bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of prognostic nomogram in pediatric melanoma: a population-based study
Authors: Zhang Saichun , Liu Zixiang , Zhu Dongsheng
Published: May 2024

Purpose: The aim of the study is to use the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database to develop a useful clinical nomogram that uses prognosis prediction for pediatric melanoma patients.
Methods: We obtained clinical information on pediatric melanoma patients from the SEER database between 2000 and 2018. Each patient was split into a training cohort or a validation cohort at random. Results between various subgroups were compared using Kaplan-Meier analyses. We created a nomogram to calculate the probability of survival for pediatric patients with melanoma. The performance of nomograms was assessed using calibration and discrimination. To assess the clinical use of this newly created model, decision curve analysis was also performed.
Results: In this study, a total of 890 eligible patients were chosen at random and allocated to 70% of training cohorts (n =623) and 30% of validation cohorts (n = 267). After applying the chosen various components to create a nomogram, validated indexes showed that the nomogram had a strong capacity for discrimination. The training set's and validation set's C-index values were 0.817 and 0.832, respectively. The calibration plots demonstrated a strong correlation between the observation and the forecast. The model has a good clinical net benefit for pediatric melanoma patients, according to the clinical decision curve.
Conclusion: We created an effective survival prediction model for pediatric melanoma. This nomogram is accurate and useful for clinical decision-making. Still, more external confirmation is required.
Early-Life Milk Replacer Feeding Mediate Lipid Metabolism Disorders Induced by Colonic Microbiota and Bile Acid Profiles to Reduce Body Weight in Goat model
Authors: Zhang Ke , Zhang Ting , Guo Mengmeng , Cuoji Awang , Xu Yangbin , Zhao Yitong , Yang Yuxin , Brugger Daniel , Wang Xiaolong , Suo Langda , Wu Yujiang , Chen Yulin
Published: May 2024

Background Dysregulation of lipid metabolism and its consequences on growth performance in young ruminants have attracted attention, especially in the context of alternative feeding strategies. This study aims to elucidate the effects of milk replacer (MR) feeding on growth, lipid metabolism, colonic epithelial gene expression, colonic microbiota composition and systemic metabolism in goat kids compared to breast milk (BM) feeding, addressing a critical knowledge gap in early life nutrition.Methods Ten female goat kids were divided into two groups: those fed breast milk (BM group) and those fed a milk replacer (MR group). Over a period of 28 d, body weight was monitored and blood and tissue samples were collected for biochemical, transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses. Profiling of the colonial microbiota was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Intestinal microbiota transplantation (IMT) experiments in gnotobiotic mice were performed to validate causality.Results MR-fed pups exhibited reduced daily body-weight gain due to impaired lipid metabolism as evidenced by lower serum and liver total cholesterol (TC) and non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA) concentrations. Transcriptomic analysis of the colonic epithelium revealed upregulated genes involved in negative regulation of lipid metabolism, concomitant with microbiota shifts characterized by a decrease in Firmicutes and an increase in Actinobacteria. Specifically, genera such as Bifidobacterium and Prevotella were enriched in the MR group, while Clostridium and Faecalibacterium were depleted. Metabolomics analyses confirmed alterations in bile acid and fatty acid metabolic pathways. IMT experiments in mice recapitulated the metabolic phenotype observed in MR-fed goats, confirming the role of the microbiota in modulating host lipid metabolism.Conclusions Milk replacer feeding in goat kids disrupts lipid metabolism and gut microbiota dynamics, resulting in reduced growth rates and metabolic alterations. These findings highlight the importance of early nutritional intervention on metabolic programming and suggest that modulation of the gut microbiota may be a target for improving growth and metabolic health in ruminants. This study contributes to the understanding of nutritional management strategies in livestock and their impact on animal health and productivity.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived S100A8 facilitates leukemia stem cell maintenance via TLR4/PI3K/Akt signaling
Authors: Zhou Fuling , Liu Xiaoyan , Wu Jinxian , Li Xinqi , Pan Ruiyang , Liu Li , Huang Tingting , Ma Linlu , Chen Guopeng , Wang Qian , Zhang Nan , Tong Xiqin , Tan Yuxin , Jiang Hongqiang , Liang Yuxing , Shen Min , Liu Junyi , Li Ruihang , Yin Wanyue , Zhang Xian
Published: May 2024

The role of microenvironmental inflammation in the regulation of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and stressed hematopoiesis is significant, though the molecular mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we found that MSCs in a leukemic microenvironment had dysregulated expression of the inflammatory cytokine S100A8. Upregulating S100A8 in MSCs increased the proliferation and chemoresistance of AML cells in vitro. In contrast, removing S100A8 from MSCs in the murine MLL-AF9 AML model resulted in longer survival and less infiltration of leukemia cells and leukemic stem cells (LSCs). S100A8 binds to the TLR4 receptor on leukemia cells, which activates the PI3K/Akt pathway. In addition, removing S100A8 from MSCs causes a temporary increase in their quantity, followed by a decline in hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in mice exposed to stressful environments. Furthermore, the absence of S100A8 alters the properties of MSCs, impairing their ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and decreasing the expression of osteopontin, which is required to support HSCs. Our findings highlight the importance of MSC-derived S100A8 in promoting the maintenance of LSCs while impeding the maintenance of HSCs, providing new insights into the potential for the management of AML and hematopoietic regeneration.
Complex congenital heart disease with asplenia syndrome associated in a 6-year-old boy: a case report
Authors: Wang Junna , Zheng Hao , Fu Fengli , Yang Jiahu
Published: May 2024

