bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigación académica sobre el consumidor vulnerable: parámetros sobre su necesaria institucionalización en el ordenamiento jurídico peruano
Authors: Durand Carrión Julio Baltazar
Published: May 2024

En los últimos tiempos se ha discutido la categoría del consumidor vulnerable en Latinoamérica, lo que determina una fuerte raigambre humanista y tutelar sobre la protección al consumidor; sin embargo, en el Perú no se ha observado esta figura con nitidez teórica y práctica, pese a los diversos casos jurisprudenciales. En este sentido, el objetivo principal de esta investigación es determinar el statu quo de la legislación sobre el consumidor vulnerable en el Perú, lo que permitió proponer y construir las bases normativas para su positivización en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico. La justificación se entiende desde una triple perspectiva: teórica, en tanto permite proponer esquemas doctrinarios; práctica, porque su materialización involucra una serie de cambios en los instrumentos de gestión por parte de la autoridad administrativa, así como nuevas políticas empresariales; y de trascendencia social, toda vez que permite reconocer y garantizar derechos de protección al consumidor. El tipo de investigación fue de carácter cualitativo, de nivel descriptivo con diseño prospectivo, en tanto se buscó conceptualizar al consumidor vulnerable y, al mismo tiempo, se utilizaron instrumentos y técnicas de recolección y procesamiento de datos que permitieron validar la propuesta investigativa desde un plano social.
Decision-Making Tool for Solar Neighborhood Planning
Authors: Singh Grewal Kuljeet , Hachem-Vermette Caroline
Published: May 2024

This report is a user guide for the solar neighborhood decision-making tool that offers a structured approach to selecting sustainable solar strategies for neighborhood development, catering to professionals such as architects, urban planners, energy planners, and policymakers. The tool considers various passive and active solar strategies, to enhance building performance and reduce energy consumption. The output of the tool provides recommendations for suitable solar strategies based on user inputs, helping users make informed decisions towards achieving their sustainability goals.
Finansjalizacja wybranych rynków surowcowych na świecie
Authors: Złoty Marcin
Published: May 2024

Finansjalizacja przeobraża dotychczasowe prawa, kierunki i reguły funkcjonowania wielu płaszczyzn gospodarki, w tym rynku surowcowego. Aktywność inwestorów na rynku kontraktów terminowych futures od początku XXI wieku zaczęła decydować o tendencjach cenowych surowców. Implementacja rozwiązań oraz instrumentów rynku finansowego do struktury rynku surowcowego stanowi współczesny wymiar finansjalizacji tego obszaru. Badaniu został poddany wpływ inwestorów finansowych na rynku surowcowych kontraktów terminowych futures na kształtowanie się cen spot pięciu badanych surowców: złota, srebra, miedzi, ropy naftowej WTI i gazu ziemnego. Analiza wpływu czynników rynku terminowego na rynek bieżący – przeprowadzona metodą przyczynowości w sensie Grangera – ma na celu określenie kolejności interakcji między obiema płaszczyznami obrotu. Obecne tendencje i przeobrażenia rynku surowcowego ukazują nieustanną transformację całej gospodarki światowej, która zaczyna być coraz bardziej zależna od systemów oraz instrumentów finansowych.
Perceptions of Academic Grief in Baccalaureate Nursing Programs: An Instrument Development Study
Authors: Mingo Sharon R. , Wolf Zane Robinson
Published: May 2024

Background and Purpose:Nursing students and graduates experience grief when not achieving curricular benchmarks or passing the NCLEX-RN. This study developed the perceptions of academic grief (PAG) instrument for baccalaureate nursing program completers experiencing academic failure.Methods:Content analysis methods generated items and achieved face validity. Focus group interview and experts’ judgment of item relevance established content validity. A purposeful sample of registered nurses (RNs) and nursing students (N= 70) completed the pilot test on the 40-item instrument.Results:The highest ranked items included being disappointed, trying again to prove they could become a nurse, life investment in nursing school, and fear of failing again. The coefficient α was .94.Conclusions:The instrument was developed to measure nursing students’ and RNs’ academic grief. The PAG showed beginning reliability and validity and needs additional testing.
‘Those with big phones have the upper hand’: Political, Gender and Digital Exclusions in Cash and Voucher Assistance in North East Nigeria
Authors: Faith Becky , Roberts Tony , Sesan ‘Gbenga
Published: May 2024

