bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a constant pressure perfused ex vivo model of the equine larynx
Authors: Otto Sven , Michler Jule K. , Dhein Stefan , Mülling Christoph K. W.
Published: May 2021

Distal axonopathy is seen in a broad range of species including equine patients. In horses, this degenerative disorder of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is described as recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (RLN). The dysfunctional innervation of the cricoarytenoideus dorsalis muscle (CAD) leads to a loss of performance in affected horses. In general, ex vivo models of the larynx are rare and for equine patients, just one short report is available. To allow for testing new therapy approaches in an isolated organ model, we examined equine larynges in a constant pressure perfused setup. In order to check the vitality and functionality of the isolated larynx, the vessels´ reaction to norepinephrine (NE) and sodium nitroprusside (NP) as vasoactive agents was tested. Additionally, the contractility of the CAD was checked via electrical stimulation. To determine the extent of hypoxic alterations, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and lactate were measured and an immunofluorescent analysis of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), a key transcription factor in hypoxia, was performed. For this, a hypoxia-induced cell culture for HIF-1α was developed. The application of NE led to an expected vasoconstriction while NP caused the expected vasodilation. During a perfusion period of 352 ±20.78 min, LDH values were in the reference range and lactate values slightly exceeded the reference range at the end of the perfusion. HIF-1α nuclear translocation could reliably be detected in the hypoxia-induced cell cultures, but not in sections of the perfused CAD. With the approach presented here, a solid basis for perfusing equine larynges was established and may serve as a tool for further investigations of equine larynx disorders as well as a transferrable model for other species.
Epidemiology of heart failure and long-term follow-up outcomes in a north-African population: Results from the NAtional TUnisian REgistry of Heart Failure (NATURE-HF)
Authors: Abid Leila , Charfeddine Salma , Kammoun Ikram , Ben Halima Manel , Ben Slima Hedi , Drissa Meriem , Mzoughi Khadija , Mbarek Dorra , Riahi Leila , Antit Saoussen , Ben Halima Afef , Ouechtati Wejdene , Allouche Emna , Mechri Mehdi , Youssfi Chedi , Khorchani Ali , Sammoud Kais , Zaouia Khaled , Tlili Rami , Ouali Sana , Triki Faten , Hamdi Sonia , Boudich Selim , Chebbi Marwa , Hentati Mouna , Farah Amani , Triki Habib , Ghardallou H. , Radoui H. , Zayed Sofien , Azaiez F. , Omri Fadoua , Zouari Akram , Ben Ali Zine , Najjar A. , Thabet Houssem , Chaker Mouna , Mohammed Samar , Ben Jmaa Abdelhamid , Tangour Haithem , Kammoun Yassine , Cheikh Bouhlel Mahmoud , Azeiz S. , Gtaief R. , Mashki S. , Amri Aymen , Naanea Hela , Othmani Raoudha , Chahbani Iheb , Zargouni Houcine , Abid Syrine , Ayari Mokded , Ben Ameur Ines , Guesmi Ali , Ben Halima Nejeh , Haouala Habib , Fehri Wafa , Boughzela Essia , Zakhama Lilia , Ben Youssef Soraya , Nasraoui Wided , Boujneh Rachid , Barakett Nedia , Kraiem Sondos , Drissa Hbiba , Ben Khalfalah Ali , Gamra Habib , Kachboura Salem , Majdoub Yosra , Kanoun Elifa , Zannad Faiez , Milouchi Sami , Mebaza Alexandre , Kammoun Samir , Mourali Sami , Hezbri Karima , Addad Faouzi
Published: May 2021

The NATURE-HF registry was aimed to describe clinical epidemiology and 1-year outcomes of outpatients and inpatients with heart failure (HF). This is a prospective, multicenter, observational survey conducted in Tunisian Cardiology centers. A total of 2040 patients were included in the study. Of these, 1632 (80%) were outpatients with chronic HF (CHF). The mean hospital stay was 8.7 ± 8.2 days. The mortality rate during the initial hospitalization event for AHF was 7.4%. The all-cause 1-year mortality rate was 22.8% among AHF patients and 10.6% among CHF patients. Among CHF patients, the older age, diabetes, anemia, reduced EF, ischemic etiology, residual congestion and the absence of ACEI/ ARBs treatment were independent predictors of 1-year cumulative rates of rehospitalization and mortality. The female sex and the functional status were independent predictors of 1-year all-cause mortality and rehospitalization in AHF patients. This study confirmed that acute HF is still associated with a poor prognosis, while the mid-term outcomes in patients with chronic HF seems to be improved. Some differences across countries may be due to different clinical characteristics and differences in healthcare systems.
Mitigation co-benefits of carbon sequestration from MGNREGS in India
Authors: Ravindranath N. H. , Murthy Indu K.
Published: May 2021

Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme a large social security programme being implemented in India, with an average annual investment of US$ 7 billion. The bulk of the activities under this programme are focused on natural resources such as land, water and trees, which provide adaptation benefits. In this study an attempt is made to estimate the carbon sequestration achieved and future potential, as a co-benefit, from MGNREGS. The total mean carbon sequestered at the national level, considering the cumulative number of natural resource based activities, for the year 2017–18 was estimated to be 102 MtCO2. The annual mean carbon sequestration is projected to increase to about 132 MtCO2 by 2020 and 249 MtCO2 by 2030. Drought proofing is one of the activities implemented under MGNREGS and it includes tree planting, relevant to achieving the NDC carbon sink target. The cumulative carbon sink created by drought proofing activities is projected to be 56 MtCO2 in 2020, 281 MtCO2 in 2025 and 561 MtCO2 in 2030. This study demonstrates the significant carbon sink potential of MGNREGS and highlights the importance of estimation and reporting climate mitigation co-benefits of adaptation actions such as MGNREGS under the Paris Agreement.
Applying the RE-AIM framework in a process evaluation of the introduction of the Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment in a rural district of Zimbabwe
Authors: Magwali Thulani Leslie , Svisva Abaden , Bowers Tarryn , Chiyaka Fishiwe , Conway Jenna-Dawn , Madzima Bernard , Mambo Violet , Mangwiro Alexio , Carmone Andy Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

The Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) is a first aid tool that can halt and reverse hypovolemic shock secondary to obstetric hemorrhage. The World Health Organization recommended the NASG for use as a temporizing measure in 2012, but uptake of the recommendation has been slow, partially because operational experience is limited. The study is a process evaluation of the introduction of NASG in a public sector health facility network in rural Zimbabwe utilizing an adapted RE-AIM, categorizing observations into the domains of: reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance. The location of the study was Hurungwe district, where staff members of 34 health facilities at primary (31), secondary (2) and tertiary (1) levels of care participated. We found that all facilities became skilled in using the NASG, and that the NASG was used in 10 of 11 instances of severe hemorrhage. In the cases of hypovolemic shock where the NASG was used, there were no maternal deaths and no extreme adverse outcomes related to obstetric hemorrhage in the study period. Among the 10 NASG uses, the garment was used correctly in each case. Fidelity to processes was high, especially in regard to training and cascading skills, but revisions of the NASG rotation and replacement operating procedures were required to keep clean garments stocked. Clinical documentation was also a key challenge. NASG introduction dovetailed very well with pre-existing systems for obstetric emergency response, and improved clinical outcomes. Scale-up of the NASG in the Zimbabwean public health system can be undertaken with careful attention to mentorship, drills, documentation and logistics.
Politics overwhelms science in the Covid-19 pandemic: Evidence from the whole coverage of the Italian quality newspapers
Authors: Crabu Stefano , Giardullo Paolo , Sciandra Andrea , Neresini Federico
Published: May 2021

The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has emerged as one of the most dramatic health crises of recent decades. This paper treats mainstream news about the current pandemic as a valuable entry point for analyzing the relationship between science and politics in the public sphere, where the outbreak must be both understood and confronted through appropriate public-health policy decisions. In doing so, the paper aims to examine which actors, institutions, and experts dominate the SARS-CoV-2 media narratives, with particular attention to the roles of political, medical, and scientific actors and institutions within the pandemic crisis. The study relies on a large dataset consisting of all SARS-CoV-2 articles published by eight major Italian national newspapers between January 1, 2020 and June 15, 2020. These articles underwent a quantitative analysis based on a topic modeling technique. The topic modeling outputs were further analyzed by innovatively combining ad-hoc metrics and a classifier based on the stacking ensemble method (combining regularized logistic regression and linear stochastic gradient descent) for quantifying scientific salience. This enabled the identification of relevant topics and the analysis of the roles that different actors and institutions engaged in making sense of the pandemic. The results show how the health emergency has been addressed primarily in terms of political regulation and concerns and only marginally as a scientific matter. Hence, science has been overwhelmed by politics, which, in media narratives, exerts a moral as well as regulatory authority. Media narratives exclude neither scientific issues nor scientific experts; rather, they configure them as a subsidiary body of knowledge and expertise to be mobilized as an ancillary, impersonal institution useful for legitimizing the expansion of political jurisdiction over the governance of the emergency.
Prebiotics mannan-oligosaccharides accelerate sexual maturity in rats: A randomized preclinical study
Authors: Rodrigues Luiz Eduardo , Kishibe Milena Miyoshi , Keller Rogeria , dos Santos Caetano Heliard Rodrigues , Rufino Marcos Natal , de Carvalho Sanches Osimar , Giometti Ines Cristina , Giuffrida Rogério , Bremer-Neto Hermann
Published: May 2021

Background and Aim: The prebiotics, mannan-oligosaccharides (MOS), demonstrate the ability to increase probiotic microorganisms and fixation and removal of pathogens associated with chronic systemic inflammation in the digestive system. Inflammatory processes play an important role in modulating the brain-intestinal axis, including maintaining male reproductive function and spermatogenesis and regulating stress. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the action of MOS on testosterone and corticosterone concentrations and the reproductive system development of rats in the growth phase as an animal model.

Materials and Methods: In total, 128 male rats were used, randomly divided into four experimental groups (n=32): Control; MOS 1; MOS 2; and MOS 3. From each group, eight animals were sacrificed in four experimental moments (14, 28, 42, and 56 days, respectively, moments 1, 2, 3, and 4) and hormonal measurements and histological evaluations were performed.

