bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of ergot-contaminated feed on yellow mealworm larvae performance and diet preference
Authors: Ochoa-Sanabria C. , Duhra D. , Newkirk R. , Buchanan F. , Beaulieu D.
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to determine if ergot alkaloids (EA) would accumulate in yellow mealworm larvae (YML, Tenebrio molitor) when present in their diets and investigate effects on production and survival. Larvae were reared on one of four diets: a control, low, medium, and high containing 63, 3,863, 8,471 and 15,316 μg/kg total EA, respectively. Each diet had five replicates with 150 YML per replicate totalling 3,000 for the 21-day trial. Initial and final weights of the feed and larvae were collected. Ergot alkaloid concentrations in YML at d 21 were 32.6, 94.0 and 155.5 μg/kg in the low, medium, and high treatments respectively, with none detected in those fed the control diet. The frass from YML fed the control, low, medium and high diets contained 18, 364, 1,094, and 1,424 μg/kg total EA, respectively. Feed intake was reduced in larvae fed the low, medium and high treatments relative to the control at 23.3-24.9 g/21 d compared to 30.1 g in the control (P=0.02). Feed-to-gain ratios, average daily gain, and final body weights did not differ among treatments (P>0.05). The larvae did not display any preference for diets when allowed to choose between the four diets (P>0.05). Larvae accumulated only low levels of EA from their diets and although feed intake was depressed, growth was maintained. Further research is required to determine the safety of yellow mealworm reared on EA-contaminated diets.
Parasomnias: Common and Rare Types, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of NREM Parasomnias
Authors: Khan Safia S. , Khawaja Imran S.
Published: December 2021

Parasomnias are described as undesirable motor activity displayed during sleep. Parasomnias are generally characterized by abrupt talking, screaming, walking, confusional arousals, bruxism (ie, teeth grinding), or other complex activity arising from non-rapid eye movement (NREM) stages, rapid eye movement (REM) stages, or transitions between sleep stages and sleep-wake states. Parasomnias are associated with a poor recall of events by the patient, making information from a bed partner valuable. The use of attended polysomnography (PSG) with continuous audio and video recording and the inclusion of extended electro-encephalographic (EEG) montage is required to diagnose REM parasomnias. PSG is not required for the diagnosis of NREM parasomnias, as these are diagnosed by clinical history. Nonpharmacologic interventions that are effective for NREM parasomnias include relaxation, hypnosis, anticipatory awakenings, and ensuring environmental safety to reduce the risk of injury to the patient, bed partners, and family members. Pharmaceuticals shown to have significant effectiveness in NREM parasomnias include melatonin, benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and medications that reduce arousals.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2021;51(12):550–555.]
REM Sleep Parasomnias and REM Behavior Disorder: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Management
Authors: Araji Fayruz , Khan Safia S.
Published: December 2021

Parasomnias are unexpected and undesirable motor activities during sleep. Parasomnias may occur during non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep or rapid eye movement (REM) sleep. Nightmare disorder, recurrent isolated sleep paralysis, sleep-related hallucinations, REM behavior disorder (RBD), and status dissociatus (agrypnia excitata) are some of the REM parasomnias. Parasomnia overlap syndrome is a term used for parasomnias that occur in both REM and NREM sleep stages, such as catathrenia. RBD is a parasomnia that occurs during REM sleep stage and is characterized by acting out dreams (oneirism), leading to unwanted motor actions such as kicking, punching, or slapping, or sudden abrupt movements that can cause unexplained injuries to self or bedpartner. Memory of the associated dream is usually preserved. Diagnosis is obtained via video polysomnography with findings of REM activity without atonia and video recording of the oneirism. Treatment starts with developing a safety plan, improving sleep hygiene, and identifying any medications or other triggers such as snoring or leg movements. Melatonin, benzodiazepines, and a few other medications are used for treatment of RBD and other REM parasomnias.

[
Psychiatr Ann
. 2021;51(12):560–565.]
2D vs 3D tracking in bacterial motility analysis
Authors: Acres Jacqueline ,   Department of Physics, Portland State University, 1719 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97201, USA, Nadeau Jay
Published: December 2021

Digital holographic microscopy provides the ability to observe throughout a large volume without refocusing. This capability enables simultaneous observations of large numbers of microorganisms swimming in an essentially unconstrained fashion. However, computational tools for tracking large 4D datasets remain lacking. In this paper, we examine the errors introduced by tracking bacterial motion as 2D projections vs. 3D volumes under different circumstances: bacteria free in liquid media and bacteria near a glass surface. We find that while XYZ speeds are generally equal to or larger than XY speeds, they are still within empirical uncertainties. Additionally, when studying dynamic surface behavior, the Z coordinate cannot be neglected.
Two cases studies of Model Predictive Control approach for hybrid Renewable Energy Systems
Authors: Liu Lei ,   Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa 903-0123, Japan, Kato Takeyoshi , Mandal Paras , Mikhaylov Alexey , Hemeida Ashraf M. , Takahashi Hiroshi , Senjyu Tomonobu ,   Institute of Materials and Systems for Sustainability, Nagoya University, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya, Japan,   Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The University of Texas at EI Paso, Texas, TX 79968, USA,   Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, 124167, Moscow, Russian Federation,   Electrical Engineering Department, Faculty of Energy Engineering, Aswan University, Egypt,   Fuji Electric Co., Ltd., Technical Development Division, Japan
Published: December 2021

