bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
first incel?
Authors: Bloom Mia M
Published: June 2022

Scholars of political violence and terrorism are now analyzing violence perpetrated by extremists, who identify as involuntary celibates (incels), as a form of terrorism—although this remains a matter of contention. The two most notable instances of incel violence were Elliot Rodger’s 2014 Isla Vista attack and Alek Minassian’s 2018 vehicle ramming attack in Toronto—both of whom claimed their acts were retribution for women’s (romantic or sexual) rejection. This article argues that scholars have likely overlooked comparable cases of misogynistic terrorism that occurred prior to the invention of the term ‘incel.’ While some newer research acknowledges incel-like attacks occurred before 2014, there has not been a detailed case study of the first incel attack, which occurred in 1989.
Infekcije mokraćnog sustava u bolesnika s bubrežnim presatkom u prvoj poslijetransplantacijskoj godini
Authors: Smajić Petra , Smajić Matea , Zibar Lada
Published: June 2022

Cilj: Istražiti učestalost infekcija mokraćnog sustava (IMS) u bolesnika s bubrežnim presatkom u prvoj poslijetransplantacijskoj godini te odnos učestalosti IMS-a prema terapiji imunosupresivima (IS) i funkciji bubrežnog presatka. Ispitanici i metode: Uključeno je 114 bolesnika (60,5 % muškaraca, medijan dobi svih bolesnika je 52 godine, u rasponu od 27 do 71). Podatci su preuzeti iz medicinskih zapisa i statistički obrađeni pomoću IBM SPSS Statistic, 25.0, uz razinu statističke značajnosti P < 0,05. Rezultati: Unutar godine dana od bubrežne presadbe (BP) u 67 od 114 ispitanika (58,8 %) zabilježeno je 170 epizoda IMS-a uzrokovanih s ukupno dvadeset jednim različitim uzročnikom. Kao najčešće kliničko očitovanje javljala se asimptomatska bakterijurija (44,1 %), a najčešće izolirani uzročnik IMS-a u svim kliničkim očitovanjima bio je E. coli (38,9 %). Najčešće se IMS javljao u prva tri mjeseca od BP-a (58,2 %), kada su bolesnici dio vremena imali Foleyev kateter i/ili JJ stent. IMS je bio značajno češći u žena i starijih, sve rjeđi s vremenom, a veća učestalost nije bila povezana s lošijom funkcijom presatka koncem prve poslijetransplantacijske godine. Ispitanici koji su u IS terapiji imali kortikosteroide, krajem prve poslijetransplantacijske godine imali su značajno veći broj epizoda IMS-a (P = 0,02). Zaključak: Više od polovice ispitanika imalo je u prvoj godini poslije BP-a neki oblik IMS-a, s najčešće izoliranim uzročnikom E. coli. Veća učestalost IMS-a zabilježena je u ženskom spolu, u starijih, uz veći IS (uz kortikosteroide) te u prva tri mjeseca od BP-a. Ispitanici s češćim IMS-om nisu imali lošiju funkciju bubrežnog presatka godinu dana nakon BP-a.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Tourism and Hotel Business in the Kursk Region
Authors: Abushenkova M. V.
Published: June 2022

The relevance of the study is determined by the critical situation of the tourism and hotel business in all regions of the country in the conditions of a new viral infection, including the Kursk region.

The purpose of this study is to study the impact of COVID-19 on the tourism and hotel business in the Kursk region.

Objectives: to identify the impact of COVID-19 on the state of the tourism and hotel business in the Kursk region; to clarify the ways out of the crisis situation; to study the features of attracting tourists under covid restrictions; to identify key economic and social consequences for the tourism and hotel business of the Kursk region in the context of the coronavirus pandemic.

The methodology is presented by methods of scientific generalization, collection and processing of information, analysis and synthesis.

The results of the study showed that in the conditions of a new viral infection, the tourist and hotel business of the Kursk region is experiencing a significant drop in tourist demand. The spread of a new viral infection did not scare citizens and entrepreneurs so much at first. However, the gradual absorption of country after country, an increasing number of infected and dead became not only the cause of fear of the people, but also the introduction of serious measures to combat the spread of COVID-19. One of the first measures was the restriction of visits to crowded places and the work of hotels, further, it became simply impossible to stay in a hotel. Travel agencies and hotels in the Kursk region still cannot finally "get back on their feet" despite the lifting of strict restrictions and the popularization of domestic tourism among citizens of the Russian Federation. There are no accumulated financial reserves that could mitigate the critical economic situation. It is very difficult for small enterprises of the tourism and hotel business to survive without government support in the current conditions.

