bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital Experience in Art and Identity: The Metaverse calls
Authors: Bowen Jonathan P. , Giannini Tula
Published: October 2022

The rapid global rise of immersive digital experience at exhibitions and museums sheds light on the intense need for deep engagement with art and the emotions that it projects and the stories it tells. With social isolation imposed by COVID, during more than two years and counting, human digital identity is evolving as digital experience moves to the heart of daily life, at home and at work, being often interchangeable. This digital paradigm shift in human activity leaving a lacuna in face-to-face engagement is increasingly being filled by digital art which we see can deliver immersive and emotional digital experiences. With the metaverse on the horizon and fast gaining ground in developing its platform to support virtual life in 3D as part of Internet 3.0, especially VR, AR, MR, AI, and NFTs, we wonder how this emerging phenomenon will change life as we know it, as the metaverse seems positioned at the epicentre of a definitive shift to digital experience during COVID and far beyond. Already, investors are buying up the metaverse landscape and creating the tools humans will need to freely participate. This portends an exciting future with new opportunities for digital artists, technology innovators, and entrepreneurs to create virtual multidimensional and multimedia spaces for people to engage their digital identity in digital experiences. Time to create your avatar - let the games begin.
Ethnic Disparities in Sentencing: Warranted or Unwarranted?
Authors: Pina-Sánchez Jose , Geneletti Sara , Veiga Ana , Morales Ana , Guilfoyle Eoin
Published: October 2022

Large research efforts have been directed at the exploration of ethnic disparities in the criminal justice system, documenting harsher treatment of minority ethnic defendants, across offence types, criminal justice decisions, and jurisdictions. However, most studies on the topic have relied on observational data, which can only approximate ‘like with like’ comparisons. As a result, researchers, practitioners and policy-makers have often been wary of interpreting such disparities as evidence of discrimination. We use causal diagrams to lay out explicitly the different ways estimates of ethnic discrimination derived from observational data could be biased. Beyond the commonly acknowledged problem of unobserved case characteristics, we also discuss other less well-known, yet likely more consequential problems: measurement error in the form of racially-determined case characteristics or as a result of high heterogeneity within the ‘Whites’ reference group, and selection bias from non-response and missing offender’s ethnicity data. We apply such causal framework to review findings from two recent studies showing ethnic disparities in custodial sentences imposed at the Crown Court (England and Wales), questioning whether the reported disparities should be interpreted as evidence of discrimination. We also use simulations to recreate the most comprehensive of those studies, and demonstrate how the reported ethnic disparities appear robust to a problem of unobserved case characteristics. We conclude that ethnic disparities observed in the Crown Court are likely reflecting evidence of direct discrimination in sentencing.
Ethnoracial Diversity Across Nonmetropolitan and Metropolitan America: Urbanization, Multiracial Growth, and Uneven Exposure to Diversity
Authors: Brooks Matthew M , Mueller Tom , Thiede Brian C. , Lichter Daniel
Published: October 2022

High levels of ethnoracial diversity are understood as a defining characteristic of America’s metropolitan areas. In contrast, the role of diversity in nonmetropolitan areas is often underappreciated. In this study, we use census data from 1980 to 2020 to evaluate growing diversity in nonmetropolitan counties and to understand how diversity varies across metropolitan and nonmetropolitan counties. We measure levels of diversity (measured by Simpson’s Diversity Index), compare exposure to diversity across seven ethnoracial groups, and produce counterfactual estimates to measure how population growth (or decline) among each group has contributed to overall diversity. We find that diversity in nonmetropolitan counties has nearly doubled in the past forty years yet remains firmly below that of metropolitan counties in 2020, and that White and non-White exposure to diversity has converged substantially in recent years. Importantly, nonmetropolitan diversity is increasing due to both growing multiracial populations and declining White populations. Finally, we find that current and former nonmetropolitan counties that have experienced different forms of urbanization tend to have higher levels of diversity than the least urbanized nonmetropolitan counties.
CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, “DECENTRALIZATION” AND GOVERNORS' (DIS-) APPROVAL ON THE SOCIAL MEDIA: WHAT MATTERS?
Authors: Kabanov Yuriy , Romanov Bogdan , Karyagin Mikhail , Bocharov Alexander , Zheltoukhova Anna
Published: October 2022

In April 2020, the federal authorities in Russia decided to transfer additional decision-making powers to the regions, regarding pandemic-related non-pharmaceutical interventions. While some experts view this as a step towards more federalism, most researchers consider it an attempt to shift the responsibility and blame for decisions and their consequences onto the governors. The empowerment of the regions led to increased attention towards their heads on the social media, as a mirror of the public opinion. This study attempts to find out, to what extent the decision to decentralize governance during the pandemic affected the attitude towards the heads of the regions on the social media, whether this influence was positive or negative, and if the effectiveness of governance and the governors' usage of the social media could have mediated this influence. The analysis conducted using the regression analysis on the data obtained for April - November 2020 for 80 regions. The main finding of the paper is that the approval and disapproval of the governors depended on the stringency of adopted federal and regional measures, which reduced the share of positive comments and increased the share of negative once. At the same time, the effectiveness of governance appeared to be a significant factor: both political control and social policy had a significant effect on the image of governors within the period under study. On the contrary, the use of the social media by governors does not seem to be important, which speaks for the insufficient utilization of this instrument by the regional authorities. The study contributes to the analysis of the COVID-19 policies and their consequences, as well as to the research on the role of governance and the Internet in the Russian political dynamics.
Understanding the journey and decision-making process of doctors throughout their career
Authors: Makhal Manabendra , Ray Pradip Kumar , Bhattacharya Sampa Ray , Mandal Pranab , Layek Avik Kumar
Published: October 2022

