bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INFLUENCE OF COMPANY VALUE INFORMATION, DIVIDEND POLICY, AND CAPITAL STRUCTURE ON STOCK PRICE
Authors: Syofyan Rita , Putra Defriko Gusma , Aprayuda Riyadi
Published: June 2021

This study aims to examine: 1) The effect of company value information in this case the price book value (PBV) on stock prices, 2) The effect of dividend policy in this case the dividend payout ratio (DPR) on stock prices, 3) The effect of capital structure in terms of This is a debt to equity ratio (DER) to stock prices. This type of research is classified as research that is causative. The population in this study are manufacturing companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange in 2008 to 2010. The sample selection is by purposive sampling method. The data used in this study include secondary data. Data collection techniques with documentation techniques. The analysis used is multiple linear regression. The results showed that: 1) Company value had no effect on stock prices, where the significance value was 0.031 <0.05 and the value of t count> t table was 2.214> 1.995 but the negative β value was -0.028 (H1 was rejected). 2) Dividend policy has a significant positive effect on stock prices, where the significance value is 0.034 <0.05 and the value of t arithmetic> t table is 2.171> 1.995 and a positive β value of 0.032 (H2 is accepted). 3) Capital structure has a significant negative effect on stock prices, where the significance value is 0.006 <0.05 and the value of t arithmetic> t table is 2.861> 1.995 and the negative β value is -0.040 (H3 accepted).
Development Research on Integrating CNC Machine Tool with Plasma for On-line Surface Heat Treatment
Authors: Chen Shao Hsien , Wang Bo-Ting
Published: June 2021

The mechanical engineering requires heat treatment after rough machining to reach the mechanical strength, but the heat treatment can induce workpiece deformation, so that the workpiece cannot be reworked. In this study, the plasma was integrated with a lathe, and the on line heat treatment was performed to achieve the mechanical strength and hardness, so as to reduce the machining process and handling. However, for on line heat treatment, it is important to study the machine and plasma parameters of the lathe and plasma, and the research method is used eventually to optimize the process, reduce the machining cost and machining error. The variable factors in surface on line real-time heat treatment are revolution, feed rate and current, the objective function is the hardness of mechanical properties. In the screening experiment, the interaction of factors was discussed using full factorial experiment. The Central Composite Design was combined with the Lack-of-Fit test for optimization experiment, the R2 coefficient was used to determine whether the regression model is appropriate. The optimum parameters were derived from the contour diagram and response surface diagram. The experimental results show that the significant factors include revolution, feed rate and current, the optimum parameters include revolution 168rpm, feed rate 0.068mm/rev and current 86A. The experimental results of optimum parameters show that the surface hardness is increased from 306HLD to 806HLD, the surface hardening effect is enhanced by 163%, so the on line real-time heat treatment equipment has a best hardening effect.
Helicopter rotor blade multiple-section optimization with performance
Authors: Allen Luke , Lim Joon , Haehnel Robert , Dettwiller Ian
Published: June 2021

This paper presents advancements in a surrogate-based, rotor blade design optimization framework for improved helicopter performance. The framework builds on previous successes by allowing multiple airfoil sections to designed simultaneously to minimize required rotor power in multiple flight conditions. Rotor power in hover and forward flight, at advance ratio 𝜇 = 0.3, are used as objective functions in a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The framework is constructed using Galaxy Simulation Builder with optimization provided through integration with Dakota. Three independent airfoil sections are morphed using ParFoil and aerodynamic coefficients for the updated airfoil shapes (i.e., lift, drag, moment) are calculated using linear interpolation from a database generated using C81Gen/ARC2D. Final rotor performance is then calculated using RCAS. Several demonstrative optimization case studies were conducted using the UH-60A main rotor. The degrees of freedom for this case are limited to the airfoil camber, camber crest position, thickness, and thickness crest position for each of the sections. The results of the three-segment case study show improvements in rotor power of 4.3% and 0.8% in forward flight and hover, respectively. This configuration also yields greater reductions in rotor power for high advance ratios, e.g., 6.0% reduction at 𝜇 = 0.35, and 8.8% reduction at 𝜇 = 0.4.
Právní etnografie a „právo a etnografie“. Dva přístupy k etnografickému výzkumu práva
Authors: Ledvinka Tomáš
Published: June 2021

Until recently, legal ethnography has been understood as an integral part of legal anthropology and its studies of law in particular societies and cultures. In some older national traditions of European legal ethnology, including the Czech tradition, it has been considered a legal rather than a social science. Recent shifts in the perception of ethnography, which is increasingly understood as an autonomous methodology or a technology of knowledge production, are an opportunity to re-think the specific position of legal ethnography. This paper therefore explores the difference between ethnography as it is understood in the anthropology of law and the new relationship of “law and ethnography” as two autonomous variables. On the basis of several recent legal-ethnographic studies, it also seeks to identify the persistent common denominators of both approaches and attempts to show their possible contribution to the traditional methodology of legal research.
A Matter of Cash and Resilience: Lessons from a review of Oxfam's incentive-based volunteering programmes in Za'atari camp
Authors: Almasri Shaddin
Published: June 2021