This work presents a load frequency control scheme in Renewable Energy Sources(RESs) power system by applying Model Predictive Control(MPC). The MPC is designed depending on the first model parameter and then investigate its performance on the second model to confirm its robustness and effectiveness over a wide range of operating conditions. The first model is 100% RESs system with Photovoltaic generation(PV), wind generation(WG), fuel cell, seawater electrolyzer, and storage battery. From the simulation results of the first case, it shows the control scheme is efficiency. And base on the good results of the first case study, to propose a second case using a 10-bus power system of Okinawa island, Japan, to verify the efficiency of proposed MPC control scheme again. In addition, in the second case, there also applied storage devices, demand-response technique and RESs output control to compensate the system frequency balance. Last, there have a detailed results analysis to compare the two cases simulation results, and then to Prospects for future research. All the simulations of this work are performed in Matlab®/Simulink®.
A new approach to Bell and poly-Bell numbers and polynomials
Authors: Kim Taekyun ,   Department of Mathematics, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 139-701, Republic of Korea, Kim Dae San , Dolgy Dmitry V. , Kim Hye Kyung , Lee Hyunseok ,   Department of Mathematics, Sogang University, Seoul 121-742, Republic of Korea,   Department of Mathematical Methods in Economy, Far Eastern Federal University, 690950 Vladivostok, Russia,   Hanrimwon, Kwangwoon University, Seoul 139-701, Republic of Korea,   Department Of Mathematics Education, Daegu Catholic University, Gyeongsan 38430, Republic of Korea
Published: December 2021

Bell polynomials are widely applied in many problems arising from physics and engineering. The aim of this paper is to introduce new types of special polynomials and numbers, namely Bell polynomials and numbers of the second kind and poly-Bell polynomials and numbers of the second kind, and to derive their explicit expressions, recurrence relations and some identities involving those polynomials and numbers. We also consider degenerate versions of those polynomials and numbers, namely degenerate Bell polynomials and numbers of the second kind and degenerate poly-Bell polynomials and numbers of the second kind, and deduce their similar results.
Latest Advancements in Wearable Devices
Authors: Angurala Mohit
Published: December 2021

Wearable devices have impacted the daily life of every individual. These devices come with the embedded feature that fits almost within clothes, accessories, or even watches. One of the wearables named “wrist-worn devices” has gained acceptance by the masses among other wearables. Vital information can be easily gathered with the help of such wearables. These are also suitable for myriad applications such as sports, agriculture, medical, and several more. This chapter gives a comprehensive review of wearable computing electronic devices being used in various fields and provides the latest trends in wearables. The main objective of this review is to discuss various challenges that are faced by individuals in using wearables and the latest methods that can overcome these issues. In the modern epoch, wireless wearable devices have gained a lot of importance in various fields such as sports, agriculture, medical, and many more.
Trunk in Stroke
Authors: Dogru Huzmeli Esra , Gokcek Ozden
Published: December 2021

The trunk is the part of the human body that provides basic mechanical stabilization. It provides strength transmission between the upper and lower body regions. Body control is the ability of the body muscles to maintain the upright posture, to adapt to weight transfers, and to maintain selective trunk and limb movements by maintaining the support surface in static and dynamic postural adjustments. Good proximal trunk control provides better distal limb movements, balance, and functional motion. There are many evaluation methods, devices, and scales for trunk function and performance. 3D kinematic, electromyography, hand-held dynamometer, isokinetic dynamometer, trunk accelerometer are some devices that measure trunk function. The motor assessment scale-trunk subscale, the stroke impairment assessment set- trunk control subscale, trunk control test, trunk impairment scale are the most used scales. This chapter explores the effect of strokes on the trunk.
Trauma-Informed Care in Support of Autism
Authors: Buckner Laura G. , Yarbrough Jillian
Published: December 2021

Research indicates that trauma can intensify autism spectrum disorder symptoms. Autism is a developmental disability that causes significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. Individuals with autism experience trauma ranging from exclusion to violence. In fact, many research studies indicate that people with autism have higher risks of traumatic experiences such as financial hardship, mental illness, substance abuse, trauma, and separation from their family. The chapter will address why individuals with autism are more likely to experience and struggle from traumas, how isolation can contribute to trauma, the symptoms of trauma in an autistic individual, and how trauma-informed care can help support improvements.
New Indicators and Measurement Methods for Welfare in the Global Economy Era
Authors: Kar Mikail
Published: December 2021

