bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why Do Green Parties Emerge?
Authors: Petithomme Mathieu
Published: May 2020

The emergence of Green parties has long been explained by the development of post-materialist values in advanced democracies. This article takes a somewhat different perspective, by reassessing the importance of institutional and strategic variables. The comparison between the British and the German cases reinforces the notion that post-materialist values might be considered as characteristics of the Green electorate more than independent variables of the emergence of Green parties. The paper shows that party systems financial and electoral characteristics can strongly influence the emergence of new parties. Similarly, the institutional features of a given system can multiply or reduce the possibilities of entry and of coalition-building of a new party. In the end, from a strategic viewpoint, the internal organisation of a given Green party and its position toward the questions of intra-party democracy, institutionalisation, and incorporation into the parliamentary game are determinant. Therefore, important institutional factors and strategic choices can explain the weaknesses of the Green party as well as the emergence and the conversion of the German Greens to classical political liberalism.
Support for European Membership in the new Candidate Countries
Authors: Formichelli Solidea
Published: May 2020

Is European Membership supported in candidate countries? Up until now a lot has been written on support for European integration and explanations for it within European Union Member States. Considering three candidate countries – Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey – and focusing on the economic calculus of costs and benefits and national-European identity theories, this paper analyses public opinion support for European Membership. The main results, obtained using the Candidate Countries Eurobarometer 2003.4 dataset, and applying a logistic regression model, shown that the economic model better explains the support for European integration than does the identity model. National identity does not affect the support at all; it is not significant in any of the models elaborated.
At the down of a new order
Authors: Sadigov Turkhan
Published: May 2020

The aim of this article is to analyze the continuity and change in the evolution of American order in the post-Cold War period. Puzzled by the relative disregard of commensurate conceptual analysis of the effects of the dramatic events of September 11th on the evolution of the international order, in this work I consider the ways that the international order evolution has taken as a result ofthe terrorist attacks. Engaging in an analysis from the perspective of the transatlantic relations and striving to contribute to the realist-institutionalist and unilateralist-multilateralist debate, my analysis builds on the fundamental theoretical frameworks of international order by Robert Gilpin and John Ikenberry. Applying both theoretical frameworks to the institutional arrangements of the transatlantic relations of the post-Cold War period, the research highlights the qualitative changes of international order, resulting from the events of September 11th, thus instituting the latter as a breaking point in the wake of which the order took a hegemonic shape.
The Supranational Governmentality of Neoliberalism
Authors: Behrend Ben
Published: May 2020

With his concept of governmentality, Michel Foucault delivered one of the most innovative approaches to analyze neoliberalism, which is predominant on the international stage since “Thatcherism” (1979-90) and “Reagonomics” (1981-88). Even an own discipline developed around this concept (governmentality studies), bringing fruitful theoretical merits. However, there is a huge gap. Benchmark for most researches in the governmentality studies is always the geographical and jurisdictional confined state. Thus, inter-, trans-, and supranational organizations such as the UN, IMF, EU, World Bank or INGOs are completely neglected. I try to fill that gap and to deliver starting points for further analysis of (neoliberal) governmentality on a supranational level by asking: How do neoliberal socio-economic programs of the IMF and European Commission (EC) for Greece work in a Foucauldian perspective? While conducting a theoretical discussion of the governing principles of Troika programs for Greece and using the concept of governmentality, I find that social security is reconcilable with neoliberalism, but an organization of it on a public basis is not. Public welfare is not excluded in neoliberalism; the neoliberal governmentality even insists on private, personal provision, which is based on individual responsibility of a rational acting subject. The objective is to transform social security to a private good. And the same principles are used by the Troika through their adjustment programs during the Greek crisis.
The Politics of Decision Making in the Council of the EU
Authors: Sabet Navid
Published: May 2020

This paper examines the decision making of the Council of the European Union to gain insight into how consensus decisions emerge and how they change power allocations and influence the behavior of negotiators and voting blocs.  It surveys rationalist and non-rationalist accounts of consensus decisions in the Council and concludes that rationalist explanations are more convincing. In this connection, the central argument of the essay is that consensus emerges as rational negotiators (a) coalesce into blocs dominant enough to win over and suppress opposing coalitions and (b) undertake strategies to avoid blame for failing to win consensus around their own preferred policy.
Energy Security and the Cyprus Question
Authors: Karakasis Vasileios P.
Published: May 2020

In February 2014, Nikos Anastasiades, the President of the Republic of Cyprus and Dervis Eroglu, the Turkish-Cypriot leader, signed a Joint Declaration that established certain “ground-rules” upon which the then stalled peace talks -aiming at the island’s reunification- could be revived. The main stimulant prompting this evolution was the discovery of new energy sources in the Eastern Mediterranean, and especially offshore the RoC. In October 2014, Turkish navigational warning notified mariners that Turkey would soon perform its seismic surveys in sea areas that encroach on Cyprus’s EEZ, raising concerns on the escalation of the intractable and protracted Cyprus conflict. Aim of this research project is to provide readers with an insight on how the flow between energy and power politics is played out in the Eastern Mediterranean. Suggesting that the existing tensions extend beyond the struggle over the existing material energy assets in the seabed of the Levant Basin, the project casts light upon the notion of energy security by setting forth the indicators it is composed of. While scrutinizing the statements of the leaders on these events and seeking to highlight the security discourses they are coming up with, the project resorts to discourse analysis.
Armed Conflict in Mozambique in 2013
Authors: Körtl Cornelia
Published: May 2020

