bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Power through Language, the Language of Power: Equatoguinean Emixiles Facing Lingua Franca
Authors: Iliescu-Gheorghiu Catalina
Published: January 2021

In 1968 Equatorial Guinea became independent from Spain but inherited its cultural architecture. Current identity claims made by Equatoguinean emixiles (Ugarte’s term, 2010) are rooted in the social and territorial exclusion suffered by ethnic groups during their colonial past. In this paper I will explore the role that the Spanish language played in the identity construction of six Equatoguinean emixiles living in the city of Alicante (Spain). My interviewees’ life-stories reveal valuable information on vernacular languages, but also on the lingua franca, a tool of liberation (granting access) but also of repression. By comparing their recollections of themselves (either as Guinean or ethnic citizens) back in Guinea, to their perceptions of themselves in Spain, I intend to delve into the mutual gaze between transnational identities (Vertovec) here and there, now and then. Given Bhabha’s concept of “third space” I argue, using specific samples from my corpus, that the synchronic analysis of emixiles’ discourses within a perverse diasporic perimeter (the land of the former colonisers), needs to be completed with the diachronic view of the patterns of power which influenced postcolonial (re)construction of national/ethnic identity.
Between Tradition and Evangelisation: Marriage Ritualisation on Colonial and Contemporary Bioko Island
Authors: Fernández Moreno Nuria
Published: January 2021

The start of the 20th century on Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea) coincides with the expansion of Spanish colonisation. Around 1910, the intense process of “Hispanicisation” began, totally disrupting native Bubi society. The colonial government, together with the intense evangelisation carried out on the island by the Catholic Church, weakened and modified Bubi power structures. Colonialism also provoked important changes in Bubi family structure and the evangelising mission was, fundamentally, directed toward controlling and transforming marriage practices. This text analyses how the loss of the political function of the Bubi chieftainships affected marriage practices and examines the other variables that influenced these changes and their effects on the present-day situation of Bubi women. Finally, the text explains how the practices and values that the evangelisation managed to introduce influenced the construction of Bubi ethnic identity.
La primera tecnología de obtención de cobre en la península ibérica. Aproximación experimental a la metalurgia calcolítica de la cuenca de Vera (Almería)
Authors: Obón Zúñiga Alberto , Berdejo Arcéiz Abel , Berdejo Arcéiz Víctor
Published: January 2021

Exponemos los resultados de un estudio experimental dirigido a mejorar la interpretación sobre la primera tecnología de obtención de cobre en la península ibérica. Según los datos de las mediciones y de los análisis de laboratorio, en el proceso metalúrgico es más determinante la ejecución de operaciones breves en estructuras pequeñas, abiertas y sencillas que otros elementos técnicos como el sistema de inyección de aire o el tipo de combustible. El uso de carbón y del fuelle no es estrictamente necesario, bastando un simple hogar de leña y uno o dos tubos de soplado. La experimentación con un alto grado de realismo sobre un caso concreto, la cuenca de Vera en Almería, ha permitido corroborar que la concentración de arsénico en los objetos de cobre es accidental: se debe a la transformación de minerales oxídicos polimetálicos. Los resultados de este trabajo confirman la hipótesis que sostiene que la primera producción de metal en la península ibérica era de tipo doméstico con una organización simple. Esta actividad pudo desarrollarse a partir de la base tecnológica de la producción cerámica sin necesidad de un gran salto cualitativo.
Rituales con restos humanos en ámbito ilergete: reflexiones a partir de las evidencias de El Molí d’Espígol (Tornabous, Lérida)
Authors: Principal Jordi , Subirà de Galdàcano M. Eulàlia
Published: January 2021

El Molí d’Espígol es el hábitat ibérico más destacado del territorio histórico del pueblo ilergete. El estudio de los restos humanos ya anteriormente conocidos, sumado a la identificación de nuevas evidencias, ha permitido no solo aumentar el elenco de las inhumaciones perinatales del asentamiento, sino también confirmar la existencia de restos humanos de adulto. A partir del estudio de síntesis sobre la presencia de restos humanos en contextos de hábitat hallados en el territorio histórico de los Ilergetes, se plantea la significación social de tales prácticas en el ámbito de dicho pueblo ibero.
Teaching Engineering Ethics Through a Psychology Course
Authors: Hanh Nguyen Van , Long Nguyen Tien , Duyen Nguyen Thi , Canh Phan Thi Thanh , Long Nguyen Thanh , Thang Mai Duc
Published: January 2021

While ethics instruction is now widespread, studies are still looking for different ways to integrate ethics in engineering programs. In this article, we propose a novel approach by teaching engineering ethics through a psychology course. Starting with the relevant literature studies, we have argued that the phenomeno-logical experience of ethics is a source to explain psychological truths, while en-gineering ethics can be better taught from psychological / behavioral perspectives. A pedagogical approach of experiential learning has been applied to integrate engineering ethics into the psychology course. The empirical study with 400 stu-dents in psychology courses show that teaching engineering ethics through a psychology course has a significant effect on improving the knowledge of engi-neering ethics for students. The relationship between the two pre- and post-test scores was a strong positive linear relationship. A regression equation with a slope of a straight line of 0.57 and a constant of 1.52 has been provided to predict the improvement of post-test scores through pre-test scores. This study proposes the formation of a "psychology and ethics" module in technical schools.
Students' Orientation Using Machine Learning and Big Data
Authors: Ouatik Farouk , Erritali Mohammed , Ouatik Fahd , Jourhmane Mostafa
Published: January 2021

