bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chronic obstructive disease and comorbidities (literature review)
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Stavila Ecaterina , Botnaru Victor ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Rusu Doina ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Corlateanu Alexandru ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova
Published: June 2021

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a pulmonary disease characterized by irreversible airway obstruction. Systemic involvement of COPD, as well as interactions between COPD and its comorbidities justify the description of chronic systemic inflammatory syndrome. Most patients with COPD have at least one comorbid condition that further complicates the development and management of the disease. The most common comorbidities encountered in association with COPD are cardiovascular diseases, lung cancer, osteoporosis, cachexia, anxiety and depression, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, gastro-esophageal reflux (GERD), bronchiectasis, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Diagnosis and assessment of COPD severity can be difficult in the presence of comorbid conditions, so assessment of lung, cardiovascular and metabolic function, as well as the level of inflammatory circulating markers (C-reactive protein, fibrinogen), could help to establish the clinical concept. The presence of comorbidity should not change the treatment of COPD, and comorbidity should be treated according to normal standards, regardless of the presence of COPD. When COPD is part of a multi-morbidity care plan, care should be taken to ensure simplicity of treatment and to minimize polypharmacy. This review article of literature reflects an overview of the COPD comorbidities, as well as their influence on the quality of life and prognosis.
The value of ecocardiographic in diagnostication and management of pacients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors:   Institute of Cardiology, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova, Cuzor Tatiana , Diaconu Nadejda ,   Institute of Cardiology, Chisinau, the Republic of Moldova
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary thromboembolism (TP) remains an underdiagnosed fatal disease at the emergency unit that suggests the need for alternative noninvasive approaches to rapid diagnosis. The role of echocardiography in acute pulmonary embolism (EP) remains incompletely defined. Echocardiography cannot reliably diagnose acute EP and does not improve the prognosis of patients with low-risk acute PE, who lack other clinical characteristics of right ventricle dysfunction (VD). However, echocardiography and dopplerography of the venous system may produce additional information in high-risk patients and may help differentiate chronic VD dysfunction. Specific echocardiographic predictors of VD dysfunction have the potential to increase prognosis in patients at high risk of TP.
Medical and legal aspects of patient identification
Authors:   Institute of Phthisiopneumology ", Pisarenco Serghei ,   Chiril Draganiuc",   , Republic of Moldova, Pisarenco Constantin ,   Free International University of Moldova, Martiniuc Constantin ,   Institute of Phthisiopneumology "Chiril Draganiuc", Republic of Moldova, Manea Mihaela ,   Institute of Phthisiopneumology "Chiril Draganiuc", Republic of Moldova, Volosciuc Irina ,   Institute of Phthisiopneumology "Chiril Draganiuc", Republic of Moldova
Published: June 2021

Purpose. Highlighting the medical and legal aspects of patient identification in a specialized medical institution. Materials and methods. The materials of the expert assessment of the patient identification process in a medical organization have been studied: regulatory and methodological acts; medical records; data of direct observation of the processes of medical activity, interviews of medical personnel and patients; special literature selected from medical information databases. Results. It has been established that patient identification is carried out in accordance with international recommendations; within the framework of the current national regulations. The patient identification algorithm is performed by all medical professionals at all stages of medical care. At the same time, omissions were noted in the actions of medical personnel, which in an emergency situation could cause a real mistake — unintentional harm to the patient. Conclusions. Developing a patient safety culture in a medical organization and implementing a system that ensures correct patient identification helps to reduce the number of errors associated with it and the associated medical and legal consequences.
Clinical presentation and diagnosis of pneumonia in HIV-infected patients
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Scutaru Eugenia
Published: June 2021

Pulmonary infections remain one of the most important causes of morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected people, and one of the most common causes of hospital admission of these persons. It is often difficult to diagnose pneumonia in patients with compromised immunity, with a wide range of opportunistic infections (bacterial, fungal, viral, parasitic, tuberculosis, etc.), but also an extensive list of other causes of fever and lung imaging changes, such as pulmonary embolism, tumors, atelectasis, or the simultaneous development of infections in other systems (digestive, renal), requiring more tests to confirm the diagnosis in immunocompromised patient compared to the immunocompetent.
Diagnostic challenges în lung involvements in HIV immunocompromised pattinets
Authors:   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Bernas Olga , Chesov Dumitru ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Scutaru Eugenia ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova, Nepoliuc Liubovi ,   Institute of Phthisiopneumology "Chiril Draganiuc", Republic of Moldova, Haidarli Ion ,   Institute of Phthisiopneumology "Chiril Draganiuc", Republic of Moldova, Botnaru Victor ,   Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Republic of Moldova
Published: June 2021

Lung involvement in immunocompromised HIV patients is one of the most common complications and is the leading cause of death in these patients. Correct and timely diagnosis is crucial for the prognosis of these patients. This article presents a clinical case of difficult to diagnose lung lesions in an HIV patient, whose etiology was resolved only postmortem.
Ortaokul Öğretmenlerinin Merhamet ve Zorbalık Kavramlarına İlişkin Algıları
Authors: Aydemir Fatih , Göçen Ahmet , Yıldırım İbrahim
Published: June 2021

