bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can a Meteorological Variable Be Considered As a Predictor of COVID-19 Cases in Urban Agglomerations of Indian Cities?
Authors: Chelani Asha B. , Gautam Sneha
Published: October 2021

Coronavirus has been identified as one of the deadliest diseases and WHO has declared it as pandemic and global health crisis. It has become a massive challenge for humanity. India is also being facing its fierceness as it is highly infectious and mutating at a rapid rate. Many interventions have been applied in India since the first reported cases i.e. on January 30, 2020. Several studies have been conducted to assess the impact of climatic and weather conditions on its spread in the last year span. As it is a well-established fact that temperature and humidity could trigger the onset of diseases such as influenza and respiratory disorders, the association of several meteorological variables has been studied in the past with the COVID-19 related number of cases. The conclusions in those studies were based on the data obtained at the early stage and it was too early to draw any inference. This study attempted to assess the influence of temperature, humidity, wind speed, dew point, previous day’s number of deaths, and government intervention’s effect on the number of COVID-19 confirmed cases in 18 districts of India. It is also attempted to identify the important predictors of number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in those districts. The random forest model and the hybrid model obtained by modelling the random forest model's residuals are used to predict the response variable. It is observed that meteorological variables are useful only to some extent that too when used with the data on number of the previous day’s deaths and lockdown information in predicting the COVID-19 cases. Partial lockdown is more important than the complete or no lockdown in predicting the number of confirmed COVID-19 cases. The information is useful to policy makers in balancing the restriction activities and economic losses to individuals and the government.
The Elliptic Curve Decomposition of Central Conics in the Real Hyperbolic Plane
Authors: Sarli John
Published: October 2021

In [1] we classified the intrinsic conics in H² as distinguished subsets of the projective categories (as described in [2] and [3]) to which they belong. However, their relation within H² to these general conics was not determined beyond locus characterizations. Here we show that any central conic that is not intrinsic is the elliptic curve sum of two intrinsic central conics (properly oriented). First, we use a grid consisting of central intrinsic conics and their orthogonal trajectories to introduce coordinates for H². In any inversive model of H², these two sets of curves comprise a complete set of representatives for the genus 1 curves whose shape invariant j (Jacobi absolute invariant) is real. Given two of the intrinsic conics, their respective intersections with any orthogonal trajectory F can be paired by orientation to the axes of the conics so that the elliptic curve sum of the pair with respect to F lies on the same central conic for any F. This new conic, which is not intrinsic, is considered to be the sum of the two oriented conics. Thus, the addition of two points on F is given by an appropriate intersection with F with a central conic determined by those points, and provides an alternative construction of the group law on an elliptic curve with j≤1. Conversely, any non-intrinsic central conic decomposes as the sum of two intrinsic conics. This decomposition is unique up to split inversion, a quasi-symmetry of H² defined in [1] and reprised in Section 1.
Radiographic Results on Acetabular Cup Placement with the SuperPath Technique: A Retrospective Study of 756 Cases
Authors: Maro Agostino Di , Creaco Santo , Albini Mattia , Latiff Mahfuz , Merlo Marco
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe Supercapsular percutaneously assisted total hip (SuperPath) technique is a relatively new minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA). Good clinical outcomes related to its use are reported in the literature. Nonetheless, there are still uncertainties about its validity in terms of radiographic outcomes.Purposes of the study are to evaluate the effectiveness of the SuperPath in acetabular cup positioning through radiographic evaluation of acetabular inclination angle (IA) and acetabular anteversion (AA) angle within the safe zone described by Lewinnek; to investigate cases of hip dislocation; to evaluate whether our results differ from those reported in recent literature; to evaluate whether there was a statistically significant radiographic difference in acetabular cup placement between two consecutive years.MethodsBetween January 2016 and December 2019, all SuperPath cases eligible for the study were included. They were operated by three Orthopaedic surgeons with long-standing experience in THA via traditional posterolateral approach and who have performed SuperPath training fellowship. The results were analyzed by statistical analysis.ResultsA retrospective analysis of 756 THAs was performed. Means ± standard deviation (SD) of the radiographic IA and AA were calculated for each year. The average percentage of IA within the Lewinnek's safe zone was from 80% to 85%, while the average percentage of AA was from 76% to 79%. Both IA and AA showed no statistically significant difference between two consecutive years. So, there was no statistically significant improvement regarding the radiographic values between two consecutive years for both IA and AA. There were only two cases of hip dislocations. The radiographic values were similar to recent data in the literature from authors using SuperPath and comparing their results with classical surgical approaches.ConclusionIt is possible to achieve good radiographic values of acetabular cup orientation through the SuperPath within the Lewinnek's safe zone. These results are similar to those reported in the literature by authors using SuperPath. Low rate (0,3 %) of hip dislocations were reported. Therefore, the SuperPath technique represents a good alternative for THA. Nevertheless, there is not a statistically significant improvement in these radiographic parameters over a four-year time.Level of Evidence: Level IV, retrospective study.
Anterior Insular-Nucleus Accumbens Pathway Controls Refeeding-Induced Analgesia Under Chronic Inflammatory Pain Condition
Authors: Lee Grace J , Kim Yea Jin , Lee Kihwan , Oh Seog Bae
Published: October 2021