Students' orientation in public institutions and choosing their academic paths or their appropriate specialization is important to students to continue their studies Easily in their school career. Therefore, we decided to make the student's orientation process automatic and individual, relying on an information system that works on Big Data technology, that enables us to process the information collected for each student (Student's points and number of absences in each subject and also their tendencies). Then we used the algorithms of machine learning, that enable us to give the appropriate specialization to each student. In this paper, we compared the accuracy and execution time of the following algorithms (Naïve Bayes, SVM, Random Forest Tree and Neural Network), where we found that Naïve Bayes is the best for this system.
CT Image Classification of Human Brain using Deep Learning
Authors: Kalidindi Archana , Kompalli Prasanna Lakshmi , Bandi Sairam , Anugu Sri Raagh Rao
Published: January 2021

Computed Tomography (CT) images are cross-sectional images of any specific area of a human body which allows doctors to see inside of a patient. CT scan is almost always the first imaging modality used to assess patients with suspected hemorrhage. A CT scan provides image reports in the form of grey shades. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish between two areas because the shades of grey in a CT image are occasionally similar. CT scan (Particularly “Non-Contrast Head CT Scan”) is the current guideline for primary imaging of patients with any head injuries or brain stroke like symptoms. To obtain any findings from the CT image, Radiologists or other doctors need to examine the images. Deep-learning is an important tool used in radiology and medical imaging which provides a better understanding of the image with more efficiency and quicker exam time. The main idea of this project is developing a model using classification algorithms which can be used to classify or detect hemorrhage in a CT image. The dataset consists of both normal CTs and CTs with hemorrhage. Deep learning is used to develop a model that can detect whether a CT image shows a hemorrhage or not.
IoT-Based Real-Time Monitoring System for Epidemic Diseases Patients: Design and Evaluation
Authors: Al-Mutairi Abdullah W. , Al-Aubidy Kasim M. , Al-Halaiqa Fadwa N.
Published: January 2021

Epidemic diseases patients need constant monitoring of their health, whether in the hospital or at home, and this requires great costs. The employment of information and communication technologies and artificial intelligence concepts helps reduce these costs. This paper introduces a real-time monitoring system for monitoring pneumonia patients that will allow doctors to monitor the health of their patients remotely through smartphones or internet-connected devices. To verify the proper functioning of this system, a real-time monitoring device was developed. A secure mechanism is designed to establish a wireless connection to the monitoring unit.
La réhabilitation des fonctionnaires alsaciens-lorrains victimes de l’épuration après l’armistice de 1918
Authors: Ettwiller Éric
Published: January 2021

L’épuration politique des fonctionnaires alsaciens-lorrains par les autorités françaises après l’armistice de 1918 a atteint ses victimes non seulement dans leurs conditions matérielles de subsistance, mais aussi dans leur honneur, et ce d’autant plus douloureusement que ses fondements apparaissaient, déjà à l’époque, comme juridiquement douteux. Un petit nombre de révoqués, notamment des enseignants, ont cherché à obtenir leur réhabilitation. Les premières démarches ont été engagées dès 1919. Il s’agissait de demandes de réintégration, de rappel de traitement ou de pension de retraite. À partir de 1920, elles furent soumises à l’avis d’une « commission d’examen des réclamations des fonctionnaires relevés de leur emploi ». La plupart des demandes seront rejetées. Le sort des victimes de l’épuration politique a alimenté le débat public et politique et participé du « malaise alsacien ». La loi du 20 mars 1929, qui donna la possibilité aux seules victimes de l’arrêté du 7 mai 1919 – et pas aux révoqués des premiers mois suivant l’armistice – de se pourvoir devant une chambre de discipline, n’était pas à la hauteur des attentes. Les démarches ultérieures des députés Stürmel, Schuman et Meck se heurteront à un mur, notamment pour des raisons budgétaires.
Entre o espectro aterrorizante do comunismo e as desigualdades sociais: teoria e prática dos Centros Sociais da Companhia de Jesus na América Latina (1950-1966)
Authors: Costa Iraneidson Santos
Published: January 2021

O artigo aborda a atuação dos Centros de Investigação e Ação Social (CIAS) da Companhia de Jesus na América Latina em sua primeira geração, entre 1950 e 1966. Partindo da hipótese de que as formulações teóricas e práticas concretas dos CIAS desempenharam um papel importante na transição entre o Catolicismo Social da primeira metade do século XX e o Cristianismo de Libertação sistematizado a partir da década de 1970, demonstra, a partir da análise de fontes documentais de diversos arquivos da Companhia de Jesus na Europa e na América Latina e da discussão com a produção intelectual da época e com a literatura especializada, de que maneira as concepções e ações dos centros sociais jesuítas, a princípio marcadas por um forte conteúdo anticomunista, passaram a assumir uma postura de denúncia e combate às crescentes desigualdades sociais.
A (des)politização do futebol nas narrativas sobre a Copa na Argentina de 1978
Authors: Ribeiro Luiz Carlos , Marczal Ernesto Sobocinski
Published: January 2021