Background: Often, we perceive healthcare from the patient’s point of view. Very seldom do, we think about the doctors, pillars of our health-care system. They have to overcome the journey and faced challenges before fully established.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to explore this area on the perception of doctors about their career, the support they desire and the challenges they face to establishment of their private clinical practices.
Materials and Methods: The data were collected from doctors using questionnaires circulated through digital platform during COVID-19 pandemic situation for cross-sectional study. Cluster followed by snowball sampling method was followed to collect the data using two different Google form questionnaires for doctors completed under-graduation and completed postgraduation/super-specialty. Chi-square analysis was used to assess the frequency count variables.
Results: The millennial as well as senior doctors have securing financing the highest rank overall as the major challenge, they faced before starting a clinic.
Conclusion: Decision-making process of doctors is very complex and dynamic influenced by different factors throughout their career. Factors such as securing post-graduation, securing finance and procuring equipments for the establishment of clinics were found to influence career decision.
Effectiveness of 12-week Om chanting on reaction time and spatial and verbal memory
Authors: Aalasyam Naveen  , Vijay Kumar Sayeli  , Uma Pokala
Published: October 2022

Background: Chanting Om was reported to increase the blood supply to brain structures involved in cognitive functions and improve cognition.
Aim and Objectives: The present study was undertaken to observe the effectiveness of 12-week Om chanting on reaction time and spatial and verbal memory.
Materials and Methods: Apparently, healthy volunteers (n=20; nine men and 11 women) who were right-handed and were consenting to participate in the study were recruited in the study. The age range of the subjects was 25–55 years. The intervention group participants were trained for reciting OM with the help of professional yoga instructor for a week days. After a week, they were instructed to assemble at the meditation hall of the institute at sharp 6:30 am every day and recite Om chanting for 20 min. Spatial and verbal memory was assessed using the standard methods explained in the literature that is spatial and verbal memory test. Auditory and visual reaction time was assessed using RT apparatus.
Results: Spatial, verbal memory, and reaction time in control and intervention group participants were compared in this study. There was a significant improvement in the spatial memory scores in the intervention group when compared with control group. There was a significant improvement in the auditory reaction time for high and low pitch sounds and also visual reaction time for red and green light in the intervention group when compared with control group.
Conclusion: The study results explain significant improvement in the spatial and verbal memory scores and auditory and visual reaction time after the intervention. The study recommends further detailed studies to support practicing Om chanting for the well-being of general population.
Feasibility and safety of laparoscopic nephrectomy in emphysematous pyelonephritic kidneys
Authors: Raghuveer Machiraju  , Devashish Kaushal  , Jamal Rizvi  , Gopal R Tak  , Mandavi Agarwal
Published: October 2022

Background: Emphysematous pyelonephritis (EPN) is a serious suppurative infection of renal and extrarenal tissues. Most of them end up in nephrectomy, either in an emergency setting or delayed, which is increasingly favored. Laparoscopic nephrectomy is difficult in the post-EPN state due to dense adhesion around the kidney.
Aims and Objectives: In this study, we want to check the feasibility of laparoscopic nephrectomy in EPN kidneys. To the best of our knowledge, our series is the single largest series as of today with 10 cases of laparoscopic nephrectomies in EPN kidneys.
Materials and Methods: All patients of EPN who underwent laparoscopic nephrectomy at Institute of Kidney Diseases and Research Centre, Ahmedabad, between December 2017 and October 2019 were taken as study subjects and retrospectively reviewed. Patients in whom conservative management was successful were excluded from the study. All patients were diverted initially, either ultrasound/computed tomography-guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) insertion or double J stenting, with or without PCN along with antibiotics and supportive therapy. Delayed transperitoneal laparoscopic nephrectomies were performed for poorly functioning EPN kidneys in follow-up renal scans.
Results: A total of 10 patients underwent nephrectomy in this period. The male-to-female ratio was 3:7. As per Huang and Tseng’s EPN classification, one patient had Class 2, four patients had Class 3a, and five patients had Class 3b EPN disease. Mean operative time was 192 min and mean blood loss was 206 ml. Two cases had intraoperative complications managed laparoscopically. No conversion to open nephrectomy or mortality was seen. The drain was placed for a mean period of 3.1 days. The mean hospital stay was 4.8 days.
Conclusion: Laparoscopy is safe and feasible for nephrectomy in EPN kidneys. Experience with laparoscopy and operating on pyelonephritis cases is important to reduce complications and extend the advantages of laparoscopy in these groups of patients. An increase in class does not increase the degree of difficulty during laparoscopy.
Comparing efficacy of oral clonidine and gabapentin premedication for post-operative pain and analgesic requirement in patient undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A prospective, double-blind, and placebo-controlled study
Authors: Ravi Prakash  , Dixit Amey , Patel Kuldeep Kumar , Malik Ashish
Published: October 2022

