bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rehabilitation status of children with cerebral palsy in Bangladesh: Findings from the Bangladesh Cerebral Palsy Register
Authors: Al Imam Mahmudul Hassan , Jahan Israt , Das Manik Chandra , Muhit Mohammad , Smithers-Sheedy Hayley , McIntyre Sarah , Badawi Nadia , Khandaker Gulam
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the rehabilitation status and factors associated with rehabilitation service utilisation among children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Bangladesh.

Materials and methods

This is a population-based surveillance study conducted among children with CP registered in the Bangladesh CP Register (BCPR), the first population-based register of children with CP aged <18 years (y) in Bangladesh. Children with CP were identified from the community using the key informant method and underwent a detailed neurodevelopmental assessment. Socio-demographic, clinical and rehabilitation status were documented. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses with a 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify potential predictors of rehabilitation service uptake.

Results

Between January 2015 and December 2019, 2852 children with CP were registered in the BCPR (mean (standard deviation, SD) age: 7 y 8 months (mo) (4 y 7 mo), 38.5% female). Of these, 50.2% had received rehabilitation services; physiotherapy was the most common type of service (90.0%). The mean (SD) age at commencement of rehabilitation services was 3 y 10 mo (3 y 1 mo). The odds of not receiving rehabilitation was significantly higher among female children (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.3 [95% CI: 1.0–1.7], children whose mothers were illiterate and primary level completed (aOR 2.1 [95% CI: 1.4–3.1] and aOR 1.5 [95% CI: 1.1–2.1], respectively), fathers were illiterate (aOR 1.9 [95% CI: 1.3–2.8]), had a monthly family income ~US$ 59–118 (aOR: 1.8 [95% CI: 1.2–2.6]), had hearing impairment (aOR: 2.3 [95% CI: 1.5–3.5]) and motor severity (i.e. Gross Motor Function Classification System level III (aOR: 0.6 [95% CI: 0.3–0.9]) and level V (aOR: 0.4 [95% CI: 0.2–0.7])).

Conclusions

Rehabilitation status was poor among the majority of the children with CP in the BCPR cohort, limiting their opportunities for functional improvement. A community-based rehabilitation model focusing on socio-demographic and clinical characteristics should be a public health priority in Bangladesh.
Incidence and risk factors of C. trachomatis and N. gonorrhoeae among young women from the Western Cape, South Africa: The EVRI study
Authors: Jongen Vita W. , Schim van der Loeff Maarten F. , Botha Matthys H. , Sudenga Staci L. , Abrahamsen Martha E. , Giuliano Anna R.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Young women in South Africa are highly affected by sexually transmitted infections (STI), likeC.trachomatis(CT) andN.gonorrhoeae(NG). We aimed to estimate the incidence of CT and NG, and its determinants, among young women from the Western Cape, South Africa, participating in an HPV vaccine trial (the EVRI study).

Methods

HIV-negative women aged 16–24 years were enrolled between October 2012 and July 2013. At enrolment and month 6 participants were screened for CT and NG (Anyplex CT/NG real-time detection method). A questionnaire on demographic and sexual history characteristics was completed at enrolment and month 7. Treatment for CT and/or NG was offered to infected participants. Incidence rates (IR) of CT and NG were estimated. Determinants of incident CT and NG infections were assessed using Poisson regression.

Results

365 women were tested for CT and/or NG at least twice. Prevalence of CT and NG at baseline was 33.7% and 10.4%, respectively. Prevalence of co-infection with CT and NG was 7.1%. During 113.3 person-years (py), 48 incident CT infections were diagnosed (IR = 42.4 per 100 py, 95% confidence interval (CI) 31.9–56.2). Twenty-nine incident NG were diagnosed during 139.3 py (IR = 20.8 per 100 py, 95%CI 14.5–29.9). Prevalent CT infection at baseline was associated with incident CT (adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 5.8, 95%CI 3.0–11.23. More than three lifetime sex partners increased the risk for incident NG (3–4 partners aIRR = 7.3, 95%CI 2.1–26.0; ≥5 partners aIRR = 4.3, 95%CI 1.1–17.5).

Conclusions

The IR of bacterial STIs among young women in the Western Cape is very high. Besides being previously infected and a higher lifetime number of sex partners, no other risk factors were found for CT and NG, suggesting that the majority of these women were at risk. This indicates the need for intensified prevention of STIs as well as screening and treatment programs to increase sexual health in this region.
The decomposition process and nutrient release of invasive plant litter regulated by nutrient enrichment and water level change
Authors: Yang Ruirui , Dong Junyu , Li Changchao , Wang Lifei , Quan Quan , Liu Jian
Published: May 2021

Wetlands are vulnerable to plant invasions and the decomposition of invasive plant litter could make impacts on the ecosystem services of wetlands including nutrient cycle and carbon sequestration. However, few studies have explored the effects of nutrient enrichment and water level change on the decomposition of invasive plant litter. In this study, we conducted a control experiment using the litterbag method to compare the decomposition rates and nutrient release in the litter of an invasive plantAlternanthera philoxeroidesin three water levels and two nutrient enrichment treatments. This study found that the water level change and nutrient enrichment showed significant effects on the litter decomposition and nutrient dynamic ofA.philoxeroides. The increase of water level significantly reduced the decomposition rate and nutrient release of litter in the nutrient control treatment, whereas no clear relationship was observed in the nutrient enrichment treatment, indicating that the effect of water level change on litter decomposition might be affected by nutrient enrichment. At the late stage of decomposition, the increase of phosphorus (P) concentration and the decrease of the ratio of carbon to P suggested that the decomposition of invasive plant litter was limited by P. Our results suggest that controlling P enrichment in water bodies is essential for the management of invasive plant and carbon sequestration of wetlands. In addition, the new index we proposed could provide a basis for quantifying the impact of invasive plant litter decomposition on carbon cycle in wetlands.
Clinical judgment model-based nursing simulation scenario for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A mixed methods study
Authors: Jang AeRi , Park Hyunyoung
Published: May 2021

