bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Key Drivers of the Emergency Capabilities of Integrated Elderly Services Supply Chains
Authors: He Jingshi , Zhu Jiali
Published: November 2021

This study investigated integrated elderly care services supply chains using a combination of Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL), Interpretative Structural Modeling (ISM), and the Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), The research identifies the key factors related to the emergency response capabilities of elderly service supply chains and the most important ways to improve them. The integrated DEMATEL-ISM-TOPSIS method provides new theoretical support for the management of elderly care service supply chains.
Eustress and Distress in the Context of Telework
Authors: Van Slyke Craig , Lee Jaeung , Duong Bao Q. , Ellis T. Selwyn
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic brought about a surge in telework, with many organizations using telework to continue operations. Teleworkers are subject to stress due to the demands of working from home. Despite the common view of stress as being detrimental, stress can also be beneficial. In this paper, we investigate two forms of stress, eustress (beneficial stress), and distress (detrimental stress) using a theoretically-derived model that includes antecedents and outcomes of eustress and distress. We test our model using data from a survey of 525 American teleworkers. Results indicate that job resources (autonomy, managerial support, and technical support), and personal resources (resilience and self-efficacy) affect eustress, while job demands (work overload, social isolation, and resource inadequacies) affect distress. Eustress is positively associated with job and telework satisfaction and negatively associated with telework exhaustion. Distress has the opposite effects. Our findings hold implications for researchers and practitioners.
Some novel hybrid quinazoline-based heterocycles as potent cytotoxic agents
Authors: Malekzadeh Mahla , Dadkhah Shadi , Khodarahmi Ghadam Ali , Asadi Parvin , Hassanzadeh Farshid , Rostami Mahboubeh
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose:

In this study, some new cytotoxic hybrid structures were synthesized by combining pyrazolinone and imidazolinone rings with quinazoline pharmacophores.

Experimental approach:

The benzoxazinone, pyrazolo-quinazoline fused ring, and imidazolinone anchored quinazoline derivatives were synthesized by simple ring-opening, ring expansion, and ring closure strategies from oxazolones. The molecular docking studies of the final derivatives were accomplished on the epidermal growth factor receptor enzyme. The cytotoxic effect of the final compounds on the MCF-7 cell line was evaluated by MTT assay.

Findings/Results:

The docking results confirmed the optimized electrostatic, H-bonding, and hydrophobic interactions of structures with the key residues of the active site (ΔGbin< -9Kcal/mol). The derivatives have been obtained in good yield and purity, and their structures were confirmed by different methods (FT-IR, 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, and CHNS analysis). The IC50s of all final derivatives against the MCF-7 cell line were lower than 10 μM, and between all, the IXa from pyrazolo-quinazolinone class (IC50: 6.43 μM) with chlorine substitute was the most potent. Furthermore, all derivatives showed negligible cytotoxicity on HUVEC normal cell line which would be a great achievement for a novel cytotoxic agent.

Conclusion and implications:

Based on the obtained results, pyrazolo[1,5-c] quinazolin-2-one series were more cytotoxic than imidazolinone methyl quinazoline-4(3H)-ones against MCF-7 cells. Chlorine substitute in the para position of the aromatic ring improved the cytotoxicity effect in both classes. It could be related to the polarizability of a chlorine atom and making better intermolecular interactions. Further pre-clinical evaluations are required for the promising synthesized cytotoxic compounds.
Portal system thrombosis in an HIV-infected child
Authors: Daga Pawan , Shah Ira
Published: November 2021

HIV infection can lead to venous thrombosis due to protein C deficiency, protein S deficiency, or antiphospholipid syndrome. Most patients present with deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism. We report a 10-years-old HIV-infected girl who presented with life-threatening hematemesis. Computed tomography scan of the abdomen and angiography showed thrombosis of the portal vein, superior mesenteric vein, and splenic vein. She was advised antiretroviral therapy and prothrombotic workup, however, she took discharge against medical advice.
Therapeutic Efficacy of Dexmedetomidine on the Pressor Response Due to Endotracheal Intubation and on the Induction Dose of Propofol for Surgeries Under General Anesthesia
Authors: Kore Shilpa Sarang , Teresa Jose Vazhakalayil Subha , Shah Krusha Suresh
Published: November 2021

Introduction:

Pressor response to laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation has been associated with sympathetic and parasympathetic responses which can be attenuated by alpha 2 receptor agonists.

Aims:

The present study aimed to compare and evaluate the effectiveness of dexmedetomidine in attenuating hemodynamic response to endotracheal intubation and also on the induction dose of propofol.

Materials and Methods:

It was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded, parallel group, placebo-controlled study in tertiary care hospital. A total of 50 patients aged 18–60 years, American Society of Anaesthesiology 1 and 2, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia (GA). Each patient in Group 1 received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine at 0.001 mg/kg over 10 min before induction of anesthesia and Group 2 received 20 ml normal saline over 10 min. Hemodynamic parameters prior to laryngoscopy and up to 10 min after intubation were measured. The requirement of induction dose of propofol was also calculated.

