bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
THE PORTRAYAL OF SOCIO- CULTURAL ISSUES IN AKHIL SHARMA’S AN OBEDIENT FATHER
Authors: Deivasigamani T. , Sharmila K. N.
Published: October 2019

Purpose of the Study: The aim of this paper is to explore the portrayal of socio-cultural issues in Akhil Sharma’s novel, An Obedient Father and the issues of cultural identity tormenting situations and incidents in a family and in their relationship with one another.

Methodology: The research paper proposes to make use of the writings of Akhil Sharma’s novel, An Obedient Father through ground study with references drawn from a cultural perspective. The secondary data included related articles and web sources related to diaspora and cultural studies. The secondary data obtained help the researcher arrive at important inference and conclusion. The present paper analyses the cultural issues and problems faced by the characters and concentrates on the specific techniques and styles used by the novelist.

Main Findings: The finding of the study is that Sharma integrates conventional Indian ideologies born out of a colonial past with an unknown future, depicting the cultural trauma and the problems of survival It also brings out socio-cultural issues through the major characters particularly the protagonist Ram Karan reflects the contemporary modern man’s corrupted personality. It also focuses on how the modern man breaks away from the age-old Indian tradition and culture and how Indian politics failed to maintain the traditional socio-cultural values.

Applications of the Study: When analyzing the cultural issues in An Obedient Father, the readers can understand that Sharma is a diaspora novelist and his characters face the problems of expatriation, immigration, dislocation, disorientation, and displacement. This study is very useful to the researchers in the field of Indian Literature, Diaspora Literature, and Cultural studies.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This paper highlights a realistic picture of contemporary India is portrayed by recording the changing Indian social and political scene with carefully creating the fictional characters for creative purposes. Sharma draws an acid-etched picture of modern Indian society, in which the corrupt political system victimizes all citizens.
Police Stops and Searches of Indigenous People in Minneapolis: The Roles of Race, Place, and Gender
Authors: Gorsuch Marina M. , Rho Deborah T.
Published: October 2019

We examine disparities in police stops, searches, and arrests of Native Americans in Minneapolis, a major metropolitan area with a substantial Native American population. During the study period, 1.42% of women in Minneapolis report their race as American Indian or Alaska Native, but the Minneapolis police report that 6.43% of police stops of women (including vehicle stops and non-vehicle stops) are Native American. Native American men comprise 1.51% of the male population and 3.29% of police stops of men. After they were stopped, 28% of Native American women were searched and 20% were arrested, over twice as often as women of any other race. The disproportionate stops of Native American women are concentrated in areas with high Native American residents.
Çay İçme Kültürünün Kişilerarası İletişime Katkısı
Authors: ÇALIŞIR Gülsüm , TÜRKAL İhsan , TÜRTEN Burak , KÜTÜKOĞLU Elif , ÖZARSLAN Caner
Published: October 2019

Çay, dünyada olduğu kadar ülkemizde
de en çok tüketilen içeceklerden birisi haline gelmiştir. Çayın vazgeçilmez
olması, onun aynı zamanda sohbetlerin de ortağı olmasına bağlıdır. İki kişi bir
araya geldiğinde bir çay söyleyip, iki lafın belini kırma derdine girer.
Kültürümüzde yaygın olan çay içme geleneği, özellikle çay ocaklarının,
kahvehanelerin ve kafeteryaların artmasıyla birlikte kişilerin birbirleriyle
kurdukları iletişimin de en değerli tanığı haline dönüşmüştür. Çay, iletişim ve kişilerarası
iletişime katkı sağlaması bakımından kültürümüzün önemli içeceklerinden
birisidir. Söz konusu bu içeceğin misafirlerimize ikram aşamasında ilk tercih
edilen içecek olması önemlidir. Yine çayın en çok tüketildiği mekânlardan olan
çay ocakları, kahvehaneler ve kafeteryalarda sohbetin başrol oyuncusu olması ve
kişilerarası iletişimdeki rolü tartışma götürmez bir gerçektir.

Bu düşüncelerden
hareketle çalışmada en fazla tüketildiği mekânlar başta olmak üzere, içildiği
her ortamda sohbetlerin başkahramanı olan çayın, kişilerarası iletişime ne
denli katkı sağladığı araştırılmıştır. Bu nedenle katılımcılara anket
uygulaması yapılmış ve çay içme kültürünün kişilerarası iletişime katkısı
incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın örneklemini Gümüşhane ve Erzurum illeri
oluşturmuştur. Böylelikle bu çalışmada adı geçen illerde gerçekleştirilen anket
sonucunda kültürümüzün bir uzantısı olan çayın, iletişim ve kişilerarası
iletişimde oynadığı role ait bilgiler elde edilmiştir.
About a complex operator exponential function of a complex operator argument main property
Authors: FOMIN Vasiliy I.
Published: October 2019

