bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Global Food Prices trends behavior and Managing Food Inflation in India: Strategic policy options and key issues
Authors: Arabi U
Published: December 2020

The rapid rise in food prices has been a burden on the poor in developing countries, including in India, who spend roughly half of their household incomes on food. In many countries and regions, food price inflation is higher than aggregate inflation and contributing to underlying inflationary pressures. Food grain prices have more than doubled between January 2006 and June 2008. More than 60 percent of this increase has occurred since January 2008 alone. Although the pass-through of rising global prices does not translate into an immediate and proportionate rise in domestic price levels, due to various factors such as a weakening dollar, domestic infrastructure, and price stabilization policies; increased food price volatility is expected even to continue for the presumable future and there is also possibility of further long run uncertainty due to climate change. With domestic prices rising, private consumption takes a plunge. Expectedly, global food price increases translate to higher prices in developing Asia, including in India particularly since food carries a large weight in the CPI of many of the regionâ€™s economies. In fact a number of factors have contributed to the rise in food prices in general; but the increase in energy prices and the related increases in prices of fertilizer and chemicals, which are either produced from energy or are heavy users of energy in their production process etc. are crucial. This has increased the cost of production, which ultimately gets reflected in higher food prices. Higher energy prices have also increased the cost of transportation, and increased the incentive to produce biofuels and encouraged policy support for bio-fuels production. The increase in bio fuels production has not only increased demand for food commodities, but also led to large land use changes which reduced supplies of wheat and crops that compete with food commodities used for biofuels in countries like India. Against these backdrops, this paper focus on the movements in global food price trends and its impact on management of food supply and security, the factors responsible for the rise in food prices in India and its impact on the issue of food security and sustainability of management of food economy of India. The paper concludes that in the short to medium run, the importance of safety nets to secure food for the needy is very much needed and in the long run, the notion of food security should move beyond a relatively static focus on food availability and access to one of higher productivity. Thus, as the majority of the poor in developing India live in rural areas and depend on agriculture, higher agricultural growth will provide food security by increasing supply, reducing prices, and raising incomes of poorer farm households in the near future
Millennium Development Goals and Infant Mortality in India: A Distant Dream or a Reality
Authors: Sahu Asima , Mohapatra Subhalaxmi
Published: December 2020

ChildÂ  mortality and more particularly infant mortality is often used as an indicator of the socioeconomic development of a country since children (infants), more than any other age-group of a population, depend heavily on the socioeconomic conditions of their environment for survival. Thus, the level of child mortality would present a measure of how well a society meets the needs of its people (Bicego and Ahmad, 1996). Looking into the history of the decline in mortality in India, it can be noted that in the country as a whole the level of infant mortality which was very high before 1951, fell substantially during the later half of the last century, although its level is still very high. As per the recent SRS estimates, the infant mortality rate (IMR) is 58 per 1000 live `births in 2005. It has also been a cause of concern that the pace of decline in infant mortality in the country has slowed during the last decade, particularly during its later half. Yet, there is surprisingly little evidence to suggest that planners and policy makers feel seriously concerned about this problem. In India, the programmes to reduce infant mortality had been guided by health professionals who were convinced that available low-cost technology was adequate to achieve the set goals.
Entrepreneurship and Marketing among Tharu Tribe in India
Authors: Dixit Annapurna , Pandey Alok Kumar
Published: December 2020

In the present study an attempt has been made to highlight the various business activities and marketing of product by Tharu tribal people. The development of human resources in the tribal areas is the most important element in the rapid industrialisation and is an adjunct of the much needed occupational diversification so as to relieve pressure on land in tribal areas. The study area lies in the Nighasan Tahsil of Kheri district of Uttar Pradesh. The study area comprises of 41 villages. The study covers all the 144 respondents who were involved in any kind of entrepreneurial activity in the study area. The respondents were engaged in various type of business activities but were not aware of all the organised marketing strategies.
Social and economic perspectives of student unrest
Authors: Channaveer R.M.
Published: December 2020

