bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long-term outcome of stem cell transplantation with and without anti-tumor necrotic factor therapy in perianal fistula with Crohn’s disease
Authors: Park Min Young , Yoon Yong Sik , Park Jae Ha , Lee Jong Lyul , Yu Chang Sik 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic option for curing perianal fistula in Crohn’s disease (CD). Anti-tumor necrotic factor (TNF) therapy combined with drainage procedure is effective as well. However, previous studies are limited to proving whether the combination treatment of biologics and stem cell transplantation improves the effect of fistula closure.
AIM
This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of stem cell transplantation and compare Crohn’s perianal fistula (CPF) closure rates after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy, and to identify the factors affecting CPF closure and recurrence.
METHODS
The patients with CD who underwent stem cell transplantation for treating perianal fistula in our institution between Jun 2014 and December 2022 were enrolled. Clinical data were compared according to anti-TNF therapy and CPF closure.
RESULTS
A total of 65 patients were included. The median age of females was 26 years (range: 21-31) and that of males was 29 (44.6%). The mean follow-up duration was 65.88 ± 32.65 months, and complete closure was observed in 50 (76.9%) patients. The closure rates were similar after stem cell transplantation with and without anti-TNF therapy (66.7% vs 81.6% at 3 year, P = 0.098). The patients with fistula closure had short fistulous tract and infrequent proctitis and anorectal stricture (P = 0.027, 0.002, and 0.008, respectively). Clinical factors such as complexity, number of fistulas, presence of concurrent abscess, and medication were not significant for closure. The cumulative 1-, 2-, and 3-year closure rates were 66.2%, 73.8%, and 75.4%, respectively.
CONCLUSION
Anti-TNF therapy does not increase CPF closure rates in patients with stem cell transplantation. However, both refractory and non-refractory CPF have similar closure rates after additional anti-TNF therapy. Fistulous tract length, proctitis, and anal stricture are risk factors for non-closure in patients with CPF after stem cell transplantation.
UTICAJ COVID-19 PANDEMIJE NA KONZUMACIJU ALKOHOLA I CIGARETA KOD ADOLESCENATA NA TERITORIJI OPŠTINE DOLJEVAC
Authors: Bogoslovic Milos , Dragana Mitrović , Vladana Nikolić , Milica Jovanović , Spasić Darko 
Published: March 2024

Uvod: Mere socijalnog distanciranja tokom pandemije bolesti korona virusa 2019 (COVID-19) dovele su do psihičke patnje među adolescentima, što je dovelo do rizične konzumacije psihoaktivnih supstanci kao što su duvan i alkohol.
Cilj: Identifikovati promene u navikama konzumacije duvana i alkoholola usled izolacije COVID-19 2020.godine u grupi adolescenata završnog razreda osnovne škole na teritoriji opštine Doljevac.
Metodologija: Rađena su dva istraživanja u periodu od oktobara do novembra 2022.godine nakon COVID19 pandemije, od kojih je prvo bilo usmereno na ispitivanje učestalosti upotrebe cigareta, a drugo na ispitivanje učestalosti upotrebe alkohola na uzorku učenika osmog razreda osnovne škole, oba pola, ukupno 82 ispitanika..
Rezultati: Cigarete je probalo više od jedne četvrtine ispitanika 26,18%. Trenutno cigarete koristi 2,44% ispitanih učenika. Skoro 63,41% ispitanika probalo je alkohol, od kojih više od trećine pije 3 i više alkoholnih pića zaredom 23,18% dok je iskustvo pijanstva prijavilo 12,02% ispitivane dece.
Zaključak: Naši podaci ukazuju na to da je situacija sa COVID-19 uticala na društveni život mladih, kada su konzumiranje alkohola i cigareta u pitanju.
Može se zaključiti da je neophodno sprovoditi preventivne programe u cilju smanjenja upotrebe duvana i alkohola kod adolescenata. Mladi, njihovi roditelji i drugi bitni ljudi iz njihovog okruženja, prosvetni radnici, društvena zajednica, mediji, treba da naglašavaju štetnost alkohola i duvana.
EFL TEACHERS’ PERCEPTIONS TOWARDS USING AUTHENTIC MATERIALS IN TEACHING LISTENING / THÁI ĐỘ CỦA GIẢNG VIÊN TIẾNG ANH ĐỐI VỚI VIỆC SỬ DỤNG TÀI LIỆU THỰC TẾ TRONG VIỆC GIẢNG DẠY KỸ NĂNG NGHE
Authors: Quoc Pham Dinh , Trang Nguyen Thi Thuy 
Published: March 2024