Background: Post-operative pain is an area, which has been receiving an increasing amount of attention in recent years. Pain associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been an area of interest for many, various modalities have been tried for pain relief.
Aims and Objectives: The study aimed at comparing analgesic efficacy of oral clonidine and gabapentin premedication on post-operative pain and analgesic requirement in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Materials and Methods: Ninety patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists Status I and II, between 20 and 60 years undergoing elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy, were randomized into three groups. Group C received 150 mcg of clonidine, Group G received 600 mg of gabapentin, and Group P received placebo multivitamin tablets 2 h before surgery. The primary objective was to study the duration of post-operative analgesia and total rescue analgesic required. The secondary objective was to find out any sedation and adverse effect associated with the use of premedicant drugs.
Results: The duration of analgesia was found to be highest in Group G (174.33±85.81 min) than in Group C (77.17±63.99 min) and Group P (29.33±14.55 min). Total dose of tramadol consumption in 6 h was highest in Group P (91.67±23.06 mg) with statistically insignificant difference between Group G (46.67±12.69 mg) and Group C (48.33±9.13 mg). No statistically significant adverse event was noted in post-operative period.
Conclusion: The use of oral clonidine and gabapentin 2 h before laparoscopic cholecystectomy significantly prolongs duration of post-operative analgesia and decreases the requirement of rescue analgesics without causing any significant adverse events.
A study on cervical lymphadenopathy in a rural based teaching hospital in India
Authors: Aparup Dhua  , Pranab Mandal  , Priya Ranjan Chattopadhyay  , Santu Kumar Samanta
Published: October 2022

Background: Presence of cervical lymphadenopathy may indicate serious systemic disease process. Proper evaluation of cervical lymphadenopathy is of extreme clinical importance.
Aims and Objective: The study objective was to evaluate clinical and demographic profile of cervical lymphadenopathy, to find the etiology, and to study the role of fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in it’s etiological diagnosis.
Materials and Methods: Prospective observational study was carried out in a rural based teaching hospital in India for 1 year. One hundred and twenty-one patients of more than 12 years of age from both genders were included in the study. Detailed history, clinical, blood examination, radiological, microbiological evaluation, and FNAC from lymph node were done for all patients. Excision biopsy was done for selective cases.
Results: It was a male predominant study with male: female ratio of 1.12:1 and mean age of the patient was 34.54 years. Cervical lymphadenopathy was mostly unilateral (77.69%) and it was more common in the right side (43.80%). Tuberculosis (TB) (36.37%) was the most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy in our study followed by reactive hyperplasia of lymph node (23.14%) and metastatic deposit (19%). Among metastatic deposit, 9 (39.13%) had squamous cell carcinoma, 5 (21.74%) had adenocarcinoma, and 1 (4.35%) had small cell carcinoma.
Conclusion: TB is the most common cause of cervical lymphadenopathy followed by reactive hyperplasia and metastatic secondary deposit. FNAC is a simple inexpensive relatively painless rapid and reliable method for diagnosis which can be considered as a frontline investigation and can guide requirement for further investigation in the management of cervical lymphadenopathy.
A prospective study on prevalence of thalassemic gene disorder and hemoglobinopathies in pregnancy: Antenatal and intranatal outcome in a hospital-based population of Eastern India
Authors: Mayuri  , Nita Singh  , Priyadarshini Nanda  , Roy Rajib , Manisha Bajaj
Published: October 2022

