bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Andrographolide, isolated from Andrographis paniculata, induces apoptosis in monocytic leukemia and multiple myeloma cells via augmentation of reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Doi Hiroki , Matsui Taei , Dijkstra Johannes M. , Ogasawara Atsushi , Higashimoto Yuki , Imamura Seiji , Ohye Tamae , Takematsu Hiromu , Katsuda Itsuro , Akiyama Hidehiko 
Published: December 2021

Background: Andrographolide (Andro) is a diterpenoid component of the plant Andrographis paniculata that is known for its anti-tumor activity against a variety of cancer cells. Methods: We studied the effects of Andro on the viability of the human leukemia monocytic cell line THP-1 and the human multiple myeloma cell line H929. Andro was compared with cytosine arabinoside (Ara-C) and vincristine (VCR), which are well-established therapeutics against hematopoietic tumors. The importance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production for the toxicity of each agent was investigated by using an inhibitor of ROS production, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Results: Andro reduced the viability of THP-1 and H929 in a dose-dependent manner. H929 viability was highly susceptible to Andro, although only slightly susceptible to Ara-C. The agents Andro, Ara-C, and VCR each induced apoptosis, as shown by cellular shrinkage, DNA fragmentation, and increases in annexin V-binding, caspase-3/7 activity, ROS production, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization. Whereas Ara-C and VCR increased the percentages of cells in the G0/G1 and G2/M phases, respectively, Andro showed little or no detectable effect on cell cycle progression. The apoptotic activities of Andro were largely suppressed by NAC, an inhibitor of ROS production, whereas NAC hardly affected the apoptotic activities of Ara-C and VCR. Conclusions: Andro induces ROS-dependent apoptosis in monocytic leukemia THP-1 and multiple myeloma H929 cells, underlining its potential as a therapeutic agent for treating hematopoietic tumors. The high toxicity for (thus forming: The high toxicity for H929 cells, by a mechanism that is different from that of Ara-C and VCR, is encouraging for further studies on the use of Andro against multiple myeloma.) H929 cells, by a mechanism that is different from that of Ara-C and VCR, is encouraging for further studies on the use of Andro against multiple myeloma.
Dynamic spectrum management using frequency selection at licensed and unlicensed bands for efficient vehicle-to-vehicle communication
Authors: Randhava Keshvinder Singh , Roslee Mardeni , Yusoff Zubaida 
Published: December 2021

Background: The exponential increase in pattern of vehicles on the roads demands a need to develop a vehicular infrastructure that may not only ease congestions and provide a better experience but also pivot the levels of safety among users. The development of wireless technology has made it convenient for machines, devices and vehicles to interact with one another. The efficacy of this wireless communications relies on utilising current and available technology to enable information to be shared efficiently. In the wake of the available advancement in wireless technology, a new dynamic spectrum management (DSM) in vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V) communication that coexists with the existing Long-Term Evolution (LTE) network to increase the throughput in V2V communication is proposed. This will provide some solutions to enable a more efficient vehicular infrastructure. Methods: This paper focuses on the utilization of DSM in V2V communications by selecting an appropriate frequency band through the selection of available licensed and unlicensed frequency bands for vehicles. Further investigations are done to identify the effect of interference in the dynamic spectrum by observing the path loss, SINR, and the throughput with various interfering users. Results: The results show that the performance of the proposed DSM augments a significant improvement in the overall throughput and the signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratio (SINR) value is reduced by up to 60% when compared to the fixed spectrum allocation. Conclusions: Although the dynamic spectrum is still affected by the interference from the existing cellular users, the throughput of the dynamic spectrum remains sufficient to transmit the information to other vehicles.
Synchronous Display and Whiteboard-Like Freehand Writing App as Teaching Tool for Virtual Classroom amidst the Pandemic
Authors: Lai Daniel , Sook Ling Lew , Yin Ooi Shih 
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The research evaluates if teachers can achieve better teaching outcomes by using a proposed mobile interactive system (MIS) developed for this study as an additional approach to enhancing teachers’ proficiency in Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) in the virtual classroom. Background: According to previous studies, teachers’ self-assessment on TPACK might be affected by their egos because they have autonomy over the students in the classroom. Some studies suggest that utilisation of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) promotes creativity in teaching and learning but that it is unsuitable for a virtual environment due to its large size and the high maintenance costs associated with owning one in a teacher’s residence. Besides, some studies also reveal that allowing the students to assess their teachers through TPACK is able to reduce potential errors which might result from the TPACK self-assessment done by teachers. Methods: Pre- and post- experiments were conducted with the developed MIS integrated into teaching process. Synchronous display (SD) and whiteboard-like freehand writing (WFW) were features of the MIS integrated into the experimental group. Questionnaires were distributed to the students, and a reflective measurement model was formed using SmartPLS and IBM SPSS Statistics. Findings: Based on our findings, teachers’ Technological Content Knowledge had a significant positive effect on TPACK with the inclusion of MIS in online teaching. Predictive relevance was also evaluated through a Q2 value to predict the endogenous construct of the constructed model. The Q2 value was greater than zero, indicating that the model possesses a predictive relevance. Conclusion: The integration of the developed MIS in the virtual classroom has a significant positive impact on the students’ academic performance relating to concept learning and knowledge acquisition of subject matter.
Senior Citizen Activity Centre E-commerce and Cybersecurity: The Way Ahead to IR 4.0
Authors: Tan Swee Leng , Vergara Rossanne Gale , Khan Nasreen , Khan Shereen 
Published: December 2021

