bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Product Price, Quality, and Service Decisions Under Consumer Choice Models
Authors: Wang Ruxian , Ke Chenxu , Cui Shiliang
Published: February 2021

Problem definition: In this paper, we develop an integrated framework to study a firm’s joint decisions on product price, quality, and service duration in a variety of monopolistic and competitive scenarios. Academic/practical relevance: Product price, quality, and ancillary service (such as maintenance and factory warranty) are arguably among the most important factors consumers consider when making a purchase decision. Meanwhile, they are also seen as effective instruments for firms to achieve market segmentation. We consider a cost structure for a firm in which the service cost depends on the product quality level. In particular, if quality is associated with product reliability (respectively, complexity), the service cost would decrease (increase) in the quality level. Methodology: We adopt the widely used multinomial logit model and the nested logit model to study consumers’ choice behavior and employ mixed-integer optimization and game theory to conduct analyses. Results: We find that with multiple substitutable products being offered, it is sufficient for a firm to provide only two maximally differentiated service durations at optimality. The quality of each product should be set at a level such that the marginal utility to consumers equals the marginal cost to the firm, independent of the decisions on other products, whereas the pricing decision should take into account all products. In addition, consumer surplus increases when the firm can make more decisions. Managerial implications: Regardless of product substitution and market competition, the optimal quality level and service duration for each product can be determined independently of other products. Moreover, service differentiation can benefit consumers and improve the firm’s profitability at the same time.
Diversity of endophytic fungi in Syzygium aqueum
Authors: Hiras Habisukan Ummi , ELFITA ELFITA , WIDJAJANTI HARY , SETIAWAN ARUM , KURNIAWATI ALFIA R.
Published: February 2021

Abstract. Habisukan UH, Elfita, Widjajanti H, Setiawan A, Kurniawati AR. 2021. Diversity of endophytic fungi in Syzygium aqueum. Biodiversitas 22: 1129-1137. Exploring endophytic fungi may provide alternative, plant-based ethnomedicines. The discovery of endophytic fungi can produce many plant-derived drugs that give new horizons to the pharmaceutical industry for the availability and production of such medicines on a large scale. Extracts from Syzygium aqueum Alston (jambu air), a fruit-bearing plant native to Indonesia, have long been used in traditional medicine. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify, and investigate, the antimicrobial activity of the endophytic fungi found in S. aqueum. Results revealed that total16 fungi were isolated . Fungal endophytes were identified through morphological characterization and subsequently compared with key fungal identification books. The ethyl acetate extracts of the isolated endophytic fungi were screened for their antimicrobial activity through paper disc diffusion assay fungi isolated from S. aqueum were identified as: Aspergillus niger (Isolate code R21, R41, T72), Cylindrocarpon sp. (Isolate code R11, R31), Trichoderma aureoviridae (Isolate code T11), Trichoderma harzianum (Isolate code T21), Trichoderma sp. (Isolate code T31), Pestalotia sp. (Isolate code T41and T62), Beltrania sp. (Isolate code T52), Chaetomium sp. (Isolate code L11), Cochliobolus sp. (Isolate code L22), Penicillium sp. (Isolate code L32), Cylindrocladium sp. (Isolate code L42), and an unidentified Ascomycota (T51). The values of Shannon-Weiner and Simpson diversity indexes for the overall fungal community were H′=2.133 and 1-D=0.859 respectively. All isolates showed potential antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli, Salmonella Typhi, and Staphylococcus aureus, but the lowest activity against Candida albicans. The results indicate that the bioactive compounds and secondary metabolites of these isolates should be further investigated for pharmaceutical applications.
Method for controlling temperature sensitivity of the fiber intermodal sensor and its application in the torsion sensor
Authors: Wang Yan , Cao Zhigang , Luo Weidong , Zhang Guosheng , Liu Bin , Liu Fanyu , Du Wenyu , Lin Jiping , Yu Benli
Published: February 2021

Temperature crosstalk has always been a critical problem for fiber intermodal sensors. In this work, we have proposed a novel method based on the special temperature response of photosensitive fiber to control the temperature sensitivity of the fiber intermodal sensor. The control of temperature sensitivity has been realized via adjusting the proportion of photosensitive fiber to single-mode fiber in the sensing part. The temperature sensitivity as high as −192 pm/°C, and as low as −2.6 pm/°C can be obtained, satisfying the demand in both research and application. The torsion sensor is taken as an example to illustrate feasibility of this method, showing no evident interference in the measurement of torsion parameters. The proposed method outstrips the conventional one by simple structure, facile manufacture, multiple use and low cost, which brings great promise for further employment in laboratory and industry.
Si racetrack optical modulator based on the III–V/Si hybrid MOS capacitor
Authors: Li Q. , Ho C. P. , Tang H. , Okano M. , Ikeda K. , Takagi S. , Takenaka M.
Published: February 2021

