bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring the Relationship Among Ethical Leadership, Psychological Safety, Conflict Management Strategies, and Job Performance: The Moderating Role of Inclusive Environment
Authors: Bano Sher , Li Jizu , Imran Muhammad
Published: November 2024

This study examines the relationship between ethical leadership (EL), psychological safety (PS), conflict management strategies (CMSs), job performance, and the moderating role of an inclusive environment in non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Pakistan. Data for this research were collected through quantitative means from NGOs operating in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. A total of 170 employees from NGOs (females = 44.7%, males = 55.3%) completed the ethical leadership, psychological safety, conflict management strategies, inclusive environment, and job performance scales. We applied structural equation modeling (SEM) for analysis. As compared with previously conducted studies, the findings determined an insignificant moderating role of an inclusive environment. Social identity theory was utilized to delve deeper into the categorization of ingroups and outgroups within the organizations. The implications of this study extend to both researchers and practitioners. Future research will include an exploration of the effectiveness of organizational interventions.
Classification of Asphalt Pavement Defects for Sustainable Road Development Using a Novel Hybrid Technology Based on Clustering Deep Features
Authors: Liang Jia , Zhang Qipeng , Gu Xingyu
Published: November 2024

In the rapid development of urbanization, the sustained and healthy development of transportation infrastructure has become a widely discussed topic. The inspection and maintenance of asphalt pavements not only concern road safety and efficiency but also directly impact the rational allocation of resources and environmental sustainability. To address the challenges of modern transportation infrastructure management, this study innovatively proposes a hybrid learning model that integrates deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) and support vector machines (SVMs). Specifically, the model initially employs a ShuffleNet architecture to autonomously extract abstract features from various defect categories. Subsequently, the Maximum Relevance Minimum Redundancy (MRMR) method is utilized to select the top 25% of features with the highest relevance and minimal redundancy. After that, SVMs equipped with diverse kernel functions are deployed to perform training and prediction based on the selected features. The experimental results reveal that the model attains a high classification accuracy of 94.62% on a self-constructed asphalt pavement image dataset. This technology not only significantly improves the accuracy and efficiency of pavement inspection but also effectively reduces traffic congestion and incremental carbon emissions caused by pavement distress, thereby alleviating environmental burdens. It is of great significance for enhancing pavement maintenance efficiency, conserving resource consumption, mitigating environmental pollution, and promoting sustainable socio-economic development.
Evaluation of Biogas Production from Anaerobic Digestion of Biopolymeric Films and Potential Environmental Implications
Authors: Montegiove Nicolò , Petrucci Roberto , Bacci Leonardo , Gigliotti Giovanni , Puglia Debora , Torre Luigi , Pezzolla Daniela
Published: November 2024

The increasing environmental pollution resulting from plastic waste and the need to reuse agro-industrial wastes as a source of discarding has led to the development of innovative biobased products. In the frame of this context, the use of neat polylactic acid (PLA) and its blend with polybutylene succinate (PBS) with or without cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) extracted from hemp fibers is explored here. This study aimed to assess the biogas production of different biopolymeric films. In parallel, life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis was performed on the same films, focusing on their production phase and potential end-of-life scenarios, regardless of film durability (i.e., single-use packaging) and barrier performance, to counteract possible soil health threats. Specifically, this study considered three specific systems: PLA, PLA_PBS (PLA/PBS blend 80:20 w/w), and PLA_PBS_3CNC (PLA/PBS blend + 3% CNCs) films. The assessment involved a batch anaerobic digestion (AD) process at 52 °C, using digestate obtained from the anaerobic treatment of municipal waste as the inoculum and cellulose as a reference material. The AD process was monitored over about 30 days, revealing that reactors containing cellulose showed inherent biodegradability and enhanced biogas production. On the other hand, biopolymeric films based on PLA and its blends with PBS and CNCs exhibited an inhibitory effect, likely due to their recalcitrant nature, which can limit or delay microbial activity toward biomass degradation and methanogenesis. LCA analysis was performed taking into consideration the complex environmental implications of both including biopolymers in the production of renewable energy and the use of post-composting digestate as an organic fertilizer. Remarkably, the PLA_PBS_3CNC formulation revealed slightly superior performance in terms of biodegradability and biogas production, mainly correlated to the presence of CNCs in the blend. The observed enhanced biodegradability and biogas yield, coupled with the reduced environmental impact, confirm the key role of optimized biopolymeric formulations in mitigating inhibitory effects on AD processes while maximizing, at the same time, the utilization of naturally derived energy sources.
Atmospheric Pollution Depicted in Impressionists’ Paintings
Authors: Avgeri Eirini N. , Papanastasiou Dimitris K.
Published: November 2024

Art is perhaps the most important means of expressing creativity and imagination. It can serve as a form of communication, allowing artists to convey messages and comment on various topics. Environmental art is a dynamic and multifaceted form of artistic expression that highlights the causes and consequences of environmental problems, such as atmospheric pollution, and facilitate the environmental awareness of societies along with the need to find sustainable solutions to address environmental degradation. The aim of this study was to present paintings created by impressionists that depict atmospheric pollution. A total of 43 paintings were listed after searching the websites of 26 museums worldwide and 10 of them were indicatively selected by applying specific criteria and commented on in this paper. Four of the selected paintings were created by Claude Monet, two by Jean-Baptiste Armand Guillaumin, and the rest of them by James McNeill Whistler, Charles-François Daubigny, Camille Pissarro, and Vincent Van Gogh. These 10 paintings depict, among other things, the emission of pollutants into the atmosphere, due to fossil fuel combustion, mainly coal, which contributes to smog development. This study could be exploited by authorities, associations, educational centres, and other interested parties when planning educational activities for the causes, consequences, and solutions of atmospheric pollution over time, while promoting the use of art in environmental and sustainability education.
A Study on the Role of Leaders in Achieving Sustainable Competitiveness and Sustainability During Change
Authors: Alnamlah Arwa Ali , Nalband Nisar Ahamad
Published: November 2024