Student unrest has been a grave phenomenon and syndrome to educational system in India and world as such.Â  Time and again student organizations give call for agitations to protest their dissent which is either just or unjust, causing violence and civic disturbance.Â  Social anomaly of Indian society and politicization of student folk has further made the educational institutions more vibrant and dynamic organizations. The recent outburst of upper strata to dissent the OBC reservation in the elite higher educational institutions and that of Gujjar community to claim ST status ended in violence towards self and society. Any protest if it is ideology-based is activism; if it fosters violence-ideology it is unrest. Phenomenon of this nature brings to fore challenging issues related to democratic system.Â  Whether means justify end or else it is conviction that the democratic institutions and political leadership respond to violence ideology.Â  Or else is it social insensitivity that the Indian society is prone, which indicates apathy to peaceful means that do not yield any just benefits.Â  Any restive outburst all over the world involves youth force especially from the institutions of higher education. Emerging postmodernism with changing socio-cultural context in the wake of neo-liberalism is a great challenge to the higher education. Indian society in post-independence period is passing through varied transitions in every decade. Green revolution, white revolution, grey revolution and social movements have changed the face of Indian society from time to time.Â  Technological innovations and social constructivism have strengthened the democratic fabric.Â  However, the collectivism of violence ideology to bring drastic changes has endangered the Indian society. Therefore, sociologists, economists and social work scholars have harped upon this phenomenon and attempted to explain it from different perspectives. The paper attempted to scan the social science literature to organize the perspectives proposed by social science scholars in order to develop holistic understanding about the phenomenon.
What Does Gravity Model Reveal About SAFTA?
Authors: Verma Renu , Dubey Jaidev
Published: December 2020

During last decade, the stalemate in multilateral trade negotiations under the framework of World Trade Organization (WTO) regime has provided impetus to the signing of regional trade agreements world over .South Asia is not an exception to this trend and has been involved in setting up its own bilateral and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). Most commonly cited cooperation agreements are Agreement on Trade and Commerce between India and Bhutan(1972), India-Nepal Bilateral Trade and Transit Treaties(1991), Indiaâ€“Sri Lanka Bilateral Free Trade Area(1998) Bangkok Agreement (1975),Â  Bangladesh, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Thailand Economic Cooperation (BIMST-EC-2004) and the Indian Ocean Rim Association of Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC-1997). One ofÂ  the most significant stepsÂ  towards regional economic cooperation in the history of South Asian countries, was taken with signing of The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) formed in 1985 with the objective of exploiting â€œaccelerated economic growth, social progress and cultural development in the regionâ€ for the welfare of the peoples of South Asia. And then seven South Asian countriesâ€”Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lankaâ€”initiated a framework for region-wide integration under the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) in 1995. In order to further cement the regional economic relations and overcome some impediments of SAPTA, the South Asia Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) was signed in early 2004, which came into force on 1st July 2006. The SAFTA is a parallel initiative to the multilateral trade liberalization commitments of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) member countries. SAFTA aims to reduce tariffs for intraregional trade among the seven SAARC member countries. It has been agreed that for the South Asian countries, Pakistan and India will eliminate all tariffs by 2012, Sri Lanka by 2013 and Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives and Nepal by 2015. The current paper is an attempt in assessing the potential trade in the region with latest datasetÂ  with Gravity model approach.
Globalization and Economic Development: A Study of Nagaland
Authors: Singha Komol
Published: December 2020

With the emergence of globalization, economic integration among nations has become a necessity. Cross border trade is the most important medium of the current wave of globalization. In this process, knowingly or unknowingly the North East economy has emerged in to a new dimension of cross border trade (informal trade) with neighboring nations and that increases Social Welfare of the poor masses of the region. But the formal arrangements, like â€˜Look East Policyâ€™ stumbles the social welfare of the region. Border trade is the first and foremost important component of globalization and informal trade is multiple times more than the formal trade in this region. By this process, sustainable development is generated and it is visible now in this region. With the help of primary and secondary data, this paper tries to analyze the impact of globalization or cross border trade in the North East India (NEI). How far this globalization through cross border trade increases social welfare or generates sustainable economic development of the region is the core issue of this paper. For this purpose, the author has selected Nagaland as an area of study. Of late, the Government has initiated several pro-active measures to strengthen its economic growth further. In this direction, Indiaâ€™s Look East Policy is worth mentioning. Under this policy, India seeks economic cooperation with ASEAN and other neighbouring countries through the gateway of the North-Eastern Region. Despite initiatives of economic development, still the process is not heading towards the right direction. There are some institutional lacunae in this process. This paper is the modest attempt to highlight these lacunae and tries to recommend some feasible suggestions to overcome in this direction.
PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS OF ECOTOURISM IN KERALA: SOME EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM â€˜KUMBALANGIâ€™ PANCHAYAT IN ERNAKULAM DISTRICT
Authors: N SHIHABUDHEEN
Published: December 2020