We have fabricated a Si racetrack optical modulator based on a III–V/Si hybrid metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) capacitor. The III–V/Si hybrid MOS optical phase shifter was integrated to a Si racetrack resonator with a coupling length of 200 µm and a coupling gap of 700 nm. The fabricated Si racetrack resonator demonstrated a small VπL of 0.059 Vcm. For 10-dB optical intensity modulation, the Si racetrack resonator showed a 60% smaller driving voltage than a Mach–Zehnder interferometer modulator with the same phase shifter, leading to a better balance between high energy efficiency and large modulation bandwidth.
Diffraction-limited broadband optical meta-power-limiter
Authors: Hsu Liyi , Ndao Abdoulaye
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the need for a high-power laser has been of great interest for different applications, including direct-laser processing, light detection, medicine, and lighting. However, high-power lasers with high intensities give rise to fundamental problems for optical detectors and imaging systems with low threshold damage, which still need reliable solutions. Here we report and numerically demonstrate a hybrid system that synergistically combines a broadband OPL with a transmittance difference between on-state (70°C) and off-state (25°C) about 62.5%, and a diffraction-limited broadband metalens from 1534 to 1664 nm. Such a metalens power limiter could be used in any system requiring an intermediate focal plane in the optical path to the detector from damage by exposure to high-intensity lasers.
Social and environmental risk factors for dengue in Delhi city: A retrospective study
Authors: Telle Olivier , Nikolay Birgit , Kumar Vikram , Benkimoun Samuel , Pal Rupali , Nagpal BN , Paul Richard E.
Published: February 2021

Global urbanization is leading to an inexorable spread of several major diseases that need to be stemmed. Dengue is one of these major diseases spreading in cities today, with its principal mosquito vector superbly adapted to the urban environment. Current mosquito control strategies are proving inadequate, especially in the face of such urbanisation and novel, evidence-based targeted approaches are needed. Through combined epidemiological and entomological approaches, we aimed to identify a novel sanitation strategy to alleviate the burden of dengue through how the dengue virus spreads through the community. We combined surveillance case mapping, prospective serological studies, year-round mosquito surveys, socio-economic and Knowledge Attitudes and Practices surveys across Delhi. We identified lack of access to tap water (≤98%) as an important risk factor for dengue virus IgG sero-positivity (adjusted Odds Ratio 4.69, 95% C.I. 2.06–10.67) and not poverty per se. Wealthier districts had a higher dengue burden despite lower mosquito densities than the Intermediary income communities (adjusted Odds Ratio 2.92, 95% C.I. 1.26–6.72). This probably reflects dengue being introduced by people travelling from poorer areas to work in wealthier houses. These poorer, high density areas, where temperatures are also warmer, also had dengue cases during the winter. Control strategies based on improved access to a reliable supply of tap water plus focal intervention in intra-urban heat islands prior to the dengue season could not only lead to a reduction in mosquito abundance but also eliminate the reservoir of dengue virus clearly circulating at low levels in winter in socio-economically disadvantaged areas.
Application of low-intensity pulsed therapeutic ultrasound on mesenchymal precursors does not affect their cell properties
Authors: de Lucas Beatriz , Pérez Laura M. , Bernal Aurora , Gálvez Beatriz G.
Published: February 2021

Ultrasound is considered a safe and non-invasive tool in regenerative medicine and has been used in the clinic for more than twenty years for applications in bone healing after the approval of theExogendevice, also known as low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS). Beyond its effects on bone health, LIPUS has also been investigated for wound healing of soft tissues, with positive results for various cell processes including cell proliferation, migration and angiogenesis. As LIPUS has the potential to treat chronic skin wounds, we sought to evaluate the effects produced by a conventional therapeutic ultrasound device at low intensities (also considered LIPUS) on the migration capacity of mouse and human skin mesenchymal precursors (s-MPs). Cells were stimulated for 3 days (20 minutes per day) using a traditional ultrasound device with the following parameters: 100 mW/cm2with 20% duty cycle and frequency of 3 MHz. At the parameters used, ultrasound failed to affect s-MP proliferation, with no evident changes in morphology or cell groupings, and no changes at the cytoskeletal level. Further, the migration and invasion ability of s-MPs were unaffected by the ultrasound protocol, and no major changes were detected in the gene/protein expression of ROCK1, integrin β1, laminin β1, type I collagen and transforming growth factor β1. Finally, RNA-seq analysis revealed that only 10 genes were differentially expressed after ultrasound stimulation. Among them, 5 encode for small nuclear RNAs and 2 encode for proteins belonging to the nuclear pore complex. Considering the results overall, while the viability of s-MPs was not affected by ultrasound stimulation and no changes were detected in proliferation/migration, RNA-seq analysis would suggest that s-MPs do respond to ultrasound. The use of 100 mW/cm2intensity or conventional therapeutic ultrasound devices might not be optimal for the stimulation the properties of cell populations. Future studies should investigate the potential application of ultrasound using variations of the tested parameters.
Can improving law enforcement effectively curb illegal land use in China?
Authors: Chen Siyi , Chen Zhigang , Shen Yan
Published: February 2021

