Specific Criteria Research Articles

A Global Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Carotid Body Tumors.

The carotid body, situated at the common carotid artery bifurcation, comprises specialized glomus cells responsible for sensing blood oxygen, carbon dioxide, pH, and temperature changes, crucial for regulating breathing and maintaining oxygen homeostasis. Carotid body tumors (CBTs), arising from these cells, are rare, representing only 0.5% of head and neck tumors, often presenting as benign, slow-growing, vascularized masses. In February 2023, this bibliometric analysis was conducted, which involved screening 1733 articles from the Web of Science database. The screening process was based on citation count, and articles were selected for inclusion based on specific criteria that focused on CBTs located within the carotid bifurcation. Rigorous selection involved independent screening and data extraction by four authors. The top 100 articles, published between 1948 and 2019, totaled 6623 citations and were authored by 98 unique first authors from 22 countries and 77 institutions, spanning 42 journals. Treatment articles were the predominant category, comprising 49% of the literature. This analysis offers insights into publication trends, identifies literature gaps, and outlines areas of research focus, providing a valuable resource to guide future studies on CBTs.

Associations between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and psychopathological manifestations in schizophrenic patients: A single-center study from Ecuador.

Schizophrenia, a complex neuropsychiatric disorder, is believed to be influenced by various factors including environmental exposures. A potential environmental factor is the infection by the obligate intracellular parasitic protozoan, Toxoplasma gondii which affects neurotransmitter levels, which could potentially exacerbate, trigger symptoms of schizophrenia or make them worst. To investigate the association between Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity and psychopathological presentation in persons with schizophrenia in Ecuador. This study was conducted at the Neuroscience Institute of Guayaquil, Ecuador. Among 368 inpatients, 104 were selected based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria. Descriptive statistics captured patient characteristics and mental health outcomes. Logistic regression models estimated the effect of toxoplasmosis on various mental health outcomes, controlling for demographic and health-related variables. 86.5% of participants were seropositive for toxoplasmosis. Toxoplasma-seropositive schizophrenic patients had a lower risk of depression but a significantly higher risk of disorientation. The most prevalent mental health outcomes were Language Impairments (70.2%) and Bizarre Behavior (76.0%). Our findings suggest that Toxoplasma gondii seropositivity may have specific effects on mental functions in schizophrenic patients, particularly reducing the risk of depression but increasing the risk of disorientation. Further studies are required to clarify these associations and the potential underlying mechanisms.

Intubation Decision Based on Illness Severity and Mortality in COVID-19: An International Study.

To evaluate the impact of intubation timing, guided by severity criteria, on mortality in critically ill COVID-19 patients, amidst existing uncertainties regarding optimal intubation practices. Prospective, multicenter, observational study conducted from February 1, 2020, to November 1, 2022. Ten academic institutions in the United States and Europe. Adults (≥ 18 yr old) confirmed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and hospitalized specifically for COVID-19, requiring intubation postadmission. Exclusion criteria included patients hospitalized for non-COVID-19 reasons despite a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Early invasive mechanical ventilation (EIMV) was defined as intubation in patients with less severe organ dysfunction (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment [SOFA] < 7 or Pa o2 /F io2 ratio > 250), whereas late invasive mechanical ventilation (LIMV) was defined as intubation in patients with SOFA greater than or equal to 7 and Pa o2 /F io2 ratio less than or equal to 250. The primary outcome was mortality within 30 days of hospital admission. Among 4464 patients, 854 (19.1%) required mechanical ventilation (mean age 60 yr, 61.7% male, 19.3% Black). Of those, 621 (72.7%) were categorized in the EIMV group and 233 (27.3%) in the LIMV group. Death within 30 days after admission occurred in 278 patients (42.2%) in the EIMV and 88 patients (46.6%) in the LIMV group ( p = 0.28). An inverse probability-of-treatment weighting analysis revealed a statistically significant association with mortality, with patients in the EIMV group being 32% less likely to die either within 30 days of admission (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.68; 95% CI, 0.52-0.90; p = 0.008) or within 30 days after intubation irrespective of its timing from admission (adjusted HR 0.70; 95% CI, 0.51-0.90; p = 0.006). In severe COVID-19 cases, an early intubation strategy, guided by specific severity criteria, is associated with a reduced risk of death. These findings underscore the importance of timely intervention based on objective severity assessments.