Assisting patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a crucial role for nurses, and as future nurses, students should demonstrate sound clinical judgment. Well-structured, high-quality simulations are useful alternatives to prepare students for clinical practice. However, nursing simulation scenarios focused on enhancing clinical judgment in managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding are limited. This study aims to develop, apply, and evaluate an effective nursing simulation scenario for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding based on Tanner’s clinical judgment model using a mixed methods study design. A high-fidelity patient simulation was conducted among 80 undergraduate nursing students divided into a simulated control group (n = 39) and an experimental group (n = 41). Subsequent student performance evaluations used questionnaires and video recordings. After scenario simulations, the students showed a statistically significant increase in theoretical knowledge (p = 0.001) and clinical performance skills (p < 0.001), but there was no significant increase in self-confidence (p = 0.291). According to the video analysis, the “noticing” clinical judgment phase was the most frequently observed phase, while “reflection” was the least frequently observed phase. Additionally, “education” was the most frequently observed nursing domain, and “anxiety” was the least frequently observed domain. Although further simulation repetitions are required to reinforce students’ self-confidence when caring for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the scenario was deemed effective. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on developing various scenarios to strengthen students’ clinical judgment skills, especially “reflecting” and “emotional care.”
Travel time to emergency care not by geographic time, but by optimal time: A nationwide cross-sectional study for establishing optimal hospital access time to emergency medical care in South Korea
Authors: Jang Won Mo , Lee Juyeon , Eun Sang Jun , Yim Jun , Kim Yoon , Kwak Mi Young
Published: May 2021

Increase in travel time, beyond a critical point, to emergency care may lead to a residential disparity in the outcome of patients with acute conditions. However, few studies have evaluated the evidence of travel time benchmarks in view of the association between travel time and outcome. Thus, this study aimed to establish the optimal hospital access time (OHAT) for emergency care in South Korea. We used nationwide healthcare claims data collected by the National Health Insurance System database of South Korea. Claims data of 445,548 patients who had visited emergency centers between January 1, 2006 and December 31, 2014 were analyzed. Travel time, by vehicle from the residence of the patient, to the emergency center was calculated. Thirteen emergency care–sensitive conditions (ECSCs) were selected by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The 30-day mortality after discharge was set as the outcome measure of emergency care. A change-point analysis was performed to identify the threshold where the mortality of ECSCs changed significantly. The differences in risk-adjusted mortality between patients living outside of OHAT and those living inside OHAT were evaluated. Five ECSCs showed a significant threshold where the mortality changed according to their OHAT. These were intracranial injury, acute myocardial infarction, other acute ischemic heart disease, fracture of the femur, and sepsis. The calculated OHAT were 71–80 min, 31–40 min, 70–80 min, 41–50 min, and 61–70 min, respectively. Those who lived outside the OHAT had higher risks of death, even after adjustment (adjusted OR: 1.04–7.21; 95% CI: 1.03–26.34). In conclusion, the OHAT for emergency care with no significant increase in mortality is in the 31–80 min range. Optimal travel time to hospital should be established by optimal time for outcomes, and not by geographic time, to resolve the disparities in geographical accessibility to emergency care.
Drama therapy in late life: Taking life-story work one step further
Authors: Harel Dovrat , Keisari Shoshi
Published: May 2021

Integrating life-story work with drama therapy creates new opportunities for the psychological development of older adults. In this conceptual article we suggest five qualities of dramatic reality by which this integration can promote psychological development in old age: its ability (1) to evoke a story, (2) to bring together the personal and the collective, (3) to help in processing unfinished business, (4) to create an integrative view of the self and (5) to open the way to imagining the future. We illustrate each of the five qualities using vignettes from our previous research in the field and show how exploring the life stories of older adults through dramatic reality provides opportunities for active self-exploration in the ‘here and now’ of the group process in a way that goes beyond verbal life-story work.
Digital dilemmas in the (post-)pandemic state: Surveillance and information rights in South Korea
Authors: Yoon Kyong
Published: May 2021

Drawing on South Korea’s response to COVID-19, this article examines how the digital measures that were implemented by the nation state during the pandemic intensified the dilemma between public safety and information rights. South Korea’s highly praised handling of COVID-19 raises the question of how far digital technology can infiltrate everyday life for the sake of public safety and how citizens can negotiate the rapid digital transformation of a nation state. The South Korean government’s digital measures during the pandemic involved the extensive use of personal data; however, citizens were not allowed sufficient participation in the flow of information. By critically examining the South Korean case, this article reveals that the government coped with the pandemic through digital surveillance as a way to avoid physical lockdown, and in so doing, projected its desire for transition to a digitally advanced state while facilitating nationalism through a digital utopian discourse.
Consumer Identities: Agency, Media, and Digital Culture, Candice D. Roberts and Myles Ethan Lascity (eds) (2019)
Authors: Kirchen M. B.
Published: May 2021

