bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perioperative worries associated with low acceptance of day surgery among outpatients in Zhejiang Province, China: a survey research
Authors: Feng Tonghui , Li Yujia , Zhou Daipeng , Xu Peng , Lu Xing , Xia Yanfei , Wang Hongmei
Published: September 2019

Background Day surgery practice started rather late in mainland China, as it is not until 2001 when day surgery was officially launched. At present, Chinese patients’ cognition and attitudes towards day surgery are blurred with only few relevent research. The goal of this study was to investigate the situation of outpatients’ perioperative worries and its relationship with outpatients’ acceptance of day surgery in Zhejiang Province, China. Methods A total of 412 outpatients in Zhejiang Hospital were evaluated by a cross-sectional questionnaire survey between January 2019 to February 2019. To evaluate outpatients’ perioperative worries and acceptance of day surgery, 412 valid respondents out of all 420 outpatients were divided by 1. demographic characteristics, 2. been with or without worries. The correlation between worries and patient acceptance of day surgery was analyzed. Multinomial Logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between them. Results Of the 412 outpatients, 83.5% reported perioperative worries about day surgery. Outpatients with worries were significantly older, with a higher incidence of comorbidities than those without worries. Age, educated degree, comorbidities, financial status, and surgery type were important factors of patient acceptance of day surgery. Outpatients without worries significantly scored higher in acceptance of day surgery than those with worries. The score of acceptance of day surgery was negatively correlated with perioperative worries. Compared with outpatients been worried about day surgery, those without worries had a lower risk of refusing day surgery. Conclusions The prevalence rate of perioperative worries about day surgery among Zhejiang outpatients was relatively high, and outpatients’ acceptance of day surgery was negatively associated with perioperative worries. We suggest developing and utilizing a perioperative care process to address outpatients’ perioperative worries, so as to improve outpatients’ acceptance of day surgery.
Access to health care for people with disabilities in rural Malawi what are the barriers?
Authors: Harrison Josephine , Thomson Rachael , Banda Hastings T. , Mbera Grace B. , Gregorius Stefanie , Stenberg Berthe , Marshall Tim
Published: September 2019

Introduction

People with disabilities experience significant health inequalities. In Malawi, where most individuals live in low-income rural settings, many of these inequalities are exacerbated by restricted access to health care services. This qualitative study explores the barriers to health care access experienced by individuals with a mobility or sensory impairment, or both, living in rural villages in Dowa district, central Malawi. In addition, the impact of a chronic lung condition, alongside an impairment, on health care accessibility is explored.

Method

Using data from survey responses obtained through the Research for Equity And Community Health (REACH) Trust’s randomised control trial in Malawi, 12 adult participants, with scores of either 3 or 4 in the Washington Group Questions, were recruited. People with cognitive impairments were excluded. Each of the selected participants underwent an individual in-depth interview and full recordings of these were then transcribed and translated.

Findings and discussion

Through thematic analysis of the transcripts, three main barriers to timely and adequate health care were identified: 1) Cost of transport, drugs and services, 2) Insufficient health care resources, and 3) Dependence on others. Other barriers identified were distance to a facility, which was most hindering for the participants with a chronic lung condition, and unfavourable health seeking behaviour, whilst ‘time’ was found to be a common underlying factor. Attitudinal factors were not found to influence health care accessibility for this cohort.

Conclusions

This study finds that health care access for people with disabilities in rural Malawi is hindered by closely interconnected financial, practical and social barriers. There is a clear requirement for policy makers to consider the challenges identified here, and in similar studies, and to address them through improved social security systems and health system infrastructure, including outreach services, in a drive for equitable health care access and provision.
Relationships of Creative Personality Traits and Spatial Abilities to Shaping Creativity and Floriculture Material Shaping Skills
Authors: Chan Hui-Shan , Chu Hui-Ying , Chen Mei-Fang
Published: September 2019

In floriculture design, “shaping” is the use of floral materials as media for expressing ideas. Common floriculture techniques include tying, pasting, winding, connecting, overlapping, and weaving. Shaping is also a key factor in the appeal of the final product. Therefore, this study recruited 149 university students to explore how their floriculture material-shaping skills are affected by factors such as creative personality traits, spatial abilities, and shaping creativity. Students were allowed to use three different leaf materials in their floriculture works: planar leaf, linear leaf, and amorphous leaf materials. Representative planar, linear, and amorphous floriculture materials used in the current study were yellow palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens), veitch’s screw pine (Pandanus baptistii), and tree fern (Asparagus virgatus), respectively. The average score for creativity in shaping floriculture material was (±sd) 3.26 ± 0.84 (range, 1.33–4.67). Comparisons of the three leaf materials showed that the score for shaping creativity was highest for the planar leaf material (3.70 ± 1.23), followed by the amorphous leaf material (3.18 ± 0.99) and the linear leaf material (2.91 ± 0.94). The chi-square test results indicated that creative personality traits affected the number of shaping skills used, and that spatial abilities and floriculture material-shaping creativity further enhanced skills in floriculture material-shaping. Suggestions for floriculture educators and practitioners are provided accordingly.
Do Mapeamento Geomorfológico do IBGE a um Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação do Relevo
Authors: Botelho Rosangela Garrido Machado , Pelech André Souza
Published: September 2019

O Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE) tem sido o órgão responsável pelo levantamento geomorfológico sistemático do território brasileiro. Em quase 50 anos, o IBGE mapeou o país nas escalas de 1.1.000.000 e 1:250.000 através de uma reconhecida e difundida estrutura de taxonomia de relevo. No entanto, diversas outras metodologias têm surgido, o que tem gerado uma falta de diálogo entre os mapeamentos, com frequente incompatibilidade. Neste sentido, o presente artigo discute os caminhos metodológicos percorridos pelo IBGE ao longo das atividades de mapeamento geomorfológico, assim como a atual demanda da sociedade acadêmica e científica e os desafios de construção de padrões regulares de mapeamento que possibilitem a construção de um Sistema Brasileiro de Classificação de Relevo.
Social Networks as a Formation and Promotion Tool of a Political Image: case of Kuzbass Governor S. E. Tsivilyov
Authors: Vlasova Kristina , Chirun Sergey
Published: September 2019

The research features tools and technologies that shape and improve the image of a regional politician as in case of the Governor of Kuzbass S. Е. Tsivilyov. The research objective was to give recommendations that could improve the image of the Governor of Kuzbass. The research was based on the neo-institutional approach. The paper presents the most popular interpretations of the definition of political image, political technologies, their classification and types. Social networking is defined as a new information technology of forming and promoting the image of a politician. A successful image in politics is a phenomenon and a multifaceted and multi-level process. The research will contribute to improving the rating indicators of the Governor of Kuzbass. The study showed that only an integral approach to understanding and building an image can get quick results. The problem of creating an attractive image of a regional politician has become especially urgent due to a change in regional political elites, when established corporate relations are undergoing transformations. Under these conditions, the personality of a politician, or rather his or her image, which is created through media engagement, the blogosphere, and social networks, is becoming increasingly important. With the rapid development of social networks, the image of a politician is becoming increasingly symbolic and constructive. Thus, the success achieved in constructing the image of a regional politician is largely due to the rapid development of new political technologies.
Methods and Tools for the Assessment of an Organizational Climate for Creative and Innovative Activity of Firms
Authors: Dubina Igor , Demidova Dariya
Published: September 2019

This paper reviews foreign methods for assessing an organizational climate, i.e. a complex of organizational, managerial, economic, socio-psychological, and other conditions. Organizational climate affects staff creativity and organizational innovation. The authors propose methods and tools for assessing the creative and innovative climate of Russian organizations. The methods can become an important element of systemic and regular monitoring of the organizational climate and its improvement. The survey of respondents (employees) was performed on the Google Forms platform; data processing and presentation of the results were performed with the help of Google Tables tools. The proposed methodology makes it possible to check the reliability and accuracy of the results. It offers a set of rules for automatic conclusions about the state of organizational climate based on the data obtained from interviewing the staff. The proposed methods and instruments may be put into practice of organizations in order to obtain reliable estimates of their organizational climate.
Evaluation Methods of the Economic Efficiency of the Logistics and Management of Logistics Costs
Authors: Nifontov Albert , Chernikova Oksana , Kushnerov Yuri
Published: September 2019

The current crisis situation in coal mining forces coal companies to appeal to in-depth detailed methods of assessing the economic efficiency of business processes and identify additional reserves of optimization of technical and economic indicators. The most problematic issue remains the identification of the logistics costs arising in the processes of supply, production, and sales in the total volume of the company's accounting costs. However, the assessment of the economic efficiency of the logistics system allows coal companies to improve the activities of the functional areas of logistics and develop measures to reduce costs. The article introduces an integrated approach to the consideration of the flows of material and information resources in the technological processes of the mining enterprise and in its interactions with partners. The paper defines the main tasks of optimization of functional areas of logistics to be solved by the management when working with consumers and suppliers, in production processes, in sales activities, in warehousing, cargo handling and transportation, and in the field of inventory management. The research provides indicators of estimation of economic efficiency of logistic system, requirements to system of accounting of logistic costs, and ways of their optimization. The use of the proposed methods of assessing the economic efficiency of the logistics system and management of logistics costs will allow the management of coal companies to improve the quality and reliability of information on the effectiveness of procurement, production, and marketing logistics, as well as to optimize the cost of finished products.
The Main Trends in the Development of Industry of the Republic of Buryatia at the Present Stage
Authors: Polyanskaya Nataliya
Published: September 2019

