bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catechol-O-methyltransferase and dopamine receptor D4 gene variants: Possible association with substance abuse in Bangladeshi male
Authors: Sonia Jahanara Akter , Kabir Tohfa , Islam M. M. Towhidul , Kabir Yearul
Published: February 2021

Genetic risk of substance abuse is encoded mainly by central neurochemical pathways(mostly dopaminergic system) related to reinforcement and reward. In this study a functionalpolymorphism in Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) (Val158Met) and the Dopamine receptor D4 gene (DRD4) (120 bp tandem duplication) has been studied in substance abused subjects. The study was carried out with 183 substance abused subjects and 175 healthy persons with no history of substance abuse. DNA was extracted and polymorphisms were analyzed using allele-specific PCR. The impact of these two polymorphisms was also analyzed on addictive characteristics (age of starting abuse, a pattern of drug habit, and period of addiction). It was found that only the heterozygous variant of COMT polymorphism (Val/Met) (p<0.05, OR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.044–2.658) and both homozygous (p<0.05, OR = 0.43, 95% CI = 0.193–0.937) and heterozygous (p<0.05, OR = 0.37, 95% CI = 0.172–0.826) derived variants of DRD4 120 bp tandem duplication were significantly associated with risk of substance abuse compared to controls. In case of association of these polymorphisms with an age of onset, no significant difference was found among three different genotypic groups of COMT polymorphism. Whereas, the homozygous derived variant (240 bp/240 bp) of DRD4 gene was found to have a later age of onset (20.5±0.8) for substance abuse compared to heterozygous (120 bp/240 bp) (19.1±0.8) and wild type homozygous variant (120 bp/120 bp) (16.0±0.5), which was statistically significant (p<0.05). Again, in the case of the pattern of drug habit, the frequency of the Val/Val genotype is higher in polysubstance abused (>2 drugs) subjects (p<0.05) compared to the heterozygous Val/Met containing variants. An association of period of addiction was analyzed with an individual type of substance abuse and found that heroin abused subjects have a significantly higher period of addiction (11.6±1.0) compared to other abusers (p<0.01). Further, it was found that Met/Met containing variants of COMT polymorphism has a more extended period of addiction than other genetic variants in heroin abused subjects. These results indicate that genetic variability may influence the susceptibility to the risk of substance abuse and addictive characteristics.
Socio-ecological predictors of mental health outcomes among healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States
Authors: Hennein Rachel , Mew Emma J. , Lowe Sarah R.
Published: February 2021

Background

Healthcare workers are at increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies are warranted that examine socio-ecological factors associated with these outcomes to inform interventions that support healthcare workers during future disease outbreaks.

Methods

We conducted an online cross-sectional study of healthcare workers during May 2020 to assess the socio-ecological predictors of mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We assessed factors at four socio-ecological levels: individual (e.g., gender), interpersonal (e.g., social support), institutional (e.g., personal protective equipment availability), and community (e.g., healthcare worker stigma). The Personal Health Questionnaire-9, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, Primary Care Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Concise scales assessed probable major depression (MD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and alcohol use disorder (AUD), respectively. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess unadjusted and adjusted associations between socio-ecological factors and mental health outcomes.

Results

Of the 1,092 participants, 72.0% were female, 51.9% were frontline workers, and the mean age was 40.4 years (standard deviation = 11.5). Based on cut-off scores, 13.9%, 15.6%, 22.8%, and 42.8% had probable MD, GAD, PTSD, and AUD, respectively. In the multivariable adjusted models, needing more social support was associated with significantly higher odds of probable MD, GAD, PTSD, and AUD. The significance of other factors varied across the outcomes. For example, at the individual level, female gender was associated with probable PTSD. At the institutional level, lower team cohesion was associated with probable PTSD, and difficulty following hospital policies with probable MD. At the community level, higher healthcare worker stigma was associated with probable PTSD and AUD, decreased satisfaction with the national government response with probable GAD, and higher media exposure with probable GAD and PTSD.

Conclusions

These findings can inform targeted interventions that promote healthcare workers’ psychological resilience during disease outbreaks.
Developing a brief motivational intervention for young adults admitted with alcohol intoxication in the emergency department – Results from an iterative qualitative design
Authors: Gaume Jacques , Grazioli Véronique S. , Paroz Sophie , Fortini Cristiana , Bertholet Nicolas , Daeppen Jean-Bernard
Published: February 2021

Background

Unhealthy alcohol use among young adults is a major public health concern. Brief motivational interventions for young adults in the Emergency Department (ED) have shown promising but inconsistent results.

Methods

Based on the literature on brief intervention and motivational interviewing efficacy and active ingredients, we developed a new motivational intervention model for young adults admitted in the ED with alcohol intoxication. Using an iterative qualitative design, we first pre-tested this model by conducting 4 experimental sessions and 8 related semi-structured interviews to evaluate clinicians’ and patients’ perceptions of the intervention’s acceptability and feasibility. We then conducted a consultation meeting with 9 international experts using a nominal group technique. The intervention model was adjusted and finally re-tested by conducting 6 new experimental sessions and 12 related semi-structured interviews. At each round, data collected were analyzed and discussed, and the intervention model updated accordingly.

