bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Revisión de la figura de la diosa Hécate a través de sus asimilaciones
Authors: Rodríguez Valdés Pablo
Published: November 2020

En el ámbito de la filosofía neoplatónica de Proclo el Diádoco, representante destacado de la escuela de Atenas, la figura de la diosa Hécate es de una importancia fundamental, ya que se configura como elemento central de la tríada noérica que separa el Intelecto paterno del demiúrgico, del que manan la Virtud y el orden material de las cosas. Este planteamiento bebe directamente de los oráculos caldeos, un compendio fragmentario de respuestas divinas recopilado en época de Marco Aurelio (segunda mitad del siglo II), en el que Hécate aparece como diosa profética y de sumo poder. Para llegar a comprender cómo una entidad que nunca formó parte del panteón olímpico más extendido en época clásica o helenística llegó a ser uno de los seres más poderosos en la Antigüedad tardía, hace falta estudiar el complejo y rico proceso de asimilación y convergencia que experimentó con otras divinidades, gracias, sobre todo, a los cultos orientales y mistéricos y a la expansión del helenismo por el territorio egipcio. Así pues, el objeto del presente artículo es revisar la evolución del papel de la diosa Hécate desde una perspectiva diacrónica, estableciendo como límites el siglo VIII a.C. y elIV d.C. Si bien analizaremos los diversos testimonios literarios y epigráficos en los que sea mencionada, el centro de atención serán los Himnos órficos y el Papiro Mágico IV 2785- 2890, que permiten conocer de primera mano el proceso de asimilación producido.

In the context of the Neoplatonic philosophy of Proclus the Successor, a prominent representative of the school of Athens, the figure of the goddess Hecate is of fundamental importance, since it is configured as a central element of the noeric triad that separates the paternal Intellect from the demiurgic, from which the Virtue and the material order of things flow. This approach drinks directly from the Chaldaean oracles, a fragmentary compendium of divine responses compiled at the time of Marco Aurelio (second half of the second century), in which Hecate appears as a prophetic goddess of great power. In order to understand how an entity that was never part of the most widespread Olympic pantheon in Classical or Hellenistic times became one of the most powerful beings in Late Antiquity, it is necessary to study the complex and rich process of assimilation and convergence that it experienced with other divinities, thanks,above all, to the oriental and mystical cults and the expansion of Hellenism through the Egyptian territory.Thus, the purpose of this article is to review the evolution of the role of the goddess Hecate from a diachronic perspective, setting the eighth century B.C. as limits, and the fourth A.D. Although we will analyze the various literary and epigraphic testimoniesin which it is mentioned, but the focus will be the Orphic Hymns and the Magic PapyrusIV 2785-2890, which allow us to know first hand the assimilation process produced.
Il senex lepidus nel Miles gloriosus e oltre: l’eredità di Periplectomeno da Terenzio a Catullo
Authors: Aresi Laura
Published: November 2020

El artículo pretende investigar el uso del adjetivo lepidus en el Miles gloriosus, comenzando con el análisis del senex lepidus Periplectomenus y su aristia en 3.1. Se señalarán dos significadosde la palabra: por un lado, lepidus es la palabra clave que subraya la forma en que se alcanza el efecto cómico en la obra; por otro, representa una forma de vida e, indirectamente, un método de educación, como podemos observar en Los hermanos (Adelphoi ) de Terencio. Después de Plauto, este modelo será reutilizado activamente en la época republicana por Cicerón y Catulo antes de desaparecer en la época imperial, en la que las funciones y significados de lepidus se reducirán estrictamente y la palabra se empleará como marcadorpara introducir cuentos divertidos.

The article aims to investigate the use of the adjective lepidus in the Miles gloriosus, beginning with the analysis of the senex lepidus Periplectomenus and his aristia in 3.1. Two meanings of the word will be pointed out: on the one hand, lepidus ist the key-word that underlines the way by which the comic effect is reached in the play; on the other, it represents a way of life – and, indirectly, a method of education, as we can observe in Terence’s Adelphoi . After Plautus, this model will be actively reused in the republican age by Cicero and Catullus before disappearing in the imperial age, inininwhich, instead, the functions and meanings of lepidus will be strictly reduced and the word will be employed just as marker to introduce funny tales.
Healthy Eating Capability of One-person Households-The Effects of Eating Alone, Meal Types, and Dietary Lifestyles
Authors: Lee Seonglim , Choi Ilsook , Kim Junghoon
Published: November 2020

