bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevated Second Trimester Alpha-Fetoprotein Increases the Risk of Placenta Accreta
Authors: Wang Fengge , Man Dongmei , Liu Shiguo
Published: November 2023

Background: Placenta previa-accreta constitutes an increasing clinical problem, whose diagnosis remains challenging in obstetrics. The current work aimed to assess whether second-trimester serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) amounts are altered in pregnant women with placenta previa-accreta versus control values. Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed for 504 pregnant women treated between 1 January 2016 and 28 February 2021. This cohort included 105 placenta previa-accreta and 122 placenta previa control cases, as well as 277 body mass index (BMI)-matched individuals with healthy pregnancy. The multiple of the median (MoM) for AFP was obtained from clinical records. Results: Markedly elevated MoM for AFP was detected in the placenta previa-accreta group compared with the placenta previa control and healthy pregnant control groups (both p < 0.001). Serum AFP levels had a significant positive association with placenta accreta after adjustment for age, BMI, and gestational week at blood collection (β = 0.60; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.52, 0.68; p < 0.001). In addition, previous cesarean delivery history (β = 3.41; 95% CI: 2.18, 5.34; p < 0.001) also had a significant association with placenta accreta. Conclusions: Elevated second-trimester serum AFP had a positive association with placenta accreta. Such finding suggests a potential role for AFP in detecting pregnancies at high-risk of placenta accreta. This second-trimester biomarker of AFP may help classify women into the high- and low-risk groups for placenta accreta. In addition, we have validated a previous history of cesarean section as a risk factor for accreta in patients with placenta previa.
1-L Transcription in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Nahalka Jozef
Published: November 2023

Background: As a chronic degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that affects both motor and non-motor systems, Parkinson’s disease (PD) is very complex, and explanations and models are needed to better understand how dopaminergic neurons are affected and microglia are activated. Methods: A theoretical protein-RNA recognition code that assumes that the second letter in codons is compatible with specific amino acids involved in protein-RNA recognition was used to search for compatibility of human α-synuclein (α-syn) with mRNAs in the human transcriptome (1-L transcription). Results: The 1-L transcription revealed compatible amino acid sequences with the ATTTA ARE (class I), PAS and polyA in α-syn, supporting a protein-RNA regulatory model. In PD, inflammatory microglia reactions, cognitive decline and motor circuit disturbances are observed. The model theoretically explains why α-syn producing neurons are less protected from inflammation and why microglia are activated. Consistent with knowledge of PD, the identified genes showed how the PI3K-AKT pathway is downregulated, how reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and sensitivity are increased, how mitochondria are destabilized, why autophagy is impaired, and why neuronal depigmentation is observed. Conclusions: 1-L transcription of α-syn leads to genes/proteins relevant to PD. When α-syn is accepted as a small RNA recognition protein involved in the post-transcriptional regulations, some identified genes indicate that its function is an important regulatory factor associated with intracellular and extracellular transport of RNA vesicles. These vesicles are extremely important in cellular communication. In addition, the spectrum of identified genes strongly indicates that α-syn produced by neuronal cells is required for proper regulation of inflammatory and immune responses.
Ubiquitin C-Terminal Hydrolase L5 Plays an Essential Role in the Fly Innate Immune Defense against Bacterial Infection
Authors: Zhang Chao , Zhang Shikun , Kong Fanrui , Xiao Yihua , She Kan , Jin Yiheng , Li Jiashu , Qadeer Abdul , Zheng Xianrui , Ji Shanming , Hua Yongzhi
Published: November 2023

Background: Drosophila ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L5 (Uch-L5) functions as a critical component of the 26S proteasome to mediate degradation of polyubiquitinated proteins. It was recently shown to modulate tissue/organ development by targeting the Smoothened protein in the hedgehog pathway. However, whether it plays a role in controlling organismal immune response remains largely unknown. Methods: Reverse transcription plus quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), dual-luciferase, and Western blot assays were used to explore the potential function of Uch-L5 in the innate immune regulation in cultured Drosophila S2 cells. Further genetic manipulations and bacterial infections were conducted to confirm the findings in vivo. Results: Silencing of Uch-L5 antagonizes the immune deficiency (IMD) but not the Toll innate immune signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, Uch-L5 positively contributes to the Drosophila innate immune response via its N-terminal Uch domain, which is the catalytical triad executing its deubiquitinase activity. Conclusions: Our studies shed light on a novel function of the deubiquitinase Uch-L5 in governing the anti-microbial defense in Drosophila.
Oxidative Stress Levels and DNA Repair Kinetics in Senescent Primary Human Fibroblasts Exposed to Chronic Low Dose Rate of Ionizing Radiation
Authors: Sangsuwan Traimate , Pour Khavari Ali , Blomberg Evelina , Romell Tajanena , Godoy Paulo Roberto D'auria Vieira De , Harms-Ringdahl Mats , Haghdoost Siamak
Published: November 2023