With limited job opportunities available to Syrian refugees living in Za’atari camp in Jordan, incentive-based volunteering (IBV) programmes remain one of the main sources of income for thousands of camp residents. A previous Effectiveness Review conducted by Oxfam on household income in Za’atari camp found that those engaged in IBV activities reported a 28% increase in their wealth between 2014 and 2018, as opposed to a 4% decline for those who were not engaged. Although IBV programmes are not a substitute for sustainable job opportunities, they play a vital role in injecting cash into the camp’s economy and improving the living conditions of Syrian refugees, and even more so during the lockdown due to COVID-19.
Cellular stress response, induction of micronuclei and DNA strand breaks in two common fish species of Rivers and Reservoirs in Ilorin, North Central, Nigeria.
Authors: Anifowoshe Abass Toba , Oladipo Segun Olayinka , Oyinloye Arinola N , Opute Augusta , Odofin Edward , Aiki Omotola , Abdulrahim Moshood Y , Akinseye Kehinde Monica , Iyiola Oluyinka A.
Published: June 2021

Most rivers and reservoirs in the world are prone to pollution because of indiscriminate disposal of domestic, agricultural and industrial wastes into the water bodies. In this study, we investigated the ecotoxicological potential this could pose in fish species collected from major reservoirs and rivers in Ilorin, north central, Nigeria. Water samples were collected and the physicochemical parameters were examined from five different sites; Unilorin reservoir, Asa reservoir, Apodu reservoir, Asa river (Unity) and Asa river (Harmony). We determined serum biochemical (AST, ALT, ALP, serum ALB), histopathological (gill, lungs), serum antioxidant enzyme responses (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST) which serves as a biomarker for evaluating oxidative stress while micronucleus and comet assays were used to detect level of DNA damage in Tilapia zillii and Clarias gariepinus. The physicochemical parameters and heavy metal analysed (Pb, Mn, Cu, Ni, N, P, Fe, Cl, and Ca) in the five different water bodies were below the permissible limits of WHO and USEPA except the DO, which was very low in the two rivers, indicating hypoxia. Our results showed significant increase in biochemical and hematological profiles, histopathological lesions in the gill and lungs, inductions of MN, NA and DNA single strand break in Tilapia zillii and Clarias gariepinus collected from Asa rivers compared to the Unilorin, Apodun and Asa reservoirs. This may be attributed to indiscriminate discharge of effluents from nearby industries, agricultural and domestic wastes into the rivers.
Characteristics of Menstrual Cycle Disorder and Saliva Metabolomics of Young Women in High-temperature Environment
Authors: Wei Mengfan , An Gaihong , Fan Lijun , Chen Xuewei , Li Chao , Chen Jiajun , Ma Qiang , Yang Danfeng , Wang Jing
Published: June 2021

High-temperature environments induce menstrual disorders, which can seriously damage women's reproductive health and workability. The regulation mechanism underlying the induction of these disorders at high temperature is yet to be elucidated. Saliva is an information-rich biological fluid that can reflect systemic diseases. Here, we investigated the characteristics of menstrual cycle disorders and saliva metabolomics. Women from high and normal temperature areas of China were selected and divided into two groups—high-temperature (H group) and control (C group). A questionnaire survey was conducted in summer (July) to investigate the incidence rate of menstrual disorders, characteristics of the disorders, and factors influencing the risk of these disorders in different regions. Metabolomics was applied to analyze the characteristics of the salivary metabolites and neurotransmitters in the two groups of women with menstrual disorders.The incidence rate of menstrual disorders was significantly higher in the H group than in the C group (P < 0.05). High-temperature environment, anxiety, pressure, and sleep quality were identified as critical factors associated with menstrual disorders. Non-targeted saliva metabolomics identified 64 significantly different metabolites, which mainly enriched in metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, membrane transport, digestive system, and nucleotide metabolism(P < 0.05). Targeted metabolomics of neurotransmitters revealed increased expression of histamine (HA) and glutamine and decreased expression of 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) (P < 0.05). Therefore, the incidence rate of menstrual disorder was increased in the H group, which is significantly related to factors such as anxiety and pressure. Changes in metabolites and neurotransmitters indicated that besides mood, endocrine regulation mechanism, inflammatory reactions that affect the formation of the follicular, cell membrane might contribute to the development of menstrual disorders.
Basin Progress – Active Deformation Analysis by Tectonostratigraphic Elements and Geophysical Methods on North Anatolian Fault System (Eastern Marmara Region, Turkey)
Authors: Doğan Bülent , Aşcı Metin , Karakaş Ahmet , Pekşen Ertan , Erener Arzu , Çepni Murat Selim , Yavuzyılmaz Selin , Alahmad Mohammad , Sertçelik Fadime , Sertçelik İbrahim , Kurtuluş Cengiz
Published: June 2021