This study examined the effects of eating alone, meal type, and dietary lifestyles on healthy eating capability of one-person households. We analyzed the mediation effects of weekly frequencies of each meal type taken by oneperson households between eating habits such as eating alone and dietary lifestyles of one-person households and healthy eating capability. We also analyzed data from the 2019 Food Consumption Behavior Survey using a sample of 688 one-person households. Factor analysis, latent profile analysis, structural equation model analysis was conducted; direct and indirect effects of independent variables were tested using bootstrap method. The major results were as follows. Frequency of eating alone was about 10 times a week on average; one-person households had home-made meals about 12 times a week, for restaurant meals, 4 times, for delivered/take-out food, 0.39 times, and for other types, 0.44 times. Weekly frequencies of eating alone and meal types taken by one-person households were significantly different among the different socio-demographic groups. Dietary lifestyle was classified into four classes: traditional, health ignorant, food lifestyle ignorant, and balanced. Eating alone and dietary lifestyle had a significant effect on weekly frequency of each meal type. Frequencies of eating alone, balanced dietary lifestyle, and taking home-made meals had a positive direct effect on healthy eating capability, and frequency of taking delivered or take-out food and food consumption ignorant lifestyle had a negative direct effect. Eating alone, balanced and traditional dietary lifestyles had a positive indirect effect through the meal type; however, watching Mug-bang had a negative indirect effect.
The Difference in Consumers’ and Company Employees’ Perceptions of Consumer Boycotts and Analysis of the Factors Affecting Boycott Participation
Authors: Hong Ji Hyung , Hwang Hyesun
Published: November 2020

This study investigated how consumers and company employees differ in their perceptions of boycotts based on the co-orientation model. Regarding the reasons of boycotts, consumers take both consumer damage cases and unethical conduct equally seriously, while company employees take consumer damage cases more seriously than unethical conduct. Consumer perceptions of the necessity for boycotts was higher than company employees, while employees were more aware of the negative impact of boycotts than consumers. Based on the co-orientation model, we examined how consumers and employees estimate differences in their perceptions of boycotts. The results showed that consumers and company employees are not accurately aware of each other’s perceptions. Lastly, logistic regressions were conducted to identify the factors affecting three types of participation: online opinion expression, personal non-purchasing, and persuading other people to join the boycotts. The results showed that male consumers are more likely to participate in online opinion expression; consumer perceptions of effectiveness of boycotts and the perceived severity of consumer damage increase the likelihood of participation in online opinion expression. Consumer perceptions of the necessity of boycotts and their opinion leadership increased the likelihood of non-purchasing. Finally, consumers with higher opinion leadership and female consumers were more likely to encourage others to take part in boycotts. In addition, consumers are more likely to persuade others to join the boycotts if they have stronger beliefs that companies will not seriously consider consumer problems.
Information Exchange Going Digital – Challenges to Hungarian Competition Law Enforcement
Authors: Firniksz Judit , Dömötörfy Borbála
Published: November 2020

The aim of the paper is to present an insight into the challenges raised by digitalized and data-driven markets to competition policy and enforcement in the Big Data era. Focusing on the assessment of information exchange in the digitalized environment, traditional risk factors are analyized and it is argued that new risk factors can be identified. The paper provides an overview of relevant recent Hungarian case-law to examine the role of information exchange, taking place in a data environment that offers an increased amount of up-to-date and relevant market information for analysis. Further, the paper summarizes the enforcement responses to the demandside challenges raised by online platforms, user interfaces applying new approaches and practices that can directly influence consumer behavior. The consequence is drawn that the extended economic and IT-related argumentation may affect the nature of proceedings and some new phenomena, as the role of secondary intermediaries, integration of online and offline market segments open new fields for assessment.
Les consommateurs parlent aux consommateurs : exploration des mécanismes de co-création par la théorie de l’assemblage
Authors: Roederer Claire , Ochs Adeline , Badot Olivier
Published: November 2020

Les plateformes interactives d’entraide entre consommateurs (ou tchats communautaires) se multiplient sur les sites web des marques. Sur ces plateformes, des consommateurs se substituent aux marques, pour répondre à des questions posées à propos des marques par d’autres consommateurs. L’objectif de cet article est de comprendre les mécanismes de co-création et les trajectoires des individus (appelés coachs) qui s’investissent dans la durée sur ces plateformes. Nous mobilisons le cadre théorique de la plateforme comme assemblage et lieu de création interactionnelle (Ramaswany et Ozcan, 2018). L’analyse d’entretiens individuels avec des membres de la plateforme de tchat communautaire TokyWoky permet d’identifier quatre assemblages agenciels : « consommateurscoachs », « coachs-coachs », « coachs-TokyWoky », « coachs-marques ». Nous clarifions les modalités d’interactions entre assemblages qui expliquent les trajectoires de coachs en quatre étapes. Le rôle de la gamification dans la dynamique d’assemblage « coachs-coachs » est également analysé. Enfin, les enjeux propres à l’assemblage « coachs-marques » sont mis en avant pour que les marques optimisent le nouveau canal de communication qu’offre la plateforme. Mots-clés : plateformes interactives d’entraide, marques, co-création, gamification, théorie de l’agencement.
Songea Mbano and the ‘halfway dead’ of the Majimaji War (1905–7) in memory and theatre
Authors: LeGall Yann
Published: November 2020