This study discusses the inadequacy of GDP alone as a measure of welfare in the global economic age and examines alternative welfare indicators and measurement methods. This study, which discusses the human development index (HDI), the inequality adjusted human development index (I-HDI), the gender inequality index (GII), the multidimensional poverty index (MPI), the social progress index (SPI), the happy planet index (HPI), the better life index (BLI), the Legatum prosperity index(LPI), the human capital index (HCI), and the ecological footprint (EF) methods, shares the country rankings of these methods and reveals the differences in the results depending on the method. It also draws attention to the differences between the economic size and welfare level by sharing the rankings of the world's 10 largest economies in alternative methods. In addition, the study examines the obstacles to the inability to establish a complete, precise, and generally accepted method of measuring welfare.
Redefining Global Economic Thinking for the Welfare of Society
Authors: Nedyalkova Plamena , Dimitrova Darina , Bogdanov Hristosko
Published: December 2021

This chapter examines the legal and financial control issues regarding compliance with labor legislation. On the one hand, the legal analysis shows that legislation is one of the main factors influencing the financial control practice for compliance with labour legislation. On the other hand, the problems and specifics of the control procedures applied by the General Labor Inspectorate Executive Agency in Bulgaria are presented. The overall inspection process is presented sequentially, analyzing the individual stages that the control procedures go through. The problems and the specifics of carrying out an independent inspection activity by the agency are presented, and the peculiarities of carrying out joint control activities with executive bodies or their administrative structures by the specialized administration are examined. Different types of factors that influence the implementation of control procedures by the General Labor Inspectorate Executive Agency in Bulgaria are considered.
Sustainable Development Through the Circular Economy
Authors: Islam Quazi Tafsirul , Talukder Md. Shamim , Haque Kazi Lamia
Published: December 2021

Linear economic models have led us to a point where our planet can no longer sustain itself and heal its natural resources. Thus, circular economy has provided us the opportunity to hope for increasing resource value, extending its life as a means to put waste back into the consumption chain. In emerging economies, circular economy-based business models are not as pertinent. However, in the past decade, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have provided a guideline for businesses, legislators, and academics. It has been witnessed that a few notable initiatives in the field of the circular economy have taken place in emerging economies which has led to achieving different SDGs to a certain extent. This chapter discusses the potential circular economy-based business models held in the attainment of different sustainable development goals.
Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles for Study of Their Antimicrobial Effect on Plasma-Treated Textiles
Authors: Shukrullah Shazia , Anwar Muhammad , Naz Muhammad Yasin , Haq Inzamam Ul
Published: December 2021

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBD) are the configurations for the production of electrical discharges using a dielectric medium between the metallic electrodes. Plasma treatment produces negative radicals, which increase the adhesion of fabric for nanoparticles. The plasma treatment made the fabric surface rougher because of the etching effect. UV-vis spectra of the Plasmon resonance band observed at 253-400 nm. X-ray diffraction results showed that AgNPs has a cubical structure and the average crystalline size is 25 nm. SEM results determined that the morphology of the silver nanoparticles are flower shaped. The energy bandgap of AgNPs was observed at 2.59 eV. The silver nanoparticles were found to have enhanced antimicrobial properties and showed better zone of inhibition against isolated bacteria (Escherichia coli). DBD plasma treatment changed the chemical as well as physical properties of the cotton fabric. FTIR spectrum revealed that oxygen-containing groups, such as C-O, C=O, O-C-O, as well as O-C=O, increased on DBD treatment of cotton samples.
Comparing Deep Neural Networks and Gradient Boosting for Pneumonia Detection Using Chest X-Rays
Authors: Nguyen Son , Quinn Matthew , Olinsky Alan , Quinn John
Published: December 2021

In recent years, with the development of computational power and the explosion of data available for analysis, deep neural networks, particularly convolutional neural networks, have emerged as one of the default models for image classification, outperforming most of the classical machine learning models in this task. On the other hand, gradient boosting, a classical model, has been widely used for tabular structure data and leading data competitions, such as those from Kaggle. In this study, the authors compare the performance of deep neural networks with gradient boosting models for detecting pneumonia using chest x-rays. The authors implement several popular architectures of deep neural networks, such as Resnet50, InceptionV3, Xception, and MobileNetV3, and variants of a gradient boosting model. The authors then evaluate these two classes of models in terms of prediction accuracy. The computation in this study is done using cloud computing services offered by Google Colab Pro.
US Medical Expense Analysis Through Frequency and Severity Bootstrapping and Regression Model
Authors: Li Fangjun , Niu Gao
Published: December 2021

