bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies for Business Firms in Declining Markets
Authors: Aurangabadkar Sarira
Published: December 2020

The economic crisis that has engulfed the world since 2007 has become serious by the first quarter of 2009.Many developed countries too are affected severely, namely the US, Germany, the UK and others. Fortunately, India as of now seems to be less affected, yet the winds of global recession are now felt. The Indian economy grew at an annual rate of 7.6% in the quarter ending in September, 2008. As per the projections of the government growth in the fiscal year, 2008-09 could be in the range of 7 to 8 %, which is, lower than 9% in the last year. The government has unveiled a multibillion dollar stimulus on 7th December, 2008 and 2nd January, 2009 respectively. The Reserve Bank of India has cut interest rates aggressively. India Inc has felt the heat of the global meltdown in the third quarter ending in December, 2008 where the income has dropped by a massive 23% points compared to the previous year. Indian manufacturing activity has contracted for the second consecutive month in December, 2008 to its lowest in more than three and half years. Indiaâ€™s exports too have declined by 12.1 % in October, 2008 showing a negative trend for the first time in the last five years.
Impact of Worldâ€™s Economic Recession on Indiaâ€™s Growth Perspective â€“ Theories and Facts
Authors: Sachdeva J K
Published: December 2020

Indian economy also passed through these stages during the year 2008. The economic growth rate, which was above 8% for consecutive period of three years since 2006, suddenly plunged to an average of 5.5%. Developed world is under the fear that recession may not turn out to be continuous process resulting into great depression. Generally recessions are for two quarters, but depression is a severe economic downturn that lasts several years. Earlier India was affected less by external world depressions as it relied more on internal consumption, saving and import substitutions. However, after 1991 India opened up its economy to global players, share of exports, both goods and services, in GDP grew significantly. This paper is an attempt to analyse the variables responsible for Indiaâ€™s recent growth, impact of world recession on these variables and their significance. It needs to validate whether Indiaâ€™s economy has shifted away from consumption and saving to external sector dependence.Classification-JEL: Keywords: Indian Economy, Recession, Consumption, Monetary Policies, International Trade, Economic integration
Self Help Groups and Micro Credit- An Analytical Study with Special Reference to Coimbatore City
Authors: Palanivel P. , Sureshkumar D.
Published: December 2020

Microfinance and micro-credit practices have become a popular means of local development. In India, their expansion has been largest in Tamilnadu. These practices target primarily women, who are encouraged to construct self-help-groups in order to have a social basis for raising collateral and for receiving financial services. Microfinance has been perceived by the public as inducing strong positive effects on womenâ€™s empowerment and as strengthening the democratic fibre. From these standpoints, expansion and effects, it has been evaluated and analyzed whether microfinance can empower women and if empowered women can make a difference in womenâ€™s and societal issues. Interestingly, this study found that most women in this association experienced increased income and therefore improved their economic status, political and social conditions after receiving the loans. This result therefore further upholds the main purpose and objectives of microfinance in general
The Effects of Store Window Display on Customers Perception and Attitude in Retail Clothing Outlets
Authors: Lilly J.
Published: December 2020

This research focuses on determining the effects of a window display (flat or arcade or corner) on consumersâ€™ perception and shopping attitudes (intentions for store entry and purchase) in the context of retail clothing sales. To test the assumption that there are relationships between various types of store windows and consumersâ€™ perception of store windows and shopping attitudes, a study was undertaken. According to the results, consumers seem to have a more positive perception of arcade windows which acts as a motivational aspect for purchasing of clothes in retail outlets. Incase of establishing relationship between demographic variables of the respondents with their perception towards window display, it was found that Age and Occupational status of the respondents have significant relationship with the customers perception towards store window display at 5% level of significance.
Women Entrepreneurs: Driving Factors and Growth â€“ A Study in Coimbatore District
Authors: Kanchana V.S. , Devi N.Yesodha , Sujatha S.
Published: December 2020

he present investigation was carried out in Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu state to know the socio economic background, impact of driving factors, and growth of women entrepreneurs. Total 150 respondents were interviewed with the help of pre-tested interview schedule. Random sampling technique was adopted for the selection of women entrepreneurs. The study was designed to cover the women entrepreneurs running their own enterprise. Tools applied are Percentage Analysis, Friedman Rank Test, Chi square Analysis and correlation. It was found that (60%) of them belong to backward community, (62.7%) have started a new business and (88%) of the women entrepreneurs do their business within the state, 53.3% have started their business out of own investment. Family members to certain extent had an influence in all the business matters. The performance level indicates that there is increase in sales when compared to the year of starting. (40%) of the respondents ranked contribution to family income as the motivational factor for starting their own enterpriseÂ  followed by use of spare time. The personal factors like community, education qualification, type of family and family size shows a significant difference on the type of enterprise. The personal factors age, community, marital status and family size of the respondents have a significant difference on the type of organization and all the personal factor has a significant difference on the nature of business. Contributing to the family income is the important motive for starting an enterprise of their own.Â
Environmental Management and Sustainable Development in India: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Hans V. Basil , Jayasheela M U
Published: December 2020