Results: The results revealed the effect of diet, MOS, and timing on testicle weight (p<0.05). At moments 3 and 4, the groups supplemented with MOS showed higher concentrations of testosterone and decreased corticosterone levels throughout the experimental period. Groups supplemented with MOS showed an increase in the frequency of relative sperm and sperm scores. The radii of the seminiferous tubules presented a significant statistical effect of the diet, moments, and diet + moment interaction.

Conclusion: It was concluded that the three different MOS prebiotics brought forward sexual maturity.
The Location and Diameter of the Primary Maxillary Sinus Ostium in Malaysians: A Cone-Beam Computerized Tomography Study
Authors: Peter Sanual S. , Nambiar Phrabhakaran , Krishnan Subramaniam , AL-Namnam Nisreen Mohammed
Published: May 2021

Rhinosinusitis is one of widely spread diseases in the region and the role of the anatomical variations in its pathogenesis remains unresolved. A retrospective study using CBCT scan was employed to locate and measure the diameter of 320 primary maxillary ostium (PMO) (n = 160 subjects) among the Malay and Chinese populations (Mongoloid race) in Malaysia. Image analysis was performed using the i-CAT Vision Software, employing the multiplanar reconstruction window in which axial, coronal and sagittal planes were visualized in 0.3 mm intervals. The mean diameter of the PMO was significantly larger in the Chinese than the Malay. Females had larger size than the male and bilateral asymmetry was noticed, where the right side PMO was larger than the left side (p < 0.05). In addition, PMO opened more in the posterior third position of the hiatus semilunaris (61.9%) than anterior and middle third. The PMO showed a statistically significant posteriorly placed position in the Chinese than the Malays and this was more evident in the right side PMO (p < 0.01). In conclusion, the PMO commonly opens in the posterior third of the hiatus semilunaris and its diameter is significantly greater in the Chinese female with evidence of bilateral asymmetry. Awareness the anatomical variation of the Ostium diameter and location among the Malay and Chinese populations potentially has important clinical effects during surgical procedures.
Outside and Inside
Authors: Marin Reva
Published: May 2021

This book is the first full-length study of autobiographies and memoirs of white American jazz musicians, whose accounts reveal attitudes toward race, ethnicity, and gender across a wide range of twentieth-century jazz communities. White jazz autobiographers highlight their immersion in Black jazz environments as central to establishing their legitimacy as jazz musicians, claiming versions of masculinity shaped by these immersion experiences and positioning themselves in relation to colorblind or essentialist arguments that have dominated twentieth-century jazz discourse. Their accounts illustrate the triumphs and failures of jazz interracialism, displaying the contradictory attitudes of reverence and entitlement, deference, and insensitivity that remain part of the white response to Black culture to the present day.
The book examines sixteen autobiographies published between 1926 and 2010. Its thematic approach includes chapters that examine the collaborative process in jazz autobiography, Jewish American jazz musicians, and race relations in the New Orleans jazz revival and on Los Angeles’ Central Avenue. Its focus on male instrumentalists and bandleaders provides opportunities for revisiting some of the classic depictions of the “white Negro” in contemporary cultural criticism. While informed by the insights of critical race theory, the book argues that viewing these texts simply through the lens of white privilege does not do justice to the sustained relationships with Black music and culture described by these autobiographers. It both insists upon the value of insider perspectives and holds the texts to rigorous scrutiny, while embracing an expansive interpretation of white involvement in Black culture.
Long-time behavior of solutions for a system of N-coupled nonlinear dissipative half-wave equations
Authors: Alouini Brahim
Published: May 2021

In the current paper, we consider a system of N-coupled weakly
dissipative fractional nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The
well-posedness of the initial value problem is established by a
refined analysis based on a limiting argument as well as the study
of the asymptotic dynamics of the solutions. This asymptotic
behavior is described by the existence of a compact global
attractor in the appropriate energy space.
Culpables impunes y narradores no fiables: tres cold cases en Cartucho, Crónica de una muerte anunciada y La virgen de los sicarios
Authors: Vanden Berghe Kristine
Published: May 2021

se pone a prueba en el ámbito hispanoamericano la idea de Marc Escola de que, en la literatura, andan impunes numerosos delincuentes. Basándonos en el esquema propuesto por Theresa Heyd sobre el narrador no fiable investigamos en torno a los crímenes relatados en Cartucho, Crónica de una muerte anunciada y La virgen de los sicarios. Estas pesquisas sugieren que los narradores – todos dobles de sus autores – tienen interés en dar una versión poco transparente de los hechos. En los tres textos, la coyuntura histórica contribuye a escamotear el carácter privado y pasional de los crímenes tras la fachada de una violencia sistémica y pública.
Cross-evaluation of social mining for classification of depressed online personas
Authors: Trifan Alina , Oliveira José Luis
Published: May 2021

