bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Case study at Rudbar dam, Iran: method of pulling out submerged gates using buoyancy
Authors: Bayati Nima , Ghaderi Mohsen
Published: February 2021

Dams have one or two bottom outlet tunnels according to their usage and size. Owing to the prevailing drought conditions in the regions around Iran's Rudbar dam project; it was necessary to start supplying water to downstream areas before the steel lining in the bottom outlet tunnel was entirely finished. Therefore, the inlet of the bottom outlet tunnel was temporarily blocked by a steel gate 8.4 m wide × 11.5 m high, weighing 125 t. It took 6 months to complete the service and emergency bottom outlet tunnel, during which time water was continuously being supplied to areas downstream of the dam. Now, it was time for the temporary gate to be pulled up from a depth of 75 m underwater, and let the bottom outlet tunnel be used as planned; to control the water level of the reservoir. This paper describes the design, construction and installation of the temporary gate and recommends a solution for pulling up the gate from a depth of 75 m underwater, using buoyancy effects, with a lifting force of less than 2 t. The operation at the Rudbar project was the first of its kind in the world that was implemented successfully.
Stiffness-based approach of pullout resistance factors of reinforcements embedded in soil
Authors: Chennarapu Hariprasad , Gandham Laxmi Manisha , Maddula Hima Sankari , Meriga Mrudula , Ratnam Raval
Published: February 2021

The design and construction of mechanically stabilised earth (MSE) walls is widespread and stiffness-based MSE wall designs are becoming popular. In MSE wall design, the pullout resistance of reinforcement plays a major role. For various field conditions, properties such as the normal stress and stiffness of reinforcement are hard to determine in the laboratory. In this study, a numerical model, developed using finite-element software, was used to assess pullout behaviour by varying other parameters such as normal stress, soil friction angle and, especially, the stiffness of reinforcements. Pullout resistance factors (F*) were developed based on the stiffness of the reinforcements considered in this study, which were in the range 100−10 000 kN/m for normal stresses of 10–300 kPa (equivalent to a maximum MSE wall height of 17 m). The developed design chart can be used for the optimistic design of MSE walls.
Political Connections, Allocation of Stimulus Spending, and the Jobs Multiplier
Authors: Choi Joonkyu , Penciakova Veronika , Saffie Felipe
Published: January 2021

Using American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) data, we show that firms lever their political connections to win stimulus grants and public expenditure channeled through politically connected firms hinders job creation. We build a unique database that links campaign contributions and state legislative election outcomes to ARRA grant allocation. Using exogenous variation in political connections based on ex-post close elections held before ARRA, we causally show that politically connected firms are 64 percent more likely to secure a grant. Based on an instrumental variable approach, we also establish that state-level employment creation associated with grants channeled through politically connected firms is nil. Therefore, the impact of fiscal stimulus is not only determined by how much is spent, but also by how the expenditure is allocated across recipients.
Bunching Estimation of Elasticities Using Stata
Authors: Bertanha Marinho , McCallum Andrew H. , Payne Alexis , Seegert Nathan
Published: January 2021

A continuous distribution of agents that face a piecewise-linear schedule of incentives results in a distribution of responses with mass points located where the slope (kink) or intercept (notch) of the schedule changes. Bunching methods use these mass points to estimate an elasticity parameter, which summarizes agents' responses to incentives. This article introduces the command bunching, which implements new non-parametric and semi-parametric identification methods for estimating elasticities developed by Bertanha et al. (2021). These methods rely on weaker assumptions than currently made in the literature and result in meaningfully different estimates of the elasticity in various contexts.
Favoriser l’adoption de comportements actifs en simulation virtuelle
Authors: Ruffault Alexis , Wynants Julie , Etienne Anne-Marie
Published: January 2021

L'activité physique (AP) est définie par l'Organisation Mondiale de la Santé (OMS; 2014) comme «toute dépense énergétique résultant d'un mouvement produit par la contraction d'au moins un muscle squelettique» (e.g., marcher, les tâches ménagères, monter les marches d'escalier). L'AP se distingue d'une part, de l'exercice physique qui réfère à une sous-catégorie incluant des activités plus structurées, répétitives et qui vise à améliorer ou à entretenir la condition physique et d'autre part, de la sédentarité qui fait référence à des comportements caractérisés par peu d'efforts physiques et par une dépense énergétique faible (Hallal et al., 2012). Lorsqu'une personne est allongée ou assise devant un écran, dans les transports en commun ou encore en train de lire un livre, cette personne est en réalité dans un comportement sédentaire. Par conséquent, il est possible d'avoir un rythme de vie actif tout en ayant un niveau élevé de sédentarité (Chaput, Olds, and Tremblay, 2018).
Etude de la douleur dans les troubles du développement
Authors: Dubois Amandine
Published: January 2021

