bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GaeltechVR: Measuring the Impact of an Immersive Virtual Environment to Promote Situated Identity in Irish Language Learning
Authors: Collins Naoise , Vaughan Brian , Cullen Charlie , Gardner Keith
Published: December 2019

This study investigates how a design-based research methodology is best suited to measuring the impact of a designed virtual reality experience to improve situated identity in Irish learners focusing on their attitudes, motivation, and confidence as Irish language learners. This paper describes the design of GaeltechVR: an immersive Irish language VR experience designed for the VIVE Pro. It also gives the results of a mixed-methods study to measure the impact in a local adult Irish language learner context. A questionnaire on situated attitudes and motivation to language learning (Ushioda & Dörnyei, 2009) was adapted for the Irish context to investigate a small scale sample of the local context’s attitudes to Irish language learning. The participant’s gameplay was recorded for analysis along with questionnaires on presence (Witmer & Singer, 1998), simulator sickness and an adapted questionnaire on their attitudes after the intervention.Using best practice in design-based research experiments (Nelson, Ketelhut, Clarke, Bowman, & Dede, 2013) the study had two main goals: To investigate the usability of the design of GaeltechVR and to measure the impact of the intervention on attitudes, identity and motivation in the local Irish language learning context.
Extending the self: Player-avatar relations and presence among U.S. and Chinese gamers
Authors: Luo Zhenyang , Westerman David , Banks Jaime
Published: December 2019

This study investigated how player-avatar interaction (PAX) and player-avatar relationship (PAR) are associated with spatial presence, social presence, and self-presence in video games, and additionally how the associations differ between Chinese and American players. American and Chinese players were recruited to answer a survey king about these variables. The survey was translated from English to Chinese for the different samples. Regression models and ANOVA analysis were used to analyze data, and the results revealed several significant associations between dimensions of PAX and the three types of presence. Additionally, results indicated that player-avatar relationships characterized by identity play and extension are generally associated with higher level of presence than the other two relationship types. Cultural differences were also found, with American and Chinese players differing in how PAR associated with social presence. Thus, the present study adds more understanding to presence in video game, avatar-moderated gameplay, and cross-cultural differences in video gaming, and suggests avenues for future research.
Editorial Assembled 2019
Authors: Cox Angie Marie , Nunes Felipe Becker , Feng Miao , Coley Jason
Published: December 2019

The Journal of Virtual World Research Assembled 2019 issue, presents six striking studies that spread over a plethora of subjects, all aimed to expand the Virtual World knowledge bank for the benefit of practitioners and academics alike. These studies broaden the understanding of a Virtual World user’s experience associated with presence and immersion, governance within the worlds, learning success mechanisms, as well as users’ interactions and relationships. Each of these topics provides traction in obtaining the highest advances in the application of Virtual Worlds within society.
Nontraumatic Myelopathy in Malawi: A Prospective Study in an Area with High HIV Prevalence
Authors: Zijlstra Eduard E. , van Hellemond Jaap J. , Moes Arthur D. , de Boer Christa , Boeschoten Shelley A. , van Blijswijk Catharina E. M. , van der Vuurst de Vries Roos M. , Bailey Peter A. B. , Kampondeni Sam , van Lieshout Lisette , Smits Saskia L. , Katchanov Juri , Mkandawire Nyengo M. , Rothe Camilla
Published: December 2019

Nontraumatic myelopathy causes severe morbidity and is not uncommon in Africa. Clinically, patients often present with paraplegia, and extrinsic cord compression and transverse myelitis are most common causes. Data on exact pathogenesis are scanty because of limitations in diagnostic methods. In Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital, Blantyre, Malawi, we recorded consecutive patients presenting with nontraumatic paraplegia for maximally 6 months between January and July 2010 and from March to December 2011. The diagnostic workup included imaging and examining blood, stool, urine, sputum, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples for infection. After discharge, additional diagnostic tests, including screening for virus infections, borreliosis, syphilis, and schistosomiasis, were carried out in the Netherlands. The clinical diagnosis was, thus, revised in retrospect with a more accurate final differential diagnosis. Of 58 patients included, the mean age was 41 years (range, 12–83 years) and the median time between onset and presentation was 18 days (range, 0–121 days), and of 55 patients tested, 23 (42%) were HIV positive. Spinal tuberculosis (n = 24, 41%), tumors (n = 16, 28%), and transverse myelitis (n = 6, 10%) were most common; in six cases (10%), no diagnosis could be made. The additional tests yielded evidence for CSF infection with Schistosoma, Treponema pallidum, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), HHV-6, HIV, as well as a novel cyclovirus. The diagnosis of the cause of paraplegia is complex and requires access to an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and other diagnostic (molecular) tools to demonstrate infection. The major challenge is to confirm the role of detected pathogens in the pathophysiology and to design an effective and affordable diagnostic approach.
Conducting Business with God: Is God Blessing Islamic Banks with Better Financial Performance than Conventional Banks?
Authors: Alali Musaed S.
Published: December 2019