In the rural economy land is the site of production. Our villagers live and work with close relationship with nature; they love and adore nature. Intensification of resource use and diversification of occupation (even if we call it as technological advancement) pose serious challenges to balanced economic development in India. Villagers are facing the growing needs of food, fodder and fuel on the one hand, and fast encroaching urbanisation on the other. Both have disastrous consequences on natureâ€™s fragile fabric. Modern development in urban areas has resulted in stress and strain, and in the rural distress and drain of resources. Hence we need a though analysis of the strengths, weaknesses threats and opportunities for economic development now and in the future. This will create the much needed awareness for prioritisation of economic activities in the country to make the best use of relatively limited available natural resources. Keeping in mind the above factors the present study tries to draw the attention of academicians, policy makers, rural people and their urban brethren towards: (i) sustainable methods of environmental management, (ii) a holistic approach with multidisciplinary, multilocational and multiinstitutional involvement, and (iii) making the practice of SWOT analysis an inbuilt mechanism in resource management for sustainable development.
Environmental Problems and Sustainable Development: With Special Reference to India Issues and Challenges
Authors: Ramakrishna B. M , Jayasheela M U
Published: December 2020

Any countryâ€™s environmental problems are related to the level of its economic development, the availability of natural resources and the lifestyle of its population. In India, rapid growth of population, poverty, urbanization, industrialization and several related factors are responsible for the rapid degradation of the environment.Â  Environmental problems have become serious in many parts of the country, and hence cannot be ignored.Â  The main environmental problems in India relate to air and water pollution particularly inÂ  metropolitan cities and industrial zones, degradation of common property resources which affect the poor adversely as they depends on them for their livelihood, threat to biodiversity and inadequate system of solid waste disposal and sanitation with consequent adverse impact on health, infant mortality and birth rate. In India, efforts are being made on for the environmental management in a sustainable manner..Â  At all levels of education provisions have been made for the knowledge of environment and its conservation.Â  In the country many centres are providing special training for environmental management.Â  The programmes of environmental awareness have been launched through media.Â  India is an active member of International Organizations concerning environment.Â  Several programmes are going on under UNEP.Â  The Government has recently started emphasizing the combined use of regulatory and economic instruments for improving environmental quality.Â  There is a need for coordination between government agencies, NGOs and the public for the proper management of environment quality and to achieve sustainable development in the country.
Differentiated Responsibilities On Population Explosion And Its Impact On Environment â€“ A Corridor For The Crossing?
Authors: Sajimon P.P.
Published: December 2020

Climate change and disasters are fast emerging as the most significant challenges of the 21st century as global risks with impacts far beyond just the environment and implications on national security and development. As the world continues its contemporary patterns of production and consumption, the future is at immense risk. Climate Change has the potential to alter the ability of the earthâ€™s physical and biological systems to provide goods and services essential for sustainable development. Today, a number of mainstream population and environment groups are claiming that population growth is a major cause of climate change and that lesser birth rates are the solution. If we cannot stabilize population, there is not an ecosystem on earth that we can save. If developing countries cannot stabilize their populations almost immediately, many of them face the disintegration of ecosystem. But in reality, even if we could today achieve zero population growth that would barely touch the climate problem â€” where we need to cut emissions by 50 to 80 percent by mid-century. Given existing income inequalities, it is inescapable that over consumption by the rich few is the key problem, rather than overpopulation of the poor many. In the absence of any commitment in the next two decades, their economies would become locked into a trajectory of elevated emissions and unsustainable development, while the cost of reversing the trend will become prohibitively high. This paper examines several outstanding issues on the interface between population and environment. Significantly, the study would come out with some policy recommendations to the policy makers.
Higher Education Sector in India: Issues and Imperatives
Authors: Arunachalam P.
Published: December 2020

Higher education in India is undergoing rapid changes. The challenges ahead are multifaceted and multidimensional. Though the data show a massive growth in the number of students' enrollment in colleges/universities, holistic view reveals that still only a meager of the total population has access to higher education. Globalization and privatization are imposing new challenges but the nations are still entangled in solving the basic problems of accessibility to higher education for all. In the wake of the transition from elitist to mass education, universities worldwide are under pressure to enhance access and equity, on the one hand, and to maintain high standards of quality and excellence, on the other. Today the notion of equity not only implies greater access to higher education, but also opportunities for progress. In recent debates on higher education, the notions of equity and access go beyond minority to diversity. Affirmative action, too, has become race-exclusive and gender-neutral.
Economic Performance of Seventeen Major (Indian) States during 2004-05 to 2008-09
Authors: Solanki S. P.
Published: December 2020

