bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Employee wellness programmes and productivity in the Workplace: The case of the Gauteng Department of Education
Authors: Mhangwani Chrisen Eddie , Malindini Kholiswa 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Orientation - Employee absenteeism has been identified as one of the reasons for the rising health costs for employers. Consequently, employers have acted proactively by sponsoring employee wellness programmes to curb the costs. Theoretically, health promotion programmes tend to reduce absenteeism, stimulate positivity, and enhance productivity.
Research purpose - This paper sought to examine the perceptions of the Gauteng Department of Education employees towards the health promotion programme in averting ill-health absenteeism behaviour.
Research Approach - The paper adopted a qualitative approach and a survey questionnaire as a data collection technique. A purposive sampling technique was utilised to draw a sample of forty employees from the Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) Head offices. The purpose was to elicit participants’ perceptions and experiences concerning the utilisation of the services offered by the GDE health promotion programme.
Main findings - The findings revealed that although the programme is effective to some degree, there are still implementation issues that need to be addressed. Moreover, ethics around the operations of the programme are crucial, and capacity building is necessary for the programme implementors.
Policy implications – Health promotion programmes are key to curbing absenteeism and stimulating productivity; however, implementation and awareness must be improved.
Do Physiotherapists in Nigeria Accept and Adopt Tele-rehabilitation: A Mixed-method Study
Authors: Odetunde Marufat Oluyemisi , Okonji Adaobi Margaret , (PT) Adebola Peace Adeoye B.M.R. , Onigbinde Ayodele Teslim 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background Recent exponential increase in adoption of tele-rehabilitation among physiotherapists in developed countries has highlighted its effectiveness in complementing conventional physical contact physiotherapy. However, many low-and middle-income countries have limited evidence on acceptance and adoption of tele-rehabilitation.Method This was a mixed method design of quantitative and qualitative study, aimed at investigating acceptance and adoption of tele-rehabilitation among Physiotherapists in Nigeria. Respondents comprised 331 physiotherapists working in Nigeria and registered with the Medical Rehabilitation Therapists (Registration) Board of Nigeria (MRTB). Quantitative approach involved completion of a 33-item structured questionnaire shared as Google Forms on respondents’ WhatsApp and emails. Qualitative aspect involved in-depth interview with 12 physiotherapists at the clinics, using a 10-item semi-structured interview guide, and recorded with a voice recorder. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics at p < 0.05 Alpha level. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis.Results Respondents comprised 172 males and 159 females. Their mean age and years of experience were 33.42 ± 8.95 and 8.86 ± 8.037 years respectively. Pre-lockdown, only 62 (18.7%) respondents offered tele-physiotherapy. During the lockdown, 114 (34.4%) offered tele-physiotherapy. Smartphone apps were used by the majority155 (46.8%). 57 (17.2%) respondents were confident that tele-rehabilitation can complement conventional physiotherapy, while 72 (21.8%) kept offering post-lockdown. Use of digital technology was highest for patient education 97 (29.3%), especially for education in musculoskeletal conditions, 85 (25.7%). There were significant associations between pre-lockdown duties (p-value = 0.036), post-lockdown duties (p- value = 0.005), use of digital health technology (p-value = 0.001) with respondents’ age. Significant associations also existed between respondents’ years of practice and each of post-lockdown duties (p-value = 0.017) and use of digital health technology (p-value = 0.001). Qualitative approach revealed that facilitators to adoption and acceptance of tele-rehabilitation included patient education, training of physiotherapists, developing and implementing evidence based guidelines, and affordability and availability of tele-health software and hardware systems. Barriers were lack of or limited technological infrastructures, finances, hospital management support, and knowledge of ICT.Conclusions Physiotherapists in Nigeria demonstrated moderate acceptance but low adoption of tele-rehabilitation. Training of physiotherapists in tele-rehabilitation is recommended. The MRTB and policy makers should provide enabling technological environment for tele-rehabilitation in Nigeria.
MALPRED: Predictive Modeling for Malware Detection in Windows Systems using Ensemble Learning
Authors: Yau Le Qi , Shah Mahir Hitesh , Ang Eugene Jin Yew , Rameshkumar Dhanvine , Chee Justin Suwattana , Lam Yik Ting , Gupta Prannaya 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Malware infections are a pervasive issue for computers running the Windows operating system. In this study, we present a machine-learning based approach to predict the likelihood of malware infection in Windows machines. Our methodology involves conducting data pre-processing, feature engineering, and selection on the Microsoft Malware Prediction dataset. We then perform extensive experimentation using various machine learning algorithms and identify XGBoost, LightGBM and CatBoost as the 3 best-performing algorithms. Through hyperparameter tuning via the Tree-Structured Parzen Estimator and using a Meta Learner on top of our top 3 best-performing algorithms, our optimal novel model achieves an AUC score of 73.24\% across Stratified 5-fold cross-validation, demonstrating the efficacy of our approach.
Menstrual health and prevalence of menstrual disorders among modern society females in Dhaka, Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jami Md. Abu Bakar Siddique , Sultana Rezwana , Hasan Md. Mazedul , Ananna Ishrat Jahan 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background
Menstrual disorders affect women all around the world, although they are still viewed as minor health problems.
Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the prevalence of menstrual disorders among modern society females in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and explore potential factors that may influence these disorders.
Study Design:
It is a cross-sectional study using a convenient sampling technique.
Method
A convenient sampling technique was used to collect primary data through a semi-structured questionnaire from 342 female residents of Dhaka, aged at least 15 years, between April 2021 and August 2021. Participants were from different demographic backgrounds.
Results
The mean age of respondents was 22 years ± 8.03. Participants were predominantly educated, with many pursuing undergraduate studies. They mostly belonged to nuclear families (77.7%) and middle (59.5%) to upper-middle (33.1%) socio-economic classes. Prevalent premenstrual symptoms included change in mood (71.6%), cramps (68.9%), abdominal bloating (45.9%), and breast discomfort (38.5%). Dysmenorrhea (50.6%) and menorrhagia (35.2%) were common, while polymenorrhea (10.8%) and oligomenorrhea were less frequent. Despite somewhat knowledge about the negative influence of junk foods on menstrual health, a significant proportion of participants reported consuming junk foods regularly. Most participants had easy access to sanitary napkins and menstrual hygiene products.
Conclusion
Menstrual disorders are prevalent among young women in modern Dhaka, despite their good education rate. Lifestyle and diet are linked to their prevalence. Healthcare professionals must educate and counsel women on menstrual health. Collaborative efforts among professionals, policymakers, and researchers are needed to raise awareness and support women in managing these issues.
Efektivitas Jus Kurma dan Sari Kacang Hijau terhadap Peningkatan Kadar Hemoglobin Ibu Hamil
Authors: Irmawati Eli , Wiji Rizki Natia , Harianti Rini 
Published: September 2023