Background: Exposure to low dose rate (LDR) radiation may accelerate aging processes. Previously, we identified numerous LDR-induced pathways involved in oxidative stress (OS) and antioxidant systems, suggesting that these pathways protect against premature senescence (PS). This study aimed to investigate if there are differences between young replicative senescent (RS) and PS cells considering DNA repair kinetics, OS, and DNA damage localized in the telomeres. Methods: We established PS cells by culturing and passaging young primary fibroblasts exposed to LDR. Then, RS cells were established by culturing and passaging young fibroblasts until they stopped proliferating. Senescence was characterized by analyzing telomere length and senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining. DNA damage and repair were evaluated with γH2AX foci formation; telomere identification was carried out using the fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe; and oxidative stress was assessed by measuring 8-oxo-dG in the medium. Results: The data indicate the following: young cells have a better ability to cope with LDR-induced oxidative stress; RS and PS have higher steady-state levels of DNA damage; RS have slower DNA repair kinetics; and PS/RS have elevated levels of telomeric DNA damage. Conclusion: Our main conclusion is that PS and RS differ regarding DNA repair kinetics and SA-β-gal levels.
Peripheral Blood Smears Distinguish Infective Fever after CAR-T Therapy
Authors: He Shaolong , Peng Juan , Yang Xingcheng , Meng Fankai , Huang Liang , Huang Lifang , Tian Weiwei , Gao Zhilin , Zhao Jie , Wang Zhiqiong , Wei Jia
Published: November 2023

Background: Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy carries the risk of inducing severe and life-threatening toxicities such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity, and infection. Although CRS and infections have similar symptoms, their treatment strategies differ, and early diagnosis is very important. For CRS and infections, the fastest detection time currently takes more than 24 h, so a quick and simple method to identify a fever after CAR T-cell infusion is urgently needed. Methods: We enrolled 27 patients with recurrent fever treated with different types of CAR T-cells, including cluster of differentiation (CD) 7, CD19, CD22, and CD19-CD22 bicistronic CAR T-cells, and evaluated the infection events occurring in these patients. We detailed the morphology of CAR T-cells in peripheral blood smears (PBS) and reported the infection events, CAR transgene copy number, and inflammatory indicators within the first month after treatment. Results: Similar morphological characteristics were observed in the PBS of different CAR T-cells, namely, enlarged cell bodies, deep outside and shallow inside basophilic blue cytoplasm, and natural killer (NK) cell-like purplish red granules. There were ten infections in nine of the twenty-seven patients (33%). The percentage of atypical lymphocytes in PBS was significantly associated with CAR transgene copy number and absolute lymphocyte count in all patients. The atypical lymphocyte percentage was significantly higher in the non-infection group. Conclusions: In conclusion, the unique morphology of CAR T-cells in PBS can be used to evaluate CAR T-cell kinetics and provide reliable evidence for the rapid early identification of fever after CAR T-cell infusion. Clinical Trial Registrations: ChiCTR-OPN-16008526; ChiCTR-OPN-16009847; ChiCTR2000038641; NCT05618041; NCT05388695.
Evaluation of N-Acetylmannosamine Administration to Restore Sialylation in GNE-Deficient Human Embryonal Kidney Cells
Authors: Peters Emilia , Selke Philipp , Bork Kaya , Horstkorte Rüdiger , Gesper Astrid
Published: November 2023

Background: A key mechanism in the neuromuscular disease GNE myopathy (GNEM) is believed to be that point mutations in the GNE gene impair sialic acid synthesis – maybe due to UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE) activity restrictions – and resulting in muscle tissue loss. N-acetylmannosamine (ManNAc) is the first product of the bifunctional GNE enzyme and can therefore be regarded as a precursor of sialic acids. This study investigates whether this is also a suitable substance for restoring the sialic acid content in GNE-deficient cells. Methods: A HEK-293 GNE-knockout cell line was generated using CRISPR-Cas9 and analyzed for its ability to synthesize sialic acids. The cells were then supplemented with ManNAc to compensate for possible GNE inactivity and thereby restore sialic acid synthesis. Sialic acid levels were monitored by immunoblot and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The HEK-293 GNE-knockout cells showed almost no polysialylation signal (immunoblot) and a reduced overall (–71%) N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) level (HPLC) relative to total protein and normalized to wild type level. Supplementation of GNE-deficient HEK-293 cells with 2 mM ManNAc can restore polysialylation and free intracellular sialic acid levels to wild type levels. The addition of 1 mM ManNAc is sufficient to restore the membrane-bound sialic acid level. Conclusions: Although the mechanism behind this needs further investigation and although it remains unclear why adding ManNAc to GNE-deficient cells is sufficient to elevate polysialylation back to wild type levels – since this substance is also converted by the GNE, all of this might yet prove helpful in the development of an appropriate therapy for GNEM.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for the Treatment of Gambling Disorder: A Systematic Review
Authors: Concerto Carmen , Signorelli Maria Salvina , Chiarenza Cecilia , Ciancio Alessia , Francesco Antonio Di , Mineo Ludovico , Rodolico Alessandro , Torrisi Giulia , Caponnetto Pasquale , Pennisi Manuela , Lanza Giuseppe , Petralia Antonino
Published: November 2023

