Internal Problems Research Articles

Post-operative Mortality Trends for Complicated Appendicitis: Adults with and without Disabilities

Abstract Background Even for the same complicated appendicitis, the prognosis may vary if appropriate post-operative care and follow-up are not provided. We aimed to investigate the 10-year trend of complicated appendicitis mortality among disabilities and non-disabilities peoples in Korea, recognizing potential disparities in post-surgical outcomes and the importance of adequate post-operative care. Methods Patients with complicated appendicitis were classified by severity using DRG codes. Causes of death were categorized into infectious, respiratory, cardiovascular, and digestive diseases using ICD-10 data. Age-adjusted mortality rates were calculated annually from 2008 to 2017 based on disability presence, severity, and type. Factors associated complicated appendicitis mortality were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models. Results The mortality of complicated appendicitis was 10.2 times (40.8% vs. 413.9%) higher in people with disabilities, especially those with severe disabilities. This difference was more evident in patients with a severe disability (aOR=2.12, 95% CI:1.58-2.86), intellectual or psychological disability (aOR=2.95, 95% CI:1.49-5.85) and internal organ problems (aOR=2.05, 95% CI:1.28-3.28). Conclusions Our findings suggest that insufficient post-operative care among disabled peoples, especially those with severe disabilities, internal organ problems, and intellectual or psychological disabilities, may impact outcomes. This is exacerbated by poor healthcare facilities and limited disability awareness among healthcare workers. Additionally, further research is required to uncover unexplained mortality causes. Funding: This research was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Ministry of Education (No. 2022R1I1A3070074) and by a grant of Patient-Centered Clinical Research Coordinating Center (PACEN) funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (grant number: HC23C0165). Key messages • Complicated appendicitis mortality rates show a stark 10.2-fold disparity between people with and without disabilities. • Severe disabilities, intellectual or psychological disabilities, and internal organ problems heighten the risk, emphasizing the importance of disability-inclusive healthcare practices.

The reach of state power in a globalized world – some lessons for the EU and the Western Balkans

Globalization trends have significantly influenced the role and importance of state power, though certainly not to the extent that one could argue globalization has rendered states obsolete or unnecessary. Many of today’s global challenges, such as terrorism, climate change, the migrant crisis, and others, are impossible to address within national frameworks, necessitating the cooperation of sovereign states as the ‘appropriate measure’ in responding to these and similar global issues.Starting from the fact that the components of state power persist even in an increasingly interactive and globalized world and that the past decades have witnessed attempts to balance state power among the often disproportionate member states of the European Union, this paper posits the hypothesis that the Western Balkan states lack the independent capacity to build institutions modeled after those of EU member states. Consequently, this region serves as a striking example of a neglected area with missed opportunities for clear integration into the EU.Furthermore, the paper analyzes, in light of knowledge on variability and development, identity and diversity, opposition and contradiction, the circumstances that have led to a series of missed opportunities for progress in this volatile region, as well as the internal problems within the Union that affect the Western Balkan countries on their European path.

The Influence of Work Environment on the Performance of Employees of Perum Bulog West Java Region through Commitment and Achievement Motivation

This research is motivated by the West Java Regional Perum BULOG company which is part of a State-Owned Enterprise where employee performance is one of the internal problems between leaders and employees. This study aims to examine the effect of work environment on employee performance through moderating variables of employee commitment and achievement motivation. The sample used in this study were employees of Perum BULOG West Java Regional Office with a total of 160 employees. This research method uses quantitative methods by distributing questionnaires to employees as respondents in this study. The analysis technique used in this study uses data processing application tools in the form of SMARTPLS version 3.2.9 which will be used to test the hypothesis in the study. The results of this study indicate that the work environment affects employee performance, commitment was found to moderate the work environment on employee performance and achievement motivation did not moderate the work environment on employee performance.

