bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic Musical Scales: Theory and Practice
Authors:   Villaggio S. Antonio onlus via Cappello 79, Noventa Padovana (Padova), Italy, Misto Riccardo
Published: May 2021

Using musical scales in a therapeutic key is one of the fundamental music therapy techniques of the Yoga of Sound (Nāda Yoga). The practice consists of singing particular sound formulas (scales), which are devised on a logical mathematical basis formed by specific musical intervals. These scales can bring to the surface, in a clear (objective), recognizable, and predictable way, psycho-emotional states and transform the blocked emotional energies. These blocked emotional energies are caused by repeated emotional stress, which, according to the psychosomatic principle, is the main cause of the physical and mental problems and pathologies. In this article, the fundamental principles of this music therapy, in theory and practice, are uncovered and analyzed.
The Effects of Exergaming on Sensory Reweighting and Mediolateral Stability of Women Aged Over 60: Usability Study
Authors: Sápi Mariann , Fehér-Kiss Anna , Csernák Krisztina , Domján Andrea , Pintér Sándor
Published: May 2021

Background

Older adults tend to experience difficulties in switching quickly between various reliable sensory inputs, which ultimately may contribute to an increased risk of falls and injuries. Sideward falls are the most frequent cause of hip fractures among older adults. Recently, exergame programs have been confirmed as beneficial tools for enhancing postural control, which can reduce the risk of falls. However, studies to explore more precisely which mechanism of exergaming directly influences older women’s ability to balance are still needed.

Objective

Our aim was to evaluate, in a single-group pretest/posttest/follow-up usability study, whether Kinect exergame balance training might have a beneficial impact on the sensory reweighting in women aged over 60.

Methods

A total of 14 healthy women (mean age 69.57 [SD 4.66] years, mean body mass index 26.21 [SD 2.6] kg/m2) participated in the study. The volunteers trained with the commercially available games of Kinect for Xbox 360 console 3 times (30 minutes/session) a week over a 6-week period (total of 18 visits). Participants’ postural sway in both the anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions was recorded with NeuroCom Balance Master 6.0. To assess and measure postural sensory reweighting, the Modified Clinical Test of Sensory Interaction in Balance was used, where volunteers were exposed to various changes in visual (eyes open or eyes closed) and surface conditions (firm or foam surface).

Results

In the ML direction, the Kinect exergame training caused a significant decrease in the sway path on the firm surface with the eyes open (P<.001) and eyes closed (P=.001), and on the foam surface with the eyes open (P=.001) and eyes closed (P<.001) conditions compared with baseline data. The follow-up measurements when compared with the baseline data showed a significant change in the sway path on the firm surface with the eyes open (P<.001) and eyes closed (P<.001) conditions, as well as on the foam surface with the eyes open (P=.003) and eyes closed (P<.001) conditions. Besides, on the firm surface, there were no significant differences in sway path values in the AP direction between the baseline and the posttraining measurements (eyes open: P=.49; eyes closed: P=.18). Likewise, on the foam surface, there were no significant differences in sway path values in the AP direction under both eyes open (P=.24) and eyes closed (P=.84) conditions.

Conclusions

The improved posturography measurements of the sway path in the ML direction might suggest that the Kinect exergame balance training may have effects on sensory reweighting, and thus on the balance of women aged over 60. Based on these results, Kinect exergaming may provide a safe and potentially useful tool for improving postural stability in the crucial ML direction, and thus it may help reduce the risk of falling.
Head and Tail Entity Fusion Model in Medical Knowledge Graph Construction: Case Study for Pituitary Adenoma
Authors: Fang An , Lou Pei , Hu Jiahui , Zhao Wanqing , Feng Ming , Ren Huiling , Chen Xianlai
Published: May 2021

Background

Pituitary adenoma is one of the most common central nervous system tumors. The diagnosis and treatment of pituitary adenoma remain very difficult. Misdiagnosis and recurrence often occur, and experienced neurosurgeons are in serious shortage. A knowledge graph can help interns quickly understand the medical knowledge related to pituitary tumor.

Objective

The aim of this study was to develop a data fusion method suitable for medical data using data of pituitary adenomas integrated from different sources. The overall goal was to construct a knowledge graph for pituitary adenoma (KGPA) to be used for knowledge discovery.

Methods

A complete framework suitable for the construction of a medical knowledge graph was developed, which was used to build the KGPA. The schema of the KGPA was manually constructed. Information of pituitary adenoma was automatically extracted from Chinese electronic medical records (CEMRs) and medical websites through a conditional random field model and newly designed web wrappers. An entity fusion method is proposed based on the head-and-tail entity fusion model to fuse the data from heterogeneous sources.

Results

Data were extracted from 300 CEMRs of pituitary adenoma and 4 health portals. Entity fusion was carried out using the proposed data fusion model. The F1 scores of the head and tail entity fusions were 97.32% and 98.57%, respectively. Triples from the constructed KGPA were selected for evaluation, demonstrating 95.4% accuracy.