Testing the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic-like behaviours in youth with Tourette syndrome.

The aim was to test the specificity of phenomenological criteria for functional tic-like behaviours (FTLBs). The European Society for the Study of Tourette Syndrome (ESSTS) criteria for the diagnosis of FTLBs include three major criteria: age at symptom onset ≥12 years, rapid evolution of symptoms and specific phenomenology. Children and adolescents with primary tic disorders have been included in a Registry in Calgary, Canada, since 2017. Using the Yale Global Tic Severity Scale, the proportion of youth with primary tic disorders who met specific phenomenological criteria for FTLBs at first visit was assessed: (1) having ≥1 specific complex motor tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including complex arm/hand movements, self-injurious behaviour, blocking, copropraxia; (2) having ≥1 specific complex phonic tic commonly seen in FTLBs, including saying words, phrases, disinhibited speech, coprolalia; (3) having a greater number of complex tics than simple tics. Children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 were analysed separately. Of 156 participants included between 2017 and 2019, high specificity (94.2%) of the age at onset criterion (≥12 years) and of having at least two complex motor behaviours and one complex phonic behaviour at first visit (96.2%) was observed. Some of the complex motor tics had lower specificity. The specificity of the FTLB diagnostic criterion of having more complex tics than simple tics was 89.7%. There was no significant difference in specificity of the criteria for children seen for the first time between 2017 and 2019 and between 2021 and 2023 (n = 149). This information supports the use of the ESSTS criteria for FTLBs in clinical practice.

Long-term outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in treating glossopharyngeal neuralgia.

Glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GPN) is an unusual disorder causing severe, brief pain episodes in the areas supplied by the glossopharyngeal nerve. Initial treatment involves medications like carbamazepine, but if these are ineffective or cause side effects, interventional pain management techniques or surgery may be considered. Gamma Knife radiosurgery is becoming popular in managing GPN due to its lower risk of complications than surgical interventions like microvascular decompression or rhizotomy. In this retrospective case series, we examined the outcomes of Gamma Knife radiosurgery in eight patients with GPN. The decision to utilize Gamma Knife radiosurgery was made following specific criteria, including failed surgical interventions, patient preference against surgery, or contraindications to surgical procedures. Patients were administered radiation doses within the range of 80 to 90 Gy, targeting either the cisternal glossopharyngeal nerve or glossopharyngeal meatus of the jugular foramen. Evaluations were conducted before the Gamma Knife radiosurgery; at 3, 6, and 12 months after Gamma Knife radiosurgery; and annually thereafter. Pain severity was assessed using the modified Barrow Neurological Institute scale grades, with patients achieving grade I-IIIa considered to have a good treatment outcome and grade IV-V to have a poor treatment outcome. Pain control and absence of radiosurgery-related complications were primary endpoints. The median age of the patients was 46.5 years, varying from 8 to 72 years. The median duration of pain was 32 months (range, 12-120 months). All patients, except one, were on polydrug therapy. All cases exhibited preoperative grade V pain. The median follow-up duration after Gamma Knife radiosurgery was 54.5 months, varying from 14 to 90 months. The overall clinical assessments revealed a gradual neurological improvement, particularly within the first 8.5 weeks (range, 1-12 weeks). The immediate outcomes at 3 months revealed that all patients (8/8, 100%) experienced pain relief, with 25% (2/8) achieving a medication-free status (Grade I). Three patients (37%) experienced a recurrence during the follow-up and were managed with repeat Gamma Knife radiosurgery (n = 2) and radiofrequency rhizotomy (n = 1). At the last follow-up, 88% (7/8) of patients had pain relief (Grades I-IIIa), with three (37%) achieving a medication-free status (Grade I). No adverse events or neurological complications occurred. The patient who underwent radiofrequency rhizotomy continued to experience inadequately controlled pain despite medication (Grade IV). Gamma Knife radiosurgery is a non-invasive, efficacious treatment option for idiopathic GPN, offering short- and long-term relief without permanent complications.

