bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of Different Substrates and Mother Cultures on Yield and Yield Attributes of Oyster Mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus)
Authors: Mubasshira M. , Aminuzzaman F. M. , Sultana N. , Tanni J. F.
Published: December 2020

Aim: This study was aimed to compare the performance of different substrates and mother culture materials on yield and yield parameters of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus).

Study Design: This is an experimental study following Complete Randomized Design (CRD).

Place and Duration of Study: The experiments were conducted in the Laboratory, Department of  Plant Pathology, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka and Mushroom Development Institute, Savar, Dhaka from January 2019 to February 2020.

Methodology: Accordingly, three substrates (sawdust, rice straw, sawdust + rice straw (1:1)) and three mother cultures (rice, maize, sawdust) were used in oyster mushroom cultivation.

Results: Among the substrates and mother culture components, using rice straw and sawdust mother spawn, the maximum length of stipe was recorded (23.27 mm and 24.29 mm, respectively). Applying sawdust + rice straw (1:1) and maize mother spawn, the peak diameter of stipe was calculated (9.90 mm and 10.01 mm, respectively). The maximal diameter of pileus was observed in sawdust + rice straw (1:1) and rice mother spawn (72.90 mm and 67.57mm, respectively). With the application of rice straw and maize mother spawn, thickest pileus was viewed (5.60 mm and 5.47mm respectively). The sawdust and sawdust mother spawn delivered peak number of fruiting body (6.67 and 7.33, respectively). Among the substrates, rice straw gave the highest biological yield (44.40 g/packet) and sawdust gave the lowest (41.73 g/packet). Among the mother spawn, sawdust mother spawn presented the highest biological yield (45.47 g/packet) and maize mother spawn gave the lowest (39.16 g/packet). In the comparison of  combined effect of substrates and mother spawn, sawdust mother spawn performed best in the biological yield (50.80 g/packet) with rice straw as substrate material and maize mother spawn showed comparatively lower biological yield (37.60 g/packet) with both sawdust and rice straw as substrate material.

Conclusion: Rice straw and sawdust mother spawn can be recommended for its suitability in oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) cultivation.
Competitive Intelligence and Performance of Microfinance Banks (MFBs) in Nigeria
Authors: Osita Fabian Chinedu , Nzewi Hope Ngozi , Ojimba Chigozie Chinonso , Ifechukwu Chimezie
Published: December 2020

The sustainability issues faced by microfinance banks (MFBs) in Nigeria necessitated this study to examine the effect of competitive intelligence on performance of MFBs in Nigeria. The study adopted the use of survey research design. The study population was made up of 112 employees of 28 MFBs. Primary source of data collection was deployed (questionnaire) and reliability was done using Crombach Alpha with a reliability statistic of .899. Descriptive statistics (mean) and inferential statistics (regression analysis) at 5% level of significance was adopted for data analysis and test of the hypothesis respectively. The result revealed that strategic intelligence indeed had a statistically significant relationship with the performance of MFBs in Nigeria (r =.863; R-Square = .746; F = 284. p-value < 0.05). It was, therefore, concluded that the environment of business is increasingly becoming more dynamic by the day, hence, the need to keep an eye on it to stay relevant in business.
Cumulative Prospect Theory and Radner Theory: A Critical Assessment from Nigeria
Authors: Ogbeide Sunday Oseiweh , Okpamen Peter Ehizokhale
Published: December 2020

Aims: This study undertook a critical comparative assessment of cumulative prospect theory and Radner theory. The aim is to examine investors’ behavior in the financial market using these theories. The specific objectives of the study were to examine if there are similarities between the cumulative prospect theory and Radner theory; ascertain the implications of the cumulative prospect theory to financial market; find out the implications of the Radner theory to financial market; and assess the drawbacks of the cumulative prospect a’’nd Radner theories.

Methodology: The study used the desk top library research approach’’ to survey relevant extant literatures on investors’ behaviour in relation to cumulative prospect theory and Radner’’ theory in a comparative manner.

Results: Findings indicate that investors’ behaviour in investment/consu’’mption decision making is predicated on attitude to risk/uncertainty. They prefer higher return to lower risk; higher ‘’satisfaction from commitment of wealth to asset bundle under condition of general equilibrium. These behavioural dispositions have been observed and addressed in the cumulative prospect theory and Radner theory. The finding of this study is that the cumulative prospect and Radner theories serve as the barometers with which investors’ direction of investments are constantly monitored in the stock market globally.

