bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospinning Synthesis of Bi-2223 Superconducting Nanowires
Authors: Balasan Bryan Andrew , Hashim Azhan , Mazwir Muhammad Hafiz , Zulkifli Farah Hanani
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O8+x superconducting nanowires. Bi2Sr2Ca2Cu3O8+x nanowires with Tc = 68 K were synthesized using the electrospinning process employing sol–gel precursors. A sol–gel methodology was used to obtain a homogeneous PVP solution containing Bi, Sr, Ca, and Cu oxalates. Samples were heat-treated at 120 °C to remove excess moisture, and then at 850 °C in box furnace. Bulk sample was also prepared using coprecipitation method for comparison. Based on XRD, the nanowire sample showed minimal Bi-2223 phases and apparent Bi-2212 phases. The morphology, microstructure, and crystal structure of these nanowires were examined using field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) to reveal a rectangular morphology having typical wire thickness in the range of 150–1000 nm. Electrospun Bi-2223 were grinded and pressed at 0.9 GPa into pellets. DC measurements were conducted to investigate the critical transition temperature (Tc) of Bi-2223 nanowires and to compare their magnetic properties to those of coprecipitated Bi-2223 pellets. The Tc for the bulk sample is observed at 101 K and electrospun Bi-2223 at 68 K. Coprecipitated Bi-2223 was added with Pb whereas electrospun Bi-2223 does not employ Pb. These results point to the existence of utilizing of the substitution of Pb with Bi; Bi-2223 phases in pressed nanowire are less, and the potential of using electrospinning to synthesis functional Bi-2233 superconductors.
Application of the country product dummy method to construct spatial and temporal price indices for Sri Lanka
Authors: Gunatilaka Ramani , Abeyratne Charith
Published: July 2020

Inadequate geographic coverage, inadequate population coverage, and short length of series make existing Sri Lankan price indices less than optimal to measure long-term trends inequality and poverty. Since they are based on binary methodologies they also do not satisfy the property of transitivity. In contrast, the multilateral Country Product Dummy (CPD) method satisfies the axiom of transitivity and ensures base region invariance. This paper applies the CPD method to construct spatial and temporal price indices that can be used for inequality and poverty analysis in Sri Lanka. It uses expenditure data from the Labor Force and Socio-Economic Surveys (LFSS) of 1980/81 and 1985/86 and the Household Income and Expenditure Surveys (HIES) of 1990/91, 1995/96, 2002, 2006/07 and 2009/10 conducted by the Department of Census and Statistics, Sri Lanka, to construct the indices. The former conflict-affected regions are excluded due to lack of data. The study reveals some recently emerging differences in rural and urban prices that are significant and cause for concern. These differences merit careful investigation to find out underlying factors using more appropriate and extensive data.
Nexus between land and ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka- real or imaginary: an analysis of land, agricultural and irrigation policies in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ranathilaka M. B.
Published: July 2020

The ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka has many root causes and consequences that are closely interlinked. Given its complexities, it should not be assumed that these causes are part of historical processes where one event led to another. Often many of the issues that may be regarded as root causes arose within a single but extended context and equally as often, simultaneously. This study investigates between ethnic grievances and land, irrigation and agricultural policies in the country using historical data and evidences. It is found that there is no enough evidence to support the argument that land, agriculture and irrigation policies have some impacts on emerging conflicts situation in north and east provinces in Sri Lanka. Though some people argue that land conflict is often linked with the ethnic conflict, a large number of land conflicts in the North and East are found to be common issues for all communities and could be resolved with an appropriate national plan that is prepared by considering the demand of all communities.
An Analysis of Cognitive Demands in Ship-Based Helicopter-Landing Maneuvers
Authors: Minotra Dev , Feigh Karen M.
Published: July 2020

Rotorcraft pilots face a number of unique challenges in shipboard-landing maneuvers. Even very experienced rotorcraft pilots find such maneuvers to be challenging and delicate, as they require the pilot's undivided attention. To minimize risk, these maneuvers are conducted within well-defined
boundaries associated with weather and visibility. To expand the envelope of safety, technological aids that augment decision-making capabilities and reduce pilot workload are being proposed. Our paper reports a cognitive task analysis, which involved interviews with five rotorcraft pilots
experienced in shipboard-landing maneuvers. Our results reveal cognitive elements in which expertise plays a critical role. We have articulated our understanding on why pilots are faced with difficulties during these critical points, which led us toward design recommendations and system requirements
for technological aids and their displays. We have also identified a number of system limitations and quantities of interest, which may be useful in safety evaluations.
Simultaneous use of FDG-18 and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT for the differential diagnosis of sarcoidosis and malignant disease
Authors: Tetikkurt Cuneyt , Sayman Haluk , Dedeoglu Selin Ece , Kubat Bahar , Tetikkurt Seza
Published: July 2020

