bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Stock Selection Ability, Market-Timing Ability, and Fund Cash Flow on the Performance of Sharia Equity Mutual Funds (Study During the Covid-19 Pandemic, 2020-2021)
Authors: Budi Rakhmad Pambudi , Prasaja Mahendra Galih , Utomo Agus Saur
Published: July 2023

Abstract: The Coronavirus pandemic has had an extraordinary impact on the economies of countries in the world, including Indonesia. This economic condition was reflected in the collapse of the stock market index in Indonesia. Mutual funds are an investment alternative that has convenience for investors who want to invest but need more investment skills and time. Islamic stock mutual funds are one of the choices in investing because Sharia values guide their management. The performance of Islamic equity mutual funds during the Covid-19 pandemic has declined; the number of Islamic equity mutual funds looks stagnant, while the NAV value has fallen. This study aimed to test the effect of stock selection ability, market-timing ability, and fund cash flow on the performance of Islamic equity mutual funds during the Covid-19 pandemic. The population in this study is all Islamic equity mutual funds traded during the 2020-2021 period. The sampling technique in this study used purposive sampling. The samples obtained were 39 Sharia equity mutual funds that reported monthly NAV on the OJK website. The data were tested using regression with the help of Eviews software version 12. The results of this study indicate that stock selection ability, market-timing ability, and fund cash flow partially have a positive and significant effect on the performance of Islamic equity mutual funds.
Abstrak: Pandemi Coronavirus berdampak luar biasa bagi perekonomian negara-negara di dunia termasuk Indonesia. Kondisi ekonomi tersebut tercermin pada runtuhnya IHSG pasar modal di Indonesia. Reksa dana merupakan salah satu alternatif investasi yang memiliki kemudahan bagi para investor yang ingin berinvestasi tetapi memilliki keterbatasan keahlian investasi dan waktu. Reksa dana saham syariah dijadikan salah satu pilihan dalam berinvestasi dikarenakan pengelolaannya yang berpedoman pada nilai-nilai syariah. Kinerja reksa dana saham syariah pada masa pandemi covid-19 terlihat menurun, jumlah reksa dana saham syariah terlihat stagnan sedangkan nilai NABnya turun. Tujuan penelitian ini untuk menguji menguji pengaruh stock selection ability, market timing ability, dan fund cash flow terhadap kinerja reksa dana saham syariah pada masa pandemi covid-19. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah seluruh reksa dana saham syariah yang diperdagangkan selama periode 2020-2021. Teknik pengambilan sampel pada penelitian ini menggunakan purposive sampling. Sampel yang diperoleh sebanyak 39 reksa dana saham syariah yang melaporakan NAB bulanan di website OJK. Data diuji dengan menggunakan regresi dengan bantuan software Eviews versi 12. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa stock selection ability, market timing ability, dan fund cash flow secara parsial berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap terhadap kinerja reksa dana saham syariah.
Knowledge, Service Features, Benefits, And Convenience and Their Influence on Customer Interest: Evidence on BSI Mojopahit 2 Mojokerto City, Indonesia
Authors: Mutia Hendarti Alvina , Candra Yudha Ana Toni Roby , Wicaksono Rianto Anugerah , Maksum Maksum , Huda Nurul
Published: July 2023

The development of technology is so rapid today that the banking industry must be able to provide services that can adapt to the needs and desires of customers in the current digital era, such as mobile banking. This study aims to determine the magnitude of the influence of knowledge, service features, benefits, and convenience on the interest of BSI Mojopahit 2 Mojokerto City customers in using BSI mobile banking in 2021. This study uses a quantitative research type with a sample of 100 respondents. The analysis used in this study is multiple linear regression analysis using the IBM SPSS 24 application. The results of this study show the multiple linear regression equation, namely Y = 1.433 + 0.175 X1 + 0.184 X2 + 0.219 X3 + 0.191 X4 + e. The F (simultaneous) test shows that the variables of knowledge, service features, benefits and convenience have a significant effect simultaneously or jointly on customer interest. Meanwhile, the T-test (partial) shows that the knowledge variable has a significant partial effect on customer interest. The service feature variable has a significant effect on the customer interest variable. The benefit variable has a significant effect on the customer interest variable, and the convenience variable significantly affects the customer interest variable. Moreover, the benefit variable is the variable that has the most dominant influence on the interest of BSI Mojopahit 2 Mojokerto customers in using mobile banking. Based on the results of this study, Islamic banking is expected to provide information about BSI mobile banking clearly and maintain and maximize service features, benefits and ease of use of mobile banking to increase customer interest so that the BSI mobile banking application becomes the main choice in transacting.
Life Style as Consumer Satisfaction in the Maqāṣid of Islamic Economics
Authors: Musfiqoh Siti
Published: July 2023

