bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Género y maltrato: violencia de pareja en los jóvenes de Baja California
Authors: González Galbán Humberto , Fernández de Juan Teresa
Published: March 2020

La violencia en el ámbito de la pareja, determinada en buena medida por los roles de género tradicionales existentes, es la problemática analizada en el presente artículo, que tiene como particularidad el centrarse en el caso de los jóvenes del estado de Baja California. En la búsqueda de factores condicionantes de este proceso de índole social, se valoran variables de tipo psicológicas y sociodemográficas, tales como la violencia en la familia durante la infancia, el estatus migratorio, el nivel educacional y la edad, todo ello de acuerdo al sexo de la población de 18 a 29 años.Considerando las posibilidades de la base de datos utilizada, la Encuesta de Salud Reproductiva de los Adolescentes de Baja California (2006), se describen y analizan en el actual trabajo diferentes indicadores asociados a una trascendente temática que afecta a una parte de los jóvenes de la entidad y de la que no obstante ello, se encuentran pocos antecedentes de investigaciones previas.
El uso de tecnología como ventaja competitiva en el micro y pequeño comercio minorista en Hermosillo, Sonora
Authors: Bocanegra Gastelum Carmen , Vázquez Ruiz Miguel Ángel
Published: March 2020

El avance de las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (tic) no se distribuye de manera homogénea entre las empresas de los distintos sectores de la economía. Éstas comprenden no sólo el uso de Internet y la computadora, sino otras herramientas relacionadas con el funcionamiento administrativo de las empresas, así como con el conocimiento del perfil del consumidor. Esto es particularmente cierto en las empresas del sector comercio y servicios, donde se observa una brecha muy significativa entre los micros, pequeños, medianos y grandes establecimientos. Por ello, el objetivo del trabajo es analizar si los micros y pequeños comerciantes minoristas de Hermosillo, Sonora, conocen las tic, y en su caso, si las aplican como una ventaja competitiva. Para el logro del objetivo se evaluó una muestra representativa de 450 establecimientos. El resultado obtenido en febrero de 2009 demuestra que no obstante el avance en el uso de estas herramientas tecnológicas, su conocimiento y grado de aplicabilidad es todavía insuficiente para aumentar los niveles de competitividad de los micros y pequeños comercios. Por lo tanto, no tienen la ventaja competitiva que representa el uso de las tic para permanecer con éxito en el mercado local.
Osteoporosis: Mechanism, Molecular Target and Current Status on Drug Development
Authors: Li Hanxuan , Xiao Zhousheng , Quarles L. Darryl , Li Wei
Published: March 2020

Osteoporosis is a pathological loss of bone mass due to an imbalance in bone remodeling
where osteoclast-mediated bone resorption exceeds osteoblast-mediated bone formation
resulting in skeletal fragility and fractures. Anti-resorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates
and SERMs, and anabolic drugs that stimulate bone formation, including PTH analogues
and sclerostin inhibitors, are current treatments for osteoporosis. Despite their efficacy, severe
side effects and loss of potency may limit the long term usage of a single drug. Sequential and
combinational use of current drugs, such as switching from an anabolic to an anti-resorptive
agent, may provide an alternative approach. Moreover, there are novel drugs being developed
against emerging new targets such as Cathepsin K and 17β-HSD2 that may have less side effects.
This review will summarize the molecular mechanisms of osteoporosis, current drugs for
osteoporosis treatment, and new drug development strategies.
Nanoparticles as a Tool for Broadening Antifungal Activities
Authors: Renzi Daniele Fernanda , de Almeida Campos Laís , Miranda Eduardo Hösel , Mainardes Rubiana Mara , Abraham Wolf-Rainer , Grigoletto Diana Fortkamp , Khalil Najeh Maissar
Published: March 2020

Fungal infections are diseases that are considered neglected although their infection rates
have increased worldwide in the last decades. Thus, since the antifungal arsenal is restricted and many
strains have shown resistance, new therapeutic alternatives are necessary. Nanoparticles are considered
important alternatives to promote drug delivery. In this sense, the objective of the present study was to
evaluate the contributions of newly developed nanoparticles to the treatment of fungal infections. Studies
have shown that nanoparticles generally improve the biopharmaceutical and pharmacokinetic characteristics
of antifungals, which is reflected in a greater pharmacodynamic potential and lower toxicity,
as well as the possibility of prolonged action. It also offers the proposition of new routes of administration.
Nanotechnology is known to contribute to a new drug delivery system, not only for the control of
infectious diseases but for various other diseases as well. In recent years, several studies have emphasized
its application in infectious diseases, presenting better alternatives for the treatment of fungal
infections.
A Comprehensive Investigation of Potential Novel Marine Psychrotolerant Actinomycetes sp. Isolated from the Bay-of-Bengal
Authors: Ghosh Mrinmoy , Gera Meeta , Singh Joginder , Prasad Ram , Pulicherla Krishna Kanth
Published: March 2020

Background:

This study was carried out to classify the diversity of the deep marine psychrotolerant actinomycetes sp. nov., in the Bay of Bengal and exploit the production of coldactive industrial and pharmaceutical biomolecules.