Merhamet, sıkıntı içerisindeki olana yönelik, vicdanın harekete geçirdiği, acziyeti giderme çabasını içeren fiillerdir. Zorbalık ise güçlü olanın güçsüz olana devamlı ve kasıtlı olarak uyguladığı her türden şiddet eylemidir. Bu araştırmada birbirinin zıddı varsayılan iki kavram ile ilgili öğretmenlerin görüşleri nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden fenomenolojik desen çerçevesinde incelenmiştir. Öğretmenlere “Zorbalık” ve “Merhamet” kavramlarına ilişkin algılarını, bu kavramlarla ilgili gözlemledikleri örnekleri ve bu iki kavram arasındaki ilişki hakkındaki görüşlerini açıklamaları amacıyla yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu hazırlanmıştır. Dijital ortamda gerçekleştirilen veri toplama işlemi neticesinde 16 öğretmenin verdiği cevaplar içerik analizi ile incelenmiştir. Buna göre öğretmenlerin zorbalık ve merhamet kavramlarını “bir mıknatısın iki kutbu” şeklinde algıladıkları söylenebilir. Öğretmenler merhameti, acıma hissi ile tüm canlıların iyiliğini isteme ve onlara karşı empatik tutum içerisinde olma kapsamında ortaya çıkan bir duygu şeklinde tanımlarken zorbalığı, kişiye yönelik güç dengesizliği içeren, psikolojik ve fiziksel şiddet davranışına maruz bırakma ve kötü muamelede bulunma türlerini kapsayan bir durum olarak tanımlamaktadır. Bu çalışma ile okullarda görülen zorbalık ve mobbing olaylarına farklı bir bakış açısı sunulmuştur. Bu bakış açısı çerçevesinde okullarda zorbalık ile mücadele çerçevesinde geliştirilecek uygulamalarda merhamet kavramının da bir odak noktası olarak gözden kaçırılmaması önerilmektedir.
Türkiye’de Erken Çocukluk Dönemi Çocuk Edebiyatı Alanında Yapılan Makale Çalışmalarının İçerik Analizi
Authors: Şeker Perihan Tuğba , Yıldız Ezgi
Published: June 2021

Araştırmada, 2010-2020 yılları arasında Türkiye’de erken çocukluk dönemi çocuk edebiyatı alanında yapılmış makalelerin incelenmesi amaçlanmıştır. Veriler doküman incelemesi yoluyla toplanmış ve içerik analizi yöntemi ile analiz edilmiştir. 2010-2020 yılları arasında erken çocukluk dönemi çocuk edebiyatı alanında yapılan; TÜBİTAK ULAKBİM Sosyal ve Beşeri Bilimler, Social Science Citation Index (SSCI) ve Google Akademik’ den “çocuk edebiyatı” ve “erken çocukluk dönemi” anahtar kelimeleri ile tarama yapılarak ulaşılan 147 makale araştırmanın örneklemini oluşturmuştur. Bu makaleler, yıl, yöntem, konu, örneklem, veri toplama aracı ve veri analiz tekniğine göre incelenmiştir. Erken çocukluk dönemi çocuk edebiyatı alanında hazırlanan makalelerin sayısında son yıllarda artış olduğu görülmektedir. Yayınlanmış olan makalelerin değerlendirilmesi sonucunda, 2010 yılında mevcut konuda herhangi bir çalışma yapılmadığı görülmektedir. En fazla çalışmanın 2018 (23 makale), 2016 (22 makale) ve 2020 (22 makale) yıllarında yayınlandığı görülmektedir. Makalelerde en çok yer verilen örneklem grubunu kitaplar (54 makale) oluşturmaktadır. Bununla birlikte makalelerin büyük çoğunluğunda nitel araştırma yöntemlerinin (103 makale) kullanıldığı görülmektedir. Diğer taraftan, nicel araştırma yöntemleri (36 makale) ve karma yöntemlerin (8 makale) kullanıldığı çalışmaların sayısının daha az olduğu görülmüştür. İncelenen makalelerde en çok tercih edilen konuyu tematik çalışmalar (35 makale) oluşturmaktadır.
BİLSEM Tarih Öğretmenlerinin BİLSEM Çalışma Koşulları Hakkındaki Görüşleri
Authors: Akhan Osman , Altaş Sedat
Published: June 2021

Bu araştırmanın amacı, BİLSEM’lerde çalışan tarih öğretmenlerinin çalışma koşullarına yönelik görüşlerini ortaya koymaktır. Nitel araştırma yönteminin kullanıldığı bu araştırmada, betimsel model benimsenmiştir. Bu doğrultuda çalışma, 2020-2021 eğitim öğretim döneminde, Türkiye’nin çeşitli illerindeki BİLSEM’lerde görev yapan 27 tarih öğretmeni ile yürütülmüştür. Araştırmanın verileri araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu yardımı ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmadan elde edilen veriler betimsel analiz ile çözümlenmiştir. Araştırmanın sonuçlarına bakıldığında, çalışma grubundaki tarih öğretmenlerinin BİLSEM’lerde en önemli sorun olarak, idarecilerin BİLSEM’lere uygun atama biçimi ile atanmamalarından ve öğrencilerin okul ve BİLSEM eğitimini beraber sürdürmelerinden kaynaklandığını ifade ettikleri görülmüştür. Tarih dersi özelinde ise katılımcılar tarih dersinin önemsenmeyen bir ders olduğu görüşünü paylaşmış ve bu duruma idarecilerin, ailelerin ve öğrencilerin tarih alanına bir bilim olarak bakmamalarının sebep olduğunu belirtmişlerdir. Araştırmanın sonuçlarını genel olarak değerlendirmek gerekirse, çalışma grubundaki öğretmenlerin çalışma koşulları konusunda yaşanan eksikleri olmasına rağmen kurumda olmaktan mutlu oldukları ve BİLSEM’de çalışmaya devam etme konusunda istekli oldukları ve beklentilerinin karşılanması yönünde atılacak adımların motivasyonlarına ve verimliliklerine katkı sağlayacağını söylemek mümkündür.
Determinan profitabilitas perbankan syariah di Indonesia: peran moderasi non performing financing
Authors: Malik Muhammad Abdul , Anwar Saiful
Published: June 2021