Research on the application of data mining algorithm in photojournalism and short video communication

Short films and photojournalism are crucial parts of video communication, yet there are issues including poor video integration, inconsistency between short videos and photojournalism, and slow communication speed. In order to evaluate and analyse video communication, this research offers a data mining algorithm. First, the database's images and videos are chosen and analysed using a mining algorithm, and then the indicators are reduced by dividing them into groups based on the specifications for video dissemination. video transmission distractions. The mining algorithm then analyses the video propagation, creates a plan that satisfies the criteria, and refines the plans that satisfies the criteria. Analyse. The integration level, timeliness, and compliance rate of data mining algorithms for video propagation are superior to traditional video dissemination method under specific analysis criteria, according to MATLAB simulation.

Advancing Digital Twin-Based Collision Avoidance: A Comprehensive Analysis of Communication Networks for Safety-Critical Applications in Industry 4.0.

This study presents a theoretical framework for defining the performance level of wireless safety functions within industrial environments. While acknowledging the simplifications inherent in our approach-primarily based on packet loss rates as a measure of system performance-the study underscores the dynamic challenges posed by real-world warehouses. Through an in situ measurement study of a forklift truck safety system, we validate the proposed method and emphasize the need for a more nuanced examination of wireless communication in complex settings. The study advocates for an expanded theoretical framework that considers fluctuations in warehouse dynamics, accounting for their impact on packet loss rates and, consequently, the precision of performance-level assessments. Furthermore, the research highlights the complexity introduced by wireless system characteristics not addressed in the simplified model, urging future investigations to incorporate these factors for a comprehensive understanding of wireless safety systems. The absence of specific criteria for wireless systems within existing standards emphasizes the necessity for a specialized framework in addressing safety aspects unique to wireless applications.

Biopolymer‐based coatings for anti‐corrosion of Ti‐alloys used in biomedical applications: A review

AbstractThere are several enviable attributes of titanium and its alloys that contribute to their popularity in biomedical devices and equipment, including their rather low modulus, excellent corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility, good machinability, formability, and strength comprehensive impact and fatigue. Nevertheless, titanium and its alloys do not meet all medical requirements due to its unique properties and alloys, so surface modifications must be made to enhance mechanical, chemical, and biological characteristics. As a review of biomedical engineering, this article discusses specific polymers for coating applications as well as various polymer coatings for functionalization improvements. The versatility of biopolymer coatings makes them extremely appropriate for a broad range of biological uses. To enhance the engineering of tissue and drug delivery, this study summarized and analyzed the most recent advances in biopolymer coatings. Surface qualities of polymer coatings can be adjusted to meet specific criteria for various biomedical applications or integrated with new capabilities. Moreover, polymer coatings containing different inorganic ions can enhance the growth of tissue, proliferation of cells, healing, as well as the transfer of biomolecules, like active molecules, agents of antimicrobial, factors of growth, and medications.Highlights Surface modification avenues of Ti materials as orthopedic replacements are critically reviewed. Basic descriptions of titanium and titanium alloys are presented. Advances in the corrosion behavior of biomedical titanium alloys are thoroughly scrutinized. Fundamental methods based on mechanical, physical, and chemical principles for biopolymer coatings are particularly presented. Main biopolymer coatings types that are used on titanium surfaces are reviewed.

Definition of sensory and instrumental thresholds of acceptability for selection of cassava genotypes with improved boiling properties.

Consumers of boiled cassava in Africa, Latin America and Asia use specific preference criteria to evaluate its cooking quality, in terms of texture, colour and taste. To improve adoption rates of improved cassava varieties intended for consumption after boiling, these preference criteria need to be determined, quantified and integrated as post-harvest quality traits in the target product profile of boiled cassava, so that breeding programs may screen candidate varieties based on both agronomic traits and consumer preference traits. Surveys of various end-user groups identified seven priority quality attributes of boiled cassava covering root preparation, visual aspect, taste and texture. Three populations of contrasted cassava genotypes, from good-cooking to bad-cooking, in three countries (Uganda, Benin, Colombia) were then characterized according to these quality attributes by sensory quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and by standard instrumental methods. Consumers' preferences of the texture attributes mealiness and hardness were also determined. By analysis of correlations, the consumers' preferences scores were translated into thresholds of acceptability in terms of QDA scores, then in terms of instrumental measurements (water absorption during boiling and texture analysis). The thresholds of acceptability were used to identify among the Colombian and Benin populations promising genotypes for boiled cassava quality. This work demonstrates the steps of determining priority quality attributes for boiled cassava and establishing their corresponding quantitative thresholds of acceptability. The information can then be included in boiled cassava target product profiles used by cassava breeders, for better selection and adoption rates of new varieties. © 2024 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.

