bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Potential Use of FinTech Developments in Takaful
Authors: Hemed Hafidh Abdulla , Alamoudi Arwa Abubaker Abdullah , Al Qassim Anas Abdulkadir Abubakar , Qasem Bandar Mohammed Saif
Published: June 2021

Despite the increasingly important role that fintech play in the takaful industry, academic research in this area is quite limited. The overall aim of this paper it thus to explore the potential use of fintech in the Islamic insurance industry, especially in terms of its opportunities and challenges. Specifically, big data analytics and robo-advisory were explored and how takaful operators might incorporate them for better customer experience and gathering competitive intelligence. To remain competitive in a fast changing business environment, takaful operators need to identify and adopt fintech that could influence positively customer experience and optimise cost efficiency. This paper reviews the literature on big data analytics and robo-advisory, aiming to shed the light on the barriers and benefits of harnessing these technological advancements for takaful operators.
Postprandial hypoglycemia after upper gastrointestinal tract surgery: prevalence and pathophysiology (part 1)
Authors: Yukina M. Yu. , Chernova M. O. , Troshina E. A. , Evdoshenko V. V. , Platonova N. M.
Published: June 2021

Nowadays obesity is a major health problem worldwide. Surgery is the most promising treatment for morbid obesity. There are two types of bariatric procedures, one to reduce the food intake volume and the other to limit the absorption of nutrients. Despite the indisputable advantages of bariatric surgery for weight loss, it is necessary to remember the potential risk of severe complications, such as hypoglycemic syndrome at 2 to 3 hours after ingestion of rapidly absorbable carbohydrates manifested by adrenergic and neuroglycopenic symptoms. According to the literature, the prevalence of post-bariatric postprandial hyperinsulinemic hypoglycemia (PHH) varies from 10% to 75%. PHH in post-bariatric patients should be differentiated from the syndrome of non-insulinoma pancreatogenic hypoglycemia and from insulinoma; however, these diseases are described also in patients after bariatric surgery.

The mechanisms of PHH as an outcome of shunting bariatric procedures are currently not fully clear. According to the recent studies, incretin hypersecretion in response to the accelerated flow of carbohydrates into the small intestine plays a leading role in the inappropriate excess production of insulin by the pancreas. In addition, there are hypotheses on a slower normalization of insulin production during more rapid bodyweight decrease and regression of insulin resistance, the role of alpha-cell dysfunction, disturbed negative feedback between insulin and ghrelin, compensatory hyperplasia and hypertrophy of the remaining enterocytes (including L-cells), changes in gut microflora, bile acids level and composition. A number of other mechanisms have also been proposed that require further studies.
Fungal pathogens associated with wilting of Neolitsea cassia trees
Authors: Zuhry A. L. M. , Rajapaksha R. G. A. S. , Kahawatta J. , Kohombange S.​
Published: June 2021

Neolitsea cassia, a tree species, belongs to family Lauraceae, is endemic to Sri Lanka. Few planted trees of Neolitsea cassia were severely affected by wilt disease. Two fungal pathogens were consistently isolated from collar region and roots of symptomatic trees. These two fungal species were identified as Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis by microscopic observations of conidia and culture characters of isolates on PDA. This is the first report of Colletotrichum and Pestalotiopsis species causing tree wilting of Neolitsea cassia in Sri Lanka. Application of 25 l of fungicide, Thiram + Thiophanate Methyl, 50+30% WP (Homai) solution (1g/l) around the base of each infected plant as a soil drenching was effectively controlled wilting of Neolitsea cassia caused by both pathogenic fungi.
Predicting Violent Victimization Using Social Network Analysis From Police Data
Authors: Fox Andrew M. , Novak Kenneth J. , Van Camp Tinneke , James Chadley
Published: June 2021

Extant research suggests that membership in crime networks explains vulnerability to violent crime victimization. Consequently, identifying deviant social networks and understanding their structure and individual members' role in them could provide insight into victimization risk. Identifying social networks may help tailor crime prevention strategies to mitigate victimization risks and dismantle deviant networks. Social network analysis (SNA) offers a particular means of comprehending and measuring such group-level structures and the roles that individuals play within them. When applied to research on crime and victimization, it could provide a foundation for developing precise, effective prevention, intervention, and suppression strategies. This study uses police data to examine whether individuals most central to a deviant social network are those who are most likely to become victims of violent crime, and which crime network roles are most likely to be associated with vulnerability to violent victimization. SNA of these data indicates that network individuals who are in a position to manage the flow of information in the network (betweenness centrality), regardless of their number of connections (degree centrality), are significantly more likely to be homicide and aggravated assault victims. Implications for police practice are discussed.
ORANGE PEEL AND JAVA SUGAR AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO NATURAL DISINFECTANT IN COVID-19 PREVENTION EFFORTS IN THE TOBACCO FARMING AREA, COASTAL AREA, JEMBER DISTRICT
Authors: Mubarok Ibnu , Putri Astika Shiella Nabila , Kirana Clarrisa Ayu Candra , Wahyuningtiyas Kristanti , Ririanty Mury , Kartika Nabila Zandra , Tias Rofiah Adawiyah Wisudawati Ning
Published: June 2021