Review of: Consumer Identities: Agency, Media, and Digital Culture, Candice D. Roberts and Myles Ethan Lascity (eds) (2019)

Bristol: Intellect, 240 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-78320-981-1, h/bk, £72.00
Sufismo y devoción popular en la pintura tangerina de Josep Tapiró Baró (Reus 1836-Tánger 1913): Los bustos de santones y La fiesta de los issawa.
Authors: Carbonell Pallarés Jordi Àngel
Published: May 2021

El artículo estudia los retratos de derviches y las escenas de costumbres de las cofradías islámicas realizadas por el pintor orientalista Josep Tapiró Baró (Reus 1836- Tánger 1913). Se analiza el lenguaje formal y su iconografía relacionándolas con las fotografías de tipos humanos y de costumbres marroquíes realizadas en Tánger en el último tercio del siglo xix y primeros años del siglo xx. Así mismo se reflexiona sobre el realismo etnográfico del que las obras de Tapiró son exponentes destacados.
La senda minera o cómo conectar historia, patrimonio y desarrollo rural
Authors: Balado Insunza Francisco M.
Published: May 2021

La actividad minera ha capitalizado la imagen histórica de El Bierzo y Laciana durante el último siglo. Fue el motor de su expansión y del devenir económico que ha forjado su realidad social durante décadas y condicionado la actual.

Los vestigios que existen hoy de esa actividad minera e industrial se presentan como una de las referencias históricas contemporáneas del Bierzo y Laciana, quizás la más importante y, sin duda, deben ser considerados como uno de los elementos esenciales de su identidad colectiva y, en consecuencia, patrimonio colectivo susceptible de ser preservado y puesto en valor.

Este patrimonio se presenta como un valor integral del territorio, un nexo entre los diferentes paisajes originados que, uniendo lo industrial y lo natural, se identifican en El Bierzo y Laciana, pudiendo establecerse puntos de contacto que pueden conformar un discurso coherente con una sólida base histórica, cultural y, sobre todo, en términos actuales, integradora desde una perspectiva social y económica, de todo el espacio delimitado por la actividad minera de la zona.

Dentro de las líneas de actuación que se pueden desarrollar combinando los elementos apuntados, está la de construir una ruta que una todos los municipios mineros de estas comarcas, identificando sus recursos patrimoniales individuales, subrayando sus singularidades de modo que se pueda ir formando una red que conecte todos los polos, complementariamente entre sí. De esta manera, todos los recursos, sin solaparse, se podrían incorporar a La Senda Minera, proyecto que recoge dos ideas clave: la de avance y progreso (ruta, camino, senda) y la de una minería, la de carbón y la de hierro, que nos recuerda la historia reciente y se proyecta, patrimonialmente, hacia el futuro como base del desarrollo de territorios especialmente desfavorecidos y atacados por la crisis y la despoblación.
Desarrollo rural y patrimonio cultural de Laciana a partir de la participación y la memoria en el proyecto camminus
Authors: Álvarez Gómez Sara
Published: May 2021

El monocultivo del carbón durante los últimos cien años de historia de la montañosa comarca de Laciana, León, supuso numerosos cambios en la sociedad y forjó una fuerte identidad minera. En 2020, tras el fin de la minería, este valle se encuentra en una crisis tanto económica como identitaria. En este artículo analizamos cómo recuperando la cultura inmaterial tradicional, relegada a un segundo plano durante el auge de la minería, podemos paliar diversas problemáticas que atraviesa la comarca. Presentamos el trabajo que se realiza actualmente en el proyecto camminus como parte de la fase beta de lo que algún día será el Centro Cultural de los Castros de Laciana. A partir de la participación ciudadana y la creación de un archivo lacianiego colaborativo proponemos un modelo de gestión cultural reflexivo y crítico.
A vállalati marketingteljesítmény értékelésének többdimenziós megközelítése és alkalmazása a Magyarországon működő vállalatok körében
Authors: Sajtos László
Published: May 2021

A szerző célja egy marketingszempontú vállalati teljesítményértékelési modell bemutatása, amely feltárja a marketing szerepét és jelentőségét a vállalati teljesítményértékelési rendszerben. A vállalati céloknak, az eredménynek és az erőforrásoknak az együttese alkotja a többdimenziós marketingteljesítmény-értékelési rendszert, amelynek vizsgálata a marketingnek a vállalaton belüli megjelenéséből (marketingtevékenység, piacorientáció, marketing-erőforrás) indul ki.
A minőségirányítás szerepe a vállalati szervezeti struktúrában
Authors: Gyenge Balázs , Kozma Tímea
Published: May 2021

A minőségirányítás filozófiája, gyakorlati kérdései, valamint a bevezetés mindennapi nehézségei napjaink szervezeteinek egyik legfontosabb kérdésévé léptek elô. Egy szervezet esetében a minőségügy összetett feladatrendszer, mely a technikai és irányítási szempontokon túl hatással van a szervezeti struktúrára is. A minőségügy ma már több mint küldetés, sokkal inkább a hosszú távú fennmaradás záloga. A szervezeti struktúrák jellemzőinek összehasonlításával és a minőségügy speciális igényeinek figyelembevételével megállapítható, hogy a szervezeti struktúra megformálását és a minőségügy elemeinek elhelyezését illetően integrált szemléletre van szükségünk.
Leal e benemérita pérola do Recôncavo Baiano
Authors: Santos Tainá da Silva , Santos Eduardo Ferreira dos
Published: May 2021

