bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gauss Lucas theorem and Bernstein-type inequalities for polynomials
Authors: Ali Liyaqat , Rather N. A. , Gulzar Suhail 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
According to Gauss-Lucas theorem, every convex set containing all the zeros of a polynomial also contains all its critical points. This result is of central importance in the geometry of critical points in the analytic theory of polynomials. In this paper, an extension of Gauss-Lucas theorem is obtained and as an application some generalizations of Bernstein-type polynomial inequalities are also established.
On existence of fixed points and applications to a boundary value problem and a matrix equation in C*−algebra valued partial metric spaces
Authors: Tomar Anita , Joshi Meena 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We utilize Hardy-Rogers contraction and CJM−contraction in a C*−algebra valued partial metric space to create an environment to establish a fixed point.
Next, we present examples to elaborate on the novel space and validate our result. We conclude the paper by solving a boundary value problem and a matrix equation as applications of our main results which demonstrate the significance of our contraction and motivation for such investigations.
Simulation and Application Purpose of a Randomized Secret Key with Quantum Key Distribution
Authors: Grote Olaf , Ahrens Andreas 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) is a well-researched secure communication method for exchanging cryptographic keys only known by the shared participants. The vulnerable problem of a secret key distribution is the negotiation and the transfer over an insecure or untrusted channel. Novel further developments of the QKD communication method are part of in-field technologies and applications in communication devices, such as satellites. However, expensive physical test setups are necessary to improve new application possibilities of cryptographic protocol involving components of quantum mechanics and quantum laws of physics. Therefore, optical simulation software can play a part in essential QKD simulating and further developing quantum-based cryptosystems. In the paper, the authors consider a feasible QKD setup based on the BB84 protocol to create a symmetric key material based on achieving a linear key rate via optical simulation software. The paper still provides two experimental architecture designs to use the QKD for a cryptosystem.
Supplier selection and procurement in SMEs: insights from the literature on key criteria and purchasing strategies
Authors: Ferreira Ana Cristina , Silva Ângela 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Effective strategic purchasing and supplier selection in companies provides businesses with leverage in acquiring goods and services. Thus, companies are in a better position to negotiate prices, discounts, delivery times and logistic channels. Also, strategic purchasing allows for performing a risk assessment to ensure the company’s profitability. This research aimed to identify the key currently deliberated by SMEs for supplier selection, considering such purchasing strategies as (1) cost reduction, (2) risk management, (3) global sourcing, (4) total quality management, (5) sustainable management and (6) supplier management. Also, it aimed to identify the emerging issues related to purchasing strategies. This research work performed a content analysis following a literature review. The Scopus indexation database was selected to conduct the document search. After the refinement process, based on 59 analysed documents, bibliometric assessment tools were applied to identify the key criteria for supplier selection. The TOP6 highest ranked criteria, which corresponds to 80 % of the most referred criteria, include: (1) the quality of goods; (2) compliance with the delivery times; (3) price/cost; (4) supplier reputation and/or market positioning; (5) geographical location; and (6) supplier performance history. The goal of strategic purchasing is to support the companies in achieving long-term goals through its integration into the company’s strategic planning process. It should be identified by the managers as an important resource. Several factors elevate the importance of strategic purchasing, namely, environmental protection, technology advances related to logistics 4.0, and risk assessment related to global sourcing and sustainability. The present research is in line with the findings of the referred literature, i.e., the application of prioritised criteria for the procurement and supplier selection operations in the industrial context, aiming to reduce lead times and logistic costs. The criteria must be aligned with the purchasing strategies adopted by the companies. The manuscript aims to demonstrate that the fundamentals of strategic purchasing strategies can contribute to the improvement of the SME supply process with the application of simple and cost-effective approaches.
A new generalized transmuted distribution
Authors: Wani S. A. , Dar S. A. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
We introduced Transmuted another Two-Parameter Sujatha Distribution by using Quadratic Rank Transmutation Map technique. Various necessary statistical properties of Transmuted another Two-Parameter Sujatha Distribution are obtained. The reliability measures of proposed model are also derived and model parameters are estimated by using maximum likelihood estimation method. The significance of transmuted parameter has been tested by using likelihood ratio statistic. Finally, an application to real data sets is presented to examine the significance of newly introduced model by computing Kolmogorov statistic, p-value, AIC, BIC, AICC, HQIC.
Effects of Exchange Rate, Output Gap, and Output Gap Volatility on Inflation Volatility in Turkey
Authors: Özer Mustafa , Grubišić Zoran , Küçüksakarya Sevilay 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
This study first investigates the short and long-run effects of exchange rate, output gap and output gap volatility on inflation volatility in Turkey by using the ARDL bounds testing approach. Second, we also examine the causal relationship among these variables by using Toda-Yamamoto and frequency domain causality tests developed by Breitung and Candelon. The results of the ARDL estimates indicate that the exchange rate, output gap and output gap volatility have statistically significant effects on inflation volatility. Also, causality tests results indicate that changes in the exchange rate, output gap volatility, and output gap will have permanent and temporary causal effects on inflation volatility. The policymakers should carefully consider these results to implement appropriate policies to reduce inflation volatility. The finding that the shocks are of temporary nature will have particularly important implications on the policies fighting against the inflation.
This study contributes to the empirical inflation literature by identifying both short run and long run effects of the exchange rate and output gap volatility and output gap together, as well as by providing evidence about the structure of the shocks created by these variables on inflation volatility. This study also identifies the sources of temporary and permanent shocks of inflation volatility.
Ultrasonography of peripheral nerve tumours: a case series
Authors: Podnar Simon 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
Peripheral nerve tumours (PNTs) are rare, but important cause of peripheral nerve dysfunction. The aim of the study was to present a series of consecutive patients with PNTs evaluated in authors’ ultrasonography (US) practice.