Conclusions

This paper introduces an approach to fuse triples extracted from heterogeneous data sources, which can be used to build a knowledge graph. The evaluation results showed that the data in the KGPA are of high quality. The constructed KGPA can help physicians in clinical practice.
The co.LAB Generic Framework for Collaborative Design of Serious Games: Development Study
Authors: Jaccard Dominique , Suppan Laurent , Sanchez Eric , Huguenin Audrey , Laurent Maxence
Published: May 2021

Background

Serious games are increasingly used at all levels of education. However, research shows that serious games do not always fulfill all the targeted pedagogical objectives. Designing efficient and engaging serious games is a difficult and multidisciplinary process that requires a collaborative approach. Many design frameworks have been described, most of which are dedicated to the development of specific types of serious games and take the collaborative dimension into account only to a limited extent.

Objective

Our aim was to create a generic serious game design framework that could be adapted to all kinds of serious games and implemented in a collaborative web platform.

Methods

We combined the results of a literature review with our experience in serious game design and development to determine the basic building blocks of a collaborative design framework. We then organized these building blocks into categories and determined the features that a generic design framework should include. Finally, based on the paradigm of complex systems and systemic modelling, we created the co.LAB generic design framework and specifications to allow its implementation in a collaborative web platform.

Results

Based on a total of 10 existing design methodologies or frameworks, 23 building blocks were identified and represent the foundation of the co.LAB framework. These blocks were organized into 5 categories: “context and objectives,” “game design,” “mechanics,” “learning design,” and “assessment.” The arrangement by categories provides a structure that can be visualized in multiple and complementary ways. The classical view links game and learning design while other views offer project, systemic, and process visualizations. For the implementation of the co.LAB framework in a web platform, we propose to convert the building blocks into “cards.” Each card would constitute a collaborative working space for the design of the corresponding block. To make the framework adaptive, cards could be added, adapted, or removed according to the kind of serious game intended. Enhancing the visualization of relationships between cards should support a systemic implementation of the framework.

Conclusions

By offering a structured view of the fundamental design elements required to create serious games, the co.LAB framework can facilitate the design and development of such games by virtue of a collaborative, adaptive, and systemic approach. The different visualizations of the building blocks should allow for a shared understanding and a consistent approach throughout the design and development process. The implementation of the co.LAB framework in a collaborative web platform should now be performed and its actual usability and effectiveness tested.
Digitazion in Gynaecology and Obstetrics in times of COVID-19: Results of a national survey (Preprint)
Authors: Hertling Stefan , Loos Franziska , Hertling Doreen , Graul Isabel , Runnebaum Ingo
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

In the COVID-19 pandemic, many consultations had to be canceled, postponed or switched to a virtual format. Telemedicine in patient care management could support physicians.

OBJECTIVE

The study analyses the Acceptance, Use and Barriers of digital health applications (DHAs) in patients with gynecological diseases and gynecologists in Germany.

METHODS

This prospective cross-sectional study was based on a survey of gynaecologists and patients in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic. Descriptive statistics were calculated and regression analyses were performed to show correlations.

RESULTS

We analyzed the responses of 490 patients and 478 gynecologists. Most believed that DHAs are useful and felt confident in their own usage thereof. The majority in both groups agreed on implementing virtual visits in stable disease conditions. Only a minority (<10% in both groups) believed that digitalization has a negative impact on the patient–doctor relationship. Patients and physicians reported that their attitude had changed positively towards DHAs and that their usage had increased due to COVID-19. The most reported advantage of DHAs were usage independent of time. The main barriers were a lack of information on suitable, available DHAs and a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of DHAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an increase in the acceptance and use of DHAs by patients and gynecologists, potentially leading to a permanent paradigm shift in the treatment of gynecological conditions.
Efficacy and Safety of Remote Cardiac Rehabilitation in the Recovery Phase of Cardiovascular Diseases: Protocol for a Multicenter, Nonrandomized, Single-Arm, Interventional Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Itoh Hidetaka , Amiya Eisuke , Narita Koichi , Shimbo Mai , Taya Masanobu , Komuro Issei , Hasegawa Takashi , Makita Shigeru , Kimura Yutaka
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Conventional group-based outpatient cardiac rehabilitation through monitoring and center-based approaches for patients in the recovery phase has shown strong evidence for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. However, there are some cases in which maintaining attendance of center-based cardiac rehabilitation is difficult.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to ascertain the safety and efficacy of remote cardiac rehabilitation (RCR) in the recovery phase in patients with cardiovascular disease.

METHODS

Patients satisfying the study criteria will be recruited from multiple institutions (approximately 30) across Japan. In total, 75 patients (approximately 2 or 3 patients from each institution) are proposed to be recruited. Patients enrolled in the RCR group will be lent devices necessary for RCR (including calibrated ergometers and tablets). Patients will perform anaerobic exercise at home using ergometer for 30-40 minutes at least 3 times weekly. During exercise, an instructor will monitor the patient in real time (using interactive video tools and monitoring tools for various vital data). Moreover, educational instructions will be given 3 times weekly using e-learning methods.