Objective:

1) Characterization, optimum the growth conditions and classify the diversity of the novel isolated deep marine psychrotolerant actinomycetes sp from the Bay-of-Bengal. 2) Screening for industrially important biocatalysts and determine the antimicrobial activities against the five dreadful pathogens. 3) The differential expression profiling of the candidate genes to regulate the biosynthesis of selected enzymes.

Methods:

The cold-adapted actinomycetes were isolated from the deep marine water collections at 1200 mts below the surface in Bay-of-Bengal. The phenotypic and genotypic characterizations have been carried out to understand the persistent diversity of this novel marine psychrotolerant actinomycetes species. The production of cold-active enzymes, such as amylase, cellulase, lipase, pectinase, and L-asparaginase, were screened and the expression profiling genes were determined by using qRT PCR. The antibacterial and antifungal activities have also been investigated.

Results:

A total number of 37 novel actinomycetes were isolated and the phenotypic and genotypic characterizations identified the genus, dominated by Streptomyces (17 distinct sub-groups) as the major group, followed by Micromonospora, Actinopolyspora, Actinosynnema, Streptoverticillium, Saccharopolyspora, Nocardiopsis, and Nocardia. The optimum growth and abundant mycelium formation are observed at 15°C to 20°C and also capability for thriving at 4°C. All the isolates exhibited a significant role in the production of biocatalysts, and the antagonistic activities were also noted against five major selected pathogens.

Conclusion:

The Streptomyces from the Bay-of-Bengal have high biosynthetic potential and can serve as a good resource for the exploration of bioactive natural products
Enzymes as a Reservoir of Host Defence Peptides
Authors: Bosso Andrea , Di Maro Antimo , Cafaro Valeria , Di Donato Alberto , Notomista Eugenio , Pizzo Elio
Published: March 2020

Host defence peptides (HDPs) are powerful modulators of cellular responses to various types of insults caused by pathogen agents. To date, a wide range of HDPs, from species of different kingdoms including bacteria, plant and animal with extreme diversity in structure and biological activity, have been described. Apart from a limited number of peptides ribosomally synthesized, a large number of promising and multifunctional HDPs have been identified within protein precursors, with properties not necessarily related to innate immunity, consolidating the fascinating hypothesis that proteins have a second or even multiple biological mission in the form of one or more bio-active peptides. Among these precursors, enzymes constitute certainly an interesting group, because most of them are mainly globular and characterized by a fine specific internal structure closely related to their catalytic properties and also because they are yet little considered as potential HDP releasing proteins. In this regard, the main aim of the present review is to describe a panel of HDPs, identified in all canonical classes of enzymes, and to provide a detailed description on hydrolases and their corresponding HDPs, as there seems to exist a striking link between these structurally sophisticated catalysts and their high content in cationic and amphipathic cryptic peptides.
Efficient Synthesis of 2-[(3,4-Dichlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole Derivatives, and their α-Glucosidase Inhibitory and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Menteşe Emre , Yılmaz Fatih , Baltaş Nimet
Published: March 2020

In this work, some new 2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole derivatives containing different five-membered heterocycles like 1,3,4-oxadiazole, 1,3,4-triazole, and 1,3,4- thiadiazole moieties ere designed and efficiently synthesized starting from 2-[(3,4-dichlorophenyl) methyl]-1H-benzimidazole. The products were screened for their in vitro antioxidant and α-glucosidase inhibitory activities. Among the synthesized compounds, some of them showed efficient α-glucosidase inhibition with IC50values ranging between 16.05 ± 0.94 and 77.02 ± 1.12 μg/mL when they were compared with the standard α-glucosidase inhibitor acarbose having IC50value 12.04 ± 0.68 μg/mL. The antioxidant activity of all products was screened by using various in vitro antioxidant assays, including CUPric Reducing Antioxidant Capacity (CUPRAC) and Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP) assays. Also, the radical scavenging activities of the products were assayed by using the ABTS method.
Vaccines For Type 1 Diabetes: Prevention or Reversal?
Authors: Desai Shivani , Buchade Shubhangi , Chitlange Sohan , Sharma Hitt , Bhombe Dhiraj , Shewale Sunil , Pujari Pramod
Published: March 2020

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disease which leads to the destruction of
pancreatic β-cells, thereby causing insufficient insulin production. Globally, around 98, 200 children
and adolescents below 15 years of age and almost 128,900 subjects below 20 years of age develop
T1DM annually, along with severe complications deteriorating their quality of life. In India alone,
around 15,900 incident cases below 15 years have reported annually. Hence, its prevention and reversal
are significant. Unlike other chronic diseases, T1DM involves the presence of various autoantigens,
which can be targeted by proper immunisation. The development of reliable immuno-regulatory surrogate
markers would be of great benefit. Vaccines can be one of such strategies in the journey to prevent
T1DM. It would not only benefit greatly to reduce the sufferings caused due to diabetic complications
but could also help to reverse T1DM, by modulating the autoantigenic immunological reactions and
prevent further degradation of pancreatic β-cells. This review collates a wide range of information related
to the vaccine studies conducted in animal and human models to prevent and reverse T1DM.
Acute Toxicological and Histopathological Elucidation of Rheum emodi Rhizome Extract to Demonstrate Antidiabetic Activity in Alloxan-induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Radhika Ravindran , Ramadas Dinesha , Ragavan Baliah , Sudarsanam Dorairaj , Kameshwar Vivek H.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Rheum emodi has been used traditionally to treat diabetes in India. The
study was designed to elucidate the effect of 75% ethanolic extract of R. emodi (rhizome) (EE-ReR)
and its isolated compounds like emodin and chrysophanol on alloxan-induced diabetic rats,
and to check its antidiabetic efficacy. Acute toxicological and histopathological studies were also
assessed.

