bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accounting conservatism and economic conditions: Evidence from the GIPS and the UK
Authors: Pereira Cláudia , Cerqueira Antonio
Published: January 2023

In this article we analyse whether the level of conservative accounting practice is associated with economic conditions in Greece, Ireland, Portugal, Spain (GIPS) and the UK. For that purpose, we study conditional conservatism surrounding the 2007/08 global financial crisis, using an approach that consists in examining two stages of the crisis, which we denote by the earlier stage of the crisis and the later stage of the crisis. Furthermore, we analyse the impact of the intensity of economic changes and institutional factors by comparing conservatism in the GIPS, which were more severely affected by the crisis, with the UK. The results are consistent with a conservative accounting practice in those countries over the sample period from 1998 to 2018. Besides, we find evidence of a decrease in conservative accounting in the earlier stage of the crisis and an increase in the later stage. In addition, the results suggest an incremental sensitivity of conservatism in countries that were more severely affected by financial crisis. Our findings are consistent with managers adjusting financial reporting in response to the economic environment, sometimes they appear to respond to the demand for a conservative practice from stakeholders, but other times they act as if they wanted to mislead outsiders. Therefore, this study brings some insights to the debate about the use of accounting conservatism and its relation to economic conditions.

En este artículo se analiza si el nivel de práctica contable conservadora está asociado con las condiciones económicas de Portugal, Irlanda, Grecia y España (PIGS) y el Reino Unido. Para ello, se estudia el conservadurismo condicional en torno a la crisis financiera global de 2007/08, utilizando un enfoque que consiste en examinar dos etapas de la crisis, que denotamos como la etapa anterior a la crisis y la etapa posterior a la crisis. Además, se examina el impacto de la intensidad de los cambios económicos y de los factores institucionales comparando el conservadurismo en los países PIGS, que se vieron más afectados por la crisis, con el Reino Unido. Los resultados son consistentes con una práctica contable conservadora en esos países durante el periodo de muestra (de 1998 a 2018). Además, se encuentran evidencias de una disminución de la contabilidad conservadora en la primera etapa de la crisis y un aumento en la etapa posterior. Además, los resultados sugieren una sensibilidad incremental del conservadurismo en los países que se vieron más gravemente afectados por la crisis financiera. Los resultados son coherentes con el hecho de que los gestores ajustan la información financiera en respuesta al entorno económico; a veces parecen responder a la demanda de una práctica conservadora por parte de las partes interesadas, pero otras veces actúan como si quisieran engañar a los agentes externos. Por tanto, este estudio aporta algunas ideas al debate sobre el uso del conservadurismo contable y su relación con las condiciones económicas.
The impact of reaching the anaerobic threshold on some kinematic variables related to the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick among footballers
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ibtehal M
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the correlation of the kinematic variables in the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick among footballers before and after reaching the anaerobic threshold, and also to identify the impact of reaching the anaerobic threshold on some kinematic variables related to the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick among football players. We used the experimental approach using the divided goal to determine the accuracy extent of shooting the penalty kick in addition to Cunningham and Faulkner Anaerobic Treadmill Test. The study sample consisted of 12 football players from the Jordanian Professional Football League for the year 2021, who are specialized in performing penalty kicks in their clubs. Their average age was 25.1± 4.1 years, average weight 71±2.2 kg and average foot weight 10.9±1.6. The study used Canon Eos 80D cameras, lactate Scout Cortex device and Kinovea 0.8.15 software to analyze the performance. The data was processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Our study showed that there is a statistically significant relationship at α = 0.05 of the kinematic variables before and after the player reaches the anaerobic threshold with the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick. The results also revealed that there is a statistically significant negative impact at α = 0.05 for reaching the anaerobic threshold on some kinematic variables related to the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick among football players. In conclusion, the kinematic variables of the study and the accuracy of shooting the penalty kick were negatively affected by reaching the anaerobic threshold at a level that exceeds 4.2 mmol/L.
Impact of VO2max on mechanical variables, lactic acid concentration and shooting accuracy of the 7-meter throw among handball players
Authors: Alkhawaldeh Ibtehal M
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various VO2 max rates on mechanical variables, lactic acid concentration, and shooting accuracy of the 7-meter throw among handball players. The experimental method consisted of two experiments: one for calculating the VO2 max in the laboratory and another for testing the shooting accuracy of the 7-meter throw. A total of 36 handball players who specialized in shooting the 7-meter throw participated in the current study. They were divided into three equal groups in terms of training age, VO2 max level and the shooting accuracy of the 7-meter throw at rest time. Their average age was 24.1±3.2 years, their height was 177±23 cm, and their weight was 72±4.3 kg. We used three Canon Eos 80D cameras, a Scout Cortex lactate device, and Kinovea 0.9.5 software for performance evaluation. The study's results revealed a statistically significant effect of multiple rates of VO2 max on some mechanical variables, lactic acid concentration, and shooting accuracy of the 7-meter throw among handball players, with a negative effect that increases when the rates of VO2 max become greater at the level of significance (α = 0.00). In light of the study's results, the researcher advised handball coaches to work on increasing their players' VO2 max levels or delaying their players' access to higher levels of VO2 max to avoid an increase in the concentration of lactic acid in the blood and, as a result, a decrease in the players' abilities to perform the 7-meter throw skill. According to the results of this study, they should also consider the use of pauses and substitutions during matches to ensure that players do not reach levels of up to 65% of VO2 max.
Team management by the coach in case of numerical inferiority from the point of view of the Jordanian Handball League players
Authors: Sha’lan Maen Ahmad Mahmoud