Background: Gambling Disorder (GD) is a behavioral addiction listed within the diagnostic category of substance-related and addictive disorders. Recently, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which non-invasively stimulates the brain and has neuromodulatory properties, has emerged as an innovative treatment tool for GD, thus offering a new option for the management of this complex disorder. The present review explored the efficacy of TMS as a possible non-pharmacological treatment for GD. Methods: An exhaustive search was performed across the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases using a specific search string related to GD and TMS. A total of 20 papers were selected for full-text examination, out of which eight fulfilled the inclusion criteria and were therefore systematically analyzed in the present review. Results: This review included eight studies: three randomized-controlled trials (RCTs), three non-controlled studies, one case series, and one case report. Two cross-over RCTs described a decrease in craving after high-frequency (excitatory), repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) over the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), respectively; another study applying low-frequency (inhibitory) rTMS on the right DLPFC did not find any positive effect on craving. Among uncontrolled studies, one demonstrated the beneficial effect of high-frequency rTMS over the left DLPFC, while another showed the efficacy of a continuous theta burst stimulation protocol directed over the pre-supplementary motor area, bilaterally. Conclusion: The included studies showed the promising effect of excitatory stimulation over the left PFC. However, further investigation is needed, particularly in terms of standardizing stimulation protocols and psychometric assessments.
Radiomics Signature of Epicardial Adipose Tissue for Predicting Postoperative Atrial Fibrillation after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery
Authors: Deng Yisen , Liu Zhan , Wang Xuming , Gao Xixi , Zhang Zhaohua , Zhang Dingkai , Xu Mingyuan , Chen Haijie , Fan Xueqiang , Yang Yuguang , Ye Zhidong , Liu Peng , Wen Jianyan
Published: November 2023

Background: Postoperative new atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a commonly observed complication after off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCABG), and models based on radiomics features of epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) on non-enhanced computer tomography (CT) to predict the occurrence of POAF after OPCABG remains unclear. This study aims to establish and validate models based on radiomics signature to predict POAF after OPCABG. Methods: Clinical characteristics, radiomics signature and features of non-enhanced CT images of 96 patients who underwent OPCABG were collected. The participants were divided into a training and a validation cohort randomly, with a ratio of 7:3. Clinical characteristics and EAT CT features with statistical significance in the multivariate logistic regression analysis were utilized to build the clinical model. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used to identify significant radiomics features to establish the radiomics model. The combined model was constructed by integrating the clinical and radiomics models. Results: The area under the curve (AUC) of the clinical model in the training and validation cohorts were 0.761 (95% CI: 0.634–0.888) and 0.797 (95% CI: 0.587–1.000), respectively. The radiomics model showed better discrimination ability than the clinical model, with AUC of 0.884 (95% CI: 0.806–0.961) and 0.891 (95% CI: 0.772–1.000) respectively for the training and the validation cohort. The combined model performed best and exhibited the best predictive ability among the three models, with AUC of 0.922 (95% CI: 0.853–0.990) in the training cohort and 0.913 (95% CI: 0.798–1.000) in the validation cohort. The calibration curve demonstrated strong concordance between the predicted and actual observations in both cohorts. Furthermore, the Hosmer-Lemeshow test yielded p value of 0.241 and 0.277 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively, indicating satisfactory calibration. Conclusions: The superior performance of the combined model suggests that integrating of clinical characteristics, radiomics signature and features on non-enhanced CT images of EAT may enhance the accuracy of predicting POAF after OPCABG.
Intraoperative Transfusion of Autologous Blood Protects from Acute Kidney Injury after Pediatric Congenital Heart Surgery
Authors: Sun Yuhan , Zeng Xian , Shi Shanshan , Shi Zhuo , Huang Ting , Fan Yong , Feng Yuqing , Lu Xudong , Duan Huilong , Fan Xiangming , Shu Qiang , Li Haomin
Published: November 2023

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication after pediatric cardiac surgery. And autologous blood transfusion (ABT) is an important predictor of postoperative AKI. Unlike previous studies, which mainly focused on the correlation between ABT and AKI, the current study focuses heavily on the causal relationship between them, thus providing guidance for the treatment of patients during hospitalization to reduce the occurrence of AKI. Methods: A retrospective cohort of 3386 patients extracted from the Pediatric Intensive Care database was used for statistical analysis, multifactorial analysis, and causal inference. Characteristics that were correlated with ABT and AKI were categorized as confounders, instrumental variables, and effect modifiers, and were entered into the DoWhy causal inference model to determine causality. The calculated average treatment effect (ATE) was compared with the results of the multifactorial analysis. Results: The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for ABT volume was obtained by multifactorial analysis as 0.964. The DoWhy model refute test was able to indicate a causal relationship between ABT and AKI. Any ABT reduces AKI about 15.3%–18.8% by different estimation methods. The ATE regarding the amount of ABT was –0.0088, suggesting that every 1 mL/kg of ABT reduced the risk of AKI by 0.88%. Conclusions: Intraoperative transfusion of autologous blood can have a protective effect against postoperative AKI.
“The question of the transfer of Kushka to Afghanistan disappears”: territorial problems in the context of early Soviet-Afghan relations
Authors: Panin Sergei
Published: November 2023