The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of date palm and mung bean juice on increasing hemoglobin levels in pregnant women in the working area of Tapung Health Center. It was a quasi-experimental with a non-randomized control group design involving 24 pregnant women, 12 in the experimental group (given date palm juice) and 12 in the control group (given green bean juice), each given for seven days. The data was analyzed with t-test. The results showed an increase in the average Hb level after being given date juice from 9.72 to 10.06, and green bean juice with an averages Hb level of 9.15 to 10.22. The result by paired t-test obtained a p-value = 0.004 that indicates the effectiveness of date palm juice in increasing Hb levels of pregnant women in the experimental group, as well as in pregnant women who were given mung bean juice, which indicates an increase in Hb levels (p-value = 0.004). Consumption of mung bean juice by anemic pregnant women is more effective in increasing their Hb level than date palm juice. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efektivitas jus kurma dan sari kacang hijau terhadap peningkatan kadar hemoglobin pada ibu hamil di wilayah kerja Puskesmas Tapung. Jenis penelitian quasi experimental dengan pendekatan non-randomized control group design dengan 24 sampel ibu hamil yang dibagi ke dalam 2 kelompok perlakuan, yakni 12 ibu hamil kelompok eksperimen (diberi jus kurma) dan 12 ibu hamil kelompok kontrol (diberi sari kacang hijau). Intervensi secara rutin selama 7 hari di masing-masing kelompok. Analisis data dilakukan dengan t-test. Hasil uji statistik menunjukkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan rerata kadar Hb setelah diberi jus kurma dari 9,72 g/dL menjadi 10,06 g/dL. Begitu juga untuk sari kacang hijau dengan rerata Hb dari 9,15 g/dL menjadi 10,22 g/dL. Hasil uji statistik menggunakan paired t-test diperoleh nilai p= 0,004 yang menunjukkan keefektivan jus kurma dalam meningkatkan kadar Hb ibu hamil di kelompok eksperimen, dan untuk ibu hamil yang diberi sari kacang hijau juga diperoleh nilai p= 0,000 yang menunjukkan adanya peningkatan kadar Hb. Konsumsi sari kacang hijau oleh ibu hamil anemia lebih efektif dalam meningkatkan kadar Hb dibandingkan jus kurma.
A Retrospective Analysis of the Lauren Classification in the Choice of
XELOX or SOX as an Adjuvant Chemotherapy for Gastric Cancer
Authors: Wang Ke , Yu Yuanyuan , Zhao Jian , Meng Qianhao , Xu Chang , Ren Jing , Zhang Yanqiao , Wang Yusheng , Wang Guangyu 
Published: September 2023