Methods:

Experimental rats were divided into six groups, with each group consisting of 6 rats. EEReR
and its compounds emodin and chrysophanol were given orally for 30 days.

Results:

The experimental rats were sacrificed after 30 days by cervical dislocation. The renal profile
and lipid parameters were determined. Histopathological changes in liver, kidney and pancreas
were examined in EE-ReR treated group. EE-ReR was fed orally to diabetic rats, which resulted in
a decline in the fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, free fatty acids, creatinine, urea levels, and
a rise in the insulin levels was observed almost in the normal range, in the rats which were fed with
the extract. Histopathological studies of pancreas, kidney, and liver in diabetic rats revealed that
the treated group of rats showed normal regeneration of islets cells. Acute toxicological studies revealed
that the extract is safe up to 2000 mg/kg body weight of extract fed orally.

Conclusion:

These findings are suggestive of a possible protective and prevent damage to the internal organs played by the R. emodi and its compounds like emodin and chrysophanol compounds and elevate insulin production during high blood glucose levels without any acute toxicologically effect.
Citric Acid Production by the Solid-State Cultivation Consortium of Aspergillus Niger and Trichoderma Reesei from Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Bastos Reinaldo G. , Ribeiro Hiléia C.
Published: March 2020

Aims:

The aim of this research was to evaluate the SSC of Aspergillus niger and Trichoderma reesei alone and in consortium for the citric acid production from sugarcane bagasse.

Methods:

Solid-State Cultivation (SSC) is characterized by microbial growth on solid supports often agroindustrial by-products in the near absence of free water conditions. Citric acid, an important by-product used in various sectors of the economy, can be obtained from the SSC using sugarcane bagasse, minimizing the cost of its production with the use of this industrial by-product.

Results:

The fungal consortiums have advantages over the isolated cultures, highlighting the best use of substrates due to enzyme supplementation, especially hydrolases.

Conclusion:

The results indicated a specific production of citric acid of 2.51 mg per g of biomass per hour, which was higher than that obtained when using the two fungi alone.
Occupational Exposure to Noise and Age-related Hearing Loss in an Elderly Population of Southern Italy
Authors: De Maria Luigi , Caputi Antonio , Sardone Rodolfo , Cannone Enza Sabrina Silvana , Mansi Francesca , Birtolo Francesco , Delfino Maria Celeste , Cavone Domenica , Vimercati Luigi
Published: March 2020

Background:

Age-Related Hearing Loss (ARHL) is a gradual and irreversible age-dependent decline in auditory function. There is still no consensus on the long-term functional effects of noise exposure on ARHL.

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the prevalence of ARHL in an elderly population occupationally exposed to noise in a non-exposed population.

Methods:

The population was divided into two groups: a group of 482 subjects professionally exposed to noise for over 10 years and a group of 1129 non-exposed subjects. Among the exposed subjects, a subgroup of 298 who worked for over 10 years in the glassware industry was selected. All the participants underwent a thorough otorhinolaryngological examination.

Results:

The presence of ARHL was found in 81% of exposed subjects and in 4% of non-exposed subjects. In the sub-group of glassware workers, the prevalence was 88%. The statistical analysis showed a significant association between previous occupational exposure to noise and ARHL (OR = 1.09; 95% CI = 1.067-1.124; p = 0.0012) and between exposure to the glassware industry and ARHL (OR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.78-1.96; p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Consistent with recent studies, we found a significantly higher prevalence of ARHL among workers exposed to noise; however, further studies are needed to support these findings.
A NEW METHOD FOR PREDICTING BACTERIAL PNEUMONIA IN PATIENTS WITH INFLUENZA AND OTHER ACUTE RESPIRATORY VIRAL INFECTIONS
Authors: Ambalov Yu. M. , Sizyakin D. V. , Dudarev I. V. , Dontsov D. V. , Kurdin A. A. , Kovalenko A. P. , Usatkin A. V. , Proydakov M. A. , Mamedova N. I.
Published: March 2020

Purpose: to develop an effective and affordable method for a practical doctor to predict the development of bacterial pneumonia in patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections.

Materials and methods: to develop a method for predicting bacterial pneumonia in patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections, a continuous group of 247 patients was formed: 63 of them were diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia for 5-7 days of illness, and the remaining 184 had verified infectious diseases in uncomplicated form. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the proposed forecast method was performed on 150 patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections. The technical basis of this study was the Extech 110 pH meter, with which the observed acidity of the skin of the lower third of the palmar surface of the forearm was studied on the 1-2, 3-4, 7-10 days of the disease.

Results: the developed method for predicting bacterial pneumonia in patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections is characterized by prostate use, as well as high rates of sensitivity, specificity and accuracy.

