bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citicoline on the Barthel Index
Authors: Mahmoodkhani Mehdi , Aminmansour Bahram , Shafiei Mehdi , Hasas Mohammadreza , Tehrani Donya Sheibani 
Published: September 2023

INTRODUCTION:
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a paramount factor in mortality and morbidity. The clinical trials conducted to investigate the efficacy of neuroprotective agents, such as citicoline, as a therapeutic alternative for TBI have presented divergent findings. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate and compare citicoline's effect on the Barthel Index in patients with severe and moderate brain injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
The study is a randomized clinical trial. Patients in the case group (35 patients) were treated with citicoline and the control group (34 patients) received a placebo. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software.

RESULTS:
The results showed that changes in the Glasgow Coma Scale, changes in quadriceps muscle force score, Barthel Index score changes, achieving the status without intubation, and spontaneous breathing in patients treated with citicoline were not a statistically significant difference in the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:
Findings revealed that citicoline did not impact the recovery process of severe and moderate TBI patients.
Colistin versus polymyxin B
Authors: Simon Veneta , Viswam Aathira , Alexander Pallavi Sarah , James Emmanuel , Sudhindran S. 
Published: September 2023

OBJECTIVES:
Our study aimed to evaluate the real-world data on renal and neurological adverse effects and effectiveness of colistimethate sodium (CMS) and polymyxin B (PMB).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
An observational prospective study was performed on inpatients receiving CMS and PMB for multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacterial infections. CMS dose was titrated to renal function, and serum creatinine was assessed daily. The incidence of nephrotoxicity, the primary outcome, was evaluated based on an increase in serum creatinine from baseline as well as by the Risk, Injury, Failure, Loss of kidney function, and End-stage renal disease criteria. Neurological adverse effects were assessed based on clinical signs and symptoms, and the causality and severity were assessed by the Naranjo scale and modified Hartwig–Siegel scale, respectively. The effectiveness of polymyxin therapy was ascertained by a composite of microbiological eradication of causative bacteria and achievement of clinical cure. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was also determined.

RESULTS:
Between CMS and PMB, the incidence of nephrotoxicity (59.3% vs. 55.6%, P = 0.653) or neurotoxicity (8.3% vs. 5.6%, P = 0.525) did not significantly differ. However, reversal of nephrotoxicity was significantly more with patients receiving CMS than PMB (48.4% vs. 23.3%, P = 0.021). Favorable clinical outcomes (67.6% vs. 37%, P < 0.001) and microbiological eradication of causative bacteria (73.1% vs. 46.3%, P = 0.001) were significantly more with CMS than PMB. Patients treated with CMS had lower all-cause mortality than those with PMB treatment (19.4% vs. 42.6%, P = 0.002).

CONCLUSION:
There is no significant difference in the incidence of renal and neurotoxic adverse effects between CMS and PMB when CMS is administered following renal dose modification. CMS shows better effectiveness and lower mortality compared to PMB.
Microbiological composition of sludge generated in water treatment plants
Authors: Leite Lady Daiane Pereira , Martins Isabela Maria , Rodgher Suzelei , Bardini Vivian Silveira dos Santos , Klinsky Luis Miguel Gutiérrez , Ito Cristiane Yumi Koga , Fiore Fabiana Alves 
Published: September 2023

Studies that focus on the microbiological composition of water treatment plants (WTP) sludge, as well as its pathogenicity, are extremely necessary, especially with regard to environmental regulations, where the microbiological characterization of WTP waste can encourage new policies related to its management. In Brazil, few studies address WTP sludge, which, in general, is classified as non-hazardous and non-inert waste, with the microbiological characterization of this material being little explored. This case study performed the microbiological characterization of sludge samples from two WTPs located in the state of São Paulo, before and after the centrifugation process. The determination of microbial density and morphology, Gram staining, and the identification of the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms were performed with samples produced in two different years, in WTPs that used different coagulants (liquid aluminum sulfate or polyaluminum chloride and ferric chloride). Results were evaluated along with the physicochemical analysis of the composition of this waste. The presence of microalgae and protozoa in non-centrifuged WTP sludge and the presence of total and thermotolerant coliforms in WTP sludge before and after centrifugation are among the main results of this study.
Keywords: beneficial use, microbiological composition, water treatment plant sludge.
Pendampingan Pengembangan Usaha Produksi Telur Asin “MAETA” di Desa Bulu Petarukan
Authors: Murdianingsih Dian , Handayani Tri Handayani , Erfandi Eli , Merdiyana Feby , Hergunanto Alfian Rifqi , Jannah Luluk Nailul , Alfarizi Muhammad Ilham 
Published: September 2023

