bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Company Rules: Sharia and its Transgressions in the Malay-Muslim Corporate Workplace
Authors: Sloane-White Patricia
Published: February 2019

How have premises concerning sharia been worked into discursive Malaysian space that exists beyond the courts, the bureaucracy, the home, and public and private space to exert authority and control over corporate workaday identities and behaviours? Some 21st-century Muslim company directors and owners have ‘Islamised’ the workplace, implementing sharia transformations of ibadat and munakahat to normalise and enforce among Muslim corporate employees the rules of what I call ‘personnel sharia‘. Using two stories of workplace fitna (sexual harassment), I provide a lens to view the changing sharia environment in Malaysia over the course of nearly two decades and explore the lived reality of corporate interventions over Muslim personnel. The premise of this article is that as certain workplaces in Malaysia become increasingly regulated by Islamic laws, work has become a sharia realm that is neither fully public nor fully private but borrows moralities and enforcements from both; in other words, a third space for sharia that affects employees in multiple ways, bridging their private and public lives and acting upon them both personally and as personnel. Thus, sharia in the corporation extends the state's bureaucratic authority over Muslim compliance into corporate space and relies on a premise that corporations, like religious officials and institutions, can enforce pious practice and even adjudicate sharia outcomes.
Shockwave Therapy Associated With Eccentric Strengthening for Achilles Insertional Tendinopathy: A Prospective Study
Authors: Mansur Nacime Salomão Barbachan , Baumfeld Tiago , Villalon Fernando , Aoyama Bruno Takeshi , Matsunaga Fabio Teruo , dos Santos Paulo Roberto Dias , dos Santos Bruno Schiefer , Tamaoki Marcel Jun Sugawara
Published: February 2019

Background. The usual initial treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy is nonsurgical. Yet there is no standard conservative treatment for Achilles insertional tendinopathy. Shockwave therapy (SWT) has become a reliable option for the management of this illness over the past years. The aim of this study is to report the effectiveness of low-energy SWT associated with an eccentric strengthening protocol in 19 consecutive patients. Methods. This is a prospective study with 19 patients aged between 26 and 72 years diagnosed with insertional Achilles tendinopathy. The protocol consisted of SWT associated with eccentric exercises for 12 weeks. All patients were evaluated on the first day and after 24 weeks (final follow-up) with the Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles (VISA-A) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire, and by algometry. At the last follow-up, patients were also assessed for adherence to the protocol, complications and final outcome (in their perception as success or fail). Results and Conclusion. Fifteen (79%) patients were fully adherent to the Alfredson protocol, and 13 (68%) patients considered the treatment protocol successful. At the last evaluation, patients demanded higher pressure on calcaneus to trigger pain (algometry 1), reported less pain when the algometer was applied with 3 kg (algometry 2), had less global pain (VAS), and had higher AOFAS and VISA-A scores. This study evidences that eccentric loading associated with SWT can dramatically improve patients’ symptoms. We can conclude that eccentric loading associated with SWT is an effective treatment for Achilles insertional tendinopathy.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III: Prospective cohort
Syndesmotic Fixation With Suture Button: Neurovascular Structures at Risk: A Cadaver Study
Authors: Lehtonen Eva J. , Pinto Martim C. , Patel Harshadkumar A. , Dahlgren Nicholas , Abyar Eildar , Shah Ashish
Published: February 2019

Objectives: The objective of this study was to describe the anatomic variations in the saphenous nerve and risk of direct injury to the saphenous nerve and greater saphenous vein during syndesmotic suture button fixation. Methods: Under fluoroscopic guidance, syndesmotic suture buttons were placed from lateral to medial at 1, 2, and 3 cm above the tibial plafond on 10 below-knee cadaver leg specimens. The distance and position of each button from the greater saphenous vein and saphenous nerve were evaluated. Results: The mean distance of the saphenous nerve to the suture buttons at 1, 2, and 3 cm were 7.1 ± 5.6, 6.5 ± 4.6, and 6.1 ± 4.2, respectively. Respective rate of nerve compression was as follows, 20% at 1 cm, 20% at 2 cm, and 10% at 3 cm. Mean distance of the greater saphenous vein from the suture buttons at 1, 2, and 3 cm was 8.6 ± 7.1, 9.1 ± 5.3, and 7.9 ± 4.9 mm, respectively. Respective rate of vein compression was 20%, 10%, and 10%. A single nerve branch was identified in 7 specimens, and 2 branches were identified in 3 specimens. Conclusion: There was at least one case of injury to the saphenous vein and nerve at every level of button insertion at a rate of 10% to 20%. Neurovascular injury may occur despite vigilant use of fluoroscopy and adequate surgical technique. Further investigation into the use of direct medial visualization of these high-risk structures should be done to minimize the risk.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level II: Prospective, comparative study
Functional Outcomes After Fracture-Dislocation of the Ankle
Authors: Tantigate Direk , Ho Gavin , Kirschenbaum Joshua , Bäcker Henrik C. , Asherman Benjamin , Freibott Christina , Greisberg Justin K , Vosseller J. Turner
Published: February 2019