Of all the types of economic activity, industry and agriculture are considered the backbone macro industries. As a result, the development of the national and regional economies depends on their state and dynamics. Domestic macroeconomic and political conditions are such that the priorities and development trends of the country's industry as a whole, as well as of individual Russian regions, are predetermined mainly by the interests of business structures, since it is through these resources that the majority of investment and innovation projects are realized. At the same time, it is the state that creates the institutional conditions and develops the industrial development strategy. The paper covers the main current trends in the development of the industry of the Republic of Buryatia. The study featured the sectoral structure of gross value added for 2014–2016 and the leading industries of the republic. The research also included the indices of industrial production in Russia and the regions of the Siberian Federal District for 2015-2017 followed by their comparative analysis. The analysis involved the volume and the sectoral structure of the shipped industrial goods, works, and services produced by the region’s own forces in 2017. The author suggests some directions of further development taking into account the current challenges.
Territories of Advanced Socio-Economic Development in Single-Industry Towns: the First Synthesis
Authors: Faikov Dmitriy
Published: September 2019

Introduction. There is an urgent need to assess the activity of Advanced Socio-Economic Development Territories (TASED) set up in single-industry towns and Administrative and Territorial Entities of Closed Type (ATECT). The research objective was to identify the current trends in the modus operandi of TASED set up in ATECT. Data and methods. The research featured official figures posted on the websites of the Russian Ministry of Economic Development, on the official websites of local authorities, regional government, Corporation of Far East’s Development, the resident companies of TASED, and various scientific publications. The research was based on comparative analysis and the factor and system analysis. The research results. The population of TASED territories revealed an almost equal distribution. However, its concentration is higher in the towns with over 500.000 residents. The number of residents appeared to correlate with the activity of small and medium-sized enterprises on the territory. Large investment projects in TASED of single-industry towns make up less than 5 % of all projects. The main TASED’s investor is local business. There are mostly low- and medium technology productions. At its current state, TASED do not encourage development of high-technology industries and knowledge-intensive services. The authors propose some options of budgetary efficiency assessment. Discussion and conclusion. TASED proved to be beneficial for the economic development of single-industry towns, especially those with a machine-building complex as core enterprise. However, TASED revealed to have no positive effect on distant depressed towns and single-industry towns with sustainable working core enterprises. The research results can be used by scientists, public authorities, and managers of TASED companies.
Specifics of Financial Reporting Standards in Oil and Gas Industry
Authors: Sheveleva Anastasiya , Shevelev Vladimir
Published: September 2019

The research featured the peculiarities of financial reporting standards applied by oil and gas businesses. Enterprises that use International Financial Reporting Standards have to take into account their changes, which occur quite often in an unstable environment. The paper describes the main International Financial Reporting Standards and the operational aspects of their use by oil and gas enterprises. The research objective was to analyze the practice of maintaining financial statements of those oil and gas companies that use International Financial Reporting Standards. Using the methods of description, graphical representation, comparison, and generalization, the authors demonstrate the key aspects of accounting and reporting. A uniform application of the main International Financial Reporting Standards by oil and gas enterprises can harmonize, unify, and ensure consistency of all aspects of the financial reporting. In will allow oil and gas enterprises to provide a comprehensive comparative analysis and assess the effectiveness of their production and business activities.
Pedagogical Constructs and Pedagogical Constructors in the Studies of the Basics of Pedagogical Support in the System of Continuous Education
Authors: Кобзарь Тамара , Kobzar Tamara , Козырев Николай , Kozyrev Nikolai , Митькина Елена , Mitkina Elena
Published: September 2019

The present research features the basics of pedagogical support in the system of continuous education in the structure of actualization and generation of various pedagogical constructs and pedagogical constructors that facilitate a holistic understanding of the importance of personality development in the hierarchy of age-appropriate methods, forms, and technologies of educational and socio-professional activities. The authors clarify the concepts of "pedagogical construct", "pedagogical constructor", and "basics of pedagogical support in the system of continuous education". These concepts are described in the context of the adaptive-acmepedagogical, personified-productive, and functional-labor approaches that provide traditional and innovative models of the study and research of scientific-pedagogical phenomena and events, thus improving the quality of pedagogical solutions on micro-, meso-, and macro level. The implemented methods and technologies optimize the quality of production and facilitation, cooperation and self-realization, socialization, and self-actualization. The multidimensionality of the approach reveals the prospects for a teacher who would contribute to the personal development (construct "I want, I can, I must, there is"), as well as holistic and system-mobile formation of the student. In this research, a student is understood as a product that unites all the components of education: science, art, culture, sports, and other areas of socialization and self-realization. Pedagogical constructs and pedagogical constructors in the studies of the basics of pedagogical support in the system of continuous education are determined in various simulated and realized conditions, where productivity, personification, and health saving technologies determine the integrity of the choice of opportunities and results of pedagogical practice and pedagogical activity.
Texto Completo del No. 19 - Revista de El Colegio de San Luis Nueva Época
Authors: El Colegio de San Luis Revista de
Published: September 2019

Revista de El Colegio de San Luis en su totalidad, incluyendo artículos, notas y reseñas del Núm. 19
Los efectos de las cuotas y paridad de género en el nivel subnacional. Una mirada con perspectiva de género a la integración del Congreso del Estado de San Luis Potosí en cinco legislaturas (2003-2018)
Authors: Contreras Alcantara Javier , Rodríguez Salazar Aracely
Published: September 2019

