bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of vascular endothelial growth factor in tuberculous meningitis
Authors: Kumar Devesh , Singh Deependra , Modi Tanish , Sharma Riya , Awasthy Anand Keshav , Shree Ritu , Goyal Manoj Kumar , Narang Dhawal , Chand Siddharth , Vyas Sameer , Sharma Kusum , Sharma Navneet , Gowda Rudresh , Goel Abeer , Ranjan Rajeev , Modi Manish 
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:
The status of vascular endothelial-derived growth factor (VEGF) in the pathogenesis of tuberculous meningitis (TBM) remains far from clear. We prospectively evaluated the role of serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) VEGF in TBM.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:
This prospective study was conducted at a tertiary care center in North India from January 2018 to June 2019. Consecutive drug-naive patients (n = 82) of TBM diagnosed on the basis of modified Ahuja's criteria were included in the study. The results were compared with 49 control subjects (n = 49). Serum and CSF VEGF were done in all the cases and controls. Follow-up serum VEGF levels were done in 34 patients after 3 months of completion of antitubercular therapy. The VEGF levels were estimated using the human VEGF enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kit.

RESULTS:
The mean age was 29.9 ± 13.1 years. The study group consisted of 33 (40.2%) men and 49 (59.8%) women. BACTEC MGIT960 was positive in 15 (18%) patients while multiplex tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction was positive in 73 (89%) patients. Levels of VEGF in serum and CSF of TBM patients were not elevated when compared to controls. There was no association between final outcome in TBM and decrease in serum levels of VEGF at follow-up.

CONCLUSION:
VEGF may not be playing a significant role in the pathogenesis of TBM. Future studies with larger sample size may clarify the status of VEGF further in TBM.
CO2 fluxes at the water-atmosphere interface in fluvial environments: an overview of studies in Brazilian rivers
Authors: Machado Daniela Vasconcelos , Silva Júnior Gerson Cardoso da , Marques Eduardo Duarte , Silva-Filho Emmanoel Vieira 
Published: September 2023

Recent advances in Brazilian scientific production on CO2 fluxes at the water-atmosphere interface in rivers were reviewed, including estimates of CO2 partial pressure and fluxes. A total of 17 studies were reviewed. We compiled information regarding the location studied, the methodology used by each author, and the values of CO2 partial pressure (pCO2), CO2 fluxes (FCO2), and gas exchange coefficient (k) found in each region. The results were spatialized and synthesized. The important role of fluxes in CO2 degassing and their influence on climate change, as well as the global lack of data on these environments, were the main motivations for this study. The information was scarce, and most studies are focused on the Amazon Basin. However, high-resolution mapping of CO2 fluxes, at the scale of micro basins and streams, proved to be scarce. We emphasize, therefore, the importance of further studies in the country including other hydrographic regions, and in high resolution. These studies would add to our knowledge of how natural and anthropic processes influence CO2 flux, in addition to providing better estimates in tropical river systems.
Keywords: climate change, CO2 emission, CO2 partial pressure.
The influence of climate parameters on fires in the Paraíba do Sul River valley, southeast Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Jaqueline Gabriele de , Massi Klécia Gili , Bortolozo Luana Albertani Pampuch , Cunha Ana Paula Martins do Amaral 
Published: September 2023