RESULTS

The primary endpoint is the peak oxygen uptake 2-3 months from the start of exercise or 6-min walk test. The extracted data will be compared between RCR patients and controls without RCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The establishment of the system of RCR proposed in this study will lead to the development of more extensive applications, which have been insufficient through conventional interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

University Hospital Medical Information Network—Clinical Trials Registry UMIN–CTR UMIN000042942; https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000048983

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/30725
Efektivitas Logoterapi dalam Meningkatkan Konsep Diri Remaja di Panti Sosial
Authors: Farisandy Ellyana Dwi , Surjaningrum Endang Retno
Published: May 2021

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menguji efektivitas logoterapi untuk meningkatkan konsep diri remaja. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode true experiment yakni pretest-posttest control group design. Partisipan penelitian merupakan delapan remaja laki-laki (Musia= 14.75 tahun, SD= 0.88) yang memiliki konsep diri rendah. Pengumpulan data sebelum dan sesudah intervensi menggunakan alat ukur Adolescents Self Concept Short Scale (ASCSS)yang dikembangkan oleh Veige danLeite(30 aitem, α= 0.889). Intervensi yang diberikan adalah delapan sesi intervensi logoterapi menggunakan MCP (Meaning Centered Psychotherapy) yang diadaptasi dari William S. Breitbart.Analisis data yang diuji melalui independent sample t-test berdasarkan gain score, diketahui bahwa terdapat perbedaan yang signifikan mengenai konsep diri antara kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol (t(6)= 4.9, p= 0.003 (p< 0.05)).Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa logoterapi memberikan efek besar dalam meningkatkan konsep diri remaja (effect size= 0.80), artinyalogoterapi adalahintervensi yang efektif dalam meningkatkan konsep diri remaja
Validation of Cognitive-based Mindfulness Program to Reduce Suicidal Ideation in Individuals with Depression
Authors: Rahmatulloh Ainurizan Ridho , Retnowati Sofia
Published: May 2021

Suicide is a global epidemic phenomenon that is the third most common cause of death in the world. However, not many studies have focused on developing an intervention that specifically targets symptoms of suicidal ideation. Suicidal ideation is seen as part of a depressed condition. The purpose of this study was to validate a cognitive-based mindfulness program to reduce suicidal ideation in people with depression. The study was conducted through internal validity tests using expert judgment and external validity tests using the small-n AB design method, which involved three participants (n = 3). The visual inspection analysis was performed on the mean, trend, and level. Analysis of repeated measurements showed a decrease in suicidal ideation in all participants. This program has the potential to be developed as a companion to conventional interventions and can be an alternate activity to fill the waiting time for individuals to get the main intervention.
Validasi Modul “Misi” untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan dan Keterampilan Komunikasi Kesehatan Reproduksi pada Remaja
Authors: Sawitri Maria Goretti Keshia , Paramastri Ira
Published: May 2021

Banyaknya kasus perilaku seksual berisiko dan dampaknya pada remaja menimbulkan perhatian. Dampak dari hal tersebut bermacam-macam, mulai dari dampak fisik hingga psikologis. Fase remaja merupakan fase yang krusial untuk menuju dewasa. Orang tua diharapkan dapat menjadi figur pendamping utama untuk dapat menyampaikan pendidikan kesehatan reproduksi dan seksual. Meski demikian, orang tua kerap tidak memberikan informasi mengenai hal tersebut. Penyebabnya karena kurangnya pengetahuan, menganggap hal itu tabu, hingga komunikasi yang tidak terbuka dengan anak. Modul “MISI” bertujuan untuk meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan komunikasi orang tua dalam menyampaikan topik tersebut pada anak mereka yang beranjak remaja, berusia 9 sampai 15 tahun. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan metode one group pretest-posttest design kepada delapan partisipan. Data hasil variabel pengetahuan dan keterampilan dianalisis menggunakan Wilcoxon Sign-rank Test dan data deskriptif. Hasil pengujian menunjukkan menunjukkan variabel pengetahuan memiliki nilai z = -2,536 sedangkan p-value sebesar 0,011 (p<0,05), sedangkan keterampilan komunikasi memiliki nilai z = -2,541 dan p-value sebesar 0,012 (p<0,05). Hasil tersebut menunjukkan bahwa modul MISI secara signifikan dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan komunikasi orang tua dalam menyampaikan materi kesehatan reproduksi pada anak.
Social Media Use: A Risk Factor for Depression among School Adolescents in Enugu State of Nigeria
Authors: Charity Agbo, Maria
Published: May 2021

Social media just like the rest of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) channels aid and promote speedy and easy access to information more especially among school adolescents. Social media use among school adolescents is a double-edged sword as they use them to connect friends and find information about many things including learning. However, they also spend too much time on them which affect their mental health and may cause them depression. This research investigated on the social media use: A risk factor for depression among school adolescents’ depression in Enugu State. Descriptive survey research was adopted for the study. The population of the study was all the school adolescents in Enugu State. Stratified random sampling was used to select 800 adolescents from 4 states. In each of the four states, 200 adolescents were selected. Self-structured questionnaire and Hamilton depression scale were used to elicit information for data collection. The results were analyzed using mean scores and standard deviations. The findings revealed that many adolescents spend up to 10 hours daily on social media, they prefers chatting on social media to talking to their parents, among other behaviours. The findings also indicated that; adolescents who spend up to 10 hours daily on social media have decreased activities and feeling of incapacity, adolescents who don’t have enough sleep in the night due their use of social media experience hallucination, low mood among other findings.
On Becoming an Official in Sakya’s Aphorisms and Bacon’s Essays
Authors: Qunying Shen
Published: May 2021