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the team coach management level in case of a numerical inferiority from the point of view of the Jordanian handball league players. The descriptive approach was used and the study sample consisted of 90 players participating in the Jordan Handball League (2020/2021). The coach management evaluation scale for suspensions was used as a tool for data collection, and the Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The results of the study showed that the level of the team coach management in case of numerical inferiority, from the point of view of first-class club players in Jordan, was low. There were no statistically significant differences (p>0.05) in the estimates of the study sample members of the team’s coach management level in the case of numerical inferiority from the point of view of first-class club players in Jordan according to the study variables (court line and years of experience). There was also no statistically significant relationship (p>0.05) between the coach management level of the team in the case of numerical inferiority from the point of view of the first-class clubs’ players in Jordan and the level of achievement (league ranking). We recommend conducting a study to identify the reasons of the poor level of Jordanian teams’ coach management in case of numerical inferiority and conducting training courses for Jordanian coaches focusing on team management in case of numerical inferiority.
Achievement motivation and its relationship to jump pass and jump shot in handball
Authors: Abod Zahraa Fadel , AlHaddad Noor Hatem
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the achievement motivation among players of Al-Bish Merka Handball Club and to determine its relationship to jump pass and jump shot in handball. The researchers used the descriptive approach in the associative relations method due to its relevance to the nature of the problem. The research community was chosen in a deliberate way and consisted of 12 players of the Al-Bish Merka Handball Club. The proportion of the research sample was 100% of the original community (12 handball players). The search data was processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicated that the team players have an achievement motivation, as the significance value of the participants' motivation to achieve in sports compared to the test score or hypothetical value was p = 0.05. As for the relationship between the achievement motivation and passing and shooting accuracy in high jumping, our results indicated a statistically significant relationship between these variables. In conclusion, the handball players of the Al-Bish Handball Club enjoy this sport with an achievement motive. There is a positive relationship between achievement motivation and passing and shooting accuracy, which supports the need for success through shooting accuracy from jumping high to score points. We recommend paying attention to the psychological condition of the player, as it affects the motivation to perform. It is also important to study other psychological variables and know their relationship with handball skills.
The muscular ability of the two legs and its relationship to some basic skills of handball
Authors: Abod Zahraa Fadel , AlHaddad Noor Hatem
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between the muscular abilities of the two legs and the performance of those skills among the research sample. The researchers used the descriptive approach to suit the nature of the problem to be investigated. As for the research sample, it was represented by 16 handball players of the Beish Merka Handball Club. The data was processed through the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results of the study showed that there is a statistically significant relationship between the muscular abilities of the two legs, the strength speed of the legs and Sargent's vertical jump test (p < 0.05). The relationship obtained from the results of the research is direct, that is, whenever the muscular capabilities of the two legs are high, the performance in the skill tests is also high and vice versa. Therefore, the researchers recommend the development of exercises specific for the muscular abilities of the two legs to develop the basic skills of handball.
Effect of ultrasound on subserosal and intramural fibroids in vitro: A quasi-experimental study of physical therapy
Authors: El-Touny Enas Said , Youssef Amel Mohamed , El-deeb Abeer Mohamed , Abd El Hameed Raafat Ezz Eldeen , Kamal Hosam-eldin Hassein , Ewais Najlaa Fathi
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of ultrasound (US) on extra subserosal and intramural uterine fibroids in vitro. A quasi-experimental, randomized, pre-post intervention study of physical therapy was conducted. Thirty women, who underwent myomectomy for subserosal or intramural fibroids with any leiomyomas' volumes in the operating room of Bab El-Sharia Hospital, participated in the study. Thirty uterine fibroids whose were collected from participants were randomly divided into three groups (I, II and III), and exposed to ultrasound therapy for 15, 30, and 45 minutes respectively. Leiomyomas volumes were measured using the fluid displacement method before and after the application of US. The samples were kept in saline solution immediately after their excision from operating room to be transferred to physical therapy department in same hospital to apply ultrasound therapy. Results of all study groups (I, II, and III) showed a statistically significant decrease in the volume of subserosal and intramural leiomyoma post US application (p>0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the size of the subserosal and intramural leiomyoma between study groups (p<0.05). In conclusion, the ultrasound therapy is effective in shrinking the volume of subserosal and intramural leiomyomas without effect of long duration ultrasound therapy.
Creative thinking and its relationship to visual field and visual speed among goalkeepers of the Iraqi Handball Premier League
Authors: Alwan Saleemah Abdullah
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the level of creative thinking and the level of visual field of vision and its speed among goalkeepers. The study was also aimed to identify the relationship between these factors. The researcher used the descriptive approach in the correlative research method. This study involved a sample of 10 goalkeepers participating in the local championship of Iraqi clubs in the Premier League held in Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS 26.0. The results of our study showed that creative thinking directly affects the visual field of vision and inversely to the visual reaction of goalkeepers in the Premier League handball clubs. The higher the creative thinking is, the degrees of their visual vision will increase and the time of their visual reaction will reduce. It is necessary to establish the improvement of creative thinking as an important psychological factor in the training units in the Premier League handball clubs, and also to increase the coaches’ experiences on improving it by gathering the physical and skill exercises of the goalkeepers.
The relationship between some harmonic abilities and the level of skill performance among elite volleyball players in Palestine
Authors: Asfour Hussein Rafi , Ayesh Rajah Tariq Ghazi , Mahmoud Asfour Rafi Hussein
Published: January 2023

