bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowering Women Through Financial Inclusion: A Study of Urban Slum
Authors: Bhatia Shivangi , Singh Seema
Published: December 2019

Executive Summary

Financial Inclusion is considered to be a critical indicator for development and well-being of the society around the globe. Providing inclusive financial services, that is, financial services affordable for all, has become a basic priority in many countries including India. G-20 Nations have emphasized on financial inclusion as a facilitator for achieving gender equality and other sustainable development goals. Women empowerment is a radical approach concerned with transforming power relations in favour of female gender and considered essential for global progress. Thus, an inclusive financial model is being adopted in developing nations to achieve fundamental to formative objectives. The current article investigates the dimensions of women empowerment, that is, social, political, and economic. It also undertakes a test to see if the dimensions change with financial inclusion. The authors draw upon literature to develop a structured questionnaire on women empowerment and financial inclusion through schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Jivan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) on women living in urban slums in the industrial town of Ludhiana, Punjab. The data were collected from 737 females living in urban slums with PMJDY bank accounts. The result indicated that PMJDY scheme has been quite successful especially in case of women in slums and has a positive influence on social, political, and economic dimensions of women empowerment. The study contributes to existing literature by advancing the debate on women in urban slums and identifies the substantial need for the development of formal financial system to enhance the scale of financial inclusion.
Financial Modelling for Business Sustainability: A Study of Business Correspondent Model of Financial Inclusion in India
Authors: Uzma Shigufta Hena , Pratihari Suvendu Kr.
Published: December 2019

Executive Summary

The study highlights the need for measures to accelerate the pace of the business correspondent (BC) model for financial inclusion in India. The financial analysis of the existing BCs with the existing products and services in practice shows a very diffusive break-even (more than 7 years). The occurrence of such a long-term break-even point can be a potential threat to the sustainability of new and struggling entrepreneurs like a Customer Service Point (CSP). A CSP agent runs a kiosk of a certain bank in a rural context, functioning like a BC between the bank and the beneficiaries. The primary investigation found that high cost and low volume of transaction at the CSP points are two major causes of the long break-even. In this context, the study revisited the constructs related to cost structure, market outreach, market potential and commission structure for channellizing respective banking and non-banking products. The major categories of products include (a) banking operation, (b) loan and over-draft, and (c) social security schemes. In search of a solution, the study adopts a non-random stratified sampling technique with a semi-structured interview process to collect the data from different stakeholders in the BC operation. To develop an economically viable BC model, the researchers use a standard financial modelling technique. In contrast to the existing kiosk model of CSP operation, the study found that while applying the new model a CSP agent takes three years to break-even under the same condition as that of the existing model. The study can also be applied in the domain of bottom of the pyramid (BOP) marketing by treating to create value among the low-income customers and business partners like CSPs. This research can further be extended to investigate the viability of the BC model from the banks’ return on investment perspective.
Treatment of auditory verbal hallucinations with atypical antipsychotics in healthy individuals: an artificially controlled post-treatment report
Authors: Shan Peiwei , Zhuo Chuanjun , Ma Xiaoyan , Sang Hong , Zhong Baoliang , Lin Xiaodong , Ji Feng , Chen Min , Tian Hongjun , Zhao Yanling , Pan Jianshe
Published: December 2019

Objective

This study was performed to investigate the effects and associated global functional connectivity density (gFCD) alterations associated with the use of atypical antipsychotics in healthy individuals with auditory verbal hallucinations (Hi-AVHs) using gFCD mapping techniques.

Methods

A magnetic resonance imaging database of 38 Hi-AVHs with chronic or severe AVH symptoms was generated. The Hi-AVHs were administered an atypical antipsychotic (risperidone) for 24 weeks and monitored for a treatment response. All patients underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging pre- and post-treatment.

Results

gFCD alterations were found in the auditory-memory-language and visual circuit regions pre- and post-treatment. However, gFCD alterations differed between patients with strong and weak treatment responses.

Conclusion

This is the first report to show that atypical antipsychotics can improve the symptoms of AVHs and that the treatment effects are associated with gFCD alterations in the auditory-memory-language circuit. These findings provide a foundation for future exploration of new treatment strategies for Hi-AVHs.
Effects of clean intermittent self-catheterization on late bladder dysfunction after radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer
Authors: Shen Xia , Wang Chun-lan , Wu Wan-ying , Liang Guan-mian , Xia Li-yao
Published: December 2019

Objective

To identify the benefits of clean intermittent self-catheterization in women who have late bladder dysfunction caused by radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer.

Methods

Thirty women who underwent radical hysterectomy with late bladder dysfunction were recruited. A nursing intervention program focusing on clean intermittent self-catheterization and a drinking plan was implemented. We recorded urinary times during the day and night, post-voiding residual urine volume, positive catheter specimen of urine rate, and quality of life instruments for patients with cervical cancer .

Results

All patients were able to satisfactorily manage clean intermittent self-catheterization following video-based operational training. Bladder function was significantly increased after 3-month intervention compared with before the intervention. Urinary times during the day and night, and post-voiding residual urine volume were greatly decreased post-intervention compared with pre-intervention. The rate of a positive catheter specimen of urine test significantly decreased over time. There was significant improvement in quality of life in five dimensions between weeks 1 and 12 following the intervention.