La douleur se définit actuellement comme une sensation complexe multidimensionnelle avec la mise en jeu d'aspects neurophysiologiques spécifiques, perceptifs et psychologiques (Merskey, 1979). Il s'agit donc d'un domaine qui relève à la fois des sciences médicales et des sciences humaines. La communauté scientifique s'est longtemps focalisée sur les aspects médicaux (mécanismes neurosensoriels, traitements pharmacologiques, causes, etc.) dans le but de prendre en charge et traiter la douleur. Les sciences humaines, _via_ la psychologie, ont permis d'approfondir les aspects subjectifs et individuels de la douleur chez le patient douloureux d'une part, en s'intéressant notamment aux répercussions de la douleur sur le fonctionnement cognitif, social, émotionnel et affectif de l'individu, ainsi qu'à l'influence de ce fonctionnement sur le vécu de la douleur et l'effet des prises en charge (acceptation/rejet des traitements, effets indésirables, etc.). Cette discipline a, d'autre part, permis d'approfondir la question de la prise en charge de la douleur en développant des outils de mesure (échelles d'évaluation), des méthodes non pharmacologiques (e.g. stratégies de «faire-face», hypnose, relaxation, imagerie mentale, etc.) et en s'intéressant à la question des croyances et représentations des soignants sur la douleur.
La langue vivante des Soins Palliatifs
Authors: Peyla Laura , Marie David
Published: January 2021

Dans le cadre de ce chapitre, notre regard se portera sur la communication soignants-soignés dans le contexte des soins palliatifs, en mobilisant une réflexion clinique des formes que peut prendre le langage (expert, sens commun), dans ce contexte aux enjeux psychosociaux saillants. Le médecin est celui qui est chargé de guérir, de soigner les maladies, les pathologies, les blessures de l'autre. «Par médecin il faut entendre une activité, immanente à l'organisme, de compensation des déficits, de rétablissement de l'équilibre rompu, de rectification d'allure sur détection d'écart. Cette activité n'est pas une science infuse» (Canguilhem, 1989, p.17). Quant au patient, il convient de ne pas oublier qu'il est avant tout une personne en souffrance, dans un contexte de vulnérabilité. Originellement, le mot «patient» signifie «celui qui endure, celui qui souffre».
Immunothérapie spécifique, cancers et qualité de vie
Authors: Faury Stéphane , Foucaud Jérôme
Published: January 2021

En 2013, la revue américaine "Science" classait l'immunothérapie parmi l'une des dix découvertes de l'année: elle pourrait constituer une véritable révolution dans le traitement des cancers dans les années à venir. L'offre des anticancéreux a été récemment bouleversée par l'arrivée sur le marché de nouveaux médicaments dits d'immunothérapie spécifique qui sont des inhibiteurs de point de contrôle immunitaire. Ces nouveaux médicaments sont associés à de nombreux enjeux de recherche, d'identification des patients répondeurs, médicaux (bouleversement de certaines stratégies thérapeutiques en particulier dans le traitement des mélanomes), économiques et réglementaires. Face à la révolution qui semble se profiler avec le développement rapide de l'immunothérapie spécifique, nous devons nous questionner sur l'accompagnement et le soutien que peuvent proposer les sciences humaines et sociales dans le développement de cette innovation. Ce chapitre propose une synthèse des études visant à investiguer l'impact de ces traitements sur la qualité de vie et une lecture critique de ces dernières.
Mieux situer la place de l’Approche Patient Partenaire de Soins en Grande Région
Authors: Article collectif .
Published: January 2021

Au niveau international, l'engagement des patients dans le système de soins est de plus en plus considéré comme un levier pour l'amélioration générale de la santé des populations ainsi que la qualité et la sécurité des soins. Différents modèles de cet engagement ont émergé dans la littérature. Parmi ceux-ci, celui du patient partenaire de soins, développé par l'Université de Montréal, est relativement récent. Ces auteurs le définissent comme l'implication et la prise de décision des patients dans leur processus de soins en leur permettant de développer des compétences et en les impliquant dans l'amélioration en continu de la qualité de soins et des services. Ils plaident pour le dépassement d'une approche dite centrée sur le patient et souhaitent franchir un pas de plus en considérant le patient comme un membre à part entière - un partenaire - de l'équipe de soins, et ce, aux trois niveaux du système de santé: soins directs au patient (micro), organisation des services et de la gouvernance dans les établissements de santé (méso), et élaboration des politiques sanitaires en partenariat avec les patients (macro). L'implication du patient dans les activités d'enseignement et de recherche en santé est également considérée dans le modèle.
Vulnérabilité et Intelligences Artificielles
Authors: VAZ-CERNIGLIA Célia
Published: January 2021

Cet écrit relate une série d’interrogations sur ce qui relève spécifiquement du sujet humain et de sa complexité, à savoir sa singularité et qui ne peut être vécu par une machine, une intelligence artificielle, si sophistiquée soit-elle.
Entre opportunité et risque
Authors: DOAT David
Published: January 2021

Contrairement aux conceptions prédominantes de la vulnérabilité dans les pensées du care, de la société du risque ou dans la littérature transhumaniste, cette étude défend l’intérêt et la nécessité d’une acception complexe et ambivalente de la vulnérabilité, qui en souligne non seulement la négativité, subversive des conceptions classiques du sujet moderne, mais aussi la positivité comme condition sine qua non de toute expérience d’autonomie effective. Une telle relecture philosophique du sens de la vulnérabilité n’est pas sans conséquences éthiques majeures aux plans juridique, social et politique.
A prática como componente curricular nos cursos de formação de professores: articulação da teoria com a prática
Authors: Cristina Garbin Mônica , Pugliese Branco Marília , Trombeta de Oliveira Édison
Published: February 2021