With the continuous increase in the use of social networks, social mining is steadily becoming a powerful component of digital phenotyping. In this paper we explore social mining for the classification of self-diagnosed depressed users of Reddit as social network. We conduct a cross evaluation study based on two public datasets in order to understand the impact of transfer learning when the data source is virtually the same. We further complement these results with an experiment of transfer learning in post-partum depression classification, using a corpus we have collected for the matter. Our findings show that transfer learning in social mining might still be at an early stage in computational research and we thoroughly discuss its implications.
Progress toward blue-emitting (460–475 nm) nanomaterials in display applications
Authors: Prodanov Maksym F. , Vashchenko Valerii V. , Srivastava Abhishek K.
Published: May 2021

Recently, quantum dots (QD) and quantum rods (QRs) have become extremely popular in displays and lighting applications. Liquid crystal displays (LCDs) equipped with quantum dot enhancement films (QDEFs) offer extended color saturation, increasing said saturation from 60 to 70% to more than 100% of the NTSC color gamut. A plethora of research dealing with EL/PL properties and the device-based performance of these materials has been published. The tunable emission wavelength and the narrow emission bandwidth are the key features of quantum dots and perovskite nanoparticles that primarily depend on the nanoparticle size and material composition. QRs, in contrast, have a core–shell structure and emit polarized light that can roughly double the efficiency of modern displays. However, blue emission for QRs, because of the large bathochromic redshift during shell growth, is a serious problem. Besides photoluminescence, electroluminescence is also important for display applications. These QD-LEDs show a lower turn ON voltage in comparison to organic LEDs, which is very important for high-resolution displays. The solution-processed narrower emission QD-LEDs have already achieved efficiency and a brightness comparable to vacuum-deposited phosphorescent organic LEDs (OLEDs). However, the blue-emitting nanoparticles and their short operational lifetime are the key obstacles in the progression of these devices. Furthermore, recently the display and lighting industry are trying to reduce the short-wavelength emissions, particularly in the spectral region below 455 nm, which has a much greater impact on human ocular health and circadian rhythm. Thus, industries are aiming at blue light in the spectral range of 460–475 nm. This spectral range is very challenging for nanomaterials because of the limited choice of materials. In this review, we summarize the recent progress made in the blue-emitting nanomaterials with a different morphology and composition. This includes recent developments in low Cd materials. Both the PL and EL properties of these materials have been discussed depending on the NP’s shape and material composition. This review also aims to discuss the various device architectures employing blue-emitting NPs, any recent achievements and future challenges.
The crystal structure of 2-[(R)-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethyl]-2,3,7,7a-tetrahydro-3a,6-epoxyisoindol-1(6H)-one, C19H20NO2
Authors: Geng Yi-Ding , Gong Yi-Xia , Zhou Shu-Jing , Wang Gui-Yan
Published: May 2021

C19H20NO2, monoclinic, P21 (no. 4), a = 6.6936(4) Å, b = 8.8892(6) Å, c = 13.2577(8) Å, β = 97.740(1)°, V = 781.66(8) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0387, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0741, T = 296(2) K.
Criterion validity and discriminatory ability of the central sensitization inventory short form in individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases
Authors: Falling Carrie , Stebbings Simon , Baxter G. David , Gearry Richard B. , Mani Ramakrishnan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Increased symptoms related to central sensitization have previously been reported in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients, identified by the original central sensitization inventory (CSI-25). However, the recently developed CSI short form (CSI-9) may be more clinically useful. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the performance of CSI-9 compared to the original CSI-25 in individuals with IBD. Study objectives were to investigate the criterion validity of the CSI-9 to the CSI-25, assess individual association of the CSI measures with clinical features of IBD and pain presentations, and to establish disease-specific CSI-9 and CSI-25 cut-off scores for discriminating the presence of self-reported pain in individuals with IBD.

Methods

Cross-sectional online survey was performed on adults with IBD exploring self-reported demographics, comorbidity, and clinical IBD and pain features. Criterion validity of the CSI-9 was investigated using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)3,1. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) analysis was conducted to investigate the discriminative ability of both versions of CSI.

Results

Of the 320 participants, 260 reported the presence of abdominal and/or musculoskeletal pain. CSI-9 and CSI-25 demonstrated substantial agreement (ICC3,1=0.64, 95% CI [0.58, 0.69]). AUC (95% CI) indicated that CSI-9 (0.788 (0.725, 0.851), p<0.001) and CSI-25 (0.808 (0.750, 0.867), p<0.001) were able to adequately discriminate the presence of pain using cut-offs scores of ≥17 (CSI-9) and ≥40 (CSI-25). Abdominal pain severity was the only feature to differ in significant association to CSI-25 (p=0.002) compared to CSI-9 (p=0.236). All other features demonstrated significant associations to both CSI versions, except age (p=0.291 and 0.643) and IBD subtype (p=0.115 and 0.675).