Conclusion. Travel agencies and hotels of the Kursk region in the conditions of a pandemic of a new viral infection risk not only not attracting new consumers of their services, but also losing a significant number of regular customers. For travel companies, the weakening of the tourist flow, both from foreign countries and domestic tourists, is a threat. Hotels in the region are also acutely dependent on the demand for tourist services. The dependence of the tourism and hotel business on government support is increasing. The coronavirus pandemic, at least in the medium term, will not allow tourism and hotel businesses to improve their economic situation.
The Defining Importance of Catering in the Reformation of the Restaurant Industry
Authors: Volobuev V. V. , Tretyak A. S.
Published: June 2022

The relevance of studying of the field of public catering has never been in doubt, since this type of activity is directly related to the most important human need – the need for food, and the state of this market is closely related to the level of development of the economy of the regions and the state as a whole and reflects the satisfaction of the needs of society and the individual. The restaurant industry in the form in which we perceive it today has been formed for centuries. In the XII century, the first restaurants appeared in China, when the cities of Kaifeng and Hangzhou had a population density of more than a million inhabitants each. One of the prerequisites for the emergence of restaurant enterprises was the rejection of local cuisine by merchants who established trade relations between cities. This implies the principle of business – you need to offer what they want to buy. The sphere of service provision in the XXI century is undergoing a reformation in terms of permissiveness, everyone can get what he wants, whenever and wherever. The Reformation did not ignore the structure of public catering. The reformation of the restaurant business is a global trend that allows us to transform qualitatively new systems of providing food services. Consumers are increasingly paying attention to the" universality of service", including the organization of food services that are not tied to the place of production, but meet the needs of the consumer. Such a cluster of services includes catering. Catering as a way of providing food services is gaining more and more popularity among marketing tools for promoting a restaurant product. The analysis of catering in a broad sense allows us to identify its role in the development of the restaurant industry.

The purpose of the article is to identify the features of catering in the system of providing restaurant services

Оbjectives. The set goal predetermined the formulation of the following objectives: study of the theoretical foundations of catering; study of the catering division into departments, structures; study of the catering product design system.

Methodology. To analyze the works of domestic specialists who covered different aspects of restaurant services, the author relied on such methods as statistical and economic analysis, comparative assessment, cause-and-effect analysis.

Results. The article considers catering as a phenomenon of the restaurant business. The features of catering, the theoretical foundations and divisions of catering are also revealed. Special attention is paid to the catering product design system.

Conclusions. The inattention of managers in the restaurant industry has led to a decline in profits from the restaurant product. To create a competent business strategy, it is necessary to take into account all possible outcomes of events and resort to universal tools to increase the attractiveness of a restaurant product.
The Imperatives of Green Financing for Green Technology Trends
Authors: Fedotova G. V. , Kapustina Yu. A. , Sokolov A. A.
Published: June 2022

Relevance. The popularity of eco-technological projects has recently gaining increasing revolutions in the light of taking climate skills and frequent biological threats to the world's population. Pandemic lessons showed us that many processes and actions can be transferred to a more secure, contactless interaction mode, which is possible in the case of high-tech interaction in the online environment. In parallel with the development of digital technologies, the process of improving their safety and environmental friendliness is underway, which requires certain targeted financing. Therefore, the concept of "green" financing appeared with the development and development of new "green" trends in the global economy.

The purpose. The purpose of writing the article is to assess the prospects to expand the tools for financing new environmental trends against the background of digitalization and optimization of production processes towards resource saving.

Objectives. In the article, the following tasks were set and consistently solved: to assess the rate of change in the market of technological solutions, to highlight the main ecotechnological trends within the framework of the concept of sustainable development, to determine the main criteria for green financing using the example of individual corporations and the financial markets of the world, to identify green issues of the Moscow Exchange.

Methodology. The paper included the main general scientific research methods and the search for a new knowledge: methods of retrospective analysis, methods of graphical analysis, methods of vertical and horizontal analysis of reporting data, methods of generalization and logic.

Results. The study of the main global ecotechnological trends in the development of economic sectors made it possible to come to the conclusion that it is necessary to search for targeted funding for the implementation of environmental projects. The formed principles of green financing make it possible to place specialized loans in the financial market and ensure the development of resource-saving technologies.

Conclusions. The article discusses the basic principles of green financing and its tools, draws conclusions about the need to expand this area of responsible investment in high-tech resource-saving areas.
Using the Transformative Storytelling Technique to Generate Empowering Narratives for Informal Caregivers: Semistructured Interviews, Thematic Analysis, and Method Demonstration
Authors: Petrovic Milica , Bonanno Silvia , Landoni Marta , Ionio Chiara , Hagedoorn Mariët , Gaggioli Andrea
Published: June 2022

Background

The transformative storytelling technique is an innovative top-down approach to narrative therapy that aims to provide building blocks for creating flourishing narratives for target groups or populations. This approach acts as a facilitator for implementing the human-centered design in developing digital self-help tools for larger samples or target groups.

Objective

This study applied the transformative storytelling technique, as a new approach in mental health, to develop empowering audio narratives for informal caregivers.

Methods

A narrative inquiry was conducted with 17 informal caregivers (16 women and 1 man) who completed a semistructured interview, “Caregiver Life Story,” acquiring information about the beginning of the role, rising action, and critical point of the role. The participants’ ages ranged from 41 to 84 years, with all participants providing care for at least a 6-month period. This inquiry was guided by the transformative storytelling technique, and aimed to collect data relevant to creating fictional stories based on real-life themes.

