bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Sub-acute Effect of Lead Exposure on the Auditory Brainstem Response in Male Rats
Authors:   Department of Occupational Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran., Alimohammadi Iraj , Ashtarinezhad Azadeh ,   Department of Occupational Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran., Abolghasemi Jamileh ,   Department of Biostatistics, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran., Yekzamani Parvaneh ,   Department of Occupational Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran., Masruri Batol ,   Department of Occupational Health, Iran University of Medical Sciences. Tehran, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Background: Lead is a major environmental pollutant and can adversely affect humans and animals. There are conflicting data about the ototoxic effect of lead. This study experimentally examined the association between blood lead levels (BLL) and the subsequent hearing impairment in male rats. Methods: Twenty-two male rats were randomly categorized into experimental (exposed to lead acetate, 4 mg/kg by gavage) and control groups. We evaluated the groups by click and tone audiometric burst tests, comparing the data before and 30 days after exposure to lead acetate (4mg/kg). Also, blood samples were collected from the rats and analyzed for lead levels by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: The study findings demonstrated remarkable increase in hearing threshold in the lead-exposed group, compared to the controls (p<0.0001). Also, the blood lead levels revealed a significant association of lead acetate with the hearing loss in rats. Conclusion: This study revealed that exposure to lead acetate can be damaging to hearing. However, future research is recommended to clarify the mechanism of action of lead toxicity on the auditory function at varying blood lead concentrations.
Protective Effect of Lactobacillus fermentum on Lead-induced Hematological and Body Weight Alterations in Rats
Authors:   Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran., Ghazanfarpour Elham , Fatemi Mahnoosh ,   Department of Biology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran., Ghandehari Fereshte ,   Department of Microbiology, Falavarjan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Background: Lead is known to be a highly toxic heavy metal which has a wide range of effect on human health. It has been proven that probiotics are able to bind heavy metals and remove them from the environment. In this study, the effect of Lactobacillus fermentum (L. fermentum) and its cytoplasmic extract were investigated on the hematological and body weight parameters in lead exposed rats. Methods: Forty eight rats were divided into 6 groups of eight as follows: Group 1: controls; Group 2: treated with lead acetate; Group 3: treated with L. fermentum; Group 4: treated with lead acetate and intact L. fermentum bacteria; Group 5: treated with the extracts of L. fermentum; Group 6: treated with lead acetate and the extract. At the completion of the experiments, rats’ blood samples were collected and analyzed for the hematological parameters. The lead concentrations were measured in the fecal pellets. Results: The results demonstrated significant differences among the hematological parameters in groups 2 and 6, compared with those in the controls. However, no significant differences were detected for the parameters in groups 3, 4 and 5. The lead concentrations in the fecal pellets of group 4 animals showed a significant increase compared to those recorded for the groups that were exposed to lead acetate. Conclusion: The findings suggest that L. fermentum may inhibit or minimize the harmful effects of lead on rat’s hematological parameters by binding to the heavy metal and removing it from the body.
Fruits Contaminated with Lead, Cadmium and Nitrate are the Risks to Human Health: A seasonal study
Authors:   PhD of Food Hygiene, Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran ,, Sharafati Chaleshtori Reza , Jadi Zahra ,   Department of Food and drink monitoring, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Background: Consumers may be contaminated by various food intakes as one of the most important sources of organic and inorganic pollutants associated with agriculture. The aim of this study was to evaluate the lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and nitrate contaminations in watermelon and carrot samples and the associated risks to human health. Methods: In this cross sectional study, 108 samples of watermelon and carrot samples were collected randomly from the supermarkets in Kashan, Iran, from October 2017 to September 2018. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and spectrophotometry were used to analyze Pb, Cd and nitrate in the collected samples, respectively. Results: The results showed that the carrot samples had the most concentrations of Pb, Cd and nitrate than those for watermelon (p<0.001). All of the samples except for some watermelons and carrots had lower contaminants than the permissible standard limits. The results of the target hazard quotient (THQ) and total THQ for the compounds were within the safe range (<1) and were not detected at harmful levels. The excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) of Pb and Cd were in the safe and unsafe range, respectively. However, the total cancer risk was higher than the standard level and was; therefore, unsafe to the consumers. Conclusion: The study showed that the concentrations of the compounds in carrot and watermelon may potentially be hazardous to the health of Iranian consumers.
Eryngium Bungei Boiss Extract Has Hepatoprotective Effect Against Liver Damage Induced by Acetaminophen in Rats: Novel Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects
Authors:   Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. Shiraz, Iran., Fatemi Maryam , Shomali Tahoora ,   Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. Shiraz, Iran., Nazifi Saeed ,   Department of Clinical Studies, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. Shiraz, Iran., Fazeli Mehdi ,   Department of Basic Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, Shiraz University. Shiraz, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Background: Acetaminophen-induced toxicity is a common cause of acute liver failure. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of Eryngium bungei Boiss (EB) extract against the hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Thirty adult male rats were randomly assigned to five groups, with free access to water and food. They were treated as follows: Group 1 (negative controls): distilled water (DW); Group 2 (positive controls): DW for 7 days and a single dose of 500 mg/kg BW acetaminophen orally on day 8th; Groups 3, 4 and 5 (experimental groups): received EB extract mixed in DW at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg/day orally for 7 days plus 500 mg/kg acetaminophen on the 8th day. On the 9thday, blood and liver samples were collected from all rats. Results: The EB extract improved the adverse histological changes in the rats’ livers and resulted in reduced serum ALT and ALP enzymes. Oxidative stress was noted in the liver tissue in Group 2. Pretreatment with EB extract reduced MDA concentration and increased GSH levels, compared to that for Group 2. The extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg/day significantly increased SOD activity, compared to that for Group 2. The IL-1β and TNF-α levels increased significantly in Group 2, compared to those in Group 1. Administration of EB extract in Groups 3, 4 and 5 significantly decreased the IL-1β and TNF-α parameters. Conclusions: The hepatoprotective effects of EB extract appears to be linked to its glutathione-mediated detoxification, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.
Association Between the -1031 (T/C) Polymorphism of TNF-α Gene and Biochemical Factors in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors:   Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Sahmani Mehdi , Dabaghi Ghaleh Talaate ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Yargholi Maryam ,   Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Foroghi Farshad ,   Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Javadi Amir ,   Department of Social Sciences, School of Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Taherkhani Khadijeh ,   Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Background: Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) gene, as an inflammatory factor, plays an important role in reproductive physiology, especially in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Objective: This study aims to investigate the relationship between the -1031 T/C polymorphism of TNF-α gene and biochemical factors in women with PCOS. Methods: In this case-control study, participants were 106 women with PCOS and 114 healthy women referred to Kosar Hospital in Qazvin, Iran. The TNF-α gene’s polymorphism was determined using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) technique and PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) method. Biochemical factors of serum levels were also measured in two groups. Logistic regression analysis examined the relationship between the frequency of alleles in different states and the risk of PCOS. Findings: There were statistically significant difference in the mean levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, testosterone, two-hour blood glucose and body mass index between the groups, whose values were higher in women with PCOS compared to healthy women (P<0.001). In women with PCOS, the mean serum levels of triglyceride and high-density lipoprotein were significantly different between the three TT, CC, TC genotypes of TNF-α gene polymorphism (P<0.05). The results of regression analysis showed that the TT genotype had significant association with the risk of PCOS (OR=2.43, P=0.006, 95%CI: 1.28-2.62). Conclusion: It seems that there is a relationship between the -1301 (T/C) polymorphism of TNF-α gene and the risk of PCOS in women.
Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Nursing Care: A Review
Authors:   Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midewifery, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran., Amini Maryam , Zeighami Reza ,   Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midewifery, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran.
Published: June 2021

