bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Empowering Women through Microfinance: A Case Study of Jalpa Samudayik Laghubitta Bittya Sanstha Ltd. in Pokhara Metropolitan City
Authors: Dhungana Bharat Ram , Ranabhat Deepesh , Ojha Deepak , Lamichhane Keshav , Acharya Sujana , Subedi Sadiksha 
Published: April 2024

Empowering women is crucial for global development and promoting gender equality. Microfinance plays a vital role in women's empowerment. This study investigated the impact of microfinance services on women’s empowerment in Pokhara Metropolitan City, specifically focusing on Jalpa Samudayik Laghubitta Bittya Sanstha Limited (JALPA). The research involved 152 female clients in Pokhara, using a structured questionnaire for primary data collection. Data were analysed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed significant positive changes in economic empowerment, including enhanced access to microcredit, property ownership, job opportunities, health services, and life insurance schemes. Moreover, improvements were observed in socio-political empowerment, reflected in increased participation in social, political, and religious organizations, leadership roles, and the ability to express opinions in public. The findings also highlighted positive transformations in decision-making power, respect, communication, confidence, and access to training opportunities after joining microfinance institutions (MFIs). This study concludes that microfinance interventions play a pivotal role in positively influencing women's economic status, decision-making capabilities, and socio-political involvement. The study not only provides empirical evidence but also emphasizes the need for improvements in the design of microfinance programs to comprehensively address the diverse dimensions of women's empowerment.
Understanding Teenage Pregnancy Out of Wedlock within the Structure of the Malay Family
Authors: M. Eid Iyad , Jalal Nori Abdulwahed , Bt Mohd. Zin Najibah 
Published: April 2024

This paper discusses family as a risk factor in teenage pregnancy out of wedlock in the Muslim Malay community in Malaysia. Using a qualitative approach, this case study conducted in-depth semi-structured interviews with thirty Muslim Malay teenagers who experienced illegal pregnancy. The research took place in two organizations operating as rehabilitation centres to assist the girls overcome the traumatic experience and lead more productive life in the future. Collected data were transcribed and analysed by thematic analysis method. The findings showed that poor parent-daughter relationship contributed to the occurrence of teenage pregnancy. Parents were physically and emotionally separated from their daughters because of busy work life, fighting, divorce or negligence. It was also found out that parents lacked Islamic knowledge and practice that they did not treat or upbring their daughters according to the Islamic values and principles. Funded by the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), this study seeks to design and implement a social framework to understand the roots of this problem and create effective solutions. It is the first output focusing on one of the factors causing teenage pregnancy. The whole research project will be documented in a book elaborating on other factors and reflecting on the impact of this social problem on the Muslim Malay community and Malaysian society as a whole. The book will also present rational and systematic control mechanisms to minimize this social illness.
ОСОБЛИВОСТІ РЕФОРМУВАННЯ МЕДИКО-СОЦІАЛЬНОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ВЕТЕРАНІВ ВІЙНИ В КОНТЕКСТІ ВДОСКОНАЛЕННЯ ДЕРЖАВНОЇ ВЕТЕРАНСЬКОЇ ПОЛІТИКИ УКРАЇНИ
Authors: Карпа Марта , Паєнок Андрій 
Published: April 2024

