bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cluster Analysis of MSMES In Suleja, Nigeria: Insights From Fuzzy C-Means Clustering And T-SNE Visualizations
Authors: Atemoagbo Oyarekhua Precious , Abdullahi, Aisha , Siyan Peter 
Published: October 2024

This study employs cluster analysis to segment Micro, Small, and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) in Suleja, Nigeria into distinct groups based on their financial and operational characteristics. We utilize Fuzzy C-Means Clustering and t-Distributed Stochastic Neighbor Embedding (t-SNE) visualizations to uncover hidden patterns and structures in the data. Our results reveal three distinct clusters, explaining 40.3% of the variance in the data (R² = 0.403). The clusters exhibit reasonable separation (Silhouette coefficient = 0.360) and distinct patterns in their variable means. Cluster 1 comprises high-performing MSMEs with high levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Cluster 2 consists of low-performing MSMEs with low levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. Cluster 3 represents moderate-performing MSMEs with balanced levels of engagement, participation, and satisfaction. t-SNE visualizations confirm the clustering structure, revealing three distinct groups with varying densities and separation. The visualizations also highlight the relationships between the clusters, with Cluster 1 and Cluster 3 showing higher similarity than Cluster 2. Model performance metrics indicate a reasonable accuracy (Pearson's γ = 0.440) and a good balance between within-cluster sum of squares and between-cluster sum of squares (Calinski-Harabasz index = 13.087). The findings provide valuable insights for policymakers and practitioners seeking to support MSMEs in Nigeria. The results suggest that targeted interventions and support programs should focus on enhancing engagement, participation, and satisfaction among MSMEs, particularly for those in the low-performing cluster. The study contributes to the literature on MSMEs and cluster analysis, demonstrating the effectiveness of Fuzzy C-Means Clustering and t-SNE visualizations in uncovering meaningful patterns in MSMEs data.
Weak Sustainability at Regional Scale
Authors: RANDALL ALAN , JONES MACKENZIE , IRWIN ELENA G 
Published: October 2024