Jember Regency is one of those with a thriving agricultural sector. The main commodity produced by the agricultural sector of the tobacco district of Jember. However, the communities in the tobacco farming region tend to lack a knowledge level, especially in the COVID-19 case. This made the farmer less able to share COVID-19 with their children who were the generation of nations so that the children's knowledge of the farmer became inferior. In the time of new adaptation habits, communities needed a COVID-19 preventive and countermeasure measure by periodic self-infection. Because of restrictions on the use of chemical disinfectants, researchers replaced them with natural ingredients for the peel of an orange and sugar from Java. The purpose of this research is to empower societies to increase awareness, will, and ability in raising degrees of health by educating children early in life so that they can benefit themselves, their families, and their environment. The methods used in this research are descriptive research with a qualitative approach. The results obtained from this study are an increased audience knowledge and skill in the making of natural disinfectant as one of the COVID-19 prevention efforts.
Pengaruh Pemberian Kombinasi Ekstrak Etanol Daun Sidaguri (Sida rhombifolia L.) dan Rimpang Jahe Merah (Zingiber officinale Rosc.) pada Mencit Jantan Hiperurisemia
Authors: Rizki Kinanthi Putri , Muslichah Siti , Ningsih Indah Yulia
Published: June 2021

This study aimed to determine the effect of the combination of sidaguri leaves and red ginger rhizome extracts in uric acid levels of hyperuricemic male mice. Thirty-six mice were divided into nine groups including normal group, the positive control (+), negative control (-), extracts of four treatment groups with a variety of combinations and two groups of single extract. Hyperuricemia induction was performed by administering mixture melinjo 10% of the standard feed mice for 7 days dan potassium oxonate 250 mg/kg BB intraperitoneally at 2 hours before blood sampling. The results showed that the combination dose of sidaguri leaves of 50 mg/kg BB and red ginger rhizome 400 mg/kg BB had higher antihyperuricemia activity than other combinations in lowering uric acid levels of mice. Compounds may have antihyperuricemic activity were flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and terpenoids.

 

Keywords: sidaguri leaves, red ginger rhizome, antihyperuricemic activity, uric acid
Titer Widal pada Populasi Sehat di Universitas Jember
Authors: Suryani Dissa Yulianita , Shodikin Muhammad Ali , Astuti Ida Srisurani Wiji
Published: June 2021

Enteric fever is endemic in developing countries including Indonesia. Widal test in a single serum sample is commonly used as laboratory diagnosis especially where culture facilities are not available. Examination of the single Widal test in endemic countries such as Indonesia, will give less accurate results with the large number of false-positive or false-negative. One of false-positive results is single Widal interpretation of test in endemic areas where the majority of the healthy population had contact or infected previously, and showed a positive result of Widal test. Widal titre examination in healthy population both men and women have not been investigated in Jember. So the aim of this study was to determine Widal titres among apparently healthy population in Jember University. In this cross-sectional study, blood samples were collected as much as 3 mL from healthy men (n=47) and women (n=47) and were analyzed for the presence of Salmonella antibodies by carrying out the Widal slide agglutination test. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 descriptively. The result showed that the most frequent antibody titres of O, H, AO, AH, BO, and BH antigens were 1/320 (37,2%), 1/320 (38,2%), 1/320 (86,1%), 1/320 (67,0%), 1/320 (77,7%) and 1/40 (27,7%) respectively in healthy population. In conclusion, antibody titre of AO dominated the most positive results in healthy population.

 

Keywords: Widal test, healthy population, Indonesia
Pengaruh Pemberian Cuka Apel 'A' terhadap Kadar MDA Hepar Tikus Wistar Jantan yang Diinduksi Parasetamol Dosis Toksik
Authors: Niki Rahmawati Niki , Sugiyanta Sugiyanta , Sakinah Elly Nurus
Published: June 2021

High dose of paracetamol is metabolized by cytochrome P-450 become free radical N-acetyl-p-benzoquinoneimine (NAPQI) but liver Glutathione (GSH) is not adequate to change it become nonreactive metabolite so that NAPQI bind to unsaturated fatty acid of cell membrane, causing lipid peroxidation and increase liver Malondialdehyde (MDA). 'A' apple vinegar contains anthocyanin with an antioxidant effect by electron donor to NAPQI and acetic acid to improve liver GSH level. The aim of research was to investigate the effect of 'A' apple vinegar on the rat liver MDA induced by toxic dose of paracetamol. Research groups consist of normal control (CMC Na 1% 1 ml for 14 days), negative control (CMC Na 1% 1ml for 14 days + paracetamol 291.6 mg/200gBW on the day 12nd,13rd,14th), and treatment group ('A' apple vinegar 0.4 ml/150gBW for 14 days + paracetamol 291.6 mg/200gBW on the day 12nd,13rd,14th). Liver MDA was measured on the day 15th with competitive ELISA. The average of normal control group was 21.58 ng/ml, negative control group was 70,71 ng/ml, treatment group was 37,67 ng/ml. One way ANOVA and Post hoc LSD test showed significantly differences between all groups (p<0,05). It can be concluded that 'A' apple vinegar had an effect on the liver MDA induced by toxic dose of paracetamol.