Effective change management, corporate sustainability, and employee resilience are crucial factors that influence organizational success. This study explores how demographic factors impact these dimensions, specifically focusing on the role of leaders during change, sustainability, sustainable competitiveness, and employee resilience within a diverse workforce. Statistical analyses, including ANOVA and regression, were performed to examine the associations between demographic factors (gender, age, salary range, sector, job position, and total job experience) and the measured scales. The study found significant variations in employees’ perceptions of sustainable competitiveness based on gender and sector, with males and employees in the education sector reporting higher scores. Age and salary range significantly affected employee resilience, with younger employees and those in lower salary brackets showing higher resilience scores. The findings highlight the importance of considering demographic factors when assessing organizational performance, sustainability, and employee resilience. The gender and sector differences suggest that targeted strategies may be necessary to address specific perceptions and experiences. Additionally, younger employees and those with lower salaries demonstrate higher resilience, which could inform organizational support programs. These insights can guide future research and organizational practices aimed at enhancing employee and organizational outcomes.
Novel Method for Evaluating Wetland Ecological Environment Quality Based on Coupled Remote Sensing Ecological Index and Landscape Pattern Indices: Case Study of Dianchi Lake Wetlands, China
Authors: Zhao Yilu , Huo Aidi , Zhao Zhixin , Liu Qi , Zhao Xuantao , Huang Yuanjia , An Jialu
Published: November 2024

Wetlands serve as crucial ecological buffers, significantly influencing temperature reduction, carbon storage, regional climate regulation, and urban wastewater treatment. To elucidate the relationship between wetland landscape patterns and ecological environment, and to accurately assess lake ecosystems, this study proposes a semi-supervised classification method based on RSEI and K-Means. By integrating landscape pattern indices, the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI), and disturbance proximity, a comprehensive evaluation of the ecological quality of the Dianchi wetlands was conducted. The results indicate that the RSEI-K-Means method, with K set to 50, achieved overall accuracies (OAs) and Kappa values of 0.91 and 0.88, surpassing the SVM’s 0.85 and 0.80. This method effectively combines ecological and landscape indices without relying on extensive training samples, enhancing accuracy and speed in wetland information extraction and addressing the challenges of spatial heterogeneity. This study reveals that from 2007 to 2009, and 2013 to 2015, landscape patterns were significantly influenced by the rapid expansion of Kunming city, exacerbating wetland fragmentation. Notably, significant ecological quality changes were observed in 2009 and 2013, with gradual recovery post-2013 due to strengthened environmental protection policies. The RSEI disturbance proximity analysis indicated that the affected areas were primarily concentrated in regions of high human activity, confirming the method’s high sensitivity and effectiveness. This study can help in wetland ecosystem research and management.
Climate Change and Small-Scale Agriculture in the Eastern Cape Province: Investigating the Nexus of Awareness, Adaptation, and Food Security
Authors: Gidi Lungile S. , Mdoda Lelethu , Ncoyini-Manciya Zoleka , Mdiya Lwandiso
Published: November 2024

Climate change poses a significant threat to global agriculture, particularly for small-scale farmers who often lack the resources and knowledge to adapt. Without effective coping and adaptation strategies, agriculture in Africa is likely to suffer, leading to increased poverty and food insecurity. Adaptation to climate change is closely linked to farmers’ awareness of the issue, though the extent of this awareness in South Africa remains unclear due to conflicting previous studies. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between climate change awareness, adaptation strategies, and food security among small-scale farmers in the Eastern Cape Province, with the aim of understanding how farmers’ awareness of climate change influences their adaptation decisions and the subsequent impact on agricultural productivity and food security. The study used quantitative analysis to examine the relationship between climate change knowledge, adaptation, and food security. Multi-stage sampling was used to collect data from 200 small-scale farmers through semi-structured questionnaires. Logit regression and endogeneity switching regression were applied for data analysis. The study finds that small-scale farmers in the province are fully aware of climate change and have experienced its negative impacts, especially reduced farm returns (38%) and yields (36%), which threaten agricultural productivity, food security, and farmers’ economic viability. In response, farmers have adopted various strategies, including crop rotation (22%), using improved crop varieties (20%), changing planting dates (12%), and applying fertilizer or mulching (12%). Key factors influencing adaptation include age, access to climate information, education, market proximity, extension services, drought frequency, temperature and rainfall perceptions, radio ownership, farm income, size, and family size. The study shows that these adaptation strategies have improved agricultural yields and farm returns, positively contributing to food security in the area. Based on the study findings, this study recommends that governments and policymakers implement and provide targeted policy interventions, extension services, and educational programs that can enhance climate change knowledge among small-scale farmers.
The Impact of Weather on Economic Growth: County-Level Evidence from China
Authors: Wan Wei , Wang Jue
Published: November 2024