Operator functions e^A, sin B, cos B of the operator argument from the Banach algebra of bounded linear operators acting from E to E are considered in the Banach space E . For trigonometric operator functions sin B, cos B, formulas for the sine and cosine of the sum of the arguments are derived that are similar to the scalar case. In the proof of these formulas, the composition of ranges with operator terms in the form of Cauchy is used. The basic operator trigonometric identity is given. For a complex operator exponential function e^Z of an operator argument Z from the Banach algebra of complex operators, using the formulas for the cosine and sine of the sum, the main property of the exponential function is proved. Operator functions e^At , sin Bt, cos Bt, e^Zt of a real argument t∈(-∞;∞) are considered. The facts stated for the operator functions of the operator argument are transferred to these functions. In particular, the group property of the operator exponent e^Zt is given. The rule of differentiation of the function e^Zt is indicated. It is noted that the operator functions of the real argument t listed above are used in constructing a general solution of a linear n th order differential equation with constant bounded operator coefficients in a Banach space.
Role of Electromagnetics in Polarization Radar Development from 1970-1995: Personal Reflections
Authors: Bringi Viswanathan , Zrnic Dusan
Published: October 2019

The modern era of polarimetric radar begins with radiowave propagation research starting in the early 1970s with applications to measurement and modeling of wave attenuation in rain and depolarization due to ice particles along satellite-earth links. While there is a rich history of radar in meteorology after World War II, the impetus provided by radiowave propagation requirements lead to high quality antennas and feeds. Our journey starts by describing the key institutions and personnel responsible for development of weather radar polarimetry. The early period was dominated by circularly polarized radars for propagation research and at S-band for hail detection. By the mid-to late 70s, a paradigm shift occurred which led to the dominance of linear polarizations with applications to slant path attenuation prediction as well as estimation of rain rates and inferences of precipitation physics. The period from early 1980s to 1995 can be considered as the “golden” period of rapid research that brought in meteorologists, cloud physicists and hydrologists. This article describes the evolution of this technology from the vantage point of the authors. Their personal reflections and “behind the scenes” descriptions offer a glimpse into the inner workings at several key institutions which cannot be found elsewhere.
Critical Commentary: Need for an Integrated Deprived Area “Slum” Mapping System (IDeAMapS) in LMICs
Authors: Thomson Dana , Kuffer Monika , Boo Gianluca , Hati Beatrice , Grippa Tais , Elsey Helen , Linard Catherine , Mahabir Ron , Kyobutungi Catherine , Maviti Joshua , Mwaniki Dennis , Ndugwa Robert , Makau Jack , Sliuzas Richard , Cheruiyot Salome , Nyambuga Kilion , Mboga Nicholus , Wanjiru Nicera , Porto De Albuquerque Joao , Kabaria Caroline
Published: October 2019

Ninety percent of the people added to the planet over the next 30 years will live in African and Asian cities, and a large portion of these populations will reside in deprived neighborhoods defined by slum conditions, informal settlement, or inadequate housing. The four current approaches to neighborhood deprivation mapping are largely silo-ed, and each fall short of producing accurate, timely, comparable maps that reflect local contexts. The first approach, classifying “slum households” in census and survey data and aggregating to administrative areas, reflects household-level rather than neighborhood-level deprivation. The second approach, field-based mapping, can produce the most accurate and context-relevant maps for a given neighborhood, however it requires substantial resources, preventing up-scaling. The third and fourth approaches, human interpretation and machine classification of satellite, aerial, or drone imagery, both overemphasize informal settlements, and fail to represent key social characteristics of deprived areas such as lack of tenure, exposure to pollution, and lack of basic public services. The latter, machine classification of imagery, can be automated and extended to incorporate new and multiple sources of data. This diverse collection of authors represent experts from these four approaches to neighborhood deprivation mapping. We summarize common areas of understanding, and present a set of requirements to produce maps of deprived urban areas that can be used by local-to-international stakeholders for advocacy, planning, and decision-making.
PENGAWASAN ORANG TUA DALAM INTENSITAS PENGGUNAAN MEDIA SOSIAL TERHADAP PROKRASTINASI AKADEMIK
Authors: Iris Rengganis  , Tarma  , Rasha
Published: October 2019

This research aim is conducted to obtain description about the influence of parental control in the intensity of social media use on academic procrastination. The research was conducted in the SMP Putra 1 Jakarta. The method used in this quantitative assosiatif approach. The population in this research is VII, VII, IX grade students of SMP Putra 1 Jakarta, with the total sample of 83 respondents. Data was taken by using proportionate stratified random sampling. The prerequisite test in this study lilifoers normality test and rgresion linearity test, the result of the test that normal and linear. Result of correlation coefficient test are obtained -0,616 > 0,217. Result of t-test with significant level 0,05 obtained -7,04 > 1,99, it is explained that the are a negative correlation and significant correlation between parental control in the intensity of social media use on academic procrastination. Result of significant regression obtained 30,68 > 3,96, it is explained that there significant influence between parental control in the intensity of social media use on academic procrastination. Parental control in the intensity of social media use on academic procrastination of 37,9%, and the remaining 62,1% is determined by other factors which is not examined.