Este trabalho apresenta uma reflexão sobre o desenvolvimento de projetos integradores realizados pelos alunos de graduação de Licenciatura da Universidade Virtual do Estado de São Paulo (UNIVESP). O Projeto Integrador (PI) é feito semestralmente na instituição com o intuito de promover a articulação entre a teoria e a prática referentes ao trabalho do professor, pautado nas Práticas como Componente Curricular (PCC) do Conselho Estadual de Educação do Estado de São Paulo. Assim, em pequenos grupos, os estudantes identificam problemas relacionados ao seu campo de atuação profissional, com o enfoque dos conhecimentos desenvolvidos nas disciplinas dos cursos. Objetivouse analisar a concretização das propostas de PCC estabelecidas na UNIVESP, por meio dos projetos integradores. Para tanto, foram analisados oito projetos realizados no primeiro semestre de 2018, selecionados aleatoriamente no Ambiente Virtual de Aprendizagem. Notouse que os estudantes conseguiram refletir sobre a prática pedagógica propondo ações voltadas para o uso de tecnologias em sala de aula.
A Novel Dormand-Prince Based Hybrid Chaotic True Random Number Generator on FPGA
Authors: KOYUNCU İsmail , ŞEKER Halil İbrahim , ALÇIN Murat , TUNA Murat
Published: January 2021

This study presents a novel Dormand-Prince-based hybrid chaotic True Random Number Generator Design (TRNG) that can be used for secure communication and cryptographic applications on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). In this design, a chaotic oscillator unit has been implemented with an FPGA-based Sprott-Jafari chaotic oscillator model suitable with IQ-Math fixed point number and IEEE 754-1985 floating point number standards. Random numbers have been produced with the quantization of the results generated by the chaotic oscillator. XOR has been performed with FPGA-based ring oscillator structure on the post-processing unit so as to enhance the randomness. The differential equation of the chaotic system used in the TRNG design was modelled using Dormand-Prince numerical algorithm method. The design on FPGA has been realized in two separate number formats including 32-bit (16I-16Q) IQ-Math fixed point number standard and 32-bit IEEE 754-1985 floating point number standard. The realized designs have been coded in VHDL, a hardware description language, and the Xilinx ISE 14.7 program has been used for the system design. Two separate TRNG designs have been synthesized and tested for the Virtex-6 (XC6VLX240T-1FF1156) FPGA chip. The maximum operating frequency of the TRNG with 32-bit IQ-Math fixed point number standard is 344.585 MHz and the throughput is approximately 344 Mbit/s. The maximum operating frequency of the TRNG with 32-bit IEEE 754-1985 floating point number standard is 316.756 MHz and the throughput is 316 Mbit/s. 1 Mbit sequence has been generated by both designed TRNG systems. Randomness analysis of the generated numbers has been performed in accordance with the NIST 800-22 tests and the generated numbers have successfully passed all of the tests.
K-Means Clustering Algorithm Based Arrhythmic Heart Beat Detection in ECG Signal
Authors: YAKUT Önder , DOĞRU BOLAT Emine , EFE Hatice
Published: January 2021

Disorders in the functions of the heart cause heart diseases or arrhythmias in the cardiovascular system. Diagnosis in cardiac arrhythmias is realized utilizing the Electrocardiogram which is an electrophysiological signal. In this study, a three-class, K-means clustering-based arrhythmia detection method, distinguishing the cardiac arrhythmia type Right Bundle Branch Block and Left Bundle Branch Block from normal heart-beats, is proposed. Data from the MIT-BIH Arrhythmia Database were analyzed for clustering-based arrhythmia analysis. Feature Set 1 was created by extracting the features from the Electrocardiogram signal with the help of QRS morphology, Heart Rate Variability and statistical metrics. The RELIEF feature selection algorithm was used for dimensionality reduction of the obtained features and Feature Set 2 was obtained by determining the most appropriate features in Feature Set 1. Overall performance results for Feature Set 1 were obtained as 99,18% accuracy, the sensitivity of 98,78% and 99,39% specificity while overall performance results for Feature Set 2 were provided as 95,37% accuracy, the sensitivity of 92,99% and 96,54% specificity. In this study, the computational cost was decreased by reducing the processing complexity and load utilizing the reduced feature data set FS2 and an arrhythmia detection method having a satisfactory level of high performance was proposed.
Nietzsche et l’au-delà de la frontière
Authors: Valadier Paul
Published: January 2021

Nietzsche seems to be the «bad guy» for many christian theologians or philosophers. This is a good reason to study his philosophy and to discover, maybe, that this so called atheist is more interested by the «divine» that we may suppose.
Mística na tradição ocidental em Lima Vaz
Authors: Lima Hélio Pereira
Published: January 2021