While the impact of long-term climate change on economic systems has received substantial attention, the influence of short-term weather variations on economic growth has been comparatively neglected. This study utilizes county-level panel data from 2001 to 2020 to investigate the impact of weather on regional economic growth in China. The findings indicate that average temperature significantly reduces economic growth, whereas average precipitation does not have a significant overall effect. Notably, the adverse impact of temperature on economic growth is nonlinear and is exacerbated at higher temperatures, particularly in wealthier counties. The channel analysis shows that weather influences regional economic growth by affecting sectoral economies, factor inputs and economic productivity. While the primary industry’s overall growth rate remains unaffected by weather, sub-sectors such as grain production and animal husbandry are impacted. The secondary industry, especially large-scale industrial enterprises, is adversely affected by both temperature and precipitation. Conversely, higher average temperatures positively correlate with growth in the tertiary sector, promoting retail sales of consumer goods. The study also finds limited evidence for weather’s impact on investment growth, primarily in real estate development, and no significant effect on labor input growth. Additionally, weather conditions, particularly temperature, negatively affect total factor productivity, labor productivity and capital productivity, with precipitation adversely impacting capital productivity alone. These findings underscore the importance of tailored strategies to mitigate the negative effects of adverse weather conditions on sustaining sustainable regional economic growth.
Leveraging Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning for Digital Transformation in Supply Chain Inventory Optimization
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tan Wen Jun , Cai Wentong , Zhang Allan N.
Published: November 2024

In today’s volatile supply chain (SC) environment, competition has shifted beyond individual companies to the entire SC ecosystem. Reducing overall SC costs is crucial for success and benefits all participants. One effective approach to achieve this is through digital transformation, enhancing SC coordination via information sharing, and establishing decision policies among entities. However, the risk of unauthorized leakage of sensitive information poses a significant challenge. We aim to propose a Privacy-preserving Multi-agent Reinforcement Learning (PMaRL) method to enhance SC visibility, coordination, and performance during inventory management while effectively mitigating the risk of information leakage by leveraging machine learning techniques. The SC inventory policies are optimized using multi-agent reinforcement learning with additional SC connectivity information to improve training performance. The simulation-based evaluation results illustrate that the PMaRL method surpasses traditional optimization methods in achieving cost performance comparable to full visibility methods, all while preserving privacy. This research addresses the dual objectives of information security and cost reduction in SC inventory management, aligning with the broader trend of digital transformation.
Phase Portraits and Abundant Soliton Solutions of a Hirota Equation with Higher-Order Dispersion
Authors: Wu Fengxia , Raza Nauman , Chahlaoui Younes , Butt Asma Rashid , Baskonus Haci Mehmet
Published: November 2024

The Hirota equation, an advanced variant of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with cubic nonlinearity, incorporates time-delay adjustments and higher-order dispersion terms, offering an enhanced approximation for wave propagation in optical fibers and oceanic systems. By utilizing the traveling wave transformation generated from Lie point symmetry analysis with the combination of generalized exponential differential rational function and modified Bernoulli sub-ODE techniques, several traveling wave solutions, such as periodic, singular-periodic, and kink solitons, emerge. To examine the solutions visually, parametric values are adjusted to create 3D, contour, and 2D illustrations. Additionally, the dynamic properties of the model are explored through bifurcation analysis. The exact results demonstrate that both techniques are practical and robust.
Research on Runway Capacity Evaluation of General Aviation Airport Based on Runway Expansion System
Authors: Chen Zhiyuan , Xiang Huachun , Han Bangcun , Shen Yachen , Zhou Ting , Zhang Feng
Published: November 2024

To enhance the operational management capabilities of general aviation airports, this paper proposes a method for evaluating the runway capacity of general aviation airports based on the runway expansion system. Firstly, it provides a brief introduction to the flight rules of general aviation airports and arrival and departure flight procedures with symmetrical characteristics, which serve as a theoretical basis for establishing the runway expansion system. Subsequently, a runway expansion system that covers symmetrical flight activities such as departure and arrival under a visual flight rule and an instrument flight rule is proposed, providing a conceptual model for evaluating the runway capacity of general aviation airports. On this foundation, the classical space–time analysis model is improved to establish a single runway arrival, departure, and mixed operation capacity evaluation model for general aviation airports. Finally, the reliability and rationality of this method are verified through case evaluations and three sets of numerical experiments with symmetrical relationships. The experiments demonstrate that this method can better reflect the actual conditions of the runways at general aviation airports while ensuring flight safety, and it can provide a reference for related research.
Harnessing Naturally Occurring Bistable Switches for Their Application in Synthetic Biology
Authors: Huan Ma , Wang Guanyu
Published: November 2024