Worldwide tourism is recognized by the governments as a sector with high potential for economic development and employment generation. International agencies like World Tourism Organization (WTO) have underscored the vast developmental potential of tourism particularly for the developing nations like India. It is estimated that economies like India and China would emerge as the superpowers in world tourism by the years 2020. In spite of the appreciable growth in tourism over the last few years and the excellent growth prospects of the industry, there are growing apprehensions regarding the sustainability of tourism as a development paradigm primarily because of the adverse environmental impacts of tourism. It is widely believed that environment friendly tourism alone can be sustainable for development in the long run, and accordingly the concept of â€˜Ecotourismâ€™ is gaining significance day by day. In this context, this paper seeks to make an overall review of the current status of Indian tourism and its broad trends and patterns with a focus on Kerala tourism and its major problems and prospects, and also to make an empirical study of a typical ecotourism destination viz. â€˜Kumbalangiâ€™ in Ernakulam district of Kerala state which is recognized as the first model tourism village in the whole of India.. Key Terms: Tourism Vision 2020, Eco tourism, Sustainability.
Corporate Governance Mechanism and Firm Performance as Determinants of CEO Compensation: A Panel Data Analysis of Pakistani Listed Companies
Authors: Younas Zahid Irshad , Mehmood Bilal , Ilyas Asal , Bajwa Haseeb Asif
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate governance, firm performance on CEO compensation. More specific, firm performance, board size and audit expenditure are linked with CEO compensation. Using panel data for 151 Pakistani firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE), fixed effects regression has been performed. The results indicate firm performance is negatively associated with CEO compensation, which hold managerial power theory. While, board size and audit expenditure showed a positive relationship with CEO compensation, which reflects the presence of human capital theory. The results of study are in line with the prior studies done on CEO compensation.
An analytical study of relationship of Macroeconomic Indicators on movement of KSE(Karachi stock exchange) prices.
Authors: Haider Jahanzaib
Published: December 2020

This study aims to find relationship between stock price movement and macroeconomic indicators. Different indicators like interest rate, inflation rate, capital gain tax, money supply and GDP has been used in the research. The objective is to find how stock market behaves with change in these macroeconomic indicators. Whether there is any positive or negative relation between these macroeconomic indicators and stock price movement. This research could also be useful for the investors they can use the information to predict the stock price movement. In this study Pearson correlation as correlation between two variables has been used that reflects the level by which the variables has relation. In co-relation non parametric test has been used to prove study. Level of significance is 5% in this research.
Does Working Capital Management Affect the Operational Liquidity Position of Firms? A Case of Pakistani Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Azim Parvez , Rehman Jamshaid ur
Published: December 2020

The study is aimed to investigate the effect of working capital management on the operational liquidity position of diverse manufacturing firms listed on Karachi Stock Exchange, Pakistan. Descriptive statistics, Pearsonâ€™s correlation analysis and Pooled (OLS) analysis techniques are applied on the balanced panel data set of 148 manufacturing firms for the period (Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2011). It is found that tight credit policy, efficiency of inventory management, delayed payment policy and overall efficiency of working capital management have significant positive effect on firmâ€™s operational liquidity position. But conservative strategy of investment in current assets and aggressive strategy of short terms financing are found to have negative effect on operational liquidity position of firms. The study suggested that operational liquidity position of listed manufacturing firms can be improved by using appropriate policies and strategies of working capital management. This study can be extended by investigating the differences in working capital management efficiency and working capital policies across various industries and their effect on various measures of liquidity position of firms.
Techno-Economic Evaluation of Exploration & Production
Authors: Gupta Sumeet , Pahwa Manvinder Singh
Published: December 2020

ABSTRACTOil and gas producing industry, which is extractive in nature, involves activities related to acquisition of minerals interests in properties, exploration, development and production of oil and gas. Oil and gas companies consist of many types of activities before it starts its operation in the field. It involves bidding procedure, acquiring mining lease, petroleum exploration license (PEL).Â  It consists of high risk and uncertainties which may cause financial distress for a company. The aforesaid activities are collectively referred to an upstream operation and form the â€˜Upstream Petroleum industryâ€™.Â Â  The industry is commonly referred to as the E&P industry.In order to assure the receipt of fair market value for oil and gas asset economic evaluation is performed. Economic evaluation consists of the assessment of oil and gas resources the valuation of resources in the market and the use of evaluation in considering the bid, exchange offer or other action. Full development of all three components of economic evaluation is essential if it is to be successful evaluation. Evaluation process embraces a range of procedures which, when applied to available data leads to an estimation of the rightâ€™s and propertyâ€™s value. So to quantify the risk and uncertainties a good economic evaluation process is needed. There are many economic evaluation processes. Among the existing economic evaluation processes, which one is the best, is the main motto of our study.The study discusses different method of economic evaluation like Internal Rate of Return (IRR), Net Present Value (NPV), discounted payback period, etc. This report also consist some example on various methods. These methods does not account for risk and uncertainties. A trivial change in predictions alters the whole calculation of profit and loss and may compel the company to be great loser. Now to analyze the risk and uncertainties, Risk analysis is necessary. In this report we have included Sensitive analysis, Decision Tree and Monte Carlo simulation. At the end of the report analysis is broadly given in support of the best method of economic.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Key Words: Simulation, Economic Evaluation, SensitiveÂ
â€˜Out of Pocket Expenditureâ€™ of Health Care Services in India: Factors, Consequences and Solution
Authors: Bagchi Shatabdi , Bakhshi Priyanka
Published: December 2020