This Work aims at reflecting on mystics, within the Western tradition, departing Lima Vaz’ thought, in order to try identifying the function that rested reserved to Mystic Experience, in the Modern Society, Society that, as It purposes Itself destroying the Sacred one up the World, has put aside Religion as a factor of legitimation regarding to public sphere. Its purpose is recovering some historical-philosophical aspects regarding to Christian Tradition in order to understanding better the level regarding to crisis of meaning of this Society can be linked to the progressive lack concerning the originary relation of the Human Being with the Transcendence Itself since that this lacking subverted the constitutive nucleus of its own identity as an open. We may assume that this Reflection of ours will be turned on contributing for reflecting of the Christian Mystics et its contribution for the dialogue with the plurality of the actual ways of spiritualities, in front of crisis concerning the contemporaneity.
A Renaissance in Twentieth-Century French “Catholic Philosophy”
Authors: Flynn Gabriel
Published: January 2021

When Charles Péguy asserted boldly “c’est une renaissance catholique qui se fait par moi”, he was speaking as one ahead of his time. As others caught up, and following a prolonged period of sterility, the first stirrings of renewal began to be felt. A “Catholic renaissance” was emerging. Enlivened by the original work of a brilliant generation of philosophers, a surprising fermentation began in theology, philosophy, literature, and history. In the rich flowering of Catholic theology that followed, the leading French Dominicans and Jesuits of Le Saulchoir (Paris) and Lyon-Fourvière respectively played a dominant role, but the movement also embraced Belgium and Germany. The objectives of the present paper are, first, to exhibit those philosophers, notably Blondel and Maritain, who were concerned to prioritise the person in society, what became known as ‘personalism’, and will consider their profound impact on the ressourcement generation. Secondly, it attempts to provide an account of how French “Catholic philosophy” at mid-century shaped theology and profoundly influenced the course of church history in the intervening period. Thirdly, it considers again Jean Daniélou’s innovative contribution to philosophy and culture.
Bernard Lonergan e a Probabilidade Emergente
Authors: Henriques Mendo Castro
Published: January 2021

In Insight, an essay on human understanding, (1957, 1st edition) Lonergan presents a heuristic model of emerging probability in order to define, explain and extract norms from the dynamism common to all nature, including human nature, a dynamism that mirrors the reality of intellection. Continuity between different levels of nature discloses a directed, upward, but indeterminate dynamism of the emerging generalized probability. In addition to the ethical consequences that he elaborates, Lonergan remains in an open hermeneutic framework, beyond being proportionate to discursive reason; he opens the way for a surprising final manifestation of this universal dynamism through what he calls transcendent conjugated forms of generalized probability emerging – faith, hope and charity – that are proposed to human freedom.
Buried Soil Carbon Vulnerability to Decomposition with Landscape Disturbance
Authors: McMurtry Abby
Published: February 2021

Buried layers of ancient soil organic carbon (SOC) can store significant amounts carbon (C). Persistence of this C is favored by burial, which disconnects the soil from atmospheric conditions and limits plant derived C inputs, thus reducing microbial activity. However, erosion exposes buried paleosols to modern surface conditions and results in influx of root-derived C through the processes of root exudation and root turnover. These C inputs stimulate microbial activity and leave paleosol C vulnerable to decomposition. Understanding turnover of ancient soil C is critical for predicting the response of this large C reservoir to environmental change and feedbacks to climate. Yet, the effects of root-derived C inputs on decomposition of buried C is not well established. With this study we aim to quantify how root derived C inputs affect decomposition of paleosol C located along varying degrees of isolation from modern surface conditions, Our field site is located in Wauneta, NE where erosion has brought a Pleistocene era soil -the Brady soil- closer to the surface. We collected Brady soil from 0.2m, 0.4m, and 1.2m below the modern surface, and conducted two controlled laboratory incubations, Soils were amended with (1) a lab synthesized 13C labeled (12 atom% 13C) solution to mimic root exudates (0.3 mg C g-1 soil), and (2) root litter enriched with 92% atom% 13C (0.3mg C g-1 soil), in 30 day, and 240 day laboratory incubation experiments, respectively. We measured 13C-CO2 respiration from airtight microcosms throughout the incubations and used the isotopic label to partition between root derived C and Brady soil C respiration. Our data show that Brady soil C is highly vulnerable to decomposition via soil C priming upon addition of root-derived C regardless of burial depth, indicating that exposure of paleosols to modern surface conditions may result in a positive C cycle feedback to climate.
Heat Transfer Modeling and Optimization of a Carbonized Microvascular Solar Receiver
Authors: Brown Taylor
Published: February 2021

Concentrating solar power is an emerging renewable energy source. The technology can collect and store thermal energy from the sun over long durations, generating electricity as needed at a later time. Current CSP systems are limited to a maximum operational temperature due to constraints of the working fluid, which limits the maximum possible efficiency of the system. One proposed pathway forward is to utilize a gas phase for the working fluid in the system such as supercritical carbon dioxide.