The most vulnerable people living in contexts of protracted crises risk experiencing political, gender and digital exclusion which can result in them not receiving social assistance. Throughout this paper our aim is to show the complex issues faced in delivering cash and voucher assistance (CVA) at scale using digital tools in challenging contexts, the different drivers of digitisation from the perspective of humanitarian and government actors, and the obstacles these actors face in delivering programmes in an inclusive and accountable way. Through interviews and focus group discussions with aid recipients in North East Nigeria and key informant interviews with professionals working in humanitarian and government cash assistance, this working paper aims to answer the research question: how does digitisation affect recipients’ experiences of inclusion and exclusion in social assistance systems? Our research found a range of benefits to digitisation for governments, development agencies and recipients for whom digital systems were experienced as a convenient means to obtain information about entitlements as well as an improved platform on which to receive them. However, our data showed that intersecting political, gender and digital exclusions may result in the most marginalised people not receiving aid, and being excluded from accessing information about entitlements. Drawing on existing literature and our findings, we present a framework of intersecting – and compounding – political, gender and digital exclusions. Although previous literature on the digitisation of social assistance has drawn attention to the risks of digital exclusion, this framework offers a new perspective to show how each axis of exclusion risks compounding the other. The aim of this report is to improve understanding of the risks and benefits of the use of digital technologies to support programming from the perspective of recipients. Furthermore it highlights how the risks and benefits are very different for recipients, for governments and for humanitarian agencies. While the findings from the interviews are specifically of interest to those working in contexts of protracted crises, the broader issue of compounding exclusions in digital delivery will be of interest to the wider social protection community.
Pengaruh Pengaruh Upah Minimum, Pertumbuhan Ekonomi, Indeks Pembangunan Manusia, Dan Belanja Modal Terhadap Kemiskinan Kabupaten/Kota di Jawa Timur Tahun 2017 s/d 2021
Authors: Ali Mauludi AC  , Fadllan  , Fitri Nur Rahmawati
Published: May 2024

This study aims to determine the effect of minimum wages, economic growth, HDI, and capital spending on poverty in East Java districts/cities in 2017 s/d 2021. Using a quantitative approach, this research uses multiple linear analysis methods assisted by Eviews 12. Secondary data of this research sourced from the Central Bureau of Statistics, Directorate General of Fiscal Balance, Ministry of Finance, as well as other sources. This research shows the results that the minimum wage partially has a significant positive effect, while the HDI, economic growth, and capital expenditure variables have a significant negative effect on poverty in districts/cities in East Java. In addition, together the variables of minimum wages, economic growth, HDI, and capital expenditures have a significant influence on poverty in districts/cities in East Java with an effect of 99.3%
Forecasting Money Flow in East Java Using The Generalized Space-Time Autoregressive With Exogenous Variable Method
Authors: Mubarak Reza , Kamaroellah R. Agoes , Suhartono Suhartono
Published: May 2024

The forecast is more accurate when involving an exogen, for example, the generalized spatio temporal autoregressive (GSTAR) model with exogenous variables (GSTARX). This study aims to obtain appropriate statistical values to identify autoregressive orders for time dependencies and order effects with exogenous variables such as Eid al-Fitr and the consumer price index (CPI) in the GSTARX model. Additionally, this study seeks to obtain a GSTARX model suitable for forecasting. The case study is the inflows and outflows in four locations in East Java. The simulation results show that the statistical values for identifying VAR order for time dependencies use the matrix partial cross-correlation function (MPCCF). Meanwhile, effect orders from exogenous variables in the two-level GSTARX model show CCF at level one. In addition, GLS (general least squares) produces a more efficient estimator than the OLS (ordinary least squares). The results of the case study show that the two-level GSTAR model forming inflow and outflow data are GSTARX (31) and GSTARX ([1,3]1) respectively. In addition, the comparison of forecast accuracy shows that, in general, the smallest root mean square error (RMSE) value in the two-level GSTARX model is the inverse distance weight.
Pemberdayaan Usaha Melalui Modal Sosial di Kabupaten Pamekasan
Authors: Mujaddidi Ah. Shibgahtullah Mujaddidi
Published: May 2024

Social capital is human resources in having a social network. The term social capital refers to the capacity of the individual to obtain something of value as well as a symbol of social relations to group membership. This form of social capital arises from individual, family, group, and community relationships that are accesses that derive valuable profits from resources. Based on this, there are two discussions that are the focus of this study, namely: First, How social capital in the Aisyah batik ecoprint business fostered by MCI Pamekasan; Second, How to apply social capital in the empowerment of Aisyah Batik Ekoprint business. This research uses descriptive methods or analysis using a qualitative approach. From this study, the author can conclude that the application of social capital in the Aisyah Batik Ecoprint business applies to three points in the concept of social capital, namely: Network, Trus / Trust, Norms / Values. Where the network here is like Aisyah using existing relationships such as friends, relatives, neighbors, and also using tools such as social media. Then what is given to volunteers is in the form of trust in the process of making motiv ecoprint itself and trust given to buyers in the form of friendly service, delivery according to what is ordered and on time in the delivery of goods. The norms/values here are felt by the volunteers from the generosity of Aisyah which is very well given to her and is also felt for buyers in terms of the quality of the goods they buy.
Centering Cultural Knowledge in TPACK— Evidence From a Collaborative Online International Learning Collaboration
Authors: Bae Sohyeon , Chong Kyle L.
Published: May 2024