Multi-Class Imbalanced Data Handling with Concept Drift in Fog Computing: A Taxonomy, Review, and Future Directions

A network of actual physical objects or “IoT components” linked to the internet and equipped with sensors, electronics, software, and network connectivity is known as the Internet of Things (IoT). This ability of the IoT components to gather and share data is made possible by this network connectivity. Many IoT devices are currently operating, which generate a lot of data. When these IoT devices started collecting data, the cloud was the only place to analyze, filter, pre-process, and aggregate it. However, when it comes to IoT, the cloud has restrictions regarding latency and a more centralized method of distributing programs. A new form of computing called Fog computing has been proposed to address the shortcomings of current cloud computing. In an IoT context, sensors regularly communicate signal information, and edge devices process the data obtained from these sensors using Fog computing. The sensors’ internal or external problems, security breaches, or the integration of heterogeneous equipment contribute to the imbalanced data, i.e., comparatively speaking, one class has more instances than the other. As a result of this data, the pattern extraction is imbalanced . Recent attempts have concentrated heavily on binary-class imbalanced concerns with exactly two classes. However, the classification of multi-class imbalanced data is an issue that needs to be fixed in Fog computing, even if it is widespread in other fields, including text categorization, human activity detection, and medical diagnosis. The study intends to deal with this problem. It presents a systematic, thorough, and in-depth comparative analysis of several binary-class and multi-class imbalanced data handling strategies for batch and streaming data in IoT networks and Fog computing. There are five major objectives in this study. First, reviewing the Fog computing concept. Second, outlining the optimization metric used in Fog computing. Third, focusing on binary and multi-class batch data handling for IoT networks and Fog computing. Fourth, reviewing and comparing the current imbalanced data handling methodologies for multi-class data streams. Fifth, explaining how to cope with the concept drift, including novel and recurring classes, targeted optimization measures, and evaluation tools. Finally, the best performance metrics and tools for concept drift, binary-class (batch and stream) data, and multi-class (batch and stream) data are highlighted.

Impaired head circumference growth and behavioural problems in childhood: Longitudinal findings from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort.

Previous evidence on the relation between early head circumference (HC) growth and behavioural outcomes in preschoolers has been inconsistent. We aimed to investigate whether HC growth from birth to 5 years of age was related to internalising or externalising behavioural problems at 5 years of age in a sex-specific manner. Among 303 girls and 318 boys from the MINA-Brazil birth cohort, we examined the associations between changes in HC from birth to 5 years of age and internalising and externalising behaviour problem scores at 5 years according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire for parents. HC values were transformed into sex- and age-specific z-scores (HCZ) using World Health Organisation standards, and the differences between values at 5 years of age and birth were classified into quintiles. We estimated adjusted mean differences with 95% confidence intervals in behavioural problem scores between HCZ change quintiles using multivariable linear regression by sex. To examine nonlinear associations, we included cubic spline terms. Head circumference growth from birth to 5 years of age was inversely and nonlinearly associated with internalising problems in girls. Compared with girls at the lowest quintile of HC growth, those above had an adjusted 1.27 (95% confidence interval 0.28, 2.27) points lower mean internalising problems score. This association was mostly driven by HC growth during the first 2 years. We found no association between HC growth and externalising behaviour in either sex. Impaired HC growth was related to higher mean internalising problem scores at 5 years of age in girls but not in boys. HC growth was not associated with externalising problems.

Socio-Economic Impact of Homestay: A case study of Tharu Homestay Patalganga, Birendranagar 3, Surkhet

Homestay tourism has been emerging as a form of sustainable tourism in many rural areas as a community development program in Nepal. The entire activities from the particular location have been integrated as a major component of rural tourism in homestay programs.To examine the socio-economic status of homestay owner. This study having the objective to explore the cultural practices of Tharu community, examine the socio-economic status of homestay owner describe the demographic pattern of the study area. Tharu community from Patalganga has been operating homestay programs where guests are offered only basic facilities i.e. normal bed just as the host sleep in their own bed, local food as host normally eat, and unique traditional hospitality with different cultural and natural beauties of particular area. Local cultural activities, traditional lifestyle of host, local tests can be experienced by guests taking part in a homestay program.Tharu people are rich in culture, have their own language, custom, and culture. This Patalganga community homestay perform the following cultural dance to entertainment the tourists like circle dance, stick dance and sakhiyadance. There are some challenges for doing home stay business in Patalganga village. The qualitative characteristics of social capitals such as road, transportation, energy, communication, security, are not supportive to the homestay. Homestay in Patalganga has created an alternative source of income for the concern family of the homestay operators. However, the families face the internal and external problems in the entire homestay. Homestay is a very effective tourism tool for economic sustainability, and natural sustainability of rural community by preserving the local tradition and culture.