Conclusions: the pH level of the skin of the palmar surface of the lower third of the forearm in patients with influenza and other acute respiratory viral infections of less than 4.80 is a statistically significant prognostic criterion for the development of this category of patients in the next 2-3 days of bacterial pneumonia.
Love My Body: Pilot Study to Understand Reproductive Health Vulnerabilities in Adolescent Girls
Authors: Tzilos Wernette Golfo , Countryman Kristina , Khatibi Kristie , Riley Erin , Stephenson Rob
Published: March 2020

Background

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are on the rise in the United States, and adolescent girls (15-19 years old) are more susceptible to acquiring STIs than their male peers. The co-occurrence of alcohol use and sexual risk taking contribute significantly to STI acquisition. Mobile health (mHealth) interventions are ideally suited for our target population and have demonstrated increases in STI testing in young people, as well as reductions in alcohol use.

Objective

This pilot study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to explore the views of adolescent girls (age range 15-19 years old; 74.6%, 279/374 white) on the desired qualities and content of an mHealth app for sexual health.

Methods

We conducted nine 60-min in-depth interviews (IDIs) to gather information and identify themes of sexual health and alcohol use, and we tested the feasibility of using a two-week social media campaign to collect survey information regarding sexual health risk in adolescent girls.

Results

We iteratively coded IDIs and identified major themes around pressure of alcohol use, lack of STI knowledge, male pressure to not use condoms, and pregnancy as a worse outcome than STIs. Results from the web-based survey on risky health behaviors, which was completed by 367 participants, support the use of a sexual health app designed for girls.

Conclusions

Future work will integrate these themes to inform the development of a culturally sensitive mHealth app to prevent STIs among adolescent girls.
Social Medical Capital: How Patients and Caregivers Can Benefit From Online Social Interactions
Authors: Panzarasa Pietro , Griffiths Christopher J , Sastry Nishanth , De Simoni Anna
Published: March 2020

The rapid growth of online health communities and the increasing availability of relational data from social media provide invaluable opportunities for using network science and big data analytics to better understand how patients and caregivers can benefit from online conversations. Here, we outline a new network-based theory of social medical capital that will open up new avenues for conducting large-scale network studies of online health communities and devising effective policy interventions aimed at improving patients’ self-care and health.
Drivers of Mobile Health Acceptance and Use From the Patient Perspective: Survey Study and Quantitative Model Development
Authors: Salgado Tânia , Tavares Jorge , Oliveira Tiago
Published: March 2020

Background

Mobile health (mHealth) has potential to play a significant role in realizing a reversal of the current paradigm in health care toward a more patient-centric and more collaborative system to improve the outcomes obtained along with the quality and sustainability of health care systems.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore and understand individual mHealth acceptance drivers between two groups of users: those with chronic health conditions and those without.

Methods

The extended unified theory of acceptance and usage of technology (UTAUT2) was enhanced with a new health-related framework: behavior intention to recommend and new mediation effects. We applied partial least squares (PLS) causal modeling to test the research model.

Results

We obtained 322 valid responses through an online questionnaire. The drivers of behavior intention with statistical significance were performance expectancy (β=.29, P<.001), habit (β=.39, P<.001), and personal empowerment (β=.18, P=.01). The precursors of use behavior were habit (β= .47, P<.001) and personal empowerment (β=.17, P=.01). Behavior intention to recommend was significantly influenced by behavior intention (β=.58, P<.001) and personal empowerment (β=.26, P<.001). The model explained 66% of the total variance in behavior intention, 54% of the variance in use behavior, and 70% of the variance in behavior intention to recommend.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates a significant role of personal empowerment, as a second-order construct, in the mHealth acceptance context. The presence of a chronic health condition predicates an impact on acceptance of this technology.
Respiratory Health of Pacific Youth: An Observational Study of Associated Risk and Protective Factors Throughout Childhood (Preprint)
Authors: Tautolo El-Shadan , Wong Conroy , Vandal Alain , Jalili-Moghaddam Shabnam , Griffiths Emily , Iusitini Leon , Trenholme Adrian , Byrnes Catherine
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Respiratory disease is the third most common cause of death in New Zealand, with Pacific people living in New Zealand bearing the greatest burden of this type of disease. Although some epidemiological outcomes are known, we lack the specifics required to formulate targeted and effective public health interventions. The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) birth cohort study is a study that provides a unique source of data to assess lung function and current respiratory health among participants entering early adulthood and to examine associations with early life events during critical periods of growth.

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to provide an overview of the design, methods, and scope of the Respiratory Health of Pacific Youth Study, which uses the overall PIF study cohort aged 18-19 years.

METHODS

From 2000-2019, the PIF study has followed, from birth, the growth, and the development of 1398 Pacific children born in Auckland, New Zealand. Participants were nested within the overall PIF study (at ages 18-19 years) from June 2018, and assessments were undertaken until mid-November 2019. The assessments included respiratory and general medical histories, a general physical examination, assessment of lung function (forced expiratory volume and forced vital capacity), self-completed questionnaires (St George’s Respiratory Questionnaire, European Quality of Life 5 Dimensions-3 Level, Epworth Sleepiness Scale for Children and Adolescents, and Leicester Cough Questionnaire), blood tests (eosinophils, Immunoglobulin E, Immunoglobulin G, Immunoglobulin A, Immunoglobulin M, and C-reactive protein), and chest x-rays. Noninferential analyses will be carried out on dimensionally reduced risk and protective factors and confounders.