Results

Twenty-five overall themes were distinguished across three a priori–set categories, providing narrative building blocks for the informal caregiver life stories. The final empowering caregiver life story was created as an example for this study, demonstrating the application of the transformative storytelling technique in an informal care context.

Conclusions

The creation of empowering stories for populations or target groups in mental health care requires a unified and guided approach that will follow clear guidelines and storytelling principles. The transformative storytelling technique is a first of its kind in the mental health context, representing an initial step in enabling and supporting the creation of meaningful stories and the development of relatable, but productive, narratives. Such narratives have the potential to serve across media and digital platforms for supporting and improving well-being, and potentially triggering self-change in the target group or population.
Cybersickness Variability by Race: Findings From 6 Studies and a Mini Meta-analysis
Authors: Martingano Alison Jane , Brown Ellenor , Telaak Sydney H , Dolwick Alexander P , Persky Susan
Published: June 2022

Background

With the influx of medical virtual reality (VR) technologies, cybersickness has transitioned from a nuisance experienced during leisure activities to a potential safety and efficacy concern for patients and clinicians. To improve health equity, it is important to understand any potential differences in cybersickness propensity among demographic groups, including racial groups.

Objective

This study aims to explore whether cybersickness propensity differs across racial groups.

Methods

We collected self-reported cybersickness ratings from 6 racially diverse independent samples within 1 laboratory group (N=931). In these studies, the participants were asked to perform tasks in VR such as traversing environments, pointing at and selecting objects, and interacting with virtual humans.

Results

Significant racial differences in cybersickness were found in 50% (3/6) of studies. A mini meta-analysis revealed that, on average, Black participants reported approximately one-third of SD less cybersickness than White participants (Cohen d=−0.31; P<.001), regardless of the nature of the VR experience. There was no overall difference in reported cybersickness between the Asian and White participants (Cohen d=−0.11; P=.51).

Conclusions

Racial differences in cybersickness indicate that researchers, practitioners, and regulators should consider patient demographics when evaluating VR health intervention outcomes. These findings lay the groundwork for future studies that may explore racial differences in cybersickness directly.
Effectiveness of an App-Based Short Intervention to Improve Sleep: Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Vollert Bianka , Müller Luise , Jacobi Corinna , Trockel Mickey , Beintner Ina
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

A growing body of evidence for digital interventions to improve sleep shows promising effects. The interventions investigated so far have been primarily web-based; however, app-based interventions may reach a wider audience and be more suitable for daily use.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the intervention effects, adherence, and acceptance of an unguided app-based intervention for individuals who wish to improve their sleep.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, we evaluated the effects of an app-based short intervention (Refresh) to improve sleep compared with a waitlist condition. Refresh is an 8-week unguided intervention covering the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) and including a sleep diary. The primary outcome was sleep quality (insomnia symptoms) as self-assessed by the Regensburg Insomnia Scale (RIS). The secondary outcomes were depression (9-item Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ-9] score) and perceived insomnia-related impairment.

RESULTS

We included 371 participants, of which 245 reported poor sleep at baseline. About 1 in 3 participants who were allocated to the intervention group never accessed the intervention. Active participants completed on average 4 out of 8 chapters. Retention rates were 67.4% (n=250) at postassessment and 57.7% (n=214) at the 6-month follow-up. At postintervention, insomnia symptoms in the intervention group had improved more than those in the waitlist group, with a small effect (d=0.26) in the whole sample and a medium effect (d=0.45) in the subgroup with poor sleep. Effects in the intervention group were maintained at follow-up. Perceived insomnia-related impairment also improved from pre- to postassessment. No significant intervention effect on depression was detected. Working alliance and acceptance were moderate to good.

CONCLUSIONS

An app-based, unguided intervention is a feasible and effective option to scale-up CBT-I-based treatment, but intervention uptake and adherence need to be carefully addressed.

CLINICALTRIAL

ISRCTN Registry ISRCTN53553517; https://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN53553517
Cross-Sectional Analysis of Mobile Health (mHealth) Apps for Self-Management of Depression or Anxiety (Preprint)
Authors: Robinson Renee , Nguyen Elaine , narsinghan radhika
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Depression and anxiety are common mental health disorders. Untreated or unmanaged depression and anxiety can lead to physical and/or behavioral health concerns.
Many people suffering from depression and/or anxiety have inadequate access to health care and supports. Evidence supports that mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) can be beneficial in the management of chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Compare consumer-directed mobile-health applications (mHealth apps) available for self-management of depression and/or anxiety.

METHODS

A systematic review of 93,849 consumer-apps was conducted using a 3-step inclusion-criteria. Step-one: available in English, downloadable, and aligned with established self-management program components. Step-two: defined depression/anxiety, described symptoms, and discussed greater than 2-management techniques. Step-three: screened for user-friendliness and self-management components (n=10). Apps were assessed for readability and validity

RESULTS

Seventy-percent of mHealth apps incorporated 4-major self-management components. Eighty-percent of apps described at least three DSM-5 symptoms. Thirty-three percent of apps were 5-grade-levels higher than general US comprehension estimates. Only 40% of reviewed apps provided evidence-based self-management support and only 20% were affiliated with an accredited organization.