Conclusions

This is the first study to explore and validate the use of CSI-9 in IBD patients. Results demonstrated concurrent validity of the CSI-9 to CSI-25, with similar significant association to multiple patient features, and a suggested cut-off value of 17 on CSI-9 to screen for individuals with pain experiences. Study findings suggest that CSI-9 is suitable to use as a brief tool in IBD patients.
Mathematical modelling of classical Graetz–Nusselt problem for axisymmetric tube and flat channel using the Carreau fluid model: a numerical benchmark study
Authors: Saeed Khan Muhammad Waris , Ali Nasir , Asghar Zeeshan
Published: May 2021

The thermal entrance problem (also known as the classical Graetz problem) is studied for the complex rheological Carreau fluid model. The solution of two-dimensional energy equation in the form of an infinite series is obtained by employing the separation of variables method. The ensuing eigenvalue problem (S–L problem) is solved for eigenvalues and corresponding eigenfunctions through MATLAB routine bvp5c. Numerical integration via Simpson’s rule is carried out to compute the coefficient of series solution. Current problem is also tackled by an alternative approach where numerical solution of eigenvalue problem is evaluated via the Runge–Kutta fourth order method. This problem is solved for both flat and circular confinements with two types of boundary conditions: (i) constant wall temperature and (ii) prescribed wall heat flux. The obtained results of both local and mean Nusselt numbers, fully developed temperature profile and average temperature are discussed for different values of Weissenberg number and power-law index through graphs and tables. This study is valid for typical range of Weissenberg number

W
e
≤
1

$\left(We\le 1\right)$

and power-law index

n
<
1

$\left(n{< }1\right)$

for shear-thinning trend while

n
>
1

$\left(n{ >}1\right)$

for shear-thickening behaviour. The scope of the present study is broad in the context that the solution of the said problem is achieved by using two different approaches namely, the traditional Graetz approach and the solution procedure documented in M. D. Mikhailov and M. N. Ozisik, Unified Analysis and Solutions of Heat and Mass Diffusion, New York, Dover, 1994.
Effects of Laboratory Compacted Asphalt Mixtures Air-Void Variations on Fracture Properties at Low Temperatures
Authors: Mirzaiyanrajeh Danial , Dave Eshan V. , Sias Jo E. , Voels Joseph , Dai Shongtao
Published: May 2021

Asphalt mixtures contain several constituents, among which air void content has a significant effect on pavement performance. In this research, the impact of laboratory compaction air-void variations for asphalt mixtures was investigated on asphalt-mixture fracture energy and peak load, as two primary outcomes of the disk-shaped compact tension test. Two groups of asphalt mixtures with air void contents of 7 ± 1.0 % were selected, and comprehensive statistical analyses, such as Pearson’s correlation coefficient, analysis of variance (ANOVA), Welch’s test, and Tukey’s test, were conducted to explore any possible impacts of specimen-to-specimen air-void variation on fracture energy and peak load. Statistical analyses have been carried out on individual asphalt mixtures in groups and all asphalt mixtures together as a group, as well. Results showed that there is a weak-to-negligible relationship between air void, fracture energy, and peak load. In addition, results of the ANOVA at the significance level of 0.05 revealed that air void content does not have any significant effect on asphalt mixtures’ fracture energy and peak load, except for peak load data when all asphalt mixtures are grouped as single population. Finally, results of Tukey’s test demonstrated that in a range of 7 ± 1.0 %, air void does not have a significant effect on fracture energy at the significance level of 0.05. The findings of this study can help researchers and agencies extend the air-void variation tolerance to 1 % in asphalt mixtures with target of 7 % air void content to assess low temperature cracking resistance.
An Integrated Urban Gardens and Peer Nutritional Counseling Intervention to Address Food Insecurity Among People With HIV in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Derose Kathryn P. , Fulcar María Altagracia , Acevedo Ramón , Armenta Gabriela , Jiménez-Paulino Gipsy , Bernard Claudio Lugo , del Rosario Luis Eduardo Peña , Then-Paulino Amarilis
Published: May 2021

Food insecurity negatively affects HIV prevention and care, and sustainable interventions are needed. Here we describe the development of an integrated urban gardens and peer nutritional counseling intervention to address food insecurity and nutrition among people with HIV, which included: (1) peer nutritional counseling, (2) gardening training, and (3) garden-based nutrition and cooking workshops. The intervention was developed using community-based participatory research over multiple years and stages of data gathering and implementation and evaluation. Lessons learned include the importance of cross-sectoral partnerships to achieve multifaceted, integrated, and sustainable interventions and a shared commitment among partners to an ongoing cycle of action-oriented research, and the need for home-based and community-based gardens to enhance food security and social support. The development process successfully combined an evidence-based framework and community engagement to yield a multicomponent yet integrated food security and nutrition intervention appropriate for people with HIV and potentially adaptable for other chronic conditions.
The Law of Political Economy as Transformative Law: A New Approach to the Concept and Function of Law
Authors: Kjaer Poul F.
Published: May 2021

This article outlines a new approach to the law of political economy as a form of transformative law, a new approach that combines a focus on the function of law with a concept of law encapsulating the triangular dialectics between the form-giving prestation of law, the material substance the law is oriented against, and the transcendence of legal forms—that is, the rendering of compatibility between forms. Transformative law thereby serves as an alternative to both law and economics and recently emerging culturalist and neo-Marxist approaches. The timing of this publication is not coincidental. The era of neoliberalism—that is, of structural liberalism, which started in the 1970s and experienced its breakthrough in the 1980s and 1990s after the collapse of structural Marxism—is ending. This makes the question of what will succeed the neoliberal episteme pertinent.
Surface-active Properties of Extracted Saponin from the Leaves of Nephelium Lappaceum.
Authors: Mohamed Aini Norhidayah , Janurin Nuruljannah , Che Yahaya Yasmin Amirah
Published: May 2021

