bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic and Predictive Impact of MGMT Promoter Methylation Status in High Risk Grade 2 Glioma
Authors: Haque Waqar , Teh Caitlyn , Butler E. Brian , Teh Bin S.
Published: December 2021

BackgroundMGMT promoter methylation has been associated with favorable prognosis and survival outcomes in patients with glioblastoma and grade 3 glioma. However, the effects of promoter methylation of MGMT in patients with grade 2 gliomas have not been established. The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the prognostic impact and predictive values of MGMT methylation in patients with grade 2 glioma.MethodsThe National Cancer Database (NCDB) was queried (2004-2016) for patients with newly diagnosed grade 2 glioma. Demographics and clinical characteristics of these patients were examined. Statistics included Kaplan-Meier overall survival (OS) analysis alongside Cox proportional hazards modeling.ResultsA total of 11,223 patients met the selection criteria; 1,252 patients (11%) had MGMT testing. Of the patients who had MGMT testing, 58.5% were MGMT methylated (mMGMT), and 43.5% were MGMT unmethylated (uMGMT). mMGMT patients had greater median overall survival (77.3 months) than both uMGMT patients (42.6 months) and patients with no MGMT status reported (61.9 months (p<0.001 for both). mMGMT was also associated with improved OS, when compared to patients with uMGMT, for patients receiving adjuvant chemoradiation or adjuvant radiation therapy.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to date demonstrating both the prognostic and predictive impact of MGMT methylation on patients with grade II glioma. The current results show that mMGMT is a prognostic factor and possibly a predictive biomarker for grade II glioma patients. MGMT methylation status can be used to determine and stratify patients by risk levels, and thus select patients for treatment intensification.
Electrification Potential of U.S. Industrial Boilers and Assessment of the GHG Emissions Impact
Authors: Schoeneberger Carrie , Zhang Jingyi , McMillan Colin , Dunn Jennifer B. , Masanet Eric
Published: December 2021

Electrification is a key strategy for decarbonizing the industrial sector. Industrial process heating, which still relies heavily on fossil fuel combustion and accounts for the majority of sector wide GHG emissions, is a particularly attractive electrification target. Electrifying industrial boilers represents a cross-cutting opportunity for GHG emissions reductions, given their widespread use in most manufacturing industries. Yet, there are gaps in the understanding of the current population of conventional industrial boilers in the United States that preclude a characterization of boiler electrification’s technical potential to reduce fuel consumption and GHG emissions. In this study, we develop an up-to-date dataset of the industrial boiler population in the U.S. and quantify the county-level electricity requirements and net changes in fuel use and GHG emissions under the current electric grid and theoretical future grid scenarios. Our results show an increase of 105 MMmtCO2e and 73 MMmtCO2e in GHG emissions from boiler electrification, with and without the replacement of byproduct fuels, respectively, under the current electric grid. GHG emissions savings are currently possible only in certain regions of the U.S. unless future grids are decarbonized. We also provide recommendations for policy makers and manufacturing facilities that would advance the electrification of industrial boilers in locations and industries toward fuel savings and GHG emissions reductions.
Sex Differences in the Relationship of Hip Strength and Functional Performance to Chronic Ankle Instability Scores
Authors: Lu Junlan , Wu Zhigang , Adams Roger , Han Jia , Bin Cai
Published: December 2021

Background: Preliminary studies have reported differences in strength and functional performance between sexes for patients with anterior cruciate ligament injury or reconstruction. Similar sex differences may occur in chronic ankle instability (CAI) populations. Factors like hip abduction strength and functional performance may be contributors to sex differences in CAI populations, but their presence and magnitude is unclear. While decreased hip abductor strength, functional performance, and self-reported instability scores have all been shown in association with CAI, any sex difference in the relationship between these indicators is unclear. The study was to determine if sex differences are present in the relationship between these indicators in individuals with CAI.Methods：Thirty-two women and twenty-nine men with unilateral CAI took part. Hip abductor strength and functional performance were respectively assessed using a hand-held dynamometer and the figure-8-hop test. All 61 participants scored the Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool (CAIT) for self-reported ankle instability.Results: Normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance measures for females were lower than for males. The self-reported ankle instability CAIT score, where higher values represent less instability, was significantly and positively correlated with normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance on the affected side in females (all p < 0.01), but not in males (all p > 0.19).Conclusions: Sex differences were observed in the relationships of normalized hip abductor strength and functional performance to CAIT scores from the CAI, holding for females but not males, and suggesting that evaluation and rehabilitation strategies should be sex-specific.
Modified Lateral Pressure Formula of Shallow and Circular Silo Considering the Elasticities of Silo Wall and Storage Materials
Authors: Xu Zhijun , Liang Pengfei
Published: December 2021