In principle, weak sustainability, WS, requires that inclusive wealth, IW, be non-decreasing. WS provides a more complete account of the sustainability of a geographical entity (e.g., the world, a nation, or a sub-national region) than sustainability indicators, SIs, on one hand, and conventional economic accounts (e.g., gross domestic product, GDP) on the other. We briefly summarize WS theory, noting that it was developed, implicitly, for a geographical space without internal boundaries. Empirical WS assessment was developed by international bodies (the World Bank and the UN Environmental Program) to shine light upon national governments that might be maintaining the current welfare of their citizens, but investing insufficiently in national assets to maintain intertemporal wealth. In so doing, the need arose to address a suite of issues stemming from national boundaries that may limit the mobility of people, resources, goods and services. WS assessment at sub-national levels (states and counties, in the case of the US) has similar motivations – to provide more complete accountability for regional officials who may be maintaining welfare by consuming assets – but the implications of cross-boundary flows are much greater given the porosity of regional boundaries. WS scholars and practitioners have arrived at a consensus that the appropriate criterion for WS status is IW/capita, i.e. the welfare of people should be sustained. Regional economists and economic geographers tend to associate regional success with population growth, which may increase total IW at some cost to individual welfare. We consider this issue in some depth – what is at issue, and how any conflict might be resolved – ultimately concluding that IW/capita is the appropriate criterion for WS assessment, while leaving broader questions of population ethics unresolved. We summarize recent research [1] that starts with the Arrow et al framework [2] and improves methods of assessing IW, especially its health capital component, and assesses IW/capita for all states and counties in the US. These improved methods reveal substantially more not-WS states and counties than the Arrow et al framework [2]. The not-WS counties exhibit a distinct rural bias, consistent with the hypotheses and empirical findings of regional scientists. Our work demonstrates that regional WS assessment is feasible, produces results that are consistent with prior expectations based on reasoning and empirical research, and has the potential to provide fresh insights into longstanding questions of regional development.
Biomechanical Optimization and Reinforcement Learning Provide Insights into Ankle-to-Hip Strategy Transitions in Human Postural Control
Authors: Hong Seongwoong , Park Sukyung 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Human postural control strategies, categorized as ankle or hip strategies, adapt to varying perturbation magnitudes and support surface sizes. While numerous studies have characterized these strategies, few have explored the underlying mechanisms driving the transition from ankle to hip strategy. This study investigated whether postural strategy transitions can be explained through an optimization mechanism incorporating biomechanical constraints. We analyzed postural strategy changes in human responses to backward perturbations and developed a reinforcement learning (RL)-based optimization model. The biomechanical constraint was defined as the center of pressure (CoP) range limitation to the metatarsal joint. The control objective function featured a novel CoP constraint penalty, complemented by terms for upright posture recovery and control effort minimization. The RL-based optimization model successfully reproduced the ankle-to-hip strategy transition observed in human postural responses. With increasing perturbation magnitude, the model demonstrated a pattern of limited ankle torque coupled with increased hip joint kinematics, closely aligning with observed human postural adaptations. These results suggest that the adaptive nature of human postural strategy transitions can be understood within an optimization framework incorporating biomechanical constraints. Additionally, this study supports the use of RL models, capable of implementing nonlinear optimization, as a valuable tool for comprehensively analyzing diverse adaptive characteristics in human movement.
A novel approach to compute discrete nonlinear single unit activity features
Authors: Zakharov Nikita , Belova Elena , Gamaleya Anna , Tomskiy Alexey , Sedov Alexey 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Nonlinear single unit activity (SUA) characteristics are the useful measures to reveal the in-formation processing and transfer features associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in the basal ganglia. Most of the state-of-the-art approaches to compute such parameters in continuous and discrete forms are strongly dependent on SUA recording length, noise level and input parameters. Due to the specificity of SUA data collection (mainly short recordings with relatively low signal-to-noise ratio) new techniques to evaluate neuronal nonlinear properties are needed.
Methods
We have developed an encoding technique based on a mean interspike interval (ISI) value to calculate spike train discrete nonlinear features. The approach to compute mutual information (MI) of isolated neurons with its unstructured activity was also proposed.
Results
The proposed technique of SUA nonlinear features evaluation slightly depends on spike train length, independent on input parameters and has low correlations with other SUA characteristics (firing rate, coefficient of ISI variance and asymmetry index). The derived entropy measure in the subthalamic nucleus has significant positive correlation with PD severity. Also, the developed mean ISI based measures reflect the more complex nature of oscillatory activity in the basal ganglia, than it was thought previously. Moreover, MI, unlike entropy, takes into account the position of the spike train elements, which allows us to investigate the amount of information retained after the occurrence of temporary failures.
Conclusion
The developed approach may be useful in describing nonlinear features of basal ganglia ac-tivity contributing to PD pathophysiology probably associated with impaired information transfer in movement disorders.
Exploring the Impacts of Help-seekers’ Knowledge, Belief, and Attitude on the Choice of Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
Authors: Nwaoru Chiamaka R , Iloma David O. , Ijere Ignatius N 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background: Recently, Abia State, like other states in Nigeria, has been experiencinga growing number of deaths due to substance use, leading to substance use disorders and comorbidities. Family members and relatives usually seek treatment for those who, in some cases, do not have insight. However, their knowledge of how the substance affects, erroneous beliefs, and attitudes can reasonably impact theirchoice of treatment when a family member is affected.
Aim: Thisstudy investigated people's knowledge, beliefs, and attitudes and how they affect their treatment choices.
Method: A purposive sampling technique was employed to recruit 1,200 participants from a cross-sectional survey of three LGAs in Abia State. The35-item Knowledge, Beliefs, and Attitude Toward Treatment Questionnaire (KBATQ) was utilized to measure the study variables. Three hypotheses were advanced, and the data were analyzedvia IBM SPSS-23.
Results: Descriptive results revealeda high proportion of patients with poor knowledge of drug use disorders (up to 53.7%) as an issue that requiresmedical and therapeutic intervention. Multiple regression analyses indicated that having good knowledge, belief, and attitude toward drug use as a disorder predicted a high level of evidence-based treatment options for relatives of drug users (F (3, 1199) = 177.23, p<0.05). The study also revealed poor availability of rehabilitation centers.
Conclusion: In line with these findings, we concluded that the Abia State government should, as a matter of urgency, intensify drug use sensitization programs andlook into building more rehabilitation centers and that professionals, such as psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and those who have completed universal treatment curriculum (UTC) courses,should be employed to provide evidence-based treatments for substance users. Relevant policies and interventions should target underlying socioculturalissues, such as stigma, lack of awareness, and cultural acceptance of substance use, to ensure greater effectiveness of interventions. Healthcare professionals, policymakers, and researchers have a crucial role in implementing these recommendations and improving the situation in Abia State.
Methods for assessing the innovative potential of a region: a comparative approach
Authors: Losev E. A. 
Published: October 2024