Synthetic surfactants are widely used in a wide array of cleaning products due to their ability in lowering the surface tension of water. These surfactants also come with bad effects on people's health and the environment. Plant-based surfactant, or saponin, is expected to produce the same desired effect of chemical surfactant, minus the negative effect. The purpose of the current research was to discover the surface-active properties of saponin extracted from  Nephelium Lappaceum or rambutan leaves, relative to commercial surfactant, Tween 80, and SDS. Rambutan’s leaves were extracted by maceration technique and liquid-liquid extraction to remove proteins and lipids of the plant. The presence of saponin in crude rambutan leaves was verified by foam test, which showed positive results. The crude rambutan leaves extracts were further analyzed by FTIR, GC-MS, and LC-QTOF-MS. The surface-active test consisted of a wetting test and cleaning test. The results from the IR spectrum show the presence of functional groups of saponin; OH, C=O, C-H, C=C, then, C-O which indicates the glycosides linkages to sapogenins. The wetting time for leave extracts, SDS, and Tween 80 were 32.33s, 7.33s, and 17.62s respectively. The cleaning test of saponin fraction, SDS, and Tween 80 showed the percentage of 20.98, 80.40, and 37.3 respectively. Generally, Rambutan leaves extract showed promising, but lower surface activities compared to commercial surfactants. Considering that the saponin fraction was not yet in the purest or isolated form of a single compound, it can be said the potential can be further enhanced by further isolating a pure surface-active compound from the saponin fraction.
In-service Piping Inspection Work-aid Tool for Oil & Gas Industries
Authors: ABDUL AZIZ HANIDA , Jia Chien Lee , Osman Hairunnisa , Lian See Tan , Abdul Manaf Norhuda
Published: May 2021

Piping systems are important in the oil and gas plant’s operation, but continuous damage is harming the piping system due to extensive usage resulting in the increase of accident cases. API 570 Piping Inspection Code: In-service Inspection, Rating, Repair, and Alteration of Piping Systems has proposed an in-service piping inspection practice to ensure the in-service piping is functionable by identifying the remaining life of the piping system. However, the in-service piping inspection process is numerous and complicated where certain steps may be skipped, and data collected may lost along the process. The in-service piping inspection framework followed by a work-aid tool is developed in this study based on API 570 to guide the user the piping inspection process along with providing a depository database for document storage. Validation test is conducted by collecting feedback from professional piping engineer using System Usability Scale followed by conducting a case study using secondary data and sample attachment to test the functionality of the work-aid tool. The work-aid tool can guide the piping inspection process and provide a systematic documentation method for corresponding inspection documents. Case study in the industry is recommended to test the usability of the tool in the industry.
Metadata Analysis For Gut Microbiota between Indoor and Street Cats of Malaysia
Authors: AHMAD HAJAR FAUZAN , Dean Tay Darren , Wei Siew Shing , Razali Mohd Najib
Published: May 2021

With the advancement of sequencing technology, the studies related to the complex nature of microbial communities are possible to be untapped. The goal of this study is to perform a comparison between the composition of bacteria between the gut of Malaysian indoor and street cats. For this research, stool samples of the cats were collected where the genomic DNA were extracted using DNeasy PowerSoil Pro Kit. The extracted DNA were sequenced by targeting the bacterial community using primers from V4 region of 16S rRNA. The raw data were analysed using QIIME2 to obtain the diversity, taxonomy, and differential abundance between the groups. Here, we found that indoor and street cats have similar alpha diversity (p > 0.05), with slight differences between the groups based on the bacterial composition. Likewise, the beta diversity suggest that the two groups are similar to each other. The genus Bifidobacterium, Clostridium, Collinsella, Enterococcus, Cantenibacterium and Lactobacillus from phylum Firmicutes while were found to be more abundant in indoor cats while street cats had more of the phylum Actinobacteria from the genus of  Acinetobacter, Blautia, and Olsenella. Hence, we observed whether a cat is kept indoor or is a stray does not significantly cause a shift in their respective microbiota composition.
Physical pretreatment of food waste for reducing hydrogen-consuming bacteria
Authors: MAHMUD NAZIRA , Mee Hee Ting , Ansari Nor Faezah
Published: May 2021

Food waste is a complex organic substrate that is also potentially hosting a variety of microbial species. In Malaysia, the large amount of food waste that is available can cause health and environmental issues due to inadequate management that has created problems such as greenhouse gas emission and release of wastewater. The utilization of food waste for value-added products is an attractive solution to reduce the accumulation of food waste, however, demands a pretreatment step to prepare the food waste for a specific production process. One interesting application of food waste is for the production of biohydrogen, which requires food waste to be free from hydrogen-consuming bacteria (HCB). This study aims to investigate the effect of physical pretreatment on food waste and suggest the best pretreatment parameters. Food waste samples were pretreated with heat at 70 °C, 80 °C and 90 °C for 15 and 30 minutes and UV radiation for 10, 15 and 30 minutes before being cultured in aerobic condition. The reduction in aerobic bacteria was measured. Heat pretreatment at 70 °C for 15 and 30 minutes could be considered as the best pretreatment compared to the other since it recorded the highest reducing sugar concentration. Heat pretreatment at 70 °C for 15 and 30 minutes and UV radiation pretreatment for 15 minutes had a bactericidal effect and able to remove HCB. There is a high possibility that bacteria 2, 7 and 8 were hydrogen-producing bacteria (HPB).
Extraction of Gelatin from Different Parts of Gallus Gallus Domesticus
Authors: Ab Rahim Halimah , Ahmad Hasan , Ab Rahim Mohd Hasbi
Published: May 2021