Patients and methods
The electronic medical records of patients with PNTs examined at our US laboratory from February 2013 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Data on gender, age, clinical features, PNT location, electrodiagnostic (EDx) features and US findings were collected.

Results
In the analyzed period 2845 patients were examined in our US laboratory. From these 15 patients (0.5%) with PNTs were identified. Four of them (3 with confirmed neurofibromatosis) had multiple PNTs. Half of patients (53%) presented with features of peripheral nerve damage, and others with palpable mass or pain. The most often involved nerve was ulnar (36%). PNT cross sectional areas varied from 24 mm2 to 1250 mm2 (median, 61 mm2). Based in 5 patients on histological and in remaining patients on US features, schwannoma was diagnosed in 40%, neurofibroma in 27%, and perineurioma in 27% of patients.

Conclusions
As in previous reports, PNTs in our series presented with neurological symptoms, palpable mass or pain. In contrast to other focal neuropathies, particularly nerves with schwannomas, in spite of their large thickening, often demonstrated well preserved function. Adding US to our clinical practice, enabled us to diagnose these rare peripheral nerve lesions that we missed before.
Transportation Biofuels in Latvia: A Life Cycle Thinking Approach
Authors: Kirsanovs Vladimirs , Romagnoli Francesco , Piščika Anastasija , Safronova Alina , Feofilovs Maksims 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Transport consumes around one-third of Latvia’s final energy demand being the largest sector that produces greenhouse gas emissions. In Latvia, in the year 2019, the share of renewable energy sources in the transport sector was only 4.8 % of the total gross consumption with a target of 7 % of not food-based biofuels by 2030. To tackle climate change problems, one significant task is reducing pollution in the transport sector by substituting fossil with biomass-based fuels. The goal of this study is to develop a methodology for evaluating biofuel production in Latvia considering economic, social, environmental, and technological aspects. A total of 16 specific criteria were selected for biofuel comparison. The methodology is based on a combination of two quantitative approaches, namely Life Cycle Assessment and Multi-Criteria Analysis. The proposed method aims to identify the most sustainable biofuel in Latvia according to a set of specific indicators.
COVID Machine and Implementation of Anti-Pandemic Measures in Railway Passenger Transport in the Slovak Republic
Authors: Bulková Zdenka , Černá Lenka 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has had a major impact on the supply, demand, and economic performance of rail transport. The largest impact was recorded in the second quarter of 2020, from April to June. Passenger transport was more affected than freight transport, with international transport falling by an average of 85% in the second quarter of 2020. The reduction in rail transport in the first months of the crisis was a direct consequence of the public authorities’ response to the COVID-19 crisis (restrictions on passenger mobility) as well as the impact of the global economic slowdown, which generally led to a reduction in transport demand. The paper is focused on the impact of measures in railway passenger transport and subsequently on the implementation of new anti-pandemic measures in the next period. The paper describes the method of the Covid machine, which was introduced for a simple, concise, and comprehensible setting of the system of measures. The system for evaluating anti-pandemic measures is designed to inform about the current level of risk in relation to the measure in place.
Prevalensi mutasi epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pada adenokarsinoma paru di Rumah Sakit MRCCC Siloam Jakarta
Authors: Raharjo Budiarjo Notonagoro , Sugiharto Sony 
Published: January 2023