This paper is an attempt to analysis the issue of inter-state disparities in the growth of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and Per Capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) of the seventeen major states beginning from the 2004-05 to 2008-09. Finding of this research shows that inter-regional disparities in the growth of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and Per Capita Net State Domestic Product (NSDP) of seventeen major states have decreased from 49.8 to 27.2 and 71.2 to 33.5 respectively in the recent years i.e. from 2004-05 to 2008-09.Â
Value Addition in Agriculture and Allied Sectors
Authors: Saikumar B.C , Manjunatha A.V , Chengappa P.G , Nagaraj N.
Published: December 2020

India is one of the Worldâ€™s major food producers contributing less than 1.5 percent of international food trade. This implies that there is a vast scope for investment in agro processing for better value addition and job creation. In year 2000, the sales turnover of Indian food industries is Rs. 140,000 crores with higher percentage of employment generation potential as compared with other sectors i.e., 54,000 persons get direct employment per Rs.100 million of investment in the food sector as compared to 48,000 in textiles and 25,000 in paper industry. Currently in India, value addition to raw materials at different stages includesÂ Â Â  primary processing with 75 percent, whereas secondary and tertiary processing together accounts only 25 percent. Value of Indian food industry has increased from Rs.3.09 trillion in 1993- 94 to 3.99 trillion in 2000 â€“01. Indian food processing earnings was 20 US $ billion in 1995-96 and expected to increase to 60 US $ billion by the end of 2006. Turn over of the total Indian food market is 2,50,000 crore per year contributing 1.5 percent to the global processed food trade. Annual consumption of value added foods alone would grow to Rs.2, 25,000 crore by 2007 will be larger than manufacturing sector. Agro-Food Processing industriesÂ  can reduce losses to the tune of Rs.8000 crore by increasing value addition from current level of 7 percent to 35 percent. Present rate of 2 percent of commercial processing can be increased to 10 percent by 2010 by investing Rs.15, 000 crore this creates additional employment directly for 77 lakh people and indirectly for 3 crore people.Â
The Influence of Sino-Culture on the Meanings of University Diplomas in Taiwan:The Cultural Gap between the West and Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Tien-Hui
Published: December 2020

The global economic system significantly benefits western advanced countries, granting them the status of hegemony that allows them to export their thoughts and values to other countries. Therefore, western theories are generally viewed as unproblematic in educational research. However, it is almost impossible for this approach to obtain complete and solid findings due to its neglect of the cultural gap. Individual countries tend to develop their own cultures with unique characteristics and meanings that are able to shape peopleâ€™s minds and behaviours. Sino-culture, for example, has different characteristics from western culture. Agriculture, which was the main industry in ancient China, required organized manpower, so it gradually brewed big-scale families that functioned as a vital core of life by providing shelter and adequate food. When people needed to be reliant upon family, family-oriented culture gradually developed and eventually become part of Sino-culture. In such a context, people were concerned with sustaining and enhancing their own family status and reputation rather than their own individual concerns. This collective approach substantially constrained the scope of individual ideas. It also further created a special form of culture â€“ face-oriented culture.
The Effect of Natural Gas Price liberalization on Natural Gas Consumption in Residential sector in Iran
Authors: Ghorbani Pashakolaei Vahid , Babazade Mohammad , Ghadimi Dizaj Khalil
Published: December 2020

The Balance between demand and supply of energy carriers is an important issue. Price liberalization of natural gas is one of the best solutions to reduce natural gas consumption so we investigated this matter in our study. In this study use of autoregressive distributed lag model and error correction model model and results indicated that in first scenario (2011-13) annual growth of consumption will be 2.7 percent and its second scenario (2011-15) annual growth of consumption will be 4.2 percent. In first scenario annual consumption will be 36258.56, 36075.51 and 37352.13 million cubic meter respectively and in second scenario will be 37965.73, 38003.13, 39414.1, 41454 and 43931.57 13 million cubic meter respectively. Predict that liberalization in first and second scenario will be decrease 29.19 and 37.21 milliard cubic meter of total consumption in these years respectively. Keywords: liberalization, autoregressive distributed lag, error correction, natural gas
Supermarket Supply Chains Marketing Models in India: The Novel Market Models
Authors: Dastagiri Madiga Bala , Immanuelraj T.K.
Published: December 2020