RESULTS

Data collection began in June 2018 and ended in November 2019, with a total of 466 participants recruited for submission of the paper. Collection and collation of chest x-ray data is still underway, and data analysis and expected results will be published by November 2020.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first longitudinal observational study to address the burden of respiratory disease among Pacific youth by determining factors in early life that impose long-term detriments in lung function and are associated with the presence of respiratory illness. Identifying risk factors and the magnitude of their effects will help in adopting preventative measures, establishing whether any avoidable risks can be modified by later resilient behaviors, and provide baseline measurements for the development of respiratory disease in later adult life. The study results can be translated into practice guidelines and inform health strategies with immediate national and international impact.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/18916
COVID-19 Related Misinformation on Social Media: A Qualitative Study from Iran (Preprint)
Authors: Bastani Peivand , Bahrami Mohammad Amin
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND

Background: During outbreaks of diseases a great amount of health threatening misinformation is produced and released. In the web-2 era much of this misinformation is disseminated via social media where information could spread easily and quickly. Monitoring social media content provides crucial insights for health managers to manage the crisis.

OBJECTIVE

Objective: Given the misinformation surrounding COVID-19 outbreak, this study was aimed to analyze contents of the most commonly used social networks in Iran that is among the affected countries.

METHODS

Methods: A social media monitoring conducted through a qualitative design to analyze the discussions of social media users about the content related to COVID-19 transferred via Iranian medical faculty members` groups in Telegram and Whats App during Feb 20 to March 20, 2020 emphasizing the misinformation. Discourse analysis was applied and the written dialogues and discussions regarding misinformation about different aspects of the outbreak between medical faculty members all over the country were analyzed.

RESULTS

Results: Cultural factors, demand pressure for information during the crisis, the easiness of information dissemination via social networks, marketing incentives and the poor legal supervision of online contents are the main reasons of misinformation dissemination. Disease statistics; treatments, vaccines and medicines; prevention and protection methods; dietary recommendations and disease transmission ways are the main subjective categories of releasing misinformation regarding novel coronavirus outbreak. Consequences of misinformation dissemination regarding disease include psychosocial; economic; health status; health system and ethical ones. Active and effective presence of health professionals and authorities on social media during the crisis and the improvement of public health literacy in the long term are the most recommended strategies for dealing with issues related to misinformation.

CONCLUSIONS

Conclusion: This study contributes the management of COVID-19 outbreak trough providing applicable insights for health managers to manage public information in this challenging time.

CLINICALTRIAL
FRAUD RISK ASSESSMENT: EXPERIMENTAL STUDY ON THE ALTERNATIVE FRAUD MODEL AND AUDITOR RISK PREFERENCES
Authors: Artati Arintyas Kristi , Noviyanti Suzy
Published: March 2020

Fraud risk assessment is an important part of the audit process and one of the toughest challenges faced by auditors. In considering fraud risk assessment, fraud models and risk preferences can influence auditor’s decisions. This study uses a 2x2 between-subject experimental design with a total of 110 auditors of public accountant firms in Central Java as participants and produces 60 data ready for processing. Participants were formed into 4 groups with different treatments which the treatments consist of Diamond Fraud model with high and low risk preferences and Pentagon Fraud model with high and low risk preferences. The results show that the use of Pentagon Fraud model will result a more conservative fraud risk assessment. When auditors dare to take high risk action, the resulting fraud risk assessment will be low. In addition, the fraud model and risk preference variables show a significant influence on the performing of fraud risk assessment. There is an interaction between fraud models and auditors’ risk preferences in the performance of fraud risk assessment.
ROLE OF LOCUS OF CONTROL AND UNDERSTANDING OF ACCOUNTANT ETHICS ON ACCOUNTANT ETHICAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Kristianti Ika Puspita , Kristiana Deranika Ratna
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study is to analyze the different level of moral reasoning ability in the accounting profession, measure individual ethical behavior using an experimental approach of hypothetical situations, and empirically test the influence of locus of control, individual demographical characteristics and the accountant’s understanding of the code of ethics into the accountant’s ethical behavior. This study use the basic theoretical framework of Kohlberg’s Moral Development Theory in explaining and predicting the relationship of individual ethical behavior with its demographic characteristics. This study also tries to modified study which analyze the relation of position level at work with individual ethical behavior, and added some variables: locus of control which referred to Rotter’s and the accountant’s understanding of the code of ethics. This study is a quantitative study using a survey method to find the effect of independent variables, partially and simultaneously to ethical behavior. We analyze sample responses of 96 respondents who works as an accountant in financial industries include banks and non-banks. The result shows that locus of control and the accountant’s understanding of the code of ethics relates positively and significantly to accountant’s ethical behavior, while demographic characteristics are not a predictor of ethical behavior among accountant profession
African International Relations, Genocidal Histories and the Emancipatory Project. Part 1
Authors: Campbell Horace G.
Published: March 2020