A 67-year-old male presented with cutaneous rash, lassitude and fatigue of three weeks. Personal history included psoriasis and sarcoidosis. Physical examination revealed macular rash on the anterior chest wall. Laboratory results were within normal limits. Chest X-ray showed normal findings. Pulmonary function tests demonstrated a mild obstructive pattern and a mild decrease in DLCO/VA. Thorax CT revealed two nodules in the right upper and middle lobe. 68Ga-citrate PET/CT did not demonstrate any active inflammatory reaction associated with sarcoidosis while 18F-FDG PET/CT revealed increased FDG uptake in the right middle lobe, upper division bronchus and in the left lower abdominal quadrant. Histopathologic examination of the colon biopsy was compatible with adenocarcinoma and bronchoscopic biopsy of the lung lesions revealed nonspecific granulomatous inflammation. BAL cytology was normal while BAL culture did not grow any pathologic organisms. Simultaneous use of 18F-FDG and 68Ga-citrate PET/CT was the hallmark for the final diagnosis in our patient. While FDG/PET has detected the pulmonary and colonic malignant foci in our patient, 68Ga-citrate PET/CT excluded the presence of active granulomatous inflammation of sarcoidosis. Simultaneous utility of these two imaging modalities in patients with sarcoidosis is of great importance in terms of guiding the clinician towards the accurate diagnostic pathway which is the hallmark for final diagnosis, especially in the presence of concomitant malignant disease.
Estimation of Biomass, Carbon Stocks and Leaf Litter Decomposition Rate in Teak Tectona grandis Linn Plantations in City Forest of Hasanuddin University, Makassar
Authors: Santosa Slamet , Umar Muhamad Ruslan , Priosambodo Dody , Santosa Rizki Amalia
Published: July 2020

Teak Tectona grandis Linn is still used as the main product in the form of wood, while other products, especially environmental services have not received much attention. This study analyzed biomass, carbon stocks and decomposition rate of leaf litter in teak plantations in city forest of Hasanuddin University, Makassar. The individual biomass of teak plants is calculated using the allometric equation Y = 0.11 × ρ × D2.62. Carbon stocks were analyzed using a formulation C = 0.47 × B. The leaf litter decomposition rate is expressed as the ratio of the remaining litter dry weight, with the formulation X = (A − B)/A. The number of teak plants in 5 sample plots were 239 trees with an average stem diameter of 20.6 cm and an average height of 9.02 m. Total biomass in 5 sample plots was 51,712.61 g. Carbon stocks in 5 sample plots was 24,304.92 g. Decomposition rate average of leaf litter of 24.4 g during 60 days incubation. The existence of teak plantations is able to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere by as much as 89,199.06 g CO2 and resulting in a decomposition rate of teak leaf litter 0.4 g per day.
Transcriptome & viral growth analysis of SARS-CoV-2-infected Vero CCL-81 cells
Authors: Nyayanit Dimpal A. , Sarkale Prasad , Baradkar Shreekant , Patil Savita , Yadav Pragya D. , Shete-Aich Anita , Kalele Kaumudi , Gawande Pranita , Majumdar Triparna , Jain Rajlaxmi , Sapkal Gajanan
Published: July 2020

Background & objectives:

The genome of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), belonging to the family Coronaviridae, encodes for structural, non-structural, and accessory proteins, which are required for replication of the virus. These proteins are encoded by different genes present on the SARS-CoV-2 genome. The expression pattern of these genes in the host cells needs to be assessed. This study was undertaken to understand the transcription pattern of the SARS-CoV-2 genes in the Vero CCL-81 cells during the course of infection.

Methods:

Vero CCL-81 cells were infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus inoculum having a 0.1 multiplicity of infection. The supernatants and cell pellets were harvested after centrifugation at different time points, post-infection. The 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) and cycle threshold (Ct) values of the E and the RdRp-2 genes were calculated. Next-generation sequencing of the harvested sample was carried out to observe the expression pattern of the virus by mapping to the SARS-CoV-2 Wuhan HU-1 reference sequence. The expressions were in terms of the reads per kilobase million (RPKM) values.

Results:

In the inital six hours post-infection, the copy numbers of E and RdRp-2 genes were approximately constant, which raised 10 log-fold and continued to increase till the 12 h post-infection (hpi). The TCID50 was observed in the supernatant after 7 hpi, indicating the release of the viral progeny. ORF8 and ORF7a, along with the nucleocapsid transcript, were found to express at higher levels.

Interpretation & conclusions:

This study was a step towards understanding the growth kinetics of the SARS-CoV-2 replication cycle. The findings indicated that ORF8 and ORF7b gene transcripts were expressed in higher amounts indicating their essential role in viral replication. Future studies need to be conducted to explore their role in the SARS-CoV-2 replication.
Mucoid impaction mimicking multiple metastatic lung cancer
Authors: Huang Yi-Chih , Chang Hsu-Chao , Lee Yi-Hsin , Yang Mei-Chen
Published: July 2020

The most common etiology of multiple pulmonary nodules is metastatic lung cancer. Although benign etiologies have been reported, mucoid impaction less commonly presents as multiple pulmonary nodules. Herein, we report the case of an 81-year-old demented man who presented with multiple pulmonary nodules due to mucoid impaction. Chest radiographs revealed rapid resolution after tracheostomy and adequate mucus clearance. We suggest that mucoid impaction may present as multiple pulmonary nodules mimicking multiple metastatic lung cancer.
Lexical Aspect Classification for Unrelated Languages
Authors: Čok Tina
Published: July 2020