Gelatin is a mixture of protein obtained from animal parts (skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages) by hydrolysis. Gelatin market demand is high especially in pharmaceutical, food, photographic, and cosmetics industries based on its gelling, foaming, and emulsifying properties. This preliminary study was focus on chicken head and feet gelatin extraction and their characterization in terms of percentage yield and physical properties (pH, color, melting point, and texture). Two different treatments (acid and alkali) were used. The percentage yield of chicken head (CHGac) and feet (CFGac) gelatins by using acid treatment were 32.10% and 33.65% while the chicken head (CHGal) and feet (CFGal) from alkali treatment were 20.06% and 22.18% respectively. All the gelatins indicated the same pH pattern range from 4.3 to 6.4. The melting point for gelatins from each treatment was a range from 30.4℃ to 35.9℃. The texture analysis is specifically into the gel strength of gelatin produce which ranges from 230 g to 356 g. All the gelatins also showed the same pattern of dl(lighter/darker), da(redder/greener), and db(yellower/bluer) which are positive value mean that the gelatins have lighter, redder and yellower color respectively. In conclusion, chicken head and feet can be an alternative that could replace the usage of porcine, bovine, and other mammals as a source of gelatin.
Adversity Response Profile IT-assisted for Lectures Online during New Normal
Authors: Ardiansyah Adi Satrio , Sari Salsabilla Naura , Caesario Nico
Published: May 2021

The Distance Education implemented by the government during New Normal has an impact on student learning activities and student lectures. To find out the ability of students to face problems in current conditions, it can be seen from the Adversity Quotient (AQ) which can be measured by the Adversity Response Profile (ARP). The purpose of this study was to develop valid and reliable IT-assisted ARP in online lectures during New Normal. The research method used was Research and Development (R&D) which was conducted on 50 students of the UNNES Mathematics Department. This development research consists of three stages, namely the initial investigation, the prototype phase and the assessment phase which will then be analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques. The results showed that the IT-assisted ARP met the valid and reliable criteria. The results show that the reliability value is very high, namely 0.98. With the discovery of valid and reliable ARP, educators can use it to determine the level of student ability in dealing with learning problems during the New Normal.
A Comprehensive Survey On Cloud Computing Simulators
Authors: Oladimeji Oladosu Oyebisi , Oyeyiola Dasola , Oladimeji Olayanju , Oyeyiola Pelumi
Published: May 2021

Cloud Computing is one of the upcoming technologies which has gotten the attention of many researchers and investor. But cloud computing still faces challenges because it is not economical and impractical for research institutions and industries to set up a physical cloud for research and experiments on it (cloud computing). Due to this, the researchers have chosen to test their contributions with simulators. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to perform a survey on existing cloud simulators. These cloud simulators aid in modeling cloud application through the creation of virtual machine, data Centre, and other thing which can be easily added and configured to it in order to provide stress free analysis. Till this present time, many cloud simulators with various features have been proposed and available for use. In this paper a comprehensive study has been performed on major cloud simulators by highlighting their features, strength and weakness through analysis. After which comparative analysis was done on the simulation, from the study, none of the simulators have the feature to simulate mobile cloud computing issues. This study has not been published anywhere else.
Rapid control of ectopic Cushing’s syndrome during the COVID-19 pandemic in a patient with chronic hypokalaemia
Authors: Faisal Ziadoon , Debono Miguel
Published: May 2021

In this case report, we describe the management of a patient who was admitted with an ectopic ACTH syndrome during the COVID pandemic with new-onset type 2 diabetes, neutrophilia and unexplained hypokalaemia. These three findings when combined should alert physicians to the potential presence of Cushing’s syndrome (CS). On admission, a quick diagnosis of CS was made based on clinical and biochemical features and the patient was treated urgently using high dose oral metyrapone thus allowing delays in surgery and rapidly improving the patient’s clinical condition. This resulted in the treatment of hyperglycaemia, hypokalaemia and hypertension reducing cardiovascular risk and likely risk for infection. Observing COVID-19 pandemic international guidelines to treat patients with CS has shown to be effective and offers endocrinologists an option to manage these patients adequately in difficult times.

Learning points

This case report highlights the importance of having a low threshold for suspicion and investigation for Cushing’s syndrome in a patient with neutrophilia and hypokalaemia, recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes especially in someone with catabolic features of the disease irrespective of losing weight.