In view of the current severe situation of illegal land use in China, it is of great significance to explore the impact of the evolution and promotion of land law enforcement effectiveness, which will improve China’s land law enforcement system and effectively curb illegal land use. This paper explains the changes and enhancements of the effectiveness of land law enforcement since the implementation of China’s National Land Supervision System in terms of the deterrence, difficulty, and strength of land law enforcement, and explores the role of land law enforcement effectiveness in changing illegal land use behaviors from a theoretical level. Then, a corresponding empirical test was carried out using the provincial panel data of Mainland China from 2007 to 2016. The results show that the increase in land law enforcement deterrence and strength will help reduce the number of illegal land use cases, but it will drive the lawbreakers to "commit major cases in desperation", leading to the increase of the degree of illegal land use; and with the decrease of land law enforcement difficulty, the degree of illegal land use will be significantly reduced. At the end of this paper, several policy suggestions are put forward to effectively curb the illegal land use from the perspective of improving the land law enforcement system and enhancing the effectiveness of law enforcement.
Factors that influence the plant use knowledge in the middle mountains of Nepal
Authors: Kutal Durga , Kunwar Ripu M. , Baral Kedar , Sapkota Prabhat , Sharma Hari P. , Rimal Bhagawat
Published: February 2021

An account of total of 58 plant species including 57 genera and 43 families was reported as useful in ethnomedicine from semi-structured questionnaire survey to the 76 participants of Kaski and Baitadi districts, Nepal. Fieldwork and participatory meetings were carried out between September 2017 and January 2018. A total of 419 emic use reports including 150 from Kaski and 269 from Baitadi were reported from 58 ethnomedicinal plant species. Each species was reported for 2–43 use reports and each participant recorded 1–12 use reports. About 25% (n = 104) use reports were associated with the treatment of digestive system disorders followed by 83 for general complaints. Of the species assessed, 53 species had IASc value < 0.25 and only five species had > 0.25. SpeciesSwertia chirayita,Paris polyphylla,Bergenia ciliata,Valeriana jatamansiandCentella asiaticawith > 0.25 IASc were found to be highly consented; however they were incongruent between the sample groups and sites. Divergent plant use knowledge specific to each sample district and group was corresponding to the heterogeneity of socio-economy and culture of the sites. Gender, ethnicity, household economy and food availability of the respondents were leading factors affecting the plant use knowledge. Despite the sites were relatively homogenous in eco-physiography, they possessed the distinct plant use knowledge, hinted that the socio-economic factors are more explanatory in plant use knowledge.
Association between physicians’ and patients’ perspectives of shared decision making in primary care settings in Japan: The impact of environmental factors
Authors: Goto Yuko , Miura Hisayuki , Son Daisuke , Scholl Isabelle , Kriston Levente , Härter Martin , Sato Kotaro , Kusaba Tesshu , Arai Hidenori
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Shared decision-making (SDM) has only lately begun attaining recognition from the Japanese medical community. The purpose of this study was to create a Japanese version of the SDM-Q-Doc, which is a scale that measures SDM from the perspective of physicians, and to clarify its psychometric characteristics and identify the issues and factors that affect SDM.

Methods

The participants were 23 physicians and 130 patients who visited primary care clinics in Japan for the first time. Immediately following physician–patient interviews, the Japanese version of SDM-Q-9 and SDM-Q-Doc were administered to patients and physicians, respectively. For convergent validity, physician confidence in the medical interview (PCMI) was used. After the determination of internal consistency and validity of the SDM-Q-Doc, the relations among each item of SDM-Q-Doc, SDM-Q-9, physicians’ sociodemographic attributes, and a presence or absence of nurse’s attendance during outpatient consultation were assessed by a multiple regression analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM).

Results

A factor analysis confirmed that the Japanese version of the SDM-Q-Doc displays a one-factor structure with a high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.87, ω = 0.88). The correlation between the PCMI and SDM-Q-Doc confirmed an appropriate convergent validity (r = 0.406; p < 0.001).

Multiple regression analyses showed that the attendance of a nurse during consultation significantly affected one item of the SDM-Q-Doc, which in turn affected one item of the SDM-Q-9. SEM showed a good fit of model for these three items.

Conclusion

The Japanese version of the SDM-Q-Doc’s internal consistency and validity in the outpatient medical consultations in Japan were confirmed. Further, this study suggests the role of a nurse’s attendance during a physician–patient consultation on facilitating the SDM. Further, using the Japanese version of the SDM-Q-Doc will promote communication skills training for medical professionals by checking the quality of SDM.
Usefulness of staging chest-CT in patients with operable breast cancer
Authors: Hong Jung Hee , Goo Jin Mo , Moon Hyeong-Gon , Chang Jung Min , Lee Jong Hyuk , Park Chang Min
Published: February 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to investigate the usefulness of staging chest-CT in terms of diagnostic yield and false-referral rate in patients with operable breast cancer.

Materials and methods

This study was approved by the institutional review border. In this retrospective study, we reviewed patients who underwent staging chest-CT between January 2014 and June 2016. Reference standard was defined as a combination of pathology and radiologic tumor changes in accordance with primary tumor or metastatic lesions and stability during the 12-month follow-up period. We calculated diagnostic yield and false-referral rates stratified by pathologic stage. The important ancillary findings of staging chest-CT were also recorded.

Results

A total of 1,342 patients were included in this study. Of these, four patients (0.3%; 4/1342) had true pulmonary metastasis. Diagnostic yields of stage I, II, III disease were 0.0% (0/521), 0.3% (2/693), and 1.6% (2/128), respectively. The overall false-referral rate was 4.6% (62/1342); false-referral rates of stage I, II, and III disease were 5.0% (26/521), 3.8% (26/693), and 7.8% (10/128), respectively. No occult thoracic metastasis occurred within 12 months of staging chest-CT. Nineteen patients showed significant ancillary findings besides lung metastasis, including primary lung cancer (n = 9). The overall diagnostic yield of ancillary findings was 1.7% (23 of 1342).

