bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Consideration of Bid‘a Concept according to Saudi and Iranian Scholars
Authors: Yakar Sumeyra
Published: December 2020

The concept of innovation (bid'a) as a formative tool is used to create idiosyncratic nations depending on different scholars' interpretations, Wahhābīs in Saudi Arabia, and Shi'īs in Iran. Using the descriptive method throughout the paper, this article analyzes scholars' approaches towards bid'a concerning the sectarian interpretations and various legal methodologies. The extent of the relationship between the bid'a concept and the rulings related to the visitation of tombs, the practice of temporary marriage, and Nowrūz celebration will be the paper's primary focus. The interpretations and approaches of scholars towards bid'a have resulted in opposite solutions on these mentioned issues. The comparative conclusion aims to clarify the Saudi-Wahhābī and Iranian-Shi'ī scholars' principal attitudes towards the theoretical interpretation and practical application of the bid'a concept. The bid'a analysis attempts to introduce the operative purposes behind the rulings to answer which reasons impel the scholars functioning in these two countries from issuing the diametrically opposite views on controversial issues.Keywords: Islamic law, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Wahhabism, Ja'farism, Bid'a.
Morphological, Molecular and Pollen Grain Investigations of Salix Species in Egypt
Authors: Hassan Walaa azmey , Alshamrani Rahma , Amer Wafaa , Alsherif Emad
Published: December 2020

Genus Salix is among family Salicaceae, distributing in the northern hemisphere. It is represented in Egypt by two species (Salix mucronata and Salix tetrasperma). The classification of Salix at the generic and infra-generic levels is still outstanding. We have agreed to list the Egyptian species of this genus. We collected them during field trips to most Egyptian habitats; fresh and herbarium specimens were subjected to taxonomic revision based on morphological characters; scanning electron microscope (SEM) for pollen grains; isozyme analysis using esterase and peroxidase enzymes and genetic diversity using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). We recorded that both sexes of S. mucronata existed but there were only male trees from S. tetrasperma. SEM of pollen grain revealed that there were many differences between them. Also, the application of isozyme analysis giving 12 sex indicating bands. In addition, ten RAPD primers retrieved a total of 227 amplified bands (77 for female S. mucronata, 74 for male S. mucronata and 76 for male S. tetrasperma).
Ranking Function to Solve a Fuzzy Multiple Objective Function
Authors: Mitlif Rasha Jalal , Hussein Iden Hasan
Published: December 2020

In this paper two ranking functions are employed to treat the fuzzy multiple objective (FMO) programming model, then using two kinds of membership function, the first one is trapezoidal fuzzy (TF) ordinary membership function, the second one is trapezoidal fuzzy weighted membership function. When the objective function is fuzzy, then should transform and shrinkage the fuzzy model to traditional model, finally solving these models to know which one is better
A New Coupled Model for Permeability-Impairment Prediction Because of Mineral Scale Deposition in Water-Injection Wells
Authors: Shajari Mostafa , Rashidi Fariborz
Published: December 2020

It is common to produce some percentage of water during the oil-extraction process. Conventionally, some water-disposal wells are drilled in an oil field to inject these useless and hazardous waters. Mineral scale formation is a critical issue in water-injection wells and may result in well plugging and an injection rate decrease in these wells. The two steps of mineral scale formation are scale precipitation and scale deposition.

Two main mechanisms of inorganic scale precipitation are incompatibility between injected water and reservoir formation water and changes in the thermodynamic state of injected water. The injectivity of the well decreases because of deposition of supersaturated precipitated scales through the well column and near-wellbore region.

Currently, limited research has been done to evaluate inorganic scale deposition, and most of the research is limited to calculation of total scaling by commercial software. In this study, the mineral scale precipitation is evaluated by software modeling and laboratory experiments in an Iranian oil field, and the effect of the scale deposition phenomenon is assessed on permeability impairment and injection rate decrease. One of the major novelties of this work is simulation of various scale-deposition models by coupling MATLAB® software coding and a reservoir simulator. The accuracy of different deposition models is analyzed by comparing them with field data (real water-injection well) and laboratory tests (coreflooding test). Finally, our simulation results show that a single deposition model could not exactly predict the scaling phenomena in the studied carbonate reservoir that is supersaturated with CaCO3 and CaSO4. It is recommended to improve the scale-formation prediction with a mixed deposition model supported by reliable static/dynamic modeling and experimental analysis.
Electric field control of spin-orbit torque switching in a spin-orbit ferromagnet single layer
Authors: Jiang Miao , Asahara Hirokatsu , Ohya Shinobu , Tanaka Masaaki
Published: December 2020