The present paper presents a comprehensive analysis of the verbal aspect in general and with special emphasis on the comparison of Chinese and Slovenian lexical aspect. Recognised discrepancies between the conceptualisation and verbalisation of actions in unrelated languages indicate that deeper cognitive differences affect our perception of reality, which is something that should be more widely recognized when learning and teaching foreign languages. The contribution of this article is a comparative analysis of available studies by authoritative linguists, based on which we have formulated a new and more comprehensive proposal that will help classify verb types in unrelated languages, and can be further exploited in the field of applied linguistic research.
Contextual Conditions and Constraints in Chinese Dangling Topics
Authors: Wu Jiayi
Published: July 2020

This present study verifies the aboutness condition proposed by Chao, 1968; Chafe, 1976; Li and Thompson, 1981; Xu and Langendoen, 1985 and many others as a relation that holds between sentence-initial NPs and comment clauses of alleged gapless topic-comment constructions in Mandarin Chinese. Four often-cited types of dangling topics in Chinese are re-visited and the arguments from both the semantic (Pan and Hu 2002; 2008; 2009) and syntactic (Shi 2000; Huang and Ting 2006) views are examined. A critical scrutiny from contextual perspective, in particular Nomi Erteschik-Shir’s (2007) notions of topic, reveals that there exist dangling topics in Chinese where the sentence-initial NPs at issue are either contrastive or old topics which need not be syntactically or semantically licensed. The contextual contrast set and commentative conditions are proposed as the licensing conditions with constraints dictating that proper selection and relevance must be observed. At the end the study raises a hypothesis regarding language typology. It is proposed that discourse configurational languages exhibit phenomena of dangling NP topics which are properly licensed by the aboutness relation under which either one of the contextual conditions is satisfied.
First case of Cryptococcus gattii multilobar pneumonia in Switzerland and associated challenges
Authors: Colucci Nicola , Teasca Laurent , Riat Arnaud , Lazarevic Vladimir , Van Delden Christian , Berney Thierry , Toso Christian , Neofytos Dionysios
Published: July 2020

BACKGROUND
Cryptococcosis is a frequent complication in immunosuppressed patients, causing mainly central nervous system and lung infection, and leading to increased mortality risk.

CASE PRESENTATION
We present the first documented case in Switzerland of Cryptococcus gattii pneumonia in a kidney-pancreas transplant patient, with a concomitant Pneumocystis jirovecii infection mimicking an immune reconstitution syndrome. Diagnosis of cryptococcal pneumonia was based on a positive serum cryptococcal antigen and confirmed by Grocott’s methenamine silver and periodic acid-Schiff stains on bronchoalveolar lavage fliud. C. gattii was identified with mass spectrometry and antifungal susceptibility testing by microdilution was performed. After an initial successful treatment with liposomal amphotericin-B, flucytosine and tapering of immunosuppression, the patient clinically deteriorated, developing bilateral diffuse ground-glass opacities with consolidations on chest computed tomography. A diagnosis of probable P. jirovecii pneumonia versus an immune reconstitution syndrome was considered. Because of a high titre of Pneumocystis on polymerase chain-reaction testing of bronchoalveloar lavage fluid and high serum b-D-glucan, a diagnosis of probable P. jirovecii pneumonia was made.

CONCLUSION
This case illustrates the potential complications of a cryptococcal infection in immunosuppressed hosts, despite timely diagnosis and appropriate antifungal therapy.
Dentistry practice: Impact of Covid-19 pandemic
Authors: Gupta Sanjay Prasad
Published: July 2020

Our world is under siege by a viral disease, named Corona virus disease 2019 (Covid-19). Corona virus (SARS-CoV-2) is transmitted directly from person to person by respiratory droplets through coughing, droplet inhalation transmission, sneezing, and indirectly through contact transmission with oral, nasal, and eye mucous membranes contact. It can also be transmitted to others through the fecal–oral routes and the saliva.1 In addition, it was confirmed that cases without symptoms can spread the virus.2-3
Remote Viewing with and without controlled Out-Of-Body Consciousness
Authors: Ballati Arianna , Prati Elena , Pederzoli Luciano , Tressoldi Patrizio
Published: July 2020

Four participants, chosen for their experience in reaching an Out-of-Body state of consciousness via hypnotic induction, were asked to describe five different and unknown locations, at first using Remote Viewing conditions in an ordinary state of consciousness and then again using Remote Viewing in Out-of-Body state of consciousness.
According to an assessment by two independent judges, the average percentages of information obtained in Remote Viewing were 55% for those correct and 35% for those wrong, while in Out-of-Body they were 54% and 35% respectively.
The average percentage of identical information to both conditions was 14%.
Furthermore, three out of four participants obtained a higher percentage of correct answers and a lower percentage of incorrect answers in the OB-RV condition.
This study illustrates the possibility of also using Remote Viewing in an Out-of-Body state of consciousness that is induced and controlled via hypnosis to obtain accurate information about unknown locations in an unconventional way.
La Yaca (Artocarpus heterophyllus) y sus beneficios
Authors: Cardona Darwin
Published: July 2020

