bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El fenómeno de la Cooperación Transfronteriza en la Península Ibérica: una mirada Retrospectiva a las eurociudades Luso-Españolas
Authors: Castanho Rui Alexandre , Cabezas Fernández José
Published: September 2022

La Cooperación Transfronteriza (CT) alcanza actualmente un protagonismo como no había alcanzado en otro momento histórico. Bajo esta perspectiva, la necesidad de identificar factores críticos para lograr el éxito territorial es fundamental mediante estrategias de CT que conduzcan a una mejora de la calidad de vida de las poblaciones residentes. El objetivo principal de este trabajo es analizar las eurociudades luso-españolas. Este estudio enfatiza, la necesidad de articular un proyecto conjunto entre actores de ambos lados de la frontera, pero en el que la participación de la población local, también sea considerado un factor fundamental, entre tantos otros que se deben tener en cuenta para que se alcance el éxito de dicho proyecto. Además, este trabajo presenta una novedad para la literatura temática al sacar a la luz cómo estos proyectos de CT de eurociudades evolucionaron, y podrían ser la nueva tendencia y catalizador del desarrollo territorial sostenible en sus regiones.
Contemplations on and practical guidelines for cooperation in the Dutch-German borderland
Authors: Pijnenburg Vincent
Published: September 2022

Despite decades of European financial stimulation for cross-border projects, the attention for cross-border cooperation (CBC) is still volatile. The focus on CBC has been fluctuating for decades, depending on political and economic trends among other aspects. Irrespective of that, it remains difficult to encourage citizens in the Dutch-German borderland to engage in cross-border working and living. Without commitment among citizens at grassroots level, CBC will primarily remain an enjoyable pastime for the euroregional elite. Based on scientific debates on border studies, this paper highlights CBC by reflecting on border-related policy. By way of illustration, this research will zoom in on the northern Meuse-Rhine Euroregion, one of the Dutch-German Euroregions. Based on some contemplations on Dutch-German cooperation in recent decades, this article concludes with some action-oriented principles for CBC which could contribute to strengthening its impact.
Tourism as an engine for sustainable development in the Euroregion. Insights from the Tatra Euroregion
Authors: Maráková Vanda , Dzúriková Lenka
Published: September 2022

The significance of tourism in the development of regions has become of interest to academics in recent decades and its contribution is evident. The rapid tourism development is creating pressure on the destination’s competitiveness, as well as on its sustainable development. The Tatra Euroregion has been connecting two nationalities for decades via joint activities that develop the region by strengthening tourism. However, little attention is given to developing the Euroregion by way of tourism. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify whether the development of tourism in this Euroregion will be sustainable in the future, which can be fulfilled by answering two research questions, RQ1: What is the current state of tourism development in the Tatra Euroregion? and RQ2: Is the further development of tourism in the Tatra Euroregion subject to the principle of sustainability? We will answer the questions by analysing statistical data and documents that describe the cooperation activities within the Euroregion. The paper contributes to the analysis of cross-border cooperation within the Euroregion, as well as to research in the field of regional development with sustainable tourism, which is determined by the life cycle of the destination.
Inferential statistics of Quercus species in veneer cutting
Authors: Dumitrascu Adela-Eliza , Salca Emilia-Adela , Mihail Laurentiu Aurel , Ciobanu Valentina Doina , Musat Elena-Camelia
Published: September 2022

Quercus species represent 18% of the total forest area in Romania, of which 2% refers to common oak and 10.5% refers to sessile oak. These species are of special importance for Romanian silviculture due to their value in multiple industrial uses. The finest and most efficient use of valuable timber is wood veneer. This paper presents a comparative analysis of the efficiency in veneer cutting for two Quercus species, common oak and sessile oak, originating from the Snagov area in Romania. The statistical parameters of veneer efficiency were estimated with high accuracy by using the least squares method with a 95% normal confidence interval based on the Anderson-Darling test and the correlation coefficient. The analysis of inferential statistics used the estimation of the 87th percentile, determining the cumulative density functions for the species under study. More defects were found in common oak logs than in sessile oak logs, which produced more veneer sheets. The veneer efficiency for sessile oak logs was superior to that of common oak logs. These findings might have practical applications in industrial conditions when screening for the best log species with high efficiency in veneer cutting.
As figurações do amor na poesia de Leodegária de Jesus
Authors: Borges Mariana de Oliveira , Falcão Lara Kamyla Paulina , Oliveira Maria Aparecida Barros de
Published: September 2022

A história da literatura goiana é marcada pela expressiva presença de autoras femininas que não produziram em grande escala, mas deixaram registrado na literatura o seu legado, contribuindo, assim, para a ampliação das versões de mundo. Dentre as poetisas, Leodegária de Jesus se destaca no cenário com as obras Corôa de Lyrios e Orchideas – as únicas produções publicadas que durante muito tempo caíram no esquecimento, mas que se tornaram referência na literatura do século XX. O presente artigo busca evidenciar, em algumas poesias selecionadas, como o amor é representado e como as estéticas de diferentes períodos literários foram mescladas e dispostas em suas obras. Por fim, busca-se resgatar a importância de Leodegária de Jesus enquanto precursora da lírica de autoria feminina em Goiás.
The Two Different Endings of Sefer haMiddot
Authors: Kadish Seth
Published: September 2022