Con el fin de comprobar si en el Congreso del Estado de San Luis Potosí, México, se ha acortado la brecha de género, se analizan los resultados de la aplicación de las disposiciones afirmativas de cuota y paridad de género. Además, se revisan los perfiles educativos y las trayectorias previas a la diputación, con el objeto de hacer visibles las diferencias entre hombres y mujeres en cuanto a habilidades y experiencias. Una fuente de información principal es la base de datos original acerca de la integración de cinco legislaturas del Congreso del Estado San Luis Potosí, de 2003 a 2018, cuya utilización hizo posible la obtención de una perspectiva histórica de las transformaciones en la brecha de género. Si bien se contaba con información previa a 2003, esta no fue de utilidad para la investigación porque carece de datos sobre las carreras políticas. Se concluye que ha sido significativo el acortamiento de la brecha de género y que no son de importancia las diferencias en las trayectorias políticas y los perfiles educativos entre las mujeres y los hombres que integraron el Congreso del Estado de San Luis Potosí en las legislaturas estudiadas.
Análisis de la precariedad laboral en el Estado de México, 2015
Authors: Lucatero Villaseñor Aidee , Gaxiola Robles Linares Sergio Cuauhtémoc
Published: September 2019

Con el objetivo de estudiar la situación de precariedad laboral en el Estado de México en el año 2015, se utilizaron dos técnicas estadísticas que versan sobre los componentes principales y los conglomerados, las cuales posibilitaron la agrupación y el análisis de la situación de precariedad en el caso de trabajadores asalariados. Así, se evidencia que la mitad de los trabajadores asalariados mexiquenses trabajan sin contrato laboral, sin seguridad social ni prestaciones. De igual modo, se hace visible la expansión de la precariedad laboral de los trabajadores asalariados con un nivel educativo alto, así como un mercado laboral heterogéneo y fragmentado en condiciones adversas.
¿Debe ser el terrorismo objeto de regulación constitucional? Reflexiones a partir del proceso constituyente chileno y de recientes propuestas de lege ferenda
Authors: Núñez Leiva José Ignacio , Silva Alliende Matías
Published: September 2019

En este artículo se trata de demostrar, con insumos empíricos, que el terrorismo no suele ser objeto de regulación constitucional, al menos en el mundo occidental. Para tal demostración, se recurre a la comparación dogmática, basada en evidencia proporcionada por comisiones de expertos, procesos participativos y el derecho comparado. De este modo, se determina que, en Occidente, el terrorismo no es una materia que se regule usualmente en las Constituciones. El valor del artículo reside en el empleo de insumos dogmáticos, conclusiones de comisiones de expertos y evidencia proveniente de procesos de participación ciudadana. Así, se llega a la conclusión de que el derecho comparado, la dogmática, los procesos de participación ciudadana y los expertos no avalan que el terrorismo sea regulado constitucionalmente.
El impacto de las empresas transnacionales en las condiciones de vida de la población en Tijuana (México)
Authors: Martínez Cuero Julieta
Published: September 2019

En este artículo se pretende bosquejar el impacto de las empresas maquiladoras transnacionales en las condiciones de vida de la población de Tijuana, México. Se utilizó una metodología analítica mixta, cuantitativa y cualitativa, en dos etapas: la primera se centra en la investigación documental y la segunda en los resultados de la investigación en campo. Pese a que no se dispuso de información estadística de la industria maquiladora que posibilitara la profundización en el examen de las condiciones de los trabajadores, tras dos años de investigación documental y exploratoria, se comprueba que las empresas maquiladoras transnacionales inciden en los terrenos económico, social y ambiental en Tijuana.
À la découverte de patrimoines inattendus avec les enfants. Ethnographie collaborative, enseignements théoriques et méthodologiques depuis Teotihuacán (Mexique)
Authors: De Suremain Charles Édouard , Delgado Rubio Jaime
Published: September 2019

Con el objetivo de descubrir los patrimonios de los niños, repensar el patrimonio y su transmisión, así como fomentar la etnografía colaborativa con los niños, esta investigación plantea una perspectiva interdisciplinaria con un enfoque arqueológico y antropológico. Para ello, se establece la distinción entre el patrimonio “vivo” y “muerto”, entre imaginación y recreación patrimonial por parte de los niños, y se dilucida la agencia del niño y la visión infantil que tiene sobre él [sobre el patrominio]. Desde una perspectiva horizontal y una perspectiva ascendente, este artículo aborda el trabajo colaborativo inter e intrageneracional, mediante la inversión del paradigma centrado en el adulto, con lo cual los niños son vistos como agentes, y no como receptores pasivos del patrimonio.
Tres orientaciones del erotismo en la trilogía sobre la infidelidad de Ercole Lissardi. Idealización, obsesión y muerte
Authors: Magaña Guzmán Edgar
Published: September 2019