In the context of an investment boom in the extractive sector, Mozambique recently experienced another armed conflict. The correlation between natural resources abundance and dependence and violent conflict is widely known as ‘resource curse’. This study examines whether the outbreak of armed conflict in Mozambique is a resource curse. The research finds that natural resources are related to but insufficient to explain the outbreak of armed conflict. The new discovery of natural resources changes both the magnitude and distribution of rents what threatens the existing power distribution between the waring parties, Frelimo and Renamo. The change in power distribution changes the socio-economic and political context, or political settlement, and when these changes give rise to certain conditions, violent conflict emerges. These conditions explain the outbreak of armed conflict in Mozambique.
Lost in Self-Identification?
Authors: Lingevicius Justinas
Published: May 2020

The main purpose of the research is to analyze how NATO’s identity is constructed through the discourses from three NATO Summits – Lisbon, Chicago and Wales. The research is based on post-structuralistic theoretical background which emphasizes the role of identity in the context of security policies. To study identity means to analyze discourse. Therefore, the research is based on discourse analysis searching for the meanings relevant to identity construction. The main representations of NATO’s identity discussed include the role of Western values, partnership, threats and challenges, the role in global politics and community building. The research has revealed that an existence of NATO’s self-identification relies on complexity and multidimensionality. One of the main reasons affecting the interaction among different aspects is related with fluster between modern and postmodern security logics. Thus, issues in international area and more or less real threats affect how these representations interact and dominate against each other.
COVID-19 Prophylaxis: The Desperate Need for Mankind
Authors: Christdas Johnson , Pushpanathan Muthuirulan
Published: May 2020

Emerging viral diseases are considered as major public health threat to humans and wildlife. Over the past several decades, scientists have been studying viruses to better understand the ways to prevent the rapid spread of diseases during an outbreak. Viruses are likely the most abundant organisms on the earth, and they are not absolutely alive. Viruses today are considered to be in the gray area between the living and non-living things and provoke our thoughts about these minute lifeforms as the precursors of life. Evolution of the global burden due to viral infections on the field medicine have been mostly transformed into a victory accompanied by unlocking the potential of knowledge and break-through technological advancements. Innovative contribution to immunization by Edward Jenner and subsequent eradication of small pox remains as the striking examples for the victory of mankind over the past epidemics and pandemics. These events not only inspire hope, but also remind us the plausibility of ending up historical pandemics and global threats. The current disastrous scenario and the real-world outbreak of Coronavirus poses complex challenges to the global public health, research and medical communities and ultimately to our existence. A successful prophylaxis is the need of the hour, yet the increasing prevalence and epidemiological reports have puzzled us with questions to be addressed instantly.
Concerns on the Emerging Research of SARS-CoV-2 on Felines: Could They be Significant Hosts/Reservoirs?
Authors: Bonilla-Aldana D. Katterine , Ruiz-Saenz Julian , Martinez- Gutierrez Marlen , Tiwari Ruchi , Dhama Kuldeep , A. Jaimes Javier , J. Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso
Published: May 2020

With the growing evidence of cases and studies showing natural and experimental infection due to SARS-CoV-2 in felines, including cats, lion, and tigers, there is also an increasing concern about its susceptibility and their role in urban cycles of SARS-CoV-2 transmission, initially from humans-to-animals, but with uncertainty about reverse transmission. In this review, we addressed the evidence around this situation.
Economy or Health, Constant Dilemma in Times of Pandemic: The Case of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: A. Sanchez-Duque Jorge , Orozco-Hernandez Juan Pablo , S. Marin-Medina Daniel , Arteaga-Livias Kovy , Pecho-Silva Samuel , J. Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso , Dhama Kuldeep
Published: May 2020

The multiple faces of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), also included the impact on the economy. As a consequence of the significant life and society disruption, multiple implications are derived from the COVID-19 crisis and pandemic, including a significant backward on the economy. In the current mini-review, we discuss some potential considerations about it, including some specific examples of the COVID-19 impact on the economy.
COVID-19 Infection in South Korea: Focusing on Age Distribution of Confirmed Cases
Authors: Joo Hyunjoo , Kang Yun-Jung
Published: May 2020

A new kind of respiratory infectious disease, COVID-19, which first occurred in Wuhan, China, on December 31st, 2019, has affected all over China. After that, the first case of COVID-19 in South Korea was confirmed on January 20th, 2020. Currently, on April 7th, the accumulated number of confirmed cases is 10,331, with 6,694 among them released from quarantine. Age distributions among the confirmed cases shows that patients between 20-29 occupy the most portion with 27%. Te younger generations occupies the highest portion of the confirmed cases. Additionally, as their high infection rate can serve as a risk factor of spreading the disease to their family members, they should actively participate in the prevention of the disease by thorough practice of social distancing. Their participation is expected to serve an important role in ending COVID-19.
Coronaviruses and COVID-19 – Complications and Lessons Learned for the Future
Authors: Bilal Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Imran , Nazir Muhammad Shahzad , Ahmed Ishtiaq , Iqbal Hafiz M.N.
Published: May 2020