Background
Asplenia syndrome is a rare complex congenital malformation characterized by structural and malposition of the thoracic and abdominal organs, and severe cardiovascular malformations. This abnormal incidence is relatively low, clinically rare and easy to be misdiagnosed as multiple organ malformations.
Case Presentation:
We presented a case of the coexistence of multiple congenital anomalies in a 6-year-old boy who suffered growth retardation and severe cyanosis. The results of cardiac ultrasound suggested that the boy suffers from complex congenital heart disease. CT angiography was performed to further assess the macrovascular and cardiac anatomy. In addition to the congenital spleen hypoplasia absence and abnormal structure and position of the thoracic and abdominal organs, the imaging also showed that the great vessel was completely transposed, with complete atrioventricular common channel and multiple venous ectopic drainage. Furthermore, the results were confirmed after the surgery.
Conclusions
Knowledge of this rare combination will be helpful in the differential diagnosis of asplenia syndrome congenital heart disease and assist the surgeon in treatment planning. CT imaging with ECG gating technology provides a reliable basis for the definitive diagnosis and pre-operative evaluation of such patients, especially for pre-operative preparation.
Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Nets use in Cameroon: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: TAMGNO Eric DEFO , Tsapi Armand Tiotsa , Fossi Martin , Nguefack-Tsague Georges , Ethgen Olivier , Sobze Martin Sanou
Published: May 2024

Background: Malaria remains a significant public health concern globally, particularly in the WHO African Region, where Cameroon is among the countries bearing a high burden of the disease. In Cameroon, malaria is highly endemic, with millions of cases and thousands of deaths recorded annually. Insecticide-treated mosquito nets (ITNs) are a crucial preventive measure against malaria, yet their ownership, utilization, and physical condition in Cameroon require evaluation.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in five regions of Cameroon, and data were collected through semiopen questionnaires from November 2020 to June 2022. The study assessed sociodemographic characteristics, ITN ownership and usage, and the physical integrity of ITNs. The proportionate hole index (pHI) was calculated to evaluate the ITN conditions. Malaria incidence was determined using rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), and logistic regression analysis was performed to identify factors associated with ITN utilization.
Results: Among the 1719 participants, the sex distribution was balanced, with the majority aged 31 to 40 years. Awareness of malaria was high, with 100% familiarity with the disease. However, only 28.8% mentioned the use of ITN for prevention. The ITN possession rate was 66.55%, with 82% acquired through government-led campaigns. Only 65.91% of the ITN owners slept under one the previous night. Reasons for nonusage included heat (71.02%) and suffocation (24.90%). Physical integrity assessment revealed that only 34.97% of the ITNs were in good condition, emphasizing the need for proper maintenance.
The malaria incidencewas 25.54%, with a significant association between ITN ownership and lower malaria positivity. Factors influencing ITN usage included region, sex, number of ITNs, pHI, and recent malaria experience.
Conclusion: This study underscores the importance of addressing barriers to consistent ITN usage and maintaining physical integrity. Health education programs should emphasize ITN effectiveness and proper care, particularly targeting regions with lower utilization rates. Additionally, interventions should consider sex, household characteristics, and recent malaria episodes when promoting ITN usage. By addressing these factors, Cameroon can enhance overall ITN utilization and contribute to reducing the burden of malaria on vulnerable populations.
Adsorption of fluorine from lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater by aluminum modified zeolite
Authors: Gong Huichun , Zhou Yipeng , Ke Pingchao , Xu Lingling , He Guang , Jian Peng
Published: May 2024