To achieve a desirable magnitude of spin-orbit torque (SOT) switching and realise multifunctional spin logic and memory devices utilising SOT, controlling the SOT manipulation is vitally important. In conventional SOT bilayer systems, researchers have tried to control the switching behaviour via interfacial oxidisation; however, the switching efficiency is limited by the interface quality. A current-induced effective magnetic field in a single layer of a ferromagnet with strong spin-orbit interactions, the so-called spin-orbit ferromagnet, can be utilised to induce SOT. In spin-orbit ferromagnet systems, electric field application has potential for manipulating the spin-orbit interactions via carrier concentration modulation. In this work, we demonstrate that SOT switching can be successfully controlled via an external electric field using a (Ga,Mn)As single layer. By applying a gate voltage, the switching current density can be solidly and reversibly manipulated with a large ratio of 14.5%, which is ascribed to the successful modulation of the interfacial electric field. Our findings help further the understanding of the magnetisation switching mechanism and advance the development of gate-controlled SOT devices.
Chaos of interband cascade lasers in the mid-infrared regime
Authors: Deng Yu , Fan Zhuo-Fei , Zhao Shiyuan , Grillot Frédéric , Wang Cheng
Published: December 2020

Chaos in nonlinear dynamical systems is featured with irregular appearance and with high sensitivity to initial conditions. Near-infrared semiconductor lasers subject to optical feedback from an external reflector are popular chaotic light sources, which have enabled multiple applications. Here, we report the fully-developed chaos in a mid-infrared interband cascade laser with external optical feedback. The chaos leads to significant electrical power enhancement over a frequency span of 500 MHz. In addition, the laser also exhibits periodic oscillations or low-frequency fluctuations before producing chaos, depending on the operation conditions. This work paves the way for extending chaos investigations from the near-infrared regime to the mid-infrared regime, which can stimulate potential applications in this spectral range.
3D culture platform of human iPSCs-derived nociceptors for peripheral nerve modelling and tissue innervation
Authors: Malheiro Afonso , Harichandan Abhishek , Bernardi Joyce , Seijas-Gamardo Adrian , Konings Gonda , Volders Paul , Romano Andrea , Mota Carlos , Wieringa Paul , Moroni Lorenzo
Published: December 2020

Functional humanized in vitro nerve models are coveted as an alternative to animal models due to their ease of access, lower cost, clinical relevance and no need for recurrent animal sacrifice. To this end, we developed a sensory nerve model using induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived nociceptors that are electrically active and exhibit a functional response to noxious stimuli. The differentiated neurons were co-cultured with primary Schwann cells on an aligned microfibrous scaffold to produce biomimetic peripheral nerve tissue. Compared to glass coverslips, our scaffold enhances tissue development and stabilization. Using this model, we demonstrate that myelin damage can be induced from hyperglycemia exposure (glucose at 45 mM) and mitigated by epalrestat (1µM) supplementation. Through fibrin embedding of the platform, we were able to create 3D anisotropic myelinated tissue, reaching over 6.5 mm in length. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, we incorporated pancreatic pseudoislets and endometrial organoids into our nerve platform, to build nociceptor innervation models. In summary, we propose here an improved tool for neurobiology research that permits pathology modelling, drug screening and target tissue innervation.
A Prospective Observational Study of Urinary Cytokines and Inflammatory Response in Patients With Overactive Bladder Syndrome
Authors: Gill Kiren , Horsley Harry , Swamy Sheela , Khasriya Rajvinder , Malone-Lee James
Published: December 2020

Background Contemporary studies have discredited the methods used to exclude urinary tract infection (UTI) when treating overactive bladder (OAB). Thus we must revisit the OAB phenotype to check that UTI has not been overlooked.Aims To examine the differences in urinary cytokines IL6 and lactoferrin in OAB patients compared to controls, with references to microscopy of urine and enhanced quantitative urine culture.Methods A blinded, prospective cohort study with normal controls using six repeated measures, achieved two-monthly, over 12 months.Results There were clinically significant between groups differences in urine IL6 (F =49.0, p<.001) and lactoferrin (F =228.5, p<.001). These differences were for lactoferrin correlated to symptoms (9.3, p=.003); for both to pyuria (IL6 F = 66.2, p<.001, Lactoferrin F=73.9, p<.001); and for IL6 microbial abundance (F = 5.1, P=.024). The pathological markers had been missed by urinary dipsticks and routine MSU culture.Conclusion The OAB phenotype may encompass patients with UTI that is being overlooked because of the failure of standard screening methods
Measuring Health Behavior Problems in Chinese Adolescents: Scale Development and Preliminary Validation
Authors: Dai Shengting , Qiu Qian , Yan Jingfei
Published: December 2020

Background: Health behaviors shape health and well-being, improve life quality, and provide economic benefit. Adolescence is a life phase in which the opportunities for health are great. Adolescent health brings not only the benefits of the present but also the well-being of the future and the next generation. We aimed to develop a reliable and valid scale that was used to evaluate the health behavior of the late adolescent, namely, the senior high school student. Methods: In this study, we conducted two surveys: For the first survey, we recruited 526 senior high school students (318 boys, 208 girls; Mage = 16.5), and the data were used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. For the second survey, we recruited 542 senior high school students (249 boys, 293; girls; Mage = 15.5), and the data were used for confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis.Results: In exploratory factor analysis, we extracted four factors with 23 items in all: exercise awareness and habits (5 items), master and apply healthy behavior knowledge (10 items), emotional regulation (4 items), and environment adaptation (4 items). The Cronbach’s alpha values of the factors ranging from 0.863 to 0.937. A satisfactory goodness of fit model was achieved (CMIN/DF=3.18, RMR=0.04, GFI=0.90, CFI=0.92, TLI=0.91, RMSEA=0.06).Conclusions: These results suggest that the Chinese version of the Health Behavior Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the health behavior of senior high school students.
Effect of Oxalic Acid Leaching on Photocatalytic Activity of Natural Sphalerite
Authors: Onyenanu Chukwunonso , Emembolu Lovet
Published: December 2020