Sakya’s Aphorisms and Bacon’s Essays make a profound observation of social reality, comment on various social phenomena, and convey their rational meditation and political views on social and political life. Here is a comparative study of the two classic literary works with a distance of more than 300 years so as to inherit and carry forward the excellent traditional culture at home and abroad, nourish and enlighten today’s officials to take the right way, follow the law and the correct path of cadre growth, and reserve the corresponding competences.
Metaphors in the Reports on the Reform and Opening-up Policy in China
Authors: Jinlin Gao
Published: May 2021

This study, based on the BCC (Beijing Language and Culture University Corpus Center) corpus, systematically analyzed the metaphorical reasoning of the Reform and Opening-up in China. It finds a tendency of concentration for the sources. The top four sources (Journey: 83.14%; Nature: 8.16%; War: 6.31%; Building (1.15%) contributed 98.76% of the resonance among all the 16 source domains. These four sources highlight two important aspects: Events (Journey, War and Building) and Conditions (Nature). The different sources share some highlights such as leadership, participant, places, result and process, but they also have specific foci: Journey on decision making, destination and motivations; War on risks, conflicts and tactics; Building on complex structure of the project. These productive sources can reveal the ideologies promoted by the government which inspired people’s devotion, patience, openness, tactics, alertness, sense of honor and morale.
On the “Double Adaptation” of Teaching and its Comprehensive Effect
Authors: Lan Shoutian , Lan Hui
Published: May 2021

The teaching methods of various subjects should not only meet the inner needs of students, but also conform to the objective laws of external development. So as to realize “double adaptation”. After repeated research and experimentation, we found that the “guided learning method” implemented with a “four-step procedure” can better solve this problem. On this basis, we can achieve a high degree of integration of “teaching” and “learning”, a high degree of integration of lesson plan, textbooks, assignments and examination papers, a high degree of integration of teaching methods of various disciplines, and a high degree of integration of many teaching steps such as explanation, practice, consolidation and review. The role and power of this “high level of integration” All kinds of effects should not be underestimated. With the “high level of integration”, it is easy to knock on the door of simple, efficient and effective teaching and learning, thereby making the education to step on a healthy track.
ZLOUPOTREBA VEŠTAČKE INTELIGENCIJE U EKSTREMISTIČKE I TERORISTIČKE SVRHE
Authors: Djoric Marija , Milosevic Tanja
Published: May 2021

U radu se istražuje moguća zloupotreba veštačke inteligencije u ekstremističke i terorističke svrhe. Imajući u vidu sve veću digitalizaciju i robotizaciju društva, sasvim je realno očekivati i sve veću upotrebu veštačke inteligencije u bezbednosnom kontekstu, što će svakako zloupotrebiti ekstremističke i terorističke grupe. Autori opisuju kroz niz relevantnih primera na koje sve načine teroristi zloupotrebljavaju veštačku inteligenciju, stavljajući poseban akcenat na upotrebu bespilotnih letelica, tj. dronova. U radu se najpre elaboriraju savremeni trendovi u određenju fenomena ekstremizma i terorizma, pronalaze se njihove tačke dodira i distanciranja, da bi se u nastavku detaljno analizirala upotreba dronova u delovanju tzv. „Islamske države”, „Hezbolaha” i Huta u Jemenu. Cilj rada je procena opasnosti koju ekstremisti i teroristi predstavljaju po savremeno društvo, u kontekstu zloupotrebe veštačke inteligencije.
First Report of Multi-drug Resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in Nosocomial Infections in North Western Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alahmadi Tahani F. H. , Alahmadey Ziab Z. , Organji Sameer R. , Elbanna Khaled , Ahmad Iqbal , Abulreesh Hussein H.
Published: May 2021

We report in this study for the first time the prevalence of multiple resistant Staphylococcus haemolyticus in clinical settings in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1060 clinical specimens of hospitalized patients were screened for the presence of S. haemolyticus in the period between September and December 2020. Primary identification of the isolates was carried out by colonial characteristics on mannitol salt agar and clumping factor test, confirmation of presumptive isolates and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed by Vitek® 2, while PCR was employed to detect mecA and vanA genes. A total of 20 S. haemolyticus isolates were recovered from 20 samples (blood cultures, urine, nasal swab, wound swab, groin swab, and axilla swab), 90% (P <0.001, x2) of the isolates were multiple resistant to three antimicrobial agents and more. Resistance to oxacillin was exhibited in 95% of the isolates, while none of the isolates were resistant to vancomycin and linezolid, yet resistance to rifampicin was observed in 30 % of the isolates. The findings of this study highlights the emerging trends of Staphylococcus haemolyticus as potential drug resistant pathogen in hospital settings in Saudi Arabia, which requires in depth investigation on molecular understanding on antimicrobial resistance and virulence traits of the strains.
Molecular Diversity of Chlorpyrifos Degrading Bacteria Isolated from Apple Orchard Soils of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Sharma Anish Kumar , Pandit Jyotsana , Harkhani Khyati
Published: May 2021