In this qualitative study, we analyzed the processes of a collaborative online international learning (COIL) collaboration between two higher education institutions in Japan and the United States from the perspective of the technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) framework. The research question this study aimed to address was: What is the utility of the TPACK framework, as a lens of analysis, for this online cultural exchange? To address this question, we conducted semi-structured interviews with student participants and examined their written works. From the student participants’ learning experiences, we identified evidence of cultural exchange as well as evidence of missed opportunities for cultural exchange arising from the limited knowledge of technology, pedagogy, content, and culture. COIL and TPACK both share a common goal of increasing students’ access to multiple knowledge systems using educational technology. As a result, COIL conceptually aligns well with the TPACK framework. This collaboration showed an ongoing need for the centering of cultural knowledge and cultural exchange in both COIL and TPACK. We, accordingly, outline potential for a TPACCK, a modified TPACK framework to center cultural knowledge in both with the hope of taking steps towards a more culturally sustaining framework of international collaboration.
Exploring Teachers’ Digital Literacy Experiences
Authors: Jung Jaewon , Choi Seohyun , Fanguy Mik
Published: May 2024

The present study analysed digital literacy issues encountered by elementary school teachers in remote classrooms due to COVID-19. The study sought to derive a plan for cultivating teachers’ digital literacy to support students’ distance education. To this end, focus group interviews were conducted with five elementary school teachers in charge of upper grades, the results were analysed, and strategies to improve teacher digital literacy were derived. Specifically, three main areas of teacher digital literacy were identified for improvement. The first was providing training to use digital devices and online platforms, develop online content, and strengthen copyright understanding. The second was providing professional development programs to train digital teaching methods or pedagogies by level and by subject characteristics. The third was activating online and offline platforms for information sharing among teachers and establish a digital teaching support system. This study will be of value to teachers and school administrations in preparing for distance education in the era of digital transformation because it presents measures to foster teachers’ digital literacy required by future society.
Alone in the Academic Ultraperiphery: Online Doctoral Candidates’ Quest to Belong, Thrive, and Succeed
Authors: Melián Efrem , Meneses Julio
Published: May 2024

Despite the increasing number of non-traditional doctoral researchers, this population’s experiences remain largely understudied and their voices unheard. Through in-depth interviews with 24 part-time online doctoral candidates, we explored the perceived facilitators and barriers to academic integration and sense of belonging, as well as how online delivery influences the doctoral journey. Reflexive thematic analysis revealed a strong drive for participation, sometimes matched by the supervisor but rarely supported by the institution, which in the end does not sufficiently promote community building. Online delivery was viewed as both a blessing for the accessibility it enabled and a curse due to pervasive feelings of isolation and virtually non-existent peer networks. Online doctoral researchers coped by breaking free from the fully online model whenever possible to seek in-person and synchronous interactions and guidance. We conclude that online doctoral candidates constitute an ultraperipheral population in the academic landscape. Support provided by online PhD programmes should be modelled after the actual needs of their non-traditional students.
Formação continuada de professores que ensinam ciências naturais em produções científicas
Authors: Bender Darlize Déglan Borges Beulck , Bastos Giséli Duarte , Chitolina Maria Rosa
Published: May 2024

Na busca pelo entendimento sobre os cursos formativos, este estudo tem como objetivo compreender como as formações continuadas de professores voltadas ao ensino de Ciências da Natureza (CN) nos anos iniciais vêm sendo realizadas e publicadas em quatro plataformas de pesquisa. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória, bibliográfica constituída por 24 artigos analisados através da Análise Textual Discursiva. Ao considerar os 24 cursos formativos, foram observados os momentos de reflexão coletiva e individual dos professores, a reorganização de suas práticas pedagógicas, a formação de conceitos e mudanças no vocabulário de ciências; porém não houve acompanhamento após o término da grande maioria das formações. A partir dos resultados, espera-se contribuir na qualificação das ações de pesquisadores da área de ensino de CN que organizam programas formativos sobre a temática visando a melhoria dos processos educativos escolares.
Low-Dose Aspirin Is the Safest Prophylaxis for Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism After Total Knee Arthroplasty Across All Patient Risk Profiles
Authors: Lavu Monish S. , Porto Joshua R. , Hecht Christian J. , Acuña Alexander J. , Kaelber David C. , Parvizi Javad , Kamath Atul F.
Published: May 2024

Background:

The International Consensus Meeting on Venous Thromboembolism (ICM-VTE) in 2022 proclaimed low-dose aspirin as the most effective agent in patients across all risk profiles undergoing joint arthroplasty. However, data on large patient populations assessing trends in chemoprophylactic choices and related outcomes following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) remain scant. The present study was designed to characterize the clinical use of various chemoprophylactic agents in patients undergoing TKA and to determine the efficacy of aspirin compared with other agents in patient groups stratified by VTE risk profiles.

Methods:

This study utilized a national database to determine the proportion of patients undergoing TKA who received low-dose aspirin versus other chemoprophylaxis between 2012 and 2022. VTE risk profiles were determined on the basis of comorbidities established in the ICM-VTE. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) between various classes of thromboprophylaxis in patients with high and low risk of VTE were calculated. The odds of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolus (PE), bleeding events, infections, mortality, and hospitalizations were also assessed in the 90-day postoperative period for propensity-matched cohorts receiving low-dose (81 mg) aspirin only versus other prophylaxis, segregating patients by VTE risk profile.