The Northern Branch of the North Anatolian Fault System controls and deforms the Izmit Basin and the Sapanca Lake Basin in the study area. Unlike the Sapanca Lake Basin, the oblique normal faults with WNW–ESE trending with maximum length of 5 km in the south of the basin have contributed to the deformation process in the formation of Izmit Basin. The fault sets mainly incline to the north. The N-S width of the dextral strike-slip active deformation was determined as 9 km at Izmit basin and 3.8 km at Sapanca Lake basin. Further, the minimum principal stress axes (σ3) vary in the trending ranges of N11°-74° E, which are caused by the transtensional stresses associated with strike-slip faulting in the Izmit Basin by a different tectonic source than the Sapanca Lake Basin. Besides, the crust depth of main strand of NAFS-NB was determined up to 1112 m by magnetic method. The secondary faults were determined by both magnetic and resistivity methods up to a depth of 110 m. The depression area between Izmit bay and Sapanca Lake on the northern Anatolian fault is an integrated basin with two dextral strike-slip tectonic origins. Thus, the Izmit Basin, along with the main strike-slip faulting, has been developed in the asymmetric negative flower structure, where only the southern boundary has become a fault. The Sapanca Lake Basin is a lazy-Z-shaped pull-apart system formed by the E–W trending fault as a releasing bend. A simple shear deformation ellipsoid with a long axis of approximately 35 km on the Northern Branch of the North Anatolian Fault System is defined for the Izmit – Sapanca integrated basin. Therefore, intra-basin deposits have different depths estimated from the gravity data in the Izmit – Sapanca integrated basin, and the maximum sediment thickness estimated is 2200 m in the middle of the Izmit Basin.
Heterogeneous Cryptographic Algorithm for Internet of Things Based Embedded Wireless Security
Authors: S Prasath J
Published: June 2021

The technologies in monitoring and control of industrial process have changed due to the rapid growth of emerging technologies especially the most popular Internet of Things (IoT). The Internet is an essential part of day-to-day life and it is used to gather more information. The emerging trend in the field of industrial automation is the integration of embedded systems with wireless technologies which enables monitoring of process information through the internet. As the internet is the open environment, a lot of security issues and vulnerabilities arise to the industrial devices. The usage of internet in process monitoring enables attackers to monitor and change the process data. The unsecured industrial operations lead to failure of process equipment and safety issues to plant operators. The security mechanisms are essential in order to protect the embedded systems and wireless networks from unauthorized access. This proposed heterogeneous security algorithm includes symmetric, asymmetric and hash algorithms which strengthen the level of security. The novelty of the proposed work is it employs 128-bit key size for symmetric encryption, 1024-bit key size for asymmetric encryption along with the use of hash algorithm all together strengthens the security and it is tested in real time using embedded system with IoT. It takes less time for execution of data encryption and decryption. This proposed hybrid security algorithm is implemented and tested in an embedded system with wireless monitoring of process information through the internet. It ensures secure communication and monitoring of process data through the internet. The attacker cannot identify and modify the plant information transmitted across internet. This proposed work can be applied to industries dealing with sensitive process information.
Walking Time, Sports Activity, Job Type, and Body Posture During Work in Relation to Incident Colorectal Cancer: The JACC Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Eshak Ehab Salah , Noda Hiroyuki , Tamakoshi Akiko , Iso Hiroyasu
Published: June 2021

Purpose
An inverse association between physical activity and colorectal cancer (CRC) was suggested. We aimed to assess the specific and combined effects of leisure-time and occupational physical activities on CRC risk among Japanese adults.
Methods
Using Cox proportional hazard models, we tested whether walking time, sports activity, body posture during work, and job type– or the combination of these variables – were associated with CRC incidence during 17 years of follow-up (1990–2009) in a prospective cohort of 26,897 Japanese men and women aged 40–79 years.
Results
During the follow-up period, 423 incident cases of CRC (267 colon and 156 rectum cancer) were ascertained. Time spent walking showed a dose-response inverse relationship with CRC risk (p-trend = 0.053). Manual labor was associated with lower CRC risk when compared to office work; HR (95%CI) = 0.75 (0.57–0.98) for colorectal cancer and 0.69 (0.48–0.97) for colon cancer. Compared to sitting, moving during work tended to be inversely associated with rectal cancer risk, especially after censoring early incident cases within 3 years after baseline; HR (95% CI) = 0.63 (0.40–0.99). Combining leisure-time walking with job type suggested mutual and synergistic benefits (p-interaction < 0.05). Compared to office workers walking < 1h/d, non-office workers walking < 1h/d had a 39% lower risk, office workers walking ≥ 1h/d had a 52% lower risk, while non-office workers walking ≥ 1h/d had a 40% lower risk of developing colon cancer.
Conclusions
The time spent walking, job type and posture during work were independently and additively associated with reduced incident CRC risk among Japanese men and women.
Modified OOK In DWDM-FSO Systems Under Atmospheric Turbulence Channel And Interchannel Crosstalk
Authors: Elsayed Ebrahim E.
Published: June 2021

This paper presents designing and analysis using a dense wavelength division multiplexing free-space optical (DWDM-FSO) communication systems and shows the noise effects, interchannel crosstalk, and atmospheric turbulence in the weak and strong turbulence with an on-off keying (OOK) modulation. Numerical results show error floor occurs in the DWDM-FSO link using an OOK and adaptive detection threshold.
Design and Analysis of 1.28 Terabit/s DWDM Transmission System for Free Space Optical Communication
Authors: Elsayed Ebrahim E.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the implementation of a dense wavelength division multiplexing (DWDM) 32 × 40 Gbps (1.28 Tera bit/s) for the free-space optical (FSO) communication system is investigated. Analysis is performed for return-to-zero (RZ) and non-return-to-zero (NRZ) line codes for 1 km free space optic length. Motivation to the current analysis is to compare RZ and NRZ lines codes in the DWDM-FSO communication system and it is found that the NRZ line code is better than RZ code. A 1.28 Tb/ps wavelength division multiplexed communication system for free space optic channel workplace has been discovered in which 32 channel each of 40 Gbps data streams are combined using wavelength division multiplexed. The study includes the attenuation caused by atmospheric effect and beam divergence. Bit-error rate (BER), quality factor (Q), and eye diagram are indicator of performance evaluation. By comparing one can get a promising system to the high capacity access network with more bandwidth, cost effective and good flexibility.
Degradation of Diclofenac Sodium by the UV/Chlorine Process: Reaction Mechanism, Influencing Factors and Toxicity Evaluation
Authors: li qingsong , Lai Chengran , Yu Jianwei , Luo Jingyu , Deng Jing , Li Guoxin , Chen Weizhu , Li Boqiang , Chen Guoyuan
Published: June 2021