Results

Based on the literature, we found 6 axes for developing a new model: High level of relational factors (e.g. empathy, alliance, avoidance of confrontation); Personalized feedback; Enhance discrepancy; Evoke change talk while softening sustain talk, strengthen ability and commitment to change; Completion of a change plan; Devote more time: longer sessions and follow-up options (face-to-face, telephone, or electronic boosters; referral to treatment). A qualitative analysis of the semi-structured interviews gave important insights regarding acceptability and feasibility of the model. Adjustments were made around which information to provide and how, as well as on how to deepen discussion about change with patients having low levels of self-exploration. The experts’ consultation addressed numerous points, such as information and advice giving, and booster interventions.

Discussion

This iterative, multi-component design resulted in the development of an intervention model embedded in recent research findings and theory advances, as well as feasible in a complex environment. The next step is a randomized controlled trial testing the efficacy of this model.
Linking the timing of a mother’s and child’s death: Comparative evidence from two rural South African population-based surveillance studies, 2000–2015
Authors: Houle Brian , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa W. , Stein Alan , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Kobus , Clark Samuel J.
Published: February 2021

Background

The effect of the period before a mother’s death on child survival has been assessed in only a few studies. We conducted a comparative investigation of the effect of the timing of a mother’s death on child survival up to age five years in rural South Africa.

Methods

We used discrete time survival analysis on data from two HIV-endemic population surveillance sites (2000–2015) to estimate a child’s risk of dying before and after their mother’s death. We tested if this relationship varied between sites and by availability of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We assessed if related adults in the household altered the effect of a mother’s death on child survival.

Findings

3,618 children died from 2000–2015. The probability of a child dying began to increase in the 7–11 months prior to the mother’s death and increased markedly in the 3 months before (2000–2003 relative risk = 22.2, 95% CI = 14.2–34.6) and 3 months following her death (2000–2003 RR = 20.1; CI = 10.3–39.4). This increased risk pattern was evident at both sites. The pattern attenuated with ART availability but remained even with availability at both sites. The father and maternal grandmother in the household lowered children’s mortality risk independent of the association between timing of mother and child mortality.

Conclusions

The persistence of elevated mortality risk both before and after the mother’s death for children of different ages suggests that absence of maternal care and abrupt breastfeeding cessation might be crucial risk factors. Formative research is needed to understand the circumstances for children when a mother is very ill or dies, and behavioral and other risk factors that increase both the mother and child’s risk of dying. Identifying families when a mother is very ill and implementing training and support strategies for other members of the household are urgently needed to reduce preventable child mortality.
Centralized softening as a solution to chloride pollution: An empirical analysis based on Minnesota cities
Authors: Bakshi Baishali , Doucette Elise M. , Kyser Scott J.
Published: February 2021

Chloride is a key component of salt, used in many activities such as alkali production, water treatment, and de-icing. Chloride entering surface and groundwater is a concern due to its toxicity to aquatic life and potential to degrade drinking water sources. Minnesota being a hard-water state, has a high demand for water softening. Recent research has found that home-based water softeners contribute significantly to chloride loading at municipal wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Because of this, many WWTPs would now require water quality based effluent limits (WQBELs) to comply with the state’s chloride water quality standards (WQS), unless they install chloride treatment technologies, which are limited and cost-prohibitive to most communities. A potential solution to this problem, is shifting from home-based water softening to a system where water is softened at drinking water plants, before reaching homes, i.e. centralized softening, analyzed in this paper based on its ability to address both chloride pollution and water softening needs, at reasonable cost. We estimate lifetime costs of three alternative solutions: centralized softening, home-based softening, and a Business as Usual (BAU) or baseline alternative, using annualized 20-year loan payments and Net Present Value (NPV), applied to 84 Minnesota cities with matching data on drinking water plants and WWTPs. We find that centralized softening using either Reverse Osmosis (RO) or lime-softening technologies is the more cost-effective solution, compared to the alternative of home-based softening with end-of-pipe chloride treatment, with a cost ratio in the range 1:3–1:4. Between the two centralized softening options, we find RO-softening to be the lower cost option, only slightly more costly (1.1 cost ratio) than the BAU option. Considering additional environmental and public health benefits, and cost savings associated with removal of home-based softeners, our results provide helpful information to multiple stakeholders interested in an effective solution to chloride pollution.
Evaluating the influential factors for life preserver donning tests
Authors: Yang Ruiliang , Wu Zijiang , Qian Xiaoming
Published: February 2021