Photocatalytic activity of the natural semiconducting sphalerite mineral from Abuni, Nasarawa State, Nigeria was studied for the degradation of methylene blue (MB). Natural Sphalerite as a visible – light responsive photocatalyst was characterized by X ray diffraction (XRD), X ray fluorescence (XRF) and surface area analysis. To further enhance the photocatalytic activity of natural Sphalerite, the chemical composition of the sphalerite was varied via leaching with oxalic acids. The photocatalytic activity of the Natural sphalerite, leached sphalerite and as well as the calcined leachates was tested for MB degradation under visible light illumination. The result shows a very high percentage of MB degradation by natural sphalerite after 60mintues of light irradiation time. A composite of ZnO -α –Fe2O3 -ϒ-Fe2O3 with traces amount of MoO and MnO2 was synthesized by calcination of the obtained leachates at 1000°C for 4hours. The photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue dye follows pseudo first order kinetics.
Community Residents’ Awareness of Family Doctor Contract Services, Signing With Family Doctor, Willingness to Use Community Health Care Centers: A Community-Based Analysis in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Zheng Qingming , Shi Lu , Pang Tiantian , Leung Willie
Published: December 2020

Background: Family doctor contracted services (FDCS) began in China in 2016. Shenzhen, one of the most developed cities in China, implemented a family doctor (FD) policy in 2017. The objectives of this study were to identify the impact of the awareness of the FD and signing with a FD on health care seeking behavior, as well as the impact of chronic disease status on the awareness of FDs and signing with a FD. Methods: Cross-sectional secondary data based on residents living in Luohu district was used for analysis. Linear probability models (LPM) were used to determine the relationship between willingness to use community health care centers (CHCs) and awareness of the FDCS, as well as the association between willingness to use CHCs and signing with a FD. LPM was also used to estimate the association between chronic disease status and awareness of the FDCS, as well as the association between chronic disease status and signing with a FD.Results: Among 1205 adults included in analysis, 27% of the participants knew the FDCS, 5% signed with FD, and 20% had chronic disease. Both awareness of the FDCS and signing with a FD significantly increased the probability of using CHCs. The results indicated that participants with chronic disease were more likely to be aware of the FDCS and sign with a FD.Conclusions: Consequently, this study provided evidence that awareness of FDCS and signing with a FD had positive impact on utilization of primary health care services in the at community level. Also, individuals with chronic disease tend to use FDCS. More interventions to improve awareness of FDCS can help to increase the utilization of primary health care services.
Isolation and Identification of Pathogenic Staphylococci and E. Coli From Raw Bovine Milk Collected From Milk Cooperative Centers in Hawassa, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Yenealem Alemayehu
Published: December 2020

Background: Pathogenic microorganisms commonly isolated from milk and milk products pose a serious threat to human health. Escherichia coli and Staphylococci are the major pathogens isolated from milk. The objective of this study was to isolate and identify pathogenic Staphylococci and E.coli from raw bovine milk collected from milk cooperative centers found in Hawassa City, southern Ethiopia. Result: The overall prevalence of pathogenic species of Staphylococci and E. coli was found to be35.16 % and 8.59 % (n=384), respectively. From the total 384 raw milk samples examined, 1.56 %was found to be positive for both pathogenic species of Staphylococci and E. coli. The prevalence of pathogenic species of Staphylococci was found to be 33.33 %, 36.05 % and 39.21 % milk collected from Arsi Negele, Hawassa, and Shashemene, respectively. Whereas the prevalence of E. coli was found to be 9.68 %, 8.84 % and 3.92 %) milk collected from Arsi Negele, Hawassa and Shashemene, respectively. The study results showed a relatively higher prevalence of pathogenic species of staphylococci in raw milk collected from Shashemene than raw milk collected from Arsi Negele andHawassa. However, the difference was statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Higher isolation rate of E. coli and pathogenic species of Staphylococci in raw milk samples collected from different milk cooperative centers in Hawassa could be associated to mastitis, poor udder preparation, poor milker’s hygiene, poor milk handling practices, poor environmental sanitation and sanitation of milking equipment. Overall, this study showed that pathogenic species of staphylococcus and E. coli are prevalent in raw milk produced and consumed in the area. Therefore, awareness should be created to producers and raw milk collecting cooperatives on strict preventive measures of raw milk contamination.
Cancer Awareness Among Lebanese Adults, A Cross Sectional Study 
Authors: Hatem Georges , Ghanem Diana , Kellen Eliane , AlZaim Ibrahim , Goossens Mathijs
Published: December 2020

