bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between students perceptions of the science learning environment on the learning outcomes
Authors: Anwari Ihsan , Shofiyah Noly
Published: October 2020

The purpose of this study was to describe students` perceptions of the science learning environment in class VII SMP Sepuluh Nopember, to describe student learning outcomes in class VII SMP Sepuluh Nopember, and whether there was a relationship between students` perceptions of the science learning environment and student learning outcomes in class VII SMP Sepuluh Nopember Sidoarjo. This type of research includes quantitative research with comparative causal types with correlation analysis techniques. Data collection was obtained through questionnaires and documentation of students cognitive learning outcomes,the sample used was 29 students. The object of the research was the seventh grade students at SMP Sepuluh Nopember Sidoarjo. The results showed that the students` perceptions of the science learning environment in the high category were 6 students, 18 students in the medium category and 5 students in the low category. And the cognitive learning outcomes of students with complete categories of 15 students and incomplete categories of 14 students. Then the calculation was carried out through the correlation hypothesis test, the results of this calculation obtained significant results, namely 0,237< 0,05 and significant 0,216< 0,05, so this indicated that there was a positive relationship between students` perceptions of the science learning environment and student cognitive learning outcomes.
Risk factors for discontinuation of exclusive breast feeding within 1-month: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yasuda Shun , Fukuda Toma , Toba Naoya , Kamo Norihito , Imaizumi Karin , Yokochi Midori , Okawara Tomoko , Takano Seiko , Yoshida Hideko , Kobayashi Nobuko , Kudo Shingo , Miyazaki Kyohei , Hosoya Mamiko , Sato Kenichi , Takano Kei , Kanno Aya , Murata Tsuyoshi , Kyozuka Hyo , Yamaguchi Akiko , Ito Fumihiro , Oda Shinichiro , Momoi Nobuo , Hosoya Mitsuaki , Fujimori Keiya
Published: October 2020

Background: While breastfeeding provides both optimal nutrition for infants and health benefits for the mother, many women either do not breastfeed or terminate breastfeeding earlier than recommended. The aim of this analysis was to identify factors associated with early discontinuation of breastfeeding in Japanese women.Methods: This study utilized medical records from the Iwase General Hospital in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan to assess cessation of breastfeeding by the 1-month postpartum appointment. Demographic, medical, and family predictors among 734 women who had initiated breastfeeding during their delivery hospital stay were examined, and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant predictors of early cessation of exclusive breastfeeding.Results: In a bivariate analysis, it was observed that women who were primipara, unmarried, smoked before pregnancy, were exposed to secondhand smoke, employed, and/or had asthma were more likely to discontinue exclusive breastfeeding. Infant factors associated with discontinuation were lower birthweight, earlier gestational age, neonatal intensive care unit admission, treatment for jaundice, or lower weight gain. In multivariable analysis, primiparity, smoking before pregnancy, maternal employment and neonatal jaundice therapy remained associated with discontinuation of breastfeeding.Conclusions: Several maternal factors are associated with discontinuation of exclusive breastfeeding. In particular, women who smoke before pregnancy may need to be targeted for additional support for breastfeeding.
Vitamin C ameliorates tetrahydrocannabinol-induced spermatotoxicity in-vitro
Authors: Alagbonsi Abdullateef Isiaka , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi
Published: October 2020

Background: We investigated the in-vitro effects of vitamin C on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) -induced reduction in spermatozoa motility and kinematics. Methods: Six rats were used for the study. Semen from each of the 6 rats was randomly divided into 6 groups such that each rat’s semen was in all of the groups. Groups I-III received placebo, THC (1 mM), and vitamin C (5 mM) respectively. Group IV was pretreated with cannabinoid receptors’ blockers (CBs-) 1 and 2, followed by THC. Groups V and VI received THC and vitamin C, but group VI was additionally pre-treated with CBs-. Results: The spermatozoa progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), amplitude of lateral head (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were reduced by THC (6.08±1.16%; 5.64±0.82 µm/s; 6.96±0.74 µm/s; 2.75±0.23 µm/s; 0.31±0.02 µm; and 0.78±0.08 Hz respectively) but increased by vitamin C (51.20±1.32 %; 17.90±0.21 µm/s; 25.11±0.96 µm/s; 8.80±0.27 µm/s; 0.75±0.01 µm; and 3.15±0.03 Hz respectively) when compared to control (39.72±0.38 %; 13.70±0.29 µm/s; 18.04±0.58 µm/s; 7.54±0.34 µm/s; 0.65±0.02 µm; and 2.79±0.01 Hz respectively). Vitamin C inhibited the THC-induced reduction in these parameters (37.36±0.73 %; 10.98±0.45 µm/s; 13.58±0.30 µm/s; 7.11±0.22 µm/s; 0.58±0.01 µm; and 2.60±0.01 Hz respectively) in the absence of CBs- 1 and 2, and even caused additional increases in progressive motility (49.54±1.01 %), VAP (15.70±0.38 µm/s) and VCL (22.53±0.29 µm/s) above the control levels with CBs-.Conclusion: Vitamin C ameliorates the THC-induced reduction in spermatozoa motility in-vitro by modulation of their kinematics.
Multi-locus sequence analyses reveal a clonal L. borgpetersenii genotype in a heterogeneous invasive Rattus spp. community across the City of Johannesburg, South Africa
Authors: Moseley Mark Hamish , Naidoo Kovashnee , Bastos Armanda , Retief Liezl , Frean John , Telfer Sandra , Rossouw Jennifer
Published: October 2020