The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between some harmonic abilities and the level of skill performance of elite volleyball players in Palestine. The study used the descriptive analytical approach. The sample consisted of 12 volleyball players of the Singel Club Champions of Palestine. The Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used for data analysis. The results showed that there is a positive and statistically significant correlation between overall harmonic abilities and the level of skill performance (p<0.05). The results also showed that most harmonic abilities (rhythmic ability, ability to adapt to changing situations, and ability to link movement) have an impact on the skill performance of the offensive blocking of positions 2, 3 and 4 (p<0.05). The authors recommend the use of harmonic abilities due to their positive impact on skill performance in volleyball. Furthermore, encouraging coaches and those in charge of the training process to use and develop harmonic abilities exercises is crucial, as they are an important, effective, and influential part in improving and developing the skill performance of volleyball players.
Effect of a proposal of exercises on the development of basic motor abilities in men's artistic gymnastics
Authors: Adham Ali Othman , Hamid Ahmed Wissam , Saeed Abd Abdul Qader , Nafi Hummadi Jasim
Published: January 2023

The purpose of this study was to recognize the effect of the proposed exercises in developing the particular motor abilities employed in the study as well as some ground skills in men's artistic gymnastics. This study used the experimental method and included 14 players of the directorate of Anbar Education team in the technical gymnastics for men (junior category), aged 10-12 years. The proposed exercises were then performed, which included 30 training units over a ten-week period, three training units each week, and forty minutes of training per unit. The researchers used the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for data analysis. The results of our study showed that there were statistically significant differences in the results of the pre- and post-tests in all variables of the elements of special motor abilities and ground skills of the research sample, in favor of the post-test (p < 0.05). The use of the proposed exercises had a positive effect in developing some special motor skills, and the development of special motor abilities contributed to the development of ground skills in the artistic gymnastics for men.
The role of religion in health promotion
Authors: Schultz-Knudsen Mikele , Janbek Janet
Published: January 2023

The starting point of this article is a debate that took place in Denmark in 2021, when the Danish Health Authority together with Islamic organizations produced a pamphlet on Covid-19 vaccination which contained answers to religious questions Muslims might have about the vaccine. The pamphlet was broadly condemned by Danish politicians. This article shows that this was far from the first time that the Danish health authorities have used or referred to specific interpretations of Islam. In this article, we investigate both how the Danish health authorities have used or considered Islam and the questions this raises regarding how to consider religion in relation to health. The article highlights the many different ways that health authorities might interact with Islam, including partnerships with imams and Islamic organizations, referencing religious rulings in information material, providing advice to Muslims on how to handle religious practices such as Ramadan in a healthy way, and adjusting health regulations to allow Muslims to practice their religion. Based on these examples, the article presents insights regarding the dynamics of which health authorities have to be aware when attempting to interact with religion, and the key considerations to have in mind when religion and health interact in society.
Happiness
Authors: Lomas Tim
Published: January 2023

A concise and engaging exploration of how we understand happiness.

What does it mean to feel happiness? As a state of mind, it's elusive. As a concept—despite the plethora of pop psychology books on the subject—it's poorly understood. In this volume in the MIT Press Essential Knowledge series, psychologist Tim Lomas offers a concise and engaging overview of our current understanding of happiness. Lomas explains that although the field of positive psychology, which focuses on happiness, emerged only in the last twenty-five years, interest in the meaning of happiness goes back several millennia. Drawing on a variety of disciplines, from philosophy and sociology to economics and anthropology, Lomas offers an expansive vision of what happiness means, exploring a significant range of experiential territory.