CONCLUSIONS

mHealth apps have the potential to reduce barriers to access to mental health treatment. Further research is necessary to understand how pharmacists can better support patient self-management of depression/anxiety with mHealth apps.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
HIV-related risky sexual behaviors and associated factors among college students in Wenzhou, China: Cross-sectional Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Wang Shuran , Liu Yupeng , Ni XiaoYan , Ye Zhenmiao , Chen Yuxin , Yu Xinru , Zhang Hemei , Zhao Lina , Chen Xiangyang , Ding Nani
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

College students are at-risk populations of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and risky sexual behaviors (RSBs). However, little literature focuses on the comprehensive influence factors of RSB in China.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the RSB among college students in Wenzhou and explore potential influencing factors of RSB to provide references for HIV prevention and control.

METHODS

A cross-sectional survey was conducted from November to December 2020 in Wenzhou university city. Self-administered questionnaires were used to collect data anonymously. Some demographic questions, AIDS-related health education, sexual attitudes, condom use effectiveness, HIV awareness, HIV testing awareness and behavior, HIV self-perceived risk, and sexual behavior were investigated and analyzed. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used to analyze the factors associated with RSB. We also performed some sensitivity analyses, such as subgroup analyses according to gender. P-values <.05 were considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 5627 college students were included in this survey. Of all participants, 353 (6.3%) had sexual behaviors, of which 79 (22.4%) students were engaged in RSB mainly including same-sex sex, casual sex, and unprotected sex. In the multivariable logistic regression analysis, higher-risk sexual attitudes (P <.001, aOR=6.654, 95% CI 3.192-13.874), good knowledge of HIV awareness (P =.001, aOR=0.322, 95% CI 0.163-0.640), and HIV self-perceived (P <.001, aOR=5.232, 95% CI 2.306-11.873) were significantly associated with RSB. For female college students, living in rural areas was a positive predictor of RSB (P =.03, aOR=3.873, 95% CI 1.123-13.356).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevalence of RSB among college students is on the rise. The prevalence of AIDS will increase dramatically if these RSBs persist. More comprehensive and specific education on HIV knowledge and RSB-related knowledge should be designed and offered to college students on campus.
Integrating Prostate Cancer Domain Knowledge from a Semantic Perspective: An Ontology Method (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Chunjiang , Chen Yalan , Zhou Yibin , Liu Xingyun , Lin Yuxin , Li Jiakun , Zheng Xiaonan , Hu Min , Shen Bairong
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND

Disease ontologies facilitate the semantic organization and representation of domain-specific knowledge. In the case of prostate cancer, large volumes of research results and clinical data have been accumulated and needed to be standardized for sharing and translational researches.

OBJECTIVE

A formal representation of prostate cancer (PCa)-associated knowledge will be essential to the diverse data standardization, data sharing and the future knowledge graph extraction, deep phenotyping and explainable artificial intelligence developing.

METHODS

We hereby constructed a prostate cancer ontology (PCaO) based on the ontology development life cycle. An online information retrieval system was designed to ensure the usability of the ontology.

RESULTS

The PCaO with a subclass-based taxonomic hierarchy covers the major biomedical concepts for PCa-associated genotypic, phenotypic and lifestyle data. The current version of the PCaO contains 633 concepts organized under three biomedical viewpoints, i.e., epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment. These concepts are enriched by the addition of definition, synonyms, relationships and references. For the precision diagnosis and treatment, the PCa associated genes and lifestyles are integrated in the viewpoint of epidemiological aspects of PCa.

CONCLUSIONS

PCaO provides a standardized and systematized semantic framework for studying large amounts of heterogeneous PCa data and knowledge, which can be further, edited and enriched by the scientific community. The current version of the PCaO is available at https://bioportal.bioontology.org/ontologies/PCAO, http://pcaontology.net/ and http://pcaontology.net/mobile/ for computers and intelligent devices.

CLINICALTRIAL
Effects of soybean and canola meals as dietary protein sources on the production performance and meat quality of shrimp
Authors: Escobar Rafael , Rubio Lozano María Salud , Maldonado Flores Juan Carlos , Gaxiola Cortés Gabriela , Delgado Suárez Enrique Jesús
Published: June 2022