Human life will not be separated and is always related to economic activities: production, consumption, and distribution. Activities related to needs and wants A need that is manifested by various desires. In the conventional economic conception, needs and wants are inseparable. Because his stomach is hungry, a person who needs to eat will consider several desires when fulfilling that need. For example, when people feel hungry during the day, East Javanese people will be interested in eating clean vegetables with corn omelet, while others want Rawon with fried meat. Alternatively, people outside Java and even abroad will be different too. A person's desire will be closely related to the concept of satisfaction. On the other hand, in the era of modern society, especially in the era of post-modern society, how a person presents himself in front of others and how a person builds an identity in front of his social environment is in many ways influenced by his lifestyle and his construction in responding to the demands of society and the interests of society—the community behind it. Meanwhile, what kind of lifestyle is developed and displayed by a person in his social environment is generally influenced by the expansion of capital power or the cultural industry that deliberately designs and encourages the development of a lifestyle to benefit capital accumulation profits. Is that right?.
Embedding reuse into infrastructure projects by carrying out ‘pre-redevelopment audits’
Authors: MacDonald Brogan , Gowler Penny
Published: July 2023

There is significant potential for large infrastructure projects with multiple demolition phases to kick start a second-hand materials market and unlock a truly circular economy. Civil engineers are well placed to lead this by carrying out reuse appraisals, commonly known in the buildings sector as ‘pre-redevelopment audits’. The paper sets out current practice and emerging policies regarding reuse in the construction sector, then describes the steps for undertaking an effective audit. The aim is to assess and maximise the reuse and recovery of materials from the start, thereby helping to reduce the industry’s overall greenhouse gas emissions.
Dealing With Covid-19 in Casual Democracies
Authors: Steensen Steen
Published: July 2023

This article reports findings from an in-depth, autoethnographic study of local communities in Denmark and England left behind by local journalism. The study was conducted during—and is thematically framed by—the Covid-19 pandemic, and it investigates how news, information, and deliberation related to this crisis were facilitated in the communities. The article embarks from ideas of informed citizenship and problems of misinformation and free speech related to the pandemic, and it aims to uncover developments in local democracy in places left behind by local journalism and dominated by platforms. The article argues that “news desert” is not an accurate term describing such places. Instead, such places and their social media platform dependency constitute what is identified as “casual democracies.” In casual local democracies, who and what gets to dominate the local public spheres is difficult to predict, as are the credibility and trustworthiness of local news and information and the interests that local news and information providers serve. Such local democracies are, to a large degree, shaped by informal power structures, individual agency, and the infrastructure of platforms.
Power Modified Lindley Distribution: Properties, Classical and Bayesian Estimation and Regression Model with Applications
Authors: Omid Kharazmi  , Kumar Devendra , Sanku Dey
Published: July 2023

In this article, we explore a new probability density function, called the power modified Lindley distribution. Its main feature is to operate a simple trade-off among the generalized exponential, Weibull and gamma distributions, offering an alternative to these three well-established distributions. The proposed model turns out to be quite flexible: its probability density function can be right skewed and its associated hazard rate function may be increasing, decreasing, unimodal and constant. First the model parameters of the proposed distribution are obtained by the maximum likelihood method. Next, Bayes estimators of the unknown parameters are obtained under different loss functions. In addition, bootstrap confidence intervals are provided to compare with Bayes credible intervals. Besides, log power modified Lindley regression model for censored data is proposed. Two real data sets are analyzed to illustrate the flexibility and importance of the proposed model.
La guerra se anida en el cuerpo de una mujer: conflicto armado, identidades y multiterritorialidades
Authors: Frasser-Thompson Nubia-E.
Published: July 2023

This article aims to evidence and describe the processes in which black/Afro-Colombian women victims of forced displacement live and (re)construct their ethnic identities and their multiple spaces of identity reference, within the specific context of the armed conflict in Colombia, considering the concept of identity articulations developed by Stuart Hall and multiterritorialities provided by Rogério Haesbaert. In order to unveil these processes, an ethnographic study was conducted in the cities of Bogotá and Cartagena de Indias. The collection of information was carried out through participant observation and biographies. It is based on the premise that ethnic identities are dynamic, and movable both in their construction within different contexts, and in their activation. These are subject to territorial and translocation processes and are in constant articulation with categories such as race, class, gender, sexuality and religion. This articulation gives an account in turn of the differences in which women build and perceive themselves, but also of the agency and subjectivity with which they organize collectively, demand policies and influence the generation of local and global actions.
La protección de la unidad familiar en el sistema de protección internacional italiano y francés
Authors: Tania-Abbiate  , Tenile-Mascolo
Published: July 2023

The protection of the principle of family unity is based on international treaties and the European legal corpus, both of the Council of Europe and of the European Union, still, the national systems accept it in a specific way, especially with regard to the right to foreigners and specifically the right of refugees. Thus, this contribution aims to analyze the protection of the principle of family unity in the framework of international protection in the Italian and French legal systems. Despite the fact that the different legal institutes offered by each of these transalpine countries were developed in internal legislation and stoned by their own jurisprudential construction, a comparative study offers an opening of horizons to other systems.
La educación como derecho irrenunciable y servicio público en Colombia
Authors: García-Botero Leonardo , Aguilar-Barreto Andrea-Johana , Rincón-Álvarez Gerson-Adriano
Published: July 2023