Despite the earlier two Coronavirus outbreaks, this appearance of the third Coronavirus outbreak has brought several complications and now emerged as a human-health related pandemic issue. The wide geographical spread and transmissibility of newly emerged novel-Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) and severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) raised serious concerns about the future trajectory of the 2019-nCoV/COVID-19 outbreak. Herein, we have briefly covered some important aspects of the 2019-nCoV/COVID-19 outbreak to highlight the need to learn lessons for a safer future. First, an epidemiological comparison of respiratory viral infections with particular reference to 2019-nCoV is given with relevant examples. Following that, considering the earlier two Coronavirus outbreaks, the emergence of another new 2019-nCoV is given. Finally, the lesson learned, so far, and key concerns for pandemic impact assessment at large and COVID-19, in particular, are discussed for future considerations.
Current Status of Treatment Options, Clinical Trials, and Vaccine Development for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Jing Ran , Vunnam Rama Rao , Yang Yuhong , Karevoll Adam , Vunnam Srinivas Rao
Published: May 2020

The severe acute respiratory syndrome virus (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus first discovered in Wuhan, China in December 2019 causes the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19), which presents with a wide range of clinical symptoms from mild or moderate to severe and critical illnesses. With the continuing transmission of the virus worldwide and the rapidly evolving situation globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic in March. Currently, there is no proven specific treatment for this potentially deadly disease beyond supportive care. However, a massive effort has been put globally into the investigation of medications and other interventional measures to fight COVID-19. Convalescent plasma therapy from recovered patients has recently drawn considerable interest. Several alternative medical treatments, although evidence of their efficacy still lacking, have also gained popularity, especially in countries with such traditions such as India and China. Rapid repurposing of drugs for COVID-19 has revealed a few promising candidate antiviral agents, but further research, especially high quality randomized controlled trials, will be needed to prove their efficacy and safety in the clinical use to treat COVID-19. Vaccine development has been the imperative task in the battle against SARS-CoV-2. While clinical trials have been launched for several candidate vaccines, research on COVID-19 vaccines is still at an early stage. So far, optimized supportive care remains the best practice against COVID-19.
Molecular Characterization and Amino Acid Homology of Nucleocapsid (N) Protein in SARS-CoV-1, SARS-CoV-2, MERS-CoV, and Bat Coronavirus
Authors: Kannan Shantani , Subbaram Kannan , Ali Sheeza , Kannan Hemalatha
Published: May 2020

Coronavirus disease – 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, due to severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), is posing a severe bio threat to the entire world. Nucleocapsids of SARS-CoV-2 and the related viruses were studied for gene and amino acid sequence homologies. In this study, we established similarities and differences in nucleocapsids in SARS-CoV-2, severe acute respiratory syndrome – coronavirus-1 (SARS-CoV-1), bat coronavirus (bat-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome – coronavirus (MERS-CoV). We conducted a detailed analysis of the nucleocapsid protein amino acid and gene sequence encoding it, found in various coronavirus strains. After thoroughly screening the different nucleocapsids, we observed a close molecular homology between SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2. More than 95% sequence similarity was observed between the two SARS-CoV strains. Bat-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 showed 92% sequence similarity. MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid analysis indicated only 65% identity. Molecular characterization of nucleocapsids from various coronaviruses revealed that SARS-CoV 2 is more related to SARS-CoV 1 and bat-CoV. SARS-CoV 2 exhibited less resemblance with MERS-CoV. SARS-CoV 2 showed less similarity to MERS-CoV. Thus, either SARS-CoV-1 or bat-CoV may be the source of SARS-CoV-2 evolution. Moreover, the existing differences in nucleocapsid molecular structures in SARS-CoV-2 make this virus more virulent and highly infectious, which means that the non-identical SARS-CoV-2 genes (which are absent in SARS-CoV-1 and bat-CoV) are responsible for COVID-19 severity. We observed that SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid from different locations varied in amino acid sequences. This revealed that there are many SARS-CoV-2 subtypes/subsets currently circulating globally. This study will help to develop antiviral vaccine and drugs, study viral replication and immunopathogenesis, and synthesize monoclonal antibodies that can be used for precise COVID-19 diagnosis, without false-positive/false-negative results.
An Overview of Novel Coronavirus SARS-Cov-2 Spanning around the Past, Present and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yaqoob Shadma , H. Siddiqui Areena , Harsvardhan R. , Ahmad J. , Srivastava V.K. , Verma M.K. , Verma P. , Singh A.N.
Published: May 2020