Background:
We aim to retrospectively explore the guiding value of the Lauren classification
for patients who have undergone D2 gastrectomy to choose oxaliplatin plus capecitabine
(XELOX) or oxaliplatin plus S-1 (SOX) as a further systemic treatment after the operation.

Methods:
We collected data of 406 patients with stage III gastric cancer(GC)after radical D2 resection
and regularly received XELOX or SOX adjuvant treatment after surgery and followed
them for at least five years. According to the Lauren classification, we separated patients out into
intestinal type (IT) GC together with non-intestinal type(NIT) GC. According to the chemotherapy
regimen, we separated patients into the SOX group together with the XELOX group.

Results:
Among non-intestinal type patients, the 3-year DFS rates in the SOX group and the
XELOX group were 72.5%, respectively; 54.5% (P=0.037); The 5-year OS rates were 66.8% and
51.8% respectively (P=0.038), both of which were statistically significant.

Conclusion:
The patients of non-intestinal type GC may benefit from the SOX regimen. Differences
were counted without being statistically significant with intestinal-type GC in the SOX or
XELOX groups.
Synthesis and Evaluation of Imidazole Derivatives Bearing Imidazo[2,1-b] [1,3,4]thiadiazole Moiety as Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Xu Wen-Bo , Li Siqi , Zheng Chang-Ji , Yang Yu-Xuan , Zhang Changhao , Jin Cheng-Hua 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Drug-resistant infections kill hundreds of thousands of people globally
every year. In previous work, we found that tri-methoxy- and pyridine-substituted imidazoles show
strong antibacterial activities.

Objective:
The aim of this work was to investigate the antibacterial activities and bacterial resistances
of imidazoles bearing an aromatic heterocyclic, alkoxy, or polycyclic moiety on the central
ring.

Methods:
Three series of 2-cyclopropyl-5-(5-(6-methylpyridin-2-yl)-2-substituted-1H-imidazol-4-
yl)-6-phenylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3,4]thiadiazoles (13a-e, 14a-d, and 15a-f) were synthesized and their
antibacterial activity was evaluated. The structures were confirmed by their 1H NMR, 13C NMR,
and HRMS spectra. All the synthesized compounds were screened against Gram-positive, Gramnegative,
and multidrug-resistant bacterial strains.

Results:
More than half of the compounds showed moderate or strong antibacterial activity. Among
them, compound 13e (MICs = 1-4 μg/mL) showed the strongest activity against Gram-positive and
drug-resistant bacteria as well as high selectivity against Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, it
showed no cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells, even at 100 μM, and no hemolysis at 20 μM.

Conclusion:
These results indicate that compound 13e is excellent candicate for further study as a
potential antibacterial agent.
Proteome-wide Profiling Reveals Molecular Mechanism Underlying the
Therapeutic Effect of Mongolian Medicine Sulongga-4 on Pyloric
Ligation-induced Gastroduodenal Ulcer in Rats
Authors: Wu Yuan Yuan , Ling Ling , Anggelima  , Lan Du , Tergel  , Gao Ya Nan , Cai Wen Cheng , Tong Shan , Wang Huan 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Gastroduodenal ulcer is one of the common global gastrointestinal diseases.
Sulongga-4 is a traditional Mongolian medicine used for the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcer. However,
the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeutic effect of Sulongga-4 on gastroduodenal ulcer in
the proteome has not been clarified.

