bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Discourse of Humanity in COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Nira Fadhilah Permata , Hudaya Maula , Putri Rizky Anggia
Published: September 2022

Indonesia is one of the countries that are willing to accept the arrival of refugees to its territory. Although it has not yet ratified the 1951 Refugee Convention and the 1967 Protocol of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Indonesia has issued Peraturan Presiden Nomor 125/2016 on international refugees. In addition, the Indonesian government, especially President Joko Widodo, issued various statements which mostly emphasized fulfilling rights and upholding humanity for refugees demonstrating Indonesia's commitment to carrying out the human values contained in the Preamble of Undang-Undang Dasar 1945 and Pancasila as a dominant discourse of Indonesia's strategic culture. However, the discourse seems to have shifted in the era after the COVID-19 pandemic which has also potentially changed the Indonesian government's treatment of refugees. The negative impacts in various sectors made Indonesia have to prioritize the safety of its citizens and potentially neglect the fulfillment of the rights of refugees. Indonesia's burden in handling refugees during the pandemic is exacerbated by the unresponsiveness of UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) which should be responsible for handling refugees. This leaves groups of refugees in a vulnerable condition because they are neglected by the Indonesian government both at the central and regional levels. Therefore, this paper tries to analyze aspects behind the shift in the Indonesian government's policy regarding foreign refugees using strategic cultural discourse and provide advice to the Indonesian government for handling refugees in pandemic and/or after pandemic situations without forgetting the humanitarian aspect of refugees.Keywords: Humanity, Strategic Culture, COVID-19, Refugees, Indonesian Government.

Keywords: Humanity, Strategic Culture, COVID-19, Refugees, Indonesian Government
What are the determining factors of the sustainability of microfinance institutions in the MENA region : a theoretical study and an empirical investigation for the case of 22 MFIs
Authors: Tlili Afef
Published: September 2022

Microfinance is considered a better solution for the fight against poverty. It allows the integration of the excluded into productive activity. The current challenge for MFIs (microfinance institutions) is to seek their durability and sustainability, in order to be able to achieve their objective. Sustainability can be defined as the ability of institutions to maintain the sustainability of their actions. It is assessed through three dimensions, namely, financial autonomy, institutional and social viability, as well as technical efficiency. The objective of this work is to identify the main determinants of the sustainability of MFIs. We will, in this regard, conduct a case study of 22 MFIs in the MENA (Middle East and North Africa) region. Keywords : Microfinance, Sustainability, MFIs, MENA region.
Bazı Apiaceae uçucu yağlarının Meloidogyne incognita (Kofoid & White, 1919) Chitwood, 1949 (Nematoda: Meloidogynidae)'ya karşı nematoksik etkisi
Authors: GÖZE ÖZDEMİR Fatma Gül , TOSUN Bekir , ŞANLI Arif , KARADOĞAN Tahsin
Published: September 2022

Amaç: Çalışmada Apiaceae familyasına ait kültürü yapılan ve doğal florada yayılış gösteren bazı türlerin meyve uçucu yağlarının in vitro ve in vivo koşullarda Meloidogyne incognita’ya karşı nematoksik etkilerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Materyal ve Yöntem: in vitro çalışmalarda 125, 250, 500 ve 1000 ppm uçucu yağ konsantrasyonlarının ikinci dönem larva (L2) üzerine etkisi araştırılmıştır. In vivo çalışmalar bitki büyütme kabinlerinde domates bitkisinde uçucu yağların 1000 ppm konsantrasyonları ile yürütülmüştür. Çalışma 9 hafta sonra sonlandırılmış ve köklerde gal ve yumurta paketi sayısı belirlenmiştir.
Araştırma Bulguları: En yüksek nematoksik etki in vitro koşullarda % 83.3 ölüm oranı ile Ferulago paucuiradiata uçucu yağının 1000 ppm dozunda belirlenmiştir. Ferulago pauciradiata ve Foeniculum vulgare uçucu yağı uygulanan bitkilerin köklerinde gal ve yumurta paketi sayısı daha düşük olmuştur.
Sonuç: Meloidogyne incognita’ya karşı in vitro ve in vivo koşullarda F. pauciradiata ve F. vulgare uçucu yağlarının yüksek nematoksik etki gösterdiği saptanmıştır.
Matrimonios y vida amatoria de los militares españoles y americanos en las guerras de Independencia de Costa Firme
Authors: Pita Pico Roger
Published: September 2022

Son realmente escasos los intentos por sondear de una manera sistemática y a profundidad aspectos como la manifestación de los sentimientos en medio de la guerra, los esfuerzos por formalizar uniones sacramentales y los intentos por estar cerca del ser amado. Dentro del marco de la nueva historia militar y de la conmemoración del bicentenario de la Independencia del mundo hispanoamericano, estos han sido precisamente los propósitos que han motivado este artículo teniendo como marco espacial el territorio conocido en aquel periodo de guerra como Costa Firme y que abarcó la jurisdicción de la Nueva Granada y Venezuela. El estudio se enfoca tanto en los militares peninsulares como en los criollos que estuvieron al servicio del régimen español en su esfuerzo por defender su dominio sobre estos territorios del Nuevo Mundo, así como también en las fuerzas militares organizadas por los republicanos en procura de liberarse definitivamente de España.
La formación del historiador en el Tardofranquismo. Lecturas y maestros (1967-1973)
Authors: Luxán Meléndez Santiago de
Published: September 2022