A composite gas phase modular receiver is being developed by researchers at Boise State University and the University of Tulsa. The receiver uses supercritical carbon dioxide as the working fluid, which can operate at temperatures greater than 1000 ˚C. The unique carbon-carbon composite material has high thermal conductivity and is structurally durable at extreme temperatures.

A model has been developed in this work to simulate the thermal and hydraulic performance of a composite receiver unit cell. The model is built as a thermal resistance network that solves more quickly than traditional computational fluid dynamics simulations. The thermal and hydraulic models are compared with CFD simulations and show close agreement over a wide range of inlet velocities and path architectures.

A genetic algorithm has been developed to optimize the design of the receiver. The algorithm optimizes the fluid channel diameter, inlet velocity, and the path architecture design of a unit cell. The optimization scheme weighs the thermal performance of the receiver with the hydraulic performance, maximizing the thermal efficiency and minimizing the pressure drop. The nominal strain is also calculated and constrained. The algorithm produces an optimal design from a constrained set of architectures. The optimal design is a simple three-channel parallel path with an acceptable pressure drop, less than 17 kPa. The thermal efficiency of the design is 75.6% with a 1,000,000 W/m2 solar flux and the nominal strain is an allowable 0.03%. Future work will be done to expand the path design space and remove arbitrary constraints from the optimization process.
Los campamentos romanos de campaña en el “Bellum Cantabricum”: estado actual de la investigación y novedades arqueológicas
Authors: Vicente García Víctor
Published: February 2021

El presente trabajo tiene por objeto el estudio de la castrametación militar romana de campaña en el periodo en el que se desarrollaron las Guerras Cántabras (29-19 a. C.). Para ello, tras exponer un breve estado de la cuestión, se presentará un nuevo yacimiento que hemos identificado como un asentamiento militar romano, de acuerdo con sus particulares características morfo-tipológicas. Estas estructuras han sido localizadas mediante el empleo de una metodología específica que combina el uso sistemático de nuevas técnicas de teledetección y la revisión de las colecciones de ortofotografías aéreas. Con ello se obtendrán conclusiones relativas a la funcionalidad de estas estructuras y su empleo en el curso del Bellum Cantabricum.
Local Derivative Vector Pattern: Hybrid Pattern for Content-Based Medical Image Retrieval
Authors: Darapureddy Nagadevi , Karatapu Nagaprakash , Battula Tirumala Krishna
Published: February 2021

This paper examines a hybrid pattern i.e. Local derivative Vector pattern and comparasion of this pattern over other different patterns for content-based medical image retrieval. In recent years Pattern-based texture analysis has significant popularity for a variety of tasks like image recognition, image and texture classification, and object detection, etc. In literature, different patterns exist for texture analysis. This paper aims at forming a hybrid pattern compared in terms of precision, recall and F1-score with different patterns like Local Binary Pattern (LBP), Local Derivative Pattern (LDP), Completed Local Binary Pattern (CLBP), Local Tetra Pattern (LTrP), Local Vector Pattern (LVP) and Local Anisotropic Pattern (LAP) which were applied on medical images for image retrieval. The proposed method is evaluated on different modalities of medical images. The results of the proposed hybrid pattern show biased performance compared to the state-of-the-art. So this can further extended with other pattern to form a hybrid pattern.
Assuring our future: It’s time for action
Authors: Markland Howard
Published: January 2021

Public-sector programme evaluation in New Zealand has advanced significantly since the early 1990s, with growth in evaluation activity, improved service quality, and establishment of a formal training pathway and a national governance body. However, there is evidence of emerging challenges, particularly with respect to supply, quality, transparency, and leadership. This article briefly explores the evolution of evaluation in New Zealand and recent developments, and suggests that there may be some emerging challenges to the sustainability of our current operating model.
Crisis leadership: Evaluating our leadership approaches in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Mutch Carol
Published: January 2021

The current COVID-19 pandemic has provided the world with a range of crisis leadership case studies as nations’ leaders approach control of, and communication about, the virus in dramatically different ways. Drawing on the literature and the author’s post-disaster and post-crisis studies, this reflective piece offers a framework for analysing and evaluating leadership responses to the current crisis in order to strengthen our ability to deal with future crises. The focus of this article is on the development of a set of crisis leadership attributes and how we might use these to evaluate our own leadership roles as well as the wider work we do in leadership development, assessment, and evaluation.
COVID-19 and indigenous evaluation in Zambia: My responses to the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Njovu John T
Published: January 2021