Background Cancer burden in Lebanon is among the highest of countries in the Eastern Mediterranean Region, but around one third of cases could be avoided by reducing exposure to avoidable risk factors. We explored population awareness of cancer risk factors, predictors of higher awareness and to what extent awareness correlates with behaviour.Methods In 2019, we performed a cross-sectional study (N=726) that consisted of a questionnaire administered in face-to-face interviews.Results On spontaneous recall, pollution and smoking were the most mentioned causes of cancer. On average, 75% of risk factors were correctly recognized, 22% of non-carcinogenic factors, and 75% of protective factors. Woman and older people had better cancer risk awareness. Several non-carcinogenic factors are seen as more potent carcinogens than truly carcinogenic factors. There was a moderate correlation between awareness and behaviour for waterpipe, alcohol and physical activity. There was no such correlation for cigarette smoking.Conclusion Awareness campaigns are important, but need to be embedded into national behaviour change programs so that other barriers to behaviour change are also tackled.
Association of Genetic Variants of ELMO1 Gene With Diabetic Nephropathy in the North Indian Population
Authors: Singh Gurvinder , Sharma Rubina , Raina Priyanka , Kalotra Vishali , Sandhu Harkirat , Sethi Itty , Sharma Varun , Sikka Ruhi , Matharoo Kawaljit , Sokhi Jasmine , Marwaha Ajay , Vig Vipin , Kapoor Rohit , Choudhary Manoj , Singh Virinder , Soneja Sapna , Sharma Swarkar , Bhanwer Amarjit
Published: December 2020

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a major cause of renal failure globally including chronic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Using comprehensive linkage disequilibrium mapping, we genotyped five polymorphisms from engulfment and cell motility 1 (ELMO1) gene (rs741301, rs7799004, rs1882080, rs11769038 and rs1345365) to evaluate its association with DN. BMI was observed to be low in DN cases as compared to the control groups, which is the result of haemodialysis and high doses of medication. Physical inactivity, lipid profile, urea and creatinine were observed to be the confounding factors correlated with DN. This study comprehensively evaluated ELMO1 in DN patients, T2D without Nephropathy and healthy controls from North Indian population and revealed significant association with DN. Haplotypes G-G-C-C and G-A-T-T provided ~2-fold risk towards DN development. In conclusion, the present study suggests the significant role of ELMO1 gene polymorphisms in the pathophysiology of DN in North-Indian population.
Reproductive Factors and Breast Cancer Risk in Palestine: A Case-control Study
Authors: Sharif Nuha El , Khatib Imtithal
Published: December 2020

Background: Early age at menarche, late age at menopause, and late age at first full-term pregnancy are linked to a modest increase in the risk of developing breast cancer (breast ca). Multiparity is related to an increased risk but multiple full-term pregnancies decrease the risk of breast cancers. This study aims to investigate the reproductive determinants of breast cancer among women in the West Bank of Palestine.Methods: A structured questionnaire was used to collect data in a case-control study; 237 registered cases and 237 controls aged 40 years old or more. A multivariate analysis model was used to adjust for the association between women’s reproductive factors and breast ca risk. Adjusted odds ratio (AOR) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are reported. This study was approved by Al Quds University Ethical Research Committee and the Ministry of Health research unit. All women provided written informed consent.Results: In the multivariate analysis, having menarche after 13 years of age, using oral contraceptives for more than two months, using hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and getting pregnant at an early age (≤18 years) significantly doubled the risk for breast ca. Women who used hormonal contraceptives were significantly associated with higher odds of having breast ca 6.37 compared to those who did not use them (p <0.05). Similarly, nulliparous women showed 6 times the odds of breast ca be compared with women with one or more children (p = 0.005). Also, the mother’s educational level; parental consanguinity marriage; and positive family history of breast ca be strong determinants for breast ca in this study. Conclusions: This study provides clear evidence of the role of using oral contraceptives and hormonal replacement therapy on women's breasts ca. Therefore, reproductive hormones use, whether as a birth control tool or in therapy, must be rationalized. More in-depth investigations are needed to identify the protective role of having children and breastfeeding practices on breast ca protection. Special attention should be considered for the special social and cultural factors related to sexual and reproductive issues among women in Palestine
Whole Genome Analysis of Extensively Drug Resistant Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Strains in Peru 
Authors: Lázaro Elias Santos , Chávez Ronnie Gavilán , Zerpa Lely Solari , Tayro Aiko Vigo , Guerra Zully Puyén
Published: December 2020

Peru has the highest burden of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in the Americas region, and since 1999, the annual number of extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) cases has been increasing, becoming a public health challenge. The objective of this study was to perform genomic characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains obtained from peruvian patients with XDR-TB diagnosed from 2011 to 2015 in Peru.Whole genome sequencing (WGS) was performed on 68 XDR-TB strains from different regions of Peru. 58 (85.3%) strains came from the most populated districts of Lima and Callao. Concerning the lineages, 62 (91.2%) strains belonged to the Euro-American Lineage, while the remaining 6 (8.8%) strains belonged to the East-Asian Lineage. Most strains (90%) had high-confidence resistance mutations according to pre-established WHO-confident grading system. Discordant results between microbiological and molecular methodologies were due to mutations outside the hot spot regions analyzed by commercial molecular assays (rpoB I491F and inhA S94A). Cluster analysis using a cutoff ≤ 10 SNPs revealed that only 23 (33.8%) strains were recent transmission events.This study highlights the relevance and utility of WGS as a high-resolution approach to predict drug resistance, analyse transmission of strains between groups, and determine evolutionary patterns of circulating XDR-TB strains in the country.
Asbestos-Related Malignant Mesothelioma in The South of Iran: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rezvani Alireza , Jahanshahi Sahar , Fouladi Damoun , Ziaian Bizhan , Fallahi Mohammad Javad , Erfani Amirhossein , Ranjbar Keivan , Shahriarirad Reza
Published: December 2020

