Value Of Use Research Articles

Local Use of Mangroves on the Coast of Southeastern México

Mangroves are essential for the well-being of the inhabitants of coastal areas, who have extensive knowledge about the use and exploitation of this resource. However, this knowledge is decreasing, which could trigger negative repercussions for this ecosystem. Ethnobiological investigations make it possible to gather information on the use, management, and exploitation of this resource. Hence, this paper presents a study that is framed around the coastal area of the state of Tabasco, in southeast México, and consists of 74 semi-structured interviews that were carried out, while the local relevance of each mangrove species was evaluated using ethnobiological indices. Three species of mangrove were identified, Avicennia germinans, Laguncularia racemosa, and Rhizophora mangle, and the latter species had the highest Use-Value (UV) Index value of 6.08. A total of 27 forms of forestry use were found, 11 for non-timber use and 16 for timber use. Firewood stood out as the main use with 12.6%, while the use of needles to make cloth and crafts represented the lowest percentage with 0.3%. The uses given by the coastal population to the mangroves and their respective species were influenced by immediate needs and specific characteristics of each species. To ensure the sustainability of mangroves, it is essential to design environmental strategies that integrate local ethnobiological knowledge and promote the active participation of direct users of this ecosystem. These strategies should be incorporated into public conservation policies, recognizing the cultural and economic value that mangroves hold for local communities. By implementing these actions, the relationship between communities and their environment will be strengthened, laying the groundwork for further exploration of coastal ethnobiology.

Reflection of Gender Digital Divide on Digital Financial Inclusion in Context of Indian Bankers: An Empirical Analysis

The study aims to examine the presence of gender difference in Digital Financial Inclusion of Indian bankers reflected through Gender Digital Divide. UTAUT2 model was adopted to examine the Behavioral Intention of bankers to adopt Digital Banking. Structured questionnaires framed on 5-point Likert scale were distributed among 300 bankers, selected through random sampling, and received 260 completed questionnaires. Statistical data analysis was done using PLS-SEM. Findings reveal that five out of the eight UTAUT2 factors (Perceived Usefulness, Social Influence, Hedonic Motivation, Habit, and Price Value) have significant roles for men and three have significant roles for women (Perceived Ease of Use, Personal Innovativeness, and Facilitating Conditions). Research indicates that women are trailing behind in the use of digital banking, which is concerning because their internet banking adoption and usage can motivate other women to use digital media, thereby raising their Financial Inclusion level.

The Influence of Artificial Intelligence Marketing on Consumer Purchase Intentions The Mediating Roles of Hedonic and Utility Values

Artificial intelligence (AI) has changed the game for companies all around the globe. The impact of AI in many areas, including personal behaviour, corporate economics, and new trends, has been the subject of a great deal of research. This study examined the factors—accuracy, insight, interaction, perceived usefulness, and hedonic value—that people use to form opinions on AI and how those opinions impact their intents to buy things online. It delves further into the connection between AI technology and purchase intention, specifically looking at the mediating role of hedonic value. Quantitative method was used in this study, surveying people in Punjab, Pakistan, utilizing Google Forms, social media, and WhatsApp to disseminate self-administered surveys. A total of 450 respondents successfully completed the survey. The findings highlighted the significant impact of AI marketing on consumer purchase intentions. Mediating role of Hedonic Value and Utility is found significant. Resultantly, AI marketing encounters greatly boost the hedonic value of items or services, resulting in consumers finding these interactions engaging and pleasurable.

Investigation of the Clinical Value of Four Visualization Modalities for Congenital Heart Disease.

Diagnosing congenital heart disease (CHD) remains challenging because of its complex morphology. Representing the intricate structures of CHD on conventional two-dimensional flat screens is difficult owing to wide variations in the pathologies. Technological advancements, such as three-dimensional-printed heart models (3DPHMs) and virtual reality (VR), could potentially address the limitations of viewing complex structures using conventional methods. This study aimed to investigate the usefulness and clinical value of four visualization modalities across three different cases of CHD, including ventricular septal defect, double-outlet right ventricle, and tetralogy of Fallot. Seventeen cardiac specialists were invited to participate in this study, which was aimed at assessing the usefulness and clinical value of four visualization modalities, namely, digital imaging and communications in medicine (DICOM) images, 3DPHM, VR, and 3D portable document format (PDF). Out of these modalities, 76.4% of the specialists ranked VR as the best for understanding the spatial associations between cardiac structures and for presurgical planning. Meanwhile, 94.1% ranked 3DPHM as the best modality for communicating with patients and their families. Of the various visualization modalities, VR was the best tool for assessing anatomical locations and vessels, comprehending the spatial relationships between cardiac structures, and presurgical planning. The 3DPHM models were the best tool for medical education as well as communication. In summary, both 3DPHM and VR have their own advantages and outperform the other two modalities, i.e., DICOM images and 3D PDF, in terms of visualizing and managing CHD.

