bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Think Aloud Testing of a Smartphone App for Lifestyle Change Among Persons at Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Usability Study
Authors: Lunde Pernille , Skoglund Gyri , Olsen Cecilie Fromholt , Hilde Gunvor , Bong Way Kiat , Nilsson Birgitta Blakstad 
Published: October 2023

Background
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM2) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is considered a global epidemic. Despite the growing evidence on the effectiveness of mobile health interventions in the management of DM2, the evidence on the effect of mobile health interventions in prevention of DM2 is sparse. Therefore, we have developed an app aiming to promote initiation of behavioral change and adherence to healthy behavior. Before commencing a small-scale randomized controlled trial to assess the feasibility of using an app for initiation and adherence of healthy behavior in people at risk of DM2, testing the usability of the app in the target population is warranted.

Objective
The aim of this study was to assess the usability of an app among people at risk of DM2.

Methods
A qualitative study with the use of a think aloud (TA) procedure was conducted from April to November 2022. The TA procedure consisted of 10 problem-solving tasks and a semistructured interview which was carried out after the tasks. These interviews served to gain more in-depth knowledge of the users experience of the problem-solving tasks. The TA-sessions and the postactivity interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the data were coded and analyzed following the principles of thematic analysis.

Results
In total, 7 people at risk of DM2 with a median age of 66 (range 41-75) years participated in this study. The analysis resulted in the following themes: (1) user interface design; and (2) suggestions for improvements of the functionality of the app.

Conclusions
Overall, the participants were satisfied with the usability of the app. Through the TA-sessions, real time perspective on the appeal, relevance, and utility of the app were gained. Only minor changes to the functionality of the prototype app were reported as necessary to improve the usability of the app. Points of guidance from the participants in this study have been adopted and incorporated into the final design of the app now being assessed for feasibility in a small-scale randomized controlled trial.
Systemic approach to imaging of acute abdominal surgical infection: a prospective study
Authors: Klimova N. V. , Gaus A. A. , Gaus I. A. 
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: The relevance of this work is due to the complexity of the treatment of severe acute surgical, especially destructive, infections of the abdominal cavity. The basis for improving results is the improvement of early radiological diagnosis of these diseases.OBJECTIVE: Of this study was to systematize the approaches in the radiodiagnosis of acute abdominal surgical infection.MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study analyzed the results of studies of 300 observations (men — 182, women — 128) aged 36 to 72 years who were treated at the Budgetary Institution «Surgut Regional Clinical Hospital» in the period from 2019 to 2022. The mean age of the patients was 49.2 years (59.7 years for men and 51 years for women). In the course of the study, a comparative analysis of the results of various methods of radiological examination in acute abdominal surgical infection was carried out, and key aspects of the radiodiagnosis algorithm were presented.Statistics. Statistical processing and systematization of these methods of radiation diagnostics was carried out with the calculation of sensitivity and specificity. The description of categorical variables was carried out using absolute values and a fraction of the whole — n (%). The results of calculating the indicators did not reveal significant differences in the group of men and women examined.RESULTS: At the initial stage of diagnosis, two main X-ray morphological syndromes of acute abdominal surgical infection were identified: a widespread inflammatory process (peritonitis and pancreatic necrosis) and a delimited inflammatory process (abscesses of various localizations). Based on the syndromic approach, not only the nosological diagnosis of this pathology wassubsequently carried out, but also approaches to the tactics of surgical treatment of patients were determined.DISCUSSION: The choice of the method of radiation examination of these patients, justified by the leading clinical and radiological syndrome, leads to early diagnosis and treatment of acute abdominal surgical infection.
Scintigraphic signs of kidney injuries of I–IV degrees of severity and their compliance with the OIS/OI AAST classification: observational study
Authors: Chiglinczev K. A. , Zyryanov A. V. , Chiglinczev A. Yu. , Druzhkov M. A. , Makaryan A. A. 
