Literature-based Approach Research Articles

Decisive gene strategy on osteoporosis: a comprehensive whole-literature-based approach for conclusive candidate gene targets

Purpose: Previous meta-analyses only examined the association between single gene polymorphisms and osteoporosis; there is no compilation of all gene loci that correlate with osteoporosis in the literature. In this study, we develop a new literature-based approach, a decisive gene strategy (DGS), to examine the sufficiency of the cumulative sample size for each gene locus and to assess whether a definite conclusion of the association between the gene locus and osteoporosis can be drawn.Methods: The DGS was used to search PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for all meta-analyses that correlated gene polymorphisms with osteoporosis. Trial sequential analysis was employed to examine the sufficiency of the cumulative sample size. Finally, we assessed the importance of gene loci in osteoporosis based on whether there were enough sample sizes and the heterogeneity of the literature with the I2 value.Results: After excluding 169 irrelevant publications, 39 meta-analysis papers were obtained. Among Caucasians, in 17 gene loci, there were eight gene loci (e.g., vitamin D Receptor ApaI rs7975232) with sufficient cumulative sample size to confirm that they were unrelated to the disease. Among Asians, in 15 gene loci, four gene loci that had sufficient sample sizes were risk factors: VDR FokI rs2228570 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.22–1.70), TGF β1 rs1800470 (OR = 1.35, 95% CI = 1.10–1.65), IGF1 rs2288377 (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.28–1.62), and IGF1 rs35767 (OR = 1.20, 95% CI = 1.06–1.36), respectively, whereas one gene locus, ESR2 RsaI rs1256049 (OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.59–0.81), was a protective factor.Conclusions: The DGS successfully identified five gene loci in osteoporosis that will apply to other diseases to find causal genes, which may contribute to further genetic therapy.

Navigating the World: Challenges within the Relocation Process - An Empirical Investigation

Abstract The complete relocation of the center of life to a foreign country is a plan increasingly chosen by specific people, especially for entrepreneurial reasons. The digital nomads or expat-preneurs often emphasized in this context exhibit a particular structure of fundamental personality dimensions and can also be described as unique in the perception of specific challenges in the relocation process. In the present study, which is based on both a literature-based and quantitative approach, n = 196 subjects participated in an online survey that included scales and self-constructed items on personality structure, the possible choice of specific occupational groups as support systems, the perception of specific challenges, and other relevant aspects in the context of relocation. In addition to descriptive results and a brief review of previous scientific findings, multivariate analyses of variance were able to show that the choice of support system exerts a significant influence in the form of a decrease in stress in the context of the perception of specific challenges in the (tax) legal as well as financial areas. It also became clear that the region of origin and the destination region are related to assessing tax-legal aspects and administrative aspects in the economic context. Thus, there are significant differences between the Schengen Area and the U.S. area as the region of origin and these and (South East) Asia and Latin America as the destination region.

Health-related quality of life in cancer immunotherapy: a systematic perspective, using causal loop diagrams

PurposeSystem science offers a unique set of tools, including causal loop diagrams (CLDs), for stakeholders to better grasp the complexity of factors surrounding quality of life. Because the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of cancer immunotherapy patients exists within an intricate system affected by and affecting many factors across multiple dimensions, the development of a systems-level model can provide a powerful framework to aid the understanding of this complexity. We developed a CLD for HRQoL of cancer immunotherapy patients.MethodsWe first applied a literature-based approach to construct a CLD for patients following immunotherapy. We then iteratively reviewed and enhanced the CLD through interviews with subject matter experts.ResultsBased on the reviewed literature and subject matter expert input, we produced a CLD representing the system surrounding cancer immunotherapy patients’ HRQoL. Several feedback loops are identified that span clinical experiences, oncology teams’ perceptions about immunotherapy, social support structures, and further research and development in cancer immunotherapy, in addition to other components. The CLD enables visualization of thought experiments regarding how a change anywhere in the system can ultimately worsen or improve patients’ HRQoL.ConclusionThe CLD illustrates the valuable contribution of a systems perspective to quality-of-life research. This systems-based qualitative representation gives insight on strategies to inhibit harmful effects, enhance beneficial effects, and inherent tradeoffs within the system. The CLD identifies gaps in the literature and offers a communication tool for diverse stakeholders. Our research method provides an example for studying the complexities of quality of life in other health domains.

