bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Defining genetic modulators of intratumoral immune response in breast cancer through a system biology approach
Authors: Bedognetti Davide , Hendrickx Wouter , Simeone Ines , Anjum Samreen , Mokrab Younes , Milles Lance D , Wang Ena , Marincola Francesco M , Ceccarelli Michele
Published: July 2019

Breast cancer is the most common type of tumor in women in the MENA region and it represents about 20% of the cancers diagnosed every year in Qatar. Although the implementation of cancer therapy has led to an improvement of patients' survival, metastatic breast cancer remains an incurable condition. Immunotherapy is emerging as an innovative therapeutic tool able to cure in some cases established metastatic tumors such as melanoma. There is a growing interest in exploring this fascinating approach in breast cancer. However, little is known about the immune biology of this aggressive disease. Studies from our and other groups have described intratumoral immune gene signatures associated with better responsiveness to immunotherapy and prolonged survival (Galon, Angell, Bedognetti and Marincola, Immunity 2013; PMID: 23890060). In general, these gene signatures imply the activation of interferon stimulated genes (e.g. IRF1 and STAT1), the recruitment of lymphocytes through CXCR3/CCR5 ligand chemokines, and the activation of immune-effector functions such as PRF1 and GZM1 (Wang, Bedognetti, Marincola, JCO 2013; PMID: 23715576). We refer to these genes as the Immunologic-Constant-of-Rejection (ICR) (Bedognetti, Wang, Sertoli, Marincola, Exp Rev Vacc, 2010; PMID: 20518712). The activation of the ICR pathways is accompanied by the counter-activation of immune-regulatory mechanisms such as the expression of PD-L1 and IDO1. Based on these observations, we hypothesize that tumors can be divided in two opposite phenotypes (Bedognetti, Hendrickx, Marincola, Miller, Curr Opin Onc 2015; PMID: 26418235). The first phenotype displays the activation of pro-inflammatory (ICR) and immune-regulatory mechanisms and is characterized by a favorable prognosis and responsiveness to immune manipulations. The second phenotype lacks these two characteristics and is associated by a poor prognosis and resistance to immune manipulations. Whether the development of such different immune phenotypes is influenced by the intrinsic genetics of the tumor cells is presently unclear. The understanding of genetic mechanisms associated with differential immune response can lead the development of targeted approaches. To answer this critical question we analyzed copy number variation, exome and RNA sequencing data from the The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) breast cancer dataset. By using consensus clustering analysis based on RNA-seq data of more than 1000 breast cancer samples, we defined four immunophenotypes characterized by progressive expression of the ICR genes (ICR1
Implementation of a New Genetic Screening Test for of Genetic Recessive Diseases in a Program of Oocyte Donation
Authors: Estivill Xavier , Abuli Anna , Latre Laura , Boada Montse , Clua Eliabet , Rodriguez-Santiago Benjamin , Armengol Lluis , Coroleu Ventura , Barri Pere N , Veiga Anna
Published: July 2019

Background

Current screening for carriers of genetic diseases in oocyte donors includes the assessment of risk of transmission of inherited diseases based on personal and family history of genetic disorders. Most assisted reproduction centers also include karyotyping, mutational screening of the CFTR gene and directed the study of fragile X premutation. Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies of have allowed to expand genetic screening to a large number of diseases at a reasonable cost.

Objective

 • Develop a new genetic test (qCarrier) based on NGS technology for extended recessive diseases in the field of reproductive medicine screening.

 • Implementation of the carrier screening test in our oocyte donation program.

Material and Methods

The test covers 200 genes (68 in full sequence analysis and targeted screening of 132 known mutations) associated with autosomal recessive diseases 185 (AR) and 11 linked to chromosome X. The test was developed by NGS technology and allows characterization of a broad spectrum of mutations (point, indels, rearrangements and CNVs). The expanded carrier screening is performed on all candidate of oocyte donors and on the male partner of the recipient of oocytes. We discard from the oocyte donor program all candidates that are carriers of X-linked disease. The heterozygous carrier status for an autosomal recessive condition is no a reason for exclusion as a donor, but it involves the selection of a recipient whose male partner is not a carrier of disease mutations in the same gene.

Results

The validation of the test showed high sensitivity (>99%). It has made the extended carrier screening a total of 445 oocyte donor candidates and a total of 587 male partners of oocyte recipients. The implementation of the test in our OD program has identified 57% of patients/donors carriers least a pathogenic mutation.

Conclusions

 • The implementation of the test in oocyte donors program has identified a 3% allocation at high risk of disease autosomal recessive. Two percent of donor candidates to enter the oocyte donors program are carriers of pathogenic mutations linked to the X chromosome.

 • The expanded carrier screening is a useful tool to reduce the rate of newborns affected of genetic diseases in children born through oocyte donors program.

 • The implementation of the test in clinical settings requires pre and post-test genetic counseling to ensure adequate information, consent of patients and safeguard the fundamental ethical issues facing patients and oocyte donors.
Social Hypertension Awareness System in Gulf Countries (SHAMS)
Authors: Alotaibi Mohammed , Bassfar Zaid
Published: July 2019

Hypertension prevalence around the world has risen over the last few years. The gulf countries has become one of the most affected countries in the world. Saudi Arabia only estimated that 24% of the current population is suffering from hypertension. This has been attributed to elements such as lack of proper management systems for hypertension and inadequate education systems in the region. In addition to this health problem, gulf countries have increased its use of smart phones. The country's access to the internet has also increased.

Therefore, SHAMS aims to fill the gap of lacking special hypertension education program in gulf countries using mobile health technology such as a private social network for hypertensive patients in gulf countries. The system contains of two units: (1) medical staff whom might be hypertension educator. (2) hypertensive patients.