Vegetable dietary protein sources are cheaper alternatives to fishmeal in shrimp diets. This study assessed the impact of fermented and non-fermented soybean and canola meals on growth performance, in vivo and in vitro digestibility, digestive enzyme activities and meat quality of Litopenaeus vannamei. A total of 513 shrimps were randomly assigned to treatments (control and two experimental diets). Animals on the control diet (cd) were fed a commercial feed concentrate. For the other treatments, the fishmeal protein source was totally replaced by a mixture of soybean and canola meal (50:50), either unfermented (sc) or fermented (fsc). Results showed that fermentation significantly increased (P < 0.05) the hydrolysis degree (hd) of sc meals by 12 % compared to that of their unfermented counterparts. Also, it was found that canola meal had higher hd compared to soybean meal, both before and after fermentation. The use of sc diet decreased protein digestibility in shrimps (P < 0.05), although there was no significant variation in the activity of total proteases and chymotrypsin. Production performance traits of shrimps fed diets with fsc were comparable to those of shrimps on the control diet. The increase in shear force of shrimps fed fsc was accompanied by an increase in the water holding capacity (whc) by 8-9 % (P < 0.05). Sensory attributes were similar across diets. In summary, this study showed it is possible to fully replace fish meal with fsc in shrimp diets without impairing production performance traits, dietary protein digestibility, and shrimp meat quality.
Evaluation of two therapeutic options for naturally occurring osteoarthritis in police working dogs
Authors: Alves João Carlos , Santos Ana , Jorge Patrícia , Lavrador Catarina , Carreira L. Miguel
Published: June 2022

To compare the effectiveness of intra-articular (IA) methylprednisolone-acetate and triamcinolone acetonide in the management of naturally occurring hip osteoarthritis, 20 dogs were divided into two groups according to the drug injected per joint: GT (20 mg of triamcinolone acetonide) and GMPA (40 mg methylprednisolone). Animals were treated at T0 (treatment day), and further evaluations were conducted at T1 (15 days after treatment), T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7 (one, two, three, four, five, and six months after treatment respectively). Response to treatment was measured using the Canine Brief Pain Inventory and Hudson Visual Analogue Scale, p < 0.05.

Treatment was successful in reducing the pain severity score in two animals of GT at T1 (20 %), three at T2–T3 (37.5 %), and two at T4–T7 (28.6 %). For GMPA, treatment was successful in two animals at T1 (20 %), four at T2 (40 %), three at T3 (30 %), and two at T4–T5 (20 %). When considering pain interference score, treatment was successful in two animals in both GT and GMPA from T1–T7. No significant differences were observed when comparing each moment with T0 or between groups. Intra-articular TA and MPA injection may be a treatment option for some patients, as some benefited from IA with TA and MPA
Detection of Fungi in Irrigation Water Sources using Different Isolation Methods
Authors: Suliman Al-Meshal Areej
Published: June 2022

This study was conducted over a 6-month period (2018-2019) to study the inherent fungal contaminants of irrigation water in Al-Kharj farms. Water samples were collected from three sites of the wells (the north and south sides and the plastic housing) at the farms. Sewage samples were also collected. One hundred and sixty-seven fungal isolates were obtained from the wells and the sewage. These isolates belonged to 16 genera, of which 13 were deuteromycetes, one was a zygomycetes and one was an oomycete. The results showed that Pythium, Aspergillus, Rhizoctonia, Rhizopus, and Fusarium genera were found throughout most months of the year. The results for each month were similar in terms of the frequency of fungi detected (99.96–100%) and the fungi isolation frequency (average, 6.247–6.25%). Pythium, Aspergillus, Rhizoctonia, Penicillium, and Diplococcium were identified in the water samples taken from the wells and the plastic housing. Alternaria and Fusarium were identified in water samples taken from the wells, while Candida and Macrophoma were also found in water samples taken from the well, while Cladosporium was found in the water samples and the sewage samples. Rhizopus was found in water samples taken from all of the wells near the plastic housing. Ulocladium was found in water samples taken from the wells and the plastic housing, while Thielaviopsis was found in water samples taken from the wells near the housing and the sterile fungus was found in water samples taken from the wells and the plastic housing. Moreover, we found that the seed trap method was the best method for fungi isolation (isolation frequency, 11.17%) and was better than the direct method of isolation (isolation frequency, 8.53%).
Development of Multiplex-PCR Method to Detect Three Bacterial Species in Food and their Use in Food Inspection
Authors: Ahmed Elgadafey Bashir H. , Eltayeb Nazik M. , Elamin Mohamed Osman , Sinky Tassnym H. , Alshehri Ali M. , Osman Ahmed A. , Alfaifi Mashael S.
Published: June 2022