Results:

A total of 126,692 patients undergoing TKA across 60 health-care organizations were included. The proportion of patients receiving low-dose aspirin increased from 7.65% to 55.29% between 2012 and 2022, whereas the proportion of patients receiving other chemoprophylaxis decreased from 96.25% to 42.98%. Low-dose-aspirin-only use increased to approximately 50% in both high-risk and low-risk populations but was more likely in low-risk populations (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.15 to 1.20) relative to high-risk populations. Both low-risk and high-risk patients in the low-dose-aspirin-only cohorts had decreased odds of DVT, PE, bleeding, infections, and hospitalizations compared with other prophylaxis regimens.

Conclusions:

The findings of the present study on a very large population of patients undergoing TKA support the recent ICM-VTE statement by showing that low-dose aspirin is a safe and effective method of prophylaxis in patients across various risk profiles.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Joyful Learning & Media Pembelajaran: Teori Dan Penerapannya Pada Konteks Pendidikan
Authors: Affandi Ghozali Rusyid , Megawati Fika
Published: May 2024

Puji syukur kehadirat Allah SWT atas segala rahmat-Nya sehingga makalah ini bisa tersusun hingga selesai. Kami juha mengucapkan terimakasih terhadap bantuan dari pihak yang sudah berkontribusi dengan memberikan sumbangan baik berupa pikiran maupun materinya. Kami berharap semoga buku ini bisa menambah pengetahuan dan pengalaman bagi para pembaca. Bahkan tidak hanya itu, kami berharap lebih jauh lagi agar modul ini pembaca mempraktekkannya dalam proses belajar mengajar di sekolah. Kami sadar masih banyak kekurangan didalam penyusunan makalah ini, karena keterbatasan pengetahuan serta pengalaman kami. Untuk itu kami begitu mengharapkan kritik dan saran yang membangun dari pembaca demi kesempurnaan makalah ini.
Development of Cost-IS (costing implementation strategies) instrument for digital health solutions: a modified e-Delphi study
Authors: Donovan Thomasina , Abell Bridget , McPhail Steven M , Carter Hannah E
Published: May 2024

Background: It is important to determine the relative value for money of health innovations when allocating limited healthcare resources. Implementation strategies require and consume healthcare resources yet are often excluded from published economic evaluations. This paper reports on the development of a pragmatic implementation costing instrument to assist with the planning, delivery, and evaluation of digital health implementation strategies.
Methods: A modified e-Delphi process was adopted to develop an implementation costing instrument. Purposive sampling was used to recruit a panel of experts in implementation science, health economic evaluations and/or digital health from the academic, government, clinical or health service sectors. In each round, participants were sent an electronic questionnaire and a prototype of the implementation costing instrument. The prototype in the initial round was informed from a literature review and qualitative interview findings. The prototype was updated iteratively between rounds in response to the panel’s feedback. In subsequent rounds, participants also received the anonymous results of items that did not reach consensus in the previous round. Termination occurred once consensus was reached on integral questions (those pertaining specifically to the instrument design) or when three rounds were completed, to prevent sample fatigue. Consensus was defined as at least 75% of experts in agreement for any item.
Results: Consensus was reached on the core components and design of the instrument from a panel of twelve experts in implementation science, health economic evaluations and/or digital health. Areas where consensus was not reached included users’ level of implementation science knowledge, specificity of the tool to digital health and accessibility via digital formats.
Conclusions: Cost-IS is a pragmatic data collection instrument designed to estimate the costs of implementation strategies and activities. Further piloting of Cost-IS is required to establish its feasibility and generalisability.
Critical risk factors analysis of infection-associated hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis in children
Authors: Hao Gailing , Geng Wenjin , Li Chunzhen , Li Quanheng , Zhang Nan , Jiang Lian
Published: May 2024

Objective: To analyze the critical factors of infection-associated Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in children, so as to provide theoretical basis for clinicians to evaluate the disease condition, formulate treatment plan and improve prognosis.
Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis. 60 cases of children with infection-associated HLH were divided into critical and non-critical groups based on the presence of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), and the clinical characteristics and laboratory data of the two groups of children were analyzed. A multifactor logistic regression analysis model was used to assess the independent risk factors affecting critical illness in children with infection-associated HLH, and the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive value of risk factors for critical illness in children with infection-associated HLH.
Results: Children in the critical group with HLH had a younger age at onset. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), D-dimer (DD), and triglycerides (TG) were significantly higher in the critical group, while albumin (ALB) was significantly lower, showing statistical significance (P<0.05). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis of age, ALB, and TG showed that younger age and lower ALB were associated with a higher risk of MODS in children with infection-associated HLH, with age and ALB being independent risk factors for critical illness. ALB predicted the ROC area under the curve for critical children with infection-associated HLH was 0.765 (95% CI: 0.643-0.888, P=0.011), with the optimal cut-off value being 32.50 g/L (sensitivity=68.3%, specificity=84.2%); age predicted the ROC area under the curve for critical children with infection-associated HLH was 0.711 (95% CI: 0.570-0.851, P=0.009), with the optimal cut-off value being 1.50 years (sensitivity=70.7%, specificity=68.4%).
Conclusion: Children with infection-associated HLH are prone to develop MODS. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for critically ill children with HLH. For young children and those with hypoalbuminemia, heightened vigilance is necessary to identify critical children early, implement effective treatment promptly, improve survival rates, and enhance prognosis.
Oral microbiome related blood borne bacterial DNA signature in toddlers is associated with elevated inflammatory cytokines and anti-viral IgGs
Authors: Arana Carlos , Pichilingue-Reto Patricia , Zhu Chengsong , Zhang Bo , Raman Indu , Relangi Tulasi Rao , Selvakumar Pratibha , Brock Matthew , Liu Yang , SoRelle Jeffrey , Tareen Naureen , Kahn Jeffrey , Copley Lawson A. , Hooper Lora V. , Raj Prithvi , Oers Nicolai van
Published: May 2024