Ethnobotanical insights on the management of plant pests and diseases by smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province of South Africa

BackgroundPests and diseases are a major contributor to yield losses in sub-Saharan Africa, prompting smallholder farmers to seek cost-effective, accessible and ecologically friendly alternatives for crop protection. This study explored the management of pests and diseases affecting crops across eight selected villages in Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga Province, South Africa.MethodsA total of 120 smallholder farmers were purposefully selected utilising the snowball technique. Information on the management of plant pests and diseases was collected through interviews and focus group discussions using semi-structured interview schedules. Ethnobotanical indices, including relative frequency of citation (RFC), use-value (UV) and informant consensus factor (Fic), were used to quantify and rank the plants used for crop protection in the study area.ResultsTwenty-three plant species (16 naturalised exotics and seven indigenous plants) belonging to 16 families were used for managing pests (vertebrates and invertebrates) and diseases (fungal and bacterial related) affecting crops in the study area. The dominant (100%) crops cultivated by the participants were Allium cepa L., Mangifera indica L., Solanum lycopersicum L. and Zea mays L. The RFC value ranged from 0.08 to 0.83 and the three most popular plants for crop protection were Capsium annuum L. (0.83), A. cepa (0.63) and Dichrostachys cinerea (L.) Wight & Arn. (0.43). In terms of the UV, the five most promising plants used as biocontrol were Tulbaghia violacea (0.13), A. cepa (0.12), C. annuum L. (0.09), Solanum campylacanthum Hochst. Ex A.Rich.(0.09) and Pinus pinaster (0.08). Based on the Fic, four categories were established and dominated by fungal diseases (0.64). Furthermore, T. violacea and A. cepa were the most often mentioned plants used against fungal conditions. Other categories cited were bacterial diseases (0.3), invertebrate pests (0.11) and vertebrate pests (0.14), an indication that smallholder farmers had limited agreement or common knowledge about the plants used for their management. The preparation methods included maceration (38%), decoction (38%) and burning (24%). Foliar application (67%) and soil drenching (33%) were used for administering plant extracts during the management of crop pests and diseases.ConclusionThe study highlights the importance of botanicals and associated indigenous knowledge among smallholder farmers in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa. It is pertinent to explore the valorisation of these botanicals by generating empirical data on their biological efficacies and phytochemical profiles.

Ethnobotanical knowledge of the Kaibarta community of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley zone of Assam

An ethnobotanical study was carried out among the peoples of the Kaibarta Community of Upper Brahmaputra Valley Zone of Assam to assess their rich indigenous knowledge system, regarding the application of the ethnomedicinal plants as phyto remedies against certain common ailments. The information on the application of medicinal plants was obtained by interviewing the selected respondents using a semi-structured questionnaire and group conversation. A total of 33 medicinal plants belonging to 24 families were recorded which are used by the target groups for curing 14 common and frequently occurring ailments. 16 of the recorded plants were herbs, 11 were shrubs, 5 were trees, and 1 climber. The data collected during the fieldwork were analyzed for various parameters, i.e., Informant’s Consensus Factor (ICF) Fidelity value (FL%), Use-value (UV) index, and Plant part value (PPV). The highest ICF was calculated against Tonsilitis and Piles followed by Helminthiasis, Gastric, and Diabetes. The majority of reported plant species were used against a single specific ailment. Therefore, they have a high FL% i.e., 100 percent. The highest use value (> .5) was recorded for Ocimun sanctum, Houttuynia cordata, Oxalis corniculata, Azadirachta indica, Musa balbisiana, and Citrus medica, while the leaf has the highest PPV (0.5). The biological activities of the recorded plants were reported from available phytochemical and pharmacological literature and found a positive correlation between the traditional knowledge of the community and the biological activities of the recorded plants. Therefore, it is strongly recommended for extensive ethnobotanical study of the community to fully explore their indigenous knowledge.

Psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery (OFER) scale among healthcare professionals

ABSTRACT Objective The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the Italian version of the Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion/Recovery (OFER). Methods A cross-sectional study among 434 healthcare workers was undertaken. The factorial validity of the OFER, was compared using standard confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) with exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Internal consistency, convergent validity, and factorial invariance (across gender) were assessed. Results A three-factor first-order ESEM solution provided the best and most parsimonious representation of the data: χ2(63) = 212.81, p < .001, RMSEA = 0.074 (90% CI 0.063–0.085), CFI = 0.949, TLI = 0.915. The three-factors were chronic fatigue, acute fatigue, and intershift recovery. Chronic and acute factors showed excellent internal consistency (ω > 0.80), however intershift recovery showed less internal consistency (ω < 0.70). OFER scores were found to be positively correlated with FAS scores, supporting its convergent validity. Conclusions The OFER was factorially invariant across gender. Overall, our findings provided evidence for the satisfactory psychometric properties of the OFER among Italian workers, confirming its value for use in both practical occupational and academic research settings.

What are the clinical usefulness and scientific value of intramuscular injection of autologous serum (autologous serum therapy) in patients with atopic dermatitis?

What are the clinical usefulness and scientific value of intramuscular injection of autologous serum (autologous serum therapy) in patients with atopic dermatitis?

Uso y conocimiento tradicional de plantas medicinales en comunidades de Villa Corzo, Chiapas, México

The use and knowledge of native and naturalized medicinal plants were evaluated in four communities of Villa Corzo, Chiapas, Mexico. The information was obtained through semi-structured surveys conducted with 118 people of different age and gender categories. To determine the most important plant species, indexes of value and frequency of use were generated. Seventy-nine species of 49 families were recorded, as well as their use in the treatment of various diseases according to local knowledge. The species with the highest value of use were Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f., Verbena officinalis L. (verbena), Ocimum basilicum L. (basil) and Psidium guajava L. (guava). (guava). The most important families by number of species used were, in order of importance: Asteraceae and Rutaceae with five species Lamiaceae, Fabaceae and Rosaceae with four species each.

Maize Pharmacy of Sweet Corn (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata var. Rugosa)

Sweet maize (Zea mays L. convar. saccharata var. Rugosa) is unique in sweet-taste, and pleasant flavour, hence the need to increase its usefulness and commercial values by enhancing its shelf-life and control of post-harvest losses. This preliminary study therefore simulated the traditional, natural, non-alcoholic, field-corn fermentation method for freshly-harvested yellow sweet corn into ògì, a fermented gruel or porridge food. Lactobacillus casei, Lactobacillus fermentum, Lactobacillus plantarum, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae predominated the naturally fermented ògì sample from sweet maize, with pH of 5.0–5.3. Observable characteristics of yellow sweet maize-fermented ògì were similar to those of yellow, field corn-fermented ògì. Present study is the first to report fermentation of sweet corn to ògì, indicative of sweet maize as a high potential plant substrate for health-promoting and nutritious fermented human diet, especially as prebiotics and probiotics, for lactating nursing mothers, convalescents, aged, and as weaning-food for infants or complementary food for children and adults.

Utilization of Plants as Traditional Food by The Dayak Iban Community of Mensiau Village, Batang Lupar District, Kapuas Hulu Regency

The Iban Dayak people use forest plants from non-timber forest products (NTFPs) as traditional food. The purpose of the study was to study traditional foods and to record the types of forest plants used, processing methods, and efforts to maintain their sustainability by the Dayak Iban community in Mensiau Village, Batang Lupar District, Kapuas Hulu Regency. Interviews with the determination of respondents by purposive sampling. The Iban Dayak tribe has 14 types of traditional foods that are used for daily needs, certain holidays, and traditional ceremonies using 56 types of forest plants (33 families). The families with the most species were 8 species of Arecaceae, 6 species of Zingiberaceae, and 5 species of Poaceae. A total of 37 species have the greatest usefulness value (UV) (1). The most widely used habitus were herbs (26,78%) The most widely used plant parts were leaves (49,25%). How to process it by cooking boiled, sauteed, and eaten directly (lalap). Conservation efforts are carried out based on the local wisdom of the Iban Dayak community with certain rules and carry out plant cultivation in forests, fields, gardens, and house yards.

Development of a prognostic model for lung adenocarcinoma polarity-related genes and analysis of immune landscape.