Apparently, teachers’ perceptions and practices play an important role in language teaching and learning, which has been recognized by Ellis (1999) and Krashen (1981). However, the purpose of the research is to find out if the review literature search has focused on this respect in teaching listening so far, especially in the Vietnamese context. The present study documents teachers’ perceptions and practices towards using authentic materials in teaching listening in the foreign language centers in Can Tho City. The researcher used multi-methods of data collection i.e. questionnaire observation and interview, in which 45 teachers got involved. The findings show that most teachers had positive perceptions about using authentic materials in teaching listening in terms of resources for using authentic materials, criteria of using authentic materials, learners’ levels and using authentic materials, Stages in the listening lesson of using authentic materials, benefits of using authentic materials, challenges of using authentic materials. The study also finds that factors such as teachers’ different teaching contexts, educational backgrounds, teaching experiences, genders, and ages did not affect their perceptions. Significantly, many mismatches were found between teachers’ perceptions and practices about teaching listening. The result of the study confirms that teachers’ perceptions were partly reflected in their practices. Considering these findings, some implications were made.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EFFECTS OF EMPLOYEE DEVELOPMENT AND WELFARE ON PERFORMANCE: A CASE STUDY OF ACCRA TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY, GHANA
Authors: Annan Evelyn Dede Oboshie , Ashai Doreen Tsotsoo , Boatemaa Faustina Nana Yaa 
Published: March 2024

Human resources are the most important resource of every organization. To get the best out of them, they need to be properly managed by providing them with the needed resources. Employee development and welfare are basically a higher form of motivation to prove their commitment. This study was designed to assess the effects of employee development and welfare on the performance of the staff of Accra Technical University, Ghana. A total of 100 respondents comprising 21 senior staff and 79 junior staff were used in the study and a questionnaire was used to gather data. Findings indicated that short courses, seminars, workshops, delegation, coaching, and participation are some of the employee development activities of Accra Technical University. Welfare packages include first aid equipment, sitting facility, medical facilities and leave travel concessions. Factors that generally affect employee development and welfare are limited opportunities, organizational culture, and the attitude of top management. Among the recommendations made was that management should have more organized and efficient development program opportunities for its employees to help retain them. Additionally, management should improve the welfare packages of employees.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0601/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
SORROW AND REMORSE IN ANNE SEXTON’S POETRY
Authors: Hammoud Faten 
Published: March 2024

Readers and critics alike responded to Anne Sexton's confessional poetry in conflict during the 1950s and 60s. Because of the authentic way in which her poems delve into emotions, some critics had a positive opinion of her poetry. However, some critics contended that Sexton's writing was tainted by her emotions rather than being poetry in the traditional sense. The nature of emotion in poetry and its importance are assessed by the critics in each scenario. Emotions, in fact, secure the sense and meaning of the poetry in a sense-making manner. This essay argues that Sexton's use of emotion to convey her feelings about particular events is evident in her poetry. Through an analysis of her poetry, one can discern the ways in which her individual emotions shaped the overall structure of the poem as well as the shaping spirit and cognitive dimension of emotion. This essay examines the feelings of regret and grief found in Anne Sexton's poetry and shows how these feelings explain the things that happened in her life and give her poems meaning and logic. It makes the case that the emotion found in Sexton's poetry is based on assessments and judgments the woman has made about things that have happened in her life. Sexton considered these events and her feelings about them with awareness and intelligence.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0661/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
NAVIGATING DIGITAL MARKETING: EXAMINING SELF-ESCAPISM ATTITUDES AND ONLINE BUYING INTENTIONS IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors: Alharthey Bandar Khalaf 
Published: March 2024