This study examined the reaction mechanism, influencing factors and toxicity of diclofenac sodium (DS) degradation by ultraviolet (UV)/chlorine process. The UV/chlorine was capable of eliminating DS from water. The DS degradation during the UV/chlorine process followed a pseudo-first-order kinetic model that was influenced by chlorine dosage, solution pH, humic acid and bicarbonate concentrations. The free chlorine affects not only DS elimination, but the contribution of various active species as well. Increasing free chlorine dosage from 1 to 7 mg·L-1 increased the first-order rate constant of NaClO, ·OH and reactive chlorine species (RCS) from 0.00063, 0.00328 and 0.00203 min−1 to 0.00233, 0.0101 and 0.0974 min−1, respectively, and increased the contribution of RCS from 8.20% to 75.71%, while the contribution of UV, NaClO, and ·OH were declined from 76.02%, 2.54% and 13.24% to 14.63%, 1.81%, and 7.85%, respectively. The contribution of RCS became increasingly prominence with the increment of free chlorine dosage. The kobs,UV/chlorine,DS value decreased from 0.0797 to 0.0445 min-1 as pH increased from 5.0 to 8.0. The presence of bicarbonate and natural organic matter both exerted an inhibitory effect on DS degradation. Eleven intermediate products were identified and the degradation pathway involved C-N cleavage, condensation, hydroxylation, and decarboxylation was proposed. The UV/chlorine process effectively reduced acute toxicity and was superior to chlorination. The genotoxicity induced by a chlorinated solution treated by the UV/chlorine process exhibited negative genotoxicity. These results show that the UV/chlorine process is capable for the degradation and detoxification of DS.
Vitamin D In Gambian Children With Discordant Tuberculosis Infection Status Despite Matched TB Exposure: A Case Control Study
Authors: Stockdale Lisa , Sambou Basil , Sissoko Muhamed , Egere Uzo , Sillah Abdou K , Kampmann Beate , Roy Robin Basu
Published: June 2021

Using a matched case-control design we measured vitamin D levels in pairs of Gambian children with discordant infection status despite the same sleeping proximity to the same adult TB index case. Vitamin D levels were 2.05ng/mL higher in 24 highly TB-exposed uninfected children compared with 24 matched highly TB-Exposed infected children (p=0.08). The findings warrant further investigation in larger studies to understand the implications and significance. Conclusion: Vitamin D levels were higher in TB-uninfected children compared with TB-infected despite equal high exposure to a TB case.
Ibuprophen Removal from Synthetic Effluents Using Electrocoagulation-Peroxidation (ECP)
Authors: Behling Laura , Luz Vilson Conrado da , Pasquali Gean Delise Leal , Bazoti Suzana Fátima , Rosa Clarissa Dalla , Pereira Paulo
Published: June 2021

Concerning water resources, several ordinances and legislation determine standards and conditions for the discharge of effluents into water bodies. However, several contaminants are not covered by these guidelines because they are found in low concentrations and due to little knowledge of their long-term effects. These contaminants are called emergents, and this category includes drugs, such as anti-inflammatory drugs. The electrocoagulation process associated with advanced oxidation comes up as an alternative to conventional effluent treatment processes, and the objective of this work was to evaluate this process using scrap iron as sacrificial electrodes in the treatment of synthetic effluents containing Ibuprofen. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the drug in synthetic effluents. The CCRD 24 was used in an experimental design, having as independent variables evaluated the concentration of contaminants, applied current, the concentration of the primary oxidizing agent H2O2 and the reaction time. The optimized conditions determined by statistical analysis were drug concentration of 5 mg.L-1, H2O2 concentration of 200 mg.L-1, current of 5 A and 150 min. The removals obtained under these conditions were higher than 92% in the aqueous phase, showing that ECP technique has the potential to treat contaminants such as drugs present in effluents and waters.
Ultrasound-Guided Pectoral Nerve Block With Tr Ansverse Thoracic Muscle Plane Block Enhanced World Health Organization on Quality of Life Brief Scale Scores 6 Months After M Odified Radical Mastectomy : A Randomized, Placebo-controlled and Double-Blind Clinical Trial
Authors: Liu Tianxiao , Chen Lina , Shi Min , Dai Weixin , Chen Jing , Xie Yubo
Published: June 2021