For the shallow and circular silo(SCS), when the aspect ratio is between 1.0 and 1.5, the lateral pressure especially dynamic pressure may cause destruction if the size of the silo is large. In general, the lateral pressures should be calculated simultaneously according to the shallow silo and the deep silo calculation formulas based on Rankine’s earth pressure theory and Janssen’s theory, respectively, and the larger value of them should be adopted. However, whether the two formulas are reasonable needs to be verified. This paper proposed a modified calculation method of lateral pressure on the silo wall of SCS, considering the elasticities of silo wall and storage materials. The availability of shallow silo and deep silo methods, and the modified method were compared with the experiment and simulation. The results show that the Rankine’s formula is too conservative for the static lateral pressure, and the results of the modified method and Janssen formula are close to that of the experimental and simulation. For the dynamic lateral pressure calculation, Rankine theory is unsafe for the discharging load. The relative error of the dynamic lateral pressure based on Janssen theory is between 20% and 30%, which is too large. The dynamic lateral pressure calculated by the modified method is in good agreement with that of the experimental and simulation, and the relative error is less than 10%. Therefore, the modified method of lateral pressure formula is reasonable, which can provide guidance for the safety design of silo structure.
The Effect of Chronic Disease Management on the Treat-to-Target of Gout: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Jia Ertao , Hu Shasha , Zhan Zhiying , Ma Wukai , Geng Hongling , Zhu Haiqiong , Zhong Li , Yao Xueming , Wei Jiaxin , Xie Jingjing , Xiao Yuya , Jiang Yubao , Qiu Xia , Xiao Min , Zhang Yanying , Tang Dabin , Zhang Jianyong
Published: December 2021

Background: The treat-to-target (T2T) strategy is essential for patients with gout. However, the rate of T2T is low. This study aimed to explore doctor-led chronic disease management on the T2T of gout, survey the rate of T2T and assess the predictors associated with poor control of serum urate levels (SUA) in a large population of patients with gout receiving urate-lowering treatment (ULT). Methods: A multi-center, cross-sectional study was conducted. We surveyed the relevant information of outpatients who received ULT for more than six months using electronic questionnaires, including demographics, disease-related conditions, comorbid conditions, and management. The patients with gout were divided into the SUA > 360 µmol/L and ≤ 360 µmol/L, and the patient characteristics between the two groups were compared. We analyzed the predictors of SUA > 360 µmol/L and poor disease control.Results: We collected 425 (90.8% of the patients) valid questionnaires. There were significant differences in the gender, education level, regular visits, medication adherence, diabetes, economic burden and community doctor's help between the SUA > 360 µmol/L (n=311, 73.18%) and ≤ 360 µmol/L (n=114, 26.82%) groups. The predictors of SUA >360 µmol/L were general medication adherence (OR=2.35; 95% CI 1.17–4.77; p=0.016), poor medication adherence (OR=4.63; 95% CI 2.28–9.51; p<0.001) and community doctor’s help (OR=0.60; 95% CI 0.37–0.97; p=0.036 for full model, OR=0.58; 95% CI 0.36–0.93; p=0.023 for simplified model). There were significant differences in the gender, regular visits, medication adherence, gout popular science, established health files, and community doctor’s help between the not well controlled (n=361, 84.94%) and well controlled (n=61, 14.35%) groups. The predictors of not well controlled were Tophi (OR=2.48; 95% CI 1.17–5.61; p=0.023), general medication adherence (OR=2.78; 95% CI 1.28–6.05; p=0.009), poor medication adherence (OR=6.23; 95% CI 2.68–14.77; p<0.001) and no gout popular science (OR=4.07; 95% CI 1.41–13.91; p=0.015).Conclusion: The T2T and well controlled rates were very low. The medication adherence, the community doctor’s help and gout popular science which was the doctor-led chronic gout management should be further improved to increase the T2T and well controlled rate.Trial registration: ChiCTR, ChiCTR2000034700, Registered 15 July 2020. http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=55778
Estimating Cardiovascular Health Gains From Eradicating Indoor Cold in Australia
Authors: Singh Ankur , Mizdrak Anja , Daniel Lyrian , Blakely Tony , Baker Emma , Alfonzo Ludmila Fleitas , Bentley Rebecca
Published: December 2021

Background

Exposure to cold indoor temperature (<18 degrees Celsius) increases cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and has been identified by the WHO as a source of unhealthy housing. While warming homes has the potential to reduce CVD risk, the reduction in disease burden is not known. We simulated the population health gains from reduced CVD burden if all homes in Australia were adequately warm.
Methods

The health effect of eradicating cold housing through reductions in CVD was simulated using proportional multistate lifetable model. The model sourced CVD burden and epidemiological data from Australian and Global Burden of Disease studies. The prevalence of cold housing in Australia was estimated from the Australian Housing Conditions Survey. The effect of cold indoor temperature on blood pressure (and in turn stroke and coronary heart disease) was estimated from published research.
Results

Eradication of exposure to indoor cold could achieve a gain of undiscounted one and a half weeks of additional health life per person alive in 2016 (baseyear) in cold housing through CVD alone. This equates to 0.447 (uncertainty interval: 0.064, 1.34; 3% discount rate) HALYs per 1,000 persons over remainder of their lives through CVD reduction. One-fifth of the total health gains are achievable between 2016 and 2035. Although seemingly modest, the gains outperform currently recommended CVD interventions including dietary advice for adults (0.017 per 1000 people, UI: 0.01, 0.027), lifestyle program for adults (0.024, UI: 0.01, 0.027) and Community Heart Health Program (0.141, UI: 0.071, 0.221).
Conclusion