The final chapter of Sefer haMiddot – a popular ethical work by an anonymous late medieval author, and called Orḥot Tzaddikim in its printed versions – is Sha‘ar Yir’at Shamayim. An early manuscript restores the original conclusion to this chapter, followed by an epitome called Simmanei Sefer haMiddot. This material was lost for well over five centuries. Sha‘ar Yir’at Shamayim asserts a dualism in which the soul animates the body like God animates the cosmos. The soul takes clear precedence over the body. To appreciate this dualism leads to fear of heaven, which is God’s greatest treasure. This chapter, devoted to a theological doctrine, is unique within Sefer haMiddot. Simmanei Sefer ha-Middot is a natural continuation of Sha‘ar Yir’at Shamayim. It also sharpens a global theme throughout the book, which places middot (ethics) alongside mitzvot (commandments) as constituting the exoteric will of God in its fullness. This substitutes ethics for the older esoteric doctrine of the Ḥasidei Ashkenaz, and is what makes the book distinct in medieval Jewish thought. The substitution of ethics for esoteric doctrine does not depend upon the final chapter’s doctrine of the soul, and the book thus ends in two different ways. An Appendix presents the full conclusion to Sefer haMiddot – Sha‘ar Yir’at Shamayim followed by Simmanei Sefer haMiddot – in a Hebrew text based upon a full synopsis of the manuscripts and in an annotated English translation.
Analysis of the concept of cardiovascular risk: contributions to nursing practice
Authors: Félix Nuno Damácio de Carvalho , Cunha Brenda Silva , Nascimento Maria Naiane Rolim , Braga Douglas Vieira , Oliveira Célida Juliana de , Brandão Marcos Antônio Gomes , Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite de , Nóbrega Maria Miriam Lima da
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the concept of cardiovascular risk to support nursing practice. Methods: this is an analysis to define the concept of cardiovascular risk, through the use of eight steps of Walker’s and Avant’s framework, using a literature review in indexed scientific journals. Results: cardiovascular risk is defined in a broad and original way as a context of health and nursing care that makes it possible to identify modifiable (cardiometabolic, behavioral, psychosocial, cultural and occupational) and non-modifiable (biological) risk factors for cardiovascular diseases that act as early and interrelated markers, of multiple and heterogeneous etiology, predisposing to cardiovascular vulnerability. Conclusions: with the analysis and definition of the concept of cardiovascular risk, we realized that it will be possible to base nursing practice, with implications in clinical practice for identifying and reducing risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, with nursing relevance in the care of these subjects.
Legislation and quality of nursing education in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Fernandes Josicélia Dumêt , Cordeiro Ana Lúcia Arcanjo Oliveira , Teixeira Giselle Alves da Silva , Silva Rosana Maria Oliveira , Silva Gilberto Tadeu Reis da
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT Objectives: to reflect on the governmental normative acts issued for higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic and on the repercussions of these acts on the quality of nursing education in Brazil. Methods: this is a reflection on the repercussions for the quality of nursing education, based on the normative acts applied to higher education, enacted from March to December 2020, available on the Ministry of Education website and in the current literature on the subject anchored in the National Curriculum Guidelines for the Undergraduate Nursing Course. Results: educational legislation, in the context of the pandemic, distanced education from the world of work, as well as from the quality of training established in the guidelines. Final Considerations: remote teaching in nursing makes it difficult to train professionals with the capacity to effectively teach and learn in the real world of care and health promotion in the Unified Health System.
Validation of the Informal Caregiver Burden Assessment Questionnaire for Brazil – short version
Authors: Correia Elaine Trevezanuto , Rêgo Anderson da Silva , Silva Marcelo da , Sanches Rafaely de Cássia Nogueira , Silva Eraldo Schunk , Milani Daniela , Radovanovic Cremilde Aparecida Trindade
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT Objectives: to cross-culturally adapt the short version of the Informal Caregiver Burden Assessment Questionnaire to the Brazilian culture and test its psychometric properties. Methods: the questionnaire was translated, adapted, and applied to a sample of 280 informal caregivers. The psychometric assessment was verified by estimating psychometric sensitivity and internal structure validity. Results: inter-rater agreement was satisfactory among specialists. In the seven-factor model, item (Q9) of the domain “Perception of Efficacy and Control Mechanisms” showed a factor loading less than 0.40 (ʎ = 0.26), and an alternative six-factor model was evaluated. However, both models showed excellent fit indices, and it was decided to keep the seven-factor reference model. Reliability was satisfactory for the seven subscales (α > 0.70). Conclusions: the questionnaire was adapted and showed adequate psychometric indices in the Brazilian context in which it was evaluated, preserving its original essence.
Effects of multidisciplinary rounds and checklist in an Intensive Care Unit: a mixed methods study
Authors: Maran Edilaine , Matsuda Laura Misue , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Magalhães Ana Maria Muller de , Marcon Sonia Silva , Haddad Maria do Carmo Fernandez Lourenço , Matta Alessandra Cristina Gobbi , Costa Maria Antonia Ramos
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT Objectives: to analyze the implementation of multidisciplinary checklist-directed rounds before health indicators and multidisciplinary team perception of an Intensive Care Unit. Methods: a mixed methods study, with an explanatory sequential design, carried out at a hospital in southern Brazil, from September 2020 to August 2021. The integration of quantitative and qualitative data was combined by connection. Results: after the implementation of checklist-directed rounds, there was a significant reduction in hospital stay from ventilator-associated pneumonia, urinary tract infection and daily invasive device use. The investigated practice is essential for comprehensive care, harm reduction, effective work and critical patient safety. Conclusions: the multidisciplinary rounds with checklist use reduced data on health indicators of critically ill patients and was considered a vital practice in the intensive care setting.
Efeitos de rounds multidisciplinares e checklist em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva: estudo de método misto
Authors: Maran Edilaine , Matsuda Laura Misue , Cavalcanti Alexandre Biasi , Magalhães Ana Maria Muller de , Marcon Sonia Silva , Haddad Maria do Carmo Fernandez Lourenço , Matta Alessandra Cristina Gobbi , Costa Maria Antonia Ramos
Published: September 2022