Система соціального захисту, охорони здоров’я, психологічної реабілітації та соціалізації ветеранів війни наразі потребує вдосконалення. Пільги та гарантії ветеранам війни надаються більш ніж 18 центральними, місцевими органами виконавчої влади та органами місцевого самоврядування, що призводить до питань підзвітності, ефективної організації, дублювання повноважень тощо. Пільги та гарантії військовослужбовців регулюються 156 законодавчими актами, деякі з яких не мають процедури імплементації та не підлягають виконанню. Це спричиняє обмеження прав та соціального забезпечення ветеранів війни, а дублювання нормативно-правових актів радше вносить плутанину, ніж сприяє досягненню цілей. Реформа підтримки ветеранів війни передбачає використання комплексної стратегії підвищення соціальної захищеності ветеранів війни та впровадження нових методів і практик для вирішення їх ключових проблем.
Актуальним на сьогодні є дослідження теоретичних і практичних особливостей реформування медико-соціального забезпечення ветеранів війни в контексті вдосконалення саме державної ветеранської політики підтримки ветеранів, яка спрямована на захист прав ветеранів війни, покращення їх соціального забезпечення, охорони здоров’я, психологічної реабілітації, соціальної та професійної адаптації, вшанування їх пам’яті та сприяння їх суспільному іміджу. Вагомим принципом реформування медико-соціального забезпечення ветеранів війни стане людиноцентричний підхід. Державна політика медико-соціального забезпечення учасників бойових дій формується та реалізується на принципах соціальної справедливості під час встановлення обсягу пільг та гарантій, комплексності під час формування та реалізації заходів адаптації ветеранів війни до мирного життя, належного фінансового забезпечення передбачених законом пільг та гарантій зазначеній категорії громадян, відкритості та рівного доступу до інформації про державні пільги та гарантії, механізми їх реалізації, доступу до реалізації права на отримання всіх пільг та гарантій, прозорості та підзвітності діяльності органів державної влади, їх посадових осіб у сфері медико-соціального забезпечення учасників бойових дій. Тому актуальним залишається дослідження теоретичних і практичних особливостей реформування медико-соціального забезпечення ветеранів війни в контексті вдосконалення державної ветеранської політики.
CORRELATION-REGRESSION MODELING OF THE INFLUENCE OF BASIC FACTORS ON THE LEVEL OF INFLATION IN UKRAINE
Authors: AZAROVA ANZHELIKA , KRAIEVSKA АLLA , MIRONOVA YULIIA , KRAUS Oleksandra 
Published: April 2024

The correlation between the level of inflation and the money supply as well as the impact of unemployment on its level was researched in this article. Studying economic indicators on the basis of the correlation-regression analysis the authors substantiate the key factors that determine inflationary processes in the country. Certain trends and degree of interdependence between the researching economic characteristics were established.
The problem investigated in the article is the clear identification of the influence of key factors that cause inflation in Ukraine, such as the volume of the money supply, the unemployment rate, etc., which makes it possible to identify the basic regulators of the development of the Ukrainian economy.
On the basis of the conducted research, it was found that the change in the volume of the money supply has a statistically significant relationship with the level of inflation only in the long term, taking into account trend and nontrend years. It was established that the lack of dependence between the devaluation of the hryvnia and the level of inflation, as well as the lack of a relationship between the level of inflation and producer price indices, is explained by inflation targeting.
For further research in this direction, it is important to take into account the factors substantiated in this article, which affect the level of inflation, in particular, and the economy of Ukraine in general. Constant monitoring of changes in fiscal and monetary policy will allow building more accurate correlation-regression models, which will enable the development of an effective inflation control strategy in the country.
The results of the study make it possible to form a modern understanding of the inflation's dynamic in the Ukrainian economy and help to develop a productive strategy in anti-inflation policy and to make important decisions in the field of effective state management.
Research on Anatomical Types and Variations of Lung Segment Bronchi Based on Artificial Intelligence 3D Reconstruction Technology
Authors: Qiao Gaofeng , Zhang Yunzeng , Shen Changming , Li Xiaofeng , Pan Yuling 
Published: April 2024

Aims: To investigate the anatomic type and variation of segmental bronchus based on artificial intelligence 3D reconstruction technology. Methods: The image data of 200 patients who underwent thin-layer enhanced chest CT examination in the Department of Thoracic Surgery of Shandong Public Health Clinical Center from December 2021 to December 2022 were selected. The bronchi and blood vessels of the affected side of the lung were reconstructed according to the CT scanning data of the patients, and the anatomic types and anatomic variations of the bronchi of each lung segment on the affected side were observed and statistically analyzed. Results: There were basically four anatomical types of the right superior lobar bronchus, of which the three branching subtypes B1, B2 and B3 are the most common anatomical types. There are two types of right middle lobe bronchus, of which the B4 and B5 subtypes are the most common anatomic types. For the left lung, 4 types of segmental bronchus were found and (B1+2a+b, B1+2c), (B3a, B3b+c) was the most common anatomical type. Two types of bronchus were found in the left superior lobe of the lung. Type B4 and type B5 were the most common anatomical types. In addition, there were 3 types of bronchi in the dorsal segment of the left inferior lobe, and 3 types in the anterior, external and posterior basal segment bronchi of the left inferior lobe, among which B8, B9+B10 (57.6%) were the most common. Conclusion: The anatomical types of segmental and subsegmental bronchus are complex and varied, and there may be rare anatomical variations. Therefore, before performing relevant operations, it is necessary to be familiar with the relevant operations and the branch types of corresponding bronchus in advance to ensure the smooth operation.
Pengaruh Pelatihan Dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya Manusia Terhadap Kinerja Karyawan Pada PT. PLN Icon Plus SBU Pekanbaru
Authors: Azizah Duta Rahmathul , Karneli Okta 
Published: April 2024