Background - The Malaysian ageing community’s IT aptitude is limited and is a key factor preventing Malaysia’s ageing population from successfully entering Industry 4.0. This study aims to digitalize Malaysian older people with e-commerce. This will require cybersecurity awareness training due to potential cybersecurity threats when conducting business online. Furthermore, this study advances the Industry 4.0 initiatives set by Malaysia’s National Industry 4.0 Policy Framework by means of a voluntary community-based training program. It also creates a policy that elevates Malaysia’s senior citizens’ current level of ICT innovation baseline commensurate with Industry 4.0 transformation standards. Methods – Participatory action research was conducted with members in a Senior Citizen Activity Centre (PAWE) through focus group discussions. Each focus group consisted of 6-8 people. Through identifying the community’s problem in the focus groups, an e-commerce platform was developed for the elderly to commercialise their existing products. The dissemination of e-commerce training and cybersecurity awareness were also conducted as part of mitigating fraud relating to online transactions. Results – The findings show that PAWE members’ IT aptitude was limited, that they needed assistance with understanding the e-commerce platform, and that they had limited cybersecurity awareness. Conclusions – The country’s ageing population programs and services are preparing for an ageing nation. In order for Malaysia’s ageing population to become self-sustainable, researchers suggest that Malaysian older persons become entrepreneurs. Third generation entrepreneurs must also be supported by social innovation, technological innovation, and cybersecurity awareness, which leads to achieving IR 4.0 and meets the economic, social and sustainable environmental goals.
Training strategies for the improvement of NATO Level 2 results for English Functional Level exams in the armed forces
Authors: Núñez Espinosa Miguel Ángel 
Published: December 2021

Background: As NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) countries participate in many international missions and joint operations around the world, NATO considered it a necessity for personnel to be able to communicate in a common language. Therefore, one of the main tasks of the NATO multinational setting is the teaching and the assessment of languages. Consequently, there is a need for personnel to achieve the Standard Language Profiles (SLP). Each NATO country must develop SLP exams to achieve the required levels based on NATO STANAG (Standard agreement) 6001. If the examinees do not achieve those levels and the global results are unsatisfactory, NATO members can be affected by a reduction of financial support or the assignment to NATO postings. This study aimed to create a training strategies proposal (TSP) for personnel to achieve NATO L2. Methods: The study consisted of four separate studies: 1) Preliminary survey/interview of military personnel about NATO L2 training; 2) gathering data from NATO L2 exams after normal training; 3) gathering of data from NATO L2 exams after the TSP had been implemented; 4) Post-training survey. Data was collected from examinees over a period of six months or one year, using mixed data collection methods: surveys, interviews, and exam results. Results: A total of 50 examinees took part in the study. Results showed that the number of examinees who passed the NATO L2 increased after going through the TSP. Conclusions: The results show that the TSP, using newer methodologies and different techniques, improved NATO L2 results. The outcomes of this study will help to inform future training and education programs.
The roles of self efficacy and sharia financial literacy to SMES performance: business model as intermediate variable
Authors: Srisusilawati Popon , Malik Zaini Abdul , Silviany Irma Yulita , Eprianti Nanik 
Published: December 2021

Background: SMEs have made a major contribution to the national economy, but Pandemic covid-19 made the decline of SMEs which directly affected the economy in Indonesia. The purpose of this research focus to explore the innovation of business models the novelty of the research model in the business model of innovation research models is to include the variable self-efficacy. This research emphasizes self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy as independent variables, business model innovation as an intermediate model and business performance variables as dependent variables, with the focus of research on SMEs. Methods: This quantitative study uses partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) and a questionnaire survey to analyze the 40 Street Vendors which is categorized as SMEs around Unisba. In the initial stages, the Questionnaire was tested with the Validity and Reliability test. In the PLS-SEM analysis, the validity of the indicators / items forming latent variables is based on the significance value of t arithmetic obtained from the loading factor value divided by the standard error. After being collected, the data is then processed and analyzed. The analytical method used in this study is the simultaneous equation model, namely Partial Least Square (PLS). The statistical tool used to test the hypothesis is Smart PLS. Results: The results showed that self-efficacy and Islamic financial literacy through business model innovation, had a positive effect on SMEs business performance simultaneously or partially. Conclusion: So that by having good self-efficacy and good Islamic financial literacy plus an appropriate business innovation model, it will improve the business performance of SMEs.
Adaptive Clinical Trial Designs with Surrogates: When Should We Bother?
Authors: Anderer Arielle , Bastani Hamsa , Silberholz John 
Published: December 2021