RESUMO Objetivos: analisar a implementação de rounds multidisciplinares direcionados por checklist frente aos indicadores de saúde e a percepção da equipe multiprofissional de uma Unidade de Terapia Intensiva. Métodos: estudo de método misto, com desenho sequencial explanatório, realizado em um hospital do sul do Brasil, no período de setembro de 2020 a agosto de 2021. A integração dos dados quantitativos e qualitativos foi combinada por conexão. Resultados: após a implementação dos rounds direcionados por checklist, constatou-se redução significativa no tempo de internação por pneumonias associadas à ventilação mecânica, infecção do trato urinário e nos dias de uso de dispositivos invasivos. A prática investigada é essencial para o cuidado integral, a redução de danos, o trabalho eficaz e a segurança do paciente crítico. Conclusões: os rounds multidisciplinares com uso de checklist reduziram os dados dos indicadores de saúde de pacientes críticos e foi considerado como prática vital no cenário de cuidados intensivos.
The auditors’ position on operational continuity in banks in financial distress
Authors: Araujo Mayse dos Reis , Dantas José Alves
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT This article aimed to identify factors that determine the auditor’s position in relation to the operational continuity of banks in financial distress. This research fills a gap in the national literature regarding the auditors’ position on operational continuity in the banking industry - a relationship subject to conflict between the premise of informing the user about operational continuity and the risk of a self-fulfilling prophecy. Understanding the context that explains the action of auditors in relation to going concerns in the banking industry is important for economic agents to comprehend whether and how auditing contributes to an environment of trust, credibility, and security in the financial market, considering that continuity risk warrants an opinion from the auditors, given their role of mitigating informational asymmetry and principal-agent conflicts. The research results contribute to the activities of market and professional regulatory bodies, of economic agents interested in financial disclosure, and of the auditors themselves for understanding and improving auditing work in banks. The methodology used was the identification of cases of financial distress in the Brazilian banking industry between 1990 and 2018 and logit model estimation to verify the determining factors of the position on operational continuity in these cases. The empirical tests showed that the auditor’s propensity to issue an opinion on the operational continuity of banks in financial distress is related to the importance of the client, to state control, to the application of NBC TA 570, and to the indicators of capital adequacy, asset quality, profitability, and liquidity. No relationship was confirmed with Big N auditors and capital of national origin.
O cuidado de enfermagem como fenômeno sistêmico e empreendedor
Authors: Backes Dirce Stein , Zinhani Mateus Claudio , Erdmann Alacoque Lorenzini , Backes Marli Terezinha Stein , Büscher Andreas , Caino Marchiori Mara Regina Teixeira
Published: September 2022

The objective is to produce a critical-reflexivity analysis of nursing care, from the perspective of complexity thinking and social entrepreneurship. Theoretical-reflective study, supported by the framework of complexity thinking and social entrepreneurship. The main characteristics that lead and support nursing care are analyzed from a systemic-entrepreneurial perspective. A parallel is conceived between vertical care, design from a hierarchical structure and nursing care in the systemic-entrepreneurial perspective, which leads to singularity, originality, circularity, complementarity and interactivity. The centrality of nursing care is reaffirmed as a tangible social good or not. Theoretical reflection on nursing care as a systemic and entrepreneurial phenomenon raises a unique and multidimensional perception of the human being/user, health, the nursing work process, in order to achieve an increasingly agile, dynamic, circular, complementary and interdependent care.
Green banana and ora-pro-nóbis mixed flours: nutritional and technological characteristics
Authors: Cândido Hebert Teixeira , Leonel Magali , Leonel Sarita , Ouros Lucas Felipe dos , Jesus Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues de , Izidoro Maiqui , Molha Nicholas Zanette , Domiciano Vinícius Martins
Published: September 2022

Abstract The constant need for innovation in the food industries to meet the demands of consumers and the growing market for gluten-free and high-protein products have driven studies of mixed flour. In this study, 'BRS Platina' banana fruits were processed to obtain Whole Green Banana Flour (WGBF) and Green Banana Pulp Flour (GBPF) as well as leaves of Ora-pro-nóbis Flour (OPNF). Mixed flours were prepared by blending banana flours (WGBF or GBPF) with increasing levels of OPNF (from 5 to 25%). Flours were analyzed for physicochemical characteristics, mineral contents, Water Absorption Index (WAI), Water Solubility Index (WSI), and color. The main component of banana flours was starch, in which GBPF has the highest content. The WGBF had a higher mineral content, and in both flours, the potassium was at a greater level. OPNF showed the highest protein and mineral contents. Independent of the type of banana flour, mixed flours were darker, and had higher WAI and considerable increases in Mg, Fe, and Zn than no mixed ones. The blend of banana flours and Ora-pro-nóbis leaf flour can be a viable combination for preparing a variety of food products, due to its nutritional and technological properties.
Prevalence and factors associated with pelvic floor dysfunction in university women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Iamundo Luana Fávaro , Nava Guilherme Thomaz de Aquino , Rocha Júnior Paulo Roberto , Prudencio Caroline Baldini , Barbosa Angélica Mércia Pascon
Published: September 2022