BackgroundRattus spp. are frequently implicated as key reservoir hosts for leptospirosis, one of the most common, but neglected, bacterial zoonoses in the world. Although leptospirosis is predicted to be a significant public health threat in Africa, studies from the continent are limited. Methods Rattus spp. (n=171) were sampled (January-May 2016) across the City of Johannesburg, South Africa’s largest inland metropole. Rattus spp. genetic diversity was evaluated by full length (1140 bp) cyt b sequencing of 42 samples. For comparison, a further 12 R. norvegicus samples collected in Cape Town, South Africa’s largest coastal metropole, were also genotyped. Leptospira infections were identified and genotyped using real-time PCR and multi-locus (lfb1, secY, lipL41) DNA sequencing. Results Five R. norvegicus haplotypes were identified across Johannesburg, four of which have not previously been detected in South Africa, and one in Cape Town. Across Johannesburg we identified a Leptospira spp. infection prevalence of 44% (75/171) and noted significant differences in the prevalence between administrative regions within the metropole. Multi-locus sequence analyses identified a clonal genotype consistent with L. borgpetersenii serogroup Javanica (serovar Ceylonica).DiscussionThe prevalence of infection identified in this study is amongst the highest detected in Rattus spp. in similar contexts across Africa. Despite the complex invasion history suggested by the heterogeneity in R. norvegicus haplotypes identified in Johannesburg, a single L. borgpetersenii genotype was identified in all infected rodents. The lack of L. interrogans in a rodent community dominated by R. norvegicus is notable, given the widely recognised host-pathogen association between these species and evidence for L. interrogans infection in R. norvegicus in Cape Town. It is likely that environmental conditions (cold, dry winters) in Johannesburg may limit the transmission of L. interrogans. Spatial heterogeneity in prevalence suggest that local factors, such as land use, influence disease risk in the metropole. ConclusionIn South Africa, as in other African countries, leptospirosis is likely underdiagnosed. The high prevalence of infection in urban rodents in Johannesburg suggest that further work is urgently needed to understand the potential public health risk posed by this neglected zoonotic pathogen.
Investigation of the piroplasm diversity circulating in wildlife and cattle of the greater Kafue ecosystem, Zambia
Authors: Squarre David , Nakamura Yukiko , Hayashida Kyoko , Kawai Naoko , Chambaro Herman , Namangala Boniface , Sugimoto Chihiro , Yamagish Junya
Published: October 2020

Background

Piroplasms are vector-borne intracellular hemoprotozoan parasites that infect wildlife and livestock. Wildlife species are reservoir hosts to a diversity of piroplasms and play an important role in the circulation, maintenance and evolution of these parasites. The potential for likely spillover of both pathogenic and non-pathogenic piroplasm parasites from wildlife to livestock is underlined when common ecological niche is shared in the presence of a competent vector.

Method

To investigate piroplasm diversity in parasite community in wildlife and cattle population of the greater Kafue ecosystem , we utilized PCR to amplify the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region and meta-barcoding strategy using illumina MiSeq sequencing platform and amplicon sequence variant (ASV) based bioinformatics pipeline to generate high resolution data which discriminate sequences down to a single nucleotide difference.

Results

A parasite community of 45 ASVs corresponding to 23 species consisting of 4 genera of Babesia , Theileria , Hepatozoon and Colpodella, were identified in wildlife and cattle population from the study area. Theileria species were observed in buffalo, impala, hartebeest, sable antelope, sitatunga, wild dog and cattle. In contrast, Babesia species were only observed in cattle and wild dog. Our results demonstrate possible spillover of these hemoprotozoan parasites from wildlife, especially buffalo, to cattle population in the wildlife-livestock interface.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that the deep amplicon sequencing of the 18S rRNA V4 hyper-variable region for wildlife was informative. Our results illustrated the diversity of piroplasma and the specificity of their hosts. They led us to speculate possible ecological cycle including transmission from wildlife to domestic animals in the greater Kafue ecosystem. Thus, this approach may contribute to the establishment of appropriate disease control strategies in wildlife-livestock interface areas.
Methylotrophy, alkane-degradation, and pigment production as defining features of the globally distributed yet-uncultured phylum Binatota
Authors: Murphy Chelsea , Dunfield Peter , Sheremet Andriy , Spear John , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Woyke Tanja , Elshahed Mostafa , Youssef Noha
Published: October 2020