La Yaca (Artocarpus Hetephyllus) es una fruta muy poco conocida a nivel nacional, regional y local, por medio del presente proyecto se pretende dar a conocer aspectos generales y específicos de esta fruta el objetivo de la presente investigación fue determinar que productos a base de Yaca se pueden elaborar y comercializar con la finalidad de contribuir al bienestar de las personas, además de recopilar información necesaria para la elaboración y comercialización de los productos, considerando los beneficios que estos traen para la salud de las personas. Se realizó una revisión de trabajos relacionados a la temática, además de una encuesta dirigida a personas de interés, con la finalidad de validar la investigación.
CAMATE: Diseño de interiores a base de caña guadua y mate
Authors: Acurio Saucedo Jaijasiel Margarita , Freire Acosta Leydi Katiuska , Yepez Rizo Washington Xavier , Chonillo Amaiquema Steveen Alonso , Franco Solis Alex Jose
Published: July 2020

Camate es un emprendimiento que desarrolla soluciones de diseño de interiores a base de caña guadua y mate, que busca una forma diferente de diseñar y decorar espacios recreativos, turísticos, hogares y oficinas. Todas nuestras soluciones son pensadas en un marco muy amigable con el medio ambiente, además de que causamos un impacto social en la comunidad proveedora de materia prima ubicada en el cantón Montalvo, provincia de Los Ríos, mejorando sus condiciones de vida. Durante la investigación realizada encontramos a un ciudadano del cantón quien posee habilidades, destrezas en la manipulación, elaboración de artesanías con la caña guadua y el mate, por lo que decidimos realizar un trabajo colaborativo que consiste en que se encargue de supervisar cada una de nuestras creaciones.El Lcdo. Juan Facundo Saucedo Zurita, de forma gentil compartió sus conocimientos con nuestro equipo tanto del procedimiento de la materia prima, el caso de la caña guadua, tiene que cumplir un periodo de secado de dos a tres meses a la sombra según la temporada, pero la más adecuada seria en invierno y a un clima “ambiente” (secado al natural sin químicos) para que no se parta o cuartee, de contener partituras se utiliza las que están sanas o buen estado. En cambio, el mate debe cumplir un tiempo de por lo menos de tres a cinco semanas luego de haberlo cosechado para obtener un mejor resultado al hacer los cortes, cuando está fresco el mate es muy vidrioso y se parte por cualquier lado por lo que se debe esperar el tiempo adecuado para trabajarlo.En la investigación de campo realizada en los alrededores de Montalvo área se notó que su uso principal es utilizar las matas de mate como linderos de los terrenos agrícolas, en el caso de la caña guadua esta crece de manera esporádica y en gran cantidad en las orillas de los ríos y zonas boscosas de este cantón por lo cual es muy a asequible adquirir esta materia prima.
Aplicación de un proceso analítico jerárquico (AHP) para mejorar la gestión de inventarios en cadenas de abastecimientos
Authors: Luna Kevin , Guanin Jesús , Cordero Gabriel
Published: July 2020

El presente estudio tiene como objetivo optimizar las ganancias de la “Distribuidora de carnes FK”, debido a la falta de stock de carne para fritada, ya que dichos productos son vendidos en alta demanda y no se lleva un buen control de su inventario. Esta problemática surge a partir de que el encargado del local no prevee la variación que podría surgir en el proceso de ventas. La carne que se vende fresca, sin necesidad de ser congelada, tendrá un mayor precio de venta que la que fue congelada. Esto conlleva que la distribuidora tenga la necesidad de implementar un sistema de inventario para poder llevar un correcto control en la planeación del abastecimiento. Y para cumplir con la finalidad del estudio se desarrolla un modelo cuya implementación incluye el uso del método multicriterio AHP, el cual nos permite escoger la mejor opción de abastecimiento, además se simula la demanda de productos del 2020 mediante simulación de Montecarlo con una distribución de probabilidad Normal tomando como referencia el volumen de ventas de los años 2017 al 2019. Los resultados demuestran que las ganancias de la carnicería aumentarían considerablemente en un 77% para el año 2020 debido a que cambió la cantidad de abastecimiento y la frecuencia del mismo.
Estadística Bayesiana para medir la mortalidad por VIH en la ciudad de Guayaquil-Ecuador año 2017
Authors: Coello Anthony , Velasco Jazmin , Español  , Borbor Cristopher
Published: July 2020

El objetivo de este proyecto es determinar las principales causas de mortalidad entre paciente masculinos y femeninos portadores del virus VIH. Nuestra problemática recae en la poca información que existe referente a este tema, para esto se diseñó un estudio, encaminado a describir y analizar las tendencias y las causas de la mortalidad entre pacientes masculinos y femeninos con VIH. La muestra ha sido seleccionada por un procedimiento de azar para aplicar Teorema de Bayes posteriormente. Está formada por 604 pacientes de distintos hospitales de los cuales el 60% son varones. Las edades se distribuyen del siguiente modo: un 7,78% tiene menos de 20 años, un 67,39% entre 20 y 39; un 19,54% entre 40 y 55, y un 5,3% más de 55 años. Se ha utilizado una base de datos de tasa de mortalidad en hospitales tomada del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Censos durante el año 2017.
Fenomenología de la misericordia y el Evangelio
Authors: Gilbert Paul
Published: July 2020