The super market revolution has been underway in developing countries. Market research says that larger the numbers of economic agents involved in marketing and lesser their incomesâ€™ share in consumer priceâ€™. The prospective solution to this problem may be consolidation of supply chain. The main motive of this paper is to explore the ways or super markets models that will integrate the small and marginal farmers with supply chain system in India. Information on marketing models and marketing institutions which deal fruits and vegetables in the country were analyzed. The fruits and vegetable commodities reach the final consumer through various channels. Among all the channels the direct market models are the best because the producer share in consumer rupee is 100 per cent and will eliminate middlemen completely. India opened up post â€“ 1990, a number of new liberalized public markets operating direct marketing model with forward linkages for fruits and vegetables. The economic reforms also lead to the emergence a number of new private retail markets for fruits and vegetable with direct marketing models with backward linkages. The results reveal that private super markets will save farmers from transport, marketing cost and other charges and complete eliminate middlemen. Farmers who supply to private super markets have many advantages it includes technical guidance, market information on prices, perfect weights and spot payments etc. The opportunities include development of high value commodities market supply chain. The farmers are suggested for effective and efficient marketing of fruits and vegetables, the super markets have to purchase entire quantity brought by the farmer irrespective of grading, Export linkage is suggested, Government has to regulate prices, Government has to open and operate retail outlets, Government should assess the production and consumption level and announce the MSP accordingly. Even the farmers of the most of the states are adopting traditional marketing channels. The study suggests that modern direct marketing models to adopt.
SUCCESS STORY OF SELF HELP GROUPS WITHOUT FINANCIAL HELP: A PARADIGM SHIFT OF WOMEN EMPOWERMENT
Authors: Mandal Ram Krishna
Published: December 2020

Women are the nucleus of our civilization. They have different roles to play in the ever changing social set-up. Womenâ€™s development is directly related with the nation development. With the dawn of independence our constitution guaranteed gender equality and a large number of schemes and programmes have been initiated for womenâ€™s development. Self Help Group (SHG) is a group of village-based financial intermediary usually composed of between 10-15 local women or men. The group may either a registered or unregistered group having homogenous socio-economic backgrounds, willfully joining together with an attitude to save their money, make use of such funds to contribute to a common fund with an intention to meet their emergency needs on the basis of mutual help. Every nation across the globe is keen in developing the country as powerful in all dimensions. This could be achieved through empowering its citizens in the country. Empowerment is far away from essentially political; it must be a process involved with personal, economic, social and political dimensions with personal empowerment being the core component in the empowerment process. Micro-financing to SHGs create lot of avenues for the empowerment and in promoting well being for women.
EXPORT, ECONOMIC GROWTH AND CAUSALITY â€“ A CASE FOR INDIA.
Authors: Devi Shamurailatpam Sofia
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the causal relationship between the real GDP and the total export of goods and services produced in India during the period 1990-91 to 2011-12. The main emphasis is to substantiate the importance of exports in the growth process of Indian economy after the economic reforms taken up in the early part of the 90sâ€™ In other words, the study is to see the validity of economic strategy of export-led growth in case of India. The empirical findings of the study indicated that there is a bi-directional causality between GDP and export of the economy. And the hypothesis that export-led-growth is valid in case of the Indian economy for the period under study.
Impact of Exchange Rate on Selected Macroeconomic Variables: A case study of West African Monetary Zone
Authors: Raji Rahman olanrewaju
Published: December 2020

The study takes a cursory look at reaction of macroeconomic variables due to exchange rate shocks of four selected WAMZ countries in order to assess the level of macroeconomic convergence in the zone between the declarationâ€™s year of WAMZ, 2000 and 2010 using Structural VAR country by county. It was observed that monetary policy and money supply attained their co-integrating equilibrium in Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria while exchange rate attained co-integrating equilibrium in Gambia and Ghana within two quarters. The growth rate reacted positively on exchange rate but the magnitudes of reactions were not strongly up to expectation among the countries. The contribution of exchange rate depreciations to money supply and inflation is much in Sierra Leone when compared with other economies and more surprisingly, the past exchange rate influenced the current exchange rate strongly in Sierra Leone but moderately in other economies in the zone. Interestingly, Ghana economy happened to be a distinctive economy in the zone in term of selected variables reaction to exchange rate depreciation. For the zone to establish currency union, three most promising countries are Gambia, Ghana and Nigeria due to symmetrical alignment exhibited in some macroeconomic parameters, although the synchronizations were not strong but moderate among the promising nations.
A Resources use efficiency analysis of Bt and Non Bt cotton farmers in Karnataka, India
Authors: Vishwanath Gowdru Nithya
Published: December 2020

Cotton is the major commercial crop amongst all cash crops in India and providesÂ  livelihood toÂ  moreÂ  thanÂ  60Â  millionÂ  peopleÂ  inÂ  itsÂ  cultivation,Â  processingÂ  andÂ  textileÂ  industry.Â  CottonÂ  cropÂ  isÂ  infestedÂ  byÂ  variousÂ  pestsÂ  causingÂ  significantÂ  yieldÂ  losses therefore Bt cotton was introduced in India to reduce pesticide consumption and also increaseÂ  productivity. Since introduction there has been ongoing debate on the superiority and/ or inferiority of Bt cotton over non Bt cotton. Therefore the present study was undertaken to examine the Bt cotton technology on output and efficiency of inputs used in cotton cultivation in Karnataka state of South India during 2007. Primary data was collected from 90 farmers cultivating Bt and non-Bt cotton in Haveri district, Karnataka, India. The Cobb-Douglas production and decomposition analysis techniques were used to estimate the influence of factors and Bt technology on output change. The production function analysis indicated that the co-efficients of expenditure on fertilizers, labour, plant protection chemicals and land were significant in case of Bt cotton cultivation. The result of Resource use efficiency analysis showed that efficient use of labour, fertilizers and seeds had contributed the most to the difference in returns between Bt-cotton and non-Bt cotton cultivation.Â  Contribution of differences in the quantity of inputs used to higher returns from Bt cotton to the measured difference in gross returns between Bt and non-Bt cotton was 56.56 per cent, while that of the efficiency in the use of inputs was 23.83 per cent. Key words: Bt cotton, Resource use efficiency, Decomposition analysis
Neurologic Assessment of the Neurocritical Care Patient: The Neurologic Wake-Up Test
Authors: Musick Shane , Alberico Anthony
Published: December 2020