Online shopping is a widely acknowledged phenomenon in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), with platforms like Noon and Amazon.sa serving as prominent destinations for millions of users. Driven by both utilitarian and hedonic motives, users in KSA actively engage in online shopping activities. While existing literature highlights the significance of self-escapism as a fundamental hedonic motivation, users' attitude towards online buying and purchasing behavior remain understudied. This study explores dimensions of users' self-escapism which includes self-suppression and self-expansion motivation in the context of online shopping in KSA and its direct and mediated effects on their attitude and buying behavior. The research is based on the collection of data from 219 users of noon.com and amazon.sa in KSA through an online survey. The findings of this study reveal that users' self-escapism motivation in online shopping engagement is a two-dimensional construct, encompassing self-suppression and self-expansion factors. This motivation directly influences customers' engagement with online shopping. The study identifies mediating roles of attitude toward online shopping intention during users' online buying experiences. This research provides valuable insights into the motivations of users who turn to online shopping as a means of self-regulation in the KSA context. Sellers can leverage these perceptions to create online shopping environments that cater to the self-escapism needs of users, thereby influencing and encouraging them to make online purchases.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0758/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
THE EFFECTIVENESS OF ECCENTRIC EXERCISE AND STATIC STRETCHING IN IMPROVING THE CALF MUSCLE FLEXIBILITY IN UNIVERSITY MALE STUDENTS - A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Rout Dwarikanath , Vikram Kumar , Tiwari Avinash , Mohanty Nihar Ranjan 
Published: March 2024

<p><strong>Background:</strong> This study endeavoured to find the effectiveness of static stretching and eccentric training for the improvement of calf muscle flexibility in university students. <strong>Methodology:</strong> Forty university male students between the age group of 18-25 years volunteered to participate in the study. Anthropometric variables, i.e. height, weight, and Body Mass Index (BMI) measured. <strong>Result &amp; Conclusion:</strong> Statistical analyses of data performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. The level of significance was set at 0.05. The eccentric training group showed statistically significant improvements in active and passive calf muscle flexibility when compared to the static stretching group.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0601/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
Corporate Governance Mechanisms on Earnings management in the Indonesian Banking Sector
Authors: Wicaksono Abraham Dwi , Indarti Maria Goreti Kentris , Widiatmoko Jacobus 
Published: March 2024

Research Aims: This research aims to examine the influence of corporate governance on earnings management. The corporate governance variable is proxied by independent commissioners, audit committees, and audit quality. The data in this research is secondary data originating from the financial reports of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2019-2022.
Design/methodology/approach: The analytical techniques used to test the hypothesis in this research are descriptive statistics, classical assumption tests, and multiple linear regression analysis. The type of data used in this research is quantitative data. The sample for this research was obtained using a purposive sampling method, and a sample of 116 banking companies was obtained.
Research Findings: Test results using multiple linear regression show that the independent commissioner variable does not affect earnings management. the audit committee variable has negative impact on earnings management while audit quality variable have a significant positive effect. Test results also show that the control variable ROA has a significant negative influence on earnings management (EM). However, the leverage control variable does not influence management (EM).
Theoretical Contribution/Originality: This research contributes by providing nuanced insights into the specific impact of corporate governance components on earnings management within Indonesian banking companies. The findings offer a deeper understanding of the intricate relationships between governance mechanisms and financial practices.
Research limitation and implication: Limitations include the focus on banking companies and the specific time frame. Future research may explore diverse sectors and extend the study period. The results imply the need for policymakers and practitioners to recognize the varying impacts of different corporate governance components on earnings management for effective financial oversight.
The Relationship between the Edge Density of the Forest Fragments and the Tree Species Richness in the Detached Fragments of Kakamega Forest.
Authors: Anyango Emma , Oindo Boniface O. , Namasaka Joan , Nyongesa Catherine , Onoka Grace 
Published: March 2024