Repeated Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (RTMS) therapy is one of the modern treatment methods for various neurological and psychiatric diseases. With the clinical advancement of new therapies, there is a need to increase nursing knowledge, various practical skills, and new ways of organizing care. This study aims to review the rTMS, and the role of psychiatric nurses before, during and after rTMS. The search was conducted in IranMedex, PubMed, Elsevier, Google Scholar, Ovid, and SID databases using the keywords: Repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation, long-term potential, mental nerve, psychiatric nursing both in English and Persian. Initial search yielded 42 articles, of which 24 were selected for the review. Treatment with rTMS can cause significant treatment effects. It has low complications, and is non-invasive and painless. The patient is conscious during the treatment process and is safe from the effects of anesthetic drugs. This method is also effective for people who are resistant to treatment. The psychiatric nurses play an important role in rTMS and teach patients on the formation of realistic expectations and the establishment of systems that ensure the continuity of safety and care. Moreover, they can assess clinical problems and work with the patients to create a therapeutic environment.
Exploring STEM Undergraduate Self-Regulated Learning at a Vietnamese Transnational University
Authors: Yao Christina W , Bush Trentee , Collins Courtney , Tuliao Minerva , Briscoe Kaleb L. , Dang Ngoc Lan Thi
Published: June 2021

STEM education in Vietnam is prioritized, yet effective learning may be difficult for students attending transnational universities. The purpose of this study is to examine the self-regulated learning experiences of STEM undergraduate students attending a collaborative transnational university in Vietnam. Challenges included English language instruction and STEM-specific terminology. Despite barriers to their learning, students describe strategies for navigating their learning process. Strategies included extensive rereading of the material, using Google to look up new terms/ideas or to translate words, asking instructors for translation, and reviewing online resources. Implications for practice include instructors providing more detailed feedback and guidance and leveraging technology use for learning.
Tensions, Transformations and Travel
Authors: Soong Hannah , Caldwell David
Published: June 2021