Recommendation: This study therefore recommends that financial analysts and market participants should frequently combine the rudiments of the traditional finance and behavioural finance in analyzing investments as well as observing reactions of myriad competing investors, particularly in perfect markets or in incomplete markets.
Taiwan Can be a Reliable Partner for India on Mandarin Education Policy
Authors: Chen Peters Li-Ying
Published: December 2020

This isan unprecedented policy paper on the development of Taiwan’s Mandarin education in India and its suggestion to Indian government for future policy direction. This research conducts literature review by having comprehensive study and interpretation of key figues and key terms in history and news. Although the perceived lack of dissertation and paper is seen in the paucity of research devoted to understanding this issue. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded to the China’s aggression in the border of Eastern Ladakh in 2020, maybe even in terms of language, Indian government has dropped Mandarin among foreign languages in its National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Indian government reviewed China's Confucius Institutes amid global concern, as well as university level memorandum of understanding between India and China. However, learning Mandarin would be encouraged in India by considering its national security, academic research, historical ties and economic development. Under these circumstances, the best policy option for India would be to get Mandarin teachers or train more Mandarin teachers from Taiwan, where Mandarin is official language as well. This article explores the reasons from historical context in India to Taiwan’s current development on Mandarin education, including its qualified teacher, test and satisfaction of partnering institutes. This paper indicates that Indian government should strategically consider having more cooperation with Taiwan in providing Mandarin learning for its young generation. Taiwan is a reliable partner for India on Mandarin Education Policy.
Education, Financial Knowledge and Consumer Confidence in Financial Goals: Evidence from the 2018 US National Financial Capability Study
Authors: Chen Fuzhong , Han Ziteng , Ma Qingyang
Published: December 2020

Consumer confidence in financial goals is the degree of trust expressed by consumers through the activities of setting financial goals and subsequent realization. Utilizing data from the 2018 US National Financial Capability Study, in terms of the data characteristics of the dependent variable, this study utilizes the method of ordered logistic regression to explore the roles of education and financial knowledge in consumer confidence in financial goals. Moreover, this study also performs a robustness check, which suggests unchanged results. The results indicate that both education and financial knowledge positively contribute to consumer confidence in financial goals and consumers both with higher education levels and financial knowledge will be more confident in financial goals. Thus, policymakers are recommended to provide financial support for education and focus on mechanisms of improving financial knowledge through financial education programs and financial related courses.
Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilisation of (Clarias garienpinus) Fed with Formulated Diet Produced from a Modified Extruder and Durante Commercial Feed
Authors: Koyenikan O. O. , Olukunle O. J. , Adebayo O. T.
Published: December 2020

A fabricated modified single screw fish feed extruder was used to extrude formulated floatable fish feeds from obtainable available feed ingredients. They were fed to 225 Clarias garienpinus (mean weight of 56  4.22 g) for 120 days in order to compare their nutritional values with that of a commercial feed. The fishes were first acclimatized for a period of 48 hours under laboratory condition. The weight of the fishes were taken every two weeks and recorded in comparison with the commercial feed (Durante) which served as the control. At the end of the feeding trials, the fishes were weighed, sacrificed and analysed for whole body composition, haematological status and proximate analysis. At the end of the feeding trial, Treatment 1 had the highest mean values of growth and nutrient utilization indices on Clarias garienpinus at standard deviations of 260.77 g (45.59%), 2.01%, 1.92 and 52.10% for the percentage of weight gained, specific growth rate, feed conversion ratio and feed conversion efficiency of the experimented fishes respectively when compared with the commercial feeds (Control) that had mean values of 416 g (71.36%), 2.18%, 1.20 and 83.33%. Treatment 4 had the lowest weight gained with mean values of 99.67 g (17.77%) 1.67%, 5.02 and 20.00% respectively. The white blood cell of the fishes in Treatment 1 had a high value of 6600 when compared to that of the Control which had a value of 7500. Treatment 1 (T1R1) experimented on Clarias garienpinus, gave the highest values of growth performance and nutrient utilization compared with other treatments in terms of its whole body composition, proximate analysis and haematolgical status. This implies that treatment 1 experimented on Clarias garienpinus, was the best and can be used for feeding fishes since their values are closer to that of the control. There was significant differences in the final weight of fish fed with treatment 1, 3 and 4 (p > 0.05). However, there was no significant difference in treatments 1 and 2.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Its Effect on the Mental Health of Doctors in India
Authors: Nair Amritha , Menon Jagadeesh , Rammohan Ashwin , Hakeem Abdul R. , Cherukuri Sathya D. , Reddy Mettu S. , Rela Mohamed
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives: For doctors at the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic, failure to acknowledge and act on the warning signs of stress can adversely affect their professional, social and personal life. We conducted a nationwide survey of a large sample of Indian doctors to measure levels of perceived stress, identify risk factors for severe stress and assess their response to current issues related to the safety and well-being of the community.

Methods: An online survey using Google forms was conducted between 1st May 2020 and 15th May 2020. The core component of the survey was the standardized Perceived Stress Scale answered on a Likert scale.

Results: Out of 520 responders, 394 (76%) were under 45 years of age 101 (19%) were between 18-30 years and 37 (7%) were above 60 years. 312(60%) were male doctors and 203 (40%) were female doctors. 90% of respondents had a post-graduate degree, 48(9%) had undergraduate degree and 168(32%) had super specialty degree. 313 (60.2%) of the respondents were practising in the private sector, 169 (33%) worked in public sector hospitals and 32(7%) in charitable hospitals. 109 (21%) had low stress, while 371 (71%) and 40 (8%) reported moderate and severe stress respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed the female gender, being financially insecure and ICU a place of work as independent risk factors for severe stress.

