bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Microwave Heating Technology for Disinfestation of Stored Green Gram (Vigna radiata) against Cowpea Bruchid Callosobruchus maculatus (Fabricius)
Authors: Kooner R. , Sharma D.K. , Suri K.S.
Published: October 2021

Background: Pulses are an integral component of food in India which acts as major source of protein required for growth and maintenance of body. But during their storage they suffer heavy losses resulting in depletion of their quality and edibility. The present studies focused on disinfestation of green gram grains using microwaves as an alternative approach to chemical methods for controlling insects in grains and pulses. Methods: In this laboratory studies during 2017-18, the grains of green gram were infested with different life stages of the cowpea weevil and exposed to 200, 400, 600 and 800 W microwave power levels, each at an exposure period of 10, 20, 30 and 40 s. Result: Eggs were the most susceptible, while pupal and adults were the least susceptible life stages to microwave treatments. Complete mortality of eggs was achieved with microwave treatments (400, 600 and 800 W), each at an exposure period of 30 and 40 s. Complete inhibition of larval stage was attained with 400 and 600 W (30 and 40 s) and 800 W (20, 30 and 40 s exposure) while for pupal stage it was observed at the higher wattages of 600 (40 s exposure) and 800 (30 and 40 s exposure). Microwave wattage of 600 W for 40 sand 800 W for 30 and 40 s exposure caused 100% mortality of 2d old adults of cowpea bruchid.
The Interpretation of Misconduct Act as A Reason to Dismiss President: An Ethical Approach
Authors: Antari Putu Eva Ditayani
Published: October 2021

Abstract: The President of Indonesia gets the supervision of the Senate as regulated by the constitution. The Senate has the authority to dismiss the president at the recommendation of the House of Representatives if the president is deemed to have committed treason against the state, corruption or bribery, serious crimes, and misconduct acts or is deemed no longer eligible for president. Misconduct act is a reason for dismissing a president does not have legal certainty because the constitution does not limit the intent of the misconduct act itself. At the same time, the Constitutional Court Act in Indonesia has extended the meaning of this misconduct act. This paper will discuss the meaning of the misconduct act from an ethical perspective and comparative study. Furthermore, it also describes the appropriateness of the limits on misconduct as regulated in the Constitutional Court Act with the intention of constitution drafting for amendment. These legal problems will then be studied using normative methods through historical, comparative, and interpretation approaches then presented on a descriptively-analysis paper. The results of the study indicate that a misconduct act is an act that degrades the dignity of the position as president. Misconduct acts have a broader meaning than criminal acts but can also violate unwritten norms that are determined as law in society.Keywords: dismissal of president; interpretation; misconduct act.Abstrak: Presiden Indonesia mendapat pengawasan dari Senat sebagaimana diatur dalam konstitusi. Senat memiliki kewenangan untuk memberhentikan presiden atas rekomendasi DPR jika presiden dianggap telah melakukan pengkhianatan terhadap negara, korupsi atau penyuapan, kejahatan berat, dan tindakan tidak senonoh atau dianggap tidak lagi memenuhi syarat untuk menjadi presiden. Perbuatan tercela menjadi alasan memberhentikan seorang presiden yang tidak memiliki kepastian hukum, karena konstitusi tidak membatasi maksud dari perbuatan tercelaitu sendiri. Padahal UU MK di Indonesia telah memperluas makna dari maksud perbuatan maksiat ini. Makalah ini akan membahas tentang pengertian perbuatan salah dari sudut pandang etika. Lebih lanjut, juga menggambarkan kesesuaian batasan perbuatan tercela sebagaimana diatur dalam UU MK dengan maksud penyusunan konstitusi untuk diubah. Permasalahan hukum tersebut kemudian akan dikaji dengan menggunakan metode normatif melalui pendekatan historis, komparatif, dan interpretasi, kemudian disajikan dalam makalah analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perbuatan tercela merupakan perbuatan yang merendahkan martabat jabatan sebagai presiden. Perbuatan tercela memiliki makna yang lebih  luas dari tindak pidana, namun bisa juga pelanggaran atas norma-norma tak tertulis yang berlaku sebagai hukum di masyarakat.Kata Kunci: Interpretasi, pemberhentian presiden; perbuatan tercela.
Conformación de grupa e índice de Caslick en yeguas de raza caballo peruano de paso
Authors: Salas-Castillo Gaby Beatrice
Published: October 2021

El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el índice de Caslick en yeguas de la raza caballo peruano de paso y su relación con la conformación de grupa (ángulo de inclinación de grupa y tipo de inserción de cola). Se tomaron medidas morfométricas para hallar el índice de Caslick, la inclinación de grupa y la inserción de cola en yeguas participantes del LXX Concurso Nacional Oficial de Caballos Peruanos de Paso (n = 98). La media del ángulo de inclinación de grupa fue 37,23° ± 4,88°. La mayoría de las yeguas presentó una alta inserción de cola (55,1 %), y el índice de Caslick promedio fue de 42,68 ± 35,05. Más del 90 % de yeguas tuvo una buena conformación vulvar. Se concluyó que no hubo relación entre la inserción de cola y el índice de Caslick (p > 0,05), ni tampoco una correlación entre la edad e inclinación de grupa vs. el índice de Caslick (ρ = -0,187 y 0,042, respectivamente; p > 0,05). Sin embargo, se encontró una correlación negativa entre el número de partos y el índice de Caslick (ρ = -0,264; p < 0,05).
Sanksi Penundaan atau Penghentian Jaminan Sosial Pada Masa Pandemi COVID-19
Authors: Fauzia Ana , Hamdani Fathul
Published: October 2021