Brazilian biomes have been experiencing an increase in fires during the whole year, but fires increase substantially during drier periods. Several indexes might be good indicators of the severity of the droughts, such as The Rainfall Anomaly Index (RAI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) and the Vegetation Health Index (VHI). This study therefore aimed to understand the dynamics of climate, using some indexes and fires in Paraíba do Sul River Valley, Paulista portion, to verify whether fire is more likely to spread in hotter and drier years. We hypothesized that fire events are more frequent and burned areas are larger in hotter and drier years in the region. By conducting a cross-correlation analysis and separating the monthly data into dry and rainy seasons, it was possible to establish a correlation between climate parameters and fire. A significant correlation was found between RAI and fires in both seasons. Additionally, we observed that high occurrences of fire events and burning areas were more explained by RAI, VHI and SPI-3 in dry and wet seasons than by temperature and SPI-1, SPI-6 and SPI-12. We noticed a complex dynamic between fire events, burned area, the environment, and climatic variables. However, the studied indexes proved to be effective tools for detecting drought conditions in the region and their relationship to fire.
Keywords: burning, climatic indexes, Paraíba do Sul River Valley.
Study of the effectiveness of a ZnO–TiO2 formulation in the degradation of humic substances in mature leachate by solar photocatalysis Brazil
Authors: Nohara Nicoly Milhardo Lourenço , Izário Filho Helcio José , Siqueira Adriano Francisco , Aguiar Leandro Gonçalves de , Oliveira Gabriel Caracciolo Koenigkam de , Nohara Evandro Luís , Alcântara Marco Aurélio Kondracki de , Napoleão Diovana Aparecida dos Santos 
Published: September 2023

Treatment of landfill leachate is an important environmental issue, especially in developing countries such as Brazil. Advanced oxidation processes (AOPs) have been considered interesting treatment alternatives. In this study, ZnO–TiO2 mixtures were incorporated into a paint polymer matrix and fixed onto supports. Paints were applied by overlapping coat layers on plates, resulting in high film thickness (600 ± 80 µm). Treatment of mature leachate by an AOP was conducted in a plug flow reactor connected to a stirred tank under solar irradiation. The objective was to evaluate the degradation of humic acid (HA) and fulvic acid + humins (FAH). The highest HA and FAH removal efficiencies were 62% ± 4.9% and 16% ± 4.2%, respectively. The kinetic model provided a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.974. Rate constants for HA and FAH removal were 2.96 and 1.03 × 10−3 min−1, respectively. Statistical models for HA and FAH degradation had R2 values of 0.96 and 0.99, respectively. Both approaches indicated that HA degradation is greater at acidic pH and higher TiO2 concentrations. FAH degradation was favored by acidic pH and higher ZnO concentrations. Statistical models showed the same mean difference in conversion between replicate runs of HA and FAH, suggesting a uniform diffusion of fractions through catalysts.
Keywords: heterogeneous photocatalysis, humic and fulvic acid, landfill leachate treatment, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide.
The risk for hemodialysis access failure in subject with COVID-19
Authors: BULUT Ali , GÜÇLÜ Aydın , BULUT Bekir 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: Thrombotic complications have been reported in up to 30% of patients admitted to ICU for COVID-19. However, data concerning hemodialysis access failure in subjects with COVID-19 is limited. This study aimed to investigate the frequency of hemodialysis access failure and its determinants, especially with respect to COVID-19 status.
Patients and methods: This multi-center cross-sectional study was conducted among subjects undergoing permanent hemodialysis. Patients were divided into two groups, those with and without access failure. The primary outcome measures of the study were differences in patient characteristics, laboratory measurements and COVID-19 positivity between the two groups. The secondary outcome measure was defined as the identification of factors independently associated with hemodialysis access failure.
Results: Hemodialysis access failure occurred in 26 (12.2%) patients. When those with access failure were compared to those without failure, type 2 diabetes (76.9% vs. 50%, p=0.018), hypotension during dialysis (88.5 vs. 58.1%, p=0.006) and COVID-19 positivity (73.1% vs. 15.1%, p
MEMÓRIA. UMA VIRTUDE PARA VIVER MELHOR
Authors: Melo Luiz Fernando Bandeira de 
Published: September 2023

Resumo
O que precisamos para viver melhor do que somos? Praticar ações para o bem do outro? Esta é uma das fórmulas encontradas na literatura, filosofia, religião e demais formadores de ideologias que ajudam o bem viver. Mas nenhuma das receitas abre mão do uso da memória para a prática da boa ação. A memória é uma faculdade que o homem possui, desenvolve,e renova ao longo de sua vida, tornando-a indispensável para a sua sobrevivência e convivência. A conduta moral do indivíduo expressa suas habilidades no uso das virtudes que possui guardadas na memória, e aliadas ao livre-arbítrio decisório no comportamento com o outro, permite um viver melhor. Platão pode ajudar a entender esse lembrar de ações corretas e desejáveis.
Palavras-chave: Memória. Virtude. Conhecimento. Viver Melhor.