Results:

Dexmedetomidine showed significant efficacy in suppressing pressor response during endotracheal intubation. Furthermore, lesser dose of propofol was required for induction of GA.

Conclusion:

Dexmedetomidine can be used as an adjuvant in GA to prevent pressor response during intubation and decrease the requirement of intravenous induction agent propofol.
Mobile Health Technology and Healthcare Providers: Systemic Barriers to Adoption
Authors: Zakerabasali Somayyeh , Ayyoubzadeh Seyed Mohammad , Baniasadi Tayebeh , Yazdani Azita , Abhari Shahabeddin
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Despite the growing use of mobile health (mHealth), certain barriers seem to be hindering the use of mHealth applications in healthcare. This article presents a systematic review of the literature on barriers associated with mHealth reported by healthcare professionals.Methods: This systematic review was carried out to identify studies published from January 2015 to December 2019 by searching four electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Embase, and Google Scholar). Studies were included if they reported perceived barriers to the adoption of mHealth from healthcare providers’ perspectives. Content analysis and categorization of barriers were performed based on a focus group discussion that explored researchers’ knowledge and experiences.Results: Among the 273 papers retrieved through the search strategy, 18 works were selected and 18 barriers were identified. The relevant barriers were categorized into three main groups: technical, individual, and healthcare system. Security and privacy concerns from the category of technical barriers, knowledge and limited literacy from the category of individual barriers, and economic and financial factors from the category of healthcare system barriers were chosen as three of the most important challenges related to the adoption of mHealth described in the included publications.Conclusions: mHealth adoption is a complex and multi-dimensional process that is widely implemented to increase access to healthcare services. However, it is influenced by various factors and barriers. Understanding the barriers to adoption of mHealth applications among providers, and engaging them in the adoption process will be important for the successful deployment of these applications.
Estimating the Optimal Dexketoprofen Pharmaceutical Formulation with Machine Learning Methods and Statistical Approaches
Authors: Başkor Atakan , Tok Yağmur Pirinçci , Mesut Burcu , Özsoy Yıldız , Uçar Tamer
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Orally disintegrating tablets (ODTs) can be utilized without any drinking water; this feature makes ODTs easy to use and suitable for specific groups of patients. Oral administration of drugs is the most commonly used route, and tablets constitute the most preferable pharmaceutical dosage form. However, the preparation of ODTs is costly and requires long trials, which creates obstacles for dosage trials. The aim of this study was to identify the most appropriate formulation using machine learning (ML) models of ODT dexketoprofen formulations, with the goal of providing a cost-effective and timereducing solution.Methods: This research utilized nonlinear regression models, including the k-nearest neighborhood (k-NN), support vector regression (SVR), classification and regression tree (CART), bootstrap aggregating (bagging), random forest (RF), gradient boosting machine (GBM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) methods, as well as the t-test, to predict the quantity of various components in the dexketoprofen formulation within fixed criteria.Results: All the models were developed with Python libraries. The performance of the ML models was evaluated with R2 values and the root mean square error. Hardness values of 0.99 and 2.88, friability values of 0.92 and 0.02, and disintegration time values of 0.97 and 10.09 using the GBM algorithm gave the best results.Conclusions: In this study, we developed a computational approach to estimate the optimal pharmaceutical formulation of dexketoprofen. The results were evaluated by an expert, and it was found that they complied with Food and Drug Administration criteria.
Mapping the Korean National Health Checkup Questionnaire to Standard Terminologies
Authors: Hwang Ji Eun , Park Hyeoun-Ae , Shin Soo-Yong
Published: November 2021