Background. Fracture dislocation of the ankle represents a substantial injury to the bony and soft tissue structures of the ankle. There has been only limited reporting of functional outcome of ankle fracture-dislocations. This study aimed to compare functional outcome after open reduction internal fixation in ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Methods. A retrospective chart review of surgically treated ankle fractures over a 3- year period was performed. Demographic data, type of fracture, operative time and complications were recorded. Of 118 patients eligible for analysis, 33 (28%) sustained a fracture-dislocation. Mean patient age was 46.6 years; 62 patients, who had follow-up of at least 12 months, were analyzed for functional outcome assessed by the Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS). The median follow-up time was 37 months. Demographic variables and FAOS were compared between ankle fractures with and without dislocation. Results. The average age of patients sustaining fracture-dislocation was greater (53 vs 44 years, P = .017); a greater percentage were female (72.7% vs 51.8%, P = .039) and diabetic (24.2% vs 7.1%, P = .010). Wound complications were similar between both groups. FAOS was generally poorer in the fracture-dislocation group, although only the pain subscale demonstrated statistical significance (76 vs 92, P = .012). Conclusion. Ankle fracture-dislocation occurred more frequently in patients who were older, female, and diabetic. At a median of just > 3-year follow-up, functional outcomes in fracture-dislocations were generally poorer; the pain subscale of FAOS was worse in a statistically significant fashion.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level III
A Thin Slice of Science Communication: Are People’s Evaluations of TED Talks Predicted by Superficial Impressions of the Speakers?
Authors: Gheorghiu Ana I. , Callan Mitchell J. , Skylark William J.
Published: February 2019

First impressions based on physical characteristics and superficial information predict a wide variety of social judgments and outcomes. We build on recent work examining the effects of such impressions on the communication of scientific research and ideas to the general public. A large diverse sample viewed and evaluated scientific TED talks, while a separate group viewed short, silent excerpts of each video and judged the speakers on three core sociocognitive traits: competence, morality, and sociability. Neither the perceived scientific quality nor the entertainment value of the talks was meaningfully predicted by the thin-slice judgments; likewise, they were independent of the speakers’ age, gender, ethnicity, and attractiveness. We propose that these null results arise because the influence of superficial visual cues was overwhelmed by the wealth of more diagnostic information and by our participants’ attentiveness to this information. Our results suggest limits to the predictive power of superficial impressions.
Novel insights into glucocorticoid replacement therapy for pediatric and adult adrenal insufficiency
Authors: Oprea Alina , Bonnet Nicolas C. G. , Pollé Olivier , Lysy Philippe A.
Published: February 2019

Adrenal insufficiency is defined as impaired adrenocortical hormone synthesis. According to its source, the deficit is classified as primary (adrenal steroidogenesis impairment), secondary (pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone deficit) or tertiary (hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing hormone deficit). The management of adrenal insufficiency resides primarily in physiological replacement of glucocorticoid secretion. Standard glucocorticoid therapy is shrouded in several controversies. Along the difficulties arising from the inability to accurately replicate the pulsatile circadian cortisol rhythm, come the uncertainties of dose adjustment and treatment monitoring (absence of reliable biomarkers). Furthermore, side effects of inadequate replacement significantly hinder the quality of life of patients. Therefore, transition to circadian hydrocortisone therapy gains prominence. Recent therapeutic advancements consist of oral hydrocortisone modified-release compounds (immediate, delayed and sustained absorption formulations) or continuous subcutaneous hydrocortisone infusion. In addition to illustrating the current knowledge on conventional glucocorticoid regimens, this review outlines the latest research outcomes. We also describe the management of pediatric patients and suggest a novel strategy for glucocorticoid replacement therapy in adults.
‘Energy wars’: Global PR and public debate in the 21st century
Authors: Demetrious Kristin
Published: February 2019

‘Hashtags’, ‘trending topics’, ‘mentions’ ‘likes, ‘retweets’: the 21st century is distinctive for a range of new communication technologies, social practices and discourses that have framed public debate as “authentic”, “participatory”, “empowering” and “organic”. In this article, I explore a 21st century public relations (PR) campaign that is promoting neoliberal “solutions” to complex social and environmental problems, namely Burson-Marsteller’s 2014 campaign for coal industry client, Peabody Energy. The ‘Advanced Energy for Life’ (AEFL) ‘comprehensive global campaign’ to promote the idea of ‘clean coal’ in the alleviation of ‘energy poverty’ is but one in a succession of campaigns deployed by the coal industry since the 1980s. This article examines the reception of the AEFL campaign in Australia from January 2014 to March 2017. In doing so, it traces the movement of campaign tropes in the public sphere as well as prominent Twitter activity. It asks what purpose did the tropes serve and how they propelled debate. It also asks if resistance on Twitter can disrupt the ‘long period of suspended animation’ in public debate on energy policy. In tackling these questions with a critical lens, it aims to develop a greater understanding of the influence of global PR campaigns such as Peabody’s AEFL in public debate in contemporary settings.
The metanarrative of rural environmentalism: Rhetorical activism in Bold Nebraska’s Harvest the Hope
Authors: Moscato Derek
Published: February 2019