Abstract
What we need to live better than we are? Practice actions for the good of the other? This is one of the formulas found in literature, philosophy, religion and other trainers of ideologies that help the right to live. But none of the recipes give up the memory usage to the practice of good deed.Memory is a faculty that man owns, develops, and renovates through out your life, making it essential for your survival and coexistence.The moral conduct of the individual expresses their skills in the use of the virtues that it has stored in memory, and combined with the free will in decision-making behavior with each other, allows a live better. Plato can help understand this think of right action and desirable.
Keywords: Memory. Virtue. Knowledge. Livebetter.
Analisis Pengelolaan Barang Milik Daerah dalam Meningkatkan Pendapatan Asli Daerah Kabupaten Bulukumba
Authors: Sari Suci Rahma , Mediaty Mediaty , Sari Saudi Nur Dwiana 
Published: September 2023

Otonomi daerah adalah hak, wewenang dan kewajiban daerah otonom untuk mengatur dan mengurus urusan pemerintahan daerah tersebut serta kepentingan masyarakat setempat sesuai dengan ketentuan peraturan perundang-undangan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengetahui prosedur pengelolaan barang milik daerah dan kontribusi pemanfaatan sewa barang milik daerah terhadap pendapatan asli daerah Kabupaten Bulukumba. Penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif dan kuantitatif. pendekatan kualitatif dilakukan dengan menggunakan analisis naratif dengan cara interaktif dari miles dan huberman dan untuk pendekatan kuantitatif menggunakan analisis kontribusi. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan proses pengelolaan barang milik daerah sudah sesuai peraturan yang berlaku yaitu Permendagri No. 19 Tahun 2016 akan tetapi belum sepenuhnya berjalan dengan baik hal ini ditunjukkan pada pemanfaatan dan penatausahaan Barang Milik Daerah Kabupaten Bulukumba. Sedangkan kontribusi pemanfaatan sewa barang milik daerah terhadap pendaptan asli daerah memiliki kriteria sangat kurang yaitu berada jauh dibawah 50% dari tahun 2018-2022 denga nilai Tahun 2018 sebesar 0,28%, Tahun 2019 sebesar 0,26%, Tahun 2020 sebesar 0,31%, Tahun 2021 sebesar 0,42% dan pada Tahun 2022 sebesar 0,39% dengan nilai rata-rata sebesar 0,33%. Meskipun begitu kontribusi pemanfaatan Barang Milik Daerah Terhadap Pendapatan Asli Daerah terus mengalami pertumbuhan dari tahun 2018-2022.
THE EFFECT OF LONG-TERM DEBT FINANCING ON PROFITABILITY OF COMMERCIAL AIRLINES IN KENYA
Authors: Lidovolo Patrick Malongo , Atieno Margaret 
Published: September 2023

<p>The objective of this study was to assess the effect of long-term debt financing on the profitability of commercial airlines in Kenya. Pecking order theory directed the study. A cross-sectional research design was adopted in the study. The census sampling technique was. Secondary data was collected from audited financial statements. Panel data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Descriptive statistics consisted of minimum values, maximum values, mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics consisted of correlational analysis, Hausman test for fixed and random effects and random effects models. Hausman test indicated that the random effect model was appropriate for the study. The study results showed that long-term debt financing has a negative and statistically significant effect on the profitability of commercial airlines in Kenya. This is supported by a regression coefficient of –0.2318 and a p-value of 0.038. The study recommends that executives of commercial airlines should aim to have a long-term debt that is manageable by the company and ensure that the long-term debt load is compatible with a favorable long-term debt ratio for the company to function without worrying about defaulting on loans.</p><p> </p><p><strong>JEL:</strong> R40; L20; G20</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0045/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
BANKING ON PERFORMANCE: EMPLOYEE ENHANCEMENT STRATEGIES IN MALAYSIA'S MERGERS AND ACQUISITIONS LANDSCAPE
Authors: Kanapathipillai Kumaran , Ilias Mohd Ikhwan Zaini Bin Mohd , Yan Wong Choy , Lim Michelle 
Published: September 2023