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical effects on the kidney result in parenchymal disruption, haemorrhage formation, classified by OIS/OI AAST. Scintigraphy with 99Tc-DMSA can determine the presence, prevalence of areas of ischaemia and implications for renal function.OBJECTIVE: By radiopharmaceutical accumulation, to assess the function of the injured kidney and to establish the consistency of the scintigraphic images with the radiological findings of the OIS/OI AAST classification.MATERIAL AND METHODS: Scintigraphy with 99Tc-DMSA was performed in the immediate posttraumatic period in 196 patients who had Grade I–IV organ damage according to the OIS/OI AAST classification. The shape, size, and contours of the kidneys were visually evaluated. Based on the calculation of the uniformity and intensity of the indicator inclusion in the parenchyma the relative (total) kidney function was established. The degree and localisation of kidney damage were revealed on the basis of primary ultrasound and MSCT results.RESULTS: In the acute period of injury, Grade I–II were characterised by diffuse irregular distribution of 99Tc-DMSA (from 75.0 to 100% of cases), but with increasing area and volume of injury, focal scintigraphic symptoms appeared (up to 25.0% of cases).In Grade III–IV, localised or extended focal deformation of the image contour and reduction of the overall kidney function prevailed. Comparative evaluation of CT findings with visual scintigraphy data demonstrated symmetry of visual information with sufficient accessibility, perceptibility, accuracy and correlated with OIS/OI AAST classification.DISCUSSION: Scintigram interpretation involves the interaction of two components: visual perception and subject-specific knowledge of human anatomical structures. This significantly differentiates it from clinicians’ conventional conception of the diagnostic process. Semiotics in the images included diffuse and focal changes, the basis of which is a disorder of haemocirculation with impaired uptake of radiopharmaceutical in the kidney parenchyma. For Grade I–II, hypoactive areas indicating the absence of significant damage are typical. Grade III–IV are characterised by localised areas due to reduced volume of functioning parenchyma.CONCLUSION: Scintigraphy in blunt kidney trauma demonstrates haemocirculatory abnormalities in the organ and a decrease in the amount of functioning parenchyma. Comparison of radionuclide images with computer imaging has a high degree of identity. The type of scintigrams allows grading them according to the OIS/OI AAST degree systematisation, which standardises the interpretation of radiological findings to improve the objectivity and quality of the study reports. Assessment of overall renal function makes it possible to predict the rehabilitative outlook of the injured kidney and the need for correction.
Численное моделирование снеговых нагрузок. Особенности и перспективы развития методики
Authors: Бритиков Никита , Белостоцкий Александр 
Published: October 2023

Разработка методологии численного моделирования снеговой нагрузки сегодня является одной из важнейших задач строительной отрасли. Анализ мировых строительных норм и регламентов показывает, что ограниченного набора покрытий и схем распределения коэффициента формы μ недостаточно для обоснованного определения снеговой нагрузки, особенно на большепролётные и уникальные здания и сооружения. Применяющиеся на практике методы физического моделирования также обладают рядом существенных недостатков. В то же время современный уровень развития программных комплексов вычислительной аэрогидродинамики и большое число математических моделей снегонакопления позволяет моделировать снеговую нагрузку численно. Так, представленная в настоящей статье методика позволяет выполнять расчёт снеговой нагрузки на покрытиях зданий и сооружений в стационарной и нестационарной постановках. Нестационарная постановка даёт возможность наблюдать локальное изменение толщины снегового покрова во времени, однако является весьма ресурсоёмкой для расчёта снеговой нагрузки на покрытие в целом. Указанные недостатки решает моделирование в стационарной постановке, при котором основные уравнения модели негонакопления решаются на «больших» временах. Полученные картины снегоотложений в сочетании с рекомендациями нормативных документов позволяют задать значение расчётного коэффициента формы μ для всех зон покрытия. На основе разработанной методики на базе НОЦ КМ им. А.Б. Золотова и Учебно-научно производственная лаборатория аэроакустических исследований строительных конструкций (УНПЛ ААИСК) НИУ МГСУ прорабатывается единая, комплексная расчётно-экспериментальная методология моделирования снеговых нагрузок, объединяющая преимущества физического и численного моделирования. Синтез двух подходов позволяет наиболее ёмко и разносторонне изучить процесс снегонакопления на покрытиях зданий и сооружений.
Identifying Potential Household Waste as Secondary Raw Materials in the Construction Industry: A Case Study of Sri Lanka
Authors: Weerakoon Thilina Ganganath , Wimalasena Sulaksha , Zvirgzdins Janis 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The construction sector contributes significantly to waste generation and resource depletion. Identifying potential household waste for reuse and recycling as secondary raw materials has emerged as a key technique for addressing these environmental concerns. This study uses the Colombo municipality in Sri Lanka to identify and evaluate household waste products having the potential to be reused as secondary raw materials in the construction sector. The study employs a mixed method for data collection and analysis. First, a questionnaire survey of industry experts was conducted to identify and assess the requirements for household waste that may be utilized in the construction sector, followed by a complete literature analysis to determine the reuse applications of potential household waste. The findings of this study will be useful in identifying and evaluating household waste items that may be recycled as secondary raw materials in the construction sector. It would also help to establish sustainable waste management techniques and circular economy practices in Sri Lanka. The study’s findings can help policymakers, waste management authorities, and stakeholders in the construction industry to implement effective waste management practices and promote the use of recycled materials in construction projects, reducing environmental impact and conserving natural resources.