The ongoing, decade-long fight against the Keystone XL Pipeline in the state of Nebraska has incorporated traditional levers of public relations such as media relations and lobbying but has also borrowed from the long-standing tradition of rhetorical activism within U.S. environmental history. Through Fisher’s narrative paradigm, a rhetorical analysis of Bold Nebraska’s Harvest the Hope music festival is provided to understand the role of symbolic appeals in building an environmental activism metanarrative or master frame. Such an analysis shows how the social movement organization communicates to its members and mass audiences through a non-traditional communication approach such as the benefit rock concert. As a site of public relations study, Bold Nebraska’s music festival activism draws from mainstream, alternative, and Indigenous cultural artifacts, symbols, and histories in contesting existing metanarratives. With its incorporation of historical ecological symbols and rhetorical tropes, Harvest the Hope helped attendees and audiences make sense of both the organization and the movement in which they found themselves a part of. By bringing rural and Indigenous communities together, it justified Bold Nebraska’s broader pipeline activism and helped audiences see the project through the lens of a broader, rural-based coalition.
“If my family is happy, then I am happy”: Quality-of-life determinants of parents of school-age children
Authors: Eck Kaitlyn M , Delaney Colleen L , Olfert Melissa D , Shelnutt Karla P , Byrd-Bredbenner Carol
Published: February 2019

Objective:

Obesity is a public health concern for children and adults and effective obesity prevention programming is needed urgently. The effectiveness of health-related messaging and interventions is influenced by the way content is framed. HomeStyles is an obesity prevention program, which aims to promote health through the frame of improved quality of life.

Methods:

Thus, focus groups were conducted with English- and Spanish-speaking parents of school-aged children (ages 6–11) to identify key quality-of-life determinants as described by parents.

Results:

Parents (n = 158) reported that their quality of life was influenced by family happiness and parent and child health (e.g. adequate sleep, exercise, healthy diet). Many parents expressed that their busy schedules and lack of family time were detrimental to their quality of life. Work–life balance and financial stability were other factors commonly noted to impact quality of life. Spanish-speaking parents also reported being undocumented and feeling a lack of a sense of community negatively influenced their quality of life.

Conclusion:

Considering parent-defined quality-of-life determinants when framing health-related messaging and developing interventions may increase participant interest and ultimately improve health-related behaviors. Next steps in the HomeStyles project include using parent-reported quality-of-life determinants to guide the development of intervention materials.
Soothing Your Heart and Feeling Connected: A New Experimental Paradigm to Study the Benefits of Self-Compassion
Authors: Kirschner Hans , Kuyken Willem , Wright Kim , Roberts Henrietta , Brejcha Claire , Karl Anke
Published: February 2019

Self-compassion and its cultivation in psychological interventions are associated with improved mental health and well-being. However, the underlying processes for this are not well understood. We randomly assigned 135 participants to study the effect of two short-term self-compassion exercises on self-reported-state mood and psychophysiological responses compared to three control conditions of negative (rumination), neutral, and positive (excitement) valence. Increased self-reported-state self-compassion, affiliative affect, and decreased self-criticism were found after both self-compassion exercises and the positive-excitement condition. However, a psychophysiological response pattern of reduced arousal (reduced heart rate and skin conductance) and increased parasympathetic activation (increased heart rate variability) were unique to the self-compassion conditions. This pattern is associated with effective emotion regulation in times of adversity. As predicted, rumination triggered the opposite pattern across self-report and physiological responses. Furthermore, we found partial evidence that physiological arousal reduction and parasympathetic activation precede the experience of feeling safe and connected.
The Cost-Effectiveness of Multigene Panel Testing for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Norway
Authors: Asphaug Lars , Melberg Hans Olav
Published: February 2019

Background. Expansion of routine genetic testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer from conventional BRCA testing to a multigene test could improve diagnostic yield and increase the opportunity for cancer prevention in both identified carriers and their relatives. We use an economic decision model to assess whether the current knowledge on non- BRCA mutation prevalence, cancer risk, and patient preferences justifies switching to a multigene panel for testing of early-onset breast cancer patients. Methods. We evaluated routine testing by BRCA testing, a 7-gene panel, and a 14-gene panel using individual-level simulations of annual health state transitions over a lifetime perspective. Breast and ovarian cancer incidence is reduced and posttreatment survival is improved when high-risk mutations are detected and risk-reducing treatment offered. Most model inputs were synthesized from published literature. Intermediate health outcomes included breast and ovarian cancer incidence rates, along with organ-specific cancer mortality. Cost-effectiveness outcomes were health sector costs and quality-adjusted life years. Results. Intermediate health outcomes improved by testing with multigene panels. At a cost-effectiveness threshold of $77,000, a 7-gene panel test with five non- BRCA genes was the optimal strategy with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of $53,310 per quality-adjusted life year compared to BRCA-only testing. Limitations. Unable to stratify carriers to specific mutations within genes, we can only make predictions on the gene level, with combined risk estimates for known variants. As mutation prevalence is the absolute upper bound of returns to more expansive testing, the rarity of modelled mutations makes analysis outcomes sensitive to model implementation. Conclusions. A 7-gene panel to diagnose hereditary breast and ovarian cancer in early-onset breast cancer patients can be a cost-effective alternative to current BRCA-only testing in Norway.
American Society for Enhanced Recovery and Perioperative Quality Initiative-4 Joint Consensus Statement on Persistent Postoperative Opioid Use: Definition, Incidence, Risk Factors, and Health Care System Initiatives
Authors: Kent Michael L. , Hurley Robert W. , Oderda Gary M. , Gordon Debra B. , Sun Eric , Mythen Monty , Miller Timothy E. , Shaw Andrew D. , Gan Tong J. , Thacker Julie K. M. , McEvoy Matthew D.
Published: February 2019