El texto que presentamos se articula en dos partes. Lecturas y maestros, apartado en el que tratamos de aproximarnos a la pregunta de qué historia en la época final del Franquismo que consideramos fue una etapa de expectación ante un cambio de ciclo en España, como fue la Transición democrática. En la segunda parte, Entre la historiografía francesa y la británica, se eligen cuatro lecturas que para nuestra etapa de formación fueron importantes, constituyen el origen de nuestra evolución posterior. El método que hemos seguido ha sido el que proponen las lecturas que puede resumirse en la tensión entre el historiador y su contexto y en el descubrimiento del alma de papel del historiador.
El juicio de residencia en Castilla e Indias en el Antiguo Régimen
Authors: Heredia López Alfonso Jesús
Published: September 2022

El presente texto tiene como objetivo ofrecer un recorrido por los principales estudios que han analizado y valorado el mecanismo de control más utilizado por la monarquía hispánica para fiscalizar, al cese del oficio, la acción de gobierno y justicia de los oficiales reales: el juicio de residencia. Partimos de los trabajos que han analizado el procedimiento judicial de la residencia en Castilla e Indias, territorios donde la corona aplicaba este juicio especial al cese del desempeño del oficio de determinados oficiales reales. Además, el texto pone de manifiesto otros usos de las fuentes de los juicios de residencia en los estudios históricos y otras perspectivas de análisis de este mecanismo más allá de la exigencia de responsabilidades a los oficiales reales, concluyendo con unas reflexiones finales sobre la eficacia de ese instrumento de control.
The Factors Associated with Choking Prevention Behavior in Mothers of Toddlers
Authors: Nanda Yonia Rafika , Wahyuni Erna Dwi , Rachmawati Praba Diyan
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Choking is a common health problem in children, especially those under the age of three and younger. Also, one of the most common case in emergency medical service. The purpose of this study was to analyze factors that correlated with choking prevention behaviour in mothers who have toddlers.

Methods: This study used a descriptive correlational design with a cross-sectional approach that conducted at an integrated service post, Purworejo Village. The population in this study were 154 mothers who had toddlers. Inclusion criteria include could access google forms, were domiciled in Purworejo Village, and lived with their families and toddlers. Exclusion criteria were mothers with special needs and toddlers with special conditions, and when the research was conducted, the mother was outside the Purworejo village. Sample selection used the cluster sampling technique with the sample size was 111 mothers.

Result: There was a relationship between knowledge (p=0.007 r=0.253), attitudes (p=0.018 r=0.224), and family support (p=0.011 r=0.242) with choking prevention behaviour, and there was no relationship between the availability of health facilities (p=0.827 r=0.021) with choking prevention behaviour.

Conclusion
: Better knowledge, attitudes and family support will represent better choking prevention behaviour. Therefore, support from various parties, such as nurses, is needed to carry out health promotion related to preventing choking in families. Further research is needed regarding other factors influencing mothers' choking prevention behaviour.
Self Confidence and Anxiety of Health Volunteers while Doing First Aid for Accident Victims in Surabaya
Authors: Widyastuti Merina , Lakato Nur Wulan Adhani , Muji Astuti Nur , Ambarsari Ninik , Yuliastuti Christina  , Farida  Imroatul , Rustini Sri Anik
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Health volunteers are first aid actors in the field when an accident occurs, health volunteers face various situations and conditions from victims and the environment, so they experience anxiety, the anxiety experienced can be an obstacle to first aid handling. This study aims to identify factors related to the anxiety of health volunteers when performing first aid on accident

Methods: This study used an analytic observational design with a cross-sectional approach, the population of this study was the health volunteers of the city of Surabaya, amounting to 220 people. The sampling technique used probability sampling with a simple random sampling approach and obtained 103 respondents according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The research instrument was a questionnaire in the form of a google questionnaire consisting of questionnaires for demographic data, anxiety (DASS 42), motivation (VFI), and self-confidence (Lauster). Data analysis using Spearman Rho statistical test with p = 0.05.

Result: The results of the study showed that the majority of respondents experienced a very severe level of anxiety (36.9%) and a weak majority level of self-confidence (96.1%). The results of the analysis of the relationship between self-confidence and anxiety levels obtained p = 0.003 (p <0.05).

Conclusion:
There is a relationship between self-confidence and the level of anxiety of health volunteers.
Effectiveness of Physical Exercise and Diet in Heart Failure Patients: A Literature Review
Authors: Meilyana Berna Detha , Rosida Nikma Alfi , Ekwantoro Ekwantoro , Saputro Sutiyo Dani , Puspasari Ratih Ayu
Published: September 2022

Introduction: Heart failure is a pathological condition in which the heart's organs no longer have the ability to pump blood to the ventricles and throughout the body. One of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality is heart failure. Functional capacity and patient quality of life are correlated in patients with heart failure. Exercise and diet can be used to increase functional capacity. This study aimed to identify the effectiveness of exercise and diet as treatment modalities to improve patient well-being and quality of life outcomes.