This paper discusses the dynamic and complex dimensions of ‘becoming’ a cosmopolitan teacher educator through an overseas study tour. It employs autobiography as a research method to interpret the experiences of an overseas study tour, and how it has engaged the teacher educators in self-reflexivity of their negotiation of multiple identities: academic, personal and cultural. Our self-narratives reveal how becoming cosmopolitan educators is not only intimately linked to the process of re-construction of oneself as a reflexive person. The process can also be conflicting and unsettling because of how we were positioned by our pre-service teachers. It concludes by highlighting the conditions in which our multiple identities come into existence and how they shape our ways of becoming, and the need for teacher educators to engage in a continual process of professional development as cosmopolitan teacher educators.
Benefits of Mindfulness Professional Development for Elementary Teachers
Authors: Akhavan Nancy , Walsh Nichole , Goree Janeen
Published: June 2021

Using an embedded quasi-experimental mixed-method approach, this exploratory study aimed to understand the benefits of mindfulness training for elementary school teachers and leaders in one rural school district. After the delivery of two 90-minute mindfulness professional developments with on-the-job practice of strategies over 2 weeks, quantitative statistical comparisons of the intervention and inactive control groups were made using survey results from the Mindfulness in Teaching Scale (Frank et al., 2016). Qualitative analyses used intervention participant journal entry responses along with one-on-one interviews. After analyses, the results suggest mindfulness training can benefit teachers, specifically in the use of intrapersonal mindfulness practices, reshaping daily interactions with students, and reducing stress.
REGULARITIES AND EXTRACTIVE MAXIMS OF MODERNIZATION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL BASIS OF REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Authors:   Chernihiv Polytechnic National University, Kharchenko Yuliia
Published: June 2021

The article analyzes the patterns of regional development, points to the need to study and justify the patterns of regional development, which allows to choose the optimal vectors for the formation of the institutional core and the most effective options for modernizing the institutional aspects of regional development. development. The purpose of the article is to determine the essence of the laws of regional development as one of the aspects of the methodological basis for the modernization of the institutional base of the Ukrainian state. Emphasis is placed on the priority steps to eliminate gaps and reasons that prevent the implementation of the basic strategic plans of state formation. Among them: standardization of decentralization aspects in the Constitution of Ukraine; harmonization of actions of central and local executive bodies, local self-government bodies and civil society institutions with the approval of priority state-building strategies; activities in the framework of public dialogue to develop a state strategy for regional development, taking into account the laws focused on the modernization of productive forces, the activation of the whole set of functions that contribute to the consolidation of the nation in the socio-humanistic direction. The study found that the processes of decentralization of power affect the development of productive forces through a number of factors of synergy, which include natural, geographical, ecological, socio-humanitarian, scientific, technical and competitiveness. The general scientific priority in the article is dialectical and systematic cognitive methods, by which the region is considered as a complex socio-economic ecosystem, which constantly interacts in the process of development with other subjects of the institutional environment of the country, interdisciplinary comparisons, economic-mathematical, balanced and systematic methods. analysis may be included to determine the impact of certain social phenomena on research in relevant areas of human activity. The result of the study is the formation of the author's vision of the essence of the main modernization aspects of regional development as an institutional basis for state formation.
THE INFLUENCE OF COLOR IN ADVERTISING ON THE PURCHASING POWER OF CONSUMERS
Authors:   South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky, Filon Mykhailo , Borsuk Yevheniia ,   South Ukrainian National Pedagogical University named after K. D. Ushynsky
Published: June 2021

The article considers advertising and its colors. A study of the impact of color on the purchasing power of consumers on the example of well-known nonsense that is popular for Ukrainian buyers, advertising and its color scheme, the impact of color on the purchasing power of consumers. Perception of color and emotional attitude to it depends mainly on the emotional state of man and the associations they arise. Certain emotional states of a person correspond to his attitude to color, shade and combination of colors: one color is preferred, another does not cause special emotions, the third is completely rejected. And also it is possible to note about age features of the relation to color scale.
TRANSFORMATION OF MODERN METHODS OF FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS OF ENTERPRISES
Authors:   Cherkasy National University named after B. Khmelnytsky, Umanska Victoria , Lavrova-Manzenko Olena ,   Cherkasy National University named after B. Khmelnytsky
Published: June 2021

The main goal of this research is to identify those indicators of reporting of associations of enterprises that change their nature or content under the influence of consolidation against the background of the application of IFRS, as well as areas of transformation of methods of its analysis. The article reveals the essence of consolidated financial statements and the peculiarities of the process of its formation. Financial information becomes the main tool of communication and formation of business image of enterprises in the market environment. The carrier of such information is the financial statements, which are compiled according to international standards, which are constantly progressing and reforming. As a result, business owners have more and more freedom in its formation, despite the global harmonization of the list of indicators and their content, which allows you to present your business in a favorable light and assess those aspects of contractors that are most important for further cooperation. The main information needs of groups of users of consolidated financial statements are considered. The authors specify the areas of analysis of the financial and property condition of the group of enterprises according to the consolidated financial statements and substantiate the reasons for the need for their transformation. Some aspects of the analysis of the consolidated financial statements are characterized, which do not allow to form a correct idea of the financial and property condition of its individual elements. The accounting components of the consolidated financial statements are determined, which may distort the results of the coefficient analysis and indicators of their modification. The peculiarities of the analysis of such reporting are due to the transformations of the accounting content of its indicators - the reflection of contingent assets, liabilities, risks, possible costs and revenues. All components of analysis methods - horizontal, vertical, trend, and especially - coefficient - undergo certain changes. The need to disseminate cost-oriented approaches in the analysis of consolidated financial statements is substantiated.
DEVELOPING MODELS FOR FORECASTING AGRICULTURAL ENTERPRISES SALES VOLUME
Authors:   National University «Yuri Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnic», Kharchenko Yuriy
Published: June 2021

