: April 2024

Działalność kredytowa to obszar działalności bankowej, stanowiący główne źródło przychodów, powiązany z ryzykiem kredytowym, którego materializacja generuje straty dla wyniku finansowego i bazy kapitałowej pojedynczych instytucji kredytowych oraz stabilności systemu bankowego i finansowania gospodarki.
Celem opracowania jest przedstawienie, ocena i prognozowanie strat kredytowych w sektorze bankowym w Polsce, w kontekście identyfikacji prawidłowości i trendów należności kredytowych, oraz zależności przyczynowo-skutkowych między wynikiem z tytułu oczekiwanych strat kredytowych a sytuacją gospodarczą.
Strata kredytowa wg MSSF 9 stanowi różnicę między wszystkimi, wynikającymi z umowy kredytowej przepływami pieniężnymi należnymi jednostce i wszystkimi przepływami pieniężnymi, które jednostka spodziewa się otrzymać, dyskontowaną według pierwotnej efektywnej stopy procentowej. Straty kredytowe powstają w sytuacjach pogorszenia zdolności kredytowej oraz czynników po stronie instytucji kredytowej. 
Jako metodę badawczą zastosowano model prognostyczny, poprzedzony prezentacją czynników determinujących wynik ECL, a także wyznaczaniem wyniku ECL. Zidentyfikowano istotne zmienne makroekonomiczne a także określono założenia dla uwarunkowań makroekonomicznych w modelach oczekiwanych strat kredytowych. Przeprowadzona analiza wskazuje, że sektor bankowy dość skutecznie kontroluje poziom powstających strat kredytowych, na co wskazuje malejący trend wskaźnika NPL i stosunkowo łagodne przejście okresu związanego z pandemią COVID-19. Przyczynia się do tego ostrożna polityka kredytowa i zarządzanie należnościami z utratą wartości. Należy jednak zauważyć, że gwałtowne pogorszenie sytuacji makroekonomicznej w krótkim czasie będzie stanowić duży problem dla sektora bankowego.
Macar Kralı Lajos Kossuth’un Şumnu’daki Diplomatik Yazışmaları 1850
Authors: Yılmaz Banu
Published: April 2024

1849 yılının ilk aylarında başlayan Macar Özgürlük Savaşı Rus ve Avusturya müttefik orduları tarafından kanlı bir şekilde bastırıldı. Çaresizlik içerisinde kalan Macarlar kendilerine sığınacak bir ülke aramaya başladılar. Kendileri için en güvenli ülke olarak Osmanlı Devleti’ni gördüler ve 1849 yılının Ağustos ayından itibaren Osmanlı sınır şehirlerine sığınmaya başladılar. Mültecilerin Osmanlı’ya sığınmaları sonrasında Rusya ve Avusturya mültecilerin iade edilmeleri konusunda ısrarcı olmuşlardır ancak Osmanlı Devleti kendilerine sığınanları teslim etmeyerek baskılara direnmiştir. Başta Macar Kralı Kossuth olmak üzere Osmanlıya sığınan Macarlar arasında birçok tanıdık sima vardır. Mülteciler, başlangıçta bir sınır şehri olan Vidin’e yerleştirilmiştir. Bir süre sonra bu şehrin mülteciler için güvenli olmayacağı anlaşıldığından Şumnu’ya nakledilmişlerdir. Bu makalede, Macar Kralı Kossuth’un yaklaşık üç ay kaldığı Şumnu’daki diplomatik yazışmaları değerlendirilmiştir. Yazışmalardan hareketle Kossuth’un ülkesini kurtarabilmek için yoğun bir gayret gösterdiği söylenebilir. Kossuth, Şumnu kampında kaldığı süre içerisinde mültecilerin daha iyi şartlarda barınabilmeleri için diplomatik yazışmalar yapmış ve bu yazışmalarda yaşadıkları sıkıntıları ayrıntılı bir şekilde dile getirmiştir. Bütün bu yazışmalar sırasında kararlı bir duruş sergileyen Kossuth, ülkesinin kurtulacağına ve mültecilerin geri döneceklerine dair inancını daima korumuş, mültecilerin şartlarının iyileştirilmesi için maddi desteğe ihtiyaç duyduklarını mektuplarında ifade etmiştir. Büyük bir çoğunluğu diplomatik meselelerin çözümüne dair yazışmalarının değerlendirildiği bu çalışmayla birlikte, Kossuth’un Macar mülteciler için verdiği mücadele daha iyi anlaşılacaktır.
Dervişin Şehri: Tuhfetü’l- Letâif’te Nefsin Kaleleri
Authors: Yalçın Dilek
Published: April 2024