Fluoride contamination is a serious environmental problem in lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater. The treatment of the fluoride-bearing wastewater is facing a great challenge due to the presence of co-existed ions including lithium (Li+), rubidium (Rb+), silicate (SiO32−), sulfate radical (SO42−) and so on. However, aluminum-modified zeolite (Al@zeolite) of sufficient hydroxyl group and high adaptability have exhibited unique advantages for fluoride elimination from lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater. Al@zeolite was prepared on natural zeolite by an atmospheric process, and it was then used for the adsorption of fluorine from fluoride bearing wastewater produced by lepidolite hydrometallurgy process. The results of material characterization confirmed the successful immobilization of aluminum within the zeolite pores, and indicating the formation of zeolite-Al-OH. The zeolite host significantly enhanced the chemical stability of Al@zeolite against pH changes with a wide pH of 2.0–10.0. The adsorbent possessed a surface area of 33.46 m2/g and demonstrated excellent capacity and selectivity for fluoride adsorption. It is pertinent to mention that maximum adsorption of 98.6% has been observed with a pH value of 6.0 with 20 min time duration with fluoride dosage of 20 mg/L, and the equilibrium concentration dwindled to 0.4 mg/L. The results of fluorine adsorption showed that fluoride uptake onto Al@zeolite agreed well with the pseudo-first-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm model. The reusability of the substance was evaluated for up to eight cycles following consecutive regeneration with 0.2 mol/L AlCl3. The exhausted Al@zeolite was effectively regenerated through a simple alkaline treatment for recycling. The above results verified that Al@zeolite is a new kind of efficient defluoridation adsorbent for lepidolite hydrometallurgy wastewater with practical application prospect.
Assessing Diagnostic Accuracy and Viability of AI-Assisted Tuberculosis Detection in Northern Indian Healthcare Facilities: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Nath Alok , Hashim Zia , Shukla Saumya , Poduvattil Prasanth Areekkara , Singh Manika , Misra Nikhil , Shukla Ankit
Published: May 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality among infectious diseases globally. Effectively managing TB requires early identification of high-risk individuals. Resource-constrained settings often lack skilled professionals for interpreting chest X-rays (CXRs) used in TB diagnosis. To address this challenge, we developed “DecXpert” a novel Computer-Aided Detection (CAD) software solution based on deep neural networks for early TB diagnosis from CXRs, aiming to detect subtle abnormalities that may be overlooked by human interpretation alone.
This study was conducted on the largest cohort size to date, where the performance of a CAD software (DecXpert) was validated against the gold standard molecular diagnostic technique, GeneXpert MTB/RIF, analyzing data from 4,363 individuals across 12 primary health care centers and one tertiary hospital in North India. DecXpert demonstrated 88% sensitivity (95% CI: 0.85-0.93) and 85% specificity (95% CI: 0.82-0.91) for active TB detection. Incorporating demographics, DecXpert achieved an area under the curve of 0.91 (95% CI: 0.88-0.94), indicating robust diagnostic performance.
Our findings establish DecXpert's potential as an accurate, efficient AI solution for early identification of active TB cases. Deployed as a screening tool in resource-limited settings, DecXpert could enable identifying high-risk individuals and facilitate effective TB management where skilled radiological interpretation is limited.
Analysis of a Mobile App in a Smoke-Quitting Program
Authors: Pifarré Marc , Solsona Francesc , Vilaplana Jordi , Abella Francesc
Published: May 2024

Currently, a multitude of smoking cessation applications exists, a significant portion of which functions as self-help tools without specialized assistance. This study presents a thorough five-year examination, delving into the impact of the TControl application on augmenting patients' success rates in smoking cessation.TControl, a monitoring and support application for non-smoking patients, has undergone iterative enhancements from its inception, concentrating on refining its user interface, support messages, and integration with social networks. Subsequently, a comprehensive 5-year cohort study was conducted to assess the impact of the application to the smoking cessation program. Patients underwent regular weekly monitoring through spirometry tests to detect potential relapses.Throughout these five years, the cohort experienced consistent fluctuations, leading to variable patient numbers annually. Within these cohorts, distinct program states were identified as Treating, Relapse/Abandon, and Success. Analysis of the five-year observation period unveiled that TControl program participation, initially lower than the traditional program in 2018 (TControl: 13.2% - Traditional: 86.8%), steadily rose to 50.5% in TControl and 49.5% in the Traditional group by 2022. Crucially, these trends resulted in favorable outcomes, as demonstrated by sustained patient adherence, contributing to an average 7.48% reduction in relapses compared to the traditional method.In conclusion, a marked enhancement in the performance of the TControl group compared to the traditional group is evident. The TControl group displayed a higher success rate, indicative of a positive trajectory in smoking cessation outcomes.
Levels of knowledge and beliefs of osteoporosis among Moroccan women over 18 years old living in Casablanca
Authors: BERKCHI J. MOULAY , TAHRI D. , FEJRY K. , BELKHADIR S. , ACHEMLAL L.
Published: May 2024

Goals: Osteoporosis is a common, silent disease that can be diagnosed and prevented before fractures occur. The aim of this study is to get closer to the beliefs and knowledge of Moroccan women over 18 years old living in Casablanca, to convey the impact of osteoporosis and to target the information to be developed during future awareness campaigns. Methods and patients: The survey was conducted by the Rheumatology department at the Cheikh Khalifa International University Hospital in Casablanca among a population aged 18 and over to determine their levels of knowledge and beliefs about osteoporosis. A questionnaire was carried out with the aim of distinguishing gaps in knowledge but also popular beliefs limiting good understanding. Results: A total of 322 participants were included. Their ages ranged from 19 to 86 years, with a mean of 39.39 ± 15.34 years. The educational level of the study group was mainly university (54%), with (86%) coming from an urban environment. 96% of participants were familiar with the term osteoporosis without any correlation with age, level of education or place of residence (p-value was 0.976, 0.447, 0.423 respectively). The primary source of information was family and neighborhood in 59%. The group from the urban area was more educated, particularly regarding diagnosis (85%). The salary status of the participants was between 3000 and 10000 Moroccan dirhams for 54% of the participants, however 57% considered the therapeutic arsenal expensive, and was in no way correlated with monthly income. In terms of vitamin-calcium intake, 25% took calcium supplementation and 54% took vitamin D supplementation. 90% of our participants mentioned the preponderant role of calcium and vitamin intake in preserving bone health. Vitamin D deficiency, rheumatic and endocrine history, early menopause, and smoking represented the popular beliefs most involved in the occurrence of osteoporosis with rates of 90%, 86%, 78% and 60% respectively. The major impact of osteoporosis represented by the risk of fracture and the disability caused were part of the achievements with spectacular rates of 97% and 95% respectively. Conclusion: Better understanding leads to early diagnosis and better management. Our approach through this survey is to process current information on osteoporosis to amplify the impact of awareness campaigns.
Patients’ motives and considerations on treatment decision-making for heavy menstrual bleeding: a qualitative study
Authors: Oderkerk T.J. , Singotani R.G. , Zuidema L. , Hijden E.J.E. , Geomini P.M.A.J. , Bongers M.Y. , Donker M.H.
Published: May 2024