Abstract Introduction Urinary incontinence (UI), fecal inconti-nence (FI), and genito-pelvic pain or penetration disorder (GPPPD) are considered pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD), and are mainly characterized by poor functionality of the pelvic floor muscles. Despite the relevance of these dysfunctions in women's lives, the demand for care is low. Objective To analyze the prevalence of PFD, in university women, and factors associated with PFD. Methods This is a cross-sectional study conducted at São Paulo State University, Marília, SP, Brazil, with undergraduate and/or postgraduate women aged over 18 years. An online questionnaire containing 40 open and multiple-choice questions about PFD was developed by the authors and a Google form was disclosed via social media (Facebook, Instagram) to the participants. The questionnaire was applied between April and July 2020. Results A sample of 707 participants was included. The average age was 22.5 ± 21.0 years old. The most prevalent PFD was GPPPD, reported by 30.7% of women, followed by UI (16.8%) and FI (3.2%). PFD was significant less reported in the Midwest region compared to other regions (p = 0.015) and significantly more prevalent in women who attended public university (p = 0.038), in women with UI, FI, and GPPPD. The association-test showed that attending public university showed association to UI (p < 0.001), FI (p = 0.008) and GPPPD (p = 0.006). In addition, parity showed association with GPPD (p = 0.032) and to attend health courses with UI (p = 0.002). Conclusion PFD is prevalent among university women and GPPPD was the most recurrent, followed by UI and FI. GPPPD was associated with parity and attending a public university. UI was associated with attending public university and health courses. FI was associated with attending a public university.
Physiotherapeutic approach and profile of patients treated in the emergency room surgical unit of a tertiary care hospital in the Federal District
Authors: Martins Gabriela de Sousa , Alencar Raquel Costa de , Holanda Katryne , Valduga Renato
Published: September 2022

Abstract Introduction The emergency room (ER) is the main entry door for the care of critically ill patients. The inclusion of physiotherapists in these sectors is being consolidated in Brazil. Objective To characterize the physiotherapeutic approach and the clinical-functional profile of patients in the ER surgical unit of a tertiary hospital. Methods This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted from August to December of 2020. Clinical and functional data, and the main physiotherapeutic procedures performed, were collected. Analyses were conducted by means of the Friedman and Pearson Correlation tests, using SPSS software v.23. Results The sample included 98 patients, 68% male, mean age of 52 ± 19 years. The most common (64%) physiotherapeutic diagnosis was central nervous system (CNS) deficiency with mechanical ventilation (MV) dependence. The mean time of MV use was 4 ± 5 days. Association (p < 0.05) between MV time and admission in the emergency department (r = 0.972) and between MV time and age (r = 0.330) was identified. The most used physiotherapeutic actions were: suction (69%), lung re-expansion therapy (51%), and bed kinesiotherapy (37%). Conclusion Adult men with CNS-related disabilities were the principal patient profile. The physiotherapeutic action in the surgical emergency unit was diverse, with application of motor and respiratory techniques, and the predominant activity was the management and maintenance of MV.
Foreign Policy and Policy Diffusion in Lula da Silva’s Brazil (2003-2010)
Authors: Faria Carlos Aurélio Pimenta de
Published: September 2022

Abstract The article argues that international policy diffusion should also be understood as one of the many foreign policy instruments, and that it is a rather versatile one, as it can be coupled to most or perhaps all traditional foreign policy instruments: political, economic, cultural, and military. It also proposes that the exportation of Brazilian policy innovations may be regarded as the backbone of Lula da Silva’s foreign policy (2003-2010), as it was central to: (a) the manufacturing of a renewed international identity for the country; (b) the promotion of post-liberal regionalism in Latin America; (c) the defence of new or expanded roles for international organizations, which was a central priority for Brazilian foreign policy in that period; (d) the revitalisation of the South-South coalition; (e) the presidential diplomacy; and (f) the promotion of systematic bilateral cooperation with Latin American and African countries.
Brazilian Perspectives on Policy Transfer and South-South Cooperation
Authors: Oliveira Osmany Porto de , Milani Carlos R. S.
Published: September 2022

Abstract This paper introduces the dossier entitled ‘Policy Transfer and South-South Cooperation’. Very often development cooperation programmes, particularly those labelled as part of South-South cooperation (SSC), use policy transfer as one of their key implementation tools. However, irrespective of cross-cutting dimensions and shared commonalities, both fields of practices have generated research traditions that have followed specific disciplinary (and sometimes interdisciplinary) trajectories which have seldom met. Policy transfer promoted by national and international, state and non-state agents of the Global South via development cooperation raises several questions that remain unexplored and overlooked by the scholarly literature. This dossier intends to promote a dialogue between these two fields, thus analysing how policy transfer through SSC may create new power relations, identities, world visions and practices. This introductory article presents a theoretical cartography and offers in the first section a brief literature review of both fields of research; in the second section it presents the historical background of SSC and Brazil’s changing roles in it; the third section outlines possible conversations between policy transfer and SSC; finally, in the concluding remarks we bring a few reflections about future research agendas.
A terceira onda variacionista - continuidade ou descontinuidade de fases?
Authors: Lacerda Marcela Langa , Görski Edair Maria , Paza Carla Regina Martins
Published: September 2022