Background: Thalassemia syndromes are autosomal recessive disorders and the most commonly inherited hemoglobinopathies in the world. Among these, β-thalassemia is the most common type of thalassemia in Eastern India and in West Bengal. Thalassemic mothers are more predisposed to maternal complications such as hypertensive disorders, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), and adverse neonatal outcome in terms of low birth weight, prematurity, etc. This study was to assess the effect of thalassemia gene disorder and hemoglobinopathies (thal-hbpathy) on fetomaternal health.
Aims and Objectives: This study was done to evaluate the effect of thal-hbpathy on fetomaternal health and to compare their antenatal, intranatal outcome with control unaffected mothers, and with anaemic non-thalassemic mothers.
Materials and Methods: This is a prospective and observational study of 150 women who attended tertiary care hospital during 18 months, fulfilling pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. All women were evaluated during antenatal and intranatal period. Observations were recorded and interpreted.
Results: Among 150 participants, 80(53.3%) were having normal hemoglobin (Hb) level and normal hemoglobin high performance liquid chromatography(Hb-HPLC), 54(36.7%) had anemia (Hb <10.9g/dl) with normal Hb pattern on HPLC, and 16(10.66%) had thal-hbpathy. Hb-HPLC revealed β-thalassemia trait in 7.3%, E β-thalassemia trait in 0.7%, whereas HbE heterozygous 2.7% in our study population. Majority (15/16) of thal-hbpathy patients were anemic. Oligo-hydramnios was detected in 18.7% of thalassemic women as compared to anemic (3.7%) and normal group (3.7%), which were significant. Obstetric cholestasis (OC) 12.5%(2/16) and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) were observed in thal-hbpathy group antenatal patients which were statistically significant P<0.05.
Conclusion: Overall prevalence of thalassemia was 10.7%. The important fetomaternal complications observed were prematurity, IUGR, OC, oligohydramnios, OC(PIH), and GDM.
A study of dynamic pulmonary function tests in street cleaners
Authors: Mohammed Aleemuddin  , Sai Sailesh Kumar Goothy  , Dunna Santha Rao  , Javeria Firdous  , Manjunath Lakshmayya Mayasandra
Published: October 2022

Background: Street cleaners are exposed to many risk factors such as dust, chemicals, and gases emitted by vehicles and factories, which make them vulnerable to develop certain occupational diseases. The fact that they do not use any protective measures increases their probability of contacting the hazards associated with chronic dust inhalation.
Aims and Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the pattern of changes in the dynamic pulmonary function parameters in street cleaners of Shimoga city.
Materials and Methods: The study has been conducted on 80 subjects, out of which 40 are street cleaners as cases and 40 other group D workers as controls. The dynamic pulmonary function tests such as forced vital capacity (FVC) in liters and forced expiratory volume in 1st sec (FEV1) were recorded. Furthermore, the percentage of FVC expired in 1st second (FEV1/FVC %), peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), and forced mid expiratory flow rate (FEF25–75%) in liters per second were recorded for each of the subjects in standing position.
Results: A significant reduction in the pulmonary functions of street cleaners was noted compared to controls. The results indicated fall in the parameters such as FEV1, FEV1/FVC %, PEFR, and mid expiratory flow rate, which suggest an obstructive pattern in the lung functions and points toward the development of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Conclusion: The study, hence, concludes that street sweeping and cleaning as an Occupation has adverse effects on the lungs. Periodic screening for the pulmonary functions of the workers at risk should be undertaken by spirometry which is a simple, non-invasive, and cost-effective method to identify the disease process at an early asymptomatic stage.
An epidemiological study to determine demographic factors influencing COVID-19 IgG antibody production among the adult population of urban area in Malegaon, Maharashtra - A cross sectional study
Authors: Nirmalkumar Adhar Rawandale  , Vikrant Sayaji Pagar  , Madhuri Magan Suryawanshi  , Sushant Shamrao Chavan  , Jinendra Mohan Jain  , Pallavi Supriya Prabhakar Saple  , Madhuri Rajeev Kanitkar
Published: October 2022

Background: Seroprevalence of COVID-19 antibody production in a person can be dependent on many physiological and demographic aspects such as previous infection, age, sex, body mass index, and also status of vaccination. It is of immense value to know about demographic aspect of COVID-19 antibody production so as to know about vulnerable population and suggest preventive measures.
Aims and Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine effect of demographic variables COVID-19 antibody production in population of urban area.
Materials and Methods: In this study, a total of 2454 subjects were screened for COVID-19 neutralizing antibody by ELISA technique. Subjects more than 18-year-old were selected for the study. We used cluster sampling method for data collection. A pre-structured questionnaire was administered after informed consent and 5 mL venous blood was collected in plain bulb for testing.
Results: The prevalence of neutralizing antibody was found to be 93.9%. Female had 95% positive antibodies against males (92.34%). Maximum positive antibody status was seen in age group of 20–40 (55.6%). About 77.9% subjects following mixed diet were having positive COVID-19 antibody test as compared to subjects following pure vegetarian (10.2%). About 83.2% subjects who received vaccine showed positive antibody test. The lowest positivity is seen in underweight subjects (8%) followed by obese subjects (12.7%). Maximum inhibition % was seen in subjects using Vitamin C Zinc tablets (92.1%). The lowest inhibition was seen in subjects using Unani Kadha. A one-way ANOVA revealed that there was not a statistically significant difference in prophylactic measures for prevention of COVID-19 infection other than vaccination and COVID-19 neutralizing antibody inhibition %. ([F-1.363], P=0.244).
Conclusion: COVID-19 neutralizing antibody prevalence was found to be much higher in the population (96%), which was mostly associated with younger age, gender, diet, and vaccination status of the population. Extensive studies are required to establish any association between prophylactic methods other than vaccination and COVID-19 antibody response.
Acute pancreatitis and its association with dyslipidemia
Authors: Gudas Ravinder  , Ramchandraiah Chintalaboguda  , Sanjeev Kumar Adepu
Published: October 2022