Conclusions

Patients are able to learn the technique of clean intermittent self-catheterization without any difficulty. This technique is effective together with a drinking plan to decrease late bladder dysfunction caused by radical hysterectomy in cervical cancer.
Fatal rare case of measles complicated by bilateral pulmonary embolism: a case report and short literature review
Authors: Cambrea Simona Claudia , Balasa Adriana Luminita , Arghir Oana Cristina , Mihai Cristina Maria
Published: December 2019

Different endemic outbreaks of measles have been diagnosed worldwide during the last several years. Some have had severe and fatal complications, possibly because of decreasing vaccination rates. The present case report describes an unvaccinated boy aged 2 years 11 months who was diagnosed with severe measles complicated by pulmonary embolism (PE). Clinical examination revealed a maculopapular rash, hyperemic pharynx, Koplik’s spots, upper respiratory airway obstruction, and tachycardia with no meningeal signs of irritation. Laboratory investigations showed leukocytosis, anemia, normal liver enzyme levels, a moderately high C-reactive protein level (26 mg/L), a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate (65 mm/h), and immunoglobulin M positivity for measles. The patient was treated with antibiotic therapy (meropenem at 20 mg/kg every 8 hours) and supportive measures (anti-inflammatory drugs and intravenous rehydration). On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient’s general condition became profoundly altered; although cardiorespiratory resuscitation maneuvers were initiated, the child died. Autopsy revealed bilateral pleural effusion with serous citrine fluid, acute purulent bronchopneumonia, bilateral hilar adenopathy, and bilateral PE. Additional research is needed to establish optimal care for pediatric patients with measles, especially when complicated by PE.
Meta-analysis of the association between MBD4 Glu346Lys polymorphism and cancer risk
Authors: Wang Jianguo , Shen Huaxiang , Liang Huijun
Published: December 2019

Objective

The purpose of this study was to systematically evaluate the association between methyl-CpG binding domain 4, DNA glycosylase ( MBD4) Glu346Lys polymorphism and cancer risk.

Methods

A comprehensive document retrieval from the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), EMBASE, and PubMed databases was performed through 1 September 2019. The strength of the correlation was assessed using the pooled odds ratio (ORs) and 95% confidence interval (CIs).

Results

Five relevant studies were retrieved following screening, including 1804 cases and 2193 controls. We found no association between MBD4 Glu346Lys polymorphism and cancer risk under all genetic models. Nevertheless, a subgroup analysis based on country showed a strong association in the Chinese population. Under the recessive model, Chinese individuals with the Lys/Lys genotype had a higher risk of cancer (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.11–1.70).

Conclusion

Analysis of the MBD4 Glu346Lys polymorphism in different populations will help to elucidate the pathogenesis of cancer. The polymorphism can be utilized as a biomarker for cancer susceptibility among Chinese people.
Abusive retaliation of low performance in low-quality LMX relationships
Authors: Thompson Geir , Buch Robert , Glasø Lars
Published: December 2019

In the current study, we investigated the occurrence of abusive retaliation in response to low performance. More specifically, we hypothesize an association between low work performance and abusive supervision, as well as leader-member exchange (LMX) as a moderator of the association. Furthermore, we explored a potential link between abusive supervision and social loafing, and whether work-related negative affect would mediate this link. Data were collected from business organizations in Norway. To alleviate potential common method variance, data were collected separately from leaders and followers. In line with our expectations, we present results indicating that low performing followers are more prone to be abused by their supervisor, particularly if they are in a low quality LMX relationship. Conversely, LMX relationships can have a “buffering” effect on the performance/abusive supervision association. Furthermore, our results suggest abused followers reacted with both work-related negative affect and social loafing. The implications of this latter finding are discussed in light of the ongoing conversation regarding the role of emotions in exchange processes.
Research for Practitioners: Cognitive Bias
Authors: Greene Robert
Published: December 2019

Research has shown multiple cognitive biases that affect compensation related decisions. This research brief lists and describes several, including the bias held by most of us that we are too intellignet to fall prey to biases. Implications for HR and compensation practitioners conclude this research brief.
Status (Im)Mobility and the Legal Production of Irregularity: A Sociolegal Analysis of Temporary Migrants’ Lived Experiences
Authors: Farcy Jean-Baptiste , Smit Sarah
Published: December 2019

By combining legal analysis with data obtained through a longitudinal and qualitative fieldwork, this article looks at the impact of time and temporality on migrants’ trajectories. We find that legal insecurity is experienced by the majority of migrants residing lawfully in Belgium as a result of temporal constraints. Indeed, we argue that enforced temporariness and the conditionality of migrants’ stay increase the risk of precariousness and irregularity irrespective of migrants’ nationality. The article also looks at the consequences of legal insecurity on individuals’ trajectories. Since legal stay may be subject to disruptions, migrants with temporary status share the feeling of living in a situation of liminal legality and liminal times. However, they can find ways to overcome these temporal constraints using coping strategies. Through a sociolegal analysis, this article sheds light on temporality as a normative constraint as well as an individual experience creating immobility.
Explaining the Vitality of Eighteenth-century Non-Muslim Ottoman Merchants: How to Cope with Transaction Costs
Authors: Kadı İsmail Hakkı
Published: December 2019