Social security program reflects state's responsibilities to provide social and economic protection to citizens. However, social security in Indonesia has remained to become a central issue after Presidential Regulation Number 14 of 2021. This regulation outlines administrative sanctions on delaying or terminating social security for citizens that refuse vaccines. This study examined the issue from philosophical, juridical, and sociological perspectives on the administrative sanctions for delaying or terminating the social security related to the vaccine requirements. This study used a legal research method with statutory, conceptual, and case approaches. This study indicated that the regulation regarding the postponement or termination of social security provision contradicted Article 20(1) of Law Number 40 of 2004 on the National Social Security System. Also, it violated human rights about the right to social security based on the 1945 Constitution. Instead, to succeed in vaccination, it should adopt a socio-cultural approach by combining legal instruments with elements of local culture in the community for legitimating vaccination as its part of being accepted in the society.

KEYWORDS: Social Security Program, Presidential Regulation, Administrative Sanctions, Vaccines, COVID-19.
Realisme Hukum: Peradilan Adat dalam Perspektif Keadilan Sosial
Authors: Rato Dominikus
Published: October 2021

Aspects of positivism with its normative approach are often taught in various law schools as a single perspective. The study of law can be based on legal realism. Nevertheless, there is still a debate about legal realism's working pattern and contribution to juridical science. This study that introduced legal realism worked with socio-legal method based on the literature review. It aimed to elaborate on the concept of legal-realism as an epistemology of the socio-legal school, which leads to the conception of customary law and legal anthropology. With a naturalistic approach and supported by theories of customary law and legal anthropology. This study showed that legal realism as a school in philosophy and juridical studies based on empirical studies need to be developed. It referred to legal realism conceptualized in Scandinavia and America that was suitable to Indonesia's legal context, especially customary law as the law that lives in society. Therefore, the law that lives in society is strengthened through verdict and law enforcement officers as symbols of the state. It suggested that legal realism is also taught in law schools at universities, so that legal academics have diverse points of view, both in the legal discipline and as a research method.

KEYWORDS: Customary Law, Socio-Legal, Social Justice, Legal Realism.
LÜGAZ VE MUAMMA KARŞILAŞTIRMASI VE TÜRÜN KURAL DIŞI ÖRNEKLERİ
Authors: GÖKALP Haluk , ŞENGÜL Emin
Published: October 2021

Klasik Türk edebiyatı her ne kadar kuralcı, kesin sınırları olan bir edebiyat gibi görünse de bazı nazım türlerinin sınırlarını kesin olarak belirlemek için detaylı incelemeler yapmak gerekmektedir. Lügaz da söz konusu nazım türlerinden biridir. Lügazın sınırlarının kesin olarak çizilmesini zorlaştıran çeşitli etkenler vardır. Bunlardan biri lügazın muamma ile benzer özellikleridir. İki türün de çoğunlukla benzer nazım şekilleriyle yazılmaları, ikisinin de bir bilmece niteliği göstermeleri başlıca etkenlerdir. Diğer bir etken ise şairlerin keyfi tasarruflarda bulunarak her iki türe de sıra dışı özellikler kazandırmalarıdır. Bu benzerlikler ve keyfi tasarruflar sonucunda “muammâ-gûne lügaz” ya da “muammâ be-tarîk-i lügaz” olarak adlandırılan bilmeceler ortaya çıkmıştır.
Bu çalışmada lügazın tanımı yapılıp lügaz ve muamma arasında kesin sınırlar çizilmeye çalışılmıştır. Bunun için kaynaklardaki lügaz ve muamma tanımlarından yola çıkılarak sorular belirlenmiştir. Daha sonra da bu sorular ışığında iki türün karşılaştırılması yapılmıştır. Karşılaştırmalardan elde edilen veriler, divanlardan tespit edilen lügaz ve muammalarla örneklendirilmiş ve bu iki tür arasındaki benzerlikler ve farklılıklar tespit edilmiştir. Tespit edilen farklılıklardan yola çıkılarak iki türü birbirinden ayıran ölçütler belirlenmiştir. Belirlenen ölçütlere göre muamma ve lügazı birbirinden ayırıp “muammâ-gûne lügaz” ya da “muammâ be-tarîk-i lügaz” olarak adlandırılan şiirlerin özellikleri belirlenmeye çalışılmıştır.
The application of different term-structure models to estimate South African real spot rate curve
Authors: Mashoene Mmakganya , Doorasamy Mishelle , Rajaram Rajendra
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate the suitable arbitrage-free term-structure model that might be able to fit the South African inflation-indexed spot-rate curve. The instrument has relatively less tradability in the market, which then translates into a lack of adequate data for bond valuation/pricing. Pricing deviations might give inflated/deflated projections on the value of government debt; consequently, higher estimated interest cost to be paid. A proper valuation of these instruments is mandatory as they form part of government funding/borrowing and the country’s budgeting processes in the medium term. The performance of newly developed non-linear multifactor models that follows the Nelson-Siegel (1987) framework was compared to the arbitrage-free Vasicek (1977) model and linear parametric models to assess any significant deviations in forecasting the real spot-rate curve over a short period. Models with constant parameters (i.e. linear parametric, cubic splines, Nelson-Siegel (1987) and Svensson (1994)) gave a perfect fit, they proved to marginally lose fitting capabilities during periods of higher volatility. Therefore, it could be concluded that the application of either Nelson-Siegel (1987) model or Svensson (1994) model on forecasting South African real spot-rate curve gave a perfect fit. However, for a solid conclusion to be derived, it is imperative to explore the performance of these models over a period of stressed market and economic conditions.
Activism: A Strong Predictor of Proactive Environmentally Friendly Buying Behavior in Turkey
Authors: Ergen Ahu , Bekoglu Filiz Bozkurt , Giray Caner
Published: October 2021