A sistematização dos estudos da sociolinguística variacionista em três ondas (ECKERT, 2012), ou fases, organiza, de certo modo, os trabalhos que vêm sendo realizados na área desde a década de 1960. Refinando essa sistematização, este artigo objetiva discutir a (in)adequação epistemológica (e teórico-metodológica, por conseguinte) da aproximação entre as ondas com base em argumentos favoráveis e desfavoráveis à ideia de continuidade/complementariedade entre as fases. De cunho interpretativista, esta investigação constitui-se como pesquisa bibliográfica e examina Eckert (2000; 2008; 2012; 2016a; 2016b; 2018), Labov (2001, 2010), Eckert e Rickford (2001), Coupland (2001; 2007, 2014); Camacho (2013; 2015) Bell (2001; 2014; 2016), Eckert e Labov (2017), Hernández-Campoy (2019; 2020), dentre outros autores. As reflexões apontam para a possibilidade de duas diferentes interpretações sobre a relação que se estabele entre as diferentes fases variacionistas: por um lado, a de que há um continuum epistemológico entre as três fases, de modo que seus preceitos se encontrariam integrados, na terceira onda, ensejando uma  teoria de variação robusta; por outro lado, a de que “não” há um continuum epistemológico entre as três fases, uma vez que a primeira fase se harmonizaria com procedimentos de uma abordagem estrutural e a terceira fase, com procedimentos de uma abordagem antropológico-discursiva, ensejando, essa última, uma teoria de variação robusta pelos aspectos que lhe são constitutivos (e não por uma integração de preceitos das três fases). Diante da discussão desenvolvida, destacamos a relevância de a área se debruçar sobre esse controverso ponto metateórico.
Ethics in Practice and Ethnography: Faux pas During Fieldwork with Structurally Vulnerable Groups
Authors: Luxardo Natalia
Published: September 2022

Ethical issues are an essential part of research and need to be considered throughout the process and in its aftermath, especially when including vulnerable groups. This Field Notes revisits some ethical tensions that emerged during fieldwork with a ‘vulnerable population’—a group of waste-pickers and their families—and links these to specific avenues for further thinking within ethical frameworks. I reflect on mistakes, omissions, and blunders committed over 5 years working with this social group affected by many different forms of injustices, part of my 25 years of wider research into social inequalities and health disparities within marginalised communities. I remark upon three emerging ethical tensions relating to: the exclusion of certain narratives; the layers of vulnerabilities and danger of harm; and the risk of stereotyping vulnerable groups. I conclude that, more than just considering ethical issues within the context of our own work as researchers on moral solipsism, decisions in applied ethics must be integrated into broader models that offer a connected rationale for the infinite situations that can emerge from research. Alternative ethical models—such as anti-racist, feminist, communitarian, and transformative approaches—provide chances for collective decision making and promote social justice, equity, and democracy.
Colonial Entanglements and African Health Worlds
Authors: Cochrane Thandeka
Published: September 2022

Following Ann Stoler’s (2016) idea of colonial and (post)colonial history as recursive, a history which folds back upon itself, emerging in new shapes and forms yet still carrying the formations that they are folded into, and Achille Mbembe’s argument that in the (post)colony the ‘past and present are entangled in hydra-headed ways’ (Mbembe and Hofmeyr 2006), this Review essay puts into conversation three recent publications: Marrku Hokkanen’s Medicine, Mobility and Empire (2017), Simukai Chigudu’s The Political Life of an Epidemic (2020), and Luke Messac’s No More to Spend (2020). I argue that these books help elucidate the transitions from colonial to postcolonial biomedicine in Africa and show what has endured. Focusing on books that look at a small part of south-eastern Africa, the essay examines how detailed historical analysis of the colonial creation of the medical world in the region can allow a temporally entangled understanding of medicine in the (post)colony. In particular, I observe how these three books highlight the impact of colonial logics of spatiality on African medical and healthcare worlds and suggest that paying careful attention to the colonial entanglements of African health worlds is crucial to understanding their contemporary shapes and forms.
Accounting for Complexity: Thinking With Idealisations, Models, and Data
Authors: Metcalf Kathryne
Published: September 2022

What does it mean to call something complex? This Review essay describes three recent books which take up complex problems and the problem of complexity: philosopher Angela Potochnik’s Idealization and the Aims of Science (2017); science and technology studies (STS) scholar Nicole Nelson’s Model Behavior: Animal Experiments, Complexity, and the Genetics of Psychiatric Disorders (2018); and historian of science Bruno Strasser’s Collecting Experiments: Making Big Data Biology (2019). Taken together, these works lay out a refreshed analytic vocabulary and set of guiding concerns for thinking about what complexity is and does in medical research, and how complexity mediates public participation in science and medicine.
User study of sensorless adaptive haptic assistance for bilateral teleoperation
Authors: Sofrony Esmeral Jorge , Ring Tobias
Published: September 2022

This paper presents a sensor-less haptic adaptive assistance scheme for bilateral shared controlled in telerobotics. The paper focuses on the implementation of an adaptive assistance scheme previously developed using force sensors at the master’s side, extending it to the case where this measurement is no longer available. The experimental setup was composed of a virtual slave robot and a real master robot (a commercially-of-the-shelf, low-cost haptic device), namely the Novint Falcon haptic device. Due to the lack of sensors to measure the contact force between the human operator and the haptic control device i.e., only the position of the master robot is measured, a data-driven Unknown Input Observer with disturbance estimation augmentation is proposed, allowing the estimation of the (external) human force under plant uncertainty and external disturbances. The proposed approach is tested via a path tracking (known) with (unknown) obstacle avoidance task, and statistical analysis regarding the scheme’s effectiveness is presented.
Elucidating Hepatic Lipidosis in Stray Cats Through Serum Biochemistry, Liver Histopathology and Liver RNA Expression of PPAR-δ and PPAR-γ
Authors: Salleh F. , Goh Y.M. , Lau S.F. , Rani P.A.M.A. , Radzi R. , Mazlan M. , Alashraf A.R. , Goh S.H. , Rahman S.A. , Mohidin T.B.M. , Akmal M.N. , Ilias A.N. , Ajat M.
Published: September 2022