 

Keywords: Paracetamol, NAPQI, MDA, 'A' apple vinegar, antioxidant
Hubungan Mode Adaptif Konsep Diri Berbasis Teori Callista Roy dengan Kemampuan Interaksi Sosial Anak Tunagrahita di SLB-C TPA Kabupaten Jember
Authors: Rofiqoh Zuhrotul , Asmaningrum Nurfika , Wijaya Dodi
Published: June 2021

Self concept is one of adaptive modes based on Callista Roy’s theory which very important formental deficiency influence integrity of mental in practice to had a good social interaction. The kind ofthis research is descriptive analytic by using study cross sectional. Method of collecting samplesusing total sampling and total of samples got are 35 respondents. Data was analyzed by chi-squareand the result of statistical test shows point p=0.000. Ha is accepted if Ho is rejected in which Ho isrejected if the point is p ≤ α, 0,000 ≤ 0,05. The result of the statistic analysis is that there is significantcorrelation between adaptive modes: self concept based on Callista Roy’s theory and socialinteraction abilities to mental retardation children on SLB-C TPA at Jember Regency. OR (26.00),that means the respondents who had a positive self concept have 26.00 possibility to be had a goodsocial interaction abilities. The result of the research is positive self concept with good socialinteraction ability about 80%. Suggests for nursing in community to involve and increase their rolemodel as educator and care giver in attempt to share information by doing a counseling.Keywords: self concept, social interaction, mental retardation
Efek Minuman Keras Oplosan terhadap Perubahan Histopatologi Organ Renal Tikus Wistar Jantan
Authors: Kawiartha Made Masagung , Normasari Rena , Hermansyah Bagus
Published: June 2021

Mixed liquor is a liquor mixed with other substances, mainly ethanol and methanol. Mixed liquor can cause kidney destruction. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of mixed liquor toward kidney's microscopic and macroscopically changes. This study used 24 rats which were divided into 4 groups consist of 1 control group and 3 experimental groups. The first, second, and third experimental groups were given ethanol 1,296ml/2 days; methanol 0,2592ml/2days and aquades 1,4448ml/2 days for 5 days; 11 days and 17 days, respectively. Afterward rats were terminated and the right kidney mass was measured. The kidney tissue was prepared for histological examination and the number of necrotic cell was calculated. According to Kruskal Wallis test, kidney mass was not significantly different (p>α) while total necrotic cells was significantly different (p<α). This study showed that rats induced with mixed liquor for 5 , 11, and 17 days resulted in kidney microscopically change.
Effects of Microencapsulated Organic Acid and Their Salts on Growth Performance, Immunity, and Disease Resistance of Pacific White Shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei
Authors: Chowdhury M.A. Kabir , Song Hongli , Liu Yao , Bunod Jean-Daniel , Dong Xiaohui
Published: June 2021

Use of antibiotics and other chemicals to combat disease outbreaks have been a bottleneck for the sustainable growth of shrimp industry. Among various replacement proposed, organic acid (OA) and their salts (OS) are commonly used by farmers and feed millers. However, in free forms, their requirement is very high (2-3 kg/MT) as they tend to disassociate before reaching the hindgut. The dosage can be reduced by microencapsulation of the ingredients. In this study, a 63-day trial was conducted to assess the effects of OA and OS (COMP) microencapsulated (ENCAP) with fat (HF), fat + alginate (HA), wax esters – (WE), and HA and WE (HAWE) on performance, digestive enzyme, immune, and resistance to Vibrio parahaemolyticus. A positive control (PC, 200 g/kg fishmeal - FM) and a negative control (NC, 130 g/kg FM) diet were formulated. Eight other diets were formulated supplementing NC diet with microencapsulated OA (OAHF, OAHA, OAWE, OAHAWE) and OS (OSHF, OSHA, OSWE, OSHAWE). Among the ENCAPs, significant difference was observed in serum malondialdehyde (P = 0.026) where HF showed the lowest level (6.4 ±0.3 mmol/L). Significant interactions between COMP and ENCAP were observed in lipid deposition (P = 0.047), serum alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase (P < 0.0001), and hepatopancreatic and serum phenol oxidase (P < 0.0001). Despite no differences, 96-h mortality during pathogenic Vibrio parahaemolyticus challenge in all treatment diets (45% - 56%) was lower compared to the NC diets (63%). In conclusion, use of HF microencapsulated OA diets could provide improved performance and disease resistance that could contribute to the reduction of antibiotic use by the shrimp industry.
On the Importance of Gauge-Undercatch Correction Factors and Their Impacts on the Global Precipitation Estimates
Authors: Ehsani Mohammad Reza , Behrangi Ali
Published: June 2021