The market for environmentally friendly products in Turkey is growing, and marketing experts are trying to understand the behavior of the consumers in this market with the help of variables such as demographic factors, information, attitudes, values and life styles. This study analyzes the effects of environmental activism, environmental knowledge and the perceived seriousness of environmental problems on green buying behavior. The study involved 516 Turkish consumers, over eighteen years of age. The results show that environmental activism, environmental knowledge and the perceived seriousness of environmental problems are all meaningful factors in environmentally friendly buying behavior. It was found that the most explanatory variables are environmental activism for proactive environmentally friendly buying behavior and the perceived seriousness of environmental problems for optional environmentally friendly buying behavior. The study is significant since it will offer insights for green marketing experts who especially target specific segments as activists, voluntary simplifiers or green consumers in Turkey.
Human-robot collision predictor for flexible assembly
Authors: Paniti Imre , Nacsa János , Kovács Péter , Szur Dávid
Published: October 2021

The performance of
human–robot collaboration can be improved in some assembly tasks when a
robot emulates the effective coordination behaviours observed in human
teams. However, this close collaboration could cause collisions, resulting
in delays in the initial scheduling. Besides the commonly used acoustic or
visual signals, vibrations from a mobile device can be used to communicate
the intention of a collaborative robot (cobot). In this paper, the
communication time of a virtual reality and depth camera-based system is
presented in which vibration signals are used to alert the user of a
probable collision with a UR5 cobot. Preliminary tests are carried out on
human reaction time and network communication time measurements to achieve
an initial picture of the collision predictor system’s performance.
Experimental tests are also presented in an assembly task with a
three-finger gripper that functions as a flexible assembly
device.
Blockchain Framework For Artificial Intelligence Computation
Authors: You Jie
Published: October 2021

Blockchain is an essentially distributed database recording all transactions or digital events among participating parties. Each transaction in the records is approved and verified by consensus of the participants in the system that requires solving a hard mathematical puzzle, which is known as proof-of-work. To make the approved records immutable, the mathematical puzzle is not trivial to solve and therefore consumes substantial computing resources. However, it is energy-wasteful to have many computational nodes installed in the blockchain competing to approve the records by just solving a meaningless puzzle. Here, we pose proof-of-work as a reinforcement-learning problem by modeling the blockchain growing as a Markov decision process, in which a learning agent makes an optimal decision over the environment’s state, whereas a new block is added and verified. Specifically, we design the block verification and consensus mechanism as a deep reinforcement-learning iteration process. As a result, our method utilizes the determination of state transition and the randomness of action selection of a Markov decision process, as well as the computational complexity of a deep neural network, collectively to make the blocks not easy to recompute and to preserve the order of transactions, while the blockchain nodes are exploited to train the same deep neural network with different data samples (state-action pairs) in parallel, allowing the model to experience multiple episodes across computing nodes but at one time. Our method is used to design the next generation of public blockchain networks, which has the potential not only to spare computational resources for industrial applications but also to encourage data sharing and AI model design for common problems.
A synchrotron-based kilowatt-level radiation source for EUV lithography
Authors: Jiang Bocheng , Feng Chao , Li Changliang , Bai Zhenghe , Wan Weishi , Xiang Dao , Gu Qiang , Wang Kun , Zhang Qinglei , Huang Dazhang , Chen senyu
Published: October 2021

A compact damping ring with limited circumference of about 160 m is proposed for producing kilowatt-level coherent EUV radiation. The electron bunch in the ring is modulated by a 257nm wavelength laser with the help of the angular dispersion induced micro-bunching method [C. Feng and Z. Zhao, Sci. Rep. 7, 4724 (2017)]. Coherent radiation at 13.5 nm with an average power of about 2.5 kW can be achieved with the state-of-the-art accelerator and laser technologies.
Application of Fuzzy Finite Difference Scheme for the Non-homogeneous Fuzzy Heat Equation
Authors: Zabihi Samaneh , ezzati reza , Fattahzadeh F , Rashidinia J
Published: October 2021