The recent leveraging of genome-resolved metagenomics has opened a treasure trove of genomes from novel uncultured microbial lineages, yet left many clades undescribed. We here present a global analysis of genomes belonging to the Binatota (UBP10), a globally distributed, yet-uncharacterized bacterial phylum. All orders in the Binatota encoded the capacity for aerobic methylotrophy using methanol, methylamine, sulfomethanes, chloromethanes, and potentially methane as substrates. Methylotrophy in the Binatota was characterized by order-specific substrate degradation preferences, as well as extensive metabolic versatility, i.e. the utilization of diverse sets of genes, pathways and combinations to achieve a specific metabolic goal. The genomes also encoded an arsenal of alkane hydroxylases and monooxygenases, potentially enabling growth on a wide range of alkanes and fatty acids. Pigmentation is inferred from a complete pathway for carotenoids (lycopene, β and γ carotenes, xanthins, chlorobactenes, and spheroidenes) production. Further, the majority of genes involved in bacteriochlorophyll a, c, and d biosynthesis were identified; although absence of key genes and failure to identify a photosynthetic reaction center precludes proposing phototrophic capacities. Analysis of 16S rRNA databases showed Binatota’s preferences to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems, hydrocarbon-rich habitats, and sponges supporting their suggested potential role in mitigating methanol and methane emissions, alkanes degradation, and nutritional symbiosis with sponges. Our results expand the lists of methylotrophic, aerobic alkane degrading, and pigment-producing lineages. We also highlight the consistent encountering of incomplete biosynthetic pathways and gene shrapnel in microbial genomes, a phenomenon necessitating careful assessment when assigning putative functions based on a set-threshold of pathway completion.
Data-Driven Reaction Coordinate Discovery in Overdamped and non-Conservative Systems: Application to Optical Matter Structural Isomerization
Authors: Chen Shiqi , Peterson Curtis , Parker John , Rice Stuart A. , Ferguson Andrew , Scherer Norbert
Published: October 2020

Powerful technique as it is to study the collective fluctuations and structural transitions in under-damped conservative systems, normal mode analysis cannot be applied to the optical matter (OM) system, an overdamped system subject to non-conservative forces, which consists of (nano-)particle constituents in solution that can self-organize into ordered arrays bound by electrodynamic interactions. We propose a data-driven approach based on principal component analysis (PCA) of deviations from a reference structure to determine the soft collective modes of non-conservative overdamped systems, such as OM structures, and harmonic linear discriminant analysis (HLDA) of time trajectories to estimate the reaction coordinate for structural transitions, which is demonstrated for structural isomerization of a six-particle OM system. The reaction coordinate we discover is in accord with committor analysis and the identified mechanism is in agreement with experiment. The PCA-HLDA approach to data-driven discovery of reaction coordinates aids in the understanding of non-conservative and overdamped systems.
Direct 1,3-butadiene biosynthesis in Escherichia coli via a tailored ferulic acid decarboxylase mutant
Authors: Mori Yutaro , Noda Shuhei , Shirai Tomokazu , Kondo Akihiko
Published: October 2020

The C4 unsaturated compound 1,3-butadiene is an important monomer in synthetic rubber and engineering plastic production. However, microorganisms cannot directly produce 1,3-butadiene using glucose as a renewable carbon source via biological processes. This study constructed a novel artificial metabolic pathway for 1,3-butadiene production from glucose in Escherichia coli by combining the cis,cis-muconic acid (ccMA)-producing pathway and tailored ferulic acid decarboxylase mutants. The rational enzyme design of the substrate-binding site by computational simulation improved 1,3-butadiene-producing ccMA decarboxylation with a small mutant library. We found that changing dissolved oxygen and controlling pH were important factors for 1,3-butadiene production. Using dissolved oxygen–stat fed-batch fermentation in a 1-L jar fermenter, we could produce 2.1 g L− 1 of 1,3-butadiene. These results indicated that using a rational enzyme design, we can produce unnatural/nonbiological compounds (those that are made from petroleum and cannot be produced by microorganisms) using glucose as a renewable carbon source.
Visible Colorimetric Dosimetry of UV and Ionizing Radiations by a Dual-Module Photochromic Nanocluster
Authors: Lu Huangjie , Xie Jian , Wang Xin-Xu , Wang Yaxing , Li Zi-Jian , Diefenbach Kariem , Pan Qing-Jiang , Wang Jian-Qiang , Wang Shuao , Lin Jian
Published: October 2020

Radiation dosimeters displaying conspicuous response of irradiance are highly desirable over the recent decade owing to the growing demand of monitoring high-energy radiation and environmental exposure. Herein, we present the first case of dosimetry based on a discrete nanocluster by judicious incorporating heavy Th6 polynuclear centers as radiation attenuator and organic linkers as photo-responsive sensor to enhance chromic response. Rather unusual dual-module photochromic transitions upon multiple external stimuli including UV, β-ray, and γ-ray are integrated into this single material. The striking color change, and more significantly, the visible chromic transition of luminescence in response to accumulating radiation dose allow an on-site quantitative platform for naked-eye detection of ionization radiations over a broad range (1–80 kGy). SC-XRD and DFT calculations revealed that the dual-module photochromism can be attributed to a unique π(TPC)→π*(TPC) intermolecular charge transfer (IeMCT) driven by enhanced π-π stacking interaction between the adjacent TPC moieties upon irradiations.
Effect of Autologous Fibrin Glue on Seroma Reduction after Modified Radical Mastectomy for Breast Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Faisal Mohammed , Salem Sara , Kamel Noha , Zaher Haidi Abd El , Bakr Ahmed Abo , Fathy Hamada
Published: October 2020