Precipitation gauges are critical for measuring precipitation rates at regional and global scales and are often used to calibrate precipitation rates estimated from other instruments such as satellites. However, precipitation measured at the gauges is affected by gauge-undercatch that is often larger for solid precipitation. In the present work, two popular gauge-undercatch correction factors are assessed: one utilizes a dynamic correction model and is used in the Global Precipitation Climatology Centre (GPCC) Monitoring product and the other one employs a fixed climatology and is used in the Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP) product. How much the choice of correction factors can impact the total estimate of precipitation was quantified over land at seasonal, annual, regional, and global scales. The correction factors are also compared as a function of the environmental variables used in their development, among those are near-surface air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, elevation, and precipitation intensity. Results show that correction factors can increase the annual precipitation rate based on the gauges by ~9.5 % over the global land (excluding Antarctica), although this amount can vary from ~6.3% (in boreal summer) to more than 10% (in boreal winter), depending on the season and the method used for gauge-undercatch correction. Annual variations of correction factors can also be large, so the use of the fixed climatology correction factors requires caution. Given their magnitudes and differences, selection of appropriate correction factors can have important implications in refining the water and energy budget calculations.
Temperature-Modulated Pyroelectricity Measurements of a Thin Ferroelectric Crystal With in-Plane Polarization and the Thermal Analysis Based on One-Dimensional Layer Models
Authors: Yamamoto Kaoru , Kawasaki Ayumi , Chinen Takumi , Ryugo and Kayo
Published: June 2021

A temperature-modulated pyroelectricity measurement system for a small single crystal is developed and applied to standard sample measurements performed on a thin single crystal of lithium niobate. The modulation measurement is based on the AC technique, in which the temperature of the sample is periodically oscillated, and the synchronized pyroelectric signal is extracted using a lock-in amplifier. Temperature modulation is applied by irradiating periodic light on the sample placed in the heat exchange gas. To apply this technique to the transparent reference sample, a commercially available black resin is coated on the sample’s surface to absorb the light energy and transmits it to the specimen. The experimental results are analyzed using a two-layer heat transfer model to verify the effect of the light-absorbing layer as well as the non-contact temperature modulation system.
Combination Therapy for Neuropathic Pain. A Systematic Review
Authors: Serrano Afonso Ancor , Carnaval Thiago , Videla Cés Sebastiá
Published: June 2021

Pharmacological treatment is poorly effective for neuropathic pain (NP). A progressive decrease in the estimated effect of NP drugs has been reported, giving rise to an increase in multimodal analgesic approach. We performed a systematic review to assess whether there is more and better-quality evidence available since the last review. We evaluated the efficacy, tolerability and safety of double-blind randomized controlled trials involving only adult participants comparing combination therapy (CT: ≥ 2 drugs) to placebo and/or at least one other comparator with NP indication. The primary outcome was the proportion of participants reporting ≥ 50% pain reduction from baseline. Secondary outcome was the proportion of drop-outs due to treatment-emergent-adverse-events. After removing duplicates, 2323 citations were screened. 164 articles were assessed for eligibility, from which 16 were included for qualitative analysis. From the latter, only 5 lasted for at least 12 weeks and only 6 complied with required data for complete analysis, but not for meta-analysis. CT has been adopted for years without robust evidence. Efforts to achieve better quality evidence have not improved over the years. In this regard, guidelines for NP should attempt to make recommendations on CT research, prioritizing which combinations to analyze.
Studying the vulnerability reduction and physical-spatial organization of Bojnord city through the urban land use planning (case study: flood)
Authors: Doab Ali Gholamzadeh , Kamyabi Saeed
Published: June 2021

Flood is one of the most important natural disasters that cause the casualties and losses every year. Today, the massive growth of the population, the leveling of the land and the occupation of rivers and waterway s, along with the climatic and physiographic factors in big cities, have caused the urban flood spread. Bojnourd City has a high degree of vulnerability to natural hazards due to its geographical location in the Kopet Dag and Aladagh mountains, and the presence of rivers and waterway s inside it, on the one hand, and placing on the faults on the other hand.In this research, a descriptive-analytical method and the aerial maps have been used to collect the information.The results of the research indicated that Bojnord City is highly expected to flood in terms of the probability of flood-related vulnerability.
One Versus 3-Week Immobilization Period for Nonoperatively Treated Proximal Humeral Fractures
Authors: Martínez Raquel , Santana Fernando , Pardo Albert , Torrens Carlos
Published: June 2021

Background:

There is no consensus on the duration of immobilization for nonoperatively treated proximal humeral fractures (PHFs). The main objective of the study was to determine the differences in pain between PHFs that were treated nonoperatively with 3-week immobilization and those treated with 1-week immobilization.

Methods:

A prospective randomized trial was designed to evaluate whether the immobilization time frame (1-week immobilization [group I] versus 3-week immobilization [group II]) for nonoperatively treated PHFs had any influence on pain and functional outcomes. Pain was assessed using a 10-cm visual analog scale (VAS) that was administrated 1 week after the fracture, at 3 weeks, and then at the 3, 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. The functional outcome was evaluated using the Constant score. To assess the functional disability of the shoulder, a self-reported shoulder-specific questionnaire, the Simple Shoulder Test (SST), was used. The Constant score and the SST were recorded at the 3, 6, 12, and 24-month follow-up. Complications and secondary displacement were also recorded.