A numerical framework based on fuzzy finite difference is presented for approximating fuzzy triangular solutions of fuzzy partial differential equations by considering the type of $[gH-p]-$differentiability. The fuzzy triangle functions are expanded using full fuzzy Taylor expansion to develop a new fuzzy finite difference method. By considering the type of gH-differentiability, we approximate the fuzzy derivatives with a new fuzzy finite-difference. In particular, we propose using this method to solve non-homogeneous fuzzy heat equation with triangular initial-boundary conditions. We examine the truncation error and the convergence conditions of the proposed method. Several numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the performance of the methods. The final results demonstrate the efficiency and the ability of the new fuzzy finite difference method to produce triangular fuzzy numerical results which are more consistent with existing reality.
Establishing Core Competencies and a Professional Curriculum For The Care Service Department in Vocational High Schools in Taiwan
Authors: Hsieh Nan-Chen , Wu Shu-Fang Vivienne , Tsai Juin-Ming , Lin Li-Ju , Sun Juo-Hsiang
Published: October 2021

Background
In response to the emergence of the aging society, the vocational high school education system in Taiwan has established the care service department since 2018. The purpose of this study was to develop core competencies and a professional curriculum for the care service department in vocational high schools.
Methods
This qualitative study enrolled experts and scholars in the field of long-term care as subjects. First, this study invited 20 experts and scholars to take part in a focus group to collect suggestions as the basis for the development of core competencies and a curriculum. Second, this study invited 10 experts and scholars to participate in three rounds of a Delphi survey to evaluate the planning for the development of core competencies and a curriculum that meet educational needs.
Results
In this study, we identified eight core competency constructs (interpersonal communication, care, creativity and execution, professional care, patient safety and care, resource connection and application, problem-solving and improvisation, and adherence to a professional code of conduct and ethics) and 15 indicators across two dimensions (general competencies and professional competencies) relating to the care services taught in vocational high schools. We then designed 26 professional subjects according to the core competencies.
Conclusions
In the past, the core competencies required for providing long-term care could only be cultivated in universities. In response, the Taiwanese government has promoted the cultivation of caregivers in high school, encouraging vocational high schools to establish care service departments and learning pathways to meet long-term care demands in Taiwan, overturn the stereotype that long-term care is an unspecialized profession, and enhance the willingness of young adults to work in the long-term care industry. To foster students’ professional competencies, we identified the core competencies for long-term care service education and devised a professional curriculum to foster the skills and knowledge among students that are required for successfully meeting the care needs of a rapidly aging society through work in the long-term care industry after graduation.
The Effect of Pre-treatment Methods on Membrane Flux, COD, and Total Phenol Removal Efficiencies for Membrane Treatment of Pistachio Wastewater
Authors: Ozay Yasin , Dizge Nadir
Published: October 2021

In this study, the effect of pre-treatment methods was investigated for membrane treatment of pistachio wastewater. Chemical coagulation, electrocoagulation, and electrooxidation processes were tested as the pretreatment methods to understand the effect of pretreatment on membrane performance. Alum (Al2(SO4)3·18H2O), iron (III) chloride (FeCl3·6H2O) and iron(II) sulfate (Fe(SO4)·7H2O) were used as coagulant and anionic polyelectrolyte was used as flocculants. Al-Al and Fe-Fe electrode pairs were used in the electrocoagulation experiments while platinum, boron doped diamond, and graphite were used in the electrooxidation experiments. UP150, NF270, and NF90 were used as the membranes. Chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total phenol removal efficiencies from wastewater were determined by considering membrane flux.
Cohort Profile: The China Metal-Exposed Workers Cohort Study (Jinchang Cohort)
Authors: Bai Yana , Yang Jingli , Cheng Zhiyuan , Zhang Desheng , Wang Ruonan , Zhang Rui , Bai Zhao , Zheng Shan , Wang Minzhen , Yin Chun , Hu Xiaobin , Wang Yufeng , Xu Lulu , Chen Yarong , Li Jing , Li Siyu , Hu Yujia , Li Na , Zhang Wenling , Liu Yanyan , Li Juansheng , Ren Xiaowei , Kang Feng , Wu Xijiang , Ding Jiao , Cheng Ning
Published: October 2021

The Jinchang Cohort was an ongoing 20-year ambispective cohort with unique metal exposures of an occupational population. Until now, the Jinchang Cohort has completed three phases of follow-up from January 2014 to December 2019. The baseline cohort was completed from June 2011 to December 2013, and a total of 48 001 people were included. Three phases of follow-ups included 46 713, 41 888 and 40 530 participants, respectively. The death data was collected from 2001 to 2020. The epidemiological, physical examination, physiological and biochemical data of the cohort were collected by using the methods of cross-section and prospective cohort study. Biological specimens were collected on baseline to establish a biological specimen bank. The concentrations of metals in urine and serum were detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The new areas of research aim to study the all-cases mortality, the burden of diseases, heavy metals and diseases, and course of the chain from disease to high-risk outcomes using a combination of macro and micro means, which provided scientific basic to explore pathogenesis of multi-etiology and multi-disease, and to evaluate the effects of the intervention measures in the population.
The Long Term Spatial-temporal Distribution of Aerosol Optical Depth and Its Associated Atmospheric Circulation Over Southeast Africa.
Authors: Nyasulu Matthews , Haque Md. Mozammel , Musonda Bathsheba , Fang Cao
Published: October 2021