Considerando o ambiente intelectual, político e esportivo dos anos 70, o presente artigo analisa algumas narrativas em torno da realização da Copa do Mundo de Futebol na Argentina, em 1978. Imprensa e partidos políticos de esquerda são os discursos priorizados na análise. A partir da relação futebol, história e política, o artigo problematiza a tensão entre uma visão racional e objetiva dos discursos políticos e a passionalidade imposta pelo futebol. Os ambientes são os confrontos intelectuais e políticos na Argentina e na França, de onde se propagava um movimento internacional de boicote à realização da Copa do Mundo.
Challenges and Opportunities From COVID-19 vis-à-vis Informal Cross-Border Women Entrepreneurs Scenario in Zimbabwe
Authors: Dzingirai Mufaro , Chagwesha Munyaradzi , Mudzurandende Florence
Published: January 2021

Although entrepreneurship is widely accepted as a driver of economic development and growth across the globe, the COVID-19 pandemic and several lockdowns have created a unique situation in the entrepreneurship discourse. Accordingly, this chapter aims at providing empirical evidence on the challenges and opportunities emanating from COVID-19 within the context of informal cross-border women entrepreneurs. This study establishes five challenges, namely, business closures, caregiving responsibility, the decline in demand, shortage of goods, and liquidity crisis. Moreover, it also establishes digital marketing and business networks as opportunities. The recommendations to deal with these challenges are proffered and the suggestions for further study are captured.
Human Resource Management Strategies of the Indian Information Technology Sector Post-Pandemic
Authors: Rajagopal Kannan , Mahajan Vaisahli , Ayyagari Krishna Chandan
Published: January 2021

The objective of this chapter is to discuss the changes incorporated in the human resource management strategies post-pandemic situation owing to the COVID-19 pandemic which has instigated disaster across the Indian information technology sector. However, the information technology (IT) industry has been cruising through the situations steadily compared to the other sectors as it has adopted certain innovative human resource (HR) management strategy coupled with technological innovation. The theoretical investigation using the secondary data sources and views of HR professionals clearly reveals that the information technology sector has incorporated strategic changes to restore the balance and control the distortion caused by the COVID-19 pandemic to the industry. More specifically, the diverse HR strategies incorporated by the IT firms in their efforts were focused to combat the economic repercussions caused by the pandemic, keeping in mind the financial strength of the company, employee morale, future business outlook, and employer branding.
SMEs and Business Sustainability
Authors: Hu Meng Kui , Kee Daisy Mui Hung
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic is an unprecedented global crisis affecting the worldwide socio-economy. Many SMEs have ceased operations due to various obstacles during the pandemic period. The chapter identifies challenges faced by SMEs, specifically in Malaysia. The chapter also proposes that having a sustainable business solution protects SMEs from experiencing a crisis by diluting the impact of the pandemic and the critical challenges related to the financial impact, supply chain disruption, changing customer behavior, and evolving business environment. Post-lockdown, SMEs must revisit, realign, and implement practical operating procedures to stay relevant. Moving forward, SMEs depend on reliable and proactive leadership in revamping some of their business strategies – strengthening financial position, supply chain management, digital transformation, and organizational agility. SMEs must be vigilant and operate within the sustainable business framework involving the environmental, social, and governance (ESG). Consequently, this will fulfill the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
Sustainability of MSMEs in Indonesia
Authors: Asiati Devi , Ngadi Ngadi , Aini Yulinda Nurul , Purba Yanti Astrelina
Published: January 2021

This chapter is aimed to discuss the condition of the MSMEs in Indonesia at the beginning of COVID-19 as well as the strategies that the government has undertaken to minimize the impact of COVID-19. The data for analysis is data from online survey results that carried out between 24 April-2 May 2020 with a total of 204 MSMEs participating. The results of the survey show that more than half (53%) of the MSMEs suffered from a decrease in income/production; even 43% stopped production at the beginning of the pandemic. Most of the MSMEs in various sectors admitted that they were only able to survive for less than three months, with the worst sectors being trade, corporate services, and construction. The government has implemented wage subsidy policies, loan interest subsidies, and tax abolition to save the MSMEs from the impact of COVID-19. For this matter, efforts to save MSMEs must continue, especially through expanding wage subsidies, increasing the realization of the low subsidy budget, and transforming to digital-based businesses.
Sustainability Strategies for Developing SMEs and Entrepreneurship
Authors: P. Monish , Dhanabhakyam M.
Published: January 2021

Increasing concern about the environment and sustainability has forced industries to introduce innovations and reduce the environmental impact. SMEs provide large employment opportunities at lower cost apart from enabling industrialization of rural backward areas, thereby reducing regional conflicts and imbalances in the distribution of income and wealth. Globalization brings many new opportunities. The SME sector has emerged as a highly vibrant sector in the Indian economy over the last six decades. We know that in the long run all the aspects of sustainability should be given equal importance. We should consider environmental, social, and economic sustainability. All these three components help create a good value for the firm.
Preventive home therapy for symptomatic patients affected by COVID-19 and followed by teleconsultations
Authors: D'Amato Gennaro , Acanfora Luca , Delli Paoli Lucrezia , D'Amato Maria
Published: January 2021