Objectives: An increasing emphasis has been placed on the integration of clinical data and patient-generated health data (PGHD), which are generated outside of hospitals. This study explored the possibility of using standard terminologies to represent PGHD for data integration.Methods: We chose the 2020 general health checkup questionnaire of the Korean Health Screening Program as a resource. We divided every component of the questionnaire into entities and values, which were mapped to standard terminologies—Systematized Nomenclature of Medicine Clinical Terms (SNOMED CT) version 2020-07-31 and Logical Observation Identifiers Names and Codes (LOINC) version 2.68.Results: Eighty-nine items were derived from the 17 questions of the 2020 health examination questionnaire, of which 76 (85.4%) were mapped to standard terms. Fifty-two items were mapped to SNOMED CT and 24 items were mapped to LOINC. Among the items mapped to SNOMED CT, 35 were mapped to pre-coordinated expressions and 17 to post-coordinated expressions. Forty items had one-to-one relationships, and 17 items had one-to-many relationships.Conclusions: We achieved a high mapping rate (85.4%) by using both SNOMED CT and LOINC. However, we noticed some issues while mapping the Korean general health checkup questionnaire (i.e., lack of explanations, vague questions, and overly narrow concepts). In particular, items combining two or more concepts into a single item were not appropriate for mapping using standard terminologies. Although it is not the case that all items need to be expressed in standard terminology, essential items should be presented in a way suitable for mapping to standard terminology by revising the questionnaire in the future.
Stakeholders’ Perceptions of the Implementation of a Patient-Centric Digital Health Application for Primary Healthcare in India
Authors: Faujdar Dharamjeet Singh , Singh Tarundeep , Kaur Manmeet , Sahay Sundeep , Kumar Rajesh
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Health systems are shifting from traditional methods of healthcare delivery to delivery using digital applications. This change was introduced at a primary care centre in Chandigarh, India that served a marginalised population. After establishing the digital health system, we explored stakeholders’ perceptions regarding its implementation.Methods: Ethnographic methods were used to explore stakeholders’ perceptions regarding the implementation of the Integrated Health Information System for Primary Health Care (IHIS4PHC), which was developed as a patient-centric digital health application. Data were collected using focus group discussions and in-depth interviews. Participatory observations were made of day-to-day activities including outpatient visits, outreach field visits, and methods of health practice. The collected information was analysed using thematic coding.Results: Healthcare workers highlighted that working with the digital health system was initially arduous, but they later realised its usefulness, as the digital system made it easier to search records and generate reports, rapidly providing evidence to make decisions. Auxiliary nurse midwives reported that recording information on computers saved time when generating reports; however, systematic and mandatory data entry made recording tedious. Staff were apprehensive about the use of computer-based data for monitoring their work performance. Patients appreciated that their previous records were now available on the computer for easy retrieval.Conclusions: The usefulness of the digital health application was appreciated by various primary healthcare stakeholders. Barriers persisted due to perceived needs for flexibility in delivering healthcare services, and apprehensions continued because of increased transparency, accountability, and dependence on computers and digital technicians.
Population Mobility, Lockdowns, and COVID-19 Control: An Analysis Based on Google Location Data and Doubling Time from India
Authors: Periyasamy Aravind Gandhi , Venkatesh U
Published: November 2021

Objectives: Physical distancing is a control measure against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Lockdowns are a strategy to enforce physical distancing in urban areas, but they are drastic measures. Therefore, we assessed the effectiveness of the lockdown measures taken in the world’s second-most populous country, India, by exploring their relationship with community mobility patterns and the doubling time of COVID-19.Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis based on community mobility patterns, the stringency index of lockdown measures, and the doubling time of COVID-19 cases in India between February 15 and April 26, 2020. Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between the stringency index, community mobility patterns, and the doubling time of COVID-19 cases. Multiple linear regression was applied to predict the doubling time of COVID-19.Results: Community mobility drastically fell after the lockdown was instituted. The doubling time of COVID-19 cases was negatively correlated with population mobility patterns in outdoor areas (r = –0.45 to –0.58). The stringency index and outdoor mobility patterns were also negatively correlated (r = –0.89 to –0.95). Population mobility patterns (R2 = 0.67) were found to predict the doubling time of COVID-19, and the model’s predictive power increased when the stringency index was also added (R2 = 0.73).Conclusions: Lockdown measures could effectively ensure physical distancing and reduce short-term case spikes in India. Therefore, lockdown measures may be considered for tailored implementation on an intermittent basis, whenever COVID-19 cases are predicted to exceed the health care system’s capacity to manage.
Ten Years of Universal Testing: How the Rapid Diagnostic Test Became a Game Changer for Malaria Case Management and Improved Disease Reporting
Authors: Aidoo Michael , Incardona Sandra
Published: November 2021

In 2010, the World Health Organization changed its guidance on malaria case management, recommending parasitological confirmation of all suspected cases before treatment with an antimalarial. This recommendation was in large part as a result of the availability of quality assured malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) that made it possible for malaria diagnosis to be performed by laboratory staff in all health facilities irrespective of the facility’s place in the tiered health system. Community health workers and other non-laboratory health workers who traditionally did not perform malaria testing due to the technical and logistic demands of smear microscopy were now able to test for malaria. The use of RDTs has led to substantial increases in testing rates, improved quality of case management, as well as more accurate reporting of malaria cases. Although current RDTs have limitations, they remain one of the most important tools in contemporary malaria control. Further improvements to existing products, such as increased sensitivity for non-falciparum tests, diversification of Plasmodium falciparum antigen targets, along with strengthened health system support for current RDTs will further enhance their utility in malaria control and prevention.
Assessing an Adaptation of the Universal Parasite Diagnostic Assay for Bloodborne Parasites in a US State Public Health Laboratory
Authors: Clemons Brooke , Barratt Joel , Lane Meredith , Qvarnstrom Yvonne , Teal Allen E. , Zayas Greicy , Madison-Antenucci Susan
Published: November 2021