Methods: This article employs the evidence-based practice of physical exercise (exercise) and a comprehensive diet for heart failure as part of a literature review methodology. Journal articles that meet the requirement of 12 were included in this article. While articles that are inappropriate or only abstract did not include in this study.

Result: Twelve articles were included in the study. The suggested physical activity, such as walking, can be completed in 6 minutes or 30 minutes over a week, three times. And a 30-minute riding session is possible. The DASH diet is advised, and patients should receive the recommended amount of sodium (1500 mg/day).

Conclusion: Physical exercise and a comprehensive diet that can be done well in heart failure patients can help patients reduce the risk of developing symptoms that can trigger the severity of heart failure. Moreover, patients can carry out daily activities and do their jobs well, and improve their quality of life.
Instagram közösségi média használata a kiállítási kommunikációban : Iskolai kísérlet bemutatása
Authors: Kuttner Ádám , Kristóf Anikó , Kárpáti Andrea
Published: September 2022

A közösségi média elterjedése megváltoztatta a múzeumlátogatók kiállításokon megszerzett tapasztalatait és ezek megosztási módját. Jelenleg kevés hazai kutatás áll rendelkezésre arról, hogy a múzeumok hogyan használhatnák fel a saját javukra ezt a digitális változást. A közösségi médiában megosztott képek releváns tartalmakat jelenthetnek a múzeumok és azok kifelé irányuló kommunikációs csatornáinak a számára. Ezt a feltételezést oktatási kísérletekkel bizonyítottuk. Ebben a tanulmányban olyan iskolai jó gyakorlatot mutatunk be, amely az Instagramon megosztott 5000 kép narratív elemzésének eredményeire támaszkodva került megszervezésre a budapesti Magyar Kereskedelmi és Vendéglátóipari Múzeumban. Bízunk benne, hogy a kutatási eredmények megfontolásával csökkenthetők a múzeumi ismeretterjesztésben dolgozó szakemberek kétségei az Instagram használatával kapcsolatosan, a múzeumi tanulás szakembereinek pedig segítség nyújtható hasonló foglalkozások szervezéséhez.
Milyen problémákkal küzdenek a hazai startupok?
Authors: Csorba Zsuzsanna
Published: September 2022

A startup vállalkozások fiatal, tudásintezív szervezetek, melyeket jellegzetességeik különböztetnek meg a több KKV-tól. Ilyen jellegzetességek a problémáik is, amelyeket e tanulmányban tártunk fel mélyinterjúk elemzésének segítségével. A startup vállalkozások külső és belső problémákkal küzdenek, előbbiek közül a leggyakoribb nehézségek a piacból, a befektetőből és az ügyfelekből adódnak. A belső kihívások jelentős részét a szervezeti kultúra okozta hiányosságok teszik ki, ezen felül jelentős problémát okoznak az anyagiak és a növekedéshez kapcsolódó nehézségek. A startup vállalkozás a jövő foglalkoztatási megoldásaként valós alternatívát jelenthetnek a pályaválasztás előtt álló fiatalok számára. A problémák azonosításával egy lépést tettünk előre annak irányába, hogy még több startup szervezet váljon sikeressé azáltal, hogy a fent megfogalmazott problémákra különösen nagy figyelmet fordít.
Ökológiai kommunikációs kihívások a Luhmanni rendszerelmélet fókuszában
Authors: Somfay Dorottya
Published: September 2022

Niklas Luhmann bár alapvetően a szociológiai rendszerelmélet lehető legszélesebb kereteit teremtette meg munkássága során, de átfogó, absztrakt és teoretikus munkái mellett kitért néhány kisebb, de az egész társadalmat érintő részproblémára is, például a tömegkommunikációra, a művészetekre vagy az ökológiai veszélyekre. Ezeket is igyekezett elhelyezni a rendszerében és elméleti hátteret adni számukra. Elvont elméletét ezeken a hétköznapi problémákon keresztül tudta leginkább hozzáférhetővé tenni. Ökológiai kommunikáció című művében időtálló tényeket tár fel a témához kapcsolódó társadalmi kommunikációs kihívások kapcsán.
Educational software platform for modeling and visualization of road transport movement
Authors: Trapeznikova Marina Alexandrovna , Chechina Antonina Alexandrovna , Churbanova Natalia Gennadievna , Garibyan Alla Gevorkovna
Published: September 2022

The preprint is devoted to the development of the interactive program for traffic flow modeling, which can be used in the educational process. A brief overview of currently existing software solutions for transport modeling, as well as products to support computer learning methods, is given. The original models of macro- and microscopic types, which form the basis of the educational platform, are described. Particular attention is paid to the development of tools for dynamic interpretation of simulation results using the Unity environment, which is integrated with Microsoft Visual Studio.
Microsatellite Markers and Metabolite Profiles of Salt-Tolerant Rice: Inpari Unsoed 79 Agritan
Authors: Prasetia Rinanda Gandhi Ningrum , Suprayogi Suprayogi , Asnani Ari , Oktaviani Eka , Nuryana Isa
Published: September 2022