Introduction Breast cancer stands out as the second most common cancer in the world with incidence 35.1% of all malignancies among females in Egypt. Fluid build-up after breast surgery is still the most annoying complication which leads to worse outcome. We aimed to evaluate whether autologous fibrin glue might lessen the formation of seroma following modified radical mastectomy. Methods This was a randomized controlled trial designed to configure the effect of autologous fibrin glue given in the study group using the drain in comparison to a control group who received the drain only; seroma volume was calculated every 24 hrs. For all of the cases. The drains were removed when the daily drainage was less than 30 ml for 3 consecutive days. Results We recruited 30 patients to each of the two groups. Age, pathology, breast cancer stage, number of lymph nodes and tumour size did not differ significantly between groups. A comparison of the median days to drain removal showed 8 days reduction in median days to drain removal compared in the intervention group (7 days) than the control (15 days). The patients in the fibrin glue group had a significantly lower cumulative drain output volume (mean ± SD of 505.6 ± 209.3 ml) than those in the control group (1674.1± 1373.8 ml). Additionally, the patients treated with fibrin glue had a significantly shorter postoperative length of stay (8.5 (7–10) days) than the controls (15 (10–23) days. Conclusions Autologous fibrin glue significantly decrease seroma formation post-modified radical mastectomy. Research Registry Unique Identifying Number: researchregistry5372.
Designing next generation recombinant protein expression platforms by modulating the cellular stress response in Escherichia coli
Authors: Guleria Richa , Jain Priyanka , Verma Madhulika , Mukherjee Krishna Jyoti
Published: October 2020

Background

A cellular stress response (CSR) is triggered upon recombinant protein synthesis which acts as a global feedback regulator of protein expression. To remove this key regulatory bottleneck, we had previously proposed that genes that are up-regulated post induction could be part of the signaling pathways which activate the CSR. Knocking out some of these genes which were non-essential and belonged to the bottom of the E. coli regulatory network had provided higher expression of GFP and L-asparaginase .

Results

We chose the best performing double knockout E. coli BW25113 ΔelaAΔcysW and demonstrated its ability to enhance the expression of the toxic Rubella E1 glycoprotein by 2.5-fold by tagging it with sf GFP at the C-terminal end to better quantify expression levels. Transcriptomic analysis of this hyper-expressing mutant showed that a significantly lower proportion of genes got down-regulated post induction, which included genes for transcription, translation, protein folding and sorting, ribosome biogenesis, carbon metabolism, amino acid and ATP synthesis. This down-regulation which is a typical feature of the CSR was clearly blocked in the double knockout strain leading to its enhanced expression capability. Finally, we supplemented the expression of substrate uptake genes glpK and glpD whose down-regulation was not prevented in the double knockout, thus ameliorating almost all the negative effects of the CSR and obtained a further doubling in recombinant protein yields.

Conclusion

The study validated the hypothesis that these up-regulated genes act as signaling messengers which activate the CSR and thus, despite having no casual connection with recombinant protein synthesis, can improve cellular health and protein expression capabilities. Combining gene knockouts with supplementing the expression of key down-regulated genes can counter the harmful effects of CSR and help in the design of a truly superior host platform for recombinant protein expression.
Cytokine biomarker phenotype for early prediction and triage of sepsis in blunt trauma patients
Authors: Wang Jun , Wen Dalin , Sun Jianhui , Zeng Shi , Du Juan , Cui Li , Zhang Huacai , Zeng Ling , Du Dingyuan , Zhang Lianyang , Deng Jin , Jiang Jianxin , Zhang Anqiang
Published: October 2020

BackgroundSepsis is a life-threatening condition associated with an exacerbated production of cytokines that can promote a hyperactive response to infection or induce immunoparalysis. The trauma victim’s inherent state of hyperinflammation frequently camouflages septic events, delaying the initiation of targeted therapy. Thus, this study aimed to establish the profiles of cytokines in trauma patients to characterize the nature of the immune responses to sepsis, which might enable early prediction and individualized treatments to be developed and targeted.MethodsA 15-plex human cytokine magnetic bead assay system was used to measure analytes in citrated plasma samples. Analysis of these cytokine kinetics was performed on 40 patients with severe blunt trauma admitted to our trauma center between March 2016 and February 2017 with Injury Severity Score (ISS) more than 20 with regard to sepsis (Sepsis-3) over a 14-day time course.ResultsIn total, six cytokines changed in trauma patients between the different timepoints at day 1, 3, 5, 7, and 14. Additionally, IL-6, IL-10, IL-15, MDC, GRO, sCD40L, G-CSF, and FGF-2 significantly distinguished between sepsis and nonsepsis at day 3 and afterward with an area under the curve of up to 0.90 when the eight biomarkers (P < 0.001) were combined. Event-related analysis demonstrated 1.5- to 4-fold serum level changes for these cytokines within 72 hours before clinically apparent sepsis. ConclusionCytokine profiles demonstrate high discriminatory ability to timely identify evolving traumatic sepsis. These abrupt changes allow sepsis detection up to 72 hours before clinically overt deterioration. Measurement of these cytokines might enable future studies to better predict, diagnose, and characterize traumatic sepsis, as well as confer the potential for physicians to timely initiate treatment with reduced mortality and costs.
Extended lymphadenectomy benefits patients with borderline resectable pancreatic head cancer —— a single-center retrospective study
Authors: Zhu Jiqiao , Lyu Shao-Cheng , Wang Jing , Li Xian-Liang , Lang Ren , He Qiang
Published: October 2020