This study analyses how communication, training and development, and organisational culture affect bank employees' post-merger and acquisition (M&amp;A) performance. The study used convenience sampling to gather data from Malaysian investment banking sector employees. A total of 257 responses provided the data for this study. The sampling locations included investment banks in Malaysia that have undergone M&amp;A, such as Aseambankers, Maybank Securities, RHB, OSK, Affin, Hwang DBS, ECM Libra, and Kenanga Investment Bank. This study's results show that all three predictor variables (Communication, Training and Development, and Organizational Culture) positively influence the Outcome variable (Employee Performance), albeit to varying degrees. Communication emerges as the most dominant factor, followed closely by Organizational Culture, while Training and Development's influence, although positive, is comparatively subdued. This underscores the crucial role these strategies play in determining employee performance outcomes in the mergers and acquisitions sphere of Malaysia. Therefore, this study can help the banking sector boost employee morale, job satisfaction, and productivity during transitions.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0085/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
QUALITY OF PERSONNEL ETHNIC MINORITY IN THE MOUNTAIN AREA OF VIETNAM IN THE TIME OF PROMOTING INDUSTRIAL, MODERNIZING THE COUNTRY
Authors: Nguyen Tran Cao , Son Nguyen Thai , Ly Nguyen Khanh , Giap Le Van , Hanh Tran Thi 
Published: September 2023

Human resources are the most significant asset, a decisive factor for the existence and development of every country. Human resource development has become an urgent task not only of each country but also of each region and region according to the characteristics of geography, population and requirements of economic development orientation - society. In the mountainous areas of Vietnam, ethnic minority human resources are considered a central factor, playing a decisive role in socio-economic growth and development. Human resource training is a fundamental factor determining socio-economic development in ethnic minority areas in mountainous areas; it plays a decisive role in the education, professional and technical qualifications of human resources, training people capable of leading and gathering ethnic minority communities in production organization and social management; create human resources capable of applying new scientific and technological achievements in parallel with promoting indigenous knowledge and experiences of ethnic minorities in socio-economic development, and at the same time capable of solving new problems, problems arising in practice, production and social life.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0061/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
TRANSFORMING DEVELOPMENT MODELS TO ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE IN VIETNAM TODAY
Authors: Ha Mai Thi Hong 
Published: September 2023

In the context of climate change and increasing sea level rise, unpredictably affecting the survival of humanity, there is a danger of erasing the economic development achievements of countries. In response to climate change and sea level rise, countries have transformed their growth model to green growth - considering this an inevitable development trend, both a means and a result of sustainable development and environmental protection. Vietnam is not an exception to that general trend. The article clarifies a number of contents related to climate change, overviews climate change in Vietnam in the past time and scenarios to cope with climate change to clarify the transition to green growth in accordance with the circumstances of Vietnam, thereby making some recommendations to better implement green growth in Vietnam in the coming time.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0099/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) VACCINATION: OPINIONS AND ATTITUDES OF SOCIAL WORKERS. A GREEK NATIONAL SURVEY
Authors: Mentis Manolis Nikolaos , Mavroeidi Eleni , Malevskaia Anastasia , Karalis Nikolaos , Konstantopoulou Georgia 
Published: September 2023