The financial and economic activities of economic entities in modern terms require constant plans comparison with real developments. Taking into account the peculiarities of the economic situation in the country, comparing the supply and demand, analysis of financial results, etc. The development of market relations increases the responsibility and independence of enterprises in making decisions about strategy and tactics for the future. That is why, while taking substantiating management decisions the application of techniques and methods of economic and mathematical modeling is relevant. One of the types of communication between the producer and the consumer is sales volume. It directly affects the amount of costs, profits and profitability of the enterprise. Therefore, the analysis and forecasting of such an indicator is important to increase the competitiveness of economic entities. Statistical data of one of the agricultural enterprises of Poltava region are analyzed, several influential factors are highlighted. It is proposed to perform a regression analysis, develop a linear multifactor model and build an adaptive model for forecasting the volume of sales of agricultural enterprises to select the optimal model for forecasting the studied indicator for the future. The author performed calculations on the obtained models. The analysis of the obtained results confirmed model’s adequacy, so they can be used for forecasting. As a result of comparison forecasts of sales volumes at the enterprise the adaptive model is recommended for practical application as it has the best quality of the forecast and the minimum sum of deviations squares. This model giving more weight to the latest statistics provides an optimistic forecast for the future. Thus, developing economic and mathematical forecasting models will provide an opportunity to improve the operational planning of production the certain types of products, as well as allow (after receiving new statistics) to quickly change the production monthly plans. Thus, conditions will be created to improve the quality of management, increase competitiveness and ensure the stabilization of the financial state at agricultural enterprises.
THE ISSUE OF FILLING THE SPECIAL FUND AS AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT OF THE REVENUE SIDE OF LOCAL BUDGETS IN TERMS OF FINANCIAL DECENTRALIZATION
Authors:   Volodymyr Dahl East Ukrainian National University, Denyshchenko Liudmyla
Published: June 2021

The introduction of local government reform in Ukraine, part of which is financial (fiscal) decentralization, the functioning of local budgets has forced to significantly change the approaches of local governments to the management of community funds. Despite the clear provisions of local government reform, local councils have a number of problems with filling the revenue side of local budgets, leading to inefficient and underutilized use of community funds. A number of Ukrainian scholars pay attention to local finances, but the issues of filling and using local budgets are mainly considered in terms of articles of the general fund, while the special fund is characterized by funds coming to specific purposes and almost unmanageable. The purpose of the study is a detailed consideration of the theoretical foundations of the existence and functioning of a special fund of local budgets, its role and importance in performing the financial functions of the community. The new budget governance mechanism has forced local authorities to step up their efforts to address their own issues and costs, allowing them to keep significant sums at their disposal, which, however, are not sufficient. The opportunity to earn more income has also been offered by the reform of financial decentralization, but it requires cohesion in the community between all its main components: government, business and the population. Finding ways to increase the local budget to finance their own issues requires a constant search for opportunities to generate additional income, sources of use and use of reserves, which is possible, appropriate and increase the efficiency of local budgets. Such possibilities have been identified and described in this study. The share of the special fund of local budgets, as you know, is not the largest, but the work on its replenishment has not only financial but also a certain synergistic effect in the community, promotes cohesion and motivation for further social and economic development. Unfortunately, among the management of these institutions and local self-government there is often no desire to consider the possibility of finding their own reserves for the implementation of such activities, which significantly reduces the financial capacity of the local budget.
Semiótica de la inteligencia colectiva en la serie Stranger Things
Authors: Vizcaíno-Verdú Arantxa , Contreras-Pulido Paloma , Guzmán-Franco María-Dolores
Published: June 2021

El presente estudio analiza la serie original de Netflix, Stranger Things, como constructo de inteligencia colectiva emergente. Para ello, desarrollamos un análisis semiótico mediante tres fases inductivas e interpretativas: aplicación del Sistema Intertextual Transmedia, identificación de referencias preexistentes y análisis de reacciones en el universo fandom. El trabajo descubre la producción como una obra intertextual transmedia maestra que apunta hacia una asombrosa canonización del producto mediático-nostálgico y a una consecuente ejecución de la memoria cultural colectiva.
Environmental, Social, and Governance Investment in Emerging Markets: A Case Study of Firms in Southeast Asia
Authors: Korwatanasakul Upalat , Majoe Adam
Published: June 2021