Background.
Young children have frequent viral/bacterial infections and antibiotic exposures. Whether these events promote translocation of bacterial factors from oral cavity into the bloodstream remains poorly studied.
Method.
We performed 16S sequencing and immune profiling of blood in 210 healthy children of 1–2-year age range. Observed bacterial DNA signatures were analyzed in the context of host cytokine and antibody responses.
Results.
About 12% of toddlers showed a DNA signature related to oral commensals and pathogenic bacteria in their blood. These bacterial species included Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Haemophilus, Deinococcus, Neisseria and Veillonella. Streptococcus had the most prominent (9%) signature. High resolution 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that majority of the observed signature belonged to commensal Streptococci including S. oralis, S. mitis, S. parasanguinis, and S. salivaris, S. pneumoniae. This signature was enriched in those with history of multiple bacterial and viral infections. Some children retained the Streptococcus DNA signature overtime. Serum IFN-γ, IL-1a, Il-1b, IL-6, and IL-8 were significantly associated with the observed Streptococcus DNA signature. Host transcriptome analysis showed upregulated antigen presentation and inflammatory pathways in Streptococcus DNA positive subset. Antibody repertoire profiling suggested that Streptococcus DNA positive was correlated with Influenza B and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) antibodies.
Conclusions.
A commensal Streptococci DNA signature was identified in the pediatric blood, which correlated with elevated inflammatory cytokines and anti-viral antibodies.
Drug-gene interactions in older patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Zhang Shizhao , Lv Chao , Dong Lisha , Wu Yangxun , Yin Tong
Published: May 2024

Background: Older patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) are particularly vulnerable to the efficacy and adverse drug reactions, and may therefore particularly benefit from personalized medication. Drug–gene interactions (DGIs) occur when an individual’s genotype affects the pharmacokinetics and/or pharmacodynamics of a victim drug.
Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the impact of cardiovascular-related DGIs on the clinical efficacy and safety outcomes in older patients with CAD.
Methods: Hospitalized older patients (≥65 years old) with CAD were consecutively recruited from August 2018 to May 2022. Eligible patients were genotyped for the actionable pharmacogenetic variants of CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A5, and SLCO1B1, which had clinical annotations or implementation guidelines for cardiovascular drugs. Allele frequencies and DGIs were determined in the cohort for the 5 actionable PGx genes and the prescribed cardiovascular drugs. All patients were followed up for at least 1 year. The influence of DGIs on the cardiovascular drug-related efficacy outcomes (all-cause mortality and/or major cardiovascular events, MACEs) and drug response phenotypes of “drug-stop” and “dose-decrease” were evaluated.
Results: A total of 1,017 eligible older patients with CAD were included, among whom 63.2% were male, with an average age of 80.8 years old, and 87.6% were administrated with polypharmacy (≥5 medications). After genotyping, we found that 96.0% of the older patients with CAD patients had at least one allele of the 5 pharmacogenes associated with a therapeutic change, indicating a need for a therapeutic change in a mean of 1.32 drugs of the 19 cardiovascular-related drugs. We also identified that 79.5% of the patients had at least one DGI (range 0–6).The median follow-up interval was 39 months. Independent of age, the number of drugs, comorbidities, hepatic and renal function, and drug-drug interaction, the number of DGIs was associated with decreased all-cause mortality (adjusted HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.73-0.96, P = 0.008), and MACEs (adjusted HR: 0.84, 95% CI: 0.72-0.98, P = 0.023), but increased drug response phenotypes (adjusted OR: 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05-1.45, P = 0.011) in the older patients with CAD.
Conclusions: The association between cardiovascular DGIs and the clinical outcomes emphasized the necessity for the integration of genetic and clinical data to enhance the optimization of cardiovascular polypharmacy in older patients with CAD.
Optimization of Demand Forecasting in the Supply Chain Management of Apparel Industry
Authors: Ranawaka Amalsha , Jawwadh Saadh
Published: May 2024