Sumber daya manusia merupakan elemen kritis dalam kesuksesan dan pertumbuhan dalam suatu perusahaan. Sumber daya manusia dengan segala fungsinya yang esensial merupakan aset penting dan tak tergantikan yang menjadi pendorong pertumbuhan dan kesuksesan perusahaan dalam menghadapi tantangan dunia bisnis modern yang semakin kompleks.Penelitian ini dilaksanakan pada PT. PLN Icon Plus SBU Pekanbaru. Tujuan penelitian yakni guna memahami pengaruh pelatihan dan pengembangan sumber daya manusia terhadap kinerja karaywan di PT. PLN Icon Plus SBU Pekanbaru. Pelatihan dan pengembangan sumber daya manusia menjadi variabel independent sedangkan Kinerja karyawan menjadi variabel dependent. Permasalahan pada penelitian ini yakni kinerja karyawan yang tidak mengalami perkembangan signifikan dan cenderung stagnan selama beberapa tahun terakhir. Sampel dalam penelitian ini ditetapkan sejumlah 86 responden dari 109 populasi diukur dengan memanfaatkan rumus Slovin. Jenis penelitian ini adalah penelitian kuantitatif dengan menggunakan teknik pengumpulan data kusioner atau angket.Data yang didapati dari hasil kuesioner yang disebarkan memanfaatkan teknik simple random sampling yang berikutnya diolah guna selanjutnya dikaji dengan program SPSS 24. Pada hasil pengujian yang dilaksanakan memperlihatkan pelatihan memiliki pengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan, dimana thitung = 8.209 > ttabel 1.988 serta sig 0.000 < 0.05, selanjutnya pengembangan sumber daya manusia mempunyai pengaruh terhadap kinerja karyawan, dimana thitung = 7.643 > ttabel 1.988 serta sig 0.000 < 0.05, serta pelatihan dan pengembangan sumber daya manusia terhadap kinerja karyawan, dengan fhitung 37.159 > ftabel 3.11, serta sig 0.000 < 0.05.
Effects of mindfulness training on cognition and wellbeing in healthy older adults
Authors: Mallya Sasha , Fiocco Alexandra 
Published: April 2024

<p>Adults over the age of 65 years are now the fastest growing segment of the Canadian population. Although individual differences exist, aging is commonly associated with impairments in executive function and episodic memory. Previous studies have shown that mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) can improve cognitive function in healthy younger adults, but no studies have yet examined this effect in older adults. The present study investigated the effectiveness of MBSR on improving executive function and episodic memory in older adult as well as its effectiveness in improving perceived stress and well-being. Ninety-seven healthy older adults were randomly assigned to either MBSR (<em>n =</em> 57) or an active control group (<em>n</em> = 40). It was hypothesized that compared with the control group, the MBSR group would display significant improvements in measures of executive function, episodic memory, mindfulness, mood, self-esteem, and quality of life. No clinically meaningful changes were found on any variable. In light of these results, the value of MBSR for this population is discussed.</p>
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A systematic review of existing peripheral biomarkers of cognitive aging: Is there enough evidence for biomarker proxies in behavioral modification interventions?
Authors: Fiocco Alexandra , Krieger Laura , D'Amico Danielle , Parrott Matthew D. , Laurin Danielle , Gaudreau Pierrette , Greenwood Carol , Ferland Guylaine 
Published: April 2024