Background
Several treatment modalities for heavy menstrual bleeding are available. However, many women report being unsatisfied in their search for an appropriate and effective treatment. The aim of this study is to gain insights in the experienced impact of HMB and the motives and considerations of women during the decision-making process for different treatment options for heavy menstrual bleeding.
Methods
An interpretative qualitative study was performed, using in-depth interviews. In total, 14 semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who consulted a physician for treatment of heavy menstrual bleeding. Participants were recruited via the Dutch Patient Federation (N = 10) or via the outpatient clinic in the Máxima Medical Centre (N = 4). The interviews were conducted by phone or online between February 2020 and March 2021. In the interviews three topics were addressed: 1) participants experience with heavy menstrual bleeding, 2) patient experience with treatment journey and 3) elaborating on alternative treatments for heavy menstrual bleeding. A thematic content analysis was conducted.
Results
Fourteen participants aged between 30 and 59 years old were interviewed. Three main themes emerged; “Considerations in taking the first step to seek help”, “Various sources of information can contribute, confuse or frighten decision-making process” and “A physician’s support and understanding is needed to guide the decision-making process”.
Conclusion
Our results show that women's considerations and decision making strongly depend on the obtained information and experience, the relationship with the physician, the influence of the social environment, the pre-visit expectations/ desires, the fear of treatment complications and uncertainty of the effect of the treatment. It’s a physicians roll to create a trusting and open atmosphere during consultation. Patient-centered communication is helpful to share knowledge, and gain inside into a patient’s hopes, fears and worries.
Simple and Fast Modelling of Radio Frequency Passives in View of Beyond-5G and 6G Applications – Case Study of an RF-MEMS Multi-State Network Described by an Equivalent Lumped Element Network
Authors: Iannacci Jacopo , Tagliapietra Girolamo , Marinković Zlatica , Guha Koushik , Karumuri Srinivasa Rao , Chiele Irene Dal , Donelli Massimo
Published: May 2024

The utilization of RF-MEMS, which stands for Microsystem-based (MEMS) Radio Frequency (RF) passive components, is garnering growing attention within the realm of Beyond-5G (B5G) and 6G technologies, despite its longstanding existence. This trend is fueled by the impressive RF characteristics achievable through the judicious exploitation of this technology. However, the complex interplay of various physical phenomena in RF-MEMS, spanning mechanical, electrical, and electromagnetic domains, renders the design and optimization of new configurations challenging. In this study, a modeling approach based on Lumped Element Networks (LEN) is employed to accurately predict the Scattering Parameters (S-parameters) characteristics of multi-state and highly reconfigurable RF-MEMS devices. The device under scrutiny is a multi-state RF step power attenuator, previously fabricated, tested, and documented in literature by the principal author. Although these physical devices exhibit flat attenuation characteristics, they are subject to certain non-idealities inherent to the technology. The refined LEN-based methodology presented herein aims to interpret and incorporate such undesirable parasitic effects to provide precise predictions for real RF-MEMS devices. Two custom metrics, referred to as Percent Magnitude Difference (PMD) and Percent Phase Difference (PPD), are utilized to evaluate the accuracy of the LEN model, revealing differences consistently within 1% and 8%, respectively, across a frequency range spanning from 100 MHz to 13.5 GHz.
Optimal investment, consumption and life insurance problem with labour income and jump-diffusion model
Authors: Jere Stanley , Mukupa George , Offen Elias Rabson
Published: May 2024

Optimal investment, consumption and life insurance control problem with labour income and jump-diffusion model for a CRRA wage earner is solved in this study. The wage earner invest in thefinancial market with one bond, two stocks, receive labor income and has a life insurance policy resulting toan incomplete market. The two stocks are described by jump-diffusion processes. Investors are concernedwith sudden breaks or jumps in the dynamics of the risky securities. We investigates optimal investmentconsumption-insurance premium strategies that maximize the expected utility of consumption, legacy andterminal wealth under jump-diffusion models. A life insurance policy is purchased in order to hedge thefinancial wealth for the beneficiary in case of wage earner premature death. By applying Martingale approach,we prove the existence of optimal controls and optimal martingale measure
Adjoint-based shape optimization for compressible flow based on volume penalization method
Authors: Liu Ming , Hasegawa Yosuke
Published: May 2024