For the purpose of control health expenditures, there are some papers investigating the characteristics of patients who may incur high expenditures. However fewer papers are found which are based on the overall medical conditions, so this chapter was to find a relationship among the prevalence of medical conditions, utilization of healthcare services, and average expenses per person. The authors used bootstrapping simulation for data preprocessing and then used linear regression and random forest methods to train several models. The metrics root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute percent error (MAPE), mean absolute error (MAE) all showed that the selected linear regression model performs slightly better than the selected random forest regression model, and the linear model used medical conditions, type of services, and their interaction terms as predictors.
Automobile Fatal Accident and Insurance Claim Analysis Through Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Liu Xiangming , Niu Gao
Published: December 2021

This chapter presents a thorough descriptive analysis of automobile fatal accident and insurance claims data. Major components of the artificial neural network (ANN) are discussed, and parameters are investigated and carefully selected to ensure an efficient model construction. A prediction model is constructed through ANN as well as generalized linear model (GLM) for model comparison purposes. The authors conclude that ANN performs better than GLM in predicting data for automobile fatalities data but does not outperform for the insurance claims data because automobile fatalities data has a more complex data structure than the insurance claims data.
Inflation Rate Modelling Through a Hybrid Model of Seasonal Autoregressive Moving Average and Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network
Authors: Rapoo Mogari Ishmael , Chanza Martin M. , Motlhwe Gomolemo
Published: December 2021

This study examines the performance of seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA), multilayer perceptron neural networks (MLPNN), and hybrid SARIMA-MLPNN model(s) in modelling and forecasting inflation rate using the monthly consumer price index (CPI) data from 2010 to 2019 obtained from the South African Reserve Bank (SARB). The forecast errors in inflation rate forecasting are analyzed and compared. The study employed root mean squared error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) as performance measures. The results indicate that significant improvements in forecasting accuracy are obtained with the hybrid model (SARIMA-MLPNN) compared to the SARIMA and MLPNN. The MLPNN model outperformed the SARIMA model. However, the hybrid SARIMA-MLPNN model outperformed both the SARIMA and MLPNN in terms of forecasting accuracy/accuracy performance.
Natural Disasters and Risk Management
Authors: Vujatović Milica Jovanović , Milanović Sandra , Janjić Ivana
Published: December 2021

In recent years, natural disasters have compelled public authorities, organizations, and citizens to increase their efforts in properly planning and implementing effective risk management procedures. Accordingly, in literature contemporary concepts such as natural disaster risk management and crisis management emerged. Therefore, the chapter aims to shed light on the significance of natural disaster risk management and crisis management in the development of an effective societal system by its transformation and to point out the positive and negative factors influencing these management activities. The authors will firstly give an overview of these two concepts, their elements, and development phases, and afterward, the investigation of possible positive and negative factors of natural disaster risk management will be introduced. The chapter will make a significant contribution to filling the gap in the literature on mitigating the influence of natural disasters and risk management.
Genuine Servant Leadership (GSL) Impacting Employee Motivation and Work Intentions
Authors: Pressentin Maria
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this study is to explore the followers' perspective of genuine servant leadership (GSL)'s impact on them and its direct relationship to work intentions in Asian high-power distance and collectivist cultures. The study found six follower manifestations when experiencing genuine servant leader behaviors from their leader, three towards the organization and three towards the leaders. Followers are more willing to 1) voice-out ideas and concerns, 2) develop others, 3) recognize their choice in decision making (manifestation towards the organization). As followers respect their leader-follower relations, they tend to 4) voluntarily emulate their leader, 5) trust their leader, and 6) determine to follow their leader willingly (manifestation towards the leader). The six manifestations contribute to followers' intent to perform, endorse, provide discretionary effort, stay, and contribute to OCB. The research sought to understand the leader-follower interactions and intricacies contributing to the manifestations of follower intentions in Asia.
Servant Leadership Styles as a Challenge to Develop Innovation in Resilient Environments
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Ali Muhammad Mahboob
Published: December 2021

The current challenge for the survival and growth of companies is the appropriation of innovation in all its senses, the generation of propitiate resilient environments, the innovation philosophy acquisition into action, and improve internal dynamics and cohesion through a comparison of leadership styles oriented by the motivation to serve as a servant leadership. This chapter analyses the relevance of the culturally intelligent organizations to carry out innovation. Likewise, the styles of servant leadership and administration that generate a collective consciousness tend to create innovation and more resilient environments.
Use of a Residency Program in Preservice Teacher Preparation
Authors: Alves Kat D. , Driver Melissa K.
Published: December 2021

The training and retention of special education teachers is a critical need in the education field. One innovation that can be used in educator preparation programs to better prepare teachers is to establish a residency model. In this model, preservice teachers work as full-time teachers, while also completing their coursework. They receive support from university faculty and peers during this structured first year of teaching. This chapter will explore the need for residency programs, possible features and structures, short and long-term benefits, and potential challenges. In addition, this chapter explores ways to incorporate high-leverage practices into residency coursework.
Key Issues for Teachers Regarding Legislation, Litigation, and Advocacy
Authors: Garfield Theresa Ann , Hogan Albrey
Published: December 2021