Relevance. The development of the innovative potential of a region has important theoretical, methodological and practical significance. Of particular importance is the methodology for assessing the innovative potential of a region. To form the author's position on this issue, it is necessary to apply a comparative approach to the analysis of existing approaches to assessing the innovative potential of a region. This circumstance allowed us to choose and prove the relevance of the topic of the conducted scientific research.The purpose of the study is to apply a comparative approach to the analysis of methods for assessing the innovative potential of a region.The objectives of the study are formulated in accordance with the stated goal and involve the study of various well-known methodological approaches to assessing the innovative potential of a region, such as the European Innovation Scoreboard, Regional Innovation Scoreboard, Innovation Index, Rating of Innovative Development of Subjects of the Russian Federation of the Institute for Statistical Studies and Economics of Knowledge of the National Research University Higher School of Economics.Methodology. The research methodology is based on a comparative approach to the analysis of methods for assessing the innovative potential of a region. Comparative analysis, statistical research, and the cause-and-effect approach form the basis of the study.Results. The results of the study include a comparative analysis of various approaches to the analysis of methods for assessing the innovative potential of a region.Conclusions. Based on the obtained research results, the author's approach to constructing a methodology for assessing the innovative potential of a region will be proposed in the future, taking into account the elements of the studied methods. This study is the initial stage for substantiating the author's vision of assessing the innovative potential of a region.
The regional features of digitalization in public administration: experience of the Orel region
Authors: Samorodova E. M. , Samorodova E. M. 
Published: October 2024

Relevance. Russian regions are characterized by varying degrees of readiness for the introduction of digital technologies into the management system, this process often takes place formally and does not imply a significant change in the format of interaction between the population and business, on the one hand, and regional executive authorities, on the other. The study of the specifics of digitalization of public administration will allow to identify "bottlenecks" for improving measures to support digital transformation at the level of the subject of the Russian Federation, to identify and replicate successful experience.The purpose of the article is predetermined by its topic and is to determine the regional features of the digitalization of public administration in the Orel region.Objectives. To achieve this goal, the theoretical, methodological, organizational and regulatory foundations of digitalization of public administration are considered, a comparative analysis of key indicators of digitalization in this area is carried out, the opportunities and threats of digitalization are determined, taking into account the specifics of the socio-economic development of the region under study.Methodology. The materials for the study were official statistics presented on the official websites of the Federal State Statistics Service of Russia, compiled by constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the “Information Society” section. The main research methods are statistical analysis of data series, comparative analysis, SWOT analysis.Results. Based on the results of the study, it was revealed that the basic conditions for the digital transformation of management in the Oryol region have been formed: relevant regional strategies and programs have been developed and are being implemented, benchmarks for their implementation have been established, the system of authorities is functioning and the infrastructure necessary for successful digitalization is being developed. At the same time, there is no list of specific measures necessary for the integration of state regional information systems into federal super services, measures for personnel and financial support for digitalization processes, increasing the level of digital literacy of the population, and intensifying outreach work among the population. Solving these problems will improve the efficiency of the digital transformation of public administration in the Orel region.Conclusions. Regional specifics determine the effectiveness of the digital transformation of public administration in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation, and therefore regional programs should not only repeat federal initiatives, but also adapt them taking into account the territorial characteristics of socio-economic development.
Evaluating Expert-Layperson Agreement in Identifying Jargon Terms in Electronic Health Record Notes: Observational Study
Authors: Lalor John P , Levy David A , Jordan Harmon S , Hu Wen , Smirnova Jenni Kim , Yu Hong 
Published: October 2024