Life preservers often play a vital role in ensuring passenger safety in water-related accidents, while the difficulty of donning life preservers has been repeatedly proved even in a donning test. To evaluate the influencing factors for life preserver donning tests, 109 college students and 42 villagers were chosen as subjects. A total of fourteen variables with seven categorical variables and seven continuous variables were considered as potential influencing factors. T-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA, for three or more categories) were used to judge whether grouping in categorical variables had a significant effect on the donning performance. Then all variables were offered into the stepwise linear regression (SLR) to evaluate the influential factors for life preserver donning tests. Results showed that four of fourteen variables, including gender, instruction condition, age group, and tool test time (representing the subject’s flexibility), had a significant effect on the donning performance. To evaluate the relationship between the donning performance and influencing factors, models of the retrieving time, the opening time, and the donning time were built based on the SLR analysis. The paper also highlights recommendations for modification of the donning test procedure, which helps to improve the validation and reliability of life preserver donning tests.
Estimation of the fraction of COVID-19 infected people in U.S. states and countries worldwide
Authors: Noh Jungsik , Danuser Gaudenz
Published: February 2021

Since the beginning of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, daily counts of confirmed cases and deaths have been publicly reported in real-time to control the virus spread. However, substantial undocumented infections have obscured the true size of the currently infected population, which is arguably the most critical number for public health policy decisions. We developed a machine learning framework to estimate time courses of actual new COVID-19 cases and current infections in all 50 U.S. states and the 50 most infected countries from reported test results and deaths. Using published epidemiological parameters, our algorithm optimized slowly varying daily ascertainment rates and a time course of currently infected cases each day. Severe under-ascertainment of COVID-19 cases was found to be universal across U.S. states and countries worldwide. In 25 out of the 50 countries, actual cumulative cases were estimated to be 5–20 times greater than the confirmed cases. Our estimates of cumulative incidence were in line with the existing seroprevalence rates in 46 U.S. states. Our framework projected for countries like Belgium, Brazil, and the U.S. that ~10% of the population has been infected once. In the U.S. states like Louisiana, Georgia, and Florida, more than 4% of the population was estimated to be currently infected, as of September 3, 2020, while in New York this fraction is 0.12%. The estimation of the actual fraction of currently infected people is crucial for any definition of public health policies, which up to this point may have been misguided by the reliance on confirmed cases.
Hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors among patients and health-care workers of Ain Shams University hospitals, Cairo, Egypt
Authors: Anwar Wagida A. , El Gaafary Maha , Girgis Samia A. , Rafik Mona , Hussein Wafaa M. , Sos Dalia , Mossad Isis M. , Fontanet Arnaud , Temime Laura
Published: February 2021

Background

Hospitals are suspected of playing a key role in HCV epidemic dynamics in Egypt. This work aimed at assessing HCV prevalence and associated risk factors in patients and health-care workers (HCWs) of Ain Shams University (ASU) hospitals in Cairo.

Methods

We included 500 patients admitted to the internal medicine or surgery hospital from February to July, 2017, as well as 50 HCWs working in these same hospitals. Participants were screened for anti-HCV antibodies and HCV RNA. A questionnaire was administered to collect data on demographic characteristics and medical/surgical history. For HCWs, questions on occupational exposures and infection control practices were also included.

Results

The overall prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies was 19.80% (95% CI: 16.54–23.52) among participating patients, and 8.00% (95% CI: 0.48–15.52) among participating HCWs. In HCWs, the only risk factors significantly associated with anti-HCV antibodies were age and profession, with higher prevalence in older HCWs and those working as cleaners or porters. In patients, in a multivariate logistic regression, age over 50 (aOR: 3.4 [1.9–5.8]), living outside Cairo (aOR: 2.1 [1.2–3.4]), admission for liver or gastro-intestinal complaints (aOR: 4.2 [1.8–9.9]), and history of receiving parenteral anti-schistosomiasis treatment (aOR: 2.7 [1.2–5.9]) were found associated with anti-HCV antibodies.

Conclusions

While HCV prevalence among patients has decreased since the last survey performed within ASU hospitals in 2008, it is still significantly higher than in the general population. These results may help better control further HCV spread within healthcare settings in Egypt by identifying at-risk patient profiles upon admission.
Gut microbiota comparison of vaginally and cesarean born infants exclusively breastfed by mothers secreting α1–2 fucosylated oligosaccharides in breast milk
Authors: Tonon Karina M. , Morais Tania B. , Taddei Carla R. , Araújo-Filho Humberto B. , Abrão Ana Cristina F. V. , Miranda Antonio , de Morais Mauro B.
Published: February 2021

Background

Exclusive breastfeeding promotes beneficial modifications on the microbiota of cesarean born infants, but little is known about the role of specific breast milk components in this modulation. Women with an active FUT2 gene (calledsecretors) secrete α1–2 fucosylated human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs), which promoteBifidobacteriumin the infant’s gut and may modulate the microbiota of cesarean born infants.

Objective

To compare the microbiota composition of cesarean and vaginally born infants breastfed by secretor mothers.

Methods

Maternal secretor status was determined by the occurrence of 4 different α1–2 fucosylated HMOs in breast milk by LC-MS. The fecal microbiota composition from cesarean and vaginally born infants was analyzed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing and qPCR, stratified by the maternal secretor status, and compared.