Understanding the laws governing education and key education-related litigation is essential for teachers to interpret and apply. Once teachers have this legal framework of knowledge, they can effectively advocate for their students, schools, and themselves. This chapter will supply a historical overview of the laws relevant to education, key court cases, and the steps needed to become advocates while applying this knowledge. In addition, case studies embedded within the chapter will provide a snapshot of how the law and the outcome of critical litigation play out in real classroom scenarios.
Issues and Strategies in Reconciling the Malaysia-EU Palm Oil Discord
Authors: Wahid Ratnaria , Ismail Norafidah
Published: December 2021

The EU has decided to phase out imports of palm oil used in biofuels in the EU by 2030. This affects people in Malaysia who rely on the palm oil business for their livelihood. This chapter examines the events leading up to the EU's anti-palm oil actions and the many ways in which Malaysia has responded to defend its palm oil sector. This includes 1) countering EU's allegation through scientific research, 2) demonstrating its commitment to transform the palm oil industry toward sustainability through certification standards, 3) fostering the commitment to grow palm oil sustainably, 4) garnering support from ASEAN and the international community, 5) expressing its opposition and warnings for retaliatory measures against the EU, and 6) requesting consultation under the WTO dispute settlement mechanism. It presents the political processes that generate policy interventions aimed at defending palm oil trade with the EU alerting that economic decoupling and direct conflict may exacerbate the problem, weaken bilateral relations, and elude good improvements in the palm oil business.
Early Internationalizing of Small-Medium Firms
Authors: Ramlee Afifah Alwani
Published: December 2021

Internationalization is not an odd term in business, and increasing numbers in the business world show this phenomenon as a vital element that must be emphasized and practiced by an organization to become the top company in international markets. Born global has become a new entity entering the global market and rapidly evolved to catch up and maintain its pace with international new ventures. Gaining the upper hand in the international market has motivated the born global entity to compete with other giant companies in the same markets. This chapter's findings enlighten the crucial parts of the definition between these two terms supported with previous studies that encompass gaps, conventional and new ventures, and the advantages versus liabilities that existed in the new venture firms. In addition, this chapter's discussions would offer better justification and views in global market perspectives.
Self-Initiated Expatriates
Authors: Ramalu Subramaniam Sri , Malik Nida
Published: December 2021

This chapter discusses the emergence of a new category of expatriates, namely self-initiated expatriates. In particular, the demand for self-initiated academic expatriates has increased tremendously over the years in tandem with the globalization of the higher education sector across the globe. Hence, this chapter aims to provide greater understanding about the nature and motivation for expatriation among this group of expatriates which will have significant impact on the international human resource management policies and practices. This chapter begins with explanation about the concept of expatriation and expatriate. This is followed by comparison between organizational expatriates and self-initiated expatriates. The underlying motivation behind self-initiated expatriation is discussed as well. Definitions of academic self-initiated expatriates and their motivation to expatriate were included as well in this chapter. This chapter conclude with findings of one case study conducted among 152 academic self-initiated expatriates employed in 20 public universities in Malaysia.
Exploring Cultural Factors Impacting Female Digital Entrepreneurs in Underdeveloped Countries
Authors: Shaikh Areeba Waseem , Zakaria Norhayati
Published: December 2021

This chapter aims at understanding the cultural influence on female digital entrepreneurs in underdeveloped countries and the possible effects of cyberostracism by integrating the significance of culture and its influence on females providing a holistic view of how women with entrepreneurial desires experience challenges due to the identified existing gaps in underdeveloped countries. Besides sociocultural dynamics, education is a factor observed to be extremely impactful. Basic and digital literacy are considered essential to progress in conducting businesses across borders. From a digital perspective, “cyberostracism” is identified as a potential issue women could encounter due to lack of education. In this study, a comparative analysis on female digital entrepreneurs of the Asian and European region is conducted based on the view of a collectivistic and individualistic society concluded by providing a framework to minimize gaps and establish an environment for women to pursue digital entrepreneurship in their societies, mitigating the possible effects of cyberostracism.
Day-Level Forecasting for Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19)
Authors: Hanna Wael K. , Radwan Nouran M.
Published: December 2021

Corona virus (COVID-19) was recently spread quickly all over the world. Most infected people with the Corona virus may experience mild to moderate respiratory illness, but elderly people, and those with chronic diseases are more likely to suffer from serious disease, often leading to death. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Health, there are 96336 confirmed infected cases with Corona virus and 5141 confirmed deaths from the current outbreak. Accurate forecasting of the spread of confirmed and death cases as well as analysis of the number of infected and deaths are crucially required. The present study aims to explore the usage of support vector machine (SVM) in the prediction of coronavirus infected and death cases in Egypt which help in decision-making process. The forecasting model suggest that the number of coronavirus cases grows exponentially in Egypt and more efforts shall be directed to increase the public awareness with this disease. The proposed method is shown to achieve good accuracy and precision results.
Consumer Stockpiling Behaviour Within the Face of Covid-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review
Authors: Fernando P. I. N. , Perera K. J. T. , Udawaththa U. D. I. C. , Ratnayake R. M. C. S. , Madushani D. G. M. P.
Published: December 2021