For complex clinical cases where a parasitic infection is suspected, it can be difficult for clinicians to recommend an appropriate laboratory test. These tests are usually pathogen-specific and require a certain degree of suspicion for the precise etiology. A recently described assay, the universal parasite diagnostic (UPDx) can potentially provide a diagnosis of any parasite present in a specimen. Using primers that amplify DNA from all eukaryotes, UPDx differentiates several parasitic infections in blood by amplicon-based next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 18S rDNA locus. As the state’s public health reference laboratory, the Parasitology Laboratory at the Wadsworth Center (Albany, NY) receives specimens from patients who have potentially encountered a wide variety of parasites. As such, the ability to differentiate several blood parasites using a single assay is of interest. We assessed UPDx for its ability to confirm parasitic infections for 20 specimens that were previously identified by real-time PCR (RT-PCR). This included specimens positive for Babesia microti, Trypanosoma cruzi, Leishmania tropica, various Plasmodium species, and specimens comprising mixed Plasmodium sp. infections. Results obtained using UPDx were largely concordant with the RT-PCR assays. A T. cruzi positive specimen was negative by UPDx and for two mixed Plasmodium sp. infections only one species was detected. The results obtained for other specimens were concordant. We conclude that UPDx shows promise for the detection of blood parasites in diagnostic laboratories. As NGS becomes cheaper, assays like UPDx will become increasingly amenable to use in clinical settings.
History and impact of a bean (Phaseolus spp., Leguminosae, Phaseoleae) collection
Authors: Debouck Daniel , Santaella Marcela , Santos Luis Guillermo
Published: November 2021

This work explains the reasons why a bean collection was established in 1973 at the International Center of Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) near Palmira in Colombia. It shows the impact of the collection on plant breeding and in agricultural development through the distribution of germplasm to the center’s bean breeding program, to successively ﬁnd resistances to pests and diseases, adaptation to low phosphorus and drought, and more recently higher content of iron and zinc in seeds. The collection was also used to progress knowledge in biological sciences, as shown by a dozen of examples. A reason behind these successes was foresight and focus on diversity per se in the collection. The paper ends with a number of suggestions for the way ahead for the genetic resources conservation and management of these bean crops, and possible take-home lessons for curators in charge of other similar collections.
Agradecimientos
Authors: O. Leiro Fabio , Bianchi Romina
Published: November 2021

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HELIUM RELEASE FROM 12Cr18Ni10Ti STAINLESS STEEL AFTER IMPACT OF STEADY STATE GLOW DISCHARGE He PLASMA
Authors: Glazunov G.P. , Bondarenko M.N. , Konotopskiy A.L. , Garkusha I.E. , Maznichenko S.M. , Tarasov I.K.
Published: November 2021

The thermal desorption experiments were carried out to study the process of helium outgassing from the stainless steel 12Cr18Ni10Ti after exposure to a steady state glow discharge (GD) plasma in He atmosphere. The currentvoltage characteristics in different plasma regimes have been measured and estimation of He ions energy has been made. Measurements of He release from the stainless steel probes showed the saturation of probe surface with He after the fluencies of ~ 4 ∙ 1019 ion/cm2. The value of He outgassing strongly depends on the regime of GD plasma: pressure of work gas, discharge voltage, etc. Several maximums, including the maximum at the temperature of 100…150 °C, were registered in the He desorption curves that indicated different He atom states on the surface and in the nearest surface bulk. Physical mechanisms of such He outgassing are discussed.
PROPERTIES OF TUBES FROM Zr-1% Nb ALLOY AFTER THERMOCHEMICAL TREATMENT AND HYDROGENATION
Authors: Trush V.S. , Voyevodin V.N. , Stoev P.I. , Fedirko V.N. , Lukyanenko A.G. , Tikhonovsky M.A. , Panov V.A.
Published: November 2021

The influence of treatment in controlled gas environments with subsequent hydrogenation on the physical and mechanical characteristics of the Zr-1% Nb zirconium alloy has been investigated. The surface hardness and the size of the diffusion-hardened layer of the ring-samples cut from fuel tubes from the Zr-1% Nb alloy after treatment in oxygen- and nitrogen-containing gaseous media with subsequent saturation with hydrogen have been established. The influence of the parameters of the gaseous medium and the modes of thermochemical treatment (TCT) of specimens-rings on the destructive stresses under static load at temperatures of 20 and 380 °C is shown. It was revealed that treatment in the investigated gas environment increases the resistance to hydrogen saturation and has a positive effect on the long-term strength of ring specimens from the zirconium alloy Zr-1% Nb.
SPATIAL NONUNIFORM DISTRIBUTION OF 235U ISOTOPE AT SUPERCRITICAL FLUID EXTRACTION WITH CARBON DIOXIDE IN A GRADIENT TEMPERATURE FIELD
Authors: Borts B.V. , Skoromnaya S.F. , Kazarinov Yu. G. , Neklyudov I.M. , Tkachenko V.I.
Published: November 2021

The spatial redistribution of the 235U isotope of natural uranium in a gradient temperature field along the height of the reactor in supercritical carbon dioxide has been experimentally investigated. The scheme of the reactor is given and the principle of operation of the reactor is described. The method of preparation of initial samples from granite samples containing natural uranium and the procedure of extraction are described. The conclusion about the spatial redistribution of 235U isotopes in supercritical carbon dioxide is based on the analysis of gamma spectra of extracts. It is shown that the concentration of the 235U isotope in a supercritical fluid is maximal near the lower heated flange of the reactor, and decreases with approaching the upper, cooled flange. It was concluded that the separation factor of the 235U isotope in supercritical carbon dioxide can be about 1.2 ± 0.12.
Roadmap to Net Zero: Delivering Science-Based Targets in the Apparel Sector
Authors: Sadowski Michael , Perkins Lewis , McGarvey Emily
Published: November 2021