Results

Alpha and beta diversity were not significantly different in cesarean born, secretor-fed infants (CSe+) compared to vaginally born, secretor-fed infants (VSe+). There were no significant differences in the fecal relative abundance ofBifidobacteriumbetween CSe+ and VSe+ infants, but the prevalence of the speciesB.longumwas lower in CSe+. The fecal relative abundance ofBacteroideswas also lower, whileAkkermansiaandKluyverawere higher in CSe+ infants.

Conclusion

Cesarean and vaginally born infants fed with breast milk containing the α1–2 fucosylated HMOs fraction present similar amounts ofBifidobacteriumin the feces, but differences are observed in other members of the microbiota.
Defective viral genomes from chikungunya virus are broad-spectrum antivirals and prevent virus dissemination in mosquitoes
Authors: Levi Laura I. , Rezelj Veronica V. , Henrion-Lacritick Annabelle , Erazo Diana , Boussier J , Vallet Thomas , Bernhauerová Veronika , Suzuki Yasutsugu , Carrau Lucia , Weger-Lucarelli James , Saleh Maria-Carla , Vignuzzi Marco
Published: February 2021

Defective viral genomes (DVGs) are truncated and/or rearranged viral genomes produced during virus replication. Described in many RNA virus families, some of them have interfering activity on their parental virus and/or strong immunostimulatory potential, and are being considered in antiviral approaches. Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus transmitted by Aedes spp. that infected millions of humans in the last 15 years. Here, we describe the DVGs arising during CHIKV infection in vitro in mammalian and mosquito cells, and in vivo in experimentally infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. We combined experimental and computational approaches to select DVG candidates most likely to have inhibitory activity and showed that, indeed, they strongly interfere with CHIKV replication both in mammalian and mosquito cells. We further demonstrated that some DVGs present broad-spectrum activity, inhibiting several CHIKV strains and other alphaviruses. Finally, we showed that pre-treating Aedes aegypti with DVGs prevented viral dissemination in vivo.
Afeminados de vida ociosa: Sexualidad, género y clase social durante el franquismo
Authors: Díaz Abel
Published: February 2021

Hasta los años treinta del pasado siglo XX, la posición de clase fue un elemento que diluía la percepción de ciertos comportamientos refinados o afeminados como indicios de homosexualidad, asociándolos con modales aristocráticos. Durante el franquismo, sin embargo, esta dinámica sufrirá cambios significativos. Progresivamente, se constituyó un cuerpo homosexual esencializado, que estuvo afectado, en menor medida, por otras variables históricas ajenas a la sexualidad a la hora de juzgar qué se entendía por "inversión". Lo que este artículo trata de analizar, empleando documentación judicial, es cómo las variables de sexualidad, clase y género afectaron a la definición de la homosexualidad en aquellos procesos en los que los inculpados pertenecían a las clases acomodadas.
¿Patriotismo o leyenda negra? La Reconquista en el siglo XIX
Authors: Domínguez Juan Pablo
Published: February 2021

En el siglo XIX, la idea de España como antítesis de la modernidad europea era algo más que un arma de la propaganda antiespañola, una expresión del complejo de inferioridad hispánica o un artículo del credo progresista. Era el gran tópico identitario español, compartido por todas las corrientes ideológicas, empezando por las más hispanófilas y conservadoras. Este artículo presenta diversos textos decimonónicos que atribuyen a la Reconquista la inmodernidad de los españoles, es decir, su escasa inclinación a la tolerancia, la industria, el comercio y la ciencia. Y así evidencia que los autores más dispares no solo daban por cierta esta inmodernidad, sino que la asociaban a la gesta originaria de la nación española.
Crisis por cooptación del cooperativismo agrario en Canarias: una interpretación desde la geografía agraria
Authors: Martín Víctor Onésimo Martín , Jerez Darias Luis Manuel , Studer Villazán Luana
Published: February 2021

Las crisis de las cooperativas agropecuarias canarias han sido cíclicas, coincidiendo con los períodos de recesión económica general, pero nunca habían alcanzado la magnitud de la de 2008. Por ello, y dada la efectiva importancia económica, social y territorial que este tipo de entidades tiene en el devenir del sector primario isleño, este artículo tiene como objetivo comprender cómo se ha llegado a la situación actual.Las cooperativas, por formar parte de la economía social, son un instrumento que puede favorecer el desarrollo rural, y son en este sentido necesarias. La cuestión es quién dirige económica, social y políticamente las mismas. Se plantea  que las cooperativas han terminado siendo cooptadas por la alianza entre los grandes propietarios rentistas y las grandes empresas comercializadoras de los productos de la agricultura de exportación y del mercado interior regional. En este proceso, dentro de las cooperativas canarias la pequeña agricultura familiar juega un papel subordinado, desnaturalizando los propios objetivos de este sistema asociativo. La consecuencia está siendo la disminución del tejido cooperativo por pérdida de socios o cierre de las cooperativas, a la vez que numerosas explotaciones familiares quiebran y desaparecen.
Alternatif Penanggulangan Tuberkulosis (TBC): Wilayah Indonesia di Luar Sumatra dan Jawa-Bali
Authors:   Pusat Penelitian dan Pengembangan Sumber Daya dan Pelayanan Kesehatan Balitbangkes, Kemenkes RI, Herawati Maria Holly
Published: February 2021