Klasik edebiyatta hikâye türündeki eserler, manzum ve mensur şekillerde kaleme alınmıştır. Kur’ân kıssaları, din büyüklerinin mücadeleleri, peygamber ve evliya menkıbeleri gibi dinî konular; sosyal hayata dayanan yerli konular; tasavvufî konular; aşk ve kahramanlık bu hikâyelerin temel konularını teşkil etmektedir. Bunlar içinde tasavvuf konulu hikayelerde metaforlar aracılığı tahkiye söz konusudur. Zira tasavvufta seyr ü sülük, metaforlarla anlatılmaya elverişli bir ameliyedir. Bundan dolayı nefis terbiyesini metaforlarla anlatmak, tasavvuf edebiyatının geleneğidir. Çerçeve hikâyesi aşk olan Tuhfetü’l-Letâif’in içinde seyr ü sülükün metaforlarla tahkiye edildiği kısa bir hikâye mevcuttur.
Tuhfetü’l-Letâif; Ali bin Nâkîb Hamza tarafından kaleme alınmış, iç içe geçmiş kısa hikâyelerden oluşan mensur bir hikâye örneğidir. Hikâyedeki ana olay, iki kahramanlı aşk mesnevilerinin kurgusuna dayanır. Hikâye; âşık olma, ayrılma ve tekrar kavuşma olay örgüsüne bağlı olarak ilerler. Başkişi Şâh Râmin’in sevgilisi Mâh Pervîn’i bulmak için ortaya koyduğu mücadele ve başından geçen olaylar, hikâyede farklı farklı kurgular içinde tahkiye edilir. Tuhfetü’l-Letâif’in 128b-155a varakları arasındaki olay örgüsü ise sembolik bir seyr ü sülük hikâyesidir. Başkişi Şâh Ramin’in sevgilisi Mâh Pervîn’i ararken yolda rastladığı kale, Şâh Râmin’in seyr ü sülükte derunî tekamülüne vesile olan mekândır. Hikâyede seyr ü sülük, Şedîd tarafından yaptırılan bu kale ile sembolize edilmiştir. Seyr ü sülükün zorlukları, gereklilikleri ve teamülleri; hikâyede kişiler, mekânlar ve hayvanlar üzerinden çeşitli metaforlarla tahkiye edilmiştir. Çalışmamızda Tuhfetü’l-Letâif’in 128b-155a varakları arasındaki kısa hikâyede seyr ü sülükün kale şehri, bitki, hayvan ve maden metaforlarından istifade edilerek nasıl tahkiye edildiği; seyr ü sülük ilerleyişinin kılavuzları olan mürşid, Hızır ve Kur’an’ın hikâyede nasıl sembolize edildiği üzerinde durulacaktır. Ayrıca hikâyenin kaynağını teşkil eden Şedîd, Şeddâd ve İrem bağı; nefis terbiyesi bağlamında ele alınıp değerlendirilecektir.
Trends in farm information management systems
Authors:   Natural Resources Institute (LUKE), Pesonen Liisa
Published: April 2024