Kinetic model of multi-component polyatomic gas mixture considering internal energy excitation

In this paper, a kinetic Boltzmann model equation with internal degrees of freedom is established for thermodynamic non-equilibrium multi-component polyatomic gas mixture by using continuous energy levels to deal with rotational energy and vibrational energy. The normalization and conservativeness of the kinetic model are analyzed and proved. Then, numerical algorithm and wall boundary conditions for solving the model equation are given. Then, normal shock-wave structure flow problem and pressure/temperature gradient driven micro-channel flow problem for the two-component gas mixture are used to verify the reliability of the model. The simulation results are in good agreement with those obtained by other methods, which verifies the reliability of the model and algorithm in this paper. Finally, taking 25 N attitude control engine two-dimensional profile as the object, the study for two-dimensional profile nozzle internal and external mixed flow problem is carried out, and the influence of different inlet rarefaction levels on the molecular transports of mixed flow field and the molecular transport phenomena of mixed flow field with different number of components are discussed.

Modern features and problems of forming balanced economic growth and development of the Republic of Tatarstan

This paper examines the theoretical foundations and provisions for the formation of balanced economic growth and development of the region considering its territorial, socio-economic, resource, and structural features and using the Republic of Tatarstan as an example. The paper analyses the theoretical and methodological apparatus proposed by scientists and specialists in ensuring the economic growth and development of the region. The purpose is to identify the main risks, factors and problems in the economic sectors of the Republic of Tatarstan, which to one degree or another are capable of influencing the processes of forming the balanced economic growth and development of the region. Based on the analysis, the paper identifies common problems for the regions and formulates the main directions for improving the economic situation in the region, and also submits for consideration the authors’ model of interaction between enterprises, state and municipal entities in order to reduce the negative impact of previously identified threats and problems, which considers new global challenges, transformations and restructures in economic processes associated with the introduction of restrictive measures, political isolation, various economic sanctions, and with the unresolved internal problems in the field of the economic growth and development of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Cognitive, Social, and Emotional-Behavioral Outcomes in Children and Adolescents With Beckwith-Wiedemann Syndrome.

Although Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome spectrum (BWSp) is not usually associated with intellectual disability, recent evidences calls for further investigation of cognitive development and academic skills in children with BWSp. Moreover, research has documented social difficulties and emotional-behavioral problems associated with BWSp. Nevertheless, a full characterization of socio-emotional development in BWSp is still lacking. In the current study, cognitive and socio-emotional development was assessed in 29 children with BWSp aged 5-18 years, using a test of nonverbal intelligence, a neuropsychological battery covering multiple domains, academic skills tests, and questionnaires evaluating autistic traits and emotional-behavioral problems. As expected, most participants showed adequate performance in cognitive tests. However, the findings also highlighted greater difficulties in language than visuospatial processing, strengths in social perception, as well as slowness in reading and mental calculation. The assessment of emotional-behavioral difficulties indicated a prevalent phenotype characterized by increased anxiety, low self-esteem, social withdrawal and a tendency to control externalizing reactions, but no associations with autistic traits, cognitive outcomes, and the clinical score proposed by the recent Consensus statement. Increased social perception and internalization problems likely result from coping strategies with social and care-related stress. Overall, the findings of this study inform clinical management and genetic counseling for children and adolescents with BWSp.