Conclusions

The incidence of pulmonary metastasis was near zero for pathologic stages I/II and slightly higher (although still low; 1.6%). for stage III. Considering its low diagnostic yield and substantial false-referral rates, staging chest-CT might not be useful in patients with operable breast cancer.
Multimorbidity and its associated factors among adults aged 50 and over: A cross-sectional study in 17 European countries
Authors: Bezerra de Souza Dyego Leandro , Oliveras-Fabregas Albert , Espelt Albert , Bosque-Prous Marina , de Camargo Cancela Marianna , Teixidó-Compañó Ester , Jerez-Roig Javier
Published: February 2021

Aims

To estimate the prevalence of multimorbidity among European community-dwelling adults, as well as to analyse the association with gender, age, education, self-rated health, loneliness, quality of life, size of social network, Body Mass Index (BMI) and disability.

Methods

A cross-sectional study based on wave 6 (2015) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) was conducted, and community-dwelling participants aged 50+ (n = 63,844) from 17 European countries were selected. Multimorbidity was defined as presenting two or more health conditions. The independent variables were gender, age group, educational level, self-rated health, loneliness, size of network, quality of life, BMI and disability (1+ limitations of basic activities of daily living). Poisson regression models with robust variance were fit for bivariate and multivariate analysis.

Results

The prevalence of multimorbidity was 28.2% (confidence interval–CI 95%: 27.5.8–29.0) among men and 34.5% (CI95%: 34.1–35.4) among women. The most common health conditions were cardiometabolic and osteoarticular diseases in both genders, and emotional disorders in younger women. A large variability in the prevalence of multimorbidity in European countries was verified, even between countries of the same region.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity was associated with sociodemographic and physical characteristics, self-rated health, quality of life and loneliness.
Aflibercept for treatment-naïve diabetic macula oedema in a multi-ethnic population: Real-world outcomes from North West London
Authors: Dinah Christiana , Ghulakhszian Arevik , Sim Sing Yue , Minocha Amal , Nokhostin Soroush , Posner Esther , Cheong-Lee Richard , George Sheena
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the clinical outcomes of patients with treatment–naïve diabetic macula oedema (DMO) treated with Aflibercept in routine clinic settings in ethnically diverse North West London (NWL) and compare to outcomes reported in the VIVID and VISTA clinical trials

Methods

This was a retrospective multicentre interventional case series. Two hundred and seventy eyes of 221 treatment-naïve patients at three NWL hospitals initiated on Aflibercept and who had at least 12 months follow-up were included in the study. Visual acuity, central subfield thickness and macula volume were recorded at baseline, month 3, 6 and 12.

Results

There were significant differences between the NWL cohort and participants in the VIVID and VISTA trials at baseline including higher HbA1c and a higher proportion of eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy in the NWL cohort. The mean VA, mean CSFT and mean MV at baseline was 66.4 (± 14.6) letters, 417 (± 94) μm and 10.3 (± 1.9) mm3. The mean VA gain at 12 months was 4.0 (± 11.8) letters (p < 0.001); a total of 26% of eyes gained ≥ 10 letters, 15% of eyes gained ≥ 15 letters and 6% lost ≥15 letters. At 12-months, the mean reduction in CSFT was 108 (± 96) μm (p<0.001) and the mean reduction in MV was 1.05 (± 1.21) mm3 (p<0.001). An average of 6.2 (± 2.3) injections was given over 12 months. There was a significant association between functional and anatomical response category at 3 months and response category at 12 months (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The effectiveness of treatment with Aflibercept for patients in NWL was meaningfully lower than was reported in the VIVID and VISTA clinical trials. A high proportion of patients with good visual acuity at baseline, poorer glycaemic control, worse diabetic retinopathy and under-treatment likely contributed to lower functional and anatomical outcomes.
Eosinophil-derived neurotoxin: A biologically and analytically attractive asthma biomarker
Authors: Rutten Bert , Young Simon , Rhedin Magdalena , Olsson Marita , Kurian Nisha , Syed Farhat , Beech Augusta , Fidock Mark , Newbold Paul , Singh Dave , Platt Adam , Hughes Glen
Published: February 2021

There is a growing body of evidence for the utility of eosinophil-derived neurotoxin (EDN) as a biomarker in asthma, including association with eosinophilic airway inflammation, assessment of disease severity and potential for predicting pathogenic risks, including exacerbations. However, to interpret any biomarker data with confidence, it is first important to understand the preanalytical factors and biological variation that may affect its reliable measurement and results interpretation. In this study we defined the healthy serum EDN reference range for men and women as 1.98 to 26.10 ng/mL, with no significant gender differences. Smoking did not impact the mean EDN levels and no circadian rhythm was identified for EDN, unlike blood eosinophils (EOS) where levels peaked at 00:00h. EDN expression in different cell types was investigated and shown to occur primarily in eosinophils, indicating they are likely to be the main cellular repository for EDN. We also confirm that the quantification of serum EDN is not influenced by the type of storage tube used, and it is stable at ambient temperature or when refrigerated for at least 7 days and for up to one year when frozen at -20°C or -80°C. In summary, EDN is a stable biomarker that may prove useful in precision medicine approaches by enabling the identification of a subpopulation of asthma patients with activated eosinophils and a more severe form of the disease.
Epidemiology of thalassemia among the hill tribe population in Thailand
Authors: Apidechkul Tawatchai , Yeemard Fartima , Chomchoei Chalitar , Upala Panupong , Tamornpark Ratipark
Published: February 2021