The apparel industry has seen a proliferation of companies setting and committing to science-based targets (SBTs) in recent years. Currently, over 100 companies have approved SBTs or commitments to set them – up from a dozen just three years ago. Given this momentum, identifying how companies and the sector will deliver on these ambitious targets is imperative. Determining the “how” is the central objective of the Roadmap. Using data from the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and Textile Exchange, this report estimated apparel sector emissions to be 1.025 gigatons CO2e in 2019. Unchecked, emissions will grow to 1.588 gigatons by 2030 – off pace to deliver the 45% absolute reduction required to limit warming to 1.5°C. This report identifies six interventions to deliver roughly three quarters of reductions to align with a 1.5°C scenario: maximizing material efficiency, scaling sustainable materials and practices, accelerating the development of innovative materials, proliferating energy efficiency, eliminating coal in manufacturing, and shifting to 100% renewable electricity. To close the gap, the industry will need to transition to circular business models and practices. While data on GHG benefits of circularity are sparse, there is a significant opportunity to reduce impact by moving away from today’s linear model (take, make, waste).
MARGINAL NOTES TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE ON THE HEARING FOR THE IMPOSITION OF CRIMINAL SANCTIONS
Authors:   Department of Law Science, State University in Novi Pazar, Ćorović Emir
Published: November 2021

The article refers to the hearing for imposing a criminal sanction, as a simplified procedural form provided by the Serbian Criminal Procedure Code. It is an institute which in comparative legislation is usually called a penal order. The paper critically considers the regulation of this procedural form, and at the end are given some proposals de lege ferenda.
MEMBERS OF THE LGBT COMMUNITY UNDER ARTICLE 12 OF THE EUROPEAN CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS
Authors:   Faculty of Law, University of Niš, Dimovski Darko
Published: November 2021

The author presents the most significant decisions of the European Court of Human Rights regarding the right to marriage for members of the LGBT community. From the analyzed cases, we can follow the development of this right for members of the LGBT community, on the basis of which they were given the opportunity to conclude the so-called civil partnership. At the same time, the author's paper distinguishes between cases in which there has been a change of sex and, accordingly, certain problems with regard to the exercise of rights under Article 12 of the Convention.
CHALLENGES OF APPLICATION AND INTERPRETATION OF REGULATIONS IN THE PRACTICE OF MISDEMEANOR COURTS
Authors:   Judge of the Misdemeanor Court in Šabac, Jeličić Mladen
Published: November 2021

The author analyzes the always current issue of application and interpretation of regulations in the practice of misdemeanor courts. The scope and complexity of the matter in which misdemeanor courts act is pointed out, but also the fact that shortcomings in the regulation of regulations represent a major problem in court practice. The subject of the author's interest are the basic principles of application of law as the basic activity of misdemeanor courts, which is why the structure of the legal norm and the distinction between factual and legal issues are considered. Then, the notion of court interpretation of regulations was analyzed and attention was drawn to the dangers of applying the analogy in substantive misdemeanor law. The author considered the issues of court interpretation of regulations which provide for the objective responsibility of a natural person and different interpretations of regulations as the cause of uneven court practice. Numerous court decisions listed in the paper served as a basis to point out the importance of court interpretation of legal institutes for misdemeanor liability. Through the theoretical aspect and rich case law, the author analyzed some controversial issues and offered solutions to the problem, concluding that judges of misdemeanor courts in their daily work have great challenges related to the application and interpretation of regulations.
Main Determinants Influencing Inward and Outward Foreign Direct Investments in Thailand: Comparisons and Vital Implications
Authors: Liu Hsiang-Hsi , Dejphanomporn Pitprapha
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Foreign direct investment (FDI) has played an important role in the evolution of globalization and is the cornerstone of industrial expansion and economic development. From 1988 to 1990 till now, Thailand has been one of the main destinations of FDI, namely inward FDI (IFDI). However, outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) increased rapidly from 2003 to 2011, and it continues to grow. Although initially a net importer, Thailand has transformed into a net exporter of direct investment in 2011. Since 2003, Thailand has entered a stage of re-emergence of OFDI, and this growth trend of OFDI will continue in the future. The purpose of this study is to investigate the main determinants of Thailand's IFDI and OFDI, and apply a panel data model to determine which determinants have a significant impact on Thailand's IFDI and OFDI. We considered the FDI flows between Thailand and its five FDI partners (Japan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Singapore and the United States) from 1997 to 2014, where IFDI was 1997-2014, and 2004-2014 was OFDI. Regarding the determinants of Thailand's IFDI and OFDI, the market size (relative per capita GDP), Thailand's openness, relative R&D intensity and bilateral trade agreements have a positive impact on FDI decisions for both IFDI and OFDI. Relative wages and geographic distance have opposite effects on Thailand's IFDI and OFDI. Specifically, our empirical results show that market size is the most important determinant of IFDI inflows into Thailand, while the most important determinant of Thai OFDI is bilateral trade agreements.