Nosso trabalho tem como objetivo apresentar alguns aspectos da toponímia da cidade de Santo Amaro da Purificação, localizada no Recôncavo Baiano. Assim, retomamos trabalhos que consideram a relação toponímica como uma realidade influenciada por fatores sócio-histórico-culturais dentro de um tempo histórico, marcado pelo culto a homenagens, além de trabalhos que estudam a historicidade de Santo Amaro e do Recôncavo. Para alcançarmos nossos objetivos, partimos para uma exploração e descrição de alguns espaços do munícipio buscando compreender as nomenclaturas que são lhe dadas, sejam no âmbito oficial ou pela nomeação popular.  Os resultados, mesmo que preliminares, apontam que mesmo com uma toponímia imposta por formalidades políticas, a população ressignifica esses nomes.
Estudos toponímicos na região de colonização italiana do Nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul
Authors: Eckert Kleber
Published: May 2021

Este artigo tem como tema os estudos toponímicos da Região de Colonização Italiana do Nordeste do Rio Grande do Sul – RCI, e o principal objetivo é apresentar, numa perspectiva comparativa, todas as pesquisas já realizadas sobre a região em nível de pós-graduação de 2010 a 2018. Entre os topônimos abordados estão nomes de ruas, bairros, localidades, escolas e cidades pertencentes à RCI. Em síntese, o que mais se destaca a partir da análise empreendida, é a relação entre os topônimos e as marcas culturais da imigração italiana, que foi o principal grupo étnico-linguístico a colonizar os atuais 58 municípios da RCI.
Taxonomy of grading practices in the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón, 1995-96 to 2015-16
Authors: Matos-Diaz Horacio
Published: May 2021

Faculty members and their corresponding academic fields at the University of Puerto Rico at Bayamón are classified with regard to grading practices over time. Based on the effects on the intercept of the equations that predict the GPA and the proportion of student withdrawals observed in each of the 39,337 courses offered during 41 consecutive terms, faculty members and academic fields are scaled from the easiest to the most difficult. Evidence points to the conclusion that the courses of the most difficult academic fields are offered primarily by the hardest grading faculty members and attended by the most academically able students, while the courses of the easiest academic fields are offered primarily by the easiest grading faculty members and attended by less academically able students. The conclusion of such self-sorting processes is reinforced by evidence from maximum likelihood models demonstrating that the probability that a randomly selected faculty member behaves like a high-grader or a low-grader is highly and significantly related to the cluster of academic fields to which the faculty member belongs. Such a probability is also strongly and significantly influenced by the heterogeneity of student academic ability distribution. Hence, faculty members are very responsive to signals sent by their students’ characteristics. This empirical result deserves further detailed analysis given that it implies a scenario in which faculty members and students engage in a shopping-around process in which both parties free-ride from each other, altering institutional norms and academic standards.
Addressing the mental health needs of learners and nonlearners in an academic medical center during COVID-19
Authors: Peters Zina V. , Norwood Lynn N. , Modi Hetal P. , Goodman Heather , Yang Peggy H. , Coleman Nana , Monroe Alicia , Goodman Wayne K. ,   Baylor College of Medicine Mental Health and Wellness Support Team, Storch Eric A.
Published: May 2021

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted life for people throughout the world, especially for those in health care who experience unique stressors. To support the psychological needs of staff, faculty, and learners at a biomedical sciences university, faculty at Baylor College of Medicine created a mental health and wellness support program consisting of multiple behavioral health care pathways, including phone support, a self-guided mental health app, a coping skills group, and individual therapy services. The authors present this program as a model for academic institutions to support the well-being of faculty, staff, and learners.
The Influence of Leader Member Exchange (Lmx) and Compensation on Employee Performance With Organizational Culture as Moderating Variable
Authors:   Stikubank University, Rijanti Tristiana , Yunianto Askar , Rahayuningsih Sri , Ushwaty Naely
Published: May 2021

Abstract: This study aims to examine the influence of leader-member exchange (LMX) and compensation on employee performance by moderating organizational culture. The population of this study were employees at the Regional Personnel Agency (BKD) and the Financial Management Agency and Regional assets (BPKAD) of Pemalang Regency, amounting to 116 employees while the sampling technique used was the census. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22 by testing the instrument, testing the model and testing the hypothesis. The results of hypothesis testing shows that performance is affected positively by LMX as well as compensation meanwhile organizational culture also moderates the influence of both LMX and compensation on the performance.
Familiäre Bindung als Determinante interkulturellen Erfolgs
Authors: Graf Andrea , Praetz Maren
Published: May 2021

Der Erfolg von Auslandsentsendungen wird in Forschung und Praxis viel diskutiert, der erfolgsfördernde Einfluss familiärer Bindungen bleibt weitgehend unberücksichtigt. In dem Beitrag wird die Rolle der Familie in Entsendungen im Kontext der Bindungstheorie und Interkultureller Kompetenz untersucht und ein Konzept Interkultureller Kompetenz für Expatriates sowie die Umsetzung in der Personalarbeit vorgestellt.
Aktien, Anleihen, Derivate: Wie entscheide ich mich für den richtigen Fonds?
Authors: Vogt Martin , Degen Anna
Published: May 2021