Background

Thalassemia is a severe disease that occurs due to abnormalities in hemoglobin genes. Various genetic factors in different populations lead to different clinical manifestations of thalassemia disease, particularly among people who have a long history of migration and who have married among tribes, such as the hill tribe people in Thailand. This genetic epidemiological study aimed to estimate the prevalence of various forms of thalassemia among the six main hill tribe populations in Thailand.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to obtain information and blood specimens from school children belonging to one of the six main hill tribes in Thailand: Akha, Lau, Hmong, Yao, Karen, and Lisu. Hill tribe children who were attending grades 4–6 in 13 selected schools in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand, were invited to participate in the study. A validated questionnaire and 3 mL blood specimens were collected after obtaining information consent forms from both the children and their parents on a voluntary basis. A complete blood count (CBC) was performed, followed by osmotic fragility (OF) and dichlorophenol indophenol precipitation (DCIP) tests to screen for thalassemia. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were used to identify hemoglobin type and α-thalassemia, respectively. A t-test, chi-square and logistic regression were used to detect the associations between variables at the significance level of α = 0.05.

Results

A total of 1,200 participants from 6 different tribes were recruited for the study; 50.0% were males, and 67.3% were aged 11–12 years. The overall prevalence of thalassemia carriers according to the screening tests was 9.8% (117 of 1,200). Among the cases, 83 were A2A (59 cases were α-thalassemia 1 carrier or α-thalassemia 2 carrier or homozygous α-thalassemia 2, and 24 cases were β-thalassemia trait with or without α-thalassemia); 1 case was EE (homozygous Hb E with or without α-thalassemia); 31 cases were EA (30 cases were the Hb E trait, and 1 case was Hb E trait with or without α-thalassemia); 1 case was A2A Bart’s H (Hb H disease α-thalassemia 1/α-thalassemia 2); and 1 case was A2A with abnormal Hb. The prevalence of the α-thalassemia 1 trait among the hill tribe population was 2.5%. The greatest prevalence of the α-thalassemia 1 trait was found in the Karen (3.0%) and Hmong (3.0%) tribes.

Conclusions

The prevalence of some forms of thalassemia in the hill tribe population is higher than that in the Thai and other populations. Effective and available thalassemia screening tests, including essential information to protect the next generation through the specific counseling clinic, are crucial, particularly due to increasing marriages within these populations.
Powerfulness Komunitas: Refleksi Pendampingan Kelompok Tani Pada Program Kampung Pisang
Authors: Nur Hayati Beti
Published: February 2021

This article explores the changing of community development process that conducted by a private sector in Dusun Kalongan. As a consequence, empowerment cannot be realized, when the society still considered as a unit program in empowerment process. For instance, this study uses qualitative method for demonstrating its transformation of community development procedure that was applied. Data was collected through interviews that its validity was examined by triangulation technique. Findings feature the society that able to recognize the local potentials and it also generates consciousness to develop the processing of banana product in which gives benefit for economy sector. This product necessarily becomes a new business potential for residents. In fact, these commodities were not developed very well both the capacity of society to manage processing bananas that are restricted and the ways of creating new product to increase commodity for new business. This happens because people are not able to map the potential and marketing segmentation of their product. This means that people are given full strength to know their potential but are not able to market the product that have been made. It has been counterproductive to the term powerfulness in the community. Therefore, this research recommends the evaluation of programs taking into account the cognitive and effective aspects of the training and community organizing process.Paper ini mengeksplorasi proses perubahan pemberdayaan masyarakat yang dilakukan oleh sektor swasta di Dusun Kalongan. Sebagai konsekuensinya, pemberdayaan tidak dapat berjalan jika masyarakat masih dianggap sebagai sasaran program (obyek). Untuk itu, studi ini menggunakan metode kualitatif untuk membuktikan adanya perubahan proses pemberdayaan yang telah dilakukan tersebut. Data dikumpulkan melalui proses wawancara dengan pengujian validitasnya menggunakan teknik trianggulasi. Hasil studi ini menunjukkan bahwa masyarakat mampu mengenali potensi lokal dan dapat menciptakan kesadaran untuk mengembangkan olahan produk pisang sehingga memiliki daya jual. Produk ini dapat menjadi potensi bisnis masyarakat lokal. Namun faktanya, komoditas tersebut tidak dapat berkembang dengan baik karena kemampuan masyarakat masih terbatas pada cara mengolah pisang sebagai bahan utama pembuatan komoditas bisnis baru. Hal ini terjadi karena masyarakat tidak mampu memetakan potensi dan segmentasi pemasaran dari hasil produknya. Ini artinya, masyarakat diberikan kekuatan penuh untuk mengenal potensinya namun tidak mampu memasarkan produk yang telah dibuat. Ini telah mengalami kontraproduktif dengan istilah powerfulness di dalam komunitas. Untuk itu, riset ini merekomendasikan evaluasi program dengan mempertimbangkan aspek kognitif dan afektif dari proses pelatihan dan pengorganisasian masyarakat.
Polemik Jilbab Miftahul Jannah di Asian Para Games 2018 dalam Media Daring
Authors: Malik Rif’atul Khoiriah
Published: February 2021