Reducing the resistance of compressible flow around a blunt body is of great interest in engineering applications, while an efficient shape optimization method for compressible flows remains far from well established, especially for high Mach numbers. To this end, a volume penalization method for simulating compressible flows past a no-slip and isothermal solid is established by introducing an artificial body force and a heat sink into the governing equations. The level-set functions are introduced as design variables, and the cost functional is defined as the total drag acting on the solid. Then, a continuous adjoint-based shape optimization algorithm for drag reduction is developed by deriving the adjoint equations, the adjoint boundary conditions, and the shape update formula. Both the forward and adjoint simulations are verified by existing studies. The results show that the relative deviations of the drag coefficients obtained in the present study from those reported in the reference studies are around 5% at most, and also a comparable drag reduction rate and also optimal shapes can be reproduced by the present optimization scheme for benchmark problems at relatively low Mach numbers considered in previous studies. Finally, the present method is applied to shape optimization of an initially two-dimensional cylinder and also a three-dimensional sphere in the transonic regime of Ma∞ = 1.2. The drag reduction of over 20% is achieved for both two-dimensional and three-dimensional cases.
An innovative seismo-petrophysical characterization of a turbidite sand in the Nam Con Son Basin, using permeability-linked adapted rock physics template (K-ARPT) with reference to gas exploration and carbon storage
Authors: Giao P. H. , Hien D. H. , Trang P. H. , Ngoc P. Q. , Dung B. V. , Man H. Q. , Phuong B. T. N.
Published: May 2024

The MMF30 sand in the Hai Thach-Moc Tinh (HT-MT) field, located in the Nam Con Son basin (NCSB) offshore Southern Vietnam, is a significant gas condensate-producing reservoir. However, its deep depth and complex, highly-cemented nature pose unique challenges for reservoir characterization. Due to the limited availability of well log data over a large area, seismo-petrophysical characterization of this turbidite sand is particularly challenging. With the declining gas production observed in many fields in the NCSB since 2018 one needs to explore more hydrocarbon reservoirs. Moreover, in line with the ongoing global energy transition, there is a growing interest in carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), which would involve injection of carbon dioxide (CO2) into depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or deep saline aquifers. For the latter, reservoir characterization efforts must pay a particular attention to mapping the highly permeabley zones within the depleted reservoir that are pertinent for CCS. In this study, we successfully conducted a comprehensive seismo-petrophysical characterization of the MMF30 sand. This was achieved by integrating core testing, well log analysis, machine learning-assisted prediction of permeability, construction of a new Permeability-linked Adapted Rock Physics Template (K-ARPT), and prestack seismic inversion techniques. By combining these methodologies, we were able to address the challenge of characterizing highly-cemented turbidite sands for augmented gas exploration, optimal gas production and potential carbon injection and storage in the near future.
Socio-economic, environmental and health trade-offs in Bangladesh’s food system transformation
Authors: de Lange Thijs , Dijk Michiel van , Kuiper Marijke , Zeist Willem-Jan van , Bartelings Heleen , Mizan Arefin , Meijl Hans van
Published: May 2024

The transition to healthier diets might be accompanied by trade-offs that occur in other parts of the food system. In this study the trade-offs between socio-economic, environmental, and health indicators were analyzed in different dietary scenarios for Bangladesh between 2022 and 2050. We used a global economic simulation model with updated national food consumption data, extended with a footprint module to track environmental impacts through the food value chain in Bangladesh and its trading partners. The study compares a business-as-usual (BAU) diet with the EAT-Lancet diet and the Bangladesh food-based dietary guidelines (FBDG). The BAU diet has a higher intake of animal products and sugar, and a lower intake of vegetables, fruits, legumes and nuts than the EAT-Lancet and FBDG diets. It was found that promoting a diet with more plant-based proteins would have a strong positive impact on dietary health and an overall positive impact on the environment compared to the BAU scenario, due to the reduced impact of animal protein production on greenhouse gas emissions and the reduced impact of rice production on water use and nitrogen application. In addition, the transition to sustainable and healthy diets had minor impacts on the wages of low-skilled workers, Bangladesh’s self-sufficiency, and the affordability of food and cereals. In particular, the FDBG diet scenario scored best on self-sufficiency and cereal affordability compared to the other two scenarios, and the increase in low-skilled wages was comparable to the BAU diet scenario.
DC-Net: A Distant-range Content Interaction Network for Radio Map Construction
Authors: QiChen  , Yang Jingjing , Huang Ming
Published: May 2024