Debates on the relevance of repatriation of indigenous human remains are water under the bridge today. Yet, a genuine will for dialogue to work through colonial violence is found lacking in the European public sphere. Looking at local remembrance of the Majimaji War (1905–7) in the south of Tanzania and a German–Tanzanian theatre production, it seems that the spectre of colonial headhunting stands at the heart of claims for repatriation and acknowledgement of this anti-colonial movement. The missing head of Ngoni leader Songea Mbano haunts the future of German–Tanzanian relations in heritage and culture. By staging the act of post-mortem dismemberment and foregrounding the perspective of descendants, the theatre production Maji Maji Flava offers an honest proposal for dealing with stories of sheer colonial violence in transnational memory.
Human remains, materiality and memorialisation
Authors: Gill Fiona
Published: November 2020

The display of human remains is a controversial issue in many contemporary societies, with many museums globally removing them from display. However, their place in genocide memorials is also contested. Objections towards the display of remains are based strongly in the social sciences and humanities, predicated on assumptions made regarding the relationship between respect, identification and personhood. As remains are displayed scientifically and anonymously, it is often argued that the personhood of the remains is denied, thereby rendering the person ‘within’ the remains invisible. In this article I argue that the link between identification and personhood is, in some contexts, tenuous at best. Further, in the context of Cambodia, I suggest that such analyses ignore the ways that local communities and Cambodians choose to interact with human remains in their memorials. In such contexts, the display of the remains is central to restoring their personhood and dignity.
MEASUREMENTS OF RESISTIVITY AND HALL EFFECT IN SILICON CARBIDE BY THE VAN DER PAUW METHOD
Authors: FUNG SI-CHI  , LOG BIN-CHANG  , TON FU-DI  , CHANG YEN-SING  , HONG FU-GUN  , TAM HOA-YEN  ,   中国科学院
Published: November 2020

Measurements of electrical properties using the Van der Pauw technique have been made on the n-type and p-type silicon carbide single crystals and epitaxial layer having resistivity from 10-3 to 102 ohm-cm. Experiments on the selection of measuring conditions and comparison between the Van der Pauw method and the conventional method have been performed. It is found that the magnitude and stability of contact resistance greatly affect the measuring results. Among the pressure contacts studied, indium contact has the lowest contact resistance, while copper, tin, and phosphor-bronze contacts must be electrically formed before use. With different electrode materials and sample currents, the deviation of values obtained is about 2%. It is suggested that the sample current should be chosen in accordance with the resistivity and contact resistance of the specific sample. As compared with the conventional method, the Van der Pauw method can give higher precision and reproducibility. High temperature electrical properties of silicon carbide single crystals have been measured in a temperature range from room temperature to 1000°K, and the ionization energy of nitrogen donors is found to be 0.056 eV. Anomalous phenomena that result in experimental errors and their origins are discussed.
Traffic signal coordination control along oversaturated two-way arterials
Authors: Xu Haitao , Zhuo Zuozhang , Chen Jing , Fang Xujian
Published: November 2020

As an effective method to alleviate traffic congestion, traffic signal coordination control has been applied in many cities to manage queues and to regulate traffic flow under oversaturated traffic condition. However, the previous methods are usually based on two hypotheses. One is that traffic demand is constant. The other assumes that the velocity of vehicle is immutable when entering the downstream section. In the paper, we develop a novel traffic coordination control method to control the traffic flow along oversaturated two-way arterials without both these hypotheses. The method includes two modules: intersection coordination control and arterial coordination control. The green time plan for all intersections can be obtained by the module of intersection coordination control. The module of arterial coordination control can optimize offset plan for all intersections along oversaturated two-way arterials. The experiment results verify that the proposed method can effectively control the queue length under the oversaturated traffic state. In addition, the delay in this method can be decreased by 5.4% compared with the existing delay minimization method and 13.6% compared with the traffic coordination control method without offset optimization. Finally, the proposed method can balance the delay level of different links along oversaturated arterial, which can directly reflect the efficiency of the proposed method on the traffic coordination control under oversaturated traffic condition.
Two new species of Tardigrada from moss cushions (Grimmia sp.) in a xerothermic habitat in northeast Tennessee (USA, North America), with the first identification of males in the genus Viridiscus
Authors: Nelson Diane R. , Adkins Fletcher Rebecca , Guidetti Roberto , Roszkowska Milena , Grobys Daria , Kaczmarek Łukasz
Published: November 2020

Background

The phylum Tardigrada consists of over 1,300 species that inhabit terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments throughout the world. In terrestrial habitats they live primarily in mosses, lichens, leaf litter and soil, whereas tardigrades in freshwater and marine environments are mainly found in sediments and on aquatic plants. More than 65 species have been previously reported in the state of Tennessee, USA.

Methods

Tardigrades present in moss cushions (Grimmia sp.) collected from a xerothermic habitat on the East Tennessee State University campus, Johnson City, TN, USA, were extracted, mounted on slides, identified, and counted. Additional samples of fresh dried moss were used for integrative analyses, including morphological analysis with phase contrast (PCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), as well as molecular analyses of COI, 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, and ITS-2 of the Macrobiotus and Milnesium species.