Cardiovascular health gains achievable through eradication of cold housing are comparable with lifestyle and dietary interventions. The benefits of housing improvement are also substantial in other social domains (comfort, heating bills and energy efficiency).
Optimizing NK-92 Serial Killers: Gamma Irradiation, CD95/FasLigation, And NK Or LAK Attack Limit Cytotoxic Efficacy
Authors: Navarrete-Galvan Lydia T , Guglielmo Michael , Amaya Judith Cruz , Smith-Gagen Julie , Lombardi Vincent C. , Merica Rebecca , Hudig Dorothy
Published: December 2021

Background: The NK cell line NK-92 and its genetically modified variants are receiving attention as immunotherapies to treat a range of malignancies. However, since NK-92 cells are themselves tumors, they require irradiation prior to transfer and are potentially susceptible to attack by patients’ immune systems. Here, we investigated NK-92 cell-mediated serial killing for the effects of gamma-irradiation and ligation of the death receptor Fas (CD95), and NK-92 cell susceptibility to attack by activated primary blood NK cells. Methods: To evaluate serial killing, we used 51 Cr-release assays with low NK-92 effector cell to target Raji, Daudi or K562 tumor cell (E:T) ratios to determine killing frequencies at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-hours. Results: NK-92 cells were able to kill up to 14 Raji cells per NK-92 cell in eight hours. NK-92 cells retained high cytotoxic activity immediately after irradiation with 10 Gy but the cells surviving irradiation lost >50% activity one day after irradiation. Despite high expression of CD95, NK-92 cells maintained their viability following overnight Fas/CD95-ligation but lost some cytotoxic activity. However, one day after irradiation, NK-92 cells were more susceptible to Fas ligation, resulting in decreased cytotoxic activity of the cells surviving irradiation. Irradiated NK-92 cells were also susceptible to killing by both unstimulated and IL-2 activated primary NK cells (LAK). In contrast, non-irradiated NK-92 cells were more resistant to attack by NK and LAK cells. Conclusions: Irradiation is deleterious to both the survival and cytotoxicity mediated by NK-92 cells and renders the NK-92 cells susceptible to Fas-initiated death and death initiated by primary blood NK cells. Therefore, replacement of irradiation as an antiproliferative pretreatment and genetic deletion of Fas and/or NK activation ligands from adoptively transferred cell lines are indicated as new approaches to increase therapeutic efficacy.
Indigenous Goat Selection and Breeding Practices in Pastoral areas of West Guji zone, Southern Oromia, Ethiopia
Authors: Muluneh Teshager , Awoke Wondim
Published: December 2021

Placing relevant breeding objectives and identification of indigenous breeding practices is crucial to integrating modern development in animal breeding into purposeful industry programs. Hence, the objective of this study was to identify selection criteria and indigenous breeding practices of the goat in Abaya and Galan district southern Oromia, part of Ethiopia. Data were collected from 180 households through interview schedules and focus group discussions. The effective population size and inbreeding rate of the community were calculated using ΔF = 1/2Ne. Conformation, growth rate, coat color for buck and conformation, twining ability, age at sexual maturity, kidding interval, and color for females are selection criteria for replacement of stock in the study area. In both districts, farmers have relatively similar production and breeding objectives. Conformation is hub selection criteria for replacement of breeding flock. The study area has liable by inbreeding 0.22 in Abaya and 0.29 in Galan. Goat in the study area is prolific twinning birth (72.22%). Trait preferences of farmers in goats were conformation, growth rate, twinning, and kidding interval. Hence adopting a community-based goat breeding program that is suited to study areas which aimed at improving preferred traits is relevant.
The Economic Impact of Payments for Water-related Ecosystem Services on Protected Areas: A Synthetic Control Analysis
Authors: Zhang Jianmei , Zhu Jiwei , Liu Yu , Lu Nan , Fang Wenxing
Published: December 2021