Conclusion: This is the first such survey done in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from the Indian sub-continent and has identified factors that have the potential to adversely impact the mental health of doctors. These findings are applicable to many countries in Asia and Africa with similar healthcare systems and can act as a valuable guide for authorities to establish support systems at multiple levels for these “COVID Warriors”.
Epidemiological Evaluation of the Covid-19 Pandemic in Nigeria
Authors: Odumegwu Nwafor E. , Ngozi Umeh M. , Chidi Ebere U.
Published: December 2020

This research presents the epidemiological evaluation and statistical analysis COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria after three months of its first incidence. The aim is to assess the performance of the medical professionals, Nigerian Center for Disease and Control (NCDC), the Governments and the general public respectively in the fight against COVID-19 in the last three months of the first incidence case. This was done using the data collected from the NCDC and analyzed using the Microsoft BI analyzer. From the evaluation, it was observed that after three months, a total number of 8077 cases have been recorded. Of this, 68.5% are active cases, receiving treatment in the hospital, 28.6% have recovered while 2.9% have died with majority of them over 50 years in age and have cardiac related cases before the virus struck. The implication of this result shows that the health care professionals and NCDC are doing their best having recorded a very low death rate so far compared to the total recorded cases. However the government needs to support and properly equip the hospitals with enough health care resources to help optimize patient response to treatment. Finally it was observed that despite the low death rate recorded, that the rate of increased new cases is alarming. The implication is that the general public is not very supportive in this fight of COVID-19. Hence more public awareness and recommended to educate the public on the safety measures required to prevent the spread of this virus and ensure public safety.
Effects of Tillage System and Cultivation Year on Secondary Metabolites and Antioxidant Capacity of Durum Wheat under Rainfed Conditions
Authors: Chaieb Nadia , Labidi Sonia , Ayed Sourour , Mdellel Lassaad , Chiab Abdelkarim , Jeddi Faysal Ben , Hammouda Moncef Ben-
Published: December 2020

One of the proposed solutions to face climate change impact and to maintain food production sustainability is conservation agriculture. This study tries to determinate the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and no tillage (NT) on secondary metabolites such as total phenolics content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and antioxidants capacity (DPPH %) in relation to natural mycorrhization of durum wheat during the tillering stage for three cultivation years. The experiment was conducted in a referential farm (Krib, Siliana, North West Tunisia). The results showed that TPC, TFC and DPPH% were not influenced by tillage system (T). However, cultivation year (Y) had a significant effect on the studied parameters independently of tillage system. In addition, for the first cultivation year, tillage system (T) had significantly influenced the mycorrhization rate (MR%) and NT presented the highest mycorrhization rate (24%). DPPH% showed high significant positive correlations with MR% and TPC. For partial correlation based on Tillage system, high positive correlations were noted between DPPH%, MR% and TPC.  Considering the partial correlation based on cultivation year, only a significant positive correlation between TPC and TFC was observed. In conclusion, durum wheat quality was not affected by tillage system and there are not reasons against no tillage adoption in this region for a sustainable wheat production.
Effect of Integrated Nutrient Management on Growth, Physiological, Nutrient Uptake, Root and Yield Parameters of Transplanted Lowland Rice
Authors: Ajaykumar R. , Sivakumar S. D.
Published: December 2020

Rice is an important cultivated food crop which feeds more than half of the world's population. Even though the area under rice cultivation is large, the productivity is low due to various interaction factors. The imbalance in usage of fertilizers is one of the main factors responsible for the low productivity and also the continuous use of inorganic fertilizers resulted in declining of soil fertility. An integrated nutrient management practices may be necessary to maintain the sustainability in crop production. Field experiment was conducted at wetland farm of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore during kharif season to study the effect of integrated nutrient management practices on growth, physiological, nutrient uptake, root characters and yield parameters of transplanted lowland rice. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments. Rice CO(R) 48 was used as a test variety. Dhaincha, vermicompost, farmyard manure were incorporated before transplanting of rice as per treatment schedule. The results revealed growth parameters (Plant height and number of tillers hill-1), physiological parameters (leaf area index and crop growth rate),  nutrient uptake (N, P and K uptake), root characters (root length, root volume and root dry weight) and yield parameters (Number of productive tillers m-2 and Dry Matter Production) were significantly influenced with application of 100 % NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 6.25 t dhaincha which was comparable with 100 per cent NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 5 t vermicompost and 100 per cent NPK through inorganic fertilizers + 12.5t farmyard manure. This was followed by 100 per cent N through dhaincha + balance P & K through inorganic fertilizers.
Knowledge of Malaria and Utilization of Its Preventive Measures among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Care at a Tertiary Hospital in Port-Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Awoyesuku P. A. , Ohaka C. , Ngeri B.
Published: December 2020

Background: Prevention of malaria is a major priority for the roll back malaria partnership which recommends three-pronged approach for reducing the burden of malaria among pregnant women. The WHO framework for malaria prevention during pregnancy in areas of stable malaria transmission recommends IPT, use of ITN, and case management of malaria illness.