The role of non-Muslim communities in the Ottoman Empire has been a topic of debate among scholars who approached the issue from various perspectives at different times. One thread in this debate focused on these communities’ role in Ottoman trade with Europe and emphasized their relations with western capital in explanation of their prominence in the Ottoman economy. This article attempts to explain the vitality of non-Muslim merchants through the centuries in the face of Western economic penetration of the Ottoman Empire, by focusing on transaction costs and market imperfections in North-western Anatolia. The article focuses on the trade in mohair yarn and cotton, which were the most important commodities exported to the Netherlands from the Ottoman Empire. Relying on data obtained from Dutch archives on cotton and mohair yarn consignments from Ankara and Izmir to Amsterdam, the article emphasises the diversity and complexity of the various transactions and expenses required to deliver these consignments to Amsterdam. It suggests that the local merchants were able to take advantage of the market imperfections and high transaction costs in North Western Anatolia while interacting with European merchants in the region.
The Ottoman Enlightenment: Geography and Politics in the Seventeenth- and Eighteenth-Century Ottoman Empire
Authors: Emiralioğlu Pınar
Published: December 2019

This article investigates the close relationship between geographical knowledge and imperial politics in the Ottoman Empire during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. Through an analysis of an anonymous portolan chart from 1652 and geographical accounts of Katip Çelebi, Ebu Bekir b. Behram el-Dimaşki and Osman b. Abdülmennan, it examines the circulation of ‘geography’ and ‘geographical knowledge’ in the Ottoman Empire during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. In doing so, it aims to integrate the Ottoman Empire into the recently developing historical treatment of Enlightenment as a response to cross-border interaction and global integration. According to the traditional understanding, Ottoman involvement with modern science and technology did not begin until the nineteenth century when the Ottoman state enacted a series of reforms in education, economy, and military. This article aims to challenge this traditional understanding and argues that Ottoman ruling elites and scholars did indeed participate in intellectual discussions and political developments of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. The knowledge exchange between the Ottoman geographers and their European contemporaries during this period laid the foundations of what I call ‘the Ottoman Enlightenment.’ The works discussed in this article informed the Ottoman imperial court and literate urbanites of the changes in the spatial understanding of the world and of the universe while also helping them to reevaluate the role of the Ottoman Empire globally during a period typically regarded as the beginning of Ottoman decline.
Spinal Cord Injury: Lessons about Neuroplasticity from Paired Associative Stimulation
Authors: Ling Yan To , Alam Monzurul , Zheng Yong-Ping
Published: December 2019

Paired associative stimulation (PAS) is a noninvasive neuromodulation method with rare cases of adverse effects for the patients with neurological injuries such as spinal cord injury (SCI). PAS is based on the principles of associative long-term potentiation and depression where the activation of presynaptic and postsynaptic neurons correlated in time is artificially induced. Statistically significant improvement in motor functions after applying PAS has been reported by several research groups. With further standardization of the technique, PAS could be an effective treatment for functional rehabilitation of SCI patients. In this review, we have summarized the methods and findings of PAS on SCI rehabilitation to facilitate the readers to understand the potentials and limitations of PAS for its future clinical use.
Stability of the neutral equilibrium of columns with a rotational end restraint by the generalized Fourier series
Authors: Zhao Yan-Ping , Li Lin , Jin Ming
Published: December 2019

In this paper, stability of the neutral equilibrium and initial post-buckling of a column with a rotational end restraint is analyzed based on Koiter initial post-buckling theory. The potential energy functional is written in terms of the angle. By the generalized Fourier series of the disturbance angle, it is proved that the second-order variation of the potential energy is semi-positive definite at the neutral equilibrium. The stability of the neutral equilibrium is determined by the sign of the fourth-order variation for the buckling mode. For all values of the stiffness of the rotational end restraint, the neutral equilibrium is stable and the bifurcation equilibrium is upward in the initial post-buckling.
Echinocandin Resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus Has Broad Implications for Membrane Lipid Perturbations That Influence Drug-Target Interactions
Authors: Satish Shruthi , Perlin David S
Published: December 2019

Echinocandin drugs target the fungal enzyme β-(1,3)-glucan synthase (GS), which is required for the synthesis of cell wall component β-(1,3)-d-glucan. They are first-line therapy for Candida infections but are increasingly used as second-line therapy for Aspergillus infections. Resistance to echinocandins has been mainly studied in Candida and occurs due to mutations in FKS genes encoding GS. In our recent report, we identified a novel mechanism of echinocandin resistance in Aspergillus fumigatus. We showed that caspofungin exposure modifies GS, rendering it insensitive to echinocandins. This mechanism of resistance involved alteration of the GS lipid microenvironment and was mediated via an off-target effect on mitochondria leading to increased reactive oxygen species (ROS). We hypothesized that caspofungin-induced ROS alters the lipid composition around GS, changing its conformation and making it insensitive to echinocandins. In this commentary, we review both fks1-dependent and fks1-independent mechanisms of echinocandin resistance in A fumigatus. We believe this new resistance mechanism is also conserved among Candida spp. with implications for drug tolerance and/or resistance. Furthermore, we propose that ROS acts as a signaling molecule regulating lipid biogenesis, which impacts the structure-function of membrane proteins with implications for other types of drug-target interactions.
Romantic Love and Attentional Biases Toward Attractive Alternatives and Rivals: Long-Term Relationship Maintenance Among Female Chinese College Students
Authors: Ma Yidan , Xue Weifeng , Zhao Guang , Tu Shen , Zheng Yong
Published: December 2019