Salinity is a challenge in crop production. High salinity affects soil osmotic pressure and the balance of nutrients that inhibit plant growth. In such case, utilization of salt-tolerant rice varieties could be an alternative. This study aims to identify microsatellite markers associated with salt tolerance, compare the Inpari Unsoed 79 Agritan variety with ten other rice genotypes based on microsatellite markers and determine the qualitative composition metabolites in Inpari Unsoed 79 Agritan associated with the plant response to salinity. This research was carried out at the Laboratory of Plant Breeding and Biotechnology Universitas Jenderal Soedirman and Indonesian Institute of Sciences, Bogor. This research used eleven rice varieties and ten microsatellite markers. The identification of microsatellite markers consisted of genomic DNA extraction, quantification and qualification of DNA, amplification of microsatellite DNA and data analysis. Metabolite profiling was conducted on Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instrument. The results showed that microsatellite markers RM 241, RM 515, RM 519 and RM 528 differentiate the Inpari Unsoed 79 Agritan from the IR 29 genotype. Microsatellite markers RM 129 and RM 292 distinguished the Nona Bokra from the IR 29 genotypes. The genetic relationship of eleven rice genotypes resulted in two clusters. The GC-MS metabolite compounds in Inpari Unsoed 79 Agritan are β-Alanine and trimethylsilyl ester β-Alanine, a derivative compound of β-Alanine. These findings suggested that microsatellite markers RM 129, RM 292, RM 241, RM 515, RM 519 and RM 528 were associated with salt-tolerant in the seedling stage.
Factors Influencing Smallholder Farmers’ Decision to Abandon Introduced Sustainable Land Management Technologies in Central Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Taye Alemu , Tolossa Degefa , Senbeta Feyera , Zeleke Tesfaye
Published: September 2022

The Ethiopian government has made efforts to rehabilitate degraded lands using a range of sustainable land management (SLM) initiatives. One of the key components was the use of improved structural soil and water conservation (SWC) technologies. However, the effectiveness of technology adoption varies greatly among households and abandoning previously accepted measures is a typical occurrence. Thus, this study sought to discover factors influencing smallholder farmers’ decisions to abandon already accepted SWC measures. The analysis was conducted based on data collected from 525 sample households surveyed in two districts in Central Ethiopia. An ordered cumulative logistic (POM) regression model was used to examine variables explaining households’ decision behavior. The study findings have revealed that sampled households were at different adoption stages, i.e., dis-adopters (22%), pilot-level adopters (14%) and adopters (64%). The results from the POM model also show that a range of variables influenced farmers’ dis-adoption decisions. Factors such as awareness about the risks of land degradation, access to training, incentives, land fragmentation, gender, full-time labor size, gentle slope plots, economic returns on investment and post-adoption follow-up were found to substantially influence smallholder farmers’ adoption discontinuance decisions. Thus, policymakers should consider these variables in designing strategies to overcome barriers to SLM practices.
Jezik i stil romana za mlade Između Magdalene Mrčele
Authors: Nemeth-Jajić Jadranka
Published: September 2022

U radu se istražuju osobitosti jezika i stila nedavno objavljenoga romana za mlade Između, koji obrađuje posebno tešku temu suicida, kako bi se utvrdilo kojim se jezično-stilskim sredstvima gradi svijet toga romana i kako se ostvaruje njegova komunikativnost s mladim čitateljem. Kao glavne stilske značajke pritom su izdvojene govornost/razgovornost i intertekstualnost/citatnost. Analiza je pokazala da se mladomu čitatelju roman približava u prvom redu unošenjem elemenata govornosti, primjetno na sintaktičkoj i leksičkoj razini, a u manjoj mjeri i na morfološkoj razini. Postupci ostvarivanja intertekstualnosti odražavaju se na fabulativno-kompozicijskoj razini i u karakterizaciji likova, a njima se prizivaju ne samo glazbeni, književni i filmski uzori s kojima se identificiraju mladi nego i književna baština koja uglavnom ostaje izvan njihova zanimanja. Njoj se pristupa afirmativno, kao dinamičnoj riznici ili otvorenomu kanonu, uspostavljanjem citatnoga dijaloga. Navedene i druge zapažene jezične i stilske značajke čine ovaj suvremeni problemski roman prikladnim štivom za mladu čitateljsku publiku kojoj je namijenjen.
Preliminary scoping of watershed planning : Pamet River, Massachusetts
Authors: McKay S. , Rupp Byron
Published: September 2022

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), New England District (NAE) conducted a watershed study of the Pamet River basin in Truro, Massachusetts. The study broadly focused on basin planning with specific goals of establishing baseline hydrologic and ecological condition, identifying management opportunities, assessing the relative effects of management opportunities, and recommending alternative courses of action for the community. This technical note (TN) reviews a rapid reconnaissance effort to guide scoping for the broader watershed study related to problem identification, objective setting, management alternatives, and a potential decision framework.
N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) and its Immunomodulatory Properties
Authors: Tieu Sophie , Karrow Niel , Mallard Bonnie , Bridle Byram , Charch Armen , Wagter-Lesperance Lauri
Published: September 2022