A Comment on the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of the Russian Federation

The article discusses the text of the Scientific and Technological Development Strategy of Russia approved in early 2024. The author notes that it was prepared in accordance with the Federal Law “On Strategic Planning in the Russian Federation” of June 28, 2014, No. 172-FZ. The Strategy replaces a number of documents that have been adopted earlier. The expert community have different opinions on the preparation quality of concepts, strategies, programs and other strategic documents being approved. The reason lies in the absence of a clear system and hierarchy of strategic planning documents. In the Strategy under discussion, there is a vagueness of the used conceptual framework and some shortcomings in the analytical part of the document. In addition, the authors of the Strategy connect the issues of the development of the science and technology sector in the Russian Federation mainly with external challenges and threats and pay less attention to internal problems caused primarily by the inefficiency of the R&D management system, insufficient financing and a low proportion of private funding. It is shown that no significant changes are expected in the management system of scientific and technological development in Russia in the next decade. We can welcome the establishment of the Science and Technology Council of the Commission for Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation under the Russian Government and its machinery and the introduction of the model of “qualified customer”, as well as the use of new tools: long-term fundamental academic research programs and programs of scientific and technological development of Russia. But the discussed Strategy does not pay enough attention to the issues of education and training of research and engineering personnel.

THEORETICAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

This paper presents a study of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the process of forming a development strategy for a company. It was determined that the main goal of the development strategy is to achieve a long-term competitive advantage that guarantees the survival and sustainable functioning of the enterprise in the future. After considering the opinions of various authors, we have reached the conclusion that a development strategy is a coherent set of interrelated strategic decisions that determine the priority areas of a company's activities in terms of implementing its mission, goals, and objectives. According to its content, the strategy takes into account the main fundamental processes in the company and its external environment, the potential for growth of its strategic potential. And since each firm is unique, the strategy formulation process for each firm is individual. The paper investigates the possibility that an enterprise can function well through management that is adaptable to rapid changes in business conditions and through efforts to solve internal problems related to increasing the efficiency of resource use in current activities. In other words, it is necessary to implement a process of planning, organizing, motivating, and controlling in order to formulate and achieve the goals of the enterprise. Summarizing the different approaches to the content of the strategy formulation process, it was determined that there is no single method of formulating development strategies, nor is there a single form of enterprise. After analyzing the studies of scientists dealing with the issue of the development strategy of an enterprise, it was determined that the development strategy of an enterprise is a complex and long process of actions and measures to improve business processes, continuously shape the customer portfolio, and improve the system of relations with customers, taking into account the interaction between the external environment and the enterprise and the dynamics of its development, as well as the We were able to reach the conclusion that it is the result of a process, designed to support the sustainable and long-term livelihood of enterprises in the turbulent conditions of the socio-economic system. The analysis of a large number of publications shows that the scientific and methodological approach to the formation of development strategies and the structuring of their development process needs updating and further development, both in its scientific and organizational/practical aspects.

Accounting Internal Control Problems and Optimization Measures Based on Accounting Informatization

Accounting Internal Control Problems and Optimization Measures Based on Accounting Informatization

Coups, Regional Security Complexes and the Impact of Nigeria’s Peacekeeping in West Africa, 1960–2022

Over the years, Africa has continued to experience conflicts caused by civil wars and the tussle for power through military coups. Despite having the Mediation & Security Council within ECOWAS, it has been unable to create sustainable peace within the region. The many porous borders between the countries further exacerbate the complexities of its regional security. The consequences of these problems usually affect neighbouring countries, thereby resulting in regional security complexes and the consequent challenges of peacekeeping operations. This paper uses historical, descriptive and comparative analysis by focusing on coups as precursors to security challenges in the region of West Africa and the resulting peacekeeping operations by countries such as Nigeria. Based on the premise of ECOWAS, it introduces some conflicts caused by coups; the challenges of Regional Security Complex in West Africa and the examination of Nigerian Peacekeeping efforts. Furthermore, it offers some recommendations towards sustainable regional peace. Results show that there is a need for the African Union (AU) to do more to secure the continent. Reliance on non-African countries to support its internal security problems has become counterproductive. It recommends that Nigeria should temporarily suspend its peacekeeping operations and channel its resources towards addressing its internal security challenges; that the AU must establish a standing army as a quick response force to address the various continental crises before they become exponential threats and that ECOWAS should implement its common currency plan. Finally, the African Union must develop best practices that can alleviate poverty and guarantee security in line with the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Exosomal Non-coding RNA Derived from Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) in Autoimmune Diseases Progression and Therapy; an Updated Review.