Food contains several microorganisms that may cause illnesses and food poisoning in humans. Small numbers of microorganism contamination could result in rapid spoilage of food. The Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), USA estimates that 76 million people are affected by foodborne illnesses each year in the USA. Salmonella infections alone account for one billion dollars yearly in direct and indirect medical costs and more than 5,000 deaths. In Sudan, diarrhoeal disease was reported as the second major disease during the years from 2003 to 2007 (Annual health statistical report of the Federal Ministry of Health, Sudan). We aimed to develop a rapid molecular procedure for the detection of Escherichia coli, Shigella dysentery, and salmonella Typhiin food so as to minimize the public health hazard of food contamination. We used the Multiplex PCR method as rapid methods were tested for identification of Enterobacteriaceae species Escherichia coli as an indicator organism for food contamination and two strains of Enterobacteriaceae that causes food borne illness (namely Shigella dysentery and salmonella Typhi). The Multiplex PCR was performed to detect E. coli using Mdh primer pair, Salmonella Typhi using IpaB primer pair, and Shigella dysentery using IpaH1 primer pair. The sensitivity to detect E. coli, Salmonella Typhi, and Shigella dysentery in contaminated food in the concentration of the infective and the over infective doses were 100%, 96.3%, and 88.9% respectively for the three bacteria strains. There was no significant difference in the detection of the bacteria after incubation for 8 hours, 24 hours, or even without incubation period. There were no differences in the result of the samples that were contaminated artificially in laboratory and those obtained from the market. The Multiplex PCR method for identification of E. coli, Salmonella Typhi and Shigella dysentery was developed as a model for detection and risk assessment of the three bacteria in one program, and it is suitable for routine analysis.
Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety among Professional Musicians during Covid-19
Authors: Pallavi Khushi , Vijayan Dr. Deepthi
Published: June 2022

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to assess the level of Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety among Professional Musicians in two groups including Music Teachers and Stage Performers, on online platforms during the pandemic, Covid-19. A sample of 104 Professional Musicians consisting of 52 Music Teachers and 52 Music Performers were chosen. The Warwick- Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS), The Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ – Short Version) and Performance Anxiety Inventory (PAI) were administered on the Professional Musicians from Delhi, Bangalore, Kolkata and Mumbai for this purpose. The data was analysed using IBM SPSS Statistics 28.0. The levels of Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety were compared using Independent Sample t test to see if there is any significant difference between Music Teachers and Music Performers. This study also used Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient to find out if there is any relationship between the Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety among Professional Musicians. It was observed that the three variables (Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety) were correlated with each other and there was no difference between Music Teachers and Performers in their Mental Health, Job Satisfaction and Music Performance Anxiety. Therefore, there was no major impact on the Professional Musicians on shifting to online platforms due to Covid-19 pandemic measures and restrictions. Keywords: Mental Health, Job Satisfaction, Music Performance Anxiety, Professional Musicians, Covid-19, Pandemic, Music Teachers. Performers, Online Platform
Techniques to Enhance the Performance of DBSCAN Clustering Algorithm in Data Mining
Authors: Lal Shyam , Singh Dr. Vaishali
Published: June 2022

Abstract: Clustering is a form of learning by observations. It is an unsupervised learning method and does not require training data set to generate a model. Clustering can lead to the discovery of previously unknown groups within the data. It is a common method of data mining in which similar and dissimilar type of data would be clustered into different clusters for better analysis of the data. In this paper the DBSCAN algorithm has been applied to compute the EPS value and Euclidian distance on the basis of similarity or dissimilarity of the input data. Also back propagation algorithm is applied to calculate Euclidian distance dynamically and simulation study is conducted that shows improvement to increase accuracy and reduce execution time. Keywords: Clustering; DBSCAN; Back-propagation; Accuracy; Execution time
Students Performance Analysis System Using Cumulative Predictor Algorithm
Authors: Kuma Mr. K. Praveen , Pranav K. Sai , Gowtham D , Abhishek S.
Published: June 2022

Abstract: Towards automation to do mundane tasks and the expectations for students already equipped with good programming skills is on the rise. In parallel, there has been a rising number of students who find it difficult to attain the skills necessary in order to get the dream IT job they desire. The aim of this project is to bridge the gap between the employer and the future employee of the company by the use of SPAS at college level. Student performance analysis system (SPAS) is an online web application system which enables students to know prior hand if their level of skills for the placement is enough to get placed or not, given the necessary inputs. SPAS has an intelligent learning algorithm which utilises a rich database, analyses the records of previous students' traits and develops a model for further prediction. The performance evaluation of students by SPAS is by the cumulative predictor algorithm involving generation of several random forest trees on the available data. SPAS learns and creates its model reaching higher accuracy with increasing data availability.
PREPARACIÓN DE LA FAMILIA PARA EL DESARROLLO DE LA COMUNICACIÓN EN EDUCANDOS DEL ESPECTRO AUTISTA
Authors: Márquez-Valdés Annia María , González Rodríguez Yaileny de las Mercedes , Martínez Pinto Soribel
Published: June 2022

El presente artículo se propone socializar entre los educadores, familiares y otros interesados los principales resultados de una investigación que se realizó en la escuela especial Efraín Alfonso Liriano del municipio de Sancti Spíritus, Cuba. Su objetivo general fue proponer un conjunto de actividades para la preparación de las familias acerca del desarrollo de la comunicación en educandos del espectro autista. El diseño de la propuesta se caracteriza por el carácter sistémico y personalizado, combinan las vías presenciales y no presenciales de preparación (escuelas de educación familiar, videos, lecturas recomendadas, charlas educativas), permiten el protagonismo de los participantes, preparan a las familias tanto en conocimiento del trastorno, habilidades y actitudes, se basan en un estilo directivo de orientación. Además las actividades aplicadas permitieron la creación de redes de apoyo al conectar entre sí a familias que presentan situaciones similares con sus hijos. Este artículo es resultado del proyecto de investigación institucional “El perfeccionamiento de la teoría pedagógica en función de la solución de problemas educativos priorizados en la provincia de Sancti Spíritus: alternativas para su solución”, en su línea Atención a la diversidad, que se desarrolla en la Universidad de Sancti Spíritus José Martí Pérez.
A GARCH Study on Exchange Rate Determinants: A Case of Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Ali Mohd Farhan , Syed Mohamad Sharifah Fairuz , Mohammad Yusof Anis Suraya , Ismail Shahrina , Ibrahim Noor Adilah
Published: June 2022