Recent studies have revealed significant impacts of increased concentration of anthropogenic aerosols in the atmosphere to both climate and human health. Southeast Africa is one of the regions where studies related to atmospheric aerosols remain scant, causing high uncertainty in predicting and understanding the impacts of these aerosols to both climate and human health. The present study therefore has investigated the long term spatial-temporal distribution of atmospheric aerosols, trends, its relationship with cloud properties and the associated atmospheric circulation over the region. High concentration of aerosol has been detected during the dry months of September to November (SON) while low during March to May (MAM) and June-July (JJA) seasons in most areas. Highest 550 was recorded in areas with low elevation such as over Lake Malawi, Zambezi valley and along the western coast of the Indian Ocean. The average of the detected concentration is however low as compared to highly polluted regions of the globe. Statistical analyses revealed insignificant change of AOD550 in most areas between 2002 and 2020 time period. The study has also revealed seasonality of aerosol distribution highly influenced by changes in atmospheric circulation. Burning of biomass during dry months such bush fires and burning of crop residues remain the major source of anthropogenic aerosol concentration over Southeast Africa hence needs to be controlled.
A Theoretical Model For Predicting The Surface Topography of Inhomogeneous Materials After Shot Peening
Authors: Wang BingBing , Chen HaiKuan , Xu GuangTao , Zhang JianWei , Zhao MingHao
Published: October 2021

Shot peening is widely used in engineering as a classical strengthening process. Although many studies on shot peening have been done, most have focused on homogeneous target materials. In this paper, a theoretical model is proposed for predicting the surface morphology of inhomogeneous target materials. The topography of target materials after single-shot impact is calculated on the basis of energy conservation and Hertz contact theory, and the final three-dimensional surface topography after multiple-shot impact is obtained through superposition. Single-shot and random multiple-shot finite element models are used to show the advantages of the proposed model over the existing theoretical model for homogeneous target materials. The roughness is found to increase with the shot velocity and shot radius.
Comparison of State-Of-The-Art Neural Network Survival Models With The Pooled Cohort Equations for Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction
Authors: Deng Yu , Liu Lei , Jiang Hongmei , Peng Yifan , wei Yishu , Zhong Yizhen , Zhao Yun , Yang Xiaoyun , Lu Zhiyong , kho Abel , Ning Hongyan , Allen Norrina , Wilkins John , Liu Kiang , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Zhao Lihui , Yu Jingzhi , zhou Zhiyang
Published: October 2021

Background: The Pooled Cohort Equations (PCEs) are race- and sex-specific Cox PH-based models used for 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk prediction with acceptable discrimination. In recent years, neural network models have gained increasing popularity with their success in image recognition and text classification. Various survival neural network models have been proposed by combining survival analysis and neural network architecture to take advantage of the strengths from both. However, the performance of these survival neural network models compared to each other and to PCEs in ASCVD prediction is unknown. Methods: In this study, we used 6 cohorts from the Lifetime Risk Pooling Project and compared the performance of the PCEs in 10-year ASCVD risk prediction with an all two-way interactions Cox PH model (Cox PH-TWI) and three state-of-the-art neural network survival models including Nnet-survival, Deepsurv, and Cox-nnet. For all the models, we used the same 7 covariates as used in the PCEs. We fitted each of the aforementioned models in white females, white males, black females, and black males, respectively. We evaluated models’ internal and external discrimination power and calibration.Results: The training/internal validation sample comprised 23246 individuals. The average age at baseline was 57.8 years old (SD = 9.6); 16% developed ASCVD during average follow-up of 10.50 (SD = 3.02) years. Based on 10x10 cross-validation, the method that had the highest C-statistics was Cox PH-TWI (0.7372) for white males, PCE (0.7973) for white females, Cox PH-TWI (0.6989) for black males, and Deepsurv (0.7874) for black females. In the external validation dataset, PCE (0.7102), Deepsurv (0.7293), PCE (0.6907), and Nnet-survival (0.7243) had the highest C-statistics for white male, white female, black male, and black female population, respectively. Calibration plots showed that in 10x10 validation, PCE had good calibration in white male, white female, black male but was outperformed by Deepsurv in black female. In external validation, all models overestimated the risk for 10-year ASCVD except for Deepsurv in black female.Conclusions We demonstrated the use of the state-of-the-art neural network survival models in ASCVD risk prediction. Neural network survival models and PCEs have generally comparable discrimination and calibration.
Entrepreneurship Challenges: The Case of Jordanian Startups
Authors: alawamleh mohammad , francis yara hanna , Alawamleh Kamal
Published: October 2021

This study aims to understand and explore the key challenges facing entrepreneurs in Jordan. This study attempted to identify the problems specific to small and medium companies and to develop the most prominent solutions to help companies improve their conditions. This study relied more on collecting information through interviews with the sample under study. Interviews were conducted with four companies specialized in several fields, including information technology, consulting, training and e-marketing. This study also relied on secondary sources by referring to the previous collected literature. This study found many obstacles facing entrepreneurs in Jordan, the most important of which are financial and logistical support, the challenge of distributing work, owning operating experiences, obtaining information, commercial relations and networking. One of the main results in this study is that women face great challenges in relation to financing and investment opportunities. Finally, the study found many proposed solutions that are expected to be applied to improve the business environment, the most important of which is the Ministry of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship activating pilot projects and stimulating investment in them and relying on the development of technical knowledge of individuals
Structure and Activity of the DHNA Coenzyme-A Thioesterase from Staphylococcus aureus Providing Insights for Innovative Drug Development
Authors: Murad Aline Melro , Brognaro Hévila , Falke Sven , Lindner Jasmin , Perbandt Markus , Mudogo Celestin , Schubert Robin , Wrenger Carsten , Betzel Christian
Published: October 2021