Results

Five species were found, including two species new to science: Viridiscus miraviridis sp. nov. and Macrobiotus basiatus sp. nov. Viridiscus miraviridis sp. nov. differs from other members of the genus mainly by having a different type of dorsal cuticle and some other, more subtle, morphometric characters. In addition to the two new species, Viridiscus perviridis and Viridiscus viridissimus were present, and males of Vir. viridissimus were found for the first time, the first record of males in the genus Viridiscus. Macrobiotus basiatus sp. nov. is most similar to Macrobiotus nelsonae, but it differs from Mac. nelsonae mainly by the stylet supports being situated in a more anterior position, shorter and narrower egg processes, and a smaller number of areoles around the egg processes. Moreover, the identification of Milnesium inceptum was confirmed as the first record for the USA by analysis of COI.
Identifying MMP14 and COL12A1 as a potential combination of prognostic biomarkers in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma using integrated bioinformatics analysis
Authors: Ding Jingyi , Liu Yanxi , Lai Yu
Published: November 2020

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a fatal malignant neoplasm. It is necessary to improve the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanisms and identify the key genes and signaling pathways involved in PDAC.

Methods

The microarray datasets GSE28735, GSE62165, and GSE91035 were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified by integrated bioinformatics analysis, including protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses. The PPI network was established using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape software. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analyses were performed using the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery. Hub genes were validated via the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis tool (GEPIA) and the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) website.

Results

A total of 263 DEGs (167 upregulated and 96 downregulated) were common to the three datasets. We used STRING and Cytoscape software to establish the PPI network and then identified key modules. From the PPI network, 225 nodes and 803 edges were selected. The most significant module, which comprised 11 DEGs, was identified using the Molecular Complex Detection plugin. The top 20 hub genes, which were filtered by the CytoHubba plugin, comprised FN1, COL1A1, COL3A1, BGN, POSTN, FBN1, COL5A2, COL12A1, THBS2, COL6A3, VCAN, CDH11, MMP14, LTBP1, IGFBP5, ALB, CXCL12, FAP, MATN3, and COL8A1. These genes were validated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Genotype–Tissue Expression (GTEx) databases, and the encoded proteins were subsequently validated using the HPA website. The GO analysis results showed that the most significantly enriched biological process, cellular component, and molecular function terms among the 20 hub genes were cell adhesion, proteinaceous extracellular matrix, and calcium ion binding, respectively. The KEGG pathway analysis showed that the 20 hub genes were mainly enriched in ECM–receptor interaction, focal adhesion, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, and protein digestion and absorption. These findings indicated that FBN1 and COL8A1 appear to be involved in the progression of PDAC. Moreover, patient survival analysis performed via the GEPIA using TCGA and GTEx databases demonstrated that the expression levels of COL12A1 and MMP14 were correlated with a poor prognosis in PDAC patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The results demonstrated that upregulation of MMP14 and COL12A1 is associated with poor overall survival, and these might be a combination of prognostic biomarkers in PDAC.
Study of Patients with Pseudoexfoliation Syndrome Undergoing Manual Small Incision Cataract Surgery in a Teaching Hospital
Authors: Joshi Ajit K. , Konduskar Rasika D. , Kalita Krishangee
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

To discuss preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative considerations and techniques for manual small incision cataract surgery in pseudoexfoliation (PXF) syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was carried out in the ophthalmology department of a tertiary hospital from March 2019 to August 2019. Patients with cataract associated with PXF without glaucoma were included in this study. All patients underwent a complete ophthalmologic evaluation, including slit-lamp examination, tonometry, gonioscopy, and ophthalmoscopy before the surgery. Manual small incision cataract surgery(SICS) with posterior chamber intraocular lens were performed by a single surgeon who reported the intraoperative difficulties. Patients were followed up on day 1, day 7 and 1 month when they underwent visual acuity testing, IOP measurement and detailed slit-lamp examination.

Results:

Study included 25 eyes with PXF undergoing SICS. All cases were above 61 years of age, out of which 64% were females. Morphologically nuclear cataract (52%) was the most commonly observed. The most common intra-operative difficulty was poor pupillary dilation in 36% cases. One patient underwent anterior chamber intraocular lens (ACIOL) implantation and 1 patient underwent scleral fixated intraocular lens(SFIOL) implantation. There was no significant difference in the pre and post operative IOP, but post operative (1 month) intraocular pressure (IOP) was less than pre-op IOP (p=0.4). Post-operatively after 1 month 80% patients had best corrected visual acuity between 6/12 to 6/6. Majority of the patients (84%) had associated systemic illnesses like Diabetes Mellitus, Hypertension and Parkinsonism.

Conclusion:

The present study highlights the importance of proper preoperative preparation, modification of the intraoperative techniques like sphincterotomy and close postoperative follow-up in cases of PXF syndrome undergoing manual SICS to achieve favorable visual outcomes.
Optic Nerve Head Parameters and Macular Thickness Analysis by Optical Coherence Tomography in Presenile Patients After Cataract Surgery
Authors: Sultana Nasima , Ahmed Sultana Jesmin , Hasan Kamal , Siddique Mir Alam , Baqtiyar Sheema , Hassan Md Yamin
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

This study aimed to investigate whether cataract surgery has got any effect on measurements of optic nerve head (ONH) parameters and central macular thickness (CMT) using optical coherence tomography (OCT) in presenile patients.