"I started taking notice of the coronavirus outbreak when it started to quickly spread to other countries. On 13 January 2020 a first COVID-19 case outside China was confirmed in Thailand. When Europe got affected and numbers started exponentially rising in Italy and England, I became concerned. "When the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a pandemic on 11 March and the media increased its coverage, the government started its public awareness and prevention programme. Some Zambians, including myself, volunteered to help the Ministry of Health in information dissemination. I helped translate the WHO guidelines into Nsenga. It is a language spoken mainly by an indigenous ethnic group, Nsenga, found in the Eastern province of Zambia."
Is COVID-19 Infection Transmitted Through Food?
Authors: Khodabandeh Mahmoud , Mirnia Kayvan , Eshaghi Hamid , Borhani Katayoun
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease (COVID) has had a growing outbreak around the world. China reported COVID-19 infection for the first time in December 2019. Symptoms of this disease often include respiratory symptoms, but gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea) were also reported in COVID-19 infection. Coronavirus transmits through direct droplets, contact, or fomites. However, other modes of transmission include airborne, fecal-oral, blood-borne, and mother-to-child transmission. Furthermore, studies showed that the virus was excreted through the feces. Case presentation: In this study, we   introduced two cases of the disease in a mother and her daughter, who were contaminated with the disease through contact with the contaminated food.
Conclusion: Due to the possibility of oral-fecal transmission, food hygiene is recommended.
Food Insecurity and Depressive Symptoms among University Students: A Cross-Sectional Study from Iran
Authors: Bayat Beyrambibi , Izadi Azimeh , Askari Gholamreza , Piran Fereshteh , Zolfaghai Hamid
Published: January 2021

Background: Food insecurity and depression are two public health problems in the developing countries. This study aimed to determine the association of food insecurity with depression and socioeconomic status (SES) among medical university students.
Methods: This study was conducted among 272 students within the age range of 18-22 years. Participants’ demographic and anthropometric information was evaluated using standard methods. The dietary intakes were collected using a 24-hour dietary recall. Physical activity level was estimated using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-short form. Food security status was evaluated by the 18-item United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) questionnaire. Depression was assessed by Beck Depression Inventory.
Results: The prevalence of food insecurity and depression in participants were 44.1% and 62.5%, respectively. An inverse relationship was found between food insecurity and dietary intake of energy and macronutrients among university students (P ˂ 0.05). In addition, the results revealed an inverse relationship between food insecurity and SES status (P ˂ 0.05). In the food secure group, 19.1% of participants were depressed and in the food insecure group, 54.3% of them were depressed. A positive correlation (P < 0.05) was found between food insecurity and depression.
Conclusion: The findings of this study showed a significant relationship between food insecurity and depression. However, longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to establish a causal relationship.
Adherence to Nordic Nutrition Recommendations and Abdominal Obesity and Anthropometric Indices among Women: A Cross-Sectional Study in Tehran, Iran
Authors: Latifi Asal , Rezazadeh Arezoo , Shahvegharasl Zahra , Rashidkhani Bahram
Published: January 2021

Background: Abdominal obesity (AO) is a global health problem. Although few studies indicated that Nordic diet (ND) was associated with AO, no evidence exists for the association between ND and AO outside the Nordic countries. In this study, we aimed to determine the relationship of ND with AO and anthropometric indices among Iranian women.
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated anthropometric indices and usual dietary intakes of 294 Iranian women aged 20-50 years. We defined AO as waist circumference (WC) ≥ 88 cm and WC ≥ 90 (according to Iranian criteria). Association between qualitative variables and health eating index-nordic nutrition recommendation (HEI-NNR) score was determined using Chi-square and Mann–Whitney tests. The relationship of HEI-NNR score with AO was analyzed by a logistic regression model after adjusting the effect of confounders.
Results: The mean of HEI-NNR score was significantly higher in overweight and obese participants than participants without overweight (P = 0.04). No linear trend was found for body mass index, WC, and waist to hip ratio (WHR) through the HEI-NNR score even after adjustment for confounders. A significant positive association was found among HEI-NNR score, overweight, and obesity (OR = 1.85, 95%CI = 1.15-2.96, P = 0.01). However, the association did not remain significant after adjusting for the confounders.
Conclusion: Adherence to the ND was not associated with AO and anthropometric measurement among Iranian women. Future evidences from RCT and prospective cohort studies are needed to conﬁrm these findings.
The Splenectomy Effects on Lipid Profile and Glucose Metabolism in the Major Thalassemia Patients
Authors: Sajadi Hezaveh Zohreh , Hadidi Mahsa , Shidfar Farzad
Published: January 2021

Background: Splenectomy is a common treatment for beta thalassemia. It not only eliminates many complications by reducing the need for blood transfusion, but also causes new complications that threaten the patients' health. The aim of this study was to determine if splenectomy could alter the lipid profile and glucose metabolism in beta thalassemia major patients.
Methods: In this case-control study, 41 splenectomized and 42 non-splenectomized eligible beta thalassemia patients were selected from Zafar Thalassemia Clinic, Tehran, Iran. Anthropometric, demographic, and biochemical data were collected using standard methods. Physical activity and food intake were measured using International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) and food frequency questionnaires (FFQ), respectively.
Results: Demographic characteristics and dietary intake were not significantly different between the two groups. However, triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), very low density lipoprotein cholesterol (VLDL-C), TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/TG, and LDL-C/HDL-C ratios were significantly higher, but HDL-C was significantly lower in splenectomized patients (P < 0.05). Furthermore, fasting blood glucose (P < 0.39) and oral glucose tolerance test (P < 0.53) did not significantly differ between the two groups.
Conclusions: Reduced activity of the reticuloendothelial system and reduced removal of cholesterol might be the reason for higher plasma lipid profile and greater risk of cardiovascular diseases in splenectomized patients. On the other hand, glucose metabolism was not affected by splenectomy in adult patients. To clarify this relationship, prospective studies are suggested.
Effect of Curcumin on Lipid Profile, Oxidative Stress and Blood Glucose in Experimental Dexamethasone-Induced Diabetes in Rats
Authors: Pourmahmoudi Azizollah , Sharif Talebianpoor Mohammad , Vafaiee Nejad Tahereh , Mozafari Mahnaz , Shafee Talebianpoor Mohammad , Hosseinikia Mahboobe
Published: January 2021