Payments for water-related ecosystem services (PWES) are increasingly popular in promoting water ecological conservation, and their impacts on development are of considerable interest. This study estimates the economic impact of PWES on protected areas by applying the synthetic control method. Using the Middle Route of the South to North Water Diversion Project in China as a case study, we find that per capita GDP in protected areas increased markedly relative to a synthetic control region, and PWES has a positive economic impact. In addition, we conduct a variety of placebo tests to verify the validity and robustness of the results. We believe that the main factor of the positive economic impact lies in the development of the ecological-economic industrial system. This study provides a baseline for synthetic control analysis of PWES to compare regions of interest and their counterfactuals, and the findings of the case study provide reference to the protected areas for their economic development.
Physical Activity Associates with Greater Antibody Persistence through 6 Months after the Second Dose of CoronaVac in Patients with Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Gualano Bruno , Lemes Ítalo R. , Silva Rafael , Pinto Ana Jessica , Mazzolani Bruna , Smaira Fabiana I. , Sieczkowska Sofia M. , Aikawa Nadia , Pasoto Sandra , Medeiros-Ribeiro Ana C. , Saad Carla , Neves Emily , Silva Clovis , Swinton Paul , Hallal Pedro , Roschel Hamilton , Bonfa Eloisa
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to investigate the association between physical activity and persistent anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies 6 months after two-dose schedule of CoronaVac in autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARD) patients. This was a prospective cohort study within an open-label, single-arm, phase 4 vaccination trial (clinicaltrials.gov #NCT04754698), conducted at a tertiary referral hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil. ARD patients aged ≥18 underwent a two-dose schedule of CoronaVac (Sinovac Life Sciences, China). Persistent immunogenicity 6 months after the full-course vaccination was assessed using seroconversion rates of total anti-SARS-CoV-2 S1/S2 IgG, geometric mean titers of anti-S1/S2 IgG (GMT), and frequency of positive neutralizing antibodies (NAb). Physical activity was assessed trough questionnaire (active being defined as ≥150 min/week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity). Physically active (n=421) and inactive (n=327) ARD patients were similar for most characteristics; however, active patients were significantly younger (p<0.001), had less chronic inflammatory arthritis (p<0.001) and less frequently used biologic agents (p<0.001) than inactive ones. Six months after full-course vaccination, being male (p<0.001), use of prednisone (p<0.01) and biologics (p<0.001) were associated with poor immunogenicity, while being physically active was associated with better humoral response (p<0.01). Adjusted point estimates from logistic regression models indicated greater odds of seroconversion rates (OR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.1 to 2.1]) and NAb positivity (OR: 1.5 [95%CI: 1.0 to 2.1]) in physically active patients and approximately 43% greater GMT (42.8% [95%CI: 11.9 to 82.2]) than inactive ones. In conclusion, among immunocompromised patients, being physically active was associated with an increment in antibody persistence through 6 months after a full-course of an inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccine.
WITHDRAWN: Drama and Vocals Relation in Singing: a Comparative Study
Authors: Khalifa Samar
Published: December 2021

Dramatic situations are more presented in the Eastern countries and this appears in the mass communicative projects that reveals the elevated status of the sense and the feelings. In the contrary, dramatic situations appear to be colder in the Western countries. This paper investigates the relation between drama and vocals in a comparison between Western and Eastern songs.
Neutralizing potency of COVID-19 vaccines against the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Mattiuzzi Camilla , Henry Brandon M.
Published: December 2021

Background: We carried out a literature search for summarizing currently published evidence on severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Omicron (B.1.1.529) variant neutralizing properties of serum or plasma collected from recipients of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines.Methods: An electronic search was conducted in Medline and Scopus, using the keywords “vaccine” AND “Omicron” OR “B.1.1.529” AND “SARS-CoV-2” AND “neutralization” OR “antibodies”, with no language or date limits (i.e., up to December 27, 2021). Studies with complete information on neutralization properties of COVID-19 vaccines against the Omicron variant, with or without the adjunctive effects of booster vaccine doses, were included.Results: Our final analysis included 10 published studies. In all, decreased neutralisation of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 variant was evidenced in post-vaccination samples, ranging between -4.3 folds to absence of neutralization compared to an ancestral SARS-CoV-2 strain. In all studies the COVID-19 vaccine booster dose was effective to elicit sustained enhancement of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron B.1.1.529 neutralisation, with such increase being comprised between 10-42 folds compared to the pre-booster period.Conclusion: Vaccine boosters seem strongly advisable for limiting the risk of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron (B.1.1.529) breakthrough infections.
Climate Change Influence On Ontario Corn Farms’ Income.
Authors: Kornprobst Antoine , Davison Matt
Published: December 2021

Our study quantifies the impact of climate change on the income of corn farms in Ontario, at the 2068 horizon, under several warming scenarios. It is articulated around a discrete- time dynamic model of corn farm income with an annual time-step, corresponding to one agricultural cycle from planting to harvest. At each period, we compute the income of a farm given the corn yield, which is highly dependent on weather variables: temperature and rainfall. We also provide a reproducible forecast of the yearly distribution of corn yield for the regions around ten cities in Ontario, located where most of the corn growing activity takes place in the province. The price of corn futures at harvest time is taken into account and we fit our model by using 49 years of county-level historical climate and corn yield data. We then conduct out-of-sample Monte-Carlo simulations in order to obtain the farm income forecasts under a given climate change scenario, from 0 ° C to + 4 ° C.
Evaluation of Dynamic Thiol-Disulfide Homeostasis on Hpv Positive-Women in Progression to Cervical Intraepithelial Lesion
Authors: Erin Recep , Tekin Yeşim Bayoğlu , Küçük Hatice , Erel Özcan
Published: December 2021

PURPOSE: Dynamic thiol disulfide homeostasis (TDH) is critical in cervical carcinogenesis at HPV infection as a sign of antioxidant consumption native and total thiol levels decrease in progress to cervical intraepithelial lesions. TDH is the main actor in signaling pathways, apoptosis, antioxidant and detoxification reactions. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of TDH intraepithelial progression of cervical precancerous lesions on HPV positive women.METHODS: This was a prospective cross-sectional study. Subjects were selected from newly diagnosed high risk HPV DNA-positive patients. TDH results were calculated as the levels of disulfide, native and total thiol, the ratios of disulfide/total thiol (SS/SH+SS), disulfide/native thiol (SS/SH) and native thiol/total thiol (SH/SH+SS).RESULTS: A total of 146 women were included in the study. Study groups were as group one; control included 66 participants, group two; HPV DNA-positive women without preinvasive cervical lesion included 30 participants and group three; HPV DNA-positive women with preinvasive cervical lesion included 50 participants. Native and total thiol levels were elevated on HPV-positive women without preinvasive cervical lesions. There were no significant differences between groups related to the ratios of SS/SH, SS/ Total SH, SH/ Total SH levels. CONCLUSIONS: HPV infection related to oxidative stress has effects on oxidant/antioxidant balance and could be demonstrated in systemic circulation by TDH parameters. Consumption of thiol substances play role in the cervical neoplastic process, replacement with antioxidants would be a treatment option for HPV infections.
Tuberculosis of the Rare Azygos Lobe of Lung
Authors: Awal Sandeep Singh , Biswas Som Subhro , Goyal Hitesh , Awal Sampreet Kaur
Published: December 2021