Misericordia significa “un corazón que es sensible a la miseria de los otros”. Esta definición pone de manifiesto la síntesis de actividad y pasividad ambivalente que caracteriza la relación entre el misericordioso y el mísero, al tiempo que, desde un punto de vista fenomenológico trae consigo interesantes consideraciones sobre del perdón o de la simpatía. No obstante, querer superar los límites de estas dos realidades, hasta el punto de ponerse frente a la empatía, significa abandonar la perspectiva filosófica y adentrarse en la entraña del Evangelio, esto es, en el misterio de la Encarnación del Hijo de Dios.
Erasmo de Rotterdam: El dios Terminvs y la muerte
Authors: Moreno García Abdón
Published: July 2020

La muerte tiene una gran importancia en la vida y en el pensamiento de Erasmo de Rotterdam. En la literatura renacentista el Ars Moriendi es un tema de enorme actualidad que se manifiesta en el anillo y la medalla de Erasmo, con el dios Terminvs y el Cedo nulli (No cedo ante nadie), que fueron objeto de diversas interpretaciones.
José Álvarez (1723-1800), maestro mayor de obras del Arzobispado de Sevilla
Authors: Higuera Meléndez José Manuel
Published: July 2020

José Álvarez fue uno de los más activos maestros mayores de obras de la archidiócesis sevillana del XVIII. Contemporánea de Pedro de Silva, Ambrosio y Antonio de Figueroa y Fernando Rosales, alternó los encargos del Cabildo eclesiástico con los del Arzobispado, siendo estos últimos los que le otorgaron mayor prestigio. Basta citar algunos de los templos que construyó (Moguer, Santa Cruz de Écija, San Bernardo de Sevilla, Aznalcóllar, etc.) para comprender la magnitud de sus realizaciones. Sorprendentemente, su obra no había merecido aún la edición de una monografía, debido quizá a la falta de noticias biográficas más allá de la de su origen onubense. Este trabajo pretende subsanar dicho vacío, documentando por vez primera su nacimiento y fallecimiento, su reducido círculo familiar, su autoría sobre relevantes obras eclesiales y repasando cronológicamente su actividad profesional. Todo ello para poner en valor la figura de uno de los grandes nombres de la arquitectura tardo-barroca sevillana.
Evaluation of Lipid Profile in the Smokers and Non-Smokers
Authors: Mehta Vachan , Darshak Salat
Published: July 2020

Background: Cigarette smoking leads to increased serum level of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, Triglyceride levels and decreased level of anti atherogenic HDL cholesterol. Many studies have shown a dose-dependent relationship between smoking and lipoprotein profile. Hence this study was-taken up to know the lipoprotein pattern in healthy young smokers. Subjects and Methods: Total of hundered healthy smokers and fifty healthy non smokers were included in the study. All the smokers’ subjects were divided in two groups as per the severity of the habit of smoking. Group 1: all those who smoke upto 10 cigarette per day, Group 2: all those who smokemore than 10 cigarette per day. Results: In our study, the mean serum cholesterol of smokers is 205.9 26.1 and that of non-smokers is 165.4 15.2 which is statistically significant Mean HDL-cholesterol is 34.20 4.0 in smokers and 38.40 6.4 in non-smokers, which is statistically significant. Mean LDL-cholesterol is 155.8±29.30 in smokers and 136.70 ±14.45 in nonsmokers which is statistically significant. Mean Triglyceride level in smokers is 163.28±38.7  and in non-smokers it is 116.72±23.3 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: The mean serum lipid values were significantly higher in smokers except HDL-C which were significantly decreased, as compared to non smokers. There is a linear increase in the levels of serum lipids except HDL-C which shows decrease in the levels with the duration and severity of smoking.
Prevalence and Associated Risk Factors of Pulmonary Tuberculosis in Diabetic Patients
Authors: P.V.R. Leelamohan  , Mohan Kumar R
Published: July 2020

Background: One-third of India’s population is infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis; there are 12 million active tuberculosis cases in India. One person dies of Tuberculosis every minute in India. No other disease has so much sociological, economic and health significance as Tuberculosis has. In 2005 there were an estimated 8.8 million new cases of Tuberculosis worldwide, with 1.9 million of those occurring in India. In India in 2000, there were an estimated 481,573,000 people over the age of 25 years. Among these, 4.3% i.e. around 20,707,639 had diabetes, 19 and 939,064 developed. Subjects and Methods: The study conducted over a period of 2 yrs. Adult patients with diabetes mellitus with pulmonary Tuberculosis were included, while Diabetic patients with extrapulmonary Tuberculosis were excluded from the study. Results: The maximum incidence of pulmonary Tuberculosis was noted above the age of 30yrs were 13(26.0%). The peak incidence was in the age group of 31 – 40 and 41 – 50 yrs. The mean age is 52.62. As Shown in [Figgure 1], the total numbers of males were 64% and females were 36%. The male to female ratio was 2.11:1 As Shown in [Table 3], the distribution of patient according to their occupation noted were Skilled (18%), Unskilled (38%), Business (16%), Service (2%), Housewife (22%), and Student (4%). As shown in [Table 4], the socio-economic status among 50 patients was distributed into: Upper (2%), Upper Middle (22%), Upper lower (32%), Lower (12%), Lower middle (32%), and Lower-middle (32%). Conclusion: Early diagnosis and properly monitored treatment regimen is the only time tested answer to this problem. All diabetics at the initial diagnosis and every year must have an x-ray chest done. All diabetics with abnormal weight loss,  unexplained cough, or sudden increase of insulin requirement should have sputum examination and chest x-ray done.
A Study on the Prevalence of Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder in Medical Students
Authors: Koganti Charan Teja , Bobba Neeta Sagar
Published: July 2020