Objective: This study sought to determine the knowledge of malaria and its preventive measures among pregnant women, assess their utilization of malaria preventive measures and attitude to treatment. To ascertain whether there exists any relationship between their knowledge and practice of prevention.

Methodology: An institutional based, cross-sectional study was carried out. 385 consenting participants, between 18-48 years, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. Information on socio-demographic characteristics, knowledge of malaria and its preventive measures, use of IPT and ownership/use of ITN, and attitude to treatment were recorded. Data were entered into Excel spreadsheet and analyzed with SPSS version 20. Associations between different variables were determined using Fisher’s exact test or Chi-square test, as appropriate, and logistic regression used to test statistical significance at P<0.05.

Results: Of the 385 women, 307 (79.7%) had excellent (18.7%) and good (61%) knowledge, while 78 (20.3%) had average (16.6%) and poor (3.6%) knowledge. There was no difference in association of Knowledge with age, marital status, education, occupation, and parity. Of the 385 women, 61.3% were using IPT for chemoprophylaxis, 66.2% were using insecticide spray or repellants and 71.4% owned mosquito net; of these, 84% owned insecticide treated nets, but only 65.8% were using it in this current pregnancy. Reasons for not using nets ranged from unavailable 49.0%, discomfort due to heat 32.9%, fear of suffocation 6.9%, Spouse’s disapproval 3.9% and 1.0% ineffective. There was statistically significant difference between knowledge and use of IPT, ITN and insecticide sprays.

Conclusion: There was adequate knowledge of malaria in pregnancy and its preventive measures, but utilization of these measures needs improvement. Efforts should be made to address barriers to utilization.
Risk Categorization of Diabetic Foot in Patients with Type-II Diabetes and Relationship of Various Risk Factors with Risk Categories of Diabetic Foot
Authors: Shaikh Samiullah , Ameer Asif , Saifullah Shaikh
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes is the leading cause of nontraumatic amputation. Foot screening which detects and stratification of diabetics which are at the risk of developing diabetic foot ulcer is the simple and useful part of this model of care.

Aims: Primary Aim: To stratify patients with type II diabetes into different risk categories of diabetic foot as per International Diabetic Federation guidelines.

Secondary Aim: To determine the relationship of various risk factors with risk categories of diabetic foot.

Study Design: Cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro / Hyderabad from February 2019 to August 2020.

Methodology: This study included 117 consecutive patients with confirmed diagnosis of Type-II diabetes of either sex ≥ 18 years of age.

Patients fulfilling above criteria were included in study. Feet were thoroughly examined for neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, infections, ulcers and osteoarthropathy. All the data was recorded on proforma. Patients having normal protective sensations were put in low risk (category 0), those having loss of protective sensations in moderate risk (category 1), those having loss of protective sensations with either high pressure or poor circulation or structural foot deformities or onychomycosis in high risk (category 2) and those having past history of ulceration, amputation or neuropathic fracture were put in very high risk (category 3). Data was analyzed by using SPSS version. 20.

Results: Total 117 patients of diabetic foot ulcer were studied, their mean age was 52.28±9.26 years, diabetic duration 10.21±8.10 years and mean HbA1c level was 10.07±1.96 mmol/l. Male were in majority 52.1%. Ulceration history was in 18.8% cases, amputation history was in 7.7% cases, 46 patients (39.3%) had risk category 1. A strong relationship was found between risk categories and age, sex, duration of diabetes, HBA1c.

Conclusion: This study revealed that 33 (28%) patients attending the diabetic clinic were at high risk of developing diabetic ulcer.
Intergenerational Education Mobility and Globalization: Evidence from Ghana
Authors: Baah Justice Ackom , Eshun Joseph
Published: December 2020

The issue of economic mobility among generations continues to be one of the understudied areas, especially in developing countries. Economic mobility usually referred to as Intergenerational Mobility (IM) studies the movement of individuals along the economic ladder. This paper relied on intergenerational education mobility to study into economic mobility in the Ghanaian setting. The paper, therefore, contributes to rarer existing literature on IGM in Ghana. Relying on random and fixed effect regression models, the study reveals that, economic mobility in Ghana is one of the lowest in the world far below economic mobility in countries like Turkey and Italy and far below economic mobility in developed countries like the US. The paper further reveals the significant role of globalization on IGM, highlighting a very important role of globalization in the lives of people. It is therefore recommended that to bolster the welfare of individuals, policymakers need to consider policies that are also aimed at expanding globalization. Moreover, the paper reveals that FDI and expansionary fiscal policy plays crucial roles in the economic mobility of individuals while unemployment has an exactly opposite effect on IGM.
Critical Factors for Metformin Osmotic Controlled Release Pump
Authors: Mirna García-Flores , María Melgoza-Contreras Luz , Efrén Hernández-Baltazar
Published: December 2020

Aim: Studied the critical factors in the design of an osmotic pump with metformin release rate constant at 4%/hr in diabetes mellitus within 24 hr. with the goal to reduce daily medications.

