bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difficulty, Discrimination and Pseudo - Guessing Indices of West African Examinations Council Core Mathematics Multiple Choice Items: Theoretical and Practical Implications of Using Item Response Theory
Authors: COBBINAH Andrews , NTUMI Simon 
Published: December 2022

Viewing from the psychometric models of modern assessment, it is imperative to note that assessment has been undergoing major constructive modifications. One of the main modifications is the transition from the use of classical test theory (CTT) to modern test models (IRT) as well as methods used in test construction. This is to say that the pendulum swing in test construction techniques is from CTT to IRT. Clearly, the properties of IRT create several benefits in the area of test design and item banking over CTT. This paper estimated the IRT psychometric proprieties (difficulty-1PL, discrimination-2PL and guessing indices-3PL) of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) 2020 core mathematics objectives test examination in Ghana within the remit of IRT. The study revealed that averagely, the 2020 core mathematics objectives test examination were within the difficulty level (1PL) of the examines. In terms of discrimination level (2PL), the psychometric properties indicated that most of the items discriminated among the examinees. However, on the Pseudo-guessing parameter (3PL), it was found that most items were subjected to pseudo-guessing. Theoretically and practically, the way items are constructed could have influenced outcome. Therefore, we strongly advocate and recommend that item writers for examination body like West African Examinations Council (WAEC) should rigorously be trained to be more conscious of theoretical and practical implications of the guessing parameter. This will help in avoiding test items that are prone to pseudo-guessing.
Pancreatic KCa3.1 channels in health and disease
Authors: Soret Benjamin , Hense Jurek , Lüdtke Simon , Thale Insa , Schwab Albrecht , Düfer Martina 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Ion channels play an important role for regulation of the exocrine and the endocrine pancreas. This review focuses on the Ca2+-regulated K+ channel KCa3.1, encoded by the KCNN4 gene, which is present in both parts of the pancreas. In the islets of Langerhans, KCa3.1 channels are involved in the regulation of membrane potential oscillations characterizing nutrient-stimulated islet activity. Channel upregulation is induced by gluco- or lipotoxic conditions and might contribute to micro-inflammation and impaired insulin release in type 2 diabetes mellitus as well as to diabetes-associated renal and vascular complications. In the exocrine pancreas KCa3.1 channels are expressed in acinar and ductal cells. They are thought to play a role for anion secretion during digestion but their physiological role has not been fully elucidated yet. Pancreatic carcinoma, especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), is associated with drastic overexpression of KCa3.1. For pharmacological targeting of KCa3.1 channels, we are discussing the possible benefits KCa3.1 channel inhibitors might provide in the context of diabetes mellitus and pancreatic cancer, respectively. We are also giving a perspective for the use of a fluorescently labeled derivative of the KCa3.1 blocker senicapoc as a tool to monitor channel distribution in pancreatic tissue. In summary, modulating KCa3.1 channel activity is a useful strategy for exo-and endocrine pancreatic disease but further studies are needed to evaluate its clinical suitability.
Terrorists’ Violence Threats and Coping Strategies: A Phenomenological Approach of Former FATA, Pakistan
Authors: Alam Jan , Ullah Nazir , Rasool Hidayat 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Terrorism is a global phenomenon that constantly challenges human survival. Based on the social structure, human beings adopt different strategies to overcome its negative consequences on their mind and behavior. Coping strategies and those processes essential for adjustment and survival illustrate how individuals perceive, consider, deal with, and realize a stressful situation in the era of terrorism. The study focuses on exploring coping strategies and avoidance of terrorism impacts. This research study was qualitatively designed to explore the coping strategies adaptation and their influence on the former FATA individuals during the wave of terrorism in the region. The study was undertaken in five districts of erstwhile FATA, including Dara Adam Khel, Orakzai Agency, Khyber Agency, and North and South Waziristan agency. A sample size of twenty-five (25) participants was purposively selected and interviewed, ten (10) focused group discussions (FGDs) were done from each district, and the other 50 participants were chosen for ten (10) FGDs. The collected data were analyzed via the thematic analysis technique. The findings revealed that coping strategies included four different phases: the welcome, resistance, acceptance, surrender, and flee phases for overcoming threats of terrorism. Furthermore, it was also found that fear of terrorism had strongly influenced the individuals’ physical, socio-economic, psychological, emotional stress and fear, education, and social integration. The study recommended that social integration and solidarity among the people, as well as their cooperation with the government, can eliminate the threat of terrorism.