Farm managers must make numerous decisions every day. Farm management information systems (FMIS) can assist farmers in their daily collection of data, decision-making and reporting as well as in communication with stakeholders. After defining FMIS, this chapter defines functional requirements and standard modular components of FMIS. The chapter then reviews the evolution of FMIS and the role of technical architecture models which help to solve interoperability and customization challenges. The chapter concludes by reviewing future developments in digitalization and how these are affecting the evolution of FMISs.
Key issues in incorporating proximal and remote sensor data into farm decision-making
Authors:   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE,  EarsLab, Portugal, Sousa Adélia M. O. , Marques da Silva José R. ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Agroinsider Lda, Portugal, Serrano João ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, Shahidian Shakib ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, da Silveira Duarte Lobo ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, Simões Manuela ,   Universidade Nova de Lisboa, Portugal, Gonçalves Ana Cristina ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, Caldinhas Maria João P. ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, da Cruz Vasco Fitas ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal, de Oliveira Júnior Arilson J. ,   São Paulo State University, Brazil, de Souza Silvia R. Lucas ,   São Paulo State University, Brazil, Coelho Diogo R. ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, Portugal, Lourenço Patrícia ,   Agroinsider Lda, Portugal, Baptista Fátima F. ,   Universidade de Évora, MED, CHANGE, Portugal
Published: April 2024

This chapter presents five study cases on the application of smart technologies in farming and forestry systems. The first of these study cases presents the results of a long-term study to calibrate a Grassmaster II capacitance probe to estimate pasture productivity in the Mediterranean Montado ecosystem. The second case study presents a methodology for identifying yield zones within an olive grove based on Sentinel-2 satellite data. The third case study provides an overview of different remote sensing sensors, data and methodologies used for estimating forest biomass. The fourth case study assesses the carbon footprint of horticultural crops such as potato, onion, carrot, melon and watermelon. The final case study focuses on precision livestock farming, specifically a mobile application focused on thermal comfort.
Agri Semantics: developments to improve data interoperability to support farm information management and decision support systems in agriculture
Authors:   Ghent University, Belgium, Noor Saba , Bokma Jade ,   Ghent University, Belgium, Pardon Bart ,   Ghent University, Belgium, van Schaik Gerdien ,   Utrecht University, The Netherlands, Hostens Miels ,   Cornell University, USA
Published: April 2024

Farm animal health management systems (FAHMSs) face significant challenges in data acquisition, integration, and analysis. In this context, the semantics of agriculture data, which takes advantage of semantic web technologies, is an important tool for improving data management and enabling informed decision-making. However, existing systems lack standardization, integrity, interoperability, reusability, and advanced analytical reasoning. The authors propose an ontology-driven, knowledge-based framework for FAHMSs to address these challenges. Their framework focuses on a cattle application scenario and provides a standardized framework, a species-specific Livestock Health Ontology (LHO), Resource Descriptive Framework (RDF) data generation, and semantic interoperability. This research aims to improve disease surveillance and early detection, leading to better animal health outcomes. The chapter comprehensively analyzes the background knowledge, presents the methodology as a case study, and concludes with future research directions and challenges.
Using data mining techniques for decision support in agriculture: support vector machines
Authors:   China Agricultural University, China, Caicong Wu
Published: April 2024

This chapter introduces data mining in agriculture, focusing on support vector machines (SVM). SVM employs optimal hyperplanes in high-dimensional space for linear classification, aiming to find the maximum-margin hyperplane, crucial for accurate classification. The SVM model, a non-probabilistic binary linear classifier, can be adapted for probabilistic classification using methods like Platt scaling. It efficiently handles nonlinear classification through the kernel trick, mapping inputs into high-dimensional spaces. In agriculture, SVM can be used for applications such as crop pest and disease identification, trajectory segmentation, and yield prediction. The chapter underscores SVM's pivotal role in transforming agricultural practices and discusses future research trends.
Avaliação de séries históricas de precipitação para captação de águas pluviais no município de Teófilo Otoni/MG
Authors: Magalhães Thalissa Oliveira Pires , Dalmo Francisco César
Published: April 2024

This study aimed to evaluate the linear correlation between data from four rainfall stations for the design of a rainwater harvesting system for non-potable purposes in a municipal public school in Teófilo Otoni, MG. First, a cartographic study was carried out using a geographic information system environment in order to generate a map with the rainfall stations and the school where the collection system was designed. Next, an attempt was made to assess the availability of data present at the stations and compare them using linear regression. Finally, the design of the rainwater harvesting system for the school was carried out. The results of the linear correlation indicate that the four stations can be used in the sizing of the system. Finally, the implementation of the system can contribute to the reduction of water consumption and, consequently, financial expenses.
YEREL YÖNETİMLERİN STRATEJİK PLANLARININ KALKINMA PLANIYLA İLİŞKİSİ: 11. KALKINMA PLANI ÜZERİNDEN 3 BÜYÜK KENT ÜZERİNE BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: Kan Muhammed Enes , Kantar Gökmen
Published: April 2024