This article addresses the phenomenon of education as a fundamental and inalienable right, from a legal perspective where factors converge. It is sought that the States implement the application of Human Rights, which transcend as an inherent part of the individual and his personal formation. In this case, education, being constitutionally embodied as a public service, offers a structural screening by the public and private university entities, as well as the individuals who exercise this social function, providing a suitable and quality learning. Therefore, from a hermeneutic analysis to analyze in detail the Colombian regulations and jurisprudence on educational matters; since it offered a broad approach on the operation and co-responsibility that universities have with their students, because they seek to create a professional in the future based on a comprehensive knowledge and a humanizing and inclusive ethics.
The Phylogenetic Placement of an Enigmatic Moth Egybolis Vaillantina Based on Museomics
Authors: Zahiri Reza , Holloway Jeremy D. , Ghanavi Hamid Reza , Aarvik Leif , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: July 2023

Here, we present multi-locus sequencing results from the enigmatic Afrotropical monotypic genus Egybolis Boisduval (occurring in East- and South Africa—previously placed in the subfamily Catocalinae, Noctuidae). Model-based phylogenetic analysis places Egybolis within a strongly supported clade comprising four Old World Tropical genera Cocytia Boisduval, Avatha Walker, Anereuthina Hübner, and Serrodes Guenée from the family Erebidae, subfamily Erebinae. Hence, we propose to formally assign the monotypic genus Egybolis to the subfamily Erebinae and the tribe Cocytiini. Timing of divergence analysis reveals the late Oligocene origin around 25 million years ago (Ma) for the tribe Cocytiini, and an early Miocene ( ~21 Ma) for the split between Cocytia and Egybolis.
Bilateral Rules as Complex Rules
Authors: Ceragioli Leonardo
Published: July 2023

Proof-theoretic semantics is an inferentialist theory of meaning originally developed in a unilateral framework. Its extension to bilateral systems opens both opportunities and problems. The problems are caused especially by Coordination Principles (a kind of rule that is not present in unilateral systems) and mismatches between rules for assertion and rules for rejection. In this paper, a solution is proposed for two major issues: the availability of a reduction procedure for tonk and the existence of harmonious rules for the paradoxical zero-ary connective \(\bullet\). The solution is based on a reinterpretation of bilateral rules as complex rules, that is, rules that introduce or eliminate connectives in a subordinate position. Looking at bilateral rules from this perspective, the problems faced by bilateralism can be seen as special cases of general problems of complex systems, which have been already analyzed in the literature. In the end, a comparison with other proposed solutions underlines the need for further investigation in order to complete the picture of bilateral proof-theoretic semantics.
A COVID-19 hatása a sportolási szokásokra
Authors: Fenyves László
Published: July 2023

Az elmúlt időszakban a mindennapi életünket jelentősen meghatározta és átalakította a 2020 márciusában hazánkat is elérő koronavírus járvány. A COVID-19 néven is ismert betegség rövid időtartam alatt rendkívüli kihívások elé állította a gazdaságot és a társadalmat (PATÓ et al., 2021). A kirobbanás után a WHO (Egészségügyi Világszervezet) a tagállamainak azt tanácsolta, hogy fontolják meg a betegség új területekre való behurcolásának megakadályozására, illetve az emberről emberre történő terjedés csökkentésére irányuló lehetőségeket azokban az övezetekben, ahol a vírus már megjelent. Így a kezdeti időszakban a vírus terjedésének lelassítása / megfékezése érdekében az emberek „szabadsága” jelentősen korlátozva lett, a meghozott korlátozó intézkedések következményeként. A távmunkában történő munkavégzés, az éttermek, az oktatási intézmények, a szórakozóhelyek, a sportszolgáltatók, a bevásárlóközpontok bezárása mellett a kijárási korlátozás is a mindennapi életünk részévé vált. Az emberi élet és az egészség védelme hirtelen az egyik legfontosabb „feladattá” vált. Annak ellenére, hogy a személyes kontaktok csökkentése érdekében a sportszolgáltató létesítmények bezárásra kerültek, a testmozgás az eddigieknél is lényegesebb szerepet kapott, ugyanis a járványidőszakban még fontosabbá vált/válik a testünk egészségének megőrzése. A vírus megjelenésekor az Operatív Törzs azt javasolta, hogy próbáljunk meg minél többet mozogni, sportolni az immunrendszerünk erősítése érdekében, hogy az minél hatékonyabban tudja felvenni harcot a kórokozókkal szemben. Viszont a vírus hatására meghozott korlátozó intézkedések a testmozgási és sportolási szokásainkat is nagyban befolyásolta, amely azóta több kutató érdeklődést is felkeltette. A kutatásom során arra keresem a választ, hogy milyen változást eredményezett az emberek sportolási és aktív testmozgási szokásaira / hajlandóságára a járvány. Az elmúlt néhány hónapban egy-két kivételtől eltekintve szinte az összes járvány elleni óvintézkedések eltörlésre került Magyarországon. Ezen oknál fogva annak a felmérését is indokoltnak tartom, hogy milyen mértékben befolyásolta a vírus, nemcsak a korlátozások időszakában a sportolási szokásokat, hanem a korlátozások megszüntetése után is.JEL-Kódok: I10, I12
How to better estimate bunch number at vineyard level?
Authors: Oger Baptiste , Laurent Cécile , Vismara Philippe , Tisseyre Bruno
Published: July 2023

