bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of Yi Jin Jing on Juvenile Cervical Spondylopathy in China: A Parallel, Randomized, Assessor-Blinded Clinical Trial
Authors: Guo W , Xing H , Gong X , He L , Zhang Z , Jia C 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Cervical spondylopathy is a common musculo-articular disorder, multiple exercises are recommended. Chinese fitness exercises are prevalent and used to treat various diseases.

Aim:
To explore the efficacy of Chinese fitness exercise Yi Jin Jing exercise in intervening the cervical spondylopathy in adolescents.

Patients and Methods:
The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group.

Methods:
The study was conducted in 60 adolescent patients with cervical spondylopathy, with 30 patients in each group. The observation group was required to take Yi Jin Jing exercise, and the control group took the brisk walking exercise. The first week was the preparatory period for the patients, and then the participants were required to do exercises three times a week for at least 30 minutes in the later 3 weeks. Before and after treatment, Neck Disability Index (NDI) scores, pain visual analog scale (VAS) scores, and cervical curvature in both groups were observed, and the incidence of adverse events in both groups was recorded during the trial.

Results:
The NDI and VAS scores in both groups statistically decreased after intervention and mildly increased at follow-up, while the reduction in scores of the Yi Jin Jing group was more significant. Cervical curvature in both groups improved on day 28 compared to day 0. There were no adverse reactions during the evaluation period.

Conclusion:
The Chinese health-care qigong Yi Jin Jing exercise is more effective than brisk walking in improving the cervical range of motion and relieving pain in adolescents with cervical spondylopathy.
Trial registration/Protocol registration: Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000030723)
Can Pelvic Floor Muscle Training Positions be Selected According to the Functional Status of Pelvic Floor Muscles?
Authors: Dayican DK , Keser I , Yavuz O , Tosun G , Kurt S , Tosun OC 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

Background:
Pelvic floor muscle (PFM) training varies according to the functional status of PFM. It is used to strengthen underactive PFM and relax overactive PFM.

Aim:
This study aimed to determine the appropriate PFM training positions according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Materials and Methods:
Seventy-six women diagnosed with pelvic floor dysfunction were included. After the digital palpation, participants were divided into four groups according to the functional status of PFM: normal, overactive, underactive, and nonfunctional. Participants’ PFM and abdominal muscle functions were assessed with superficial electromyography in three positions (modified butterfly pose-P1, modified child pose-P2, and modified deep squat with block pose-P3). Friedman’s analysis of variance and the Kruskal–Wallis test were used to assess whether the function of the muscles differed according to the functional status of the PFM and training positions.

Results:
Normal PFM maximally contracted and relaxed in P1, whereas nonfunctional PFM was in P3 (P > 0.05). Overactive and underactive PFM was most contracted in P2 (P > 0.05) and relaxed in P1 (P < 0.001). In each functional state of the PFM, all abdominal muscles were most relaxed in P1, while their most contracted positions varied (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
This study showed that the positions in which the PFM relaxes and contracts the most may vary according to the functional status of the PFM. Therefore, different PFM training positions may be preferred according to the functional status of the PFM in women with pelvic floor dysfunction. However, more study needs to be done in this subject.
Sociodemographic Determinants of Overweight and Obesity in Adults Attending a Tertiary Hospital in Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Oyan Boma , Ndu-Akinla Chinyere 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
There has been an increase in the prevalence of obesity in developing countries with a concomitant rise in morbidity and mortality. The sociodemographic factors of an individual may play a role in his or her body weight. This study aims to determine the relationship between overweight/obesity and sociodemographic characteristics among adults attending the Family Medicine Clinic of a tertiary health centre in Nigeria.