Inflammation and autoimmune diseases (AD) are common outcomes of an overactive immune system. Inflammation occurs due to the immune system reacting to damaging stimuli. Exosomes are being recognized as an advanced therapeutic approach for addressing an overactive immune system, positioning them as a promising option for treating AD. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) release exosomes that have strong immunomodulatory effects, influenced by their cell of origin. MSCs-exosomes, being a cell-free therapy, exhibit less toxicity and provoke a diminished immune response compared to cell-based therapies. Exosomal non-coding RNAs (ncRNA), particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are intricately linked to various biological and functional aspects of human health. Exosomal ncRNAs can lead to tissue malfunction, aging, and illnesses when they experience tissue-specific alterations as a result of various internal or external problems. In this study, we will examine current trends in exosomal ncRNA researches regarding AD. Then, therapeutic uses of MSCs-exosomal ncRNA will be outlined, with a particle focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Alternative Justice Using Religious Principles in Solving Domestic Violence of Muslim Family in Thailand

The purpose of this research was to find the level of Muslim domestic violence and the pattern of alternative justice corresponding to religious principles to solve the problem of Muslim domestic violence in southern border areas in Thailand. This was qualitative research using in-depth interviews with 52 samples, including victims, close persons, the provincial Islamic council, and Thai-Muslim family role models. The research showed that the level of Muslim domestic violence in studied communities was divided into 3 levels: 1) extreme violence, namely physical abuse 2) conflict, namely a quarrel with non-physical abuse, and 3) the way the family encountered both internal and external problems that might lead to quarrel and domestic violence. For the pattern of alternative justice corresponding to religious principles, reconciliation approaches should be used by focusing on the justice processes of all sectors along with the community. Furthermore, the recommendation of this research was to promote knowledge and skills of family life and educate good values according to Islamic principles.

Associations between 24-hour activity behaviours and emotional and behavioural problems of left-behind children: a component analysis of data from a cross-sectional study

ObjectivesThis study employed compositional data analysis to examine the association between 24-hour activity behaviours and emotional and behavioural problems among left-behind children (LBC).DesignCross-sectional analysis.SettingThe research used a cross-sectional approach to...

Finite Element Approach for Rheological Behavior in Colloidal Electrolytes in Lithium-Ion Battery Performance.

The main implication of articulating electrolyte performance is studying the energy density, charging aspects, formation of precipitates, thermal fluctuations during charging-discharging, and safety of batteries against fire or spark. One of the most significant aspects is the ability to design colloidal electrolytes that can enhance the overall performance of batteries along with dealing with all internal problems within a battery system. Through this optimization progression, the general performance and efficiency of Li-ion batteries can be improved. This work is presented in the study of the boundary value problem for rheological properties of colloidal electrolytes as a fourth grade fluid for lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries down a vertical cylinder. They have exceptional characteristics, such as low volatility and high thermal stability. The practical usage of the exact flow is restricted, as it involves very complicated integrals. The nonlinear problem that arises is solved by Galerkin's finite element approach based on the weighted-residual formulation, which is used to find the approximate solutions of the fourth-grade problem. This approach utilizes a piecewise linear approximation using linear Lagrange polynomials. Convergence of the solutions, which briefly describes the flow characteristics, includes the effects of the emerging parameters. The results obtained after implementation are not restrictive to small values of the flow parameters. Numerical studies have shown the superior accuracy and lesser computational cost of this scheme in comparison to collocation, the homotopy analysis method, and the homotopy perturbation method. The impact of the relevant parameters is examined through graphical results after implementation of a number of iterations.

A multiblock (MIB) finite element method for accurate and efficient blood flow simulation