Accurate demand forecasting is a key component of a well-built supply chain management process in the ever-changing apparel industry, where precise predictions are vital for optimizing the production, inventory, and transportation levels. Traditional methods on numerous occasions fail to comprehensively understand the nature of this field, thus resulting in inefficiencies within the Sri Lankan apparel supply chain. The research answers this problem through the identification and development of the context-specific methods that are effective for enhanced demand forecasting in the apparel supply chain. The project explores the use of deep learning, particularly Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks and their combinations with other models (CNN, ARIMA, BPNN) to develop a demand forecasting application. Experiments with six models identified a CNN-LSTM architecture as the optimal solution, achieving the lowest MAE of 2.9710, MAPE of 24.6802, MSE of 85.0358, and RMSE of 9.2215. Hyperparameter tuning and cross-validation were employed to optimize and validate the chosen model.
Unsustainable groundwater-fed irrigation drives deltaic water scarcity and compound flooding
Authors: Getirana Augusto , Biswas Nishan Kumar , kumar Sujay , Nie Wanshu , Ahmad Shahryar , Maina Fadji Zaouna , Sakib Nazmus , Hossain Md Sazzad , Biswas Robin Kumar
Published: May 2024

Southern Asia benefits from groundwater pumping for dry-season irrigation by increasing both crop productivity and monsoon aquifer recharge rates in the region. Based on a data-driven integrated modeling system, we provide numerical evidence that the impacts of unsustainable groundwater-fed irrigation surface freshwater availability go beyond what was previously understood. Our results confirm findings from previous studies that increased groundwater recharge rates during wet seasons over 2002-2021, but they are insufficient for aquifers to recover, gradually depleting groundwater across the Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna delta. Main findings are that such an increased recharge causes a drop in runoff generation during the monsoons, resulting in lower flood risk, a good outcome, but also less surface freshwater available for farming, which may trigger additional groundwater demand during monsoons. Drop in coastal flooding induced by groundwater-fed irrigation exceeds by ~5-10 fold the flooding increase caused by sea level rise. Reduced runoff also increases seawater intrusion, driven by less freshwater to push ocean water away. This is particularly concerning, since the region has been under rising sea levels and sinking lands. These findings over this delta have global implications, as humans and climate are increasingly pressuring coastal and deltaic ecosystems worldwide.
Sedative Potential of Catha edulis Forsk: Exploring In Vivo Model, Gene Expression, Molecular Docking, and GABAergic Pathway Involvement
Authors: Alfaifi Hassan , Alzahrani Amal Hamdan , ABDELWAHAB Siddig Ibrahim , Taha Manal Mohamed Elhassan , Bidwai Anil
Published: May 2024

Background
Laboratory studies and traditional reports have linked Catha edulis (khat) to biopharmacological properties. This study aimed to assess the sedative effect of khat in mice and conduct computer-aided docking of GABAA receptors.
Methods
Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis confirmed the presence of cathinone and cathine, the active alkaloids, in the hydroalcoholic khat extract. An acute oral toxicity test in mice was used to determine the pharmacological dosage of the sedation models. In vivo sedative activity was evaluated using the open field test and rotarod test for motor coordination, along with the assessment of iatrogenic tolerance and the potential mechanism of action on the GABAergic system. Bicuculline and diazepam were used as the GABAA antagonists and agonists, respectively. Quantitative realtime PCR was used to quantify the expression of GABAA mRNA from mice brain. Molecular docking using AutoDockR Version 4.2 was performed on the GABA receptor (subunit A).
Results
Khat extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced locomotor activity compared with the control group during the open field test. Administration of Khat extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, along with diazepam at 3 mg/kg, significantly decreased the latency time in the rotarod test. Pre-treatment with bicuculline (1 mg/kg) reversed the khat extract-induced decrease in locomotor activity (400 mg/kg) and modulate the level of GABAA receptor mRNA. No iatrogenic tolerance was observed within the ten-day period. The binding affinity of khat alkaloids to the GABA-A receptor was observed and compared to that of diazepam.
Conclusion
These findings suggest that khat may have anxiolytic effects mediated through the GABAergic system. Future recommendations include further mechanistic studies, clinical trials, safety assessments, and standardization efforts. Overall, this study provides insight into the sedative properties of khat and its potential as an anxiolytic treatment option.
Psychometric Properties of an Arabic Translation of the Claremont Purpose Scale (CPS) in adolescents
Authors: Noureddine Amir , Malaeb Diana , Sakr Fouad , Dabbous Mariam , Obeid Sahar , Hallit Souheil , Fekih-Romdhane Feten
Published: May 2024