This study aims to compare the financial performance between Islamic and conventional banks listed at Kuwait stock exchange over the period 2011-2018 using the modified DuPont model of financial analysis which is based on the analysis of return on equity (ROE). Unlike previous studies where researchers compared the performance on a bank-to-bank basis, this study examines the aggregate ratios of Islamic banks and compare it to aggregate ratios of conventional banks. The study also adds volatility into the model since consistency in returns indicated a more stable sector.  Results obtained from this study showed that conventional banks in Kuwait had a better mean performance during the study period in terms of both return on assets (ROA) and return in equity (ROE), Islamic banks also showed a higher deviation in these two ratios resulting in a lower Sharpe ratio. While the results showed no statistically significant mean difference between Islamic and conventional banks in terms of return on assets (ROA), the results also showed a statistically significant difference in mean return on equity (ROE) between the two sub-sectors.  On the other hand, Islamic banks showed an impressive improvement in their ratios during the last three years of the study period which impose a real threat to conventional banks in the future.
Faith healers are taking over the role of psychiatrists in Iraq
Authors: Younis Maha S. , Lafta Riyadh K. , Dhiaa Saba
Published: December 2019

Background: Due to lack of education and awareness, faith healing has become a popular way of treating psychiatric patients. Objective: To ascertain the role of faith healers in the treatment of psychiatric illnesses by exploring the percentage of patients attending those healers. Methods: A semi-structured questionnaire was applied through a direct face-to-face interview with the patients and their companions; it inquired whether the patient has ever visited faith healers, the method of treatment the patients were subjected to, and their opinion about the benefit they got regarding improvement in their condition. Results: Among the total 482 cases; 279 (57%) reported going to faith healers (FHs) at any time before, during, or after a psychiatric consultation. Of those, 84.6% reported visiting FHs less than 10 times, while 15.4% went 10 times or more; 36.9% still believe that the treatment of FHs is accepted or even good (21.5%), while 30.9% realized that it is useless, and 10.7% think it is bad. No association was found between going to FHs and patient age or gender, while there was a significant association with marital status (p < 0.02) and with education (p < 0.001). Patients with schizophrenia/psychosis or bipolar disorders visited FHs significantly more often than those with other diagnoses. Conclusion: Faith healing is prevalent in Iraq and FHs may overwhelm the role of psychiatrists in treating mental illnesses. Sincere efforts are needed to help build public awareness and to improve accessibility and utilization of mental health services for this vulnerable group.
The Use of Innovative Pedagogical Technologies for Automation of the Specialists’ Professional Training
Authors: Diachenko Alla V. , Morgunov Boris P. , Melnyk Tetiana P. , Kravchenko Olena I. , Zubchenko Ludmila V.
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study was to find out how students and teachers perceive the automation of the specialists’ professional training process and the impact factors of perceiving the learning activity of such kind by students and faculty. The experimental model of automated learning was based on an express course in the academic subjects "Roman Private Law" and "Latin (Latin Law Phraseology)". The following methods were used to analyze the quantitative data: Chi-Square statistical method and triangulation. STATA Software was used to process the data. An online Text Analyzer utility was used to process the answers of the focus group respondents to determine the research categories. Automation of the professional training process has a positive impact on education and greatly enhances the opportunities for both teachers and students making it possible to effectively solve the key task of higher education – to teach the student an autonomous learning, as it forms the skills of managing their own time, self-organization, self-motivation, and reflection. Automation of the professional training process through the use of innovative pedagogical technologies brings about a number of new opportunities and advantages, such as: prominence (detailed elaboration of professional processes with different levels), interactivity (ability to control and influence the process), focusing (allows to remove distracting factors, to concentrate on the material). In the proposed automated model, Chatbot can be programmed so that the course participant will not feel the difference between the language of the real person and the machine. Queries that cannot be processed by Chatbot are answered by the course administrator/moderator via email. This model can be adapted and upgraded to teach other professionally oriented theoretical and applied courses. In addition, Chatbot can be used by higher education institutions in managing a university admissions process to provide applicants with information about admission requirements, programmes, specialties, etc.
Investment Experience, Bilateral Investment Treaty and China’s ODI: A New Angle to Explain Risk Preference
Authors: Xu Peiyuan , Wang Yongzhong
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates the role of investment experience in Chinese outward direct investment based on deal-level data from FDI Intelligence and Dealogic data. We use gravity model to test the Chinese firm’s risk attitude and how this attitude is adjusted by firm’s previous investment experience and Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT). The results show that, first, investment experience has a stimulating effect on s (next) investment scale. This stimulating effect is positively correlated with the concreteness of the investment experience; Second, China’s ODI still has an appetite. Firms tend to investing in countries of high corruption risk, government efficiency risk, political stability risk, regulation quality risk and rule of law risk, but not voice and accountability risk; Third, previous investment experience has a moderating effect on risk preference. That is to say, firms with richer experience tend to be more risk averse; Finally, the existence of investing partner does have a positive moderating effect on firms’ risk preference making firms more risk averse, while the BIT has a stronger but negative moderating effect on risk preference, making firms more aggressive, especially for resource industry. It is inferred that BIT provides a solid safety net for Chinese resource companies since they’re mostly state-owned and have keen relationship with Chinese government.
Implementation of Dialogical Sequence Analysis as a Case Formulation for the Assessment of Patients at a Community Mental Health Centre : Randomized Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Savander Enikő Éva , Pänkäläinen Mikko , Leiman Mikael , Hintikka Jukka
Published: December 2019