Despite the extensive use of sampling to estimate the average number of grape bunches per vine, there is no clearly established sampling protocol that can be used as a reference when performing these estimations. Each practitioner therefore has their own sampling protocol. This study characterised the effect of differences between sampling protocols in terms of estimation errors. The goal was to identify the most efficient practices that will improve the early estimation of an important yield component: average bunch number. First, the appropriateness of including non-productive vines (i.e., dead and missing vines) in the sampling protocol was tested; the objective was to determine whether it is relevant to estimate two yield components simultaneously. Second, sampling protocols with sampling sites of varying size were compared to determine how the spatial distribution of observations and potential spatial autocorrelation affect estimation error. Third, a new confidence interval for estimation error was determined to express expected error as a percentage. It aimed at designing a new tool for finding the best sample size in an operational context. Tests were performed on two vineyards in the South of France, in which the number of bunches per vine had been exhaustively determined on all the plants before flowering. The results show that the simultaneous estimation of number of bunches and proportion of dead and missing vines increased the estimation errors by a factor of 2. Despite the low spatial autocorrelation of bunch number, the results show that the observation must be spread across at least 2 or 3 sampling sites to reduce estimation errors. Finally, the confidence intervals expressed as a percentage were validated and used to define an adequate sample size based on a compromise between the expected precision and the variability observed in the first measurements.
Exploration of Practical Biomarkers for Systemic Drug Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Motomura Kenta , Kuwano Akifumi , Tanaka Kosuke , Koga Yuta , Masumoto Akihide , Yada Masayoshi
Published: July 2023

A number of agents, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, have become available for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the objective response rate of these drugs is currently only 30% to 40%, with a high incidence of side effects. There are also no prac-tical biomarkers to predict their therapeutic effects. Most of the systemic therapies for HCC are performed in general hospitals without research facilities. Such hospitals can perform imaging tests, like CT and MRI, as well as pathological diagnosis using tumor tissue sampling and im-munohistochemical staining. However, analyzing tumor genomic or transcriptomic profiles is difficult because of limitations in facilities, personnel, and cost. Therefore, in this review, we provide an overview of the wide range of research that has been conducted on HCC biomarkers from blood, tissue, or imaging information that can be used practically in general hospitals for predicting the therapeutic effect of systemic therapies before treatment begins. For general hos-pitals that treat HCC patients, we recommend conducting treatment after assessing the state within the tumor tissue as much as possible by collecting blood and tissue samples and per-forming pre- treatment MRI image evaluations.
NaBH4-Mediated Co-Reduction Synthesis of Glutathione Stabilized Gold/Silver Nanoclusters for Detection of Magnesium Ions
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Chen Yiying , Zhu Xianhu , Xu Miaomiao , Han Zhihao , Wang Lianhui , Weng Lixing
Published: July 2023

The content of magnesium ions (Mg2+) in drinking water is relatively high and the excessive Mg2+ ingestion may lead to pathological lesions in human body system. At present, the detection of Mg2+ still relies on costly devices or/and complex organic fluorescence probes. To solve this problem, this work proposed a NaBH4-mediated co-reduction strategy for the synthesis of glutathione-stabilized bimetallic AuAg nanoclusters (GSH@AuAg NCs) with recognition performance to Mg2+. The preparation of GSH@AuAg NCs was simple and rapid and could be performed at mild conditions. The reaction parameters and sampling orders were optimized to understand the formation mechanism of GSH@AuAg NCs. The GSH@AuAg NCs exhibited a sensitive “light-on” fluorescence response to Mg2+ due to the re-molding of the interfacial physicochemical environment following the Mg2+ coordination, which affected the surface charge transfer process, and thus led to a novel method for fluorescence detection of Mg2+ with admirable selectivity for Mg2+. The proposed method showed a detection limit of 0.2 μM, and its practical utility for the detection of Mg2+ in real sample of purified drinking water was also demonstrated, confirming its practicability in monitoring the Mg2+ concentration in drinking water.
Integrating Multiple Intelligence and Artificial Intelligence in Language Learning: Enhancing Personalization and Engagement
Authors: Eslit Edgar
Published: July 2023