This article discusses the daring mass media polemic that was preferred by Joduka Miftahul Jannah or Miftah, who was disqualified from the 2018 Asian Para Games for refusing to release the hijab. This disqualification creates dangers from various parties such as organizers, government and society. The focus of this research is three mass media who dare to report on the case, including Tribunnews.com, Detik.com, and Republika.co.id. This study uses qualitative research methods and Robert N. Entman framing analysis. The findings of this study indicate that the three media carried out different news constructions when reporting on the Miftahul Jannah case. Tribunnews.com focuses on problem solving, while Detik.com focuses on dependent judo regulations. Meanwhile, Republika.co.id has a focal point on the individual Miftahul Jannah who is firm with her stance as the main motive for her reporting.Tulisan ini membahas polemik media massa daring yang dialami oleh Joduka Miftahul Jannah atau Miftah yang diskualifikasi dari Asian Para Games 2018 karena menolak melepaskan jilbab. Diskualifikasi tersebut mengundang perdebatan dari berbagai pihak seperti penyelenggara, pemerintah, dan masyarakat. Fokus penelitian ini adalah tiga media massa daring yang secara intens memberitakan kasus tersebut, di antaranya Tribunnews.com, Detik.com, dan Republika.co.id. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif dan analisis framing Robert N. Entman. Temuan penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa ketiga media tersebut melakukan konstruksi pemberitaan yang berbeda-beda saat memberitakan kasus Miftahul Jannah. Tribunnews.com fokus pada penyelesaian masalah, sedangkan Detik.com fokus pada peraturan judo yang berlaku. Sementara Republika.co.id memiliki titik fokus kepada individu Miftahul Jannah yang teguh dengan pendiriannya sebagai motif utama pemberitaannya.
Characteristics of Nanopositioning Electroelastic Digital-to-Analog Converter for Communication Systems
Authors: Afonin Sergey
Published: February 2021

The characteristics of the nanopositioning electroelastic digital-to-analog converter for communication systems are examined. In the static and dynamic regimes this characteristics are received. The static strain and control characteristics of the nanopositioning electroelastic digital-to-analog converter are obtained. The transfer function of the nanopositioning electroelastic digital-to-analog converter is received.
Surrogate based continuous noninvasive blood pressure measurement
Authors: Pielmus Alexandru-Gabriel , Mühlstef Jens , Bresch Erik , Glos Martin , Jungen Christiane , Mieke Stefan , Orglmeister Reinhold , Schulze Andreas , Stender Birgit , Voigt Verena , Zaunseder Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Arterial blood pressure is one of the most often measured vital parameters in clinical practice. State-of-the-art noninvasive ABP measurement technologies have noticeable limitations and are mainly based on uncomfortable techniques of complete or partial arterial occlusion by cuffs. Most commonplace devices provide only intermittent measurements, and continuous systems are bulky and difficult to apply correctly for nonprofessionals. Continuous cuffless ABP measurements are still an unmet clinical need and a topic of ongoing research, with only few commercially available devices. This paper discusses surrogate-based noninvasive blood pressure measurement techniques. It covers measurement methods of continuously and noninvasively inferring BP from surrogate signals without applying external pressures, except for reference or initialization purposes. The BP is estimated by processing signal features, so called surrogates, which are modulated by variations of BP. Discussed techniques include well-known approaches such as pulse transit time and pulse arrival time techniques, pulse wave analysis or combinations thereof. Despite a long research history, these methods have not found widespread use in clinical and ambulatory practice, in part due to technical limitations and the lack of a standardized regulatory framework. This work summarizes findings from an invited workshop of experts in the fields covering clinical expertise, engineering aspects, commercialization and standardization issues. The goal is to provide an application driven outlook, starting with clinical needs, and extending to technical actuality. It provides an outline of recommended research directions and includes a detailed overview of clinical use case scenarios for these technologies, opportunities, and limitations.
Gonadotropin levels reduced in seven days immobilization stress-induced depressive-like behavior in female rats
Authors: Sahin Zafer , Ozkurkculer Alpaslan , Kalkan Omer Faruk , Bulmus Funda Gulcu , Bulmus Ozgur , Kutlu Selim
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Reproduction is one of the physiological functions that are often negatively affected by chronic stress. We aimed to examine effects of two distinct 7-day chronic immobilization stress (IMO) models on gonadotropins levels and depression-like behaviors in female rats.

Methods

Adult Wistar albino female rats were divided into three groups as follows (n=7 for each group): control, IMO-1 (45 min daily for 7-day) and IMO-2 (45 min twice a day for 7-day). Neuropsychiatric behaviors were determined by using forced swimming test (FST) and open field test (OFT). Gonadotropins were analyzed using ELISA tests.