Photocatalytic degradation of naproxen using single-doped TiO2/FTO and co-doped TiO2-VO2/FTO thin films synthesized by sonochemistry
Authors: Orozco-Gonzalez Luis Rene , Acosta-Najarro Dwight Roberto , Magaña-Zavala Carlos Raúl , Tavizón-Pozos Jesus Andres , Cervantes-Cuevas Humberto , Chavez-Esquivel Gerardo 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Single-doped TiO2/FTO and co-doped TiO2-VO2/FTO thin films were prepared by sonochemistry and spray pyrolysis deposition on FTO substrates. The co-deposition of TiO2-VO2 on FTO significantly changed the morphological, structural, optical, and photocatalytical properties compared to the single-deposition. X-ray diffraction and HRTEM results showed polycrystalline film structures composed of SnO2-tetragonal from FTO, anatase-TiO2, rutile-TiO2, and monoclinic-VO2 phases. The co-deposition technique increases the particle size distribution by approximately two times compared to simple deposition. The single-doped TiO2/FTO thin film had a 15% higher bandgap than the co-doped TiO2-VO2/FTO thin film, and the electrical resistivity calculated from the van der Pauw method was 55.3 MΩ sq−1 for the TiO2-VO2/FTO co-doped thin film, 2.7 times lower than that obtained for the TiO2/FTO thin film. Single-doped TiO2/FTO and co-doped TiO2-VO2/FTO thin films presented pseudo-first-order reactions at pH 6.5, with kinetic constants of 0.026 and 0.015 min−1, respectively. This behavior is related to the production of inactive or less active aggregates by the addition of vanadium during the co-doping process, which led to lattice contraction, which encouraged the formation of the rutile phase rather than the anatase phase. However, the co-doped thin film can modify the metal-insulator transition compared to the single-doped TiO2/FTO thin film. Furthermore, co-deposition decreased the bandgap value by 16% compared to single-deposition thin film. In this sense, co-doped TiO2-VO2/FTO thin films inhibited the recombination of photogenerated carriers and the formation of reactive oxygen species involved in the photocatalytic degradation of naproxen.
The prosodic foot beyond prosodic prominence: a preliminary survey
Authors: Culhane Kirsten 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This paper presents a preliminary survey of foot-sensitive phenomena and foot structure separate from prosodic prominence or classifications such as ‘iambic’ and ‘trochaic’. It considers the evidence for and structure of the foot in a sample of 30 languages which demonstrate at least one foot-sensitive phenomenon which cannot be attributed to prosodic prominence. It finds that in the sample, there is considerable diversity in terms of: a) the type of evidence for and role played by the foot, b) the extent to which there is evidence for the foot, and c) the segmental structure of the foot. These findings demonstrate that the role of the foot is more diverse than often characterised. The findings of this paper also demonstrate that cross-linguistic differences between foot structures are more fine-grained than differences in the distribution of prosodic prominence or syllable weight; accounting for the diversity observed requires reference to the segmental structure of feet. In light of these findings, this paper calls for more examination of the prosodic foot separate from prosodic prominence, and which takes into consideration the variables of cross-linguistic diversity documented here.
Bayesian VARs and prior calibration in times of COVID-19
Authors: Hartwig Benny 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
This paper investigates the ability of several generalized Bayesian vector autoregressions to cope with the extreme COVID-19 observations and discusses their impact on prior calibration for inference and forecasting purposes. It shows that the preferred model interprets the pandemic episode as a rare event rather than a persistent increase in macroeconomic volatility. For forecasting, the choice among outlier-robust error structures is less important, however, when a large cross-section of information is used. Besides the error structure, this paper shows that the standard Minnesota prior calibration is an important source of changing macroeconomic transmission channels during the pandemic, altering the predictability of real and nominal variables. To alleviate this sensitivity, an outlier-robust prior calibration is proposed.
Efficacy of metformin versus sulfonylurea derivative in HNF4A-MODY
Authors: Oosterom Nicole , den Braber Niala , Laverman Gozewijn D 
Published: December 2022