Financing is the most crucial part of the of the health care service delivery system and health care finance is one of the most critical factor contributing in the poverty scenario of any country.Â  In developing countries like India where the health system should be more equitable and cost effective, the soaring problem of â€˜out of pocket expenditureâ€™ on Health System has shown a gloomy face and raises question on health equity. Evidences from several studies In India show that out of pocket expenditures on health care services intensify poverty. Â In the World Health Survey of 2011, India was ranked 42nd in the list of countries with highest average of out of pocket expenditure. The survey found that 74.4 per cent of private expenditure on health was paid out of pocket. The article discusses the triggering factors which lead to the inequitable out of pocket health expenditure. Secondary Data from World Health Statistics 2010, NSSO 52nd and 60th round have been used here as evidence.
Exploring the sophistication in services exports
Authors: Desai Falguni Pankaj
Published: December 2020

The paper aims at providing empirical evidence of increasing sophistication in services exported by the developing countries.The last two decades have witnessedÂ  a phenomenal rise not only in the share of services traded by both developed and developing countries , but also, a structural shift in favour of trade in modern services as against dominance ofÂ  traditional services. Spanning over a period of 10 years i.e. from 2000 to 2010 we examine and compare the changing composition and sophistication in services exported by 38 countries comprising: Brazil, Russian Federation, India and China (BRICs), European Union (EU)-15 countries, 12-EU New Member States (EU-NMS), 5-EU Accession countries (EU- ACC), USA and Japan. We use the methodology developed by Hausmann et al (2007) which measures the level of sophistication associated with countryâ€™s export basket of goods. But in this paper we have applied this methodology to study sophistication in the export of services instead of goods.Â  We find that there is a big divide in the values of the sophistication index between EU-15 and EU-ACC, the latter exhibiting considerable lower values of the index.Â  But the gap in the value of the sophistication index between EU-15 and India, Russia, and some of the EU-NMS has narrowed.Â
Efficient Utilization of Resources in Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Ahmed Md. Shakil , Haider Mohammed Ziaul
Published: December 2020

This study describes the optimality in resource utilization of the manufacturing firms in the south-west region of Bangladesh. A translog production function has been estimated to describe the input-output relationship. The large scale firms have the opportunity to substitute capital for labour for producing the same level of output. On the other hand, scarcity in capital leads to lower productivity of labour in medium and small firms. Therefore, an increase in capital may lead to an increase in labour productivity as well as output for these small and medium firms. The productive labour force may ensure proper utilization of the capital resources as well as the long run growth.
Global Crises, fiscal space and national response
Authors: Sundaram Dr A
Published: December 2020

Abstract:Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  The main aim of this paper is to examine the impacts of the crisis on fiscal space and government social spending. It also examines the design and implementation of national rescue packages, concentrating in particular on the composition of stimulus packages in terms of social protection and employment measures. This study analyses data from the year 2000 to 2011 in order to find out the Global Crises, fiscal space and national response. In this analysis various secondary sources haveÂ  beenÂ  used.Â  It analyses the impacts, shortcomings, challenges, and policy reform measures of the Global food crisis.The global nature of the recent crisis limits that option. Countries with the flexibility to implement counter-cyclical policies have been better able to mitigate the impacts of the crisis on their economies and people Likewise, countries that have social protection systems as well as active labour market programmes in place, have been in a better position to mitigate adverse social impacts. It seems many countries learned lessons from previous crises and devoted substantial shares of their stimulus spending to the social sector to either expand existing programmes or to implement new ones.Â  Unfortunately, many poorer developing countries lack the institutional and/or fiscal capacity to finance effective stimulus and welfare measures on their own. Instead, they must depend on aid to fill budgetary shortfalls in education, health and other programmes aimed at addressing poverty.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â  Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization estimates that the average annual shortfall in funding needed to meet the internationally agreed development goals in education is $16 billion, $5 billion more than previously estimated (United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2010). The crisis dampens the prospects for closing this gap. Thus, policy adjustments to support social spending and improve economic growth are essential to limit the impact of the crisis on poverty.
Cost Components of Interest Rate Charged By Indian Self Help Groups Financed By Not-For Profit Microfinance Institutions
Authors: KUMAR NAVEEN
Published: December 2020