Background: Malignant Mesothelioma (MM) is a rare malignancy of the serosa membranes with a high mortality rate and long latent period. The relationship between a group of mineral fibers known as asbestos and mesothelioma is now well accepted in which people can be exposed to these fibers by various means during their lifetime. In addition to occupations directly in contact with asbestos such as asbestos mines and factories, certain occupations are much more at risk of MM due to extensive use of asbestos in industry. Several studies have been conducted to identify these occupations.Method: In this study, we analyzed the demographic features and occupations of confirmed cases of MM in Shiraz, southern Iran along with the follow-up of the patients' disease from 2008 to 2018.Results: Among the 35 confirmed cases of MM with an average of 61 years, 9 (25.7%) were female and 26 (74.3%) were male. At the time 12 patients have already died with a mean of 11.26 months after diagnosis. Our results showed a higher prevalence of MM among housekeepers and oil company employees. Compared to the control group, we concluded that employees of the oil company are at a high risk of MM in Iran. Also, individuals living near refinery locations had higher MM rates. Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that exposure with asbestos, either through occupation or proximate living location to a source, had a significant correlation with MM occurrence. MM can be prevented if asbestos exposure is reduced.
The Associations Between Mental Disorders and Cascade of Care in Managing Hypertension, Diabetes, Dyslipidemia, Chronic Kidney Disease in China: A Pooled Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Sum Grace , Qin Vicky Mengqi , Zhao Yang , Haregu Tilahun Nigatu , Oldenburg Brian , Lee John Tayu
Published: December 2020

Physical non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and mental disorder are a rapidly increasing health burden in low-and middle-income countries. This study aims to examine the relationships between mental disorder and cascade of care in managing four common physical NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, chronic kidney disease) in China. We utilized two waves of nationally-representative China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS 2011, 2015) of older adult population aged 45 and above. A series of multivariate mixed-effect logistic regression was applied to evaluate the association between presence of mental disorder and physical chronic disease awareness, treatment, and control. We found that the odds of dyslipidemia (AOR=2.88, 95% CI=2.21-3.74) and kidney disease awareness (AOR=4.14, 95% CI=2.95-5.81) were higher for individuals with mental chronic conditions, compared to those without mental chronic conditions. The odds of having hypertension treatment was higher for subjects with mental disorder, compared to those without (AOR=1.57, 95% CI=1.23-2.01). The odds of having physical chronic conditions controlled was not significantly associated with having mental chronic conditions. These results indicated that adults with mental disorder have a greater likelihood of awareness of having dyslipidemia and kidney disease, and receiving treatment for hypertension. Strategies to address growing burden of physical-mental NCDs in China should include efforts to improve management of patients with comorbid health condition and improve access to continual high-quality treatment after the first diagnosis.
“I Don't Know if We'll Ever Live in Harmony”: Exploring the Unmet Needs of Syrian Adolescent Girls in Protracted Displacement in Lebanon
Authors: Davison Colleen M , Watt Hayley , Michael Saja , Bartels Susan A
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe current crisis in Syria has led to unprecedented displacement, with neighbouring Lebanon now hosting more than 1.5 million conflict-affected migrants from Syria. In many situations of displacement, adolescent girls are a vulnerable sub-group. This study explores and describes the self-reported unmet needs of Syrian adolescent girls who migrated to Lebanon between 2011 and 2016.MethodsThis qualitative study focusing on the unmet needs of adolescent girls was part of a larger research project on child marriage among Syrian migrants in Lebanon. Participants were recruited using purposive sampling in three field locations in Lebanon by locally trained research assistants. One hundred eighty-eight Syrian adolescent girls chose to tell stories about their own experiences. Using handheld tablets and an application called “Sensemaker” stories were audio-recorded and later transcribed. Participants were asked to then self-interpret their stories by answering specific quantitative survey-type questions. Demographic information was also collected. NVivo was used to undertake deductive coding using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs as an analytic frame. ResultsAmong the 188 self-reported stories from adolescent girls, more than half mentioned some form of unmet need. These needs ranged across the five levels of Maslow’s Hierarchy from physiological, safety, belonging, esteem and self-actualization. Nearly two thirds of girls mentioned more than one unmet need and the girls’ expressed needs varied by marital status and time since migration. Unmet esteem needs were expressed in 22% of married, and 72% of unmarried girls. Belongingness needs were expressed by 13% of girls who migrated in the last 1-3 years and 31% of those who migrated in the previous 4-5 years. ConclusionMany needs of Syrian adolescent girl migrants remain unmet in this situation of now protracted displacement. Girls most commonly expressed needs for love and belonging followed closely by needs for safety and basic resources. The level and type of unmet need differed by marital status and time since displacement. Unmet needs have been associated elsewhere with physical illness, life dissatisfaction, post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety and even death. These results can inform integrated interventions and services specifically targeting adolescent girls and their families in the protracted migration situation now facing Lebanon.
Development and Evaluation of Monoxide Based Flexible Skin Dosimeter for Radiotherapy at Photon Energies
Authors: Yang Seung-Woo , Han Moo-Jae , Park Sung-Kwang , Chung Jin-Beom , Kang Jin-Kyu , Yu To-Sol , Rah jeong-eun , Lee Man-Woo , Kim Jung-Ki , Kim Jin-Young
Published: December 2020

Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation that can cause various side effects depending on the patient's exposure. In particular, side effects occur in the skin due to its radiation exposure to reach the target volume. Therefore, side effects are reduced by clinical trials using various skin dosimeters such as films and glass detectors to determine the dose exposed to the skin. However, accurately measuring the doses using these dosimeters is challenging due to human curvature. In this study, a flexible skin dosimeter was produced using the photoconductor materials mercury oxide (HgO) and lead oxide (PbO). The performance of the proposed dosimeter was evaluated by measuring reproducibility, linearity, dose rate independency according to dose, and percent depth dose (PDD) at photon energy beam. The results showed that the flexible skin dosimeter using HgO material has high applicability as a skin dosimeter due to its stability compared to PbO. The results provide useful insights for the radiation therapy field, particularly in areas where radiation measurement is difficult, depending on the human curvature. The proposed flexible skin dosimeter could serve in various radiation detection areas as a flexible, functional material
Fracture Heat Map of The Facial Skull Demonstrates a Danger Zone of Concomitant Cervical Spine Injuries
Authors: Bicsák Ákos , Sarge Robert , Müller Oliver , Hassfeld Stefan , Bonitz Lars
Published: December 2020

Concomitant maxillofacial and cervical spine injuries occur in 0.8%-12% of the cases. We examined the relation of injury localization and the probability of cervical spine fracture.A retrospective study was conducted on patients that have been treated at Dortmund General Hospital for injuries both to the maxillofacial region and to the cervical spine between January 1st, 2007 and December 31th, 2017. Descriptive statistical methods were used to describe the correlation of cervical spine injuries with gender, age as well as maxillofacial injury localization.7708 patients were hospitalized with maxillofacial injury, among them 173 were identified with cervical spine injury. The average ages for both genders lie remarkably above the average of all maxillofacial trauma patients (36.2 y.o. in male and 50.9 y.o. in female). In the group of men, most injuries were found between the ages of 50 and 65. Whereas most injuries among women occurred after the age of 80. The relative ratio of cervical spine injuries (CSI) varies between 1.1% and 5.26% of the maxillofacial injuries (MFI), being highest in the soft tissue injury group, patients with forehead fractures (3.12%) and patients with panfacial fractures (2.52%). Further, nasal, Le Fort I and II, zygomatic complex and mandibular condyle fractures are often associated with CSI. Fractures next to the Frankfurt horizontal plane represent 87.7% of all MFI with concomitant CSI. Patients in critical age groups with a high-energy injury are more likely to suffer both, MFI and CSI injuries. Our findings help to avoid missing the diagnosis of cervical spine injury in maxillofacial trauma patients.
Impact of Attitude Towards Entrepreneurship Education and Role Models on Entrepreneurial Intention
Authors: AMOFAH KWAKU
Published: December 2020

In this paper, we investigate entrepreneurial intention by applying the Theory of Planned Behavior by Ajzen (1991). We specifically examine the role of gender on entrepreneurial education and role models or parental self-employment, by carrying out a Multi-Group Analysis. We used a web-based questionnaire to collect information from 216 students at a Spanish university. Data are analysed with the help of Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) – Partial Least Square (PLS). We conducted a tripartite analysis on Complete, Male, and Female Models. Regarding the Complete and Male Models, all the primary hypotheses were accepted, compared with four for the Female Model. We recommend the institutionalization of traineeship, elective courses, conference and workshops on entrepreneurship to boost the entrepreneurial spirit of students. Though this study has confirmed the applicability of the TPB model to entrepreneurial intention, we did not find a significant relationship between Males and Females about their entrepreneurial intentions for some relationships. But this study suggests that the relationship between PSE and PBC is stronger for Males than Females Our results have implications for entrepreneurship education scholars, program evaluators, and policymakers.
Application of Scheimpflug-Based Biomechanical Analyzer and Tomography in Early Detecting of Subclinical Keratoconus in Chinese Patients
Authors: Liu Yan , Zhang Yu , Chen Yue-guo
Published: December 2020