Background: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a common yet underdiagnosed mental health problem among women of reproductive age group with a significant potential to perturb the social, occupational, academic and interpersonal milieu of the suffering women. The aim of the study is to determine the frequency and severity of the premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in medical college students. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a common yet underdiagnosed mental health problem among women of reproductive age group with a significant potential to perturb the social, occupational, academic and interpersonal milieu of the suffering women. Subjects and Methods: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder was diagnosed based on Penn’s daily symptom rating scale (self-administered for 2 months) and an interview-based on diagnostic and statistical manual -5 diagnostic criteria for the premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Results: Overall 180 subjects were studied. The prevalence of premenstrual dysphoric disorder was wound to be 11.11 % (n= 20). The most common symptoms found were fatigue irritability, mood swings and A significant correlation between the severity of premenstrual and menstrual difficulties was found with PMDD. Conclusion: The current study highlights the need for clinicians to assess for premenstrual dysphoric disorder in females visiting the hospital with premenstrual and menstrual complaints.
Examination of Pervasiveness of Elevated Serum Uric Acid Level and Microalbuminuriain Prehypertension
Authors: Sunjay Pathak  , Mahipal Singh Puri
Published: July 2020

Background: The relationship between uric acid and microalbuminuriain healthy adults without other cardiovascular risk factors may help to clarify the role of uric acid in cardiovascular disease. In this study, we examined that elevated serum uric acid level was associated with microalbuminuria.Subjects and Methods: Study was done on both male and female prehypertensive patients of age more than 18 years and less than 60, admitted in wards and attending OPD. Controls were normotensive patients admitted in wards who were matched for age, sex and confounding factors.Results: Hyperuricemia was found in 53(15.14%) patients with prehypertension compared to 32 (9.14%) patients with normal BP. Thus hyperuricemia was seen in patients of prehypertension which was highly significant as P<0.001.Conclusion:In conclusion we found that microalbuminuria and hyperuricemia are significantly more prevalent among prehypertensive subjects as compared to normotensive subjects.
Lipid Profile Level among Healthy Subjects and Their Relation with Obesity- A Clinical Study
Authors: Radhika M  , Vinu Thomas
Published: July 2020

Background: Obesity is a common metabolic disease world-wide and dyslipidemias among the most common metabolic disorders associated with obesity. The present study was undertaken to assess lipid profile level among healthy subjects and their relation with obesity.Subjects and Methods: This cross sectional study was conducted on 100 subjects. General information related to data such as name, age, gender etc. was recorded in case history proforma. BMI was evaluated based on formula of BMI = Weight (kg)/Height (m)2. Based on BMI, subjects were divided into two groups according to their BMI values as- group I- Obese and Group II- Non obese. Group I had 65 and group II had 35 subjects. Lipid profile was done.Results: There was significant difference in group I and group II regarding waist circumference (WC), BMI (kg/m2), body adiposity index (BAI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), total cholesterol (TC) (P< 0.05). Waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), HDL- C, LDL- C, TG, TC/HDL- C, LDL-C/HDL-C and TG/HDL-C was non- significant (P< 0.05). There was negative correlations between BMI and TC, LDL-C, HDL-C; WC, WHR, VAI and HDL-C and positive significant correlations were found between WC, WHR, and TG/HDL-C, as well as between VAI andTC, TG, TC/HDL-C, LDL/HDL-C, and TG/ HDL-C.Conclusion:Authors found that there was alteration of lipid profile in obese subjects. VAI is strongly related with lipid profile and may be considered as reliable obesity index in obese patients with dyslipidemias.
Association of Self-Reported Quality of Life in Children with Level of Bronchial Asthma Control
Authors: Verma Shalini , Awasthi Shally , Gupta Sarika
Published: July 2020

Background: To assess the association of self-reported quality of life (QOL) by using mini- pediatric asthma quality of life questionnaire (mini-PAQLQ) in children aged between 7-15 years with a level of asthma control. Subjects and Methods: Prospective observational study conducted in the asthma clinic in the outpatient department from September 2016 to August 2017. All the cases of asthma, as defined by GINA guidelines, aged between 7-15 years with parental consent were recruited. The level of control was also assessed according to GINA guidelines. Excluded were clinically suspected cases of chronic lung diseases except for bronchial asthma and any other chronic medical condition. QOL was assessed by using mini-PAQLQ which had three domains i.e. Symptoms, emotions and limitation of activity. Each domain had questions and their responses coded on a visual scale with 7 options. Results: From September 2016 to August 2017, total enrolled were 85 of which 51 (60%) were partly controlled and 34(40%) were well controlled. Mean mini-PAQOL score in patients with partly control was low (3.59 0.93) as compared to those with well-controlled asthma (5.83 1.21) (p=0.0001). Conclusion: Self-reported QOL of children with partly controlled asthma was found to be impaired in all the domains as compared to those with well-controlled asthma.
Asymmetric Dynamics of Oil Price and Environmental Degradation: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Chaudhry Imran Sharif , Azali Mohamed , Faheem Muhammad , Ali Sajid
Published: July 2020