Sedation is a ubiquitous practice in ICUs and NCCUs. It has the benefit of reducing cerebral energy demands, but also precludes an accurate neurologic assessment. Because of this, sedation is intermittently stopped for the purposes of a neurologic assessment, which is termed a neurologic wake-up test (NWT). NWTs are considered to be the gold-standard in continued assessment of brain-injured patients under sedation. NWTs also produce an acute stress response that is accompanied by elevations in blood pressure, respiratory rate, heart rate, and ICP. Utilization of cerebral microdialysis and brain tissue oxygen monitoring indicates that this is not mirrored by alterations in overall cerebral metabolism, and seldom affects oxygenation. The hard contraindications for the NWT are preexisting intracranial hypertension, barbiturate treatment, status epilepticus, and hyperthermia. However, hemodynamic instability, sedative use for primary ICP control, and sedative use for severe agitation or respiratory distress are considered significant safety concerns. Despite ubiquitous recommendation, it is not clear if additional clinically relevant information is gleaned through its use, especially with the contemporaneous utilization of multimodality monitoring. Various monitoring modalities provide unique and pertinent information about neurologic function, however, their role in improving patient outcomes and guiding treatment plans has not been fully elucidated. There is a paucity of information pertaining to the optimal frequency of NWTs, and if it differs based on type of injury. Only one concrete recommendation was found in the literature, exemplifying the uncertainty surrounding its utility. The most common sedative used and recommended is propofol because of its rapid onset, short duration, and reduction of cerebral energy requirements. Dexmedetomidine may be employed to facilitate serial NWTs, and should always be used in the non-intubated patient or if propofol infusion syndrome (PRIS) develops. Midazolam is not recommended due to tissue accumulation and residual sedation confounding a reliable NWT. Thus, NWTs are well tolerated in most patients and remain recommended as the gold-standard for continued neuromonitoring. Predicated upon one expert panel, they should be performed at least one time per day. Propofol or dexmedetomidine are the main sedative choices, both enabling a rapid awakening and consistent NWT.
Will Digitalization Change the Road Freight Transportation? - Future Scenarios with Sweden as a Case Study
Authors: Pernestål Anna , Engholm Albin , Bemler Marie , Gidofalvi Gyözö
Published: December 2020

Road freight transportation is a key function of modern societies. At the same time, road freight transportation accounts for significant emissions. To reach the UN sustainability goals, sustainable road freight transportation is key. Digitalization, including automation, digitized information, and AI provide opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and increase service levels in road freight transportation. Digitalization may also radically change the business ecosystem in the sector. In this paper, the question “How will digitalization change the road freight transportation landscape?” is addressed by developing four different future scenarios, using Sweden as a case study. For each of the four scenarios the impacts on the road freight transportation sector are investigated, and opportunities and barriers to reach a sustainable transportation system in each of the scenarios are discussed. In all scenarios an increase in vehicle kilometers travelled is predicted, and in three of the four scenarios significant increases of recycling and urban freight flows are predicted. The scenario development process highlighted how there are important uncertainties in the development of the society that will be highly important for the development of the digitized freight transportation landscape. One example is the sustainability paradigm, which was identified as a strategic uncertainty.
Ancient Gravity Fed Hydrology and Irrigation System of Majapahit Civilization 14th Century in Java Island and Its Impact on Vegetation Health During 2019 El Nino Using NDVI Analysis
Authors: Wibowo Andri
Published: December 2020

