bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Catalan Public Primary Care Professionals’ Intention to Use Digital Clinical Consultations (eConsulta) in the Post–COVID-19 Context: Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Saigí-Rubió Francesc , Vidal-Alaball Josep , Torrent-Sellens Joan , Jiménez-Zarco Ana , López Segui Francesc , Carrasco Hernandez Marta , Alzaga Reig Xavier , Bonet Simó Josep Maria , Abizanda González Mercedes , Piera-Jimenez Jordi , Solans Oscar
Published: May 2021

Background

Telemedicine has become a necessary component of clinical practice for the purpose of providing safer patient care during lockdowns due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been used to support the health care needs of patients with COVID-19 and routine primary care patients alike. However, this change has not been fully consolidated.

Objective

The objective of this study was to analyze the determinants of health care professionals’ intention to use the eConsulta digital clinical consultation tool in the post–COVID-19 context.

Methods

A literature review of the Technology Acceptance Model allowed us to construct a theoretical model and establish a set of hypotheses on the influence of a variety of different factors relating to health care professionals, as well as the institutions where they work, on their intention to use eConsulta. In order to confirm the proposed model, a mixed qualitative and quantitative methodology was used, and a questionnaire was designed to serve as the data collection instrument. The data were analyzed using univariate and bivariate analysis techniques. To confirm the theoretical model, exploratory factor analysis and binary logistic regression were applied.

Results

The most important variables were related to perceived benefits (B=2.408) and the type of use that individuals habitually made of eConsulta (B=0.715). Environmental pressure (B=0.678), experience with technology (B=0.542), gender (B=0.639), and the degree to which eConsulta had been implemented (B=0.266) were other variables influencing the intention to use the tool in the post–COVID-19 context. When replicating the previous analysis according to professional group, experience with technology and gender in the physician group, and experience with tool use and the center where a professional worked in the nurse group, were found to be of considerable importance.

Conclusions

The implementation and use of eConsulta had increased significantly as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the majority of health care professionals were satisfied with its use in practice and planned to incorporate it into their practices in the post–COVID-19 context. Perceived benefits and environmental pressure were determining factors in their attitude toward and intention to use eConsulta.
Predicting Depressive Symptom Severity Through Individuals’ Nearby Bluetooth Device Count Data Collected by Mobile Phones: Preliminary Longitudinal Study
Authors: Zhang Yuezhou , Folarin Amos A , Sun Shaoxiong , Cummins Nicholas , Ranjan Yatharth , Rashid Zulqarnain , Conde Pauline , Stewart Callum , Laiou Petroula , Matcham Faith , Oetzmann Carolin , Lamers Femke , Siddi Sara , Simblett Sara , Rintala Aki , Mohr David C , Myin-Germeys Inez , Wykes Til , Haro Josep Maria , Penninx Brenda W J H , Narayan Vaibhav A , Annas Peter , Hotopf Matthew , Dobson Richard J B ,   RADAR-CNS Consortium
Published: May 2021

Background

Research in mental health has found associations between depression and individuals’ behaviors and statuses, such as social connections and interactions, working status, mobility, and social isolation and loneliness. These behaviors and statuses can be approximated by the nearby Bluetooth device count (NBDC) detected by Bluetooth sensors in mobile phones.

Objective

This study aimed to explore the value of the NBDC data in predicting depressive symptom severity as measured via the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8).

Methods

The data used in this paper included 2886 biweekly PHQ-8 records collected from 316 participants recruited from three study sites in the Netherlands, Spain, and the United Kingdom as part of the EU Remote Assessment of Disease and Relapse-Central Nervous System (RADAR-CNS) study. From the NBDC data 2 weeks prior to each PHQ-8 score, we extracted 49 Bluetooth features, including statistical features and nonlinear features for measuring the periodicity and regularity of individuals’ life rhythms. Linear mixed-effect models were used to explore associations between Bluetooth features and the PHQ-8 score. We then applied hierarchical Bayesian linear regression models to predict the PHQ-8 score from the extracted Bluetooth features.

Results

A number of significant associations were found between Bluetooth features and depressive symptom severity. Generally speaking, along with depressive symptom worsening, one or more of the following changes were found in the preceding 2 weeks of the NBDC data: (1) the amount decreased, (2) the variance decreased, (3) the periodicity (especially the circadian rhythm) decreased, and (4) the NBDC sequence became more irregular. Compared with commonly used machine learning models, the proposed hierarchical Bayesian linear regression model achieved the best prediction metrics (R2=0.526) and a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 3.891. Bluetooth features can explain an extra 18.8% of the variance in the PHQ-8 score relative to the baseline model without Bluetooth features (R2=0.338, RMSE=4.547).