COVID-19 remains the most prominent pandemic disease since it spreads with a distinct composition with considerable intensity worldwide. Identifying the hidden antecedents on consumer behavior during a pandemic is worthwhile since the market psychology directly influences how consumers behave with the "fear of Pandemic." On the contrary, the consumer stockpiling in the face of the COVID-19 is viewed as unconventional inventory accumulation mainly meant to minimize a perceived threat of loss or fear of going without. The main objective of this paper is to systemize and organize the contemporary knowledge on stockpiling behavior during a pandemic. Herein, firstly the methodology is extensively discussed. Secondly, the analysis and discussion section is presented, with, a) citation analysis performed to evaluate the emerging research studies of stockpiling behavior and b) comprehensive analytical models within the literature. Articles were selected from well-reputed databases, including Web of Science, JStore, and Google Scholar. A total of 60 research papers were used for the analysis, whereas a limited number of studies were available in relation to the areas of "stockpiling behavior" and "Pandemic/disasters. Analysis was two folds, whereas (a) citation analysis was conducted with themes and (b) the comprehensive analytical models were identified. Citation analysis discovered five main themes: (1) Post-Switch Stockpiling, (2) Brand Switching and Stockpiling Behaviour. (3) Social Media and stockpiling behavior, (4) Predictors of Stockpiling Behaviour, and (5) Behaviour in Pandemic situations. Further, Within the analytical models proposed, the model by Ling & Ho (2020) has been identified to empirically test the hidden patterns, panic-buying behavior, and social context of consumer behavior. The authors suggest aligning the model to fill the empirical gap within the consumer behavior research context.
Sustainable Reporting: An Analysis of Disclosure Practices of Selected Business Organizations in Sri Lanka
Authors: Abeyratne Dilrukshi , Morais Neavis
Published: December 2021

The paper analyses sustainable reporting practices and the drivers and challenges in the process of disclosure based on the experiences of selected business organizations in Sri Lanka. Data were obtained from annual reports, websites of the companies and through key informant interviews in the beverages, food and tobacco sector. The interviews were obtained from key personnel of the selected organisations as well as auditors. The study adopted a thematic analysis focusing on selected key performance indicators. The findings revealed that the level of sustainability reporting has increased substantially with more sophisticated methods used for presenting the reports. However, lack of substance and the lack of awareness on purpose of sustainability reporting in the chosen sector, weak regulatory environment and poor involvement of external auditors in the assurance process remain the major challenges. Investing in effective education and training both corporate and assurance sectors with the involvement of regulatory bodies and the professional associations are of vital importance in overcoming these challenges.
Impact of E-service Quality on Customer Adoption of Virtual Banking Services in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kumari D. A. T. , Tharanga B. B.
Published: December 2021

Virtual banking is a service that has been introduced by banks aiming to help their customers to perform most of the traditional banking services with limited physical interactions. But still a smaller number of bank customers are seen adapting to these services in Sri Lanka. The main aim of this study is to identify the e-service quality on customer adaptation to online banking services. E-service quality was measured using information, design, communication, and fulfilment. Perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use and perceived risk were used to measure customer adaptation to online banking. The researchers carried out a confirmatory tetrad analysis to confirm the reflective nature of the e-service quality and customer adaptation towards virtual banking services. The results revealed that there was a strong positive relationship between the main two variables. The sub-hypotheses also confirmed a strong positive influence made by the determinants of e-service quality on customer adaptation toward the virtual banking services in Sri Lanka.
DNMT1 Deficiency Impacts on Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cells in Homeostasis and Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Czeh Melinda , Stäble Sina , Krämer Stephen , Tepe Lena , Talyan Sweta , Carrelha Joana , Meng Yiran , Heitplatz Barbara , Schwabenland Marius , Milsom Michael D , Plass Christoph , Prinz Marco , Schlesner Matthias , Andrade-Navarro Miguel A , Nerlov Claus , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W , Lipka Daniel B , Rosenbauer Frank
Published: December 2021