We present an efficient and accurate immersed boundary (IB) finite element (FE) method for internal flow problems with complex geometries (e.g. blood flow in the vascular system). In this study, we use a voxelized flow domain (discretized with hexahedral and tetrahedral elements) instead of a box domain, which is frequently used in IB methods. We highlight the applicability and efficiency of the proposed method in generating the flow domain mesh and removing unnecessary portions of the domain, compared to the standard IB methods that rely on a full Cartesian mesh. Our approach is attractive for internal flow problems that use IB methods. The proposed method accurately satisfies the boundary conditions on the immersed object using velocity and pressure correction procedures. The velocity correction applies implicitly such that the velocity on the immersed boundary (Lagrangian points) interpolated from the corrected velocity values computed on the mesh nodes (Eulerian nodes) accurately satisfies the prescribed velocity boundary conditions. The proposed method utilizes the well-established incremental pressure correction scheme (IPCS) FE solver, and the boundary condition-enforced IB (BCE-IB) method to numerically solve the transient, incompressible Navier-Stokes (NS) flow equations. We verify the accuracy of our numerical method using the analytical solution for the Poiseuille flow in a cylinder, and the available experimental data (laser Doppler velocimetry) for the flow in a three-dimensional 90° angle tube bend. We further examine the accuracy and applicability of the proposed method by considering flow within complex geometries, such as blood flow in aneurysmal vessels and the aorta, flow configurations that would otherwise be difficult to solve by most IB methods. Our method offers high accuracy, as demonstrated by the verification examples, and high applicability, as demonstrated through the solution of blood flow within complex geometry. The proposed method is efficient, since it is as fast as the traditional finite element method used to solve the Navier–Stokes flow equations, with a small overhead (not more than 5%) due to the numerical solution of a linear system formulated for the IB method.

Reasons and consequences of cancellation of the Commercial code in Ukraine

The article analyses the reasons and potential consequences of the abolition of the Commercial Code of Ukraine. It is noted that the Ukrainian legal system, like any other, must adapt to changes in society. Among the key factors influencing the need for changes are European integration processes and the consequences of the Russian-Ukrainian war. It also highlights internal problems and contradictions between different legislative acts that need to be resolved. The Commercial Code of Ukraine was adopted in 2003 to regulate economic relations between business entities and public authorities. It consisted of nine chapters covering various aspects of economic activity. Over time, shortcomings of the Code were identified, such as fragmentation of legal provisions and conflicts of consistency with other legislative acts. This necessitated its revision and improvement. It is emphasised that there are several approaches to solving the problem. Some experts believe that the contradictions between the Commercial and Civil Codes can only be resolved by cancelling the Commercial Code. Others are convinced that the Code can be modernised by removing contradictory provisions and harmonising it with other legislation. The abolition of the Commercial Code may lead to significant changes in the legal framework, create a period of legal uncertainty and cause problems for legal entities engaged in economic activity. However, it may also help to simplify the legal regulation of economic relations, making it more transparent and understandable for business entities in other societies. This can create the basis for the development of the business sector and attract investment to our country. It is important to carefully prepare for the abolition of the Commercial Code, ensure a smooth transition to the new legal framework and minimise possible risks to Ukraine’s economy and legal system.

Emotional Competences in Adolescents Exposed to Colombian Armed Conflict During Their Childhood

AbstractObjective: Analyse the mediation role of emotional competences on behavior problems in adolescents exposed to Armed-Conflict Childhood Adversities (ACCA). Method: Families with adolescent children who studied in three schools in the municipality of Soacha, Colombia, were invited to participate in the study. One hundred and sixty-one participants were selected and pooled into three groups according to their Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) scores: lower-ACE (LACE), higher-ACE (HACE), and ACCA using the Adverse Childhood Experiences Questionnaire for Adolescents (ACE-QA). The Emotion Recognition Task, the Empathy for Pain Task, and the Child Behavior Checklist assessed teenagers’ emotional functioning. Results: Teenagers exposed to ACCA more frequently experienced childhood adversities such as domestic violence, child abuse, and parental neglect. Moreover, these adolescents were less accurate in discriminating angry faces, reported higher control perception after social stressors, were more rigorous in punishing those who intentionally harmed others, and showed more internalizing behavior problems. In the mediational model, we found that: the control perception after social stress mediated the reduction of depressive symptoms in adolescents with ACCA history. Additionally, inaccuracy in perceiving angry faces and harsh punishment toward behaviors that intentionally harm others mediated the presence of thinking problems, anxiety, and rule-breaking behaviors. Conclusions: Colombian adolescents who experienced ACCA showed specific changes in their emotional competences, which mediate the parental report of behavioral problems. These results indicate the need for more focused interventions aimed at improving the emotional competences and mental health of adolescent victims of armed conflicts.