Devletin ekonomi, sağlık, adalet, güvenlik, istihdam, eğitim, sosyal hizmetler, ulaşım gibi hemen her konusuna ilişkin gelecekte ulaşmak istediği hedeflerin, politika ve tedbirlerin yer aldığı kalkınma planlarının başarıyla ulaşmasında ülkedeki diğer kurumların amaç ve hedeflerinin bu plana uygunluğu oldukça önemlidir. Ulusal stratejik amaç ve hedeflerin yer aldığı kalkınma planları ile yerel stratejik amaç ve hedeflerin belirlendiği stratejik planlar arasındaki uyum da bu anlamda oldukça değerlidir. Bu düşünceden yola çıkılarak yapılan bu çalışmanın amacı kalkınma planları ile yerel yönetimlerin stratejik planları arasındaki uyumun incelenmesidir. Çalışma Türkiye’nin 11. Kalkınma Planı ile Türkiye’nin nüfus bakımdan en kalabalık şehirleri olan Ankara, İstanbul ve İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyesi 2020-2024 Stratejik Planları ile sınırlandırılmış, söz konusu planlar arasındaki uyum incelenmiştir. 11. Kalkınma Planı’nda doğrudan yerel yönetimlere ilişkin düzenlemeleri içeren “Yaşanabilir Şehirler, Sürdürülebilir Çevre” başlığı altındaki düzenlemeler Ankara, İstanbul ve İzmir Büyükşehir Belediyeleri Stratejik Plan’larında araştırılmıştır. Çalışmada veri toplama yöntemi olarak doküman incelemesi yöntemi kullanılmış, kalkınma planı ve stratejik planlardan elde edilen veriler NVIVO 14 paket programının da yardımıyla içerik analizine tabi tutulmuştur. Çalışma sonucunda stratejik planların genel hatları ile 11. Kalkınma Planı ile uyumlu olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Buna rağmen KÖYDES-KIRDES gibi yerel yönetimleri ilgilendiren ulusal projelere stratejik planlarda yer verilmemesi, kalkınma ajansları, KOSGEB gibi uzmanlık kuruluşları ve ilgili bakanlıklar ile işbirliğine yönelik herhangi bir düzenlemensin yer alamaması stratejik planlarda önemli bir eksiklik olarak tespit edilmiştir
Tracing sound change in Nasa Yuwe (western Colombia)
Authors: Pache Matthias
Published: April 2024

This paper is a contribution to the historical phonology of Nasa Yuwe, a presumable language isolate of southwestern Colombia. It shows how a lexical comparison with two presumably unrelated language groups can help to reconstruct a sound change of *a > e in Nasa Yuwe. The two language groups compared with Nasa Yuwe in this paper are Andaqui, likewise of western Colombia, and the Misumalpan family of Central America. Whereas *a is documented as such in the Andaqui and Misumalpan forms, data discussed in this paper suggest that it has changed to e and related vowels in Nasa Yuwe.
How to Increase Employees’ Innovative Behavior? A Study in A State-Owned Electricity Company
Authors: Ahriansyah Muhammad , Martdianty Fanny
Published: April 2024