After considering such related concepts as wellbeing and flourishing, Lomas traces ideas of happiness from the ancient Buddhist notions of sukha and nirvana through Aristotle's distinction between hedonic and eudaemonic happiness to today's therapeutic and scientific approaches. He discusses current academic perspectives, looking at the breadth of happiness research across disciplines; examines the mechanics of happiness—the physiological, psychological, phenomenological, and sociocultural processes that make up happiness; explores the factors that influence happiness, both individual and social; and discusses the cultivation of happiness.
Phytoplankton diversity and chemotaxonomy in contrasting North Pacific ecosystems
Authors: Matek Antonija , Bosak Sunčica , Šupraha Luka , Neeley Aimee , Višić Hrvoje , Cetinić Ivona , Ljubešić Zrinka
Published: January 2023

Background

Phytoplankton is the base of majority of ocean ecosystems. It is responsible for half of the global primary production, and different phytoplankton taxa have a unique role in global biogeochemical cycles. In addition, phytoplankton abundance and diversity are highly susceptible to climate induced changes, hence monitoring of phytoplankton and its diversity is important and necessary.

Methods

Water samples for phytoplankton and photosynthetic pigment analyses were collected in boreal winter 2017, along transect in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre (NPSG) and the California Current System (CCS). Phytoplankton community was analyzed using light and scanning electron microscopy and photosynthetic pigments by high-performance liquid chromatography. To describe distinct ecosystems, monthly average satellite data of MODIS Aqua Sea Surface temperature and Chlorophyll a concentration, as well as Apparent Visible Wavelength were used.

Results

A total of 207 taxa have been determined, mostly comprised of coccolithophores (35.5%), diatoms (25.2%) and dinoflagellates (19.5%) while cryptophytes, phytoflagellates and silicoflagellates were included in the group “others” (19.8%). Phytoplankton spatial distribution was distinct, indicating variable planktonic dispersal rates and specific adaptation to ecosystems. Dinoflagellates, and nano-scale coccolithophores dominated NPSG, while micro-scale diatoms, and cryptophytes prevailed in CCS. A clear split between CCS and NPSG is evident in dendogram visualising LINKTREE constrained binary divisive clustering analysis done on phytoplankton counts and pigment concentrations. Of all pigments determined, alloxanthin, zeaxanthin, divinyl chlorophyll b and lutein have highest correlation to phytoplankton counts.

Conclusion

Combining chemotaxonomy and microscopy is an optimal method to determine phytoplankton diversity on a large-scale transect. Distinct communities between the two contrasting ecosystems of North Pacific reveal phytoplankton groups specific adaptations to trophic state, and support the hypothesis of shift from micro- to nano-scale taxa due to sea surface temperatures rising, favoring stratification and oligotrophic conditions.
Evidence-based Analysis of Primary Caesarean Section Techniques Amongst Obstetricians: A Questionnaire-based Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Sharma Priya , Tripathi Vartika , Vikram Aditya , Dubey Swati , Gupta Uma
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Caesarean Section (CS) despite being one of the most commonly performed surgeries in the world has a wide variation in its techniques. To improve the outcomes of CS through rectification of the surgical techniques, it is imperative to assess the current practices amongst the obstetricians and analyse the rationale behind their surgical preferences. Aim: To assess the surgical techniques used for primary CS by obstetricians and review them with respect to the current evidence. Materials and Methods: The present descriptive, questionnairebased, cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Mayo Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, in the month of May 2020. A total of 400 Obstetricians possessing diploma or degree in the speciality performing CS and willing to participate in the study were included. A pretested questionnaire majorly focused on the various surgical techniques of primary CS, performed by the obstetricians, was distributed online. A total 203 respondents completed the questionnaire and their response was recorded. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Independent samples t-test and Pearson’s correlation coefficients were used to analyse the data. Results: Majority (n=140, 68.96%) of the respondents were between 25-40 years of age. In the study population, 8 (3.94%) were male respondents and 195 (96.06%) were female respondents. experience of <5 years. The most consistently used technique was the creation of bladder flap (187, 92.11%), while the least common was use of vertical incision (6, 2.9%) for opening the abdomen. There was a huge variation in the method of opening of the abdomen with 117 (57.6%) of obstetricians using blunt versus 86 (42.36%) using sharp dissection. The blunt extension of uterine incision was significantly associated with the increasing years of practice, whereas the preference to use Pfannensteil incision was significantly associated with the younger obstetricians. Conclusion: There was heterogeneity and variation in the CS techniques being practiced by the obstetricians. These varied practices were the result of surgeon preferences, their training and difficulty in unlearning the long used surgical techniques. These are bound to continue until strong evidence-based guidelines for the techniques of CS are formulated.
Role of Communication and Language in Building Capacity for Different Sectors of the Nigeria Economy: Study of Media Sub-Sector
Authors: Azubuike Chieme , Princewill-Nwaduwa Bridget
Published: January 2023