What kind of children do kindergarten teachers prefer? -Typology of the preferred types of children.

The teacher's pets are a common occurrence in the field of education. To investigate the preferences teachers exhibit toward certain children, the study focused on kindergarten teachers and employed a mixed research methodology. Initially, qualitative interviews were conducted with 15 kindergarten teachers to identify specific criteria influencing teacher preferences. Subsequently, A comprehensive model of teacher's pets was developed through a questionnaire survey involving 463 participants. This model encapsulated 32 distinct indicators, categorized into 7 types: children with good appearance (GA), exceptional abilities (OA), commendable conduct (GC), proactive and enthusiastic demeanor (PE), compliant and carefree nature (OC), children from vulnerable groups (VC), and those influenced by their parents (PI). The resulting model demonstrated a sound structure. Not only did it validate existing findings, but it also expanded upon the identified types of teacher's pets. An analysis based on game theory revealed the weighted combinations, highlighting the top three types of teacher's pets: children influenced by parental factors (24.3%), proactive and enthusiastic individuals (15.7%), and obedient, carefree children (14.8%), respectively. Conversely, the representation of vulnerable-concerned children (11.1%) was the lowest among the identified types.

Establishment of the Lunar Phase Morphological Classification for Cervical Spinal Canal.

Retrospective clinical trial. To establish a morphological classification of the cervical spinal canal using its parameters. Cervical spine computed tomography (CT) data of 200 healthy volunteers in 2 years were analyzed. The morphology of the spinal cord was also analyzed. The median sagittal diameter and transverse diameter of the spinal canal from C2 to C7 were measured on CT images. The ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter was calculated. Accordingly, the spinal canal shape of each segment was classified into four, and the specific criteria of lunar phase classification were determined through linear discriminant analysis based on the ratio of the median sagittal diameter to the transverse diameter. The inter-rater reliability of the classification was explored using Kappa coefficients. Finally, the morphology of the different segments of the cervical spinal canal in healthy volunteers was revised and compared. According to the ratio of the median sagittal diameter and the transverse diameter of the cervical spinal canal, the lunar phase classification of the cervical bony spinal canal was determined as follows: full-moon >0.65, 0.55< convex-moon ≤0.65, 0.46≤ quarter-moon ≤0.55, and residual-moon <0.46. The Kappa values of C2-C7 were 0.851, 0.958, 0.823, 0.927, 0.793, and 0.946, and the Kappa value of all C2-C7 segments was 0.854 that mainly presented two forms of full-moon (76.5%) and convex-moon (23.0%). A quarter-moon spinal canal was mainly distributed in C3, C4, C5, and C6; a residual-moon spinal canal was mainly distributed in C4 and C5; and the morphological distribution of C4 and C5 were similar (p>0.05). The frequency of the spinal canal of the residual-moon type was the highest, and the full-moon (6.5%) and residual-moon (7.5%) types of C7 were rare. The morphological classification of the cervical spinal canal was established to present anatomical variations. The classification showed good inter-rater reliability.

The effectiveness of Instagram Advertising for Digital Marketing Strategy: Systematic Literature Review

This systematic literature review study aims to understand the effectiveness of Instagram advertising for digital marketing. It used online data from Google Scholar and Proquest with the keywords "effectiveness" AND "Instagram Advertising," which only uses papers reviewed for research. This study used PRISMA to create a systematic review. A total of 195 journal reviews were processed and then cleaned through specific criteria so that only 19 related papers were taken. From the 19 papers processed, it can be concluded that Instagram advertising is very effective in helping digital marketing. This research is expected to increase understanding for both practitioners and researchers regarding Instagram advertising and the use of PRISMA itself.