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memperoleh gambaran tentang pengaruh pengawasan orang tua dalam intensitas penggunaan media sosial terhadap prokrastinasi akademik. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di SMP Putra 1 Jakarta. Jenis penelitian ini adalah kuantitatif asosiatif. Populasi pada penelitian ini adalah siswa/i SMP Putra 1 Jakarta kelas VII, VIII, dan IX, dengan jumlah sampel sebesar 83 responden. Teknik pengambilan data menggunakan proportionate stratified random sampling. Uji prasyarat pada penelitian ini menggunakan uji normalitas lilifoers dan uji linieritas regresi, diperoleh hasil bahwa data berdistribusi normal dan bersifat linear. Uji hipotesis data yang digunakan adalah korelasi koefisien product moment diperoleh -0,616 > 0,217. Hasil uji t dengan taraf signifikan 0,05 diperoleh 7,04 > 1,99, hal ini menjelaskan bahwa terdapat korelasi negatif dan hubungan yang signifikan antara pengawasan orang tua dalam intensitas penggunaan media sosial terhadap prokrastinasi akademik. Perhitungan uji signifikan regresi diperoleh 30,68 > 3,96, maka terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan antara pengawasan orang tua dalam intensitas penggunaan media sosial terhadap prokrastinasi akademik. Pengawasan orang tua dalam intensitas penggunaan media sosial memberikan sumbangan efektif terhadap prokrastinasi akademik sebesar 37,9%, sedangkan sisanya 62,1% ditentukan faktor lain yang tidak diteliti.
Síndrome de Guillain-Barré, brote epidémico en el Perú en junio de 2019
Authors: Loayza Alarico Manuel J. , De la Cruz Vargas Jhony A. , Alatrista Gutiérrez María del Socorro
Published: October 2019

[No disponible]
Acceso universal a la salud: los nuevos caminos de una búsqueda permanente
Authors: Rivera-Dommarco Juan
Published: October 2019

[No disponible]
Does the shoe really fit? Characterising ill-fitting footwear among community dwelling older adults: an observational cross-sectional study
Authors: O'Rourke Brian , Walsh Mary E , Brophy Rachael , Vallely Shanice , Murphy Niamh , Conroy Bronagh , Cunningham Conal , Horgan Frances
Published: October 2019

Background Falls in older people are common and can result in loss of confidence, fear of falling, restriction in activity and loss of independence. Causes of falls are multi-factorial and include extrinsic factors such as unsafe footwear. Inappropriate footwear may increase the risk of falls. There is a paucity of research assessing the footwear characteristics among older people who are at high risk of falls, internationally and in the Irish setting. The aim of this study was to examine the proportion of older adults attending a geriatric day hospital in Ireland who were wearing incorrectly sized shoes. Methods A consecutive sample of 111 older adults aged 60 years and over attending a geriatric day hospital in a large Irish teaching hospital was recruited. Demographic data including age, mobility, medications, use of glasses, social support, footwear worn at home and falls history were recorded. Shoe size and foot length were measured in millimetres using an internal shoe gauge and SATRA shoe size stick, respectively. Subjects’ self-reported shoe size was recorded. Footwear was assessed using the Footwear Assessment Form (FAF). A Timed Up and Go (TUG) score was recorded. Participation was assessed using the Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living (NEADL) Scale. Those with shoes fitting on at least one foot were compared to those with ill-fitting footwear on both feet using Chi-square tests, T-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests. Results 72% of participants were wearing footwear that did not fit correctly on both feet according to our definition based on previous literature. Only 6% were wearing footwear that fitted correctly on both feet. 67% wore slippers at home. 90% had shoes with smooth, partly worn or fully worn sole treading. Participant age, TUG score and NEADL score were not associated with ill-fitting footwear. Conclusions Wearing incorrectly fitting shoes and shoes with unsafe features is common among older adults attending geriatric day services. The large number of participants who reported wearing slippers at home is also an important finding. Ill-fitting footwear and slippers are risk factors for falls thus warranting further investigation to help guide future falls prevention services at day hospitals.
Parenchymal central nervous system involvement in aggressive B-cell lymphoma: retrospective analysis of clinical and MRI features in a Chinese population
Authors: Wu Yuchen , Wang Yaming , Sun Xuefei , Bai Xueyan , Qian Jun , Zhu Hong , Cui Qu , Xing Ruixian , Chen Yuedan , Liu Qing , Guo Jiayuan , Ji Nan , Sun Shengjun , Liu Yuanbo
Published: October 2019

Background: Secondary central nervous system lymphoma (SCNSL) is defined as secondary central nervous system (CNS) involvement in patients with systemic lymphoma. It is considered a profoundly adverse complication with inferior clinical outcome. Parenchymal involvement in the CNS in aggressive B-cell lymphoma is not frequently seen and remains a diagnostic dilemma.
Methods: In our study, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of 26 parenchymal SCNSL patients. In addition, we compared MRI features of SCNSL and primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) patients after 1:1 propensity score matching. Also we presented two SCNSL cases with atypical MRI appearance.
Results: Among SCNSL patients, the median CNS relapse time was 3 months, and multiple lesions were found in 76.9% of the cases. In PCNSL, this percentage was 42.3% (p=0.011). None of the SCNSL patients and 23.1% of the PCNSL patients had solitary infratentorial lesions (p=0.003).
Conclusions: The majority of parenchymal involvement occurred within the first year of systemic lymphoma, in which mostly cases presenting with multiple and supratentorial locations, unlike what was found in PCNSL.
Compound heterozygous LPIN2 pathogenic variants in a patient with Majeed syndrome with recurrent fever and severe neutropenia: case report
Authors: liu jun , Hu Xu-Yun , Zhao Zhi-Peng , Guo Ruo-Lan , Guo Jun , Li Wei , Hao Chan-Juan , Xu Bao-Ping
Published: October 2019