Training and re-training in every sector is the purveyor of growth and enhancement in every sector of economies in the world. It is the platform, frontier and bedrock on which diverse economies flourish. What it, therefore, means is that success in this sector predominantly is hinged on the ability of the various sectors to give unfettered attention and access to its workforce to training and retraining with very strong and extensive latitude. By so doing, the humans who are vested with the ample responsibility of delivering capacity would have being equipped tremendously and, empowered, advanced, enhanced and positioned to achieve the prescribed goods, which will not only impact on the humans, but promote economic development and growth. To achieve all of these, there are roles parts of human life should contribute to. Communication and language are parts of human life presumed to have the capacity to enhance growth in the existence of any country. It is believed that communication and language can achieved this through the display of litany of arsenals in their kit. It is, therefore, these arsenals that communication and language possess that this study aims at exploring, using the descriptive method to unravel the plethora of roles communication and language can offer for the growth of economies in the world and particularly Nigeria using the prescribed medium that will impact effectively to the target audience.
Height-Diameter Models for Prediction of Teak Stand in Western Nigeria
Authors: Egonmwan Y. I.
Published: January 2023

The Diameter-height relationship has proven to be an important part in growth and yield models which describe stand changes. Ten existing nonlinear height-diameter models were used to fit and evaluate Tectona grandis stand in Oluwa forest reserve (Nigeria) in this study. Three hundred and ninety-seven (397) trees were measured for their stand variables of which diameter at breast height (Dbh) and height (Ht) were paramount. All functions were fitted using weighted nonlinear least square regression (NLLSR), considering hetroscadasticity of variance. Model performance were evaluated using three fit statistics such as root mean squared error (RMSE), Akaike Information Criterion (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Logistic 3-parameters H-D function as the best fit based on the model’s evaluation statistics and its predictive ability with values of RMSE, AIC and BIC as 2.8925, 1974 and 1990, respectively. Gompertz, Weibull, Chapman-Richards and Michaelis-Menten models also provided good fit results comparable to the observed height-diameter relationship. Logistic function with 3-parameters has been confirmed to provide a secure estimate of total tree height for Tectona grandis in Oluwa Forest Reserve.
Impact of Agromet Advisory Services of DAMU Project in Mahabubabad District, Telangana, India
Authors: Ushasri D. , Malathi S. , Ramulamma A. , Kumar N. Kishore , Rambabu E. , Kumar B. Kranthi , Chittibabu M.
Published: January 2023

Agrometeorological Advisory Services (AAS) are being offered by India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) under Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme as a step towards providing weather information-based crop or livestock management strategies and operations dedicated to enhancing crop production and food security. The Government of India has entrusted IMD the task of establishing weather observing system and development of GKMS in the country. In pursuance, IMD has set up a network of District Agro-Meteorology Unit (DAMU) in 530 districts in the country. The DAMU project was started at PJTSAU- Mahabubabad, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Malyal during 2019 with operational districts of Mahabubabad, Warangal (Rural), Jangaon, Jayashankar Bhupalapalli with an aim to disseminate weather based agro advisory bulletins to locations. The present study was conducted to determine the impact of DAMU project and importance of ICT Tools in dissemination of AAS among farmers by conducting a feedback survey through Google form in Telugu language by randomly selecting 200 beneficiaries belonging to Mahabubabad district. The study revealed that WhatsApp is the most convenient and widely used medium for weather information followed by personal visit to the Krishi Vigyan Kendra, (i.e, Location of observatory). It was observed that majority of the farmers i.e., 74.6 per cent get weather information through WhatsApp, using these bulletins, 64.5% respondents could save Rupees 2,500-5000 while 35.5% respondents could save Rupees 5000-20,000 in a season by either preponing or postponing the agriculture operations based on weather.
Genetic Parameters and Diversity Analysis in Blackgram (Vigna mungo L. Hepper) for Seed Yield Characters
Authors: Bhanuprasad Putta , Lavanya Gera Roopa , Reddy Bodhanampally Manasa , Ramesh Bura
Published: January 2023

Pulses occupy a very unique position in Indian agriculture by virtue of the fact that they are highly nutritious and provide a protein-filled diet via food. As compared to the cereal production globally, pulses are being produced sporadically in low fertile lands having moisture stress condition which eventually conceal its true yield capacity to its poor management practices. The aim of the present study uses to estimate the genetic parameters of 13 yield attributing characters traits in 20 Black gram genotypes with the view to select for better yield contributed characters in Black gram. Analysis of variance showed significant differences for all the 13 characters. Seed yield per plant exhibited high estimates of PCV, GCV and heritability. Super—imposition of genotypes was observed in Metro glyph analysis because of close proximity two variables taken for plotting the genotypes. In this classification analysis made based on biological yield and harvest index for all the 20 genotypes formed 4 complexes. Out of 20 genotypes 4 genotypes like KU-99-16, KU-96-8, KU-48 and KU-303 were recorded highest index score and fell into different complex, hence used as parents for getting good combinations for future hybridization programmers.
Serum Level of Lipoprotein-Associated Phospholipase A2 and Coronary Artery Disease
Authors: Amer Ahmed Said Anwar , Al-Sheikh Ekhlas Hussein Ibrahim , Fouda Mohammed Hosny Mohammed , El-Hefnawi Suzan Bayoumi
Published: January 2023