The Radio Map (RM) stands as a powerful tool in the field of wireless communication and radio regulation. Currently, several algorithms based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been proposed. However, due to the inherent limitations of vanilla convolutions, capturing distant-range information of the radio propagation environment becomes challenging, ultimately resulting in poor RM construction accuracy. Therefore, this letter introduces a novel RM construction model called Distant-range Content interaction Network (DC-Net) and validates its effectiveness using the radiomapseer dataset. Experiment results reveal that the proposed DC-Net achieves State-Of-The-Art (SOTA) performance in mapping accuracy for both known and unknown transmitter locations in RM construction. Additionally, the model demonstrates rapid and stable convergence during the training process, leading to reduced computational resource consumption.
Building a Value-Based Workforce Through Islamic Work Value-Based Recruitment: A Conceptual Review
Authors: Mastura Ab. Wahab
Published: May 2024

The increasing ethical infringements, moral violations, and disciplinary problems among employees point to the deteriorations in employee values. Hiring employees merely on common competency-based recruitment (CBR) versus value-based recruitment (VBR) ignores the critical role of values in guiding employee behaviours, thus contributing further to the problems. This study involves a qualitative approach using NVivo text analysis tool to analyse texts and word frequency from 44 references, including 35 journal articles, six policy papers, two books or book chapters and one conference proceedings. The results show that Public Sector ICT Management Review was the top journal with the highest coverage of the study’s main themes, followed by the Journal of Education for Teaching, the Human Resource Management Review, and the Advances in Health Science Education indicating the importance of the value-based workforce in these four areas of employment (i.e., public sector, education, human resource, and health). The word frequency analysis also shows the five most-used words were “values,” “work,” “based,” “selection,” and “recruitment.” These findings show that the references used in this study are valid and reliable relevant to the study’s main themes. Value-based workforce relates to value-based recruitment – building a value-based workforce begins with a good recruitment strategy. In the Islamic context, Islamic work values are highly influential and Islamic work-related values have been used as recruitment conditions for hiring employees during the Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) time and the rightly guided caliphs. If incorporated into the value- based model of recruitment, Islamic-related work values could potentially build a value- based workforce. This study has a significant implication to managers especially in finding good employees for the success of the organisation. Recruiting employees through value-based recruitment and selection is believed could reduce many work-related issues and improve organisational effectiveness. This study adds to the body of knowledge on value- based hiring by incorporating theories and Islamic work ideals, which can be used as a guide for future research.
How to Conduct CSR Activities to Build Consumer Trust and Corporate Reputation in Covid-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen  , Anh Van Nguyen
Published: May 2024

The world has changed dramatically since the emergence of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic. This crisis has put companies under the test for their commitment to moral business conduct and corporate social responsibility (CSR). Facing the challenges for survival as well as financial strains could push firms with difficult choices in their CSR practices. The aim of this study is to explore the impact of CSR activities in building customer trust and company reputation with limited resources in the Covid-19 pandemic context. The paper collected data on latent constructs through a survey of 494 consumers by convenience sample in Vietnam. Confirmatory factor analysis assessed psychometric properties of the constructs, while the structural equation modeling (SEM) technique was used to examine posited hypotheses. The results show that economic responsibility has a positive impact on expertise trust; legal responsibility and ethical responsibility positively impact integrity trust; philanthropic responsibility has a positive effect on social benevolence trust. However, only ethical responsibility and philanthropic responsibility can directly influence corporate reputation. In addition, three dimensions of trust strengthen the link between CSR initiatives and company reputation. Among them, social benevolence trust plays the most critical role in creating a reputation. Based on this finding, some management implications are also discussed regarding how corporations can allocate appropriate resources for different CSR activities so that they could leverage benefits from CSR strategy in their business. Moreover, the results obtained open future lines of comparative research on the impact of CSR practices, mediated by trust in corporate reputation, between countries with different cultures and religious beliefs.
Shareholders’ Monitoring and Online Disclosures of Minutes of Shareholders’ Meeting
Authors: Mohd Shazwan Mohd Ariffin  , Wan Nordin Wan-Hussin  , Siti Seri Delima Abdul Malak  , Ili Syahirah Kamaruzaman
Published: May 2024

Making detailed annual general meeting (AGM) minutes available online allows absentee investors to understand the discussion that took place during the AGM, and other interested parties to gauge the intensity of investor activism and stakeholder engagement from the questions posed. This paper investigated the effects of shareholders’ monitoring through the Minority Shareholders Watch Group (MSWG), the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), and other government-linked institutions on corporate communication via minutes of shareholders’ meeting. This study also incorporated firm size, audit quality, profitability, and grey directors as control variables. Based on a sample of 261 listed firms with financial year ended 31 December 2016 who held their AGMs in 2017, the findings showed that shareholders’ monitoring through the MSWG, EPF, and other government- linked institutions were significant and positively associated with corporate transparency. This implies that minority and institutional shareholders’ activism can be the advocate in pushing for dissemination of online corporate disclosure to enhance the information environment, in align with agency theory.
Exploring factors of service adoption using SERVQUAL paradigm: Its impact on millennials’ adoption of services in the self-drive rental sector
Authors: S. Suresh A. , Vasa Laszlo , Sharma Vinod , Mahajan Yogesh
Published: May 2024