Silences in the discipline of International Relations on genocide amount to a form of genocide denial, which is one of the foundations of future genocide. The paper posits that in the era of militarized global apartheid, progressive scholars are challenged to critique and expose the past and current crimes against humanity that are occurring in Africa. Drawing from the consolidation of an alternative analysis in the context of the Bandung Project, the paper analyzed the contributions of the ideas that emerged out of the anti-apartheid struggles and the struggles for reparative justice. Struggles from the Global South had culminated in the World Conference against Racism (WCAR) process, elevating the anti-racist battles as a core challenge of Africa’s International Relations. This rejuvenation and energies coming out of the protracted struggle for bread, peace and justice took the form of the transition to the African Union leaving behind the concept of the noninterference in the internal affairs of states. The paper analyzed the ways in which afro-pessimism was being reinforced by the constructivist path in African International Relations. The contributions of radical African feminists are presented as one new direction where there is the coalescence of the progressive anti-imperialist intellectual traditions with radical feminisms. These two traditions open possibilities for an emancipatory project. This project has taken on extra importance in the period of the fragility of global capital when the precariousness of capitalism threatens new and endless wars and destabilization in Africa. Modern humanitarianism forms one component of the weaponization of everything and it is within this ensemble of ideas that scholars need to deconstruct the discussion of ‘failed states’ in Africa.
Sixty Years Later: Africa’s Stalled Decolonization
Authors: Taylor Ian
Published: March 2020

The year 1960 marked the moment when the number of nominally independent African countries on the continent rose from nine to twenty-six and is a symbolic indicator of when Africa began to emerge from the days of European colonization. However, from the beginning, very few of Africa’s leaders sought to reorganize the continent’s economic structures and did virtually nothing to question its external exchange relations. Preferring to play the role of compradors, most preferred to stay wedded to their former colonial masters. Consequently, sixty years after the Year of Africa, most African countries continue to be entrenched in a set of connections that fit well with Kwame Nkrumah’s description of neocolonialism. This neocolonialism has a highly resilient material base which continues to maintain the continent in its subordinate global status and which perpetuates its underdevelopment. Sustainable growth and development in Africa continues to be blocked by the domination of external economies. African countries remain constrained from accumulating the necessary capital for auto-centric growth since the surplus is transferred overseas. Asymmetrical economic relationships are embodied by the continued supremacy of the core over Africa, something intrinsic to capitalism. Unequal exchange, the transfer of surplus i.e. the continued looting of Africa by its elites and their foreign associates, means that the dreams and aspirations of 1960, for the majority of Africans at least, have been frustrated.
Liquid transfer properties of textile fabrics as a function of moisture content
Authors: Novakovic Milada , Milanovic Jovana , Grujic Dragana , Stankovic Snezana
Published: March 2020

Liquid transport in textile fabrics determines thermal comfort during high physical activity of a person when liquid perspiration is produced and needs to be transferred away from the skin to keep the thermal balance. In this investigation, an attempt was made to get some indications of how the combination of the fabric composition, geometry and dimensional stability, and the moisture content influences liquid transfer properties of plain weft knitted fabrics. Therefore, the knitted fabrics made from pure hydrophilic (hemp fibres), pure hydrophobic (acrylic fibres) and a hydrophilic/hydrophobic (hemp/acrylic) fibre blend underwent a trial wear and care period. The Malden Mills water distribution test was performed for the knitted fabrics with different moisture contents (0-30 %) in order to evaluate the effect on liquid transfer properties. Water transfer ability and water holding capacity of the knitted fabrics were also determined after undergoing the wear trial test. The obtained results were analysed with respect to macro and micro scales of porosity of knitted fabrics. It has been shown that the geometric configuration of the complex porous network in knitted fabrics influenced their liquid transfer properties in the whole moisture content range regardless of the composition. Despite the reconfiguration of the pore system in the knits during the trial period, their liquid transfer properties were still dependent on the pore size and distribution.
Hyvä, paha deadline: Mediatyön intensiivisyys pelinkehittäjien ja toimittajien deadline-puheessa
Authors: Soronen Anne , Kääntä Liisa , Koskela Merja
Published: March 2020