Bistability is a fundamental phenomenon in nature. In biochemical systems, it creates digital, switch-like outputs from the constituent chemical concentrations and activities, and it is often associated with hysteresis in such systems. Here, we first introduce the regulation of bistable switches at different levels in natural life systems, then explain the current pioneering applications of bistable switches in synthetic biology, and finally introduce some design and tuning methodologies and principles that may be helpful for the future application of bistable switches in synthetic biology.
Tourism and Resident Well-Being: Balancing Economic Gains, Social Dynamics, and Environmental Challenges Across Urban and Rural Divides
Authors: Croes Robertico , Park Jeong-Yeol , Bonilla Jorge
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of tourism development on the well-being of impoverished residents in the urban area of La Candelaria, Bogotá, and the rural area of La Macarena, Meta. The participants were recruited using Colombia’s SISBÉN classification system by approaching individuals in public spaces such as bakeries, markets, and restaurants. After confirming their residency, only those classified in categories A (extreme poverty), B (moderate poverty), or C (vulnerable population) were included in the study. Data collection took place in May 2017, resulting in 307 surveys from the participants across both locations. Using Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the findings reveal that economic benefits are the most influential factor, significantly enhancing happiness and life satisfaction. While cultural and environmental benefits are acknowledged, they are less directly linked to personal well-being. The study highlights tourism’s complex role in promoting economic growth and shaping the social, cultural, and environmental aspects of community life. However, it also identifies potential risks, such as environmental degradation and social disruption, particularly in different spatial contexts. The research underscores the need for tourism development to provide tangible, personal benefits that align with residents’ economic and emotional priorities, ensuring sustainable and equitable outcomes, especially considering the spatial disparities between urban and rural areas that influence tourism’s effectiveness in improving well-being and alleviating poverty.
Optimization of Ecological Dispatch and Hydrodynamic Improvements in Tidal River Channels Using SWMM Modeling: A Case Study of the Longjin Yangqi Area in Kurama Mountain
Authors: Zhou Wentao , Liao Weihong
Published: November 2024

Being tidal-sensitive, the river channel in the Longjin Yangqi area of Cangshan, Fuzhou City, is challenged further because of rapid urbanization. Thus, resultant remediation efforts are crucial. This study aims analyzes hydrodynamic characteristics of the area and, secondly, proposes an ecological dispatch solution with evaluation of its effectiveness through the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM). The chief tasks cover imitating rainfall runoff, optimizing sluice gate activities, reorganizing pump management, and reshaping river morphology to bolster flood control and water quality. Improvements were shown through ecological dispatch strategies, which suggested increasing the channel width for the river and deepening the riverbed, thereby increasing the flood duration, lowering water levels, and less frequent flood occurrences. Optimizing sluice gate settings improved efficiency in the regulation of water flow and reduced scour or siltation problems. Various adjustments to pumping operations scattered over various times were based on live-data analysis, therefore enhancing water flow and the self-purification capacity of the water body. The SWMM was directly applied in this tidal river for urban water resource management with data processing from over 100,000 points in simulations. Wherever needed, changes to model parameters were made to improve its capability and enhance its appropriate use in future urban settings. As a whole, this study presents a plan for sustainable water resource management paired with environmental conditions for the benefit of over 500,000 urban residents in the Longjin Yangqi area.
A Stable Isotope Analysis to Quantify the Contribution of Basal Dietary Sources to Food Webs of Drinking Water Reservoirs
Authors: Huang Feng , Zhao Wen , Qiao Xingye , Xia Changge , Liu Yuan , Wei Jie , Yin Dongpeng , Arhonditsis George
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the food web structure of the Xinlicheng Reservoir, a drinking water source of critical importance in Changchun, China, by employing stable isotope analysis (SIA) to quantify the contribution ratios of four basal dietary sources—phytoplankton, zooplankton, sediment organic matter, and particulate organic matter (POM)—to the diets of two key filter-feeding fish species, Hypophthalm ichthys molitrix and Aristichthys nobilis. The analysis reveals that phytoplankton is the dominant dietary source for both species, contributing 32.08% and 34.06%, respectively, whereas the POM contribution is discernably lower (13.25%). The average trophic level of the fish assemblage in Xinlicheng Reservoir is 3.03, while the trophic levels of the two filter-feeding species lie between 3.00 and 3.50. Furthermore, a random forest model was used to identify key environmental drivers of isotopic variations in these basal dietary sources, highlighting the significant role of pH, total nitrogen (TN), chloride (Cl−), calcium (Ca2+), phosphorus (TP), and silicate (SiO44−) in influencing carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios. These findings provide critical insights to optimize biomanipulation strategies aimed at improving water quality in drinking water reservoirs by enhancing our understanding of the environmental factors that govern trophic interactions and broader food web dynamics.
The Importance of Diet in the Treatment of Endometriosis
Authors: Szczepanik Joanna , Dłużewska Małgorzata
Published: November 2024

The world of science is increasingly looking for answers to the question of how specific dietary components affect the risk of chronic diseases and assessing their potential to alleviate the severity of individual diseases. This research concerns both the assessment of the benefits of using individual dietary components and those of nutritional models. Endometriosis, due to its chronic and inflammatory nature, is also a topic of interest among scientists, who seek to support its course through proper nutrition. In endometriosis, great interest is focused on dietary patterns such as an anti-inflammatory diet, a gluten-free diet, a low-FODMAP diet, or a Mediterranean diet. An anti-inflammatory diet primarily focuses on fresh vegetables, fruits, seeds, nuts, whole grain products, and healthy sources of protein and fats, including mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids, eliminating highly processed products, meat products, trans fats, and refined sugars. It is believed that this type of diet may contribute to reducing the severity of endometriosis symptoms and help reduce inflammation. The aim of the review is to identify the main trends in the field of diets supporting the treatment of endometriosis in the last 5 years.
Insuficiência de convergência ocular associada à Doença de Parkinson: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: Silva de Souza Nélio , Gomes Martins Ana Carolina , Medeiros Fonseca Samantha , Silva Teixeira Silmar , Do Vale Bastos Victor Hugo , Araújo-Leite Marco Antonio
Published: November 2024