The role of impartial administration in financial sector performance: A comparative study of Latin America and Sub-Saharan African countries
Authors: Dirir Sadik Aden 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Emerging nations are often distressed if their current administration and governance do not align with social and national needs. Among these worries, there is the fear of public funds misconduct and corruption in the nation’s major institutions. Indeed, inadequate administration results in embezzlement of funds, tax evasion, and low bureaucratic quality in all sectors. This study was undertaken to address the role of impartial administration specifically in the financial sector. The research considered a sample size composed of 12 countries from Latin America and Sub-Saharan Africa in the period of 2000 to 2021. The net interest margin was considered a proxy for financial performance measurement. Additionally, an ordinary least squares and quantile regression was performed to record the effect of the variables on financial sector performance. Within this context, the findings exhibited different outcomes for these regions. For instance, in the Latin America region, the results revealed that public sector theft, bureaucratic quality, corruption level, local government index, and inflation have a negative impact on the performance of the financial sector while impartial public administration demonstrated a positive impact on financial performance. On the other hand, the Sub-Saharan African region demonstrated that bureaucratic quality, local government index, and inflation have a significant and positive impact on financial performance, whereas executive embezzlement and theft, corruption level, and government final expenditures were shown to negatively influence financial performance. Finally, the study’s findings provides insights into the policies and strategies to implement in order to support the financial framework.
Games in a foreign exchange market and solutions
Authors: Habibi Reza 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Exchange rate and its related risk management are too important for main participants in foreign exchange markets. There are many approaches developed in the literature for studying risk management say arbitrage detection, say finding replication portfolio. However, in the current paper, arbitrage opportunities are studied using the game theory perspective. This paper proposes different types of games played in a specified foreign exchange market in the presence of three exchange rates. Proposed games are exchange rate games in two cases of no arbitrage and existence of arbitrage, optimal stopping game, the arbitrage game, threshold strategies used in global game and Non-cooperative exchange rate game. Most of cases, the bang-bang rule of optimal control is used for finding the Nash equilibriums (NE). However, simulated and stochastic approximation (SA) solutions are also given. Most highlights of the current paper are: (I) considering two types of arbitrage opportunities, simultaneously, (II) translating arbitrage detection as game theory concepts, (III) solving the problem using techniques of optimal control theory. Finally concluding remarks are proposed.
A 10-Year Analysis of Housing Prices and The Influence of Economic Factors in Turkey
Authors: Muddasir Muhammad , Dondaş Umut 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
In Turkey, the housing market is affected by various factors, and housing prices are shaped according to current conditions. In this study, the relationship between the housing price index (HPI) and economic variables (inflation and exchange rate) in Turkey was investigated. We used a 10-year time period for this study, from January-2010 to December-2019, with monthly data frequency. For our research, we employ the Wavelet Coherence Transformation (WCT) method. The results show that there is a positive relationship between inflation and housing prices in the short and long run. In addition, a continuous rise in inflation led to an increase in housing prices all over the period from 2010 to 2019. The findings of this study can aid in achieving the goal of the research by offering evidence-based perceptions of how housing prices and different economic variables are related. Housing costs in Turkey increased as a result of the substantial likelihood that the Turkish lira would weaken. The expansion of global inflation is a further anticipated factor contributing to the rise in housing costs in Turkey. This study can also be used by investors to help them decide whether to engage in the Turkish real estate industry.
Reassessing the Long-Run Abnormal Performance of Jordanian IPOs: An Event Study Approach
Authors: Al Shawawreh Fawaz Khalid 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This paper examines and reviews the fundamental challenges that academicians face when using the event study methodology to assess the long-term consequences of financial events on the economy and to describe market reactions. Numerous studies have demonstrated that businesses can experience abnormal returns from 1 to 5 years after major financial events. Also, this paper investigates the long-run price performance of initial public offerings (IPOs) in Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The sample period expands from 2018 to 2022. Various findings are obtained by employing several analytical methods. First, long-run price performance of IPOs is negative, and a strong evidence shows that the long-run performance is sensitive to the benchmark employed. To assess the long-term performance of IPOs, I used both cumulative abnormal returns (CAR) and buy-and-hold abnormal returns (BHAR) as aggregated models. I explained the methodology which is adopted in this study in detail for the event–time approach. However, I used the crucial values for the skewness-adjusted t-statistic to infer statistical tests. Even though BHAR provided weaker results, all methods indicated negative long-run abnormal returns for IPOs. Yet this performance varied when comparing the performance utilizing ASEI, Fama–French three-factor (FF3F), and matching firm (MF) as benchmarks.