Feeding behaviors are closely associated with chronic pain in adult rodents. Our recent study revealed that 2 hr refeeding after 24hr fasting (i.e. refeeding) attenuates pain behavior under chronic inflammatory pain conditions. However, while brain circuits mediating fasting-induced analgesia have been identified, the underlying mechanism of refeeding-induced analgesia is still elusive. Herein, we demonstrate that the neural activities in the nucleus accumbens shell (NAcS) and anterior insular cortex (aIC) were increased in a modified Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain condition, which was reversed by refeeding. We also found that refeeding reduced the enhanced excitability of aICCamKII–NAcSD2R projecting neurons in this CFA model. Besides, chemogenetic inhibition of aICCamKII–NAcSD2R neural circuit suppressed chronic pain behavior while activation of this circuit reversed refeeding-induced analgesia. Thus, the present study suggests that aICCamKII – NacSD2R neural circuit mediates refeeding-induced analgesia, thereby serving as a potential therapeutic target to manage chronic pain.
TEAD4 Serves as a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates With Immune Phenotype in Lower-Grade Gliomas
Authors: Chen Mu , Huang Bingsong , Zhu Lei , Chen Kui , Lian Hao , Liu Min , Zhao Kaijun , Zhang Jing , Zhong Chunlong
Published: October 2021

Background: Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), which play a pivotal role in the tumor microenvironment, are intimately related to tumor progression and clinical outcome. It remains unclear which factors influence tumor immune infiltration in lower-grade gliomas (LGGs). TEAD4 (TEA Domain Transcription Factor 4) is an essential member of the Hippo pathway that is involved in cancer progression, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and cancer stem cell function across multiple types of cancers. However, the prognostic value of TEAD4 and its association with TIICs in LGG have been hardly studied. Methods: LGG data were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). TEAD4 expression between different groups was compared by R and survival analysis was implemented by Kaplan–Meier curves. In Virto experiments were conducted to investigate the role of TEAD4 in glioma cells. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to investigate the differential biological processes and signaling pathways. Multiple computational methods were employed to estimate the association between TEAD4 expression and tumor microenvironment in LGG. Correlations were analyzed by Spearman correlationResults: TEAD4 expression was up-regulated in higher-grade gliomas and correlated with a poorer clinical outcome. Glioma cell proliferation and migration were promoted by TEAD4 overexpression. GSEA and PPI network indicated that multiple immune-related pathways and hub genes were closely associated with TEAD4 expression in LGG specimens. TEAD4 expression was negatively associated with glioma purity. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that TEAD4 expression and tumor purity were independent prognostic factors in LGG. TEAD4 expression was positively correlated with the infiltration of multiple immune cells, including plasma cells, CD8+ T cells, and macrophages M1 and M2. Correlation analysis showed that the TEAD4 level can predict the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Conclusions: TEAD4 is highly related to glioma malignancy grades and multiple immune cell infiltration, suggesting TEAD4 can serve as a new biomarker for anti-cancer therapies in LGG.
Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 Seropositivity in South-Central Uganda, During 2019 - 2021
Authors: Ssuuna Charles , Galiwango Ronald Moses , Kankaka Edward Nelson , Kagaayi Joseph , Ndyanabo Anthony , Kigozi Godfrey , Nakigozi Gertrude , Lutalo Tom , Ssekubugu Robert , Wasswa John Bosco , Mayinja Anthony , Nakibuuka Martina Cathy , Jamiru Samiri , Oketch John Baptist , Muwanga Edward , Chang Larry William , Grabowski Mary Kate , Wawer Maria , Gray Ronald , Anderson Mark , Stec Michael , Cloherty Gavin , Laeyendecker Oliver , Reynolds Steven James , Quinn Thomas C. , Serwadda David
Published: October 2021