In this paper we present our experience on the treatment at home of Covid+ symptomatic patients. One hundred and eighty-two subjects (111 men and 71 women) aged from 32 to 71 years have been consecutively followed at home in telemedicine from 1st September to 24th December 2020. We were informed almost twice daily in morning and evening about body temperature, symptoms (cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle of body aches, headache, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea), oxygen saturation measured by digital pulse oximetry and blood pressure. Our protocol of treatment was based on early use of prednisone (25 mg in the morning and 12.5 mg in the afternoon) and low molecular weight heparin (4000 UI one or two times daily) initiated just after the positivity of molecular nasopharyngeal test (about 3-4 days as mean time after initiation of symptomatology and not after 7-8 days as suggested by other protocols) and oxygen therapy when necessary. Antibiotics such as azithromycin for six days was added. It is always recommended to associate lansoprazole 30 mg to prevent gastric hemorrhages and potassium and magnesium supplements. This treatment scheme was able to reduce the risk of hospitalization as only 4 patients needed to be admitted to the Hospital, and only two in subintensive department. After negativeness of molecular nasopharyngeal test, patients were invited for a thoracic computerized tomography and laboratory evaluation of d-dimer and other data of inflammation to show eventual lung interstitial involvement characteristic of Covid-19.
Vacuum therapy ameliorates erectile dysfunction in bilateral cavernous nerve crush rats by inhibiting apoptosis and activating autophagy
Authors: Wu Chang-Jing , Fu Fu-Dong , Qin Feng , Ma Ming , Li Tao , Wei Shan-Zun , Yu Bo-Tao , Yang Xin-Zong , Yuan Jiu-Hong
Published: January 2021

Postprostatectomy erectile dysfunction (pPED) remains a current problem despite improvements in surgical techniques. Vacuum therapy is clinically confirmed as a type of pPED rehabilitation. However, its underlying mechanisms are incompletely understood. Recently, autophagy and apoptosis were extensively studied in erectile dysfunction resulting from diabetes, senescence, and androgen deprivation but not in the context of pPED and vacuum therapy. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the roles of autophagy and apoptosis in pPED and vacuum therapy. Twenty-four adult male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: the control group, bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) group, and BCNC + vacuum group. After 4 weeks of treatment, intracavernosal pressure was used to evaluate erectile function. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunohistochemistry were used to measure the molecular expression. TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling staining was used to assess apoptosis. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe autophagosomes. After treatment, compared with those of the BCNC group, erectile function and cavernosal hypoxia had statistically significantly improved (P < 0.05). Apoptosis and the relative protein expression of B-cell lymphoma-2-associated X and cleaved Caspase3 were decreased (P < 0.05). Autophagy-related molecules such as phosphorylated unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinase 1 (Ser757) and p62 were decreased. Beclin1, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 A/B, and autophagosomes were increased (P < 0.05). Besides, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, as a negative regulator of autophagy to some degree, was inhibited. This study revealed that vacuum therapy ameliorated pPED in BCNC rats by inhibiting apoptosis and activating autophagy.
Career as a general speciality anaesthesiologist
Authors: Sood Jayashree , Bhatia Pradeep , Johnson J Edward , Lalwani Jaya , Sethi Nitin
Published: January 2021

The growth in anaesthesia speciality has been contemporaneous with the advancement in surgical techniques. Although various anaesthesia subspecialities have developed over the years, the value of a general speciality anaesthesiologist cannot be undermined as skills and techniques acquired during basic anaesthesia training are major determinants of efficiency of an anaesthesiologist. A general speciality anaesthesiologist performs multiple roles: that of a perioperative physician, intensivist and acute pain management expert. Anaesthesia also offers a multitude of avenues in teaching and research. A successful anaesthesiologist not only requires having good clinical skills but also needs to adhere to basic medical ethics principles. Anaesthesiologists have also been in the forefront in the management of the current COVID pandemic.
Giant cell arteritis
Authors: Hayreh Sohan Singh
Published: January 2021

Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is the most important medical emergency in ophthalmology, because its most dreaded complication is visual loss, which is preventable if these patients are diagnosed early and treated immediately and aggressively. This is a brief review of GCA, its ophthalmic manifestations, and how to diagnose and manage them.
Slit lamp examination during COVID-19
Authors: Mannan Rashim , Pruthi Archna , Sud Rouli , Khanduja Sumeet
Published: January 2021

Purpose:

The aim of this study was to describe a poly-vinyl chloride air condition (PVC AC) curtain shield placed at the intervening space between the chin rest and the illuminating and optical arm of the slit lamp microscope (distal barrier) instead of the present position at the oculars (proximal barrier) to guard against severe acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2. This experimental study was done to validate and compare the protection offered by the conventional breath shields and the one described by us in a simulated environment.