Kuliah Kerja Usaha (KKU) Kelompok 12 bertempat di sebuah UMKM yang bergerak dalam bidang usaha Telur Asin. Tujuan dari Kegiatan KKU ini adalah untuk mengidentifikasi permasalahan-permasalahan yang ada di UMKM, serta berupaya untuk memberi alternatif solusi. Beberapa permasalahan yang ada antara lain yaitu belum memiliki izin usaha, belum memiliki akun media sosial, belum memiliki alamat di Google Maps, belum memiliki logo, belum memiliki desain kemasan, belum memiliki banner, belum memiliki plang arah UMKM, belum memiliki profil usaha, belum memiliki struktur organisasi, dan belum memiliki media promosi dalam bentuk video. Analisis dan pengaplikasian program KKU oleh kelompok 12 pada usaha Telur Asin Maeta bermanfaat bagi pemilik UMKM karena kegiatan KKU ini menghasilkan izin usaha, akun media sosial, alamat di Google Maps, logo usaha, stiker kemasan, banner, plang arah UMKM, profil usaha, struktur organisasi, dan media promosi dalam bentuk video.
Los hitos infantiles, factor predictivo para el neurodesarrollo
Authors: De León Natareno Elie Alberto 
Published: September 2023

PROBLEMA: el proceso del neurodesarrollo es un contexto neurobiológico que puede variar en expresiones dentro del rango neurotípico, el mismo puede afectarse por múltiples factores microbiológicos infecciosos por ejemplo por virus como el VIH o factores deficitarios nutricionales como la desnutrición crónica y expresarse probablemente en alteraciones de los hitos del desarrollo, que hasta el momento no esta claro la magnitud real efecto en este contexto. OBJETIVO: evaluar el nivel de neurodesarrollo y de los hitos del neurodesarrollo en 40 niños atendidos en Asociación de personas que viven con virus de inmunodeficiencia humana (APEVIHS), expuestos y­/o diagnosticados con HIV, con desnutrición crónica, comprendidos entre las edades de 0 a 12 años, de acuerdo a la aplicación de la prueba psicométrica DP-3 (PERFIL DE DESARROLLO - 3) de G. D. Alpern, evaluables en cinco áreas, motriz, adaptativa, socioemocional, cognitiva y comunicación. MÉTODO: el estudio se basó bajo el enfoque científico positivista, cuantitativo, no experimental, transversal. A través de la prueba psicométrica denominada DP-3, el análisis estadístico será paramétrico-descriptivo. RESULTADOS: se determinó que en la mayoría de los niños el nivel de desarrollo de cada una de las áreas evaluadas presentaba un nivel bajo y muy bajo de desarrollo y una minoría normal, en base a los hitos universales inmersos en la prueba psicométrica que fueron investigados. CONCLUSION: se abre la necesidad de investigar a profundidad lo hitos del neurodesarrollo en todos los niños con VIH.
Cognición “clave de los neurocientíficos” caracterización neuropsicológica de funciones ejecutivas de empleados de organización no gubernamental
Authors: López Yes Nehemias Feliciano 
Published: September 2023