Background: The azygos lobe is a rare anatomical variant seen in the upper lobe of right lung. It occurs during embryological development due to the failure of posterior cardinal vein to migrate supero-medially. It is often an incidental finding on imaging and is asymptomatic in majority of cases. Tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe is extremely rare. Only a few cases of tuberculosis involving the azygos lobe have been reported in literature.Case presentation: We present a rare case report of tuberculosis infection involving the azygos lobe in a 57-year-old Indian male with history of chronic cough, fever, haemoptysis and weight loss.Conclusions: The azygos lobe is usually asymptomatic, but it may be misdiagnosed as bulla, lung cyst or abscess. In rare cases it may be associated with certain pathology such as tuberculosis, other infections, and lung cancer. Hence, it is pertinent for a radiologist to be aware of this variant when reporting chest imaging cases.
Use of Modified Palm Kernel Shell Particles Composite Blend with Cement or Clay as Alternative Material for Block Production
Authors: Ichetaonye Simon Ikechukwu , Ajekwene Kingsley Kema , Ulaeto Sarah Bill , Yibowei Moses Ebiowei , Ugo Ugonna Kingsley , Adekeye Tajudeen Olaniyi , Oguzie Chima Kenneth
Published: December 2021

This study presents the potential of modified Palm Kernel Shell (MPKS) particles in the production of blocks as an alternative building material using cement or clay as binders. Several studies on Palm Kernel Shell (PKS) as a blend with other natural fibres/fillers found that due to its hydrophilic nature, it has low physical and mechanical capabilities in comparison to MPKS, making it less compatible with any polymeric matrix. Experimental tests were conducted to determine the physicomechanical attributes of MPKS/Cement and MPKS/Clay blocks, including characterization of the cement and clay using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), as well as moisture content, water absorption, hardness, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and flake. The morphology of the samples was determined using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Results show that MPKS/Cement block samples exhibit superior physicomechanical and morphological properties compared to MPKS/Clay. The MPKS/Cement block sample moisture content ranged between 4.76 – 9.94%. The 80/20 MPKS/Cement sample recorded the most water absorption at 49.5%, and a microhardness value of 82.3 Hv for the 20/80 sample. The MPKS/Clay samples showed higher values of apparent porosity but recorded the least bulk density in the 80/20 samples. The 20/80 MPKS/Cement and MPKS/Clay samples showed the best compressive strength at 63.72 and 50.3 N/mm2 respectively, while 80/20 for both cement and clay displayed very weak compressive strengths. The ratio 20/80 of MPKS/Cement is observed to be the optimum ratio where better properties of the composites were obtained. For the structure industry's long-term viability, MPKS' superior mechanical properties as an aggregate in block manufacturing make it an asset material as an alternative for some high-cost construction resources such as sand.
Optimal Land And Water Allocation Model For The Maximization of Net Agricultural Return In Drought Prone Regions
Authors: Kerebih Mulu Sewinet , Keshari Ashok Kumar
Published: December 2021

In this study, the land and water resources allocation model was developed to determine optimal cropping patterns and water resources allocations at different rainfall probability exceedance levels (PEs) to ensure maximum agricultural return in the Hormat-Golina valley irrigation command area, Ethiopia. To account the uncertainty of rainfall variability, the monthly dependable rainfall was estimated at three levels of reliability (20, 50 and 80% PEs) which are representing wet, normal and dry seasons based on regional experience. The irrigation water demand which was used as an input to the optimization model was estimated at each level of reliability by using CROPWAT model. The net annual returns of optimal cropping patterns were estimated as 181, 179 and 175 million Ethiopia Birr at 20 %, 50 % and 80 % PEs, respectively. The result of the optimal cropping pattern indicates that, the net annual return of the command area was increased to 45.75%, 45.84% and 47.01% than the Government targeted at 20%, 50% and 80% PEs, respectively. The findings reveal that the optimal land and water resources allocation model is very useful to the planners and decision makers to maximize the agricultural return particularly in areas where land and water resources are limited.
Fiscal issues of entities’ non-financial reporting
Authors: Vorobei Svitlana
Published: December 2021