Methods:

In this experimental study, 12 puffs of fine mist were sprayed over a period of 1 minute using “magenta-colored dye” and “cyan-colored dye” for analyzing proximal barrier and distal barrier respectively. To access the amount of contamination of the slit lamp, caused by sprayed “magenta” and “cyan” colored dye, we covered the entire slit lamp with appropriately sized white-colored cotton sheet. The stained sheets were individually photographed and then the images were first cropped, then color threshold adjusted and then converted to binary and finally fraction of surface area stained was calculated using the ImageJ software. (Pn Surface Areamagenta fraction (%) during analysis of “proximal barrier” and Pn Surface Areacyan fraction (%) during the analysis of “distal barrier”, where Pn refers to various parts of slit lamp.

Results:

The entire surface area of the cloth covering the slit lamp was 9912.45 cm2. The surface area of the cloth which was stained when using the “proximal barrier” was 567.50 cm2 whereas when using the “distal barrier” was 222.93 cm2. When using proximal barrier, 97.71% of the staining was present on the slit lamp base, viewing arm, illumination arm and the pivot of the slit lamp. While using the distal breath shield no parts of the viewing arm, illumination arm, the pivot or the mechanical base with joystick were stained.

Conclusion:

The novel PVC AC curtain shield provides better barrier against the simulated contaminated stream of patient's breath directed towards the working parts of the slit lamp as compared to conventional slit lamp oculars mounted breath shields.
Derivation and Characterization of a New Embryonic Cell Line from the Olive Flounder Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Nie Miaomiao , Wu Zhihao , You Feng
Published: January 2021

A new embryonic cell line that consisted predominantly of fibroblast cells has been established from embryos at Kupffer’s vesicle (KV) stage of the olive flounder Paralichthys olivaceus, designated as the PoEKC. PoEKC cells have been subcultured for 61 passages over a period of 18 months. The cells were cultured in DMEM/F-12 medium supplemented with antibiotics, FBS, and growth factors at temperature of 25°C. The growth curve of the PoEKC cells comprised an exponential growth phase and a long plateau phase. Chromosome analysis revealed that the cells possessed the normal flounder diploid karyotype of 2n = 48t. The origin of the cell line was confirmed by testing the partial sequences of cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) gene of mtDNA. The pluripotency markers, genes OCT4-1, SOX2, KLF4, and NANOG showed positive signals in the PoEKC cells, and the cells also presented high ALP activity. According to the above results, the PoEKC cells might be pluripotency, though the pluripotency needs further confirmation. The cells were also successfully transfected with GFP reporter gene suggesting that it could be utilized for gene function study in the flounder.
Risk Assessment of Dengue Transmission in Bangladesh Using a Spatiotemporal Network Model and Climate Data
Authors: Riad Mahbubul H. , Cohnstaedt Lee W. , Scoglio Caterina M.
Published: January 2021

Vector-borne disease risk assessment is crucial to optimize surveillance, preventative measures (vector control), and resource allocation (medical supplies). High arthropod abundance and host interaction strongly correlate to vector-borne pathogen transmission. Increasing host density and movement increases the possibility of local and long-distance pathogen transmission. Therefore, we developed a risk-assessment framework using climate (average temperature and rainfall) and host demographic (host density and movement) data, particularly suitable for regions with unreported or underreported incidence data. This framework consisted of a spatiotemporal network-based approach coupled with a compartmental disease model and nonhomogeneous Gillespie algorithm. The correlation of climate data with vector abundance and host–vector interactions is expressed as vectorial capacity—a parameter that governs the spreading of infection from an infected host to a susceptible one via vectors. As an example, the framework is applied for dengue in Bangladesh. Vectorial capacity is inferred for each week throughout a year using average monthly temperature and rainfall data. Long-distance pathogen transmission is expressed with human movement data in the spatiotemporal network. We have identified the spatiotemporal suitability of dengue spreading in Bangladesh as well as the significant-incidence window and peak-incidence period. Analysis of yearly dengue data variation suggests the possibility of a significant outbreak with a new serotype introduction. The outcome of the framework comprised spatiotemporal suitability maps and probabilistic risk maps for spatial infection spreading. This framework is capable of vector-borne disease risk assessment without historical incidence data and can be a useful tool for preparedness with accurate human movement data.
Prevalence of Malaria Parasite Infections among U.S.-Bound Congolese Refugees with and without Splenomegaly
Authors: Mwesigwa Moses , Webster Jessica L. , Nsobya Sam Lubwama , Rowan Alexander , Basnet Mukunda Singh , Phares Christina R. , Weinberg Michelle , Klosovsky Alexander , Naoum Marwan , Rosenthal Philip J. , Stauffer William M.
Published: January 2021

All U.S.-bound refugees from sub-Saharan Africa receive presumptive antimalarial treatment before departing for the United States. Among U.S.-bound Congolese refugees, breakthrough malaria cases and persistent splenomegaly have been reported. In response, an enhanced malaria diagnostic program was instituted. Here, we report the prevalence of plasmodial infection among 803 U.S.-bound Congolese refugees who received enhanced diagnostics. Infections by either rapid diagnostic test (RDT) or PCR were detected in 187 (23%) refugees, with 78 (10%) by RDT only, 35 (4%) by PCR only, and 74 (9%) by both. Infections identified by PCR included 103 monoinfections (87 Plasmodium falciparum, eight Plasmodium ovale, seven Plasmodium vivax, and one Plasmodium malariae) and six mixed infections. Splenomegaly was associated with malaria detectable by RDT (odds ratio: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.0–3.0), but not by PCR. Splenomegaly was not strongly associated with parasitemia, indicating that active malaria parasitemia is not necessary for splenomegaly.
Accents and Original Pronunciation as Tools for Teaching and Performing Shakespeare in South Africa
Authors: Ramsay Fiona
Published: January 2021