Introdução. A doença de Parkinson (DP) consiste em uma condição clínica neurodegenerativa com etiologia desconhecida. Essa doença apresenta diferentes sintomas visomotores que ainda são pouco investigados e tratados na rotina neurológica clínica e na fisioterapia neurofuncional. A insuficiência de convergência (IC) ocular faz parte dos sintomas visomotores presentes na DP com alta prevalência. Entretanto, até o presente momento, poucos são os estudos que propõem a avaliação e tratamento da IC nos portadores da DP. Objetivo. Discutir a relação entre a IC e a DP. Método. Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática abrangendo todas as publicações pertinentes ao tema indexadas em diferentes bases de dados. Resultados. Foram selecionados 18 artigos sobre o tema, que apresentaram um nível de evidencia Oxford 2B para a maioria. Conclusão. As evidências sugerem que: (1) ocorre uma alta prevalência e sintomatologia de IC na população com a DP; (2) ocorre uma maior IC no grupo com a DP, quando comparado ao grupo controle e (3) na medida em que o estágio da DP avança, parece que a IC aumenta. Mais estudos são necessários para investigar os efeitos dos exercícios ortópticos nos portadores da DP com IC associada.
المشاركة المتناقصة وتطبيقاتها في المصارف السودانية - دراسة مقارنة
Authors: خيري مرتضى عبد الله
Published: November 2024

الأهداف: تهدف هذه الدراسة إلى بيان أحكام صيغة المشاركة المتناقصة وتطبيقاتها في المصارف السودانية، ومعرفة صورها وخصائصها وما يترتب عليها من آثار اقتصادية، ومعرفة الدور الريادي الذي تؤديه في دفع عملية التنمية الاقتصادية والاجتماعية. المنهج: اعتمد على المنهج الوصفي التحليلي وكذا المقارن، وذلك بإيراد النصوص الفقهية في المذاهب الفقهية الأربعة ومقارنتها بنصوص قانون المعاملات المدنية السوداني لسنة 1984م وقانون الشركات السوداني لسنة 1925م، النتائج: يمكن تلخيص أبرز نتائج الدراسة بما يأتي: 1- هناك قصور في تعريف الشركة في قانون المعاملات المدنية لسنة 1984م الذي حصرها في شركة العقد فقط، 2- فقهاء المذاهب الفقهية لم يوردوا تعريفاً للمشاركة المتناقصة. 3- جواز عقد المشاركة المتناقصة اتساقاً مع ما توصل إليه مجمع الفقه الإسلامي، ووفقاً لمعايير هيئة المحاسبة والمراجعة للمؤسسات المالية الإسلامية. الخاتمة: خلصت الدراسة إلى ضرورة تعديل المادة 246 من قانون المعاملات المدنية لسنة1984م الخاصة بتعريف الشركة لتشمل شـركة الملك وشـركة العقد معاً، وذلك بتبني تعريف وضوابط مجمع الفقه الإسلامي للمشاركة المتناقصة مع إدخال بعض التعديلات، وإصدار تشريع ينظم وسائل الاستثمار بالمشاركة والمشاركة المتناقصة المنتهية بالتمليك كوسائل استثمارية جنباً إلى جنب مع الوسائل الأخرى، وضرورة إعداد نشرات علمية متخصصة وعمل محاضرات وندوات ومؤتمرات لتوضيح هذه الوسيلة، والإجابة عما قد يعتريها من الشبهات.  وقدمت الدراسة بعض التوصيات والاقتراحات بشأن المشاركة المتناقصة وتطبيقاتها في المصارف السودانية.
الكلمات المفتاحية: المشاركة المتناقصة- قانون المعاملات المدنية السوداني لسنة 1984م - الشركات.
Impact of Pre-existing Anti-polyethylene Glycol Antibodies on the Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy of a COVID-19 mRNA Vaccine (Comirnaty) In Vivo
Authors: Liu Yen-Ling , Liao Tzu-Yi , Ho Kai-Wen , Liu En-Shuo , Huang Bo-Cheng , Hong Shih-Ting , Hsieh Yuan-Chin , Chang Mu-Shen , Wu Bing-Tsung , Chen Fang-Ming , Roffler Steve R. , Chen Chiao-Yun , Yang Yuan-Chieh , Cheng Tian-Lu
Published: November 2024

The presence of anti-polyethylene glycol (anti-PEG) antibodies can hinder the therapeutic efficacy of PEGylated drugs. With the widespread use of a PEGylated coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) messenger RNA vaccine (Comirnaty), the impact of pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies on vaccine potency has become a point of debate. To investigate this, we established mouse models with pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies and divided them into 3 groups: group 1 with anti-PEG immunoglobulin G + immunoglobulin M concentrations of 0.76 to 27.41 μg/ml, group 2 with concentrations of 31.27 to 99.52 μg/ml, and a naïve group with no detectable anti-PEG antibodies. Results indicated that anti-spike antibody concentrations significantly decreased in group 1 and group 2 after the 2nd vaccine dose compared to those in the naïve group. Spearman’s rank correlation analysis demonstrated a negative relationship between anti-spike antibody production and anti-PEG antibody levels at both the 2nd and 3rd doses (2nd dose:
ρ
= −0.5296,
P
= 0.0031; 3rd dose:
ρ
= −0.387,
P
= 0.0381). Additionally, spike protein concentrations were 31.4-fold and 46.6-fold lower in group 1 and group 2, respectively, compared to those in the naïve group at 8 h postvaccination. The concentration of complement C3a in group 2 was significantly higher than that in the naïve group after the 3rd dose. These findings confirm that pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies diminish vaccine efficacy, alter pharmacokinetics, and elevate complement activation. Therefore, detecting pre-existing anti-PEG antibodies is crucial for optimizing vaccine efficacy, ensuring patient safety, and developing improved therapeutic strategies.
The Burden of Type 2 Diabetes in Adolescents and Young Adults in China: A Secondary Analysis from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021
Authors: Yang Junting , Deng Siwei , Zhao Houyu , Sun Feng , Zou Xiantong , Ji Linong , Zhan Siyan
Published: November 2024