It also supports the use of alternative methods of approaching the diagnosis and treatment of Cushing’s syndrome during a pandemic as indicated by international protocols designed specifically for managing this condition during Covid-19.
Region-specific effects of blocking estrogen receptors on longitudinal bone growth
Authors: Jin Lin-Yu , Lv Zhen-Dong , Su Xin-Jin , Xu Shuai , Liu Hai-Ying , Li Xin-Feng
Published: May 2021

Estrogen receptors (ERs) regulate the development of the growth plate (GP) by binding to estrogen, a phenomenon that determines the growth of skeletal bone. However, the exact mechanisms underlying the regulatory effects of ERs on axial and appendicular growth plates during puberty remain unclear. In the present study, the strategy of ERβ blocking resulted in increased longitudinal elongation of the appendicular bone (P < 0.01), whereas ERα blocking suppressed appendicular elongation (P < 0.05). Blocking both ERs did not have opposite effects on axial longitudinal growth. The expression of chondrocyte proliferation genes including collagen II, aggrecan, and Sox9 and hypertrophic marker genes including collagen X, MMP13, and Runx2 was significantly increased in the growth plate of female mice treated with ERβ antagonist compared with that in the GP of control mice (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in local insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression among these groups (P > 0.05), and Indian hedgehog protein (Ihh) and parathyroid-related protein (PTHrP) expressions differed among these groups (P < 0.05). ERs appeared not to affect axial bone growth during puberty in female mice (P > 0.05). Our data show that the blocking of different ER subtypes might have a region-specific influence on longitudinal appendicular and axial growth.
Performance properties of particleboard panels modified with nanocellulose/boric acid
Authors: Yildirim Mert , Candan Zeki
Published: May 2021

The physical and mechanical properties of particleboard panels were evaluated relative to various loading levels of nanocellulose (NC) and boric acid (BA) in the urea-formaldehyde (UF) resin used for panel production. The results showed that NC and BA reinforcement substantially affected the performance properties of the particleboard panels. It was determined that using 3% NC and 3% BA in the panels afforded the best results relative to thickness swelling (TS), water absorption (WA), moisture content (MC), modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), and internal bonding strength (IB). It was concluded that the performance properties of the particleboard panels could be enhanced by adjusting the loading levels of NC and BA. The study also showed that it is possible to apply NC and BA as modifiers for the formaldehyde resin in the process of manufacturing particleboard panels. The NC and BA reinforcement techniques could be used to develop novel furniture components and interior design materials.
Antecedents and Outcomes of Network Involvement in the Internationalization Process: A Case of SMEs from the USA, China, and Russia
Authors: Mikhailitchenko Andrey
Published: May 2021

The internationalization processes of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) differ across economic and cultural environments. Creating an operationalizable and predictive framework to explain them has long been a challenging research task. This task is particularly relevant in an era of reconfiguration of globalization, which directly affects the small business sector. This study proposes a model which includes networking, attitudinal, cultural, and environmental factors as antecedents of the degree of SME internationalization. We collected data and tested this model in three distinct cultural environments: the USA, China, and Russia. The results suggest that attitudinal characteristics of managers, such as global mindset and relationship commitment, condition SMEs network involvement. The influence of network involvement on the degree of SMEs internationalization becomes stronger with increasing environmental turbulence. This study’s findings have practical implications for businesses operating in different countries, as well as governmental organizations and educational institutions.
Risk Perception in the Internationalization of Brazilian Companies: An Analysis in Different Entry Modes
Authors: Santos Jhunior Ronaldo de Oliveira , Abib Gustavo , Stocker Fabrício
Published: May 2021

The existence of risks is a premise in business-related matters, mainly in the exploration of international opportunities. Organizations seeking to operate abroad are potentially more susceptible to the risks that exist internationally. This study follows the behavioral approaches to internationalization and conceptual ideas about risk and risk perception in international business. The main goal is to understand how the risk perception of managers in Brazilian companies with different entry modes is configured. In this qualitative research, a multiple case study was carried out. The data collection techniques established were the analysis of documents and the performance of semi-structured interviews with managers responsible for the internationalization processes of six Brazilian companies. Regarding the risks inherent to these processes, there was a greater emphasis on country/political risk factors, followed by monetary risk. The risks perceived with greater evidence, considering the entry modes addressed, are also presented for a better understanding of the results.
Organizational Intelligence and Market Expansion in Jordanian Pharmaceutical Companies
Authors: Najm Najm A. , Alfaqih Amany A. H.
Published: May 2021

There are many studies that have focused on the Albrecht model of organizational intelligence (OI) and its seven dimensions (strategic vision, shared fate, appetite for change, heart, alignment and congruence, knowledge deployment, and performance pressure), but the current study presents a new attempt to study OI using the Yolles model in its three dimensions (self-reference, self-regulation, and self-organization) (2005). This study sought to determine the effect of organizational intelligence on market expansion (new markets and new product) in the Jordanian pharmaceutical industry, and it examined the effect of transformational leadership as a mediating variable on the relationship between organizational intelligence and market expansion. The study sample consisted of 231 respondents taken from six pharmaceutical companies divided into three categories according to their size as small, medium and large companies. The results confirmed that there is a significant positive effect of the two dimensions (self-regulation and self-organization) on new markets, while three dimensions of OI have a significant effect on new products in the pharmaceutical companies.