In multicultural and multilingual South Africa, recent initiatives to decolonise curricula have suggested dispensing with the works of Shakespeare and other ‘Western’ texts to make space for African and postcolonial texts. The elevated and archaic language of classical texts often proves difficult for students to access comprehensively and discourages their interest or engagement. This article gives an account of the author’s interventions in the field of Theatre and Performance, and specifically vocal pedagogy, to tackle the language conundrum and therefore to broaden entry into and to invigorate Shakespeare’s plays. The study of Original Pronunciation (OP) is proposed as a means of ‘levelling the playing field’. In the project described, characters from the Shakespearean canon are chosen as possibly representative of individual students’ cultural backgrounds; then key speeches are translated into students’ first/home languages, spoken in the accents of those languages, shared and discussed before an engagement with the sounds of OP. The project culminates in a production and an analysis of how the language shifts described can increase access to, and understanding of, text. The article concludes that the exploration of accents and OP in studying Shakespeare’s works proves an invaluable tool.
“Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake?”: Examining a theory of social justice through will-making in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar
Authors: Barksdale-Shaw Lisa M.
Published: January 2021

This article submits that, in Julius Caesar, Caesar’s will functions as the pivotal, legal instrument that subscribesa path toward social justice for every Roman citizen by providing an economic legacy, and simultaneouslyovershadows the deadly allegations against Caesar, thereby highlighting his reputedly vile, tyrannical rule andexposing the calculating motives of Cassius and Brutus. The conveyance of land – as an act of empowering theRoman people – creates a strategic way toward leveraging economic power into their hands. I examine Caesar’swill, Roman inheritance, and Caesar’s legacy. I find similarities with the more recent South African legislationsurrounding land expropriation “in the public interest” with an effort “to tackle injustices”. The article alsoexamines how law negotiates as theatrical stage property, and as a legal instrument to gauge the rights of aneconomically undervalued class. Here, this analysis surveys justice, the law, and material culture, as a way tointerrogate this distinctive Roman history while considering written evidence, particularly its negotiation as afundamental, early modern legal vehicle
In vitro evaluation of the antioxidant, anti-Propioni bacterium acne and antityrosinase effects of Equisetum ramosissimum (Jordanian horsetail)
Authors: Savaya Noor Sabah Abed , Issa Reem Adnan , Talib Wamidh Hadi
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The investigation of Equisetum ramosissimum Desf. (Equisetaceae) extracts for total phenolic content, potential antioxidant properties, and antibacterial activity against Propioni bacterium acne and antityrosinase effects.Methods: The aerial parts of the E. ramosissimum from Jordan were extracted by maceration and Soxhlet methods, using solvents of different polarities. The composition of the extracts were qualitatively screened using standard phytochemical tests. Quantitatively, total phenolic content (mg/mL, equivalent to gallic acid), ABTS free radical scavenging activity (IC50), anti-P. acne (MIC and MBC), and tyrosinase inhibitory effects (IC50) were also determined.Results: The aqueous-methanol Soxhlet extract contained the highest total phenolic content (0.675 mg/mL gallic acid equivalents). Besides, phytochemical screening tests revealed the presence of phenols, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins in the aqueous methanol Soxhlet extract, contributing to the antioxidant (IC50 = 0.125) and antityrosinase (IC50 = 1.125) effects. This extract also showed potent antimicrobial effects against P. acne (MIC = 6.250 mg/mL; MBC = 12.500 mg/mL). Other extracts, including ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, showed lower total phenolic content with moderate and weak biological activity.Conclusion: E. ramosissimum is a promising plant species to be considered for antioxidant, antiacne, and antityrosinase effects. However, further testing (including invivo, histological examination, and highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis) is necessary to understand more about its mechanisms of action.

Keywords: Antioxidant, Anti-Propioni bacterium acne, Antityrosinase, Equisetum ramosissimum, Total phenolic content, Jordanian horsetail
Role of modafinil in the treatment of patients with methamphetamine dependence; An update on randomized, controlled clinical trial
Authors: Fard Mahnoosh Tavakkoli , Mansouri Saeid Sadat , Jafari Alireza , Vousooghi Nasim
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant which affects the central nervous system. Here we evaluated the efficacy of modafinil for the treatment of patients with MA dependence.Methods: A randomized parallel controlled trial study was designed to compare the effectiveness of take-home, self-administered modafinil treatment in the intervention and the controlled group in three months. The primary outcome measurements were severity and duration of craving, and self-reported methamphetamine consumption, which was confirmed by urine drug test.Results: The relapse rate in the intervention group was 40%, and the controlled group was 75%, indicating a decrease in relapse rate of MA in the intervention group. During the three months, the severity and the duration of the drug abuse craving in the intervention group were less than thecontrolled group. Patients in the intervention group experienced an increase in the retention rate and a decrease in the slip rate.Conclusion: The use of modafinil is not only effective on craving and relapse reduction, but also changes urine drug screens of patients with MA dependence to negative. The modafinil is safely indicated as an absolutely effective medication to reduce withdrawal symptoms and the craving ofpatients with MA dependence.