Background: Majeed syndrome is a rare, autosomal recessive autoinflammatory disorder first described in 1989. The syndrome starts during infancy with recurrent relapses of osteomyelitis typically associated with fever, congenital dyserythropoietic anemia (CDA), and often neutrophilic dermatosis. Mutations in the LPIN2 gene located on the short arm of chromosome 18 have been identified as being responsible for Majeed syndrome.
Case presentation: We report an 8-month-old boy, who presented with recurrent fever, mild to moderate anemia, and severe neutropenia. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein were elevated. Molecular testing identified a paternal splicing donor site variant c.2327+1G>C and a maternal frameshift variant c.1691_1694delGAGA (Arg564Lysfs*3) in LPIN2.
Conclusions: Only a few cases with LPIN2 mutation have been reported, mainly in the Middle East with homozygous variants. Our patient exhibited a mild clinical phenotype and severe neutropenia, different from previous reports.
Clinical significance of self-reported cough intensity and frequency in patients with interstitial lung disease: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sato Ryuhei , Handa Tomohiro , Matsumoto Hisako , Kubo Takeshi , Hirai Toyohiro
Published: October 2019

Background: The intensity and frequency of cough remain unclear in interstitial lung disease (ILD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the intensity and frequency of cough in idiopathic interstitial pneumonias (IIPs), connective tissue disease-associated interstitial lung disease (CTD-ILD), and chronic hypersensitivity pneumonia (CHP), and examine their associations with clinical indices.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the intensity and frequency of cough were evaluated using a 100-mm visual analogue scale. Scores on the Leicester Cough Questionnaire, chronic dyspnoea scale, and a frequency scale for symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (FSSG) were collected. The correlations of cough intensity and frequency with potential predictor variables were tested using bivariate and multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results: The study included 70 patients with IIPs, 49 with CTD-ILD, and 10 with CHP. Patients with IIPs had the most severe cough intensity among the three patient groups. In patients with IIPs, both the intensity and frequency of cough were negatively associated with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide and positively with the Composite Physiologic Index (CPI). In CTD-ILD, both the intensity and frequency of cough correlated with a higher FSSG score. In multivariate analysis of patients with ILD, IIPs and the FSSG score was independently associated with both components of cough, and CPI tended to be independently associated with cough frequency alone. Finally, we examined the features of differences between cough intensity and frequency in all patients with ILD. Patients in whom cough frequency was predominant had greater impairment of health status relative to other patients.

Conclusions: The intensity of cough was greater in IIPs than in other ILDs. Different clinical indices were associated with patient-reported cough intensity and frequency according to the subtype of ILD. The frequency of cough was more strongly associated with health status than was the intensity of cough. These findings suggest that medical staff could manage patients with ILD by considering cough-related factors when assessing the intensity and frequency of cough.
Two Novel Mutations in the ALPL gene of Unrelated Chinese Children with Hypophosphatasia: Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Mao Xiaojian , Liu Sichi , Lin Yunting , Chen Zhen , Shao Yongxian , Yu Qiaoli , Liu Haiying , Lu Zhikun , Sheng Huiyin , Lu Xinshuo , Huang Yonglan , Liu Li , Zeng Chunhua
Published: October 2019

Objective: Hypophosphatasia (HPP) is an inherited disorder of defective skeletal mineralization caused by mutations in the ALPL gene that encodes the Tissue Non-specific Alkaline Phosphatase (TNSALP). It is subdivided into six forms depending on the age of onset: perinatal lethal, prenatal benign, infantile, childhood, adult, and odonto HPP. Among these, infantile HPP is characterized by early onset and high frequency of lethal outcome. Few studies have reported the phenotype and genetic characteristics of HPP in Chinese children. Case presentation: Three forms of HPP were identified in four unrelated patients from four different Chinese families, including one lethal infantile (patient 1), two childhood (patient 2 and 3) and one odonto HPP (patient 4). Six variants in the ALPL gene were identified, including five missense mutations and one frameshift mutation. Of which, none were reported previously in the Chinese population, and two were novel (c.359G>C: p.G120A and c.1017dupG: p.H340AfsX3). Patient 1 carrying a novel homozygous (c.359G>C) mutation showed respiratory distress and pneumonia at first day of his life. He presented nearly negligible level of serum ALP activity, overall skeletal hypominaralization and died at 3 months old. Patient 2, 3 and 4 were compound heterozygotes with decreased serum ALP activity. Patient 2 and 3 presented premature loss of deciduous teeth, muscle weakness and bone pain, whereas patient 4 had early loss of deciduous teeth only. All four pedigrees exhibited autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance. Conclusions: In this study, six mutations in the ALPL gene were found in four Chinese HPP patients. Two of which were novel: c.359G>C in exon 5 and c.1017dupG in exon 10. Our results strongly indicated that the novel mutation c.359G>C might be disease-causing and associated with severe infantile form of HPP.
Reinterpretation, reclassification, and its downstream effects: Challenges for clinical laboratory geneticists
Authors: Mecky Julia el , Johansson Lennart , Plantinga Mirjam , Fenwick Angela , Lucassen Anneke , Dijkhuizen Trijnie , Hout Annemieke van der , Lyle Kate , Langen Irene van
Published: October 2019

Keywords Reinterpretation; reclassification; genetics; laboratory; focus group.