The article analyzes Soviet-Afghan relations during the reign of Amir Amaah Khan in Afghanistan, who, after a lost war with the British, was looking for ways to strengthen his power. He tried to make the territorial issue one of the important directions in relations with Soviet Russia (the transfer of Kushka and the Pende oasis to the Afghans), believing that the Soviets were ready to make these concessions in order to strengthen their role in the emirate and joint anti-British actions. The article shows the inconsistency and ambiguity of the Soviet policy, which initially supported the Afghan territorial claims for the sake of a new involvement of Afghanistan in the war with the British, and then refused to fulfill these promises.
L’écriture du corps malade ou un royaume pour ma mémoire: le personnage Cioran de Matéi Visniec
Authors:   Universitatea din Bucureşti, Tudor Victoriţa
Published: November 2023

This article aims to analyse and to comprehend the complexity of a fictionalized character such as Emil Cioran in Visniec’s play, A Paris attic overlooking death, now, an old man suffering from Alzheimer’s, on the edge of death, having to endure not only his memory loss, but also an incessant whirlpool of thoughts and emotions of his past, now fragmentary, inaccurate, and inconclusive. Wandering in a labyrinth of mirrors and fragilities, we get to contemplate Cioran the human instead of Cioran the philosopher, therefore, to that extent, we’ll dismantle and immerge in his deconstructive and nihilist philosophy and his well-known paradoxes, but mostly, we will focus on how the play reveals a short story of decay, of a gradual disappearance into oblivion, contrary to the nirvanization of illness and lyricism of flesh so praised in his writings.
Compte rendu: Cécile Desprairies, La Propagandiste, Paris, Seuil, 2023
Authors:   Universitatea din Bucureşti, Belu Ioana
Published: November 2023

Book review
Jeux autour d’un débordement poïétique dans La Clef des langues de Valère Novarina
Authors:   Universitatea din Bucureşti, Florescu Fabiana
Published: November 2023

The work of Valère Novarina continues to express a very interesting reflection on the complex and heterogeneous dynamics of French contemporary literature. In his hybrid, both poetic and dramatic apparatus, but also in his performances or the context of his personal art exhibitions, Novarina develops a compound symbolic dialogue between text and image, thereby undermining the traditional frontiers between different semiotic systems. Furthermore, this inter-semiotic, even intermedial nature of the novarinian oeuvre is an obvious technical characteristic of the latest book of Novarina, La Clef des langues. In this article, we aim to analyze the strategies and the symbolic takes of what Novarina understands as a poetic débordement, namely an effort to break all thematical and practical limitations in the process of artistic creation. Our study focuses on the metadiscourse and we will examine the novarinian quest for a new poetic formula, as well as his endeavor to redefine the expressive literary discourse in the context of actual intermedial practices.
Compte rendu: Jean-Philippe Toussaint, L’Échiquier, Paris, Éditions de Minuit, 2023
Authors:   Universitatea din Bucureşti, Simion Gabriela
Published: November 2023

Book review
kecepatan motor dc
Authors: Wati Mutia Nurdina
Published: November 2023

Motor DC adalah salah satu jenis motor listrik yang banyak digunakan di industri untuk menunjang proses produksi. Kecepatan motor DC perlu dikendalikan agar dapat beroperasi sesuai dengan kebutuhan yang diinginkan. Dalam paper ini diusulkan sistem kendali motor DC menggunakan DC chopper satu kuadran berbasis kontoller Proportional Integral (PI). Sistem kendali diimplementasikan dengan menggunakan mikrokontroller arduino mega 2560 yang diprogram melalui Simulink Matlab. Peralatan system kendali juga dilengkapi dengan keypad sebagai input kecepatan referensi dan LCD sebagai media untuk menampilkan data kecepatan. Rancangan sistem kendali motor DC yang diusulkan diverifikasi melalui eksperimen di laboratorium dengan kecepatan rotor yang bervariasi. Hasil eksperimen menunjukan bahwa rancangan sistem kendali motor DC menggunakan DC chopper satu kuadaran berbasis kontroller PI yang diusulkan dalam paper ini telah bekerja dengan baik. Hal ini dapat dilihat dari respon kecepatan motor yang beroperasi sesuai dengan kecepatan referensi yang diinputkan melalui keypad.
Sistem Otomasi Pengaturan Kecepatan Motor DC
Authors: Helmi Guswita
Published: November 2023