<p>Peripheral biomarkers have shown significant value in predicting brain health and may serve as a useful proxy measurement in the assessment of evidence-based lifestyle behavior modification programs, including physical activity and nutrition programs, that aim to maintain cognitive function in late life. The aim of this systematic review was to elucidate which peripheral biomarkers are robustly associated with cognitive function among relatively healthy non-demented older adults. Following the standards for systematic reviews (PICO, PRIMSA), and employing MEDLINE and Scopus search engines, 222 articles were included in the review. Based on the review of biomarker proxies of cognitive health, it is recommended that a comprehensive biomarker panel, or <em>biomarker signature</em>, be developed as a clinical end point for behavior modification trials aimed at enhancing cognitive function in late life. The biomarker signature should take a multisystemic approach, including lipid, immune/inflammatory, and metabolic biomarkers in the biological signature index of cognitive health.</p>
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Dr. Humberto Fernández Morán
Authors: Oñate Omaira 
Published: April 2024

Humberto Avelino Fernández Morán Villalobos (1924- 1999) fue doctor en medicina, científico, investigador biofísico y docente. Nacido en Venezuela, Maracaibo Estado Zulia, el 18 de febrero de 1924. Este año 2024 se cumplen los primeros 100 años de su nacimiento. Hijo de Luis Fernández Morán y Elena Villalobos. Comparte su formación académica y vida personal entre su patria Venezuela, EEUU y Europa. Muere en Estocolmo Suecia, el 17 de marzo de 1999, producto de una neurisma cerebral. [1] [3] Es un venezolano extraordinario, un científico grande, inventor del bisturí o cuchilla de diamante, instrumento para la ultra microtomia, corte ultrafino de materiales biológicos y metálicos que permitió observar estructuras subcelulares, invención que ha impactado significativamente campos médicos y científicos mundiales, de aplicación en la cirugía oftálmica y de alta precisión, hasta con muestras de rocas lunares. Profesor e investigador en la Universidad Central de Venezuela y en Universidades de Estados Unidos y Suecia. Investigador en la NASA para el proyecto APOLO en el análisis de las rocas lunares. [5] [7].
Comparison of infection and complication rates associated with transvenous vs. subcutaneous defibrillators in patients with stage 4 chronic kidney disease: a multicenter long-term retrospective follow-up
Authors: Schiedat Fabian , Meuterodt Benjamin , Prull Magnus , Aweimer Assem , Gotzmann Michael , O’Connor Stephen , Perings Christian , Korth Johannes , Lawo Thomas , El-Battrawy Ibrahim , Hanefeld Christoph , Mügge Andreas , Kloppe Axel 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundPatients with progressive chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at higher risk of infections and complications from cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED). In patients with a primary or secondary prophylactic indication, implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICD) can prevent sudden cardiac deaths (SCD). We retrospectively compared transvenous-ICD (TV-ICD) and intermuscularly implanted subcutaneous-ICD (S-ICD) associated infections and complication rates together with hospitalizations in recipients with stage 4 kidney disease.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed 70 patients from six German centers with stage 4 CKD who received either a prophylactic TV-ICD with a single right ventricular lead, 49 patients, or a S-ICD, 21 patients. Follow-Ups (FU) were performed bi-annually.ResultsThe TV-ICD patients were significantly older. This group had more patients with a history of atrial arrhythmias and more were prescribed anti-arrhythmic medication compared with the S-ICD group. There were no significant differences for other baseline characteristics. The median and interquartile range of FU durations were 55.2 (57.6–69.3) months. During FU, patients with a TV-ICD system experienced significantly more device associated infections (n = 8, 16.3% vs. n = 0; p &lt; 0.05), device-associated complications (n = 13, 26.5% vs. n = 1, 4.8%; p &lt; 0.05) and device associated hospitalizations (n = 10, 20.4% vs. n = 1, 4.8%; p &lt; 0.05).ConclusionIn this long-term FU of patients with stage 4 CKD and an indication for a prophylactic ICD, the S-ICD was associated with significantly fewer device associated infections, complications and hospitalizations compared with TV-ICDs.
Associations of sex hormone ratios with metabolic syndrome and inflammation in US adult men and women
Authors: Dubey Pallavi , Singh Vishwajeet , Venishetty Nikit , Trivedi Meesha , Reddy Sireesha Y. , Lakshmanaswamy Rajkumar , Dwivedi Alok Kumar 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundSex hormones play a critical role in sex differences and cardiovascular disease risk associated with metabolic syndrome (MS) and inflammation. However, the associations of sex hormone ratios with metabolic and inflammatory markers are unclear according to sex and age differences. We evaluated the associations of sex hormone ratios with MS and inflammation among males and females.MethodsA retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted by including all adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey cycles 2013-2016 and excluding any pregnant women, heart disease, diabetes, and those currently taking insulin. MS was defined using the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria and a high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP) level&gt;3 mg/L was defined as a high CRP. Measures of MS components and CRP concentrations were also analyzed. The primary exposures were testosterone to estradiol (excess androgen index), testosterone to sex hormone-binding globulin (free androgen index), and estradiol to sex hormone-binding globulin (free estradiol index). The adjusted associations were summarized with a relative risk (RR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsThis study included 9167 subjects with 4360 males and 4807 females. Increases in free estradiol index were positively associated with MS (RR=1.48; 95%CI: 1.39, 1.58; RR=1.31; 95%CI: 1.22, 1.40) and high CRP (RR=1.49; 95%CI: 1.25, 1.77; RR=1.26; 95%CI: 1.06, 1.50) in men with age&lt;50 years and age≥50 years, respectively. Similarly, higher free estradiol index was also robustly associated with increased prevalence of MS (RR=1.22; 95%CI: 1.15, 1.28) and high CRP (RR=1.68; 95%CI: 1.48, 1.90) in women with age ≥50 years. Among women with age&lt;50 years, a higher free androgen index was associated with MS (RR=1.34; 95%CI: 1.25, 1.42) and high CRP (RR=1.13; 95%CI: 1.02, 1.25). These associations were unchanged even after adjusting for all sex hormones.ConclusionFree estradiol index was consistently and positively associated with MS and high CRP in males of all ages and older females. Free androgen index was positively associated with MS and high CRP in females with age&lt;50 years.
Critical gene signature and immunological characterization in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis: novel insights from mendelian randomization and transcriptomics
Authors: Xie Wei , Chen Shumin , Luo Hanqing , Kong Chuiyu , Wang Dongjin 
Published: April 2024