PurposeTo evaluate the value of Scheimpflug-based biomechanical analyzer combined with tomography in detecting early keratoconus by distinguishing normal eyes from frank keratoconus (KC) and forme frusta keratoconus (FFKC) eyes in Chinese patients. MethodsThis study included 31 bilateral frank keratoconus patients, 27 unilateral clinical manifest keratoconus patients with very asymmetric eyes, and 79 control subjects with normal corneas. Corneal morphological and biomechanical parameters were measured using the Pentacam HR and Corvis ST (OCULUS, Wetzlar, Germany). The diagnostic capacity of computed parameters reflecting corneal biomechanical and morphological traits [including Belin-Ambrósio deviation index (BAD_D), Corvis biomechanical index (CBI) and tomographic and biomechanical index (TBI)] was determined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and compared by DeLong test. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC), the best cutoff values, and Youden index for each parameter were reported. The novel corneal stiffness parameter (Stress-Strain Index or SSI) was also compared between KC, FFKC and normal eyes.ResultsEvery morphological and biomechanical index analyzed in this study was significantly different between KC, FFKC and normal eyes (p=0.000). TBI was most valuable for detecting subclinical keratoconus (FFKC eyes) with an AUC of 0.928 (P=0.000), and any forms of corneal ectasia (FFKC and frank KC eyes) with an AUC of 0.966 (P=0.000). The sensitivity and specificity of TBI for detecting FFKC was 97.5% and 77.8%, for detecting any KC was 97.5% and 89.7%, with a cut-off value of 0.375. Morphological index BAD_D and biomechanical index CBI were also very useful in distinguishing any KC eyes from normal eyes with an AUC of 0.965 and 0.934, respectively. SSI was significantly different between KC, FFKC and normal eyes (P=0.000), indicating an independent decrease in corneal stiffness in KC eyes.Conclusion Combination of Scheimpflug-based biomechanical analyzer and tomography could increase the accuracy of detecting early keratoconus in Chinese patients. TBI was the most valuable index for detecting subclinical keratoconus with high sensitivity and specificity. Evaluation of corneal biomechanical property in refractive surgery candidates is helpful to recognize potential keratoconic eyes and increase surgical safety.
WITHDRAWN: Efficacy of Chitosan/propolis Liquid Extract Emulsion Coating on Refrigerated Storage Quality of Crayfish Meat 
Authors: ÇOBAN mehmet
Published: December 2020

In this study, the efficiency of chitosan-propolis liquid extract coatings on the storage quality of crayfish meat at 4 ºC was studied. With respect to the treatments, chitosan at 2% (w/v) in 1% (v/v) of glycerol is dissolved and then emulsified with propolis liquid extract at 0.3 and 0.6 % (v/v). The control and treated samples were analyzed periodically for chemical (pH, Thiobarbituric acid, Peroxide value, Total volatile basic nitrogen and K values), microbiological (Total aerobic mesophilic bacteria, Psychrotrophic bacteria H2S-producing bacteria, Yeasts- Moulds) and sensorial attributes (Odor, Taste, Firmness and Overall acceptance) along storage. Results demonstrate that chitosan coatings containing propolis liquid extract are effective in controlling the growth of bacteria and chemical indices. These results can be beneficial for seafood processing sectors, as well as for food technologists.
Cyclin D3-CDK6 Complex Facilitates Tumorigenesis by Regulating the C-Myc/miR-15a/16 Axis in a Feedback Loop in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Hong Yeting , He Wei , Zhang Jianbin , Shen Lu , Yu Chong , Yan Liang , Chen Hanxiao , Wu Yanqian , Chen Linjie , Lyu Jianxin , Yang Liu
Published: December 2020

Background: Cyclin D3-CDK6 complex is a component of the core cell cycle machinery that regulates cell proliferation. By using Human Protein Atlas database, a higher expression level of this complex was found in gastric cancer. However, the function of this complex in gastric cancer remain poorly understood. This study aims to determine the expression pattern of this complex in gastric cancer and to investigate its biological role during tumorigenesis.Methods: To demonstrate that Cyclin D3-CDK6 regulate the c-Myc/miR-15a/16 axis in a feedback loop in gastric cancer, a series of methods were conducted both in vitro and in vivo experiments, including qRT-PCR, western blot analysis, EdU assay, ﬂow cytometry, luciferase reporter assay and immunohistochemical staining. SPSS and Graphpad prism software were used for data analysis.Results: In this study, we found that Cyclin D3 and CDK6 were significantly upregulated in gastric cancer and correlated with poorer overall survival. Further study proved that this complex significantly promoted cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in vitro and accelerated xenografted tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, we explored the molecular mechanisms through which the complex mediated Rb phosphorylation and then promoted c-Myc expression in vitro, we also found c-Myc could suppress miR-15a/16 expression in gastric cancer cell. Finally, we found that miR-15a/16 can simultaneously regulate Cyclin D3 and CDK6 expression as direct target genes.Conclusions: Our findings uncover the Cyclin D3-CDK6/c-Myc/miR-15a/16 feedback loop axis as a pivotal role in the regulation of gastric cancer tumorigenesis, and this regulating axis may provide a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer treatment.
A Four-gene Autophagy-related Prognostic Signature and Its Association With Immune Landscape in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Luo Lumeng , Lv Minghe , Li Xuan , Qiao Tiankui , Zhao Kuaile , Deng Jiaying
Published: December 2020