Results

In FST, swimming was lower, and immobility was higher in the IMO-1 group and IMO--2 group. Climbing score of the IMO-2 group was higher compared to the control group. In OFT, there was no significant alteration in the mean velocity, total distance, duration of time spent in the central area and duration of latency in the central area between the stress groups and the control group. Final body weight and percentage of body weight change were lower in both stress groups. The follicle-stimulating hormone level was lower only in the IMO-2 group, and the luteinizing hormone concentrations were significantly lower in the IMO-1 group and IMO-2 group.

Conclusions

Our results indicated that depression-like behaviors increased, and gonadotropins decreased in the female rats exposed to 7-day chronic IMO.
Distribution and behavior of fission product 95Nb in FLiBe salt
Authors: Cheng Zhiqiang , Wang Xiaohe , Zhao Zhongqi , Geng Junxia , Hu Jifeng , Chen Jingen , Cai Xiangzhou , Li Wenxin , Dou Qiang , Li Qingnuan
Published: February 2021

The 235,238UF4 was irradiated by photo-neutrons, distribution and behavior of the fission product 95Nb from irradiated 235,238UF4 in FLiBe salt were investigated by the measurement of its activity in the salt with the γ-ray spectroscopy. The experiments indicated that a part of 95Nb deposited on the surfaces of graphite and Hastelloy, as the moderator and the structural materials of molten salt reactor (MSR), respectively, and the majority of 95Nb maintained in molten salt. Addition of lithium metal made 95Nb in salt to be reduced and settled, leading to the decrease in its activity. Degree of the decrease was found to be correlated with niobium concentration. The experimental results supported the statement proposed early by ORNL, that 95Nb might be used as a redox indicator for MSR. Finally, the problem met with on-site monitoring for redox potential in MSR was pointed, and a possible protocol to resolve the problem was proposed.
Differentiation of the financial standing of the municipalities of Świętokrzyskie voivodeship in the aspect of their financial independence
Authors:   Jan Kochanowski University in Kielce, Dziekański Paweł
Published: February 2021

Purpose – The purpose of the article is to rate the diversity of the financial situation of municipalities in Świętokrzyskie voivodship in relation to their financial independence. Research method – The financial situation and independence are multidimensional. They are shaped by, among others, economic, legal and financial factors. The assessment of the financial standing and independence was based on the value of the synthetic measure determined by the TOPSIS method. The study covered the years 2009-2018. The article uses data obtained from the Regional Accounting Chamber of Kielce. Results – The subject of the discussion presented in the article are the issues of the financial situation and independence of the municipalities (102) of Świętokrzyskie voivodship. As part of the research, a set of diagnostic variables was selected, their nature, synthetic measure, and their division into quartile groups were determined. Originality / value – Stability and certainty of income determine the scope and level of tasks performed by the municipalities. The financial situation and independence of municipalities are not a permanent category. The financial situation of the municipalities in Świętokrzyskie voivodship was shaped by the development potential, the level of financing public services and implemented transfers, income and expenses independence and budget solvency. The best municipalities were characterized by a good situation and a high level of financial independence.
Intellectual capital of European Union countries (EU-28) – measurement concept
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Finance, University of Bialystok, Paszko Julita
Published: February 2021

Purpose – The aim of the present research paper is to enrich the achievements of science through a description of a theoretical-methodological approach to measuring the national intellectual capital (NIC) along with its application in the evaluation of the European Union countries (2015). Research method – The synthetic indicator, describing the intellectual capital of the EU countries was quantified by using the TOPSIS method. The year 2015 is the study period. Results – The estimation results confirm the diversity of the intellectual capital level in the 28 countries of the EU. The highest index value applies to Sweden. Romania takes the last – 28th place and belongs to the fourth typological group with a very low potential of intellectual capital. Originality /value / implications /recommendations – The new perspective on defining and taxonomy of intellectual capital (including ecological capital) is a kind of novum in this area. As a result, the elaborated ranking of the EU countries provides a new, wider perspective on the intellectual capital issues.
The specificity of state aid in Poland in comparison with European Union countries
Authors:   Faculty of Economics and Finance, University of Bialystok, Przygodzka Renata
Published: February 2021

Purpose – The aim of the paper is to identify the directions and instruments of state aid (with the exception of agriculture and the transport sector) used in Poland and to identify their specificities in relation to other countries of the European Union. Research method – The achievement of the above purpose required the use of research methods such as the analysis of legal acts, the collection and analysis of secondary data and the processing of the collected factual material using descriptive statistical methods. The data source was The State Aid Scoreboard, together with a variety of reports from the Office for Competition and Consumer Protection. Results – In 2017, the amount of state aid in Poland was twice as high as the average indicator in the European Union (1.51% and 0.76% respectively). Regional development (27.3%) was the main beneficiary of its allocation, while environmental protection was 55.4% in the EU. A specific feature of state aid in Poland is its sustainability, which does not exist to a similar extent in other Member States. Originality /value – According to the author's knowledge, this is one of the unique research papers devoted to the problem of state aid, especially in the context of the indication of the specific characteristics of state aid in Poland against the background of the countries of the European Union.
IVF or ICSI for fertility preservation?
Authors: Aggarwal Bhorika , Evans Amanda L , Ryan Howard , Martins da Silva Sarah J
Published: February 2021