The main objective of the study is to explore asymmetric impact of oil price on environmental degradation in Pakistan over the period 1975-2018. The study employs the nonlinear autoregressive distributive lag (NARDL) method to check the asymmetric connection of oil price with carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions which represents environmental degradation along with gross capital formation, energy consumption, foreign direct investment and population. The NARDL result expresses that there is different effect of oil price as we break it into positive and negative changes, and decrease in oil price has a greater effect on environmental degradation in Pakistan. The other variables, FDI and energy consumption and population, have a positive and significant effect on CO2 emission. The study provides the policies for policymakers and government officials after uncovering the asymmetric relationship between oil and other variables with an environment that would be helpful in policymaking for Pakistan.
Analysis of pollution haven hypothesis (PHH) and environmental Kuznets curve (EKC) in selected Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries
Authors: Gill Fouzia Latif , Gill Abid Rashid , Viswanathan K. Kuperan , Karim Mohd Zaini B Abid
Published: July 2020

The Pollution Haven Hypothesis (PHH) claims that following the international trade, developing countries tend to specialize and export pollution-intensive goods to advanced countries.  The current study examines the PHH claim in the context of exports of the six major ASEAN countries to Japan in the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) framework for the period 1989-2017. The Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square (FMOLOS) panel co-integration approach has been employed to estimate the coefficients of the EKC model. The results reveal that the EKC does exist while the exports of pollution-intensive goods from the ASEAN to Japan increase the CO2 emission. The study concludes that world pollution cannot be curtailed unless advanced countries reduce the consumption of pollution-intensive goods. Therefore, an integrated well-devised global program is imperative to tackle the alarming issue of global warming, and advanced countries should lead this program.
Dynamic Role of Mother Empowerment in reducing malnutrition among children: Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Soharwardi Mariam Abbas , Ahmad Tusawar Iftikhar
Published: July 2020

In Sub-Saharan Africa, two out of five children are malnourished and malnutrition causes almost half of the child deaths (45%). Mothers are the primary caretaker of children's health, but unfortunately, most of the mothers, are not empowered in Sub-Saharan Africa. This study examined the role of mother’s empowerment in the reduction of malnutrition (stunting, wasting, and underweight) among children under five years of age in twenty-two Sub-Saharan African countries. Cross-sectional data from the most recent Demographic Health Survey (2011-2016) of twenty-two countries are used to analyze the relationship between mother's empowerment and child malnutrition through the binary logistic regression analysis. Results show that the countries with low empowerment, the prevalence of malnutrition is high. Mother empowerment is found to be a statistically significant predictor in reducing malnutrition. Mother’s education, body mass index, and age at first birth proved to be a strong predictor for reducing malnutrition. Household wealth index and household locality also have a statistically significant impact on the reduction of malnutrition. At the household level, malnutrition of children can be minimized by empowering boosting their self-esteem, self-confidence, economic resources, social resources, awareness and decision making.
Feedback Impact in High, Average and Low Achievers’ Mathematics Engagement in High Schools’ Classrooms
Authors: Batool Tahira
Published: July 2020

The present study has interrogated the effect of feedback on different ability groups’ engagement in mathematics. The sample of this quasi-experimental research study was consisted of 87 grade nine students. The control group was consisted of 43 students whereas experimental group has total 44 students. Some feedback techniques and strategies were used in teaching during intervention. Students’ engagement (cognitive, affective and behavioral) was measured by administering a questionnaire at the start and end of the intervention. Results has shown that intervention has a noteworthy effect on average and low achievers cognitive engagement but it has no significant effect in case of high achievers cognitive engagement. Results also have shown that intervention has significant effect on high, average and low achievers’ affective engagement. Similarly, intervention has a noteworthy effect on of high achievers, average achievers and low achievers’ behavioral engagement. Students in experimental group who were more engaged and spent more time on homework and extra work. These results highlighted the importance of feedback in mathematics classroom therefore further research on components of engagement is required.
Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth: Empirical Evidence from Selected Developing Economies
Authors: Ain Noor ul , Sabir Samina , Asghar Nabila
Published: July 2020

Financial inclusion is a tool used to enhance economic growth, alleviate poverty, create employment and reduce income inequality in developing countries through providing affordable financial goods and services to low income group through financial institutions. This study analyzes the relationship among financial inclusion, entrepreneurship, institutions and economic growth for 33 developing countries over time 2004-2016 using Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). The variables of financial inclusion, entrepreneurship and institutions are incorporated in Solow growth model through total factor productivity. Empirical results show that financial inclusion has positive effect on economic growth while entrepreneurship has negative but significant effect on economic growth. Whereas some institutional variables like rule of law and political stability have negative and other institutional variables like control of corruption and government effectiveness have positive effect on economic growth.
Determinants Affecting Governance in Response to Economic Development in the Developing Countries: Evidence from Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Rehman Sumaira , Dost M Khyzer Bin
Published: July 2020