Summary
This study compares the effects of metformin, sulfonylurea derivative (SU) and no treatment in HNF4A-MODY on glycemic control. In two patients with HNF4A-MODY, we changed the existing metformin treatment to SU derivative. The effect on the glycemic control was registered with a Freestyle Libre Flash glucose monitoring device. Each treatment period had a duration of 2 consecutive weeks, and in between, an intermediate period without medication. Data from the first 2 days after changing medications were excluded. We calculated time in range (TIR), and differences in the mean glucose level were tested with a one-way ANOVA test. The 24-h average glucose levels were significantly lower with either metformin (7.7 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 6.3 mmol/L; P < 0.001) or gliclazide (7.6 mmol/L; P < 0.001 and 5.8 mmol/L; P < 0.001) compared to no treatment (9.4 and 8.9 mmol/L). The TIR with metformin or gliclazide was higher than without treatment (patient 1: 87 and 83 vs 61% and patient 2: 83 and 93 vs 67%). Treatment with either metformin or gliclazide effectively decreases blood glucose, rendering both drugs appropriate for treating HNF4A-MODY.

Learning points

HNF4A-MODY has a mild phenotype.

Blood glucose was responsive to long-term metformin treatment in HNF4A-MODY.

Metformin and gliclazide seem appropriate treatments for HNF4A-MODY.
Incidental finding of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-cirrhosis
Authors: Adrian Therese , Hornum Mads , Knop Filip Krag , Lotte Gluud Lise 
Published: December 2022

Summary
A 72-year-old man with type 2 diabetes volunteered to participate in the control group of a clinical study. The study evaluated non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with kidney disease. The patient was followed at a gastroenterology department due to Crohn’s disease and post-operative bile acid malabsorption. The patient had no symptoms or biochemical findings suggesting liver disease. Surprisingly, a transient elastography (FibroScan®) suggested advanced fibrosis with a median of 16.1 kPa. A liver biopsy showed non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)-cirrhosis. The diagnosis was only made incidentally and highlights how NASH-cirrhosis may be overlooked due to the lack of symptoms.

Learning points

Clinicians treating high-risk populations, including patients with type 2 diabetes and/or components of the metabolic syndrome, should be aware of the frequently occurring co-existence with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and especially non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Liver enzymes may be in the normal range even in people with steatosis, NASH, or even cirrhosis.

The diagnosis of NAFLD should include evaluation of hepatic fibrosis as this is the most important prognostic factor for liver-related complications and mortality.

Guidelines about systematic screening for NAFLD in patients with type 2 diabetes are incongruent.
A case of NASH with genetic predisposition successfully treated with an SGLT2 inhibitor: a possible involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Nakajima Rikako , Sekiya Motohiro , Furuta Yasuhisa , Miyamoto Takafumi , Sato Masashi , Fukuda Kuniaki , Hattori Keiichiro , Suehara Yasuhito , Sakata-Yanagimoto Mamiko , Chiba Shigeru , Okajima Yuka , Matsuzaka Takashi , Takase Satoru , Takanashi Mikio , Okazaki Hiroaki , Takashima Yusuke , Yuhara Mikiko , Mitani Yuta , Matsumoto Nako , Murayama Yuki , Ohyama Osawa Mariko , Ohuchi Nami , Yamazaki Daichi , Mori Sayuri , Sugano Yoko , Osaki Yoshinori , Iwasaki Hitoshi , Suzuki Hiroaki , Shimano Hitoshi 
Published: December 2022

Summary
In this study, we herein describe a 47-year-old Japanese woman who manifested inheritable non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and severe dyslipidemia. Interestingly, her NASH progression was ameliorated by treatment with a sodium–glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor. This inheritability prompted us to comprehensively decode her genomic information using whole-exome sequencing. We found the well-established I148M mutation in PNPLA3 as well as mutations in LGALS3 and PEMT for her NASH. Mutations in GCKR may contribute to both NASH and dyslipidemia. We further mined gene mutations potentially responsible for her manifestations that led to the identification of a novel M188fs mutation in MUL1 that may be causally associated with her mitochondrial dysfunction. Our case may provide some clues to better understand this spectrum of disease as well as the rationale for selecting medications.