N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an acetylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine has been widely used as a mucolytic agent and antidote for acetaminophen overdose since the 1960s and the 1980s respectively. NAC possesses antioxidant, cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and mucolytic properties, making it a promising therapeutic agent for a wide range of diseases in both humans and livestock in which oxidative stress and inflammation plays a major role in the onset and progression of the disease. NAC’s primary role is to replenish glutathione (GSH) stores; the master antioxidant in all tissues, however it can also reduce levels of pro-inflammatory tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-) and interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1), inhibit formation of microbial biofilm, destroy biofilms, and break down disulfide bonds between mucin molecules. Many experimental studies have been conducted on the use of NAC in addressing a wide range of pathological conditions, however, its effectiveness in addressing different pathological conditions in clinical trials remains limited and studies often have conflicting results. The purpose of this review is to provide a concise overview of promising NAC usages for treatment of different human and livestock disorders.
Ranking of health and safety risks in a crude oil asphaltene quantification experiment using multiple integrated multi-criteria decision making methods
Authors: Ali Syed Imran , Lalji Shaine Mohammadali , Haneef Javed , Yousaf Nimra , Awan Zahoor , Izhan Muhammad , Ali Hassam
Published: September 2022

Academic Laboratories plays a significant role during students and researchers academic life. In academic labs, students routinely performed different experiments and most often they are not aware of the experimental hazards and hence encounter accidents. Moreover, these research Labs possess complex nature because of their variety of operations, equipment and experiments, therefore, analyzing risks through conventional techniques become extremely difficult. In this research study, risks prioritization of an experiment related to asphaltene quantification in a crude oil has been carried out through four methods. Firstly, the conventional risk analysis technique Failure mode and effect analysis (FMEA) is applied. For the implementation of FMEA, 44 failure scenarios/modes that could occur and can impact health and safety of researcher or students are identified. Each failure mode is assessed in terms of severity, likelihood of occurrence and detection. FMEA, similar to other studies in literature, is not able to work effectively in prioritizing the risks. Therefore, in order to overcome this limitation of FMEA, FMEA integrated with Grey Relational Analysis and Fuzzy Analytic hierarchy process method is applied and improvement in risk ranking is observed. Finally for further analysis of risks, Fuzzy technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) integrated with a Fuzzy AHP is implemented and considerable improvement in risk ranking is achieved. The proposed study will help researchers to take complete precautionary measures according to the risks involved in an experiment. Moreover, this proposed model can be used and applied for other experiments performed in Academic Labs.
Configuration design and motion performance analysis of a new wheeled rolling robot
Authors: Hui Bian , Chun Zhang , jie wang shi
Published: September 2022

A new wheeled rolling robot is designed based on planar 3-RRR parallel mechanism and spoke wheel with variable diameter, by adjusting the 3-DOF outputs of the planar 3-RRR parallel mechanism, the deformation and rolling motion of the rolling robot are realized, the rotation output of the parallel mechanism realizes the differential change of the diameter of the two supporting wheels of the rolling robot, and the moving output of the parallel mechanism changes the mass distribution of the system, so that the rolling robot can complete the forward, backward, turning and other motions. Based on the introduction of the performance parameters, driving system, variable diameter wheel configuration and motion mechanism of the rolling robot, the eccentric driving torque is analysis and the existing space of the eccentric torque is given, so as to further complete the selection of the driving motor of the robot. This article analysis three typical motions of robots and its performance parameters, such as straight movement, turn movement, climbing exercise, and builds a simple prototype under laboratory conditions to verify the feasibility of the three movements.
They Learn from Home: The Effectiveness of Deschooled Learning on Mental Health and Behavior of Students during COVID-19 in Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Mostafizur , Hossain Afnan , Sufian Abu , Anwar Nahid
Published: September 2022

Background: In the age of extreme importance of schooling education, deschooled learning has received less importance. The purpose of this study is to explore deschooled learning and its effectiveness on preventive behaviors and mental health conditions of students in Bangladesh.Methods: This study was designed following the quantitative method, and 1,085 responses were collected from social media platforms, using the snowball sampling technique. Binary logistic regression was used to measure and infer the proposed association.Results: As per fully-adjusted regression models, the individuals who had more deschooled learning were 1.667 times (95% CI= 1.191, 2.332; P= 0.01) and 1.426 times (95% CI= 1.038, 1.958; P= 0.05) more likely to prevent contact from symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers, respectively. Moreover, the persons with higher deschooled learning were more likely to have better mental health conditions including less fear (B= -0.462; 95% CI= -0.955, 0.030; P= 0.1), lower anxiety (B= -0.482; 95% CI= -0.844, -0.119; P= 0.01), and more perceived vulnerability (B= 1.292; 95% CI= 0.497, 2.087; P= 0.01). Conclusion: This study adds that policymakers may formulate health plans and policies for initiating informal health literacy (IHL) that may help increase deschooled learning and informal knowledge among individuals especially during a pandemic situation (like COVID-19) and help them to be safe by adopting preventive behaviors and maintaining better mental health conditions in low-income settings like Bangladesh.
An improved constrained Bayesian probabilistic matrix factorization algorithm
Authors: Wang Guodong , Chen Musheng , Wu Junhua , Fan Mingzhe , Liu Qiuming
Published: September 2022