Background Modified radical mastectomy (MRM) has a large incision range and can cause strong intraoperative stress, a high incidence of postoperative acute pain, and chronic pain. There are few studies on the objective evaluation of the perioperative stress response by some stress-related serological indicators and on the long-term follow-up evaluation of postoperative quality of life and the incidence of chronic pain. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of ultrasound guided type Ⅰ Pecs block (Pecs Ⅰ), type Ⅱ Pecs block (Pecs Ⅱ) and transverse thoracic muscle plane block (TTP) on reducing CRP, IL-6, and WBC values during surgery and on enhancing World Health Organization on Quality of Life Brief Scale (QOL) scores 6 months after MRM.Methods The randomized, placebo-controlled and double-blind study was conducted in 76 patients assigned to two groups that received either ultrasound guided Pec Ⅰ + Pec Ⅱ +TTP block with 40 ml of 0.25% ropivacaine (group PT) or saline (group C). The primary outcomes were the changes in CRP, IL-6 and WBC values on the first day before surgery and the first and third days after surgery, the changes in blood glucose levels before and after surgery, and the QOL scores evaluated 6 months after surgery.Results The median (IQR) CRP, IL-6, and WBC values were significantly reduced in group PT on the first day compared with those in group C (12 (10-13.25) mg/l, 10.45 (9.575-11.65) pg/ml, 9 (7.75-9.25)×109/ l, vs 24 (20.75-26.25) mg/l, 25.35 (19.3-29.675) pg/ml, 12 (11-13) ×109/l, respectively, p< 0.001). The median (IQR) QOL was significantly higher in group PT 6 months after surgery than in group C (53(51.75-55) vs 43 (41-51.5), p< 0.001). The incidence of chronic pain was significantly lower, n/all was 4/33 vs 0/34, p< 0.001. Conclusions Ultrasound guided Pecs I, II and TTP block, significantly reduced the CRP, IL-6 and WBC values on the first day; increased the QOL scores and the incidence of chronic pain 6 months after surgery; and promoted the rapid recovery of patients.Trial registration: chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000033275. Registered on 26 May 2020
Interleukin-17 is Involved in Neuropathic Pain and Spinal Synapse Plasticity on Mice
Authors: Sun Jia-Lu , Dai Wen-Jing , Shen Xin-Yuan , Zhang Yu-Qiu , Lü Ning
Published: June 2021

Background: Neuropathic pain seriously affects people’s life, but its mechanism is not clear. Interleukin-17 (IL-17) is a proinflammation cytokine and involved in pain regulation. Our previous study found that IL-17 markedly enhanced the excitatory activity of spinal dorsal neurons in mice spinal slices. The present study attempts to explore if IL-17 contributes to neuropathic pain and spinal synapse plasticity.Methods：A model of spared nerve injury (SNI) was established in C57BL/6J mice and IL-17a mutant mice. The pain-like behaviors was tested, and the expression of IL-17 and its receptor, IL-17RA, was detected. C-fiber evoked field potentials were recorded in vivo. Results: In the spinal dorsal horn, IL-17 predominantly expressed in the superficial spinal astrocytes and IL-17RA expressed mostly in neurons and slightly in astrocytes. The SNI-induced static and dynamic allodynia was significantly prevented by pretreatment of neutralizing IL-17 antibody (intrathecal injection, 2 μg/10 μL) and attenuated in IL-17a mutant mice. Post-treatment of IL-17 neutralizing antibody also partially relieved the established mechanical allodynia. Moreover, spinal long-term potentiation (LTP) of C-fiber evoked field potentials, a substrate for central sensitization, was suppressed by IL-17 neutralizing antibody. Intrathecal injection of IL-17 recombinant protein (0.2 μg/10 μL) mimicked the mechanical allodynia and facilitated the spinal LTP. Conclusions: These data implied that IL-17 in the spinal cord played a crucial role in neuropathic pain and central sensitization.
Pregnancy outcome in late-onset severe OHSS patients following different ascetic fluid drainage and comparison with the non-OHSS IVF patients
Authors: YUN Ren , li rong , Shuo Yang , Rui Yang , hong Song Dong , Jie Qiao
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic serious complication of controlled ovarian stimulation during assisted reproductive technology, the aim of our research is to explore the differences of pregnancy outcome between severe OHSS patients and the non-OHSS IVF patients, and also compare the pregnancy ourtome of different ascites drainage way.

Design

This is a retrospective cohort analysis carried out in a University-affiliated reproductive center from 2012 to 2019, between 359 women with severe OHSS following ascites draining and 345 non-OHSS women (matched by age and retrieved oocyte number).We examined the rates of clinical pregnancy, multiple pregnancies, miscarriage, live birth and preterm delivery between the two groups. Within the OHSS group (central venous catheter group vs paracentesis group), odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of measure of clinical pregnancy were also analyzed.

Result

The biochemical pregnancy loss rate of non-OHSS patients was significantly higher than that of severe OHSS patients (11.1% vs 0.6%), the live birth, multiple pregnancy (twin pregnancy) was much more in severe OHSS group than in control group(88.9% vs 73.5%; 57.6% vs 28.1% respectively), and there was no significant difference between singleton and twin preterm rate and neonatal birth weight between OHSS and control group. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed multiple pregnancy and long-protocol showed relatively high odds ratio, suggest that the

long-protocol of COS and multiple pregnancy are the risk factor of severe OHSS.