This study examines the current situation of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment in Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. Based on a purposive sampling, our sample includes 143 leading firms from 10 ASEAN countries. By intensively reviewing firms’ multiyear annual and sustainability reports, we utilize content analysis to identify the characteristics of ESG firms (firms considering ESG factors in their investment decision-making process). Our result shows that ESG firms, on average, have higher profitability. Moreover, ESG investment helps lower costs and boost revenue and profits. However, ESG investment has only been implicitly and unsystematically implemented in ASEAN firms.
AVALIAÇÃO DA SUSTENTABILIDADE DE INSTITUTO FEDERAL DE EDUCAÇÃO CIÊNCIA E TECNOLOGIA
Authors: Silva William Benedito da , Feil Alexandre
Published: June 2021

As Instituição de Ensino Superior (IES), como formadoras de cidadãos críticos e visão de um mundo mais sustentável, devem ser exemplos de organizações sustentáveis, pois a forma de defender a sustentabilidade é acreditar e incorporar suas práticas no seu cotidiano. Neste contexto, o escopo central do estudo analisou a sustentabilidade mediante a utilização de um conjunto de indicadores no Instituto Federal de Educação Ciência e Tecnologia (IF), campus de Campo Novo de Parecis, no Estado de Mato Grosso. A metodologia utilizada tipifica-se qualiquantitativa, descritiva e como procedimento técnico a revisão sistemática da literatura e pesquisa documental. Os principais resultados revelam que foram garimpados quatro estudos, no Brasil, com base nos critérios de seleção, selecionou-se 209 indicadores no total, sendo que estes foram compilados em um conjunto de 96 indicadores, consistentes e com potencial para serem utilizados como referência para avaliar a sustentabilidade no IF Campo Novo de Parecis. Conclui-se que os indicadores fragilizados/insatisfatórios que merecem atenção pelo IF, campus de Campo Novo de Parecis vinculam-se a água, Resíduos perigosos, Programas de sustentabilidade e responsabilidade socioambientais, entre outras (Exercícios laborais, Plano odontológico, Reaproveitamento de papéis, Paisagismo sustentável e Controle do estacionamento).
ANALISIS BENTUKAN LAHAN DI SEPANJANG BUKIT BARISAN, KABUPATEN PESISIR BARAT, PROVINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: Giovano Mush'ab Baihaqy , Muzani Jalaludin  , Henry Giovano
Published: June 2021

Artikel ini membahas tentang karakterisrik bentuk lahan di Kabupaten Pesisir Barat. Kabupaten Pesisir Barat adalah salah satu kabupaten yang terletak di bagian barat Provinsi Lampung dengan memiliki luas ±2.907,23 Km2 serta memiliki garis pantai 221,5 Km (daratan dan garis pulau-pulau). Penelitian dilaksanakan dengan analisis overlay peta kelerengan dan ketinggian yang berasal dari SRTM (Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission) dengan menghadirkan sebuat peta. Variabel yang digunakan untuk menentukan bentuk lahan pesisir adalah material dan relief. Hasil ini menunjukkan bahwa Kabupaten Pesisir Barat terdiri atas bentuk lahan struktural yang terjadi karena kegiatan patahan semangko dan aktivitas pergerakan bawah laut dengan pertemuan lempeng tektonik.
KERUKUNAN HIDUP MASYARAKAT DALAM BINGKAI MULTIKULTURAL DI KAMPUNG MADRAS KOTA MEDAN
Authors: Dafa Rizky Prayoga  , Leontinus Gindo , Ginting Tiur Debora , Damayani Wanda Nelwita , Rohani  , Z Soedirman
Published: June 2021

Penelitian didasarkan kepada fenomena terkait kehidupan masyarakat Kota Medan yang multikulutral, salah satunya adalah Kampung Madras. Penelitian bertujuan untuk menemukan corak multikultural dan nilai toleransi di tengah masyarakat Kampung Madras, Kota Medan. Subjek penelitian adalah masyarakat Tamil yang ada di Kampung Madras, Kota Medan. Data dikumpulkan berdasarkan sumber primer dan sekunder. Sumber primer melalui observasi langsung, wawancara salah satu tertua di Kampung Madras, serta dokumentasi dalam bentuk foto. Sumber sekunder melalui literasi beberapa artikel dan jurnal yang relevan. Analisis data secara deskriptif dengan meggabungkan hasil observasi dengan literatur. Hasil penelitian disimpulkan bahwa masyarakat Kampung Madras atau yang dikenal dengan Kampung Keling tetap menjaga rasa toleransi yang tinggi dan hidup berdampingan dengan harmonis, selain itu Kampung Madras memiliki potensi untuk dijadikan landmark sebagai pariwisata di Kota Medan.
Islamic banks financing of FinTech start-ups in Oman: An exploratory study
Authors: Abdelghani Echchabi  , Mohammed Mispah Said Omar  , Abdullah Mohammed Ayedh  , Welcome Sibanda
Published: June 2021