Studies about heterosexual individuals’ long-term relationship maintenance have indicated that committed individuals possess evolved psychological mechanisms that help protect their ongoing romantic relationships against threats from attractive others during early stage attentional processing when mating-related motivation is activated. In this study, two experiments tested the relationship maintenance mechanism among committed female college students in the Chinese cultural context under different love priming conditions. Committed Chinese women displayed inattention to attractive alternatives in positive love-scenario priming (Study 1: 114 female undergraduates, age range = 18–26 years), subliminal semantic love priming (Study 2: 110 female undergraduates, age range = 18–25 years), and baseline conditions (Studies 1 and 2). Those with high levels of chronic jealousy showed significantly increased attention to and difficulty disengaging attention from attractive rivals when subliminally primed with love. This provides further evidence, from an Eastern cultural context, for the existence of attentional biases toward attractive alternatives and rivals in early stage attentional processes for relationship maintenance. This research also illustrates the important role of romantic love in maintaining long-term romantic relationships.
The culture of hope and ethical challenges in clinical trials: A qualitative study of oncologists and haematologists’ views
Authors: Godskesen Tove E , Petri Suzanne , Eriksson Stefan , Halkoaho Arja , Mangset Margrete , Nielsen Zandra E
Published: December 2019

We do not know how much clinical physicians carrying out clinical trials in oncology and haematology struggle with ethical concerns. To our knowledge, no empirical research exists on these questions in a Nordic context. Therefore, this study aims to learn what kinds of ethical challenges physicians in Sweden, Denmark and Finland (n = 29) face when caring for patients in clinical trials; and what strategies, if any, they have developed to deal with them. The main findings were that clinical cancer trials pose ethical challenges related to autonomy issues, unreasonable hope for benefits and the therapeutic misconception. Nevertheless, some physicians expressed that struggling with such challenges was not of great concern. This conveys a culture of hope where health care professionals and patients uphold hope and mutually support belief in clinical trials. This culture being implicit, physicians need opportunities to deliberately reflect over the characteristics that should constitute this culture.
Deployment Failure of a Stent-Graft During Arteriovenous Access Procedure
Authors: Hong Joon Ho
Published: December 2019

Endovascular stents are widely utilized in the management of vascular diseases. Although extremely rare, deployment failure of a self-expanding stent-graft can occur during the arteriovenous access procedure with dire consequence. A case of deployment failure of a self-expanding covered stent-graft is presented in a patient with multiple pseudoaneurysms of arteriovenous access.
Why Students with Severe Disabilities Are Not Being Placed in General Education Classrooms: Using the Frame of a Basic Change Model to Expand the Discussion
Authors: Vandercook Terri , Taub Debbie , Loiselle Tayler , Shopa Amanda
Published: December 2019

This article addresses particular aspects of the Agran et al. identified determinants related to inclusive educational practices for students with severe disabilities. More specifically, this article focuses on perceptions of competency in students with severe disabilities and the resulting placement decisions, as well as facilitating systemic change to build inclusive systems. The discussion focuses on how the determinant related to perceptions of competency and the four elements of systems change identified by Agran et al. play a part in the ongoing lack of inclusion for these students. This response uses the frame of a basic change model to further the discussion on the important question of why students with severe disabilities are not being placed in general education classrooms.
Research on path planning of robotic ultrasonic surface strengthening for turbine blade based on dynamic response of ultrasonic surface strengthening
Authors: Fang Shanxiang , Zhang Qinjian , Cheng Weidong , Wang Jiwu , Liu Chang , Han Kang
Published: December 2019

In order to realize the automatic strengthening for turbine blades, a path planning method for robotic ultrasonic surface strengthening is proposed. A constitutive model of nonlinear isotropic strengthening–kinematic hardening is analyzed to establish the dynamic response model of ultrasonic surface strengthening on the turbine blade. According to the dynamic response model, the impact depth of the ultrasonic working head was obtained. Then, a path planning method of robotic ultrasonic surface strengthening for turbine blades is proposed on the basis of impact depth of working head, and it can improve both the uniformity of path distribution and contour accuracy. It not only ensures the processing accuracy but also meets the uniformity requirement of coverage. This path planning method provides a new surface strengthening technology for turbine blades.
Adaptive control of micro-electro-mechanical system gyroscope using neural network compensator
Authors: Wang Huan , Yang Yuzheng , Fei Juntao , Fang Yunmei
Published: December 2019