Despite the progress made in the management of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), the overall prognosis for LUAD individuals remains suboptimal. While the role of cell polarity in tumor invasion and metastasis is well established, its prognostic significance in LUAD is still unknown. Differential analysis was performed on the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA)-LUAD and normal lung tissue, and candidate genes were identified by intersecting differentially expressed genes with polarity-related genes (PRGs). A prognostic model was constructed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression and LASSO regression. To enhance the robustness of the analysis, an independent prognostic analysis was conducted by incorporating relevant clinical information. The accuracy and sensitivity of the model were validated using survival analysis and ROC curves. Finally, immune landscape, immune therapy, tumor mutation burden, and drug sensitivity analysis were carried out on high- and low-risk patients. Ten prognostic genes were screened to divide LUAD patients into different risk groups. Survival analysis, ROC curves, and univariate/multivariate Cox regression analyses collectively demonstrated the favorable predictive performance of the model, which could be an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram, in conjunction with the calibration curve, demonstrated the model's compelling predictive capacity in prognosticating the overall survival of LUAD individuals. Low-risk LUAD patients exhibited heightened levels of immune cell infiltration, immune scores, and immune checkpoint expression compared to high-risk individuals. So, they may have a greater likelihood of benefiting from immune therapy. The high-risk group demonstrated a remarkably higher tumor mutation burden (TMB) in contrast with the low-risk group. XAV-939, Fulvestrant, and SR16157 may have potential value in the clinical use of LUAD. We revealed the potential linkage between PRGs and LUAD prognosis, and the application of these prognostic factors in risk stratification and prognosis prediction of LUAD patients may be of great significance.

Tissue Sealant Impact on Skull Base Reconstruction Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite significant advances in understanding of skull base reconstruction principles, the role of tissue sealants in modifying postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leak outcomes remains controversial. We evaluate postoperative CSF leak incidence associated with tissue sealant use in skull base defect repair during endoscopic skull base surgery (ESBS). Web of Science, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Systematic review and meta-analysis of risk differences (RD). A search strategy identified original studies reporting CSF leakage following ESBS with disaggregation by tissue sealant use and/or type. 27 non-randomized studies (n = 2,403) were included for qualitative and meta-analysis. Reconstruction with a tissue sealant did not significantly reduce postoperative CSF leak risk compared with reconstruction without sealant (RD[95% CI] = 0.02[-0.01, 0.05]). Sub-analyses of dural sealant (-0.02[-0.11, 0.07]) and fibrin glue (0.00[-0.07, 0.07]) compared with no sealant were similarly unremarkable. Postoperative CSF leakage was not significantly modulated in further sub-analyses of DuraSeal (0.02[-0.02, 0.05]), Adherus (-0.03[-0.08, 0.03]), or Bioglue (-0.06[-0.23, 0.12]) versus no dural sealant use, or Tisseel/Tissucol versus fibrin glue nonuse (0.00[-0.05, 0.05]). No significant association was seen comparing dural sealant use versus fibrin glue use on pairwise (0.01[-0.03, 0.05]) or network meta-analysis (-0.01[-0.05, 0.04]). Limitations in source literature prevented sub-analyses stratified by leak characteristics, defect size and location, and accompanying reconstruction materials. Tissue sealant use did not appear to impact postoperative CSF leak incidence when compared with nonuse. Higher quality studies are warranted to thoroughly elucidate the clinical value of adjunct sealant use in endoscopic skull base reconstruction. N/A Laryngoscope, 134:3425-3436, 2024.

INFLA-score: A new diagnostic paradigm to identify pericarditis

BackgroundDiagnosis of pericarditis may be challenging because not all patients meet the conventional criteria. An overlooked diagnosis implies a longer course of symptoms and an increased risk of recurrences. C-reactive protein (CRP), widely used as an inflammation marker, has some limitations. This study aimed to assess the usefulness and prognostic value of INFLA-score, a validated index assessing low-grade inflammation, in the definite diagnosis of pericarditis. MethodsPatients with suspected pericarditis were included. The INFLA-score was computed based on white blood cells and platelet count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and CRP, ranging from −16 to +16. An INFLA-score > 0 was considered positive for the presence of pericardial inflammation. The primary end point was the association of INFLA-score with diagnosis of pericarditis according to conventional criteria. The recurrence of pericarditis at 6 months was the secondary end point. ResultsA total of 202 patients were included, aged 47 ± 17 years, and 57% were females. Among 72 (36%) patients with a diagnosis of pericarditis, an INFLA-score > 0 was observed in 86% (vs. 36%, p < 0.001), abnormal CRP in 42% (vs. 10%, p < 0.001), pericardial effusion in 44% (vs. 19%, p < 0.001), abnormal electrocardiogram in 56% (vs. 24%, p < 0.001), and rubs in 5% (vs. 0.1%, p = 0.072). INFLA-score > 0 had the strongest predictive value for the diagnosis of pericarditis (hazard ratio 8.48, 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.39–21.21), with 86% sensitivity and 64% specificity, as opposed to CRP (hazard ratio 1.72, non-significant 95% CI 3.39–21.20). Recurrent pericarditis at 6 months was more frequent in patients with a positive INFLA-score (37% vs. 8%, p < 0.001, rate ratio 4.15, 95% CI 2.81–6.12). In patients with normal CRP, INFLA-score–confirmed ongoing inflammation in 78% of the cases. Compared with the conventional criteria, the INFLA-score had the highest accuracy (area under the curve = 0.82). Different cutoffs were valuable to rule out (INFLA-score > 0, sensitivity 86%, and negative LR 0.22) or rule in (INFLA-score ≥ 10, specificity 97%, and positive LR 13) the diagnosis. ConclusionsThe INFLA-score is a useful diagnostic tool to assess the probability of pericarditis, with a strong prognostic value for further recurrences, outperforming CRP.