Objective: This research investigates the impact of high-performance human resource practices (HPHRPs) on employees’ innovative behavior (EIB) both directly and through the mediating effects of work engagement (WE) and psychological capital (PsyCap) in a state-owned electricity company.
Design/Methods/Approach: The data was gathered by conducting a survey questionnaire among 722 employees who work in an electricity company. The collected data was then validated through confirmatory factor analysis. The data was analyzed using the covariance-based Structural Equation Modeling (CB-SEM) technique to test the hypotheses.
Findings: The findings indicate that HPHRP has a positive impact on Employee Innovative Behaviour (EIB), both directly and indirectly, through the mediation of Work Engagement (WE) and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) in a state-owned electricity company.
Originality/Value: This paper is unique as it provides empirical evidence on how high-performance human resource practices impact employees' innovative behavior directly and with the mediation of work engagement and psychological capital.
Practical/Policy implication: HR Managers should focus on employee participation and communication to increase employee work engagement and psychological capital, which will impact innovative behavior among employees. Researchers are encouraged to study employee and organizational performance measures other than Work Engagement and Psychological Capital influenced by high-performance work practices.
The Impact of Internships on Nursing Students During the Epidemic and the Response of Clinical Preceptors
Authors: Ku Yu-Chen , Chien Ying-Ya , Peng Meng-Chin , Lin Shin-Jean , Huang Mei-Shu , Yang Wan-Ling , Chen I-Chun , Lin Yun-Chun , Lin Mei-Ling , Lin Li-Hwa , Chiu Hsiao-Hui
Published: April 2024

Background: For nursing students’ inadequate experience in clinical internships due to the COVID-19 epidemic, most schools responded with adjustment involving various modes of teaching. Nevertheless, the impact on nursing students has been an important issue.Aim: From the perspective of clinical preceptors, to investigate the learning impact on nursing students during the epidemic and the response of clinical preceptors.Subject and methods: A total of 9 clinical preceptors were interviewed following focus group methodology based on an outline for self-developed structured interview. The results of interviews were further analyzed using qualitative research.Results: The follows were found from the perspective of clinical preceptors: The impacts on students during the epidemic include “lack of real-life communication”, “lack of clinical scenario”, “less mature skills”, and “worry”. The responses from clinical preceptors during the epidemic include: “comfort or care”, “providing protective equipment”, and “teaching students in accordance with their aptitude”. The epidemic affects the capability of nursing students in clinical care, for which clinical preceptors expect the hospital end to “provide adequate manpower”, “prolong the adaptation period for students” to assist nursing students in adapting to the workplace.Conclusion: Nursing students’ internships at hospitals were affected during the epidemic, which further leads to the inadequate capability in clinical care from nursing students. Therefore, providing individual guidance by workplaces is an essential measure.
Waqf Sustainability or Sustainable Waqf? A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Qurrata Vika Annisa , Mohd. Shafiai Muhammad Hakimi , Alma’amun Suhaili , Wahid Hairunnizam , Ismail Abdul Ghafar
Published: April 2024

Research on waqf sustainability is increasing in popularity, showing exponential growth in publication and citation numbers. The realm of research has grown intricate and fragmented, thereby posing a growing challenge to the regulation of waqf sustainability. The main purpose of this study is to organise and integrate the preliminary studies on the theme of waqf sustainability. To this end, this study involved bibliometric analysis, distinguishing it from previous analyses, which were outdated and/or different focus. We collected 84 articles extracted from Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases, covering 20 years from 2001 to 2022. The findings showed that the most prolific authors were from Malaysia. There are five research themes regarding waqf sustainability, including the accountability of Islamic social finance as a third-sector economy, the sustainability of Islamic microfinance, the role of intellectual capital in waqf institutions, the effectiveness of management, and the performance measurement of waqf institutions. This study shows that the performance of waqf institutions for waqf sustainability is scant. Hence, there is an important research gap that can be addressed in future research since sustainability is a priority agenda as outlined in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) blueprint.
From heparan glycobiology to stem cell therapy: a historical perspective
Authors: Nurcombe Victor
Published: April 2024