Majapahit is one of vast kingdoms and civilizations in Southeast Asia in 14th century. The kingdom and its capital city are centered in present Trowulan suburban, east Java and bordered by mountain range in the south and river in the east and north. Regarding the geological condition then Majapahit kingdom has a challenge especially to provide the water managements for its agricultural practices. In here, this study aims to assess the hydrology systems developed by Majapahit civilizations and how this system is effective in maintaining vegetation health. Based on the results, the gravity-fed hydrology systems consist of networks involving river, dam, underground and surface water canal and reservoir pond. The water from upstream was managed using dams and channeled into streams and collected inside the ponds. This network spans approximately 10 km from the first dam to the last 6.49 Ha reservoir built in the middle of city. The water channeled from dam to reservoir pond was using natural streams and 2.4 km underground canal. This 40 cm depth man made canal was a water source for agricultural soils since it was used to irrigate the nearby paddy field. During past El Nino in 2019 that has caused prolong drought, the Majapahit irrigation system has provided water for the adjacent paddy field. Based on the vegetation health analysis measured using Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), paddy field watered by man made canal shows higher NDVI values or at least has same values compared to the field watered by contemporary canals. Then, the 14th century irrigation system developed by Majapahit civilization is a valuable heritage that needs to be preserved considering its important functions even in this contemporary era.
Impacts of two-year multi-sectoral interventions on young adolescent girls’ education, health and economic outcomes: Adolescent Girls Initiative-Kenya randomized trial
Authors: Austrian Karen , Soler-Hampejsek Erica , Kangwana Beth , Wado Yohannes , Abuya Benta , Maluccio John
Published: December 2020

Background

Early adolescence is a critical window for intervention when it is possible to lay a foundation for a safe transition to adulthood, before negative outcomes occur. The Adolescent Girls Initiative–Kenya randomized trial tested the effects of combinations of interventions for young adolescent girls in two sites – the Kibera informal settlement in Nairobi and rural Wajir County in the Northeastern region.
Methods

The interventions included community dialogues on the role and value of girls (violence prevention), a conditional cash transfer (education), weekly group meetings for girls with health and life skills training (health), and training and incentives for financial literacy and savings activities (wealth creation). Participants were randomized to one of four study arms: 1) violence prevention only, 2) violence prevention and education, 3) violence prevention, education and health or 4) violence prevention, education, health and wealth creation. An intent-to-treat (ITT) analysis was conducted to estimate the impact of each combination of interventions and various sensitivity analyses conducted addressing potential attrition bias and multiple hypothesis testing concerns.
Results

In Kibera, the conditional cash transfer had small effects on grade attainment but larger impacts on completion of primary school and the transition to secondary school in the most comprehensive arm; the health intervention improved sexual and reproductive health knowledge and condom self-efficacy; and the wealth intervention improved financial literacy and savings behavior. In Wajir, the conditional cash transfer increased school enrollment and grade attainment, and the wealth intervention improved savings behavior.
Conclusions

The results indicate that when trying to improve a range of outcomes related to adolescent wellbeing for young girls, a multi-sectoral intervention with components addressing household economic constraints is a promising approach.
Survival and Predictors of Mortality among Breast Cancer Patients Diagnosed at Hawassa Comprehensive Specialized and Teaching Hospital and Private Oncology Clinic in Southern Ethiopia: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shita Abel , Yalew Alemayehu Worku , Tesfaw Aragaw , Afework Tsion , Gufie Zenawi Hagos , Getachew Sefonias
Published: December 2020

Background: Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in over 100 countries. Despite the high burden of the problem, the survival status and the predictors for mortality are not yet determined well in Ethiopia. Therefore, we aimed to determine the survival and predictors of mortality among breast cancer patients diagnosed from 2013-2018 at Hawassa comprehensive specialized and teaching hospital and private oncology clinic in Southern Ethiopia.Methods: Hospital-based retrospective cohort study of 302 patients was conducted. Data was collected on breast cancer patients diagnosed from January, 1st, 2013 to December, 30th, 2018 using a data extraction checklist and by telephone interview. The median survival was estimated by Kaplan- Meier. Log Rank test was used to compare survival among groups. Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify predictors. Results were repaired as hazard ratio (HR) along with the corresponding 95% CI. Sensitivity analysis was done with the assumption of loss to follow-ups (LTF) might die 3 months after the last hospital visit. Results: Advanced stage diagnosis of breast cancer was found on 83.4 % of patients with breast cancer. The study participants were followed for a total of 4685.62 person-months. Their median survival was 50.61 months (IQR=18.38-50.80) which declined to 30.57 months in the worst-case analysis (WCA). The overall survival of patients at two years was 73.2% and it declines to 51.3 % in the worst-case analysis. Rural residence (AHR=2.71, 95% CI: 1.44, 5.09), travel time >7 hours (AHR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.05, 11.10), duration of symptom 7-23 months (AHR=2.63, 95% CI: 1.22, 5.64), > 23 months (AHR=2.37, 95% CI: 1.00, 5.59), advanced stage (AHR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.05, 8.59) and not taking chemotherapy (AHR=6.69, 95% CI: 2.20, 20.30) were independent predictors of death. Conclusion: Above two-third of the patients have two years of overall survival in south Ethiopia. Rural residence, advanced stage, and poor adherence to chemotherapy were independent predictors of death. Thus, Improving early detection, diagnosis, and treatment capacity of breast cancer patients are an important way-outs to avert the problem with appropriate intervention means.
Analysis of fatality of cases by the new coronavirus, in the Mexican state of Guanajuato: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Padilla-Raygoza Nicolas , Flores-Vargas Gilberto , Navarro-Olivos Efrain , Lara-Lona Elia , de Gallardo-Luna Maria , Magos-Vazquez Francisco , Diaz-Martinez Daniel
Published: December 2020