Study Design: Experimental design 32

Methodology: In vitro drug release profiles for 24h. The effects of different formulation variables, that is, concentration of hydrophilic polymer, diameter of drug releasing orifice and coating thickness, on the drug release profile were investigated. Also, the impact of pH, osmotic pressure and morphology with stereo microscopy and scanning electronic microscopy of the osmotic pumps were investigated. At last, osmotic pumps surface was analyze with scanning electronic microscopy.

Results: Metformin osmotic pump were successfully prepared in this study to overcome the weak point of multiple doses and great concentration fluctuation of metformin. The formulation determined finally have a release orifice of 700 mm and 3.0% of weight gain, achieved the desired effect which can realize the constant drug release rate at the first 24 hr.

Conclusion: The developed osmotic systems have a linear release near 4%/hr. and demonstrated that the behavior was independent of the agitation intensity and the pH of the gastrointestinal apparatus.
Improved Antiglioblastoma Activity and BBB Permeability by Conjugation of Paclitaxel to a Cell‐Penetrative MMP‐2‐Cleavable Peptide
Authors: Hua Dan , Tang Lida , Wang Weiting , Tang Shengan , Yu Lin , Zhou Xuexia , Wang Qian , Sun Cuiyun , Shi Cuijuan , Luo Wenjun , Jiang Zhendong , Li Huining , Yu Shizhu
Published: December 2020

In order to solve the problems of receptor promiscuity and poor blood‐brain barrier (BBB) penetration in the treatment of glioblastomas (GBM), a novel dual‐functional nanocomplex drug delivery system is developed based on the strategy of peptide‐drug conjugates. In this study, SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX is designed and screened out by matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2), to which it exhibits the best affinity. The MMP‐2‐sensitive peptide (PVGLIG) and a cell‐penetration peptide (SynB3) are combined to form a dual‐functional peptide. Moreover, as a drug‐peptide nanocomplex, SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX exhibited a high potential to form an aggregation with good solubility that can release paclitaxel (PTX) through the cleavage of MMP‐2. From a functional perspective, it is found that SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX can specifically inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GBM cells in vitro in the presence of MMP‐2, in contrast to that observed in MMP‐2 siRNA transfected cells. Further investigation in vivo shows that SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX easily enters the brain of U87MG xenograft nude mice and can generate a better suppressive effect on GBM through a controlled release of PTX from SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX compared with PTX and temozolomide. Thus, it is proposed that SynB3‐PVGLIG‐PTX can be used as a novel drug‐loading delivery system to treat GBM due to its specificity and BBB permeability.
Direct Quantification of Heat Generation Due to Inelastic Scattering of Electrons Using a Nanocalorimeter
Authors: Park Joonsuk , Bae Kiho , Kim Taeho Roy , Perez Christopher , Sood Aditya , Asheghi Mehdi , Goodson Kenneth E. , Park Woosung
Published: December 2020

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is arguably the most important tool for atomic‐scale material characterization. A significant portion of the energy of transmitted electrons is transferred to the material under study through inelastic scattering, causing inadvertent damage via ionization, radiolysis, and heating. In particular, heat generation complicates TEM observations as the local temperature can affect material properties. Here, the heat generation due to electron irradiation is quantified using both top‐down and bottom‐up approaches: direct temperature measurements using nanowatt calorimeters as well as the quantification of energy loss due to inelastic scattering events using electron energy loss spectroscopy. Combining both techniques, a microscopic model is developed for beam‐induced heating and to identify the primary electron‐to‐heat conversion mechanism to be associated with valence electrons. Building on these results, the model provides guidelines to estimate temperature rise for general materials with reasonable accuracy. This study extends the ability to quantify thermal impact on materials down to the atomic scale.
Facile Multicomponent Polymerization and Postpolymerization Modification via an Effective Meldrum's Acid‐Based Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Meng Qing‐Yong , Gao Fan , Mosad Smaher , Zhang Ze , You Ye‐Zi , Hong Chun‐Yan
Published: December 2020

Providing access to highly diverse polymer structures by multicomponent reactions is highly desirable; efficient Meldrum's acid‐based multicomponent reactions, however, have been rarely highlighted in polymer chemistry. Here, the three‐component reaction of Meldrum's acid, indole, and aldehyde is introduced into polymer synthesis. Direct multicomponent polymerization of Meldrum's acid, dialdehyde, and diindole can perform under mild conditions, resulting in complex Meldrum's acid‐containing polymers with well‐defined structures, and high molecular weights. Additionally, nearly quantitative postpolymerization modification can also perform via this Meldrum's acid‐based multicomponent reaction. These results indicate that Meldrum's acid‐based multicomponent reaction will be a potential tool to prepare novel polymers.
Perceptions of Sex Offenders’ Partners: Associated with Perceptions of Offenders and Influenced by Attachment
Authors: Martens Jason P. , Stewart Jessica L.
Published: December 2020