Background In recent years, the amount of genomic data produced in clinical genetics services has increased significantly due to the advent of next-generation sequencing. This influx of genomic information leads to continuous changes in knowledge on how genetic variants relate to hereditary disease. These changes can have important consequences for patients who have had genetic testing in the past, as new information may affect their clinical management. When and how patients should be recontacted after new genetic information becomes available has been investigated extensively. However, the issue of how to handle the changing nature of genetic information remains underexplored in a laboratory setting, despite it being the first stage at which changes in genetic data are identified and managed.
Methods The authors organized a 7-day online focus group discussion. Fifteen clinical laboratory geneticists took part. All (9) Dutch clinical molecular genetics diagnostic laboratories were represented.
Results Laboratories in our study reinterpret genetic variants reactively, e.g. at the request of a clinician or following identification of a previously classified variant in a new patient. Participants currently deemed active, periodic reinterpretation to be unfeasible and opinions differed on whether it is desirable, particularly regarding patient autonomy and the main responsibilities of the laboratory. The efficacy of reinterpretation was questioned in the presence of other strategies, such as reanalysis and resequencing of DNA. Despite absence of formal policy regarding when to issue a new report for clinicians due to reclassified genetic data, participants indicated similar practice across all laboratories. However, practice differed significantly between laboratory geneticists regarding the reporting of VUS reclassifications.
Conclusion Based on the results, the authors formulated five challenges needing to be addressed in future laboratory guidelines: 1. Should active reinterpretation of variants be conducted by the laboratory as a routine practice? 2. How does reinterpretation initiated by the laboratory relate to patient expectations and consent? 3. When should reinterpreted data be considered clinically significant and communicated from laboratory to clinician? 4. Should reinterpretation, reanalysis or a new test be conducted? 5. How are reclassifications perceived and how might this affect laboratory practice?
ETV add-on Peg-interferon therapy plays a positive role in reversing hepatic fibrosis in treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B patients: a prospective and randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yang jingmao , Chen Liping , Wang Yajie , Lv Bei , Zhao Hong , Shang Zhiyin , Li Jun , Fan zhenyu , Wu Shengdi , Ming Xiao , Li Xian , Huang Shaoping , Cheng Jilin
Published: October 2019

Background and Aim The efficacy of entecavir (ETV) add-on peg-interferon therapy compared with ETV monotherapy in treatment-naïve hepatitis B virus (HBV) patients remains controversial. We investigated whether adding Peg-interferon to ongoing ETV treatment leads to a better curative effect or not. Methods Eligible HBV patients (n=144) were randomly divided (1:1) to receive either ETV monotherapy (n=70) or peg-interferon add-on therapy from weeks 26 to 52 (n=74). Patients were followed-up for 2 years. We evaluated hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion rate, sustained virologic response (SVR), transient elastography value, and histological scores. Results At week 26, no patient achieved HBsAg seroconversion in either group. At week 52, one patient in the monotherapy group was HBsAg-negative but there was none in the combination therapy group. The monotherapy group showed significantly better liver function recovery results than the combination therapy group. At week 78, one patient in combination group had HBsAg seroconverted. At week 104, only three patients in the combination therapy group were HBsAg-negative compared with one patient in monotherapy. The mean alanine aminotransferase (ALT)and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and transient elastography values decreased significantly compared with baseline. Both group showed a favorable decrease in alpha fetoprotein(AFP) (monotherapy:23.4±77.3 vs 2.4±0.91, P=0.149; combination therapy: 33.3±96.9 vs 4.3±5.5,P=0.085) and an improved result of liver biopsy examination scores. The combination group showed a better improvement in histology compared with the monotherapy group(mean transient elastography value 7.5±3.4 kPa [SD 1.9] vs. 12.8±13.9 kPa [SD 1.9], P=0.037). But this research didn’t show significant difference in HBsAg conversion rate (1.79% (1/56) vs 4.11% (3/73), P=0.632) as well as HBV-DNA sustained virologic response(93.2% vs 98.5%,P=0.15) between two groups. Conclusions Both therapies supported liver function recovery and histology improvement. Combination therapy did not show better antiviral efficacy in HBsAg or HBeAg seroconversion compared with monotherapy. However, combination therapy played a more positive role in reversing hepatic fibrosis compared with monotherapy.
Obesity combined with low grip strength is correlated with cardiac autonomic nervous function in the Chinese elderly-an observational study
Authors: Fu Liyuan , Shao Bohan , Guo Jinlong , Chen Xiaoyu , Yu Xing , Hou Lin , Zhang Yuanyuan , Song Peiyu , Yang Fengying , Guo Qi
Published: October 2019

Background: Heart rate variability (HRV) provides indices related to all types of risks for death, increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, especially in elderly. Obesity and grip are related to diseases, thus decrease elderly healthy life. However, there is no definitive link between HRV and muscle strength and obesity. We conducted a cross-sectional study to determine whether grip strength and obesity are associated with HRV in elderly, community-dwelling Chinese individuals.Method: Our study population consisted of residents of Township Central Hospital of Chadian, Tianjin, China. We measured short term HRV, grip strength, and body mass index (BMI). The HRV measures were transformed to the natural log to normalize the distribution and we used logistic regression to explore the relationship.Results: A total of 534 participants over the age of 60 (200 men, mean age 69.2±6.0) had complete data at the baseline and were included in the analysis. Compared with the isolated-obesity group and isolated-low-grip-strength group, the group with concurrent obesity and low grip strength has a stronger relation with LF n.u.[0.94(0.90-0.98)], ln(LF) [0.50(0.29-0.95)], and ln(LF/HF) [0.41(0.20-0.83)].Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that low HRV is associated with concurrent low grip strength and obesity in older adults, rather than isolated low grip strength or isolated obesity. These results may provide a reference for early screening of cardiac autonomic function disorders in patients with potential heart disease in clinic, thus contributing indirectly to the prevention or rehabilitation of cardiovascular disease. It also provides a new idea for further mechanism research.Clinical trial registry Our research was registered on Research Registry website (URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx ), the registry number was ChiCTR1800016308.
Measuring the motivation of health workers: a reflection on the methodological issues and lessons learnt
Authors: Maini Rishma , Lohmann Julia , Mounier-Jack Sandra , Borghi Josephine
Published: October 2019