Kanker paru merupakan kanker kedua terbanyak setelah kanker payudara di seluruh dunia. Data Globocan 2020 memperlihatkan terdapat 2.206.771 kasus kanker paru (11,4%) dari 19.292.789 kasus kanker di dunia. Kanker paru juga menyebabkan kematian terbanyak dari seluruh kematian karena kanker. Di Indonesia kanker paru menempati urutan ketiga setelah kanker payudara dan serviks. Insiden mutasi epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pada adenokarsinoma paru lebih tinggi pada wanita dari populasi Kaukasia dan Asia. Selain itu, wanita Asia yang tidak merokok memiliki tingkat mutasi genetik yang lebih tinggi. Indonesia adalah negara besar dengan lebih dari 300 kelompok etnis yang berbeda dengan tingkat potensi mutasi yang berbeda. Studi ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui prevalensi dan jenis mutasi EGFR pada pasien adenokarsinoma paru. Metode yang digunakan dalam studi ini adalah deskriptif dengan menggunakan desain cross-sectional. Studi ini menggunakan 130 sampel dari pasien RS MRCCC Siloam yang menderita adenokarsinoma paru selama tahun 2019-2020. Prevalensi mutasi EGFR sebanyak 47 kasus (36,2%). Jenis mutasi EGFR yaitu delesi exon 19 sebanyak 25 kasus (19,2 %), mutasi titik L858R exon 21 sebanyak 18 kasus (13,8 %), mutasi titik T790M exon 20; L858R exon 21 sebanyak 2 kasus (1,5%), delesi exon 20 dan mutasi titik L861Q exon 21 masing-masing sebanyak 1 kasus (0,8%).
Bacteriological analysis and efficacy assessment of liquid herbal mixtures sold in Anyigba, Kogi state, Nigeria
Authors: Musa Aishat Oiza , Zakari David Adeiza , Olaitan Catherine Ohunene , Adejo Patience Omebije , Akoh Queen Pheobe , David Precious Omoenone 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:
The use of herbal treatment is an old practice usually employed in diseases treatments. It is sometimes referred to as complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). The aim of this study was to bacteriologically assess some liquid herbal mixtures sold in Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria.

Materials and method:
Eight (8) liquid herbal mixtures (4 NAFDAC registered and four unregistered) were purchased from different vendors in Anyigba and analyzed for their bacteriological quality by determining the levels of bacteria in them. Aliquots of the various serially diluted herbal products were cultured on nutrient agar media plates.