Little research exists on how partners of sex offenders are perceived. Using attachment theory, we hypothesised that one's attachment would generalise to perceptions of sexual offenders and their partners. One hundred and six British adults’ attachment styles were assessed, as well as perceptions of sex offenders and their partners. Generally, perceivers’ attachment avoidance was associated with positive perceptions of both partners and offenders, while attachment anxiety was associated with negative perceptions of partners but positive perceptions of sex offenders. Perceptions of sex offenders and their partners were highly correlated and negative in nature, and sex offenders were more negatively perceived.
Simultaneous cardiac and pulmonary central cyanosis in a young girl: the double trouble
Authors: Bansal Raghav , Talwar Sachin , Ramakrishnan Sivasubramanian
Published: December 2020

A 14-year-old girl admitted for corrective surgery for tetralogy of Fallot was found to have pulmonary arteriovenous malformations on pre-operative evaluation. In anticipation of a complicated postoperative course, percutaneous closure of the pulmonary arteriovenous malformations was undertaken first followed by a successful surgical outcome. Importance of this rare association and its clinical implication is hereby highlighted.
Evaluating Resistance toward Muslim American Political Integration
Authors: Calfano Brian R. , Lajevardi Nazita , Michelson Melissa R.
Published: December 2020

Muslims in the United States are often constructed as anti-American and are perceived to have little engagement with politics. Moreover, Arab and Muslim identity is often conflated in the public mind. In this note, we introduce results from a randomized survey experiment conducted in three states with varying Muslim populations—Ohio, California, and Michigan—to assess how trustworthy respondents rate a local community leader calling for unity when that individual signals themselves to be an Arab, Muslim, or Arab Muslim, as opposed to when they do not signal their background. Across the board, and in each state, respondents rate the community leader as less trustworthy when he is identified as Muslim American or as Arab Muslim, but not when he is identified as Arab. These results suggest that the public does not conflate these two identities and that Muslims are evaluated more negatively than Arabs, even when hearing about their prosocial democratic behavior.
Automated multi-classifier recognition of atmospheric turbulent structures obtained by Doppler lidar
Authors: Sokolov Anton , Dmitriev Egor , Cheliotis Ioannis , Delbarre Hervé , Dieudonne Elsa , Augustin Patrick , Fourmentin Marc
Published: December 2020

We present algorithms and results of automated processing of LiDAR measurements obtained during VEGILOT measuring campaign in Paris in autumn 2014 in order to study horizontal turbulent atmospheric regimes on urban scales. To process images obtained by horizontal atmospheric scanning using Doppler LiDAR, the method is proposed based on texture analysis and classification using supervised machine learning algorithms. The results of the parallel classification by various classifiers were combined using the majority voting strategy. The obtained estimates of accuracy demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method for solving the problem of remote sensing of regional-scale turbulent patterns in the atmosphere.
Adversité précoce, dysrégulation émotionnelle et tentatives de suicide multiples chez les adolescents avec un trouble de la personnalité limite
Authors: Mirkovic Bojan , Gerardin Priscille
Published: December 2020

La dysrégulation émotionnelle semble être une caractéristique essentielle du trouble de la personnalité limite (TPL), et plusieurs études ont montré que les adolescents suicidants utilisaient davantage des stratégies inadaptées de régulation des émotions. Par ailleurs, il apparaît que les adolescents atteints de TPL et les adolescents ayant fait plusieurs tentatives de suicide font état de taux plus élevés d’adversité précoce que leurs pairs du même âge. Après un résumé des données de la littérature faisant état des associations multiples entre dysrégulation émotionnelle, conduites suicidaires et adversité précoce, nous proposons un modèle de compréhension des tentatives de suicide multiples chez les adolescents avec un TPL.
Violence d’une mort chronométrée : les soignants face au prélèvement multi-organes après limitation et arrêt des thérapeutiques
Authors: Rechtman Louise
Published: December 2020

L’accompagnement de fin de vie en réanimation pédiatrique dans le contexte d’un prélèvement multi-organes (PMO) du type Maastricht 3 a la particularité d’être une mort protocolisée et chronométrée auprès d’une famille déjà connue et investie par le service. À partir du cas clinique d’un enfant dont les parents ont accepté le PMO après une limitation et arrêt des thérapeutiques (LAT), nous analyserons le vécu généré dans le service.

Afin d’interroger la violence véhiculée par cette situation, nous reviendrons sur les rituels autour de la mort dans un service de réanimation et verrons comment l’urgence du prélèvement peut mettre à mal des pratiques symboliques importantes.