Objective: In this article, we reflect on our experiences in developing and validating an instrument to measure health worker motivation in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Specifically, we recount what actually happened and identify what could have been improved upon at the design, sampling, data collection and analysis stages. Results: Key issues manifesting at the analytical and interpretative stage largely related to shortcomings in the preparatory phase, due to lack of time and resources as well as psychometric and motivation-related expertise at the outset. The main lessons learnt were that the design stage is critical as it lays the foundations for meaningful data collection and analysis. Any shortcomings at this stage inevitably reveal themselves at the analysis stage, both in technical terms as well as in regards to the interpretation of results. It is therefore worth investing time and resources when developing a motivation instrument, particularly within a sound and culturally appropriate conceptualisation of motivation. We hope by openly sharing our experience with other public health researchers working in this area that they will be more aware of some of the common pitfalls to avoid thus helping them to improve future practice.
Molecular insights on differential responses of antioxidant and pathogenesis-related genes in pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] to Fusarium wilt (Fusarium udum (L.)
Authors: Biswas Koushik , Kumar Roshan , Tarafdar Avijit , Gupta Vipin , Singhvi Nirjara , Ghosh Parthadeb , Sharma Mamta , Pabbi Sunil , Shukla Pratyoosh
Published: October 2019

Background: Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] is a major dietary protein source to a large vegetarian population in the world. However, Fusarium wilt (FW) caused by Fusarium udum Butler (FU) is one of the challenging factors to pigeonpea production. FW resistance in pigeonpea is restricted to specific agro-climatic zones. Therefore, exploring a superior pigeonpea genotype from landraces or local cultivars cultivated in various rural regions and validating its resistance response at biological and molecular level could be an alternative to crop improvement program. The present study was carried out to identify superior genotypes of pigeonpea through selection of innate resistance to FW using different biological and molecular approaches.Result: Five distinct genotypes of pigeonpea along with well-known one resistant (ICP2894) and susceptible (ICP2376) control were selected on the basis of percentage of FW disease incidence from three different states of India after an extensive survey work. Among them, Richa had shown very less FW incidence (10.0%) under genotype evaluation study and was further selected for experimental validation at molecular level for its innate resistance to FW. Molecular characterization and expression profiling of biotic stress responsive genes representing antioxidant enzymes (APX and SOD) and Pathogenesis related proteins (CHS and β-1,3-glucanase)families were carried out. Under FU challenged conditions in Richa, expression patterns of both AO genes found to be similar, while expression of both PR genes was gradually increased with inoculation time. Putative 3D protein structure of CHS and SOD were generated. Molecular docking with fungal effect or protein cellobio-hydrolase-c (CBH-c) also revealed that their role in blocking the hydrolytic activity of CBH-c during pathogen invasion. Conclusion: The obtained results of expression study and in-silico analysis showed that the higher level of induction of PR and AO genes and strong interaction of their putative proteins with fungal CBH-cprotein established their antifungal activity conferring early plant defense responses to restrict the pathogen growth in resistant genotype Richa. Our study displaying a strong and combinatorial approach involving biological assay, molecular experiment and in-silico analysis to identify a superior genotype of pigeonpea resistant to FW across a major biogeographic region.
MEASURING THE EFFECTS OF WORK MOTIVATION ON STRESS AND PERFORMANCE LINKAGES IN SME
Authors: Sheikh Muhamad Hizam Sheikh Khairuddin  , Zulkifli Saidun  , Muhamad Shahrin Hashim
Published: October 2019

Entrepreneurship is important for the economic growth and wealth of the nation. Entrepreneurs are responsible for not only generating income to themselves but also to others in terms of job creation. However, the issue of the entrepreneurs’ well-being is hardly being touched upon particularly in the context of stress, work motivation, and performance in enterprises of small and medium sizes in Malaysia. Work motivation as the mediator is the main contributions from the study. Therefore, the study aims to examine these relationships within this context. Stress, motivation, and performance were measured using A Shortened Stress Screening Tool (ASSET), Multidimensional Work Motivation Scale (MWMS), and Individual Work Performance (IWPQ), respectively. Questionnaires were distributed among the Majlis Amanah Rakyat (MARA) entrepreneurs located in Klang Valley and approximately 150 respondents responded. Data were analysed using the hierarchical multiple regression method. The results showed that certain stressors such as work relationship, work overload, job security, and resources and communication significantly affect motivation. Meanwhile, work motivation significantly predicts performance. Finally, stressors such as work relationships, work-life balance, job security, and pay and benefits significantly influence performance. Overall, work motivation partially mediated stress and performance relationship. Entrepreneurs should be aware of these significant stressors and conduct interventions so as to reduce their stresses and thus, improve their work motivation and performance.
A STUDY OF HUMAN ERROR FACTORS ON MARITIME ACCIDENT RATES IN MARITIME INDUSTRY
Authors: Ismila Che Ishak  , Mohamad Fitri Azlan  , Shaiful Bakri Ismail  , Norhayati Mohd Zainee
Published: October 2019