Background: Globally, key subpopulations such as healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher risk of contracting SARS-CoV-2. In Uganda, limited access to personal protective equipment amidst lack of clarity on the extent and pattern of the community disease burden may exacerbate this situation. We assessed SARS-CoV-2 antibody seroprevalence among high-risk sub-populations in South-central Uganda, including HCWs, persons within the general population previously reporting experiencing key COVID-19 like symptoms (fever, cough, loss of taste and smell) and archived plasma specimens collected between October 2019 – 18th March 2020, prior to confirmation of COVID-19 in Uganda.Methods: From November 2020 - January 2021, we collected venous blood from HCWs at selected health facilities in South-Central Uganda and from population-cohort participants who reported specific COVID-19 like symptoms in a prior phone-based survey conducted (between May to August 2020) during the first national lockdown. Pre-lockdown plasma collected (between October 2019 and March 18th, 2020) from individuals considered high risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection was retrieved. Specimens were tested for antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 using the CoronaChekTM rapid COVID-19 IgM/IgG lateral flow test assay. IgM only positive samples were confirmed using a chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA) (Architect AdviseDx SARS-CoV-2 IgM) which targets the spike protein. SARS-CoV-2 exposure was defined as either confirmed IgM, both IgM and IgG or sole IgG positivity.Results: The seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in HCWs was 21.1% [95%CI: 18.2-24.2]. Of the phone-based survey participants, 11.9% [95%CI: 8.0-16.8] had antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Among 636 pre-lockdown plasma specimens, 1.7% [95%CI: 0.9-3.1] were reactive. Conclusions: Findings suggest a high seroprevalence of antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 among HCWs and substantial exposure in persons presenting with specific COVID-19 like symptoms in the general population of South-central Uganda. Based on current limitations in serological test confirmation, it remains unclear whether pre-lockdown seropositivity implies prior SARS-CoV-2 exposure in Uganda.
High Prevalence of Myopia and Low Hyperopia Reserve in 4411 Chinese Primary School Students and Associated Risk Factors
Authors: Yue Yu , Liu Xianmao , Yi Shu , Liu Bo , Yi Hong , Li Hong
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To investigate the prevalence of myopia in Chinese primary school students and their ocular biometrics including axial length (AL), corneal radius of curvature (CRC) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER). To analyze their association with potential myopia risk factors, such as body mass index (BMI), cram school, time of outdoor activity and electronic screen use. Methods: In this cross-sectional study of 4500 primary school students from 5 schools, participants underwent refraction using non-cycloplegic autorefractor and visual acuity testing. Myopia was defined as SER ≤ -0.50 diopter (D) and uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) ＜ 0.00 logMAR (6/6). Logistic regression models were used to determine factors associated with myopia.Results: After excluding 389 participants, the overall prevalence of myopia was 33.6%. The prevalence of high myopia was 0.6%. The prevalence of myopia in girls was significantly higher than that in boys（37.6% vs. 30.0%, p<0.001). The height, weight and BMI were significantly associated with AL (r=0.471, r=0.440, r=0.276, p <0.001, respectively). AL/CRC ratio was more highly correlated with SER than AL alone. Age (p < 0.001), parental myopia (p = 0.001) and lack of outdoor activity between classes (p = 0.049) were independently associated with higher prevalence rates of myopia.Conclusion: The prevalence of myopia among Chinese schoolchildren is alarming high. Consistent with previous cross-sectional data, AL/CRC could function as myopia detection indicator. The hyperopia reserve among children aged between 6 ~7 years was low. Healthcare providers need to raise parents’ awareness of the importance of regular eye examination and proper optical correction.
Towards Causal Analysis of Genetic Factors for Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Miller David , Chockler Hana , Lawrence Andrew , McNamee Daniel , Chia Nicholas
Published: October 2021

We present preliminary results and outline future work for the causal analysis of genetic factors influencing the occurrence and severity of colorectal cancer. The findings are based on publicly available datasets. We show that using relatively simple methods we are able to detect meaningful dependencies, reflecting the current biomedical knowledge about the causes of cancer and related conditions (such as infection and sepsis). We also argue that a deeper analysis, taking into account gene regulation, would require a significantly larger dataset.
Effectiveness of a Peer Support Intervention Program on Obesity Control Among Women in a Rural Area of Turkey
Authors: Sahin Berna Bilgin , Eser Erhan
Published: October 2021

BackgroundObesity in women is one of the leading public health problems globally. Peer support interventions have been effective in many areas of health promotion, and they have also been successful in obesity prevention and treatment.MethodsThis is a quasi-experimental obesity peer-led intervention study called the Leading Woman Model. At baseline, the obesity prevalence was found to be 60.5% among women aged 18–64 (n = 655) living in a rural district of Turkey. Of the participants (n = 137), 86.9% completed the 3rd month and 78.1% the 6th month of the intervention. Leading women (n = 11) were recruited from the community to supervise and monitor their own target groups of women during the intervention, which included supervised balanced nutrition and regular physical activity. ResultsThe mean age of the target intervention group was 42.8 ± 12.2. Significant improvements were observed in the body weight of the participating in the 3rd (-1.15 ± 2.51 kg) and 6th month (-1.13 ± 4.15 kg) of the intervention (p <0.05). Of the women, 10.9% lost at least 5% of their weight by the 3rd month and 13.1% by the 6th month of intervention, and 8.4% and 11.2% of the women achieved a better BMI category in the 3rd and 6th month of intervention, respectively.ConclusionCommunity-based obesity interventions are challenging but much more promising than those based at a facility. We suggest the Leading Women Model for community-based obesity interventions in women.
Incorporation of Humanistic Quality Education Into The Practice of Dermatology and Venereology Training Research
Authors: Qiu Xian-Wen , Mi Xiang-Bin , Wei Shan-Shan , Yan Lu
Published: October 2021