This paper explores the integration of multiple intelligences and artificial intelligence (AI) in language learning, focusing on its potential to enhance personalization and engagement. Drawing from existing research and studies conducted in various contexts, including the Philippines, this study aims to contribute to the understanding of the benefits, challenges, and effectiveness of this integration. The paper begins with an introduction that highlights the background and significance of integrating multiple intelligences and AI in language learning, identifying research gaps, objectives, research questions, and the theoretical framework. A literature review provides an overview of multiple intelligences theory by Howard Gardner, the role of AI in language learning, and identifies gaps in the existing literature. The methodology section outlines the research design and approach, participant selection, data collection methods, validity and reliability measures, and ethical considerations. Findings and results are presented through the analysis of qualitative data, exploring emergent themes and patterns. The discussion section critically examines the identified research gaps, discusses the validity and reliability of the study, addresses the scope and limitations, and explores the implications of the findings for theory, practice, and future research. The conclusion summarizes the key findings and contributions of the study, reflects on the achievement of research objectives, offers recommendations for further research, and provides final remarks tying together the main points of the study. This paper contributes to the existing body of knowledge by providing insights into the integration of multiple intelligences and AI in language learning and its impact on personalization, engagement, and language learning outcomes.
AI in Sustainable Pig Farming: IoT Insights into Stress and Gait
Authors: Neethirajan Suresh
Published: July 2023

This paper pioneers a novel exploration of environmental impacts in livestock farming, with a focus on pig farming's intersection with climate change and sustainability. It emphasizes the transformative potential of data-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) methodologies, specifically the Internet of Things (IoT) and multimodal data analysis, in promoting equitable and sustainable food systems. The study observes five pigs, aged 86 to 108 days, using a tripartite sensor that records heart rate, respiration rate, and accelerometer data. The unique experimental design alternates between periods of isolation during feeding and subsequent pairing, enabling the investigation of stress-induced changes. Key inquiries include discerning patterns in heart rate data during isolation versus paired settings, fluctuations in respiration rates, and behavioral shifts induced by isolation or pairing. The study also explores potential detection of gait abnormalities, correlations between pigs' age and their gait or activity patterns, and the evolution of pigs' walking abilities with age. The paper scrutinizes accelerometer data to detect activity changes when pigs are paired, potentially indicating increased stress or aggression. It also examines the adaptation of pigs to alternating isolation and pairing over time, and how their heart rate, respiration rate, and activity data reflect this process. The study considers other significant variables, such as time of day and isolation duration, affecting the pigs' physiological parameters. Sensor data is further utilized to identify behavioral patterns during periods of feeding, isolation, or pairing. In conclusion, this study harnesses IoT and multimodal data analysis in a groundbreaking approach to pig welfare research. It underscores the compelling potential of technology to inform about overall pig welfare, particularly stress levels and gait quality, and the power of data-driven insights in fostering equitable, healthy, and environmentally conscious livestock production systems.
Book Review in Political Geography: Rereading “The New Map” by Daniel Yergin
Authors: Ahn Young-Jin , Juraev Zuhriddin
Published: July 2023

Daniel Yergin’s “The New Map: Energy, Climate, and the Clash of Nations” is a remarkable and groundbreaking work that addresses the ever-changing global energy landscape and its profound geopolitical implications. In this modest book review, we aim to offer a fresh perspective by re-examining the core issues from the standpoint of political geography. The aim of this article is twofold: to enrich the existing literature on political geography and to provide valuable insights to students of geography to broaden their knowledge in this field.
Synthesis and Characterization of Fe(III) Chitosan Nanoparticle N-Benzaldehyde Schiff Base for Biomedical Application
Authors: Okunzuwa Gift , Enaroseha Omamoke , Okunzuwa Samuel
Published: July 2023

The present study produced and characterised chitosan, chitosan nanoparticle, chitosan n – benzaldehyde Schiff base, chitosan nanoparticle n – benzaldehyde Schiff base, Fe(III) chitosan n – benzaldehyde Schiff base and Fe(III) chitosan nanoparticle n – benzaldehyde Schiff base for biomedical application as antimicrobial agents. The materials were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy, X-ray Diffractogram and biologically evaluated using disc diffusion method with three gram-positive bacteria. The FTIR absorption peaks were shifted to a lower wave number than the micro materials from which it was modified. These clearly indicate the linkage between phosphate, ammonium ion, Schiff base and Fe(III) metal. The diffracted peaks of Fe(III) chitosan nanoparticle n – benzaldehyde Schiff base were new peaks at 2θ = 24o and 42o when compare to the peak of Fe(III) chitosan n – benzaldehyde Schiff base of 2θ = 22.5o and 34o. The difference in peak shift were attributed to the ionic bonding of the complexation of Fe(III) with the blending of benzaldehyde to chitosan – Tpp backbone structure. Fe(III) chitosan nanoparticle Schiff base has more antimicrobial activity against same bacteria and fungi tested than Fe(III) chitosan n – benzaldehyde Schiff base, chitosan n – benzaldehyde Schiff base and chitosan. The antimicrobial activities of the synthesised six materials shown that the materials have high activities than the above – mentioned standard drugs.
Updates about Wilms' Tumor: Pathogenesis, and New Possible Treatments of the Most Frequent Pediatric Urogenital Cancer
Authors: Perrotta Giulio , Castellani Daniele
Published: July 2023