Background: Pancreatitis is described as any inflammation that manifests in acute or chronic forms in the pancreas. Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a quick attack that results in pancreatic inflammation and affects the peripancreatic tissue and surrounding organ.
Aims and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate lipid profile tests in AP patients.
Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Nizamabad, India, prospectively from July 2019 to May 2022. In our study, we enrolled 100 patients between the age of 20 and 60 and divided them into two groups by random selection. We chose 50 consecutive cases of pancreatitis for the study group and 50 other hospitalized patients for the control group.
Results: Mean age of the case group and control group was found to be 39.17±7.42 and 41.92±9.1, respectively. We observed that the peak incidence of pancreatitis occurred between the ages of 40 and 70, with a male predominance in all age categories. When compared to control, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (P=0.715), total cholesterol (P=0.3124), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (0.164), non-HDL-C (0.2436), and triglyceride (P=0.1266) of the study group were found to be statistically non-significant.
Conclusion: It is determined that serum lipid profile and pancreatitis are frequently linked. To reduce the risk of developing this disease, prevent its underlying complications, and manage the possibility of subsequent recurrences, patients with the aforementioned risk factors should be assessed for any changes in their serum lipid profile. If such an alteration is discovered, they should be treated with antilipidemic medications, dietary modification, lifestyle change, and physical activity.
Microbial Pre-treatment of Lignocellulosic Biomass for Biofuel Production: A Review
Authors: Rana Chhetri Bibek , Acharya Dipika , Gautam Arjun , Bajracharya Nasala , Shrestha Anuj , Khadka Smriti
Published: October 2022

Lignocellulosic biomasses (LCB), second-generation biofuels are used as an alternative means to cope with the burning issues of depleting fossil fuels like petroleum products with the added advantage of renewability, lower emission, and lesser pollution. For the increment in the production of LCB biofuels, microbial pre-treatment processes are conducted which accelerates the degradation of organic polymers like lignin and hemicellulose with the activity of potential microorganisms. To increase the efficiency of degradation of hemicellulose, hemicellulolytic fungi including Trichoderma and Aspergillus and other bacteria produce multi-enzymatic complexes like cellulosomes. Similarly, organisms like Tinea versicolor, Dichomitus squalens, Phlebia floridensis, Daedalea flavida, and Phlebia radiata contain lignin-degrading auxiliary enzymes and lignin modifying enzymes like laccase and heme-containing peroxidase which aid in delignification process. Several factors are associated with pre-treatment processes like the type of strain, inoculum load, pH, temperature, fatty acids, C/N ratio, time, aeration, grindability, surface area, particle size, and supplements added. To enhance the pretreatment method, the combination of microbial with physical, chemical, and mechanical methods is suggested which leads to a synergistic effect and better yield of the final product. Overall, biofuels should be more employed and this review aims to bring light to the microbial pre-treatment approaches which can aid in the efficient production of biofuels that can directly contribute to environmental sustainability.
The Position of Marginalized Groups in the Elite Captured Local Level Planning Process in Nepal
Authors: Acharya Keshav K. , Dhungana Raj Kumar , Guragain Hari Prasad
Published: October 2022

The participatory planning and budgeting process at the local level encourages citizens to participate in the selection, implementation, and management of development plans. Over the last few decades, the elite captured planning process in Nepal is criticized for being unfair to the marginalised groups. This paper, through a critical qualitative assessment of the local level planning process, explored the role of political actors and the marginalised communities in the local level decisions. It adapted the Weberian idea of power networks where elites can implement their will, even against the will of others. It revealed that the influence of traditional political elites - i.e., Panchas – has shifted to the newly elected or selected political elites, the neo-elites, represented by the local leaders including elected Mayors, with some exceptions. The neo-elite control in the local planning process is as strong as it was in the past despite there being progressive provisions in the constitution, laws and systems. The distribution of plans among influential leaders, bhagbanda, is widely practised at the local level. As a result of these progressive provisions and the follow-up of the seven-step planning process, the neo-elites started consulting with the representatives of the marginalised communities in planning-related decisions. It is recommended that the political parties re-orient the neo-elites to be pro-people. Neo-elites who are inclusive, and follow the progressive laws and the formal systems of the nation, are to be prioritized.
Understanding Policy Coherence and Interplay Governing Biodiversity Conservation and Associated Livelihood Practices in Karnali Province, Nepal
Authors: Baral Badri , Ghimire Bina , Basnet Dipak Raj
Published: October 2022