This study aims to examine the effect of profit sharing, BOPO and financing on profitability with non-performing financing (NPF) as a moderating variable. This study uses linear regression analysis of panel data on 11 Islamic Commercial Banks (BUS) for the 2015-2019 period in Indonesia. The results of this study indicate that profit sharing and financing have a positive effect, BOPO has a negative effect on the profitability of Islamic banking in Indonesia. The relationship between profit sharing and financing in Islamic banking is moderated by non-performing financing, but not with the relationship for financing and operating income (BOPO) which is not able to moderate by non-performing financing. This research contributes to Islamic banking in Indonesia in order to make effective financing with results sharing and operational cost efficiency in operating income (BOPO) so that performance can improve financial performance.
ON THE EPSTEIN ZETA FUNCTION
Authors: ZHANG NAN-YUE , WILLIAMS KENNETH S.
Published: June 2021

The Epstein zeta function $Z(s)$ is defined for Re$s > 1$ by
\[Z(s)=\sum_{m,n=-\infty, (m, n)\neq (0, 0)}^\infty \frac{1}{(am^2−bnm+cn^2)^s}\]

where $a$, $b$, $c$ are real numbers with $a>0$ and $b^2 - 4ac<0$. $Z(s)$ can be continued analytically to the whole complex plane except for a simple pole at $s =1$. Simple proofs of the functional equation and of the Kronecker "Grenz-formel" for $Z (s)$ are given. The value of $Z(k)$($k =2, 3, \cdots$) is determined in terms of infinite series of the form
\[\sum_{n=1}^\infty\frac{\cot^r n\pi\tau}{n^{2k-1}} (r=1, 2, \cdots, k)\]
where $\tau=(b+\sqrt{b^2-4ac})/2a$.
QUALITATIVE THEORY OF PARTIAL DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS (III): FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF PARABOLIC TYPE PARTIAL DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: CHENG SUI SUN , XIE SHENG-LI , ZHANG BING-GEN
Published: June 2021

Parabolic type partial difference equations with a forcing term is stud- ied in this paper. By means of three averaging techniques, the problem of oscillation of these equations is reduced to that of recurrence relations in one variable. Avariety of oscillation criteria is given for these recurrence relations which in turn yield oscillation criteria for the partial difference equations.
ON CERTAIN GENERALIZATIONS OF THE SPIRAL-LIKE AND ROBERTSON FUNCTIONS
Authors: AOUF M. K. , ELATTAR H. E.
Published: June 2021

Let $S^\lambda(\alpha, \beta, A, B)$ denote the class of functions $f(z)=z+\sum_{n=2}^\infty a_nz^n$ which are analytic in the unit disc $U=\{z:|z|<1\}$ and satisfy the inequality
\[\left|\frac{F(z)}{(B-A)(F(z)+(1-\alpha)e^{-i\lambda}\cos \lambda)+AF(z)}\right|<1, \ \]

where $F(z)=zf'(z)/f(z)-1$ for some $\lambda, \alpha, \beta, A, B$ ($|\lambda|<\pi/2, 0\le \alpha< 1, 0<\beta\le 1, -1\le A< B\le 1$ and $0<B\le 1$) and for all $z\in U$. Further $f(z)$ is said to belong to the class $C^\lambda(\alpha, \beta, A, B)$ ($|\lambda|<\pi/2, 0\le \alpha< 1, 0<\beta\le 1, -1\le A< B\le 1$ and $0<B\le 1$) if and only if $zf'(z) \in S^\lambda(\alpha, \beta, A, B)$. In the present paper, the authors give several representation formulas, distortion theorems, and coefficient bounds for functons belonging to these classes. They also obtain the sharp radius of $\gamma$-spiral and starlikeness for the class $S^\lambda(\alpha, \beta, A, B)$ and the sharp radius of $\gamma$-convex and convexity for the class $C^\lambda(\alpha, \beta, A, B)$.
ASYMPTOTIC BEHAVIOUR OF SECOND ORDER NEUTRAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS WITH "MAXIMA"
Authors: BAINOV D. , PETROV V. , PROYTCHEVA V.
Published: June 2021

In the paper the asymptotic behaviour of nonoscillatory solutions of neutral equations with "maxima" is considered. Examples are given showing the difference between the equations with "maxima" and the corresponding neutral equations without "maxima".
ON CERTAIN SUBCLASS OF UNIVALENT FUNCTIONS IN THE UNIT DISC I
Authors: AOUF M. K. , SHAMANDY A. , YASSEN M. F.
Published: June 2021