Results:

One hundred and forty-three patients were randomized, and 111 (88 females and 23 males) who had been allocated to group I (55 patients) or group II (56 patients) were included in the final analysis. The mean age of the patients was 70.4 years (range, 42 to 94 years). No significant differences were found between the 2 groups in terms of pain as measured with the VAS at any time point (1 week [5.9 versus 5.6; p = 0.648], 3 weeks [4.8 versus 4.1; p = 0.059], 3 months [1.9 versus 2.4; p = 0.372], 6 months [1.0 versus 1.2; p = 0.605], 1 year [0.65 versus 0.66; p = 0.718], and 2 years [0.63 versus 0.31; p = 0.381]). No significant differences were found in the Constant score or SST score at any time point. No significant differences were noted in the complication rate.

Conclusions:

Short and long periods of immobilization yield similar results for nonoperatively treated PHFs, independent of the fracture pattern. These fractures can be successfully managed with a short immobilization period of 1 week in order to not compromise patients' independence for an overly extended period.

Level of Evidence:

Randomized controlled trial Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Bone Missile: Unusual Foreign Body Presentation
Authors: Alsafty Sameh S.
Published: June 2021

Case:

We present a male patient in his third decade of life who presented with a painful mass in his left thigh 2 weeks after being involved in motor vehicle accident. The mass was found to be a piece of bone from a second person who had been involved in the same accident.

Conclusion:

This report highlights a most unusual type of injury.
Infrapatellar Coronal Plane Plica in a 60-Year-Old
Authors: Kambhampati Srinivas B. S. , Kambhampati Anirudh P. S.
Published: June 2021

Case:

We report a rare case of coronal plane infrapatellar plica, also called “Bib-like plica,” in a 60-year-old patient. The start-up pain she experienced before arthroscopic excision completely resolved after the procedure. As far as we know, this is the first case of this plica in the literature in a 60-year-old patient who had associated articular cartilage loss over the medial femoral condyle adjacent to the plica, with positive magnetic resonance imaging findings outlining the structure, possibly impinging the infrapatellar fat pad.

Conclusion:

Excision of a symptomatic plica by arthroscopy resulted in complete relief of pain in this patient.
Corrective Surgery for a Forearm Deformity in a Middle-Aged Patient with Multiple Hereditary Exostoses
Authors: Usui Daiki , Komura Shingo , Hirakawa Akihiro , Ichikawa Katsuhiro , Matsumoto Kazu , Akiyama Haruhiko
Published: June 2021

Case:

A 48-year-old man underwent corrective surgery for a deformity of the left forearm because of multiple hereditary exostoses (MHE). The patient had no complaint of pain, the appearance of his forearm improved, and acceptable range of motion of the wrist and forearm were maintained at 14-month follow-up.

Conclusion:

The esthetic forearm deformity in the middle-aged patient with MHE was successfully improved without sacrificing function. Although there is little evidence of forearm corrective surgeries for adult patients with MHE, this report could expand surgical indications for them.
Primary ACL Repair of a Chronic ACL Femoral Avulsion with 2-Year Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes
Authors: Lynch Thomas B. , Siu Ryan , Bates Taylor , Antosh Ivan J.
Published: June 2021

Case:

There has been a reemergence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) repair. We present the unique case of an ACL repair in a service member with a chronic tear. The patient went on to have a successful outcome with return to full activities without symptoms and functional outcomes scores equal to preinjury levels.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates a preserved ACL remnant after an ACL femoral avulsion secondary to scarring to the posterior cruciate ligament. ACL repair can produce excellent outcomes in the right population, and injury chronicity may not necessarily preclude successful repair in the setting of good-quality ACL remnant.
The Current Status of Concussion Assessment Scales
Authors: Kaufman Matthew W. , Su Charles A. , Trivedi Nikunj N. , Lee Michelle K. , Nelson Grant B. , Cupp Sean A. , Voos James E.
Published: June 2021

» Concussion is a complex pathophysiologic process that affects the brain; it is induced by biomechanical forces, with alteration in mental status with or without loss of consciousness.

» Concussion assessment tools may be broadly categorized into (1) screening tests such as the SAC (Standardized Assessment of Concussion), the BESS (Balance Error Scoring System), and the King-Devick (KD) test; (2) confirmatory tests including the SCAT (Sport Concussion Assessment Tool), the ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), and the VOMS (Vestibular Oculomotor Screening); and (3) objective examinations such as brain network activation (BNA) analysis, imaging studies, and physiologic markers.

» The KD, child SCAT3 (cSCAT3), child ImPACT (cImPACT), and VOMS tests may be used to evaluate for concussion in the pediatric athlete.