Purpose: The theoretical approach guiding this study was based on the Island Biogeography Theory. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of the edge density of the forest fragments on tree species richness.
Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional correlational research design. Proportionate random sampling was used. A sample of 30 plots each measuring 2m by 2m was established randomly in the fragments (0-200m from the edge towards the interior);Malava: Kisere: Ikuywa in that order for field sampling and measurements. Data was collected using tools such as measuring tapes,metre rule,GPS 64s Garmain and suunto inclinometer. A total of 39 species of trees were recorded from the three fragments with Funtumia africana being recorded as the most abundant species.
Findings: The findings show 83%, 85%, and 92% variation of tree species richness in. Malava (r2 = 0.83), Kisere (r2 = 0.85) and Ikuywa (r2 = 0.92) in that order can be explained by the edge density of the fragments. The edge density also explained 87%, 94% and 94% variation of tree species relative abundance in Malava (r2 = 0.87), Kisere (r2 = 0.94) and Ikuywa (r2 = 0.94) in that order.
Unique Contributor to Theory, Policy and Practice: It was concluded that tree species richness and tree species abundance in the detached portions of Kakamega forest were dominantly influenced by forest fragment total edge length and fragment edge density. For us to conserve more tree species we recommend maintenance of the total edge length of the fragments above 15km with edge density (3.413.79m\m2) in order to maintain high tree species richness and tree species relative abundance.
A Comprehensive review on COVID-19 Variant: Delta plus and Omicron Variant
Authors: Maheshwari Shubhrat , Singh Aditya 
Published: March 2024

The Delta plus variant, often known as the K417N mutation and B.1.1.529 is known as Omicron, K417N was initially discovered in India in April 2021 and was first announced in the public health England bulletin on June 11th 2021, and the report was released in order to continue sharing detailed Delta surveillance information (VOC-21APR-02, B.1.617.2). On November the 1st Omicron case was reported by South Africa. Delta plus has also been discovered in nine other nations, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Portugal, Switzerland, Japan, Poland, Nepal, Russia, and China. Delta plus may have a modest advantage in infecting and propagating among those who have already been infected. The Indian variety of SARS CoV-2, also known as B.1.617, is a Coronavirus variant that had a key role in India's second wave of infection. B.1.617 has three noteworthy sub-variants. B.1.617.2, which was detected in India in December 2020, is the most concerning. In December 2020, a new sub-variant known as B.1.617.1 was discovered for the first time in India. B.1.617.1 was found in 50% of all reported sequences by late March, but the proportion dropped in April. B.1.617.1 is known as the "Indian double mutant," although this label is misleading because it has about 15 mutations when compared to older variants." The term "double mutant" refers to the presence of two mutations in the outer spike protein of the bacterium. Omicron is the 3rd wave of mutated variant stated by W.H.O during November.
Effects of metformin and silodosin as supplementary treatments to abiraterone on human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) level in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells: An in vitro study
Authors: Hidayatulla Furqan , Andhika Dimas P. , Prasetyawan Widiyanto , Rahman Zakaria A. , Pratama Putu KD. , Hakim Lukman 
Published: March 2024