Buck-boost Converter merupakan jenis konverter yangdigunakan untuk menurunkan dan menaikkan tegangan denganmemadukan prinsip dari buck-converter dan boost-converter.Sedangkan teknologi IoT digunakan untuk memantau kecepatan dantegangan motor secara jarak dekat maupun jauh melalui aplikasimobile. Pada penelitian ini, perancangan buck-boost converterdigunakan sebagai pengatur kecepatan motor DC berdasarkantegangan output yang dimana hasil tegangan output dapat lebih kecilatau lebih besar dari sumber tegangan. Kemudian, driver motordigunakan sebagai perantara komunikasi yang terhubung padaNodeMCU agar pemantauan dapat dilakukan dengan lebih efisien.Selanjutnya, implementasi teknologi IoT dilakukan denganmenggunakan platform IoT Blynk. Hasil pengujian menunjukkanbahwa perubahan nilai tegangan pada proses pengendalian berhasilmengendalikan kecepatan motor DC. Selain itu, teknologi IoTberhasil diimplementasikan dengan baik dan memungkinkanpengguna untuk memantau kecepatan motor secara jarak jauh melaluiaplikasi. Dengan demikian, penggunaan buck-boost converter dengandriver motor dan teknologi IoT dapat meningkatkan efisiensi daripengendalian motor DC.
Why is Silicon getting “Dark”?
Authors: Park Yunsoo
Published: November 2023

Dark silicon refers to an area that cannot be turned on by supplying power on a silicon chip due to power consumption restrictions. It is an area that cannot be turned on at the same time as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), and it becomes a wasteful area that cannot be used without doing anything. [1] As the process of miniaturization progresses, a dark silicon area will be generated on the die (semiconductor body), and the area will increase with further miniaturization. The reason is that the power consumption of the circuits on the chip does not scale down as much as the miniaturization of the process. [1], [2] Even if the CPU core becomes smaller with miniaturization, the power does not become smaller enough to match it. Therefore, the number of CPU cores that can be mounted on the chip gradually decreases. This is the dark silicon problem. The word dark silicon has been one of the buzzwords in the semiconductor industry past decade. It is reminiscent of the "dark matter" of astrophysics, but the darkness is about power. At the 2010 processor conference "Hot Chips," the term was used when the University of California San Diego announced the "Green Droid" chip. Widely used was the paper entitled "Dark Silicon and the End of Multicore Scaling" at the computer architecture symposium "International Symposium on Computer Architecture (ISCA '11)."[3] As you can see from the title of the ISCA paper, dark silicon stands in the way of multi-core scaling. In other words, the dark silicon problem makes it impossible to increase the number of CPU cores with multiple cores. At least bring the end of the symmetric multicore era. Performance PCs and CPUs for servers have been increasing the number of cores, but that era is about to end.
Enhancing Solar Panel Efficiency in Partial Shading Conditions
Authors: Tobiloba Bamigboye , Kelvin Lawrence , Tera Terry
Published: November 2023

This research explores novel approaches to optimize the efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) systems underpartial shading conditions. Partial shading poses a significant challenge to traditional PV systems, leadingto reduced energy harvest. Our study focuses on innovative configurations and advanced modelingtechniques aimed at overcoming these limitations and improving overall system performance.
sistem pengendalian proses
Authors: Wati Mutia Nurdina
Published: November 2023

SCADA (Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition) adalah sistem kendali industri berbasis komputer yang dipakai untuk pengontrolan suatu proses, seperti proses industri: manufaktur, pabrik, produksi, generator tenaga listrik. Pada proyek tugas akhir ini dibuatlah sebuah Sistem pengendalian dan pemantauan kecepatan motor yang menggunakan software SCADA yaitu Vijeo Citect 7.50. Software SCADA tersebut berfungsi untuk memonitor, mengoperasikan dan mengontrol mesin atau proses di suatu plant dengan komputer sehingga tidak membutuhkan saklar ataupun sejenisnya. Pada proyek ini perangkat tersebut diatur sejalan dengan Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) sehingga menghasilkan suatu sistem yang dapat dimonitor dan diatur secara baik.
MARKETING MIX DALAM ISLAM
Authors: FAJAR
Published: November 2023

Islam merupakan agama yang bersifat paripurna dan universal, juga merupakan agama yang lengkap dalam memberikan tuntutan dan panduan bagi kehidupan umat manusia. Ajaran Islam bukan hanya persoalan ibadah saja. Islam merupakan suatu sistem kehidupan yang seharusnya dijalankan oleh manusia sebagai khalifah di muka bumi ini Dengan penjelasan tersebut menunjukkan bahwa syariah yang berada di ajaran Islam mencakup berbagai aspek kehidupan umat manusia, baik dalam hal ibadah maupun sosial, politik, dan ekonomi. Secara umum tugas manusia sebagai khalifah di muka bumi adalah dalam rangka mewujudkan kesejahteraan umat manusia dan juga dalam rangka melaksanakan ibadah kepada Allah SWT. Usaha manusia dalam rangka mewujudkan kesejahteraan hidup di muka bumi ini sangat berkaitan dengan kegiatan ekonomi. Dalam pandangan Islam, kegiatan ekonomi yang sesuai dan dianjurkan adalah melalui kegiatan bisnis atau usaha dan juga investasi.Alquran merupakan petunjuk yang sempurna bagi umat Islam, yang mampu menjawab setiap permasalahan termasuk berbisnis
Beyond Left and Right: The Role of System Trust in COVID-19 Attitudes and Behaviors Across Eight Western Countries
Authors: Nielsen Louise Halberg , Petersen Michael Bang
Published: November 2023