Background
The transformation of the medical pattern into the biological-sociological and psychological medical model has made the importance of humanities in medical education increasingly prominent. This study analyzes the effectiveness and importance of integrating humanistic qualities into clinical teaching in dermatology.
Methods
During July 2016 to August 2020, interns training in Departments of Dermatology, Zhujiang Hospital, 200, according to the order of student number of grouping experimental group and control group, four groups of 50, respectively, the control group of interns on conventional teaching in practice stage, while the experimental group of intern trainee phase combination of humanity quality education in teaching, compared two groups of interns teaching and learning effects.
Results
Medical history collection/interrogation techniques, practical operation and observation of history writing scores of the experimental group of interns were significantly higher than those of the control group, and the experimental group of interns humanistic quality education related indicators were significantly better than the control group (P <0.05).
Conclusions
The results put forward some countermeasures and suggestions for cultivating and optimizing the humanistic care spirit of medical students.
Temporal Evolution of Bacterial Community Structure, Co-Occurrence Patterns, and Community Assembly Process in Epiphytic Biofilms of Submerged Plants in a Plateau Lake
Authors: Shi Lei , Xia Pinhua , Lin Tao , Li Guoqing , Wang Tianyou , Du Xin
Published: October 2021

In shallow macrophytic lakes, epiphytic biofilms are formed on the surface of submerged plant stems and leaves because of the accumulation of algae and bacteria. Epiphytic biofilms have a significant impact on the health of the host vegetation and the biogeochemical cycling of lake elements. However, there is a lack of understanding of the community diversity, species interactions, and community assembly mechanisms in epiphytic bacterial communities (EBC) of plants during different growth periods. We investigated the successional dynamics, co-occurrence patterns, and community building processes of epiphytic biofilm bacterial communities of typical submerged plants, Najas marina and Potamogeton lucens from July, 2020 to November, 2020. The results showed that EBC diversity and abundance varied significantly among seasons, community diversity and abundance increased gradually from July to November, and temperature was the best explanatory factor for predicting seasonal changes in EBC community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the average degree and plot density of the network gradually increased from July to November, indicating that the complexity of the EBC network gradually increased. The bacterial community co-occurrence network is mainly limited by temperature, pH, and transparency. The phylogeny-based null model analysis showed that microbial community construction was dominated by deterministic processes in different periods, and their contribution tended to increase gradually. Additionally, we found that as the dominant role of deterministic processes gradually increased, the microbial co-occurrence links also increased and the potential interrelationships between species became stronger. Altogether, these findings provide insights into the seasonal variability of EBC assemblage and co-occurrence patterns in lacustrine ecosystems.
The Cross Talk Between ROS and NO in The Viability Declination of Cryopreserved-Pollen From Paeonia Lactiflora
Authors: Ren Ruifen , Zhang Lingling , Zhou Hao , Jiang Xueru , Liu Yan
Published: October 2021

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), as two common active molecules, are both involved in the changes of viability after liquid nitrogen (LN) stored, but the relationship between these two molecules has not been involved in plant cryopreservation up to now. In this study, the pollen of Paeonia lactiflora 'Fen Yu Nu' with significantly decreased viability after cryopreservation as materials, by studied the effects of the two regulators on each other and their biosynthesis and scavenging indexes, to explore the interaction between ROS and NO in pollen cryopreservation and its mechanism.The results showed that: the contents of ROS and NO increased significantly with the decrease of pollen viability after cryopreservation, and regulated ROS and NO content had a significant effect on post-LN pollen viability; the changes of ROS content positively regulated the endogenous NO content, and had significant effects on the expression level of NOS-like enzyme regulation gene CSU2 and its activity; while regulated NO had a positive effect on ROS content, and significantly affected the expression of NADPH oxidase and its regulatory gene RBOHJ, and also significantly affected catalase (CAT) and the substrate related to ascorbic acid (AsA)- glutathione (GSH) antioxidant cycle system. These results indicate that there was a positive interaction between ROS and NO in the pollen cryopreservation, NOS biosynthesis pathway was one of the ROS regulated NO pathways, NADPH oxidase, CAT and AsA-GSH antioxidant cycle system were the key sites for NO regulated ROS content.
Cell Wall Fracture Mechanism in Ultrasonic Assisted Cutting of Honeycomb Materials
Authors: Yu Baohua , Yao Sufang , Wu Xin , HU Xiaoping
Published: October 2021

Revealing the ultrasonic cutting mechanism of honeycomb composite is important for determining the acoustic parameters of the ultrasonic system and selecting the parameters of the cutting process. Understanding more details of the stress on the cell wall from ultrasonic vibrating tool and the conditions for cell wall breakage is essential to study the machining mechanism. According to the evolution of contact state between the straight edge cutter and the honeycomb cell wall in a cycle, the cutting force acting on the cell wall is divided into three stages: transverse cutting load action, longitudinal cutting load action, and no cutting load action. The cell wall deflection and stress equations under transverse cutting load were established by applying elastic thin plate small deflection theory. The deformation and fracture characteristics of the honeycomb cell wall were analyzed by combining the analytical and the finite element model. The results showed that the ultrasonic vibration of the cutter greatly improved the stiffening effect of the cell wall and its fracture was caused by the deflection under the transverse cutting load, which exceeded the maximum allowable deformation after local stiffening. In addition, with only longitudinal cutting load, it was difficult to break the critical buckling state that leads to cell wall fracture.
“Curanderismo”: Historical Zootherapy Among Criollo Inhabitants in Rural Areas of Córdoba, Argentina
Authors: Toledo Bárbara Arias , Trillo Cecilia
Published: October 2021