Is Online Theological Education Suitable for Spiritual/Ministerial Formation?: A Response from an African Perspective

The advancement in information and communication technologies in the last few decades has led to various innovations in the world of education. The application of technology makes information more accessible and knowledge more widely distributed, giving rise to various opportunities for instruction and learning. One such example of technological innovations in the education sector is the emergence of online academic institutions across the globe. Rising interests in the theological and pedagogical issues associated with the use of online teaching and learning platforms for spiritual/ministerial formation have prompted this study. Using a literature-based research approach, this paper analyzes data collected from books, journal articles and dissertations to ascertain the appropriateness or otherwise of online theological education for spiritual/ministerial formation from an African Christian perspective. It also discusses some pedagogical issues in online education. The paper argues that there is nothing inherently wrong with the use of online theological education for spiritual/ministerial formation; yet, the lack of access to electricity and internet facilities in some communities and unethical practices in the virtual space are major setbacks in this mode of education. In view of this, spiritual/ministerial formation through online education is encouraged only if the student is committed to ensuring ethical practices in the online learning environment, has the appropriate logistics to access the technologically-mediated teaching and learning process and is enrolled in an institution which has the pedagogical, scholarly, technological requirements for ensuring effective teaching and learning in a virtual space. Keywords: Africa, Online Education, Theological Education, Spiritual Formation

Comparing the Cultural Roots of Islamophobic Policy in China and France: The Cultural Similarities and Differences Behind State Rhetoric, Homogenisation and Repressive Policy

This research comparatively analyses the cultural roots of Islamophobic policy in China and France using an interdisciplinary, literature-based approach. In China, Han sentiments of cultural superiority interact with the deep influence of Confucianism on Han culture; a history of ethnic conflict particularly between the Uyghurs and Han Chinese; and historical scars from the century of humiliation. This results in a hatred particularly of non-Sinicized Islam, which manifests in the persecution of the Muslim-majority Uyghur cultural group. In France, colonial arrogance interacts with an increase in immigration and consequent diversity after World War II resulting in a shift in laicité’s focus towards minimising visible diversity. This centres on reducing the expression of Islam in public spaces and particularly focuses on Muslim women. In both contexts, then, cultural arrogance interacts with ethnic tensions to result in the perception that Islam that has not been homogenised is incompatible with the dominant culture.

LITERATURE-BASED APPROACH IN DEVELOPING SCIENTIFIC SKILLS AMONG YOUNG CHILDREN

Developing scientific skills among learners is the aim of every country. Children are curious about the things around them. Hence, they should be provided with science lessons that will help them develop scientific skills. Literature-based approaches (LBA) can be used in teaching science to young children. To determine the effectiveness of the Literature-Based Approach in developing scientific skills among young children, this study utilized a quasi-experiment approach. The participants were kindergarten teachers and pupils (N=27) from a public elementary school. The pupils were divided into groups of non-story (n=11) and story (n=16). In investigating the effectiveness of LBA, pretests were given to the two groups of kindergarten pupils to ensure validity and reliability. With the use of Pear Deck as an application in administering tests during online classes, it was found that there were no significant differences between the two groups in their pretest scores, thus making them suitable for the study. The data was analyzed, and after applying the two approaches, a post-test was administered. The results showed no significant difference between the post-test results after applying non-story science teaching and the Literature-based approach in the non-story and story groups. However, the study concluded that LBA effectively develops scientific skills due to the noticeable improvement of children's skills in describing, analyzing, predicting, and inferring based on the mean scores of pretests and post-test. Recommendations include further training of teachers in implementing lessons utilizing the LBA and assessing their impact on class participants.