Background
Studies have shown that patients have difficulty understanding medical jargon in electronic health record (EHR) notes, particularly patients with low health literacy. In creating the NoteAid dictionary of medical jargon for patients, a panel of medical experts selected terms they perceived as needing definitions for patients.

Objective
This study aims to determine whether experts and laypeople agree on what constitutes medical jargon.

Methods
Using an observational study design, we compared the ability of medical experts and laypeople to identify medical jargon in EHR notes. The laypeople were recruited from Amazon Mechanical Turk. Participants were shown 20 sentences from EHR notes, which contained 325 potential jargon terms as identified by the medical experts. We collected demographic information about the laypeople’s age, sex, race or ethnicity, education, native language, and health literacy. Health literacy was measured with the Single Item Literacy Screener. Our evaluation metrics were the proportion of terms rated as jargon, sensitivity, specificity, Fleiss κ for agreement among medical experts and among laypeople, and the Kendall rank correlation statistic between the medical experts and laypeople. We performed subgroup analyses by layperson characteristics. We fit a beta regression model with a logit link to examine the association between layperson characteristics and whether a term was classified as jargon.

Results
The average proportion of terms identified as jargon by the medical experts was 59% (1150/1950, 95% CI 56.1%-61.8%), and the average proportion of terms identified as jargon by the laypeople overall was 25.6% (22,480/87,750, 95% CI 25%-26.2%). There was good agreement among medical experts (Fleiss κ=0.781, 95% CI 0.753-0.809) and fair agreement among laypeople (Fleiss κ=0.590, 95% CI 0.589-0.591). The beta regression model had a pseudo-R2 of 0.071, indicating that demographic characteristics explained very little of the variability in the proportion of terms identified as jargon by laypeople. Using laypeople’s identification of jargon as the gold standard, the medical experts had high sensitivity (91.7%, 95% CI 90.1%-93.3%) and specificity (88.2%, 95% CI 86%-90.5%) in identifying jargon terms.

Conclusions
To ensure coverage of possible jargon terms, the medical experts were loose in selecting terms for inclusion. Fair agreement among laypersons shows that this is needed, as there is a variety of opinions among laypersons about what is considered jargon. We showed that medical experts could accurately identify jargon terms for annotation that would be useful for laypeople.
CESAREAN AUDIT: USING ROBSON’S 10 GROUP CLASSIFICATION AT C. U. SHAH MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL
Authors: HIMANI MAL  , HARSHDEEP K JADEJA  , BHAVESH B AIRAO  
Published: October 2024