Background: Whether standard lymphadenectomy or extended lymphadenectomy should be performed is still under debate during pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). We aimed to compare their morbidity and mortality rates among patients with pancreatic head cancer (PHC). Material and methods: In this retrospective study, a total of 322 patients were enrolled. According to the scope of intraoperative lymph node dissection, patients were divided into extended lymphadenectomy group (n=120) and standard lymphadenectomy group (n=202). Based on the resectability of the tumor, there were 198 cases of resectable PHC and 124 cases of boardline resectable PHC, respectively, in which further stratified analysis was carried out according to the extent of lymph node dissection.Results: All patients completed the operation successfully, with a perioperative morbidity rate of 27.9% and mortality rate of 0.9%. As for the overall patients, patients in the extended lymphadenectomy group had higher NLR, longer operation time, more intraoperative blood loss, lymph node dissection and patients with BRPHC. (P<0.05) The 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates of patients with extended lymphadenectomy and standard lymphadenectomy were 71.9%, 50.6%, 30.0% and 70.0%, 32.9%, 21.5%, respectively. (P=0.068) With regards to patients with BRPHC, the number of lymph node dissection in the extended lymphadenectomy group was more, (P<0.05) and the 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates of patients with extended lymphadenectomy and standard lymphadenectomy were 60.7%, 43.3%, 27.4% and 43.2%, 17.7%, 17.7%, respectively. (P=0.007)Conclusions: Patients with BRPHC tended to have vast lymph node metastasis. Extended lymphadenectomy can improve their long-term survival.
Tumor ferroptosis status demonstrated vulnerability to chemotherapy and reflected immune-activation in colorectal cancer
Authors: Lv Yang , Feng QingYang , Zhang ZhiYuan , Zheng Peng , Zhu DeXiang , Mao YiHao , Xu YuQiu , Ji MeiLing , Xu JianMin , He GuoDong
Published: October 2020

Background: Existing studies for ferroptosis and prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC) were limited. In this study, we aim to investigate the prognostic role of ferroptosis markers in patients with CRC and exploration of its micro-environmental distributions. Methods: A total of 911 patients from 2008 to 2013 with CRC were enrolled. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for CRC patients’ tissue microarray. Selection and prognostic validation of markers were based on mRNA data from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was performed to indicate relative immune landmarks and hallmarks. Ferroptosis and immune contexture were examined by CIBERSORT. Survival outcomes were analyzed by Kaplan-meier analysis and cox analysis.Results: A panel of 42 genes was selected. Through mRNA expression difference and prognosis analysis, GPX4, NOX1 and ACSL4 were selected as candidate markers. By IHC, increased GPX4, decreased NOX1 and decreased FACL4 indicate poor prognosis and worse clinical characteristics. Ferroptosis score based on GPX4, NOX1 and ACSL4 was constructed and validated with high C-index. Low ferroptosis score can also demonstrate the better progression free survival and better adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) responsiveness. Moreover, tumor with low ferroptosis score tend to be infiltrated with more CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells and less M1 macrophage. Finally, we found that IFN-γ was potentially the central molecule at the crossroad between ferroptosis and onco-immune response. Conclusion: Ferroptosis plays important role on CRC tumor progression, ACT response and prognosis. Ferroptosis contributes to immune-supportive responses and IFN-γ was the central molecule for this process.
Financial Inclusion and Saving Culture of Individuals in Uganda: A Case of Central Division, Kabale Municipality
Authors: Musinguzi Isaac , Richard Ayebare , Muwanguzi Elizabeth
Published: October 2020

The study was about Financial Inclusion and savings in Uganda. A case of central division, Kabale Municipality. Financial Inclusion seeks to overcome the friction that hinders markets from expanding access to, and use of formal financial products and services to a broad number of people. The Objectives of the study were; to examine how access to financial services affects deposits made to formal financial institutions, to find out the effect of usage of financial services on deposits made to formal financial institutions and; to investigate the relationship between quality of financial services available and deposits made to formal financial institutions. The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. A sample size of 390 respondents from a population of 15,092 people was used. Findings of the study established a direct positive relationship between Financial Inclusion and savings. The regression results showed that savings as measured by percentage of the respondent’s monthly income earnings that is saved, was influenced by Access to formal financial products and services (p=0.031), usage of formal financial products and services (p=0.015) and Quality of formal financial products and services (p=0.021). The independent variables in the regression model with positive coefficient showed a direct relationship with the dependent variable. Therefore, the study concluded that savings increases proportionately with more access to formal financial products, usage and increase in quality of formal financial products. The study also recommended that financial institutions should create financial products which are tailored to fit various individual needs. Again, these financial institutions should create many outlets through Agent Banking and this would prevent the people from saving in their homes and rather save with the financial institutions since savings do not benefit only the individuals but the economy as a whole.
Mathematical modelling and optimal cost-effective control of COVID-19 transmission dynamics
Authors: Olaniyi S. , Obabiyi O.S. , Okosun K.O. , Oladipo A.T. , Adewale S.O.
Published: October 2020

The novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) caused by a new strain of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) remains the current global health challenge. In this paper, an epidemic model based on system of ordinary differential equations is formulated by taking into account the transmission routes from symptomatic, asymptomatic and hospitalized individuals. The model is fitted to the corresponding cumulative number of hospitalized individuals (active cases) reported by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), and parameterized using the least squares method. The basic reproduction number which measures the potential spread of COVID-19 in the population is computed using the next generation operator method. Further, Lyapunov function is constructed to investigate the stability of the model around a disease-free equilibrium point. It is shown that the model has a globally asymptotically stable disease-free equilibrium if the basic reproduction number of the novel coronavirus transmission is less than one. Sensitivities of the model to changes in parameters are explored. It is revealed further that the basic reproduction number can be brought to a value less than one in Nigeria, if the current effective transmission rate of the disease can be reduced by 50%. Otherwise, the number of active cases may get up to 2.5% of the total estimated population. In addition, two time-dependent control variables, namely preventive and management measures, are considered to mitigate the damaging effects of the disease using Pontryagin's maximum principle. The most cost-effective control measure is determined through cost-effectiveness analysis. Numerical simulations of the overall system are implemented in MatLab® for demonstration of the theoretical results.
Rapid transition to online teaching during COVID 19: Students’ and Teachers’ Perceptions in a Pioneer Caribbean Dental School
Authors: Rafeek Reisha , Sa Bidyadhar , Harnarayan Patrick , Farnon Niall , Singh Shala , Giddings Stanley , Reid Sandra
Published: October 2020

Background: The sudden advent of the COVID pandemic resulted in the closure of schools and universities in Trinidad, limiting face to face interactions and removing dental students from the clinical environment in The University of the West Indies. The dental school was challenged to complete the final year teaching with a rapid transition to online teaching. This study examined students’ and teachers’ perceptions of the effectiveness of emergency remote online teaching.Method: An online cross-sectional survey was administered on the perception of the online learning environment and challenges experienced and effectiveness of strategies used. Overall thirty-three dental students and eleven clinical academic teachers participated. The questionnaire was emailed to the participants for data collection and they responded by using a Likert scale. Reliability of the questionnaire was determined. Chi-squared (χ2) tests were applied for determining the perceptions of students and teachers towards online teaching. Frequencies and percentages were also computed.Result: Cronbach’s alpha of the students’ and teachers’ questionnaire was calculated at 0.838 and 0.801 respectively. The majority of students (60.6% - 89.5%) perceived that online teaching strategies, have enhanced their clinical reasoning and critical thinking skills in clinical practice, felt motivated to learn, liked learning in their own space, at their own pace and found it easy to adapt. Nearly two-third students (63.6%) were happy to recommend continued use of online strategies. However, the majority (87.9%) perceived it to be somewhat or not effective at all in acquiring clinical skills. The challenges experienced were problems with connectivity to the internet (87.9%) while (48.5%) had experienced distraction during remote teaching. All χ2 values were found to be statistically signiﬁcant (either P<0.01 or P<0.05). The majority of teachers (72.7% - 92.9%) perceived that they created an enthusiastic online environment, effectively communicated with the students, engaged students in clinical reasoning and critical thinking and gave formative feedback. Teachers were equally divided on whether or not they prepared students to practice clinical skills.Conclusion: Students’ perceptions are similar to teachers’ perceptions in both are positive to the online teaching strategies but both groups reflected concerns over the acquisition of clinical skills.
The association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) and obesity indices in university students in Tehran
Authors: Cheshm Narges Khamoush , Ataie-Jafari Asal , Eghtesadi Shahryar , Nikravan Aniseh , Shivappa Nitin , Hebert James R
Published: October 2020

Background: Obesity, a major cause of low-grade chronic inflammation, is a major public health issue globally. Inflammation arising from obesity affects organs, such as kidney and liver, and is associated with chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease. We aimed to investigate the association between the dietary inflammatory index (DII®) and obesity indices in university students. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 361 college students. DII scores were calculated from dietary data collected using a semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Anthropometric measurements were taken, and body composition analyzed by bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: The mean age of the 361 students was 21.94 ± 4.04 years and 53.2% were female The mean DII was 1.26 ± 1.08. Among participants, 36.8% were overweight and obese and 9.1% suffered from abdominal obesity. The DII score was not associated with body weight, body mass index (BMI), body fat, waist circumference or visceral fat (both unadjusted and after adjustment for covariates). Conclusion: The present study showed no association between the DII and obesity indices given the proven effects of both the DII and obesity on health indicators, it would be a good strategy to conduct studies with prospective designs to determine the exact effects of DII on obesity indicators. Key words: dietary inflammatory index, obesity, fat mass, anthropometric.
The genus Dermoloma is more diverse than expected and forms a monophyletic lineage in the Tricholomataceae
Authors: Sánchez-García Marisol , Adamčíková Katarína , Moreau Pierre-Arthur , Vizzini Alfredo , Jančovičová Soňa , Kiran Munazza , Caboň Miroslav , Matheny Patrick Brandon , Adamčík Slavomír
Published: October 2020