Ainsi, si le discours scientifique, médical et législatif peut clairement exposer la complexité de la situation et définir spécifiquement le moment où survient le décès, cela semble plus complexe à verbaliser au niveau de l’expérience subjective. Cette confusion dans la possibilité de nommer ce qui est vécu génère une forme « d’inquiétante étrangeté ». Afin de pouvoir travailler auprès de cette clinique de l’indicible, il est nécessaire de pouvoir mettre en mots ces pratiques.
Human Milk Expression, Storage, and Transport by Women Whose Infants Are Inpatients at a Tertiary Neonatal Unit in Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Rodrigo Ranmali , Amir Lisa H. , Forster Della A. , McEgan Kerri , Opie Gillian
Published: December 2020

Background:

Expression and storage of mothers' own milk at home and its transportation to hospital neonatal units are a common practice worldwide when newborns are inpatients. Studies assessing adherence to hospital protocols and guidelines for this are not widely published.

Purpose:

To explore the advice received and practices followed by mothers when expressing, storing, and transporting their milk from home to the hospital, with a substudy exploring the factors related to temperature maintenance of refrigerated milk at recommended values.

Methods:

Cross-sectional descriptive study at the neonatal intensive care unit of Mercy Hospital for Women, Melbourne, Australia. Mothers who were discharged home after birth of the infant, but whose infant(s) remained in the neonatal unit for 7 days or more participated. All participants completed a self-administered questionnaire. In the substudy, home refrigerator temperature and surface temperature of milk on arrival to the hospital were recorded.

Results:

The questionnaire was completed by 100 mothers; 38 participated in the substudy. Median travel time from home to the hospital was 32 minutes (range, 2-135 minutes). Lactation consultants were the largest group providing information, with 44 participants (45%) identifying them as the primary information source. Knowledge about recommended refrigerator storage times for expressed milk was correct in 53 mothers (54%). Coolness of milk was better maintained when transported in an insulated food container than nonuse (surface temperature: mean 9.1°C vs 12.2°C; P = .007). Distance and travel duration were not correlated with temperature.

Implications for Practice:

More diligent monitoring of conditions under which mothers' own milk is transported to hospital is required, and the use of an insulated food container for refrigerated/frozen milk, even for a short duration, should be strongly recommended. Staff to be trained and better equipped to provide uniform, concise information on expressed human milk management to mothers.

Implications for Research:

Further research to correlate factors associated with transporting human milk expressed at home and infant health outcome is needed.
Dose-response for yttrium-90 resin microsphere radioembolisation
Authors: Kao Yung Hsiang
Published: December 2020

The fundamental premise of yttrium-90 radioembolisation is to balance safety with efficacy. To achieve this, dose-response guidance must be provided. This is a tabulation of published data of key dose-response metrics for yttrium-90 resin microsphere radioembolisation of liver malignancies. Metrics are expressed in terms of mean radiation absorbed doses (Gy), dose-volume histograms, Biologically Effective Doses, Normal Tissue Complication Probability and Tumour Control Probability.
Women in STEM/SET: gender gap research review of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) – a meta-analysis
Authors: Patterson Louise , Varadarajan Damodharan Sowmya , Saji Salim Beena
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to conduct a meta-analysis of existing research on gender discrimination/gender gap and women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in the UAE, specifically, and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in general because of very limited number of articles published on the subject. It will give future researchers insights into the topics, methodologies and findings of such research from 1999–2019.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducts a meta-analysis of 72 articles using the Wildcard operator search method and the Boolean operator to perform an integrative literature search related to gender discrimination studies done in relationship to or specific to the UAE.

Findings

In total, 88 papers related to the UAE and gender gap and women were identified. The articles were narrowed down to the ones published in high-ranked or Scopus journals (72). The findings suggest a decreasing trend in gender discrimination, but the issue still persists, requiring efforts from policy-makers, society and government to ensure gender parity is achieved. Academic research on women in STEM/SET workplace, specific to the UAE and the region, continue to slowly advance, with very few articles published in the same.

Practical implications

The study provides insights into gender gap research done in the past ten years specific to the UAE national women and gender gap in general and their career choices and prospects in the STEM/SET domain.

Social implications

There is a need to focus research on Emirati women in STEM careers to develop more insights into gender gap perceptions of Emirati women and identify challenges and methods to close the gender gap in STEM careers.

Originality/value

This paper brings a holistic perspective to the meta-analysis of research on the gender gap and women in the UAE’s STEM domain.
Corporate characteristics and leverage: evidence from Gulf countries
Authors: Al-Ahdal Waleed M. , Almaqtari Faozi A. , Zaid Dheya A. , Al-Homaidi Eissa A. , Farhan Najib H.
Published: December 2020

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate characteristics on leverage in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) non-financial listed firms.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample comprising a balanced panel for eight years from 2009–2016 for four Gulf countries is used. In total, 85 non-financial listed companies have been selected using a non-probability sampling technique. Corporate characteristics are represented by return on assets (ROA), return on equity, return on capital employed, market value-added, Tobin-Q, liquidity and firm size. The study used fixed and random effect models to estimate the results.

Findings

The findings of the study revealed that both ROA and FSIZE have a significant negative effect on leverage. However, market value-added, return on capital employed and Tobin-Q exhibited a statistically significant positive effect on leverage. Further, the results indicated that Qatar is better than kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), Oman and the UAE. In addition, evidence noted that KSA is better than both UAE and Oman in terms of the overall impact of corporate characteristics on the leverage. However, this effect is not statistically significant.