Materials and Methods:
This was a descriptive, hospital-based study. Interviewer-administered questionnaires were used to obtain the sociodemographic variables (age, sex, social class, highest educational level attained, average monthly income, and marital status). A clinical examination was performed to assess the body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist/hip ratio (WHR). Fisher’s exact test was used to test for associations between overweight/obesity and the various sociodemographic determinants and the level of significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:
With the BMI, overweight was present in 32.5% of the study population while 36.6% was obese. The WC was increased (>94 cm and >80 cm, respectively) in 43.5% of males and 92.8% of females. The WHR was increased (>0.90 and >0.85) in 52.2% of males and 80.8% of females. The only sociodemographic factor independently associated with being overweight or obese BMI in this study was the female gender (P = 0.011).

Conclusion:
No region of the world has been successful at reversing the obesity epidemic once it has begun. This study highlights how sociodemographic factors may influence obesity and measures to modulate this disease can be targeted to certain groups.
Analysis of p21 Expression in Cervical Carcinoma at a Tertiary Institution in Ghana: An Immunohistochemical Study
Authors: Duduyemi Babatunde Moses , Addai Ebenezer Kojo , Bedu-Addo Kweku 
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Background:
Cervical cancer is one of the leading causes of female mortality worldwide. About 85% occur in low-income countries with 13.8% incidence and 14% death in Ghana. p21 has been overexpressed in many cancers. Its overexpression in cervical cancer is linked to tumor growth and a bad prognosis.

Aim:
The expression profile of p21 in our setting is largely unknown, therefore, the necessity to evaluate p21 expression in cervical cancer.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective and descriptive study design was employed to investigate p21 expression in association with demographic and clinicopathological features on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded cervical cancer tissues. The age, histologic type, and tumor grade of patients were abstracted from the hospital records between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2016. Tissue microarray of suitable blocks was constructed, and immunohistochemistry was performed. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.

Results:
One hundred and thirty-five cases were used for the study with an age range of 31–115 years and mean age of 58.93 years (standard deviation ± 17.88). Majority of the cases were postmenopausal (40–59 years). Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) was the most common histological type (96.3%) with the nonkeratinizing variant having the highest frequency (53.1%). Majority of the cases were high grade; Grade 2 (33.3%) and Grade 3 (49.6%). Majority of the cases (66.7%) stained positive for p21 antibody. The associations between p21 and the clinicopathological characteristics were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). p21 was more overexpressed in SCC (64.8%) than adenocarcinoma.

Conclusion:
An overexpression of p21 in this study suggests that it may contribute to antiapoptosis in cervical cancer leading to tumor progression, aggressive behavior, and poor prognosis.
Potentials of Scent Leaves (O. gratissimum) as Feed Additive on Performance, Selected Blood Biochemicals and Helminthiasis in Weaner Pigs
Authors: Adedayo Adedoyin , Olaide Akindele , Oluremi Onifade , Olaniyi Bankole 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: A study was conducted to examine the potentials of scent leaves (SL) (O. gratissimum) meal as a feed additive on performance, blood biochemicals and antihelmintic in weaner pigs.
Methodology: Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was adopted using 30 mixed breed of large-white and duroc weaner pigs, allocated to three treatments with ten pigs each, replicated five times with two pigs per replicate. Formulated diet (1) is a Positive Control (PC) – supplemented with Kepro-dewomer, diet 2 a Negative Control (NC) – without Kepro-dewomer and Scent Leaves (SL), while Diet 3 was supplemented with Scent Leaves (SL) at 1.0%. Data collected were analysed using ANOVA with SAS software. Treatment means were separated using Duncan’s New Multiple Range Test.
Findings: Results indicated that there were significant (p<0.05) differences among treatments in final body weight gain (FBWG). Highest daily weight gain (HDWG) (0.51kg) and highest daily feed intake (HDFI) (0.46kg) were recorded in pigs fed diet 3. Packed cell volume (PCV), Red blood cell (RBC), Haemoglobin (Hb) levels were not significantly (p>0.05) different among the experimental groups 1 and 3: (37.01) (26.7), (12.72) (39.11) (25.5) (12.88) respectively. Meanwhile, diets 1 and 3 were significantly (p<0.05) improved serum biochemicals parameters (Aspartate amino transferase – AST). (Alanine aminotransferase – ALT) and (Alkaline phosphate – ALP) compared with diet 2. Kepro dewomer and scent leaves dietary supplementation had a significant reduction on oocysts shedded per gram of feaces in diet 1 (30.42, 31.03, 32.96) and diet 3 (36.78, 35.89, 31.11) compared with diet 2 (61.3, 63.41, 68.01) respectively
Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The idea of alternative medication theory to synthetic drug in livestock feeds was conceived and developed; towards solving the problem of resistance of microbial pathogens to synthetic antibiotic as a result of its continuous usage. Findings, therefore, showed that the strategic supplementation of scent leaves meal as an alternative deworner to synthetic deworner that poses health risks to consumers could be avoided. Also, the need to adapt a collection and processing strategy at many locations wherever the scent leaf plant is produced and are poorly utilized or being wasted.
Functionality of Farmers’ Stores and Local Economic Development Initiatives in Oyam District: A Case of Aber Sub-County
Authors: Otim Emmanuel Clement , Mwesigwa David 
Published: September 2023