Objective: The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern over the rising cesarean section (CS) rate, particularly in middle-and high- income countries. The reasons behind this increase are still debated, but the WHO declared that there is no justification for a rate higher than 10–15%. The Robson classification system, advocated by WHO and FIGO, can help assess and compare CS rates.
Study Design and Methods: The Gynecology Department at C.U. Shah Medical College and Hospital conducted an observational study on pregnant patients hospitalized for labor pain between January 2020 and December 2022, with a focus on CS patients. The study used Robson’s 10-group categorization technique to extract maternal features and categorize cesarean performances.
Results: Between January 2020 and December 2022, C. U. Shah Medical College and Hospital delivered 4967 patients, of whom 1,572 underwent a CS section. 46.3% were nulliparous, and 53.7% were multipara. 78.31% of patients arrived at full term, with 98.8% having single conceptions. 94.8% of the cases had a cephalic presentation, 4.4% had a breech presentation, and 0.81% had a transverse position.
Conclusions: Robson classification is a useful technique for analyzing cesarean delivery (CS) rates, aiding in identifying corrective methods to reduce burden on healthcare systems, and promoting accurate labor monitoring, fetal scalp electrodes, and prenatal education.
Análisis de Anticuerpos IgG contra el SARS-CoV-2 y Coronavirus Estacionales en Adultos Vacunados contra la COVID-19, 2021
Authors: Recalde-Reyes Delia Piedad , Rodríguez-Salazar Carlos Andrés 
Published: October 2024

Introducción: La variabilidad en la respuesta inmunológica a las vacunas puede afectar su eficacia, por lo cual es importante estudiar la efectividad de los esquemas vacunales contra el SARS-CoV-2 en diferentes regiones. Objetivo: Describir niveles de IgG contra SARS-CoV-2 y coronavirus estacionales, en individuos vacunados en Armenia (Colombia) 2021. Materiales y métodos: Estudio realizado en 100 adultos de Armenia (Colombia) vacunados contra SARS-CoV-2 en 2021. Se empleó el estuche comercial Mikrogen™ recomLine-SARS-CoV-2 IgG para medir niveles de anticuerpos contra: nucleoproteína, proteína de espícula y dominio de unión al receptor del SARS-CoV-2, también contra nucleoproteínas de coronavirus estacionales (OC43, NL63, 229E y HKU1). Resultados: El 98% de individuos (vacunados y/o infectados), desarrollaron anticuerpos; se observó mayor nivel de anticuerpos en individuos vacunados con Pfizer. Se evidenció, que los niveles de anticuerpos disminuyeron con el aumento de la edad. Por otra parte, el 47% desarrolló anticuerpos contra coronavirus estacionales; OC43 fue la cepa más común en hombres y NL63 en mujeres. Conclusión: Las vacunas mostraron ser efectivas para inducir una respuesta immune humoral en la población de estudio; aquellos con antecedentes de infección por SARS-CoV-2 tuvieron niveles de IgG más altos. El análisis de coronavirus estacionales demuestra que esta familia viral circula con frecuencia en nuestro país.
La entrevista semiestructurada: una herramienta pertinente en la percepción de valores sociales para la vida
Authors: Babativa Salamanca Henry Alexander , Rubiano Cárdenas Paola Andrea , Velásquez Pérez Torcoroma , Gaona Diaz Nelson Fernando , González Ortega Jesús Alberto , Vega Gámez Marta Inés 
Published: October 2024

Introducción. La entrevista se constituye en técnica clave de investigación social que a lo largo de las cuatro últimas décadas se ha convertido en un canal de entendimiento de la conciencia y de la realidad social. Materiales y métodos. Por esta razón, se pretende dar a conocer la entrevista semiestructurada como una herramienta pertinente en la percepción de valores sociales para la vida, además, como un procedimiento muy útil cuando se quieren conocer y comprender actitudes, juicios, percepciones o expectativas del actor social sujeto de indagación. Objetivo. Dar a conocer la entrevista semiestructurada como una herramienta pertinente en la percepción de valores sociales para la vida, con ese interés, su aplicación en el estudio titulado Impacto del método Deporte con Principios en niños, niñas, adolescentes y jóvenes pertenecientes a los departamentos de La Guajira, Norte de Santander y Arauca, se busca conocer la percepción y adopción de los valores sociales que dicho método transmite a partir de sus procesos de formación. Conclusiones. De esta manera, se plantea la precisión y rigurosidad que la entrevista ofrece, como técnica de recolección.