Early detection of feline hepatic lipidosis (FHL) with appropriate treatment can increase prognosis significantly. This study looks into the serum biochemistry and lipid composition of serum and liver samples in a group of stray cats (N=18) collected from pounds in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in blood serum was used to detect for liver damage possibly due to FHL, confirmed through light microscopy, serum biochemistry (triglyceride, cholesterol, creatinine, and urea), liver triglyceride and cholesterol concentrations, and liver RNA expression of lipid droplet regulators peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs). Differing severity of FHL in samples were divided and grouped using an adapted scoring method observing fatty change of liver (FCL) with trends between FCL groups investigated. Elevated serum ALT reflective of increasing FCL severity was observed with elevated concentrations of liver TAG and cholesterol levels. Serum TAG and cholesterol decreased with heightened FCL pointing to fatty acid oxidation and lipid restoration in the liver, supported by PPAR-γ expression which also propose macrophage activation for liver recovery alongside PPAR-δ for lipogenesis and inflammatory reactions. Elevated serum creatinine and urea levels with increasing FCL severity propose overall intact hepatic function in the stray cat samples.
Application of Seismic Reflection Survey for Aquifer Layers Characterization at the Felda Lepar Utara Area, Pahang, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad Dedi Putra Ahmad Dedi Putra , Sulaiman Norasiah , Roslan Norsyafina , Jamil Habibah , Hamzah Umar , Alias Khairunnisa
Published: September 2022

Precise determination of subsurface structure is crucial in hydrogeological studies to correctly determine the potential of groundwater resources, and the sustainability of those resources. This study used the seismic reflection method to characterize the aquifer layer in Ladang Lepar Utara 8 (Line 1) and Ladang Sungai Rengai (Line 2) in the Felda Lepar Utara area, Pahang, Malaysia, due to its high accuracy, high-resolution and deeper penetration. The field data acquisition survey involved roll-along techniques with shot spacing of 5m along the line using 24-channels ABEM terraloc Mark-6 and CMP (common mid-point) profiling techniques. Seismic interpretation of reflection data and tubewell information from nearby borehole data indicates that the area consists of a single type of rock known as phyllitic meta-sedimentary rocks of the Sri Jaya beds that have been deformed by intense faulting and fracturing (from about 30 to 750 m depth in Line 1 and about 75 m to 500m depth in Line 2). This formation is overlain by recent alluvium that ranges in thickness from 30 to 75 m and is underlain by Lepar Granodiorite. The alluvium is a shallow aquifer system that can be classified as an unconfined aquifer, whereas the phyllitic meta-sedimentary rock of the Srijaya Beds is a deep aquifer system that can be classified as a confined aquifer with an alluvium layer (up to 75 m thick) on top as a confining bed. The occurrence of intense faulting and fracturing increases the porosity and permeability of the rock formation and hence increases its potential as a groundwater prospective/promising zone.
Low Methylation of Matrix Metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) is Associated with Preterm Labour in Malaysian Mothers
Authors: Mohamad Zainal Nurul Hayati , Mohamed Ismail Nor Azlin , Mokhtar Norfilza M.
Published: September 2022

Preterm births comprise 10.6% of livebirths worldwide and account for 35% of deaths among newborn babies. Understanding DNA methylation may offer basic knowledge in the understanding of pathogenesis of preterm labour. The study was undertaken to determine DNA methylation of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP1) promoter in term and preterm labour using methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction (MSP). Thirty maternal venous blood samples (n=15 each) of term and preterm labour was subjected to bisulfite treatment prior to MSP. This result was then validated using DNA sequencing. Evaluation of the sequencing results by CpG islands analysis was performed using the ClustalW and SPSS software. Primers for MMP1 were located between -1226 and -1378 upstream from the transcription start site (TSS) that consisted five CpG islands. Preterm labour group had significantly lower methylated CpG islands with 39 out of total 75 (52%) compared to the term labour that has 49 out of 75 methylated CpG islands (65.33%) (t=0.694, p<0.05). Methylation occurred in 4 out of 5 methylated CpG islands in the MMP1 promoter where it only involved 2 preterm samples (13.33%) and 7 term samples (46.47%). This data suggested there were significant lower percentage of methylated MMP1 in preterm labour. Higher percentage of methylated MMP1 as observed in the term labour, will probably reduce the expression of MMP1, thus maintaining fibrillar collagen strength on the amniotic membrane and subsequently maintain the pregnancy till term. In conclusion, preterm labour has higher percentage of methylated CpG compared with term labour in MMP1 gene.
Molecular Incidence of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Cryptosporidium parvum in Dissimilar Kinds of Raw and Pasteurized Milk Samples of Naturally Infected Animal Species
Authors: Abdollahzadeh Farzad , Firouzabadi Mohammad Sadegh Safaee , Shomali Romina Rashid
Published: September 2022