Purpose: This study examined the relationship between the functionality of farmers’ stores and LED initiatives. Specifically, the study determined the effect of farmers’ stores functionality on resource mobilisation; assessed the contribution of farmers’ stores functionality on resource management; and assessed the effect of farmers’ stores functionality on resource utilisation.
Methodology: The study adopted a cross-sectional study design, which employed a mixed methods approach of both quantitative and qualitative methods. The study population consisted of 322 respondents, which involved both political leaders and civil servants of Aber Sub County in addition to members of the farmers’ groups. Both the Simple random sampling technique and purposive sampling technique were used to select a sample of 177 participants. The researcher adopted Self-Administered Questionnaires to collect quantitative data and an interview guide to collect qualitative data. Both descriptive statistics (mean, and standard deviation), and inferential statistics (correlation and regression) were used to analyse numerical data. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data.
Findings: The findings revealed a statistically significant positive relationship between functionality of farmers’ stores and LED initiatives. The functionality of farmers’ stores yielded a significant effect on resource mobilisation, resource management and resource utilisation. It was concluded that the functionality of farmers’ stores significantly affects LED initiatives in Aber Sub County, Oyam district.
Unique Contributions to Theory, Policy and Practice: It is recommended that the production and agricultural department of Oyam district local government strengthens the capacity of farmer groups by training them on activities such as value addition and financial management so that they can be in position to mobilise more financial resources. This study contributes an original and empirical-evidence of the functionality of farmers’ stores towards LED initiatives in Uganda.
Vivipary, a rare phenomenon in Afrotropical Melastomataceae: first report in Amphiblemma ciliatum (Sonerileae)
Authors: Veranso-Libalah Marie Claire , Luo Chen , Bidault Ehoarn 
Published: September 2023

Background and aims – Within angiosperms, vivipary has been reported in less than 0.1% of all species. We herein report the first occurrence of vivipary in an Afrotropical Melastomataceae and discuss its phylogenetic position, habit, habitat, and fruit attributes.
Material and methods – Observational data were gathered from a field expedition to Gabon, and from herbarium specimens from BR, BRLU, P, and WAG. A phylogeny was generated to map all the eight species exhibiting vivipary in Melastomataceae.
Key results – Amphiblemma ciliatum is currently the only known melastome species in the Afrotropics exhibiting vivipary. It is likely that its angular capsules depend on rainwater for seed dispersal.
Conclusion – The combination of a herbaceous habit and angular fruits with the occurrence on shaded humid tropical rainforest floor during periods of incessant rainfall and high humidity might be responsible for vivipary in most Melastomataceae.
Updated Arctic melt pond fraction dataset and trends 2002–2023 using ENVISAT and Sentinel-3 remote sensing data
Authors: Istomina Larysa , Niehaus Hannah , Spreen Gunnar 
Published: September 2023