This article proposes an adaptive control scheme with a neural network compensator for controlling a micro-electro-mechanical system gyroscope with disturbance and model errors. The adaptive neural network compensator is used to compensate the nonlinearities in the system based on its universal approximation and improve tracking performance of the gyroscope. The neural compensator, which is trained online, is combined with adaptive control of the Lyapunov framework system to approach the unknown system disturbance and model errors. The system stability is deduced by the Lyapunov stability theory, and the simulation of the micro-electro-mechanical system gyroscope is carried out on Matlab/Simulink, verifying the superior performance of the neural control compensation method.
Molecular characterization of AwSox2 from bivalve Anodonta woodiana: Elucidating its player in the immune response
Authors: Xia Xichao , Guan Cuiui , Chen Jiawei , Qiu Maolin , Qi Jinxu , Wei Mengwei , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Ke , Lu Suxiang , Zhang Linguo , Hua Chunxiu , Xue Shipeng , Yao Lunguang
Published: December 2019

Sox2 is an embryonal stem cell Ag essential for early embryonic development, tissue homeostasis and immune regulation. In the current study, one complete Sox2 cDNA sequence was cloned from freshwater bivalve Anodonta woodiana and named AwSox2. Histological changes of testis derived from Bisphenol A (BPA) treatment were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. Expressions of AwSox2 derived from BPA, LPS and polyinosinic:polycytidylic (Poly I:C) challenge were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. The full-length cDNA of AwSox2 contained an open reading frame of 927 nucleotides bearing the typical structural features of Sox2 family. Obvious degeneration, irregular arrangement of spermatids, and clotted dead and intertwined spermatids were observed in BPA-treated groups. Administration of BPA could result in a dose-dependent up-regulation of AwSox2 expression in the male gonadal tissue of A. woodiana. In addition, expression of AwSox2 was significantly induced by LPS and Poly I:C treatment in the hepatopancreas, gill and hemocytes, compared with that of control group. These results indicated that up-regulations of AwSOx2 are closely related to apoptosis of spermatogonial stem cells derived from BPA treatment as well as enhancement of immune defense against LPS and Poly I:C challenge in A. woodiana.
A Perceptual Illusion of Empty Space Can Create a Perceptual Illusion of Levitation
Authors: Øhrn Heidi , Svalebjørg Mats , Andersen Steffen , Ring Anna Edit , Ekroll Vebjørn
Published: December 2019

A recent analysis of magic tricks suggests the existence of a perceptual illusion where the space hidden behind an occluding object is experienced as empty in a strangely compelling way. Here, we show that this illusion of absence is not just a trivial consequence of the lack of retinal stimulation but rather the result of an active process of perceptual construction. The results of a simple experiment show that this perceptual illusion of absence can in turn trigger perceptual processes which generate an immediate perceptual impression of levitation via a percept–percept coupling. This suggests that magical illusions of levitation are partially driven by an immediate perceptual impression of floating in thin air. The perceptual mechanisms underlying the illusion of absence are hitherto unknown, but our results provide support for a potential explanation based on the generic view principle.
Social Network of Small Creative Firms and Its Effects on Innovation in Developing Countries
Authors: Shafi Mohsin , Sarker Md Nazirul Islam , Junrong Liu
Published: December 2019

This article aims to extend the current understanding of social networking in small creative traditional sectors in developing countries. Most of the relevant studies have tended to focus on developed countries while neglecting the developing countries perspective. However, our study stresses that small craft firms—subsector of creative industries—are not only significant for income and employment generation but these businesses also are dominant in most of the developing countries. Hence, this article develops a model to demonstrate the effects of social networking on innovation and thus entrepreneurial success in small creative firms from developing countries perspective. We empirically tested our proposed research model on a sample of 254 small creative firms in the craft sector located in Bangladesh. Our results suggest that small creative firms can and do benefit from establishing a cooperative relationship with buyers, suppliers, and designers. However, cooperation with competitors does not have a significant impact on innovation. The findings of our study have substantial implications for both practitioners and policymakers interested in enhancing innovation among small creative firms mainly craft sector. In particular, we argue that a small creative firm’s innovative activity benefits from close relations with suppliers and designers.
Learning Environment Perceptions and Student Background Variables as Determinants of Persistence in EFL Learning
Authors: Mutlu Gülçin , Yıldırım Ali
Published: December 2019

This study attempted to investigate the ability of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom learning environment and student background characteristics to predict student persistence in EFL learning. The study also aimed to investigate whether the associations between learning environment characteristics and persistence varied by several student demographics. The sample for the study included 1,365 tertiary English preparatory program students in Turkey. Regression analyses showed that learning environment characteristics were significantly related to persistence with materials environment dimension found as the strongest predictor. When demographics were included in the analyses together with the learning environment predictors, they explained more variance in student persistence. Given the results on the variance of associations between student persistence and learning environment characteristics by student demographics, it was seen that the predictive abilities of learning environment factors varied on the basis of each subset of one particular student demographic characteristic.
‘Nehers’ of Aurangabad: Medieval Water Planning, Current Use and Challenges
Authors: Khadke Shivani , Iyer Mona
Published: December 2019