PROBLEMA: estrés y clima laboral, factores que predisponen la afección de funciones ejecutivas. OBJETIVO: caracterizar las funciones ejecutivas: control inhibitorio, planeación, memoria de trabajo y flexibilidad cognitiva en relación a escolaridad y edad. MÉTODO: estudio descriptivo cualitativo transversal basado en la observación y recolección de la información mediante encuestas a sus participantes. RESULTADOS: la investigación evidenció que la edad promedio oscila entre los 26 y 35 años, con un grado académico de nivel superior 26%, y 56% de estudio a nivel diversificado, siendo el género femenino el de mayor representatividad en preparación académica 52% de los empleados, así mismo su flexibilidad cognitiva en un 48% es representativa para decir que es necesario modificar y mejorar los factores de riesgo que dificulta incluso una adecuada planificación 47% que los empleados aplican cuando se encuentran bajo estrés o un ambiente hostil no agradable como el clima laboral, disminuyendo su capacidad de control inhibitorio hasta un 20% el cual dificulta la memoria de trabajo y la resolución de problemas hasta en un 30%, CONCLUSIÓN: a mayor edad y grado de escolaridad se pueden garantizar un mejor estado emocional y mental que favorezca la atención y concentración para modificar cambios conductuales que disminuyan el estrés y mejoren el clima laboral para desarrollar las diferentes actividades que involucren memoria de trabajo, esto representado en un 48% con mayor flexibilidad cognitiva, una planificación y adecuada memoria de trabajo.
EFFECT OF CREDIT RISK MANAGEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF BANKING SECTOR OF BANGLADESH: A STUDY ON GENERATION-BASED SELECTED LISTED COMMERCIAL BANKS
Authors: Uddin Md. Kutub , Hossain H. M. Mosarof , Rahman Mushfiqur 
Published: September 2023

<p>The financial sector of the country is mostly comprised of banking institutions; those are leading the economy with great exposure with the contribution to the development process. However, the banking sector of Bangladesh is disturbed by the large-scale amount of non-performing loans while has become an essential part of the finance of the industries. As part of the measurement of credit risk and macro factors average lending rate, inflation, NPL size, capital adequacy ratio, liquidity ratio have been selected to test the influence on the financial performance found through the return on asset of the selected banks. To conduct the study 9 banks of three generations have been selected for the period of 2016 to 2022. Robust least square method of regression and error correction term have been run to oversee the real impact on financial performance while endogenity and random walk in the values are being considered to overcome through a dynamic regression model. NPL has a negative impact on the performance and average lending rate, inflation, liquidity ratio and capital adequacy ratio bring a positive impact on the financial performance of the banks. Breusch-Pagan LM test confirms that cross-sectional dependency exists and VAR serial correlation test finds autocorrelation in the data set. The policy implication of this study suggests that the high NPL ratio must be reduced and CAR and LR must be improved to get the desired results of the performance. Strong fiscal and banking regulation should implement so that governance can be ensured to create responsibility and financial strength.</p><p><strong>JEL:</strong> E4, D81, E33, E44</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0045/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
A SCHOLARLY CONSIDERATION ON THE THEORIES AND LITERATURE OF TAX REFORMS IN SIERRA LEONE
Authors: Samuels Harry , Duramany-Lakkoh Ezekiel K. 
Published: September 2023

<p>This study examines how tax reforms have been implemented and how it has influenced Sierra Leone's ability to streamline fiscal structures. The topic of tax revenue mobilization is becoming more and more popular and crucial for emerging nations. The fiscal arrangement that exists between taxpayers and the current political administration is a fiduciary relationship that binds both parties to the right and obligation to effectively and efficiently mobilize revenues. The tax system in use has had a significant impact on government revenue since it allows for loopholes, dishonest tax authorities, inadequate data, and many other issues. This study also applauds the government for strengthening corporate tax authority plans and putting local restrictions on large corporations and foreign governments who conduct business in Sierra Leone. By doing this, taxpayers and tax authorities will be encouraged to be accountable, transparent, and compliant. Additionally, Sierra Leone's tax administration underwent a number of modifications between 2014 and 2019, although nothing is known about how well those reforms fared in terms of raising tax revenue. In fact, reform as a factor affecting tax collection has received little attention in the research on what motivates domestic resource mobilization. The paper evaluates whether reforms are crucial for raising tax revenue by taking into account various aspects of reforms in the tax administration, including tax-related reforms and reforms related to institutions, and using various econometric methods based on ordinary least squares, instrumental variable two-stage least squares, and iteratively reweighted least squares. According to the findings, tax reforms, institutional reforms, and all other reforms put together have greatly improved tax revenue performance. The main takeaway is that greater institutional and tax-related reforms are essential for sustainingly increasing tax revenue collection.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: E61, E62, P35</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0057/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
COVID-19 PANDEMIC EVENTS AND PHILIPPINE STOCK MARKET PERFORMANCE: TESTING FOR MULTIPLE BREAKPOINTS
Authors: Pinili Charisse Prince R. , Murcia John Vianne 
Published: September 2023