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are on the rise owing to excessive fat consumption or hereditary factors. From infancy through old age, it is the leading cause of disease and mortality. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is an enzyme mostly excreted by macrophages and neutrophils from atherosclerotic plaque, which subsequently circulates in the circulation. We aimed to evaluate the relation between plasma level of LP-PLA2 and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods: This retrospective randomized case control study was conducted on 60 cases aged ≥ 18 years, presented by any form of CAD than ten healthy adults to determine the relation between plasma level of LP-PLA2 and severity of CAD. All cases were subjected to the following: Full history taking such as Socio-demographic study including age, sex, occupation, complain, history of illness: Including family history of CAD, history of smoking, hypertension and diabetes mellitus (DM).

Results: Significantly elevated LDL-C, LP-PLA2, and decreased HDL-C levels were also observed in patients with significant CAD. The HDL-C levels of individuals with CAD were significantly lower than those of healthy individuals. HDL-C levels in Control group (N=10) and CAD groups (SA=20, UA=20 and AMI=20) were 78.5, 38.95, 36.85, 32, respectively; there was highly significance relation between both group regarding HDL-C Level with (p-value=0.003). Plasma level of Lp-PLA2 was gradually elevated in parallel with the increased severity of CAD. There was highly significant difference among study groups regarding plasma level of Lp-PLA2. Lp-PLA2 plasma level in Control group (N=10) and CAD groups (SA=20, UA=20 and AMI=20) were 87.9, 216.95, 272.15, 379.95, respectively; (p-value=0.001) show gradually significant elevation. Lp-PLA2 level remained independently associated with coronary artery stenosis after adjustment for age, gender, smoking, diabetes, hypertension, LDL-C and HDL-C.

Conclusions: An increased plasma level of Lp-PLA2 is related with an unstable phenotype of coronary atherosclerotic plaque and a greater degree of coronary artery stenosis in individuals with coronary artery disease (CAD). Dynamic Lp-PLA2 monitoring may be predictive of cardiovascular disease risk. In recent years, there has been great interest in the capacity of Lp-PLA2 to predict and evaluate the prognosis of CVDs. In addition, Lp-PLA2 has been identified as an independent risk factor for the development and progression of coronary heart disease.
How Knowledge Sharing Behaves in Technopreneurship and Entrepreneurial Outcomes
Authors: Egwakhe A. J. , Ojikutu A. A. , Akpa V. , Akande F. I.
Published: January 2023

Technopreneurship is considered to reconfigure entrepreneurial outcomes, but how knowledge sharing moderates the interaction is an academic and practical concern. In pursuit of knowledge, data were collected through the primary sources (questionnaire) after establishing the questionnaire’s validity and reliability. Findings revealed that technopreneurship and knowledge sharing individually affected entrepreneurial outcomes. However, knowledge sharing could not significantly moderate the interaction between technopreneurship and entrepreneurial outcomes. Hence, the recommendation was anchored on improving knowledge sharing, technopreneurship, and managerial dexterity of owners and managers.
Tic Status in Tourette Syndrome Due to Depletion of the Deep Brain Stimulation Battery
Authors: Parmera Jacy Bezerra , Yamamoto Joyce Yuri Silvestre , Cury Rubens Gisbert
Published: January 2023

In this case report, a patient with Tourette syndrome was admitted to the emergency department with nonrhythmic, continuous, generalized hyperkinetic movements associated with muscle contractions in the trunk, neck, and upper and lower limbs caused by depletion of the deep brain stimulation battery.
Food Culture, Swahili Coast
Authors: Robinson Mark Sinyati , Walshaw Sarah
Published: January 2023

Food culture on the Tanzanian Swahili coast by the tenth centurycereflects the geography (land and sea) and social histories of coastal Eastern Africa, a long narrow strip connecting communities between what is now southern Somalia with northern Mozambique and offshore islands. The coastal culture was influenced by coastal–interior trade connections, with agro‐pastoralists moving from the interior by 2000 years ago, in addition to intercontinental Indian Ocean trade interactions that started from the first millenniumce. The introduction of the Islamic religion to coastal East Africa by the eighth century influenced the area's food culture as well, and included the adoption of rice into a cuisine centered on African domesticated grains, sorghum, and pearl millet.
Chu Silk Manuscript
Authors: Mori Masashi
Published: January 2023

The Chu Silk Manuscript is a text from the Warring States period, which was robbed from the Zidanku tomb of the ancient Chu state, in present‐day Changsha City. It consists of three texts and two sets of images. A text of eight lines in the center describes a creation myth that spirits established the order of heaven, earth, and time. Another text of thirteen lines in the center describes some abnormalities in terms of astronomy and the four seasons, and also the disasters related to them. The twelve short sentences on the four sides describe the requirements and prohibitions of each of the twelve months in a year. One set of images depicts twelve gods and these are located near the twelve short sentences, and another set consists of the four trees that are drawn in the four corners. Multiple interpretations have been made about the contents, but it is widely said that this manuscript is a document of
shushu,
“the calculations and the arts,” related to divination.
India, Red Sea Trade With
Authors: Darley Rebecca
Published: January 2023