Background:
Early-onset type 2 diabetes (T2D) is an increasingly serious public health issue, particularly in China. This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of disease burden, secular trend, and attributable risk factors of early-onset T2D in China.
Methods:
Using data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021, we analyzed the age-standardized rate (ASR) of incidence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and mortality rates of T2D among individuals aged 15 to 39 years in China from 1990 to 2021. Joinpoint regression analysis was employed to analyze secular trend, calculating the average annual percent change (AAPC). We also examined changes in the proportion of early-onset T2D within the total T2D burden and its attributable risk factors.
Results:
From 1990 to 2021, the ASR of incidence of early-onset T2D in China increased from 140.20 [95% uncertainty interval (UI): 89.14 to 204.74] to 315.97 (95% UI: 226.75 to 417.55) per 100,000, with an AAPC of 2.67% (95% CI: 2.60% to 2.75%,
P
< 0.001). DALYs rose from 116.29 (95% UI: 78.51 to 167.05) to 267.47 (95% UI: 171.08 to 387.38) per 100,000, with an AAPC of 2.75% (95% CI: 2.64% to 2.87%,
P
< 0.001). Mortality rates slightly decreased from 0.30 (95% UI: 0.24 to 0.38) to 0.28 (95% UI: 0.23 to 0.34) per 100,000, with an AAPC of −0.22% (95% CI: −0.33% to −0.11%,
P
< 0.001). The 15 to 19 years age group showed the fastest increase in incidence (AAPC: 4.08%, 95% CI: 3.93% to 4.29%,
P
< 0.001). The burden was consistently higher and increased more rapidly among males compared to females. The proportion of early-onset T2D within the total T2D burden fluctuated but remained higher than global levels. In 2021, high body mass index (BMI) was the primary attributable risk factor for DALYs of early-onset T2D (59.85%, 95% UI: 33.54% to 76.65%), and its contribution increased substantially from 40.08% (95% UI: 20.71% to 55.79%) in 1990, followed by ambient particulate matter pollution (14.77%, 95% UI: 8.24% to 21.24%) and diet high in red meat (9.33%, 95% UI: −1.42% to 20.06%).
Conclusion:
The disease burden of early-onset T2D in China is rapidly increasing, particularly among younger populations and males. Despite a slight decrease in mortality rates, the continued rapid increase in incidence and DALYs indicates a need for strengthened prevention and management strategies, especially interventions targeting younger age groups. High BMI and environmental pollution emerge as primary risk factors and should be prioritized in future interventions.
Sample size calculations based on day-to-day variability of stress biomarkers in persons with dementia and their family caregivers
Authors: Emami Azita , Jun Jeehye , Engström Gabriella , Berglund Lars , Theorell Töres
Published: November 2024

Introduction: Accurate estimates of intra-individual variability are necessary for proper design of clinical trials and epidemiological studies where the stress biomarkers cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) are measured for dyads of persons with dementia (PWDs) and their family caregivers (FCGs). The aim is to determine the number of consecutive sampling days required to detect effect differences in clinical trials, and to accurately estimate regression coefficients in epidemiological studies where stress biomarkers are exposure variables in regression models with future disease as outcome. Methods: Clinical trial data from dyads of PWDs and their FCGs were used. Salivary cortisol and DHEA-S samples were collected five days a week, for eight consecutive weeks. From this data, we created formulas and graphical tools for the number of required sampling days needed to detect effect differences, and we calculated number of days needed for regression coefficients to be estimated with<10% bias. Results: A total of 5791 salivary samples from 34 dyads were used. For morning cortisol, five consecutive sampling days at baseline and an equal number of days at study termination is sufficient to detect a treatment difference>5% of baseline level with>20 dyads per group. When stress biomarkers are used in epidemiological studies at least six consecutive sampling days are required. Conclusion: Based on a large number of consecutive measurements of stress biomarkers we calculated the sufficient numbers of sampling days for clinical trials and for epidemiological studies to produce credible results. Our findings will aid researchers in the study design phase.
Anti-aging versus positive-aging language in scientific literature: Raising questions for future research
Authors: Azizi-Zeinalhajloo Akbar , Nadrian Haidar , Ghassab-Abdollahi Nafiseh , Lotfalinejad Elham , Rezaeipandari Hassan , Bhalla Devender
Published: November 2024