Background: We implemented a case formulation method, which is based on dialogical sequence analysis (DSA) in a community mental health center. The aim was to achieve better congruence and collaboration between the patient and professionals concerning the tasks and goals of the assessments. Here we report a randomized clinical study in which we compare DSA-based and standard psychiatric assessments. Methods: In this randomised clinical study, we compared DSA-based and standard psychiatric assessments. There were 40 outpatients in both, the DSA and the assessment as usual (AAU) groups. We recorded the lengths of individual assessment periods, the number and durations of visits, and the numbers of clinicians who were involved in the various phases of assessment. The Working Alliance Inventory was completed by the patients (WAI-P) and the clinicians (WAI-T) during the treatment planning (i.e. final) visit. Results: In our results, the total WAI-P and WAI-T scores and all WAI subscale scores correlated significantly in the DSA group (Spearman’s rho = 0.562–.667, p < 0.01). In the AAU group, the only significant – albeit weaker – correlation was found in the WAI Bond subscale (rho = 0.369, p < 0.05). Compared to the AAU group, assessment periods were shorter and the number of visits were fewer in the DSA group. Conclusion: Our findings are clinically notable. They show that the patient-centred, DSA-based case formulation complements psychiatric assessment in a collaborative way and results in a better joint understanding regarding the patient’s problems and needs in a shorter time period than the standard assessment.
The Mental Health Continuum-Short Form in Organisational Contexts : Factorial Validity, Invariance, and Internal Consistency
Authors: van Zyl Llewellyn Ellardus , Olckers Chantal
Published: December 2019

The study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the MHC-SF within selected organisational contexts. Specifically, the aim was to determine the factorial validity, measurement invariance, and reliability of the instrument for South African organisations. A cross-sectional online survey-based research design was employed, coupled with a convenience sampling strategy (N = 624). The results showed that the original three-dimensional factor structure of the MHC-SF fitted the data the best. Items loaded statistically significantly on all three subscales (emotional, psychological, social wellbeing). Further, the scale showed full configure, convergent and metric invariance between males and females. However, invariance was not established in either age cohorts, language groups, or marital status. The instrument proved to be reliable at both a lower (Cronbach Alpha) and upper level (Composite reliability) limit within South African organisational contexts.
Análise quantitativa trianual da riqueza íctia em função da lua e períodos do dia: estudo de caso na zona de arrebentação, Itamaracá, Pernambuco
Authors: Santana Fabio Magno da Silva , Cunha Simone Rabelo da , Severi William , Araújo Maria Elisabeth de
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência do período (diurno e noturno) e da lua (nova e crescente) na riqueza de espécies de peixes da zona de arrebentação da Praia de Jaguaribe (Ilha de Itamaracá, PE); avaliar a variação interanual da riqueza dessas espécies e avaliar o desenho amostral utilizado para representar a riqueza das espécies de peixes em zonas de arrebentação. Para isto os peixes foram coletados mensalmente, ao longo de 36 meses, em quatro combinações de período do dia e fases da lua, sendo: diurno-nova, diurno-crescente, noturno-nova; noturno-crescente. Para as comparações entre estas situações e também entre os agrupamentos de dados para período diurno, período noturno, lua nova, lua crescente, ano 1, ano 2 e ano 3, foram calculadas as seguintes variáveis: riqueza total de espécies, número de espécies compartilhadas, número de espécies exclusivas, número de espécies raras e comuns em termos de abundância e freqüência de ocorrência. Foram também comparadas as curvas de riqueza acumulada para as diferentes combinações de dados. Pudemos observar que houve forte efeito do período do dia, da fase da lua e do ano sobre as assembléias, embora estes efeitos sejam mais claros sobre a composição de espécies do que sobre o número de espécies. Cada situação avaliada apresentou elevado número de espécies raras. Os valores de riqueza de espécies e de abundância de indivíduos foram maiores no período diurno do que no noturno, na lua nova do que na lua crescente, e no ano 1 do que nos demais anos. As assembléias de peixes da zona de arrebentação do Jaguaribe podem ser representadas adequadamente com 12 meses de coleta, desde que em cada mês sejam coletados os dois períodos do dia e as duas fases da lua.
Estudo etnobotânico do conhecimento e uso das plantas medicinais no município de Buriticupu, Maranhão, Brasil
Authors: Alencar Elisama de Melo , Cajaiba Reinaldo Lucas , Martins Jesuino da Silva Costa , Cordeiro Rogério Soares , Sousa Elson Silva de , Sousa Vilson de Almeida
Published: December 2019