This study mainly aims to explore the current practice and prospects of FinTech start-ups financing in Oman, particularly the IFIs (Islamic Financial Institutions) financing practices and the challenges faced by these start-ups in obtaining it. The study applies qualitative methods in procedures of in-depth interviews with eight Islamic banks’ managers in Oman. The findings revealed that the financing of the FinTech start-ups in Oman still in the infant stage and below its potential. This might be due to the general lack of interest in this area by the Omani start-up businesses. This situation might be due to the lack of clear strategic vision of Omani financial institutions, including both Islamic and conventional financial institutions with regards the Fintech start-ups. The findings also showed that the start-ups in Oman prefer long term financial schemes, while the Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) generally prefer to offer short term financing on Musharakah and Ijarah contracts. Lastly, the findings showed that the IFIs are positive regarding the prospects of growth and success of FinTech in Oman. It is noteworthy that this is one of the early studies that addresses the FinTech start-ups financing from an Islamic perspective, and hence places the ground for the future studies to be conducted in this area.
水利工程施工管理问题及对策研究
Authors: 周 建增 , 钟 长瑞
Published: June 2021

水利工程事关民生，有着庞大的任务量，涉及到多个专业和工种，需要多专业协同施工，并且质量要求严格。现代化水利工程有助于推动区域经济的发展，有助于生态环境的改善，有助于农业的进步。当前水利工程建设往往面临着较为复杂的环境，如果不采取有效的管理措施很可能出现质量不达标的情况，造成资源浪费。为此，需要在明确水利工程施工管理重要意义的前提下加强分析当前水利工程管理中常见的问题，并且采取有效的改进措施，优化水利工程施工管理效果。
Need for implementation of pharmacoeconomics in healthcare system, case of analysis of antibiotic consumption in Republic of Macedonia for 2016
Authors: Acevski Stevche , Nakov Zoran
Published: June 2021

Pharmacoeconomics is new and modern health science, implemented in developed societies, to play core role in creating health policies. The main aim of pharmacoeconomic analysis is development of science methodology for evaluation of costs and outcomes of treatment, evaluation of economic parameters in the face of outcomes of clinical results, from different treatment options. Pharmaceutical companies implemented pharmacoeconomic principles for diversifying marketing approach and market access in pharmaceutical development. New healthcare systems demand increased costs for medical care, pharmaceutical products and medical devices. Process of medical costs for evaluation of costs evolved, indirect and hidden costs are part of sole process of evaluation. Health authorities from one side and pharmaceutical companies from other side developed unique methodologies for evaluation. With these implemented changes, traditional concept for evaluation of efficacy and safety of medical devices and pharmaceutical products was overbridged and pharmacoeconomics is base for research, development, registration, reimbursement, as well as dispensing and follow the life cycle of medicines. Results from antibiotic consumption analysis in Republic of Macedonia at 2016 showed that total antibiotic consumption and antibiotic consumption per DDD/1000 citizens is according to average EU trends, mostly similarly to the usage trends of low-income countries. But usage of new and innovative antibiotic is on very low level, which indicates the need of further implementing of pharmacoeconomic analysis and principles in decision making process, for improved health care for the patients. The ultimate goal of implementing the pharmacoeconomic system in each country is enhancing the benefit to the patient through improved resource allocation. Keywords: pharmacoeconomics, type of pharmacoeconomic analysis, antibiotic consumption, Republic of Macedonia
Distinguishing residency behavior from random movements using passive acoustic telemetry
Authors: Cramer AN , Katz S , Kogan C , Lindholm J
Published: June 2021

Passive acoustic telemetry is a powerful tool for tracking aquatic animals, yet the data derived from acoustic tags have important limitations. For example, inferences about habitat associations rely on statistical correlations, where frequent observations within a given habitat are interpreted as habitat preference. However, tagging data are not measures of movement per se, or even behavior more generally; rather, tagging data are representations of locations in space and time and can reflect limitations in the sampling technology as much as animal behavior. This interaction between sampling technology and resulting data means it is necessary to have some null expectation in order to evaluate a hypothesis predicting a habitat association. Here, we developed a null model for animal movement based on random walk simulations and examined our ability to distinguish random from intentioned movements when using passive acoustics. By comparing simulations to telemetry observations, we provide guidance for both data interpretation and future study design. We found that (1) real-world telemetry observations cannot be distinguished from random walks during initial portions of sampling and (2) researchers must account for the interaction between study duration and the ratio of organismal step size relative to detection radius when calculating site fidelity. To assist in the interpretation of passive acoustic data, we provide an analytical solution to forecast when real-world observations are reliably distinguishable from simple random walks.
THE EUROPEAN FEDERATION OF ACADEMIES OF SCIENCES AND HUMANITIES (ALLEA)
Authors: Pershina Katherine , Perynska Natalia
Published: June 2021