Background. The spread of infection and disease of SARS-CoV-2 is in all the world affecting more than 200 countries. Mexico has high new cases of disease and death for COVID-19. Although Guanajuato state also has a high number of new cases, the fatality of cases is below the mean in Mexico.Methods. It was a cross-sectional design, using the database of National Epidemiological Surveillance System in Mexico. It was collected data about age, sex, comorbidities (diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, immunosuppression, chronic kidney disease, obesity and smoking), date of death, and real-time reverse transcription polymerase test. The statistical analysis was using Case Fatality Ratio, Chi squared test and P-value to show relationship among variables and Odds Ratio and confidence intervals at 95% to show the effect of comorbidities on death due to COVID-19.Results. There were 100,109 suspected cases, 41.69% were positive for SARS-CoV-2. Age from 50 or higher and male sex had higher effect on fatality by COVID-19. In Guanajuato state, 48.68% of deaths occurred in Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, with a case fatality ratio 15.63% and in the Secretaría de Salud del estado de Guanajuato occurred 42.10% of the deaths with a case fatality ratio of 4.14%. Diabetes (OR 5.16, CI95% 4.77–5.59), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 6.34, CI95% 5.37–7.49), immunosuppression (OR 2.85, CI95% 2.17–3.76), cardiovascular disease (OR 4.20, CI95% 3.51–5.02), hypertension (OR 4.74, CI95% 4.39–5.11), chronic kidney disease (OR 6.27, CI95% 5.30–7.42), obesity (OR 1.87, CI95% 1.72–2.03), and smoking (OR 1.60, CI95% 1.41–1.81) had effect on death by COVID-19. In all cases age and male sex, acted as confounder. Asthma had a preventive effect on death by COVID-19 (OR=0.72, CI95% 0.54–0.97) Conclusion. Among the Guanajuato population with COVID-19, the main risk factor for dying were advanced age and male sex; diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, immunosuppression, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, obesity, and smoking are risk factors for dying from COVID-19. HIV/AIDS has no effect on fatality from SARS-CoV-2 disease. Asthma is shown as a protective factor for dying from COVID-19.
Predicting synchronized gene coexpression patterns from fibration symmetries in gene regulatory networks in bacteria
Authors: Leifer Ian , Sanchez Mishael , Ishida Cecilia , Makse Hernan
Published: December 2020

Background: Gene regulatory networks coordinate the expression of genes across physiological states and ensure a synchronized expression of genes in cellular subsystems, critical for the coherent functioning of cells. Here we address the questions whether it is possible to predict gene synchronization from network structure alone. We have recently shown that synchronized gene expression may be predicted from symmetries in the transcriptional regulatory networks (TRN) and described by the concept of symmetry fibrations. We showed that symmetry fibrations partition the genes into groups called fibers based on the symmetries of their 'input trees', the set of paths in the network through which signals can reach a gene. In idealized dynamic gene expression models, all genes in a fiber are perfectly synchronized, while less idealized models -- with gene input functions differencing between genes -- predict symmetry breaking and desynchronization. Results: To study the functional role of gene fibers and to test whether some of the fiber-induced coexpression remains in reality, we analyze gene fibrations for the transcription networks of E. coli and B. subtilis and confront them with expression data. We find approximate gene coexpression patterns consistent with symmetry fibrations with idealized gene expression dynamics. This shows that network structure alone provides useful information about gene synchronization, and suggest that gene input functions within fibers may be further streamlined by evolutionary pressures to realize a coexpression of genes. Conclusions: Thus, gene fibrations provides a sound conceptual tool to describe tunable coexpression induced by network topology and shaped by mechanistic details of gene expression.
Meningioma epigenetic grouping reveals biologic drivers and therapeutic vulnerabilities
Authors: Raleigh David , Magill Stephen , Eaton Charlotte , Prager Briana , Chen William , Seo Kyounghee , Lucas Calixto-Hope , Villanueva-Meyer Javier , Lam Tai-Chung , Pu Jenny Kan-Suen , Li Lai-Fung , Leung Gilberto Kai-Kit , Vasudevan Harish , Liu Siyuan , Chang Jason , Qiu Zhixin , Zhang Michael , Martin Michael , Susko Matthew , Braunstein Steve , Bush Nancy Ann Oberheim , Schulte Jessica , Butowski Nicolas , Sneed Penny , Berger Mitchell , Perry Arie , phillips joanna , Solomon David , Costello Joseph , McDermott Michael , Rich Jeremy N. , Choudhury Abrar
Published: December 2020