Keywords: Modafinil, Methamphetamine dependence, Effectiveness, Clinical trial
Arecoline induces dual modulation of blood pressure in rat, including an initial downregulation and a subsequent upregulation
Authors: Wu Jiashan , Chen Lijuan , Deng Meiping , Ye Xiaowen , Jiang Xiaoxia , Fu Jiangliu , Zhou Peiling , Zhang Changzheng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the role of arecoline in cardiovascular modulation in rats.Methods: After rats were anaesthetized with intraperitoneal urethane (1.4 g/kg body weight), saline or arecoline (at doses of 1.0, 3.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered, and blood pressure (BP) was continuously recorded using a physiological apparatus. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), maximum changes in MAP and reaction time due to arecoline stimulations were calculated and analyzed.Results: Arecoline induced biphasic modulation in BP, including an initial downregulation followed by a subsequent upregulation. The MAP and maximum change in MAP exhibited a concentration-dependent effect in the downregulation phase (p < 0.001 within each group), but not in the upregulation phase (p > 0.05 within each group), while BP reaction time showed a dose-dependent prolongation in both downregulation and upregulation phases (ps < 0.01 within each group). Remarkably, arecoline-induced BP downregulation more rapidly and drastically than upregulation in each arecoline group.Conclusion: These results indicate that arecoline exerts a complex effect in cardiovascular modulation that should be considered as side effects in the clinical use of arecoline and/or with the habitual chewing of areca nuts.

Keywords: Arecoline, Blood pressure, Downregulation, Upregulation
Studies on the therapeutic effects of three TCM methods on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head
Authors: Tan Xuyi , Chen Xiantao , Duan Xiaobo , Gao Shutu , Guo Yuxin , Huang Lu , Kuang Gaoyan , Lu Min
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To determine the therapeutic effects of kidney yang-tonifying, blood-activating and phlegmeliminating methods on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (SONFH), and their mechanisms of action.Methods: A rabbit model of SONFH was established. Six rabbit groups were used: control, SONFH (given normal saline); tongluo shenggu group, kidney-tonifying group, blood-activating group, and phlegm--eliminating group, which received tongluo shenggu capsule (0.28 g/kg/day), yougui yin (YGY, 2.52 g/kg/day), taohong siwu decoction (TSD, 2.38 g/kg/day) and linggui zhugan decoction (LZD,1.54 g/kg/day), respectively, for 8 weeks. The following serum indices were assayed on the 2nd, 4th and 8th weeks: total cholesterol, triglycerides, thromboxane B2 (TXB2), 6-keto-PGF1α, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-Β ligand (RANKL). At the end of the 8th week, mRNA levels of OPG, BMP-2 and VEGF were assayed using real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RTF-qPCR).Results: Serum OPG in the kidney-tonifying group was increased, while its RANKL was decreased on the 2nd week, but these parameters, along with mRNA of OPG and BMP-2, reached normal levels at the 8th week (p <0.05). The TXB2 of blood-activating group was decreased, while its 6-keto-PGF1 level was increased at the 2nd week, but both of them attained normal levels at the 8th week, along with VEGF mRNA. Serum total cholesterol, triglycerides and TXB2 in the phlegm-eliminating group were decreased, while its 6-keto-PGF1α was increased at the 2nd week, but the levels of serum total cholesterol and triglycerides were normalized at the 8th week (p <0.05). Histological examination showed increases in bone trabeculae and bone marrow cells, while the proliferation of fat cells was decreased in kidney-tonifying, blood-activating and phlegm-eliminating groups.Conclusion: These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of the three different TCM methods on SONFH involve different mechanisms.

Keywords: Steroid-induced osteonecrosis, Femoral head, Yougui yin, Taohong siwu, Linggui zhugan decoction, Kidney-tonifying yang, Phlegm
In silico screening of potentially bioactive-anti-functional dyspepsia constituents of Magnoliae officinalis Cortex based on molecular docking and network pharmacology
Authors: He Jun , Wang Longjing , Lv Guanghua , Wei Yingfang , Yang Meng , Bai Yusha , Jiang Yunbin , Long Fei
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To screen for bioactive anti-functional dyspepsia compounds from Magnoliae officinalis Cortex (Hou Po) and to identify the mechanism(s) of action involved.Methods: The compounds of Hou Po were collected from the literature. The related target proteins were identified from DrugBank. Through  “Libdock” module of Discovery Studio 3.5, the compounds were matched with related target proteins. Taking the Libdock score of the original ligand with target protein as standard, components with higher scores than this standard were considered as potential bioactive compounds. Based on Cytoscape software, the interaction networks of the bioactive compound-target protein complexes were mapped. On the other hand, the online DAVID database was used to analyze the GO enrichment and KEGG pathway of each target.Results: A total of 199 chemical constituents and 13 correlated target proteins were obtained. One hundred and thirty-nine (139) potential bioactive constituents were acquired based on molecular docking. Thirty-one (31) bioactive compounds were selected based on degree values in networkanalysis. “Palmitone” and “magnolignan G” which had the highest degree values were considered promising and leading compounds. The result of gene enrichment analysis showed that the bioactive compounds exerted their effects mainly via “neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction” pathway and “Cholinergic synapse” pathways.Conclusion: Based on molecular docking and network pharmacology technique, the material basis for the use of Hou Po in the treatment of FD has been revealed. This finding provides a useful guide in the development of Hou Po-based anti-FD drugs.