The object of the present paper is to derive several interesting proper- ties of the class $P_n(\alpha, \beta, \gamma)$ consisting of analytic and univalent functions with neg- ative coefficients. Coefficient estimates, distortion theorems and closure theorems of functions in the class $P_n(\alpha, \beta, \gamma)$ are determined. Also radii of close-to-convexity, starlikeness and convexity and integral operators are determined.
QUALITATIVE THEORY OF PARTIAL DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS (IV): FORCED OSCILLATIONS OF HYPERBOLIC TYPE NONLINEAR PARTIAL DIFFERENCE EQUATIONS
Authors: CHENG SUI SUN , ZHANG BING GEN , XIE SHENG-LI
Published: June 2021

Nonlinear hyperbolic type partial difference equations with a forcing term are studied in this paper. By means of two averaging techniques, the problems of oscillation of characteristic initial value problem and of initial boundary value problem are reduced to that of forced and/ or unforced recurrence relations in one variable. A variety of oscillation criteria is given for these relations which in turn yield oscillation criteria for the partial difference equations.
ON PLANARITY OF GRAPHS ON WEYL GROUPS
Authors: YOUSSEF S. A. , HULSURKAR S. G.
Published: June 2021

A graph is constructed whose vertices are elements of a Weyl group and the edges are defined through nonvanishing of Wey!'s dimension polynomial at the point associated with two elements of the Weyl group. We study the planarity of such graphs on Weyl groups whose associated root system is irreducible. These graphs include four families of infinite number of graphs. We show that very few graphs, essentially five of them, are planar.
Hematological Parameters in Adult Patients with COVID-19; A Case-Control Study
Authors: Ahmed Sawer Sabri , Mohammed Dilveen Ahmed , Mohammed Ayad Ahmad
Published: June 2021

Background: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a serious public health concern worldwide. The virus mainly causes respiratory symptoms, but its manifestations might be different. Assessments showed that COVID-19 can cause various alterations in the blood parameters. Objectives: This study aimed to detect the most common changes in the blood parameters in COVID-19 patients and compare them with healthy individuals. Methods: In this study, 350 individuals were grouped into two equal groups of COVID‐19 patients and healthy controls. Results: The mean age of patients was 53.73 years, and males constituted 52.57% of them. Middle aged patients constituted about 55.43% of participants, elderly patients 26.29%, and young patients 18.29%. There was a significant correlation between COVID-19 and all the blood parameters, including Hb, MCV, WBC, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and platelets (P = 0.000). Conclusions: Infection with COVID-19 is associated with multisystem symptoms and signs, as well as numerous laboratory abnormalities. An increased focus should be on changes in the blood parameters as valuable markers in suggesting the infection when the reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) is negative. These parameters can give clues about the severity of the infection and predict the admission to the intensive care unit (ICU).
Who We Are Is How We Are
Authors: Iantosca Tony ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2021

In this article, I explore the contrast between the recent George Floyd protests and the lockdowns immediately prior by situating these rebellions in the context of Foucault’s disciplinary society and subsequent scholarship on biopolitical management. I assert that the disciplinary mechanisms operative in finance/debt, policing and epidemiological management of the virus share similar epistemological assumptions stemming from liberal individualism. The revolutionary character of these uprisings therefore stems from their epistemological subversions of the predictable individual, and this figure’s spatiotemporal situatedness, a construction that helps power make claims on our collective future. The protests push us to see beyond a strict Foucauldian reading of this moment to uncover the metastatic status of identities in rebellion, which sustain resistance to disciplinary society’s epistemological foundations.
Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee: Taking, Making . . . Advocating: Take-and-Makes to Build Awareness
Authors: Cassidy Jackie
Published: June 2021

While your library may have done take-and-make programming in the past, the term has gained expanded meaning during the pandemic. Now many libraries have adopted take-and-makes as a staple of pandemic programming, bringing joy and creativity to families and librarians.
EDI Task Force: Expanding Representation: ALSC’s Equity Fellows Program
Authors: Rawlinson Nicole
Published: June 2021

The Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) within ALSC Implementation task force exists to heighten visibility, increase opportunities, and eliminate challenges to participation within ALSC for BIPOC library workers.The task force supports ALSC’s charge to implement EDI practices while diversifying membership and future leadership. It aims to mitigate the impacts to participation associated with costs, perceived accessibility, and lack of diversity, while developing pathways to ALSC membership and leadership opportunities. Through the task force’s work, one of the main initiatives to increase BIPOC representation within the organization was realized through the development of the Equity Fellows program.
Thiol/disulfide homeostasis impaired in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Yilmaz Cakmak , Gemcioglu Emin , Baser Salih , Erten Sükran , Erel Ozcan
Published: June 2021

Background: Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is a disease associated with the overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress is one of the factors responsible for its etiopathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the thiol/disulphide homeostasis in pSS patients. Methods: The study included 68 pSS patients and 69 healthy controls. Thiol/disulphide homeostasis (total thiol, native thiol, and disulphide levels) was measured using the automatic spectrophotometric method developed by Erel and Neselioglu, and the results of the 2 groups were compared. Results: The gender and age distributions of the pSS and control groups were similar (P = 0.988 and P = 0.065). Total thiol and native thiol levels were lower in the pSS group than in the control group (470.08 ± 33.65 mmol/L vs. 528.21 ± 44.99 mmol/L, P < 0.001, and 439.14 ± 30.67 mmol/L vs. 497.56 ± 46.70 mmol/L, P < 0.001, respectively). There were no differences in disulphide levels between groups 17.00 (range 0.70-217.0) mmol/L vs. 14.95 (range 2.10-40.10) mmol/L, P = 0.195. Conclusions: It was concluded that the thiol/disulphide balance shifted towards disulphide in patients with pSS.
Geoinformation analysis of the spatial location of settlements in Yakutia that are subject to flooding
Authors: Filippova Viktoriia Viktorovna
Published: June 2021