Objective:
The purpose of this study was to explore the molecular mechanism behind the therapeutic
efficacy of traditional Mongolian medicine Sulongga-4 on pyloric ligation-induced gastroduodenal
ulcer in rats.

Methods:
Gastroduodenal ulcer was induced by pyloric ligation in rats. The pathological changes of
gastric and duodenal tissues were observed first, and then the serum levels of AST and ALT were
measured. The significantly different proteins were verified by western blot and qRT-PCR.

Results:
The proteomics results showed that the Mongolian medicine Sulongga-4 might act on pyloric
ligation-induced gastroduodenal ulcer through differentially expressing several proteins, including
RPL35, RPL37, and LOC102548628 in gastric tissue, as well as Serpin b1a, Serpin b6a, and Vtn in
duodenal tissue by regulating ribosome, alcoholism and amoebiasis, and complement and coagulation
cascade pathways. In addition, the changes in serum AST and ALT levels in rats showed gastroduodenal
ulcer to be associated with liver injury.

Conclusion:
Sulongga-4 has shown a robust therapeutic effect against gastric duodenal ulcer. This therapeutic
effect may be mainly associated with pathways of ribosome, alcoholism in gastric tissue, and
amoebiasis, as well as complement and coagulation cascades in duodenal tissue.
Behavioural Variant Frontotemporal Dementia due to CCNF Gene Mutation:
A Case Report
Authors: You Feng-Ling , Xia Gao-Fu , Cai Jing 
Published: September 2023

Background:
Frontal, temporal lobe dementia (FTD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
(ALS) are fatal neurodegenerative diseases. Studies have found that CCNF mutations have been
found in patients with familial and sporadic ALS and FTD. Behavioural variant frontotemporal dementia
(bvFTD) is a clinical syndrome characterized by progressive deterioration of personality, social
behaviour, and cognitive function, which is most closely related to genetic factors. As the early
symptoms of bvFTD are highly heterogeneous, the condition is often misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's
disease or psychiatric disorders. In this study, a bvFTD patient had a CCNF gene mutation, which
led to ubiquitinated protein accumulation and ultimately caused neurodegenerative disease. Genetic
detection should be improved urgently for bvFTD patients and family members to provide a clinical
reference for early diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia.

Case Presentation:
In this case, the patient was 65 years old with an insidious onset, early-onset
memory loss, a significant decline in the episodic memory, an early AD diagnosis, and oral treatment
with donepezil hydrochloride for 3 years with poor efficacy, followed by a change to oral memantine
hydrochloride tablets, which controlled the condition for several months. His medication
was switched to sodium oligomannate capsules, and his condition was gradually controlled, but no
significant improvement was observed. After spontaneous drug withdrawal, the patient’s condition
progressed rapidly; therefore, he visited our hospital and underwent neuropsychological tests for
moderate to severe cognitive impairment. AD cerebrospinal fluid markers showed no significant abnormalities,
and cranial MRI revealed frontotemporal lobe atrophy and decreased hippocampal volume.
Genetic testing for the presence of the CCNF gene revealed a c.1532C > A (p. T511N)
heterozygous variant, which might be a diagnostic criterion for bvFTD. Therefore, the patient's
symptoms recurred after transient improvement with the combination of donepezil, oral memantine
hydrochloride tablets, and sodium oligomannate, but his overall condition was improved compared
to that before, and this treatment regimen was continued to observe changes during the follow-up.