Lay summary

In IVF, eggs and sperm are added together for fertilisation to occur whereas ICSI involves injecting a single sperm into each egg. ICSI is very effective where sperm count or swimming is poor (male infertility) but is slightly riskier than IVF in terms of health problems in children, although these risks are small. However, the risk of no eggs fertilising is higher for IVF compared to ICSI and couples undertaking fertility preservation, for example, before cancer treatment, usually only have time for one attempt. Using fertility preservation treatment cycle data reported to Human Fertilisation and Embryology Authority (HFEA), this study shows that ICSI results in higher number of fertilised eggs and embryos for storage or treatment compared to IVF. However, 19% of eggs are not used in ICSI treatment, so IVF appears to be better overall. Clinics should choose IVF or ICSI for fertility preservation depending on sperm characteristics rather than using ICSI for all.
Predictors of Prosthetic Valve Endocarditis following Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Jiang Weiwei , Wu Wenconghui , Guo Ruikang , Xie Minghui , Yim Wai Yen , Wang Yin , Hu Xingjian
Published: February 2021

Background: Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) has gained increasing acceptance for patients with aortic disease. A rare but fatal complication prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) could greatly influence the clinical outcomes of TAVR. This meta-analysis aims to pin down the predictors of PVE in TAVR patients.
Methods: We performed a systematic search for studies that reported the incidence and risk factors of PVE after TAVR. Data on studies, patients, baseline characteristics, and procedural characteristics were abstracted. Crude risk ratios (RRs) and 95% confidence intervals for each predictor were calculated by the use of random-effects models. Heterogeneity assumption was assessed by an I2 test.
Results: We obtained data from 8 studies that included 68,805 TAVR patients, of whom 1,256 (1.83%) were diagnosed with PVE after TAVR. 280 patients died within the 30-days of PVE diagnosis and the pooled in-hospital mortality was 22.3%. The summary estimates indicated an increased risk of PVE after TAVR for males (RR 1.53, P = .0001); for patients with orotracheal intubation (RR 1.65, P = .01), new pacemaker implantation (RR 1.46, P = .003), and residual aortic regurgitation (≥2 grade) (RR 1.62, P = .05); while older age (RR 0.97, P = .0007) and implantation of a self-expandable valve (RR 0.74, P = .02) were associated with a lower risk of PVE after TAVR.
Conclusion: Clinical characteristics and peri-procedure factors including age, male sex, valve type, orotracheal intubation, pacemaker implantation, and residual regurgitation were proven to be associated with the occurrence of PVE-TAVR. Clinicians should pay particular attention to PVE when treating TAVR patients with these predictors.
Herramienta para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la gestión de las instituciones dedicadas a la investigación
Authors: Aura del Carmen Díaz Echeverry , Hernando Camacho Camacho , Orlando Gregorio Chaviano
Published: February 2021

Esta investigación presentó la propuesta de una herramienta para el diagnóstico y seguimiento de la gestión estratégica e investigativa de las instituciones dedicadas a la investigación, a partir de indicadores bibliométricos, el estándar de ISO 9001:2015, los lineamientos para la medición y reconocimiento de investigadores y grupos de investigación de Colciencias, con el fin de establecer los indicadores mínimos y los elementos de gestión de procesos que faciliten la toma de decisiones a partir del análisis de resultados. La investigación se desarrolló en dos fases; la primera consistió en una revisión documental para determinar los aspectos de evaluación de la calidad de las investigaciones, indicadores bibliométricos más relevantes, los lineamientos de Colciencias y las escalas de madurez de gestión de proyectos; por su parte, en la segunda fase se realizó el diseño de la herramienta diagnóstica.
Gerencia Pública y Control Fiscal / Public Management And Fiscal Control
Authors: Jorge Andrés Torres Calderón , Mara Margarita Montes Arrieta
Published: February 2021

El capítulo hace parte del libro Gerencia Publica y Control Fiscal del Autor Jairo Gómez Buitrago, está compuesto por varios subtítulos que hacen referencia al control fiscal, su reseña histórica, las entidades que lo ejercen, los sistemas de control, la forma como se ejercen y todo lo relacionado a su desarrollo. El capítulo VI llamado Control Fiscal, hace mención a la reseña histórica del control fiscal el cual nace con la Cámara de Cuentas año 1319 ordenada por el Rey Felipe V, que era encargada de vigilar negocios de la Corona. En 1492, los Reyes católicos designan a un funcionario para supervisar el segundo viaje de Colón. a las Américas. - 1511 (Colonia), se crea el Tribunal de la Real Audiencia en Santo Domingo, -1604, surge el Tribunal de Cuentas en Santa Fe de Bogotá, por iniciativa del rey Felipe III; - 1807, se adopta el sistema francés implantado por Napoleón, basado en una Corte de Cuenta. -1819, Crea la Corte de Cuentas. - Ley 6 de 1821, crea la Contaduría General de Hacienda, modificada en 1847, en una Corte de Cuentas con funciones fiscales, pero dependientes del Ejecutivo. Constitución de 1886, reafirma la creación de Corte de Cuentas con 10 magistrados y mediante la Ley 42 de 1923, se Crea el Departamento de Contraloría, se establece la necesidad de rendir cuentas. En 1945, se elige el primer Contralor. En 1975, la Ley 20 crea los controles: previo, perceptivo y numérico legal. El control previo y perceptivo entra en crisis a finales de la década de 1980.