O uso das plantas para fins terapêuticos é uma prática tradicional muito difundida em diversas populações, com especificidades de cada região. Tal prática está presente desde os primórdios das civilizações, sendo o seu conhecimento repassado durante as gerações. Esta pesquisa teve como objetivo fazer um levantamento sobre plantas medicinais utilizadas pelos moradores da área urbana do município de Buriticupu-MA. Foram entrevistados 110 pessoas por meio de questionários semi-estruturados. Foram levantadas 82 espécies medicinais distribuídas em 43 famílias botânicas. As famílias Lamiaceae e Fabaceae foram as mais citadas e as espécies Hortelã (M. crispa), Capim-Santo (C. citratus), Erva-Cidreira, (H. atrorubens), Malva-do-Reino (M. sylvestris) e Folha Santa (K. pinnata) apresentaram maior número de citações, sendo que M. arvensis (vique) foi a única que obteve FRIPS com 100%.  As folhas (63%) foram a parte botânica mais usada nos preparos caseiros realizados predominantemente por decocção. Dentre as principais afecções tratadas por meio das plantas medicinais, as mais prevalentes foram infecciosas e parasitárias (30%), as doenças do sistema digestivo (15%) e sistema reprodutor feminino (15%). Os resultados das correlações entre o número de filhos e a idade estão positivamente ligados ao número de plantas citadas pelos informantes, enquanto que o número de plantas citadas é influenciado negativamente pela idade (p < 0,05). Este estudo confirma que os moradores da região urbana do município utilizam com frequência plantas medicinais como forma de tratamento para suas doenças mais comuns.
Arranjos cooperativos institucionais: analise das legislações ambientais aos países pertencentes a bacia do Alto Paraguai
Authors: Costa Marcos Roberto , Frainer Daniel Massen , Moreira Mari Gislaine , Rodrigues Wesley Osvaldo Pradella
Published: December 2019

Este artigo propôs analisar o nível de interação e a amplitude da atuação das equidades e heterogeneidades, sobre a ótica das relações cooperativas institucionais e seus arranjos aos Promotores Públicos Ambientais, pertencentes ao grupo Chaco-Pantanal e membros da Rede Latina-Americana de Promotores Públicos Ambientais, no que diz respeito aos possíveis arranjos institucionais adotados pelo referido grupo. Para isso, este estudo baseou-se em pesquisas qualitativas que versam sobre as características de criação e formação de iniciativas dos referidos promotores. Verificou-se, através dos dados coletados por meio de uma pesquisa descritiva e bibliográfica, em consonância com o objetivo proposto neste artigo, que o funcionamento da rede está se perfazendo de maneira cooperativa, descentralizada e sazonal do tipo assimétrico ao Grupo Chaco-Pantanal. Contudo, no que se refere à formação dos grupos de discussão, que compõem a Rede Latino-Americana do Ministério Público Ambiental, esta caracteriza-se como homogênea e simétrica, bem como seu tipo se define como coalização.
Telling the Untellable: Negotiating Maternal Bereavement in Sophie Daull's Camille, mon envolée (2015)
Authors: Rodgers Julie
Published: December 2019

Sophie Daull's Camille, mon envolée (2015) is an autobiographical depiction of the sudden and traumatic loss of an only daughter (Camille) due to an undetected fatal bacterial infection. It is recounted uniquely from the maternal point of view and directly addresses the
daughter throughout. It concerns an incredibly recent bereavement as the writing of the text, the author tells us, commences just one week after the daughter's death. Camille, mon envolée is a markedly intimate and brutally honest account of a mother who is an active witness
to and, one could argue, participant in her daughter's agonizing death scene. The text captures the sense of powerlessness that is experienced by the mother, the incomprehensibility of the loss, the self-blame, and, finally, the coming to terms with it and the learning to live on, not without
guilt, however. It also offers insight into maternal motivation for writing such a text, ranging from a quest for understanding and an outlet for grief, to a desire to preserve the daughter's memory. Furthermore, through close examination of the physical, psychological and social impact of
the death of a child on mother figure subjectivity, Camille mon envolée successfully traces out for the reader the very specific characteristics of maternal bereavement and its overwhelmingly embodied nature. Finally, the text represents an engagement on the part of the grieving
mother with what has been termed 'scriptotherapy' in a bid to negotiate this trauma and find a means, not only of remembering the daughter, but also of surviving the tragedy. In this respect, Camille, mon envolée is a text of resistance, where the unthinkable is confronted and
the untellable bravely told.
Subsidy/Donation and Performance of Microfinance Institutions
Authors: Emeka Emengini Steve, , Ogoegbunam Onyeanu, Edith, , Anastasia Anisiuba Chika, , Ijeoma P. Ojiakor, , Ugochukwu S. Ugwuegbe,
Published: December 2019

Subsidies and Donations are veritable tools that are supposed to engender effective performance in Microfinance institutions. On the face value, subsidies seem to be very positive but they can be counterproductive when related to their effects on performance, efficiency and self-sustainability of the Microfinance institutions. This paper therefore focuses on the assessment and review of issues relating to Subsidy/Donation and their effect on Performance of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Nigeria. The methodology adopted is descriptive in nature and secondary source of data were made use of. Our review revealed mix results on the empirical findings of effect of subsidies/donations on performance of Microfinance institutions. This review shows that Subsidies can disincentive workers and managers, thereby creating moral hazard problems (Corruption and Financial impropriety). However, when applied to effect low borrowing costs and Tax incentives/concessions, it affects performance positively. The review also shows that subsidies ought to be used only in the startup phases of the life cycle and to be withdrawn when the Microfinance institution improves. Overall, to achieve the double bottom lines of social and financial sustainability obligations, funding structure in Microfinance should de-emphasise subsidy dependence and encourage market based principles and commercialisation. For effective corporate governance, big Microfinance institutions at the status of Banks and big NGOs should be mandated to disclose their accounts to the public and not just mere annual returns to the Central bank of Nigeria (This may involve quoting them in Nigeria Stock Exchange).
Prospects and Challenges of Procurement Performance Measurement in Selected Technical Universities in Ghana
Authors: Anane Augustine , Kwarteng Gifty
Published: December 2019