The humanity is facing an increasing health threat caused by a variety of multidrug resistance bacteria. Within this scenario, Staphylococcus aureus, in particular methicillin resistant S. aureus (MRSA), is responsible for a number of hospital-acquired bacterial infections. The emergence of microbial antibiotic resistance consequently urgently demands to identify new and innovative strategies to treat antibiotic resistant microorganisms. In this context, structure and function analysis of potential drug targets in metabolic pathways vital for bacteria endurance, such as the vitamin K2 synthesis pathway, becomes interesting. We have solved and refined the crystal structure of the S. aureus DHNA thioesterase (SaDHNA), a key enzyme in the vitamin K2 pathway. The crystallographic structure in combination with small angle X-ray solution scattering data revealed a functional tetramer of SaDHNA. Complementary activity assays of SaDHNA indicated a preference for hydrolysing long acyl chains. Site-directed mutagenesis of SaDHNA confirmed the functional importance of Asp16 and Glu31 for thioesterase activity and substrate binding at the putative active site, respectively. The high-resolution structure of SaDHNA and complementary information about substrate binding will support future drug discovery and design investigations to inhibit the vitamin K2 synthesis pathway, vital for the bacteria.
Social Phobia and Evasiveness: Trial Protocol for a Feasibility, Superiority, Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effect of Modified Collaborative Assessment vs. Standard Assessment on Patients’ Readiness for Psychotherapy (CO-ASSM-RCT).
Authors: Hovmand Oliver Rumle , Arnfred Sidse Marie , Reinholt Nina , Dichmann Kirstine , Borisov Radoslav
Published: October 2021

BackgroundEvasive personality disorder (EPD) and social phobia (SP) have substantial costs to the patients and their families, and great economic costs to the community. While psychotherapy can be an efficient treatment, a large percentage of patients drop-out during treatment. Little is known about what can be done in order to decrease dropout from psychotherapy in general, including how to increase a patient’s readiness for psychotherapy. MethodsWe describe a feasibility randomized controlled trial of 42 individuals with a clinical diagnosis of either SP or evasive personality disorder, who are to initiate psychotherapeutic treatment in Danish outpatient mental health services. They will be randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either assessment-as-usual and receive no further assessment, or to a Modified Collaborative Assessment (MCA) provided as a pre-treatment intervention before psychotherapy initiation. MCA will included a battery of psychological tests designed to thoroughly assess the patients’ psychopathology. The tests is administered in collaboration with the patient including a detailed oral and written feedback. We hypothesize that the patients randomized to MCA will reach higher levels of readiness for psychotherapy as assessed with the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) and have lower dropout-rates than assessment-as-usual. DiscussionThis protocol assess the feasibility, efficacy, acceptability, and safety of an intervention aimed at changing the readiness for participation in psychotherapy for patients with SP and EVP. Results from this feasibility study could guide the development of future large-scale trials of MCA and procedures for MCA treatment fidelity assessment.
Association of early-onset constipation and diarrhea with patient outcomes in critically ill ventilated patients: a retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Aikawa Gen , Ouchi Akira , Sakuramoto Hideaki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Enomoto Yuki , Shimojo Nobutake , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: October 2021

Constipation and diarrhea are both associated with poor outcomes in critically ill patients. Although constipation and diarrhea are closely related, few studies have examined them simultaneously. The purpose of this study was to describe patient defecation status after intensive care unit (ICU) admission and determine the association of early-onset constipation and diarrhea after ICU admission with outcomes for critically ill ventilated patients. Critically ill patients were retrospectively investigated and their defecation status was assessed during the first week after admission. The patients were divided into three groups: normal defecation, constipation, and diarrhea, and multiple comparison tests were performed. Additionally, multivariable analysis was performed for mortality and length of stay. Of the 85 critically ill ventilated patients, 47 (55%) experienced constipation, and 12 (14%) experienced diarrhea during the first week of ICU admission. Patients with normal defecation and diarrhea increased from the fourth and fifth day of ICU admission. Diarrhea was significantly associated with the length of ICU stay (B=7.534, 95% confidence interval: 0.116-14.951). Early-onset constipation and diarrhea were common in critically ill ventilated patients, and early-onset diarrhea was associated with the length of ICU stay. Prevention of constipation and diarrhea before the fifth day of ICU admission is essential.
Elevated Expression of The Rhythm Gene NFIL3 Promotes The Progression of TNBC By Activating NF-κB Signaling Through Suppression of NFKBIA Transcription
Authors: Yang Wei-Wei , Li Jing , Zhang Minghui , Yu Haichuan , Zhuang Yuan , Zhao Lingyu , Ren Lili , Gong Jinan , Bi Hongjie , Zeng Lixuan , Xue Yang , Yang Jinjin , Zhao Yan , Wang Shuoshuo , Gao Shuangshu , Fu Zitong , Li Dongze , Zhang Jinxing , Wang Tianzhen , Shan Ming , Tang Bo , Li Xiaobo
Published: October 2021