Conclusions

Our statistical results indicate that the NBDC data have the potential to reflect changes in individuals’ behaviors and statuses concurrent with the changes in the depressive state. The prediction results demonstrate that the NBDC data have a significant value in predicting depressive symptom severity. These findings may have utility for the mental health monitoring practice in real-world settings.
Evaluation of the Privacy Risks of Personal Health Identifiers and Quasi-Identifiers in a Distributed Research Network: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Oh SeHee , Sung MinDong , Rhee Yumie , Hong Namki , Park Yu Rang
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Privacy should be protected in medical data that include patient information. A distributed research network (DRN) is one of the challenges in privacy protection and in the encouragement of multi-institutional clinical research. A DRN standardizes multi-institutional data into a common structure and terminology called a common data model (CDM), and it only shares analysis results. It is necessary to measure how a DRN protects patient information privacy even without sharing data in practice.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the privacy risk of a DRN by comparing different deidentification levels focusing on personal health identifiers (PHIs) and quasi-identifiers (QIs).

METHODS

We detected PHIs and QIs in an Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM as threatening privacy, based on 18 Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPPA) identifiers and previous studies. To compare the privacy risk according to the different privacy policies, we generated limited and safe harbor data sets based on 16 PHIs and 12 QIs as threatening privacy from the Synthetic Public Use File 5 Percent (SynPUF5PCT) data set, which is a public data set of the OMOP CDM. With minimum cell size and equivalence class methods, we measured the privacy risk reduction with a trust differential gap obtained by comparing the two data sets. We also measured the gap in randomly sampled records from the two data sets to adjust the number of PHI or QI records.

RESULTS

The gaps averaged 31.448% and 73.798% for PHIs and QIs, respectively, with a minimum cell size of one, which represents a unique record in a data set. Among PHIs, the national provider identifier had the highest gap of 71.236% (71.244% and 0.007% in the limited and safe harbor data sets, respectively). The maximum size of the equivalence class, which has the largest size of an indistinguishable set of records, averaged 771. In 1000 random samples of PHIs, Device_exposure_start_date had the highest gap of 33.730% (87.705% and 53.975% in the data sets). Among QIs, Death had the highest gap of 99.212% (99.997% and 0.784% in the data sets). In 1000, 10,000, and 100,000 random samples of QIs, Device_treatment had the highest gaps of 12.980% (99.980% and 87.000% in the data sets), 60.118% (99.831% and 39.713%), and 93.597% (98.805% and 5.207%), respectively, and in 1 million random samples, Death had the highest gap of 99.063% (99.998% and 0.934% in the data sets).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we verified and quantified the privacy risk of PHIs and QIs in the DRN. Although this study used limited PHIs and QIs for verification, the privacy limitations found in this study could be used as a quality measurement index for deidentification of multi-institutional collaboration research, thereby increasing DRN safety.
Acceptance, Use, and Barriers of Telemedicine in Transgender Health Care in Times of SARS-CoV-2: Nationwide Cross-sectional Survey (Preprint)
Authors: Hertling Stefan , Hertling Doreen , Martin David , Graul Isabel
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

The global incidence in the treatment of transgender people is increasing. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many consultations had to be cancelled, postponed, or converted to a virtual format. Telemedicine in the management of transgender health care could support physicians.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the acceptance, use, and barriers of telemedicine in transgender health care in times of SARS-CoV-2 in Germany.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study was based on a survey of gynecological endocrinologists and transgender patients undergoing gender-affirming hormone treatment in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were calculated, and regression analyses were performed to show correlations.

RESULTS

We analyzed responses of 269 transgender patients and 202 gynecological endocrinologists treating transgender patients. Most believed that telemedicine was useful. Physicians and patients rated their knowledge of telemedicine as unsatisfactory. The majority of respondents said they did not currently use telemedicine, although they would like to do so. Patients and physicians reported that their attitudes toward telemedicine had changed positively and that their use of telemedicine had increased due to COVID-19. The majority in both groups agreed on the implementation of virtual visits in the context of stable disease conditions. In the treatment phases, 74.3% (150/202) of the physicians said they would use telemedicine during follow-ups. Half of the physicians said they would choose tele-counseling as a specific approach to improving care (128/202, 63.4%). Obstacles to the introduction of telemedicine among physicians included the purchase of technical equipment (132/202, 65.3%), administration (124/202, 61.4%), and poor reimbursement (106/202, 52.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

Telemedicine in transgender health care found limited use but high acceptance among doctors and patients alike. The absence of a structured framework is an obstacle for effective implementation. Training courses should be introduced to improve the limited knowledge of physicians in the use of telemedicine. More research in tele-endogynecology is needed. Future studies should include large-scale randomized controlled trials, economic analyses, and the exploration of user preferences.
Digital Health Interventions for Weight Management in Children and Adolescents: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Kouvari Matina , Karipidou Melina , Tsiampalis Thomas , Mamalaki Eirini , Poulimeneas Dimitrios , Bathrellou Eirini , Panagiotakos Demosthenes , Yannakoulia Mary
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Recent meta-analyses suggest the use of technology-based interventions as a treatment option for obesity in adulthood. Similar meta-analytic approaches for children are scarce.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine the effect of technology-based interventions on overweight and obesity treatment in children and adolescents.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was performed using MEDLINE (PubMed), Scopus, and Cochrane Library for randomized clinical trials to identify interventional studies published between January 2000 and February 2021.