The success of a new drug is assessed within a clinical trial using a primary endpoint, which is typically the true outcome of interest—for example, overall survival. However, regulators sometimes approve drugs using a surrogate outcome—an intermediate indicator that is faster or easier to measure than the true outcome of interest—for example, progression-free survival—as the primary endpoint when there is demonstrable medical need. Although using a surrogate outcome (instead of the true outcome) as the primary endpoint can substantially speed up clinical trials and lower costs, it can also result in poor drug-approval decisions because the surrogate is not a perfect predictor of the true outcome. In this paper, we propose combining data from both surrogate and true outcomes to improve decision making within a late-phase clinical trial. In contrast to broadly used clinical trial designs that rely on a single primary endpoint, we propose a Bayesian adaptive clinical trial design that simultaneously leverages both observed outcomes to inform trial decisions. We perform comparative statics on the relative benefit of our approach, illustrating the types of diseases and surrogates for which our proposed design is particularly advantageous. Finally, we illustrate our proposed design on metastatic breast cancer. We use a large-scale clinical trial database to construct a Bayesian prior and simulate our design on a subset of clinical trials. We estimate that our design would yield a 16% decrease in trial costs relative to existing clinical trial designs, while maintaining the same Type I/II error rates. This paper was accepted by J. George Shanthikumar, Management Science Special Section on Data-Driven Prescriptive Analytics.
A Test of Income Smoothing Using Pseudo Fiscal Years
Authors: Black Dirk E. , Pierce Spencer R. , Thomas Wayne B. 
Published: December 2021

The purpose of our study is to further understand managerial incentives that affect the volatility of reported earnings. Prior research suggests that the volatility of fourth-quarter earnings may be affected by the integral approach to accounting (i.e., “settling up” of accrual estimation errors in the first three quarters of the fiscal year) or earnings management to meet certain reporting objectives (e.g., analyst forecasts). We suggest that another factor affecting fourth-quarter earnings is managers’ intentional smoothing of fiscal-year earnings. For each firm, we create pseudo-year earnings using four consecutive quarters other than the four quarters of the reported fiscal year. We then compare the earnings volatility of pseudo years to the earnings volatility of the firm’s own reported fiscal year. We find evidence consistent with fourth-quarter accruals reflecting managerial incentives to smooth fiscal-year earnings. This conclusion is validated by several cross-sectional tests, the pattern in quarterly cash flows and accruals, and several robustness tests. Overall, we contribute to the literature exploring alternative explanations for the differential volatility of fiscal-year and fourth-quarter earnings. This paper was accepted by Brian Bushee, accounting.
An exploration of midwives' views of the latest World Health Organization labour care guide
Authors: Laisser Rose , Danna Valentina Actis , Bonet Mercedes , Oladapo Olufemi T. , Lavender Tina 
Published: December 2021

Background/aims Effective labour monitoring is integral to intrapartum care. Yet, to date, tools to facilitate this have not reached their potential. This study aims to explore midwives' initial reactions to the latest World Health Organization labour care guide, which is a replacement to the existing partograph, to enable adaptations to be made and to inform implementation strategies. Methods This was a qualitative study that used interviews and focus groups to gather data from a convenience sample of midwife delegates from six sub-Saharan Africa countries who were attending a midwifery conference in Malawi. Data were analysed thematically. Results A total of 43 participants participated; six focus groups and 12 individual interviews were conducted. Participants expressed both positive and negative views of the guide. Three main themes were found. The theme ‘sticking to what is familiar’ demonstrated reluctance to change; ‘chart based on usual or optimum practice’ suggested that midwives wanted a chart that reflects the routine care provided as opposed to the evidence-based care they should provide; and ‘measures for effective implementation’ highlighted the importance of having carefully considered and robust strategies for implementing the guide. Conclusions This rapid evaluation provided a snapshot of midwives' initial reactions to the new labour care guide. Although the existing partograph has not reached its full potential, midwives showed a reluctance to change it for something new. Feedback from participants has been fed into the development phase of the guide, informing its presentation, contents and field testing.
Factors influencing labour and birthing positions in Malawi
Authors: Zileni Barbara Debra , Glover Pauline , Teoh Kung-Keat , Zileni Chisomo Waazileni , Müller Amanda 
Published: December 2021