The study aims to look at macroeconomic variables’ impact on volatility of exchange rate in both short and long run. The relationship between real effective exchange rate volatility and macroeconomic variables such as gross domestic product deflator, total export in percentage of GDP, inflation rate, coefficient of inflation rate and lending interest rate have been analyzed with the help of statistical tool. This research is based on secondary data obtained from World Bank website, International Monetary Fund website and Statistical Department of Malaysia. The study uses a sample of 35 observations, starting from 1980 to 2014 annually. Unit root test is used to determine the stationarity of the variables. The existence of the stationary data will lead to a long run relationship of macroeconomic determinants, while the techniques of co-integration model are used to determine the long run relationship of some macroeconomic variables on the volatility of exchange rate. The error correction model is used to generate a short run model on this study by generating residual or error correction term. The findings revealed that the coefficient of the gross domestic product deflator, total export in percentage of GDP, and inflation rate are significant toward the volatility of real effective exchange rate in the long run. On the other hand, only the coefficient of inflation rate, and lending interest rate have significant relationship with the real effective exchange rate volatility in the short run.
Formação em Educação Física e a questão da diferença
Authors: Machado Roseli Belmonte
Published: June 2022

O objetivo desta pesquisa é problematizar a constituição da diferença nas legislações que orientam os currículos de formação em Educação Física. As lentes teórico-metodológicas que guiaram a pesquisa têm o aporte dos Estudos Foucaultianos, operando com a ferramenta da governamentalidade, sob uma inspiração genealógica. Foram realizados dois movimentos: a análise dos saberes que constituíram a formação de professores em Educação Física e a análise da atual resolução para a formação em Educação Física do Brasil. As análises indicam que os saberes que se direcionam para a formação em Educação Física tiveram ênfases médicas, disciplinares, biológicas e normalizadoras em relação ao outro, sem considerar a diferença. Também mostram que as orientações atuais, embora tragam políticas de inclusão, não são suficientes para abarcar a discussão sobre diferença, reforçando práticas anteriores. É possível compreender que algumas pautas foram esmaecidas ou silenciadas, não indicando a composição e a compreensão da diferença nas formações.
Cidadania e segurança pública
Authors: De Souza Netto José Laurindo , Calixto Guilherme Gustavo , Garcel Adriane
Published: June 2022

O presente artigo tem como finalidade apresentar o Sistema Nacional de Políticas Públicas sobre Drogas, os novos mecanismos legislativos e operacionais, que possibilitam a alienação antecipada de bens apreendidos do crime, e os projetos institucionais realizados no intuito de transformar os valores arrecadados com a venda antecipada dos ativos em políticas públicas de prevenção ao narcotráfico. A problemática está em verificar o impacto da gestão de ativos e da alienação cautelar dos bens apreendidos, em razão da prática de crimes, com o fortalecimento das diretrizes constitucionais e da cidadania. A metodologia utilizada se baseia em estudo doutrinário, consulta à legislação pertinente e análise de dados. Por conclusão, tem-se que os projetos realizados pela Secretaria Nacional de Políticas sobre Drogas (SENAD) e pelo Tribunal de Justiça do Estado do Paraná (TJPR) contribuem para a prevenção e combate ao tráfico de drogas. Além de demonstrar ser possível transformar bens apreendidos do crime organizado em políticas de cidadania e segurança pública em prol da sociedade.
Fertilizer and herbicide alter nectar and pollen quality with consequences for pollinator floral choices
Authors: Russo Laura , Ruedenauer Fabian , Gronert Angela , Vreken Isabelle van de , Vanderplanck Maryse , Michez Denis , Klein Alexandra , Leonhardt Sara Diana , Stout Jane
Published: June 2022

Flower-visiting insects in agroecosystems forage on field-edge weeds
often exposed to agrochemicals that may compromise the quality of their
floral resources. We conducted complementary field and greenhouse
experiments to evaluate the: 1) effect of low concentrations of
agrochemical exposure on nectar and pollen quality and 2) relationship
between floral resource quality and insect visitation. We found pollen
amino acid concentrations were negatively affected by herbicide
exposure, and pollen fatty acid concentrations were negatively affected
by fertilizer exposure, while nectar sugar concentrations were
positively affected by both fertilizer and herbicide exposure. These
variations found in the greenhouse helped explain insect visitation in
the field study. The insect visitation rate correlated with floral
resource quality. An interaction between pollen protein and floral
display suggested pollen protein drove insect abundance for larger
display sizes. We show that flower-visiting insects can detect and
respond to changes in floral resource quality mediated by agrochemicals.
An Investigation of Motorists' Perceptions of Trucks on the Highways
Authors: MOORE ROBERT S. , LeMAY STEPHEN , MOORE MELISSA L. , LIDELL PEARSON , KINARD BRIAN , McMILLEN DAVID
Published: June 2022