Keywords: Magnolia officinalis, Hou Po, Molecular docking, Functional dyspepsia, Network pharmacology
Effectiveness of mental therapy for poor medication adherence in depression: A review
Authors: Xu Shuyin , Liu Bangshan , Zhang Yan
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To review the effectiveness and underlying mechanism of different types of psychotherapy to improve medication adherence (MA).Methods: In this review, the status and possible factors influencing medication adherence in patients with depression patients based on  information obtained from various literature.Results: Although the focus of psychologists' analysis of the causes and solutions of mental illness is different, several of these therapies can improve patient compliance with their medications. An effective psychotherapy can change patients’ attitudes towards disease and help them reduce the disease recurrence rate.Conclusion: Psychotherapy has an irreplaceable role in dealing with the major depressive disorder. This review aimed to provide effective instructions for improving medication adherence and reducing disease relapse and recurrence in the future.

Keywords: Depression, Medication adherence, Psychotherapy
Ruscogenin alleviates palmitic acid-induced endothelial cell inflammation by suppressing TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway
Authors: Liu Hongtao , Zheng Simin , Xiong Hongfei , Niu Xiaoli
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the involvement of ruscogenin in palmitic acid (PA)-induced endothelial cell inflammation.

Method: Cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were divided into five groups: control (normal untreated cells), PA (cell treated with palmitic acid), and PA + ruscogenin (1, 10, or 30 μM). Cell viability and apoptosis rate were determined using MTT (3-(4,5)-dimethylthiahiazo(-z-y1)-3,5- di-phenytetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometry assays, respectively. The levels of cytokines, including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and monocyte chemo-attractant protein-1 (MCP-1) were determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to evaluate the underlying mechanisms of action.

Results: PA treatment decreased the viability of HUVECs and induced apoptosis (p < 0.05). Ruscogenin attenuated PA-induced cell death in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05). On the other hand, PA induced an increase in IL-1β, TNF-α, ICAM-1, MCP-1, TXNIP (thioredoxin-interacting protein),as well as NLRP3 (nucleotide oligomerization domain-, leucine-rich repeat- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3), all of which were attenuated by ruscogenin (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Ruscogenin alleviates PA-induced endothelial cell inflammation via TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, thereby providing an insight into new therapeutic strategies to treat cardiovascular diseases.

Keywords: Ruscogenin, Palmitic acid, Endothelial cells, Inflammation, TXNIP, NLRP3, Cardiovascular diseases
Eriodictyol attenuates spinal cord injury by activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and inhibiting NF-κB pathway
Authors: Mao Xiaojie , Jiang Zhiyang , Shi Chaohong , Lu Junjun , Rao Gaofeng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To investigate the effect of eriodictyol on spinal cord injury (SCI) and its underlying mechanism of action.Methods: Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sham, SCI, and eriodictyol-treated groups (SCI + Eri; 10, 20, and 50 mg/kg). Moderate spinal cord contusion injury was induced to model SCI. Locomotor recovery was assessed based on Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan (BBB) score. Pain wasevaluated by paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and latency (PWL), and spinal cord water content was measured. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Immunoassay was used to determine malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels while Western blotting was employed to evaluate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), and phosphorylated NF-κB (p-NF-κB) levels.Results: Eriodictyol elevated BBB score, PWT, and PWL in SCI rats but reduced spinal cord water content (p < 0.05). Eriodictyol treatment down-regulated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MDA, whereas SOD, GSH, and GSH-PX levels were elevated (p < 0.05). Eriodictyol administration increased Nrf2 and HO-1 levels but reduced p-NF-κB/NF-κB.Conclusion: This study provides a potential therapy to promote long-term functional recovery following SCI.

Keywords: Spinal cord injury, Eriodictyol, Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, Polymerase chain reaction, Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan score
The evolution of China's monetary policy: on the horns of a dilemma
Authors: Vasudevan Ramaa
Published: January 2021

This paper explores the evolution of monetary policy at the People's Bank of China (PBoC) in the context of the distinct path China has adopted in fostering the international role of the renminbi. The paper highlights the challenges faced by the PBoC as it seeks to promote the use of the renminbi in international lending in particular, while simultaneously seeking to contain and discipline the inherent instability and potentially disruptive logic of finance. The problem it faces is not simply that of negotiating the impossible trinity, but rather the dilemma posed by its attempt to step out of the shadow of the US and forge an independent global role for the renminbi, while asserting control over the contours of its developing financial sector. The Chinese experiment tests the limits of the capacity of the state to tame finance.