<p>This study examined several PSEi breakpoints to determine if COVID-19-related headlines or events cause significant stock market breaks. From December 2, 2019 to May 5, 2022 (T=632), time-series data revealed that the stock market performed the worst during the first four months of 2020. Regression with ordinary least squares on PSEi values revealed the Philippine stock market has random walk characteristics for the same time period. The Breusch-Godfrey serial correlation LM test at two lags demonstrated serial correlation in the mean equation residuals. During COVID-19 pandemic events, the Chow test was applied to daily stock market data to identify structural breaks and PSEi shifts. The Bai-Perron test identified four noteworthy multi-breakpoints. On April 17, 2020, Leyte reported the first confirmed case of COVID-19, and Johns Hopkins University reported that the global death toll exceeded 50,000. This event is likely related to the cutoff dates of November 5 and 6, 2020, when the Philippines will have an average of 1,000 COVID-19 cases per day and the government will have identified specific sectors to receive free vaccines under the initial procurement. On March 23, 2021, 17 mayors of Metro Manila and neighbouring cities voted unanimously to close recreational establishments for two weeks, indicating a possible parallel to the breakpoints on September 3, 2021, when the Philippine Food and Drug Administration approved Moderna vaccines for 12–17-year-olds. Another breakpoint found was on October 11, 2021924,300 COVAX vaccines donated by the United States arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Breakpoint events and their implications for the study of financial economics were discussed. </p><p><strong>JEL</strong>: E32; G11; G14; G17</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0048/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
EFFECT OF PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT ON THE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE OF LISTED INSURANCE FIRMS IN THE NAIROBI SECURITIES EXCHANGE, KENYA
Authors: Wandabusi Celestine , Ombok Benjamin O. , Nyamita Micah O. 
Published: September 2023

<p>The performance of listed insurance companies in Kenya has over time been unstable, despite its contribution to Kenya’s GDP. Whereas the firms have diversified investment asset portfolios, the financial performance of these companies has generally remained low; as evidenced by inconsistent revenues. The purpose of this paper is to establish the relationship between portfolio management and the financial performance of the listed insurance firms in Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), Kenya. The study has been guided by Modern Portfolio Theory, allowing for the integration of mixed securities. correlational research design has been employed on a target population of six (6) listed insurance companies at the Nairobi Securities Exchange. census technique of data collection to obtain secondary data through the document review method was used. Analyzing data through descriptive and inferential statistics, the following results were obtained; showing a positive significant effect of both portfolio size (β = 0.4859, p = 0.002) and portfolio asset allocation (β = 0.4031, p = 0.000) on the financial performance of listed insurance firms at NSE. However, the results yielded a negative but significant effect of portfolio risk (β = - 0.02546, p = 0.002) on financial performance; implying that a unit increase in portfolio size and portfolio asset allocation leads to 48.59% and 40.31% increase in financial performance of listed insurance firms, respectively. However, Portfolio risk has a negative effect, implying that a unit increase in portfolio risk leads to a 2.55% reduction in financial performance. It can therefore be concluded that portfolio management influences the financial performance of insurance firms listed at the NSE, thereby recommending that listed insurance firms in the NSE should increase the level of portfolio management by giving attention to such elements as portfolio size, portfolio asset allocation, and portfolio risk; which are important predictors of the firms’ financial performance, alongside determining the specific mix of investments generating the highest return for a given level of risk, which will lead to increased profitability. </p><p><br /><strong>JEL:</strong> G10; G20; G22</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0069/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
WORKPLACE WITHOUT WALLS: AN INVESTIGATION INTO REMOTE WORKING AND EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING AT MAYBANK, MALAYSIA
Authors: Kanapathipillai Kumaran , Anuar Adam Bin , Hamzah Iza Musliha Binti , Zulkiply Muhd Norazul Hafiz Bin 
Published: September 2023