The antiproliferative properties of metformin and silodosin have been observed in prostate cancer. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that the molecular pathways related to these drugs may impact the levels of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) in prostate cancer cells. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of metformin and silodosin on the levels of hTERT in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) cells. The present study employed an experimental design with a post-test-only control group. This study utilized the PC3 cell line as a model for mCRPC. A viability experiment was conducted using the CCK-8 method to determine the inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of metformin, silodosin, and abiraterone acetate (AA) after a 72-hour incubation period of PC3 cells. In order to investigate the levels of hTERT, PC3 cells were divided into two control groups: a negative control and a standard therapy with AA. Additionally, three experimental combination groups were added: metformin with AA; silodosin with AA; and metformin, silodosin and AA. The level of hTERT was measured using sandwich ELISA technique. The difference in hTERT levels was assessed using ANOVA followed by a post hoc test. The IC50 values for metformin, silodosin, and AA were 17.7 mM, 44.162 mM, and 66.9 μM, respectively. Our data indicated that the combination of metformin with AA and the combination of metformin, silodosin and AA decreased the hTERT levels when compared to control, AA, and silodosin with AA. The administration of metformin resulted in a reduction of hTERT levels in the PC3 cell line, but the impact of silodosin on hTERT levels was not statistically significant compared to AA group.
Nomogram based on multimodal magnetic resonance combined with B7-H3mRNA for preoperative lymph node prediction in esophagus cancer
Authors: Xu Yan-Han , Lu Peng , Gao Ming-Cheng , Wang Rui , Li Yang-Yang , Guo Rong-Qi , Zhang Wei-Song , Song Jian-Xiang 
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND
Accurate preoperative prediction of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in esophageal cancer (EC) patients is of crucial clinical significance for treatment planning and prognosis.
AIM
To develop a clinical radiomics nomogram that can predict the preoperative lymph node (LN) status in EC patients.
METHODS
A total of 32 EC patients confirmed by clinical pathology (who underwent surgical treatment) were included. Real-time fluorescent quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to detect the expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC tissue obtained during preoperative gastroscopy, and its correlation with LNM was analyzed. Radiomics features were extracted from multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging of EC using Pyradiomics in Python. Feature extraction, data dimensionality reduction, and feature selection were performed using XGBoost model and leave-one-out cross-validation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to establish the prediction model, which included radiomics features, LN status from computed tomography (CT) reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, represented by a radiomics nomogram. Receiver operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive performance and clinical application value of the model.
RESULTS
The relative expression of B7-H3 mRNA in EC patients with LNM was higher than in those without metastasis, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The AUC value in the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.718 (95%CI: 0.528-0.907), with a sensitivity of 0.733 and specificity of 0.706, indicating good diagnostic performance. The individualized clinical prediction nomogram included radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression. The ROC curve demonstrated good diagnostic value, with an AUC value of 0.765 (95%CI: 0.598-0.931), sensitivity of 0.800, and specificity of 0.706. DCA indicated the practical value of the radiomics nomogram in clinical practice.
CONCLUSION
This study developed a radiomics nomogram that includes radiomics features, LN status from CT reports, and B7-H3 mRNA expression, enabling convenient preoperative individualized prediction of LNM in EC patients.
Yu Yan or Fable: The Earliest Introductions to The Canterbury Tales in China
Authors: Zhang Lian 
Published: March 2024

ABSTRACT
Yu yan is a way of argumentation and writing style, and has a history of over two thousand years in China. In the twentieth century, yu yan has developed into a literary genre similar to fable. This article argues that the two sets of Chinese translations of The Canterbury Tales by Sun Yuxiu and Lin Shu provide an important point to examine the shifting understanding of yu yan, and they reflect the Chinese cultural conflicts during the socially transitional period in the early twentieth century. These translations possess important features of a transformed fable and developed yu yan. They are creations as well as translations, to which the translators add their political and social expectations while moralizing. By exploring briefly the definitions of yu yan and fable, and studying the translations of the tales, their source texts, and the translators’ biographies, this article attempts to illustrate that the translators do not regard yu yan and fable as equivalent literary terms, and they put emphasis on the native Chinese literary traditions and cultural values in the process of Chinese literary modernization.