Background: Epidemiological studies have confirmed that abnormal circadian rhythms are associated with tumorigenesis in breast cancer. However, few studies have investigated the pathological roles of rhythm genes in breast cancer progression. Methods: The expressions of NFIL3 and NFKBIA were measured by Western blot, qRT–PCR and IHC analysis. The proliferation and metastasis of two TNBC cell lines were analyzed by cell counting assays, clone formation assays, subcutaneous tumor formation assay, wound healing assays, transwell assays and the mouse tail vein injection model.Results: We evaluated the aberrant expression of 32 rhythm genes in breast cancer and identified that nuclear factor interleukin 3 regulated (NFIL3) expression is significantly altered in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). We found that NFIL3 inhibits its own transcription, and thus, downregulated NFIL3 mRNA indicates high expression of NFIL3 protein in breast cancer. Functional studies demonstrated that NFIL3 promotes the proliferation and metastasis of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Higher expression of NFIL3 is associated with poor prognosis of patients with TNBC. Gene enrichment assays revealed that NFIL3 primarily regulates cancer-associated inflammation. Correlation analysis showed that expression of NFIL3 is associated with infiltration level of various immune cells in breast cancer. We further demonstrated that NFIL3 enhances the activity of NF-κB signaling. Mechanistically, we revealed that NFIL3 directly suppresses the transcription of NFKBIA, which blocks the activation of NF-κB and inhibits the progression of TNBC cells in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, we showed that enhancing NF-κB activity by repressing NFKBIA largely mimics the oncogenic effect of NFIL3 in TNBC, and anti-inflammatory strategies targeting NF-κB activity block the oncogenic roles of NFIL3 in TNBC. Conclusion:NFIL3 promotes the progression of TNBC by suppressing NFKBIA and then enhancing NF-κB signaling-mediated cancer-associated inflammation. This study may provide a new target for TNBC prevention and therapy.
MicroRNA-24-3p promotes skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration by regulating HMGA1
Authors: Dey Paromita , Soyer Miles A , Dey Bijan K
Published: October 2021

Numerous studies have established the critical roles of microRNAs in regulating posttranscriptional gene expression in diverse biological processes. Here, we report on the role and mechanism of miR-24-3p in skeletal muscle differentiation and regeneration. miR-24-3p promotes myoblast differentiation and skeletal muscle regeneration by directly targeting high mobility group AT-hook 1 (HMGA1) and regulating it and its direct downstream target, the inhibitor of differentiation 3 (ID3). miR-24-3p knockdown in neonatal mice increases PAX7-positive proliferating muscle stem cells (MuSCs) by derepressing Hmga1 and Id3 . Similarly, inhibiting miR24-3p in the tibialis anterior muscle prevents Hmga1 and Id3 downregulation and impairs regeneration. These findings provide evidence that the miR-24-3p/HMGA1/ID3 axis is required for MuSC differentiation and regeneration in vivo .
Modeling the Growth of Four Commercial Broiler Genotypes Reared in the Tropics
Authors: Hagan Bernard Ato , Asumah Christian , Yeboah Ernest Darkwah , Lamptey Vida Korkor
Published: October 2021

Genetic improvement in commercial broilers worldwide is heavily focused on selection for higher final body weight at a given age. Although commercial broilers are mostly sold by their final body weight, it is important to pay attention to how this weight is attained and at what cost. The cost of feeding broilers, which constitutes about 70% of the total cost of broiler production, varies considerably at different stages of the bird. It is, therefore, important to pay attention to the growth curve of broilers and the parameters of the growth curve to maximise profitability of commercial broiler production. The objective of this study was to model the variations of the growth curves of 4 commercial broiler genotypes reared in Ghana using the Gompertz and polynomial growth functions. Data on body weights at 1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 and 42 days for 4 unsexed commercial broiler genotypes were used to model both the Gompertz and polynomial growth functions. The 4 genotypes ranked differently for Gompertz predicted early (1 - 28 days), late growth (28 – 42 days) and body weight at 42 days. Gompertz function predicted growth better for broiler chicken than the polynomial as the parameters of the Gompertz function are biologically meaningful and heritable. Selection of broiler genotypes for production based on their growth curve (slower early growth and faster late growth) could minimize cost of production and thereby increase the profitability of commercial broiler production in the tropics.
FADD Deficiency Mimicking ALPS-FAS: An Expanding Phenotype.
Authors: Setia Priyanka , Bargir Umair Ahmed , Shanmukhaiah Chandrakala , Jodhawat Neha , Kambli Priyanka , Gupta Maya , Dalvi Aparna , Shinde Shweta , Nambiar Nayana , Sawant Sneha , Shelar Shraddha , Gaikwad Pallavi , Dhawale Amruta , Mohanty Madhu , Agarwal Mukesh , Yadav Reetika Malik , Madkaikar Manisha
Published: October 2021