Dendritic cells (DCs) are heterogeneous immune regulators involved in autoimmune diseases. Epigenomic mechanisms orchestrating DC development and DC subset diversification remain insufficiently understood but could be important to modulate DC fate for clinical purposes. By combining whole-genome methylation assessment with the analysis of mice expressing reduced DNA methyltransferase 1 levels, we show that distinct DNA methylation levels and patterns are required for the development of plasmacytoid DC and conventional DC subsets. We provide clonal in vivo evidence for DC lineage establishment at the stem cell level, and we show that a high DNA methylation threshold level is essential for Flt3-dependent survival of DC precursors. Importantly, reducing methylation predominantly depletes plasmacytoid DC and alleviates systemic lupus erythematosus in an autoimmunity mouse model. This study shows how DNA methylation regulates the production of DC subsets and provides a potential rationale for targeting autoimmune disease using hypomethylating agents.
Factors influencing prenatal and postpartum depression in Korea: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Yoo Hyeji , Ahn Sukhee , Park Seyeon , Kim Jisoon , Oh Jiwon , Koh Minseon
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study explored the prevalence of prenatal and postpartum depression and its influencing factors from 20 weeks of pregnancy to 12 weeks postpartum. Methods: Using a prospective cohort study design, data on women’s depression and its influencing factors were collected at 20, 28, and 36 weeks of pregnancy and at 2, 6, and 12 weeks postpartum. The subjects were 219 prenatal pregnant women and 181 spouses during pregnancy and 183 postpartum mothers and 130 spouses after childbirth. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and influencing factors were measured by the Postpartum Depression Predictors Inventory-Revised, parity, and spousal depression. Results: The prevalence of maternal depression was 10.5% to 21.5% before birth, and it was 22.4% to 32.8% postpartum. The prevalence slightly decreased during the prenatal period but peaked at 2 weeks postpartum. Antenatal depression was influenced by low socioeconomic status, lower self-esteem, having experienced prenatal depression, having experienced prenatal anxiety, a previous history of depression, lower social support, lower marital satisfaction, and higher life stress. The factors influencing postpartum depression were lower self-esteem, having experienced prenatal depression, having experienced prenatal anxiety, lower social support, lower marital satisfaction, and higher life stress, as well as infant temperament and maternal blues. Parity and spousal depression had no impacts. Conclusion: The prevalence and influencing factors of maternal depression changed over time. Nurses need to screen women accordingly during the perinatal period and should provide education or counseling to prevent depression and promote adjustment to parenthood.
A note about density staircases in the Gulf of Naples : 20 years of persistent weak salt-fingering layers in a coastal area
Authors: Kokoszka Florian , Iudicone Daniele , Zingone Adriana , Saggiomo Vincenzo , Ribera D'Alcalá Maurizio , Conversano Fabio
Published: December 2021

This is a short communication about the inter-annual recurring presence at the coastal site in the Gulf of Naples of density staircases visible below the mixed surface layer of the water-column, from the end of summer to the beginning of winter, each year during nearly two decades of survey (2001 to 2020). We repetitively observe sequences from 1 to 4 small vertical staircases structures (~ 3 m thick) in the density profiles (~ Δ0.2 kg.m-3), located between 10 m to 50 m deep below the seasonal mixed layer depth. We interpret these vertical structures as the result of double diffusive processes that could host salt-fingering regime (SF) due to warm salty water parcels overlying on relatively fresher and colder layers. This common feature of the Mediterranean basin (i.e., the thermohaline staircases of the Tyrrhenian sea) may sign here for the lateral intrusions of nearshore water masses. These stably stratified layers are characterized by density ratio Rρ 5.0 to 10.0, slightly higher than the critical range (1.0 - 3.0) generally expected for fully developed salt-fingers. SF mixing, such as parameterized (Zhang et al., 1998), appears to inhibit weakly the effective eddy diffusivity with negative averaged value (~ - 1e-8 m2.s-1). A quasi 5-year cycle is visible in the inter-annual variability of the eddy diffusivity associated to SF, suggesting a decadal modulation of the parameters regulating the SF regime. Even contributing weakly to the turbulent mixing of the area, we hypothesis that SF could influence the seasonal stratification by intensifying the density of deep layers. Downward transfer of salt could have an impact on the nutrient supply for the biological communities, that remains to be determined.
Development of a high-performance liquid chromatography method to assess bisphenol F levels in milk
Authors: Santonicola Serena , Ferrante Maria Carmela , Colavita Giampaolo , Mercogliano Raffaella
Published: December 2021

Bisphenol F (BPF) is a bisphenol A (BPA) analogue. As an endocrine disruptor, BPF shows a similar BPA hormonal activity and greater endocrine effects. To assess BPF levels in milk a selective method based on solvent extraction with acetonitrile, solid-phase extraction (SPE), high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FD) system, was developed. The method showed high recovery values (from 97.60 to 107.16%), and good detection and quantification limits (LOD=0.03 μg/L; LOQ=0.1 μg/L). To validate the analytical method, quantitative analyses of n.20 milk samples of whole milk were preliminarily carried out applying a monitoring system based on the control of different stages of pasteurized whole milk processing at a dairy company. The proposed method is simple, sensitive, and might be suitable to detect BPF residues in milk processing. At the dairy company, the occurrence of BPF levels ranging from <LOQ to 2.956 μg/L was observed. Further analyses and better knowledge about the occurrence, toxicity, and exposure levels of BPF analogue in milk, particularly for vulnerable consumer categories, are needed.
12th International Conference on Thalassemia and the Haemoglobinopathies, 11–14 May 2011, Antalya, Turkey
Authors: Maggio Aurelio , Canatan Duran , Eleftheriou Androulla
Published: December 2021