Methods:

This study consisted of 18 women and 14 men aged 40-55 years having immature cataract with no previous history of ocular surgery, trauma, eye diseases, and ocular laser procedures. All patients underwent phacoemulsification surgery. Macular thickness and ONH analysis was performed by means of six radial scans centred on the optic disc (fast optic disc acquisition protocol). ONH parameters included rim area, cup area, disc area, cup/disc area ratio, and disc diameter. OCT measurements of operated eyes were done preoperatively, on postoperative day one, day 14, 6 weeks and 24 weeks after surgery using FMT and ONH protocol of OCT. SPSS v 15 (SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) software was used for the statistical analysis. FMT and ONH parameters were compared with the help of paired sample t – test.

Results:

The macular thickness after phacoemulsification (PHACO) was highest at 6 weeks with a mean value of221.06±24.36μm. This resolved to near normal value at 24 weeks with mean thickness of 195.73±21.62μm. While analyzing ONH parameters, rim area was 1.50 ± 0.38 mm2 preoperatively which increased significantly in 2nd week (1.67±0.42, p<0.05), 6th week (1.60±0.44, p<0.005) and 24th week (1.57±0.43, p<0.005). Cup area decreased significantly during the 2nd postoperative week (1.17±0.44mm2, p<0.005), 6th week (1.32±0.45mm2, p<0.005) and 24th week (1.31±0.45mm2, p<0.005) in comparison to preoperative value (1.53±0.60mm2, p<0.005). There was significant reduction of cup/disc area ratio after the cataract surgery during the 2nd week (0.40±0.14, p<0.005), 6th week (0.46±0.15, p<0.005) and 24th week (0.47±0.15, p<0.005) in comparison to the cup/disc area ratio prior to surgery (0.49±0.14). There was no statistically significant change in the disc diameter and disc area.

Conclusions:

Phacoemulsification surgery in presenile cataract causes progressive increase in macular thickness till 6th week which get resolved towards 24 weeks. It causes significant ONH changes with increase in the rim area, reduction in cup area and cup disc area ratio.
Bilateral Lateral Rectus Palsy Following Dengue Fever: A Rare Case Report
Authors: Meena Manisha , Meena Rajesh Kumar , Chauhan Arvind
Published: November 2020

A 25 year old male was diagnosed with bilateral lateral rectus palsy following dengue fever. The patient was managed accordingly, and full ocular recovery was observed. However, abducens nerve involvement, manifesting with lateral rectus palsy following is so rare. Cases with unilateral lateral rectus palsy with dengue has been documented but bilateral lateral rectus palsy following dengue fever were never documented in previous literature.
The Delivery of Technology-Mediated Affirmative Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Groups to LGBTQ+ Youth During a Pandemic: A Practice Innovation
Authors: Craig Shelley L. , Iacono Gio , Pascoe Rachael
Published: November 2020

AFFIRM, an empirically based affirmative CBT intervention was adapted and delivered virtually to LGBTQ+ youth as a rapid response to their exacerbated mental health vulnerabilities due to Covid-19. Key innovations that enabled the transition to technology-mediated groups—leveraging technology, engaging effectively, and facilitating groupwork—are detailed.
GC-MS Characterization of Unsweetened and Sweetened “Kunun-zaki” Beverage and Pulp
Authors: Efiong Esienanwan Esien , Nwaedozie Jonathan Maduka , Ubhenin Abraham Ehinomhen , Ndung Emmanuel Hala Kwon-
Published: November 2020

Aims: To characterize unsweetened and sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink/pulp using GC-MS.

Study Design: The experimental groups were divided into four: unsweetened “kunun-zaki” drink, sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink, unsweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp and sweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp respectively.

Place of Study: Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Lafia, Nasarawa State and Central Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Methodology: The processes involved sorting, cleaning, soaking, decanting, washing, milling, gelatinization, fermentation, and sieving. Unsweetened “kunun-zaki” beverage was made from millet, sorghum, soybean, dried sweet potatoes, germinated rice, ginger, and cloves. The same process was followed for the sweetened variety, with addition of dried dates. After sieving to collect “kunun-zaki” beverage, the remnant was the pulp. Hydrodistillation and Soxhlet apparatus were used to extract the essential oils, and fatty acids respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters of the samples were then analysed using GC-MS.

Results: The GC chromatogram identified three constituents in unsweetened “kunun-zaki” drink. The dominant constituents were 9,12-octadecadienenoic acid (z,)- (73.36%), and n-hexadecanoic acid (19.31%). Eleven compounds were identified in sweetened “kunun-zaki” drink. The most abundant was 9, 12-octadecadienoic acid (Z,Z)- 54.062%, followed by n-hexadecanoic acid (17.278%). Twenty-one peaks corresponding to eighteen compounds were detected in unsweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp. The dominant constituents were gingerol (20.262%), 1H-3a,7-methanoazulene,2,3,4,7,8,8a-hexahydro-3,6,8,8-teramethyl-,[3R-(3α,3aβ,7 β,8aα)]- (19.925%),  2-Butanone,4-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)- (15.59%), and cedrene (10.977%). For sweetened “kunun-zaki” pulp, four compounds were detected. The dominant compounds being 9,12-octadecadienoic acid (z,z)- (68.664%), n-hexadecanoic acid (18.654%), and oleic acid (10.199%).