Abstract. Melt ponds on the Arctic sea ice affect the radiative balance of the region as they introduce darkening of the sea ice during the Arctic summer. Temporal and spatial extent of the ponding as well as its amplitude reflect the state of the Arctic sea ice and are important for our understanding of the Arctic sea ice change. Remote sensing retrievals of melt pond fraction (MPF) provide information both on the present state of the melt pond development as well as its change throughout the years, which is a valuable information in the context of climate change and Arctic amplification. In this work, we transfer the earlier published Melt Pond Detector remote sensing retrieval (MPD) to the Ocean and Land Colour Instrument (OLCI) data onboard the Sentinel-3 satellite and so complement the existing Medium Resolution Imaging Spectrometer (MERIS) MPF dataset (2002–2011) from Environmental Satellite (ENVISAT) with the recent data (2017–present). To evaluate the bias of the MPF product, comparisons to Sentinel-2 MultiSpectral Instrument (MSI) high resolution satellite imagery are presented, in addition to earlier published validation studies. Both MERIS and OLCI MPD tend to overestimate the small MPFs, which can be attributed to the presence of water saturated snow and sea ice before melt onset. Good agreement for middle range MPF is observed, and the areas of exceptionally high MPF = 100 % are recognized as well. The earlier published MERIS MPFs (2002–2011) were reprocessed using an improved cloud clearing routine and together with the recent Sentinel-3 data provide an internally consistent dataset, which allows to analyse the MPF development in the past 20 years. Although the total summer hemispheric MPF trend is moderate with +0.75 % per decade, the regional weekly MPF trends display pronounced dynamic and range from −10 % to as high as +20 % per decade, depending on the region. We conclude on the following effects: the global Arctic melt onset shifted towards spring by at least 2 weeks, with the melt onset happening in late May in the recent years as compared to early-mid June in the beginning of the dataset. there is a change of the melt onset regime in the recent years, with East Siberian and Laptev Sea dominating the melt onset and not the Beaufort Gyre region as before. the Central Arctic, North Greenland and CAA show signs of increasing first year ice (FYI) fraction in the recent years. The daily gridded MPF averages are available at the webpage of the Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen, as a historic dataset for the ENVISAT data, and as ongoing operational processing for the Sentinel-3 data.
ANALISIS DAMPAK FASILITAS KERJA, SUPERVISI DAN MOTIVASI PADA KINERJA KARYAWAN PT. SARANA YOGYA VENTURA
Authors: Asteria Beta , Muchsin Alwan 
Published: September 2023

ABSTRACT

This study used the associative method to analyze the influence of independent variables on the dependent variable, namely facilities (X1), supervision (X2), motivation (X3) on employee performance (Y). This research was conducted at PT. Sarana Yogya Ventura (SYV) which is located at Jalan Yos Sudarso No 25, Kota Baru, Gondokusuman, Yogyakarta. In this study, analysis was carried out with regression. Partially based on the t test, the results show that work facilities have a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of PT. Sarana Yogya Ventura. This is evidenced by the value of t count 3.895 > t table 1.681. Partially, supervision has a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of PT. Yogya Ventura facility. This is evidenced by the value of t count 1961 > t table 1681. Partially, work motivation has a positive and significant effect on the performance of employees of PT. Sarana Yogya Ventura. This is evidenced by the value of t count 2,844 > t table 1,681. Simultaneously work facilities, supervision, and motivation simultaneously affect the performance of employees of PT. Sarana Yogya Ventura. The test results show the calculated F value of 10,855 > F table of 2,839.
The post-pandemic inflationary episode in advanced economies: a historical perspective
Authors: Ghirelli Corinna , Sastre Teresa , Bonino Nicolás , Álvarez Luis Julián , Santabárbara Daniel 
Published: September 2023