Background: Recent advances in immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have dramatically changed the therapeutic strategy against lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). In the era of immunotherapy, effective biomarkers to better predict outcomes and inform treatment decisions for patients diagnosed with LUSC are urgently needed. We hypothesized that immune contexture of LUSC is potentially dictated by tumor intrinsic events, such as autophagy. Thus, we attempted to construct an autophagy-related risk signature and examine its prediction value for immune phenotype in LUSC.Method: The expression profile of LUSC was obtained from the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) database and the profile of autophagy-related genes (ARGs) was extracted. The survival‑related ARGs (sARGs) was screened out through survival analyses. Random forest was performed to select the sARGs and construct a prognostic risk signature based on these sARGs. The signature was further validated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and Cox regression. GEO dataset was used as an independent testing dataset. Patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk group based on the risk score. Then, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was conducted between the two groups. The Single-Sample GSEA (ssGSEA) was introduced to quantify the relative infiltration of immune cells. The correlations between risk score and several main immune checkpoints were examined. And the ESTIMATE algorithm was used to calculate the estimate/immune/stromal scores of the LUSC. Results: Four ARGs (CFLAR, RGS19, PINK1 and CTSD) with the most significant prognostic values were enrolled to construct the risk signature. Patients in high-risk group had better prognosis than the low-risk group (P < 0.0001 in TCGA; P < 0.01 in GEO) and considered as an independent prognosis factor. We also found that high-risk group indicated an immune-suppression status and had higher levels of infiltrating regulatory T cells and macrophages, which are correlated with worse outcome. Besides, risk score showed a significantly positive correlation with the expression of PD-1 and CTLA4, as well as estimate score and immune score.Conclusion: This study established a novel autophagy-related four-gene prognostic risk signature, and the autophagy-related scores are associated with immune landscape of LUSC, with higher score indicating a stronger immune-suppression status.
A Comparative Study of Anxiety in Indonesia and Nepal During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Jung Yeseul , Palutturii Sukri , Shin Dong Eun , Nam Eun Woo
Published: December 2020

Indonesia and Nepal, which are in the World Health Organization South-East Asia Region, are the countries with the highest numbers of confirmed cases and deaths since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic outside of the Region of the Americas and the European Region. Since its first confirmed case on March 2nd, Indonesia has reported 100,303 cases and 4,838 deaths as of July 28, which is the highest number of cases in Southeast Asia. As restrictions in response to the pandemic continue, the public’s psychological anxiety is gradually increasing. There were 889 participants (university students and graduate students) living in Indonesia or Nepal (Indonesia: 551 persons; Nepal: 338 persons). An English questionnaire was administered to participants through an online survey using Google. Regarding the factors affecting anxiety, they were “trust in hospitals for COVID-19 diagnosis,” “risk of getting infected by COVID-19,” “risk of family getting infected by COVID-19,” “national discrimination due to COVID-19,” “chronic disease status,” “experience of purchasing masks,” and “health behaviors” in Indonesia, and “trust in hospitals for COVID-19 diagnosis,” “risk of family getting infected by COVID-19,” and “depression score” in Nepal. In both countries, significant effects of “trust in hospitals for COVID-19 diagnosis” and “risk of family getting infected by COVID-19” were observed. Therefore, Indonesia and Nepal should implement policies and guidelines to prevent psychological and psychiatric issues in the population due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Such measures will help to prevent and control the secondary damage caused by the disease.
Searching Optimal Target of Perfusion Pressure for Managing Acute Kidney Injury in Critically Ill Patients: An Analysis of Three Large Open Databases
Authors: Wu Buyun , Peng Yudie , Liu Jin , Li Ting , Liu Kang , Xing Changying , Mao Huijuan
Published: December 2020

Background: The optimal perfusion pressure target for acute kidney injury (AKI) in critically ill patients remains uncertain. We investigated the association between mean perfusion pressure (MPP) and AKI among critically ill patients and estimated its optimal range.Methods: We analyzed data stored in the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC) -III, eICU Collaborative Research Database (eICU-CRD), and MIMIC-IV databases. Critically ill patients receiving invasive measurements of MPP for at least 12 hours within the first 24 hours of ICU stay were included. The exposure of interest was the time-weighted average MPP (TWA-MPP) in the first 24 hours. The primary outcome was the incidence of AKI in the next 48 hours. Results: We enrolled 7,992, 8,604, and 6,730 patients from the MIMIC-III, eICU-CRD, and MIMIC-IV databases, respectively. TWA-MPP had higher areas under the curve than mean arterial pressure in predicting AKI in the next 48 hours (0.63 vs 0.57, 0.62 vs 0.58, and 0.64 vs 0.58 in three databases, all p < 0.001). We observed the lowest adjusted risk of AKI when TWA-MPP above 72, 65, and 69 mmHg in the MIMIC-III, eICU-CRD, and MIMIC-IV databases, respectively. Pooled analyses indicated that per 10% increase of proportion of MPP above 65 mmHg was associated with decreased incidence of AKI (adjusted odds ratio = 0.93, 95% confidence interval = 0.92–0.94, p < 0.001). Furthermore, pooled analyses showed that the lowest risk of new-onset, persistence, and progression of AKI was estimated when TWA-MPP above 74, 70 and 65 mmHg, respectively. Conclusions: MPP outperformed mean arterial pressure as a perfusion predictor of AKI. MPP of 65 mmHg or higher may be the optimal target for managing AKI in critically ill patients. The target rises to higher when reversing or preventing AKI.