This study was conducted to assess the prospects and challenges of procurement performance measurement in selected technical universities in Ghana. The study employed exploratory and descriptive research designs and non-probability sampling techniques to select 120 participants. Primary data were gathered using a structured questionnaire. The study found all technical universities periodically assess procurement contribution to the university’s performance as a metric of measuring procurement performance. Majority of the employees consider the performance measuring metric is important. Also, quality of purchase is considered in procurement performance measuring metrics as important. The technical university uses response time to user demand, supplier lead times, compliance to university’s procurement guidelines, and contributions of procurement to corporate competitiveness, supplier relations and customer satisfaction as a metric of measuring procurement performance. Concerning the prospects of measuring procurement performance, the study found that 93% of procurement officers agreed that procurement prospects enhance procurement efficiency. The majority 89% indicated that procurement prospects promote better procurement control processes. Regarding the challenges, study found that lack of relevant performance indicators, difficulties in measuring supplier lead times as this was affected by various factors, inability to account for the contribution of other functions in the procurement process e.g. users and finance, lack of transparency in the procurement process was a challenge faced when measuring procurement performance. The study concludes that there are adequate measures in place to assess procurement performance in technical universities in Ghana. The study recommends that management should ensure total compliance with the public procurement act to enhance procurement efficiency.
An Efficacious Supplementary Fertilizer Formulation from Agricultural Farm Biomass
Authors: Peter Echessa A. C. , Hudson Nyambaka , Evans Changamu
Published: December 2019

Though composting is a practical method of recycling plant macronutrients in organic matter, it is impractical with biomass like sisal leaf wastes, horns, hooves and feathers that take long to decompose. This biomass is therefore ignored; causing waste disposal hitches and yet are rich in plant macronutrients (nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and calcium). This study set out to use them to formulate a supplementary fertilizer (SF). Samples of maize cobs and stalks, sugarcane bagasse, cattle hooves/horns and sisal leaf biomass were, taken through wet digestion before laboratory analysis for levels of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and calcium using standard procedures. Different formulations were obtained by mixing solvent digested hooves/horns (HD) with lye pre-treated sisal leaf biomass (CASD) giving ratios HD:CASD 0:1 (SF0), 1:1 (SF1), 2:1 (SF2), 3:1 (SF3), 1:2 (SF4) and 1:0 (SF5) that had varying pH values. Formulation SF1 (ratio 1:1 and pH 8.0) was used during fieldwork to evaluate the formulation's efficacy on the rate of growth, pest control and crop (maize) yield. Four sets of maize plots under varying fertilizer treatments or schedules (SF1/SF1, SF1/CAN, NIL/CAN and DAP/CAN) were replicated three times within the study area (Lugari Kakamega county, Kenya). There was no significant difference (p = 0.273) noted in the yields between the use of the formulation, SF1 and the commercial fertilizers DAP/CAN schedule. The stalk borer attack on the stems, fruits and tassels of the maize in plots that had nil fertilizer schedule (control) was in the range 60-75% compared to 10-15% and 4-7% in those where the supplementary fertilizer (SF1) and  DAP/CAN were respectively applied. The findings of this study showed that the agricultural biomass can be blend into an effective and efficient supplementary fertilizer with sufficient levels of plant macronutrients (N, P, K and Ca). The approaches used in material pretreatment shorten the period of decomposition compared to the traditional composting methods.
The KAPP Study of Malaria and its Prevalence amongst Boarding School Students in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State, Nigeria
Authors: Amagu N. , Obisike V. U. , Amuta E. U.
Published: December 2019