The subject of the study is the structure and content of the GIS developed by the author "Settlements subject to flooding and flooding on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)". The object of the study is 128 flooded settlements included in the List of established flood zones on the territory of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia), their analytical processing and cartographic interpretation. The sources for the creation of GIS were published sources, statistical data, data of departmental organizations, passports of socio-economic development of municipalities and archival documents. The author conducted various types of geoinformation analysis (analysis of the geography of settlements by river basins, the dynamics of the number of floods of settlements (since 1929-2017), the density of flooded settlements) in ArcGIS. It was revealed that most of the flooded and flooded settlements are located in the middle reaches of the Lena River and along its major tributaries вЂ“ the Aldan, Amga, Olekma; in the northeastern part of Yakutia, flooded settlements are located mainly in the upper reaches of the Yana, Indigirka, Alazeya rivers, as well as in the lower and middle reaches of the river.Kolyma and their tributaries. It was found that in some localities the number of floods from 1930 to 2017 ranged from 30 to 40. It is shown that the highest density of settlements subject to flooding and flooding is observed in Central Yakutia in the places of the greatest concentration of the population of the republic. The developed GIS of settlements exposed to flooding can be used to make recommendations to ensure the protection of settlements from flooding and flooding.
Time Efficiency Model for Identification of Development Potentials in Urban Logistics
Authors: Karišik Asad , Škerlič Sebastjan , Muha Robert
Published: June 2021

The aim of this paper is to develop a model for estimating the urban logistics improvements potential based on success factors of intermodal urban transport. There were two aspects considered for building the urban logistics time efficiency model: achieving an improved transport capacity without purchasing new vehicles, and transferring responsibility of poor shipment planning to its owners by implementing the intermodal transport success factors. The model is to establish functional relationship among the shipment distribution requests (urbanization) and urban logistics inefficiencies management (market inconsistencies), and their impact on business operations. The applicability of the proposed model was tested on urban population growth data and time inefficiencies in urban distribution. The results provide both theoretical and practical confirmation of time efficiency importance of urban logistics and potential for introduction of new intermodal solutions in urban logistics. Different case scenarios for Sarajevo prove that reducing inefficiencies in urban logistics could reduce the number of delivery vehicles by less than a half. Since the delivery vehicles are sources of pollution, the subsequent conclusion is valid for externalities levels. The model, therefore, complements the existing knowledge and represents a practical tool for urban planners and logistics professionals for creating an efficient, innovative, and integrative approach to the development of urban logistics services.
Neck Braces and Driving Posture Affect Neck Mobility on Powered Two-Wheelers
Authors: Lecoublet Brieg , Petit Yvan , Wagnac Eric , Boisclair Dominic , Arnoux Pierre-Jean
Published: June 2021

Cervical spine injuries are a major concern for motorcyclists in traffic accidents and racing competitions. Neck braces aim to prevent cervical spine injuries during accidents by reducing the neck range of motion, and keeping it under physiological limits. This work aims to evaluate the ability of neck braces to reduce neck mobility for two driving postures associated with PTW configurations. The neck mobility of twelve volunteer subjects testing four neck braces on two powered two-wheelers (scooter and racing motorbike) is measured using an optoelectronic motion capture system. With the tested neck braces worn, neck mobility is significantly reduced as compared to the physiological range of motion in all degrees of freedom. However, only flexion/extension is reduced by all neck braces tested. This suggests that these brace designs do not provide protection against all the cervical spine loading directions that may occur in a trauma. Furthermore, specific type of each powered two-wheeler considered significantly affects the neck mobility in axial rotation, as well as the postero-anterior and caudo-cranial translations, thus underscoring the need to consider the driving posture when evaluating neck brace devices.
An Initial Study of Tree-Adjoining Grammar Formalism for Parsing Manipuri Language
Authors: Nirmal Yumnam , Sharma Utpal
Published: June 2021

We present an initial study into the representation of tree-adjoining grammar formalism for parsing Manipuri language. Being a low resource and computationally less researched language, it is difficult to achieve a natural language parser for Manipuri. Treebanks, which are the main requirement for inducing data-driven parsers, are not available for Manipuri. In this paper, we present an extensive analysis of the Manipuri language structure and formulate a lexicalized tree-adjoining grammar. A generalized structure of Manipuri phrases, clauses and the structure of basic and derived sentences have been presented. The sentence types covered in our analysis are that of simple, compound and complex sentences. Using the tree-adjoining grammar we have formulated, one can implement a Manipuri parser whose results can be of immense help in creating a Treebank for Manipuri.
Effect of Cow Manure on Growth and Production of Peanut Plants in Sub Optimal Land
Authors: Musdalifah Andriana Putri , Kandari Aminuddin Mane , Hasid Rachmawati , Bahrun Andi , Mamma Sarawa , Madiki Abdul
Published: June 2021

Aims: The study aimed to determine the effect of cow manure on the growth and yield of peanut plants

Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design (RBD) with five treatments including the control replicated three (3) times.