The article identifies areas for strengthening the information value of non-financial reporting data, in particular in terms of its fiscal issues. The author substantiates the issues of disclosure of data on the impact of uncertainty on the entities’ activities based on the results of the analysis of scientific publications and generally accepted international documents. It is proved that high-quality non-financial reporting can serve as one of the tools for attracting additional funding for eliminating the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic. The article highlights the results of the analysis of non-financial reporting of state-owned enterprises to identify data on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their activities and compliance with the list of sustainability reporting indicators defined in the document “Guidance on core indicators for entity reporting on contribution towards implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals”, developed by UNCTAD ISAR. The paper substantiates that non-financial reporting data can serves as one of the information sources for decision-making at the state level in terms of avoiding fiscal risks (management report, report on payments to government). The core research methods used in the article: bibliometric analysis; synthesis; observation.
Comparison of early forecasts of the incidence of thyroid cancer in residents of the Russian Federation after the Chernobyl accident with observational data
Authors: Zvonova I. A. , Balonov M. I.
Published: December 2021

A review of methods for assessing doses in the thyroid gland, predictions of the long-term consequences of its irradiation and the actual incidence of thyroid cancer in residents of four regions of the Russian Federation with the most significant radioactive fallout after the Chernobyl accident are presented. The method for assessing doses in the thyroid gland is based on the results of monitoring in May-June 1986 of radioiodine in the environment, food and in the body of residents. Thyroid doses in the population were used to justify medical and social protection measures, as well as epidemiological studies. In addition, the authorities needed forecasts of the possible morbidity of the population in order to organize adequate medical care. Most of the thyroid cancer cases were predicted among the adult population, which was not confirmed by observations 35 years after the accident. The prognosis of the incidence of thyroid cancer in preschool children differed in different studies due to the use of different coefficients of reducing the biological effectiveness of 131I radiation in the thyroid gland and long-term external and internal irradiation of the whole body with a low dose rate compared to the effect of acute exposure. The increase in the incidence of thyroid cancer among children began five years after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant. Examples of the dynamics of the incidence for children in the Bryansk region of the Russian Federation are given. The 2018 UNSCEAR Report showed that for 1986-2015, among children and adolescents under 18 years of age on the day of the accident in Belarus, Ukraine and four regions of Russia, more than 19 thousand thyroid cancer cases were detected, of which the share of radiation-induced diseases was estimated at 25%. For four regions of Russia, this amounts to 460 cases with a range of possible estimates from 130 to 900 cases. The highest morbidity was manifested among younger children exposed at the age of 0-4 years. In older children and adolescents, the proportion of radiation-induced diseases has significantly decreased 30 years after the accident. In general, early forecasts of radiation-induced thyroid cancer incidence in children in four regions of the Russian Federation with high levels of radioactive fallout are consistent with the data of subsequent 30-year epidemiological observations within an order of magnitude. With regard to thyroid cancer in adults, such a comparison is difficult, since no radiogenic increase in the incidence has been detected.
Features of radiation protection equipment for the staff of X-ray operating rooms
Authors: Sarycheva S. S.
Published: December 2021

This survey is devoted to the staff radiation protection in X-ray operating rooms. For self-safety staff must regularly and correctly use the protective equipment, which is ensured by their availability, convenience and manoeuvrability during procedures performing. The rapid development of interventional radiology led to the fact that the staff work in this area have one of the highest levels of occupational exposure. Unfortunately, domestic radiation protection system does not keep pace with such a rapid development of this branch of medicine. The article shows the basic principles of the distribution of scattered radiation in the X-ray operating room during the procedures performing. The distribution of scattered radiation around the patient for various modes of C-arm angiographic systems is shown. Graphical examples of scattered radiation distribution in X-ray operating rooms are given. Collective and individual protective equipment specifically designed for staff radiation protection in X-ray operating room are considered in detail. The common data on the protection features of the recommended staff protection equipment are presented. Most of the considered protection equipment is mandatory in many European countries, but not mentioned in domestic regulatory documents yet. The proposals for the modernization of the domestic radiation protection system for staff of X-ray operating rooms have been made. These recommendations focused on providing X-ray operating rooms with relevant radiation protection equipment, including eye protection, following the accumulated world experience and international regulations.
Application of musyarakah in Islamic banking
Authors: Sarpini Sarpini
Published: December 2021

Purpose - The purpose of this study is to explain syirkah, one of the popular profit-sharing scheme.Method - This research is a descriptive analysis that describes all data and then analyzes the data to obtain a conclusion.Result - This study concludes that the legal basis of syirkah is Al-Qur'an, Sunnah, ijma 'and its application in Islamic banking, namely project financing and venture capital.Implication – Understanding one of the implementation of the profit-sharing system mostly keeps the principle of justice running in the economy.Originality - This study is essential to continue to be studied and explored considering there are still many issues of Islamic law (muamalah) that need to be resolved in sharia law.
The welfare of amil zakat in Dompet Dhuafa, Central Java
Authors: Diana Zummi Asma
Published: December 2021

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to examine the welfare level of amil zakat in Dompet Dhuafa. The salary received by one amil with another amil is different. Some fulfill the UMR of Semarang City, but there are also those that are still below the UMR of Semarang City.Method – This study is performed using qualitative phenomenology analysis.Result - The results of this study indicate that the welfare level of amil zakat in Dompet Dhuafa in Central Java using measurements according to BKKBN has included prosperity, starting from Prosperous Family II (KS II) to Prosperous Family III Pus (KS III Plus), and if using measurements according to BPS (Central Bureau of Statistics) shows that all amil zakat have lived properly and by the Prosperous Family according to BPS.Implication – This study is expected to be able to give a picture of the stakeholders about the importance of minding the welfare of amil zakat.Originality – This study is researching salary and wage effects on welfare with a qualitative approach. Previous existing researches are dominated by quantitative research.
Comparative analysis of company's financial performance before and after tax amnesty; evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Agriyanto Ratno , Aprilia Della
Published: December 2021