Learning points

While the PNPLA3 I148M mutation is well-established, accumulation of other mutations may accelerate susceptibility to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

NASH and dyslipidemia may be intertwined biochemically and genetically through several key genes.

SGLT2 inhibitors emerge as promising treatment for NASH albeit with interindividual variation in efficacy. Genetic background may explain the mechanisms behind the variation.

A novel dysfunctional mutation in MUL1 may lead to metabolic inflexibilities through impaired mitochondrial dynamics and function.
Principles of Construction of Hybrid Microsystems for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Dzundza B.S. , Kohut I.T. , Holota V.I. , Turovska L.V. , Deichakivskyi M.V. 
Published: December 2022

The paper analyzes the existing non-invasive methods and tools for measuring and monitoring heart rate (HR), glucose saturation and human blood glucose level (BGL), shows ways of improving them to increase accuracy and expand the number of parameters obtained by these methods, which became the basis for creating a hybrid microsystem device for biomedical applications.
A block diagram of the microsystem and a prototype of software and hardware tools for continuous monitoring of heart rate, BGL, saturation level and other blood parameters by photoplethysmography (PPG) have been developed. The proposed algorithms and tools provide primary processing of signals from optical sensors, calculation of pulse wave parameters, data transmission to mobile devices and a remote server, the possibility of calibration during operation based on research results.
KONKORDATONUN KAMU İHALELERİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: KODAKOĞLU Mehmet 
Published: December 2022

Konkordatonun amacı, borçlunun malî yapısını düzeltmesine ve varlığını devam ettirmesine imkân sağlayacak elverişli ortamın yaratılmasıdır. Ancak konkordato süreci içinde bulunan isteklilerin malî ve ekonomik yönden zayıf durumda olmaları, ihale konusu işi tamamlayabilecekleri noktasında tereddütler oluşturmaktadır.
Kamu İhale Kanunu’nun 10. maddesinde tahdidi olarak sayılan “ihale dışı bırakılma” sebeplerinden biri olarak “konkordato ilan eden” kavramı kullanılmıştır. Söz konusu kavramın, konkordato hükümlerinin düzenlendiği İcra ve İflâs Kanunu’nda bir karşılığı bulunmamaktadır. Öte yandan “konkordato ilan eden” kavramına, Kamu İhale Kanunu’ndaki ilgili düzenlemenin kaynağını oluşturan Avrupa Birliği direktiflerinde de rastlanılmamaktadır.
Bu sebeple, özellikle Kamu İhale Kurulu ve devamında idarî yargı kararla-rında sorunlara yol açtığı görülen ve hukukî bir zemine oturtulamayan “konkordato ilan eden” kavramı, yorum metodları kullanılarak 4734 sayılı Kamu İhale Kanunu ve 4735 sayılı Kamu İhale Sözleşmeleri Kanunu kapsamında ele alınmış ve konkordatonun kamu ihalelerine etkisi konusu ayrıntılı olarak incelenmiştir.
Kajian Intertekstual Nasihat dalam Kitab Ayyuhal Walad Imam Al-Ghazzali
Authors: Humairah Lulu , Mawardi Mawardi , Amiq Amiq 
Published: December 2022

This research is entitled Advice in the Book of Ayyuhal Walad by Imam Al-Ghazzali (Julia Kristeva Intertextual Semiotics Study). The Book of Ayyuhal Walad by Imam Al-Ghazzali is a literary work in the form of a treatise, namely a letter containing advice given by Imam Al-Ghazzali to his students related to science and charity. The aims of this study are: 1. To find out what texts are referred to by the text of the book of Ayyuhal Walad by Imam Al-Ghazzali. 2. Understanding the relationship in the text of the book Ayyuhal walad with the reference text. 3. Describe the meaning of the message in the text of the book of Ayyuhal walad, along with the reference text. This research uses descriptive analysis method. The technique of collecting data in this study is based on the results of studying and reviewing data sources in the Ayyuhal walad book, the Qur'an and hadith. Then the approach used is Julia Kristeva's semiotic perspective with intertextual theory, namely the new sign system (Text II) → Transposition → Reference sign system (Text I). Based on the analysis, this study shows that there are 39 advices, which include: 39 advices in the book of Ayyuhal walad, 39 verses of the Qur'an, 39 hadiths. Among them contain wise advice that can be used as a guide for humans to become individuals who have noble character.
Planejamento Urbano e Plano Diretor: Elaboração e aplicação para municípios de pequeno porte
Authors: Cassaniga Tafarel , Mondini Raviane Cristina Werner 
Published: December 2022