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a new enveloped RNA virus known as Coronavirus (COVID-19) are most prevalent in humans and wild animals. All four species that is alpha, beta, delta and theta have been identified till date and are responsible for human disease; causing influenza like illness (ILI). This virus has similar lineage of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and related Coronavirus (SARS-CoV). This outbreak initially presented as pneumonia-like illness in a group of people in Wuhan, China. The infection was said to be caused by seafood and unusual animals in the wholesale markets of this city. SARS-CoV-2 is highly infectious and has resulted in a rapid pandemic. As of now it has spread to 197 countries with total no of cases in the world being 3.76 million as of early march. The mortality till now is 7.11% .The cases have been increasing since its first discovery in China. In India also the number has been increased. Till now India has total of 39,980 cases and mortality is attributed to be 3.26%. As per data from Ministry of health and family welfare (MoHFW) death is more commonly seen in males with age >60years. Among these most of the deaths were related to other co-morbid conditions. This article will help the readers with an overview of novel Coronavirus spanning around the clinical features, diagnostic modalities, treatment strategies and infection control measures. It will also help in raising awareness among healthcare workers regarding COVID-19 and aid in early recognition of these patients. Moreover, this review will also focus on the most recent information for the effective management, prevention, and treatment of patients worldwide.
Different Cases of SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Its Impact on Health and Economy with Special Emphasis on Antiviral Drug Targets
Authors: Santra Hiran Kanti , Banerjee Debdulal
Published: May 2020

COVID-19 caused by SARS-CoV-2 has not only issued a pandemic situation but also lead to economic disaster and unprecedented health emergency. Being a close relative of Bat corona-virus, SARS and MERS it’s structural and sequence similarity has abled scientists for repurposing of popular drugs like hydroxychloroquine, cloroquine and also scavenging for lead molecules by in-silico and in-vivo or in-vitro approach. The potent drug targets are ACE2; spike protein binding receptor to host cell surface, Mpro; proteo-lytic polyprotein processing enzymes needed for virion maturation and RdRp; RNA dependent RNA polymerase needed for RNA replication. The recent trend focuses on the fact that cocktail of anti-corona virus treatment will be available soon by broad spectrum antiviral compounds. It takes time to develop such drug targets till then social distancing and following of hygiene are the only way to thrive well. This article incorporates the present World scenario related to COVID infection, focuses on its origin and also future possibilities for a COVID free future.
COVID-19: Persistence, Precautions, Diagnosis and Challenges
Authors: P. Bhusare Bhushan , P. Zambare Vasudeo , A. Naik Archana
Published: May 2020

After a century, the whole world fighting against the pandemic viral infection: a novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Currently, more than 210 countries are suffering from COVID-19 with the number of affected countries and patients are exponentially increasing day by day. It became a global health issue where more than 2.7 million cases were reported with a death ratio of approximate 7% globally by World Health Organization (WHO) (as of 24 April 2020) which is a 22 times higher numbers in 1.5 month and this figure increasing day by day at an alarming rate. The maximum infected cases reported from the most developed country and the world leader America however, the maximum death cases are from the world’s second health service provider country Italy. China, the origin country of COVID-19, has taken serious actions in terms of prevention, control against the spreading of this coronavirus through lockdown, sanitation, medication, and social distancing. The risk of transmissions of coronavirus from humans to humans is more and thus a social distancing is the best way for its persistence and precautions. Thus, the COVID-19 outbreak continues must explore and evolve, certain strict and mandatory precautions to stop this dangerous devil virus. Also, it is a major challenge for all global scientists to find out an effective remedial drug to control this deadly coronavirus before uncontrolled conditions. Thus, considering the depth of the spreading of coronavirus and its impact on global health, it is necessitating to know the dos and don’ts for persistence, precautions, and diagnostic strategies against the challenging COVID-19.
Proteome Organization of COVID-19: Illustrating Targets for Vaccine Development
Authors: Bharadwaj Alok , Wahi Nitin , Saxena Aditya , Chaudhary Divya
Published: May 2020

‘COVID-19’ the recent virulent viral infection had influenced the lives of millions globally leading to both loss of life, economic and financial crisis. Coronavirus belongs to family coronaviridae with four genus viz. a/b and g-coronavirus, infecting both aves and mammals. The SARS-Cov-2 emerged in Wuhan, China in Dec, 2019 and since then had spread to 213 countries. Its origin is debatable with both natural origin and conspiracy theory providing no conclusive evidences. Coronavirus have ‘+’ive RNA and encodes for 29 proteins, which carries out its life cycle including infection and disease progression. The study of its proteome organization could illustrate the proteins which act as the key molecular players in the infection cycle of the virus. These proteins can also act as important drug targets in combating COVID-19 infection. Majority of the drugs have been formulated in order to act as agonist to spike proteins inhibiting infection by binding to ACE2 receptors. Proteome analysis has also revealed the critical mutated proteins that are responsible for COVID-19 pathogenesis and virulence. mRNA based vaccines (mRNA-1273, BNT162) also targets these spike proteins. Although DNA vaccine has also been attempted using RDT, but the high rate of mutation associated with COVID-19 have made such vaccines ineffective even before use. Thus evolutionarily conserved proteins have been the best candidature for vaccine development. Similarly phylogenetic analysis of its proteins could help us to understand the evolutionary pattern of COVID-19. It could be used to develop a predictable model for such pathogenic infections, preparing ourselves to take preventive action against its reoccurrence.
COVID-19 Evolution and Alternative Medicine- A Review
Authors: Goel Shubhangi , Goel Anjana
Published: May 2020