We present the first phylogenetic evaluation of the genus Dermoloma , which is resolved as monophyletic and closely related to Pseudotricholoma , a poorly-known Dermoloma -like lineage within the family Tricholomataceae. The position of Dermoloma is confirmed by the placement of the type species, D. cuneifolium , represented by multiple samples including the neotype. Based on our phylogenetic analyses, we recognised 25 European operational taxonomic units (OTUs), but could only assign species names to ten of them based on ex-type sequences. Furthermore, only five additional published Dermoloma names of uncertain status are available for the remaining 16 potential European species, thus demonstrating an unexpected amount of taxonomic diversity. Samples from Europe and North America seem to be endemic on a continental scale. North American samples formed six unique OTUs, but only one could be reliably named, D. hymenocephalum . Dermoloma is morphologically defined by basidiomata with brown, grey and white colours with a farinaceous odour and a pluristratous hymeniderm type of pileipellis. Our phylogenetic analyses support the subdivision of the genus into two subgenera and four sections, species with inamyloid basidiospores are placed in subg. Dermoloma and those with amyloid basidiospores in subg. Amylospora . Both subgenera are further divided in two sections. The analysis of spore morphology shows that sect. Conica of subg. Dermoloma and sect. Nigrescentia of subg. Amylospora have a very distinctive spore shape. Sect. Atrobrunnea of subg. Amylospora showed relatively high variability of spores among species, but spores of sect. Dermoloma were similar and not useful for species discrimination.
Roller Skating Promotes the Physical Health of Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review and Meta analysis
Authors: Zhao Wei , Wang Changquan , Hou Lijuan
Published: October 2020

Background: This meta-analysis aimed to systematically analyse the influencing factors of roller skating on the physical health of children and adolescents and to discuss the intervention effect of roller skating on the physical health of children and adolescents. Methods: Taking "Roller Skating", "Children", "Youth", "roller-skating", "minors", "childhood", and "adolescent" as the subject words, a combination of subject words and free text was used to perform a comprehensive search of 7 electronic databases: China Knowledge Network (CNKI), WanFang and Weipu Periodicals, Web of Science, PubMed, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus. We searched for randomized controlled trials of roller skating with respect to promoting the health of children and adolescents. We searched from inception to 31 December 2019, with no language restrictions.Results: Sixteen studies with 1296 patients were included. Pooled analysis showed a favorable effect of Roller Skating in total effective rate.Balance ability (SMD=0.86,95%CI:0.72-1.01;Z=11.94,P < 0.0001),Lower Limb power(SMD=0.52,95%CI:0.33-0.70;Z=5.55,P<0.0001),Speed quality(SMD=0.17,95%CI:0.14-0.20;Z=11.67,P<0.01),Social adaptability(SMD=0.68,95%CI:0.32-1.04;Z=3.67,P<0.01)andEndurace quality(SMD=-0.24,95%CI:-0.38-0.10;Z=3.42,P<0.01)while no significant differences were found in Bodyheigh(SMD=0.13,95%CI:-0.01-0.27;Z=1.79,P>0.01),Flexibility(SMD=0.05,95%CI:-0.09-0.19;Z=0.65,P>0.01),Sensitive quality(SMD=0.64,95%CI:-1.13-2.41;Z=0.71,P>0.01) and Vita capacity(SMD=1.92,95% CI:0.17-3.67;Z=2.15,P>0.01) between the two groups.Conclusion: The current evidence shows that roller skating effectively promotes balance, lower limb strength, speed quality, body endurance and social adaptability in children and adolescents; the improvement in male endurance was lower than that in females in the adolescent stage. However, the improvement in male lower limb strength was greater than that of females, and there was no improvement in the flexibility and agility of males or females in these two periods.
Integrasi Matematika, Nilai-Nilai Keislaman, dan Teknologi: Fenomena di Madrasah Tsanawiyah
Authors: Safitri Wilda Yumna , Haryanto Haryanto , Rofiki Imam
Published: October 2020

A study of mathematics integration with technology and Islamic values becomes an interesting topic to be studied by many scholars. The mathematics integration is essential to be applied in learning so that it can make students become Muslim individuals who have excellent character and proficiency in utilizing technology. However, there are still few studies that investigate mathematics integration with technology and Islamic values. Therefore, this study aims to describe phenomena directly related to mathematics learning that contain Islamic values and the use of technology in the learning process. The type of this study was descriptive research using a qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were three mathematics teachers who teach at Madrasah Tsanawiyah (MTs). The study procedure was carried out to find the phenomenon of research subjects that occurred at MTs. The validity of the data used the triangulation of the source and method. Data were collected through literature review, interview, and observation. The study results showed that three MTs had applied Islamic values and technology content in mathematics learning. This study recommends the need for innovation in MTs to design mathematics-integrated learning with Islamic values and the use of technology to help teachers create efficient learning, attract students' learning interest, and create an active learning environment for students.
Objava u filozofiji?
Authors: Kušar Stjepan
Published: October 2020

U članku se daje ocrt Schellingova poimanje objave; ono nije svedeno na teološki shvaćen pojam objave, nego ga pokazuje u širini autorove filozofske misli, od njegovih filozofskih početaka preko filozofije slobode pa do pozitivne filozofije. Pojam objave pokazuje se u svojoj tijesnoj povezanosti s poimanjem slobode – Božje i čovječje – i s mogućnošću i potrebom da se promišlja umu onostrani Apsolut a da nije »ukonačen« u imanenciju uma i njegova umovanja. Objava je shvaćena kao slobodna povijesna manifestacija Apsoluta, ponuda i apel čovječjoj slobodi i čovjekovu djelovanju u povijesti; ona je također moment života Boga koji sam ispostavlja stvorenje i ide mu ususret te ga vodi k cilju: da on, Bog, bude sve u svemu.
Vertikalne strukture kršćanskog režima istine
Authors: Ament Žarko
Published: October 2020