Given the increasing growth of the Web and consequently the growth of e-commerce, the application of recommendation systems becomes more and more extensive. A good recommendation algorithm can provide a better user experience. In the collaborative filtering algorithm recommendation system, many existing approaches to collaborative filtering can neither handle very large datasets nor easily deal with users who have very few ratings, this paper proposes an improved constrained Bayesian probability matrix factorization algorithm. The algorithm introduces a potential similarity constraint matrix for specific sparsely scored users to affect the user’s feature vector, and uses the Logistic function to express the nonlinear relationship of the potential factors, combined with the Markov chain Monte Carlo method for training. Finally, the data set is used for testing and comparative evaluation. This experiment prove that the algorithmic model can be efficiently trained using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods by applying them to the MovieLens and Netflix dataset. The experimental results show that the algorithm has better predictive performance and is suitable for solving the problem of sparse rating matrix of specific users.
Economic burden of becoming a dentist in developing country
Authors: Gaewkhiew Piyada , Tussanapirom Teerawat , Siribal Prachya , Trirattanaphinthusorn Phiranat , Kengtong Witchapat
Published: September 2022

Objectives: To determine the financial expenses incurred over the duration of the undergraduate dental course in Thailand
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among all 658 dental undergraduates in Mahidol University, Thailand. Data were collected through the self-administered questionnaire, including (1) “Background”: household income, hometown, and residence during study, financial source(s), (2) "Expenses": Living costs including foods, transportations, rents, utility bills, and recreational expenses; Education-related expensesincluding textbooks, stationeries, uniforms, and student activities fees.
A cost-median was used as a representation of the actual cost of each item. The mean differences of all expenses between groups before estimation was assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). The statistically significant difference was at p < 0.001.
Results: A higher proportion of the participants' families financially supported, with household income between THB50,001 - 100,000 (2,118.1 – 4,235 USD), while only 5% have additional funding. Students who rented accommodation spent significantly higher yearly expenses than those who were not (p<0.001). The estimated adjusted cost of becoming a dentist is THB1,265,027 (53,580 USD) and THB1,823,027 (77,214 USD) for students living at home and renting accommodation, respectively.
Conclusion: The cost of Thai dental education can be a significant financial burden, especially for students from disadvantaged socioeconomic status.
Unified Creeping Model Identifying the Critical State of Granular Material
Authors: Tong L.H. , Wu Bingni , Lei Z.X. , Xu Changjie
Published: September 2022

We propose a state evolution model to study the creep of a granular material both below and beyond the yield stress. Three types of creeping curves are observed under both static and dynamic loading conditions. The experiments are analyzed using the proposed model which introduces characteristic strain to account for the influences of historic strain on current state. A criterion to identify the stability of a granular system is obtained based on the proposed model. Two key factors dominating the stability of the granular system are recognized, the shear wave velocity and critical velocity. Our laboratory experiments in combination with the proposed criterion offers a physical explanation for intrinsic triggering mechanism of system evolution from stable to fluidic state: decrease in wave velocity or/and critical velocity.
Genome-wide association of trypanosome infection status in the tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes, the major vector of African trypanosomiasis in Uganda
Authors: Saarman Norah , Son Jae Hak , Zhao Hongyu , Cosme Luciano , Kong Yong , Li Mo , Wang Shiyu , Weiss Brian , Echodu Richard , Opiro Robert , Aksoy Serap , Caccone Adalgisa
Published: September 2022

The primary vector of the trypanosome parasite causing human and animal African trypanosomiasis in Uganda is the riverine tsetse fly Glossina fuscipes fuscipes (Gff). We conducted a genome-wide association (GWA) analysis with field-caught Gff. To increase statistical power, we first improved the Gff genome assembly with whole genome 10X Chromium sequencing, used ddRAD-seq to identify autosomal versus sex-chromosomal regions of the genome with data from 96,965 SNPs, and conducted a GWA with a subset of 50,960 autosomal SNPs from 351 flies. Results assigned a full third of the genome to the sex chromosome, suggested possible sex-chromosome aneuploidy in Gff, and identified a single autosomal SNP to be highly associated with trypanosome infection. The top SNP was ~ 1200 bp upstream of the gene lecithin cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT), an important component of the molecular pathway that initiates trypanosome lysis and protection in mammals. Results indicate that variation upstream of LCAT and/or linked genetic elements are associated with trypanosome infection susceptibility in Gff. This suggests that there may be naturally occurring genetic variation in Gff that can protect against trypanosome infection, thereby paving the way for targeted research into novel vector control strategies that can promote parasite resistance in natural populations.
Conductivity and size quantization effects in semiconductor δ-layer systems
Authors: Granado Juan Mendez , Mamaluy Denis
Published: September 2022

We present an open-system quantum-mechanical 3D real-space study of the conduction band structure and conductive properties of two semiconductor systems, interesting for their beyond-Moore and quantum computing applications: phosphorus δ-layers and P δ-layer tunnel junctions in silicon. In order to evaluate size quantization effects on the conductivity, we consider two principal cases: nanoscale finite-width structures, used in transistors, and infinitely-wide structures, electrical properties of which are typically known experimentally. For devices widths W < 10nm, quantization effects are strong and it is shown that the number of propagating modes determines not only the conductivity, but the distinctive spatial distribution of the current-carrying electron states. For W > 10nm, the quantization effects practically vanish and the conductivity tends to the infinitely-wide device values. For tunnel junctions, the quantization of the conduction band leads to deviations from the exponential dependence of the current on the tunnel gap length for low applied biases (≤10mV).
Quantum Amplifier for a Magnetic Flux Qubit
Authors: Gupta Santosh
Published: September 2022