RESULTS

In total, 9 manuscripts from 8 clinical trials of 582 children or adolescents were considered eligible. BMI, BMI z-score, and other BMI-related baseline metrics during and after intervention were considered as primary outcomes. In 7 of 8 studies, a technology-based intervention was applied in addition to conventional care. Of the 8 studies, 6 studies were conducted in the United States, 1 in Australia, and 1 in northwestern Europe. In total, 5 studies included adolescents, whereas the rest addressed children aged 9 to 12 years. Intervention duration ranged from 3 to 24 months. Significant differences between groups in BMI metric changes were reported by 5 of the 8 studies. Pooled analysis revealed an overall significant decrease in BMI metrics in the intervention group (standardized mean difference –0.61, 95% CI –1.10 to –0.13; P=.01). Subgroup analysis revealed that significance was lost in case of no parental involvement (standardized mean difference –0.36, 95% CI –0.83 to 0.11; P=.14). The small number of clinical trials found, the varying study quality, and the study heterogeneity are some limitations of this review.

CONCLUSIONS

The studies reported herein describe functional and acceptable technology-based approaches, in addition to conventional treatments, to enhance weight loss in young populations.
Critical Evaluation of the Efficiency of Colorectal Fellowship Websites: Cross-sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yan Qi , Jensen Katherine , Field Alyssa , Goei Christian , Dao Campi Haisar E , Logue Alicia , Perry W Brian , Davies Mark G
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Websites are an important source of information for fellowship applicants, as they can influence ongoing interest and potential program selection.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the current state of colorectal fellowship websites.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study evaluates the quantity and quality of information available on websites of colorectal fellowship programs verified by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education in 2019.

RESULTS

A total of 63 colorectal fellowships were included for evaluation. Websites were surveyed for content items that previous studies have found to be influential to program applicants. The 58 (91%) programs with a functional website were evaluated using an information index (calculated as a function of availability of content items concerning education, application, personnel, and benefits) and an interactive index (calculated as a function of accessibility and usability of the webpage). Programs had a median total score of 27.8 (IQR 21.5-34.5) of 79. The median score for the interactive index was 7.5 of 15 and for the information index was 20 of 64. The median scores for website application, education, personnel, and benefits or life considerations were 5, 5.5, 3.3, and 4 of 13, 24, 13, and 14, respectively. There was no difference in total score between programs in different geographical regions (P=.46).

CONCLUSIONS

Currently, colorectal surgery fellowship program websites do not provide enough content for applicants to make informed decisions. All training programs, regardless of specialty, should evaluate and improve their digital footprint to ensure their websites are accessible and provide the information desired by applicants.
A Serious Game (Immunitates) About Immunization: Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lima Isabela Dantas de Araujo , Ponce de Leon Casandra Genoveva Rosales Martins , Ribeiro Laiane Medeiros , Silva Izabel Cristina Rodrigues da , Vilela Danielle Monteiro , Fonseca Luciana Mara Monti , Góes Fernanda dos Santos Nogueira de , Funghetto Silvana Schwerz
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Vaccination is a fundamental part of all levels—local to worldwide—of public health, and it can be considered one of humanity's greatest achievements in the control and elimination of infectious diseases. Teaching immunization and vaccination can be monotonous and tiring. It is necessary to develop new approaches for teaching these themes in nursing school.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to develop and validate a serious game about immunization and vaccination for Brazilian nursing students.

METHODS

We developed a quiz-type game, Immunitates, using design and educational theoretical models and Brazilian National Health Guidelines. The game’s heuristics and content were evaluated with 2 different instruments by a team of experts. A sample of nursing students evaluated the validity of the game’s heuristics only. We calculated the content validity index (CVI) for each evaluation.

RESULTS

The study included 49 experts and 15 nursing students. All evaluations demonstrated high internal consistency (Cronbach α≥.86). The game’s heuristics (experts: CVI 0.75-1.0; students: CVI 0.67-1.0) and the game’s contents demonstrated validity (experts: CVI 0.73-1.0). Participants identified some specific areas for improvement in the next version.

CONCLUSIONS

The serious game appears to be valid. It is intended as a support tool for nursing students in the teaching–learning process and as a tool for continuing education for nurses.
ODGOVORNOST DRŽAVA UGOVORNICA ZA MATERIJALNU ŠTETU PROUZROKOVANU POVREDOM EVROPSKE KONVENCIJE O LJUDSKIM PRAVIMA
Authors: Raicevic Nebojsa , Radivojevic Zoran
Published: May 2021