A total of seventy-two bacterial isolates were obtained employing enrichment culture technique from apple orchard soils contaminated with chlorpyrifos. Pure cultures of bacterial isolates were obtained using streak plate method on mineral salt medium. Bacterial isolates were characterized on the basis of morphology, culture and biochemical properties. Six bacterial isolates exhibited high extracellular organophosphorus hydrolase activity along with high tolerance towards high concentrations of chlorpyrifos. Genomic DNA extraction from bacterial isolates was done with phenol/chloroform method. Molecular Diversity of six chlorpyrifos degrading bacterial isolates was done employing RAPD-PCR technique by using 25 decamer primers, where amplification was showed by only 20 primers. A total of 337 amplified bands and 64 unique bands ranging in size from 100 to 4900bps were produced after RAPD analysis. The similarity coefficient estimated by Jaccard’s coefficient for these bacterial isolates was found to range between 31 to 64 percent.
Selection of four types arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in oil palm seedling planted in histosol soil
Authors: RINI Maria Viva , SUHARJO Radix , WIBOWO Lestari , IRVANTO David , ARIYANTO Adhy
Published: May 2021

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) arebeneficial microbes for plants, especially in theabsorption of nutrients and water from the soil.Some factors that influence the effectiveness of thisfungus are the suitability of the AMF species withtheir host plants and abiotic condition such as soilcharacteristics. Therefore, this study aims todetermine the type of AMF that produced the bestgrowth and nutrient uptake in oil palm seedlingsplanting in histosol soil. This study used a singlefactor treatment design consisting of 9 AMFtreatments, namely control without AMF (T1),given Glomus sp. (T2), Gigaspora sp. (T3),Entrophospora sp. (T4), Acaulospora sp. (T5), amixture of Glomus sp. and Gigaspora sp. (T6), amixture of Glomus sp. and Entrophospora sp. (T7),a mixture of Gigaspora sp. and Entrophospora sp.(T8), and a mixture of Glomus sp., Gigaspora sp.,Entrophospora sp., and Acaulospora sp. (T9). Eachtreatment was repeated five times. Theexperimental design used was a randomized blockdesign. In the AMF treatment, 500 spores perseedling were given when the seedlings weretransplanted from prenursery to the main nursery.The seedlings were kept in the prenursery for 3.5months and in the main nursery for nine months.The results showed that the type of mycorrhizaethat consistently produced better seedling growthand nutrients uptake compared to the control wereGlomus sp. (T2) and a mixture of Gigaspora sp.and Entrophospora sp. (T8), which supported bydata on plant height, number of leaves, shoot dryweight, and total nutrient uptake of N, P, K, Ca,Mg, and B
Fulvic acid – a small but powerful natural substance
Authors: GOENADI Didiek Hadjar
Published: May 2021

Humic substances are defined as the result of the decomposition of any organic matter, and they consist mainly of humin, humic, and fulvic acids.  Compared to humin, humic acids and fulvic acid (FA) are the most explored compounds. However, FAs are less studied than humic acids because of the usually small residual quantities.  Considering that its potential for bioactivity is stronger than that of humic acids, the current review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of FA application for crops and soils and its potential as an immuno-modulator for humans.  The wide application of FA is challenged by two main factors affecting the quality and the effectiveness, i.e., the type of raw material and extraction method.  Lignite, low-energy coal, is the most common material for FA production besides bog, peat, and compost.  Fulvic acid extraction is done through several methods, i.e., hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), alkaline (NaOH/KOH), and/or water. The latest modified method shows that the combination of H2O2 with microwave power can recover a considerable amount of FA. However, it is still difficult to apply this method for industrial scale. Due to highly specified characteristics, FA showed a great potential to improve crop performances and soil health, making it strategic for supporting sustainable agriculture in the future through biotic and abiotic stress alleviations and sustainable yield achievement, including various plantation crops and biotechnological approach. For medicinal purposes, some studies have shown highly promising results, especially as an immuno-modulator and in combating neurodegenerative disorders as well as for cancer therapy and health food fortification, which might be in line with the new paradigm so-called One Health approach. The future market of FA is also estimated to grow in a very attractive economic value. However, as data are still limited, the wide range of potential use should encourage concerted and wide research and product development efforts to achieve sustainable agriculture and human health.
Orientalisms and Occidentalisms: Evolution of Concepts and Divergence of Connotations
Authors:   University of Latvia, Kleinhofa Ingrīda
Published: May 2021