RationaleInflation surged in the world economy from 2021 owing to a succession of shocks, including most notably the rise in energy prices. However, it appears to have peaked in many countries over the past few months, marking the start of a declining phase. This article analyses, for a group of advanced economies, the features of the current inflationary process vis-à-vis other past episodes, paying special attention to those triggered by energy shocks.Takeaways•The post-pandemic surge in inflation has occurred faster than in previous inflationary periods. However, the scale of the rising inflation in the current episode is similar to that of past episodes arising from energy price increases.•According to the historical pattern, underlying inflation reaches its peak very near the time headline inflation does. However, in the current inflationary process there is a lag of around six months and underlying inflation is more persistent.•The synchronisation between countries regarding inflation is greater in inflationary processes caused by energy price shocks and is stronger in the current episode than in the past owing to the confluence of several global shocks.
PENGARUH DEBT TO ASSET RATIO TOTAL ASSET TURNOVER DAN PERTUMBUHAN PENJUALAN TERHADAP PROFITABILITAS PERUSAHAAN SEKTOR CONSUMER NON CYCLICAL DIBURSA EFEK INDONESIA TAHUN 2019-2021
Authors: Apriliana Mamik , Wafirotin Khusnatul Zulfa , Wijayanti Iin 
Published: September 2023

Rasio yang menunjukkan hubungan antara dua atau lebih data keuangan merupakan ukuran yang sering digunakan dalam menilai kinerja keuangan. Analisis rasio keuangan juga dipakai sebagai sistem peringatan dini (early warning system) terhadap kondisi keuangan perusahaan. Investor perlu menganalisis laporan keuangan sebagai bahan pertimbangan dalam mengambil keputusan berinvestasi agar mampu memperoleh return yang diharapkan. Rasio profitabilitas merupakan rasio untuk menilai kemampuan perusahaan dalam mencari keuntungan. Maka perlu mengetahui faktor-faktor yang mempengaruhi profitabilitas. Pada penelitian ini menggunakan data sekunder yang berupa laporan keuangan perusahaan sektor Consumer Non Cyclical yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia pada periode 2019-2021. Jumlah populasi pada penelitian ini sebanyak 82 Perusahaan. Dan perusahaan yang memenuhi kriteria sebanyak 43 perusahaan. Analisis regresi dalam penelitian ini menggunakan regresi berganda. Untuk uji hipotesis menggunakan uji t dan F. Hasil dari penelitian ini secara parsial menunjukkan bahwa Debt To Asset Ratio berpengaruh terhadap Profitabilitas, Total Asset Turnover berpengaruh terhadap Profitabilitas, dan Pertumbuhan Penjualan berpengaruh terhadap Profitabilitas. Hasil penelitian ini secara serempak Debt To Asset Ratio, Total Asset Turnover, dan Pertumbuhan Penjualan berpengaruh terhadap Profitabilitas.
Studying the Online Deepfake Community
Authors: Timmerman Brian , Mehta Pulak , Deb Progga , Gallagher Kevin , Dolan-Gavitt Brendan , Garg Siddharth , Greenstadt Rachel 
Published: September 2023

Deepfakes have become a dual-use technology with applications in the domains of art, science, and industry. However, the technology can also be leveraged maliciously in areas such as disinformation, identity fraud, and harassment. In response to the technology's dangerous potential many deepfake creation communities have been deplatformed, including the technology's originating community – r/deepfakes. Opening in February 2018, just eight days after the removal of r/deepfakes, MrDeepFakes (MDF) went online as a privately owned platform to fulfill the role of community hub, and has since grown into the largest dedicated deepfake creation and discussion platform currently online. This position of community hub is balanced against the site's other main purpose, which is the hosting of deepfake pornography depicting public figures- produced without consent. In this paper we explore the two largest deepfake communities that have existed via a mixed methods approach utilizing quantitative and qualitative analysis. We seek to identify how these platforms were and are used by their members, what opinions these deepfakers hold about the technology and how it is seen by society at large, and identify how deepfakes-as-disinformation is viewed by the community. We find that there is a large emphasis on technical discussion on these platforms, intermixed with potentially malicious content. Additionally, we find the deplatforming of deepfake communities early in the technology's life has significantly impacted trust regarding alternative community platforms.