Ageism is one of the most common forms of discrimination among older adults. Although applicable in regards to discrimination against all age groups, the term ageism is predominantly used in relation to the treatment of older people. Anti-aging language refers to the use of words, phrases and sentences when talking with or about older adults. Terms such as "old people," "old age," "elderly", "the elderly" and "the aged" are in the form of anti-aging speaking, and it is recommended that the terms "older people", "older adults", "seniors" and "later life" be used instead of the latter mentioned terms, indicating there is a growing sense that emphasis on a positive perception and illustration of aging. There is a lack of evidence on the diversity, frequency, range of terms and expressions and examples of anti-aging speaking, and also the other end, positive aging. In this perspective study, we raised questions to address the existing gap, with the hope to help future researchers in the use of negative/positive semantic words or negative/positive attitudes towards the older adults and examples of anti-aging/positive aging speaking in scientific texts. Raising such research questions might be useful in capturing the spirit of the field and some of its focus, and revealing how scientists talk about aging, or whether they use or are trying to combat ageist language.
PENERAPAN MODEL PEMBELAJARAN BERBASIS MASALAH DALAM MENINGKATKAN PEMAHAMAN KONSEP FISIKA PESERTA DIDIK KELAS XI SMAN 3 WAJO
Authors: Ulfiah Nurul , Palloan Pariabti , Hasyim Mutahharah
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini menerapkan Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah atau Problem Based Learning (PBL) yang bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektivitas ketercapaian pemahaman konsep fisika peserta didik kelas XI MIPA 1 di SMAN 3 Wajo Tahun Ajaran 2022/2023. Jenis penelitian yang digunakan adalah pra-eksperimen dengan desain penelitian one group pretest-posttest design. Dalam penerapan model PBL diintegrasikan dengan simulasi PhET pada materi Elastisitas dan Hukum Hooke. Untuk mengukur ketercapaian pemahaman konsep fisika digunakan instrumen tes yang telah dikembangkan sebanyak 22 butir soal berbentuk pilihan ganda. Hasil analisis data menunjukkan bahwa pemahaman konsep fisika sebelum dan setelah diajar menggunakan model PBL mengalami peningkatan yang signifikan dan berada pada kategori tinggi.
ESTIMASI CURAH HUJAN AKIBAT MCC MENGGUNAKAN METODE CSTm (MODIFIED CONVECTIVE STRATIFORM TECHNIQUE) (STUDI KASUS MCC SULAWESI 15 – 16 Maret 2018)
Authors: Betari Winona Puspa , Kristianto Aries , Septiadi Deni
Published: November 2024

MCC merupakan sistem konvektif skala meso yang terdiri dari gabungan sel konvektif tunggal dengan durasi kejadian ≥ 6 jam. Di Indonesia, MCC berkontribusi 20% terhadap total curah hujan dengan sebagian besar kejadian MCC terjadi di daratan. Dikarenakan keterbatasan data pengamatan curah hujan di beberapa titik di wilayah Indonesia, data satelit dapat digunakan untuk mengetahui data curah hujan di suatu wilayah. Penelitian ini membahas mengenai perhitungan estimasi curah hujan akibat dari MCC menggunakan metode CSTm (Modified Convective Stratiform Technique) yang memanfaatkan data satelit. Estimasi curah hujan di beberapa titik kejadian hujan akibat MCC menghasilkan nilai yang underestimate dikarenakan metode CSTm yang memisahkan komponen konvektif dan stratiform dalam perhitungannya digunakan untuk menghitung estimasi curah hujan akibat MCC yang merupakan gabungan dari beberapa sel konvektif tunggal.
PENGEMBANGAN MODUL PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA BERBENTUK FLIPBOOK BERCIRIKAN KETERAMPILAN PROSES SAINS
Authors: Rasyid Fauziah , Palloan Pariabti , Khaeruddin Khaeruddin
Published: November 2024

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah mengembangkan modul pembelajaran fisika berbentuk flipbook bercirikan Keterampilan Proses Sains (KPS) yang valid, praktis dan efektif. Metode penelitian yang digunakan yaitu penelitian dan pengembangan model Nieveen dan Plomp. Teknik pengumpulan data yaitu pengisian lembar validasi, angket repon guru dan peserta didik serta instrumen pretest dan postest. Hasil penelitian menujukkan bahwa validasi modul menghasilkan kofisien Gregory 1,0 yang menunjukkan bahwa modul yang dikembangkan telah valid. Kepraktisan modul berdasarkan respon guru dan respon peserta didik. Respon guru menunjukkan respon yang sangat positif dan respon peserta didik menunjukkan 42,3% memberi respon sangat positif, 50% positif dan 7,7% cukup positif. Efektivitas modul berdasarkan peningkatan hasil belajar peserta didik. Diperoleh bahwa terdapat perbedaan skor pretest dan postest yang signifikan pada taraf signifikansi 5% dan nilai N-Gain 0,2. Maka  disimpulkan bahwa modul pembelajaran fisika berbentuk flipbook yang bercirikan keterampilan proses sains yang dikembangkan valid, efektif dan praktis
ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN REPRESENTASI FREE BODY DIAGRAM PADA MATERI HUKUM NEWTON
Authors: Wardana Wayan Oka Wisnu , Sari Salmiah Salamang , Arafah Kaharuddin
Published: November 2024

Kemampuan representasi penting dikuasai oleh peserta didik guna mengembangkan kemampuan nalar mereka. Salah satu representasi dalam fisika yaitu representasi free body diagram pada materi hukum Newton. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui gambaran kemampuan representasi free body diagram pada materi hukum Newton Peserta didik. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan metode survey.  Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan instrumen tes berbentuk esai yang terlebih dahulu telah divalidasi, yang kemudian diberikan kepada peserta didik kelas XI MIPA dengan jumlah subjek penelitian sebanyak 106 orang. Data yang diperoleh kemudian dianalisis menggunkan uji statistik deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan gambaran kemampuan representasi free body diagram pada peserta didik kelas XI MIPA tergolong dalam kategori needs improvemen (butuh peningkatan), ini mengindikasikan bahwa peserta didik masih kesulitan dalam merepresentasikan persoalan yang melibatkan kemampuan representasi free body diagram.
HUBUNGAN ANTARA KECERDASAN EMOSIONAL DENGAN HASIL BELAJAR FISIKA PESERTA DIDIK KELAS X SMA NEGERI 2 LUWU UTARA
Authors: Dwi Setiawati  , Jasruddin  , Helmi
Published: November 2024