This entry addresses trade between the Red Sea and India in roughly the first millennium
ce
(with an emphasis on the first to sixth centuries). It first summarizes the major goods traded and the difference between long‐distance, open‐sea travel and cabotage. It then discusses two crucial textual sources, the
Periplous of the Erythreian Sea
and the Muziris Papyrus, before sketching what is known of the changing scale of trade across the first millennium and surveying other textual and material evidence for these trade routes. The importance of the monsoon winds in shaping trade and cultural life at Indian and Red Sea ports addresses issues such as diet and technological transfer. Finally, the changing historiography of Red Sea–Indian trade is outlined, emphasizing the increasing move away from ascribing primary agency and significance to Roman actors.
Absence of Improvement With Exercise in Some Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Qualitative Study of Responders and Nonresponders
Authors: Hinman Rana S. , Jones Sarah E. , Nelligan Rachel K. , Campbell Penelope K. , Hall Michelle , Foster Nadine E. , Russell Trevor , Bennell Kim L.
Published: January 2023

Objective

To compare the perceptions of patients about why they did, or did not, respond to a physical therapist–supported exercise and physical activity program.

Methods

This was a qualitative study within a randomized controlled trial. Twenty‐six participants (of 40 invited) with knee osteoarthritis sampled according to response (n = 12 responders, and 14 nonresponders based on changes in both pain and physical function at 3 and 9 months after baseline) to an exercise and physical activity intervention. Semistructured individual interviews were conducted. Inductive thematic analysis was undertaken within each subgroup using grounded theory principles. A deductive approach compared themes and subthemes across subgroups. Findings were triangulated with quantitative data.

Results

(Sub)themes common to responders and nonresponders included the intervention components that facilitated engagement, personal attitudes and expectations, beliefs about osteoarthritis and exercise role, importance of adherence, and perceived strength gains with exercise. In contrast to responders who felt empowered to self‐manage, nonresponders accepted responsibility for lack of improvement in pain and function with exercise, acknowledging that their adherence to the intervention was suboptimal (confirmed by quantitative adherence data). Nonresponders believed that their excess body weight (supported by quantitative data) contributed to their outcomes, encountered exercise barriers (comorbidities, stressors, and life events), and perceived that the trial measurement tools did not adequately capture their response to exercise.

Conclusion

Responders and nonresponders shared some similar perceptions of exercise. However, along with perceived limitations in trial outcome measurements, nonresponders encountered challenges with excess weight, comorbidities, stressors, and life events that led to suboptimal adherence and collectively were perceived to contribute to nonresponse.
Cool Urbanism: The Radiant Exitance City
Authors: White Marcus , Yang Tianyi
Published: January 2023

Urban densification is affecting our quality of life – from vitamin D defi ciency due to not enough sunlight reaching us in the tall urban canyons that are created by high buildings, to urban heat islands disrupting our sleep, and many other causes of human irritation. Exploring the Radiant City famously proposed by Le Corbusier in 1930, Guest‐Editor Marcus White, together with Australian architect Tianyi Yang, a researcher and lecturer from Swinburne University of Technology and the University of Melbourne, investigate ways to make the model more workable with pencil‐thin towers.
The Promises of Postcolonial Utopias: Perspectives from the Global South
Authors: Banerjee Tridib
Published: January 2023

The notion of ‘smart cities’, with their ubiquitous linked sharing of data and observation, can be both problematic and simultaneously utopian. Tridib Banerjee, Professor Emeritus of Public Policy at the University of Southern California (USC) where he previously held the James Irvine Chair in Urban and Regional Planning, explores the recent adoption of the concept, particularly in the Global South. Notably, Le Corbusier's modernist city of Chandigarh in India has just been named a smart city. What will this mean for law and order, culture, and urban vitality for its inhabitants in coming years?
Gene‐Directed FtsZ Ring Assembly Generates Constricted Liposomes with Stable Membrane Necks
Authors: Godino Elisa , Danelon Christophe
Published: January 2023

Mimicking bacterial cell division in well‐defined cell‐free systems has the potential to elucidate the minimal set of proteins required for cytoskeletal formation, membrane constriction, and final abscission. Membrane‐anchored FtsZ polymers are often regarded as a sufficient system to realize this chain of events. By using purified FtsZ and its membrane‐binding protein FtsA or the gain‐of‐function mutant FtsA* expressed in PURE (Protein synthesis Using Reconstituted Elements) from a DNA template, it is shown in this study that cytoskeletal structures are formed, and yield constricted liposomes exhibiting various morphologies. However, the resulting buds remain attached to the parental liposome by a narrow membrane neck. No division events can be monitored even after long‐time tracking by fluorescence microscopy, nor when the osmolarity of the external solution is increased. The results provide evidence that reconstituted FtsA‐FtsZ proto‐rings coating the membrane necks are too stable to enable abscission. The prospect of combining a DNA‐encoded FtsZ system with assisting mechanisms to achieve synthetic cell division is discussed.
Reconfigurable and Broadband Polarimetric Photodetector
Authors: Li Sina , Zhang Jielian , Zhu Lingyu , Zhang Kai , Gao Wei , Li Jingbo , Huo Nengjie
Published: January 2023