The logistic activity most visible to the general population is the presence of trucks transporting goods across the nation's highways. Transportation also represents the largest portion of total logistics costs and a large percentage of the problems. At times, these problems arise in the form of accidents, even tragedies, as trucks collide with automobiles. Car-truck accidents, though expensive, are an unfortunate cost of doing business and motorists' behaviors are out of the control of the transportation manager. Recently, the federal government and private industry have attempted to educate motorists concerning dangerous spots around trucks. Programs such as the Share the Road campaign, though mildly successful at directing behaviors of motorists near trucks, do not address motorists' perceptions of trucks—which may determine how they behave around the larger vehicles. This article is one of the first that directly examines motorists' perceptions of trucks on the highway and the effect these perceptions have on support for stricter safety regulation of the trucking industry. Based on a national random sample of U.S. motorists, these results suggest that the general U.S. driving population's perception of trucks is predominately negative, and these perceptions are significant predictors of support for stricter truck speed regulation.
Alternative Methods for Estimating State Welfare Gains from Economic Deregulation of Intrastate Motor Freight Carriage: A Comparison of Results
Authors: ALLEN W. BRUCE
Published: June 2022

Prior to the deregulation of intrastate motor carriage in 1995, several studies estimated the expected gains of deregulation predicated on the rate decreases that had occurred following interstate deregulation in 1980. One complex study used the “price” model of a multi-regional input-output model (linking forty-eight state level input-output models) to estimate Posner welfare trapezoids and Harberger welfare triangles. Herein, a much simpler model to capture the welfare effects is presented. While lacking the interdependencies of input-output, the simpler model captures the first order effects of the rate decreases. Comparing the results of the two methods yields roughly the same results ($2.5 billion/year welfare trapezoids for twenty strongly regulated states) in the aggregate. Given the simple model's ability to replicate the results of the more complex model, the simple model is then used to estimate the welfare gains using intrastate flow volumes from 1993 and from 1995 rate decrease estimates collected anecdotally from shippers, carriers, state motor freight associations, residual state regulatory agencies, rate bureaus, freight rate auditors, and other professional and government organizations and agencies. The results indicate a welfare trapezoid benefit of intrastate motor carrier deregulation of $2.34 billion (in 1995 dollars).
Information Technology Adoption in Hong Kong's Logistics Industry
Authors: LAI KEE-HUNG , NGAI E. W. T. , CHENG T. C. E.
Published: June 2022

This article reports on the current state of information technology (IT) adoption in Hong Kong's logistics industry, identifies the benefits of and barriers to adopting IT, and provides recommendations for the adoption of IT in the industry. We achieved these objectives by carrying out a cross-sectional survey of 1,500 firms in the industry, followed by interviews with selected respondents to the survey. The study findings provide managerial insights for firms to understand the adoption of IT in the industry and to identify areas for improvement in adopting IT.
How long does an elbow replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case-series and national registry reports with more than 10 years of follow-up
Authors: Evans Jonathan P , Evans Jonathan T , Mohammad Hasan R , Sayers Adrian , Blom Ashley W , Whitehouse Michael R , Rees Jonathan L
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose: This study aims to determine, for the first time, generalizable data on the longevity and long-term function of elbow replacements.Methods: In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched MEDLINE and Embase for articles reporting 10-year or greater survival of total elbow replacements (TERs) and distal humeral hemiarthroplasty. Implant survival and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) data were extracted. National joint replacement registries were also analyzed. We weighted each series and calculated a pooled survival estimate at 10, 15, and 20 years. For PROMs we pooled the standardized mean difference (SMD) at 10 years.Findings: Despite its widespread use, we identified only 9 series reporting all-cause survival of 628 linked TERs and 610 unlinked TERs and no series for distal humeral hemiarthroplasty. The studied population was treated for rheumatoid arthritis in over 90% of cases. The estimated 10-year survival for linked TERs was 92% (95% CI 90–95) and unlinked TERs 84% (CI 81–88). 2 independent registries contributed 32 linked TERs and 530 unlinked TERs. The pooled registry 10-year survival for unlinked TERs was 86% (CI 83–89). Pooled 10-year PROMs from 164 TERs (33 linked and 131 unlinked), revealed a substantial improvement from baseline scores (SMD 2.7 [CI 1.6–3.8]).Interpretation: Over 80% of all elbow replacements and over 90% of linked elbow replacements can last more than 10 years with sustained patient-reported benefits. This information is long overdue and will be particularly useful to patients as well as healthcare providers.