Background: The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of curcumin as a flavonoid antioxidant on serum lipid profile, oxidative stress, and blood glucose in experimental models of type 2 diabetes (DM2).
Methods: Subcutaneous daily injection of dexamethasone (5 mg/kg/day) for a month was performed to induce DM2. For this purpose, 28 adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: healthy control group received dexamethasone carrier containing normal saline + ethanol 4% , diabetic control group took 5 mg/kg/day dexamethasone, diabetic group 1 underwent the treatment with 50 mg/kg/day curcumin, and diabetic group 2 underwent treatment with 100 mg/kg/day curcumin. Seven days after dexamethasone injection, curcumin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) was administrated intraperitoneally for 23 days. At the end of one month, the fasting blood sugar (FBS) level was measured and recorded by glucometer. Later, after a 30-day period, the animals were anesthetized with ether and their blood samples were collected from the heart puncture to measure their serum triglyceride (TG), high density lipoprotein cholrsterol (HDL-C), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and malondialdehyde (MDA).
Results: The findings showed that curcumin could decrease FBS (P < 0.05), LDL-C (P < 0.01), TG (P < 0.001), and MDA (P < 0.001) and increase HDL-C (P < 0.001)  at the end of 30 days.
Conclusion: These effects of curcumin can be mediated by increasing either the pancreatic secretion of insulin or releasing from insulin bonds as well as enhancing insulin receptor sensitivity. Moreover, it may prevent the glucose absorption, reduce the activity of 3-hydroxy- 3-methyl glutaryl- CoA reductase (HMG-CoA), or improve the function of liver and pancreas through potent antioxidant properties.
Food Insecurity and Preeclampsia: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Bigdeli Junaid , Ranjbar Golnaz , Jarahi Lida , Khadem Ghaebi Nayereh , Soleimani Davood , Safarian Mohammad
Published: January 2021

Background: Household food insecurity is defined as the limited or uncertain access to adequate and safe food or limited ability to obtain food in a socially acceptable manner. Preeclampsia is a severe case of high-risk pregnancy, which endangers the health of women across the world, especially in developing countries. The current study aimed to use the nutritional deficiencies theory in pathogenesis of preeclampsia and determine the correlation between food insecurity and preeclampsia.
Methods: This case-control study was conducted on 100 women with preeclampsia and 200 normal pregnant women with the gestational age of 20 weeks. Participants were selected via purposive sampling according to the eligibility criteria. Data were collected using the USDA questionnaire for food insecurity, socioeconomic data, and demographic data through interviews.
Results: The findings indicated that the frequency of food insecurity was significantly higher in the preeclampsia women than the healthy women (71% vs. 21%; P < 0.001). Logistic regression indicated that the risk of preeclampsia was six times higher among pregnant women in the unsafe food status group than those in safe food status group [odds = 6.4; 95%CI: 3.3-12.4; P < 0.001]. Among the studied variables, socioeconomic status, history of stillbirth, history of preterm delivery, and ethnicity were significantly associated with preeclampsia during pregnancy (P < 0.05). In addition, women with low socioeconomic status were twice at the higher risk of preeclampsia compared to those with favorable socioeconomic status [odds = 2.7; 95%CI: 1.1-6.2; P = 0.01].
Conclusion: The current study indicated that the prevalence of food insecurity was high in Iranian women with preeclampsia, especially those with a history of preterm labor, history of stillbirth, low socioeconomic status, or non-Persian.
RECONSIDERING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION-ACTION GAP FOR STUDENTS TRAINED IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN TUNISIA: AN ANALYSIS FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF SOCIOLOGY OF USES
Authors: Taktak-Kallel Ilia
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this paper is to provide a better understanding of the processes at work in shaping students’ entrepreneurial intentions following training courses in entrepreneurship, and of the gap between entrepreneurial intention and action often seen in these training devices. The goal is to collect information that is difficult to access through the usual methods of evaluating entrepreneurial intentions by shedding light on ways in which students make use of these devices. Methodology: Exploratory qualitative research (comprehensive case study) carried out as part of an Entrepreneurial Training Device (Professional Master’s Degree) at a business school in Tunisia, using participant observation techniques, supplemented and cross-checked with multiple data types (institutional records reflecting educational intentions, regular interactions with students, etc.). Main Findings: The Entrepreneurship Training Device is put at the service of the goals to be accomplished by the students (obtaining a Master’s degree, expanding their studies, increasing their chances of re-enrolling a more typical/ “prestigious” course). Applications of this study: The research can be used in various disciplines (entrepreneurship, the science of education, sociology), and in various fields: the design and evaluation of entrepreneurship instruments, assessment of the entrepreneurial intentions of students, correlations and differences between entrepreneurial purpose and behavior, cultural variations in entrepreneurship, determinants of the choice of an entrepreneurial career, social representations of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship. Novelty/Originality of this study: The mobilization of the Sociology of uses enables a deeper understanding of the motives and logics of action of students enrolling in a specialized Master’s Degree in Entrepreneurship in Tunisia, and a better understanding of the degree to which these motives and logics help them to participate effectively in an entrepreneurial intention phase.
LOCAL PERSPECTIVE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN LAKE TOBA AS A TOURISM DESTINATION
Authors: Wiweka Kadek , Setiawan Budi , Sandi Wachyuni Suci , Pramania Adnyana Putu
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: The empowerment of local communities is currently an interesting issue in tourism development. This study aims to examine the forms of involvement of local communities in Lake Toba and to analyze their level of participation. This research begins by identifying the tourism potential of Lake Toba through the attribute theory of tourist destinations (attraction, accessibility, amenities, accommodation, and ancillary service). Methodology: Multi-method approaches are used to examine this phenomenon. The qualitative method is conducted by non-participant observation in research locations to see the locals’ behavior in Lake Toba in terms of the acceptance of tourism activities. The quantitative method is conducted by distributing questionnaires with 90 randomly chosen respondents (local communities) regarding their perspective toward their participation in tourism development. The collected data will be processed and combined and will also be studied using Arnstein’s model as the main measuring instrument in discussing the level of local community participation in the destination. Main Findings: The result of this research is that Lake Toba has the potential to attribute tourist destinations on the 5A system. In terms of the level of local community participation, the community response to its involvement in tourism-destination attributes in Lake Toba can be categorized in the “partnership” phase. Applications of this study: The results of this study may be used as evaluation material regarding the local communities’ participation in Lake Toba on tourism destination development. The findings of this study may also be a reference for community-based tourism development in other destinations, to be oriented towards the effectiveness of active participation of local communities. The originality of the study: The paper is original, and this is the first study to examine the level of local communities’ participation in Lake Toba.
AN ASSESSMENT OF THE MAASAI RESIDENTS’ VIEWS ON TOURISM IN THE MAASAI MARA NATIONAL RESERVE, KENYA
Authors: Nampushi James , Nankaya Jedidah
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to survey the residents’ attitudes on the impact of tourism on Maasai Mara National Reserve and to identify critical issues and tourism development concerns of the Maasai residents associated with the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the Maasai Mara National Reserve.