The current global health emergency, COVID-19, is not the first time that coronaviruses have posed a threat to human world shrinking our numbers by thousands. Before this SARS-CoV in 2003 and MERS-CoV in 2013 have caused epidemics. Four months in existence, and it has already affected 1,995,983 people and taken over 131,037 lives worldwide, yet we do not have any specific treatment available with us and the management is purely empirical. Looking at the similarities between SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 in origin, genomics, pathogenesis and epidemiology, we can bring the researches done for SARS-CoV in use which can be our guide in finding an effective management strategy against SARS-CoV-2. There are various researches and studies reporting the use and effect of various phytochemical compounds in SARS-CoV treatment. Already, the thought has been put into action and in-silico screening for various natural plant compounds have been done to find a potential candidate compound. One such example is of curcumin, a secondary metabolite of turmeric, which is found to be effective against COVID-19 protease by molecular docking analysis.
Pentoxifylline: An Immunomodulatory Drug for the Treatment of COVID-19
Authors: A. Dhameliya Hiren , R. Thakkar Vasudev , N. Trivedi Gauravi , N. Mesara Sureshkumar , B. Subramanian R.
Published: May 2020

Rapidly spreading outbreak of the novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is causing serious health concerns worldwide. It started as an epidemic in Wuhan, Hubei province, central China, and has now become a pandemic, spreading over most of the continents of the planet. The major clinical symptoms of the infection are dry cough, fever, pneumonia, respiratory failure, hypoxia, and in certain cases, even death. Alveolar damage and respiratory system failure are observed in severe cases. Initial mild infection leads to activation of the immune system in the lungs and accumulation of various inflammatory cells and molecules. At a later phase during the infection, a “cytokine storm” causes an Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), leading to an increase in the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, migration of a large number of immune cells to the site of infection, and ultimately pulmonary damage. The rapid and uncontrolled outbreak requires putative therapeutic drugs for treatment of patients suffering from COVID-19. Amongst the currently used antiviral drugs, such as hydroxychloroquine, lopinavir, remdesivir etc. we would like to present an update on another effective drug, pentoxifylline. Pentoxifylline has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-viral, and bronchodilatory properties. Pentoxifylline is known to reduce cytokine production, immune cell migration, and suppress certain signal transduction pathways (e.g. NF-κβ and STAT3). Thus, it minimizes inflammatory damage in the lung tissues.
Efficiency of Multi Soil Layering (MSL) System in A Household Scale of Wastewater Treatment Using Environmental Friendly Materials
Authors: Zaman Badrus , Oktiawan Wiharyanto
Published: May 2020

Most community settlements in Indonesia do not have a household scale of a wastewater treatment plant. Fatal impacts on the environment and human health can occur at any time, including (a) causing environmental damage (disaster), (b) damaging beauty/aesthetics for the scenery will be unpleasant and foul-smelling, (c) polluting water bodies, and (d ) endangering health. The purpose of this study is to optimize the Multi Soil Layering (MSL) System to treat domestic wastewater (greywater) using environmentally friendly materials that are available in Indonesia. The research method used the MSL system with the first variation using a batch system with Hydraulic retention time (HRT) for 24 hours and the second variation using an intermittent system with 3, 6, 9 hours HRT. The results showed that the MSL system was able to eliminate COD well. The highest COD removal efficiency was 93.44% at 9 hours HRT, but the effluent quality did not meet the required quality standards. The development of MSL systems that produces an effluent quality that meets the quality standards needs to be studied further.
Determinants of Treatment Response in Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Combined Deep Sensory Phenotyping and Multimodal Brain MRI Study
Authors: Wilkinson Iain David , Teh Kevin , Heiberg-Gibbons Francesa , Awadh Mohammad , Kelsall Alan , Shillo Pallai , Sloan Gordon , Tesfaye Solomon , Selvarajah Dinesh
Published: May 2020

Painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is difficult to manage, as treatment response is often varied. The primary aim of this study was to examine differences in pain phenotypes between responders and nonresponders to intravenous lidocaine treatment using quantitative sensory testing. The secondary aim was to explore differences in brain structure and functional connectivity with treatment response. Forty-five consecutive patients who received intravenous lidocaine treatment for painful DPN were screened. Twenty-nine patients who met the eligibility criteria (responders, n = 14, and nonresponders, n = 15) and 26 healthy control subjects underwent detailed sensory profiling. Subjects also underwent multimodal brain MRI. A greater proportion of patients with the irritable (IR) nociceptor phenotype were responders to intravenous lidocaine treatment compared with nonresponders. The odds ratio of responding to intravenous lidocaine was 8.67 times greater (95% CI 1.4–53.8) for the IR nociceptor phenotype. Responders to intravenous lidocaine also had significantly greater mean primary somatosensory cortex cortical volume and functional connectivity between the insula cortex and the corticolimbic circuitry. This study provides preliminary evidence for a mechanism-based approach for individualizing therapy in patients with painful DPN.
Brain Function Differences in Children With Type 1 Diabetes: A Functional MRI Study of Working Memory
Authors: Foland-Ross Lara C. , Tong Gabby , Mauras Nelly , Cato Allison , Aye Tandy , Tansey Michael , White Neil H. , Weinzimer Stuart A. , Englert Kimberly , Shen Hanyang , Mazaika Paul K. , Reiss Allan L. ,   Diabetes Research in Children Network (DirecNet), Tsalikian Eva , Tansey Michael J. , Coffey Julie , Cabbage Joanne , Salamat Sara , Bisbee Rachel , Mauras Nelly , Fox Larry A. , Cato Allison , Englert Kim , Sikes Kaitlin , Ewen Tina , Bird Keisha , Buckingham Bruce A. , Wilson Darrell M. , Aye Tandy , Kingman Ryan S. , Weinzimer Stuart A. , Tamborlane William V. , Ambrosino Jodie , Steffen Amy , Weyman Kate , Zgorski Melinda , White Neil H. , Arbelaez Ana Maria , Levandoski Lucy , Starnes Angie , Hershey Tamara , Reiss Allan L. , Foland-Ross Lara , Marzelli Matthew J. , Mazaika Paul K. , Tong Gabby , Sperling Mark , Becker Dorothy M. , Cleary Patricia , Greenbaum Carla , Moran Antoinette
Published: May 2020