During the most part of its long history, the term ‘Orientalism’ has had several interrelated meanings with neutral or positive connotations, some of which are still preserved, for instance, in art, architecture, design, and music, where it refers to Oriental influences and works inspired by Oriental themes and sounds rather attractive and romantic. As an academic term, it was used to denote the European tradition of Asian studies, suggesting a thorough exploration of Eastern cultural heritage, in particular, languages, literature, and artifacts. After the publication of Edward Said’s Orientalism in 1978, the term gained new negative meanings, related to postcolonial theory where it denotes mainly the biased, haughty attitude of the West towards an essentialized East and manifestations of Western colonial discourse in literature, science, and politics, such as the justification of Western imperialism, colonialism, and racial discrimination. The redefinition of the term by postcolonial theorists raised a debate about the about the so-called Western approach to history, sociology, and Asian studies as well as about the permissibility of division of the world into binary opposites, “the Orient” and “the Occident”. By the end of the 20th century, the term ‘Orientalism’ was adapted for the use by anthropologists, and its counterpart, ‘Occidentalism’ emerged, referring to the essentialized, dehumanized image of the West created by non-Western societies. Currently, most of the mentioned meanings have survived, each to some extent, and interfere in various fields of knowledge, creating complex sets of contradictory connotations.
Ķīniešu (haņ tautības) bēru rituāli
Authors:   Latvijas Universitāte, Jermaka Karīna
Published: May 2021

Tradicionālo kultūru pētījums saistīts ar specifisku komponentu un pazīmju noturību laika gaitā. Cilvēku etniskās savdabības vienotības organizācija izpaužas visos līmeņos: sociālajā, politiskajā, ekonomiskajā, tiesiskajā un citos līmeņos. Cilvēku pasaules uztveres normas ir balstītas uz vienotu un nemainīgu vērtību sistēmu un nosaka socializācijas un etnosa tradīcijas nepārtrauktību. Tradicionālās kultūras aspekti izpaužas ne tikai mitoloģiskos tekstos, bet arī citos žanros, kuri savukārt sakņojas mītos un leģendās. Pētot šos tekstus, ņemot vērā konkrētās tradīcijas, to struktūru un loģiku, mēs varam dziļāk izprast rituālu būtību un saprast to darbību dinamikā. Pētot apbedījumu un piemiņas rituālus, ir iespējams pieskarties pašam ķīniešu tradicionālās kultūras kodolam. Rakstā ir aprakstīti visi rituāli, kas saistīti ar cilvēka miršanu, apglabāšanu un sērām. Atsevišķa daļa tiek veltīta ar nāvi saistītām paražām un ticējumiem.
PERSEPSI MASYARAKAT ACEH TERHADAP NUSYUZ
Authors: Hanapi Agustin , Wahyuni Yenny Sri
Published: May 2021

Dalam sebagian masyarakat, isteri begitu patuh kepada suami bahkan ada yang berkonsultasi kepada penulis bahwa dia tidak berani menolak ajakan suami walaupun kondisinya sendiri kurang fit, belum suci dari menstruasi, atau harus menyiapkan makanan dan pakaian walaupun dia sendiri kurang sehat karena takut masuk dalam keriteria nusyuz sehingga surga menjadi haram baginya. Begitu juga dengan suami sering bersikap semena-mena terhadap isteri dan merasa wewenang yang dimilikinya bersifat absolut sehingga ia dapat menggunakan kapan saja tanpa mempertimbangkan kondisi apapun, jika isteri enggan mematuhinya maka sering disebut sebagai isteri “nusyuz” ataupun “durhaka”. Tulisan ini memaparkan tentang “Persepsi Masyarakat Terhadap Nusyuz (Studi Kasus di Aceh Tenggara)” yang memiliki adat istiadat yang unik dan berbeda dari daerah lain di Aceh, yang begitu menikah maka seorang isteri harus rela diboyong dan tinggal di rumah suami (mertua isteri) sehingga sebagian isteri merasa  harus patuh kepada suaminya secara mutlak. Hampir semua responden tidak tahu dan tidak familiar dengan istilah “nusyuz” sebagaimana istilah yang digunakan oleh Alquran. Istilah yang familiar di kalangan mereka adalah “durhaka”, namun secara umum mereka labelkan hanya kepada isteri sekiranya tidak patuh dan taat kepada suami. Kemudian secara umum, responden menganggap bahwa masalah nafkah sepenuhnya tanggung jawab suami, sedangkan terkait urusan domestik seperti mencuci, mengurus rumah dan anak mutlak dibebankan kepada isteri, dan isteri harus memberikan pelayanan sepenuhnya terhadap suami.
Boron removal from aqueous solution using coagulation- flocculation with curcumin : A response surface methodology
Authors:   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Halim A.A. , Hanafiah M.M. ,   Centre for Tropical Climate Change System, Institute of Climate Change, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Asmi M. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Daud Z. ,   Faculty of Civil Engineering and Built Environment, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia, Parit Raja, 86400, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: Application of response surface methodology (RSM) to determine optimum parameters in the coagulation-flocculation process aided by curcumin for boron removal from aqueous solution was investigated. Methodology: Different parameters such as pH, coagulant dosage, and curcumin dosage that effect boron removal were tested. Application of central composite design in RSM was used to design the coagulation-flocculation experiment. Results: The results showed 75% of boron removal, while the optimum parameters for boron removal were observed at pH 2.8, 132.05 ppm poly aluminum chloride dose and 1161.4 ppm curcumin dose, respectively. Interpretation: Quadratic regression showed that the model was significant and lack of fit P value was 0.107 (p > 0.05), implying a significant model correlation between the variables and responses. The experimental data and predicted model proved that RSM is an appropriate approach for optimising the coagulation–flocculation process in removing boron from aqueous solution.
Effect of dissolved oxygen deficiency on 210Pb content in mussel's tissues at the Johor strait, Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Saili N.A.B. , Mohamed C.A.R. ,   Department of Earth Sciences and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology,Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Bangi, 43600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: To investigate the effect of dissolved oxygen deficiency on the level of 210Pb in mussel's tissues, Perna viridis which has been reported to be highly tolerant to hypoxia. Methodology: Mussels (Perna viridis), seawater and sediment samples were collected from nine stations along the Johor Straits during North-east monsoon (November 2017), inter-monsoon (March 2018), and South-west monsoon (August 2018). The 210Pb contents were extracted and estimated by Gross Alpha-beta Counter. Results: The lowest dissolved oxygen was recorded at Station 4 which decreased from 2.14 mg l-1 to 2.10 mg l-1 and subsequently to 1.63 mg l-1 during first to third samplings. In sediment, 210Pb activities increased with the increase in organic matter. Meanwhile, in mussels, the 210Pb activities showed almost similar trend with sediment where 210Pb activities were much higher adjacent to the causeway structure, especially at the East part of Johor Strait. The level of 210Pb in mussel's tissue and sediment also increased with decreasing level of dissolved oxygen. Interpretation: A causeway structure disrupted the water quality of Johor Straits and caused almost hypoxic conditions nearby. The coverage of oxygen depletion expanded during inter-monsoon. An inverse relationship between 210Pb activities and dissolved oxygen prove that deficiency of dissolved oxygen potentially influenced the bioaccumulation of 210Pb in mussels to correspond to the build-up of concentration factor in their tissues which exceeded the recommended value.
Chironomidae (Order: Diptera) diversity in relation to water quality of highland rivers at Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
Authors:   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,  Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Ahmad A.K. , Hafizah A. ,   Department of Earth Science and Environment, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia,  Bangi, 43600, Malaysia, Sharifah Aisyah S.O. ,   Faculty of Earth Science, Universiti Malaysia Kelantan, Jeli, 17600, Malaysia
Published: May 2021