Glycobiology is one of the most diverse and exciting fields in biochemistry and has direct relevance to all biomedical disciplines, particularly for tissue development, homeostasis, and regulation, as well as for essential cell/cell communication and immunological processes. This overview discusses a number of milestones in the field from a historical perspective, which reflect the importance of glycobiological insights into tissue growth and repair. We discuss the importance of key experiments that revealed the important functions of heparan sugars in the extracellular matrix (ECM), such as the Gospodarowicz revolution for cell culture, the Edgar dose-response shift induced by ECM, and the Moscatelli migration experiment. The role of heparan sugars in sculpting developmental stem cell niches is extensively discussed. Furthermore, structure-function relationships are presented, which resulted in the recognition that specific sugar-moieties and sulfation states provide a “glycocode” that is analogous to the “genetic code” and the epigenetic “histone code”. Translational avenues include the selection and biochemical tuning of heparan sugars as nanoscale scaffolds that support cell signaling for specific applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. If the important progress in the past 40 years is any guide, the field of glycobiology is about to enter a golden era, with realistic prospects for glycotherapies that encompass a range of clinical disorders.
Enhancing the interlaminar adhesion of carbon fiber composites via carbon nanotube sheets
Authors: Bian Ning , Ren Yao , Shrivastava Ashutosh , Wang Zhong , Yang Duck J. , Roy Samit , Baughman Ray , Lu Hongbing
Published: April 2024

Spread tow carbon fiber composites are receiving increased attention for diverse applications in space and sports gear due to their thin form, which is suitable for deployable structures, and high tensile strength. Their compressive strength, however, is much lower than their tensile strength due to low interlaminar strength. Herein we report a facile technique to enhance their performance through interlaminar insertion of aligned carbon nanotube (CNT) sheets. The inserted CNT sheets also provide electrical conductivity in the composites even at a low CNT loading below the electrical percolation threshold established for CNT-filled composites. Mechanical and electrical characterization was conducted on the CNT sheet-inserted composites and the baseline composites. Results show that the CNT sheets increase the compressive strength by 14.7% compared with the baseline. Such an increase is attributed to the increased adhesion provided by the inserted CNT sheets at the interface between neighboring plies, which also increases the interlaminar shear strength by 33.0% and the interfacial mode-II fracture toughness by 34.6% compared with the baseline composites without inserting CNT sheets. The well-aligned CNT sheet structure maintained between the neighboring plies contributed to a 64.7% increase in electrical conductivity compared with the baseline composites. The findings indicate that the insertion of well-aligned ultrathin CNT sheets in the interlaminar region of a spread tow carbon fiber composite provides significant enhancement in mechanical and electrical performance, paving the path toward applications where both mechanical and electrical performances are crucial, such as for structural health monitoring, lightning protection, and de-icing in aircraft and wind blades.
Topology optimization applied to additive-manufactured hydrofoil wing
components
Authors: Mata Margarida , Bencatel Ricardo , Sequeiros Elsa W. , Vieira Manuel F. , Costa Jose M.
Published: April 2024

This study investigates the development of hydrofoil components for an unmanned
boat designed for control testing. Hydrofoils, characterized by their
hydrodynamic shape, generate lift forces that elevate the boat above the water,
enhancing its speed. Utilizing Fusion 360, a mechanism was designed to adjust
the angle of attack of the hydrofoil wings. Subsequently, nTop and Eiger
software were used to optimize and prepare these components for additive
manufacturing (AM), with the primary objective being weight reduction. Material
extrusion was selected as the preferred AM technology. The workflow within nTop
was adapted for two materials: Onyx and carbon fiber-reinforced Onyx. Generative
design techniques were applied, including field-driven design, lattice
structures, and topology optimization (TO). Utilizing variable-thickness shells
proved an efficient approach for reducing mass while preserving mechanical
integrity. TO of the lever resulted in a significant reduction in mass.
Duality Principles and Numerical Procedures for a Large Class of Non-convex Models in the Calculus of Variations
Authors: Botelho Fabio Silva
Published: April 2024

This article develops duality principles and numerical results for a large class of non-convex variational models. The main results are based on fundamental tools of convex analysis, duality theory and calculus of variations. More specifically the approach is established for a class of non-convex functionals similar as those found in some models in phase transition. Finally, in some sections we present concerning numerical examples and the respective softwares.
Serum Calcium Levels Approaching the Upper Limit of Normal Can Predict Prostate Cancer Relapse to the Bone and Beyond in Patients Managed with Radiotherapy: Mature Data at 10 Years
Authors: Fekete Zsolt , Ignat Patricia , Jakab Henrietta , Todor Nicolae , László István Péter , Muntean Alina-Simona , Curcean Sebastian , Nemeș Adina , Nuțu Dumitrița , Kacsó Gabriel
Published: April 2024