Cilj ovog rada ograničen je na razmatranje odgovornosti država ugovornica za materijalnu štetu prouzrokovanu kršenjem Evropske konvencije o ljudskim pravima kao jedan od oblika novčanog pravičnog zadovoljenja oštećenoj strani. Za postojanje odgovornosti država za ovu vrstu štete neophodno je da kumulativno bude ispunjeno nekoliko uslova. Ti uslovi nisu bliže regulisani Konvencijom, već ih je samostalno, oslanjajući se na nacionalna odštetna prava država ugovornica, formulisao Sud u nizu slučajeva. Iz dosadašnje sudske prakse proizilazi da oni podrazumevaju: protivpravni akt države kojim se krši Konvencija ili protokoli uz nju; prouzrokovanje materijalne štete; i postojanje uzročno-posledične veze između takvog ponašanja i prouzrokovane štete. Razmatranje pomenutih uslova za odgovornost država ugovornica Konvencije glavni je predmet pažnje autora ovog rada.
ETNOGENEZA, IDENTITET I DEMOGRAFSKI RAZVOJ VLAHA U SRBIJI
Authors: Raduski Nada
Published: May 2021

Na etničkoj karti Srbije vlaška etnička zajednica zauzima posebno mesto, specifična po mnogim svojim karakteristikama – poreklo, jezik, tradicija, običaji, demografski razvoj i dr.). U radu se proučava etnogeneza Vlaha, kroz prizmu složenih istorijskih, migracionih, etnogenetskih, integracionih i asimilacionih procesa, sagledavanjem različitih teorija, stavova i mišljenja, često dijametralno suprotnih, što implicira na zaključak da ova tema još uvek nije u dovoljnoj meri istražena i da zahteva multidisciplinarni pristup. Analiza populacionog razvitka Vlaha, bazirana na popisnim podacima (19482011), pokazuje velike varijacije u njihovoj brojnosti kao rezultat česte promene nacionalne pripadnosti, dok su kod deklarisanja o maternjem jeziku stabilniji izjašnjavajući se za svoj etnos. Iako je u određenoj meri prisutna alterofonija, vlaški jezik se održao do danas, što je od velike važnosti za očuvanje njihovog nacionalnog i lingvističkog identiteta, dok je ujedno poznavanje zvaničnog jezika neophodno za punu integraciju u društveni, kulturni i politički život Srbije.
DRŽAVNO PITANJE U TEORIJSKOJ MISLI SLOBODANA JOVANOVIĆA
Authors: Terzic Predrag , Joksic Ivan
Published: May 2021

Bavljenje državom staro je koliko i sama država. Njen nastanak, razvoj i ustavno ustrojstvo pokazuju u kojoj meri je državno pitanje važno u teorijskoj misli. U literaturi postoji veliki broj temata u kojima se nastoji objasniti suština državnog pitanja, polazeći od pojedinačnih aspekata njenog funkcionisanja. Čini se da ne postoji autor, u pravnoj i politikološkoj teoriji, koji se nije okušao na ovom polju. Tako je bilo i sa gorostasom naše pravne, politikološke, sociološke, književne, istorijske misli Slobodanom Jovanovićem. On je raspravnim stilom studiozno obradio pitanje države, uvažavajući teorijska dostignuća svojih prethodnika i savremenika. Inspirisan idejama francuskih prosvetitelja, o kojima je takođe pisao, Slobodan Jovanović ukazuje na materijalnu i duhovnu dimenziju unutrašnjeg i spoljašnjeg ustrojstva države. Njegovo izuzetno poznavanje društvenih i političkih prilika u zemlji bilo je inspirativno za predlaganje budućih rešenja važnih državnih pitanja. Time je širina i dubina teorijske misli Slobodana Jovanovića veća, jer čitaoci njegovih dela pred sobom imaju vredno štivo koje prevazilazi prostorne i vremenske okvire. On nije pripadao autorima koji važna teorijska pitanja obrađuju olovno teškim perom, već razgovornim stilom koji omogućava upoznavanje materije širem krugu čitalaca. Zato je s punim pravom profesor Stevan Vračar uvrstio Slobodana Jovanovića u red ličnosti, koje čine dragocenu naučnu baštinu srpskog naroda i države.
PRIVREDE ZEMALJA ZAPADNOG BALKANA ‒ MESTO I ULOGA SRBIJE
Authors: Rapaic Stevan
Published: May 2021

Rad analizira stanje i strukturu privreda zemalja Zapadnog Balkana, njihove ekonomske karakteristike, kao i njihov međusobni uticaj, koji je prvenstveno izražen kroz spoljnotrgovinski aspekt i delovanje unutar sporazuma CEFTA 2006. Prikazujući osnovne makroekonomske indikatore, kao i strukturu izvoza i uvoza Albanije, Bosne i Hercegovine, Crne Gore, Severne Makedonije i Srbije, odnosno njihove najznačajnije spoljnotrgovinske partnere, autor daje uporednu analizu stanja privreda država Zapadnog Balkana i obrazlaže dominantnu ulogu Srbije u ovom regionu. I pored činjenice da sve posmatrane države najviše trguju sa EU, Srbija se izdvaja kao njihov drugi najznačajniji spoljnotrgovinski partner. Autor otkriva mesto i ulogu Srbije u privredi Zapadnog Balkana, dokazujući njenu lidersku poziciju u regionalnoj trgovini. Kao najveća privreda regiona i najveće tržište Zapadnog Balkana, Srbija je trgovinski dominantna u okviru sporazuma CEFTA 2006, a osim toga izdvaja se i kao neprikosnovena u privlačenju stranih direktnih investicija. Autor u radu obrazlaže i osnovne nedostatke srpske privrede, ali i odgovara na pitanje zašto i pored priliva stranih direktnih investicija od preko 22 milijarde evra, samo u prethodnih deset godina, Srbija nije uspela da ostvari značajan privredni rast.
Osteoporosis is accompanied by reduced CD274 expression in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors:   Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany, Zeller A-N , Selle M , Gong Z , Winkelmann M , Krettek C , Bundkirchen K , Neunaber C , Noack S
Published: May 2021