Milk of naturally infected animal species is considered an essential reservoir of Toxoplasma gondii, Neospora caninum, and Cryptosporidium parvum. An extant survey was performed to measure the T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. parvum incidence and periodic frequency amongst milk samples. One-thousand and one-hundred and sixty raw and 400 pasteurized milk samples were collected. Milk samples were used for DNA extraction. The nested-polymerase chain reaction was applied to diagnose B1, NP, and hsp70 genes of the T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. parvum, respectively. The total incidence of T. gondii, N. caninum, and C. parvum in examined milk samples were 2.69%, 10.51%, and 2.94%, respectively. Co-contamination of examined milk samples with all three protozoa was 0.38%. T. gondii had the highest distribution amongst raw sheep (5.00%) milk samples, while N. caninum, and C. parvum had the highest distribution in raw buffalo (23.68% and 6.31%, respectively) milk samples. Marked periodicity with the higher distribution of all protozoa among raw milk samples collected during autumn and summer seasons were found (P <0.05). Raw milk of animal species and pasteurized cow milk may be reservoirs of N. caninum, T. gondii, and C. parvum. Accurate monitoring of raw and pasteurized milk, particularly in autumn and summer seasons, can diminish the risk of human and animal toxoplasmosis, cryptosporidiosis, and neosporosis. However, further investigations are essential to understand the exact epidemiological aspects and other risk factors associated with the N. caninum, C. parvum, and T. gondii presence in raw and pasteurized milk.
Mathematical Model of Pertussis and Pneumonia Co-Infection in Infants with Maternally Derived Immunity
Authors: Yakubu Aisha Aliyu , Abdullah Farah Aini , Mohd Yatim Yazariah
Published: September 2022

The transmission dynamics of a pertussis-pneumonia co-infection model is analyzed. The model takes into account temporary immunity of infected infants and includes a maternally derived immunity compartment. The basic reproduction number of the co-infected model is obtained using the next generation matrix, and stability analysis is carried out. The model exhibits four equilibria, namely, the pertussis-free equilibrium, the pneumonia-free equilibrium, the co-infection-free equilibrium and co-infection endemic equilibrium. Subsequently, the local stability of the co-infection-free equilibrium is analyzed and is shown to be locally asymptotically stable. Similarly, by constructing a suitable Lyapunov function, the co-infection endemic equilibrium is shown to be globally asymptotically stable. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the validity of these results.
Kesan Suhu Pengekstrakan Akueus terhadap Ciri Fizikokimia dan Antioksidan Gam Bendi
Authors: Rashid Ridha Zati Hanani , Sofian-Seng Noor-Soffalina , Abdul Rahman Hafeedza , Kasim Khairul Farihan
Published: September 2022

Penyelidikan ini dijalankan untuk menilai ciri fizikokimia gam bendi yang diekstrak pada suhu 25, 40, 60 dan 80 ℃. Ekstrak gam bendi kemudiannya dianalisis bagi penentuan pH, warna, kapasiti pengikat air, reologi dan kandungan fenol jumlah (TPC). Aktiviti antioksidan iaitu pemerangkapan radikal bebas 2,2-diferil-1-pikrihidrazil (DPPH) serta kuasa antioksidan penurunan ferik (FRAP) turut dijalankan. Hasil berat kering gam bendi menunjukkan tiada perbezaan signifikan (p>0.05) pada suhu pengekstrakan 25 ℃ dan 40 ℃. pH ekstrak gam bendi adalah hampir neutral (pH 6.69-6.75) pada suhu pengekstrakan 25 ℃ hingga 80 ℃, mempunyai warna yang cerah dan kuning kehijauan. Kapasiti pengikat air gam bendi yang diekstrak pada 25 ℃ dan 40 ℃ didapati lebih tinggi secara signifikan (p<0.05) berbanding suhu pengekstrakan 60 ℃ dan 80 ℃. Sementara itu, ekstrak gam bendi menunjukkan kandungan fenol jumlah (TPC) yang tinggi secara signifikan (p<0.05) pada suhu 60 ℃ pada kepekatan 9000 µg/mL ekstrak akueus gam bendi berbanding pada suhu 25 ℃, 40 ℃ dan 80 ℃. DPPH dan FRAP menunjukkan korelasi positif (r= 0.337) dan (r= 0395) tetapi tidak signikan (p>0.05). Kesimpulannya, peningkatan suhu pengekstrakan dapat meningkatkan hasil esktrak tetapi memberi kesan pengurangan kapasiti pengikat air serta kelikatan ketara ekstrak gam yang terhasil. Oleh itu, adalah penting untuk mengenal pasti objektif akhir penggunaan gam bendi bagi membolehkannya diekstrak menggunakan suhu yang paling sesuai dengan potensi penggunaannya.
Kesan Masa Pendidihan dan Simulasi Pencernaan ke atas Protein dan Hidrolisat Protein yang Dihasilkan daripada Sarang Burung Walit Spesies Aerodramus fuciphagus
Authors: Daud Nur Aliah , Babji Abdul Salam , Zainal Abidin Izzati Khalidah , Muslim Masitah , Mohamad Yusop Salma
Published: September 2022