The possibility of using a particular Josephson-based quantum amplier to amplify the signal of a qubit with a magnetic degree of freedom is investigated. The amplifier consists of two Josephson junctions in a loop like a DC SQUID, but with no external flux bias. The qubit is assumed to be like a spin with two opposite states of flux. The circulating current in the Josephson-based amplier is the signal to be measured by a suitable readout device. A DC current bias through the amplifier can be used to tune the amplifier between an OFF phase, when readout does not occur, and an ON phase, when the amplifier signal is coupled to the readout device and readout occurs. Results are provided demonstrating the average magnitude and noise in the modulation factor of the amplifier current signal. Also it is shown exactly how the current bias may be used to suppress the amplier signal in the OFF phase. Results demonstrate this is a potential candidate for a useful element in the design of a quantum computer.
Effects of indirect foraminal decompression during anterior cervical disc fusion procedure: a prospective study with clinical and radiological outcomes
Authors: LAINÉ Gaetan , COUDERT Pierre , DAMADE Camille , BOISSIERE Louis , POINTILLART Vincent , VITAL Jean Marc , BOUYER Benjamin , GILLE Olivier
Published: September 2022

Purpose
The respective effects of direct and indirect decompression in the clinical outcome after anterior cervical disc fusion (ACDF) is still debated. The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the height of the implants was associated with postoperative foraminal height and volume, and with clinical improvement in patients suffering from cervico-brachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis.
Methods
We conducted a prospective follow-up of patients who underwent ACDF for cervicobrachial neuralgias due to degenerative foraminal stenosis. Patient had filled auto questionnaires (Neck Disability Index (NDI), Visual Analog Scales (VAS) for cervical and radicular pain) and performed a CT-scan pre and post-operatively. Disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volumes were measured pre and post operatively.
Results
37 cervical disc fusions were successfully performed in 20 patients, with a total of 148 foramina studied. A significant improvement in the 3 scores was observed at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001). We found a significant improvement in every radiological parameter, with a significant increase in disc height, foraminal height and foraminal volume being respectively + 3,22mm (p < 0,001), + 2,12mm (p < 0,001) and + 54mm3 (p < 0,001). Increase in disc height was significantly associated with increase in foraminal height (p < 0,001) and foraminal volume (p < 0,001). Increase in foraminal height was significantly correlated with foraminal volume (p < 0,001) and with improvement in NDI score (p:0,037). Considering all those findings, our study suggests that indirect decompression helps in clinical improvement after ACDF.
Conclusion
This study provides interesting data regarding the clinical benefit of indirect decompression in ACDF performed for cervicobrachial neuralgias.
Preparation of Medical Students for Physical Exam Skills in the Pediatrics Clerkship: A Needs Assessment
Authors: Weinstein Adam , MacPherson Peter , Schmidt Suzanne , Opstal Elizabeth Van , Chou Erica , Pogemiller Mark , Gibbs Kathleen , Held Melissa
Published: September 2022

Background: Many students report feeling inadequately prepared for their clinical experiences in pediatrics. There is striking variability on how pediatric clinical skills are taught in pre-clerkship curricula.
Methods: We asked students who completed their clerkships in pediatrics, family medicine, surgery, obstetrics-gynecology and internal medicine to rate their pre-clinical training in preparing them for each clerkship, specifically asking about medical knowledge, communication, and physical exam skills. We also surveyed pediatric clerkship and clinical skills course directors at North American medical schools to describe the competence students should in the pediatric physical exam prior to their pediatric clerkship.
Results: Close to 1/3 of students reported not feeling adequately prepared for their pediatrics, obstetrics-gynecology, or surgery clerkship. Students felt less prepared to perform pediatric physical exam skills compared to physical exam skills in all other clerkships. Pediatric clerkship directors and clinical skills course directors felt students should have knowledge of and some ability to perform a wide spectrum of physical exam skills on children. There were no differences between the two groups except that clinical skills educators identified a slightly higher expected competence for development assessment skills compared to pediatric clerkship directors.
Conclusions: As medical schools undergo cycles of curricular reform, it may be beneficial to integrate more pre-clerkship exposure to pediatric topics and skills. Further exploration and collaboration establishing how and when to incorporate this learning could serve as a starting point for curricular improvements, with evaluation of effects on student experience and performance. A challenge is identifying infants and children for physical exam skills practice.
Glepaglutide, a novel glucagon-like peptide-2 agonist, has anti-inflammatory and mucosal regenerative effects in an experimental model of inflammatory bowel disease in rats
Authors: Skarbaliene Jolanta , Mathiesen Jesper Mosolff , Larsen Bjarne Due , Thorkildsen Christian , Petersen Yvette Miata
Published: September 2022