One of Nepal's most significant strategies for biodiversity protection is biodiversity conservation policy. Despite a significant paradigm shift in Nepalese policies and huge success in community-based conservation, conservation efficiency and proficiency remain low in Karnali. This pause results in ineffective policy implementation. Through a literature analysis, this study seeks to assess policy coherence and challenges within three levels of government conservation policies. The findings show that the components of central top-down non-participatory biodiversity conservation policies share consistent characteristics, such as the use of multiple policy tools, which can be either macro or micro, as well as short-term or long-term policies involving multiple actors at multiple levels. These policies often complement one another regarding the ownership, use, and management of natural resources, particularly forests. However, various findings have highlighted discrepancies, overlaps, and shortcomings in biodiversity protection and commonly shared resources. Despite global recognition as Important Bird Areas and the growing ecological concern of global and national conservation societies in Jajarkot, Jumla, Humla, Dolpa, and Kalikot, it is still not reflected fully in relevant federal policies. There is a lack of a specific policy agenda and responsive policies with federal, provincial, and local governments to promote its conservation. Hence, the paper's discussion considers active community participation as the applicable measure for integrated biodiversity conservation and development strategies with greater conservation impact.
Federalization of Agriculture Sector: Issues and Challenges
Authors: Bishwakarma Bishnu Kumar
Published: October 2022

The research examines the current issues and challenges of sectoral restructuring and assesses local governments' performance in agricultural service delivery at the local level under the federal system in Nepal. This study was conducted using a mixed method during 2019-2021 in three local governments at the local, Karnali Province, and federal levels. Qualitative methods such as KIIs, FGDs and field observations were used to analyze the issues and gaps in functions, institutions and policies in the agriculture sector under the federal system. Whilst qualitative methods and an empirical survey among 300 farming households were conducted to assess local governments' performance in agricultural service provisions. The qualitative data were analyzed using the thematic analysis method, and the quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage. Findings revealed that functional overlap, duplication and lack of coordination between the three tiers of the government as major issues in sectoral restructuring. Farming household surveys revealed that local governments are effective in the timely delivery of agricultural services. However, farmers indicated their lower level of agreement on the capacity of the local staff, policies, institutional mechanisms, participatory process in planning and financial resource allocation for agricultural services. The performance of these three local governments on agricultural service delivery was affected by leadership priority and commitment, local policies, local staff capacity, resource allocation and external support. Overlapping and duplication in service delivery roles, weak local capacity, higher conditionality of intergovernmental sectoral fiscal transfer and less priority of local governments in financial resource prioritization are current issues and gaps in agricultural service delivery. The findings suggest the demarcation of the roles and responsibilities between the three tiers of the government, strengthening local capacities and revisiting local governments' institutional arrangement for effective agricultural service delivery under the federal system.
Minocycline Ameliorated LPS-Induced Learning and Memory Impairment by Inhibiting Microglia and Astrocytes Activation in The Hippocampus
Authors: Long Idris , Abdo Qaid Entesar Yaseen , Abdullah Zuraidah , Zakaria Rahimah
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: Many studies support the notion that neuroinflammation involving glial cells may be the fundamental pathogenic event that lead to brain damage and degeneration in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The effects of minocycline on glial cells activation in the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) rat model is studied here. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were split into five groups: control, LPS, LPS-treated with minocycline 25 mg/kg, LPS-treated with minocycline 50 mg/kg, and LPS treated with memantine 10 mg/kg. For two weeks, rats were treated with minocycline and memantine intraperitoneally daily, while were injected with LPS intraperitoneally once on day 5. Morris water maze (MWM) test was performed to evaluate the learning and working memory behaviour. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were performed to measure ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expressions in the hippocampal tissue. RESULTS: LPS injection caused significant learning and working memory deficits (p<0.05) as well as increased expressions of Iba-1 and GFAP (p<0.05), indicating microglia and astrocytes activation, respectively. Minocycline treatment significantly improved learning and working memory performance (p<0.05) and reduced microglia/astrocytes activation (p<0.05) in a dose-dependent manner, similar to the effect of memantine. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that minocycline modulates LPS-induced microglia and astrocytes activation as well as improves learning and working memory comparable to memantine. Thus, minocycline may have  preventive-therapeutic effect in diseases involving neuroinflammation such as AD.
Post-COVID-19 Symptoms, an Online Survey in Malaysia
Authors: Solehan Hana Maizuliana , Mohamed Nurul Azmawati , Mohd Rani Mohd Dzulkhairi , Ithnin Muslimah
Published: October 2022

INTRODUCTION: Prolonged COVID-19 symptoms is one of the major challenges in the management of the disease. As the number of COVID-19 cases increased drastically, the number of those with prolonged symptoms are also accumulating, either diagnosed or undiagnosed. This study aimed to identify the long-term clinical symptoms of COVID-19 and the associated risk factors among Malaysian populations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using Google Form link for distribution of a self-administered questionnaire was shared and disseminated via online platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram. The inclusion criteria included those with a history of positive COVID-19 from 1st March 2020 until one month prior to the survey, and age above 18 years old. RESULTS: A total of 215 Malaysians participated, with 74% female respondents and a mean age of 36.4 years. Twenty-seven (12.6%) were asymptomatic when diagnosed with COVID-19. More than half (56%) still had symptoms at one-month of diagnosis, while 39% and 18% still had symptoms at the second and third months respectively. The most reported symptoms were lethargy (45.1%), difficult concentrating (22.3%) and cough (21.9%). Female, chronic lung disease and hypertension are significantly associated with prolonged symptoms at one month of COVID-19 infection. CONCLUSIONS: Lethargy, difficulty to concentrate and cough were the most common symptoms reported months after COVID-19 diagnosis. Apart from treating acute conditions, physicians should also be able to recognize and manage those symptoms. The findings of this study will help policymakers better grasp the social and economic consequences of long-term post-COVID-19 symptoms.
MicroRNAs Expression Profile in Young Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Muhammad Musa Nurul Ashikin , Abdullah Nor Zamzila , A. Talib Norlelawati , Mohd Shah Azarisman Shah , Abdullah Aszrin , Mohd Shah Aida Nur Sharini
Published: October 2022