Although, interest rate charged by microfinance stimulate of lot of ethical debate. Very few studies in microfinance detail the cost components of interest rates paid by the borrowers. Setting the optimal interest rate with a dual goal of financial sustainability and fighting against poverty is a complex task for microfinance lending. In this backdrop, this paper examines the various cost components of interest rate changed by Indian Self-Help Groups (SHGs) that are financed by not-for profit Microfinance Institutions (MFIs). The study uses neo-classical framework for the analysis of interest rate determinants like cost of funds, administrative (operating) cost, opportunity cost, travel costs and some margin to sustain the business. The data have come from a survey of 106 women SHGs in ten villages in the state of Karnataka, India. The study finds that the cost of fund and other costs associated in microfinance significantly influence the rate of interest and the SHGs need to reduce efficiently other costs associated with writing and maintaining the accounts, auditing, and hospitality offered, through innovative cost management methods of lending. As a result, there would be a welfare gain for the borrowers through reduced interest rate on loans.
Measurement of Convergence Degree between International and US Auditing Standards for Accounting Estimates
Authors:   Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania, CIURDAS Ioana
Published: December 2020

Through this study, the author aimed to analyze the evolution of international and American auditing standards on accounting estimates following the recent amendments initiated by the IAASB and PCAOB and to determine the degree of convergence between them. The results of the statistical tests show an increase in the level of convergence between the two referential (ISA 540 & AS 2501) and an improvement of the new ISA 540 compared to the old standard. This analysis demonstrates the similarity between the risk approaches specific to the estimates for the two measures, but also the existence of differences regarding the fair value and the use of external sources by the management or the auditor.
Um itinerário de pesquisa: aspectos sobre a temática Patrimônio Histórico-Educativo na História da Educação (2000-2015)
Authors: Cunha Maria Teresa Santos , Campos Emerson César de
Published: December 2020

Neste artigo discutimos a presença de temáticas ligadas ao Patrimônio Cultural designado como Patrimônio Histórico-Educativo em suas ocorrências nos Congressos Brasileiros de História da Educação (CBHE), realizados entre 2000 e 2015, em diferentes regiões do país. Embora seja recente a inserção da temática nos Congressos da CBHE, o Patrimônio Histórico-Educativo tem uma historicidade significativa a ser visibilizada, articulada à História da Educação. Para os resultados apresentados, a fonte, em sua parte mais consistente, foi construída a partir do número de trabalhos inscritos nos congressos da CBHE, no período citado, que encerram inserção, desde seus títulos, às temáticas concernentes ao Patrimônio Histórico-Educativo.
Summary and Evaluation of the Odour Regulations Worldwide
Authors: Bokowa Anna , Diaz Carlos , Koziel Jacek , McGinley Michael , Barclay Jennifer , Schauberger Günther , Guillot Jean-Michel , Sneath Robert , Capelli Laura , Zorich Vania , Izquierdo Cyntia , Bilsen Ilse , Romain Anne-Claude , del Carmen Cabeza Maria , Liu Dezhao , Both Ralf , Van Belois Hugo , Higuchi Takaya
Published: December 2020

When it comes to air pollution complaints, odours are often the most significant contributor. Sources of odour emissions range from natural to anthropogenic. Mitigation of odour can be challenging, multifaceted, site-specific, and is often confounded by its complexity—defined by existing (or non-existing) environmental laws, public ordinances, and socio-economic considerations. The objective of this paper is to review and summarize odour legislation in selected European countries (France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, United Kingdom, Spain, The Netherlands, Italy, Belgium), North America (USA and Canada), South America (Chile and Colombia), as well as Oceania (Australia and New Zealand) and Asia (Japan, China). Many countries have incorporated odour controls into their legislation. However, odour-related assessment criteria tend to be highly variable between countries, individual states, provinces and even counties and towns. Legislation ranges from (1) no specific mention in environmental legislation that regulates pollutants which are known to have an odour impact to (2) extensive details about odour source testing, odour dispersion modeling, ambient odour monitoring, (3) setback distances, (4) process operations, and (5) odour control technologies and procedures. Agricultural operations are one specific source of odour emissions in rural and suburban areas and a model example of such complexities. Management of agricultural odour emissions is important because of the dense consolidation of animal feeding operations and the advance of housing development into rural areas. Overall, there is a need for continued survey, review, development, and adjustment of odour legislation that considers sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and socio-economic realities, all of which are amenable to a just, site-specific, and sector-specific application.
Muscle Spasms – A Common Symptom Following Theraphosid Spider Bites?
Authors: Hauke Tobias , Herzig Volker
Published: December 2020