Background Studying historical sources and comparing them with current data allows us to describe the uses and customs of past human groups, as well as to make a dynamic comparison with the current state of human-environment relations. Also, this contribution focuses on the study of zootherapeutic remedies, which have been much less addressed in ethnoscience than medicinal plant resources.This article presents a compilation and analysis of animal-based remedies included in the category of "curanderismo" in the National Folklore Survey (NFS, Argentina, 1921).MethodsThe use of 37 individuals or parts of animal species of different taxa for 66 different applications is described, analyzed and related to the current use in zootherapy. ResultsThe NFS included records of 37 animal species (7 of them domestic), animal parts or animal-derived products, with 66 different uses. Of these species, 9 (3 domestic and 6 wild) continue to be used (Clitellata, Arachnida, Insecta, Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia and Amphibia) for multiple purposes.ConclusionsThe NFS reveals a complex ethnomedical system that included local biodiversity but also elements of cultural syncretism. Paying attention to them may enrich our view of the daily life of current and past rural communities.
Association of T2DM、Serum Glucose、HbA1c With Lumbar Spine Bone Mineral Density in 40-59 years adults: A Cross Sectional Study Based on the 2011-2018 NHANES Database
Authors: Liu Bo , Liu Jingshuang , Pan Junpeng , Zong Hui , Zhao Chengliang , Wang Zhijie
Published: October 2021

Backgrounds:Our purpose is to discuss the relationship among the status and duration of T2DM, serum glucose, glycosylated hemoglobin(HbA1c), and lumbar spine bone mineral density (LSBMD).Methods:We selected participants whose age was 40-59 in the NHANES of 2011-2018 for a cross-sectional study. We used the multiple linear regression model to evaluate the status and duration of T2DM, serum glucose, HbA1c, and LSBMD had a linear correlation. We used the smooth curve fitting and threshold effect methods to explore the potential curvilinear relationship and inflection point, further analyzed the subgroups stratified by genders and race and completed the curve fitting.Result:Finally, 5,329 people met the standard. Finally, we found that the positively correlation between the status of T2DM and the LSBMD, however, the duration of T2DM was not associated with the LSBMD.We further used the smooth curve fitting method to explore. And then we found that blood glucose and level of HbA1c had a curvilinear relationship with the BMD of the lumbar spine in the model. The curve was U-shaped. After the saturation effect and threshold effect analysis, the inflection point was 7.77mmol/L and 5.4%, respectively. According to the further subgroup analysis, we found that the blood glucose and HbA1c of male non-Hispanic whites were positively correlated to the BMD of the lumbar spine. However, in female non-Hispanic black people and Mexican Americans, they had the relationship of a U-shaped curve with the BMD of the lumbar spine.Conclusion:The BMD of the lumbar spine of middle-aged people suffering from T2DM was significantly higher than those who do not suffer from diabetes. However, the duration of T2DM was not associated with the LSBMD.Generally speaking, blood glucose and level of HbA1c had a curvilinear relationship with the BMD of the lumbar spine. The curve was U-shaped (The inflection point was 7.77mmol/L and 5.4%, respectively). The blood glucose and HbA1c of male non-Hispanic whites were positively correlated to the BMD of the lumbar spine. However, in the female non-Hispanic black people and Mexican Americans, they had the relationship of a U-shaped curve with the BMD of the lumbar spine.
Nexus of firm characteristics and financial performance of non-life insurance companies in the Southern African Development Community
Authors: Sthembiso Msomi Thabiso , John Nyide Celani
Published: October 2021

In almost all emerging and developed nations, the insurance industry is one of the most important participants of the financial services sector. As a result, the goal of this study is to investigate the firm characteristics and drivers of financial performance using 121 publicly traded non-life insurance companies from 16 Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries during the period from 2008 to 2019. The consolidated least squares and two-step generalized method of moments estimators were used to analyze a panel data set of 1,452 observations. The findings show that a lagged return on assets, equity capital, operational efficiency, leverage and investment capability are statistically significant determinants of financial performance in non-life insurance companies of SADC countries, even though equity capital, operational efficiency, and leverage are inversely significant. The insurance industry, policymakers, the state, and shareholders should consider these important variables when making decisions, and enhance their performance according to the findings. It is also suggested that the industry’s capital structures should be reformed to preserve a favorable balance of equity and debt amongst the businesses. Additionally, measures such as automated systems that may decrease operating costs should be used to improve financial performance.
Ṣadaqa and ‘Spirituality Gene’ Expression: The Qurʾan and Advances in Epigenetics
Authors: Basuki Edi , Naqiyah Naqiyah
Published: October 2021