Practical implications

This study provides an open insight for managers, bankers, financial analysts in the GCC countries and some other developing economies by highlighting the relationship between corporate characteristics and leverage in an emerging market.

Originality/value

The current study provides an important insight into corporate characteristics and leverage. By so doing, it provides an attempt to identify the factors influencing corporate financing behavior taking into consideration different issues such as different proxies of firms’ profitability, market capitalization, market value added and liquidity, which provides original evidence from Gulf countries emerging markets. These countries are characterized by low tax rates and high liquidity. High liquidity may reduce the cost of borrowing and debt financing may not be a huge burden on firms’ profits. This makes the investigation of leverage and corporate characteristics, particularly, firms’ profitability and liquidity, very important. Therefore, the study tries to bridge an existing gap in the body of literature of capital structure and debt financing in Gulf countries emerging markets.
Extraperitoneal high vaginal cuff suspension at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for advanced uterovaginal prolapse: Results of a modified McCall technique from a longitudinal clinical study
Authors: Zilberlicht Ariel , Dwyer Peter L. , Karmakar Debjyoti , Carswell Frida , Schierlitz Lore
Published: December 2020

Background

Women with high‐grade uterovaginal prolapse have a greater risk of recurrent prolapse after pelvic organ prolapse surgery. Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists guidelines have recommended sacrospinous suspension (sacrospinous fixation) at the time of vaginal hysterectomy, whenever there is a marked uterovaginal prolapse. We have modified the McCall culdoplasty by placing sutures extraperitoneally, higher and more lateral into the uterosacral/cardinal ligaments to re‐support the vaginal cuff at the time of a vaginal hysterectomy.

Aims

To evaluate the results of a modified technique of McCall high culdoplasty and native tissue repair at time of vaginal hysterectomy in women with advanced uterovaginal prolapse.

Material and methods

Longitudinal clinical follow‐up conducted between 2000–2018, in a tertiary urogynaecology centre for patients presenting with stage 3–4 uterovaginal prolapse, who underwent vaginal hysterectomy and modified McCall vault suspension.

Results

There were 176 cases meeting the inclusion criteria. Mean follow‐up was 19.35 months. There were 25 recurrences (14%) of ≥ stage 2 (76% not symptomatic). Twelve of these recurrences (48%) occurred in anterior compartment, six (25%) posterior, three (12%) combined anterior/posterior, two (8%) combined posterior/central and one case had recurrence in all compartments. Only six cases (3%) required another surgical procedure for symptomatic prolapse, all with an enterocele recurrence.

Conclusions

Our described modified McCall technique incorporates high extraperitoneal approach to apical resuspension along with closure of any existing large hiatal defects of the levator plate at the time of vaginal hysterectomy for advanced uterine prolapse has excellent outcomes and extremely low complication rates and avoids the need for sacrospinous fixation.
DNA Methylation-Reprogrammed Ang II (Angiotensin II) Type 1 Receptor-Early Growth Response Gene 1-Protein Kinase C ε Axis Underlies Vascular Hypercontractility in Antenatal Hypoxic Offspring
Authors: Xu Ting , Fan Xiaorong , Zhao Meng , Wu Meng , Li Huan , Ji Bingyu , Zhu Xiaolin , Li Lingjun , Ding Hongmei , Sun Miao , Xu Zhice , Gao Qinqin
Published: December 2020

As the most common clinical stress during mid and late pregnancy, antenatal hypoxia has profound adverse effects on individual’s vascular health later in life, but the underlying mechanisms are still not understood. The purpose of this study was to reveal the mechanisms of the acquired vascular dysfunction in offspring imposed by antenatal hypoxia. Pregnant rats were housed in a normoxic or hypoxic (10.5% oxygen) chamber from gestation day 10 to 21. Male offspring were euthanized at gestational day 21 (fetus) or postnatal 16 weeks old (adult offspring). Mesenteric arteries were collected for examining Ang II (angiotensin II)–mediated vascular contractility, gene expression, and promoter methylation. Antenatal hypoxia increased vascular sensitivity to Ang II, which was resulted by an upregulated AT1R (angiotensin II type 1 receptor). The increased AT1R was correlated with a hypomethylation-mediated activated transcription of Agtr1a (alpha subtype of AT1R). In addition, we presented evidences that there was an AT1R-Egr1 (early growth response gene 1)-PKCε (ε isoform of protein kinase C) axis in vasculature; AT1R could modulate PKCε expression via upregulating Egr1; Egr1 mediated transcription activation of PKCε via Egr1 binding sites in PKCε gene promoter. Overall, antenatal hypoxia activated AT1R-Egr1-PKCε axis in vasculature, eventually predisposed offspring to vascular hypercontractility. This is the first description that antenatal hypoxia resulted in vascular adverse outcomes in postnatal offspring, was strongly associated with reprogrammed gene expression via a DNA methylation-mediated epigenetic mechanism, advancing understanding toward the influence of adverse antenatal factors in early life on long-term vascular health.