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is a severe coronary heart disease.   Targeted miRNAs studies implicated two main pathways in the regulation of AMI namely pro-apoptosis (miR-29b and miR-194-5p on PTEN) and pro-necroptosis (miR-325 & miR-105 on RIPK3 ) pathways. This study aims to profile the miRNAs in Healthy Controls, Young AMI, and Mature AMI patients with matching criteria. MATERIALS AND Methods: Total RNA was extracted from plasma and the miRNA expression profiling using small RNA was done on the BGISEQ500 SE5 sequencing platform with BGI sequencing libraries.  The sequence data were analysed using Gene Ontology (GO) to determine the function of the differently expressed genes, while Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were applied to identify the biological pathways in Young AMI against Mature AMI. Results: Of 1497 differentially expressed miRNAs, 1090 miRNAs were upregulated, and 407 miRNAs were downregulated in Young AMI against Mature AMI.  The top 10 upregulated miRNAs were miR-552, miR-4446-3p, miR-432-5p, miR-548j-5p, miR-219, miR-982, miR-181a-2-3p, miR-654-5p, miR-58 and miR-548k; while the top 10 downregulated were miR-16-5p, miR-1064, miR-431-5p, miR-790 miR-1177, miR-201, miR-105, miR-518, miR-419 and miR-1103.  There were 9 novel miRNAs discovered in this study; miR-58, miR-982, miR-548k, miR-1064, miR-790, miR-1177, miR-201, miR-419, and miR-1103.  The target genes of differentially expressed miRNAs that were mapped to the signal transduction pathway in KEGG indicated that 346 classes were enriched. Conclusion: Our miRNA profiling revealed differentially expressed miRNAs including 9 novel miRNAs in Young and Mature AMI that require further evaluations for their roles in AMI.
Examination of parameters impacting flexural and shear strengthening of RC beams
Authors: Uzdil Oğuz , Sayın Barış , Coşgun Turgay
Published: October 2022

Structural performance of reinforced concrete (RC) structures should be improved due to new design standards, strength reduction, and/or functional changes throughout their service life. To reach a sufficient level of structural performance, the following two options can be considered: reconstruction or strengthening of structures. Although reconstruction has some advantages in terms of using current technological developments, this option can lead to some negative consequences such as interruption of the building's service life, relatively high cost, and sustainability issues. Therefore, strengthening an existing structure mostly stands out as the first choice. The techniques used in strengthening applications can be grouped into two different methods: traditional (addition of new structural members) and non-conventional (seismic base isolation, local retrofitting, and jacketing). Among innovative methods, the fibre-reinforced polymer strengthening method attracts attention due to several advantages including practical applicability, as well as shear and bending capacity increase. Its application to the outer surface of structural members using resin reduces deterioration. Plus, fibres oriented in various directions spread stresses in different directions, therefore, provide effective force distribution. In this study, the effect of carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) orientation and RC material properties in the strengthening RC beams were investigated using MATLAB software. Accordingly, all stages of the design process are presented for RC beam strengthening considering both flexural and shear effects based on the American Concrete Institute (ACI) 440.2R standard. Through compiling MATLAB code, calculation time reduces, and material characteristics can be obtained more accurately. Plus, using curves obtained by MATLAB coding, shear and bending capacity increases can be observed. According to our findings, the application of one-layer CFRP plate to an RC beam increases the bending capacity by 50.6% and shear capacity by 33.6%. However, as the number of layers increases, the capacity increase rate reduces.
Advanced frequency analysis of thick FGM plates using third-order shear deformation theory with a nonlinear shear correction coefficient
Authors: Hong CC
Published: October 2022

The effects of third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT) displacements and advanced nonlinear varied shear correction coefficient on the free vibration frequency of thick functionally graded material (FGM) plates under environment temperature are studied. The nonlinear coefficient term of TSDT displacements is included to derive the advanced equation of nonlinear varied shear correction coefficient for the thick FGM plates. The determinant of the coefficient matrix in dynamic equilibrium differential equations under free vibration can be represented into fully homogeneous equation and the natural frequency can be found. The parametric effects of nonlinear coefficient term of TSDT, environment temperature and FGM power law index on the natural frequency of thick FGM plates are investigated.
First evaluation of three lakes’ (Çıldır, Aktaş and Aygır) macrozoobentic community structure in Aras River basin (North Eastern Türkiye)
Authors: Mercan Deniz , Arslan Naime , Çamur Elipek Belgin , Ertorun Nesil , Odabaşı Deniz Anıl
Published: October 2022