Charity  (ṣadaqa) is commonly given for religious reasons: Muslims donate voluntarily to earn Allah’s pleasure and receive His blessings. However, there have been changes in the way Muslims perceive charity and what significance it has in their life. Many studies have addressed this issue but failed to explore the connection between ṣadaqaand mental state. This paper was aimed to complement the existing studies by analyzing the process of the shifting interpretation of charity and its positive effects on the donors. This study used qualitative analysis of primary and secondary data. The data was processed through descriptive methods and content analysis. In particular, it focused on analyzing the religious background of the donors, including the biological processes underlying their tendency to give generously. The study concluded that the practice of giving ṣadaqa increases social, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing, depending on the level of spirituality of the donors and their intention.
Music as a Universal Bond and Bridge Between the Physical and the Divine: Transcultural and Medieval Perspectives
Authors:   University Distinguished Professor, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Dept. of German Studies, University of Arizona., Classen Albrecht
Published: October 2021

This article accepts the challenge to reflect on the cultural history of music as a transcultural and universally human phenomenon, particularly in the medieval context. To what extent has music played the same or at least similar function in endless cultural contexts all over the world from the past to the present? We know for sure that music has always been present at all age groups, in all ethnic groups, among all genders, and throughout time. There have always been local, ethnic types of music (folklore), and universally accepted manifestations of music (esp. classical music). The emphasis here rests, after an extensive study of music in global cultural-historical terms, on comments about music in medieval philosophy, mysticism, and literature because here we discover fundamental notions about music being the medium to connect the individual with the cosmic harmony, hence with the divine. In literary texts, above all, music was identified as the critical expression of identity, love, and religion. Keywords: Transcultural music; classic music; music in cultural-historical terms; The Beatles; Martianus Capella; Boethius; Gottfried von Strassburg; Jörg Wickram; Hermann Hesse
Culturas e Turismo: Reflexões Sobre o Património, as Artes e a Comunicação Intercultural
Authors: Martins Moisés de Lemos , Silva Rosânia da
Published: October 2021

À medida que as práticas turísticas levam os povos a entrar em contacto uns com os outros e se estabelecem relações entre as populações, logo emergem as questões da identidade e da alteridade. Até que ponto os indivíduos que vivem nos lugares visitados pelos turistas são influenciados, nas suas práticas culturais e artísticas e nas representações que têm de si mesmos, pelas experiências que os turistas lhes transmitem? De que modo os turistas absorvem, transformam e incorporam o que veem e experimentam? Quais os impactos culturais, sociais e económicos desta relação? Discutindo estas e outras questões, Culturas e Turismo: Reflexões Sobre o Património, as Artes e a Comunicação Intercultural, reúne 21 artigos, selecionados do conjunto de trabalhos apresentados no congresso internacional “Cultura e Turismo: Desenvolvimento Nacional, Promoção da Paz e Aproximação Entre Nações” (2018, Moçambique). Com contribuições de investigadores oriundos de vários continentes, esta obra encontra-se dividida em quatro secções, subordinadas aos temas “Turismo, Cultura e Arte”, “Turismo, Desenvolvimento e Comunicação”; “Património Cultural: Festividades, Artesanato e Gastronomia” e “Roteiros e Paisagens Turísticos”.
Identidade e Cultura. As Identidades Culturais num Mundo Globalizado. A Lusofonia Enquanto Possibilidade Intercultural
Authors: Sousa Vítor de
Published: October 2021

O significado de cultura é impossível de ser fixado de um modo único, o mesmo acontecendo com o de identidade. Não será por acaso que ambos são declinados no plural. Para Stuart Hall (1992), foi graças à homogeneização cultural decorrente da globalização que as teorias da identidade se estilhaçaram. Já Homi Bhabha (1994/1998) colocara em causa o essencialismo de categorias, nomeadamente na definição do espaço da cultura, enquanto detalhe periférico e secundarizado que faz reconsiderar todo o sistema. Como acontece no quadro Paisagem Com a Queda de Ícaro (cerca de 1558), de Pieter Bruegel, em que as pernas do filho de Dédalo, quando por fim se dá por elas, evidenciam uma morte por afogamento, sem que ninguém sequer note a tragédia em curso. O que faz com que Bhabha questione sobre quem é hoje a testemunha moral do sofrimento humano, sendo essa uma das perguntas que a cultura pode lançar ao mundo (Rato, 2015). Este artigo propõe uma reflexão sobre a relação entre identidade e cultura, observando de que forma as identidades culturais se situam num mundo globalizado, olhando para a lusofonia enquanto pos- sibilidade intercultural, transcultural, crítica e inclusiva, por oposição à globalização cosmopolita.
Qualidade Sistémica no Setor do Turismo
Authors: Domingues Ivo
Published: October 2021