The Influence of Knowledge, Religiosity, and Subjective Norms By Mediating Attitudes Towards The Purchase Intention of Halal Cosmetics

This research aims to determine the relationship and influence of knowledge, religiosity, and subjective norms with the mediation of attitudes on the intention to purchase halal cosmetic products. The data that will be presented in this research was obtained from the results of distributing questionnaires to 166 respondents from generation Y and Z Muslim consumers who consume halal cosmetic products in Indonesia. The sampling technique used in this research was non-probability sampling with a purposive sampling method. This research uses purposive sampling because special criteria are needed for the sample to be taken so that it can answer research problems and also provide representative values. Hypothesis testing in this research uses Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) analysis with the help of AMOS 24 software. The results of this research show that there is a positive and significant influence on the variables of knowledge, religiosity, subjective norms, attitudes and purchase intentions

Fostering Equity in Rural Education: a Literature Review on Student Dropout and Retention Strategies

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyze the causes of student dropout in rural universities. The objective was to understand a complex phenomenon that represents a major obstacle to development and equal opportunities in the rural educational context. Theoretical framework: Different scientific publications were reviewed in all the academic platforms with the highest impact in the scientific field. This allowed the researchers to broaden their knowledge and, ultimately, to deepen their understanding of the subject studied in this work. Design/Methodology/Approach: The methodology of the study included a documentary review, with content analysis as the main strategy. The databases Scopus, Redalyc, SciELO Dialnet and Google Scholar were used, with specific inclusion criteria related to the period of publication, type of study, languages and availability in open format. Findings: The data found revealed that university dropout occurs due to various situations, such as individual and socioeconomic factors, geographic and access barriers, quality of education and available resources. In addition, cultural and social aspects, and sometimes the lack of empathy on the part of authorities, professors and peers, cause university dropouts. Social, practical and research implications: The study has important implications for understanding and reducing dropout in the rural university context, which will have implications for areas such as education, policy and social development. Originality/value: It is crucial that education policy makers and university institutions work in a coordinated manner to design comprehensive strategies tailored to the specific needs of each rural community. Continued research and analysis of the elements that influence dropout will identify new opportunities for improvement and ensure equitable access to higher education. This will contribute to the academic, professional and social development of rural students and strengthen the educational fabric of these regions. Taken together, these suggestions aim to strengthen student retention and provide equitable educational opportunities in rural areas, thus contributing to greater equality of opportunity and the integral development of these communities.

Analyzing the impact of data visualization applications for diagnosing the health conditions through hesitant fuzzy-based hybrid medical expert system

Effectively managing healthcare data is crucial for accurate diagnosis and personalized patient care. As the utilization of healthcare data grows for personalized care, concerns about reliability, privacy, and security have emerged. To address these issues, this research explores the fusion of analytical techniques with interactive visual representations, known as visual analytics, as a promising solution. The focus is on evaluating the trustworthiness of healthcare data in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly the capability of visual analytics tools in facilitating accurate and secure healthcare data analysis. This study tackles challenges such as the absence of specific evaluation criteria, the need to process vast healthcare datasets, the establishment of trust, and the necessity for automation. In response, a hybrid medical decision support system is introduced, leveraging hesitant fuzzy decision systems. The primary objective is to evaluate trustworthiness of visual analytics tools for disease diagnosis within healthcare data. Within the framework of hesitant fuzzy logic, the paper employs a medical multi-criteria decision-making system that integrates the analytic network process and the technique for order of preference by similarity to an ideal solution. Rigorous validation ensures the accuracy and reliability of the findings. The research not only provides valuable insights but also conducts comparative analyses of the proposed models against existing ones, demonstrating the practicality of optimal decision-making in Saudi Arabia environment of healthcare scenarios. Several popular alternatives of healthcare based tools have been used in this study such as Tableau, JupyteR, Zoho Reports, QlikView, Visual.ly, DOMO BI, SAS Visual Analytics. From the results achieved DOMO BI visual analytics tool is found to be most secure and robust tool for healthcare professionals. This effort aims to enhance patient care and outcomes, ultimately contributing to the improvement of the overall healthcare landscape in Saudi Arabia.