Results:
Total bacterial count of 4.0*103 – 5.2*104 CFU/ml, total coliform count of 2.0 x 102 to 4.4 x 105CFU/ ml. The result showed that 75% of the registered herbal mixtures met the World Health Organization standard of liquid herbal drugs while 28% of the unregistered ones met the WHO standard. There was a significant difference between the total heterotrophic bacterial count and total coliform of registered and unregistered drugs. Isolates gotten from both samples includes Enterobacter spp, Ancinetobacter spp, Staphylococcus spp, Bacillus spp. The antimicrobial susceptibility test by agar well diffusion methods showed that Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas spp was the most susceptible.

Conclusion:
The findings from this research work emphasized the need for constant quality assessment of herbal drugs on sale in order to ensure the production of therapeutic products of human consumption. The findings of this study showed that registered herbal mixtures have better bacteriological quality than the herbal mixtures have better bacteriological quality than the unregistered ones. It also showed that the herbal mixtures tested had high level of activity against some of the tested organisms. This implies that the herbal mixtures are safe for consumption but might not necessarily treat target infection.
A study to evaluate the role of biomarkers in assessing the severity of COVID-19
Authors: Singh Jaskirat 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:
COVID-19 is a systemic multiorgan disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, a beta-type RNA coronavirus. Different laboratory markers are implicated as an indicator of disease severity, progression, and outcome. The objectives of the study are as follows: To study the role of laboratory biomarkers in assessing the severity of COVID-19. (1) To compare the values of various biomarkers (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive proteins [CRPs], D-Dimer, S. Ferritin) in clinically categorized mild-moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. (2) To compare clinical severity with computed tomography (CT) severity score in COVID-19 patients. (3) To determine association between laboratory markers and CT severity score in COVID-19 patients.

Materials and Methods:
A hospital-based, retrospective, and observational study was conducted at our tertiary care center on 200 patients to assess the role of different laboratory biomarkers in COVID-19 patients. Values of laboratory markers, serum urea, serum creatinine, serum sodium, and serum potassium were compared between clinically categorized mild/moderate and severe COVID-19 patients. Non-contrast CT chest was performed and CT severity score (mild ≤ 7, moderate 8–17, and severe ≥ 18) was assessed in COVID-19 patients.

Results:
Levels of total leukocyte count (TLC), D-dimer, CRP, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), S. ferritin, CK-MB, IL-6, urea, sodium, and potassium were significantly elevated in severe COVID-19 group as compared to mild/ moderate group. Chest CT Severity Score ≥18 was found in 37.1% of patients in severe group; while only in 4.2% patients in mild-to-moderate group and chest CT Severity Score and clinical severity of COVID-19 showed statistically significant agreement (P < 0.001). CRP, LDH, NTPROBNP, S. Ferritin, and CPK showed statistically significant positive correlation with CT severity score whereas sodium and potassium levels showed significant negative correlation.

Conclusion:
Elevated levels of TLC, D-dimer, CRP, LDH, S. ferritin, CK-MB, and IL-6 were associated with severe COVID-19 cases. NTPROBNP, CRP, LDH, D-dimer, IL-6, and S. Ferritin demonstrated better ability to predict the severity of COVID-19 in comparison to other laboratory biomarkers.
Development of Mobile Application-Based System for Improving Medication Adherence Among Cancer Patients Receiving Palliative Therapy
Authors: Gopichandran L. , Garg Rakesh , Chalga Manjeet Singh , Joshi Poonam , Dhandapani Manju , Bhatnagar Sushma 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:
Cancer patients seeking palliative care faces distressing symptoms which affect their quality of life adversely. Patients’ lack of adherence to analgesics is one of the major factors contributing to the undertreatment of cancer pain. The objective of this paper is to outline the development of a mobile application-based system to develop a physician-patient relationship and to improve adherence to medications prescribed for cancer pain management.

Material and Methods:
The mobile application-based system is developed using alarm and cloud based data sysncronisation for improving medication adherence and self-recording symptoms among cancer patients receiving palliative therapy at a palliative care clinic.

Results:
Ten palliative medicine physicians tested the project website and the mobile application thoroughly instead of patients. The physician recoded the prescription and other details on the project website. The data transferred from website to mobile application. The mobile application reminded scheduled medication by alarm, collected medical adherence details, daily symptom observation, and their severity and SOS medication details. The data from the mobile application was transferred back to project website successfully.