JEL classification numbers: F14, F23, F43.
Keywords: Foreign Direct Investment, Panel Data Model, Fixed Effects, Generalized Least Squares (GLS).
Bibliographic Synthesis of Sero-Epidemiological Studies on Brucellosis in Domestic Ruminants (Cattle, Sheep and Goats) in Cameroon
Authors:   School of Veterinary Medicine, Higher Institute of Health Sciences, Université des Montagnes, Bangangté-Cameroon, Nankam Roland Chimi , Djuikwo-Teukeng Félicité Flore ,   School of Biomedical Sciences, Higher institute of Health Sciences, Université des Montagnes Bangangté-Cameroon
Published: November 2021

Brucellosis is a neglected zoonosis in Cameroon but it remains enzootic in some agro-ecological zones of the country. This review aims to describe the current status of this disease in domestic ruminants in Cameroon. In order to know the current status of this disease, a systematic and synthetic review was conducted on brucellosis in domestic ruminants in Cameroon. Different types of studies with serological results were reported and considered. A total of 16 studies from 1980 to 2020 were included in this synthetic review of the literature. Most of the studies were cross-sectional descriptive studies (p = 0.12). However, there were also studies with simplified survey methods, modelling approaches, stratified non-probabilistic and probabilistic surveys. 5095 cases of brucellosis infection were identified in the literature, for which the laboratory diagnosis allowed confirmation of brucellosis in the different species (indirect or direct Elisa in the majority of studies (41%), followed by rose Bengal (26%)). In most cases cattle represent 80% of the most studied species. Associated with this, the northern part of Cameroon was the preferred study area at 70% followed by the west (27%) and the south (3%). The biological material of choice for the studies was serum (75%). In addition, other biological materials (15%) were used. This systematic review has identified the tools used over the last 40 years to diagnose brucella infection in ruminants in Cameroon. However, it highlights the need for continuous monitoring of the spatio-temporal evolution of abortive microorganisms on farms.
Nurses as Agents of Safety: Identifying unique contributors to falls in hospitalized Adult Hematology Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors:   MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA, Mbango Catherine
Published: November 2021

Falls continue to be a major safety concern in acute care settings and are the second cause of unintentional injury deaths globally [1].The World Health Organization defines a fall as an event that results in a person coming to a rest inadvertently on the ground or floor or other lower level. Prevention of a fall is a safety measure, which is significantly affected by nursing care according to the National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI) [2].This retrospective review of one hundred medical records was conducted to assess if there are unique contributors to falls in hospitalized adult hematology patients. The study sample was drawn from the parent study that examined the impact of video-based educational intervention on the occurrence of falls among hematology patients hospitalized for the management of cancer treatment and complications. Patients with cancer are at an increased risk of sustaining a fall related injury due to impaired functional status, low blood counts, treatment related fatigue, frailty, and poor nutritional status [3,4]. Simple logistic regression between continuous variables and dependent variable, and cross-tabulation between categorical variables and the dependent variable was used to analyze study results.The study revealed that there was a significant relationship between fall incident and fall risk assessment scores on admission; X2 (1) = 6.153, p = .013, Cramer’s V = .256.
THE SUPPORT OF NON-GOVERNMENTAL ORGANISATIONS IN THE EDUCATION OF CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES IN THE BUILSA NORTH DISTRICT OF GHANA
Authors: Adatuu R. , Gyader G.
Published: November 2021

This study explored the role NGOs’ play in educating children with disabilities in the Builsa North District of Ghana. A cross-sectional survey approach was applied in the study. The sample size was 150 respondents (75 male and 75 female) for the questionnaire. A mixed method approach involving questionnaires, key informant interviews and focus group discussions were the main instruments used for data collection. The data was analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. The questionnaire was answered by 150 respondents, 72 respondents answered the focus group questions while eight (8) respondents answered the key informant interview questions. The schools, parents/guardians of children with disabilities, foster homes and NGOs that support the education of children with disabilities were visited for the questionnaire administration. The study realized children with disabilities face discrimination and marginalization in accessing education in the district. Thus, some NGOs support the education of children with disabilities by recruiting and sending them to school as well as providing teaching and learning materials, feeding the disabled children, capacity building as well as caring and showing love for the disabled children. The challenges militating against children with disabilities in their bid to access education were: lack of special educational infrastructure; stigmatization by school mates, teachers and parents; and their inability to move from home to school and back. The study concludes that children with disabilities have the desire to be educated. The study recommends the provision of a disabled children school in the district. Government should formulate legislations against stigmatization and discrimination of disabled children.
Resistance of Landscape-Suitable Elms to Japanese Beetle, Gall Aphids, and Leaf Miners, with Notes on Life History of Orchestes alni and Agromyza aristata in Kentucky
Authors: Condra Jennie , Brady Cristina , Potter Daniel
Published: November 2021