Conclusion: The results showed safe fatty acid profile of all samples for different health status. Other components showed bioactivities with significant health benefits. This study identified compounds which validate the medicinal claims of “kunun-zaki.” This is the first documentation of GC-MS profiling of “kunun-zaki” parts.
Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) and Transparency in Government Payroll Administration in Nigerian Civil Service: A Unique Approach
Authors: Kaoje Abdulsalam Nasiru, , Nabila Kabir, , Idris Sani, , Gambarawa Jafaru Abdu, , Ubandawaki Lawal Ibrahim
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the effect of Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS) on transparency in Government Payroll Administration in Nigerian civil service. A descriptive cross-sectional survey research design was used in form of questionnaire administered to illicit information from the respondents, which provides generalized opinions/statistics from the number of individual cases. The population of the study covers 100 Treasury Staff of the Office of Accountant General of The Federation Working at Federal Pay Office, Sokoto and Federal Pay Office Birnin Kebbi. Census was adopted, and as such sampling represents the population. Data was collected and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 21. The findings from test of hypothesis of this paper revealed a significant moderate positive relationship between IPPIS, Transparency and Accountability. Hence, the null hypothesis which states that there is no significant relationship between IPPIS and transparency in government payroll administration in Federal Civil Service in Nigeria is rejected and the alternate hypothesis is accepted. The paper recommends that Government should strengthened the internal control mechanism of IPPIS so as to continuously detect and block any loopholes that will give room for fraud as well as carrying out routine Audit and Inspection of the program so as to ensure strict compliance with laid down rules and regulations governing the operation of IPPIS, coupled with compliance with the provisions of Financial Regulations and the Civil Service Rules.
ICT in Facilitating Tertiary-level English: A Note on the Prospect of BSMRSTU
Authors: Alam Mahbub , Islam Md. Rakibul , Akteruzzaman Md.
Published: November 2020

Bangladesh has three basic levels of education: primary, secondary, and tertiary. English is taught as a mandatory subject/course at all levels. This is the only language through which people can get information from one part of the world to another. The 21st century has witnessed tremendous growth in information technology. Technology is used in medicine, business, agriculture, airlines, education, and what not. The government of Bangladesh enacted a policy in 2009 to use ICT for multivariate purposes. The policy makers aspire to impart education at all levels through the use of modern technology. This is why the curriculum has been updated. CALL (Computer-assisted language learning) and MALL (Mobile-assisted language learning) have become generic approaches in teaching and learning. To teach English, several computer-based programs and mobile-based applications can be utilized. This paper investigates the prospects of such measures in the context of BSMRSTU (Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University). Participants were selected from the students of foundational English courses who are taught using the traditional classroom set-up. Through interviews and focused group discussions, the study diagnoses some pressing pedagogical problems that hinder effective teaching and learning and proposes that technology can be a probable solution in this regard.
In vitro Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 by Calcium Bentonite Clay Supplementation in Aflatoxigenic Mould Contaminated Feeds for Nile Tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Olokkaran Remisha , Mathew Saleena
Published: November 2020

Aflatoxins are toxic, carcinogenic secondary metabolites mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus fungi that is often detected in food and agricultural commodities. Calcium bentonite clay has been used historically as an anti-caking agent and a feed binder and demonstrated the ability to bind aflatoxins. Feed samples were prepared for Nile tilapia to determineaflatoxin detoxification properties of calcium bentonite clay. 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% of this clay was incorporated into Aspergillus flavus contaminated feed and labeled as TF1, TF2, TF3, TF4, and TF5 respectively. The determination and quantification of aflatoxins produced by the fungus in the feed samples were carried out by HPTLC method. The RF values of all the feed samples were confirmed to be the presence of aflatoxin B1 and AFB2, G1 and G2 toxins were not found in any of the samples. Results from this study revealed that the calcium bentonite clay at 2% effectively reduced AFB1 toxin by its adsorption properties. Moreover, calcium bentonite clay improved water stability, water absorption rate with minimal disintegration and nutrients leaching of feed samples in water.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Caregivers’ of People with Schizophrenia towards the Illness: A Cross-Sectional Study from a Regional Psychiatric Hospital in Nigeria
Authors: Blessing E. A. Uteh , Sunday O. Olotu , Joyce O. Omoaregba , Bawo O. James
Published: November 2020

Aim: To ascertain the attitudes of caregivers of patients with schizophrenia comprising their knowledge of the illness and social distance towards people with the illness.

Study Design: A cross sectional study design.

Place and Duration of Study: Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Edo State, Nigeria, between April and July 2015.

Methodology: A systematic random sample of caregiver/patient dyads (n=281) were recruited. Caregivers were administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and, a brief interview on their knowledge of the aetiological factors, treatment for schizophrenia and level of social distance towards people with schizophrenia. Patients were administered a socio-demographic questionnaire and the PANSS.