Background: Wilms' tumor (or nephroblastoma) is a malignant and solid neoplasm that derives from the primitive renal bud. It represents the most frequent primary tumor of the urogenital tract in childhood, and treatment consists of surgery and chemo-radiotherapy. However, concerning the quality of life, the new therapeutic frontier is exploring other safer and potentially more effective options, such as minimally invasive surgery and biological drugs. Method: Literature (Pubmed) from January 2013 to March 2023 was reviewed. Results: One hundred five articles were included in the review. Conclusion: In addition to the therapeutic strategies already identified, such as classic surgery and pharmacological therapies, recent studies focus attention on the new frontiers of minimally invasive surgery, such as diagnostics using biomarkers and immunotherapy, which could represent a new therapeutic option and possibly less risky than in the past, contributing in fact to the current knowledge of the scientific panorama in terms of "tumor microenvironment" and systemic implications deriving from oncological disease.
Variational Mode Decomposition for Raman Spectral Denoising
Authors: Bian Xihui , Shi Zitong , Shao Yingjie , Chu Yuanyuan , Tan Xiaoyao
Published: July 2023

As a fast and nondestructive spectroscopic analysis technique, Raman spectroscopy has been widely applied in chemistry. However, noise is usually unavoidable in Raman spectra. Hence, denoising is an important step before Raman spectral analysis. A novel spectral denoising method based on variational mode decomposition (VMD) was introduced to solve the above problem. The spectrum is decomposed into a series of modes (uk) by VMD. Then, the high frequency noise modes are removed and the remaining modes are reconstructed to obtain the denoised spectrum. The proposed method was verified by two artificial noised signals and two actual Raman spectra. As comparison, empirical mode decomposition (EMD), Savitzky-Golay (SG) smoothing and discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) are also investigated. At the same time, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was introduced as evaluation indicators to verify the performance of the proposed method. The results show that compared with EMD, VMD can significantly improve mode mixing and endpoint effect. Some information of the small sharp peak is lost after VMD denoising. However, VMD lost fewer information than that of EMD, SG smoothing and DWT. Moreover, the Raman spectrum by VMD denoising is more excellent than that of EMD, SG smoothing and DWT in terms of visualization and SNR. Therefore, VMD provides superior denoising capabilities for Raman spectra.
Chitosan Membranes for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Applications
Authors: Nemavhola Fulufhelo , Modau Livhuwani , Sigwadi Rudzani , Mokrani Mouhumi
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to identify the steps involved in fabricating silica/chitosan composite membranes and their suitability in fuel cell application. It also intends to identify the physical characteristics of chitosan composite membranes, including their degree of water absorption, proton conductivity, methanol permeability, and functional groups. In this investigation, composite membranes were fabricated using the solution casting method with chitosan content of 5 g and silica variations dosage of 2% and 4% while stirring at a constant speed for 2h. According to the findings, the analysis of composite membranes produced chitosan membranes that were successfully modified with silica. The optimum membrane was found to be 4% s-SiO2 from the Sol-gel method with composite membrane's optimal condition of 0.234 cm/s proton conductivity, water uptake of 56.21%, and reduced methanol permeability of 0.99 × 10 -7 cm2/s in the first 30 minutes and 3.31 × 10-7 in the last 150 minutes. Maintaining lower water uptake capacity at higher silica content is still a challenge that needs to be addressed. However, the fabricated membranes showed exceptional results in terms of proton conductivity and methanol permeability.
Reducing Rebar-Cutting Waste and Rebar Usage of Beam: A Two-stage Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Widjaja Daniel Darma , Kim Sunkuk
Published: July 2023

The extensive utilization of rebar during the construction of the project generates immense rebar waste, leading to increased construction costs and significant greenhouse gas emissions. Various approaches have been explored focusing on the minimization of rebar-cutting waste, such as optimizing cutting patterns, lap splice position, and special-length rebar utilization. Nonetheless, reducing rebar usage by minimizing the number of splices remains uninvestigated. In response to these issues, a two-stage optimization algorithm was developed, prioritizing special-length rebar to achieve near-zero rebar-cutting waste of less than 1% and concurrently reduce rebar usage, thereby promoting sustainable construction practices. The two-stage algorithm presented in this study involves the optimization of the lap splice position for the continuous rebar with a reduction of splices number. Furthermore, it integrates a special-length minimization algorithm for the additional rebars. Applying the algorithm to beam structures in a small-sized factory building project led to a notable reduction of 29.624 tons of rebar, equivalent to 12.31% of the total purchased quantity. Greenhouse gas emissions were reduced by 102.68 tons, and associated costs decreased by USD 30,256. A rebar-cutting waste of 0.99% which is near zero was achieved. These findings highlight the significant potential of the proposed algorithm in reducing rebar waste and facilitating sustainable construction practices. In addition, the application of the proposed algorithm in reinforced concrete construction projects will amplify the associated advantages accordingly.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in the ATRA/ATO Era
Authors: Colita Andrei , Tanase Alina Daniela , Tomuleasa Ciprian , Colita Anca
Published: July 2023