Gerade in Zeiten drohender Negativzinsen für Spareinlagen ist es auch für Kleinanleger unumgänglich geworden, sich über alternative Investitionsobjekte zu informieren, um der zunehmenden Geldentwertung entgegenzuwirken. Die Investition in Fonds stellt eine Möglichkeit dar. Doch bei der Fülle an angebotenen Fondsprodukten kann die Auswahl der richtigen Alternative zu einer Herausforderung werden.Um die für sich persönlich richtige Anlageentscheidung treffen zu können, ist es wichtig, sich genau über die angebotenen Fonds zu informieren. Dieser Artikel beschreibt den Prozess der Auswahl des richtigen Fonds.
Atypical image presentation of X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Vásquez Oscar David Peñuela , Barajas Viracachá Norma Carolina , Caicedo Johana Carolina
Published: May 2021

Introduction: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-linked ADL-X) is the most common peroxisomal disorder affecting central nervous system, adrenal cortex and testicular functions. Central nervous system manifestations in X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy can be divided into 2 subcategories: cerebral forms that are associated with rapidly progressive inflammatory myelopathy and adrenomyeloneuropathy which is a non-inflammatory distal axonopathy. In the last quarter of the 20th century, the underlying mechanisms were described, including causal mutations of the ABCD1 gene in the disease. Clinical case: six year old male patient with adequate neurodevelopment, history of seizure at 2 years, origin unclear. At the age of 5, he develops motor symptoms of rapid progression. First consultation for hemiparesis of the left hemicuerpus, ataxic gait, behavioral alteration. During the following year he presents symptoms of rapid progression of motor involvement; dysarthria and quadriparesis, initially asymmetric neuroimages show a progression of the lesion finally compatible with ADL-X, which is confirmed with very long chain acids and spectroscopy. Conclusion: Radiological findings of asymmetric demyelination have rarely been described as a typical X-ALD presentation. A case with atypical radiological presentation is described to document other possibilities of radiological findings in this syndrome with metabolic involvement and to consider this type of presentation in the child population, avoiding delays in diagnosis and increased possibilities for treatment.
PURIFICATION AND PARTIAL CHARACTERISATION OF AN ANTIFUNGAL BACTERIOCIN FROM Bacillus sp. Sh10 ASSOCIATED WITH MARINE CARPET CLAM (Paphia textile)
Authors: Shayesteh Fatemeh , Ahmad Asmat , Usup Gires
Published: May 2021

This study was conducted to purify and characterize an anti- C. albicans bacteriocin produced by Bacillus sp. Sh10 isolated from marine carpet clam, Paphia textile. Extracellularly produced bacteriocin was purified by 80 % ammonium sulfate precipitation and size exclusive gel chromatography using superdex-200 column chromatographyThe purification steps resulted in 3.68-fold increase in specific activity and recovery of 20.66 % of total activity.  The purity rate and molecular mass of 11 KDa of this compound were determined using sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).  Profile analysis of this bacteriocin by electrospray mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) showed 43% protein sequence coverage with a putative uncharacterized protein from Bacillus cereus strain B4264.
EFFECT OF Pleurotus ostreatus AQUEOUS EXTRACT ON PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES, PROTEIN PROFILE AND TOTAL LACTIC ACID BACTERIA OF YOGURT FORTIFIED WITH Lactobacillus acidophilus
Authors: Rosyidi Djalal , Sakul Sjaloom E. , Radiati Lilik Eka Radiati , Mr. Purwadi , Evanuarini Herly
Published: May 2021

Syneresis and low viscosity are two major quality defects found in yogurt. The addition of food stabilizer is necessary to overcome the issue. Oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) could be utilized as a source of natural food stabilizer because it contains β-glucan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of Pleurotus ostreatus aqueous extract (POAE) on physicochemical properties, protein profile and total lactic acid bacteria of yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus. Yogurt was processed with the addition of POAE at 1%, 2%, and 3% (v/v) before fermentation and compared with control. Yogurt added with 3% POAE had the highest viscosity (P<0.05), protein content (P<0.05), and total acid content (P<0.05), but had the lowest syneresis (P<0.05) among others. The addition of POAE up to 3% (v/v), however, did not affect reducing sugar content and total lactic acid bacteria in yogurt. A 12.49 kDa protein was present in yogurt added with 3% POAE. Therefore, POAE could be used as natural stabilizer for yogurt fortified with Lactobacillus acidophilus with recommended addition level of 3% (v/v).
Burkholderia cepacia BAM-12 isolated from mungbean field in Rajasthan augments plant growth in agricultural field soil of Gujarat, India
Authors: JHA ANAMIKA , POPAT TEJAL
Published: May 2021