Background: Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) enhances intestinal repair and attenuates inflammation in preclinical inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) models, making GLP-2 analogues attractive candidates for IBD therapy. Glepaglutide is a long-acting GLP-2 receptor agonist in clinical development for treatment of short bowel syndrome. Here, we investigated if glepaglutide is therapeutically beneficial in rats with small intestinal inflammation.
Methods: Small intestinal inflammation was induced with indomethacin in naive Wistar rats, followed by glepaglutide administration at different disease stages. Glepaglutide was administered in co-treatment and post-treatment regimens. Small intestinal length and concentrations of inflammatory markers α-1-acid glycoprotein and myeloperoxidase were used to assess anti-inflammatory effects. Small intestinal mass was evaluated to determine intestinotrophic effects.
Results: Glepaglutide co- and post-treatment significantly reduced severity of small intestinal inflammation, evidenced by reversed small intestinal shortening and decreased α-1-acid glycoprotein and/or myeloperoxidase concentration(s). Co- and post-treatment with glepaglutide also significantly increased small intestinal mass, indicating intestinal regenerative effects. Similar effects were observed in naive rats after glepaglutide treatment.
Conclusion: Glepaglutide has anti-inflammatory and intestinotrophic effects without the need for pre-treatment in a rat model of small intestinal inflammation. Thus, glepaglutide is of potential clinical interest for patients with IBD.
Low-dose versus standard-dose recombinant tissue plasminogen activator in the very elderly patients with acute ischaemic stroke: a single-center study in Tianjin, China
Authors: gu yawei , Chu Xu , Dong Yinhua , Han Qian , Liang Xuemei , Fan Hongguang , Li Qiang , Zhao Lan , Wang Chaoran , Wang Hongxin , Wang Lijun
Published: September 2022

Objective: The optimal dose of recombinant tissue plasminogen activator for acute ischemic stroke among the very elderly patients (aged ≥80 years) in China is unclear. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of low-dose (0.6 mg/kg) and standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) rt-PA for varying severity and age of Chinese geriatric stroke patients.
Methods: According to dose of rt-PA, the enrolled patients were divided into two groups: rt-PA low-dose group (0.6 mg/kg) and rt-PA standard-dose group (0.9 mg/kg). The efficacy outcome was favorable functional outcome(modified Rankin Scale score of ≤2) at 90 days. The short-term safety outcomes were intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) and fatal intracerebral hemorrhage (fICH). The long-term safety outcome was death within 90 days. We assessed the efficacy and safety of low-dose vs standard-dose of rt-PA for acute ischemic stroke in Chinese very elderly patients.
Results: A total of 201 eligible patients were enrolled; among them, 93 patientswere treated with low-dose rt-PA and 108 patients received standard-dose rt-PA. The incidences of ICH, sICH and fICH in rt-PA low-dose group were lower than rt-PA standard-dose group [8.6%(8/93) vs. 19.4%(21/108), 4.3%(4/93) vs. 10.2%(11/108), 1.1%(1/93) vs. 9.3%(10/108); unadjusted and adjusted P< .05]. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups concerning the long-term safety index and the effectiveness index. Stratification by stroke severity and age，the favorable functional outcome rate at 90 days of moderate stroke sub-group and ≥90 years old in rt-PA low-dose group were both higher than rt-PA standard-dose group [76.3%(29/38) vs. 52.6%(20/38), 56.5%(13/23) vs. 25.0%(5/20); P< .05] and without a higher risk of mortality (mRS score of 6; P> .05).
Conclusions: The efficacy and safety at 90 days of low-dose (0.6 mg/kg) rt-PA intravenous thrombolytic therapy for Chinese geriatric AIS patients was equivalent to the standard-dose (0.9 mg/kg) rt-PA but with a lower risk of ICH, sICH and fICH. For AIS patients with moderate stroke and age 90 years or older, intravenous thrombolytic therapy with rt-PA 0.6 mg/kg is recommended. Confirmation of the results through multicentre, prospective, randomised trial is required.
Fatty pancreas: an initial indicator of ectopic fat deposition and metabolic syndrome
Authors: Rizk Ehsan , Lymon Nabil , Hafez Hala , Elmorsy Basma , Elshahid Mahmoud Abd
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic steatosis is fat accumulation in the pancreatic gland without fat replacement, this excessive pancreatic lipid content may enter a continuous vicious cycle of hydrolysis and fatty acid re-esterification thereby generating toxic intermediates, which may induce β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis. Several studies were made to study whether these fat depositions are harmful or inert. This study aimed to assess the implications of fat deposition in pancreas on pancreatic β-cell functions in obese patients.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We included 200 obese female subjects with BMI ≥30 kg/m2 and age (25-50 years) who visited an obesity clinic in Mansoura Specialized Medical hospital after exclusion of any medical conditions or taking drugs which affect lipid metabolism or beta cell function. The subjects were further subdivide fatty pancreatic group including 136 female subjects with ages range from 25 to 52 years old and non-fatty pancreatic group including 64 female subjects with ages range from 23 to 45 years old. All subjects were subjected to anthropometric measurement including height, weight, BMI, WC and laboratory investigations including lipid profile and HBA1C, oral glucose tolerance with measurement of glucose and insulin at 0,30,60 and 120 minutes with calculation of insulin sensitivity and resistance indices.
RESULTS: We found that a significant increase in BMI, WC, total cholesterol, LDL-C,TG and glucose and a significant decrease in HDL-C in fatty pancreas group compared to non-fatty pancreas group. Fatty pancreas had negative correlation with β cell functions in the form of decrease insulin secretion and decrease in insulin sensitivity in the form of decrease DI and IGI and increase in HOMA-IR. We found also no relation between fatty liver and fatty pancreas.