The self-drive rental sector has witnessed exponential growth in recent years due to rising demand for long and short-distance drives among millennials. This study aims to investigate the quality of services in the self-driving rental sector and its impact on customer adoption or rejection of service in India. The conceptual framework was developed using the SERVQUAL model and other important factors affecting consumers’ service adoption. A quantitative research method was deployed, and data were gathered through a survey method using a structured questionnaire (based on a 5-point Likert scale). The sample size comprised 385 respondents, 23-38 years old millennials (with 69% of males and 31% of females). The population sample was chosen from Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore, India. The data were collected in March 2023. The factor and regression analyses were applied along with chi-square and SEM analyses to test the research hypotheses. The results indicated that the absence of low prices (42%), customer assistance (28 %), and security issues is responsible for consumer rejection. The factors leading to dissatisfaction are the absence of consumer schemes and discounts, a lack of staff interaction and assistance, and poor service quality. The brands must focus on the negative impact arising from the absence of these factors and effectively address the areas of improvement to regain customer trust and garner customer loyalty.
Effect of government policy and controller’s connection with relevant parties on information quality of Vietnamese audit firms in the context of COVID-19
Authors: Khanh Lam Tran , Quoc Thinh Tran
Published: May 2024

Accounting information provides the financial state, performance, cash flow, and notes to the enterprise’s financial statements. Information quality plays an essential role for stakeholders in making business decisions. The study examines the impact of government policy and the controller’s connection with relevant parties on the information quality of Vietnamese audit firms in the context of COVID-19. The surveyed subjects include 347 controllers of audit firms in Vietnam. The paper uses quantitative methods, specifically the exploratory factor analysis method, and the ordinary least squares are used to test the model’s hypotheses. Agency and stakeholder theories are used to explain the basis of the study’s theory. The results show that the government policy and the controller’s connection with relevant parties positively affect the information quality of Vietnamese audit firms. The level of correlation between factors is appropriate, between 0.126 and 0.618. Government policy is one of the most influential factors in information quality (0.412). Relevant parties include audit firms, relatives, and the community, and the level of connection between the controller and relatives and the community (0.298) is better than that of audit firms (0.183). The study proposes policies to connect controllers and relevant parties in cooperation and mutual support to ensure strict control activities and improve the information quality of Vietnamese audit firms.
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of digital entrepreneur skills
Authors: Huda Atma Dirgatama Chairul
Published: May 2024

Research in the field of entrepreneurship has become an intriguing area for further investigation. In an era where digital advancements are ubiquitous, previous researchers have identified a gap: the lack of a specific instrument to identify digital entrepreneur skills. Therefore, this study aims to determine the constructs of students’ digital entrepreneur skills. The analysis techniques include confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), exploratory factor analysis (EFA), Pearson correlation, Kendall’s, Spearman’s, and Cronbach’s alpha. The study was conducted over five phases with 235 participants from university students in Indonesia who run or own a business. The results revealed strong instrument validity with robustness ranging from significant Pearson, Kendall’s, and Spearman’s analyses (<0.05) and Cronbach’s alpha (>0.60). The exploratory factor analysis indicated a Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin value of 0.954 (>0.05) and Bartlett’s test (0.000 < 0.05), with all items having values of anti-image (>0.50), communalities (> 0.50), and factor loadings (> 0.40), uncovering three components. Lastly, the CFA demonstrated an overall good fit model, with high first-order factor loadings (>0.60) and a second-order construct digital entrepreneur skills comprising three components: interpersonal digital skills with a factor loading of 0.890, idea and technology management skills (0.920), and adaptation and innovation skills (1.020). The study highlights the critical need for students to develop digital entrepreneurial skills encompassing interpersonal digital skills, ideation, and technology management, as well as adaptation and innovation abilities to thrive in the digital economy and enhance their personal and professional growth.
AcknowledgmentI want to thank all those who have helped make this research a success, especially for Sebelas Maret University as a place of affiliation and all respondents willing to participate in my study.
Applying vibroacoustic therapy in the treatment of patients with COVID-associated pneumonia
Authors: Nuralieva G. S. , Shmidt A. S. , Nekludova G. V. , Gaynitdinova V. V. , Tsareva N. A. , Merzhoeva Z. M. , Chikina S. Yu. , Trushenko N. V. , Berikkhanov Z. G. , Suvorova O. A. , Kurkieva F. T. , Avdeev I. S. , Bolotskaia A. A. , Avdeev S. N.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Pneumonia is a group of acute infectious (mainly bacterial) diseases of various etiology, pathogenesis, and morphological characteristics characterized by focal lesions of the respiratory tract of the lungs with the obligatory presence of intraalveolar exudation. Currently, a wide range of not only pharmacological, but also physiotherapeutic methods of treatment is available. Vibroacoustic therapy is also used to facilitate the discharge of bronchopulmonary secretions.

Aim. To evaluate the effectiveness of vibroacoustic pulmonary therapy using the BARK VibroLUNG device (manufactured by BARK Technology, Kazakhstan) in patients with COVID-19.