» Future work with BNA, functional magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging, and serum biomarkers may provide more objective assessment of concussion, neurologic injury, and subsequent recovery.
All Women Belong in the Kitchen, and Other Dangerous Tropes: Online Misogyny as a National Security Threat
Authors: Hunter Kyleanne , Jouenne Emma
Published: June 2021

Online misogyny is an under-studied form of information warfare. Often dismissed as “boys will be boys,” online misogyny has been allowed to percolate and create communities that have far-reaching impacts. The impacts of online misogyny are not confined to the internet. In this article, the authors show how the ubiquitous nature of online misogyny poses a national security threat. We explore three diverse case studies: the United States military, the incel movement, and ISIS to demonstrate the far-reaching nature of the security threat. Though the nature of the security threats is different, the intervening cause—unchecked online misogyny—is the same.
Cryosectioning, block face imaging and Nissl staining fluorescently labeled pig heart
Authors: Robbins Shaina , Vadigepalli Rajanikanth , Schwaber James
Published: June 2021

The present protocol describes the process of cryosectioning OCT-embedded fresh frozen pig heart tissue, along with the acquisition of block face images, followed by Nissl staining of the tissue sections and microscopic imaging of the sections for localizing the fluorescently-labeled neurons in the tissue. This tissue section preparation workflow was optimized for use in laser capture microdissection of single neurons from the pig heart tissue, which are used in downstream transcriptomic analysis and mapping of the neuronal location and molecular data to a 3D reconstructed contour stack of block face images.
Both high and low spatial frequencies are critical for visual consciousness in autism: Evidence of an emotional attentional blink paradigm.
Authors: Lacroix Adeline , Gomot Marie , Fombonne Margot , Perrier Mickaël J. R. , Peyrin Carole , Vermeulen Nicolas , Park Gewnhi , Dutheil Frédéric , Mermillod Martial
Published: June 2021

High Spatial Frequencies (HSF - conveying local information) may serve a critical role in visual consciousness. Despite an HSF bias during visual perception in autism, autistic individuals demonstrate impairments in face processing. Our aim was to investigate the respective role of HSF and Low Spatial Frequencies (LSF - conveying coarse information) on visual consciousness in autism. Thirty-two autistic adults and 35 typically developing (TD) controls performed an emotional attentional blink paradigm with spatially filtered distractors. TD participants showed reduced T2 accuracy (i.e., accuracy for the second target given the correct report of the first target T1) after unfiltered and HSF distractors compared to LSF distractors. In the autistic group, we observed lower T2 accuracy than controls after HSF and LSF distractors but not after unfiltered distractors. Results suggest the importance of HSF for visual consciousness in TD participants whereas, both LSF and HSF seem important in autism.
Efficient JPEG Encoding Using Bernoulli Shift Map for Secure Communication
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Younus Muhammad Usman , Anjum Muhammad Rizwan , Saleem Gulshan , Gondal Zaheer Ahmed , Narejo Sanam
Published: June 2021

Digital data must be compressed and encrypted to maintain confidentiality and efficient bandwidth usage. These two parameters are essential for information processing in most communication systems. Image compression and encryption may result in reduced restoration quality and degraded performance. This study attempts to provide a compression and encryption scheme for digital data named as Secure-JPEG. This scheme is built on the JPEG compression format, the most widely used lossy compression scheme. It extends the standard JPEG compression algorithm to encrypt data during compression. Secure-JPEG scheme provides encryption along with the process of compression, and it could be altered easily to provide lossless compression. On the other hand, the lossless compression provides less compression ratio and is suitable only in specific scenarios. The paper address the problem of security lacks due to the use of a simple random number generator which can not be cryptographically secure. The improved security characteristics are provided through Generalized Bernoulli Shift Map, which has a chaotic system with demonstrated security. The algorithm's security is tested by several cryptographic tests and the chaotic system’s behavior is also analyzed.
Structural and Social Inequities Contribute to Pockets of Low Childhood Immunisation in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Thomas Susan , Bolsewicz Katarzyna , Leask Julie , Clark Katrina , Ennis Sonya , Durrheim David
Published: June 2021

Background: Childhood immunisation is a safe and effective way to protect children and communities from serious diseases. In Australia childhood immunisation is generally well accepted with high coverage rates however pockets of low coverage exist. Five previous studies in New South Wales found that socio-economic disadvantage, gender inequity, health service access barriers and under-utilisation of immunisation data, rather than ideological opposition, contributed to children’s incomplete vaccination. Methods: Common findings across five studies were identified. Literature was reviewed using a number of lenses, underpinned by a social determinants of health framework. The lensed approach allowed further exploration of the impact of financial stress, poor mental health, drug and alcohol problems, domestic violence, assumed gender roles, lack of culturally acceptable health care for Indigenous families, geography and changes to immunisation policies on families and how this may have contributed to pockets of low immunisation coverage. Results: Social and structural inequities were revealed. These often contributed to conflicting priorities that meant children’s immunisations fell behind. Strategies to address inequities may include reorientation of existing community based child health services to include flexible options such as drop in clinics, outreach services, home visiting and ensuring Indigenous families have access to culturally safe and acceptable services. Assistance with transport would further improve access to services. Better use of immunisation data can aid in the identification of pockets of low coverage and monitor and evaluate service effectiveness. Conclusions: Greater awareness of social and structural barriers and their impact on families can inform the design of tailored strategies that address the needs of disadvantaged children and families. Without efforts to overcome the inequities that contribute to low immunisation coverage, the status quo persists, leaving children and communities at risk of vaccine preventable diseases.
Development a Set of 46 SNP Markers for the Yellow Catfish (Tachysurus Fulvidraco)
Authors: Zhou Huaxing , Pan Tingshuang , Wang Huan , Jiang He , Ling Jun , Hu Yuting , Duan Guoqing
Published: June 2021