The history of creation, development, and activity of the European Federation of Acade­mies of Sciences and Humanities (ALLEA) is given in the review. The initial main goal of this organization was to promote cooperation in research between Eastern and Western Europe after the end of the Cold War, to create a legal basis for cooperation between scientists for cross-border cooperation between European academies, which eventually became a powerful system that changes world science. During its existence since 1992, the European Federation of Academies of Natural Sciences and Humanities has become a powerful scientific, social, and economic force that impacts not only the development of European science but also the processes in society. The shift of the ideo­logy of the organization in the humanitarian field strengthening such impact, and provides for full interaction with society. Recent projects by ALLEA, one of the four European scientific associations, are closely linked to legislative action, the development of public confidence in science, and scientific experience. Recently, the confrontation of misinformation, which is the main factor in the violation of basic democra­tic values, to which the federation pays special attention. ALLEA’s current strategic priorities focus on ethical values, which are the basis for building a common European research policy. And the SAPEA project has established ano­ther mechanism to combat violations of Euro­pean values and democratic principles not only in science but also in politics.
Effects of JGB Additives on the Microstructures and Electrical Properties of Electroplated Copper Foil
Authors: Woo Tae-Gyu , Park Il-Song
Published: June 2021

Extremely thin film high quality copper foil is required to ensure high performance in electronics and slimness in secondary batteries. During the electroplating of copper foil, Janus Green B(JGB) and Collagen were introduced as additives to the electrolytes to study their effects. The structural and electrical properties of the electroplated copper foil were evaluated. When each additive was added individually, the potential was increased. Specifically, the potential of the group with 30 ppm added collagen was about 27% higher rather than the non-additive group. When Cl- ions and MPSA(3-mercapto-1-propane sulfonic acid) were added to the electrolytes without collagen and JGB, the surface roughness(Rz) increased by about 136% to 2.24 μm compared to the non-additive group. This was the highest value among all groups. However, a uniform layer with a surface roughness value below 0.3 μm was formed when less than 30 ppm and 10 ppm collagen and JGB were added, respectively, to the electrolyte. The direction of crystal growth with the JGB additives tended to go forward to the (220) direction, and the crystal size was reduced by 10~27% compared to the non-additive group. The addition of Collagen is necessary to reduce the difference in resistivity of the shiny layer and right matte layer. JGB additives were required to reduce the deviation in grain size. The results confirmed that the accelerators, inhibitors and leveler need to be properly added to form a copper plating layer with low surface roughness and to reduce differences in crystal texture of the shiny layer and right matte layer. Copper foil can be safely and uniformly deposited from electrolytes with JGB below 10 ppm and collagen below 30 ppm.
Effects of Ge Doping on the Charge Transport and Thermoelectric Properties of Permingeatites Cu3Sb1−yGeySe4
Authors: Pi Ji-Hee , Lee, Go-Eun , Kim Il-Ho
Published: June 2021

Permingeatites Cu3Sb1−yGeySe4 (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.14) were synthesized by mechanical alloying and hot pressing. The charge-transport parameters (Hall coefficient, carrier concentration, mobility, and Lorenz number) and thermoelectric properties (electrical conductivity, Seebeck coefficient, power factor, thermal conductivity, and figure of merit) were examined with respect to the Ge doping level. A single permingeatite phase with a tetragonal structure was obtained without subsequent heat treatment, but a small amount of the secondary phase Cu2GeSe3 was found for the specimens with y ≥ 0.08. All hot-pressed compacts exhibited a relative density of 97.5%–98.3%. The lattice constants of the a-axis and c-axis were decreased by the substitution of Ge at the Sb sites. As the Ge content increased, the carrier concentration increased from 5.2 × 1018 to 1.1 × 1020 cm−3, but the mobility decreased from 92 to 25 cm2·V−1·s−1. The Lorenz number of the undoped Cu3SbSe4 implied a non-degenerate semiconductor behavior, ranging from (1.57–1.56) × 10−8 V2·K−2 at 323–623 K. The thermoelectric figure of merit was 0.39 at 623 K, resulting from a power factor of 0.49 mW·m−1·K−2 and a thermal conductivity of 0.76 W·m−1·K−1. However, the Lorenz numbers of the Gedoped specimens indicated degenerate semiconductor characteristics, increasing to (1.63–1.94) × 10−8 V2·K−2 at 323–623 K. The highest thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.65 was at 623 K for Cu3Sb0.86Ge0.14Se4, resulting from the significantly improved power factor of 0.93 mW·m−1·K−2 and the thermal conductivity of 0.89W·m−1·K−1. As a result, the thermoelectric properties were remarkably enhanced by doping Ge into the Sb sites of the permingeatite.
The Salubrious Air of Bognor
Authors: Guest Harriet
Published: June 2021

Bognor was built on air. In its early years as a seaside resort, the air, which was its principal attraction, was not simply the health-giving inhalations of convalescent beachgoers. It was also the airiness of the shared spaces of the development; the breadth of the walkways, the expanses between the buildings, the open access to sea views. It was about the distances between people; the reserve maintained by visitors, and the froideur peculiar to the elite society that its founder and developer, the hatter Sir Richard Hotham, was most willing to welcome to his pet speculation. The air of Bognor mingled health with social exclusion and a grandiose sense of space to create a unique and chilly cocktail
Enrichment and Aggregation of Purple Non-sulfur Bacteria in a Mixed-Culture Sequencing-Batch Photobioreactor for Biological Nutrient Removal From Wastewater
Authors: Cerruti Marta , Stevens Berber , Ebrahimi Sirous , Alloul Abbas , Vlaeminck Siegfried E. , Weissbrodt David G.
Published: June 2021