Materials and methods. 70 patients with PCR-confirmed positive COVID-19 infection were included in the study. The patients were divided into 2 groups, which statistically did not differ from each other. Group 1 (n = 35) underwent vibroacoustic pulmonary therapy (VALT) in combination with basic treatment. Group 2 (n = 35) received only basic treatment. VALT was performed for 7 days, 2 sessions per day for 20 minutes.

Results. Against the background of complex therapy in combination with the course of VALT, patients in the study group showed a statistically significant decrease in the duration of hospitalization to 19 (12–29) days, as opposed to 27 (24–34) days (p = 0.003) in the control group. When comparing the changes in the indicators of the surviving patients of the study group, a positive dynamics of the main indicators against the background of VALT was obtained: ∆VAS -2 (-3; -1), р = 0.000; ∆SpO2– 6 (2; 7), р = 0.002; ∆PaO2–13 (2; 19), р= 0.001 in comparison with the dynamics of similar indicators of the control group.

Conclusions. The results have shown the effectiveness of vibroacoustic therapy in the treatment of patients with coronavirus pneumonia. This method can optimize healthcare costs for the treatment of COVID-19, as there is a significant decrease of duration of hospitalization.
Interferon gamma as a trigger of chronic viral infections and inflammatory dermatoses
Authors: Evdokimov E. Yu. , Svechnikova E. V. , Ponezheva Zh. B.
Published: May 2024

Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is the only representative of the type II interferon family regulating Th1 and Th2 immune responses. The discovery of IFN-γ is associated with the name of E. Frederick Wheelock. The expression of the IFNG gene provides a pleiotropic effect for IFN-γ, the main immune directions of this cytokine are antiviral, antibacterial and antiprotozoal. Unfortunately, in publications devoted to the relationship between the severity of inflammatory dermatoses (psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, atopic dermatitis) and levels of interferon gamma production, there is no consensus on the direct unity of these events. Although in most cases with acute viral diseases, an increase in interferon production is noted at the initial stages, but in some acute respiratory viral infections, its increase is not recorded (COVID-19, etc.), in cases of chronic viral diseases caused by retroviral infections – human immunodeficiency virus, human type 1 T-lymphotropic virus and endogenous human retroviruses as a result of prolonged exposure to IFN-γ on tissues, their damage may be noted, as well as a change in the functional state of CD4+ T cells. In cases of diseases caused by the herpes simplex virus 2, IFN-γ also has a complex effect on the intercellular relationships of infected and uninfected keratinocytes, as well as on the processes of apoptosis in Langerhans cells migrating to the dermis, which causes a violation of CD4+ and CD8+ involvement in the focus+ T-lymphocytes. In autoimmune diseases, IFN-γ can have a multidirectional effect. In particular, in patients with multiple sclerosis, IFN-γ regulates the processes of neuroinflammation and, depending on the concentration, can either reduce the number of CD11b+ myeloid cells of the central nervous system and reduce the infiltration of inflamed cells and normalize the processes of demyelination, or with an increase in IFN-γ production lead to reverse effects. At the same time, an enhancement of IFN-γ for transcription factors of differentially expressed genes in the case of systemic lupus erythematosus in patients has been proven.
Dyshidrotic eczema: clinical and epidemiological features and therapy tactics
Authors: Shachnev A. S. , Zhukova O. V. , Kasikhina E. I.
Published: May 2024

Introduction. Dyshidrotic eczema is a clinical type of chronic eczema, the clinical picture of which is characterized by itchy vesicular or bullous rashes localized on the skin of the palms and/or soles, a tendency to long-term chronic and recurrent course, the development of complications and resistance to therapy. Despite its prevalence and impact on quality of life, treatment of dyshidrotic eczema may be ineffective due to its polyetiology, chronic and recurrent course, and the lack of well-organized randomized controlled studies on the pathogenetic therapy of dyshidrotic eczema.

Aim. Conduct an analysis of available sources devoted to the study of dyshidrotic eczema. Provide a description of clinical cases of dyshidrotic eczema and experience with external therapy.

Results. The proportion of dyshidrotic eczema among other types of eczema varies from 6 to 31.8%. More than 80% of patients note a negative impact of dyshidrotic eczema on the quality of life. Conducted studies demonstrate a variety of factors predisposing to the onset, among which genetic predisposition, atopy and contact allergy are the main ones. Possible triggers include medications, insolation, humidity, and mycotic sensitization. Dyshidrotic eczema is a long-term and recurrent process with a risk of developing infectious complications. Staphylococcus aureus, Corynebacterium, Streptococcus and Micrococcus are detected in dyshidrotic eczema foci, which must be taken into account in combination therapy. The article presents clinical examples of successful treatment of dyshidrotic eczema localized on the skin of the hands with an external preparation containing a combination of 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate, 0.1% gentamicin sulfate and 1% clotrimazole.

Conclusions. Dyshidrotic eczema is a common condition and affects quality of life. Proper diagnosis is essential for effective and efficient treatment. External therapy with the inclusion of a cream (ointment) containing a combination of 0.05% betamethasone dipropionate, 0.1% gentamicin sulfate and 1% clotrimazole gives better results and increases satisfaction with the treatment of patients with dyshidrotic eczema.