Underlying pathomechanisms of osteoporosis are still not fully elucidated. Cell-based therapy approaches pose new possibilities to treat osteoporosis and its complications. The aim of this study was to quantify differences in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) between healthy donors and those suffering from clinically manifest osteoporosis. Cell samples of seven donors for each group were selected retrospectively from the hBMSC cell bank of the Trauma Department of Hannover Medical School. Cells were evaluated for their adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation potential, for their proliferation potential and expression of surface antigens. Furthermore, a RT2 Osteoporosis Profiler PCR array, as well as quantitative real-time PCR were carried out to evaluate changes in gene expression. Cultivated hBMSCs from osteoporotic donors showed significantly lower cell surface expression of CD274 (4.98 % ± 2.38 %) than those from the control group (26.03 % ± 13.39 %; p = 0.007), as assessed by flow cytometry. In osteoporotic patients, genes involved in inhibition of the anabolic WNT signalling pathway and those associated with stimulation of bone resorption were significantly upregulated. Apart from these changes, no significant differences were found for the other cell surface antigens, adipogenic, osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation ability as well as proliferation potential. These findings supported the theory of an influence of CD274 on the regulation of bone metabolism. CD274 might be a promising target for further investigations of the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and of cell-based therapies involving MSCs.
Regulatory Action of all trans Retinoic Acid on Metastasis Induced lung Cell Metabolic Changes during Implantation of B16F10 Cancer Cells in C57BL6 Mice
Authors: Grace VM Berlin , Wilson D David , Saranya S , Peardon Rohit
Published: May 2021

The changes that occur during metastasis lodging is under intense research now to develop preventive new drugs to fight against the deadly metastasis. The molecular drug, all trans Retinoic Acid (ATRA) has regulatory effects on signal mediated metabolism. In this study, we have analyzed the metastasis facilitating metabolic changes in mice lung when a highly metastatic melanoma cell line (B16F10) having potency to lodge in lung was implanted via tail vein injection into C57BL/6 mice (1×106 cells/ml in PBS). One group of implanted mice were treated with 0.60 mg of ATRA per Kg body weight daily for 21 days. The alteration of protein, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, Catalase, GPX, GSH) levels and the lipid profile with cholesterol level were evaluated in the lung tissues. The ATRA treatment caused 62.16% inhibition on metastatic nodule formation. Compared to normal mice, the cancer control mice showed an increased (p≤ 0.01**) total protein, LPO and NO and a decreased antioxidant. In ATRA treated group, all these levels were reverted to near normal levels with a high significance (p≤ 0.01**) difference from untreated cancer mice. The lipid profile and cholesterol level also were altered in cancer and were normalized in ATRA treated group with high significance (p≤ 0.01**). All these results implies that the metabolic changes induced in the lung tissue during metastatic lodging of melanoma cells were prevented and regularized by the ATRA treatment in vivo which give a scope of anti-metastatic therapy using ATRA.
Improvement of water and nutrient efficiencies oil palm through bio-silicic acid application
Authors: SANTI Laksmita Prima , ARDIYANTO Adhy , KURNIAWAN Agung , PRABOWO Lilik A , SEBASTIAN Ian
Published: May 2021

Crop water use efficiency is critical for high yields in conditions of limited water supplies. This study aims at determining the effect of application bio-silicic acid (BioSilAc) on water use efficiency and nutrient availability for immature (2 years after planting) and mature (5 years after planting) oil palms in sandy soil during a period of low rainfall. A field experiment was conducted on sandy soil at an oil palm plantation in Central Kalimantan. The experiment was arranged in a randomized block design with seven treatments and three replicates using a combination of composted empty fruit bunches of oil palm (CEFBOP) and BioSilAc applications. The treatments (tree-1 year-1) were as follows (tree-1 year-1): (T1) 100% NPK standard dosage; (T2) T1 + 1.5 kg quartz sand; (T3) 75% (T1) + 1.5 kg quartz sand; (T4) T1+ 4 tablets BioSilAc; (T5) 75% (T1) + 4 tablets BioSilAc; (T6) T1 + 50 kg CEFBOP + 2 tablets BioSilAc; and (T7) 75% (T1) + 50 kg CEFBOP + 2 tablets BioSilAc. The parameters observed were soil and leaf nutrient contents, average weight, and number of fresh fruit bunch (FFB), and daily water usage and water potential using a sap flow meter and stem psychrometer to calculate water use efficiency in T1 (control) and T5 which represents the application of BioSilAc. The results indicated that the application of 75-100% NPK + 4 tablets BioSilAc tree-1 year-1 in mature oil palm was capable of improving yield of11.9% (T5) and 12.1% (T4) and water use efficiency of 31.3% (mature) and 50.4% (immature) of the control treatment.
Genetic relationships in Saccharum complex germplasm collections based on morphological and molecular markers
Authors: WIDYASARI Wiwit Budi , DAMANHURI .
Published: May 2021