The governance system of any country is required to be stable in any country. This study is the initial attempt to find the determinants of governance in Pakistan. The data has been collected from World Bank Data Bank from 2002-2016. The correlation test and Structural Equation Modeling is applied to the data. The governance is the construct variable in Structural Equation Modeling. The results shows that Voice and Accountability, Political Stability and Violence Terrorism, Government Effectiveness, Gross Domestic Product per Capital Growth, Gross National Index  growth. Gender diversity and Human Development are the factors of governance in Pakistan. It can be argued that Regulatory quality, Rule of Law and the control of corruptions are not the confirmed factors of governance the latent variable in Pakistan. I can say that Regulatory Quality is not important for the governance. The regulatory quality is not important factor for governance in Pakistan but Voice and accountability, Political stability and the government effectiveness are the confirmed factors for the governance.  The governance in Pakistan is poor but other determinants are of economic growth and developments are improving so this shows that if Policy makers want to improve the governance determinants then it will have positive effect on the economic development.
Nexuses between Malnutrition, Social Exclusion of Children and Human Capital: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Niaz Uzma , Malik Nazia , Mahmood Sadaf , Batool Zahira
Published: July 2020

The present study describes the parents’ attitude towards malnutrition, social exclusion of children, and human capital in three districts of South Punjab, Pakistan. The qualitative research approach is applied with three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) with parents of children. The interview guide was used to collect data and thematic analysis approach was done. It was concluded that malnutrition made the children socially excluded by damaging their health, academic achievements, and losing their interests in games. It was also concluded that no education and skills of malnourished children become socially excluded from their workplaces. Finally, it was concluded that this situation of malnutrition leads them toward social exclusion. Therefore, this social capital of the future in the shape of social exclusion of children increases the economic burden of family and ultimately nation. To overcome this issue, steps should be taken by the government and community level.
Human Development, Political Stability and Economic Growth: The way forward
Authors: Khan Areeba , Siddiqui Sulaman Hafeez , Bukhari Shahid Hussain , Iqbal Syed Muhammad Hashim
Published: July 2020

Economic growth has been known to foster human development for long term economic stability. The evidence of bi-causality in the human development and economic growth nexus is however limited. This paper builds on the reverse causality between human development and economic growth in context of Pakistan, with the moderating impact of political stability. The study applies OLS and VECM on the data collected from World Bank Database from year 2006 to 2018. Our findings exhibit empirical evidence related to endogenous growth models and a significant causal relationship between human development and economic growth, moderated by political stability. The relationship is further explained by trajectories of happiness, health and income redistribution. Our findings suggest efficient reallocation of resources towards human development to address post pandemic growth concerns.
An Empirical Study on Students’ Satisfaction from Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology University, Bangladesh
Authors: Akter Mohima , Sadekin Md Nazmus , Patwary Ataul Karim
Published: July 2020

The main motive of this study is to explore university canteen foodservice attributes (food quality, food variety, price fairness, ambience, staff, and student satisfaction)in Mawlana Bhashani Science & Technology. Data are accumulated through a simple random sampling technique. A total of 355 numbers of valid questionnaires is used for statistic exploration. For measuring the performance of all factors for student satisfaction, 7 points Likert Scale is used.Qualitative& quantitative systems are used in the paper. Microsoft Excel version 10.0, Smart PLS software version 3.0, SPSS software version 20.0, is performed to analyze and test the theoretical model. Following the literature, data are analyzed using Crosstab Analysis, Pearson Correlation Coefficients, Structural Equation Modeling; Confirmatory Factor Analysis, and Path Analysis. The findings show that food quality, food variety, ambience & staff have a significant positive influence on student satisfaction, and the price has a negative impact on student satisfaction.
Energy Security: A National Security Paradigm Shift for US in Post 9/11 Epoch
Authors: Abbas Quratulain , Alqama Khawaja
Published: July 2020

"Energy Security" is a safe and abrupt means of getting a secure supply of energy sources. In order to function smoothly, the modern economies need to have a secure and uninterrupted supply of energy resource. This importance has linked Energy Security with the National Security of Nation-States thus making energy primarily a significant resource for the powers around the globe.

However, an uneven distribution of the resource has led to susceptibility amongst states thus leading to a situation of anxiety around the globe. Roots of this anxiety can be traced back in 1973, the oil embargo, which forced the giant economies to think seriously about the concept of Energy Security. This study thus aimed to explain that there exists a link between energy, economy and National Security. This linkage of energy with economy and national security has paved way for the National Security Paradigm shift. The study explains the factors related to political as well as economic global scenario that have ignited the concept of "Energy Security" and its link with "National Security".
Does Trade Openness Transfer Pollution across Borders: An Experience of Pakistan
Authors: Shareef Fareed , Chaudhary Imran Sharif , Azid Toseef , Zafar Muhammad Raza
Published: July 2020

The study aims to empirically explore the link between trade openness and emission level in Pakistan by using Johansson co integration technique during the period from1972 to 2019. The empirical strategy of the study progressively incorporates models from zero interaction terms to complete interaction terms for analyzing the relationship between trade openness and emission level in the presence of scale, composition and technique effect. The variable of the trade openness appeared in all the models with negative sign except in scale effect model.  It means technique effect outweighs the composition and scale effect in Pakistan which ultimately makes decreasing impact of trade on pollution. The scale effect results in higher emissions in Pakistan.  Similarly, composition effect also bears positive sign showing that higher capital labor ratio in Pakistan will increase pollution because capital goods are said to be pollution intensive goods.