Artikkelissa tarkastellaan ajanhallintaan ja erityisesti deadlineen liittyviä käsityksiä ja käytäntöjä suomalaisessa pelistudiossa ja paikallislehden toimituksessa. Tutkimuksen aineistona on 11 asiantuntijahaastattelua. Analyysimenetelmänä käytetään kehysanalyysia, jota täydennetään vuorovaikutuksen sekventiaalisuuden analyysilla, jotta saadaan ajanhallinnan kehysten hienovaraiset merkitykset esiin. Tutkimuksen perusteella ajanhallinta ja oman työtahdin säätely suhteessa deadlineen osana mediatyötä otetaan itsestäänselvyytenä, joka limittyy työlle asetettuihin organisatorisiin ja henkilökohtaisiin tavoitteisiin ja ihanteisiin. Artikkelissa osoitetaan, että journalistit ja pelinkehittäjät merkityksellistävät deadlinen vastuunkannon, rajojen asettamisen ja tehokkuuden kehyksien kautta. Nämä kehykset tuotetaan haastattelun vuorovaikutuksessa tavoilla, joilla haastattelija nostaa deadlinen topiikiksi ja joilla haastateltava kategorisoi, selittää tai arvottaa deadlinea haastattelijan toimintaan peilaten. Haastateltavat liittävät deadlinen asiakkaista ja lukijoista, omasta työyhteisöstä ja riittävästä laadusta huolehtimiseen. Sen kautta mediatyötä lähestytään myös rajojen asettamisena normi- ja ylityöajan tai työelämän ja vapaa-ajan välille. Lisäksi deadline-puhetta kehystetään tehokkuuden näkökulmasta, esimerkiksi henkilökohtaisena tai organisaation tasolla tapahtuvana suhtautumisena työn tehokkuuden vaatimuksiin. Pelinkehittäjille deadline on pääsääntöisesti työnteon taustalla häämöttävä lähitulevaisuuden projektikohtainen kiintopiste, kun taas toimittajille deadline on päivittäistä työtä rytmittävä ja tiettyihin kellonaikoihin kiinnittyvä tekijä. Tulosten pohjalta mediatyön intensiivisyys ja ajanhallintakysymysten keskeisyys on yhteistä pelinkehitys- ja toimitustyölle, mutta suhteessa työnteon rytmiin, ylitöihin ja tehokkuuden ihanteeseen ne saavat kohdeorganisaatioissa erilaisia painotuksia.
Healing times in a clinical case with similar and simultaneous lesions of hand and foot
Authors: Ricci Stefano , Georgev Mihail
Published: March 2020

A curious case of contemporary skin lesion of hand and foot, showing the healing at the hand site versus worsening and inflammation at the foot after ten days, gives the occasion of analysing the different behaviour of the capillary circulation related to hydrostatic pressure (HP).
In fact, HP at the foot, higher than at the hand, causes an increase of capillary pressure, accompanied by increase of transmicrovascular filtration while that arteriovenous pressure gradient is maintained; however, the accumulation of fluids is resisted by a number of edema safety factors that work in concert to limit edema formation (Lymphatic flow, decrease osmotic pressure, reduce the number of capillaries, myogenic constriction of arterioles, venous bulging). It seems evident that this complex balance may easily be broken by modern everyday life common events.
Role of Critical Success factors (CSF) in the implementation of Six Sigma in hospitals: A preliminary study in Pakistan
Authors: Abid Muzna , Butt Osama Majeed , Ann Quratul , Rashid Bushra , Sri Devi Nanthini
Published: March 2020

Six sigma can enable us to determine the possible solutions to most of the problems which are being faced by the healthcare system of Pakistan. Six sigma is a viable way to make healthcare rapid and proficient. It is already being successfully utilized around the globe in service as well as the manufacturing sector.  This research is a preliminary study; conducted, in an attempt, to highlight the issues in healthcare like scarcity of medicines, the inefficiency of medical staff, insufficient beds and low doctor/patient ratio in hospitals of Pakistan. A proposal is proposed for a viable solution in the form of six-sigma. For this study, six-sigma identifies the potential issue by involving all employees of the targeted sectors. The collection of primary data was done from employees at quality departments in hospitals and via survey. The importance of critical success factors in the public and private hospitals of Pakistan was determined by the aforementioned survey. Critical analysis pointed out that most of the employees were unaware of the quality initiatives and six-sigma.
Mapping the Linguistic Landscape of Kuala Lumpur
Authors: Husin Misyana Susanti , Ariffin Kamisah , De Mello Geraldine , Omar Nur Hidayatulshima , Anuardin Aini Andria Shirin
Published: March 2020

Abstract: Linguistic landscape (LL) refers to the visibility and salience of languages on public and commercial signs in a given territory or region. The highest density of signs can be found in cities and towns, particularly in the main shopping streets and industrial areas. This study is a synchronic analysis of digitally photographed commercial shop signs in three selected regions of Kuala Lumpur that focuses on the patterns of the language use. Findings reveal bilingual shop signs dominated the shopping streets in the areas adjacent to and within Kuala Lumpur and English being more prevalent than the national language or other languages. There was also visibility of foreign languages that offers linguistic diversity in the cityscapes.  In summary, multilingualism in the areas boils down to different languages being used and functioning in differing ways.
Language and Interactive Media in Teaching and Training at Akademi Pengajian Bahasa
Authors: Ab. Wahab Azhar , Ahmad Amirah , Saupi Nor Diyana
Published: March 2020

The Industrial Revolution 4.0 (4IR) is gaining ground in technology development in Malaysia. It also involves the development and usage of technology in the national education system. The development of this technology has a positive impact on language teaching and learning as it provides new dimensions with the development of more comprehensive interactive multimedia products. This paper discusses one of the courses that prepare graduates to produce interactive multimedia. Interactive multimedia is produced based on specific topic in Malay language that aims to teach specific target groups. Language and Interactive Media is a compulsory course taken by students of the Bachelor of Applied Language Studies (Malay for Professional Communications) at the Akademi Pengajian Bahasa, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Shah Alam, while the Interactive Media Development course is an advanced course offered as an elective subject. The main objective of teaching and training for both courses is to ensure that students are capable of developing interactive multimedia-based learning products on Malay language and culture. The discussion was based on feedback provided through the Entrance-Exit Survey (EES), student’s learning outcome and examples of interactive media application produced by the students.
The Use of Nouns in Exhibition Texts at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Authors: Ariffin Kamisah , Zainal Abidin Ummu Zainab Al-Abidah
Published: March 2020