and is a cross-pollinator, so information about the genetic relationship between the accessions in germplasm collections is very important for selecting the prospective parent in crossbreeding. This research aims to determine the phylogenetic relationship of 24 Saccharum complex accessions and to verify the grouping of accessions using 37 morphological and three microsatellite molecular markers. Interpretation of morphological and molecular data was obtained from the analysis using the NTYSYpc-2.02i program. The results show that within the 24 accessions analyzed using morphological markers, some accessions did not cluster as the classification at the conservation time. This difference is due to the morphological markers, descriptions of characters that do not appear are considered as the same variables though in different morphological characters, so this increases the value of genetic similarity among accessions analyzed. In contrast, the grouping of molecular markers shows that each accession was grouped according to the classification at the conservation time. These accessions had a low genetic similarity of 0.20 with a broad genetic distance of 0.80. This broad genetic distance indicates that the twenty-four accessions have a distant genetic relationship with one another, so that the genetic diversity of these accessions is relatively high. The high genetic diversity in germplasm collections improves its potential as a crossing parent to obtain a high heterosis effect.
Christianity in Korea or Korean Christianity?
Authors:   University of Latvia, Klaviņš Kaspars
Published: May 2021

Taking into account all pros and cons, Christianity, which came into Korea from the West can be truly qualified as ‘Korean Christianity.’ It has by no means weakened Korea’s specific identity; instead, it has absorbed many local traditions (including Korean shamanistic practices), promoted Korean national self-confidence during its colonisation by Japan, given impetus to the modernisation of society through the dismantling of the class system, and thus also allowed the Korean tradition of Confucianism to be reborn under new circumstances.
Cilvēks un terorisms: terorisma kritiskā pētniecība, taisnīga kara mācība un humānisms
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Kūlis Māris , Mirončuka Kitija
Published: May 2021

Rakstā ir aplūkots terorisma pētniecības un taisnīga kara mācības sastatījums ar cilvēkzināšanām. Pēc pasaulē un Latvijā vadošo tendenču īsa pārskata ir izklāstīti ierastās terorisma pētniecības trūkumi – analītiskais vājums un metodoloģiskā paviršība jeb pārlieka paļaušanās uz sekundārajiem materiāliem, strukturālā sajūgtība ar drošības un pretnemieru nozari, kā arī atkarība no valsts pārvaldes un militārās industrijas, epistemoloģiski principiālā “nezināšana” un metodiskā “problēmrisināšana”. Tālāk ir aplūkots cita terorisma pētniecības virziena – terorisma kritiskās pētniecības – piedāvājums, kas savukārt uzsver kultūras, sabiedrisko un politisko kontekstu. Iekļaujot kritiskās teorijas atziņas, šis virziens terorisma problēmu risina paplašināti, proti, no cilvēkzinātņu skata punkta, kā arī uzsver emancipējošo nolūku (cilvēka vērtības universālums) un problematizē valsts lomu terorisma pētniecībā. Aktualizējot cilvēkzinātņu un humānisma principu nozīmīgumu, rakstā sniegts ieskats taisnīga kara mācībā, kas ierasti pievērsusies starpvalstu kariem, bet mūsdienu apstākļos arvien biežāk ir pārinterpretējama, lai terorismu skatītu jēgpilni. Mainoties sabiedriskās organizācijas kārtībai, tāpat kā karš, transformējas arī terorisms. Līdz ar to ir kritiski jāizvērtē šo vardarbības formu izpratne. Humānisms kā cilvēka atbildības atzīšana organizētas vardarbības kontekstā gluži vienkārši ir metodoloģisks pamatnosacījums, kas mudina pētnieciskajā darbā ņemt vērā cilvēka aktivitāšu, tostarp vardarbības, cilvēciskos raksturojumus.
Tibetiešu lūgšanu kreļļu mālā (tib. phreng ba) iespējamās semantiskās saknes
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Taivāne Elizabete
Published: May 2021

Tibetiešu lūgšanu kreļļu mālā semantikas analīze ir attiecināma uz mūsdienās aktuālo reliģijas un materiālās kultūras jeb materiālas reliģijas pētniecības jomu. Pirmajā raksta daļā ir apspriesta jaunās reliģijpētniecības apakšnozares specifika, t. i., pētniecības objekts, pētniecības metodes un faktori, kas ir par iemeslu materiālajam pavērsienam reliģijzinātnē. Otrajā raksta daļā esam pieskārušies formāliem jautājumiem, kas skar mālā, pievēršot padziļinātu uzmanību izejmateriāliem, no kuriem mālā ir darinātas, it īpaši cilvēka kaulam. Diskusija par cilvēka kaula izmantošanu tantriskajā rituālajā praksē atklāj tibetiešu lūgšanu kreļļu jaukto semantisko lauku, kas savukārt norāda uz Tibetas reliģiskās eklektikas savdabību.
Online Sanskrit-English Glossaries of Ayurveda, Yoga and Indian Music Terminology (Survey and Critical Assessment)
Authors:   University of Latvia, Baltgalve Agita
Published: May 2021