Esta reflexão tem natureza teórica e foca-se em literatura sobre a qualidade de três dimensões do sistema turístico — ambiente, paisagem e destinos — por serem as dimensões mais não humanas desse sistema. A análise realizada permite identificar as características da literatura revista e identificar fragilidades da mesma. A mais notada das fragilidades está associada às definições da qualidade, a qual tem profundos efeitos na investigação da realidade empírica devido à ausência de um referencial consistente e validado para analisar o fenómeno e à dificuldade em intervir política e praticamente na realidade sem o sentido de conclusões baseadas em sólidos conceitos da qualidade.
A Relação Dialética Turistas/Moradores em Baependi (Minas Gerais): Percepções Diferentes Sobre a Mesma Produção Socioespacial
Authors: Kelmer Magno Angelo , Machado Annaelise Fritz
Published: October 2021

O município de Baependi, no sul do estado de Minas Gerais, conta atualmente com a presença da atividade turística do tipo religioso, na qual visitantes buscam conhecer os atrativos do local onde Nhá Chica viveu. Nhá Chica foi uma neta de escravos africanos, da região de Benguela, que, nascida no Brasil, escolheu o município de Baependi para viver. Segundo relatos, essa beata possuía dons relacionados a benzeções e adivinhações. Após sua morte, a beata passou a ser venerada e, em 2013, sua beatificação foi realizada. Com isso, um número crescente de turistas quer conhecer mais sobre Nhá Chica, fazendo com que Baependi tenha um maior fluxo de visitação envolvendo a fé, caracterizando a prática do turismo religioso, fato que tem contribuído para a sua reprodução socioespacial. Desta forma o município passou a se organizar para receber e explorar essa atividade econômica, o que mereceu uma análise sobre tal organização. Para isso, visitas a campo com entrevistas direcionadas ao visitante e ao morador foram realizadas. Este trabalho, ao analisar as transformações do espaço na visão do morador de Baependi e do turista que ali chega, busca compreender o processo de reprodução do espaço, no qual está contida a organização espacial, já que a lógica do capital impõe uma racionalidade na organização do espaço, programando-o para a mercantilização e o consumo, valorizando a relação dialética valor de uso-valor de troca, fornecendo novo sentido para os espaços.
Влияние электрического поля на водородоподобные состояния в кристаллах моноклинного дифосфида цинка
Authors: Стамов И.Г. , Ткаченко Д.В.
Published: October 2021

The effect of the electric field on hydrogen-like states in β-ZnP2 is investigated. It was found that the exciton states Cn=1 in the electric field of the Schottky barrier undergo an anomalous Stark shift, and the states that form a reverse hydrogen-like series of absorption lines (IOS) are practically insensitive to the electric field. The laws governing the behavior of the exciton Xn=2 state "flammable" in an electric field in β-ZnP2 have been determined.
A New Tool for Safety Evaluation and a Combination of Measures for Efficacy Assessment of Cotransplanting Human Allogenic Neuronal Stem Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells for the Treatment of Parkinson Disease: Protocol for an Interventional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Jamali Fatima , Aldughmi Mayis , Khasawneh Mohammad W , Dahbour Said , Salameh Alaa A , Awidi Abdalla
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Parkinson disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder associated with a broad spectrum of motor and nonmotor symptoms. Any proposed cure needs to address the many aspects of the disease. Stem cell therapy may have potential in this regard as indicated in recent preclinical and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE

This protocol aims to examine the safety and therapeutic benefit of human Wharton jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MScs) and their derivatives, neuronal stem cells (NSCs) in PD.

METHODS

This clinical trial is a double-arm, single-blinded, phase I-II interventional study. Participants have been allocated to 1 of 2 groups: one receiving allogeneic WJ-MSCs alone, the other receiving NSCs and WJ-MScs. Participants are being followed-up and assessed over a period of 6 months. To assess safety, an incidence of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) tool tailored for PD is being used immediately and up to 6 months after treatment. For efficacy assessment, a number of factors are being used, including the gold standard severity test and the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale. In addition, the following standardized assessments for different common symptoms in PD are being included: motor (both subjectively and objectively assessed with wearable sensors), sensory, quality of life and psychological well-being, cognition, and sleep quality. Furthermore, immune-modulatory cytokines and neuronal damage versus regeneration markers in PD, including the neuronal protein linked to PD, α-synuclein, are being monitored.

RESULTS

Ten patients have been enrolled in this study and thus participant recruitment has been completed. The study status is active and beyond the recruiting stage. Study chart implementation, data collection, and analysis are ongoing.