Traditional water systems as a water management practice in today’s context are overridden by various factors and are struggling to be a functional part of the city. These systems now demand regeneration regarding their history, cultural and traditional practices, and the indigenous geographical conditions of the area. This research documents and investigates the struggles of one of the partially functional traditional water system in Aurangabad, locally known as ‘Neher’ system. It was observed that this Neher system in Aurangabad, constructed in the 16th century, is still a viable water supply method for few agricultural and domestic uses with enormous heritage and cultural values attached to the system. This paralyzed yet functional Neher system calls for protection and conservation as indigenous water heritage and, simultaneously, as a sustainable source of supplying water.
Outcomes and Complications of Concurrent Pars Plana Vitrectomy and Scleral-Fixated Intraocular Lens Placement Using Gore-Tex Suture
Authors: Day H. Russell , Durrani Alia K. , Kim Stephen J. , Patel Shriji
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

The authors aim to describe the visual outcomes and postoperative complications of concurrent pars plana vitrectomy and scleral-fixated intraocular lens (IOL) placement using Gore-Tex suture.

Methods:

A retrospective review of medical records was performed on 27 eyes of 27 patients undergoing concurrent pars plana vitrectomy and scleral-fixated IOL with Gore-Tex suture. Outcome measures were change in preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, final manifest refraction, and incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications.

Results:

The mean age was 69.2 ± 11.3 years; there were 16 male patients (59%). The duration of follow-up ranged from 33 to 576 days with a mean of 200 ± 143 days. All patients received Bausch + Lomb Akreos AO60 IOL. The overall mean best-corrected visual acuity in Snellen equivalent improved from 20/276 preoperatively to 20/44 postoperatively ( P < .001). The mean postoperative manifest spherical equivalent refraction was –0.35 ± 1.34 diopters (D). Seventy-five percent of eyes were ± 1.0 D of target refraction. Postoperative complications included corneal edema (26.0%), ocular hypertension (25.9%), hypotony (7.4%), cystoid macular edema (7.4%), vitreous hemorrhage (7.4%), and hyphema (3.7%). No cases of suture breakage, IOL dislocation, retinal detachment, or uveitis–glaucoma–hyphema syndrome were identified.

Conclusions:

The use of Gore-Tex suture for posterior chamber IOL fixation resulted in favorable outcomes. No suture-related complications occurred during the follow-up period. Final refraction in this setting is typically within ± 1.0 D of target.
Sexual Disorders in Asians
Authors: J. Shivanand Manohar , Solunke Hrishikesh , Reddy K. Suhruth , Raman Rajesh , Kalra Gurvinder , Tandon Abhinav
Published: December 2019

The inseparable relationship between mind and body, though known since ages, has been acknowledged in modern medicine only in recent times. There is abundant literature about the effects of various illnesses on different organ systems, but their effect on sexuality has not been emphasized. Research on sexuality has been fore fronted by the West and data, though available, cannot be extrapolated to the Asian population due to marked differences in physical and socio-cultural aspects. The authors have reviewed articles published in Clinical Key, PubMed and Scopus.
Removal of large middle molecules via haemodialysis with medium cut-off membranes at lower blood flow rates: an observational prospective study
Authors: Kim Tae Hoon , Kim Seok-hyung , Kim Tae Yeon , Park Hae Yeul , Jung Kwon Soo , Lee Moon Hyoung , Jhee Jong Hyun , Lee Jung Eun , Choi Hoon Young , Park Hyeong Cheon
Published: December 2019

Background

Online haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) may improve middle molecular clearance in contrast to conventional haemodialysis (HD). However, OL-HDF requires higher convective flows and cannot sufficiently remove large middle molecules. This study evaluated the efficacy of a medium cut-off (MCO) dialyser in removing large middle molecular uraemic toxins and compared it with that of conventional high-flux (HF) dialysers in HD and predilution OL-HDF.

Methods

Six clinically stable HD patients without residual renal function were investigated. Dialyser and treatment efficacies were examined during a single midweek treatment in three consecutive periods: 1) conventional HD using an HF dialyser, 2) OL-HDF using the same HF dialyser, and 3) conventional HD using an MCO dialyser. Treatment efficacy was assessed by calculating the reduction ratio (RR) for β2-microglobulin (β2M), myoglobin, κ and λ free light chains (FLCs), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-23 and measuring clearance for FLCs.

Results

All three treatments showed comparable RRs for urea, phosphate, creatinine, and uric acid. MCO HD showed greater RRs for myoglobin and λFLC than did HF HD and predilution OL-HDF (myoglobin: 63.1 ± 5.3% vs. 43.5 ± 8.9% and 49.8 ± 7.3%; λFLC: 43.2 ± 5.6% vs. 26.8 ± 4.4% and 33.0 ± 9.2%, respectively; P <  0.001). Conversely, predilution OL-HDF showed the greatest RR for β2M, whereas MCO HD and HF HD showed comparable RRs for β2M (predilution OL-HDF vs. MCO HD: 80.1 ± 4.9% vs. 72.6 ± 3.8%, P = 0.01). There was no significant difference among MCO HD, HF HD, and predilution OL-HDF in the RRs for κFLC (63.2 ± 6.0%, 53.6 ± 15.5%, and 61.5 ± 7.0%, respectively; P = 0.37), and FGF-23 (55.5 ± 20.3%, 34.6 ± 13.1%, and 35.8 ± 23.2%, respectively; P = 0.13). Notably, MCO HD showed improved clearances for FLCs when compared to HF HD or OL-HDF.