The most important prognostic factors in curatively treated prostate cancer at the initial diagnosis are T and N stage, histological subtype, Gleason score, initial PSA, PSA density and percentage of core biopsy positivity. Newer, but non-standard prognostic factors are urine PCA3 and genetic markers of prostate cancer. A simple, but seemingly underestimated standard test is serum Calcium (Ca) level, which has been shown by a previous study group to be a good predictor of lethal prostate cancer, but there is scarce evidence regarding the prognostic value of calcium levels at diagnosis. We aimed to determine whether a Ca level in the upper part of normal values has a prognostic value in curatively treated prostate cancer. We have retrospectively included 84 consecutive patients with prostate cancer, who underwent curative radiotherapy (primary or adjuvant; external beam RT with or without brachytherapy). We have performed statistical analysis of available prognostic factors. Ca level at diagnosis was found to be a statistically significant predictor of disease-free survival.
Understanding the Influences of Multiscale Waviness on the Elastohydrodynamic Lubrication Performance, Part II: The Partial-Film Condition
Authors: Wang Yuechang , Liu Ying
Published: April 2024

This paper is the second part of a two-part report studying the responses of a typical point-contact elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) problem to multiscale roughness that is mimicked by artificially generated waviness with different amplitudes, frequencies, and directions. The previous Part I paper (doi:10.3390/lubricants10120368) focuses on the full film regime, while the current paper focuses on the partial film regime. The amplitudes and frequencies are related to the feature geometry of smooth EHL problems. Generated waviness is input to a transient thermal EHL model. The simulation is conducted 1,600 times for different waviness parameters, loads, and speeds. Eight performance parameters are extracted: the asperity contact ratio, minimum film thickness, maximum pressure, central point film thickness, central point pressure, mean film thickness, coefficient of friction (COF), and the maximum temperature rise. The ratios of the first seven parameters with and without waviness and the asperity contact ratio values are plotted on the frequency–amplitude coordinate plane as contour maps. The influences of the amplitude, frequency, wave direction, load, and speed on the eight performance parameters are analyzed and summarized. The simulated data and plotted contour maps are provided to the readers in the Supplementary Material.
Impact of Land Use Change on Herpetofauna Community Composition in Ankeniheny-Zahamena Corridor (CAZ), Eastern Madagascar
Authors: Andriantsimanarilafy Raphali , Rakotondrina Alain , Randrianantoandro Christian , Rakotoarisoa Josué
Published: April 2024

Madagascar is home of many biodiversity and most of them are endemic to the island. Herpetofauna combining two classes of vertebrates such as amphibians and reptiles; this group with more than 350 described species for each class is considered as high diversity. Species in this group is more specialists in terms of habitat selection which they are forest dependent especially the eastern rainforest. Habitat loss by swidden agriculture practice and charcoal production is the main threat in this country. Forest regeneration is very difficult because people continue to use lands for crops until it’s becoming infertile. We conducted research impact of land use change on biodiversity considering amphibians and reptiles around CAZ. The study area is one of the biggest remaining corridors in the eastern of Madagascar. This study took account of four habitats from forest to degraded land and one additional land use which is the reforestation plot. The mains goal of this study is to compare species diversity and abundance in objectives to identify where we should focus on conservation in the future. Three standard methods for herpetofauna inventory were used for each land use. Forty four sites were visited and 152 species of amphibian and reptile were inventoried. Closed canopy forest is home of the most species that we found and the degraded land is the poorest in terms of species richness. Result of this study indicates also that habitat restoration is very important. The difference between land uses might be the result of the change on microclimate which affect species distribution.
Using Cooking Schools to Improve the Pleasure of Food and Cooking in Patients Experiencing Smell Loss
Authors: Fjaeldstad Alexander Wieck
Published: April 2024