Malaria is a life-threatening parasitic disease caused by a protozoan of the genus Plasmodium and is one of the most important parasitic diseases of man globally especially in sub-Saharan Africa. This research was done to assess malaria infection and its relationship with the knowledge, attitude, perception and prevention among students of boarding schools in Gboko Local Government Area. Five boarding schools within Gboko Local Government were selected for the study. A total of 370 students were sampled to represent the population. Malaria in the schools selected for this study was determined through malaria test via the examination of stained thick blood smears under the microscope. Structured questionnaires were administered to the participants to get information pertaining to their demography, knowledge, attitude, perception and preventive methods towards malaria. Thick blood films were stained using Romanowsky Field Stains. Chi-square was used for comparing infections and to determine the significant relationships at 95% level of significance. The results showed an overall prevalence of 20.8%. The prevalence of malaria was higher among female students (22.3%) than in male students (19.5%). Malaria was found most (10.8%) among students who use insecticide treated nets (ITNs). This study revealed that the knowledge and ownership of insecticide treated net (ITN) was high (86.2%) among the students. However, only 60.0% of the ITN owners actually use it. Thirteen percent of the students have phobia for the use of ITN while many students do not use the ITN for diverse perceived reasons. The treatment seeking behavior of the students showed that majority of the students (84.9%) access the school clinic when they have fever. This study has revealed that there are misconceptions on the knowledge of malaria among students and these are some of the factors leading to the risk and exposure of students to the bites of mosquitoes. The perceived beliefs on malaria in this study have no scientific basis and can easily be overcome through proper health education. Providing a mosquito free environment and promoting ITN usage as well as use of mosquito repellent cream among boarding school students may help achieve the desired protection against mosquito bites and subsequently prevent malaria.
Evaluation of Lifestyle and Some Biochemical Parameters Involved in Bone Health in Pre and Postmenopausal Cameroonian Women
Authors: Nkeunen Gerard , Judith Tsafack Takadong Julie , Gustave Simo , Tambe Betrand Ayuk , Roger Ayangma Celestin , Bonglavnyuy Tume Christopher
Published: December 2019

Aims: A healthy skeletal system with strong bones is essential to overall health. This study aimed to assess lifestyle and bone’s biomarkers of women.

Study Design: This was a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: The enrollment took place at the Yaounde Military Hospital from November 2016 to July 2017.

Methodology: A set of 105 postmenopausal and 127 premenopausal participants were enrolled from November 2016 to July 2017 in Yaounde. Their physical activities level was evaluated using a questionnaire. Sunlight exposure between 10:00AM and 4:00PM was assessed. Colorimetric methods were used to evaluate calcium, albumin, and alkaline phosphatase activity in plasma. These parameters were then compared within year since menopause (YSM) and osteoporosis risk assessment instrument (ORAI) sub-groups.

Results: 13.4% participants were moderately active. Only 22.8% participants had at least 30 minutes sun exposure daily. A multivariable analysis of demographic, lifestyle, biochemical characteristic revealed age, BMI, albumin and calcium were the main factors that influenced bone health among our participants. A significant difference of calcium concentration was found between the two groups whereas albumin was significantly higher in premenopausal than postmenopausal. Albumin was the only variable with a significant difference in the YSM sub-groups while only calcium was non-significantly higher among the ORAI sub-groups.

Conclusion: Elevated plasma level of calcium, albumin and alkaline phosphatase could be indicators of high bone turnover.
On the Interplay of Geometrical Shapes and the Analysis of a Dispersal Model for Pattern Formations
Authors: Hossine Zakir , Kamrujjaman Md.
Published: December 2019

A reaction-diffusion model is put forward which is capable of generating chemical maps whose concentration contours are similar to the patterns seen on the flanks of zebras, leopards and other mammals. Initially, this type of reaction diffusion kinetics model was introduced by Turing and later Murray applied it to animal coat patterns. Among many chemical reaction mechanism, we consider Schnackenberg reaction mechanism in details and show that the geometry and scale of the domain, the relevant part of the integument, during the time of laying down plays a crucial role in the structural patterns which result. Patterns which exhibit a limited randomness are obtained for a selection of geometries. Finally the system was solved numerically using finite difference method.
Association of the +936 C/T Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of the VEGF-A Gene with Renal Cell Cancer in an Eastern Indian Population
Authors: Dasgupta Anindya , Dasgupta Subhrajyoti , Samanta Debabrata , Ashu Angshuman , Karmakar Dilip
Published: December 2019

Aims: Renal cell cancer is one of the major killer cancers affecting mankind. Various polymorphisms in different genes have been found to be associated with the disease. +936 C/T SNP in the VEGF gene has been reported to be associated with spread of metastasis in several parts of the world. In the present study, we decided to study its association with renal cell cancer in the Eastern Indian population.

Study Design: A hospital based cross sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: A tertiary care medical college & hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal having study duration of one year from January 2018 to January 2019.

Methodology: DNA was extracted from whole blood using phenol chloroform extraction method from 30 case and 40 control subjects. A section of the VEGF-A gene consisting of the base pair where the SNP occurs and small regions adjacent to it was then amplified from the genomic DNA by PCR. The PCR product was treated with restriction enzyme HinDIII and the restriction digestion pattern was analysed.

Results: In our results, the prevalence of the wild C and the mutant T alleles in the study group were found to be 60% and 40% respectively. The prevalence of the homozygous non-mutant (CC), heterozygous (CT) and the homozygous mutant (TT) genotypes were found to be 45%, 30% and 25% respectively.