Place and Duration of Study: the Field Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture and the Laboratory of the Department of Agrotechnology, Faculty of Agriculture, Halu Oleo University, from June to October 2019

Methodology: without cow manure ( B0), using cow dung 5 t/ha(B1), 10 t/ha(B2), 15 t/ha(B3) and 20 t/ha(B4). The treatment was repeated 3 times, so that there were 15 experimental units. The variables observed were plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, dry weight, number of pods formed, number of filled pods and productivity of peanut plants. Observation data were analyzed using variance, F-count which showed a real or very real effect followed by Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the 95% confidence level.

Results: The results showed that cow manure treatment increased the growth of peanut plants especially the treatment cow manure at the dose of 15 t/ha in the form of filled pods, number of pods formed, and peanut plant productivity were 27.00, 35.93, and 3.62 t/ha at sub-optimal land. The application of cow manure can increase the availability of phosphorus in the soil and increase crop production. Cow manure has a phosphorus nutrient content of 0.42, 0.38 and 0.43 ppm respectively.

Conclusion: Treatment of cow manure at a dose of 15 t/ha was showed the best growth and production of peanut plants compared to other treatments.
A Prelude Study on Influence of Hydrophobic Ionic Liquid on Tensile and Impact Properties of HDPE/KCF Biocomposites
Authors: Shamsuri Ahmad Adlie , Jamil Siti Nurul Ain Md. , Abdan Khalina
Published: June 2021

In this prelude study, the high-density polyethylene/kenaf core fiber (HDPE/KCF) biocomposites without and containing hydrophobic ionic liquid, namely 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Emim][NTf2]), were prepared via melt mixing process. The process was carried out by using an internal mixer at 150°C with a rotor speed of 60 rpm. The prepared biocomposites were molded into sheets through compression molding technique at the same temperature. The molded biocomposites were cut into dumbbell and rectangular shapes for tensile and impact tests, respectively. The tensile and impact properties of the biocomposites were determined by using universal testing and impactor machines, correspondingly. The tensile test results indicated that the biocomposites containing [Emim][NTf2] had low tensile stress and tensile modulus. Nevertheless, the biocomposites possessed high tensile extension and impact strength compared to the biocomposite without [Emim][NTf2]. This study deduced that the presence of the hydrophobic ionic liquid like [Emim][NTf2] significantly influenced the tensile and impact properties of the HDPE/KCF biocomposites.
How do Family and Managerial Ownership Structure Effect Real Earnings Management?
Authors: Siraji M. , Nazar M. C. A.
Published: June 2021

Despite several works on corporate governance examine the ownership structure on earnings management, the empirical research on Real Earnings Management (REM) is limited. Thus, the main purpose of the research is to examine the effect of family and managerial ownership on real earnings management of selected non-financial listed companies at Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in Sri Lanka. The researchers use quantitative approach to address this current issue, and the data were collected using a sample of 206 firms listed at the CSE during the highest market capitalization period from 2015/2016 to 2019/2020, and eliminated the companies listed in the industry of bank, finance and insurance because the companies are governing by rules and regulation. The study found that family and managerial ownership play a prominent role and negatively related with real earning management activity. The finding of the study contributes to knowledge in earnings management of agency theory literature in developing economies, and help the investors, supplier auditors and policy makers for their decision-making activities by detecting the real earning management in different ownership structure.
Surgical Anatomy and Approach to the Abdominal Wall of Domestic Animals
Authors: Dieudoné Kabkia , Adamou Sahidi , Assani Bilkiss V. N. , Kadja Mireille , Kondi Agba
Published: June 2021

The variety of procedures that can be performed on the organs contained in the abdominal cavity is such that there are many different ways to approach them. The different laparotomies available are adapted to both the type of organ to be approached and the type of procedure to be performed; they must also take into account the anatomy of the abdominal wall, so as to be as minimally disruptive as possible. This article successively describes the surgical anatomy of the abdominal wall and the different types of laparotomies used in scheduled surgery.
Connections on Valuated Binary Tree and Their Applications in Factoring Odd Integers
Authors: Wang Xingbo , Luo Jinfeng , Tian Ying , Ma Li
Published: June 2021

This paper makes an investigation on geometric relationships among nodes of the valuated binary trees, including parallelism, connection and penetration. By defining central lines and distance from a node to a line, some intrinsic connections are discovered to connect nodes between different subtrees. It is proved that a node out of a subtree can penetrate into the subtree along a parallel connection. If the connection starts downward from a node that is a multiple of the subtree’s root, then all the nodes on the connection are multiples of the root. Accordingly composite odd integers on such connections can be easily factorized. The paper proves the new results with detail mathematical reasoning and demonstrates several numerical experiments made with Maple software to factorize rapidly a kind of big odd integers that are of the length from 59 to 99 decimal digits. It is once again shown that the valuated binary tree might be a key to unlock the lock of the integer factorization problem.
Assessment of NaCl-Induced Stress in Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.)
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Jain Khushbu , Kumar Mahesh , Shamim Md. , Kumar Jitesh , Kumar Anil
Published: June 2021

Comparative study about the salt-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation has been realised in primary root tissues for Tomato (Lycopersicon esculantum L.) in order to evaluate their responses to salt stress. Salinity impacts in terms of root growth, H2O2 generation, lipid peroxidation and membrane destabilisation were more pronounced in roots. Salt treatment in form of NaCl was given to the roots of the tomato plants in hydroponics culture. Root length was measured by centimetre scale, H2O2 and lipid peroxidation was confirmed by spectrophotometer. Absorbance for H2O2 estimation was recorded at 480 nm whereas for Lipid peroxidation was done at 600nm. When the tomato plants were treated with different concentrations of NaCl, it was observed that as the concentration of NaCl was increasing, there  was decreased root growth resulting in reduced root length and  proportionate increase in the amount of H2O2  production level with increase in the concentrations of NaCl treatment upto 300mM Concentration and  Significant increase in Lipid peroxidation was observed with the increase in NaCl concentrations upto 500mM Concentration. Comparative response may be helpful in developing a better understanding of tolerance mechanisms to salt stress in Tomato.
Customer Engagement in Private Sector Healthcare: How Does it Affect Customer Loyalty
Authors: Jayalath Tharoosha , Galdolage Badra Sandamali
Published: June 2021