Background
Purpose in life is recognized as a protective factor linked to an individual’s ability to thrive, supporting positive youth development and overall psychological well-being. The main goal of our study is to translate and validate the Claremont Purpose Scale (CPS) into the Arabic language, expanding its usefulness and contributing to a better global understanding of adolescent purpose in Arabic-speaking contexts.
Methods
Data for this cross-sectional study was collected via a Google Form link during November 2023. Lebanese adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years (N = 793, mean age of 16.08 ± 1.74 years, 62.4% females) were recruited using an online questionnaire and a snowball sampling technique.
Results
Confirmatory Factor Analysis indicated that fit of the three-factor model of CPS scores was satisfactory: χ2/df = 131.31/51 = 2.58, RMSEA = .045 (90% CI .035, .054), SRMR = .034, CFI = .976, TLI = .969. Internal reliability was excellent (ω = .87; α = .86). Measurement invariance across sex groups was established at the configural, metric, and scalar levels. No significant difference was found between males and females in terms of CPS scores (37.20 ± 7.93 vs 37.76 ± 7.92, t(791) = − .97, p = .334). The CPS total score was significantly associated with lower irritability (r = − .66; p < .001), higher wellbeing (r = .51; p < .001) and depression-happiness (r = .43; p < .001), thus attesting to the good concurrent validity.
Conclusion
Findings suggest that the Arabic version of the CPS is a reliable and valid tool with which to capture the sense of purpose among Arabic-speaking adolescents. Therefore, it has a great potential for future researchers and practitioners who would ought to work on ways of improving the psychological functioning of youth drawn from culturally diverse backgrounds.
Influence of Cu L-Histidinate Schiff base derivatives on structural features of irradiated rat’s DNA
Authors: Karapetyan Nelli H. , Haroutiunian Samvel G. , Ananyan Gayane V.
Published: May 2024

A study of rats liver DNA damages under the influence of X-ray radiation at a dose of 6.5 Gy(LD60) was carried out. The radioprotective properties of newly synthesized Cu(II) L-Schiff Histidinate complexes were also studied. The survival of rats was determined over a 30-day period after exposure to X-rays without pretreatment and also after preadministration of Cu(II) L-Histidinate-Schiff base complexes. The structural defects of rat's liver DNA were detected at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days post-irradiationxtracted. The results obtained revealed that irradiation with a 6.5Gy dose in the control group degraded the characteristics of rat liver DNA in comparison to healthy DNA. On all investigated experimental days, a decrease in the melting temperature (Tm), a widening of the melting interval (ΔT), and a decrease in hypochromicity (Δh) were observed in the DNA samples of irradiated animals compared to the norm. The rat's pretreatment by Cu(II) L-Histidinate complexes 1 or 24 hours prior to irradiation improved DNA characteristics. Electrophoretic studies of DNA were in good agreement with the melting data. Based on the study results, it can be concluded that Cu(II) L-Histidinate complexes exhibit radioprotective properties under the studied conditions and can protect DNA from damage.
Moral Values in Medical AI: A Scoping Review
Authors: Victor Gavin , Barbu Andreea , Bélisle-Pipon Jean-Christophe
Published: May 2024

This article presents a scoping review of the relevant research discussing the ethics of medical artificial intelligence (AI). Relevant moral and human values can inform the design of ethical medical AI. The value sensitive design (VSD) framework offers a method by which to do this. But much conceptual work must be done in order to apply the VSD framework to medical AI. The goal of this review is to survey existing literature discussing moral and human values (such as responsibility, transparency, and respect for autonomy) in medical AI development. Ultimately, the objective of the review is to advance the VSD methodology for medical AI technologies, in which relevant moral values will inform technology design. Papers were considered eligible if they fulfilled three criteria: (1) provided a discussion of one or multiple moral, ethical, or human values (2) regarding AI or machine learning in a (3) medical, clinical, or health context. We conducted our search on five databases: OVID Embase, OVID Medline, IEEE, Web of Science, and Scopus. After performing our search, we screened title and abstract, then the full text of each paper for relevance using the Covidence platform. After the final sample was determined, we extracted relevant information by coding the papers using NVivo. We found nearly 100 moral values discussed regarding medical AI. In this search we were able to find not only which values are most discussed and how, but also specific, unique, and emerging moral values in the medical AI domain.
Oriented triphylite rods in apatite from an LCT pegmatite in the Stankuvatske Li-ore deposit, Ukraine: Implications for Li mobility
Authors: Kurylo Sergii , Broska Igor , Reto Gieré
Published: May 2024

This paper reports the first finding of oriented triphylite (LiFe2+PO4) rods in fluorapatite. This observation was made in the contact zone between a metamorphosed rare-element pegmatite and its amphibolite wall rock at the Stankuvatske Li-ore deposit in the Ukrainian Shield. This contact zone consists of an exocontact, in which hornblende was altered to biotite, and an endocontact, which comprises four parallel mineral zones (aplitic, apatite, triphylite, and transitional).

The needle-shaped triphylite inclusions were observed in greenish-blue apatite within the apatite zone. They are oriented parallel to structural nanochannels along the c-axis in apatite and were formed due to the infiltration of Li-rich, pegmatite-derived fluids into the apatite zone. Small amounts of pyrite, U-Th-rich and Fe-rich phases, as well as small mono-phase fluid inclusions of CO2, CO, and N2 are associated with the oriented triphylite inclusions and record the character of fluid.