In 2017, a major Effective Collaboration Project, titled “Sanskrit-English-Latvian Online Glossary of the Basic Terminology for Indic Sciences (Ayurveda, Yoga, and Indian Music)” was launched at the University of Latvia. It is planned to include 1000 entries – Ayurveda (400), Yoga (400) and Indian Music (200). Accordingly, there are 5 expert groups – medical doctors (Ayurveda), yoga instructors and teachers, musicologists and musicians, Sanskrit language experts and linguists, and IT specialists. The program of tLex is used as a basic system for the input of words. Furthermore, several independent experts and organizations are being consulted during the compilation process, for example, State Language Centre of Latvia. This article constitutes a part the above-mentioned project. The main objective is to find out current offer of similar open-access Ayurveda, yoga or Indian music online glossaries that would use Sanskrit and English languages as bases. Printed versions, online journals or books, pdf- or xlsx-format lists and alike are not be included. The analysis consists of a description of each site, a critical assessment of advantages / disadvantages, and a com-parison with the on-going Glossary project at the University of Latvia (further in text – UL Glossary). The objective of the article is a descriptive, topical and structural analysis with an interdisciplinary approach. It does not aim at a thorough linguistic analysis. Therefore, Sanskrit words are given in simplified English transcription (mainly according to their usage in relevant webpages)
Allelopathic screening of Malaysian noxious weeds and several medicinal plants as potential alleloherbicides
Authors:   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Ishak M.S. , Nurul Ain M.B. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Sahid I. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Mardiana-Jansar K. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: This research was conducted to assess the allelopathic potential of 100 plants species, including noxious weeds and medicinal plants of Malaysia as donor plant on the growth of Lactuca sativa (lettuce) as the recipient plant. This study was also carried out to justify common weeds found in Malaysia to act as a natural herbicide for weed management through allelopathy phenomenon. Methodology: Weed and medicinal plant species commonly found in Malaysia were identified according to their morphological characteristics. Sandwich method was carried out to determine the allelopathic potential of weed species through leaf litter leachate mechanism. On the other hand, dish pack method was conducted to discover the allelopathic potential of weed species through volatilization pathway. Results: 100 weed species and medicinal plants commonly found in Malaysia inhibited the radicle and hypocotyl growth of L. sativa by both sandwich method and dish pack method. Among 100 weed species, Passiflora foetida showed the maximum inhibitory effects on L. sativa growth in both sandwich and dish pack method. The highest amount of P. foetida leaf litter (50 mg), completely inhibited the growth of radicle and hypocotyl of L. sativa. Volatilization of weed and medicinal plants leaf litter inhibited the growth of L. sativa with increasing distances of lettuce seed with the weed and medicinal plants leaf litter. Interpretation: The findings of this study provides a base line for identifying plants with allelopathic properties for controlling weed propagation.
Potential habitat connectivity for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) in a fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Ariffin N.A.T. , Mustapha M.A. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Taher T.M. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Khodri N.F. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Abdullah N.I. ,   Department of Ecosystem Management and Natural Resources, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Nor S.M. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: To predict the distribution of suitable habitats for Malayan gaur (Bos gaurus) at a highly fragmented forest area in Peninsular Malaysia and to identify the potential connectivity between suitable habitat patches. Methodology: Maximum entropy (MaxEnt) approach was used to predict the distribution of suitable habitats of the Malayan gaur. Gaur presence-only data and six environmental variables were collated for the habitat suitability modeling, and area under curve (AUC) value was used to estimate the performance of the model. The resulting model was then used to derive a potential connectivity map through least-cost analysis using Corridor Designer toolbox in ArcGIS 10.4. Results: The AUC value of the habitat suitability model was 0.84. Distance from urban areas indicated the highest relative contribution to the model (26.9%), followed by distance from water body (24.2%) land use (18.0%) elevation (14.3%), slope (14.0%) and lithology (2.6%). Predicted suitable habitats for gaur were found mostly in lowland forest areas, especially in the vicinity of rivers within forest reserves. A total of five wildland blocks were derived from the habitat suitability model, and several potential corridor swaths were identified connecting the wildland blocks. Interpretation: The absence of gaur occurrence in suitable habitats suggest that fragmented habitats greatly affected gaur distribution and population. Road network and agricultural lands are the major barriers of gaur movement as they are very sensitive towards disturbances and conflict. Thus, this research proposes potential connectivity at a regional scale for Malayan gaur for use in future planning in conservation, management and development.
Effects of temperature and diet on pepsin enzyme activity of TGGG hybrid grouper, Epinephelus fuscoguttatus ♀ x E. lanceolatus ♂