Conclusion: It is likely that there is a significant association between the +936 C/T SNP and renal cell cancer in the Eastern Indian population. Also, majority of the renal cell cancer patients from this region are prone to worse cancer prognosis and therefore may need a more active medical management including anti VEGF therapy. Further studies are required to confirm the association and to determine its nature.
Descriptive and Econometric Analysis of Wheat Production in Afghanistan (A Case Study in Paktia Province)
Authors: Ahmadzai M. Karim , Eliw Moataz , Zhou Deyi
Published: December 2019

The agricultural sector in Afghanistan faces many challenges in general that have directly affected the production of crops. Especially wheat crop because of its great importance to the population sector as it is the first source of food in Afghanistan. Problem of this study due to wheat production in Afghanistan is insufficient for domestic consumption. Therefore, the Afghan government is relying on foreign markets to cover the gap between production and consumption. The study aims to assess the current situation of wheat production and consumption in Afghanistan, as well as to understand the farmers' perceptions and attitudes towards the problems facing them. The agricultural sector in Afghanistan faces many challenges in general that have directly affected the production of crops. Especially wheat crop because of its great importance to the population sector as it is the first source of food in Afghanistan. The current study applied simple regression analysis in estimating the general trends to determine the productive and economic indicators of Wheat crop. Also, we use Analysis of variance (One Way ANOVA) to understand the farmers' perceptions and attitudes towards the problems facing them. The results showed that wheat productivity averaged 1.77 tons per ha and ranged between a minimum of 1.23 tons per ha in 2008 and a maximum of 2.20 tons per ha in 2015. On the other hand, the estimated regression equation indicates that productivity of wheat crop followed an increase trend, at an annual rate of 0.047 ton per ha and a statistically significant rate of change amounting to 2.66% of the study period’s average productivity.
Does Monetary Policy Affect Stock Market Return? Recent Evidence from the Nigerian Stock Exchange (1986-2018)
Authors: Umezurike Chinedu Maurice , Echekoba Felix Nwaolisa , Ananwude Amalachukwu Chijindu
Published: December 2019

The nexus between monetary policy and stock market return has remained a topic of debate in the literature. We determined whether stock market return in Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) is affected by monetary policy or not. To this end, we employed the Autoregressive Distribute Lag (ARDL) model using data from 1986 to 2018 bearing in mind that our conclusion in this subject matter may be used to make assertion by other researchers who have interest in this area of study in finance. We are convinced beyond reasonable doubt based on the data we employed that the stock market return in Nigeria is not significantly affected by adjustments in monetary policy instruments of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): The apex regulator of the financial system in Nigeria. This paper wholeheartedly reflects the opinion that the Central Bank of Nigeria should consider reducing the current double digit monetary policy rate to a single digit say 9% at most to attract investments in the stock market. This would reduce the prime lending rate because, high interest rate reduces cash flows of firms quoted in the exchange, and thus contraction in values of securities traded on the market.
Baropodometric evaluation of foot load distribution during gait in the group of professionally active nurses
Authors: Kołcz Anna , Główka Natalia , Kowal Mateusz , Paprocka-Borowicz Małgorzata
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Nurses are extremely exposed to musculoskeletal overloads. Prolonged standing postural balance distributions, functional deficits and pain may affect the symmetry of the load on the feet. The study aimed to assess the distribution of foot load during gait among nurses.

Methods

The sample of this prospective and observational study consisted of 37 female nurses with mean age of 39 years. The Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ) was used to evaluate musculoskeletal disturbances and baropodometric gait analysis (BGA) was performed to register distribution of foot load during gait.

Results

We showed that 68% of nurses declare that they know the principles of workplace ergonomics, but only 14% comply with them. NMQ results indicate that as many as 73% of the respondents feel ailments in the “lower back” area. An asymmetry was observed in the load of IV-V of the metatarsal head between the left and right foot (P = .000) and in the load of the left and right lateral part of the heel (P = .028) in the BGA test. Correlations between ailments occurring in the neck area and loading of the lateral arch of the right foot (P = .032) were found. Moreover, the load in this area correlated positively with the occurrence of “lower back” pain (P = .045).

Conclusions

Nurses have asymmetric distribution of foot load during gait, which results in a discrepancy between the loads on the three main support points of the foot and which may affect nurses’ work productivity.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Decarboxylative Synthesis of 5H‐Benzo[4,5][1,3]oxazino[2,3‐a]isoindole‐5,11(6aH)‐Diones using 2‐Phenyl‐4H‐Benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐Ones and α‐Oxo Carboxylic Acids
Authors: Lalji Ram Sunil Kumar , Kumar Prashant , Gupta Mohit , Parmar Virinder S. , Singh Brajendra K.
Published: December 2019

A Pd‐catalyzed novel and efficient protocol has been developed for the direct functionalization of 2‐phenyl‐4H‐benzo[d][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones with α‐oxo carboxylic acids resulting in 5H‐benzo[4,5][1,3]oxazino[2,3‐a]isoindole‐5,11(6aH)‐diones using (NH4)2S2O8 as effective oxidant and AgNO3 as co‐oxidant. All the explored substrates were found to be compatible for this transformation and delivered the corresponding desired products in moderate to excellent yields.

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Switchable Synthesis of α,α‐Dihalomethyl and α,α,α‐Trihalomethyl Ketones by Metal‐Free Decomposition of Enaminone C=C Double Bond
Authors: Liu Yunyun , Xiong Jin , Wei Li , Wan Jie‐Ping
Published: December 2019

The novel free radical‐based cleavage of the enaminone C=C double bond is realized by using N‐halosuccinimides (NXS) in the presence of benzoyl peroxide (BPO) with mild heating, enabling the tunable synthesis of α,α‐dihalomethyl ketones and α,α,α‐trihalomethyl ketones under different reaction conditions. The formation of these divergent products involving featured C=C double bond cleavage requires no any metal reagent, and represents one more practical example on the synthesis of poly halogenated methyl ketones via the functionalization of carbon−carbon bond.