Smell loss affects around 15-20% of the population, with a major effect on the quality of life. The most common complaint is the impairment of the eating experience, with around 90% of patients reporting this issue. A study conducted at a specialized taste and smell clinic investigated if food and cooking can have a positive effect on the enjoyment of food, subjective cooking skills, and quality of life in patients with smell loss. The 49 participants in the study received a 5-week cooking school course that focused on emphasizing the other senses to regain the enjoyment of food. Participants gained more confidence in cooking, and their quality of life improved significantly. Positively evaluated recipes were adjusted based on feedback and published as free e-books in Danish, German, and English. Eating and cooking are multisensory experiences, and the perception of food depends on the complex interaction of senses and surroundings. If the olfactory input is reduced or absent, both the enjoyment and cooking experience can be negatively affected. Therefore, focusing on food and cooking can have a positive impact on patients with smell loss.
Electronic Aid for Unfamiliar Environments
Authors: Ali Akbar , Qian Rongyi , Akbar Haroon , Sartaj Zeeshan
Published: April 2024

In everyday life, the birth of a number of blind people takes place and millions of people are already available. Visually impaired people struggle to walk safely and in- dependently because they have trouble detecting obstacles. In this work, we suggest a novel approach to detecting obstacles utilizing an Arduino UNO board and an ul- trasonic sensor (HC-SR04). The main goal of this research is to increase the mobility and security of blind people in a variety of settings. The suggested system makes use of the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor’s capability to precisely measure distance and identify nearby obstructions. As the main processor component, the Arduino UNO board processes algorithms for real-time obstacle detection while also collecting data from the sensor. The device is intended to give the visually impaired user immedi- ate aural input while informing them of the location and proximity of obstacles. To Extensive testing is done in controlled and real-world settings to assess the system’s performance and dependability. In the studies, the effectiveness of obstacle detec- tion, the system’s response time, and its practicality and usefulness for blind people are all measured. The findings show that the suggested obstacle detection method provides very accurate obstacle identification at a safe distance. Users who are blind or visually handicapped may successfully understand their surroundings thanks to the aural feedback system, which helps them to navigate by making judgments that are well-informed. Additionally, the system responds quickly, guaranteeing that the user receives real-time obstacle updates to increase safety and confidence while mov- ing. The study’s conclusions demonstrate the possibility of using the Arduino UNO board with the HC-SR04 ultrasonic sensor as a practical and affordable approach for detecting obstacles.
Croatian Action on Salt and Health (CRASH): On the Road to Success. Less Salt, More Health
Authors: Jelaković Bojan , Marinović Glavić Mihaela , Batinić Sermek Marija , Bilajac Lovorka , Bubaš Marija , Buzjak Služek Vlatka , Capak Krunoslav , Drenjančević Ines , Gross Bošković Andrea , Jelaković Ana , Jukić Tomislav , Kolarić Kravar Sanja , Kralj Verica , Pećin Ivan , Pollak Lea , Skoko-Poljak Dunja , Stražanac Danijela , Stupin Ana , Vasiljev Vanja , Vidranski Valentina , Reiner Željko
Published: April 2024

World Health Organization recommends adjusting the salt intake as a part of the nine global targets to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable chronic diseases as priority and most cost-effective intervention. In 2006. the main aim of the Croatian Action on Salt and Health was to decrease salt intake for 16% because of its critical intake and consequences on human health. We have organized educative activities for increasing awareness on salt harmfulness, defined food categories of prime interest, collaborate with industries and determine salt intake (24h urine-sodium excretion). It was determined that the proportion of salt in ready-to-eat baked bread should not exceed 1.4%. In the period 2014 –2022, salt in the semi-white bread was reduced 14%, in bakery 22% and in largest meat industry in Croatia 25%. Awareness of the harmfulness of salt on health increased from 65.3% in 2008 to 96.9% in 2023 and salt intake was reduced 15.9%-1.8 grams/day (22.8% men, 11.7% women). In last 18 years a significant decrease in salt intake was achieved in Croatia, awareness of its harmfulness increased, collaboration with food industry established and regulatory documents launched. However, salt intake is still very high underlying the need for continuation of efforts and even stronger activities.