Effects of game-based physical education program on enjoyment in children and adolescents: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review to summarize and assess the advancements lately made on the enjoyable impacts of game-based physical education interventions on children and adolescents. Additionally, it attempted to identify the effects and variables influencing the enjoyable outcomes of children and adolescents’ engagement in physical education games, through meta-analysis.MethodsThis study involves a comprehensive search of different databases like Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, EBSCOhost, Cochrane, and Scopus. Specific criteria are established for the selection process to make sure the relevant literature included. The quality assessment of the included researches is conducted based on the guidelines outlined in the Cochrane 5.1 handbook. Review Manager 5.3 software is employed to synthesis the effect sizes. Additionally, bias is assessed using funnel plots, and to identify potential sources of heterogeneity, subgroup analyses are performed.ResultsA total of 1907 academic papers, out of which 2 articles were identified via other data sources. The present study examined the impact of a pedagogical intervention involving physical education games on the enjoyment experienced by children and adolescents. The results indicated a significant positive effect (MD = 0.53, 95%CI:[0.27,0.79], P < 0.05) of this intervention on enjoyment. Subgroup analyses further revealed that both boys (MD = 0.31, 95%CI:[0.13,0.50], P < 0.05) and girls (MD = 0.28, 95%CI:[0.05,0.51], P < 0.05) experienced increased pleasure compared to traditional physical education. Additionally, children under 12 years of age (MD = 0.41, 95%CI:[0.17,0.64], P < 0.05) benefited from sessions lasting at least 30 minutes or more per session (MD = 0.40, 95%CI:[0.19,0.60], P < 0.05), occurring 1 to 3 times per week (MD = 0.28, 95%CI:[0.16,0.40], P < 0.05), and lasting for more than 3 weeks (MD = 0.81, 95%CI:[0.29,1.34], P < 0.05). These findings suggest that the implementation of physical education games can be an effective approach to teaching this subject.Conclusions1) Interventions using physical games have been shown to yield beneficial outcomes in terms of enhancing the enjoyment experienced by children and adolescents. 2) The effectiveness of treatments aimed at promoting enjoyment among children and adolescents is influenced by several aspects, including gender, age, duration and frequency of physical activity, as well as the specific cycle of activity used.

Alterations of sleep deprivation on brain function: A coordinate-based resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging meta-analysis.

Sleep deprivation is a prevalent issue that impacts cognitive function. Although numerous neuroimaging studies have explored the neural correlates of sleep loss, inconsistencies persist in the reported results, necessitating an investigation into the consistent brain functional changes resulting from sleep loss. To establish the consistency of brain functional alterations associated with sleep deprivation through systematic searches of neuroimaging databases. Two meta-analytic methods, signed differential mapping (SDM) and activation likelihood estimation (ALE), were employed to analyze functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. A systematic search performed according to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across multiple databases through July 29, 2023. Studies that met specific inclu-sion criteria, focused on healthy subjects with acute sleep deprivation and reported whole-brain functional data in English were considered. A total of 21 studies were selected for SDM and ALE meta-analyses. Twenty-one studies, including 23 experiments and 498 subjects, were included. Compared to pre-sleep deprivation, post-sleep deprivation brain function was associated with increased gray matter in the right corpus callosum and decreased activity in the left medial frontal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule. SDM revealed increased brain functional activity in the left striatum and right central posterior gyrus and decreased activity in the right cerebellar gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, corpus callosum, and right cuneus. This meta-analysis consistently identified brain regions affected by sleep deprivation, notably the left medial frontal gyrus and corpus callosum, shedding light on the neuropathology of sleep deprivation and offering insights into its neurological impact.