Conclusions

MCO HD showed significantly greater RR of large middle molecules and achieved improved clearance for FLCs than conventional HD and OL-HDF, without the need for large convection volumes or high blood flow rates. This would pose as an advantage for elderly HD patients with poor vascular access and HD patients without access to OL-HDF.

Trial registration

Clinical Research Information Service (CRIS): KCT 0003009. The trial was prospectively registered on the 21 Jul 2018.
CSF biomarkers of neuroinflammation in distinct forms and subtypes of neurodegenerative dementia
Authors: Abu-Rumeileh Samir , Steinacker Petra , Polischi Barbara , Mammana Angela , Bartoletti-Stella Anna , Oeckl Patrick , Baiardi Simone , Zenesini Corrado , Huss André , Cortelli Pietro , Capellari Sabina , Otto Markus , Parchi Piero
Published: December 2019

Background

In neurodegenerative dementias (NDs) such as prion disease, Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), protein misfolding leads to the tissue deposition of protein aggregates which, in turn, trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers have the potential to reflect different aspects of these phenomena across distinct clinicopathological subtypes and disease stages.

Methods

We investigated CSF glial markers, namely chitotriosidase 1 (CHIT1), chitinase-3-like protein 1 (YKL-40) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in prion disease subtypes (n = 101), AD (n = 40), clinicopathological subgroups of FTLD (n = 72), and controls (n = 40) using validated, commercially available ELISA assays. We explored glial biomarker levels’ associations with disease variables and neurodegenerative CSF biomarkers and evaluated their diagnostic accuracy. The genotype of the CHIT1 rs3831317 polymorphic site was also analyzed.

Results

Each ND group showed increased levels of CHIT1, YKL-40, and GFAP compared to controls with a difference between prion disease and AD or FTLD limited to YKL-40, which showed higher values in the former group. CHIT1 levels were reduced in both heterozygotes and homozygotes for the CHIT1 24-bp duplication (rs3831317) in FTLD and controls, but this effect was less significant in AD and prion disease. After stratification according to molecular subgroups, we demonstrated (i) an upregulation of all glial markers in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease VV2 compared to other disease subtypes, (ii) a difference in CHIT1 levels between FTLD with TAU and TDP43 pathology, and (iii) a marked increase of YKL-40 in FTLD with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in comparison with FTLD without ALS. In prion disease, glial markers correlated with disease stage and were already elevated in one pre-symptomatic case of Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease. Regarding the diagnostic value, YKL-40 was the only glial marker that showed a moderate accuracy in the distinction between controls and NDs.

Conclusions

NDs share a CSF profile characterized by increased levels of CSF CHIT1, YKL-40, and GFAP, which likely reflects a common neuroinflammatory response to protein misfolding and aggregation. CSF glial markers of neuroinflammation demonstrate limited diagnostic value but have some potential for monitoring the clinical and, possibly, preclinical phases of NDs.
A conceptual comparison of family-based treatment and enhanced cognitive behavior therapy in the treatment of adolescents with eating disorders
Authors: Dalle Grave Riccardo , Eckhardt Sarah , Calugi Simona , Le Grange Daniel
Published: December 2019

Background

The aim of this paper is to give a conceptual comparison of family-based treatment (FBT), a specific form of family therapy, and enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT-E) in the management of adolescents with eating disorders.

Main text

FBT and CBT-E differ in the conceptualization of eating disorders, the nature of involvement of parents and the child/adolescent, the number of treatment team members involved, and evidence of efficacy. FBT is the leading recommended empirically- supported intervention for adolescents with eating disorders. Data from randomized controlled trials indicate that FBT works well with less than half of the parents and adolescents who accept the treatment, but cannot be used with those who do not have available parents, or for those with parents who are not accepting of a FBT model, or are unable to participate in a course of this treatment. CBT-E has shown promising results in cohort studies of patients between ages 11 and 19 years, and has recently been recommended for youth with eating disorders when FBT is unacceptable, contraindicated, or ineffective.