IntroductionPeripheral vascular atherosclerosis (PVA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by lipid accumulation in blood vessel walls, leading to vessel narrowing and inadequate blood supply. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA remain poorly understood. In this study, we employed a combination of Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis and integrated transcriptomics to identify the critical gene signature associated with PVA.MethodsThis study utilized three public datasets (GSE43292, GSE100927 and GSE28829) related to peripheral vascular atherosclerosis obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Instrumental variables (IVs) were identified through expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) analysis, and two-sample MR analysis was performed using publicly available summary statistics. Disease critical genes were identified based on odds ratios and intersected with differentially expressed genes in the disease dataset. GSE28829 dataset was used to validate the screened disease critical genes. Functional enrichment analysis, GSEA analysis, and immune cell infiltration analysis were performed to further characterize the role of these genes in peripheral vascular atherosclerosis.ResultsA total of 26,152 gene-related SNPs were identified as IVs, and 242 disease-associated genes were identified through MR analysis. Ten disease critical genes (ARHGAP25, HCLS1, HVCN1, RBM47, LILRB1, PLAU, IFI44L, IL1B, IFI6, and CFL2) were significantly associated with peripheral vascular atherosclerosis. Functional enrichment analysis using KEGG pathways revealed enrichment in the NF-kappa B signaling pathway and osteoclast differentiation. Gene set enrichment analysis further demonstrated functional enrichment of these genes in processes related to vascular functions and immune system activation. Additionally, immune cell infiltration analysis showed differential ratios of B cells and mast cells between the disease and control groups. The correlations analysis highlights the intricate interplay between disease critical genes and immune cells associated with PVA.ConclusionIn conclusion, this study provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying PVA by identifying ten disease critical genes associated with the disease. These findings, supported by differential expression, functional enrichment, and immune system involvement, emphasize the role of these genes in vascular function and immune cell interactions in the context of PVA. These findings contribute to a better understanding of PVA pathogenesis and offer potential targets for further mechanistic exploration and therapeutic interventions.