Penelitian ini adalah expost facto yang bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan korelasi antara kecerdasan emosional dengan hasil belajar fisika peserta didik kelas X SMA Negeri 2 Luwu Utara tahun ajaran 2021/2022. Variabel bebas dalam penelitian ini adalah kecerdasan emosional, sedangkan variabel terikatnya adalah hasil belajar fisika. Populasi dalam penelitian adalah seluruh peserta didik kelas X SMA Negeri 2 Luwu Utara tahun ajaran 2021/2022, sedangkan untuk sampel penelitiannya adalah peserta didik kelas X MIPA SMA Negeri 2 Luwu Utara tahun ajaran 2021/2022. Data hasil penelitian diperoleh dengan memberikan kuesioner kecerdasan emosional dan tes hasil belajar fisika. Teknik analisis data menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan statistik inferensial. Berdasarkan hasil analisis data diperoleh bahwa tidak terdapat hubungan yang signifikan antara kecerdasan emosional dan dengan hasil belajar Fisika peserta didik kelas X SMA Negei 2 Luwu Utara dapat dilihat dari nilai Sig 0,818> 0,05. Ada banyak faktor yang berpengaruh dalam penelitian ini salah satunya proses pembelajaran daring yang memberikan dampak pada proses pembelajaran peserta didik.
Niedotykalność i intymność — dwie fotograficzne strategie portretowania Innego
Authors: Garncarek Magda
Published: November 2024

The author accepts the fairly obvious assumption that visual depictions we create are at least in part a reflection of our own way of understanding, interpreting and imagining a given subject. Her aim is to describe two possible ways of depicting the Other, for which she has used the accepted term “strategy of untouchableness” and “strategy of intimacy”. These two seem to be so distinct so as to make two completely different approaches to Otherness possible.
Pulmonary Cyst: A Rare Extra-Renal Manifestation of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
Authors: Riaz Humaira , Batool Fizza , Mughal Hina Hanif , Riaz Zainab , Javed Ania , Sarfaraz Sharjeel
Published: November 2024

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is characterized by bilateral multiple renal cysts of varying sizes leading to end stage renal failure after a few years. Though there is a wealth of information regarding the extrarenal visceral linkages of ADPKD, very few studies have described constellate pulmonary findings within the spectrum of extrarenal manifestations. This case study features a 55-year-old woman who had intermittent flank pain for two years until an ultrasound revealed she had ADPKD. HRCT chest revealed pulmonary cysts in bilateral lung fields. Patient had no pre-existing pulmonary disease or co-existing risk factors, HRCT findings were considered to be the spectrum of ADPKD associations. The report underscores the need for comprehensive systemic diagnostic evaluation in patients for ADPKD, as fatal complications like pneumothorax can be the first presentation of such patients in emergency department besides other systemic complaints.
Distribution and Antibiotic Sensitivity of Burn Wound Colonization in Referred Patients at the Burn Care Centre, PIMS, Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Mujtaba  , Muhammad Rehan  , Ifra Eeman Ahmed  , Tariq Iqbal  , Shabab Hussain  , Rabia Mahmood  , Nimrah Komal
Published: November 2024

ABSTRACT
Background: Burn injuries represent a significant health challenge worldwide due to their high mortality and disability rates. These wounds often become prone to infection due to compromised immunity and disrupted blood vessels at the injury site. Timely surgical excision, coupled with topical chemotherapy, has notably reduced mortality rates in burn patients.
Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of common bacterial infections among referred patients, with a minimum delay of one week, and to assess their bacteriological susceptibility at the Burn Care Centre, PIMS, Islamabad.
Methods: This retrospective descriptive study was conducted between March 2021 and February 2023. We reviewed wound swab culture results spanning 24 months, primarily from referred patients. Wound specimens were collected using sterile swabs and standard techniques from registered patients, then analyzed at the microbiological laboratory based on patients' culture reports.
Results: A total of 226 culture reports were assessed, comprising 95 (42.04%) male patients and 131 (57.96%) female patients, with a mean age of 21 years (range: 11 months to 65 years). Among these reports, 16 (7.08%) showed no growth. Pseudomonas aeruginosa was identified in 88 patients (38.93%), while Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was present in 57 (25.22%), Klebsiella pneumoniae in 36 (15.93%), and a combination of Klebsiella and Pseudomonas in 18 (7.96%) cases, as per the swab culture reports. Escherichia coli was detected in 3 (1.33%) cases and Enterobacter in 2 (0.88%) cases. Other bacteria were found in 6 (2.65%) swab culture reports. Pseudomonas and Klebsiella exhibited maximum susceptibility to Polymyxin B, at 67.04% and 61.11%, respectively, while MRSA showed the highest susceptibility to linezolid, at 89.47%.
Conclusion: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Klebsiella pneumoniae were the most prevalent bacteria among patients referred to our Burn Care Center. Referred burn patients were found to be colonized with multi-drug resistant bacteria, compared to inpatient cases at our center.