Despite the popularity of theraphosids, detailed reports on bite symptoms are still limited to few geographic regions and subfamilies. We therefore examined 363 published bite reports and noticed muscles cramps caused by theraphosids from nearly all continents and subfamilies. Symptoms are mostly locally restricted and mild, but 12.7% of victims experience pronounced cramps with highest incidence rates by Poecilotheriinae, Harpactirinae and Stromatopelminae subfamilies. We discuss how variations in venom quantity correlate with muscle cramp prevalence.
3d Bioprinted Material That Recapitulates the Perivascular Bone Marrow Structure for Sustained Hematopoietic and Cancer Models
Authors: Moore Caitlyn A. , Siddiqui Zain , Carney Griffin J. , Naaldijk Yahaira , Guiro Khadidiatou , Guvendiren Murat , Kumar Vivek A. , Rameshwar Pranela
Published: December 2020

Translational medicine requires facile experimental systems to replicate the dynamic biological systems of diseases. Drug approval continues to lag, partly due to incongruencies in the research pipeline that traditionally involve 2D models, which could be improved with 3D models. The bone marrow (BM) poses challenges to harvest as an intact organ making it difficult to study disease processes such as breast cancer (BC) survival in BM, and to effective evaluation of drug response in BM. Furthermore, it is a challenge to develop 3D BM structures due to its weak physical properties, and complex hierarchical structure and cellular landscape. To address this, we leveraged 3D bioprinting to create a BM structure with varied methylcellulose (M):alginate (A) ratios. We selected hydrogels containing 4% (w/v) M and 2% (w/v) A, which recapitulates rheological and ultrastructural features of the BM while maintaining stability in culture. This hydrogel sustained the culture of two key primary BM microenvironmental cells found at the perivascular region, mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial cells. More importantly, the scaffold showed evidence of cell autonomous dedifferentiation of BC cells to cancer stem cell properties. This scaffold could be the platform to create BM models for various disease and also for drug screening.
Dual-Target Car-Ts With on- and off-Tumour Activity May Override Immune Suppression in Solid Cancers: A Mathematical Proof of Concept
Authors: León-Triana Odelaisy , Pérez-Martínez Antonio , Ramírez-Orellana Manuel , Pérez-García Víctor M.
Published: December 2020

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell-based therapies have achieved substantial successes against B-cell malignancies, what has led to a growing scientific and clinical interest on extending their use to solid cancers. However, results for solid tumours have been limited up to now, in part due to the immuno-suppressive tumour microenvironment, that is able to inactivate CAR-T cell clones. In this paper we put forward a mathematical model describing the competition of CAR-T and tumour cells, accounting for their immunosuppressive capabilities. Using the mathematical model, we show that the use of large numbers of CAR-T cells targeting the solid tumour antigens could overcome the cancer immunosuppressive potential. To achieve such high levels of CAR-T cells we propose and study computationaly, the manufacture and injection of CAR-T cells targeting two antigens: CD19 and a tumour-associated antigen. We study in-silico the resulting dynamics of the disease after the injection of this product and find that the expansion of the CAR-T cell population in the blood and lymphopoietic organs could lead to the massive generation of an army of CAR-T cells targetting the solid tumour, and potentially overcoming its inmune suppression capabilities. That strategy could benefit from the combination with PD-1 inhibitors and of low tumour loads. Our computational results provide a theoretical support for the treatment of different types of solid tumours using T-cells engineered with combination treatments of dual CARs with on- and off-tumour activity and anti-PD1 drugs after completion of classical cytoreductive treatments.
Physiological and Comparative Proteomic Analyses Provide Insight Into the Differential Responses of Acanthus Ilicifolius and Its Relative, Acanthus Mollis, to Tidal Flooding Stress
Authors: Liu Yi-ling , Zheng Hai-lei
Published: December 2020

The mangrove plant Acanthus ilicifolius and its relative, A. mollis, have been previously proved to possess diverse pharmacological effects. Therefore, evaluating the differentially expressed proteins of these species under tidal flooding stress is essential to fully exploit and benefit from their medicinal values. The roots of A. ilicifolius and A. mollis were exposed to 6 h of flooding stress per day for 10 days. The dry weight, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, anatomical characteristics, carbon and energy levels, and two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled with MALDI-TOF/TOF MS technology were used to reveal the divergent flooding resistant strategies. A. ilicifolius performed better under tidal flooding stress, which was reflected in the integrity of the morphological structure, more efficient use of carbon and energy, and a higher percentage of up-regulated proteins associated with carbon and energy metabolism. A. mollis could not survive in flooding conditions for a long time, as revealed by incomplete cell structures of the roots, less efficient use of carbon and energy, and a higher percentage of down-regulated proteins associated with carbon and energy metabolism. Energy provision and flux balance played a role in the flooding tolerance of A. ilicifolius and A. mollis.
COVID-19 and Religion: Risks and Opportunities
Authors: Buonsenso Danilo , Malorni Walver , Sisti Grazia Leuconoe , Moscato Umberto
Published: December 2020