En este artículo se pretende establecer una distinción del funcionamiento erótico con base en tres unidades de estudio: la idealización, la obsesión y la muerte, en la trilogía sobre la infidelidad, de Ercole Lissardi. El análisis se fundamenta en el erotismo como categoría estética narrativa, a partir del cual se producen estas tres unidades de estudio, que, relacionadas entre sí, constituyen la columna narrativa de la trilogía. De esta manera, se aborda la idealización, la obsesión y la muerte desde el ámbito narrativo, con el apoyo de perspectivas psicológicas y filosóficas, en tres obras de un autor latinoamericano poco conocido en México. Se determina que, en la trilogía analizada, la idealización a partir del erotismo perturba, la obsesión en combinación erótica triunfa y la muerte es deseo inacabado.
Strategies for Conjugation of Biomolecules to Nanoparticles as Tumor Targeting Agents
Authors: Molavipordanjani Sajjad , Hosseinimehr Seyed Jalal
Published: September 2019

Combination of nanotechnology, biochemistry, chemistry and biotechnology provides the opportunity
to design unique nanoparticles for tumor targeting, drug delivery, medical imaging and biosensing. Nanoparticles
conjugated with biomolecules such as antibodies, peptides, vitamins and aptamer can resolve current challenges
including low accumulation, internalization and retention at the target site in cancer diagnosis and therapy
through active targeting. In this review, we focus on different strategies for conjugation of biomolecules to
nanoparticles such as inorganic nanoparticles (iron oxide, gold, silica and carbon nanoparticles), liposomes, lipid
and polymeric nanoparticles and their application in tumor targeting.
Evaluation of Some Biological Applications of Pleurotus citrinopileatus and Boletus edulis Fruiting Bodies
Authors: Younis Ahmed M. , Abdel-Aziz Marwa M. , Yosri Mohamed
Published: September 2019

Background::

Mushrooms are deemed as a special delicacy in many countries. They are
considered an important cuisine due to their bioactive ingredients and possible health benefits.

Methods:

Herein, we measured selected biological properties of methanol extracts of Pleurotus
citrinopileatus and Boletus edulis fruiting bodies including; in vitro antimicrobial activity, anti-α-
glucosidase activity, antioxidant activity, anti-lipase activity and cytotoxic activity against different
cancer cells and normal cells.

Results:

B. edulis methanol extracts showed high antimicrobial and anti-α-glucosidase activity. In contrast,
P. citrinopileatus methanol extracts showed superior antioxidant activity indicated by (1,1-
diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical scavenging with half maximal inhibitory concentration of
IC50 37.4 µg/ml, anti-lipase activities with IC50 65.2 µg/ml and high cytotoxicity activity against
HepG2 and HeLa cell lines with IC50 22.8 and 36.7 µg/ml, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis of the
cell cycle was used to show apoptotic effects of methanol extracts against HepG2 and HeLa cells.

Conclusion:

P. citrinopileatus and B. edulis methanolic extracts appear to contain biologically active
compounds that might be used to treat some common human diseases.
The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Ferber Sari Goldstein , Namdar Dvora , Hen-Shoval Danielle , Eger Gilad , Koltai Hinanit , Shoval Gal , Shbiro Liat , Weller Aron
Published: September 2019

Mood disorders are the most prevalent mental conditions encountered in psychiatric practice. Numerous patients suffering from mood disorders present with treatment-resistant forms of depression, co-morbid anxiety, other psychiatric disorders and bipolar disorders. Standardized essential oils (such as that of Lavender officinalis) have been shown to exert clinical efficacy in treating anxiety disorders. As endocannabinoids are suggested to play an important role in major depression, generalized anxiety and bipolar disorders, Cannabis sativa was suggested for their treatment. The endocannabinoid system is widely distributed throughout the body including the brain, modulating many functions. It is involved in mood and related disorders, and its activity may be modified by exogenous cannabinoids. CB1 and CB2 receptors primarily serve as the binding sites for endocannabinoids as well as for phytocannabinoids, produced by cannabis inflorescences. However, ‘cannabis’ is not a single compound product but is known for its complicated molecular profile, producing a plethora of phytocannabinoids alongside a vast array of terpenes. Thus, the “entourage effect” is the suggested positive contribution derived from the addition of terpenes to cannabinoids. Here, we review the literature on the effects of cannabinoids and discuss the possibility of enhancing cannabinoid activity on psychiatric symptoms by the addition of terpenes and terpenoids. Possible underlying mechanisms for the anti-depressant and anxiolytic effects are reviewed. These natural products may be an important potential source for new medications for the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders.
Black Hole Sign on Noncontrast Computed Tomography in Predicting Hematoma Expansion in Patients with Intracerebral Hemorrhage: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Yilin , Tian Lu , Wang Longlun , Qin Yong , Cai Jinhua
Published: September 2019

Background:

Black hole sign represents a novel imaging marker for predicting hematoma
expansion (HE) in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Several previous studies
have reported the accuracy of black hole sign in predicting HE, but the accuracy was variable. We
performed a meta-analysis to systematically assess the accuracy of black hole sign in predicting
HE in patients with ICH.