In order to evaluate the macrozoobenthic fauna of Çıldır, Aktaş and Aygır lakes, 47 taxa were identified as a result of the samplings carried out in different periods in 2013, 2017 and 2019. 41 of 43 taxa identified at species level were new records for the study area. The dominant species of Lake Çıldır were Gyraulus (Armiger) crista (4.49%), Paratanytarsus lauterborni (3.90%) and Virgotanytarsus arduensis (3.80%). It was seen that the gammarid population was determined dominant among zoobenthos of Aktaş Lake. Gammarus pseudosyriacus was the dominant species with 15.24% dominance rate in Aktaş Lake, followed by Cricotopus (Isocladius) reversus with 7.53% and Gyraulus albus with 7.29%. Gammarid population was also high in Aygır Lake, but unlike Aktaş Lake, Gammarus balcanicus from this group with a dominance rate of 6.28%; it took the fourth place after Gyraulus albus (8%), Virgotanytarsus arduensis (6.92%) and Cricotopus (Isocladius) tricinctus (6.64%). In terms of macrozoobenthic fauna diversity, the highest Shannon and Margalef Index values were found in Lake Çıldır (Shannon Index H': between 1.73-2.23 (average 2.0), Margalef Index: between 1.89-2.06 (average 2.03)) while diversity indices were lower in Aktaş and Aygır lakes. The taxa detected in all three lakes are α and β mesotrophic species, and the high population density can be considered as a sign of the transition from the oligotrophic level to the mesotrophic level, especially for Lake Çıldır.
Keterikatan Aspek-aspek Dominan Belajar Siswa Terhadap Evaluasi Belajar Matematika
Authors: Yuliana Yuliana
Published: October 2022

Penelitian ini tergolong dalam penelitian korelasi yang bertujuan (1) untuk melihat adanya keterikatan antara evaluasi belajar matematika siswa terhadap aspek-aspek dominan belajar siswa dan (2) untuk menganalisis keterikatan evaluasi belajar matematika terhadap aspek-aspek dominan belajar siswa. Dari analisis regresi linier berganda diperoleh simpulan bahwa : (1) Adanya tiga aspek dominan yang berpengaruh signifikan dan mempunyai keterikatan secara linier terhadap evaluasi belajar matematika, yaitu X1 = aspek psikologis dan waktu belajar, X2 =  aspek minat dan jenis belajar, dan X5 = aspek belajar konsep. (2) Dari ketiga aspek dominan belajar yang berpengaruh signifikan tersebut membentuk model regresi linier Y = 3,831 X1 + 3,365 X2 + 1,593 X5 + 3,028 dan ketiga aspek dominan tersebut memberikan proporsi pengaruh terhadap evaluasi belajar matematika sebesar 70,4%.
The Acceptance of E-learning as a Tool for Teaching Entrepreneurship During the COVID-19 Pandemic The Case of HITS of Sidi Bouzid and Ksar Hellal -Tunisia
Authors: Akachi Samir , Ayed Arbia
Published: October 2022

A relentless mutation characterized universities around the world by the advent of the infamous virus that gave rise to the pandemic called COVID-19. This study aims at exploring e-learning readiness and its acceptance as a tool for teaching entrepreneurship in two higher institutes of technological studies in Tunisia, and it has become imminent to resort to e-learning. The desired results are more far-sighted in these new special circumstances, which have made this mode of learning the gateway to the entire educational system be called into question. The question is: How did students perceive this new mode of distance education? An online questionnaire was distributed to extrapolate a descriptive analysis. We have explored certain facets in both institutes that highlight many disadvantages between both students and areas: mastery of technology, poor internet connectivity, technological accessibility, and unkind study environments. Besides this, research highlights the role of new approaches to distance learning in entrepreneurship. It will end with the proposal of recommendations that are relevant for different stakeholders in the phenomenon of distance education in general and the entrepreneurial discipline in particular.
The Effect of the Pamphlet of Study Skill on Iranian Pre-Intermediate EFL Learners’ Writing Skill
Authors: Heidari Narjes , Chalak Azizeh
Published: October 2022

The purpose of this study was to consider the effect of the pamphlet of the study skill on writing texts of Iranian Pre-Intermediate EFL students in a private institute in Isfahan. To achieve the intended purpose, an Oxford Placement Test (OPT) was administered to 100 learners in a private English language institute and 60 pre intermediate learners were selected as the participants of the study. They were divided into two groups randomly. The experimental group (30 students) and control group (30 students). Both of the groups were asked to a test as a pre-test and post-test. Afterwards the experimental group was taught a pamphlet about the skills of writing during 20 sessions. Then, the data of the study was statistically analyzed with using SPSS software. The results showed when the students in the experimental group learned the skills of writing a good text, they could write the different kinds of texts. They could organize and develop the paragraphs very well and they could also use appropriate linking words in different types of writing texts.