Influence of socio-demographic factors on medicinal plant knowledge among three selected ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia

BackgroundThe influence of socio-demographic variables was widely explored to evaluate their impact on indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge. However, the studies conducted in Ethiopia mainly focused on rural areas. They were limited to exploring and documenting ethnobotanical knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables in rural–urban interface areas among ethnic groups. Hence, this study aimed to document plant-based indigenous and local ethnomedicinal knowledge and the associated impacts of socio-demographic variables among selected three ethnic groups in south-central Ethiopia.MethodsEthnobotanical data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 189 key informants, floristic species inventories, and field observations. Quantitative approaches were used to evaluate the use values (UV) of the most important medicinal plants, the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), relative popularity level (RPL), and rank-order priority (ROP). Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the influences of socio-demographic factors and associations between variables on local ethnobotanical knowledge across ethnic groups in different informant categories.ResultsStatistical analysis revealed significant differences (p < 0.05) in the mean number of medicinal plants reported among age categories. There was also a positive association between the respondent's age and plant knowledge acquisition. Croton macrostachyus Hochst. ex Delile, Albizia gummifera C.A.Sm., Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Aloe macrocarpa Tod., Gymnanthemum amygdalinum (Delile) Sch.Bip., Calpurnia aurea (Aiton) Benth, and Allium sativum L. had the highest use values among ethnic groups. The highest informant consensus factor values were recorded for circulatory system disorders (0.68) followed by febrile illness and reproductive organ complications (0.66 each) across the three studied ethnic groups. The highest FL, RPL, and ROP values were noted for Lactuca inermis Forssk., Moringa stenopetala (Baker f.) Cufod., Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal, Allium sativum L., Citrus limon (L.) Osbeck, Ricinus communis L., Schinus molle L., Antiaris toxicaria (J.F.Gmel.) Lesch., Brucea antidysenterica J.F.Mill., Echinops kebericho Mesfin, Ocimum jamesii Sebald, Afrocarpus falcatus (Thunb.) C.N.Page, Searsia natalensis (Bernh. ex Krauss) F.A.Barkley, and Ricinus communis L. across ethnic groups in the study areas, which showed the conformity of knowledge on species curing potential and their prevalent uses.ConclusionThe study revealed that the ethnic groups of Gedeo, Oromo, and Sidama have considerable indigenous and local ethnobotanical knowledge practices. Statistical analysis shown high variation in the acquisition of local ethnobotanical knowledge among age groups, which boosted our understanding of the effects of socio-demographic factors on the local ethnobotanical knowledge dynamics. Thus, this finding advocates for efforts to repair the observed generation gap via continued professional support and educating local communities to preserve traditional knowledge and practices through systematic documentation.

A Literature Perspective of Stakeholder’s Perceptions of Value and Risks for the Secondary Use of Health Data

A Literature Perspective of Stakeholder’s Perceptions of Value and Risks for the Secondary Use of Health Data

Ethnobotanical survey of plant species in folkloric medicine in Hawul Local Government Area, Borno State