Methods:

A systematic search was performed to identify relevant English and Chinese articles
(from inception to January 2019). All studies on the accuracy of black hole sign in predicting HE
in patients with ICH were included. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood
ratios were calculated. Pooling was conducted using the bivariate generalized linear mixed
model. Forest plots and a summary receiver operator characteristic plot were generated. We used
I² to test heterogeneity and investigated the source of heterogeneity by meta-regression. Publication
bias was assessed by Deeks’ funnel plot asymmetry test.

Results:

A total of 6 studies with 1876 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled
sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios of black hole sign for predicting
HE were 0.30, 0.93, 4.00 and 0.75, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.83. The
studies had substantial heterogeneity (I²=89.00%, 95% CI 78.00-100.00). Low risk of publication
bias was detected.

Conclusion:

Black hole sign is a useful imaging marker with high specificity in predicting hematoma
expansion in patients with intracerebral hemorrhage.
LncRNA, Important Player in Bone Development and Disease
Authors: Li Dijie , Yang Chaofei , Yin Chong , Zhao Fan , Chen Zhihao , Tian Ye , Dang Kai , Jiang Shanfeng , Zhang Wenjuan , Zhang Ge , Qian Airong
Published: September 2019

Background:

Bone is an important tissue and its normal function requires tight coordination
of transcriptional networks and signaling pathways, and many of these networks/ pathways are dysregulated
in pathological conditions affecting cartilage and bones. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA)
refers to a class of RNAs with a length of more than 200 nucleotides, lack of protein-coding potential,
and exhibiting a wide range of biological functions. Although studies on lcnRNAs are still in their
infancy, they have emerged as critical players in bone biology and bone diseases. The functions and
exact mechanism of bone-related lncRNAs have not been fully classified yet.

Objective:

The objective of this article is to summarize the current literature on lncRNAs on the basis
of their role in bone biology and diseases, focusing on their emerging molecular mechanism, pathological
implications and therapeutic potential.

Discussion:

A number of lncRNAs have been identified and shown to play important roles in multiple
bone cells and bone disease. The function and mechanism of bone-related lncRNA remain to be elucidated.

Conclusion:

At present, majority of knowledge is limited to cellular levels and less is known on how
lncRNAs could potentially control the development and homeostasis of bone. In the present review, we
highlight some lncRNAs in the field of bone biology and bone disease. We also delineate some
lncRNAs that might have deep impacts on understanding bone diseases and providing new therapeutic
strategies to treat these diseases.
Gastroprotective Effect of Chinese Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. pekinensis) Juice in Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Chin Jin Han , Wong Kah Hui , Yeong Soh Onn
Published: September 2019

Background:

Chinese cabbage or Brassica oleracea L. var. pekinensis is an edible leafy
green vegetable in the family of Brassicaceae. Ethnopharmacological studies have shown that the
juice of cabbage leaves is commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, irritable
bowel syndrome, minor cuts and wounds and mastitis.

Objective:

This study was aimed to examine the gastroprotective effect of Chinese cabbage (Family:
Brassicaceae) juice in rats by using ethanol-induced gastric ulcer model.

Methods:

Thirty albino male Sprague Dawley rats (150 ± 20 g) were divided into 6 groups with five
rats (n = 5) in each group. The normal control group was treated with distilled water while the positive
control group was intragastrically administered with omeprazole (20 mg/kg). Cabbage juice at
500 mg/kg was given orally to three experimental groups for 1-day, 7-day and 14-day, respectively.
Ethanol (70 % v/v) was orally treated to all rats one hour after the last dose treatment except the
normal control group.

Results:

Results obtained showed that repeated consumption of cabbage juice for 7 days and 14 days
exhibited an increase in accumulation mucus and in the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-
s-transferase (GST) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) as well as a reduction in gastric
lesion area induced by ethanol compared with the ulceration control group.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the gastroprotective effect of Chinese cabbage juice could be associated
with its ability to increase endogenous antioxidant activities of SOD, GST and GSH-Px and mucus
secretion in rat stomach.
Prospect of RuIII(edta) in Catalysis of Bicarbonate Reduction
Authors: Chatterjee Debabrata , Edik Rudi van
Published: September 2019

Reduction of carbon dioxide into formic acid using transition metal complexes as catalysts
is a research area of abiding importance. Although ruthenium(II) complexes as ‘molecular catalysts’
have received much attention, use of ruthenium(III) complexes in the selective reduction of carbon dioxide
into formic acid has recently been explored. This review focuses on the recent research progress
in the use of a ruthenium(III) complex containing the ‘edta’ ligand (edta4- = ethylenediaminetetraacetate)
as catalyst or mediator in the catalytic, electro-catalytic and photocatalytic conversion of bicarbonate
to formate selectively. Details of the reaction mechanism pertaining to the overall catalytic
process are discussed.
CLEANLINESS INSPECTION OF THE ABLUTION SPACES OF THE FEDERAL TERRITORY MOSQUE
Authors: Shakir Haraty Hayder Jawad , Utaberta Nangkula
Published: September 2019