The whole genome resequencing was used to develop single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) markers for the yellow catfish (Tachysurus fulvidraco). A total of 46 SNP markers were selected from 5550676 genotyping markers which distributed on 26 chromosomes. Of the 46 SNPs analyzed, 35 SNPs conformed to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The observed and expected heterozygosity of these markers ranged from 0.2519 to 0.771 and from 0.265 to 0.5018, respectively. This set of markers will be of great useful for population genetics of the yellow catfish.
An LSTM and GRU based Trading Strategy Adapted to the Moroccan Market
Authors: Touzani Yassine , Douzi Khadija
Published: June 2021

Forecasting stock prices is an extremely challenging job considering the high volatility and the number of variables that influence it (political, economical, social, etc.). Predicting the closing price provides useful information and helps the investor to make the right decision. The use of deep learning and more precisely the recurrent neural networks RNNs in stock market forecasting is an increasingly common practice in the literature. The Long Short Term Memory LSTM and Gated Recurrent Unit GRU architectures are among the most widely used types of RNN networks, given their suitability for sequential data. In this paper, we propose a trading strategy designed for the Moroccan stock market, based on two deep learning model: Long Short Term Memory LSTM and Gated Recurrent Unit GRU to predict respectively close price for short and mid term horizon. Decision rules for buying and selling stocks are implemented based on the forecasting given by the two models, then over four three-years periods, we simulate transactions using these decision rules with different parameters for each stock. We only hold stocks that ensure a return greater than a benchmark return over the four periods. Random search is then used to choose one of the available parameters and the performance of the portfolio built from the selected stocks will be tested over a further period. The repetition of this process with a variation of benchmark return makes it possible to select the best possible combination of stock each with the parameters optimized for the decision rules. The proposed strategy produces very promising results and outperform the performance of indices used as benchmarks in the local market.
Inhibition of HIF2 Prevents the Development of Neurodegenerative Disorder Induced by Deficiency of IRP2
Authors: Shen Jiaqi , Xu Li , Li Yuxuan , Dong Weichen , Cai Jing , Liu Yutong , Zhao Hongting , Xu Tianze , Holtz Esther Meyron , Chang Yanzhong , Qiao Tong , Li Kuanyu
Published: June 2021

Background: IRP2 (Iron regulatory protein 2) deficiency in mice and humans causes microcytic anemia and neurodegeneration due to functional cellular iron depletion. Our previous in vitro data have demonstrated that Irp2 depletion upregulates hypoxia-inducible factor subunits Hif1α and Hif2α expression and inhibition of Hif2α rescues Irp2 ablation-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and inhibition of Hif1α suppresses the overdose production of lactic acid derived from actively aerobic glycolysis. We wonder whether Hif1α and Hif2α are also elevated in vivo, and if they are elevated, are they related to the neurodegenerative disorder of Irp2-/- mice.Results: In this study, we confirmed the upregulated Hif2α, not Hif1α, in tissues, particularly, the central nervous system including the mainly affected cerebellum and spinal cord of Irp2-/- mice. Consistent with this observation, inhibition of Hif2α by PT-2385, not Hif1α by PX-478, prevented the neurodegenerative symptoms, which was proved by Purkinje cells arrangement from the shrunken and irregular to the full and regular array. PT-2385 treatment did not only modulate mitochondrial morphology and quality in vivo, but also suppressed the glycolysis. Consequently, the shift of energy metabolism from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation reversed. Conclusions: Our results indicate that Irp2 depletion-induced Hif2α is alone, in vivo, in charge of the switch between oxidative phosphorylation and glycolysis, suggesting that, for the first time to our knowledge, Hif2α is a clinically potential target in the treatment of IRP2 deficiency-induced neurodegenerative syndrome.
Apelin Over-Expression Promotes Proliferation and Angiogenesis of Gastric Cancer Cells
Authors: Tian LiJun , Liu Hong-Zhi , Zhang Qiang , Geng Dian-Zhong , Yang Jing , Geng Hai-Tao , Zhai Yu-Jie , Huo Yu-Qing , Hao YanZhang
Published: June 2021

Background: Apelin is a recently identified endogenous ligand associated with proliferation and angiogenesis of several cancers. However, only few studies have reported on the functions and the role of apelin in gastric cancer (GC). Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the association and the mechanisms underlying Apelin expression and proliferation of GC cells both in vitro and in vivo.Methods: We enrolled 178 postoperative care GC patients to investigate clinicopathological and immunohistochemical factors associated with Apelin expression. The relationship between Survival of patients and apelin expression was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analyses. The expression of apelin mRNA and its proteins in GC tissues and cell lines were analyzed using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), western blot and ELISA. The role and mechanisms underlying regulation of Apelin expression in human GC cells were evaluated through several in vitro and in vivo experiments. Results: Apelin was over expressed in human GC cells, relative to adjacent normal tissues. The over expression of apelin was associated with vessel invasion (P <0.01), lymph node metastasis (P <0.01), late-staged tumor (T) (P <0.05), worse pathological type (P <0.05), nerve invasion (P <0.05). In addition, expression of apelin strongly and positively correlated with that of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Over-expression of apelin promoted proliferation and invasion of MGC-803 cell via the ERK/Cyclin D1/MMP-9 signaling pathway. Apelin over-expression also promoted angiogenesis of GC cells, accelerating growth of subcutaneous xenograft of the cancer cells in vivo.Conclusions: Over-expression of apelin promotes proliferation and metastasis of GC cells via the ERK/Cyclin D1/MMP-9 signaling pathway and is associated with adverse events of the cancer. Consequently, apelin is a potential therapeutic target for human GC.
Inside-out Vision for Treatment Identification in Dental Setup using Machine Learning
Authors: Noor Shaheena , Minhas Humera Noor , Saleem Muhammad Imran , Uddin Vali , Ismat Najma
Published: June 2021