Conclusion:
The developed system can directly improve the physician-patient relationship, and improve better communication and sharing of information between physician and patient. This will impact the quality of life of the patient, improve the awareness of the patient about the disease, and may reduce rate of hospitalisation. This will also help physicians to treat patients efficiently. The developed system is being tested under a randomised control trial study. The findings of the study can be generalised to all patients suffering from chronic illnesses and on long-term medications.
The Experience of Uncertainty in Mothers Caring for Children at Home after Palliative Heart Surgery
Authors: Puriani Dewi , Allenidekania Allenidekania , Afiyanti Yati 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:
Palliative heart surgery is a compelling option for some children with congenital heart disease for which corrective heart surgery is not yet possible due to its complexity. As primary caregivers, mothers have the challenge of providing optimal care to their children at home post-surgery. This study aims to explore the experiences of mothers who are caring for children recovering from palliative heart surgery at home. The research applied descriptive, qualitative and phenomenology design.

Material and Methods:
This study was conducted in Jakarta. The participants were 15 mothers of palliative heart surgery patients from seven provinces in Indonesia; Jakarta, Aceh, Bali, North Sumatra, West Java, Central Java and Banten. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews through the WhatsApp video call application and analysed using the Colaizzi method.

Results:
Mothers often felt uncertain about how to provide the best care and felt that their needs for hospital services to assist them went unmet. Conclusions: This study has implications for the development of nursing services related to discharge planning for palliative heart surgery patients.
Evidence-based Clinical Practice Guidelines for Caregivers of Palliative Care Patients on the Prevention of Pressure Ulcer
Authors: Antony Lovely , Thelly Anu Savio , Mathew Juby M. 
Published: January 2023

Objectives:
Pressure ulcers are the most common condition among palliative care patients at home care facilities and impose a significant burden on patients, their relatives, and caregivers. Caregivers play a vital role in preventing pressure ulcers. When the caregivers are knowledgeable about preventing pressure ulcers, they will be able to avoid lots of discomfort for the patients. It will help the patient to achieve the best quality of life and spend the last days of life peacefully and comfortably with dignity. It is essential to develop evidence-based guidelines for caregivers of palliative care patients on pressure ulcer prevention, which may play a major role in preventing pressure ulcers. The primary objective is to implement evidence-based guidelines for caregivers of palliative care patients on pressure ulcer prevention.The secondary objective is to improve the knowledge and practice of caregivers and enable them to take measures to prevent pressure ulcer development among palliative care patients, thereby improving the quality of life of palliative care patients.

Materials and Methods:
Following PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses), a systematic review was conducted. The search was conducted using electronic databases Pub Med, CINHAL, Cochrane and EMBASE database. The studies selected were in the English language and with free full text. The studies were selected and assessed for quality using the Cochrane risk assessment tool. Clinical practice guidelines, systematic reviews, and randomized controlled trials conducted on pressure ulcer prevention in palliative care patients were selected for the review. Twenty Eight studies were found to be potentially relevant after screening the search results. Twelve studies were not found suitable. 5 RCTs did not meet the inclusion criteria. Finally, four systematic reviews, five RCTs, and two clinical practice guidelines were included in the study, and guidelines were prepared.

Results:
Based on the best available research evidence, clinical practice guidelines were developed on skin assessment, skin care, repositioning, mobilization, nutrition, and hydration to prevent pressure ulcers to guide caregivers of palliative care patients.

Conclusion:
The evidence-based nursing practice integrates the best research evidence with clinical expertise and patient values. Evidence-based nursing practice leads to a problem-solving approach which is existing or anticipated. This will contribute to choosing appropriate preventive strategies for maintaining patients’ comfort, thereby improving the quality of life of palliative care patients. The guidelines were prepared through an extensive systematic review, RCT, and other guidelines followed in different settings and modified to suit the current setting.