Methodology: Data for this study was collected from June-October 2015. The participants were residents, 18 and older, from three group ranches. Data were collected using single-stage cluster sampling to identify three group ranches, Koyiaki, Olkinyei, and Siana, in the Maasai Mara region. A semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire was used for face-to-face and photo-elicitation interviews of 24 respondents. Data were subsequently analysed using the Qualitative Data Analysis (QDA) technique.

Main Findings: The study identified six overarching themes; conservation, cultural change, community development, employment, livestock, and small business. This study found that residents perceived tourism with mixed feelings, both negative and positive. More specifically, residents living closer to the tourism destination experienced direct and tangible benefits as compared to those who live far away.

Applications of this study: The results of this study are important for tourism planners, practitioners, and conservation managers in developing holistic strategies that promote sustainable tourism development in the Mara region of Kenya.

Novelty/Originality of this study: The success of the tourism industry depends on the involvement of the local people. Lack of cooperation of the local communities in tourism development projects could lead to anger and mistrust, influencing perceptions of tourism and its three basic areas of benefits and costs: social, environmental, and economic. This study, for the first time, attempted to describe the resident’s attitudes towards tourism development in the Mara, results which can be used to improve the participation of local residents to ensure sustainable tourism development in destinations.
THE SHIFTING TRENDS IN TRAVELLING AFTER THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Authors: Kusumaningrum Dewi Ayu , Wachyuni Suci Sandi
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: This study is to understand the shifting trends in traveling after the Covid-19 pandemic. This research was also conducted to determine tourist behavior by identifying the typology of tourists and tourists' traveling motivation after the Covid-19 pandemic.

Methodology: This research is a quantitative descriptive study. The data were collected from an online questionnaire (Google Form) contains statements that are rated on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from strongly disagree to strongly agree. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, i.e. distribution of frequency, percentage, and average value. The research time was during March-April 2020. The sample was 100 Indonesian respondents, and all data were valid to be analyzed in the study.

Main Findings: Millenial tourists were dominated in this study. The results show that tourists' typology tends to the explorer type, and the second position refers to the drifter type. Meanwhile, the motivation was dominated by physical or physiological motivation and followed by interpersonal motivation. Therefore, natural destinations are the primary choice in the respondent's travel plans.

Applications of this study: This result may be used as a reference for destination managers in formulating management strategies and destination development after the pandemic period. The tourism industry may also use the findings of this study to plan tourism activities and develop policies in the new normal era.

Novelty / Originality of this study: This research is original, and this is the first study that identifying the shifting trends in traveling after Covid-19 pandemic.