Purpose – The purpose of this study is to analyze differences in financial performance before and after the tax amnesty was applied until the third period.Method – This research uses a comparative method with a quantitative approach. The data collection technique used the documentation method. The research data were in the form of annual reports and financial reports of issuers of the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The results showed the financial performance before and after the tax amnesty up to the third period in the property and real estate sub-sector companies.Result – The result shows a significant difference between before and after the tax amnesty until the third period. However, there is no significant difference between Debt to Equity Ratio and Return on Equity before and after the tax amnesty until the third period. The analysis results up to the third period regarding company value shows that there are differences in company value before and after the tax amnesty up to the third period.Implication – The study offers alternative perspective about tax amnesty. Most of the time companies are reluctant to engage with tax payment.By applying tax amnesty, both ruling government and companies are both be benefited. Originality – This study is among few studies about the impact of tax amnesty on financial performance in Indonesia.
The effect of financial literacy and financial efficacy on individual financial management
Authors: Saadah Naili
Published: December 2021

Purpose – This study aims to determine the effect of financial literacy and financial efficacy on financial management.Method – Using mixed methods, namely quantitative and qualitative, this study managed to collect a sample of 307 respondents.Result – This research provides evidence that the level of a person's financial knowledge can affect his financial management as well as his financial satisfaction, with these results directly this research strengthens the evidence that gender does not affect financial management. it's the habits or behaviors that lead someone to act.Implication – This research can be used to understand behavioral financial management in individual level.Originality – Many studies show that a society with good financial literacy will have an impact on the formation of a financially independent society. However, the problem here is that there is still discrimination against women regarding financial management. Basically, whether or not they are able to manage finances is not based on gender but on the behavior of the individual. To strengthen this, research is present to prove that individual behavior which includes the level of financial knowledge and financial satisfaction affects their financial management.
The behavior of muzakki in paying zakat; phenomenological study of muzakki's experience in Semarang City
Authors: Rohmawati Siti , Musahadi Musahadi , Murtadho Ali
Published: December 2021

Purpose – This study aims to determine muzakki's behavior which is reviewed based on the theory of planned behavior, including attitudes towards behavior, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control.Method – This research used a qualitative research method, while the analytical approach used phenomenological analysis. This study utilized observation and interviews for collecting data. Informants were given a great space to tell their own experiences freely. The number of samples in the study was six informants, i.e., two people who work as civil servants, two people as entrepreneurs, and two people as farmers.Result – Based on the phenomenon and its meaning regarding the behavior of muzakki in paying zakat, it can be concluded that 1) The attitude of the informants tends to comply with the obligation to issue zakat as a form of religious, social, economic, and psychological obedience 2) Informants have subjective beliefs regarding the behavior of paying zakat which is formed from normative beliefs, namely references that come from external and internal parties. 3) Perceptions of behavioral control of the informants. Implication – This study can assist people and organizations in understanding the behavioral aspect of muzakki.Originality – The originality of this research lies in the object under study, test analysis, and research location.
The ideal model of waqf financing
Authors: Furqon Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Purpose – The aim of this research is to find out the financing mechanism or the waqf assets funding done by nazhir and to find the ideal mechanism for the development of waqf assets.Method – This is a qualitative research with a case study approach. The research object was selected using purposive sampling, namely nazhir waqf in Central Java which manages productive waqf including: Sultan Agung Waqf Foundation (YBWSA), Semarang Grand Mosque Management Agency (BPMAS), and Pekalongan City Muslimin Foundation (YMKP).Result – This study found that the Sultan Agung Waqf Foundation (YBWSA) implements a mechanism for waqf financing in the form of public funding, government assistance, murabahah, and ijarah. BPMAS implements a waqf financing mechanism in the form of donations alms, government assistance, ijarah, and cash waqf. Meanwhile, YMKP provides financing for the development of its waqf assets in the form of government assistance and qardul hasan. Implication – This study can be used by government, policy maker, business party, or scholar to create an optimal and ideal mechanism in developing waqf assets.Originality – In the past, studies of waqf asset management were performed in the context of middle east, mostly Kuwait. This study provides waqf asset management in context of South East region.
Endüstriyel Tasarım Ürünü Sofra Seramiklerinde Biyomimetik ve Biyomorfizm’den Yararlanılması
Authors: Parlak Demet , Erzincan Aysun , Yıldız Nurcan , Erken Elif , Mercin Levent
Published: December 2021