Application of exotic bacterial strains as biofertilizer has always posed a constraint in the success of biofertilizer technology. Only a limited number of biofertilizers with applicability in a wide range of soil conditions is available in the market. Pseudomonas cepacia BAM-12 (MTCC No. 7100) (now known as Burkholderia cepacia), an isolate from the mungbean rhizosphere of the agricultural field of Rajasthan has shown remarkable plant growth promotion in Gujarat agricultural field soil. B. cepacia was found to increase the overall growth of 3 agriculturally important plants widely grown in Gujarat region, viz., mungbean, maize and rice. Increased plant growth was assessed on the basis of increased leaf number and area, biomass, chlorophyll content, profuse adventitious root branching, increased nodulation (in mungbean only), high available P in soil and overall plant growth in B. cepacia treated plants. Vital factor towards increased plant growth was the amount of IAA secreted by the organism (i.e. 2.65 mg IAA/100 ml of the culture filtrate) which is reasonably high in comparison to earlier reports available. Furthermore, PSB has also demonstrated bioremediation potential against harmful heavy metals such as copper, lead, nickel and arsenic by tolerating upto 25 mM indicating it’s prospective in remediating heavy metal contaminated agricultural fields.
EXPLORATION OF EFFICIENCY OF NANO CALCIUM OXIDE (CaO) AS CATALYST FOR ENHANCEMENT OF BIODIESEL PRODUCTION
Authors: Abd Malek Muhammad Nor Fazli , Pushparaja Livitra , Hussin Noraini Mat , Embong Nurul Hajar , Bhuyar Prakash , Rahim Mohd Hasbi Ab. , Maniam Gaanty Pragas
Published: May 2021

Present work proposes on the synthesis of nano calcium oxide derived from waste cockle shell (Anadara granosa) and applied as heterogenous catalyst in biodiesel production via transesterification reaction under reaction parameter 15:1 methanol to oil ratio, 5 wt.% catalyst and 3 hour reation time and constant temperature at 65 ± 2 °C. The waste cockle shell was prepared in nano size via ball mill technique which was run for 36 hours at 350 rpm speed and then calcined at 900 °C for 2 hours to decompose calcium carbonate, CaCO₃ into nano calcium oxide, n-CaO. The catalyst was characterized by particle size analyzer, Transmission Electron Microscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope, Surface Area Analyser, X-Ray Diffractometer, Fourier transform infrared, Hammet indicator and benzoic acid titration. Particle size of n-CaO catalyst was found within the range of  29 nm to 67.5 nm. Specific surface area of synthesised n-CaO is 8.41 m²/g with basicity strength of 0.055 mmol/g.  Methyl ester conversion of palm oil with n-CaO as a catalyst was 88.87 wt.%
A NEW ROLE OF METFORMIN AS AN EFFLUX PUMP INHIBITOR IN KLEBSIELLA PNEUMONIA
Authors: Abbas Hisham , Shaker Ghada , Khattab Randa , Askoura Momen
Published: May 2021

Respiratory tract infections caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae are frequently associated with high mortality and morbidity rates. Treatment of these infections is usually difficult due to the emergence of multiple resistances to antibiotics. Multidrug efflux pumps are greatly involved in antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria including Klebsiella pneumoniae. In the current study, efflux activity was observed in 93.75% of Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical isolates by the qualitative acridine orange agar method. This finding was further confirmed genotypically by polymerase chain reaction that showed the presence of efflux genes AcrA, AcrB, TolC and mdtk in these isolates. The ability of metformin to inhibit efflux activity was compared with the reference efflux pump inhibitors verapamil and ascorbic acid. Metformin was more active than ascorbic acid and less active than verapamil. Up to our knowledge, this is the first report that shows that metformin has an efflux pump-inhibiting activity in Klebsiella pneumoniae.
Self-reported and Documented Substance Use Among Adolescents in the Pediatric Hospital
Authors: Masonbrink Abbey R. , Hunt Jane Alyce , Bhandal Avleen , Randell Kimberly A. , Mermelstein Sarah , Wells Sarah , Miller Melissa K.
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Adolescent substance use is associated with numerous adverse health outcomes. A hospitalization represents an opportunity to identify and address substance use. We sought to describe self-reported and documented substance use among hospitalized adolescents.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adolescents aged 14 to 18 years old admitted to two pediatric hospitals between August 2019 and March 2020. Using previously validated questions, we assessed the proportion of adolescents reporting ever, monthly, and weekly use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, electronic cigarettes, and other illicit drugs and nonmedical use of prescription medications. We reviewed medical records for substance use documentation.

RESULTS:

Among 306 respondents, 57% were older (16–18 years old), 53% were female, and 55% were of non-Hispanic white race and ethnicity. The most frequently reported substances ever used were alcohol (39%), marijuana (33%), and electronic cigarettes (31%); 104 (34%) respondents reported ever use of >1 substance. Compared with younger adolescents, those aged 16 to 18 years were more likely to report ever use of alcohol (29% vs 46%; P = .002), marijuana (22% vs 41%; P < .001), and ≥2 drugs (26% vs 40%; P = .009). A positive substance use history was rarely documented (11% of records reviewed), and concordance between documented and self-reported substance use was also rare.