Culture, gender and religion are closely linked each other’s, profoundly affect the role of each person within the Society, and also affect the ability to access to the health resources. We are now living a worldwide crisis due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. In order to appropriately tackle it, an alliance between science, politics and citizens is needed. In this article, we summarize current evidences of how religions can represent, on one hand, a risk moment for spreading the virus (in relation with overcrowded events), on the other, a precious opportunity to engage people, and in particular minorities, in fighting the pandemic. To win this fight, we need a multicultural approach that takes into account every aspect of human life, and among these religion, which influences so much culture, everyday life and well-being.
Effects of the Antibiotic Alternatives Zinc and Menthol on Phenotypic Antimicrobial Resistance of E. coli and Enterococcus spp. in Beef Cattle
Authors: Murray Sarah A. , Amachawadi Raghavendra G. , Norman Keri N. , Lawhon Sara D. , Nagaraja T. G. , Drouillard James S. , Scott Harvey M.
Published: December 2020

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) represents a growing crisis in both human and veterinary medicine. We evaluated the use of two categories of antibiotic alternatives – heavy metals and essential oils – in beef cattle, and their effects on gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria. In this randomized controlled field trial, we measured the impact of supplemental zinc and menthol on antimicrobial resistance among commensal enteric bacteria of feeder cattle. Fecal suspensions were plated onto plain- and antibiotic-supplemented MacConkey and m-Enterococcus agar for quantification of total and antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli and Enterococcus spp., respectively. Temporal effects on overall E. coli growth were significant (P< 0.05); however, there were no significant effects on antibiotic-supplemented agar. Zinc was associated with significant increases in growth on erythromycin-supplemented m-Enterococcus agar. Cattle fed zinc exhibited significantly higher macrolide resistance among fecal enterococci isolates.
Determination of Surface Crack Orientation Based on Thin-Skin Regime Using Triple-Coil Drive-Pickup Eddy-Current Sensor
Authors: Lu Mingyang , Meng Xiaobai , Huang Ruochen , Chen Liming , Tang Zezhi , Li Junshi , Peyton Anthony , Yin Wuliang
Published: December 2020

Electromagnetic sensors have been used for inspecting small surface defects of metals. Based on the eddy-current thin-skin regime, a revised algorithm is proposed for a triple-coil drive-pickup eddy-current sensor scanning over long surface crack slots (10 mm) with different rotary angles. The method is validated by the voltage measurement of the designed EC sensor scanning over a benchmark (ferromagnetic) steel with surface defects of different depths and rotary angles. With an additional sensing coil for the designed EC sensor, the defect angle (or orientation) can be measured without spatially and coaxially rotating the excitation coil. By referring to the voltage change (due to the defect) diagram (voltage sum versus voltage different) of two sensing pairs, the rotary angle of the surface crack is retrieved with a maximum residual deviation of 3.5 %.
Building a Laboratory at a Primarily Undergraduate Institution (PUI)
Authors: Dahlberg Caroline , King-Smith Christina , Riggs Blake
Published: December 2020

Scientists who are interested in building research programs at primarily-undergraduate institutions (PUIs) have unique considerations compared to colleagues at research-intensive (R1) institutions. Maintaining a research program at a PUI holds unique challenges that should be considered before prospective faculty go on the job market, as they negotiate a job offer, and after they begin a new position. In this article we describe some of the considerations that aspiring and newly hired faculty should keep in mind as they plan out how they will set up a laboratory as a new Principle Investigator (PI) at a PUI. Anyone hoping to start a research program at a PUI should understand both the timeframe of interviews, job offers, and negotiations and the challenges and rewards of working with undergraduate researchers. Once a job is offered, candidates should be aware of the range of negotiable terms that can be part of a start-up package. Space and equipment considerations are also important, and making the most of shared spaces, existing infrastructure, and deals can extend the purchasing power of start-up funds as a new PIs builds their lab. PUIs’ focus on undergraduate education and mentorship leads to important opportunities for collaboration, funding, and bringing research projects directly into undergraduate teaching laboratories. A major focus of any new laboratory leader must be on building a productive, equitable, and supportive laboratory community. Equitable onboarding, mentorship plans, and formalized expectations, can all help build a productive and sustainable laboratory research program. However, important considerations about safety, inclusion, student schedules, and a PI’s own professional commitments are also extremely important concerns when working with undergraduates in research. A successful research program at a PUI will bring students into meaningful scientific inquiry and requires insights and skills that are often not the focus of scientific training. This article aims to describe the scope of setting up a new laboratory as a way to alleviate some of the burden that new and prospective faculty often feel.
Modification of Freeman-Durden Decomposition to Eliminate the Negative Power Problem
Authors: Akhmadiya Asset , Moldamurat Khuralay , Nabiyev Nabi
Published: December 2020