Glucose is a primary fuel source to the brain, yet the influence of dysglycemia on neurodevelopment in children with type 1 diabetes remains unclear. We examined brain activation using functional MRI in 80 children with type 1 diabetes (mean ± SD age 11.5 ± 1.8 years; 46% female) and 47 children without diabetes (control group) (age 11.8 ± 1.5 years; 51% female) as they performed a visuospatial working memory (N-back) task. Results indicated that in both groups, activation scaled positively with increasing working memory load across many areas, including the frontoparietal cortex, caudate, and cerebellum. Between groups, children with diabetes exhibited reduced performance on the N-back task relative to children in the control group, as well as greater modulation of activation (i.e., showed greater increase in activation with higher working memory load). Post hoc analyses indicated that greater modulation was associated in the diabetes group with better working memory function and with an earlier age of diagnosis. These findings suggest that increased modulation may occur as a compensatory mechanism, helping in part to preserve working memory ability, and further, that children with an earlier onset require additional compensation. Future studies that test whether these patterns change as a function of improved glycemic control are warranted.
Acute Hyperglycemia and Spatial Working Memory in Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Šuput Omladič Jasna , Slana Ozimič Anka , Vovk Andrej , Šuput Dušan , Repovš Grega , Dovc Klemen , Bratina Nataša , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena , Battelino Tadej
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of acute hyperglycemia on brain function in adolescents with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Twenty participants with T1D (aged 14.64 ± 1.78 years) and 20 age-matched healthy control subjects (aged 14.40 ± 2.82 years) performed two functional MRI sessions. Participants with T1D performed the first scanning session under euglycemic and the second under hyperglycemic clamp (20 mmol/L [360 mg/dL]).

RESULTS

Lower spatial working memory (sWM) capacity during acute hyperglycemia and significant differences in activation of regions of interest during different stages of the sWM task (P = 0.014) were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute hyperglycemia negatively affected sWM capacity in adolescents with T1D, which is relevant for daily functioning and academic performance.
Effects of Sustained Treatment With Lixisenatide on Gastric Emptying and Postprandial Glucose Metabolism in Type 2 Diabetes: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rayner Christopher K. , Watson Linda E. , Phillips Liza K. , Lange Kylie , Bound Michelle J. , Grivell Jacqueline , Wu Tongzhi , Jones Karen L. , Horowitz Michael , Ferrannini Ele , Tricò Domenico , Frascerra Silvia , Mari Andrea , Natali Andrea
Published: May 2020

OBJECTIVE

Tachyphylaxis for slowing of gastric emptying is seen with continuous exposure to glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1). We therefore aimed to establish whether prolonged use of a “short-acting” GLP-1 receptor agonist, lixisenatide, achieves sustained slowing of gastric emptying and reduction in postprandial glycemia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

A total of 30 patients with metformin-treated type 2 diabetes underwent assessment of gastric emptying (scintigraphy) and glucose metabolism (dual tracer technique) after a 75-g glucose drink, before and after 8 weeks’ treatment with lixisenatide (20 μg subcutaneously daily) or placebo, in a double-blind randomized parallel design.

RESULTS

Gastric retention of the glucose drink was markedly increased after lixisenatide versus placebo (ratio of adjusted geometric means for area under the curve [AUC] over 240 min of 2.19 [95% CI 1.82, 2.64], P < 0.001), associated with substantial reductions in the rate of systemic appearance of oral glucose (P < 0.001) and incremental AUC for blood glucose (P < 0.001). Lixisenatide suppressed both glucagon (P = 0.003) and insulin (P = 0.032), but not endogenous glucose production, over 120 min after oral glucose intake. Postprandial glucose lowering over 240 min was strongly related to the magnitude of slowing of gastric emptying by lixisenatide (r = −0.74, P = 0.002) and to the baseline rate of emptying (r = 0.52, P = 0.048) but unrelated to β-cell function (assessed by β-cell glucose sensitivity).