Authors:   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, De M. , Ghaffar M.A. ,   Institute of Marine Biotechnology, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, Kuala Terengganu, 21300, Malaysia, Bakar Y. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Cob Z.C. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Mazumder S.K. ,   Department of Genetics and Fish Breeding, Faculty of Fisheries, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, 1706, Bangladesh, Das S.K. ,   Marine Ecosystem Research Centre (EKOMAR), Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: This study explores the influence of temperature and diet on pepsin enzyme activity in TGGG hybrid groupers. Methodology: Two hundred TGGG groupers (body weight 200±10 g; total length 22.5±1 cm) were equally distributed in three rearing tanks (1500 l capacity). After three weeks of acclimatization, the groupers were kept in 40 tanks (5 fish per tank, 20 tanks with pelleted diet and 20 with shrimp diets) for 30 days. All treatments were replicated five times. Results: Pepsin activity increased with increased temperature, from 22°C (2.10 U mg protein−1) to 30°C (5.64 U mg protein−1) when the groupers were given either pellet or shrimp as diet. The shrimp-fed group showed significantly increased pepsin activity compared to pellet-fed fish. Interpretation: The pepsin enzyme activities in TGGG hybrid groupers were significantly influenced by temperature and diet, but the interaction of these two factors was insignificant. The results suggest that shrimp-diets given at 30°C water was ideal for rearing TGGG hybrid groupers. This suggests that combination proliferates enzymatic activity, which may lead to faster digestion and faster growth rates compared to other combinations.
Contribution of root tensile of Pennisetum polystachion on shear strength of sandy soil in slope bio-engineering technique
Authors:   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Rahman Z.A. , Ettbeb A.E. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Idris W.M.R. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Tarmidzi S.N.A. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: In soil bio-engineering, plant has been widely adopted as important material in promoting sustainable ecological function in slope instability measures. Plant canopy provides shelter and at subsurface level, root networking attributes toward stability of soil against erosion and slope failure. To investigate the potential of selected P. polystachion as biological material in soil bio-engineering for improving the soil shear strength of sandy soil planted with P. polystachion. Methodology: The selected species was initially planted using hyroseeding technique on studied plots which facilated with and without fiber netting (made of paddy straw). A control plot was also prepared for reference of this study. The plots were routinely watered twice a day for six months before experimental program was scheduled for determining of root tensile and soil shear strength tests. Results: The root tensile strength of P. polystachion exhibited a positive significant relationship between root tensile force and root diameter. The shear strength of soil was affected by the presence of root if compared to that of soil without root (control). Biomass analysist also agree with the soil water content, ws. High biomass contributed to the increase in the values of soil shear strength parameter of cohesive, c and angle of friction, q for root-permeated soil with P. polystachion. Interpretation: This study has suggested that the potential application of this selected species for slope vegetation in improving the erosion control and slope stability in soil-bioengineering scheme.
Habitat and edaphic preference of Rafflesia R. Br. plant communities in Royal Belum State Park, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,Bangi,  43600, Malaysia, Hayati A.K.N. , Shamsul K. ,   Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,Bangi,  43600, Malaysia, Juliana W.A.W. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi,  43600, Malaysia, Mohd. Taib F.S. ,   Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,Bangi,  43600, Malaysia, Shukor M.N. ,   Department of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,Bangi,  43600, Malaysia, Shahril M.H. ,   TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., No. 1, Lorong Ayer Itam, Kawasan Institusi Penyelidikan, Kajang, 43000, Malaysia, Filza E.A. ,   TNB Research Sdn. Bhd., No. 1, Lorong Ayer Itam, Kawasan Institusi Penyelidikan, Kajang, 43000, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: To investigate the relationship between the microhabitat conditions and soil physico-chemical characters of Rafflesia plant communities and to determine similarities across Rafflesia habitats in Royal Belum State Park, Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. Methodology: The site of Rafflesia population and its microhabitat condition was collected by referring to the previous studies, in addition to interviewing the related parties. A plot study was constructed in each Rafflesia habitat in Royal Belum State Park, Perak and the soil sample was collected for estimating their characteristics. Results: Rafflesia population is distributed between 207 - 386 m asl, with the surface slope of 8 to 58° and located 1.0-450.0 m from nearby water sources. The percentage of clay has a strong influence in X-Ray and distance to water source affected the habitat in Sg. Ruok-Papan. Ca2+ was an important soil component in Sg. Kooi while in Sg. Gadong 2 and Sg. Selantan, nitrogen was the most important soil attribute. The dendrogram reveals Sg. Kooi and Sg. Gadong 1 were the most similar habitats while Sg. Ruok differed significantly in terms of the microhabitat and soil physicochemical conditions tested. Interpretation: This study shows that different plant communities favoured different conditions in terms of microhabitat condition and the physico-chemical characteristics of soil, despite being located within the same forest range. Since this study covered only small forest range, large sampling size which cover different forest area is needed to come to a conclusion regarding preference of Rafflesia plant communities towards its habitat.