Dilemmas and Rigors of the International Development Cooperation Dimension

The research Dilemmas and rigors of the International Development Cooperation Dimension aims to bring to the surface directions and trends of development in the field of international development cooperation. Through a literature-based approach, using databases from the Web of Sciences and Scopus platforms, you will extract the most relevant specialized papers so that we can identify and analyze the rigors and dilemmas of the topic. Starting from the premise that new dilemmas and challenges appear daily, which urge us to new research topics, I believe that the approaches and debates of specialists in the context of policies and programs implemented globally, regarding the field of international development cooperation, offer us a critical analysis on the way of operating and implementing policies/programs. Identifying a significant number of specialized researches (which are constantly growing), shows us how much the topic has developed lately, becoming a field of trends where uncertainties regarding the effectiveness and efficiency of programs and policies regularly force us to move from one paradigm to another, enthusiastically praising what seems new and performant, on the one hand, and on the other hand strongly challenging negligence, uncertainty, and lack of specialists. Unfortunately, these common approaches, from academia, are nothing more than findings, which are often dusted off by the mists of time. Living in a time when the emerging challenges are increasingly accentuated, this theoretical-applicative research aims to contribute to the development of the above topic. Analyzing the main topics debated at a global level, we will be able to easily establish the deficiencies identified by the specialists in the field. This research gathers its database with the help of WoS and Scopus databases, having as its main research tool meta-analyses, and the main conclusions are gathered with the help of SWOT analysis. The reason I have chosen this research topic is to emphasis the importance of international development cooperation, as well as to emphasis the need to develop a “Modus operandi1” system, in terms of policies and programs. My aim is to help uncover the main factors that characterize and influence decision-making in the field of International Development Cooperation, in order to help the experts in the field to achieve their intended objectives. Once the results are gathered, we will be able to easily identify what are the problems encountered by specialists in the field, as well as new research niches that are still unexplored. The results obtained can be particularly useful, both to specialists and to those interested who want to approach new topics with the theme of international development cooperation, because with the help of the elaborated model, new research perspectives can be easily recognized.

Factors Influencing Omani Women’s Autonomy to Study Overseas: A Synthesis of the Literature

This paper explores why many Omani women choose not to complete their higher education studies overseas in affluent countries such as the UK, America, Canada, or Australia. The study has shown that with a gender population of about 50/50 in schools and where the World Bank report indicates that female students’ outcomes outperform male students’ within a high-income country context of Oman, the percentage of females who obtain external scholarships is underrepresented compared with men. It has also revealed that Omani women are to some extent cognitively stymied to perpetuating wrong conceptions and beliefs toward studying abroad, and this could be attributed to the influence of essentialization, socio-cultural conventions, religious misinterpretations, and micro-political practices which have relatively restricted Omani women’s independence to pursue their aspirations. The article has investigated the status quo of gender equity in Oman and discussed what education should do to ensure more inclusive and equitable quality education, enable Omani women to realize their capabilities, and promote life-long learning opportunities for all. However, this account must be approached with caution because gender identity results from a complex interplay between structure and agency. In this study, data are collected using only a literature-based approach.

How do developed countries motivate volunteering: Comparative analysis of National Recognition Awards for volunteer in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Ireland

Purpose: With the rapid growth of volunteering in worldwide, the question of how to recognize volunteers at the national level to motivate volunteering has become a pressing matter. In a few of developed nations, volunteering is motivated by the establishment of national recognition awards for volunteer. As a result, the goal of this paper is to aid decision-makers in enhancing volunteering by drawing on the experience of these developed countries. Methods: This paper adopts a literature-based approach and presents a comparative analysis of national recognition awards for volunteer in the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, and Ireland. The comparison factors include the objectives of awards, categorization criteria, eligibility prerequisites, nomination requirements, and the evaluation process. Following that, an examination of similarities and differences between the awards will be presented, and the article will end with some suggestions. Results: Each of these four countries has established standardized and effective criteria for volunteers’ recognition awards, despite that each country's practices vary to some extent. Based on these circumstances, nations conscious of the importance of volunteer recognition which should expedite the establishment of national recognition awards for volunteers, broaden participation, focus on the effectiveness of service, establish reasonable application standards while ensuring the transparency of the selection process, and actively seek to expand cooperation with other social organizations.