Buku Alternatif Penanggulangan Tuberkulosis (TBC): Wilayah Indonesia di Luar Sumatra dan Jawa–Bali ini hadir sebagai bentuk tanggung jawab untuk menyebarluaskan upaya penanggulangan tuberkulosis di Indonesia, khususnya di luar Sumatra dan Jawa–Bali. Buku ini juga menunjukkan bahwa masih perlunya perbaikan dan tindak lanjut, baik dalam hal penemuan kasus, penegakan diagnosis, maupun karena rendahnya angka kesembuhan bagi penderita tuberkulosis. Selain itu, buku ini juga memetakan sistem pelayanan kesehatan di luar Sumatra dan Jawa-Bali yang berperan, baik langsung maupun tidak langsung dalam penanggulangan tuberkulosis (TBC). Kehadiran buku ini diharapkan dapat memperkaya wawasan dan pengetahuan tentang cara penanggulangan TBC, khususnya di luar Sumatra dan Jawa-Bali, dan menjadi panduan terutama bagi pelaksana program dan pendukung program penanggulangan TBC di Indonesia. Selain itu, juga membantu para penentu kebijakan untuk memperkaya kebijakan-kebijakan penanggulangan TBC yang sudah diterapkan
Az exportpiac-orientáció előzményei és annak exportteljesítményre gyakorolt hatása a magyar felsőoktatási intézményekben (Antecedents to the export market orientation of Hungarian higher education institutions, and their export performance consequences)
Authors: Nagy Gábor , Berács József
Published: February 2021

A felsőoktatás nemzetközi versenyképességének vizsgálata azt mutatja, hogy egyre szélesebb körben alkalmazzák a sikeres egyetemek azokat a megközelítéseket, amelyeket az elmúlt fél évszázadban a menedzsmentirodalom az üzleti szférában meghonosított. A szerzők a felsőoktatási ágazatra terjesztik ki az exportpiac- orientáció elméletét, és azt vizsgálják, hogy milyen előzmények vezetnek annak kialakulásához. Elemzik továbbá, hogy az exportpiac-orientáció milyen hatással van a felsőoktatási intézmények exportteljesítményére. A tanulmány továbbá kitér az exportpiac-orientáció és az exportteljesítmény kapcsolatát befolyásoló környezeti tényezők hatásának vizsgálatára is. A szerzők az említett összefüggéseket két almintán vizsgálják (a nemzetköziesedésben és a tudományos kutatásban vezető egyetemek vs. az előbbi dimenziókban gyengébben teljesítő felsőoktatási intézmények). Az eredmények alapján megállapítják, hogy az exporttapasztalat mindkét egyetemi csoportnál az exportteljesítmény szignifikáns előrejelzője, míg az exportkoordináció csupán a nemzetköziesedésben gyengébben teljesítő egyetemek csoportjánál magyarázza az exportpiac-orientáció változását. Megfigyelhető továbbá, hogy az exportpiac-orientáció exportteljesítményre gyakorolt hatása erősebb a nemzetköziesedésben vezető magyar egyetemeknél, míg a nemzetközi piacokon tapasztalható verseny intenzitása fokozza a nemzetközi irányultság kialakulását ugyanezen csoportnál. ______ The authors extend the theory of export market orientation to the higher education sector, and explore the association between export coordination, export experience, export market orientation, export performance and the competitive environment in the context of Hungarian higher education sector. The aforementioned relations are analyzed on two subsamples (universities with a top performance vs. universities with a lower performance in regard of internationalization and scientific research). Based on the results, the authors conclude that export experience is a significant predictor of export performance in both groups of institutions, while export coordination can only explain changes in export market orientation for the group comprising the universities that lag behind in terms of internationalization. They observe, moreover, that export market orientation becomes stronger as competitive forces in the environment intensify.
Métodos de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio em mudas de gravioleira irrigadas com água salina
Authors: Veloso Luana Lucas de Sá Almeida , Capitulino Jessica Dayanne , Soares de Lima Geovani , Vieira de Azevedo Carlos Alberto , Rodrigues da Silva André Alisson , Gheyi Hans Raj
Published: February 2021