Graphical Abstract

Sequencing batch reactor enrichment and aggregation of purple non-sulfur bacteria.
Recent Progress on Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer: Tumor Microenvironment, Nanotechnology and More
Authors: Li Yang , Miao Wenfang , He Doudou , Wang Siqi , Lou Jianjuan , Jiang Yanni , Wang Shouju
Published: June 2021

Immunotherapy is a major emerging treatment for breast cancer (BC). However, not all breast cancer patients derive benefit from immunotherapy. Predictive biomarkers of immunotherapy, such as tumor mutation burden and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, are promising to stratify the patients with BC and optimize the therapeutic effect. Various targets of the immune response pathway have also been explored to expand the modalities of immunotherapy. The use of nanotechnology for the imaging of predictive biomarkers and the combination with other therapeutic modalities presents a number of advantages for the immunotherapy of BC. In this review, we summary the emerging therapeutic modalities of immunotherapy, present prominent examples of immunotherapy in BC, and discuss the future opportunity of nanotechnology in the immunotherapy of BC.
How Smooth Muscle Contractions Shape the Developing Enteric Nervous System
Authors: Chevalier Nicolas R. , Agbesi Richard J. Amedzrovi , Ammouche Yanis , Dufour Sylvie
Published: June 2021

Neurons and glia of the enteric nervous system (ENS) are constantly subject to mechanical stress stemming from contractions of the gut wall or pressure of the bolus, both in adulthood and during embryonic development. Because it is known that mechanical forces can have long reaching effects on neural growth, we investigate here how contractions of the circular smooth muscle of the gut impact morphogenesis of the developing fetal ENS, in chicken and mouse embryos. We find that the number of enteric ganglia is fixed early in development and that subsequent ENS morphogenesis consists in the anisotropic expansion of a hexagonal honeycomb (chicken) or a square (mouse) lattice, without de-novo ganglion formation. We image the deformations of the ENS during spontaneous myogenic motility and show that circular smooth muscle contractile waves induce longitudinal strain on the ENS network; we rationalize this behavior by mechanical finite element modeling of the incompressible gut wall. We find that the longitudinal anisotropy of the ENS vanishes when contractile waves are suppressed in organ culture, showing that these contractile forces play a key role in sculpting the developing ENS. We conclude by summarizing different key events in the fetal development of the ENS and the role played by mechanics in the morphogenesis of this unique nerve network.
Multiscale Simulations on the Catalytic Plasticity of CYP76AH1
Authors: Qiu Yufan , Diao Hongjuan , Zheng Ying , Wu Ruibo
Published: June 2021

The catalytic promiscuity and fidelity of cytochrome P450 enzymes are widespread in the skeletal modification of terpenoid natural products and have attracted much attention. CYP76AH1 is involved in key modification reactions in the biosynthetic pathway of tanshinone, a well-known medicinal norditerpenoid. In this work, classical molecular dynamic simulations, metadynamics, and DFT calculations were performed to investigate the protein conformational dynamics, ligand binding poses, and catalytic reaction mechanism in wide-type and mutant CYP76AH1. Our results not only reveal a plausible enzymatic mechanism for mutant CYP76AH1 leading to various products but also provide valuable guidance for rational protein engineering of the CYP76 family.
Phytochemicals as Potential Epidrugs in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ramírez-Alarcón Karina , Victoriano Montserrat , Mardones Lorena , Villagran Marcelo , Al-Harrasi Ahmed , Al-Rawahi Ahmed , Cruz-Martins Natália , Sharifi-Rad Javad , Martorell Miquel
Published: June 2021

Type 2 diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) prevalence has significantly increased worldwide in recent years due to population age, obesity, and modern sedentary lifestyles. The projections estimate that 439 million people will be diabetic in 2030. T2DM is characterized by an impaired β-pancreatic cell function and insulin secretion, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance, and recently the epigenetic regulation of β-pancreatic cells differentiation has been underlined as being involved. It is currently known that several bioactive molecules, widely abundant in plants used as food or infusions, have a key role in histone modification and DNA methylation, and constituted potential epidrugs candidates against T2DM. In this sense, in this review the epigenetic mechanisms involved in T2DM and protein targets are reviewed, with special focus in studies addressing the potential use of phytochemicals as epidrugs that prevent and/or control T2DM in vivo and in vitro. As main findings, and although some controversial results have been found, bioactive molecules with epigenetic regulatory function, appear to be a potential replacement/complementary therapy of pharmacological hypoglycemic drugs, with minimal side effects. Indeed, natural epidrugs have shown to prevent or delay the T2DM development and the morbidity associated to dysfunction of blood vessels, eyes and kidneys due to sustained hyperglycemia in T2DM patients.