Persistent postoperative opioid use is thought to contribute to the ongoing opioid epidemic in the United States. However, efforts to study and address the issue have been stymied by the lack of a standard definition, which has also hampered efforts to measure the incidence of and risk factors for persistent postoperative opioid use. The objective of this systematic review is to (1) determine a clinically relevant definition of persistent postoperative opioid use, and (2) characterize its incidence and risk factors for several common surgeries. Our approach leveraged a group of international experts from the Perioperative Quality Initiative-4, a consensus-building conference that included representation from anesthesiology, surgery, and nursing. A search of the medical literature yielded 46 articles addressing persistent postoperative opioid use in adults after arthroplasty, abdominopelvic surgery, spine surgery, thoracic surgery, mastectomy, and thoracic surgery. In opioid-naïve patients, the overall incidence ranged from 2% to 6% based on moderate-level evidence. However, patients who use opioids preoperatively had an incidence of >30%. Preoperative opioid use, depression, factors associated with the diagnosis of substance use disorder, preoperative pain, and tobacco use were reported risk factors. In addition, while anxiety, sex, and psychotropic prescription are associated with persistent postoperative opioid use, these reports are based on lower level evidence. While few articles addressed the health policy or prescriber characteristics that influence persistent postoperative opioid use, efforts to modify prescriber behaviors and health system characteristics are likely to have success in reducing persistent postoperative opioid use.
Low-Dose Intrathecal Ziconotide for Spasticity From Primary Lateral Sclerosis: A Case Report
Authors: Zhu Xiaoying , Kohan Lynn R. , Goldstein Robert B.
Published: February 2019

Spasticity can be very debilitating and painful. We present a case of severe spasticity from primary lateral sclerosis refractory to intrathecal baclofen in doses up to 1100 μg/d. Baclofen was weaned down and switched to intrathecal ziconotide at 0.6 μg/d. The dose was then titrated up to 3 μg/d with excellent control of spasticity. This case suggests that low-dose intrathecal ziconotide should be considered in patients with lower extremity spasticity refractory to intrathecal baclofen.
Polarisation signals: a new currency for communication
Authors: Marshall N. Justin , Powell Samuel B. , Cronin Thomas W. , Caldwell Roy L. , Johnsen Sonke , Gruev Viktor , Chiou T.-H. Short , Roberts Nicholas W. , How Martin J.
Published: February 2019

Most polarisation vision studies reveal elegant examples of how animals, mainly the invertebrates, use polarised light cues for navigation, course-control or habitat selection. Within the past two decades it has been recognised that polarised light, reflected, blocked or transmitted by some animal and plant tissues, may also provide signals that are received or sent between or within species. Much as animals use colour and colour signalling in behaviour and survival, other species additionally make use of polarisation signalling, or indeed may rely on polarisation-based signals instead. It is possible that the degree (or percentage) of polarisation provides a more reliable currency of information than the angle or orientation of the polarised light electric vector (e-vector). Alternatively, signals with specific e-vector angles may be important for some behaviours. Mixed messages, making use of polarisation and colour signals, also exist. While our knowledge of the physics of polarised reflections and sensory systems has increased, the observational and behavioural biology side of the story needs more (and more careful) attention. This Review aims to critically examine recent ideas and findings, and suggests ways forward to reveal the use of light that we cannot see.
Internet-based measurement of visual assessment skill of trainee radiologists: developing a sensitive tool
Authors: Thirkettle Martin , Thyoka Mandela , Gopalan Padmini , Fernandes Nadiah , Stafford Tom , Offiah Amaka C
Published: February 2019

Objective:

Expert radiologists exhibit high levels of visual diagnostic accuracy from review of radiological images, doing so after accumulating years of training and experience. To train new radiologists, learning interventions must focus on the development of these skills. By developing a web-based measure of image assessment, a key part of visual diagnosis, we aimed to capture differences in the performance of expert, trainee and non-radiologists.

Methods:

12 consultant paediatric radiologists, 12 radiology registrars, and 39 medical students were recruited to the study. All participants completed a two-part, online task requiring them to visually assess 30 images (25 containing an abnormality) drawn from a library of 150 paediatric skeletal radiographs assessed prior to the study. Participants first identified whether an image contained an abnormality, and then clicked within the image to mark its location. Performance measures of identification accuracy, localisation precision, and task time were collected.