Conclusion:
The early clinical manifestations of bvFTD are complex and variable, and the condition
is easily misdiagnosed, thus delaying treatment. Therefore, for patients with a high clinical suspicion
of FTD, in addition to a detailed understanding of their medical history and family history
and improvement of relevant examinations, genetic testing should be performed as early as possible
to help confirm the diagnosis. For diseases closely related to genes, genetic testing of other family
members should be optimised as much as possible to allow early diagnosis and intervention and
guide fertility in the next generation.
Early Chronic Stress Induced Changes within the Locus Coeruleus in Sporadic
Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Minné Donné , Marnewick Jeanine L. , Engel-Hills Penelope 
Published: September 2023

Abstract:
Chronic exposure to stress throughout the lifespan has been the focus of many studies
on Alzheimer's disease (AD) because of the similarities between the biological mechanisms involved
in chronic stress and the pathophysiology of AD. In fact, the earliest abnormality associated
with the disease is the presence of phosphorylated tau protein in locus coeruleus neurons, a brain
structure highly responsive to stress and perceived threat. Here, we introduce allostatic load as a
useful concept for understanding many of the complex, interacting neuropathological changes involved
in the AD degenerative process. In response to chronic stress, aberrant tau proteins that begin
to accumulate within the locus coeruleus decades prior to symptom onset appear to represent a
primary pathological event in the AD cascade, triggering a wide range of interacting brain changes
involving neuronal excitotoxicity, endocrine alterations, inflammation, oxidative stress, and amyloid
plaque exacerbation. While it is acknowledged that stress will not necessarily be the major precipitating
factor in all cases, early tau-induced changes within the locus coeruleus-norepinephrine
pathway suggests that a therapeutic window might exist for preventative measures aimed at managing
stress and restoring balance within the HPA axis.
Primary Pulmonary Leiomyosarcoma : an Extremely Rare, Difficult-to-Manage Case of Lung Cancer
Authors: Binharyanto Adlan Pratama Binharyanto , Ngakan Putu Parsama Putra  , Ungky Agus Setyawan  , Dini Rachma Erawati  , Hendy Setyo Yudhanto  
Published: September 2023

Background: Primary Pulmonary Leiomyosarcoma (PPL) known as <0.5% of total lung cancer. Histopathological examinations are the pillars of PPL diagnosis as clinical manifestations and radiological features are usually not specific. Treatments of PPL include surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.
Case Illustration: A 51-year-old male, smoker, with a productive cough for 2 weeks, accompanied by chest pain, weight loss, and loss of appetite. Imaging studies showed a solid mass in the right lung, which was confirmed through bronchoscopy, cytology, histology, and immunohistochemistry evaluations. Bronchoscopy showed an intraluminal mass in the right main bronchus suggesting malignancy. Immunohistochemistry of Desmin and Smooth Muscle Actin, which were positive, confirmed the diagnosis of PPL of the right lung stage T4N1M1a IVA.
Discussion: Surgical resection is the gold standard treatment for PPL whose clinical conditions and tumor spread still allowed for safe operation. Surgical resection did not undergo because already in stage IVA. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy can be added for patients who are unable to have surgery. There are no guidelines regarding chemotherapeutic regimens that are recommended for PPL. Cisplatin/carboplatin and etoposide are two chemotherapeutic agents that are commonly used in other variants of lung cancer. Cisplatin is successful in 5-23% of patients and etoposide is successful in 8%. Doxorubicin and ifosfamide are usually used for soft tissue sarcoma too. After administration of 4 cycles of carboplatin/etoposide, a chest CT scan with contrast recist shows the progression of PPL.
Conclusion: Carboplatin and etoposide have been long used as therapy for lung cancer. Currently, available literature shows that their effectiveness in PPL is still considered low. Nevertheless, more studies are needed to further explore the possibilities of using carboplatin and etoposide in PPL patients.

Keywords: chemotherapy, lung cancer, primary pulmonary leiomyosarcoma
Understanding Urban Ornamentation Policy and Practice: Case study of Alor Gajah Melaka roadside sculptures
Authors: Harun Azahar , Abu Hassan Sharmiza , Mohd Abd Ghani Khairunnisa , Pattanachotti Ohm 
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the significance of Roadside Sculptures in the context of urban ornamentation policy and practice, utilizing a triangulation method of observation, formal analysis, and expert rating. Based on the findings the 14 Roadside Sculptures along the Alor Gajah-Melaka-Jasin highway feature four similar designs that promote environmental sustainability but lack cultural identity. Expert ratings, however, draw attention to problems in terms of functionality, idealization, shape, accessibility, sensibility, and exactitude. To improve the town's image, the study recommends that the Alor Gajah Municipal Council strengthen its urban ornamentation policy and practice by collaborating with the creative society and local community.