During the COVID-19 pandemic, public opinion regarding restrictions and lockdowns was quickly characterized by significant disagreement. In a societal crisis such as COVID-19, it is important to understand the drivers behind citizens’ attitudes and behaviors. Political disagreement related to COVID-19 restrictions and lockdowns has often been interpreted as an ideological or partisan divide along the left-right dimension of political opinion. Here, we argue that there is more to unpack. There is increasing awareness that public opinion is structured by both left-right orientation and trust in the system. In this manuscript, we examine the divide in COVID-19 attitudes and behaviors and compare the influence of ideology and system trust as drivers across countries and across time during the pandemic. Based on monthly surveys from eight countries (the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Hungary, France, and Italy) from September 2020 to July 2021 (total sample of 49,414 respondents), we show that citizens with right-wing ideologies and those who do not trust “the system” perceived a lower threat from the coronavirus, were less supportive of government measures against the virus, report having changed their behavior less, and report lower intentions to vaccinate against COVID-19 compared to citizens with left-wing ideologies and those with high system trust. These results are stable across time and across countries. We also find that behavioral differences are larger between those who support the system and those who do not than between those with right- and left-wing ideological outlooks, respectively. This implies that system trust is at least as important as ideology in terms of shaping cleavages in COVID-19 attitudes and behaviors. The results suggest that in order to increase public support for societal responses during a crisis, it is not only important to appeal to both sides of the ideological spectrum, but also to appeal to those who do not trust “the system.”
Evaluating the efficacy and acceptability of the 'Living Well After Stroke' pilot trial
Authors: Smith Stephanie , Parkinson Joy , Caitens Thomas , Sanders Andrea , Murphy Lisa , Hamilton Kyra
Published: November 2023

Background and Aims: Stroke survivors face a heightened risk of recurrent strokes. Prompt lifestyle changes post-initial stroke are crucial for prevention yet support for post-discharge secondary prevention is often lacking. The ‘Living Well After Stroke’ (LWAS) program, informed by the Health Action Process Approach, aimed to enhance the performance of key secondary prevention behaviours (e.g., diet, exercise, medication adherence) and equip stroke survivors with skills for sustained self-managed behavioural change. Methods: This prospective single-arm pilot trial involved 54 Australian adults, 3-months to 5-years post-stroke or TIA, who had not been referred to inpatient rehabilitation. Over 8 weeks, a trained facilitator led five theory-based behaviour change sessions via Zoom. The study measured changes in an initial primary goal behaviour and wellbeing at 2, 4, 8, and 16-week intervals with validated instruments, and an additional goal behaviour defined at week 8, evaluated at the 8 and 16-week points. Acceptability of the program was assessed through a mixed-methods exit survey. Results: Participants showed improvement in their primary goal behaviour and wellbeing from baseline to 4-weeks, sustained at 16-weeks, indicating the intervention's effectiveness. The acquisition of self-management skills was evidenced by enhanced performance in a secondary goal behaviour from week 8 to the follow-up. The program was highly acceptable, with the majority reporting it met their health needs and integrated well into their daily lives. Conclusion: The LWAS program, underpinned by a robust theoretical framework and a novel toolkit of behaviour change strategies, demonstrates significant potential in advancing secondary prevention and reshaping care models for stroke survivors, with high acceptability among participants.
How does a school-based intervention impact students’ social cognitions on reducing sedentary behavior over 14 months?
Authors: Aulbach Matthias , Puukko Sarmite , Palsola Minttu , Haukkala Ari , Sund Reijo , Hankonen Nelli
Published: November 2023

Despite sedentary behavior being ubiquitous in students and detrimental to health, interventions specifically targeting it are mostly restricted to leisure time screen time reduction. With six weekly sessions alongside a poster campaign, and an additional teacher intervention, the Let’s Move It trial delivered environmental and psychological strategies to increase physical activity (PA) and reduce sedentary behavior (SB) in vocational schools, an understudied environment for behavioral interventions. Participants in the intervention arm considerably reduced sedentary time post-intervention. To investigate how social cognitions about restricting SB, as defined by the Reasoned Action Approach, change in intervention and control arms, self-reported data on social cognitions was collected as part of a cluster-randomized controlled trial from 1166 students (59% female, mage=18.7 years, range: 16-49) in six vocational schools before, post-intervention, and 14 months post-baseline. Data was analyzed using mixed between-within repeated measures ANOVA. We found greater improvements in intention (F(1, 833)=9.69; η2p=0.01; p=.018) and descriptive norms (F(1, 831)=13.25; η2p=0.016; p<.001) in the intervention than control arm but these effects depended on the included control variables. Generally, intervention effects leveled off from post-intervention to follow-up. The Let’s Move It intervention for SB reduction showed modest, short-lived effects on social cognitions, indicating that changes in behavior are likely due to other factors like changes to the classroom environment. Optimally, SB reduction interventions should not only change behavior but produce robust changes in conscious intentions to restrict one’s sitting, so that positive effects generalize to other contexts.
Short-term changes in financial situation have immediate mental health consequences: Implications for social policy
Authors: Nettle Daniel , Chevallier Coralie , de Courson Benoît , Johnson Elliott Aidan , Johnson Matthew Thomas , Pickett Kate
Published: November 2023