Sarang burung walit (SBW) dengan kandungan manfaat kesihatan yang pelbagai dihasilkan daripada burung walit Aerodramus fuciphagus. Sarang tersebut dihasilkan menggunakan air liur burung walit yang mengandungi bahan glikoprotein yang tinggi. Kajian ini dijalankan untuk menghasilkan hidrolisat protein SBW dan seterusnya menentukan kesan masa pendidihan (0 - 180 minit) dan proses pencernaan ke atas sampel SBW dan hidrolisat protein SBW. Proses hidrolisis berenzim telah dijalankan dengan menggunakan enzim alkalase untuk menghasilkan hidrolisat protein SBW. Ujian pencernaan terhadap protein SBW dan hidrolisat yang dihasilkan telah dijalankan menggunakan simulasi sistem pencernaan manusia in vitro. Hasil kajian menunjukkan dengan peningkatan masa pendidihan sehingga 180 minit, kandungan peptida yang terhasil daripada pendidihan SBW mentah dan hidrolisat adalah berbeza secara signifikan (p<0.05) dengan nilai kandungan peptida daripada SBW mentah terdidih didapati lebih tinggi daripada hidrolisat SBW. Seterusnya, hasil daripada pencernaan protein terhadap SBW dan hidrolisat SBW menunjukkan nilai kandungan peptida yang berbeza secara signifikan (p<0.05) dengan darjah hidrolisis protein SBW didapati paling tinggi (96.55%); diikuti dengan hidrolisat SBW 60 minit (88.69%), 120 minit (89.32%) dan 180 minit (89.81%) yang tidak berbeza secara signifikan (p<0.05) antara sampel. Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan SBW didegradasi secara aktif dalam masa 30 minit pendidihan berbanding hidrolisat SBW. Perbezaan tersebut menjelaskan bahawa komponen protein pada hidrolisat SBW telah banyak dicernakan oleh tindak balas hidrolisis berenzim dalam penyediaan hidrolisat tersebut. Proses pencernaan in vitro pula menunjukkan bahawa protein SBW dan hidrolisatnya adalah protein makanan yang boleh dicernakan dengan baik oleh sistem pencernaan manusia.
Hubungan Antara Emas, Minyak dan Pasaran Saham Malaysia semasa Perintah Kawalan Pergerakan COVID-19 menggunakan Regresi Kuantil dan Siri Masa
Authors: Mohd Hairuddin Hadirah Binti , R. Nur-Firyal
Published: September 2022

Pandemik COVID-19 telah memberi kesan negatif terhadap sektor kewangan dan ekonomi dunia. Secara umumnya, pelabur akan mula melabur dalam aset berisiko rendah seperti emas dan minyak mentah ketika ekonomi tidak stabil. Oleh itu, kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji hubungan komoditi terhadap indeks Bursa Malaysia KLCI (KLSE) dan menentukan sifat emas Barrick Gold Corp (GOLD) dan harga minyak mentah hadapan (WTI). Hubungan antara KLSE, GOLD dan WTI boleh membantu pelabur dalam memahami pengaruh aset komoditi terhadap indeks pasaran saham Malaysia semasa pandemik COVID-19. Data kajian ini diambil untuk empat masa yang berbeza iaitu selama 40 hari sebelum dan semasa perintah kawalan pergerakan (PKP) Fasa 1 serta Fasa 3 pandemik COVID-19. Tempoh ini merangkumi 17 Januari hingga 17 Mac 2020 dan 18 Mac hingga 18 Mei 2020 untuk sebelum dan semasa Fasa 1 dan 29 Mac hingga 28 Mei 2021 dan 1 Jun hingga 29 Julai 2021 untuk sebelum dan semasa Fasa 3. Kaedah yang digunakan adalah regresi linear siri masa (TSLM) dan regresi kuantil (QREG). Hasil kajian ini menunjukkan harga minyak mentah hadapan (WTI) mempunyai hubungan linear terhadap harga indeks KLSE sebelum PKP Fasa 1 dan merupakan aset selamat semasa PKP Fasa 1 dan 3. Seterusnya, harga emas Barrick Gold Corp (LGOLD) merupakan aset lindung nilai bagi kesemua fasa PKP kecuali semasa PKP Fasa 3 dan merupakan aset selamat sebelum PKP Fasa 1. Pelabur boleh menggabungkan emas dan pasaran saham ke dalam portfolio atau melabur ke dalam instrumen minyak bagi merendahkan risiko kerugian.
Certain Legal Problems of Losses’ Recovery for Credit Institutions’ Unfair Behavior
Authors: Mikheeva I. E.
Published: September 2022

The paper analyzes the current legislation and considers certain legal problems of recovery of losses for unfair behavior of credit institutions. The author notes a different understanding in the theory of law of the principle of good faith and the evaluation of its criteria, as well as an increase in cases of unfair behavior of credit institutions. It is concluded that unfair behavior is the basis for civil liability. As a result of the reform, the Civil Code of the Russian Federation has been replenished with new compositions of the civil wrongdoing providing for damages for unfair behavior. The paper considers the legal features of the recovery of losses for unfair behavior of credit institutions. The Author examines the recovery of losses in cases provided for in Articles 10, 434.1 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation using case studies from banking practice. The author notes that unfair behavior at the stage of negotiations on conclusion of banking contracts is more often manifested by credit institutions. In particular, providing incomplete or unreliable information to a party allows credit institutions to sell one service under the guise of another (misseling). As examples of recovery of losses, cases of unfair behavior in collecting bank commissions, as well as in case of unilateral increase in the amount of the interest rate, are considered. The author believes that the inequality of the bank’s and the client’s capabilities (professional knowledge, different property status, the client’s lack of special knowledge, etc.) makes it difficult to prove the amount of losses for such a client, especially when unfair behavior is not related to financial conditions. The conducted research allowed the author to conclude that unfair behavior serves not only as a basis for collecting damages, but also as a tool influencing the possibility of reducing losses. In conclusion, the author gives suggestions for improving the rules for collecting losses for unfair behavior of credit institutions.