Rad analizira formaciju moći kršćanskog režima istine promatrajući je u kontekstu Foucaultova pojma strategijskih cjelina. Posebno se analizira seksualna formacija moći kroz tri žarišne točke njezina djelovanja. Prva se žarišna točka formira unutar sukoba starozavjetnog režima istine i kanaanskog kulta plodnosti. Druga žarišna točka formirana je pod utjecajem antičke filozofske misli, ponajprije na filozofiji stoika, na ideji o uzdržavanju od seksualnog čina kao otvaranju božanskoj inspiraciji te medicinskim spoznajama antike. Treća žarišna točka formira se oko mehanizama kontrole kršćanskog režima istine kroz klasifikaciju, regulaciju, zabranu, tarifiranje prijestupa i korekcije nauka. Zadaća je formacije moći vertikalno strukturiranje režima istine u njezinoj antropomorfnoj i androcentričnoj imanentnosti.
Influence of fiscal policy on GDP: an empirical study of GCC countries
Authors: Khalil Rashid , Ahmad Pandow Bilal
Published: October 2020

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries of late have made considerable attempts to achieve financial consolidation. However, this was limited to cuts in government expenditures. While scholars suggest the need for overall fiscal policy adjustments, countries should pay particular attention to efficient revenue generation and public debt management. In this paper, an attempt has been made to examine public finance of the GCC countries. The study has taken into account four significant components of public finance: public revenue, inflation, government expenditure and public debt. The co-integration rank test using the vector auto-regression method is employed to determine whether the chosen variables play any influential role in the GDP of the GCC economies. The results suggest that the effect of the consumer price inflation, total government revenue, revenue (percent of non-oil), and total government gross debt have a strong influence on the GDP of these economies. Thus, this means that the countries in the GCC region should focus on inflation, revenue, and public debt to have robust, viable and comprehensive development.
Features of introducing budgeting for different models of innovation processes: a framework review
Authors: Cherep Alla , Gerasymova Vitaliya , Gorbunova Anna , Shcheblykina Inna
Published: October 2020

Innovation processes are vehicles of growth and, therefore, require effective management systems. These circumstances raise the question of how a particular innovation process model influences the features of budgeting implementation at the enterprise. The article aims to figure out the main provisions, which profoundly impact using budgeting for particular innovation process models. Methodologically, this article reviews theoretical approaches and practical basis on innovation process models and peculiarities of using budgeting in this area. Authoritative sources on these issues and the search covering 43 years were observed. This study was also based upon the secondary research data provided by international institutions, such as consulting companies, which help to reveal theoretical foundations and extensive experience in using budgeting practices on innovative companies around the world. Thus, the following statements were identified: an interconnection between the innovation process model and the creation of business units that become budgeting points; specific innovation process models require stage-based budgeting; particular innovation process models demand greater budgeting flexibility. Investigation of these statements led to the discovery: innovation processes models, which require being closed within business units and others that can demand to be more separated; models that are more in need of milestone budgeting; nature of influence flexibility on the efficiency of innovation. The demonstrated findings on features of using budgeting for particular innovation process models can help executives reconsider the existing systems to increase its efficiency.
Impact of urbanization on variability of annual and flood season precipitation in a typical city of North China
Authors: Li Peijun , Zuo Depeng , Xu Zongxue , Gao Xiaoxi , Peng Dingzhi , Kan Guangyuan , Sun Wenchao , Pang Bo , Yang Hong
Published: October 2020

Urbanization plays an important role in a global change, but there are few studies that combine land use with topography and precipitation. The urbanization in Jinan, a typical city of North China, between the 1980s and 2005 was analyzed by transition matrix analysis, and the topographic effects on land use changes were explored considering altitude, slope, and aspect. The temporal trends and abrupt changes of annual and flood season precipitation for the last 60 years were detected by multiple nonparametric detection methods, and the precipitation indices were adopted to characterize the frequency and intensity of precipitation. The relationship between urbanization and precipitation was finally investigated by grey correlation analysis. The results showed that land use structure in Jinan experienced a dramatic change during recent decades due to the urbanization process, the conversion of cropland to forest, and the protection of spring in Jinan. The land use types that closely related to mankind's activities and living behaviors were more concentrated in areas with lower altitude and slope, and detected more significant changes. The significant abrupt changes of precipitation generally occurred in 1989 and concentrated in urban areas and southern mountainous areas with high increment. The increase of flood season precipitation was more significant in the central urban region with a maximum increasing rate of 39.52%, and the increase in the number of storm and precipitation days was also obvious. The precipitation indices in the flood season were more closely related to changes in farmland and settlements affected by urbanization with a maximum correlation coefficient of 0.75. These findings illustrate the impact of urbanization on the variability of precipitation and support that the changes in the urban underlying surface have a certain effect on the surface energy balance.