Results: Three hundred and forty-one caregivers were approached but 281 gave consent and participated in the study (response rate was 82%, level of significance value was set at p<0.05 and 95% confidence interval was used). Among the 281 caregivers surveyed, 22.7% mostly ascribed psychosocial cause for schizophrenia, their level of knowledge of schizophrenia was generally average (49.5%). More than two-thirds of the caregivers reported high social distancing. Better attitudes to schizophrenia among caregivers was significantly associated with caregivers who were unemployed (p<0.03) and caregivers whose patients’ had at least 12 years of formal education (p<0.01).

Conclusion: Average knowledge of disease aetiology among caregivers was associated with high social distancing. Qualitative studies are required to explore the interactions of these identified factors.
Positron Emission Tomography /Computed Tomography Follow-Up in Patients with Gastrointestinal Tract Malignancies
Authors: Eltahan Abdellatief Mohammed Khairy , Din Mohamad Abd El-Hamid Alm El- , Aziz Alsiagy Ali Abdel- , Mashaly Emad Mohamad
Published: November 2020

Background: PET/CT has an increasing role in the oncology field, including GIT. The role of PET/CT is more significant in the follow-up than initial staging and diagnosis as it helps in therapy assessment and detects recurrence and metastasis. In esophageal cancer, it helps by detecting the distant metastasis and discover synchronous neoplasm. Also, it is acclaimed to help in early detection of the response of the patient to chemo and radiotherapy. In the follow-up, it may be useful to detect recurrence. PET/CT has a minimal role in gastric cancer, as it shows no superiority over C.T. alone. For Colorectal Cancer, PET/CT has a good value in cases of suspected liver or lung metastasis and local recurrence after surgery. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of PET/CT on treatment decision & follow-up of patients with gastrointestinal tract malignancies.

Methods: This study is a cross-sectional study and was done retrospectively by collecting data and records of 47 GIT malignancy patients who underwent PET/CT during or after treatment. At PET/CT unit, Diagnostic Radiology Department in Educational hospitals - Tanta University between July 2015 and December 2017.

Results: The patients were mainly colorectal in the site and primarily adenocarcinoma in type. We found that 27.7% of cases treatment plans were influenced by the PET/CT results, the percentage is highest with colon cancer (40%) then rectal cancer (25%), and our few esophageal, gastric, intestinal malignancies cases have shown no influence which is due to a small number of cases. PET/CT seems to have the best add value in patients with colorectal cancer with metastasis with a 66.7% change in treatment plans. Six patients had inconclusive results of PET/CT due to scan limitations.

Conclusion: Relying on PET/CT in clinical decisions in esophageal or gastric cancer is not encouraged unless in case of clinical or imaging suspicion of recurrence. On the other hand, PET/CT is useful in detecting post-treatment metastasis and local recurrence in colorectal cancer.
Stenting versus Pharmacological Therapy in Treatment of Single Vessel Intermediate Culprit Lesion Stenosis in Acute St-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Shalaby Hazem K. , Saied Ayman Mohammed El , Kasem Hanan , Salama Mai , Badr Seham Fahmy
Published: November 2020

Background: Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation has been the standard therapy in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. Compared with medical treatment alone, stent implanting can achieve larger lumen gain and helps to reduce the re-occlusion risk of the infarct-related artery.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of stenting of single vessel intermediate culprit lesion stenosis to pharmacological treatment alone in acute STEMI patients.

Methods: This study was prospective comparative interventional case series. It included 60 patients admitted to coronary care unit of our University hospital with acute STEMI. All patients were subjected to detailed history taking, clinical examination, 12 leads ECG, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization and angiography (TIMI flow and corrected TIMI frame count (CTFC) was reported. Patients selected were those with intermediate culprit lesion (40-70%) single vessel stenosis.

Patients were divided into 2 groups:

Group A: 30 patients who underwent stenting of the culprit lesion in addition to standard pharmacological treatment.

Group B: 30 patients who received pharmacological treatment and no stenting (Glycoprotein II b/IIIa inhibitor in addition to the standard pharmacological treatment).

Patients were followed up for 12 months and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were reported (death, myocardial infarction, coronary re-vascularization, stroke and hospitalization because of heart failure).

Results: 63.3% of group A patients reported complete ST segment resolution versus 30% of group B (P=0.034). TIMI Flow showed statistically significant difference in group A compared to group B regarding (P value=0.005) Group A reported slow fast blood flow (CTFC<60) in 1 patient (3.3%) while in group B it was reported in 5 patients (16%). There was a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups regarding CTFC (P value=0.029). At 12 months follow up, MACE were reported in one patient of group A versus 4 patients of group B (P value >0.05).