Among severe OHSS following ascites draining, in comparison with abdominal paracentesis and central venous catheter, the ascites volume in central venous catheter group was much more than abdominal paracentesis group, there was significant difference between the two groups. There was no significant difference between the two groups in comparison of live birth, and the birth weight of singleton and twin between these two groups. but the premature birth rate of singleton in group 1 was 9.3% (10/107), whereas in group 2, it was 3.75%.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this preliminary report suggests that for the IVF-ET patients, less basic follicle number, GnRH antagonist cycle, singleton maybe the protective factors for the late-onset OHSS. Paracentesis and central venous catheter are all the effective modality to manage the ascites for the severe OHSS patients. For the patients who have the possibility of repeated paracentesis, catheter is a safe and effective way.
Production Optimization and In Vitro Evaluation of Anti-Proliferative, Anti-Oxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the Antibacterial Peptide MAFP9
Authors: Raghavan Rekha Mol Kollakalnaduvil , Pannippara Manzur Ali , Kesav Sapna , mathew Abraham , Bhat Sarita G , A Mohamed Hatha A , K Elyas K
Published: June 2021

Peptides are important natural bioactive agents obtained from various sources including microbes, plants and animals. The present study involved the optimization and physicochemical characterization of an antibacterial peptide MFAP9 produced by a marine fungus Aspergillus fumigatus BTMF9 and its vitro evaluation of antiproliferative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Antiproliferative activity was performed using A549 lung carcinoma and normal L929 fibroblast cell lines employing MTT assay method. Antioxidant activity was assessed using DPPH assay and Cox2 inhibition assay of peptide treated LPS stimulated THP1 cell lines was used for anti-inflammatory studies. The results of in vitro antiproliferative activity assessment showed that MFAP9 was cytotoxic with an IC50 value of 29 µg/mL towards A549 cells. Fluorescence microscopic analysis revealed apoptotic features such as chromatin condensation and alterations in the size and the shape of cells after treatment with MFAP9 at a concentration 50 µg/mL. The DPPH radical scavenging activity of MFAP9 exhibits reasonably higher scavenging activity compared to that of standard antioxidant at same concentration level. Moreover, MFAP9 showed significant anti-inflammatory activities. Time course experiment was conducted with the Czapek- Dox medium and optimized the rate of MFAP9 production. The study on various physico-chemical parameters on the stability revealed that the maximum active temperature of MAFP9 is 50oC, stable in basic pH and 1 mM concentration of Ni2+, Cd2+ and Mg2+ promotes the peptide activity. Hopefully, by employing the advancements in proteomics, bioinformatics, and modification strategies, MFAP9 could emerge as novel promising therapeutic drug in future for various clinical applications.
Assessment of Naturally Occurring Radioactive Materials (NORM) in Mining Residues and Environmental Material from Sefwi, Awaso Bauxite Mine
Authors: Moipone Matjele , Adukpo Oscar K. , Tandoh Joseph B.
Published: June 2021

Gamma ray spectrometry was used to quantify level of NORM in mining residues sampled at Awaso bauxite mine and surrounding communities. The radionuclides of interest were 238U, 232Th and 40K and the radioactivity levels were determined in soil, bauxite ore, red mud and water samples from wells. The radioactivity concentrations in soil, bauxite ore and red mud 238U, 232Th and 40K were 18.01±1.96 Bqkg-1, 19.07±2.12 Bqkg-1 and 103.21±1.74 Bqkg-1; 39.42±4.18 Bqkg-1, 97.32±10.63 Bqkg-1 and 14.68±1.82 Bqkg-1; 44.85±4.79, 64.23±6.58 and 125.30±18.72 Bqkg-1. The activity levels for both 232U and 232Th were above world-wide average values while Potassium-40 levels were lower. The mean activity concentration values of 238U, 232Th and 40K in water samples were 1.49±0.45 Bql-1, 3.68±0.69 Bql-1 and 15.69±0.28 Bql-1 respectively and were within the world average activity concentrations except for bauxite ore and red mud. The committed effective dose was 0.74 mSv and annual effective dose estimated to be 0.136 mSv which is below recommended dose limit of 1 mSvyear-1 for public exposure.
Policy, Service, and Training Provision for Women Following a Traumatic Birth: An International Mapping Study
Authors: Thomson Gill , Diop Magali Quillet , Stuijfzand Suzannah , Horsch Antje
Published: June 2021