CONCLUSIONS

Eight weeks’ treatment with lixisenatide is associated with sustained slowing of gastric emptying and marked reductions in postprandial glycemia and appearance of ingested glucose. Short-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists therefore potentially represent an effective long-term therapy for specifically targeting postprandial glucose excursions.
Coaliciones y conflictos alrededor de las cuestiones socioambientales: hacia visiones integradas e integradoras. El caso del estuario del Guadalquivir
Authors: Donadei Marta
Published: May 2020

Entre las dinámicas de desarrollo del territorio, los proyectos de grandes infraestructuras suelen generar los mayores conflictos medioambientales. En particular, se analizará aquí el conflicto generado alrededor del dragado de profundización del estuario del Guadalquivir, un proyecto orientado a mejorar la navegabilidad y acceso al puerto de Sevilla: el análisis de las dinámicas del conflicto y de las diferentes posiciones discursivas de los actores involucrados pondrá de relieve la importancia de incluir perspectivas integradoras en los procesos de decisión y gestión del territorio, desde las diferentes escalas territoriales. El planteamiento de esta investigación encuentra sus bases teóricas y metodológicas en el marco conceptual de la Producción y Gestión Social del Hábitat, recurriendo a la aplicación de una metodología con enfoque prevalentemente cualitativo.
Two faces of Belgrade waterfront: The contradictory creation of new urban identity
Authors: Krsmanovic Ksenija
Published: May 2020

Over the last decades, urban regeneration programs involved inner city waterfronts globally, influencing in that way the cities’ spatial quality, urban character and market competitiveness. Transiting countries are not an exception. Hence, this paper focuses on the unique post-socialist context of Belgrade, where two different urban models were recently implemented at the same Sava riverbank. By applying comparative methodology, the spatial and social impacts of Savamala creative district and Belgrade Waterfront real estate development are contrasted. The aim is to critically explore processes, their outcomes and the way they contribute to the creation of the new urban identities. Results indicate the relevance of transparency and participation in decision-making, as well as the risk of standardization in urban interventions.
Feminismo popular contra la desposesión y la transformación urbana neoliberal: la experiencia del Pedregal de Santo Domingo de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Pérez-Rincón Fernández María del Socorro
Published: May 2020

El artículo examina cómo se estructuran socialmente las relaciones de género a través de los espacios urbanos y, muy especialmente, cómo se transgreden los límites establecidos por los estereotipos de la “mística femenina”, constituida por un conjunto de discursos y presupuestos sobre una feminidad que se entiende como pasiva y que obstaculiza, de hecho, la participación de las mujeres en la lucha por la ciudad. Se construye un marco de referencia internacional con distintas luchas urbanas que desmitifican esa “mística femenina”. A través de un estudio de caso en el Pedregal de Santo Domingo se analiza cómo las mujeres construyen proyectos urbanos paralelos y denuncian la transformación urbana neoliberal que acecha a sus barrios.
Uma perspetiva histórica da área envolvente da Estação de Vigo-Urzaiz
Authors: Lourencetti Fernanda de Lima
Published: May 2020

Com o objetivo de ampliar o conhecimento sobre a coexistência entre a ferrovia e a cidade, este artigo trata sobre a relação espacial entre a infraestrutura da Estação de Vigo-Urzaiz e as transformações da sua área envolvente. Trata-se do resgate de uma memória através da análise de informações bibliográficas, cartográficas e documentais para um maior conhecimento sobre a consolidação do tecido urbano da zona leste da cidade de Vigo.
Marco territorial de la producción de espacio en la región funcional de Madrid
Authors: Córdoba Hernández Rafael , Morcillo Álvarez Daniel
Published: May 2020

Durante casi tres décadas, la expansión del sistema de producción-acumulación en la Comunidad de Madrid ha tenido lugar en un contexto de carencia de modelo territorial y con una legislación liberal del suelo que ha facilitado la antropización del territorio en búsqueda de ventajas de localización. A través de un análisis del marco regulatorio y de los niveles de competencia espacial, el artículo muestra las condiciones y consecuencias para una expansión urbana que tiene el flujo de capital como principal objetivo.
Los convenios de colaboración y acuerdos de cooperación entre Comunidades Autónomas. Pensar y actuar sobre nuevos territorios
Authors: Solís Trapero Eloy , Mohíno Sanz Inmaculada
Published: May 2020

Este artículo reflexiona y centra su análisis en el desajuste entre la implantación del Estado de las Autonomías y la escasa cooperación y colaboración entre Comunidades Autónomas frente al conjunto de fenómenos urbanos y territoriales contemporáneos que desbordan claramente los límites políticos–administrativos regionales y definen a su vez nuevos ámbitos territoriales de escala intermedia. Tras situar el encaje de la cooperación interregional en la legislación española y señalar los posibles factores que condicionan el escaso uso del instrumento de los convenios de colaboración y acuerdos de cooperación entre Comunidades Autónomas, se analizan las iniciativas y expedientes recogidos en la base de datos del Senado. En este sentido, se establece una caracterización de éstas y se evidencia el insuficiente grado de cooperación interregional. Finalmente, se plantean algunas consideraciones sobre la importancia de este instrumento en materia de cooperación interregional.
Analisis Kestabilan Sistem pada Model Matematika Penyebaran Populasi Perokok
Authors: Pomalingo Rafika , Resmawan Resmawan , Nurwan Nurwan
Published: May 2020