Conclusion: Stent implantation reported better immediate efficacy and safety results among acute STEMI patients with single vessel intermediate culprit lesion stenosis and favourable effects in reducing MACE.
The Impact of Rewards on Employee Performance: A Study of Commercial Banks in Noakhali Region
Authors: Jeni Fatema Akter , Mutsuddi Prantika , Das Shaily , Momotaj .
Published: November 2020

Rewards are benefits that come from performing a job, providing a service, or performing a duty. Rewards are one of the most important tools to encourage employees in the workplace. The goal of the reward system is to deliver positive results. The purpose of the study was to examine and analyze how the rewards system of the banking sector in Bangladesh helps employees to acquire work skills. The aim was to find out which aspects of the reward system work best and which aspects can be further improved and enhanced to increase employee satisfaction. The experimental part of the project was conducted using a quantitative research method. The size of the sample was 80. Data was collected with the help of questionnaires issued to the respondents working as ban bankers. The questionnaire consists of nine variables that are being used as rewards for employees. Frequency tables and graphs based on descriptive statistics were used in the study to provide information about variables in the population. The result shows that the mean for salary evaluation, bonus, benefit, promotion, recognition, career, responsibility learning opportunity from a low 2.82 to a high of 4.02. The responses of salary evaluation, benefit, promotion, career advancement show that employees consider this factor slightly important than factors as mean value is greater than 3.5. The standard deviation of promotion and responsibility shows that these variables have extensive responses than their mean as value indicates 0.98 and 0.94 respectively. The results of the study revealed how employees responded to current reward systems. The results conclude that reward systems have a significant effect on employees' attitudes toward work. The study suggested improving the reward system of companies to increase the level of satisfaction among employees.
Computational Exploration of Potential Polo-Like Kinase 1 Inhibitors as New Chemotherapeutic Agents
Authors: Alamri Mubarak A. , Alafnan Ahmed D.
Published: November 2020

Background and Objective: Polo like kinase-1 (PLK-1) enzyme belongs to serine/threonine protein kinase family that is regarded as a principle mitotic controller of G2-M phase transition. The antimitotic therapies are a cornerstone for the treatment of metastatic as well as benign cancer. Therefore, PLK-1 has recently gained much interest in the field of targeting it by novel and effective inhibitors.

Materials and Methods: The present study described the used of pharmacophore modelling based on the potent and selective clinical agent, Volasertib and followed by hybrid selection of a kinase inhibitors databank of 4800 diverse compounds by pharmacophore- and docking-based virtual screening.

Results: The retrieved hits were filtered on the bases of their pharmacophore-fit scores, docking binding affinity scores, ADME-T profiles as well as ligand quality assessments. Among the five hit compounds that fulfil the criterion, three compounds, Z1991791422, Z56115729 and Z1991791176 were selected for binding dynamic analyses by molecular dynamic simulation. The Z1991791422 and Z56115729 compounds illustrated stable binding behaviours at the proposed binding site. Conclusion: Thus, these compounds might emerge as potent inhibitors of PLK1 and could be applied as seeds for designing better PLK1 inhibitors in near future.
Excluding the most vulnerable from equitable care: NY's ‘deal with Indivior’
Authors: Waldman Justine
Published: November 2020

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, New York state made a deal with Indivior, maker of Suboxone, to save money, at the risk of harming more people in the state living with opioid use disorder (OUD). This decision presents a major challenge for people with OUD, especially in the midst of a worsening opioid epidemic that is compounded by the COVID‐19 pandemic. Buprenorphine, a critical component of the drug Suboxone, is a life‐saving medication for people with OUD. It works by having a high affinity for the receptor that binds opiates — thereby kicking other opiates (fentanyl, heroin) off, and reducing the likelihood of overdose. Once on the receptor, the patient does not feel cravings or withdrawal. Unlike a regular opiate, buprenorphine has a ceiling effect that means it is very unlikely to cause an overdose.
A Hierarchical Janus Nanofibrous Membrane Combining Direct Osteogenesis and Osteoimmunomodulatory Functions for Advanced Bone Regeneration
Authors: Wang Qian , Feng Yunbo , He Min , Zhao Weifeng , Qiu Li , Zhao Changsheng
Published: November 2020

An ideal guided bone regeneration membrane (GBRM) is expected not only to perform barrier function, but also to enhance osteogenesis and resist bacteria infection. However, currently available membranes have limited bioactivities. To address this challenge, a Janus GBRM (JGM) is designed and fabricated by sequential fractional electrospinning here. The random gelatin fibers loaded with hydroxyapatite (HAP) are designed as the inner face to promote the osteoblasts’ adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation, meanwhile the aligned poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanofibers loaded with poly(methacryloxyethyltrimethyl ammonium chloride‐co‐2‐Aminoethyl 2‐methylacrylate hydrochloride) (P(DMC‐AMA)) are designed as the outer layer to resist epithelia invasion and bacterial infection. In vitro assays reveal that the inner face displays enhanced osteogenic effects, meanwhile the outer surface can regulate the epithelia to spread along the aligned direction and kill the contacted bacteria. Interestingly, the outer face can induce macrophages to polarize toward the M2 phenotype, thus manipulating a favorable osteoimmune environment. These results suggest that the JGM simultaneously meets the critical requirements of barrier, osteogenic, antibacterial, and osteoimmunomodulatory functions. Consequently, the JGM shows better in vivo bone tissue regeneration performance than the commercial Bio‐Gide membrane. This work provides a novel platform to design multi‐functional membranes/scaffolds, displaying great potential applications in tissue engineering.