A aclimatação das plantas ao estresse salino, por meio de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio, ocorre devido à ativação do sistema de defesa antioxidante. Neste sentido, objetivou-se com o estudo avaliar os teores de pigmentos fotossintéticos e a eficiência fotoquímica de mudas de gravioleira sob irrigação com águas salinas e distintos métodos de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio. O estudo foi realizado em condições de casa de vegetação, em esquema 5 x 4, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação – CEa  (0,6; 1,2; 1,8; 2,4 e 3,0 dS m-1) e quatro métodos de aplicação de peróxido de hidrogênio- MA (sem aplicação de H2O2, aplicação via embebição das sementes, aplicação via pulverização foliar e aplicação via embebição das sementes e pulverização foliar). A salinidade da água de irrigação até 1,4 e 1,1 dS m-1provocou aumento na síntese de clorofila b e carotenoides, respectivamente. Já a irrigação com água a partir de 0,6 dS m-1 reduziu a síntese de clorofila a e total das plantas de gravioleira. A aplicação de 20 μm de H2O2via embebição da semente resulta em aumento nos teores de clorofila a e b, total, fluorescência máxima e variável das mudas de gravioleira.A embebição das sementes com peróxido de hidrogênio aumentou a fluorescência inicial da clorofila nas plantas irrigadas com água de 1,2 dS m-1.
Poor Outcomes of Cirrhosis due to Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis Compared With Hepatitis B After Decompensation With Ascites
Authors: Tan Hiang Keat , Teng Margaret Li Peng , Soh Alex Yu Sen , Cheo Sara Hui Yi , Fook-Chong Stephanie , Goh George Boon Bee , Tan Chee Kiat , Wong Guan Wee , Lee Guan Huei , Chang Jason Pik Eu
Published: February 2021

INTRODUCTION:

Decompensation with ascites portends a poor prognosis in cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of patients with nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis after decompensation with ascites.

METHODS:

We conducted a retrospective study to evaluate the outcomes of patients with NASH and HBV cirrhosis who were admitted to hospital for first-onset ascites from January 1, 2004, to June 30, 2015. They were followed up until death, liver transplantation, or loss to follow up.

RESULTS:

Patients with NASH had lower median (interquartile range) Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score (11 [9–14] vs 14 [11–17], P < 0.001). Over 60 months, patients with NASH cirrhosis had higher cumulative incidence of dilutional hyponatremia (P < 0.001) and refractory ascites (P = 0.028). They also had higher cumulative incidence of cirrhosis-related deaths and liver transplantation compared with HBV cirrhosis (65.7%; [95% confidence interval (CI) 53.6–75.4] vs 42.5% [95% CI 32.4–55.2], P = 0.008). Multivariable competing risk analysis showed that NASH (subdistribution hazard ratio [sHR] 1.88 [95% CI 1.14–3.11], P = 0.014), non-Chinese ethnicity (sHR 1.63 [95% CI 1.06–2.50], P = 0.027), history of hepatocellular carcinoma (sHR 1.76 [95% CI 1.05–2.95], P = 0.033), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (sHR 1.70 [95% CI 1.09–2.65], P = 0.020), and Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score ≥15 (sHR 3.26 [95% CI 2.11–5.05], P < 0.001) were independent predictors of poor transplant-free survival.

DISCUSSION:

Patients with decompensated cirrhosis due to NASH had much poorer prognosis compared with HBV with more complications and greater healthcare resource utilization. Greater awareness is necessary for early diagnosis of NASH before decompensation.
James Monteith: Cartographer, Educator, and Master of the Margins
Authors: Rhodes Andrew
Published: February 2021

James Monteith (1831–1890) was a leading figure in American geography education in the late nineteenth century, but his career has been largely forgotten and his contribution to cartography has been underappreciated. Monteith’s maps and geography textbooks were targeted at the general reader, but included innovative ways to highlight comparative spatial relationships. Much of the text in Monteith’s books is typical of that found in other works of the period, but his geography volumes included unique illustrations to help the reader visualize terrain on a continental scale and place individual maps in a global context. Monteith produced fairly pedestrian maps in his books but surrounded them with remarkable symbology and amplifying data that ought perhaps to earn him the title “master of the margins.”
The Pro-Decentralization Effect on Management of Local Enterprises: A Structural Model of the Case of Bamenda III municipality Mezam Division, Cameroon
Authors: Ofeh Moses Abit , Thalut Nashipu
Published: February 2021

The study was aimed at investigating the effect of pro-decentralization on management of local enterprises in Bamenda III municipality, North West Region of Cameroon. Data was derived through the use of questionnaire on a sample of 500 registered voters and businessmen who have knowledge of local enterprises in Bamenda III using purposive sampling approach. The objective was achieved by applying maximum likelihood estimation technique of structural equation modelling using SmartPLS software version 2. The empirical results revealed that pro-decentralization has a significant positive effect on the management of local enterprises and corruption orientation. Corruption orientation has a negative influence on the management of local enterprises, though not found to be significant. The finding indicated that a unit increase in pro-decentralization has the tendency to improve the management of local enterprises to the tune of 63%. The study therefore recommends that policies of decentralization should be corruption free and should be directed towards enhancing service quality of local enterprises.
MOTIVATION OF THE USE OF DIGITAL WALLETS IN YOUNG GENERATIONS IN THE TIME OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Herdioko Jonathan , Titalessy Pisi Bethania , Krisanta Brigitta Evelyn
Published: February 2021