A new method in which completely eliminated the negative value of the scattering power is proposed in this paper. Primarily, here are presented the Freeman-Durden decomposition of the scattering powers, which are computed by using the coherency matrix elements with rotation and without rotation. Secondly, this paper investigates the reasons of the occurrence of negative values of the scattering powers. Then using the modification like in algorithm proposed by Yamaguchi for G4U, it was applied for the algorithm of Freeman-Durden decomposition to eliminate negative values. In this research, Radarsat-2 radar remote sensing data were used, which are acquired for study area Yushu County, Qinghai province, China. At the end, the comparison results of Yamaguchi G4U and a modified Freeman-Durden decompositions were presented.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Cross-well Exploration for Monitoring Permafrost and Examining the Processes of Its Geocryological Changes
Authors: Glinskikh Viacheslav , Nechaev Oleg , Mikhaylov Igor , Danilovskiy Kirill , Olenchenko Vladimir
Published: December 2020

The paper is dedicated to the topical problem of examining permafrost state and the processes of its geocryological changes by means of geophysical methods. To monitor the cryolithozone, we propose and scientifically substantiate a new technique of pulsed electromagnetic cross-well sounding. Based on the vector finite-element method, we created a mathematical model of the cross-well sounding process with a pulsed source in a three-dimensional spatially heterogeneous medium. A high-performance parallel computing algorithm was developed and verified. Through realistic geoelectric models of permafrost with a talik under a highway, constructed following the results of electrotomography field data interpretation, we numerically simulated the pulsed sounding on the computing resources of the Siberian Supercomputer Center of SB RAS. The simulation results suggest the proposed system of pulsed electromagnetic cross-well monitoring to be characterized by a high sensitivity to the presence and dimensions of the talik. The devised approach can be oriented to addressing a wide range of issues related to monitoring permafrost rocks under civil and industrial facilities, buildings and constructions.
Switching Strategy in the Management of Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. The REPLACE Study Results
Authors: Filippov E. V.
Published: December 2020

The article is devoted to topical issues of management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension and strategies for switching to riociguat therapy in patients with insufficient clinical response against the background of phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE-5) inhibitors. The role of the NO metabolic pathway in the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) was shown. From the standpoint of pathogenesis, the importance of the effect of medication on this pathway through soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) has been assessed. The effects of the drug riociguat, the only member of the sGC stimulant class approved for the treatment of PAH, are associated with a dual mechanism of action: riociguat sensitizes the sGC enzyme to endogenous NO by stabilizing the NO-sGC bond, and also directly stimulates the latter through another site of the bond, regardless of NO. The favorable efficacy and safety profile of riociguat has been demonstrated in the PATENT-1,2 studies. During therapy, patients showed an improvement in exercise tolerance, functional class, and a number of other indicators. Studies that indicate the feasibility of using a change in therapy in clinical practice are reviewed. In particular, the article provides a detailed analysis of the REPLACE study. It demonstrated a significantly greater likelihood of achieving clinical improvement and a significant decrease in the rate of development of clinical deterioration when switching patients with PAH from PDE-5 inhibitors to riociguat. This therapy was well tolerated and can be considered as a strategy for managing patients at intermediate risk with insufficient patient response to PDE-5 inhibitors. In conclusion, the need to plan the need for specific therapy for pulmonary arterial hypertension in the region is noted in order to rapidly escalate therapy to achieve a low risk of mortality in these patients.
Thorough Debridement Facilitated by Timely Planning of One-Bone Forearm Surgery
Authors: Tsumura Takuya , Matsumoto Taiichi , Kishimoto Katsuma , Shiode Hayao
Published: December 2020

Cases:

Two patients with complex open forearm fractures underwent initial treatment with radioulnar fusion (arthrodesis of the radius to the ulna)—one patient sustained elbow and forearm injuries in a car accident and the other had an elbow injury caused by conveyor belt entanglement.

Conclusions:

Differentiating viable tissue from nonviable tissue is important in the management of potentially contaminated wounds. Arthrodesis of the radius to the ulna is generally considered a salvage option for complicated forearm instability. The decision to perform arthrodesis of the radius and ulna in the initial treatment facilitated the management of soft-tissue injuries and helped prioritize hand function.