Autoimmune lymphoproliferative syndrome (ALPS) is caused due to defects in the Fas-mediated apoptotic pathway. This disease is characterised by chronic non -malignant lymphoproliferation, autoimmune cytopenias and accumulation of double-negative T cells. FAS is the most commonly affected gene observed in patients with ALPS. There is a paucity of data in other ALPS associated genes. Mutations in the FADD gene is extremely rare, and to date, only five patients with a homozygous mutation in exon 2 and one patient with a compound heterozygous mutation are reported. The clinical spectrum of FADD includes neurological dysfunction, recurrent bacterial and viral infections and liver dysfunction. Here we report two patients with novel FADD mutation with clinical phenotype like ALPS-FAS. This article provides an expanding phenotype of FADD deficiency where patients can solely present with lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity without any features of febrile episodes or neurodevelopmental delay. We identified a novel homozygous FADD mutation by targeted Next-generation sequencing (NGS). We performed a comprehensive immune evaluation along with biomarker estimation, mTOR activity on DNTs and apoptosis assay. We describe two siblings born to third-degree consanguineous marriage with homozygous FADD mutation. The index patient P1 presented with lymphoproliferation, autoimmune manifestations in the form of Evans phenotype, lymphocytosis and elevated DNTs, whereas P2 only had mild lymphoproliferation with no autoimmune manifestations. The mutation in our patients lies in exon 2 of the FADD gene, encoding the death domain. The death domain (DD) of FADD protein interacts directly with the death domains of Fas, and mutation at this site disrupts binding to Fas and abolishes apoptosis. FADD deficiency should also be considered in patients presenting with lymphoproliferation and autoimmunity since they can mimic clinical features of ALPS-FAS.
Effect of Photoperiod, Propagative Material, and Production Period on Greenhouse-grown Ginger and Turmeric Plants
Authors: Flores Sofia , Retana-Cordero Marlon , Fisher Paul R. , Freyre Rosanna , Gómez Celina
Published: October 2021

The objectives were to 1) compare growth and yield of different ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma longa) propagules grown under two photoperiods (Expt. 1); and 2) evaluate whether their growing season could be extended with night interruption lighting (NI) during the winter (Expt. 2). In Expt. 1, propagules included 1) micropropagated tissue culture (TC) transplants, 2) second-generation rhizomes harvested from TC transplants (2GR), and 3) seed rhizomes (R). Plants received natural short days (SDs) or NI providing a total photon flux density (TPFD) of 1.3 µmol·m−2·s−1. Providing NI increased number of new tillers or leaves per plant, rhizome yield (i.e., rhizome fresh weight), and dry mass partitioning to rhizomes in both species. There was no clear trend on SPAD index in response to photoperiod or propagative material. Although TC-derived plants produced more tillers or leaves per plant, 2GR ginger and R turmeric produced a higher rhizome yield. In Expt. 2, seed rhizomes of ginger and turmeric were grown under five treatments with different photoperiods and/or production periods: 1) 20 weeks with NI (20NI), 2) 24 weeks with NI (24NI), 3) 28 weeks with NI (28NI), 4) 14 weeks with NI + 10 weeks under natural SDs (24NISD), and 5) 14 weeks with NI + 14 weeks under natural SDs (28NISD). NI provided a TPFD of 4.5 µmol·m−2·s−1. Lengthening the production period and providing NI increased rhizome yield and crude fiber content in both species. SPAD index decreased when plants were exposed to natural SDs at the end of the production period (NISD treatments). Results demonstrate the potential to overcome winter dormancy of ginger and turmeric plants with NI, enabling higher rhizome yield under natural SDs.
Socio-Emotional Development of Children with Cochlear Implant: A Systematic Review
Authors:   Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Cha Long Geh , Umat Cila ,   Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Che Din Normah ,   Centre for Rehabilitation & Special Needs Studies, Faculty of Health Science, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Published: October 2021

Background: Attaining socio-emotional competence is challenging for children with hearing impairment. There is wide recognition of children with cochlear implant (CI) indicating significant improvement in their speech and language abilities, however many factors may restrict their chance of having reciprocal social interactions. A significant improvement in speech and language does not automatically affirm the quality of social interactions. This present observation on social-emotional development addressed a more current representative population of children with hearing loss who have benefitted from cochlear implantation. Methods: The research conducted a systematic review of selected articles from Scopus and PubMed databases, retrieved through three search-process keywords, namely socio-emotional, children and CI. The inclusion criteria only included journal articles published in English with empirical data from the year 2010–2019. The initial search had identified 189 potential abstracts and after removal of duplicates, only 38 eligible studies met the inclusion criteria. Results: Among 38 studies reviewed, 19 studies showed comparable socio-emotional skills with peers in social interaction, empathy, emotion theory of mind and comprehension skills. Conversely, the other 19 studies presented underprivileged results in socio-emotional functioning mainly in identifying facial expression, regulating emotion and emotional cues in the auditory domain. Conclusion: This review concluded that the socio-emotional development among children with CI, both at preschool-age and school-age, was not justified due to the heterogeneity in studies across measurement and small sample size. Also, the conclusion recommended extensive crossreferencing, mixed-mode research design, detailed distinguishing of socio-emotional functioning and identification of diverse groups of the population with impaired hearing as an approach to provide empirical evidence on socio-emotional functioning among children with CI in the future.