Service sector grows rapidly and gives a foremost contribution to the world economy. In Sri Lanka, the service sector contributes more than 55% to the Gross Domestic Production. Among such services, health care is pioneering and includes many businesses and a wide variety of organizations. Within the healthcare sector, this study focuses on the private sector hospitals where customer engagement is very high. However, the scholarly attention given to understanding customer engagement and its impact is very rare, particularly in the healthcare sector in Sri Lankan context. Therefore, this study aims to examine the impact of customer engagement on customer loyalty in private sector hospitals. Based on the positivism, a quantitative survey was carried out distributing more than 200 questionnaires among people who have visited private sector hospitals in Colombo district, chosen based on convenience sampling method. The rationale behind limiting the study to Colombo district is, many of the private sector hospitals are located in this district in Sri Lanka. The data were analyzed with descriptive statistics and regression. The study found a high level of customer engagement in private sector healthcare and has a strong positive impact on customer loyalty. As implications, the study suggests private sector healthcare to manage customer engagements providing positive experience in order to sustain a loyal customer base.
Impact of Foeniculum vulgare on Hemoglobin, Red Blood Cell Indices and White Blood Cell Count: A Laboratory Based Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Abbas Afshan , Ikram Rahila , Adil Abeer , Bukhari Qurrat ul Ain , Hasan Faiza
Published: June 2021

Aims: Anemia is prime health issue of the population in developing region of world mostly due to dietary deficiencies and poor sanitation. Supplementary medicines as well as iron rich foods are utilized to combat this problem. Herbal products also have value in such diets. We evaluated role of Foeniculum vulgare incorporated diet on hemoglobin concentration and related indices.

Study Design: laboratory centred randomized controlled trial.

Place and Duration of Study: Pharmacology Department of University of Karachi, Karachi between June 2018 and September 2018.

Methodology: After selecting 30 healthy rabbits of either sex, we placed them in three groups; Control, 2% Foeniculum vulgare and 4% Foeniculum vulgare group. Control group, 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare groups were maintained on standard rodent diet, standard rodent diet containing 2% and 4% Foeniculum vulgare crushed seeds, respectively. Complete blood count of all rabbits was done twice after interval of a month.

Results: In comparison to control group, hemoglobin levels increased in both the study groups, while leucocyte count (WBC) increase was noted only in 4% Foeniculum vulgare group.

Conclusion: Foeniculum vulgare may have some role in maintenance of hemoglobin levels if not improving it.
Clinical Implications of Vitamin D in Oral Diseases- A Review
Authors: Patil Deepa Jatti
Published: June 2021

Oral health is a reflection of systemic health. The various nutritional deficiencies not only affect the systemic health but also have an impact on oral health. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is rampant globally. Vitamin D (VD) is not only essential for skeletal growth during childhood and adulthood but has a great impact on oral tissues and odontogenesis. VDD has several implications on oral health from childhood to adulthood. VD can negatively influence the oral health of the mother and child and VD supplementation brings positive outcomes during and after pregnancy. In children, severe VDD can impair tooth mineralization, resulting in defects of enamel and dentin and predispose patients to caries. A remarkably high prevalence of periodontitis is seen in VDD and has implications on systemic health as well. A high prevalence of VDD is seen in oropharyngeal cancers. This review aims to provide the biological role of VD and its receptor, its implication on oral health and future strategies for targeted therapies in oral pathologies.
Comparison of Salivary Protein Profile and Dietary Habits in Children With and Without Early Childhood Caries
Authors: Ravikumar Dhanalakshmi , Ramani Pratibha , Gayathri R.
Published: June 2021

Background and objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the total salivary protein concentration and dietary habits in Caries-free, Early childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries children.

Materials and methods: The present study included Thirty children who were divided into three groups. They were further divided into Caries-free, Early childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries with 10 children in each group. Information was collected regarding oral hygiene practices, feeding habits and dietary pattern through a face-to-face interview with the parent/caretaker of the child. Unstimulated saliva was collected and total protein concentration was estimated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relative contributions of dietary and feeding patterns between children with and without ECC. ANOVA was done to identify the difference in mean protein concentration between the groups.

Results: Risk factors specific to the ECC group were Breast feeding <24 months (OR 2.1, 95% CI, 0.35-13.0), bottle feeding (21.0, 95% CI, 2.8-15.7), snacking more than 3 times per day (OR 1.22, 95% CI 0.283-5.734), consumption of less protein diet (OR 4.1, 95% CI, 1.99-8.81), consumption of less milk products (2.33, 95% CI, 1.67-6.77). Results also revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in total protein concentration between Caries-free, Early childhood Caries and Severe Early Childhood Caries group.