CONCLUSIONS:

In this study of hospitalized adolescents, the most commonly reported substances used were alcohol, marijuana, and electronic cigarettes. Positive substance use documentation was rare and often discordant with self-reported substance use. Efforts to improve systematic screening for substance use and interventions for prevention and cessation in hospitalized adolescents are critically needed.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ORGANIZATIONAL COMMITMENT AND ORGANIZATIONAL CYNICISM AMONG HOTEL EMPLOYEES IN SOUTHEASTERN ANATOLIA REGION OF TURKEY
Authors:   Kilis 7 Aralık University, Turkey, Aydin Melih , Akdag Gürkan ,   Mersin University, Turkey
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study is to determine whether relationship occurs between organizational commitment and organizational cynicism attitudes among employees who were employed in five and four star hotels located in Southeastern Anatolia Region of Turkey and to affirm the extent of the relationship. According to the findings, there is a significant (negative) relationship between three sub-dimensions of organizational cynicism (behavioral cynicism, affective cynicism and cognitive cynicism) and organizational commitment. Multiple regression and correlation analysis were applied to analyze data and identify the relationship between organizational commitment and organizational cynicism. According to the findings of the research, it is revealed that, as the level of organizational cynicism arises, attitudes toward organizational commitment decrease. Those results are consistent with findings of the previous studies that employees with cynical attitudes exhibited lower commitment in the organization. The results of this research showed that hotel employees mostly experience cognitive cynicism among sub-dimensions of cynicism and they rarely experience affective cynicism. In conclusion, it is possible to assert that employees were with medium level of organizational cynicism and organizational commitment.
A STUDY OF THE RELATION BETWEEN THE CHANGES OF WORKING STYLE WITH IT USE AND THE EMPLOYEE'S WORK-LIFE BALANCE
Authors:   Kobe Gakuin University, Japan, Senda Naoki
Published: May 2021

The purpose of this study is to observe how the change of employee’s working style with using IT and other work environmental factors affect their work-life balance. In recent Japan, many companies have introduced some HRM (Human Resource Management) programs that support employee’s work-life balance since their working style has been diversified in these years. However, not few Japanese employees still think that those HRM programs (for example maternity leave, childcare leave, discretionary labor system etc.) are difficult to take or they feel awkward to take it as a right or they think those supportive HRM systems are useless since their workplace are still strongly based on very tight team work organization and too busy to leave their team for their private matter. They often feel as if they are guilty to leave the workplace for their personal circumstances. There are some reasons why it is difficult for Japanese employees to maintain their balance of work and private life. It is caused by Japanese unique situations, for example, a yet strong division of labor by gender role, very long working hours, relatively ambiguous job boundaries etc.) Some Japanese companies have been trying to redesign their jobs and their working styles with using IT systems. Other factors to be considered are their work environment circumstances such as the office atmosphere and relationships with colleagues. The paper focuses on the effects of changing Japanese employees working styles using IT, work environmental factors and employee’s comfortability to take HRM programs for their work-life balance. A survey research was used to confirm the correlations between the working style changes, work environmental factors and employee’s comfortability of taking HRM programs. The finding is that there are positive correlations between the changes of working style by using IT, relationship with colleagues, office atmosphere and employee’s comfortability to take HRM programs for their work-life balance.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF SMALL AND MEDIUMSIZED ENTERPRISES: LESSONS FROM TANZANIAN BAKERIES
Authors:   University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, Jeje Kafigi
Published: May 2021

Small and Medium-sized Enterprises around the globe have for years been struggling to realize competitiveness. Literature proposes knowledge management as one of the drivers of their performance. However, most of these SMEs still face challenges in ascertaining the right knowledge management strategies that would influence their performance and competitiveness. The study seeks to find the contribution of knowledge management strategies on SME performance. It intends to draw lessons from the operations and practices of small and mediumsized bakeries in Tanzania. It has adopted a mixed research methods, and a multi-stage sampling technique and ultimately received responses from 161 questionnaires, and 20 in depth interviews from bakery owners/managers throughout Tanzania. By employing a moderator analysis which is preceded by principal component analysis, and the qualitative content analysis (manifest analysis), the study is able to establish that both the owner/manager’s education, and business experience, moderate the relationship between knowledge management strategies and SME performance. This study’s argument lies in the fact that the knowledge management practices need to be enhanced in order to drive SME competitiveness. The study also argues that the initiatives to enhance these practices need the support of all relevant players in SME development, including the policy development practitioners from both public and private sectors.
Vine copula graphical models in the construction of biological networks
Authors: FARNOUDKİA Hajar , PURUTCUOGLU Vilda
Published: May 2021

The copula Gaussian graphical model (CGGM) is one of the major mathematical models for high dimensional biological networks which provides a graphical representation, especially, for sparse networks. Basically, this model uses a regression of the Gaussian graphical model (GGM) whose precision matrix describes the conditional dependence between the variables to estimate the coefficients of the linear regression model. The Bayesian inference for the model parameters is used to overcome the dimensional limitation of GGM under sparse networks and small sample sizes. But from the application in bench-mark data sets, it is seen that although CGGM is successful in certain systems, it may not fit well for non-normal multivariate observations. In this study, we propose the vine copulas to relax the strict normality assumption of CGGM and to describe networks from a variety of copulas’ alternates besides the Gaussian copula. Accordingly, we evaluate the best fitted bivariate copula distribution for every pairwise gene and compute the estimated adjacency matrix which denotes the presence of an edge between the corresponding genes. We assess the performance of our proposed approach in three network data via distinct accuracy measures by comparing the outputs with the results of the CGGM.
Activation of the Calcium Receptor by a Calcimimetic Compound Halts the Progression of Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Uremic Rats
Authors: CHIN JI , MILLER SCOTT C. , WADA MICHIHITO , NAGANO NOBUO , NEMETH EDWARD F. , FOX JOHN
Published: May 2021