Smart clinics have gained much popularity due to the technological advancements in areas like computer vision. The recognition of objects and activities and overall perceiving the environment lies at the core of such systems.
This is essential not just for the eco-independent systems, but also for Human-Machine-Interaction - specially in scenarios with small work-areas like dental treatment. In this paper, we compare a number of machine learning mod-
els (including Multinomial Logistic Regression, Lazy Instance-based Learning (IBk), Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO), Hoe ding Tree and Random Tree) for robustly identifying dental treatments. We take the objects-focussed
as input, which covers parameters like material, symptoms of the patient teeth and tools used by the dentist. We take advantage of the fact that the issue of identifying a particular treatment can be solved by recognizing the objects
seen during an activity. We collected a dental dataset in-the-wild and ran our tests to find that integrating different parameters improves accuracy relative to using each one separately. However, we also noted that in certain cases using the symptoms stand-alone gave better results. Also, with respect to RMS error convergence, symptoms showed to have lower error compared to combined. Finally, we noticed that the combined approach led to longer build and
test times for the machine learning models. This shows that in machine learning applications in general and in medical/dental applications in particular, adding more parameters does not always lead to improved results. Rather it
depends on the ML tool used, the parameters considered and the data given as input.
Stroke and TIA Survivors’ Perceptions of The COVID-19 Vaccine: Cross Sectional Survey
Authors: Turner Grace , Heron Neil , Crow Jennifer , Kontou Eirini , Hughes Sally
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPeople who experience a stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA) have greater risks of complications from contracting COVID-19. Vaccine uptake in this vulnerable population is important to reduce the burden of COVID-19 on healthcare services and society. To prevent vaccine hesitancy and maximise compliance, we need to better understand individuals’ views on the vaccine. We aimed to explore perspectives of people with stroke/TIA on the COVID-19 vaccine and influences on its uptake.MethodWe conducted a cross-sectional, electronic open survey comprising multiple choice and free text questions. Convenience sampling was used to recruit people who have experienced a stroke and/or TIA, and were residents in the UK or Ireland.ResultsThe survey was completed by 377 stroke/TIA survivors. 87% (328/377) had either received the first vaccine or were booked to have it. The vaccine was declined by 2% (7/377) and 3% (11/377) had been offered the vaccine but not yet taken it up. 8% (30/377) had not been offered the vaccine despite being eligible.Many people expressed concerns around the safety of the vaccine (particularly risk of blood clots and stroke) and some were hesitant to have the second vaccine. Most people had no difficulty accessing the vaccine appointment. Societal and personal benefits were motivations for vaccine uptake. There was uncertainty and lack of information about risk of COVID-19 related complications specifically for people who had a stroke/TIA.ConclusionFor people with stroke and TIA, confidence in the vaccine’s safety is the overriding behavioural influence on vaccine uptake. Despite high uptake of the first vaccine, many have legitimate concerns and information needs that should be addressed. Our findings can be used to identify targets for behaviour change to improve vaccine uptake specific to stroke/TIA patients, in particular, increase trust in the vaccine’s safety (confidence) and improve understanding of the greater risks of complications from contracting COVID-19 (complacency).
The Association of Low Body Mass Index With Neonatal Morbidities in Preterm Infants
Authors: Lee Byoung Kook , Lee Jun Hyeok , Shin Jeongmin , Jung Young Hwa , Choi Chang Won
Published: June 2021

Little is known about the association between body proportionality at birth and neonatal outcomes in preterm infants. Body mass index (BMI) is one of the weigh-for-length ratios that represent body proportionality. The objective of this study was to examine whether BMI at birth affects neonatal outcomes in preterm infants. We assessed 4,018 preterm (<32 weeks), very low birth weight (<1,500 g) infants born between January 2013 and December 2016 and registered in the Korean Neonatal Network database which is a prospective cohort study group. Using gender-specific BMI for gestational age curves, z-scores of BMI at birth were calculated. Low-, normal-, and high-BMI were defined as BMI z-scores of less than -1, from -1 to 1, and greater than 1, respectively. Neonatal morbidities and mortality in low- and high-BMI groups were compared to those in normal-BMI group. The low-BMI group had an increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death, severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing enterocolitis after adjusting for baseline characteristics and the birth weight z-score. High-BMI group had comparable neonatal outcomes to those of normal-BMI group. Low BMI at birth was associated with an increased risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis, whereas High BMI at birth was not associated with adverse neonatal outcomes.