Rokok adalah salah satu zat kimia yang berpengaruh buruk bagi kesehatan danlingkungan, mengakibatkan penyakit jantung, hipertensi, kanker dan berbagaipenyakit lainnya. Dalam artikel ini dibahas tentang model matematika tipe SEIRSpada penyebaran populasi perokok. Model ini melibatkan empat sub populasi saling berinteraksi yaitu Susceptible (S) individu sehat tapi rentan menjadi perokok,Exposed (E) individu perokok kadang-kadang, Infected (I) individu perokok aktif,dan Recovered (R) individu yang berhenti menjadi perokok. Model yang dikonstruksi, memiliki dua titik kesetimbangan yaitu titik kesetimbangan bebas perokokdan titik kesetimbangan endemik. Selanjutnya bilangan reproduksi dasar (R0) sebagai nilai ambang batas terjadinya penyebaran perokok ditentukan menggunakanpendekatan matriks Next Generation. Titik kesetimbangan yang dianalisis dengankriteria Rout-Hurwitz menunjukan sifat asimtotik lokal, dengan R0 < 1 untuk titikkesetimbangan bebas perokok dan R0 > 1 untuk titik kesetimbangan endemik. Halini didukung dengan simulasi yang menunjukan populasi stabil disekitar titik kesetimbangan bebas perokok dengan R0 < 1 dan stabil disekitar titik kesetimbanganendemik dengan R0 > 1
Marketing Communication Tools in Food Industry: A Case Study on Cukurova Region in Turkey
Authors: Bahşi Nermin , Bostan Budak Dilek
Published: May 2020

In this study, it is aimed to examine which level marketing communicating tools are used in the food industry in Çukurova Region, Turkey. For this purpose, a survey was applied to 92 enterprises which process milk and dairy products, meat and meat products, fruit juice industry in both Adana and Mersin. Also, face to face interview was conducted to gather data from 400 consumers who were determined via simple random sampling, living in Adana province. It was found out that enterprises used the marketing communication tools (sales promotion, advertisement etc.) to increase sales and reduce inventory, even if they are not mostly aware of the concept of marketing communications. They also indicated that they do not practice marketing communication programs at all. The most used tools by the enterprises are personal sales, direct marketing, sales promotions and advertisement. Also, as a result of correlation analysis showed that there is an effect between the enterprises‘ use of marketing communication tools and brand and market performance. Consumers stated that the sales promotions are the most effective marketing communication tools on their preferences not only buying food products but also changing the brands. Consumers mostly decide what to buy and which brand while they are in the market. In this case, advertisement, promotion and to the content of the product were the most important factors regarding consumers‘ choices. It was found out that consumers‘ gender, age, education and income levels were also effective on their preferences on buying different food products. Consumers attitude was different about marketing communication tools; such as young people mostly affected by media and primary and secondary school graduates mostly influenced by additional gifts provided free of charge with the main product.
Bazı Turunçgil Anaçlarında Tuza Tolerans için In vitro Testleme
Authors: Yaman Mehmet , Pınar Hasan , Seday Ubeyit , Altınöz Duygu , Uzun Aydın , Çabuk Nur Selin
Published: May 2020

Turunçgiller coğrafi dağılımlarından dolayı tuzluluğa hassas bölgelerde yetiştirilen ürünler arasında önemli bir yerdedir. Testleme metotları, ıslah ve ürün geliştirme programlarında önemli bir konuma sahiptir. Yapılan bu çalışmada in vitro koşullarda Kleopatra mandarini (Citrus reshni Tan.), Turunç (Citrus aurantium L.), Kaba limon (Citrus jambhiri Lush.), Volkamer limon (Citrus volkameriana Tan & Pasq.), Carrizo sitranjı (Poncirus trifoliata L. Raf. × Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) ve Üç yapraklı (Ponciru trifoliata Raf.) gibi bazı turunçgil anaçlarının farklı NaCl konsantrasyonlarında tuza olan tepkilerini belirlemek amaçlanmıştır. Söz konusu turunçgil anaçlarına ait tohumlar 0, 45, 90 ve 135 mM NaCl içeren MS ortamında in vitro tohum çimlendirilme testine tabi tutulmuştur. Genel olarak bütün tuz konsantrasyonlarında en yüksek çimlenme Volkamer Limon ve Turunç anacından elde edilirken, en düşük çimlenme Kaba limon ve Üç yapraklı anacında gerçekleşmiştir. Sonuç olarak bu çalışmayla turunçgil anaçlarında tuza toleransı belirlenmesinde in vitro koşulların hızlı testleme de kullanılabileceği kanısına varılmıştır.
Experimental Recognition System for Dirty Eggshell by Using Image Analysis Technique
Authors: Beyaz Abdullah , Özlü Serdar , Gerdan Dilara
Published: May 2020

The present study was focused on the design and implementation of an experimental recognition system for dirty chicken eggshell by using an image analysis technique. Image analysis based observation and evaluation techniques can be used efficiently and effectively for agricultural product quality control. Dirt stains on eggs are the result of mainly by feces (black to light brown stains), uric acid (white stains), yolk, and blood. The experimental system was used to obtain dark level images of dirty stains of chicken eggs owing to feces. For this aim, the dirty chicken eggs which have dirty parts were put under a webcam, and dirtiness degree was evaluated by using developed image analysis software at the LabVIEW platform. For the experiment, 100 clean and 100 dirty eggs were used to accurate the determination of dark stains. The results of the research showed that the designed experimental system pointed an accuracy of 99.8% at painted grade eggs. On the other hand, the accuracy of the differentiation of the dirt stains by feces was 98.5%. The developed system can be upgraded for developing egg sorting machines by presence-absence of dirty stains in eggshell.