Muslims go to mosques to congregate in prayers; some Malaysian mosques carry historical value, whereas some are simply fine works of art. The term "Iconic Mosque" has been defined by the Islamic Tourism Centre in Malaysia as “having a design which represents the modern architecture and the cultural identity of the country”. Some evidence shows that the ablution spaces in Malaysian Mosques encountered many issues regarding their cleanliness. Three methods of study were used to analyse the Federal Territory Mosque ablution spaces: physical observation, architectural drawing analysis, and interview. The research aims to improve the cleanliness of the ablution areas by studying their design aspects. The study’s significance is to evaluate the cleanliness of ablution spaces at the Federal Territory Mosque. The findings of this research revealed that using a natural ventilation system could significantly improve the cleanliness of the ablution areas if accompanied by a mechanical system. The investigation analysis discovered that a smaller ablution room design could result in an unhygienic space. The users’ abuse is one of the crucial factors that impact the ablution room cleanliness.
INCOME INEQUALITY ACROSS STATES IN MALAYSIA
Authors: Peng Tey Nai , Li Lai Siow , Tho Ng Sor , Leng Goh Kim , Osman Ahmad Farid
Published: September 2019

This paper examines income differentials across the 16 states/territories in Malaysia, using quantile regression of income per capita on a nationally representative sample of 24,463 households in 2014. The results show that the vast differentials in income per capita across states are attenuated after taking into account urban-rural and ethnic distribution, but remain significant. Income differentials across states vary at different levels of income, being more pronounced at the lower ends of the distributions. States and territory in the central region had the highest income. The three states in the southern regions fared better than those in the northern region (except Penang), and the eastern region as well as East Malaysia. Other variables such as level of urbanisation, the educational level, migration, employment structure, and female labour force participation may also affect income differentials across states.
THE QUANTIFICATION OF URBAN LITTER LOAD AT GROSS POLLUTANT TRAP ALONG SUNGAI BATU, SELANGOR
Authors: Abdul Malik Nur Khaliesah , Abd Manaf Latifah , Jamil Nor Rohaizah , Rosli Mohd Hafiz , Mohd Yusof Fasihah , Ash'aari Zulfa Hanah
Published: September 2019

The massive amount of urban litter in Malaysia is influenced by rapid population growth, development, economic growth and unsustainable lifestyles. Few studies have assessed the amount of urban litter load and its composition at gross pollutant trap (GPT), significantly contributing to lack of historical data. This study is aimed to assess the amount of urban litter load in wet basis condition at individual GPTs along Sungai Batu, Selangor in 2015. The urban litter collection data at each GPT in 2015 were sourced from Department of Irrigation and Drainage (DID). Samples were manually collected once a month, stored in plastic bag and immediately weighed and recorded by following the ASCE standard method. The result shows that the total amount of urban litter load in 2015 was 3761.72 kg/year (Mean ± SD; 313.4767 ± 141.9105 kg/year). In such situations, further study on urban litter load and its composition trapped at GPTs is urgently required as it is crucial to establish baseline data information during the decision making process, holistically improving stormwater management and urban litter management in Malaysia.
URBANISATION BEYOND ITS CORE BOUNDARY AND ITS IMPACT ON THE COMMUNITIES IN GEORGE TOWN CONURBATION, MALAYSIA
Authors: Samat Narimah , Mahamud Mohd Amirul , Abdul Rashid Siti Masayu Rosliah , Elhadary Yasin , Mohd Noor Norzailawati
Published: September 2019

Rapid urbanisation has raised major issues, especially in cities in developing nations. In Malaysia, for example, the urbanisation rate is at 74%, but the size of urban land is less than 10%. This phenomenon has caused urban expansion to encroach on to its fringe areas. At present, although much has been said about the economic benefits of urban expansion to the fringe areas, yet little is known about its impact on the local communities. This paper aims to highlight the spatial expansion of George Town Conurbation and to investigate how local inhabitants perceive urban development. This study used satellite images and GIS techniques to identify the spatial expansion of urbanisation in George Town. Quantitative and qualitative approaches of data collection were employed to investigate the impact of urbanisation on the communities. The findings indicated that the inhabitants in less urbanized states welcome urban expansion, as they perceive that urban growth generates more jobs and brings economic opportunities. On the contrary, those who have experienced a longer period of urban development did not fully welcome urbanisation. Therefore, inclusive development policies are required to ensure that urban growth will benefit dwellers in the urban area as well as in its surroundings. In addition, they are required to safeguard the environment.
THE TRAFFIC VOLUME AND LEVEL OF SERVICE (LOS) OF UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA (UPM) SERDANG CAMPUS MAIN ACCESS
Authors: Ponrahono Zakiah , Mohd Isa Noorain , Aris Ahmad Zaharin , Harun Rosta
Published: September 2019