This study examines remote work's impact on employee well-being. This study aims to provide valuable insights for the banking sector and businesses to improve their employees' well-being by comprehensively investigating remote work dynamics and their outcomes. The results, involving 445 participants from Maybank, show that remote work significantly impacts employees' well-being at Maybank. This study has brought to light that telecommuting, employee engagement, transformational leadership, and work-life balance positively impact the well-being of employees at Maybank. This study's findings can help Maybank improve its policy development, resource allocation, and program implementation, ultimately enhancing remote working arrangements and employee well-being. By effectively managing the challenges inherent in remote work, Maybank can cultivate a conducive work environment that fosters employee satisfaction, engagement, and productivity, ultimately resulting in enhanced organizational performance.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0055/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
DIGITAL TRANSITION AT GOLDEN YEARS: UNCOVERING WHAT FUELS, THE SHIFT TO DIGITAL BANKING SERVICES AMONG MALAYSIAN SENIORS
Authors: Kanapathipillai Kumaran , Sufian Noraini binti Mohd , Anuar Nor Haslina binti , Shamsudin Nurul Athiera Binti Mohd 
Published: September 2023

The purpose of this research is to identify the factors that affect the behavioural intention to adopt digital banking among senior citizens in Malaysia. The adoption of digital banking among senior citizens is relatively low compared to the younger generation. Therefore, a survey was conducted to evaluate the factors that affect the behavioural intention to adopt digital banking among senior citizens in Malaysia. 390 questionnaires were collected from senior citizens in Malaysia's Klang Valley. Based on the data collected, correlation analysis and multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate the responses. The findings suggested that performance expectancy, effort expectancy, price value, habit, social influence, and hedonic motivation significantly influence the behavioural intention to adopt digital banking among senior citizens in Malaysia. This study's findings will allow banks, financial institutions, and policymakers to broaden their understanding of what drives the adoption of digital banking services and the obstacles that stand in the way of adopting these services. The results from this study can aid financial institutions and the banking sector in improving or enhancing these factors so that elderly banking consumers can benefit and experience the total value offered by the banking sector. The banking sector should develop digital banking services appropriately to entice senior citizens to use digital banking services. The digital banking platform should be aesthetically designed to improve senior citizens' experiences. The marketing of digital banking could be strategized based on the factors studied in this research.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0035/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>
NAVIGATING THE DIGITAL SHIFT: HOW ACCEPTANCE FACTORS SHAPE MALAYSIA'S BANKING EVOLUTION
Authors: Kanapathipillai Kumaran , Shari Ahmad Nabil Bin , Ajmain Muhamad Farid Bin Muhamad , Rahman Nur Syuhada Binti Abdul 
Published: September 2023

This study investigates the factors influencing Malaysian consumers' intentions toward digital banking. Digital banking has revolutionised the traditional banking industry by leveraging technology and the internet to provide convenient and accessible financial services. In Malaysia, the adoption of digital banking has been slow, with only 31% of Malaysians interested in digital banking services. This is due to several factors, including security concerns, a lack of trust in digital banking platforms, and the perceived difficulty of using these platforms. This study uses the responses of 392 Malaysian consumers on their perceptions of digital banking services. The study results show that perceived awareness and risk are the most significant factors influencing Malaysian consumers' intentions to adopt digital banking. The findings of this study have implications for banks and financial institutions in Malaysia. Therefore, banks need to address consumer concerns about risks and security and make their digital banking platforms more user-friendly to increase the adoption of digital banking services.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0036/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>