O artigo tem como objetivo discutir o planejamento urbano frente aos problemas urbanos presenciado pelas cidades brasileiras nas últimas décadas. Neste sentido, através dos instrumentos do Estatuto da Cidade, o estudo traz uma discussão sobre a elaboração de planos diretores, bem com sua finalidade e desafios para a cidade. Diante deste cenário, é primordial a prática de planejamento urbano para garantir o desenvolvimento econômico e social dos cidadãos que vivem nas cidades. Assim, o presente trabalho leva como discussão a estratégia de elaborar planos diretores na prática da gestão urbana, o qual possa contribuir, tanto em maior e menor escala, a minimizar os problemas urbanos. Contudo, o procedimento metodológico para a elaboração deste artigo foi a partir de pesquisas bibliográficas. Ao final, busca-se compreender a dinâmica de um plano diretor para pequenos municípios a fim de garantir um desenvolvimento econômico e social para a população.
Palavras-chave: Planejamento. Plano Diretor. Cidades
Epistemologia, ambiente construído e sustentabilidade
Authors: Faria Gustavo Henrique Campos de , Hoppe Manfredo Frederico Felipe , Souza Renato César Ferreira de 
Published: December 2022

Na perspectiva de um mundo contemporâneo cada vez mais complexo e na disponibilidade de ferramentais poderosos da tecnologia da Informação, três estudos de caso sobre o meio ambiente construído e a sustentabilidade são analisados com vistas a problematizar o enquadramento epistemológico que adotam, que são basicamente o hipotético dedutivismo e a autopoiesis. O primeiro estudo trata da modelagem do contágio da covid-19 numa cidade brasileira, o segundo dos espaços obesogênicos e o terceiro da própria ação de modelagem ambiental. Eles são apresentados de modo comparativo, criticados, permitindo indicar a necessidade de implementação do quadro de conhecimento dos pesquisadores com os conhecimentos da epistemologia da Complexidade, onde os modelos passariam a ser estudados como sistemas formados de partes heterogêneas capazes de dar origem a padrões emergentes, em processos não lineares. Essa implementação seria muito produtiva para formular as predições mais precisas e úteis nas pesquisas do ambiente construído e sustentabilidade.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Modelagem do meio ambiente construído. Sustentabilidade. Epistemologia.
Aspectos legais do saneamento no Brasil
Authors: Zanollo Neto Antonio , Attanasio Junior Mario Roberto 
Published: December 2022

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo analisar o arcabouço legal do saneamento básico do Brasil, especialmente a Lei 11.445/07, que estabelece as diretrizes nacionais para o saneamento básico brasileiro, e a Lei 14.026/20, que atualiza o marco legal do saneamento básico no Brasil, com destaque para o conceito de saneamento, a nova competência da Agência Nacional de Águas e Saneamento Básico (ANA), a garantia dos contratos de saneamento e o controle social. Como metodologia para realização do trabalho foram levantadas as referidas leis e outras conexas sobre saneamento e utilizada bibliografia interdisciplinar que inclui direito ambiental, notadamente, mas também filosofia, sociologia e política. A partir daí este material foi submetido à análise para se chegar aos resultados. Estes apontaram que as referidas legislações trazem um novo conceito de saneamento básico, que inclui abastecimento de água potável, esgotamento sanitário, limpeza urbana e drenagem e manejo de águas pluviais urbanas, a universalização do sistema, licitação para obras de saneamento e a competência da Agencia Nacional de Águas (ANA) para definir regras. Para concluir é preciso observar que a possibilidade de desestatização do setor com a privatização das empresas públicas poderá estimular a concorrência, aumentar os investimentos e gerar novos empregos, porém é fundamental a efetivação dos princípios do controle social e da participação pública para que a coletividade participe da avaliação do sistema bem como do desenho de políticas públicas de saneamento para que a universalização funcione e promova a qualidade de vida e ambiental.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Marco legal. Saneamento. Universalização.