This study aims to analyze how the Technology Acceptance Model which consists of Percieved usefulness, Perceived Ease of use, Privacy and Security, and additional variable "Promotion Programs" affect behavior intention in using e-wallets or digital wallets in the current pandemic era. A total of 394 respondents aged 16-30 years old who use e-wallets in Yogyakarta were sampled in this study. The results using the SEM test show that perceived usefulness and behavioral intention have a significant effect. Meanwhile, Perceived Ease of use, Privacy and Security, and promotional programs are not significant on E-Wallets Usage.
Program Evaluation for Part-Time Work, Flex-Time Work and At-Home Work in Korea
Authors: Sa Yongjin
Published: February 2021

This study aims to develop the program evaluation plan for three kinds of “Flex-Working” programs such as “Part-Time Work”, “Flex-Time Work” and “At-Home Work” program of the Central Government of Korea. More specifically, this study discusses description of the flex-working programs in terms of program context, purpose, outcome in order to draw out the flex-working program theory model. In addition, the program participants and stakeholders, program contextual factors, primary users of the evaluation and stakeholder involvement with regards to the programs are all discussed in this paper.
Tax Incentives Influence On Corporate Earnings: Evidence From Quoted Manufacturing Companies In Nigeria
Authors: Timah Benson P. , Chukwu Gospel J.
Published: February 2021

This study examines the influence of tax incentives on corporate earnings of quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria. The operational dimension of tax incentives adopted are annual allowance, investment allowance, and tax holiday; while the proxy for corporate earnings is earnings per share (EPS), with share capital as a moderating variable. Secondary data for this study are sourced from financial reports of 69 manufacturing firms quoted on the Nigerian Stock Exchange out of a population of 81 in agriculture, conglomerates, consumer goods, healthcare, industrial goods, natural resources, oil and gas operations. Results from data analysis using descriptive statistics and multiple regression, showed that EPS is influenced by the specified operational dimensions, adjusted R2 = 0.62, p < 0.05. Thus, tax incentives influence corporate earnings in quoted manufacturing companies in Nigeria. It is, therefore, recommended that tax incentives should be sustained by the government to enhance corporate revenue and improve investment. Also, investment booster agencies should do more to coordinate activities, disseminate information on available incentives, and assist investors towards optimum capacity utilization to efficiently drive the Nigerian economy to higher heights.
INFLUENCE OF RISK MANAGEMENT PRACTICE ON PERFORMANCE OF MICRO SMALL ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECTS IN NAIROBI CITY COUNTY, KENYA
Authors: NJUE Nicasio
Published: February 2021

This study aimed at assessing the influence of risk management practice on the performance of Micro Small Entrepreneurial Projects in Nairobi County Kenya. Pragmatic paradigm guided the study. Correlational survey and cross-sectional survey designs were used. Target population was 350 consisting of 327 entrepreneurs and 23 project managers. Using Krejcie and Morgan table of sample determination, a sample of 186 was reached. Proportionate stratified random sampling was used to select 174 entrepreneurs and 12 project managers. Structured questionnaires and key informant interview guide were use in data collection. The split-half method was used to test the internal stability of the questionnaire and the resultant 0.730 (scale reliability) was tested using Cronbach's Coefficient Alpha method at the widely-accepted social science cut-off of at least α =0.70. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used in the data analysis. Hypothesis was tested using F-test at 95% confidence interval. At 5% level of significance, the correlation coefficient between risk management practice and performance of Micro Small Entrepreneurial Projects was r=0.014 for p=0.047<0.05, R square=0.00. This implied that there is no significant relationship between risk management practice and performance of Micro Small Entrepreneurial Project and that risk management practice was a poor predictor of the performance of Micro Small Entrepreneurial Projects. Nonetheless, there is need to integrate risk management practice into the other practices of project management so as to safeguard performance of Micro Small Entrepreneurial Projects
(Re)defining the Dichotomies within Moroccan Sufism
Authors: Qasbi Rachid
Published: February 2021

Although marked by diversity, the Moroccan Sufi rituals have been associated with mysterious aspects and reputed for the dichotomy of their different facets. The complexity of this field has intrigued my curiosity to investigate to what extent the type of music deployed can contribute to categorizing Sufi orders. In this context, it is worth exploring how the music is used and for which purposes. Through contrasting samaã to gnawa as major Sufi music genres, this paper sheds light on the duality inherent within the former as an elitist Sufi practice and the latter as its popular counterpart. In support if this, I conduct interviews and focus groups with several Moroccan disciples to further investigate the type of audience they both attract and how the two genres help the disciples to get into the Sufi atmosphere and the desired metaphysical level. By reviewing the literature carried out by Moroccan as well as foreign authors in this field, I also look into how researchers position Sufi activities and whether they approach them with awareness of the dichotomies categorizing the two genres within high and low cultures.
Creativity, divergent thinking, attitudes, values, ideational behaviour and personality in a sample of Italian university student.
Authors: Tomassoni Rosella , Treglia Eugenia , Quaglieri Pantanella Romina , Lungu Monica Alina
Published: February 2021