Aim: This study aims to determine Chironomidae diversity and distribution in three small rivers at Cameron Highlands in relation to their response to water quality conditions. Methodology: Fifteen sites from three rivers (Palas River, Pauh River and Bertam River) were chosen for water quality measurements and Chironomidae sampling. Water quality was analysed following APHA standard methods and chironomid was identified to genus level. The rivers were classified based on Malaysian’s Water Quality Index (WQI) and macroinvertebrates diversity and distribution was analysed using diversity indices. Comparison between sites and river was undertaken using one-way ANOVA and chironomid appearance in relation to water quality was evaluated using Pearson correlation test. Results: Chironomidae (Order: Diptera) distribution at high altitude rivers in Malaysia is not well documented although this group of insect has a wide range of distribution in tropical region. Based on Malaysian water quality index (WQI), result shows all rivers were in Class I. Although still in Class I, Bertam River has slight lower water quality due to higher ammoniacal nitrogen and total suspended solids. The diversity indices also demonstrate that Bertam Rivers was in stress conditions, and other two were in moderate conditions. Three subfamilies (Chironominae, Orthocladiinae and Tanypodinae) were recorded, which comprises of 1963 individuals. Tvetenia (Subfamily: Orthocladiinae) was the most dominant but only dominated Palas River and Pauh River. Another genus from Orthocladiinae (Crocotopus and Rheocrocotopus) also recorded dominant only in Palas River and Pauh River, but lesser in Bertam River. Only Polypedilum (Subfamily: Chironominae) which was second highest recorded, dominated in all rivers, even highest in Bertam River. Amongst dominant genus, only Polypedilum was found dominant in all rivers, others were only dominating Palas River and Pauh River only. Interpretation: This findings exhibit wide range of adaptations and potential use of Polypedilum as biological indicator. Due to availability of incomplete keys, identification to species level cannot be undertaken. However, this study reveals thirteen different sub-group of Polypedilum based mouthpart organs, which represent different species for tropical ecosystems.
The Epidemic Volatility Index: an early warning tool for epidemics
Authors: Kostoulas Polychronis , Meletis Eletherios , Pateras Konstantinos , Eusebi Paolo , Kostoulas Theodoros , Speybroeck Niko , Denwood Matthew , Doi Suhail A.R. , Althaus Christian L. , Kirkeby Carsten , Rohani Pejman , Dhand Navneet K. , Peñalvo José L. , Furuya-Kanamori Luis , Thabane Lehana , BenMiled Slimane , Sharifi Hamid , Walter Stephen
Published: May 2021

Background. This paper presents, for the first time, the
Epidemic Volatility Index (EVI), a conceptually simple, early warning
tool for emerging epidemic waves.

Methods. EVI is based on the volatility of the newly reported
cases per unit of time, ideally per day, and issues an early warning
when the rate of the volatility change exceeds a threshold.

Results. Results from the COVID-19 epidemic in Italy and New
York are presented here, while daily updated predictions for all world
countries and each of the United States are available online.