The sensitive detection of light polarization besides the intensity and wavelength, can provide a new degree of freedom for more and clearer information of imaging targets in night, fog, and smoke environment. However, the conventional filter‐integrated polarimetric photodetectors suffer from the complicated fabrication process and limited spectral range. Herein, broadband and polarization‐sensitive photodetectors are achieved with reconfigurable operation mode, utilizing the linear dichroism and narrow band gap of 2D As0.4P0.6 with in‐plane anisotropic structure. In As0.4P0.6‐MoTe2 heterojunction device, both photo‐gating and photovoltaic modes are operated and switchable, contributing to high responsivity (1590 A W−1 at 405 nm and 14.7 A W−1 at 1550 nm) and ultrafast speed (25 µs) in the wide spectral band (405–1550 nm). Interestingly, an optical reversal is observed on both linear dichroism and polarimetric photocurrent due to the wavelength‐dependent polarization reverse nature of the As0.4P0.6 flakes. The dichroism ratio of photocurrent can be modulated from unity to ≈10 by varying the gate voltage, enabling the reconfigurable detection mode from polarization‐independence to polarization‐susceptibility. This study demonstrates a new prototype device comprising low symmetric van der Waals heterostructure, possessing the gate‐tunability on both photo‐gain and dichroism ratio, toward high performance, reconfigurable, broadband, and polarization‐resolved photodetection and imaging applications.
Pyridinic Nitrogen Sites Dominated Coordinative Engineering of Subnanometric Pd Clusters for Efficient Alkynes’ Semihydrogenation
Authors: Zhang Rui , Liu Zhilin , Zheng Shaohang , Wang Luoqi , Zhang Ling , Qiao Zhen‐An
Published: January 2023

Supported metal catalysts have played an important role in optimizing selective semihydrogenation of alkynes for fine chemicals. There into, nitrogen‐doped carbons, as a type of promising support materials, have attracted extensive attentions. However, due to the general phenomenon of random doping for nitrogen species in the support, it is still atremendous challenge to finely identify which nitrogen configuration dominates the catalytic property of alkynes’ semihydrogenation. Herein, it is reported that uniform mesoporous N‐doped carbon spheres derived from mesoporous polypyrrole spheres are used as supports to immobilized subnanometric Pd clusters, which provide a particular platform to research the influence of nitrogen configurations on the alkynes’ semihydrogenation. Comprehensive experimental results and density functional theory calculation indicate that pyridinic nitrogen configuration dominates the catalytic behavior of Pd clusters. The high contents of pyridinic nitrogen sites offer abundant coordination sites, which greatly reduces the energy barrier of the rate‐determining reaction step and makes Pd clusters own high catalytic activity. The electron effect between pyridinic nitrogen sites and Pd clusters makes the reaction highly selective. Additionally, the good mesostructures also promote the fast transport of substrate. Based on the above, catalyst Pd@PPy‐600 exhibits high catalytic activity (99%) and selectivity (96%) for phenylacetylene (C8H6) semihydrogenation.
4D‐Printed Soft and Stretchable Self‐Folding Cuff Electrodes for Small‐Nerve Interfacing
Authors: Hiendlmeier Lukas , Zurita Francisco , Vogel Jonas , Del Duca Fulvia , Al Boustani George , Peng Hu , Kopic Inola , Nikić Marta , F. Teshima Tetsuhiko , Wolfrum Bernhard
Published: January 2023

Peripheral nerve interfacing (PNI) has a high clinical potential for treating various diseases, such as obesity or diabetes. However, currently existing electrodes present challenges to the interfacing procedure, which limit their clinical application, in particular, when targeting small peripheral nerves (<200 µm). To improve the electrode handling and implantation, a nerve interface that can fold itself to a cuff around a small nerve, triggered by the body moisture during insertion, is fabricated. This folding is achieved by printing a bilayer of a flexible polyurethane printing resin and a highly swelling sodium acrylate hydrogel using photopolymerization. When immersed in an aqueous liquid, the hydrogel swells and folds the electrode softly around the nerve. Furthermore, the electrodes are robust, can be stretched (>20%), and bent to facilitate the implantation due to the use of soft and stretchable printing resins as substrates and a microcracked gold film as conductive layer. The straightforward implantation and extraction of the electrode as well as stimulation and recording capabilities on a small peripheral nerve in vivo are demonstrated. It is believed that such simple and robust to use self‐folding electrodes will pave the way for bringing PNI to a broader clinical application.