Endüstriyel tasarım, endüstri alanında üretimi yapılabilecek olan tüketiciye yönelik işlevsel, estetik ve fonksiyonel ürünlerin seri üretime uygun olacak şekilde geliştirildiği ve yenilikçi yönü olan projelerin ortaya çıkması olarak tanımlanabilir. Bir endüstriyel ürünün tasarlanma sürecinde piyasa araştırması yapılarak tüketicinin ihtiyaçları göz önüne alındıktan sonra tasarımcı tarafından ürünün hazırlanma süreci başlar. Piyasa araştırmaları esnasında tüketicinin beğenisi, finansal yeterliliği ve ürüne ulaşım kolaylığı test edildikten sonra üretim aşamasında yaşanacak olan problemler ve çözümleri üzerine yoğunlaşılır. Bir endüstriyel tasarım sürecinde tasarımcının göz önünde bulundurması gerekenler ise, ihtiyaç belirleme, araştırma ve gözlemleme, fikir geliştirme, çözümleme, modelleme, rafine etme ve eylem olarak sıralanabilir. Bir tasarımcının bu gereksinimleri yerine getirebilmesi için ilham alabileceği en önemli alanlardan birinin doğa olduğu söylenebilir. Çünkü doğa, renk, doku, form, şekil ve işlevsellik açısından eşsiz bir zenginliğe sahiptir. Doğadan ilham alan tarihin en önemli kişiliklerinden biri olan Leonardo Da Vinci, bu kriterleri göz önünde bulundurarak 1480’ler de uçan araç buluşunu gerçekleştirmiştir. Önceleri bir tanımlamaya gidilmeden yararlanılan sonra ise bilinçli olarak 1969 yılında kullanılmaya başlanılan doğadan esinlenme yöntemi, her geçen yıl gelişerek devam etmiş 1997 yılında ise “biyomimikri” kavramı olarak ifade edilmeye başlanmıştır. Günümüzde teknoloji, uzay, mimari yapılar, bilim ve endüstriyel tasarım alanlarında olmak üzere pek çok alanda kullanılan biyomimikri ve biyomorfizm, birçok bilim adamı ve tasarımcıya ilham kaynağı olmaya devam etmektedir. Ancak genellikle biyomimikri ile karıştırılan biyomorfizm, görsel olarak yaşamdaki öğelere benzeyen (doğaya "benzerler") tasarımlara atıfta bulunurken, biyomimetik tasarımlar işleve odaklanır (doğa gibi çalışırlar).
Bu araştırmada hem biyomimikri hem de biyomorfizm’in diğer yararlanılan tasarım alanlarının yanı sıra, sofra seramiği endüstrisindeki form ve dekor tasarımlarına yansıması üzerinde durulmuştur. Bu kapsamda ilgili literatür taranmış, form ve dekor uygulamalarına uygun doğadan canlı örnekleri seçilmiş, onlardan esinlenilmiş ve sonrasında örnek sofra seramikleri hazırlanmıştır. Bu süreç araştırmanın bulgular ve yorum kısmında değerlendirilerek, elde edilen veriler analiz edilmiştir. Araştırma sonucuna göre öneriler geliştirilmiştir.
PERCEIVED EXERCISE BENEFITS AND BARRIERS IN ACTIVE AND INACTIVE UNIVERSITY STUDENTS
Authors: ÖZKUL Çağla
Published: December 2021

active and inactive university students and to determine the relationship between physical activity

level and perceived benefits/barriers in university students.

Methods: The undergraduate students were invited to this cross-sectional survey. A total of

526 students responded to the online survey consisting of the International Physical Activity

Questionnaire (IPAQ) and Exercise Benefits/Barriers Scale (EBBS). The participants were divided

into two groups: the active group (n=341) and the inactive group (n=185) based on IPAQ.

Results: The most agreed benefit was the item "exercise improves the way my body looks," whereas

the most agreed barrier was the item "exercise tires me". Comparison of the active and inactive

groups showed that the active group perceived the benefits of exercise higher than the inactive

group, especially in terms of life enhancement, physical performance, and psychological outlook

(p
STRUCTURAL EQUATION MODELLING TO EXAMINE THE AFFECTED FACTORS OF KINESIOPHOBIA IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN WITH CHRONIC LOW BACK PAIN
Authors: ERDEN Arzu , TURHAN Kemal , ALBAYRAK Muammer , ŞENOCAK Emre
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The pragmatic aim of this study was to show affected factors including pain, disability

level, and anxiety of kinesiophobia using structural equation modeling (SEM) in postmenopausal

women with chronic low back pain (CLBP).

Methods: The study was conducted with 200 women aged 45–75 years. Tampa Scale for

Kinesiophobia 11, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire,

and Visual Analog Scale were used. The SEM was also used to analyze the direction and power

of complex interactions between kinesiophobia and anxiety, pain intensity, and disability level by

using hypothetically designed models. The average pain intensity was 5.98 (2.39).

Results: The average age of the women was 58.00±8.39 years. The average menopausal age was

45.75±5.95. The average kinesiophobia point was 25.97±8.57. Anxiety risk score was 14.74±11.27;

depression risk score was 12.39±10.51. The SEM analysis outcome showed that the final model

was expository kinesiophobia with pain, anxiety, and disability level (chi-square=21.37; df=28;

p=0.810). Anxiety was found as a strong mediator in the relationship between kinesiophobia and

pain intensity and disability.

Conclusion: This study showed that SEM was appropriate method to explain relationships between

kinesiophobia and pain, anxiety, and disability. The created model also showed that anxiety was a

strong mediator in postmenopausal women with CLBP.