Results:

Despite the difficulties of web-based testing, large differences in performance, both in terms of the accuracy of abnormality identification and in the precision of abnormality localisation were found between groups, with consultant radiologists the most accurate both at identifying images containing abnormalities (p < 0.001) and at localising abnormalities on the images (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Our data demonstrate that an online measurement of radiological skill is sufficiently sensitive to detect group level changes in performance consistent with the development of expertise.

Advances in knowledge:

The developed tool will allow future studies assessing the impact of different training strategies on cognitive performance and diagnostic accuracy.
Increasing self-efficacy through immersive simulations: Leading professional learning communities.
Authors: Gilbert Kristen A. , Voelkel Robert H. , Johnson Christie W.
Published: February 2019

Research suggests effective immersive simulations that rely on augmented reality enhance teachers’ self-efficacy and skills (Badiee & Kauffman, 2015). However, there is a gap in the literature as studies have largely ignored their uses in educational leadership programs (Bradley & Kendall, 2015). This study investigated the relationship between application of critical skills within an immersive simulation environment and 26 school or district leaders’ perceptions of self-efficacy in leading a professional learning community (PLC). Two overarching themes materialized from participants: improved general confidence in leading a PLC, and a sense of refined or expanded skills in the context of new approaches to leading PLC. Further studies are needed on the use of immersive simulation as a pedagogical tool and to examine impact for educational leadership practitioners.
Zinc, calcium, protein, lead, mercury, and the sensorics quality of cireng snacks supplemented with blood cockle (Anadara granosa)
Authors: SOLANG MARGARETHA , LAMONDO DJUNA , KUMAJI SYAM S.
Published: February 2019

Solang M, Lamondo D, Kumaji SS. 2017. Zinc, calcium, protein, lead, mercury, and the sensorics quality of cireng snacks supplemented with blood cockle (Anadara granosa). Nusantara Bioscience 9: 385-391. Blood cockle (Anadara granosa) is a potential nutritious food with high economic value. This study aims at evaluating the level of zinc, calcium, protein, mercury, lead, and the sensorics quality of cireng (traditional Indonesian snack made from fried-tapioca flour dipped into sauces) supplemented with blood cockle. This study used complete randomised design, where the treatment factors consisted of flour made from blood cockles to supplement the flour used in making the cireng snacks. The concentration of the treatment factors were 0%, 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. The data were analyzed using the One Way ANOVA test and LSD test. This study shows that blood cocklesâ€™ supplementation significantly increases the level of protein (p=0.05), zinc (p=0.031), calcium (p= 0.016), lead (0.000), mercury (p= 0.022) of the cireng snacks. Supplementation of blood cockles has increased the preference toward cirengâ€™s flavor, aroma, and color by 10%, whereas the level of preference toward the texture of cireng which used the blood cockle has increased by 20% compared to cireng product with non-supplemented flour. The level of lead (Pb), and Mercury (Hg) are below the Indonesian National Standard (SNI). Supplementation of blood cockles from Gorontalo in the flour used in making the cireng snacks produced snacks with a better nutrition value and safe to consume. Also, the flavor, color, texture, and aroma are acceptable.
Laboratory Studies on the Host Preference of Cotton Mealybug ‘Phenacoccussolenopsis’ Tinsely (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in Khartoum State, Sudan
Authors: Mohamed Adam Abubaker Haroun , Mohamed Nawal Ahmed , Taha Awad KhalafAlla
Published: February 2019

Cotton mealybug (Phenacoccussolenopsis) is a serious devastating pest which goes on a wide array of plant families. The pest spread all over the world from cool to dry hot regions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the food preference and behavior of P. solenopsis Tinseley (Hemiptera:Pseudococcidae) towards selected host plants in Khartoum State, Sudan, where a multi-choice experiment under laboratory conditions was adopted. Eight plant species were screened for attractiveness and food preference to Cotton mealybug. Where the proportions of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nymphal instars and the adult females were recorded at 2, 8 and 24 hours after release, and compared with Chinese rose (Rosa chinensis) the control. The result revealed that the proportions of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd nymphal instars and adult females were maximum on plants of family Malvaceae, particularly the Okra (Hibiscus esculentus) followed by Cotton (Gossypium sp.) and Hambouk (Abutilon pannosum) as compared with the control. However, in contrast, the proportions were very low on unpalatable plants like Zaleya (Locally known as Raba) (Zaleyapentandra) and Eggplant (Solanum melongenaL.). However, in contrast, the proportions were very low on unpalatable plants like Zaleya (Locally known as Raba) (Zaleya pentandra) and Eggplant (SolanummelongenaL.). In conclusion, the most favorable host plants of the Cotton mealybug belonging to the family Malvaceae, while the families of Solanaceae [Egg plant (SolanummelongenaL.)] and Aizoaceae (Raba) were found to be the least preferred host plants.
Fighting for Migrant Workers in Hong Kong
Authors: Lestari Eni , Li Promise
Published: February 2019