Assessment and monitoring of fires caused by the War in Ukraine on Landscape scale
Authors: Tomchenko Olha V. , Khyzhniak Anna V. , Sheviakina Natalia A. , Zahorodnia Snizhana A. , Yelistratova Lesya A. , Yakovenko Mariia I. , Stakhiv Iryna R. 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The article assesses the changes in the state of Ukraine’s natural environment, namely due to the fire on its territories as a result of military operations. Remote sensing can be considered as a decision support tool for landscape management, remote sensing plays a vital operational tool in the affected areas to assess the consequences, as well as to make appropriate decisions to protect the environment and support environmental recovery programs in these areas.
This paper presented applying of remote sensing methods to assess large fires caused by military events in Ukraine war using the VIIRS spectroradiometer (375 m) on board the NASA/NOAA Suomi NPP satellite and NOAA-20 satellites, as well as NASA’s Fire Information for Resource Management System (FIRMS) resource. The paper presents examples of the use of remote sensing to detect changes in territories affected by military operations, and provided estimates of the total number of fires in 2022. Authors proposed a methodology for obtaining daily data on the localization of fires in the territories of active hostilities, in particular in 15 regions of Ukraine that are closest to the front line. Results of this paper indicated the VIIRS spectroradiometer and the FIRM’s resource as an effective tool for monitoring fires and assessing changes in the environment caused by them as a result of military operations in Ukraine.
The possibility of using satellite imagery for operational fire monitoring has been proven, which, in combination with traditional ground-based data, can play a crucial role in protecting civilians and providing evidence of environmental violations.
Effects of Queue Jump Lane on Public Transport: Case Study Using Microsimulation
Authors: Dousková Nikol , Vomočil Ondřej , Novotný Vojtěch , Klinský Tomáš 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Public transport priority is an essential transport engineering technique for the transition to sustainable urban mobility. This article presents a case study that simulates the effects of introducing a queue jump lane followed by a bus lane beyond an intersection compared to a dedicated lane only in the section beyond the intersection (without introducing a queue jump lane). The monitored parameters were speed and reliability of public transport. The simulation was performed using the PTV Vissim program. The case study was evaluated in terms of public transport operation, as well as selected effects on other road traffic with the aim to determine the optimal traffic engineering design and improve public transport operation in practice. This case study provides valuable insights into the effects of these priority measures. The results can contribute to the improvement of public transport operations.
Assessing the Technical Efficiency of European Companies in the Automotive Sector
Authors: Kovárník Richard , Staňková Michaela 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
This article deals with the assessment of the technical efficiency of the automotive industry in European countries. Unlike other studies, the paper will focus on international comparisons of efficiency while taking account company size. The analysis is thus based on the accounting data of individual companies. The content of the analysis covers the period between 2015 and 2019. In total, companies from 20 European countries shall be analysed. The results show that the level of efficiency in this sector is related to the size of the enterprise. In general, small enterprises turn out to be the least efficient. However, there is also a difference in the level of efficiency in the different size groups of enterprises depending on their geographical location, where in general, irrespective of the size category, Ukrainian enterprises appear to perform worst.
Borderlands in times of crisis: The possibility of de-marginalisation of the Polish border zone with Russia after the outbreak of war in Ukraine
Authors: Studzińska Dominika 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
The Polish-Russian border, closed since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, transformed into an iron curtain without any chance for its disappearance in a long-term perspective. The ongoing conflict between Russia and the EU started an experiment in the Polish zone bordering with Russia with respect to the planning of economic growth in the new reality – in a fully isolated area – where the border is a limitation and not an opportunity. According to the author’s research, the crisis caused by the permanent closing of the Polish-Russian border and suspension of contacts with the Kaliningrad Oblast, which initially was a hard blow for the border communes, with a particularly difficult economic situation, may – in the long-term perspective – turn out to be an important driving force for changes. The primary purpose of this paper is to identify the main actions taken by the Polish local authorities at the border with Russia, the aim of which is revitalisation of the local economy after the Polish-Russian border was closed. The article is based on a number of in-depth expert interviews carried out in the Polish border area.