Background: High numbers of women experience a traumatic birth, which can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) onset, and negative and pervasive impacts for women, infants and families. Policies, suitable service provision, and training are needed to identify and treat psychological morbidity following a traumatic birth experience, but currently there is little insight into whether and what is provided in different contexts. The aim of this study was to map policy, service and training provision for women following a traumatic birth experience in different European countries. Methods: A survey was distributed as part of the COST Action “Perinatal mental health and birth-related trauma: Maximizing best practice and optimal outcomes”. Questions were designed to capture ‘country level data’; ‘care provision’ (i.e., national policies or guidelines for the screening, treatment and/or prevention of a traumatic birth, service provision), and nationally mandated pre-registration and post-registration ‘training’ for maternity professionals. Results: Eighteen countries participated. Only one country had national policies regarding the screening, treatment and prevention of a traumatic birth experience/PTSD. Service provision was provided formally in six countries (33%), or informally in the majority (78%). In almost all countries (89%), women could be referred to specialist perinatal or mental health services. Services tended to be provided by midwives, although some multidisciplinary practice was apparent. Thirty-nine percent of the countries offered ‘a few hours’ professional/pre-registration training but none offered nationally mandated post-registration training. Conclusions: A traumatic birth experience is a key public health concern. Evidence highlights important gaps regarding formalized care provision and training for care providers.
Perceptions, Facilitators And Barriers of Physical Activity Among People Living With HIV: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kitilya Brenda , Sanga Erica , PrayGod George , Peck Robert , Kavishe Bazil B , Ditlevsen Kia , Olsen Mette F
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPeople Living with HIV (PLWH) have low levels of physical activity. Understanding of perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in this population is of importance for future perspectives in developing contextual based intervention to improve physical activity in PLWH. MethodThis study explored perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity in PLWH using sixteen in-depth interviews and three focus group discussions conducted in Mwanza, Tanzania. The interviews and discussions were audio recorded, transcribed and translated into English. Transcripts were coded and analysed deductively using thematic content analysis. The themes were interpreted and presented using the social ecological model. ResultsForty-three PLWH age 23-61 years old participated in this study. The findings showed that, PLWH perceived physical activity was beneficial to their health and that their perceptions and practices were rooted within the existing gender stereotypes and roles in the community. In addition to that, house-chores and income generating activities were perceived as sufficient physical activity to achieve adequate levels of physical activity. As facilitators, social support and interactions from family and friends were appraised positively as motivating factors of physical activity in this population. Indeed, at individual to community/environmental levels, PLWH reported barriers of physical activity were lack of time, money, and availability of facilities, as well as lack of social groups participating in physical activity in the communities and inadequate information on physical activity from health care providers at ART clinics. HIV disease was not reported as a main barrier of physical activity but rather stipulated from family members as a reason not to support physical activity in PLWH. ConclusionThe findings demonstrated differing perceptions, facilitators and barriers of physical activity among PLWH. Interventions addressing physical activity awareness, gender stereotypes and roles relating to physical activity performances from individual to community level, building supportive environment and infrastructures are needed to elevate physical activity levels in PLWH particularly in low and -middle income countries.
The Effect of Alcoholic Extract of Thymus Vulgaris on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and Apoptosis-Related Gene Expression in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Azimi Mohammadreza , Ahmadi Elnaz , Aghaie Fatemeh , Orafei Mohammad , Ahmadi Armita , Ranjbary Ali Ghorbani
Published: June 2021

Many diseases, including diabetes, are involve in the development of liver disorders through changes in the expression of genes such as apoptosis-related gene. In the present study, the effect of alcoholic extract of Thymus Vulgaris on Hepatic Enzymes Activity and apoptosis-related gene expression in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. In this study, 50 adult male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200–220 g were divided into five groups. Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Following 18 days, all the animals in different groups were weighed and blood samples were taken from their cardiac veins. GC analysis revealed 45 different compounds in the Thymus Vulgaris, including; thymol (39.1%), p-cymene (20.63%), γ-Terpinene (14.85%). The results showed a significant increase in liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) in diabetic or streptozoic mice compared to the control group (healthy mice) (p < 0.0001). The level of liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) in rats treated with doses 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of thymus vulgaris extract showed a significant decrease in these enzymes in comparison with diabetic rats (p < 0.0001). The expression of caspase 3 and 9 genes in the groups treated with thyme significantly decreased compared to diabetic mice (P < 0.0001) and the expression of Bcl in the group receiving 400 mg / kg of thyme significantly increased compared to diabetic mice (P = 0.0001). Due to its antioxidant compounds, thyme improves the liver tissue cells in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice by reducing caspases 3 and 9 as well as increasing Bcl-2.
Evaluating the Profile Geochemical Characteristics and Environmental Risk Prediction of Typical Sulfide Tailing Ponds Through Multiple Methods
Authors: Zhang Liqun , Chen Xing , Jiang Chunlu , Zheng Liugen , Xia Yiming , Qiu Zheng
Published: June 2021

Abandoned tailings generated from copper mining are exposed to the environment for a long time will cause related risks, such as stability, landslides, surface and groundwater pollution, acid mine drainage (AMD) and secondary mineral deposits. This research started from multiple methods and comprehensively assessed the current status of mine tailings through the joint application of geophysics, geochemistry and mineralogy techniques to identify relevant environmental hazards. A thick oxidized hardened layer was formed on the surface of the tailings dam, but there were still faults or crack that affected its structural stability. According to the low-resistivity distribution of the tailings, the surface oxide compaction was judged, and the existence of high-resistivity cracks judged the potential migration path of heavy metals (HMs). The microscopic morphology and existing mineral phases of tailings particles at different depths in the profile were determined by SEM and XRD of representative samples as the main feature of iron crystalline phase. As the profile depth increased, the minerals such as calcite, pyrite and goethite gradually appeared. In addition, Cr and As were no risk, Cu, Zn, Pb were low risk, Ni was medium risk, and Cd was high risk in risk assessment code (RAC) analysis of the tailings. Judging whether HMs in the tailings are hazardous substances according to the results of toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), it was found that the leaching contents of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, As were all lower than the limit, while the leaching content of Cd was higher than the limit, and additional attention should be paid to Cd pollution.
Integrated Sustainable Childhood Pneumonia and Infectious Disease Reduction in Nigeria (INSPIRING) Through Whole System Strengthening in Jigawa, Nigeria: Study Protocol For a Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: King Carina , Burgess Rochelle , Bakare Ayobami , Shittu Funmilayo , Salako Julius , Bakare Damola , Uchendu Obioma C , Iuliano Agnese , Isah Adamu , Adams Osebi , Seriki Ibrahim , Magama Abdullahi , Ahmed Tahlil , Ahmar Samy , Cassar Christine , Valentine Paula , Olowookere Temitayo Folorunso , MacCalla Matthew , Graham Hamish R , McCollum Eric D , Falade Adegoke G , Colbourn Tim
Published: June 2021