<p>There is a general belief that vaccines constitute the most effective form of limiting the spread of diseases and protecting public health. Yet, as highly effective tools as vaccines may be, studies reveal that the rates of support and acceptance of vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic from public health personnel in Western countries indicate hesitancy among them. As professional Social Workers are part of the public health personnel who are priority groups for many vaccinations, the present study focused on their opinions and attitudes towards vaccination and their role in motivating their beneficiaries. The purpose of this quantitative Greek National Survey among 771 Social Workers, members of the Association of Social Workers of Greece (ASGLE), who are professionally active in Greece, was to understand and analyze their attitudes towards the available vaccines against COVID-19 and compulsory vaccination. Through the online self-completion questionnaire, which was used for the collection of data, the survey also aimed to evaluate the Social Workers’ knowledge and sources from which they received information about Covid-19, their motivational sources, their views on compulsory vaccination of health professionals and their views on motivating their beneficiaries with regards to vaccination.</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0041/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
PREVALENCE AND RISK FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH TUBERCULOSIS OCCURRENCE AMONG PATIENTS ATTENDING MUHIMA DISTRICT HOSPITAL, NYARUGENGE DISTRICT, RWANDA
Authors: Hitayezu Elysee , Kabuye Fred , Niyigaba Honore , Ngirinshuti Vedaste 
Published: September 2023

Tuberculosis (TB) is one the serious public health problems globally and locally and killed at least eight million in 2018 (WHO, 2019). TB is a curable disease if well treated and followed. One of the most key considerations for tracking and evaluating TB prevention and control programs is the prevalence and related risk factors. The study adopted a quantitative approach and a cross-sectional retrospective design to collect data from the respondents. A systematic sampling technique was used and secondary data recorded in the laboratory were collected. Specific objectives were: to determine the prevalence of tuberculosis among patients attending Muhima District Hospital in Nyarugenge District, and to identify behavioral factors associated with TB occurrence among patients attending Muhima District Hospital in Nyarugenge District. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used to analyze the data. The total number of respondents was 2161 patients. The majority, were male 1524(70.5%) and female were 637(29.5%). For the age, those less than 9 years were 19(.9%), between 10-17 years 76(3.5%), between 18-35 years 1185(54.8%), between 36-59 years 843(39.0%), and above 60 years 38(1.8%). Those who were married were 1014(47%), singles were 977(45.2%), and widower were 57(2.6%). For employment, 883(40.9%) were unemployed, 845(39.1%) were employed, 206(9.5%) were students, and 227(10.4%) were prisoners. Based on location, 1181(54.7%) were from urban areas, and 980(45.3%) were from rural areas. The prevalence of TB was 7.2%, out of which the females were 53(34.0%) and males were 103(66.0%). The prevalence of TB among HIV patients was 32.6%. For behavior practices, drinking alcohol was found among 908(42.0%) and smokers were 186(8.6%). For all the predictors of TB occurrence, none of them was statistically associated with TB occurrence. These include demographic characteristics, behavioral factors including use of alcohol, smoking and use of tobacco products, and serology. The prevalence of TB among patients attending Muhima District was higher than the National TB prevalence estimates reported by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2019), respectively 7.2% versus 5.2%. All predictors of TB occurrence including demographic characteristics and behavioral factors none of them was associated with TB occurrence. It is worth recommending a further study to understand in-depth risk factors for TB occurrence in the era of epidemiological transition.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0045/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
RECEIVING INFLUENCE FROM CHINESE LITERATURE IN THE COMPOSITION OF TRUYEN KY MAN LUC (CASUAL RECORDS OF TRANSMITTED STRANGE TALES) BY NGUYEN DU (VIETNAM) AND THE VALUE OF THE WORK
Authors: Linh Nguyen Hong 
Published: September 2023

Truyen Ky Man Luc (Casual Records of Transmitted Strange Tales) by Nguyen Du, born in the 16th century, is considered an ancient fairy tale of Vietnamese medieval literature. The work laid the foundation for the birth and flourishing of the folktale genre in Vietnam. Understanding the source factors affecting the creation of works and explaining why Truyen Ky Man Luc is so appreciated in Vietnamese literature is a matter of theoretical and practical significance. In particular, our research would like to introduce to international scholars one of the classic works of the Vietnamese people in comparison with Chinese literature, which is a useful document for in-depth research on ancient literature of Vietnam in particular and ancient literature of East Asian countries in general.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0006/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>