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) currently represents one of the malignant hemopathies with the best therapeutic responses following the introduction of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and later of arsenic trioxide (ATO) treatment. As a result, patients with APL achieve long-term responses in a large proportion after first-line therapy, so that performing hematopoietic stem cell transplant as consolidation of first complete remission is no longer necessary. Even in the case of relapses, most patients obtain a new remission thanks to the therapy with ATO and ATRA, but to maintain it, a consolidation treatment as effective as possible is necessary. The experience accumulated from studies published in the last two decades shows the effectiveness of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in improving the evolution of patients who achieve a new complete re-mission. Thus, the recommendations of expert groups indicate transplantation as consolidation therapy in patients with a second complete remission with the mention of the use of autologous HSCT in cases with complete molecular remission and allogeneic HSCT for patients with the persistence of minimal residual disease or early relapse. However, there is a variety of contro-versial aspects related to the role of HSCT in APL, from obtaining outcome data almost exclusively from retrospective studies and historical analyzes to questions related to the type of transplanta-tion, the impact of minimal residual disease, conditioning regimens, or the role of other thera-peutic options. All these questions justify the performance of controlled prospective studies in the following years.
Microbiota Modulation: Examining the Effects on Pathogen Colonization and Infection
Authors: Patil Abhinandan , Singh Neha
Published: July 2023

The trillions of bacteria that live in and on our bodies make up the human microbiota, which is a very important part of keeping us healthy and protecting us from pathogenic infections. Dysbiosis is when there are changes in the composition and variety of the microbiota. This can upset the delicate balance between the host and its microbes, making the host more vulnerable to pathogens. Understanding the complicated link between microbiota and pathogens is important for coming up with effective ways to change microbiota and boost the body's defenses against infections. This study looks at how microbiota modulation affects the spread of pathogens and infections. It talks about how the makeup of microbiota affects how susceptible you are to pathogens. It shows how a healthy microbiota can protect you by making it hard for pathogens to grow and take over. The review also goes into detail about how the microbiota protects against pathogens, such as through competitive exclusion, the production of antimicrobial compounds, and the regulation of immune reactions. The study also looks at the idea of dysbiosis and how it is linked to pathogenic shifts. Disruptions in the microbiota can make it easier for pathogens to grow and make it harder for the host to fight off infections. It focuses on the need to recover microbial balance to improve the host's defenses and lower risks caused by pathogens. There is also talk about the use of probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) as ways to change the microbiome. The goal of these interventions is to restore the diversity and function of microbes, improve the integrity of barriers, and boost the immune system's reaction to pathogens. The review shows how these methods could be used to change the microbiota and make it easier for the body to fight off infections. In conclusion, knowing how the microbiota and pathogens work together in a complicated way can help a lot when it comes to making specific interventions for microbiota modulation. Strategies that restore the balance of microbes and boost the host's defenses could stop pathogens from taking over and making people sick. More study needs to be done in this area to improve therapeutic approaches and use the microbiota to its fullest extent to fight infectious diseases.
Study on Rolling Defects of Al-Mg Alloys with High Mg Content at Normal Rolling and Cross-Rolling Processes
Authors: Lim Seong-Sik , Hong Jae-Pyo , Kim Min-Ki , Park Young-Chul , Lee Sang-Mok , Cho Dae-Yeon , Cho Chang-Hee
Published: July 2023

This study investigated defect formation and strain distribution in high Mg content Al-Mg alloys during normal rolling and cross-rolling processes. The finite element analysis (FEA) revealed the presence of wave defects and strain localization-induced zipper cracks in normal cold rolling, which were confirmed by experimental results. The concentration of shear strain played a significant role in crack formation and propagation. However, the influence of wave defects was minimal in the cross-rolling process, which exhibited a relatively uniform strain distribution. Nonetheless, strain concentration at the edge and center regions led to the formation of zipper cracks and edge cracks, with more pronounced propagation observed in the experiments compared to FEA predictions. Furthermore, texture evolution was found to be a crucial factor affecting crack propagation, particularly with the development of the Goss texture component which is observed by electron backscattered diffraction analysis at bending points. The Goss texture hindered crack propagation, while the Brass texture allowed cracks to pass through. This phenomenon was consistent with both FEA and experimental observations. To mitigate edge crack formation and propagation, potential strategies involve promoting the formation of the Goss texture at the edge through alloy and process conditions, as well as implementing intermediate annealing to alleviate stress accumulation. These measures can enhance the overall quality and reliability of Al-Mg alloys during cross-rolling processes. In summary, understanding the mechanisms of defect formation and strain distribution in Al-Mg alloys during rolling processes is crucial for optimizing their mechanical properties. The findings of this study provide insights into the challenges associated with wave defects, strain localization, and crack propagation. Future research and optimization efforts should focus on implementing strategies to minimize defects and improve the overall quality of Al-Mg alloys in industrial applications.
Brown Tumour in Chronic Kidney Disease: Revisiting an Old Disease with a New Perspective
Authors: Santoso Djoko , Thata Mochammad , Empitu Maulana A. , Kadariswantiningsih Ika Nindya , Suryantoro Satriyo Dwi , Haryati Mutiara Rizki , Hertanto Desca Medika , Pramudya Dana , Bintoro S. Ugroseno Yudho , Nasronudin N. , Alsagaff Mochamad Yusuf , Susilo Hendri , Kencono Wungu Citrawati Dyah , Budhiparama Nicolaas C. , Hogendoorn Pancras C.W.
Published: July 2023