Human error is the result of human actions. It is an actual action in daily life that could cause an accident and an intentional infringement. The purpose of this research is to analyse three factors of human error, namely fatigue, communication, and lack of technical knowledge as the major contributors to the occurrence of accidents. In addition, it seeks to determine the relationship between these factors and accidents in the maritime industry. A number of 60 respondents from an oil and gas company, and a government agency located in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia participated in this research. The results show a strong positive relationship between the human factors which include fatigue, communication, and lack of knowledge towards the maritime accident rates. Among the three, the lack of technical knowledge is the highest contributing factor which could seriously cause accidents in the maritime industry.
A MODEL FOR TURNOVER INTENTION: BANKING INDUSTRY IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Mohammad Falahat  , Gee Siew Kit  , Liew Chin Min
Published: October 2019

The issue of staff’s intention to leave is a huge concern for senior management and human resource managers. It is one of the costliest and most challenging issues within any organisation worldwide. The banking industry records the highest turnover rate in Malaysia. High employee turnover has a profound influence on the banks’ performance and productivity. The primary purpose of this research is to explore the real causes of turnover intention in the banking industry in Malaysia. The result from a total of 395 respondents showed that working environment, job enrichment, and job stress could significantly affect job satisfaction; whereas job stress and job satisfaction will substantially affect turnover intention. The results also found that working environment and job stress have an indirect effect on turnover intention.
TIG ve MIG Kaynağı ile İşlem Gören 304 ve 1040 Çeliklerin ITAB Bölgesindeki Mekanik Özelliklerin İncelenmesi
Authors: TOPCU İsmail
Published: October 2019

Bu çalışmada düşük ve orta karbonlu çelik türlerinin TIG ve MIG kaynağı ile kaynak bölgesinin mekanik ve mikroyapı özelliklerine kaynak parametrelerinin etkileri incelenmiştir. Kaynak uygulaması farklı akım ve tel besleme hızlarında gerçekleştirilmiş, ardından kaynaklı birleştirmelerin mekanik özelliklerini belirlemek için çekme deneyi ve sertlik ölçümleri yapılmıştır. Ayrıca mikroyapıda meydana gelen değişiklikleri belirlemek için de mikroyapı çalışmaları yapılmıştır. Bu araştırmanın amacı öncelikle kaynak tekniklerinin malzeme kaynaklanabilirliğini nasıl etkilediği ve kaynaklı çeliklerin ısıdan etkilenen bölgede (ITAB) mekanik özelliklerini ve mikroyapı karakteristiklerindeki değişimi incelemektir. Bazı metal ve kaynaklı çeliklerin mekanik özelliklerinin tayini için testler arasında karşılaştırmalar yapılmıştır. Mikroyapılar da, kaynakların performansını dinamik koşullarda etkileyebilecek herhangi bir gözenekliliğin ve diğer özelliklerin tayinine yardımcı olmak için de kullanılmıştır. 
Mass Spectrometry-Based Identification of Urinary Antimicrobial Peptides in Dairy Cows
Authors: Sharma Ambika , Nigam Rajesh , Kumar Ashish , Singh Simmi
Published: October 2019

Background::

Urine is considered one of the biological fluids in which antimicrobial
peptides are secreted or expressed. Cow urine has not been investigated for the presence of these
peptides using MALDI-TOF-MS.

Objective::

The aim of this study is to isolate, identify and assess the antimicrobial activity of
urinary antimicrobial peptides from healthy normal cycling cows.

Method::

We analyzed the urine sample using diafiltration, ion exchange chromatography, Reverse
Phase High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (RP-HPLC), acid urea polyacrylamide gel
electrophoresis (AU-PAGE) coupled with identification through Peptide Mass Fingerprinting
(PMF) by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDITOF-
MS). The in vitro antimicrobial effects of purified fractions were assessed using Radial
Diffusion Assay (RDA) and microtitre broth dilution assay against Gram-positive and Gramnegative
bacteria.

Results: :

Proteins corresponding to the peaks were identified using SWISSPROT protein database.
This study revealed constitutive expression of β-Defensin-1 (DEFB1), β-Defensin-4A (DFB4A),
Neutrophil Defensin-1 (DEF1), Neutrophil Defensin-3 (DEF3) in cow urine. The identified
peptides are cationic antimicrobial peptides of the defensin family. The purified fractions exhibited
antimicrobial effects in radial diffusion assay and MIC values in the range of 2.93-29.3 &*#181;M/L.

Conclusion::

This study concludes that cow urine, previously unexplored with regard to
antimicrobial peptides, would be a promising source of highly potent AMPs and an effective
alternative to the resistant antibiotics.
Exploration of Medicinal Plants as Sources of Novel Anticandidal Drugs
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Khan Feroz , Saikia Dharmendra
Published: October 2019

Background: :

Human infections associated with skin and mucosal surfaces, mainly in tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world. During the last decade, there have been an increasing numbers of cases of fungal infections in immunocompromised patients, coupled with an increase in the number of incidences of drug resistance and toxicity to anti fungal agents. Hence, there is a dire need for safe, potent and affordable new antifungal drugs for the efficient management of candidal infections with minimum or no side effects.