The inbound and outbound traffic flow characteristic of a campus is an important physical component of overall university setting. The traffic circulation generated may create indirect effects on the environment such as, disturbance to lecturetime when traffic congestion occurs during peak-hours, loss of natural environment and greenery, degradation of the visual environment by improper or illegal parking, air pollution from motorized vehicles either moving or in idle mode due to traffic congestion, noise pollution, energy consumption, land use arrangement and health effects on the community of Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) Serdang. A traffic volume and Level of Service (LOS) study is required to facilitate better accessibility and improves the road capacity within the campus area. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the traffic volume and Level of Service of the main access the UPM Serdang campus. A traffic survey was conducted over three (3) weekdays during an active semester to understand the traffic flow pattern. The findings on traffic flow during peak hours are highlighted. The conclusions of on-campus traffic flow patterns are also drawn.
QUANTIFYING THE ABOVEGROUND BIOMASS AND CARBON STORAGE OF URBAN TREE SPECIES IN SOKOTO METROPOLIS, NORTH-WESTERN NIGERIA
Authors: Murtala Dangulla , Abd Manaf Latifah , Ramli Mohammed Firuz , Yacob Mohd Rusli , A. Makmom Ahmad
Published: September 2019

Increases in human activities, land use/cover changes and urbanisation have led to continuous accumulation of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, thus threatening the efficiency of natural carbon sinks such as urban trees. This paper assessed the aboveground biomass and carbon stock of trees in Sokoto metropolis, North-Western Nigeria, using an allometric equation. The metropolis was stratified into five broad land use/cover types from which 200 sample plots of 30m × 30m were generated. Data on tree species and diameter at breast height were collected from all trees ? 5cm in diameter within the plots. A total of 722 trees belonging to 30 species in 17 genera and 14 families were identified. The trees stored 854.73 tonnes of biomass equivalent to 427.37 tonnes of carbon with the highest proportion being stored by Azadirachta indica, Mangifera indica, Adansonia digitata, and Ficus polita. There was a significant difference in tree biomass and carbon stock across the land use/cover types (F = 4.730, p < 0.001). The Green Area recorded the highest carbon density of 96.5t ha-1 while Farmland recorded the least carbon density (7.4t ha-1). Urban areas have diverse tree species that could contribute significantly to reducing global atmospheric carbon. This potential, which varies with the species, number, and size of trees, as well as land cover, can be successfully estimated using allometric equations.
INCOME PERSPECTIVE ON THE FACTORS INFLUENCING HOUSEHOLDS’ RECYCLING INTENTION: IMPLICATIONS FROM THE EXTENDED THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOUR
Authors: Khalil Muhammad Salisu , Ming Ho Yuek , Abd Manaf Latifah , Sharaai Amir Hamzah , Nabegu Aliyu Baba
Published: September 2019

Although few studies have attempted to explain residents’ waste handling behaviour from social and psychological perspective, yet, there is little understanding regarding the influence of households’ moral obligation, consequences awareness, and perceived lack of facilitating conditions on forming recycling intention. This study aims at investigating the key determinants of household recycling intention using the extended theory of planned behaviour (TPB). Data collected from 422 households in Kano metropolis were analysed using structural equation modelling to determine the influence of each predictor on the recycling intention. The results indicate that attitude, subjective norms, personal norm, consequences awareness and perceived lack of facilitating conditions significantly predict recycling intention, with attitude being the most significant predictor of households’ intention. Additional analysis on the effect of households’ income level on their recycling intention shows that income level moderates the relationships between attitude and recycling intention, personal norms—recycling intention, and perceived lack of facilitating conditions— recycling intention. The findings provide valuable suggestions for recycling policies that can focus on households’ intention formation by providing recycling facilities, encouraging participation through market-driven recycling programs, and promoting recycling awareness and education.
MEASURING ATTRIBUTES AND BEHAVIOURAL PATTERNS OF STREET LIVELINESS IN URBAN AREA
Authors: Sulaiman Normah , Abdullah Yusfida Ayu , Raja Othman Raja Norashekin
Published: September 2019

Streets are essential elements of the form and function of the urban environment. A growing body of research has pointed out that the more human activities in the street, the more interesting the city will be. Streets showcase the community and connect people. They are the most comfortable social environments that provide aesthetical and interactional pleasure for everyone. This paper presents the outcomes of a study which measured street liveliness based on the attributes and behaviours of the pedestrians. The aim of this study was to examine how people experience the liveliness at various times for various activities on the street. To achieve this, the study applied a case study method by looking at one of the streets that showed a diversity of activities with a unique shopping experience and liveliness in Kuala Lumpur called Jalan Masjid India. The method involved two types of data collection techniques, which were site observations, and pedestrian counts. Results which consisted of behavioural mapping and activity analysis revealed that Jalan Masjid India has its own merits in terms of street liveliness, function, and urban activities.