Twenty genotypes of landscape-suitable Dutch elm disease-resistant elms (Ulmus spp.) were evaluated in a replicated field study for resistance to multiple insect pests in Lexington, Kentucky, U.S. The European elm flea weevil (EEFW), Orchestes alni, a recentlyintroduced pest that disfigures elms by leaf-mining and adult feeding, was found as a new state record so its feeding preferences and life history were monitored. U. parvifolia and U. propinqua, originally from Japan, were relatively resistant to Japanese beetles, and U. americana was generally less susceptible than most hybrids. Agromyza aristata, a serpentine leaf-mining fly, favored American elms, whereas Kaliofenusa ulmi a blotch-mining sawfly, and aphid (Tetraneura nigriabdominalis) pouch galls were uncommon on American and Asian elms but abundant on certain hybrids. EEFW infested all elms but at highest densities, (>20 mines per 30 cm shoot and >85 adult feeding holes per leaf), on certain hybrids. American elms, especially ‘Jefferson’, were somewhat less susceptible. EEFW laid eggs in expanding leaves; mines were initiated in late April and completed by mid- to late- May. Newly-emerged adults extensively damaged leaves in late May and June but nearly disappeared from tree canopies by mid-July. Implications for re-introduction of elms into urban landscapes are discussed.
The Research Foundation to Tree Pruning: A Review of the Literature
Authors: Clark James , Matheny Nelda
Published: November 2021

Two hundred one research publications including 152 journal articles were compiled. Forty-four journals were represented with the Journal of Arboriculture, Arboricultural & Urban Forestry, and Arboricultural Journal as the most frequently cited. Compartmentalization, wounding, wound response, decay development, and wound treatment were the most frequently noted topic areas. The bibliography was organized in Zotero, an application using the Firefox web browser. Keywords were identified for each publication. Where either the article or its abstract was available, an annotation was created. This paper describes the major topic areas identified in the review and discusses the future directions for pruning research.
Impact Force and Rope Tension Affect Likelihood of Cutting a Climbing Rope with a Handsaw
Authors: Kane Brian , Freilicher Mollie , Cloyes Mac , Ryan H. Dennis
Published: November 2021

A previous study has demonstrated the ease with which a climber could cut his or her rope using a handsaw (Kane et al. 2009). In a previously published effort, however, the authors did not examine the effect of two variables that presumably influence the ease with which a rope can be cut: rope tension and impact force of the blade. In the current study, two types of rope are cut using one type of blade, with varied rope tension (seven levels) and impact force (four levels) of the pendulum-mounted blade on the rope. Increases in impact force and rope tension increased the ease of cutting both ropes tested, but impact force was the dominant effect. At the greatest impact force, which was similar to the impact force a climber could exert using two hands on a handsaw, all but one rope was completely severed. The results are discussed in the context of climber safety.
Dispersal of Emerald Ash Borer within an Intensively Managed Quarantine Zone
Authors: Sargent Chris , Raupp Michael , Bean Dick , Sawyer Alan
Published: November 2021

Emerald ash borer (EAB) (Agrilus planipennis) is one of the most destructive insect pests of urban trees in the United States. The objective of the current study was to determine the rate of spread of EAB in a quarantine zone where aggressive intervention tactics such as tree destruction occurred. Historical records were examined from the Maryland Department of Agriculture for the years 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008, to determine the rate of spread of EAB in Maryland, U.S., within the quarantine zone. Despite attempts at eradication and public education, EAB persisted, and the leading edge of beetles moved away from the central infestation point at an average annual rate of 1 km per year and a maximum annual rate of 1.37 km per year between 2003 and 2008. This paper discusses the relative merits and limitations of this quarantine and eradication program and makes suggestions for future management of EAB.
Penconazole Induced Heat Tolerance in Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) and Evergreen Oak (Quercus ilex)
Authors: Percival Glynn , Noviss Kelly
Published: November 2021

The ability of penconazole, a triazole fungicide derivative, to protect against and ameliorate heat stress was studied in evergreen oak (Quercus ilex) and Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris). Under laboratory conditions, heat damage to the leaf photosynthetic system based on the stability of the chlorophyll a/b light-harvesting complex within photosystem II (chlorophyll fluorescence Fo responses) and leaf photochemical efficiency (chlorophyll fluorescence Fv/Fm emissions) of detached leaves was constantly less in penconazole treated trees. In both species, greatest protection of the leaf photosynthetic system to heat induced disorders was achieved by application of penconazole at a concentration of 30 g per liter of water compared to penconazole applied at a concentration of 0.15 or 0.45 g per liter of water. Subjecting containerized trees of both species to 10 minutes at 50°C significantly reduced tree vitality with respect to chlorophyll fluorescence Fo and Fv/ Fm emissions, total foliar chlorophylls, leaf photosynthetic rates (Pn) and significantly increased damage to cellular membrane integrity as manifest by higher leaf electrolyte leakage and visual leaf necrosis between stressed and non-heat stressed well-watered trees. The influence of penconazole applied immediately after heat stress on the pattern of recovery over the following twelve weeks demonstrated penconazole treated trees were the most capable of recovery. With respect to chlorophyll fluorescence Fo and leaf electrolyte leakage values recovery rates of heat damaged trees treated with penconazole ranged from 20%–50% higher than non-triazole treated control trees. In all cases nonpenconazole treated control trees had the least capacity for recovery. Regardless of species, height, leaf area, root, shoot, and total plant dry weight were, in virtually all instances, greater than non-penconazole treated controls. The tactical use of the triazole derivative penconazole as an ameliorant against heat damage and recovery from heat stress in Scots pine and evergreen oak would be of benefit to improve tree recovery rates and growth. From a practical point of view penconazole at 30 g a.i. per liter of water is suggested based on the results of this study.
Effect of Tree Size, Root Pruning, and Production Method on Root Growth and Lateral Stability of Quercus virginiana
Authors: Gilman Edward , Masters Forrest
Published: November 2021