Thalassemia is one of the common genetic disorders [...]
1st Pan-Asian Conference on Haemoglobinopathies, 8–10 February 2012, Bangkok, Thailand
Authors: Maggio Aurelio
Published: December 2021

This abstract book contains all abstracts presented to the 1st Pan-Asian Conference on Haemoglobinopathies, 8–10 February 2012, Bangkok, Thailand [...]
Thalassaemia: The Dental Implications of Bisphosphonate Therapy
Authors: Kumar Navdeep
Published: December 2021

Bisphosphonates (BP) are commonly used in individuals with thalassaemia to stabilise bone remodelling. However, in recent years, evidence has emerged that bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BONJ) may occur. Cases of BONJ have recently been confirmed in individuals with thalassaemia. The aim of the presentation is to detail the prevalence of BONJ, outline the presentation (exposed vs. non-exposed), describe the management strategies that have been proposed, and discuss some risk reduction strategies.
Multidisciplinary Care in Haemoglobinopathies
Authors: Ceci Adriana , Mangiarini Laura , Bonifazi Fedele , Conte Rossella ,   on behalf of the HTA-THAL Multiregional Registry
Published: December 2021

While most complications are related to haemoglobinopathies and their treatment, it is also possible to observe substantial differences in comorbidities’ onset and seriousness which depend also to the different HPs genotypes. These differences should be carefully considered when health authorities set up and manage adequate care systems and treatments plans. We describe services organisation in Italy including the availability of multispecialty care and tools, in the HPs units participating to the HTA-THAL Multiregional Registry, with the aim to derive the impact of the services and multispecialty care availability on the management of the disease and on the patients wellbeing. The high dispersion and heterogeneity of services demonstrated, exposes the Italian system to a high risk of: (a) inappropriate use of economical and medical resources, (b) limited access to multidisciplinary care of some patients with apparent inequality among different centres, and (c) low patients satisfaction with the services provided. The identification of a ‘standard for HPs services’ is necessary not only at national but also at interventional level in order to implement collaborative research and the identification and networking of reference’ centres worldwide. Following the big efforts provided in the last years here there is a new challenging mission for the TIF.
ENERCA: e-Learning Platform
Authors: Aguilar-Martínez Patricia
Published: December 2021

ENERCA (the European Network for Rare and Congenital Anemias) is a European Commission funded project since 2002 [...]
Independent transversals in bipartite correspondence-covers
Authors: Cambie Stijn , Kang Ross J.
Published: December 2021

Suppose G and H are bipartite graphs and
$L: V(G)\to 2^{V(H)}$
induces a partition of
$V(H)$
such that the subgraph of H induced between
$L(v)$
and
$L(v')$
is a matching, whenever
$vv'\in E(G)$
. We show for each
$\varepsilon>0$
that if H has maximum degree D and
$|L(v)| \ge (1+\varepsilon )D/\log D$
for all
$v\in V(G)$
, then H admits an independent transversal with respect to L, provided D is sufficiently large. This bound on the part sizes is asymptotically sharp up to a factor
$2$
. We also show some asymmetric variants of this result.
Trends in the Surgical Incidence of Cystic Echinococcosis in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018
Authors: Colpani Agnese , Achilova Olesya , D’Alessandro Gian Luca , Budke Christine M. , Mariconti Mara , Muratov Timur , Vola Ambra , Mamedov Arzu , Giordani Maria Teresa , Urukov Xusan , De Silvestri Annalisa , Suvonkulov Uktam , Brunetti Enrico , Manciulli Tommaso
Published: December 2021

Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis with a cosmopolitan distribution caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato tapeworms. Although Uzbekistan and other countries in Central Asia are considered endemic, estimates of disease burden are lacking. We present data regarding surgically managed cases of CE obtained from Uzbekistan’s national disease surveillance registry. These data are from medical centers in Uzbekistan authorized to treat the disease and reported to the Uzbek Center for Sanitation and Epidemiology from the period 2011 to 2018. Information included patient age class (children 14 years or younger versus adults 15 years and older), but no data regarding cyst location. Incidence rates were calculated using data from the national population registry, and the Cuzick nonparametric test for trends was used to test for differences in the incidence over time at the country and regional levels. A total of 7,309 CE cases were reported. Of these, 857 (11.73%) involved pediatric patients. The mean incidence rates were 4.4 per 100,000 population in 2011 and 2.3 per 100,000 population in 2018 (P = 0.016). One region (Republic of Karalpakistan) showed a nonstatistically significant increase (P = 0.824). All other regions except three showed a statistically significant decrease. We present data showing a decrease in the overall incidence of surgically treated CE in Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2018. However, the presence of cases involving children suggests ongoing parasite transmission. The absence of clinical information (starting with cyst stage and localization) needs to be addressed to improve the national surveillance system. Field studies are also needed to further explore the epidemiology of CE in the country.