Interpretation. EVI’s application to data from the current
COVID-19 pandemic revealed a consistent and stable performance in terms
of detecting oncoming waves. The application of EVI to other epidemics
and syndromic surveillance tasks in combination with existing early
warning systems will enhance our ability to act fast and optimize
containment of outbreaks.
Autoimmunity and Antibody Dependent COVID-19 Enhancement of SARS CoV-2 Vaccination: A Global Human Right to Know then Decide.
Authors: Kelleni Mina
Published: May 2021

SARS CoV-2 vaccines are being advertised as a tool to beat COVID-19, yet
with the emergence of different variants that are suggested to be
vaccine-resistant, and the emergence of SARS CoV-2 vaccine induced
serious adverse effects a personalized risk benefit ratio should be
carefully assessed. mRNA based and adenovirus vectored vaccines, types
of nucleic acid-based vaccination, were first ever or first commercially
ever approved for the public, respectively. However, these new types
possess a potential risk to induce auto-immune diseases e.g.,
thrombocytopenia and some of these complications might also reason for
some of the post vaccination sudden death reports e.g., autoimmune
myocarditis and immune induced thrombosis and thromboembolism. Moreover,
all SARS CoV-2 types of vaccines, depending on the spike protein
immunogenicity, especially the conventional inactivated ones might
increase the likelihood of COVID-19 severity upon re-infection through
antibody dependent enhancement which might also reason for some of the
serious adverse effects encountered with administration of convalescent
plasma to COVID-19 patients. Moreover, these vaccines might have shared
in development of the potentially more lethal SARS CoV-2 B.1.617
variants and might lead to evolution of more virulent ones. Finally, A
moral, legal, and sacred constitutional public right to know and decide
basing on a personalized risk benefit ratio must be secured. Finally, it
is a real misfortune that a draft of this manuscript is being denied an
opportunity to be properly peer reviewed by numerous reputable medical
journals for more than six months and even before a single mortality was
reported and we totally condemn, from a medical point of view, any
national or international policy that necessitates these experimental
vaccines and we also condemn the trials in children as well as the
European Court of Human Rights shameful ruling that compulsory
vaccination would not contravene human rights law and we suggest that
the rapid race to develop and approve SARS CoV-2 vaccines might
eventually end with a man-made Hades.
Closure of Residual Left Atrial Appendage Communications After a Prior Exclusion Attempt
Authors: Hucker William , Bapat Aneesh , Hanley Alan , Bernard Samuel , Bertrand Phillippe , Churchill Timothy , Klassen Sheila , Mihos Christos , Ha Grace , Heist E. Kevin , Sakhuja Rahul , Galvin Jennifer , Dal-Bianco Jacob , Sanborn Danita , Danik Jacqueline , Fitzsimons Michael , Slattery Kathryn , Ruskin Jeremy , Ghoshhajra Brian , Ottensmeyer Mark , Hung Judy , Mansour Moussa
Published: May 2021

Background: Surgical or percutaneous occlusion of the left atrial
appendage (LAA) is increasingly used for thromboembolic protection in
atrial fibrillation. Incomplete LAA closure may increase risk of
thrombosis and thromboembolism, and therefore approaches to address
residual communications are needed. Objective: To analyze the technique
of closing an incompletely occluded LAA and subsequent patient outcomes.
Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 5 consecutive patients
who presented for completion of LAA closure. Results: Four patients were
male, mean age 75, average CHA2DS2-VASc score 5.4, and four had prior
surgical LAA ligation. One patient had previously had a WATCHMAN device
placed for whom a 3D printed model was created from preprocedural
imaging data to guide Amplatzer occluder device selection for closure.
The residual LAA communication maximal diameter averaged 6.2 mm (range
5-8mm). In 4 of 5 cases, an ablation catheter was used to enter the LAA.
The residual LAA communication was closed with either an Amplatzer
occluder (n=3) or a WATCHMAN device (n=2). No procedural complications
occurred, and no residual leak remained afterwards. No neurologic events
occurred during follow up (average 603 days, range 155-1177 days).
Anticoagulation or dual antiplatelet therapy was stopped following a
transesophageal echo (TEE) ³ 6 weeks after the procedure demonstrated no
residual communication in 4 of 5 patients, and after 20 weeks in the
fifth patient without a follow up TEE. Conclusion: Large residual LAA
communications after LAA occlusion attempts can be successfully and
safely closed percutaneously using either Amplatzer occluder devices or
WATCHMAN devices.
On the Viscous Cahn-Hilliard-Oono System with Chemotaxis and Singular Potential
Authors: He Jingning
Published: May 2021

We analyze a diffuse interface model that couples a viscous
Cahn-Hilliard equation for the phase variable with a diffusion-reaction
equation for the nutrient concentration. The system under consideration
also takes into account some important mechanisms like chemotaxis,
active transport as well as nonlocal interaction of Oono’s type. When
the spatial dimension is three, we prove the existence and uniqueness of
global weak solutions to the model with singular potentials including
the physically relevant logarithmic potential. Then we obtain some
regularity properties of the weak solutions when t>0. In
particular, with the aid of the viscous term, we prove the so-called
instantaneous separation property of the phase variable such that it
stays away from the pure states ±1 as long as t>0.
Furthermore, we study long-time behavior of the system, by proving the
existence of a global attractor and characterizing its ω-limit set.