Background/aimsThe World Health Organization encourages women in labour to ambulate and assume upright positions shown to be associated with favourable childbirth outcomes. However, the literature shows that most women in developed and developing countries, including Malawi, give birth in the supine position. There is a lack of research on factors that influence choice of birthing positions among women in Malawi. This study aimed to identify these factors.MethodsA face-to-face descriptive survey was conducted on 373 low-risk postnatal women in Malawi. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine association between sociodemographic characteristics and choice of labour and birthing position, as well as to identify predictive factors.ResultsWalking during labour was significantly associated with age (P=0.018) and monthly family income (P=0.012). During birth, women who had received some degree of education were more likely to use the supine position than those who had not (93% vs 78%; P=0.011). However, women with a higher level of income were less likely to use the supine position than women with low income (82% vs 93%; P=0.005).ConclusionsAge, income and education influence Malawian women's choices for labour and birthing position. There is a need for Malawian women to be informed about and encouraged to use different labour and birthing positions, regardless of their socioeconomic and demographic status, to promote positions that improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. Childbirth education sessions or classes during antenatal care should include information on different birthing positions.
Optimization of filter frequency ratio in pseudo random modulated fiber amplifiers for maximally suppressing stimulated Brillouin scattering
Authors: Seah S. K. W. , Ye Y. E. , Lim W. Y. W. , Lam L. C. Y. , Lam J. W. , Wee W. H. , Seah C. P. , Tan B. S. 
Published: December 2021

A filtered pseudorandom binary sequence (PRBS) phase modulation scheme to broaden the linewidth of a fiber laser has previously been shown to simultaneously enhance stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) suppression and spectral brightness relative to a fiber laser under an unfiltered modulation scheme. We examined in detail the unwanted distortions to the broadened spectrum of an optical signal due to the low-pass filtering of the PRBS modulation signal, and show how one can navigate these deleterious effects for an optimal filtering strategy for SBS suppression. Through numerical simulations of the filtering effects on the optical spectrum, we determined the optimal ratios of the filter bandwidth to the PRBS modulation frequency to be 0.63, 0.56, 0.50, and 0.44 for bit numbers

k
=

7

, 8, 9, 10, respectively. A cursory experimental study for the

k
=

7

case verified the approach, which provides a more precise filtering-to-modulation frequency ratio for improved SBS suppression than the more general guideline of filtering at approximately half the modulation frequency reported in the literature. Applying this optimization strategy with a filtered 4.6 GHz PRBS scheme, we demonstrated a 1 kW,

M
2

∼

1.27

, all-fiberized narrow linewidth amplifier.
THz generation by optical rectification of femtosecond laser pulses in a liquid crystal
Authors: Wang Lei , Qiu Hongsong , Jin Ping , Ge Shijun , Shen Zhixiong , Hu Wei , Li Bingxiang , Nakajima Makoto , Jin Biaobing , Lu Yanqing 
Published: December 2021

In this study, we propose the generation of broadband terahertz (THz) radiation from a liquid crystal with large birefringence in the THz range, pumped by 800 nm femtosecond laser pulses based on optical rectification. Our measurements revealed that the THz amplitude depends on the orientation of the liquid crystal relative to the polarization of the femtosecond pump. Additionally, it was found that the THz peak intensity is linearly dependent on the pump fluence. Furthermore, an elliptically polarized THz wave pattern was observed. The results may lead to a new type of tunable THz source.
The impact of factors on information sharing: An application of meta-analysis
Authors: Diem Le Chau Thi , Pakurár Miklós , Kun István András , Oláh Judit 
Published: December 2021

Background
Information sharing plays a key role in supply chain performance. According to previous individual studies, technology, trust, commitment, and uncertainty are four potential factors affecting information sharing. However, most studies focus on testing a positive relationship between each factor and information sharing. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the effect of each factor on information sharing.

Objective
To determine the accurate effect of factors on sharing information and propose key factors to support decision-makers in improving their information sharing.

Data
Correlation coefficients between factors are collected from 41 individual studies with a total of 8,983 samples on Google Scholar

Methods
Using the rank correlation test and Egger’s regression test to test publication bias. The meta-analysis method is used to perform analysis models, including fixed-effect, random-effect, and Hunter and Schmidt methods

Results
Commitment plays the most important role in information sharing when compared to technology, trust, and uncertainty. Commitment accounts for 19% in the Hunter and Schmidt method and 22% in both fixed-effect and random-effect models. In addition, the result indicates that there are around 50% of other factors that affect the efficiency of sharing information besides four factors in our studies.

Conclusion
Technology, trust, and commitment significantly affect information sharing, of which the impact of commitment on information sharing is strongest and should be a priority in improving the effectiveness of information sharing. Our study contributes two findings to literature in the field of supply chain information sharing: 1) certain confirming the important role of commitment on sharing information, and 2) the necessity of considering other factors besides these four elements.