The Effects of Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy on Borrowing Costs and Credit Access for SMEs: An Empirical Study

The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of fiscal policies (FP) on borrowing costs and credit access (BCAC) for SMEs, considering the role of monetary policy (MP) as a the second independent factor. This research aims to understand more deeply how fiscal and monetary policies can be utilized to support growth and access to finance for SMEs, as well as identify remaining barriers to access to finance. Through comprehensive analysis, this study is expected to provide effective policy recommendations to improve access to credit for SMEs, which in turn can support economic growth and job creation. This study adopts a quantitative research design using statistical analysis to examine the impact of fiscal policies on borrowing costs and credit access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs). The analysis will be conducted using the SMARTPLS 3.0. Sample size based on valuable samples are 120 of SME. The sampling technique used in this study will be purposive sampling. This approach will involve selecting SMEs that meet specific criteria, such as size, sector, and eligibility for relevant government programs or incentives. Result of this study state Fiscal Policy (FP) and Monetary Policy (MP) have a significant effect on Borrowing Costs and Access to Credit (BCAC).

The Effect of Fiscal Decentralization, Balanced Budget, Provincial Financial Aid, and Public Investment on Human Development Index with Population as a Moderation Variable in Regency/City Regional Government in North Sumatra Province

This research aims to analyze the influence of Fiscal Decentralization, Balancing Funds, Provincial Financial Assistance, and Public Investment on the Human Development Index partially and simultaneously. This research also analyzes the influence of Fiscal Decentralization, Balancing Funds, Provincial Financial Assistance, and Public Investment on the Human Development Index with Population as a moderating variable. The population of this research is the Regency/City Government in North Sumatra Province, totaling 33 Regency/Cities. Data collection methods were carried out using documentation techniques using secondary data, namely APBD Realization Reports, Population Data, and Human Development Index data for 2017-2021. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling based on specific criteria. Based on these criteria, a total of 145 analysis units were obtained. The data analysis methods used in this research are descriptive statistical analysis methods, classical assumption tests, multiple linear regression analysis, sensitivity test analysis, hypothesis testing, and residual tests using SPSS version 25. This research shows that Fiscal Decentralization, Balancing Funds, Provincial Financial Assistance, and Public Investment affect the Human Development Index. Partially, fiscal decentralization and provincial financial assistance have positively affected the human development index. The Balancing Fund has a negative effect on the Human Development Index, and Public Investment does not affect the Human Development Index. This research also concludes that population is a moderating variable in strengthening and weakening the relationship between Fiscal Decentralization, Balancing Funds, Provincial Financial Assistance, and Public Investment on the Human Development Index. Keywords: fiscal decentralization, balancing funds, provincial financial assistance, public investment, human development index, population.

Assessment of rehabilitation effectiveness in patients with COPD as part of the project "PulmoRehab – Access to healthcare services through a personalized care system for patients with COPD, including remote monitoring and tele-rehabilitation based on Artificial Intelligence methods"

Introduction. In the project “PulmoRehab – Access to Healthcare Services through a Personalized Patient Care System for COPD including Remote Monitoring and Tele-rehabilitation Based on Artificial Intelligence Methods,” SP ZOZ Specialized Hospital Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration in Głuchołazy and 10 partners conducted research on tele-rehabilitation for people suffering from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). The tele-rehabilitation program, based on personalized approach and technology, allowed patients to use therapy at home or a convenient location. The project aimed to reduce social inequalities in healthcare by providing remote access to health services for COPD patients. Materials and Methods. The study involved 80 patients aged 50 to 76 years, hospitalized at Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration’s Specialist Hospital of St. John Paul II, meeting specific criteria. Qualification for the tele-rehabilitation program took into account the assessment of exercise tolerance, dyspnea, fatigue, lung ventilatory function, and saturation. The program included exercises adapted to the individual needs of the patients. Results. Analysis of the results conducted using XLSTAT software 2021.2.2 showed statistically significant differences between spirometric values before and after rehabilitation. Similarly, significant improvement was observed in the results of the 6MWT test and blood saturation. The tele-rehabilitation program proved effective in improving respiratory health parameters in COPD patients. Conclusions. 1. The tele-rehabilitation program improves lung ventilatory function in people with COPD. It reduces the feeling of dyspnea, decreases fatigue, improves SpO2, and increases exercise tolerance, demonstrating the beneficial effects of the rehabilitation applied. 2. The obtained results encourage further research on a representative group with the use of randomization.