Area of Borno State was conducted with a view to document the indigenous knowledge of some medicinal plant species found in the area. The information was obtained through semi-structured questionnaire. The benefits, importance and coverage of ethnomedicine were expressed through several quantitative indices including Informant Consensus Factor (ICF), Use Value (UV) and Fidelity Level (FL). The agreement of homogeneity between the present and previous studies and among the indigenous communities was evaluated using the Jaccard Index (JI). A total of fifty-five (55) medicinal plant species, which were distributed in twenty-nine (29) families were documented from one hundred (100) informants. Majority of documented species were trees, and leaves were the most utilised plant parts for the preparation of ethnomedicines. The highest ICF value was 0.77 for digestive system disorders. The information retrieved from the questionnaires revealed that the most common ailments were pile and ulcer. Based on UVs, the two most commonly cited ethnomedicinal plant species in the study area were Khaya senegalensis (0.40) and Piliostigma thonningii (0.35) . The most common method of preparation was by decoction and the major route of administration was oral. Phytochemical profiles showed that flavonoids, alkaloids, phenols, saponins and tannins were the major phytochemical components in Khaya senegalensis and Piliostigma thonningii leaves. This justified the frequent use of these plants in folklore medicine by the traditional herbal practitioners to treat different illnesses.

Differentiation of urban-rural interface and its driving mechanism: A case study of Nanjing, China

The urbanrural interface is the frontier of urban expansion and rural development. Understanding the differentiation and driving mechanism of the urbanrural interface could help policy-makers mitigate negative impacts of development and promote integration through proper planning. Taking Nanjing as an example, this study provides new insights into the different types of urbanrural interfaces and what drives their. differentiation. We first built a conceptual framework to hypothesize how the urbanrural interface was differentiated. Based on multiple datasets, a two-step classification method (random forest model and k-medoids) and the multinomial logistic regression (MLR) model were then introduced to identify different urbanrural interfaces and explore influencing factors, respectively. The results show that 341 communities/villages were identified as belonging to the urbanrural interface, with 37 communities/villages as urban-dominant, 128 communities/villages as intertwined, and 176 communities/villages as rural-dominant. Most mean values of land use, demographic, and socioeconomic characteristics decreased sequentially from urbandominant to intertwined and rural-dominant interfaces. MLR results indicated that transportation and economy were common drivers, while policy orientation, planning, and location accounted for the different urbanrural interfaces. In combination with the conceptual framework and additional investigations, this study concluded the driving mechanism of urban-rural interface differentiation in Nanjing. Specifically, the development of urban-dominant interface was mainly promoted by local governments; the development of intertwined interface was usually driven by complicated factors with the involvement of many stakeholders; policies facilitated by central/regional government accounted more for the development of rural-dominant interface. With the above analysis, this study further discussed the relationship between the urbanrural interface and planning system, and proposed differential development and management suggestions for the urban-rural interface.

Liquid crystalline inverted lipid phases encapsulating siRNA enhance lipid nanoparticle mediated transfection

Efficient cytosolic delivery of RNA molecules remains a formidable barrier for RNA therapeutic strategies. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) serve as state-of-the-art carriers that can deliver RNA molecules intracellularly, as exemplified by the recent implementation of several vaccines against SARS-CoV-2. Using a bottom-up rational design approach, we assemble LNPs that contain programmable lipid phases encapsulating small interfering RNA (siRNA). A combination of cryogenic transmission electron microscopy, cryogenic electron tomography and small-angle X-ray scattering reveals that we can form inverse hexagonal structures, which are present in a liquid crystalline nature within the LNP core. Comparison with lamellar LNPs reveals that the presence of inverse hexagonal phases enhances the intracellular silencing efficiency over lamellar structures. We then demonstrate that lamellar LNPs exhibit an in situ transition from a lamellar to inverse hexagonal phase upon interaction with anionic membranes, whereas LNPs containing pre-programmed liquid crystalline hexagonal phases bypass this transition for a more efficient one-step delivery mechanism, explaining the increased silencing effect. This rational design of LNPs with defined lipid structures aids in the understanding of the nano-bio interface and adds substantial value for LNP design, optimization and use.

Strategy Formulation to Increase User Intention to Use Electric Ride Hailing Service in Indonesia

The emergence of electric ride-hailing services as a form of contribution from applicators in response to the government's transformation movement towards massive and equitable use of electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 has captured the attention of the public in Indonesia. However, this new business model still needs to be reviewed to gain more awareness so that more users can use the service. Research on user perceptions of the technology is needed to develop electric ride-hailing services. Analysis of factors related to the user adoption process of electric online transportation services will be carried out using an integrated model of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). Data processing and analysis will be carried out using the Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) method. The results showed that usefulness has a significant effect on Attitude Towards Use and Attitude Towards Use has a significant effect on Intention to Use so that applicators are expected to be able to implement strategies in increasing user perceptions of the value of usefulness in increasing the intention to use this service.