The precarious state of migrant workers has become a major area of concern for the contemporary global economy. In Southeast Asian regions in particular, the number of migrant workers has spiked since the 1990s. In the city of Hong Kong, domestic migrant workers, predominantly Filipino and Indonesian women, now make up around a tenth of the total working population. Since the beginning of Southeast Asia's labor diaspora, activists have been fiercely organizing against the rampant exploitation and abuse of migrant workers.
Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) Approach for Selecting Solar Plants Site and Technology: A Review
Authors: Ghasempour Roghayeh , Alhuyi Nazari Mohammad , Ebrahimi Morteza , Ahmadi Mohammad Hossein , Hadiyanto H.
Published: February 2019

Renewable energies have many advantages and their importance is rising owing to gravely mounting concerns for environmental issues and lack of fossil fuels in the future. Solar energy, well acknowledged as an inexhaustible source of energy, is developing dramatically for different purposes such as desalination and electricity generation. Appropriate solar power plant is very important factor for power generation due to its cost and other constraints. The applied technology is as important as the solar power plants location.  In this paper, a wide variety multi criteria decision making (MCDM) methods, investigated by various researchers, are presented to obtain effective criteria in selecting solar plants sites and solar plants technologies. There is not any comprehensive research providing all required criteria for decision making for site and technology selection. Based on the reviewed researches, weight of each criterion depends on many factors such as region, economy, accessibility, power network, maintenance costs, operating costs, etc. The important criteria for site selection are represented and investigated thoroughly in this review paper.© 2019. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reservedArticle History: Received June 17th 2017; Received in revised form March 7th 2018; Accepted June 16th 2018; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Ghasempour, R., Nazari, M.A., Ebrahimi, M., Ahmadi, M.H. and Hadiyanto, H. (2019) Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM ) Approach for Selecting Solar Plants Site and Technology: A Review. Int Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 8(1), 15-25.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.8.1.15-25
Design, Analysis and Optimization of a Hybrid Microgrid System Using HOMER Software: Eskişehir Osmangazi University Example
Authors: Çetinbaş İpek , Tamyürek Bünyamin , Demirtaş Mehmet
Published: February 2019

This study presents design, performance analysis, and optimization of a hybrid microgrid for the hospital complex located on Eskişehir Osmangazi University (ESOGU) campus using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Energy Resources (HOMER) software. Solar energy potential of the campus and the real electricity consumption of the hospital collected over one-year period were used in the design of the microgrid. The optimization takes into account the overall performance and the economic feasibility of the microgrid system over its lifetime. The designed microgrid consisting of photovoltaic (PV) modules, diesel generators, batteries, converters, and loads is configured as a grid-connected hybrid system. In order to optimize the system, PV module failures, increase in demand, increase in fuel cost of diesel generators, and mains interruptions are defined as performance variables and realistically modelled in the HOMER simulation. Later, both the individual and the combined effects of these variables on the performance of the microgrid was investigated via simulation using five operating scenarios. The objective was to obtain reliable data from the microgrid design that reflects the realistic operation of microgrid over its 25-years of service time. Simulation results have shown that the economic feasibility and the performance of the microgrid are greatly affected by these factors. For example, in a worst case scenario where all variables are acting together, net present cost increases to 40.44%, cost of energy increases to 21.92%, and operating cost rises to 53.91%. Moreover, the results show a reduction up to 33.30% in the portion of energy that is directly transferred from renewable sources to the load. The simulation results were then used to optimize the design of the microgrid system for the best overall performance. In conclusion, it was demonstrated that the proposed hybrid microgrid system supplies the energy demand of the hospital, lowers the cost of electricity consumption, provides a reasonable payback time, and the best of all, it contributes to the clean campus concept.©2019. CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reserved   Article History: Received May 16th 2018; Received in revised form October 18th 2018; Accepted December 16th 2018; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Çetinbaş, I., Tamyürek, B., and Demirtaş, M. (2019) Design, Analysis, and Optimization of a Hybrid Microgrid System Using HOMER Software: Eskişehir Osmangazi University Example. Int. Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 8(1), 65-79.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.8.1.65-79
Fractional Order Sliding Mode Control of PMSG-Wind Turbine Exploiting Clean Energy Resource
Authors: Khan Muhammad Waseem , Wang Jie , Xiong Linyun , Ma Meiling
Published: February 2019

The extensive application of permanent magnet synchronous generator (PMSG) based wind energy conversion system (WECS) has attracted growing interests of power researchers on its control and operation. This paper aims to propose a kind of fractional order sliding mode based (FOSM) power output control scheme of PMSG based WECS with fast exponential reaching law (FERL). The FERL based FOSM control technique proves to be better capable of attenuating the level of the chattering phenomenon with faster convergence speed. The boost converter and the neutral point clamped inverter, both of which are utilized to connect the PMSG and the power grid, are controlled with the proposed FOSM control scheme. Furthermore, the direct and quadrature grid current are tracked, which leads to the control of the active and reactive power output. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified with an 8kW wind turbine simulation and the test results indicate that the proposed method can better track the reference value of active and reactive power. In addition to that, the total harmonic distortion level of the grid current is largely mitigated.©2019.CBIORE-IJRED. All rights reservedArticle History: Received June 2nd  2018; Received in revised form October 6th 2018; Accepted January 7th 2019; Available onlineHow to Cite This Article: Khan, M.W., Wang, J., Xiong, L. and Ma, M. (2019). Fractional Order Sliding Mode Control of PMSG-Wind Turbine Exploiting Clean Energy Resource. International Journal of Renewable Energy Development, 8(1), 81-89.https://doi.org/10.14710/ijred.8.1.81-89
Interrelation Between Tensile Properties of Yarns and Woven Fabrics with These Yarns
Authors: Kumpikaitė Eglė , Tautkutė-Stankuvienė Indrė , Redeckienė Dovilė
Published: February 2019