Modeling the EU plastic footprint: Exploring data sources and littering potential

Despite plastic being one of the most used materials globally, information about plastic flows in value chains is generally lacking. The present study aims at estimating the European Union (EU) plastic footprint (including production and consumption flows) by combining different approaches, as well as at estimating marine littering potentials. Plastic flow estimates build on a literature review of studies on material flows analysis to gather available data. The review highlights the lack of complete and homogeneous estimates of EU plastic production and consumption, as well as detailed figures for specific sectors (e.g., fishing, healthcare, electrical and electronic equipment). Data retrieved from literature were compared with estimates based on consumption statistics (i.e., PRODCOM database). Estimates for 2014 based on literature equals to 84 kg/person, whilst results derived from PRODCOM for the 2014 equals to 129 kg/person (with an average of 112 kg/person for the period 2010–2019). Packaging contributes to 27.9% of the overall footprint in the case of the literature-based approach (23.6% in the case of PRODCOM results), which is dominated by three polymers (LDPE, PP and PET). Concerning the marine litter potential, beach litter rates -based on EU beach litter observations and plastic statistics- were in the order of 10000 part per million of the consumed plastic.. This study unveiled that methodological improvements in estimates of the EU plastic footprint together with plastic littering potential, as well as further data gathering, are fundamental steps for fulfilling the EU ambitions to assess and reduce the environmental impacts of plastics.

EDUCATION VALUES AND MORALITY OF THE MAIN CHARACTER IN “THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING” BY JAMES MARSH

<p><strong>Abstract: </strong>This research aims to analyze the values and character building in “The Theory of Everything,” to identify the morality of the main character of “The Theory of Everything” 3) the method of value formation, and 4) the implications of using this film in character building and morality in children. This research is done by using a descriptive qualitative method with a literature-based approach. This research uses content analysis, which analyzes the content of dialogue, scene, and character according to the value of character education and morality of the main character. Based on the result of research, it can be concluded that this film contains 1) the values and character building, such as religious, honesty, tolerance, hard work, creativity, independently, curiosity, nationalism, loving the country, respect for achievement, friendly or communicative, peaceful love, fond of reading, caring society dan responsibility. 2) the moral value of the main character, which is dominant, is as honest, independent, and hard work. 3) the method of value formation through dialogue and very inspirational scenes through the main characters; and 4) the implications of using this film in character building and morality in children is to build self-confidence and self-actualization.</p><p><strong>Keywords: </strong>character education; film analysis; moral values</p>

Estimation of gear SN curve for tooth root bending fatigue by means of maximum likelihood method and statistic of extremes

Gear failure due to tooth root bending fatigue is one of the most dangerous gear failure modes. Therefore, the precise definition of gear bending fatigue strength is a key aspect in gear design. As a matter of fact, in order to assess a gear component, an accurate estimation of the component SN curve is required. This curve must properly take into account three main aspects: the slope of the fatigue strength region, the slope of the region ahead the fatigue knee and the position of the knee itself. In addition, with the aim of being able of considering different reliability levels, a proper estimation of the associated dispersion is required too.Single Tooth Bending Fatigue (STBF) tests are usually used to investigate the tooth load carrying capacity with respect to the bending failure mode. However, due to the test rig configuration, two main differences between test and real case are present. Firstly, the statistical behavior is different, since in the meshing gear the strength is determined by its weakest tooth, while in a STBF test the failing tooth is predetermined. Secondly, the load history is different.Therefore, additional effects have to be taken into account to obtain the gear SN curve starting from STBF tests. In this article, due to its capability of handling interrupted tests (e.g. runouts), Maximum Likelihood Estimation (MLE) has been used to estimate, in the most reliable way, the SN curve from experimental points. SoE (Statistic of Extremes) has been adopted to move from the STBF SN curve to the gear one, as, by means of a simple mathematical passage, SoE enables the estimation of the strength of the weakest tooth among the z gear teeth and, as a consequence, of the gear. The effect of the different load history is considered by adopting a literature-based approach (i.e. use of corrective coefficient).This paper describes in detail the proposed calculation method and shows its application to determine the SN curve in a practical case.