Exhibition texts are commonly found alongside exhibitions in a museum. The texts are there to serve specific purposes in the overall context of the museum, and the linguistic features that are found within the texts are assumed to be functional and serve the respective purposes of the museum. This paper investigates the use of one of the linguistic features, i.e nouns, in the texts that accompany displays at the Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia. The nouns are examined in terms of their frequency of use and the extend in which the nouns function in terms of serving the purposes of exhibition texts in the museum context. The findings reveal that nouns pertaining to locations and artefacts are the most frequently used, and they reflect the context of the studied museum which is Islamic history and civilisation. In addition, different categories of nouns, such as names of people, are also found to serve the communicative purpose of the exhibition texts. This study contributes to the linguistic description of the discourse of art and explains the relations between text, museum exhibits and visitors. It may benefit linguistic scholars and practitioners as the findings also suggest that the use of linguistic features can attract visitors to look at the exhibits.
ICERD in Malaysian online news reports: A cross-linguistic comparative corpus analysis
Authors: Joharry Siti Aeisha , Saupi Nor Diyana
Published: March 2020

The International Convention for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which was not ratified in Malaysia, created a heated public discourse in the media. This cross-linguistic comparative study investigates the representation of ICERD in Malaysian news reports of two online sources in Malaysia – the widely read English portal: The Star Online, and its Malay equivalent: Berita Harian. A corpus-assisted discourse analysis was conducted to examine how news on ‘ICERD’ were reported in both English and Malay online newspapers. Initial comparative analysis of both newspapers revealed that the search term co-occurs statistically more frequently with the verb ‘ratify’ and its equivalent: ‘meratifikasi’. Patterns indicate that ‘ICERD’ was mostly referring to the act of sanctioning the agreement –particularly to ‘not ratify’ or ‘tidak akan meratifikasi’, which is concurrent with the timeframe of events. Interestingly, different patterns can be found in Berita Harian (e.g. the expression of ‘thanks’ or gratitude of not ratifying ICERD) that are not as revealing in The Star Online reports. Some inconsistencies were also reported between the two newspapers, e.g. referring to different ministers’ speech about the initial plan to ratify ICERD alongside five (The Star Online) or six (Berita Harian) other treaties in the following year.
PERAN FEASIBILITY DAN ENTREPRENEURIAL SELF-EFFICACY DALAM MEMEDIASI PENGARUH PENDIDIKAN KEWIRAUSAHAAN TERHADAP NIAT BERWIRAUSAHA
Authors: Afrianty Tri Wulida
Published: March 2020

In line with the government's efforts to encourage the growth of entrepreneurs among the younger generation, several universities in Indonesia (one of them is Universitas Brawijaya) has set an entrepreneurship course as one of the mandatory courses at the undergraduate level. However, to date, no systematic research and publications have been found on the effectiveness of those entrepreneurship education. Therefore, by using the theory of perception, the purpose of this study is to evaluate whether an entrepreneurship education provided to students of Universitas Brawijaya is able to foster their entrepreneurial intentions. Specifically, this study analyzes the effect of entrepreneurship education on entrepreneurial intentions mediated by feasibility and entrepreneurial self-efficacy. This research was conducted using a quantitative approach. The population of this research is all active students of Universitas Brawijaya who have taken entrepreneurship courses. The sampling technique used was quota sampling with a total of 150 respondents representing 15 faculties. The data collection method was carried out using a survey questionnaire. The analytical tool used in this study is Partial Least Square (PLS). The results of this study indicate that feasibility and entrepreneurial self-efficacy mediate the effect of entrepreneurship education on the student’s entrepreneurial intentions.  Selaras dengan upaya pemerintah untuk mendorong tumbuhnya wirausaha di kalangan generasi muda, beberapa universitas di Indonesia (termasuk Universitas Brawijaya) telah menetapkan mata kuliah kewirausahaan sebagai salah satu mata kuliah wajib pada strata S1. Namun, sampai saat ini belum ditemukan penelitian serta publikasi yang sistematis tentang efektifitas pendidikan kewirausahaan tersebut. Untuk itu, dengan menggunakan teori persepsi, tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi apakah pendidikan kewirausahaan yang diberikan kepada mahasiswa Universitas Brawijaya mampu menumbuhkan niat berwirausaha bagi mahasiswa. Secara spesifik, penelitian ini menganalisis pengaruh pendidikan kewirausahaan terhadap niat berwirausaha dengan dimediasi oleh feasibility dan entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Penelitian ini dilakukan dengan menggunakan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi penelitian ini adalah seluruh mahasiswa aktif Universitas Brawijaya yang telah menempuh mata kuliah kewirausahaan. Teknik sampel yang dipergunakan adalah teknik quota sampling dengan total responden berjumlah 150 dari 15 fakultas yang ada di Universitas Brawijaya.  Metode pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan menggunakan survey questionnaire. Alat analisis yang digunakan adalah Partial Least Square (PLS). Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa feasibility dan entrepreneurial self-efficacy memediasi pengaruh pendidikan kewirausahaan terhadap niat berwirausaha.