This research aimed to evaluate impact of slicing the outer edge of container root balls, initial tree size at planting, and root ball composition on post-planting tree stability in a simulated wind storm. One-hundred twenty Cathedral Oak® live oak were planted in March 2005. Thirty field-grown trees were transplanted, and 60 trees of similar size were planted from 170 L containers. Root ball sides on 30 containers were sliced prior to planting. Thirty smaller trees from 57 L containers were planted without slicing. Trees were pulled with an electric winch, and blown with a hurricane simulator in 2007. Slicing the root ball had no impact on root growth, bending moment, or bending stress. More bending stress was required to pull field-grown trees than trees planted from containers of either size. Growing trees in containers for three years prior to landscape planting changed root morphology compared to field-grown trees, which corresponded to reduced stability. Trees planted from small containers were as stable as those from larger containers. Root cross-sectional area windward correlated the most with bending stress required to tilt trees with a winch and cable. Bending moment scaled to the 3.4 power of trunk diameter.
On the Establishment of Feng Shui Villages from the Perspective of Old Fukugi Trees in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: Chen Bixia , Nakama Yuei
Published: November 2021

A Feng Shui village landscape features Fukugi (Garcinia subelliptica) tree lines surrounding every house and orderly laid out roads. Such a green landscape, which is assumed to be planned or reformed during the modern Ryukyuan period around 300 years ago, is well preserved in Okinawa Island, Japan, and its nearby isolated islands. But it is still a mystery to the historians when and how these Fukugi trees were planted. In order to clarify the development process of the house-embracing Fukugi trees, all Fukugi trees that were assumed to be older than 100 years in Bise, Tonaki, Imadomari, and Aguni Island were measured. It was found that huge Fukugi trees older than 200 years, cluster around the core area kami-asagi or haisyo inside the village. Both the kami-asagi and haisyo are sacred places where guardian gods were summoned in order to hold ceremonies and rituals. The oldest trees were approximately 300, 268, 294, 296, and 281 years in Bise, Tonaki, Imadomari, Yae (East & West), and Hama in Aguni Island, respectively. These old trees might have been planted prior to the period from 1737 to 1750, when Sai On was a member of the Sanshikan, during which Fukugi trees were planned and recommended. While Fukugi trees might have been planted as windbreaks around the houses prior to the Sai On period, however, the current house-embracing Fukugi tree landscape came into being during the Sai On period based on Feng Shui concepts.
Dead-end Stop Terminated Tree Support Cable Systems
Authors: Smiley E. Thomas
Published: November 2021

Supplemental support systems are used to reduce the risk of failure of codominant stems. The goal of this study was to evaluate dead-end stop terminated cables used in trees and to compare the strength of small tree cable systems. Field evaluations comparing eyebolt and Wire Stop® anchored cables found an enlargement of the hole through the branch in 39% of the Wire Stop terminations with a mean size of 6 mm. Static break tests found that the strength of cable system varied with the strength of the wood and system configuration. From a system strength perspective in oak: bent eye screw lags < welded eye screw lag = single swage stop = single swage stop with washer < double swage stop with washer = eyebolt. In pine, bent eye screw lags = welded eye screw lag = single swage stop < single swage stop with washer < double swage stop with washer = double swage stop with fender washer < eyebolt.
Community Ash Densities and Economic Impact Potential of Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis) in Four Midwestern States
Authors: Sydnor T. Davis , Bumgardner Matthew , Subburayalu Sakthi
Published: November 2021

A survey of 586 community representatives with urban tree canopy responsibilities was conducted to provide data on ash density within four states in the Midwestern U.S., and to examine potential economic losses should emerald ash borer (EAB) become established in their communities. One hundred twenty-three responses were received from communities of various sizes. Data represented 10.5% of the population of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin, U.S., and 21% of all communities surveyed. Assuming the complete loss of ash due to EAB, losses in landscape value for ash trees within community boundaries were estimated to be between USD $7.7 (median-based) and $15 billion (mean-based). The cost to remove those trees is somewhat smaller and would be between $3 and $5.8 billion. Replacing trees lost to EAB with smaller 5 cm trees in street, park, and private plantings would cost between $2.7 and $5.2 billion. The total loss of ash for communities in the four states surveyed, including landscape losses, tree removals, and replacements are estimated to be between $13.4 and $26 billion. The potential total costs per 1,000 residents in the four-state region is estimated to be between $395,943 and $769,687. The rates per 1,000 residents estimates can be utilized by communities to begin developing contingency plans should EAB impact them.