Conclusion

There is a need to compare these two treatments in a randomized controlled trial to assess their acceptability, effectiveness, relative cost and cost-effectiveness, and to explore moderators of treatment response.
Entrepreneurs’ imprint: survival and sustainable development of private aesthetic plastic surgery hospitals in China
Authors: Xu Li , Liu Ming-xia , Yao Hao
Published: December 2019

Recently, the private aesthetic plastic surgery industry in China is developing rapidly and has become the fourth largest service industry of the country which contributes to 1.2% portion of the national GDP and helps to improve employment. Thus, the sustainable development of the industry plays an important role in the sustainability of the Chinese economy which is a problem that cannot be ignored. From the perspective of organizational imprinting, this paper selects seven newly established private aesthetic plastic surgery hospitals in central China as research samples and applies semi-structured interview and content analysis to investigate the relationship between personal characteristics of entrepreneurs and survival trajectories of these hospitals. Results show that entrepreneurs’ imprint takes effect in the course of establishing a new hospital through entrepreneurial motivation and initial strategy. Specifically, entrepreneurs’ age, educational background, geographical identity and industry experience all contribute to the entrepreneurial success. In addition, entrepreneurs’ imprint may be effective in the initial and early stage and then fades away with environmental changes. Corporate strategy is a useful complement to entrepreneurs’ imprint afterwards.
Profiling of the germline mutation BRCA1: p.Ile1845fs in a large cohort of Han Chinese breast cancer
Authors: Wu Yu , Zhang Huanhuan , Weng Xiaoling , Wang Honglian , Zhou Qinghua , Wu Ying , Shen Yi , Hu Zhen
Published: December 2019

Background

Breast cancer is a one of the malignant carcinomas partially caused by genetic risk factors. Germline BRCA1 gene mutations are reportedly associated with breast cancers. Identification of BRCA1 mutations greatly improves the preventive strategies and management of breast cancer. The aim of our study was to investigate the frequency of the deleterious BRCA1: p.Ile1845fs variant in breast carcinomas, as well as the correlation between p.Ile1845fs variant with clinicopathological parameters and clinical outcomes.

Results

A total of 23,481 clinically high-risk patients with breast cancer and 6489 healthy controls were recruited for p.Ile1845fs variant sequencing (either sanger or next generation sequencing). We identified 94 breast cancer patients (0.40%, 94/23481) as well as 11 healthy controls (0.17%, 11/6489) carried p.Ile1845fs variant. BRCA1: p.Ile1845fs variant showed a higher frequency in patients with TNBC molecular typing (20.21%, 19/94) and family history (37.23%, 35/94) compared with non-carriers (P = 3.62E-6 and 0.034, respectively). According to our data, we advanced the frequency of p.Ile1845fs variant and we confirmed that BRCA1: p.Ile1845fs variant was associated with increased risk of breast cancer (OR = 2.36, 95%CI = 1.26–4.89, P = 0.004).

Conclusions

BRCA1: p.Ile1845fs variant was a frequently pathogenic mutation in breast cancer in Han Chinese women and our data may be helpful for diagnosis and therapy of breast cancer.
Hedging ship price risk using freight derivatives in the drybulk market
Authors: Adland Roar , Ameln Haakon , Børnes Eirik A.
Published: December 2019

We show that a fixed-maturity time-weighted Forward Freight Agreement (FFA) portfolio should be used to proxy the expected future earnings of a vessel. We investigate the corresponding hedging efficiency when using a portfolio of FFA prices to hedge ship price risk of both static hedge ratios calculated using Ordinary Least Squares estimation and the dynamic hedge ratios generated from a dynamic conditional correlation GARCH (1,1) model. We find that the hedging efficiency is greater for newer vessels than older vessels and that the static hedge ratio outperforms the dynamic hedge ratio. Our work is an extension of earlier empirical work which has only considered the hedging efficiency of varying-maturity calendar FFA contracts for a single vessel age.
Poorer dynamic postural stability in patients with anterior cruciate ligament rupture combined with lateral meniscus tear than in those with medial meniscus tear
Authors: Lee Jin Hyuck , Lee Dae-Hee , Park Jong-Hoon , Suh Dong Won , Kim Eunseon , Jang Ki-Mo
Published: December 2019

Background

Only limited data are available regarding postural stability between anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)-injured patients with medial meniscus (MM) tear and those with lateral meniscus (LM) tear. The purpose of this study was to compare preoperative postural stability for both involved and uninvolved knees in ACL rupture combined with MM and LM tears. It was hypothesized that there would be a significant difference in postural stability between these two groups.

Methods

Ninety-three ACL-injured patients (53 combined with MM tears vs. 40 combined with LM tears) were included. Static and dynamic postural stability were evaluated with the overall stability index (OSI), anterior–posterior stability index (APSI), and medial–lateral stability index (MLSI) using stabilometry. Knee muscle strength was evaluated using an isokinetic testing device.

Results

In the static postural stability test, none of the stability indices showed significant differences between the two groups for both knees (p > 0.05). In the dynamic postural stability test for involved side knees, the OSI and APSI were significantly higher in the LM tear group compared to the MM tear group (OSI: 2.0 ± 0.8 vs. 1.6 ± 0.5, p = 0.001; APSI: 1.5 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.5, p = 0.023), but not the MLSI (p > 0.05). In the static and dynamic postural stability tests in each group, there were no significant differences between the involved and uninvolved side knees (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the knee muscle strength between the two groups (p > 0.05). All postural stability showed no significant correlation with knee muscle strength (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Dynamic postural stability was poorer in patients with ACL rupture combined with LM tear than in those with MM tear. Therefore, close monitoring for postural stability would be necessary during preoperative and postoperative rehabilitation, especially for patients with ACL rupture combined with LM tear.

Level of evidence: Level III