The exo- and endocontacts were formed as a result of interaction between metasomatic fluids derived from the pegmatite (enriched in K, Na, Li, Rb, F, P, and Mn) with the host amphibolite. At the contact, the amphibolite was altered into the biotite zone during the first metasomatic stage; alteration of hornblende and plagioclase released Ca, Fe, and Mg toward the pegmatite, where these elements reacted with P, Li, and Mn to produce the apatite and triphylite zones during the second metasomatic stage. Acting like a geochemical barrier, the apatite zone in the endocontact inhibited the further escape of Li from the pegmatite, which now is a Li-ore deposit. The metasomatic processes observed in the Stankuvatske Li-ore deposit represent an example of apatite and triphylite formation at the contact between a pegmatite and a metabasite, which has metallogenetic implications.
Investigation of a multistage adaptive test based on test assembly methods
Authors: Doğruöz Ebru , Kelecioğlu Hülya
Published: May 2024

In this research, multistage adaptive tests (MST) were compared according to sample size, panel pattern and module length for top-down and bottom-up test assembly methods. Within the scope of the research, data from PISA 2015 were used and simulation studies were conducted according to the parameters estimated from these data. Analysis results for each condition were compared in terms of mean RMSE and bias. According to the results obtained from the MST simulation based on the top-down test assembly method, mean RMSE values reduced when the module length increased and when the panel pattern changed from 1-2 to 1-2-2 and 1-2-3 for MST applied to small and large samples. Within the scope of the research, data from PISA 2015 were used and simulation studies were conducted using the parameters estimated from these data. Analysis results for each condition were compared in terms of mean RMSE and bias.
A comparison of Turkish and European English language teachers’ language assessment knowledge levels and perceptions
Authors: Fındıklı Samet , Büyükkarcı Kağan
Published: May 2024

Language assessment knowledge, the capacity of language instructors to skillfully design, construct, and assess language evaluations, is pivotal for effective language education. This study investigates the language assessment knowledge, encompassing both general and skill-specific aspects, of in-service language educators from Europe and Türkiye. The primary objective is to contrast the language assessment knowledge of these two groups, highlighting potential differences in their assessment knowledge in terms of general and four language skills. Employing a mixed-methods approach, data were gathered sequentially via quantitative scale and qualitative online interviews. A total of 94 language teachers, 48 from Turkey and 46 from diverse European countries took part in this research. They completed the Language Assessment Knowledge Scale, and eight instructors engaged in semi-structured online interviews. The participants were selected using convenience sampling. The results indicated that while both groups scored above the average and were considered assessment literate, European language teachers had a significantly higher level of LAK compared to Turkish language teachers. This suggests that European teachers possess greater proficiency and competence in language assessment, potentially influencing the quality of the assessments they create and assess. Considering the importance of assessment knowledge mentioned in numerous studies, despite the limited sample size of this study, its results are important for the professional development of language educators. These outcomes can inform the development of teacher training programs, particularly for Turkish educators. The Ministry of National Education may consider prioritizing assessment-related subjects, such as assessing the four language skills, in future in-service teacher training initiatives.
The general attitudes towards artificial intelligence (GAAIS): A meta-analytic reliability generalization study
Authors: Şahin Melek Gülşah , Yıldırım Yıldız
Published: May 2024

This study aims to generalize the reliability of the GAAIS, which is known to perform valid and reliable measurements, is frequently used in the literature, aims to measure one of today's popular topics, and is one of the first examples developed in the field. Within the meta-analytic reliability generalization study, moderator analyses were also conducted on some categorical and continuous variables. Cronbach's α values for the overall scale and the positive and negative subscales, and McDonald's ω coefficients for positive and negative subscales were generalized. Google Scholar, WOS, Taylor & Francis, Science Direct, and EBSCO databases were searched to obtain primary studies. As a result of the screening, 132 studies were found, and these studies were reviewed according to the inclusion criteria. Reliability coefficients obtained from 19 studies that met the criteria were included in the meta-analysis. While meta-analytic reliability generalization was performed according to the random effects model, moderator analyses were performed according to the mixed effect model based on both categorical variables and continuous variables. As a result of the research pooled, Cronbach's α was 0.881, 0.828, and 0.863 for total, the negative, and positive subscales respectively. Also, McDonald's ω was 0.873 and 0.923 for negative and positive subscales respectively. It was found that there were no significant differences between the reliability coefficients for all categorical variables. On the other hand, all continuous moderator variables (mean age, standard deviation age, and rate of female) had a significant effect.
Detection of differential item functioning with latent class analysis: PISA 2018 mathematical literacy test
Authors: Daşçıoğlu Selim , Öğretmen Tuncay
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this research is to determine whether PISA 2018 mathematical literacy test items show a differential item functioning across countries. For this purpose, only the items in booklet number three were examined using the MIMIC method with Latent Class Analysis (LCA) approach. PISA 2018 tests are mostly developed in English. Therefore, in DIF analyses, the reference group is the UK, while the focal groups consist of the other countries examined in the research (Türkiye, Finland, Japan, and the USA). According to the results, of the 23 test items, statistically significant DIF was observed in eight items in the UK-Türkiye sample, in seven items in the UK-Finland sample, in eleven items in the UK-Japan sample, and in three items in the UK-USA sample. It is seen that the effect and size of DIF in non-homogeneous groups differ between groups and these effects can be examined in more detail with the LCA method.