The main parameters of tensile tests for fabrics and yarns are the breaking force and the elongation at break. The aim of this investigation was to find the relation between the tensile properties of yarns and woven fabrics for different natural raw materials. Manmade bamboo, natural single flax, blended plied flax and natural silk yarns, plied combed cotton yarns, blended plied cotton, and polyester yarns were used for the research. The warp of almost all fabrics, except of one fabric, was from flax. This fabric was woven using blended flax and silk yarns in the warp. Weft yarns were more various – yarns of one kind were used in the weft for certain fabrics; yarns of two kinds were used in 1:1 repeats in other fabrics. It was established that the breaking force for both woven fabrics and yarns increases when the elongation at break increases. The relationships between the tensile parameters of yarns and woven fabrics were established. The results showed weak dependence between the tensile parameters of yarns and fabrics because the coefficients of determination of the dependences are small.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor fluvoxamine ameliorates stress- and NSAID-induced peptic ulcer possibly by involving Hsp70
Authors: Khotib Junaidi , Rahmadi Mahardian , Ardianto Chrismawan , Nisak Khoirotin , Oktavia Rianur , Ratnasari Ayu , Dinintia Yunita , Shinta Dewi Wara , Aryani Toetik , Suharjono
Published: February 2019

Background

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have recently become potential candidates for a new therapeutic approach to ulcer and gastric bleeding. Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) plays an important role in cellular resistance to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, there is lack of evidence that fluvoxamine recruits Hsp70 to affect stress-induced gastric ulcer. Therefore, we investigated the effect of fluvoxamine on NSAID- and stress-induced gastric ulcer and the possible involvement of Hsp70.

Methods

ICR mice were used in the study. Stress induction was made by the water-immersion-plus-restraint method. NSAID-induced gastric ulcer was produced by oral administration of indomethacin. Fluvoxamine was given orally 30 min before stress induction and indomethacin treatment.

Results

Stress and indomethacin treatment significantly increased the ulcer index and intraluminal bleeding score. Stress and indomethacin treatment also significantly increased the expression of Hsp70. Fluvoxamine significantly decreased the ulcer index and intraluminal bleeding in both ulcer models. Moreover, fluvoxamine further increased the expression of Hsp70 in the gastric tissue of stress- and indomethacin-treated mice.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that fluvoxamine may have a protective effect against stress- as well as NSAID-induced gastric ulcer. In addition, the present study suggests the possible involvement of Hsp70 in the amelioration of gastric ulcer by fluvoxamine.
Comparison of the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices among traumatic comatose patients: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Bahonar Elahe , Najafi Ghezeljeh Tahereh , Haghani Hamid
Published: February 2019

Background

Traumatic comatose patients may experience disturbances in hemodynamic indices due to the nature of their disorder. This study aimed to compare the effects of nature sounds and reflexology on hemodynamic indices in traumatic comatose patients.

Methods

This randomized clinical trial using a factorial design was conducted on 120 traumatic comatose patients in two teaching hospitals in two urban areas of Iran. The patients were selected using a sequential sampling method and assigned into randomized quadruple blocks as control, nature sounds, reflexology and nature sounds-reflexology (combined) groups. The interventions were performed twice daily in two consecutive days lasting 30 min each time. The hemodynamic indices were measured before, and immediately, 30 min, and 2 h after the intervention using calibrated monitors. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including one-way ANOVA, Scheffe ad hoc, repeated measure ANOVA, Bonferroni ad hoc Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact tests were used for data analysis via the SPSS software V.16.

Results

Significant differences were reported in terms of the mean arterial pressure between the control and reflexology groups (p=0.002), and the combined group (p=0.008) immediately after the interventions. The combined group showed statistically differences in systolic blood pressure compared to the nature sounds (p=0.007) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions. The nature sounds group showed differences in the pulse rate from the reflexology (p=0.048) and control (p=0.015) groups 30 min after the interventions in the second day.

Conclusions

While the immediate effects of the interventions on induction of the feeling of relaxation and tranquility, and reduction of hemodynamic indices were reported, they diminished over time. Nature sounds and reflexology as low-cost and relaxing tranquilizing methods can be used for the reduction of tension and improvement of hemodynamic indices among traumatic comatose patients.
Clinical, biochemical, and molecular spectrum of short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency: two new cases and review of literature
Authors: Porta Francesco , Chiesa Nicoletta , Martinelli Diego , Spada Marco
Published: February 2019

Background

Short/branched-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SBCAD) deficiency is a rare inborn error of metabolism with uncertain clinical significance. As it leads to C5-carnitine (i.e. isovalerylcarnitine, 2methylbutyrilcarnitine, or pivaloylcarnitine) elevation, SBCAD deficiency is detectable at newborn screening, requiring differential diagnosis from isovaleric acidemia and pivalic acid administration. Increased urinary excretion of 2-methylbutyrylglycine (2MBG) is the hallmark of SBCAD deficiency.