Exploring the status of the Indonesian deep demersal fishery using length-based stock assessments

The deep demersal snapper-grouper fishery in Indonesia is a data-poor fisheries resource that provides food security and a source of income to millions globally. Owing to an ongoing crew-operated data recording system implemented in Indonesia since 2015, the stocks of this fishery can now be assessed using length-frequency data and updated life-history parameters. Here, we use two length-based methods, one that is fishery-specific and another that is more generalized, to assess the status of Indonesian stocks. Specifically, we develop a literature-based assessment method based on a patchwork of conventional approaches but tailored to the studied stocks, and compare it with a newly established and broadly applicable length-based Bayesian biomass estimation method (LBB). The methods were applied to 16 stocks from 4 Indonesian Fisheries Management Areas and were compared based on simulations, as well as the convergence of the resulting stock status classification and uncertainty of the results. Analyzing the effect of using the literature-based species/family-specific life-history parameter values for asymptotic length (Linf) and relative natural mortality (M/K) in LBB showed that different values do affect the estimated biomass indicator. Nevertheless, in more than half the cases, the stock status classification did not differ between the two methods, while LBB results became more reliable with narrower confidence limits. Simulations, as well as similar status indicators between the two models support the value of the literature-based approach as an assessment methodology for the Indonesian deep demersal fisheries. Narrower confidence ranges highlight the importance of using fishery-specific information when applying generalized stock assessment methods. While most catches had few immature fish, half of the assessed stocks were consistently shown to have low biomass, indicating that important Indonesian stocks are at high risk of overfishing.

Guiding functional near-infrared spectroscopy optode-layout design using individual (f)MRI data: effects on signal strength.

.Significance: Designing optode layouts is an essential step for functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) experiments as the quality of the measured signal and the sensitivity to cortical regions-of-interest depend on how optodes are arranged on the scalp. This becomes particularly relevant for fNIRS-based brain–computer interfaces (BCIs), where developing robust systems with few optodes is crucial for clinical applications.Aim: Available resources often dictate the approach researchers use for optode-layout design. We investigated whether guiding optode layout design using different amounts of subject-specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data affects the fNIRS signal quality and sensitivity to brain activation when healthy participants perform mental-imagery tasks typically used in fNIRS-BCI experiments.Approach: We compared four approaches that incrementally incorporated subject-specific MRI information while participants performed mental-calculation, mental-rotation, and inner-speech tasks. The literature-based approach (LIT) used a literature review to guide the optode layout design. The probabilistic approach (PROB) employed individual anatomical data and probabilistic maps of functional MRI (fMRI)-activation from an independent dataset. The individual fMRI (iFMRI) approach used individual anatomical and fMRI data, and the fourth approach used individual anatomical, functional, and vascular information of the same subject (fVASC).Results: The four approaches resulted in different optode layouts and the more informed approaches outperformed the minimally informed approach (LIT) in terms of signal quality and sensitivity. Further, PROB, iFMRI, and fVASC approaches resulted in a similar outcome.Conclusions: We conclude that additional individual MRI data lead to a better outcome, but that not all the modalities tested here are required to achieve a robust setup. Finally, we give preliminary advice to efficiently using resources for developing robust optode layouts for BCI and neurofeedback applications.

A Knowledge Graph of Mechanistic Associations Between COVID-19, Diabetes Mellitus and Kidney Diseases.

This paper proposes an automated knowledge synthesis and discovery framework to analyze published literature to identify and represent underlying mechanistic associations that aggravate chronic conditions due to COVID-19. We present a literature-based discovery approach that integrates text mining, knowledge graphs and ontologies to discover semantic associations between COVID-19 and chronic disease concepts that were represented as a complex disease knowledge network that can be queried to extract plausible mechanisms by which COVID-19 may be exacerbated by underlying chronic conditions.

An Eight-Gene Hypoxia Signature Predicts Survival in Pancreatic Cancer and Is Associated With an Immunosuppressed Tumor Microenvironment.