Conclusion: Within the limitation of this study, we can conclude that, Breast feeding less than 24 months, bottle feeding, snacking more than thrice per day, consuming low protein diet and low milk products had a high risk of developing ECC. There was no significant difference in the mean protein concentration between caries free, ECC and S ECC group.
Role of PCR in Rapid Detection Group B Streptococcus in Pregnant Females in Al-Quwayiyah General Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Khater E. S. , Abdel-Motaal A. S.
Published: June 2021

Background: Group B streptococcus is one of the most common causes of severe neonatal infections.

Aim: To detect the prevalence of group B. Streptococcus and their antimicrobial susceptibility and to assess the role of PCR as a rapid method of its detection.

Place and Duration of the Study: A cross sectional and prospective cohort study was carried out from September 2019 to February 2020 in Gynaecology and Obstetrics OPD and inpatient units in Al- Quwayiyah General hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Methodology: Paired rectal/vaginal specimens were collected from 540 pregnant females with gestational age 35 or more, Each swab was inoculated into selective medium, Todd Hewitt, One swab is streaked onto blood agar plates incubated in 5% CO2 for 24h at 36ºC. β-hemolytic colonies growth is identified by Gram’s stain, colony morphology and CAMP test. The confirmation and antimicrobial susceptibility were done by Vitek II machine, The second swab was used for PCR to identify atr gene.

Results: Out of 540 pregnant women 87 (16.1%) were colonized with GBS isolates. The positive GBS women aged 25 (22-34) and negative GBS women aged 23 (24-35) with no statistical difference. Patients aged more than 35 years old has the higher rate of positive GBS, 46.2%. No significant association detected between GBS and gestational age at delivery, antenatal visits, BMI and gravidity. The GBS strains isolated from pregnant women was 100% susceptible to linezolid and vancomycin followed by ampicillin (93.1%) and tobramicin (83.9%) then gentamicin (81.6%) and levofloxacin(78.2%) and showed least antibiotic susceptibility to erythromycin (26.4%). The PCR was positive in 145 (26.9%). Using culture as gold method, PCR sensitivity was 100% (95% CI: 91.62-100), while specificity was 83.2% (95% CI: 82.61-91.02). Negative and positive predictive values were 100% and 61% respectively. Kappa between the two methods was 0.71, which indicate major agreement.

Conclusion: The GBS prevalence among the pregnant females in Al Quwayiyah General Hospital was 16.1%. Detection of GBS using new PCR technique was found to have high sensitivity and faster results, allowing efficient management of GBS and reduction in newborn morbidity and mortality however the cost is high for some laboratories. Further studies should be assessed to be both low cost and accurate rapid screening.
Effects of noise and low-concentration carbon monoxide exposure on rat immunity
Authors: She Xiaojun , Gao Xiujie , Wang Kun , Yang Honglian , Ma Kefeng , Cui Bo , Xi Zhuge
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the immunotoxicity and effects of noise and/or low-concentration carbon monoxide (CO) exposure on immune organs and immune functions in rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats exposed to 98 dB(A) white noise and/or 100 ppm CO 4 h/d for 30 d were used to determine the pathological changes in the thymus and spleen, and variations in leukocyte counts, inflammatory factors, and immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations.

Results

The boundaries of the cortex and medulla of the thymus were unclear following noise and combined exposure. The pathological changes in spleen after CO and combined exposure included blurred boundaries of red-pulp and white-pulp, disappearance of normal splenic nodules and neutrophil infiltration. After exposure to noise and in combination, leukocyte and lymphocyte counts decreased significantly. After exposure to low-concentration CO and in combination, serum IgM and IgG levels decreased significantly, but the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interferon-γ levels increased significantly. Eosinophils and IgA levels decreased significantly following exposure to noise and/or low concentration of CO, while the level of interleukin-1 increased significantly. Monocytes increased significantly only under noise or CO exposure, but not under combined exposure.

Conclusions

Noise and/or low-concentration CO exposure may suppress innate and adaptive immune functions and induce inflammatory responses. Noise exposure mainly affected the innate immune function of rats, whereas low-concentration CO exposure mainly affected adaptive immune functions. Combined exposure presented higher immunotoxicity than noise or CO alone, suggesting that exposure to noise and low-concentration CO in the living and working environments can affect the immune system.
Diagnostic Molecular Investigation of White Spot Syndrome Virus Finds No Infection in Wild White Shrimp and Brown Shrimp along the Texas Gulf Coast
Authors: Swinford Jillian L. , Anderson Joel D. , Adami Robert , Dhar Arun K.
Published: June 2021

White spot syndrome virus (WSSV) is a virulent disease that disrupts shrimp farm operations throughout the world. While the United States has had only limited outbreaks of WSSV within the past several decades, it is important to ensure that this disease does not infect wild penaeid shrimp populations. In Texas, there is a potential for WSSV to spread to wild penaeid populations in the Gulf of Mexico via infected imported nonnative bait shrimp, imported broodstock, or wild crustacean hosts. Due to these potential threats, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Coastal Fisheries Division monitored WSSV in wild brown shrimp Farfantepenaeus aztecus and white shrimp Litopenaeus setiferus from seven major bay systems along the Texas coast during 2019. While no positive samples were detected from the collected shrimp, a power analysis illustrated a potential for low-level WSSV prevalence within Texas shrimp populations that would not be detectable by this monitoring survey. Overall, WSSV does not appear to be a major threat in the Texas region of the Gulf of Mexico, but continual observation and monitoring of wild penaeid shrimp is necessary to protect this resource from future WSSV outbreaks.