Meningiomas arising from the meningothelial central nervous system lining are the most common primary intracranial tumors, and a significant cause of neurologic morbidity and mortality1. There are no effective medical therapies for meningioma patients2,3, and new treatments have been encumbered by limited understanding of meningioma biology. DNA methylation profiling provides robust classification of central nervous system tumors4, and can elucidate targets for molecular therapy5. Here we use DNA methylation profiling on 565 meningiomas integrated with genetic, transcriptomic, biochemical, and single-cell approaches to show meningiomas are comprised of 3 epigenetic groups with distinct clinical outcomes and biological features informing new treatments for meningioma patients. Merlin-intact meningiomas (group A, 34%) have the best outcomes and are distinguished by a novel apoptotic tumor suppressor function of NF2/Merlin. Immune-enriched meningiomas (group B, 38%) have intermediate outcomes and are distinguished by immune cell infiltration, HLA expression, and lymphatic vessels. Hypermitotic meningiomas (group C, 28%) have the worst outcomes and are distinguished by convergent genetic mechanisms misactivating the cell cycle. Consistently, we find cell cycle inhibitors block meningioma growth in cell culture, organoids, xenografts, and patients. Our results establish a framework for understanding meningioma biology, and provide preclinical rationale for new therapies to treat meningioma patients.
GaInP/GaAs three-terminal heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell
Authors: Zehender Marius , Svatek Simon , Steiner Myles , Garcia Ivan , Linares Pablo , Warren Emily , Tamboli Adele , Martí Antonio , Antolín Elisa
Published: December 2020

We demonstrate a novel multijunction architecture, the heterojunction bipolar transistor solar cell (HBTSC), which exhibits the performance of a double-junction solar cell in a more compact npn (or pnp) semiconductor structure. The HBTSC concept has the advantages of being a three-terminal device, such as low spectral sensitivity and high tolerance to non-optimal band gap energies, while it reduces the fabrication and operation complexity with respect to other multi-terminal devices because, for example, it can produce independent power extraction from the two junctions without the need for extra layers for their isolation or inter-connection. The top and bottom junctions in our proof-of-concept HBTSC prototype, which is made of epitaxial GaInP/GaAs, exhibit independent current-voltage characteristics under AM1.5G illumination, with respective open-circuit voltages of 1.33 and 0.95 V. The voltage difference between the two junctions is notable considering that they share a thin (< 600 nm) GaInP layer which contributes to the photogeneration of both junctions. This can be explained by a gradient in the minority carrier quasi-Fermi level within the base layer, which is compatible with a high fill factor. We also offer a technological solution for contacting the intermediate layer and study the effect of series resistance on the device performance. The HBTSC opens a new perspective in the understanding of multi-junction devices and it is an excellent candidate for the application of low-cost fabrication techniques, and for the implementation of III-V on silicon tandems with parallel/series interconnection for high energy yield.
Safety and Efficacy of Hypofractionated Stereotactic Radiosurgery for High-Grade Gliomas at First Recurrence: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Guan Yun , Xiong Ji , Pan Mingyuan , Shi Wenyin , Li Jing , Zhu Huaguang , Gong Xiu , Li Chao , Mei Guanghai , Liu Xiaoxia , Pan Li , Dai Jiazhong , Wang Yang , Wang Enmin , Wang Xin
Published: December 2020

Background: The optimal treatment for recurrent high-grade gliomas (rHGG) remains uncertain. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CyberKnife radiosurgery as a salvage treatment for in field recurrence of high-grade gliomas at first time.Methods: Between January 2016 and October 2019, seventy patients with rHGG undergone CyberKnife radiosurgery were retrospectively analyzed. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoints included both progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events which was according to Common Toxicity Criteria Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 5. The prognostic value of key clinical features (age, performance status, planning target volume, dose, use of bevacizumab) were evaluated.Results: A total of 70 patients were included in the study. Forty patients were male and 30 were female. Forty-nine had an initial diagnosis of glioblastoma (GBM), and the rest (21) were confirmed to be WHO grade 3 gliomas. The median planning target volume (PTV) was 16.68 cm3 (0.81 – 121.96 cm3). The median prescribed dose was 24 Gy (12-30 Gy) in 4 fractions (2-6 fractions). Median baseline of Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) is 70 (40 - 90). With a median follow-up of 12.1 months, the median overall survival after salvage treatment was 17.6 months (19.5 and 14.6 months for grade 3 and 4 gliomas respectively; p = .039). No grade 3 or higher toxicities was recorded. Multivariate analysis showed that concurrent bevacizumab with radiosurgery and KPS>70 were favorable prognostic factors for grade 4 patients with HGG.Conclusions: Salvage CyberKnife radiosurgery showed a favorable outcome and acceptable toxicity for rHGG. A prospective phase II study (NCT04197492) is ongoing to further investigate the value of hypofractionated stereotactic radiosurgery (HSRS) in rHGG.