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Mechanochemical Asymmetric Cross‐Dehydrogenative Coupling Reaction: Liquid‐Assisted Grinding Enables Reaction Acceleration and Enantioselectivity Control
Authors: Yu Jingbo , Ying Ping , Wang Hao , Xiang Keyu , Su Weike
Published: December 2019

We report here a mechanochemical protocol for asymmetric cross‐dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) reaction of unreactive 3‐arylmethyl indoles with 1,3‐dicarbonyl by liquid‐assisted grinding. Small drops of liquid additive n‐butyl acetate (n‐BuOAc) are key to achieve high yield and enantioselectivity in this transformation. The catalyst can be lowered to 5 mol% and reused for three times. Pharmaceutical useful chiral dihydrocoumarins are further achieved through one‐pot tandem asymmetric CDC and cyclization with excellent enantioselectivities. Experimental and computational studies on the reaction mechanism suggest that n‐BuOAc is participated to the catalytic cycle, forming a chiral metal species during the reaction process and thereby revealed the origin of stereoselectivity.

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NGS targeted screening of 100 Scandinavian patients with coronal synostosis
Authors: Topa Alexandra , Rohlin Anna , Andersson Mattias K. , Fehr André , Lovmar Lovisa , Stenman Göran , Kölby Lars
Published: December 2019

Craniosynostosis (CS), the premature closure of one or more cranial sutures, occurs both as part of a syndrome or in isolation (nonsyndromic form). Here, we have studied the prevalence and spectrum of genetic alterations associated with coronal suture closure in 100 Scandinavian patients treated at a single craniofacial unit. All patients were phenotypically assessed and analyzed with a custom‐designed 63 gene NGS‐panel. Most cases (78%) were syndromic forms of CS. Pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants explaining the phenotype were found in 80% of the families with syndromic CS and in 14% of those with nonsyndromic CS. Sixty‐five percent of the families had mutations in the CS core genes FGFR2, TWIST1, FGFR3, TCF12, EFNB1, FGFR1, and POR. Five novel pathogenic/likely pathogenic variants in TWIST1, TCF12, and EFNB1 were identified. We also found novel variants in SPECC1L, IGF1R, and CYP26B1 with a possible modulator phenotypic effect. Our findings demonstrate that NGS targeted sequencing is a powerful tool to detect pathogenic mutations in patients with coronal CS and further emphasize the importance of thorough assessment of the patient's phenotype for reliable interpretation of the molecular findings. This is particularly important in patients with complex phenotypes and rare forms of CS.
Automation in social security: Implications for merits review?
Authors: Carney Terry
Published: December 2019

This paper reviews illustrative aspects of the introduction of artificial intelligence into Australian social security's (Centrelink) original decision making and merits review. The review highlights the complexity and nuanced character of evaluating greater reliance on artifical intellignce over human decision‐making systems. It argues that technological change is inevitable, and is not necessarily either an unadulterated boon or bane, but calls for careful planning and a comparative assessment of the benefits and limitations of artificial intelligence versus human systems. In social security, it is concluded that particular attention should be given to avoiding discrimination against citizens who are technology poor or otherwise vulnerable.
Point‐of‐care ultrasound for deep venous thrombosis of the lower limb
Authors: Canty David , Mufti Kavi , Bridgford Lindsay , Denault André
Published: December 2019

The incidence and morbidity of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolus are high. Although efforts to increase screening for DVT have been recommended, this is limited by resources. Venous duplex ultrasound has replaced venography as the first‐line investigation of choice for DVT, increasing availability and reducing patient exposure to radiation and intravenous contrast. Furthermore, an abbreviated ultrasound where DVT is inferred from incomplete venous compressibility has an equivalent accuracy to venous duplex, requiring less time and training enabling its widespread use by emergency, critical care and anaesthesia clinicians. In this review, the evolution and method of lower limb venous compression ultrasound is described along with evidence for its use in patients at high risk for DVT in these clinical settings.
Chemoselective N‐Alkylation of Indoles in Aqueous Microdroplets
Authors: Gnanamani Elumalai , Yan Xin , Zare Richard N.
Published: December 2019

Many reactions show much faster kinetics in microdroplets than in the bulk phase. Most reported reactions in microdroplets mirror the products found in bulk reactions. However, the unique environment of microdroplets allows different chemistry to occur. In this work, we present the first chemoselective N‐alkylation of indoles in aqueous microdroplets via a three‐component Mannich‐type reaction without using any catalyst. In sharp contrast, bulk reactions using the same reagents with a catalyst yield exclusively C‐alkylation products. The N‐alkylation yield is moderate in microdroplets, up to 53 %. We extended the scope of the microdroplet reaction and obtained a series of new functionalized indole aminals, which are likely to have biological activities. This work clearly indicates that microdroplet reactions can show reactivity quite different from that of bulk‐phase reactions, which holds great potential for developing novel reactivities in microdroplets.