Poverty is associated with psychological variables such as increased anxiety, increased depression, steeper time discounting and greater risk aversion. However, less is known about whether short-term changes in financial circumstances are coupled to immediate psychological responses. We present data from the Changing Cost of Living study, in which panels of adults in France (n = 232) and the UK (n = 240) completed financial and psychological surveys every month for a year (September 2022-August 2023). We found the expected overall socioeconomic gradients in anxiety, depression and time discounting. In addition, monthly fluctuations in financial situation were associated with fluctuations in depression, anxiety and risk preference. Increases in essential costs, considered separately from fluctuations in income, had an immediate impact on depression. Social support, the instrumental and emotional assistance derivable from one’s social network, buffered the effects of short-term financial fluctuations on depression and time discounting, but did not mitigate the overall gradients. We conclude that declines in income or increases in the cost of living have immediate and measurable psychological impacts, which must be borne in mind in the formulation and evaluation of social policy.
Control over self and others’ face: Exploitation and exploration
Authors: Wen Wen , Aktaş Hakan , Mei Jie , Chang Acer , Suzuishi Yosuke , Kasahara Shunichi
Published: November 2023

The sense of agency, defined as the subjective experience of controlling one’s actions and their consequences, is a fundamental aspect of human cognition. This study introduces a dual-mode theory that posits two underlying modes: Exploitation and exploration. Exploitation aligns with the comparator model, relying on prediction errors and a strong sense of self-agency, whereas exploration involves accounting for others’ potential influence and a more flexible self-model. We employed a face-motion mixing paradigm using a deep generative model to test our theory, manipulating the belief in control by having participants interact with their own face or someone else’s face, with full or partial control. The results supported our hypothesis, showing that controlling one’s own face, linked to stronger control beliefs, was associated with less movement diversity and sharper drop in agency rating when small discrepancies were presented, compared to controlling someone else’s face, which engaged exploratory behavior and yielded higher agency ratings and more varied movements. These findings contribute to understanding how beliefs in control influence action policies and perceptual sensitivities. The proposed dual-mode theory offers a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic interplay between exploitation and exploration modes of agency, providing a useful framework to predict and interpret the nuanced ways in which individuals experience and exert control in varying contexts.
Examining the interplay of employee brand love, affective commitment, positive word of mouth, and turnover intention
Authors: Shrestha Rijma , Pokhrel Laxman
Published: November 2023

Purpose - The purpose of this paper was to examine the interplay of Employee Brand Love (EBL), Affective Commitment (AC), Positive Word of Mouth (PWM), and Turnover Intention (TI) among employees of different organizations in the service sector.

Design/methodology/approach - This research study employed a cross-sectional survey research design and utilized a purposive sampling technique to collect data from a sample of 251 respondents. To assess the hypotheses, we utilized the Process Macro 3.5 Free Version software.

Finding - The findings indicate that EBL exerts a significant impact on PWM and TI, but its influence on AC is found to be insignificant. Furthermore, the results demonstrate that AC serves as a partial mediator in the relationship between EBL and both PWM and TI.

Practical Implications - This study could help managers to better understand especially how brand love of employees affects employee intention to leave the organization. It might help to increase the likelihood that employees will love their organizational brands and, as a result, design branding strategies to strengthen the organizational brand in order to draw in new employees and promote organizations.
Work-life balance and job satisfaction among faculty members of management campuses of the Kathmandu Valley
Authors: Neupane Krishna Prasad
Published: November 2023

Purpose - This study intends to investigate the connection between work-life balance and job satisfaction among faculty members of management campuses in the Kathmandu Valley. When companies show concern for the satisfaction of employees’ personal lives and jobs, these employees often give back by contributing to the achievement of the organization’s objectives through enhanced performance and higher staff retention.

Study design/methodology/approach - A quantitative approach was adopted and a descriptive and causal-comparative research design to measure the status of work-life balance and its connection with job happiness among the faculty members of management campuses in Kathmandu. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire from 147 faculty members, and analyzed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.

Findings - Results of this research exhibited a strong correlation between work-life balance and job satisfaction among faculty of management campuses in Kathmandu. The majority of faculty members of management campuses was able to manage their work-life responsibilities and expressed a moderate level of job satisfaction.

Conclusion - Long hours and intense job pressure made it challenging for faculty to have a positive work-life balance, and an imbalance in these factors made them dissatisfied towards the job. Support from coworkers, flexible work hours, and family-friendly initiatives all contributed to a healthy balance between work-life, which helped faculty members feel more satisfied with their jobs.

Implications - Theoretically, this study filled the gap that existed in the area of educational sectors in Nepal. The study is important for academics since it sparks ideas for additional research. Practically, the results of this research help to review the policies and strategies of the educational institutions to implement work-life balance practices which add to the job happiness of faculty and the quality and productivity of the institutions.
Are BBA students ready for social entrepreneurship? an application of theory of planned behavior
Authors: Kulal Namaraj
Published: November 2023

Purpose – The aim of the study was to investigate the behavioral intentions of BBA students regarding their engagement in social entrepreneurship.