CONCLUSIONS

The combination of NSCs and MSCs in PD may be useful for harnessing the best of the immunomodulation and neural repair characteristics of these cell types. The tailored comprehensive and scaled TEAEs and the variety of evaluation tools used enables a comprehensive assessment of this cellular therapy treatment protocol. A consideration of this expanded tool set is important in the design of future clinical studies for PD.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03684122; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03684122

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/29695
Optimization of Water Quantity with Smart Agriculture in IOT
Authors: Mamde Ms. Priyanka
Published: October 2021

Abstract: In this paper, we propose fostering a framework ideally watering horticultural harvests dependent on a remote sensor organization. This work planned to plan and foster a control framework utilizing hub sensors in the harvest field with information the executives by means of cell phone and a web application. The three parts are equipment, web application, and portable application. The principal segment was planned and executed in charge box equipment associated with gather information on the harvests. Soil dampness sensors are utilized to screen the field, associating with the control box. The subsequent segment is an electronic application that was planned and executed to control the subtleties of yield information and field data. This segment applied information mining to break down the information for anticipating appropriate temperature, stickiness, and soil dampness for ideal future administration of harvests development. The last part is essentially used to control crop watering through a versatile application in a cell phone. This permits either programmed or manual control by the client. The programmed control utilizes information from soil dampness sensors for watering. Be that as it may, the client can pick manual control of watering the harvests in the useful control mode. The framework can send notices through LINE API for the LINE application. The framework was executed and tried in Makhamtia District, Suratthani Province, Thailand. The outcomes demonstrated the execution to be valuable in agribusiness. The dampness content of the dirt was kept up with properly for vegetable development, lessening costs and expanding rural usefulness. Also, this work addresses driving farming through computerized development.
Importance of English as a means of Communication
Authors: Ingle Abhijeet
Published: October 2021

Abstract: Correspondence is an ability which includes precise and constant interaction of talking, tuning in and understanding. A great many people are brought into the world with the actual capacity to talk, however we should figure out how to talk well and impart successfully. Talking, tuning in and our capacity to comprehend verbal and non-verbal signs are the abilities by perceptions others and demonstrating our conduct on what we see and saw. We are additionally shown some relational abilities straightforwardly through schooling. By bringing those abilities into training and getting them assessed. English correspondence is an expertise that can be consummated distinctly through steady practice and constant openness to the objective language the accessible assets ought to be totally tapped in order to give and urging environment to learning and rehearsing the language. This paper manages the Role of English to Enrich the Effective Communication abilities. English correspondence with current strategies encourages to cultivate an inspirational mentality. English interchanges which would make conceivable to address the impending difficulties of the day in an imaginative manner. Keywords: Effective Communication, Listening, Speaking, Academics, Integration
Designing and verification of first in first out using Verilog
Authors: Tekade Kalyani
Published: October 2021

Abstract: This paper deals with the designing and verification of first in first out (fifo) using verilog. A FIFO is a memory queue which controls the data flow between two modules. It has the capacity to trigger different flags according to the status of the FIFO such has empty fifo status, half read fifo status, half written fifo status, full fifo status. Both the reading and writing operation can be performed simultaneously as it has dual port memory. After the completion of designing and simulating it on xilinx vivado this report also covers the verification carried out in modelsim. A detailed discussion on the architecture of each module that is writing module, reading module and memory array along with the various test benches and waveforms of simulation and verification is included in the paper.
The Impact of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) on Economic Growth (EG) : Evidence from Djibouti
Authors: Hayel Nashwa Maguid
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The achievement of EG and development is considered the core objective for both Developing Countires (DCs) and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), so countries try to get adequate funding to achieve this goal through optimal macroeconomic policies and different strategies. Countries prefer other mechanisms with less burden and cost to achieve economic growth, such as FDI flows. International development-oriented institutions such as WB and IMF recommend and consider FDI flows are the most important factors of the modern technology transfer, management, and know-how, which is necessarily needed in the local investment projects in poor countries, so FDI represents optimal external sources of growth. The objective of this study is to explain the impact of FDI on the EG of Djibouti. To achieve this objective the study used a secondary annual time series data for the period 1985-2019 by the method of Ordinary Least Square (OLS). The study results showed that FDI in the case of Djibouti tends to be statistically insignificant effects and a limited impact on Djibouti‘s EG, Moreover,other factors such as the Human Development Index(HDI), and Gross Fixed Capital Formation(GFCF), Trade Openness(TOP) shows significant effects on the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Finally, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) has no significance in the EG of Djibouti. The findings provide critical information to Djibouti policy decision-makers to make an informed decision with regard to attracting investment sectors and policies in encouraging foreign investors to invest in the country. KEYWORDS: Foreign Direct Investment, Economic Growth, Djibouti, Empirical Analysis.
Impact of Labour Certification on Labour Productivity in Construction Industry of Pakistan
Authors: Laghari Rais Murad
Published: October 2021

Abstract: In this study, the regulation of labours working in the construction sector of Pakistan was studied. As there is no system to distinguish skill and unskill labour force in the construction industry of Pakistan, which leads to unforeseen events during the project works. This may lead to delay of the project and also compromises the safety of the workers. To overcome the problem, the impact of a protocol, labour certification, which is being practiced in other countries is studied. To determine the effect of labour certification on labour productivity, a questionnaire was prepared and sent to different stakeholders of AEC. The results showed that the majority of respondents were in favour of labour certification and agreed that it will have a significant impact on labour productivity. Moreover, respondents also pointed that it will create problems for labour and the construction industry if the process of certification is not smooth. Keywords: Construction industry, Labour certification, Labour, Labour Productivity, Pakistan