In order to understand how creativity can be developed, it is necessary a multi-dimensional approach that take into consideration the different factors that influence the creative behavior. Aim of this work is to analyze some psychological and personal variables in association with creative performance. The sample involved is composed of 1069 students attending the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. The research has predicted the online administration of 4 types of self-report questionnaires that are part of the Runco Creativity Assessment Battery (rCAB): Divergent Thinking, DT 3Figures,  Ideational Balance of Behavior, Attitudes and Values, How you would describe yourself. The data collected was inserted into the matrix and statistically analyzed through the SPSS program.
Ethical considerations to carry out social research in rural communities of the municipality of Amealco de Bonfil
Authors: Velázquez Hernández Jorge Arturo , Alonso Chombo Rosalía , Romero Zepeda Jorge Adán
Published: February 2021

The objective of this research is to collect culturally timely information to develop research protocols in the university context for the indigenous population. Theoretically, it starts from the assertion that in social disciplines informed consent is essential to carry out ethical scientific activity; and therefore, institutional mechanisms must be developed to safeguard this informed consent. As a strategy of approaching the community, a training course for entrepreneurship was given, where eight surveys were carried out. In field work, there is an enthusiasm of the population for the development of social scientific activities in indigenous communities; especially if community members are involved in all phases of the investigation. From the above, it is concluded that an institutional mechanism for the academy to act ethically with the indigenous population is that the members of the community participate in all phases of the investigation.
Predominance of English cotton fabrics in Tunisia and Morocco in the context of the Protectorate 1912-1922
Authors: ELLOUMI Ali , Abdelmajid DJEMEL
Published: February 2021

According to French and British sources, the English cotton fabrics, dominated in many years in the French protectorate, in Tunisia and Morocco, mainly between 1912-1922.This situation can be explained by several factors,

Such us the continuity of capitulation régime for many years, after the fall of Tunisia and Morocco under the French dominance.
Effects of Nudge Reflecting Day-of-Week Pattern against Induction to Walk
Authors: Mori Takuya , Harada Fumiko , Shimakawa Hiromitsu
Published: February 2021

This study proposes a tailored intervention method that takes individual contexts into account to increase walking steps in a sustainable way. Continuous exercise is necessary to reduce the risk of lifestyle-related diseases. However, many people are too busy to take constant exercises. Many existing approaches take enforcing ways in their support neglecting individual contexts, which prevents them to motivate individuals to exercise spontaneously. The proposed method figures out the periodicity of walking steps within every week. It regards the variation of the walking comes from inevitable contexts in the individual style of work and life. Reflecting the context, it encourages individuals with messages containing nudges. In a 4-week experiment with 13 university students, messages on days of the week of low walking succeeded in the improvement of the consciousness toward a healthy life. The use of periodicity and nudges turns out to be effective to lead individuals to sustained exercise.
Linguistic Aesthetics in the Market: Evidence from Oral Business Nepali
Authors: Poudel Kamal Kumar , Acharya Kushmila , Sharma Netra Prasad
Published: February 2021

Communication in business is usually supposed to be precisely and directly targeted at the message. The present study was instigated to answer whether, as generally assumed, communication in business excludes the artistic or poetic use of language meant for entertainment. Using observation, recording and field notes as the study techniques, a corpus of 24000 words was collected in Nepali from the major open market sites and business hubs located within Nepal. The corpus was then translated into English. As a delimitation of the study, the aesthetic aspect of language use and usage was particularly focused and analyzed. The exploration suggests that the users of oral business Nepali (OBN) commonly entertain themselves and others side by side as they speak while conducting business transactions. They commonly achieve this end by creating art and imagination, expressing and creating humor, and making associations. A future direction would be to extend the study in terms of its scope and methodology.
Perceptual Learning with Complex Objects: A Comparison between Full-Practice Training and Memory Reactivation
Authors: Chen Chiu-Yueh , Op de Beeck Hans
Published: February 2021

Perception improves with repeated exposure. Evidence has shown object recognition can be improved by training for multiple days in adults. Recently, a study of Amar-Halpert et al. (2017) has compared the learning effect of repetitive and brief, at-threshold training on a discrimination task and reported similar improvement in both groups. The finding is interpreted as evidence that memory reactivation benefits discrimination learning. This raises the question how this process might influence different perceptual tasks, including tasks with more complex visual stimuli. Here, this preregistered study investigates whether reactivation induces improvements in a visual object learning task that includes more complex visual stimuli. Participants were trained to recognize a set of objects during 5 d of training. After the initial training, a group was trained with repeated practice, the other a few near-threshold reactivation trials. In both groups, we found improved object recognition at brief exposure durations. Traditional intense training shows a daily improvement; however, the group with reactivation does not reach the same level of improvement. Our findings show that reactivation has a smaller effect relative to large amounts of practice.