Introduction: :

Candidiasis represents a critical problem to human health and a serious concern worldwide. Due to the development of drug resistance, there is a need for new antifungal agents. Therefore, we reviewed the different medicinal plants as sources of novel anticandidal drugs.

Methods: :

The comprehensive and detailed literature on medicinal plants was carried out using different databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, and Science Direct and all the relevant information from the articles were analyzed and included.

Result: :

Relevant Publications up to the end of November 2018, reporting anticandidal activity of medicinal plants has been included in the present review. In the present study, we have reviewed in the light of SAR and mechanisms of action of those plants whose extracts or phytomolecules are active against candida strains.

Conclusion::

This article reviewed natural anticandidal drugs of plant origin and also summarized the potent antifungal bioactivity against fungal strains. Besides, mechanism of action of these potent active plant molecules was also explored for a comparative study. We concluded that the studied active plant molecules exhibit potential antifungal activity against resistant fungal strains.
Impact of Lopinavir/Ritonavir and Efavirenz-Based Antiretroviral Therapy on the Lipid Profile of Chinese HIV/AIDS Treatment-Naïve Patients in Beijing: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Dai Lili , Liu An , Zhang Hongwei , Wu Hao , Zhang Tong , Su Bin , Shao Ying , Li Jianwei , Ye Jiangzhu , Scott Sarah Robbins , Mahajan Supriya D. , Schwartz Stanley A , Yu Hongwei , Sun Lijun
Published: October 2019

Background:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is associated with lipid abnormalities that contribute to increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) events among patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Although disorders of lipid metabolism associated with ART have been described before in developed countries, data on lipid profile disorders associated with ART use in China are limited. This study aimed to examine the changes in lipid profile among patients with HIV/AIDS who initiated lopinavir/ritonavir LPV/r or efavirenz (EFV)-based antiretroviral treatment regimens, which continue to be widely used China and other developing countries.

Methods:

This is a retrospective, matched case-control study of HIV-positive patients initiating either LPV/r or EFV regimens at the Beijing You’an Hospital, Capital Medical University between July 2012 and January 2017. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the differences in total cholesterol [TC], triglycerides [TG], low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol [LDL-C], and highdensity lipoprotein-cholesterol [HDL-C] at baseline and up to 24-months after ART initiation between the two treatment arms.

Results:

Baseline characteristics, including age, sex, CD4 cell count, viral load, and serum lipids, which were comparable between the two groups. The LPV/r-based regimen group had increased TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C after 24-months of treatment. In the EFV-regimen group, TC, HDL-C, and LDL-C were increased compared to baseline, while the TC/HDL-C ratio decreased, and TG did not change significantly. After 24-months of treatment, the percentage of patients with dyslipidemia in the LPV/r group was much higher than in the EFV group (84.0% vs. 52.6%, P<0.001), and 17(10%) patients on LPV/r-based regimens had severe dyslipidemia. Patients on LPV/r-based regimens were at increased odds of hypercholesterolemia (odds ratio [OR]=1.709, P=0.038), hypertriglyceridemia (OR=4.315, P<0.001), and high TC/HDL-C ratio (OR=1.951, P=0.003). However, no significant difference was found in HDL-C (OR=1.246, P=0.186) or LDL-C (OR=1.253, P=0.410) between the treatment groups.

Conclusion:

Both LPV/r or EFV treatment regimens impacted patients’ lipid profiles. Compared to EFV-based regimens, patients on LPV/r-based regimens had increased odds of dyslipidemia, such as hypercholesterolemia, hypertriglyceridemia, or high TC/HDL-C ratio; however, there was no obvious effect on LDL-C, which is more relevant to the development of the cardiovascular disease.
Gingerol Derivatives as 14α-demethylase Inhibitors: Design and Development of Natural, Safe Antifungals for Immune-compromised Patients
Authors: Sharma Sweta , Yadav Arpita
Published: October 2019

Background: :

Currently, clinically used drugs for internal fungal infections have severe side effects. Patients suffering from severe fungal infections and those at a constant risk of developing such infections require long-term administration of safe antifungals.

Objective: :

This work deals with the design and development of safe, non-toxic antifungals derived from natural compounds for immune-compromised patients, such as HIV patients, who are at a constant risk of developing internal fungal infections.

Methods: :

Molecular modeling, docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies were performed on the main constituents of ginger and their derivatives to study their capability to inhibit 14α- demethylase enzyme.

Results: :

Ergosterol is the key component of the fungal cell membrane for its integrity and rigidity, synthesized from lanosterol catalyzed by 14α-demethylase enzyme. In our studies, it is determined that 6-gingerol, 6-paradol, 6-shogaol and their imidazole and triazole derivatives can inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol thus weakening the fungal cell membranes. The triazole derivative of 6-gingerol forms enhanced binding interactions with the active site residues of 14α-demethylase, carries an affinity for catalytically required cofactor heme and forms a stable complex with time without the probability of premature expulsion. Thus, this compound inhibits the formation of ergosterol leading to weakened fungal cell membranes and eventually death of fungal cells.

Conclusion: :

The triazole derivative of 6-gingerol is recommended as a lead compound for the development of non-toxic antifungals.