Osteitis fibrosa cystica (OFC) and Brown Tumour are two related but distinct types of bone lesions that result from overactivity of osteoclasts most often associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Despite their potential consequences, these conditions are poorly understood because of their rare prevalence and variability in their clinical manifestation. Canonically, OFC and Brown Tumours are caused by secondary hyperparathyroidism in CKD. Recent literature showed that multiple factors such as hyperactivation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and chronic inflammation may also contribute to the occurrence of these diseases through osteoclast activation. Moreover, hotspot KRAS mutations were identified in these lesions placing them in the spectrum of RAS-MAPK-driven neoplasms, while until recently thought to be reactive lesions. Some risk factors contributed to the occurrence of OFC and Brown Tumour such as age, gender, comorbidities, and certain medications. The diagnosis of OFC and Brown Tumour includes clinical symptoms involving chronic bone pain and laboratory finding of hyperparathyroidism. In radiological imaging, the X-ray and Computed tomography (CT) scan could show lytic or multi-lobular cystic alterations. Histologically both lesions are characterized by clustered osteoclast in a fibrotic hemorrhagic background. Based on the latest understanding of the mechanism of OFC, this review elaborates on the manifestation, diagnosis, and available therapies that can be leveraged to prevent the occurrence of OFC and Brown Tumour.
Quantifying the Nonadiabaticity Strength Constant in Recently Discovered Highly-Compressed Superconductor
Authors: Talantsev Evgeny F.
Published: July 2023

Superconductivity in highly-pressurized hydrides became primary direction for the exploration of fundamental upper limit for the superconducting transition temperature, Tc, after Drozdov et al (Nature 2015, 525, 73) discovered superconducting state with Tc=203 K in highly-compressed sulphur hydride. To date several dozens of high-temperature superconducting polyhydrides have been discovered and, recently, it was reported that highly-compressed titanium and scandium exhibit record-high Tc (up to 36 K), which is by manifold exceeded Tc=9.2 K of niobium, which is the record high-Tc ambient pressure metallic superconductor. Here we analysed experimental data on for recently discovered high-pressure superconductors (which exhibit high transition temperatures within their classes): elemental titanium (Zhang et al, Nature Communications 2022; Liu et al, Phys. Rev. B 2022), TaH3 (He et al, Chinese Phys. Lett. 2023), LaBeH8 (Song et al, Phys. Rev. Lett. 2023), and black (Li et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. 2018) and violet (Wu et al, arXiv 2023) phosphorous, to reveal the nonadiabaticity strength constant, TθTF (where Tθ is the Debye temperature, and TF the Fermi temperature) in these superconductors. The analysis showed that δ-phase of titanium and black phosphorous exhibit the Tθ/TF which are nearly identical to ones associated in A15 superconductors, while studied hydrides and violet phosphorous exhibit the constants in the same ballpark with H3S and LaH10.
The Role of Chronic Fatigue in Patients with Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Włodarczyk Marcin , Makaro Adam , Prusisz Mateusz , Włodarczyk Jakub , Nowocień Marta , Maryńczak Kasper , Fichna Jakub , Dziki Łukasz
Published: July 2023

Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic, relapsing disorder belonging to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). It is manifested by relapsing transmural inflammation found in any segment of the gastrointestinal tract. Chronic fatigue is a common and underrecognized symptom of CD, which prevalence is much higher in the population of CD patients as compared to healthy population. It stems from an intricate web of interactions between various risk factors, and its pathophysiology is still not fully understood. Implementation of routine screening and holistic, multidisciplinary approach involving psychological support may be crucial in management of CD patients with chronic fatigue. There is currently no single intervention aimed at decreasing fatigue alone, and its treatment is especially difficult in patients with fatigue persisting despite clinical and endoscopic remission. Extensive research is still needed in order to be able to predict, prevent, identify and ultimately treat fatigue associated with CD. The aim of this review is to summarize the knowledge on the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic fatigue in CD patients.
High-Sensitivity Seismometer Development for Lunar Applications
Authors: De Paula Leandro , Norton Ronald , Paik Ho Jung , Schmerr Nicholas , Williamson Roger , Chui Talso , Inseob Hahn
Published: July 2023

Lunar seismology is a critical area of research, providing insights into the Moon's internal structure, composition, and thermal history, as well as informing the design of safe and resilient habitats for future human settlements. This paper presents the development of a state-of-the-art, three-axis broadband seismometer with a low frequency range of 0.001-1 Hz and a target sensitivity over an order of magnitude greater than previous Apollo-era instruments. The paper details the design, assembly, methodology and test results. We compare the acceleration noise of our prototype and commercial seismometers across all three axes. Increasing the test mass and reducing its natural frequency may further improve performance. These advancements in seismometer technology hold promise for enhancing our understanding of the Moon's and other celestial bodies' internal structures, and for informing the design of future landed missions to ocean worlds.