Design/methodology/approach – To attain this purpose, a cross-sectional survey research design was used, and data were gathered from a sample of 205 respondents. Hypotheses were tested through the application of Ordinary Least Square (OLS) regression analysis.

Finding – This paper found a significant positive effect of subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on behavioral intention of social entrepreneurship. However, this paper found no significant influence of attitude towards social entrepreneurship on behavioral intention of social entrepreneurship.

Practical Implications – In light of these findings, this paper provides both theoretical and practical implications for further understanding and fostering social entrepreneurship among BBA students.
Wetland Mapping and Monitoring with Sentinel-1 and Sentinel-2 Data on the Google Earth Engine
Authors: Chaudhary Roshan Kumar , Puri Lila , Acharya Amul Kumar , Aryal Rajaram
Published: November 2023

Wetlands are one of the most valuable ecosystems on the Earth for both humans and nature. Large-scale of wetlands have been transformed into agriculture and urban region in response to human demands and requirements. Accurate mapping and monitoring of large-scale wetlands are of high importance but also challenging. The growing availability of large volumes of open-access satellite data and development of advanced machine-learning algorithms has been providing new opportunities for mapping and monitoring earth system and environment. Google Earth Engine (GEE)- a cloud-based computing platform, has been effectively applied in various areas of mapping ranging from forestry, agriculture, hydrological studies. This study uses high spatial resolution satellite data from Sentinel-1, Sentinel-2 and terrain indices for mapping and monitoring of wetlands of Pokhara Metropolitan city of central Nepal. We implemented different types of wetland classification models on the GEE platform using the Random Forest (RF) classifier. The model with lowest out-of-bag error was chosen as the final model for the preparation of the final classified wetland map. The overall accuracy and kappa coefficient of the classified map were 98% and 0.97 respectively. The study demonstrated the possibility of rapid monitoring of wetlands and other land characteristics using the Google Earth Engine platform.
Genetic parameter estimates for Eucalyptus dunnii wood properties assessed by multiple methods
Authors: Hardner Craig , Bird Michael , Heberling Monica , Gore Peter
Published: November 2023

Eucalyptus dunnii Maiden (Dunn’s white gum) is a fast-growing tall tree with favourable wood properties for pulp production. Effective selection and deployment of superior genetic material in plantations require knowledge of the genetic architecture of relevant traits, including genotype-by-environment interactions (G×E). However, as open pollination (OP) is a common mating strategy for deployment in eucalypts, the genetic architecture is complicated due to the mixture of self and inbreeding progeny. Here we report genetic parameters estimated from a multivariate analysis of wood quality traits (basic density, kraft pulp yield, and wood concentration of calcium, phosphorus and lignin) assessed on trials of OP progeny established at two locations (Mt. Gambier —Australia—, and Rio Negro —Uruguay) across multiple ages. In addition, density was assessed as basic density (BD) from 5 mm wood cores, pilodyn penetration (PP), near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy and resistance drilling (RESI). Kraft pulp yield (KPY), and calcium, phosphorous and lignin content were also predicted from NIR. A factor analytic model was implemented to accommodate the complex data structure. Within trial phenotypic correlations among observations for density assessed by BD, RESI, and PP were moderate (0.47-0.70), although correlations with NIR-predicted density were lower (0.0-0.48). Average estimated individual OP repeatability (Rop) and individual narrow-sense heritability assuming a purely additive model and 30% selfing (h2) were lower for KPY (Rop = 0.12, h2 = 0.29) and higher for RESI assessed density (0.22, 0.55). Genetic correlations between the same trait across the Uruguayan trials were greater than 0.85, but within trait genetic correlations between the Australia and Uruguay trials were lower (0.59 - RESI, 0.82 - NIR density, 0.56 - NIR KPY, 0.66 - NIR Ca, 0.73 - NIR P), suggesting a degree of large-scale G×E. While these estimates may be confounded with NIR sampling methods and models and age-to-age correlations, they provide a solid foundation for developing breeding and deployment strategies across environments.
Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema – Screening
Authors: Němčanský Jan , Studnička Jan , Vysloužilová Daniela , Ernest Jan , Němec Pavel
Published: November 2023

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are leading causes of severe visual loss in the working population. Therefore, both DR and DME have a significant socioeconomic and health impact, which taking into account the epidemiologic predictions is expected to increase. A crucial role in the management of DR and DME (not only for individuals, but also for the population) is played by an adequate screening program. This is based on the structure and organization of the healthcare system, the latest scientific developments in diagnostics (imaging) as well as technological advancements in computing (artificial intelligence, telemedicine) and their practical use. The recommendation presented by World Health Organization is also important. This paper evaluates all these factors, including evidence-based medicine reports and experience from existing DR and DME screening programs in comparable countries. Based on an evaluation of these parameters, recommended guidelines have been formulated for screening for DR and DME in the Czech Republic, including linkage to the Czech National Screening Center and the organization of the healthcare system.