The secondary hyperparathyroidism that develops in rats with chronic renal insufficiency (CRI) can be totally prevented by activation of the parathyroid Ca2+ receptor with a calcimimetic compound, when treatment is initiated before parathyroid cell hyperplasia and increased circulating parathyroid hormone levels develop. In clinical practice, however, secondary hyperparathyroidism is usually manifest by the time CRI is diagnosed. This study examined the effects of daily oral gavage or continuous subcutaneous infusion for 8 wk of the calcimimetic NPS R-568 on the progression of established mild or moderate-to-severe secondary hyperparathyroidism in rats with CRI induced by 5/6 nephrectomy. Both oral and infused NPS R-568 completely prevented further hyperplasia but did not reduce total parathyroid cell number below that present at the initiation of treatment. This prevention of cellular proliferation occurred despite increases in plasma phosphate and decreases in Ca2+ and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D levels, and supports the view that the Ca2+ receptor is the dominant regulator of parathyroid cell hyperplasia in addition to parathyroid hormone secretion. The clinical implications of these findings suggest that controlling Ca2+ receptor activity with calcimimetic compounds could be sufficient to manage secondary hyperparathyroidism in CRI.
Predictors and Evolution of Renal Function during 9 Years Following Heart Transplantation
Authors: LINDELO[Combining Diaeresis]W BJO[Combining Diaeresis]RN , BERGH CLAES-HA[Combining Ring Above]KAN , HERLITZ HANS , WAAGSTEIN FINN
Published: May 2021

Over a 9-yr period, heart transplantation was performed in 200 patients at Sahlgrenska University Hospital. Of these 200 patients, 151 were followed for 1 to 9 yr with regard to renal function, hemodynamics, cyclosporin A concentrations, and complications. Patients with a preoperative serum creatinine >130 μmol/L received inotropic drugs to test for reversibility of renal dysfunction. The end point was graft failure. The average preoperative GFR of 66 ± 17 ml/min per 1.73 m2 declined to 52 ± 19, 44 ± 16, and 37 ± 17 at 1, 5, and 9 yr after heart transplantation, respectively. Altogether, the average GFR declined by 44%. There was no significant correlation between the preoperative GFR and postoperative renal function or survival. Recipient age was a predictor of renal function during the entire follow-up. Severe renal dysfunction (GFR <20 ml/min per 1.73 m2) developed in 20% of the patients, which was predicted by the recipient age at transplantation together with the GFR 1 yr after transplantation. A nomogram that shows the risk of developing severe renal dysfunction after heart transplantation is presented. Cyclosporin A concentrations and treatment with statins, calcium channel blockers, or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors did not correlate with the evolution of renal function. Patients with a preoperative depressed renal function who improved on inotropic treatment seemed to have a poorer outcome compared with the other study patients.
Bibliometric Study of the Bachelor Theses on Oral Pathology Defended at the University of the Andes School of Dentistry, 2009-2019
Authors: G Sulbaran , D Cloquell
Published: May 2021

Oral or Buccal Pathology is a dental specialty based on Pathological Anatomy and Internal Medicine that studies the etiology, pathophysiological mechanisms and consequences of diseases that develop and manifest in the oral and maxillofacial region, being the basis for treatment and management of them. For this reason, it represents an area of importance in the university career, especially at the time of the presentation of the Undergraduate Degree Projects, which can be analyzed through bibliometrics. The study aimed to identify the behavior of the bibliometric indicators used for the undergraduate theses in the Stomatology area at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of The Andes (FOULA due to the acronym in Spanish) between the years 2009-2019. The research was descriptive with a documentary design. The analytical material was constituted by the FOULA Stomatology theses in digital format, from the Technical Council, and the database of the FOULA Research Department during the period 2009-2019. A total of 53 theses were conducted in the Stomatology area during that period, 4.81 papers per year, Vancouver citations were presented in 75.47% of the thesis; with an average of 52.98% references per thesis, it predominated the descriptive research type with 58.49% and transversal design with 60.78%; the prominent collection technique was observation with 18.86% and analysis of descriptive data with 64.15%.
The Effect of COVID-19 on the Reasons to Utilize Dental Emergency Services, Do We Need a New Dental Care Model?
Authors: O Bamedhaf , SS Almashhadani
Published: May 2021

Aim: To assess how COVID-19 effected the patients’ utilization of dental services and how the pandemic will change dental care services.
Endoscopic Yield in Anemia of Chronic Disease: A Single-Center Retrospective Study of U.S. Veteran Population
Authors: BV Dinh , W Hussain , CA Chan , RJ Markert , P Krishnamurthy
Published: May 2021

Goals: The aim of the study was to evaluate endoscopic yield in patients with Anemia of Chronic Disease (ACD) who had no Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. We analyzed the impact of laboratory and clinical variables on endoscopic yield in this cohort.
La surveillance de risques émergents à partir d’algorithmes
Authors: FLORENCE Carré , CHATELIER Jean-Yves , GRANDGIRARD David
Published: May 2021

Le développement de notre société et les changements climatiques font apparaître des risques nouveaux qu'il faut pouvoir anticiper pour éviter des dommages sanitaires, environnementaux et financiers. Ce chapitre traite des différentes composantes du risque à prendre en compte dans l'anticipation. Les algorithmes d'identification, de traitement et de surveillance automatique de ces composantes sont, dans un second point, décrits en détail. Les limites des différents algorithmes sont évoqués dans une troisième partie, faisant apparaître le réel besoin d'une complémentarité entre algorithmes et implication sociétale dans l'exercice d'identification et surveillance des risques émergents.