BackgroundChild mortality remains unacceptably high, with Northern Nigeria reporting some of the highest rates globally (e.g. 192/1000 live births in Jigawa State). Coverage of key protect and prevent interventions, such as vaccination and clean cooking fuel use, are low. Additionally, knowledge, care-seeking and health system factors are poor. Therefore, a whole systems approach is needed for sustainable reductions in child mortality.MethodsThis is a cluster randomised controlled trial, with integrated process and economic evaluations, conducted from January 2021 – September 2022. The trial will be conducted in Kiyawa Local Government Area, Jigawa State, Nigeria, with an estimated population of 230,000. Clusters are defined as primary government health facility catchment areas (n=33). The 33 clusters will be randomly allocated (1:1) in a public ceremony, and 32 clusters included in the impact evaluation. The trial will evaluate a locally adapted ‘whole systems strengthening’ package of three evidence-based methods: community men’s and women’s groups; Partnership Defined Quality Scorecard; healthcare worker training, mentorship and provision of basic essential equipment and commodities. The primary outcome is mortality of children aged 7 days to 59 months. Mortality will be recorded prospectively using a cohort design, and secondary outcomes measured through baseline and endline cross-sectional surveys. Assuming the following, we will have a minimum detectable effect size of 30%: a) baseline mortality of 100 per 1000 livebirths; b) 4,480 compounds with 3 eligible children per compound; c) 80% power; d) 5% significance; e) intra-cluster correlation of 0.007; f) coefficient of variance of cluster size of 0.74. Analysis will be by intention-to-treat, comparing intervention and control clusters, adjusting for compound and trial clustering. DiscussionThis study will provide robust evidence of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of community-based participatory learning and action, with integrated health system strengthening and accountability mechanisms, to reduce child mortality. The ethnographic process evaluation will allow for a rich understanding of how the intervention works in this context. However, we encountered a key challenge in calculating the sample size, given the lack of timely and reliable mortality data, and the uncertain impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Trial registrationISRCTN 39213655, registered 11th December 2019
Switching to Ziv-aflibercept In Resistant Diabetic Macular Edema Non Responsive to Ranibizumab Injection
Authors: Nawar Amin E. , Wasfy Tamer , Shafik Heba M.
Published: June 2021

Background: Diabetic macular edema (DME) is a leading cause of visual loss in diabetic patients and is managed using multiple anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents such as bevacizumab, ranibizumab and aflibercept. The present study evaluates effectiveness of intravitreal injection of ziv-aflibercept in resistant diabetic macular edema.Methods: This is a prospective interventional study that was carried out on 59 eyes of 40 diabetic patients with diabetic macular edema resistant to three prior consecutive ranibizumab injections. On all patients, thorough ophthalmic evaluation including optical coherence tomography was performed. In patients with persistent intraretinal or subretinal fluid, ziv- aflibercept 1.25 mg (0.05 ml) was administered by intravitreal injection monthly during the 6month study period from June to December 2019.Results: The central macular thickness (CMT) decreased significantly from 395.08±129.9 um at baseline to 282.39±95.278, 245.36±79.861 and 201.17±54.042 after one, three and six months of treatment respectively (p < 0.001). Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in log MAR units was significantly improved from 0.95±0.21 to 0.51±0.23 after six months (p = 0.001). After treatment, negative correlations were detected between age, number of injections, duration of DM and level of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) and variation of both CMT and BCVA. The only significant predictor for low final CMT after six months of injection was the CMT after three months of injection (p = 0.001).Conclusion: Ziv-aflibercept is a highly effective and safe drug in cases of DME resistant to previous ranibizumab injections especially in low-income countries.This study was retrospectively registered at clinicaltrials.gov (ID: NCT04290195) on 26-2-2020
Pre-Pandemic SARS-CoV-2 Potential Natural Immunity Among Population of Central Africa
Authors: SOURIS Marc , TSHILOLO Léon , PARZY Daniel , INGOBA Line LOBALOBA , NTOUMI Francine , KAMGAING Rachel , MBONGI Destin , PHOBA Baltazar , TSHILOLO Marie-Anasthasie , MBUNGU René , SOSSO Martin Samuel , FAINGUEM Nadine , MORAND Pierre , GONZALEZ Jean-Paul
Published: June 2021

More than a year after the emergence of COVID-19, significant regional differences in terms of morbidity persist, showing lower incidence rates in central Africa. The work reported here aims to test for a pre-pandemic natural immunity among populations in this region. To identify such pre-existing immunity, sera samples collected before the emergence of COVID-19 were tested to detect IgG antibodies reacting against SARS-CoV-2 proteins of major significance. Sera samples from blood donors of France were used as control. The results showed a statistically significant difference for antibodies prevalence between the samples collected in central Africa and the control samples. Our results suggest that in the central African sub-region the populations have been potentially pre-exposed before the COVID-19 pandemic to the antigens of a SARS-CoV-2-like virus.