Methods

We report two cases of SBCAD deficiency and provide a review of the available literature on this condition.

Results

Two siblings newly diagnosed with SBCAD deficiency are reported. Newborn screening allowed the early diagnosis in the second-born (C5=0.5 μmol/L, normal 0.05–0.3 μmol/L) and addressed selective screening in the 5-year asymptomatic brother (C5=1.9 μmol/L). Both patients showed increased urinary excretion of 2MBG and two mutations in the ACADSB gene (c.443C>T/c.1145C>T). Currently, both the patients are asymptomatic. Longitudinal biochemical monitoring of the two patients while on treatment with carnitine (100 mg/kg/day) was provided. Based on our experience and the literature review (162 patients), SBCAD deficiency is symptomatic in about 10% of reported patients. Clinical onset occurs in newborns or later in life with seizures, developmental delay, hypotonia, and failure to thrive. On longitudinal follow-up, epilepsy, developmental delay, microcephaly, and autism can develop. Acute metabolic decompensation due to catabolic stressors can occur, as observed in one newly reported patient. Fifteen mutations in the ACADSB gene are known, including the newly identified variant c.1145C>T (p.Thr382Met), variably associated to the phenotype. In the Hmong population, SBCAD deficiency is highly prevalent, mostly due to the founder mutation c.1165A>G, and is largely asymptomatic.

Conclusions

Although mostly asymptomatic, considering SBCAD deficiency as a non-disease in non-Hmong subjects appears unsafe. Catabolic situations can precipitate acute metabolic decompensation. Carnitine supplementation and valproate avoidance appear to be indicated. Providing an emergency protocol for the management of acute catabolic episodes seems reasonable in asymptomatic patients with SBCAD deficiency. Longitudinal follow-up is recommended.
Continuous infusion vs. intermittent flushing of peripheral cannulas in neonates using a needleless connector: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Hoff Rieka , Vervisch Karolien , De Coen Kris , Smets Koenraad
Published: February 2019

Objective

To compare the duration of patency of peripheral intravenous cannulas between continuous infusion and intermittent flushing, while using a needleless intravenous connector in newborns admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Methods

This is a prospective cohort study, including neonates admitted to the NICU who needed a peripheral intravenous cannula for intermittent administration of intravenous medication. In the first period, neonates received continuous peripheral infusion with NaCl 0.9% at 0.2 mL/h. In the second period, cannulas were flushed with NaCl 0.9% (0.5 mL before and 0.3 mL after the administration of intravenous medication).

Results

A total of 113 neonates (210 cannulas) were included in the study, 55 received continuous peripheral infusion and 58 received intermittent flushing. Intermittent flushing resulted in a significantly longer duration of cannula patency compared to continuous infusion (geometric mean 47.1 vs. 35.4 h, P=0.041). The incidence of extravasation was higher with continuous infusion (68.9% vs. 43.2%; P=0.001), while occlusion was more common with intermittent flushing (28.4% vs. 6.6%; P=0.002).

Conclusions

Intermittent flushing of peripheral cannulas (using needleless intravenous connectors) results in longer cannula patency compared to continuous infusion, in neonates requiring only intermittent administration of medication.
Acoustic Instability with Dynamic Charging in Quantum Plasmas
Authors: Rasheed A. , Zubia K. , Rubina A. , Jamil M.
Published: February 2019

The time-dependent charging phenomenon of dust particles is timely studied in quantum plasmas with low frequency dust dynamical temporal scales referred to as dust acoustic waves. The quantum effects are incorporated through Fermi pressure, exchange-correlation potential as well as the Bohm potential. The quantum fluid model is employed in getting the dispersion relation pointing to the damping instability. The damping instability is analysed across the whole spectrum k, on varying ion-thermal temperature, electron number density and the dust radii. The applications of this work are pointed out in the laboratory and the astrophysical dense plasma systems.
Design of enzymatic cascade processes for the production of low-priced chemicals
Authors: Ruales-Salcedo Angela Viviana , Higuita Juan Carlos , Fontalvo Javier , Woodley John M.
Published: February 2019

While the application of enzymes to synthetic and industrial problems continues to grow, the major development today is focused on multi-enzymatic cascades. Such systems are particularly attractive, because many commercially available enzymes operate under relatively similar operating conditions. This opens the possibility of one-pot operation with multiple enzymes in a single reactor. In this paper the concept of modules is introduced whereby groups of enzymes are combined in modules, each operating in a single reactor, but with the option of various operating strategies to avoid any complications of nonproductive interactions between the enzymes, substrates or products in a given reactor. In this paper the selection of modules is illustrated using the synthesis of the bulk chemical, gluconic acid, from lignocellulosic waste.