Intratumoral hypoxia is a widely established element of the pancreatic tumor microenvironment (TME) promoting immune escape, tumor invasion, and progression, while contributing to treatment resistance and poor survival. Despite this critical role, hypoxia is underrepresented in molecular signatures of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) and concurrent investigations into the hypoxia-immune status are lacking. In this work a literature-based approach was applied to derive an eight-gene hypoxia signature that was validated in fourteen cancer cell lines and in a cohort of PDA. The eight-gene hypoxia signature was significantly associated with overall survival in two distinct PDA datasets and showed independent prognostic value in multivariate analysis. Comparative analysis of tumors according to their hypoxia score (high versus low) determined that tumors with high hypoxia were significantly less enriched in cytotoxic T-cells, and cytolytic activity. In addition, they had lower expression of cytokines and tumor inflammatory markers, pointing to the signature’s ability to discern an immune “cold”, hypoxic TME. Combining the signature with an immune metric highlighted a worse survival probability in patients with high hypoxia and low immune reactivity, indicating that this approach could further refine survival estimates. Hypoxia as determined by our signature, was significantly associated with certain immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) biomarkers, suggesting that the signature reflects an aspect of the TME that is worth pursuing in future clinical trials. This is the first work of its kind in PDA, and our findings on the hypoxia-immune tumor contexture are not only relevant for ICI but could also guide combinatorial hypoxia-mediated therapeutic strategies in this cancer type.

Konsep Pendidikan Akhlak Menurut Ibnu Miskawaih

This study aims to analyze Ibn Miskawaih's thoughts on moral education. This research uses qualitative methods with a literature-based approach. Data collection was carried out by exploring Ibn Miskawaih's thoughts as contained in his works, the main data sources came from his work of tahzibul Akhlak, and the supporting data sources came from other works, and books and journals related to his thoughts. The results showed that according to Ibn Miskawaih, morals are mental states that invite someone to do actions without thinking and being taken into account. So that it can be used as human nature and the results of the actions that have been done, become self-righteousness that can give birth to good khuluq. Miskawaih was not only a philosopher but he was a moralist, writer, chemist, historian. So that the work that he produces is not only about one scientific aspect. According to Ibn Miskawayh, the goal of moral education is the realization of an inner attitude that is able to spontaneously encourage the birth of all righteous deeds to achieve perfection and obtain true and perfect happiness. The goal of moral education formulated by Ibn Miskawaih is the realization of an inner attitude that is able to spontaneously induce all actions of good value. So as to achieve perfection and obtain true happiness that is perfect and complete.

Integrating Form and Content within Classroom Discussion of Literature: A Discernible Advantage in Language Learning

As both form-focused (FFI) and content-based (CBI) instructions have advantages and disadvantages in language teaching, the integration of FFI and CBI into literature-based classrooms provides an ideal context to attend to form and meaning and some of the strongest rationales for language acquisition as the disadvantages of one approach will be compensated by the advantages of the other. When FFI and CBI are integrated in conjunction with literature-based approach, learners easily perceive language patterns in the meaningful context, foster content learning and initiate production of the meaningful discourse. Simply put, the advancement of grammatical accuracy and content unveils improvements in language proficiency. The present study aimed to create a favorable condition for language learning through employing FFI and CBI incorporated in a literature-based program. Quasi-experimental approach was adopted and the participants were 60 students majoring in English Language Teaching at a university. It was found that this integrative pedagogy can be used as a springboard for language proficiency development because learners are at advantage to maximize their grammar and vocabulary knowledge.

Serious game for lean layout planning: a proposal for involving company staff within the design process

Planning the layout of a company directly affects the performance of a production system. To generate an effective layout solution, it is fundamental to involve both design experts and company staff at all stages of the design process. This paper presents a novel lean layout planning system to engage company staff in the research of the layout solution. A two-step process was followed: first, a literature-based approach was applied to get a prototype layout, then a strategy to engage the company's staff in the achievement of the final solution was proposed. The article describes the proposed strategy and shows how the layout changes with or without the involvement of skilled staff. A case study of a leather bags manufacturing plant is also presented. The case study results highlight how the proposed procedure can be helpful in achieving a solution that better satisfies workers and makes employees accept working changes.

Serious game for lean layout planning: a proposal for involving company staff within the design process

Planning the layout of a company directly affects the performance of a production system. To generate an effective layout solution, it is fundamental to involve both design experts and company staff at all stages of the design process. This paper presents a novel lean layout planning system to engage company staff in the research of the layout solution. A two-step process was followed: first, a literature-based approach was applied to get a prototype layout, then a strategy to engage the company's staff in the achievement of the final solution was proposed. The article describes the proposed strategy and shows how the layout changes with or without the involvement of skilled staff. A case study of a leather bags manufacturing plant is also presented. The case study results highlight how the proposed procedure can be helpful in achieving a solution that better satisfies workers and makes employees accept working changes.