SHAMS system allows the medical staff to taught the hypertensive patient through private social network. The hypertension educator can Post information, Videos and pictures and also answer the hypertensive inquiries through the SHAMS. On the other hand, the hypertensive patients can share his thoughts with his doctor/educator and with other hypertensive patients in the SHAMS network.

In conclusion, there is substantial support for the adoption of the use SHAMS in order to improve the health awareness of hypertensive patients in Saudi Arabia. The research work is currently on-going, with a focus on the design and implementation of the integrated architecture with regard to SHAMS to be further evaluated and developed in the KSA.
Mast Cell Proteases as Key Clinical Markers and New Targets for Drug Development in Allergic Disease: Implications for Anti-Doping Policy
Authors: Goda Sayed K , Al-Yafei Afrah , Al Sulaiti Haya , Kyyaly Araf , Alsayrafi Mohammed , Walls Andrew
Published: July 2019

There have been dramatic increases in the prevalence of allergic conditions throughout the world. Until recently conditions such as allergic asthma and rhinitis, and life-threatening anaphylaxis were relatively rare in Qatar and the Gulf states, but the proportion of the population affected now seem to be approaching the high levels of many Western countries. There is a pressing need for better means for effective diagnosis, for the prediction of those who are at risk of serious reactions and for new treatments.

Our studies focus on the mast cell, a cell type of pivotal importance in mediating allergic disease. Mast cells release a range of potent proteases and other mediators of inflammation. Three unique mast cell proteases, carboxypeptidase, tryptase and chymase may be valuable as markers for anaphylaxis; and even in asymptomatic subjects serum concentrations may be related to susceptibility to severe reactions. We propose to evaluate specific immunoassays for these enzymes as new laboratory tests.

These three genes encoding the three proteases have been codon optimized and synthesized for maximum expression in either E. coli or Pichia pastoris.

The carboxypeptidase A was sub cloned and overexpressed in E. coli using the pET28a. Two variants of human mast cell Tryptase and two variants of human mast cell Chymase were sub cloned into Pichia pasoris vectors pPIC9 or pPICZ alpha for expression.

Native proteases have also been produced from human lung mast cell.

Molecular characterizations of the three recombinant proteases are being done.

The potential for these three proteases as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in allergic disease will be carefully assessed. As drugs taken for allergic conditions are have attracted attention for their potential to lead to enhanced performance in athletes, the studies should be of relevance in the formulation of anti-doping policy.
Reversal of Right Ventricular Hypertrophy and Dysfunction by Treprostinil in a Rat Model of Severe Angioproliferative Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Al Ghouleh Imad
Published: July 2019

Purpose

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating cardiovascular disease of the pulmonary vasculature that remains poorly understood. Despite a number of available FDA approved drugs, survival remains low, reaching an estimated 5-year survival as low as 27%. This severe disease is characterized by dysfunction and eventual failure of the right ventricle (RV) of the heart. The main focus of therapeutic strategies thus far has been to target the pathways of pulmonary vascular remodeling that lead to the hypertensive phenotype. It is not known however, if there is an added therapeutic benefit in targeting the RV directly. Prostacyclin analogues are among the most widely used therapies for PAH. However, it is unknown whether they confer protection exclusively via attenuating pulmonary vascular remodeling and constriction or if RV myocardio-specific mechanisms are also involved. Moreover, their use in severe models of PAH has not been adequately tested. Insight into these two major unknowns could not only blaze the trail of new effective therapies for PAH to improve survival, but would also open new avenues for targeting other major forms of heart failure. To address gaps in knowledge of the underlying responses to prostacyclin, the analogue treprostinil was used in a pre-clinical rat Sugen-hypoxia (SuHx) model of angioproliferative severe PAH that closely resembles the human disease.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats (300g) were implanted with ALZET osmotic pumps containing vehicle or treprostinil (900 ng/kg/min), injected concurrently with a bolus of Sugen (SU5416; 20 mg/Kg) and exposed to 3 wk hypoxia (10% O2) followed by 3 wk normoxia (21% O2). RV function was assessed using pressure-volume loops measured using an admittance catheter and hypertrophy assessed by Fulton Index (FI; RV/LV+Septum wet weight).

Results

Treprostinil significantly reduced SuHx-associated RV hypertrophy and rise in systolic pressure (FI: 0.26 ± 0.02, 0.58 ± 0.04 & 0.37 ± 0.05, P
Body Mass Index and Pattern of Diabetes in Qatar – A Retrospective Study of 529 Patients with Obesity
Authors: Sharma Manik , Al Kaabi Saad , Singh Rajvir
Published: July 2019

Background

Qatar ranks among the top countries with highest prevalence of diabetes and obesity. Obesity is generally measured by a Body mass index (BMI). BMI has been found to be independent risk factor for development of diabetes. Also, diabetes when associated with obesity leads not only to its poor control but also causes increased long-term complications from diabetes.

Aim

To delineate the pattern of obesity among residents of Qatar and to classify them as per World Health Organization criteria. Secondary objectives included assessing the pattern of diabetes with increasing body mass index.

Method

All consecutive obese adult patients attending pre-surgical screening endoscopy clinic over an 18 months period were included. Patients under 14 years of age and those who had previous surgical treatment were excluded. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated as per standard criteria [weight (Kg)/Height (meters) 2] and was then classified as per World Health Organization criteria. Overweight, Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 obesity was defined as BMI more than >25, >30, >35 and >40 respectively. Diabetes was defined as fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7 mmol/l. All patients underwent gastroduodenoscopy to assess the presence of helicobacter infection and evidence of mucosal inflammation prior to surgical treatment of obesity.

Results

A total of 529 patients with a mean age of 36.8 years were included 31.4% of obese patients were in 15–30 year age group. The mean weight, height and BMI were 123.6 Kg, 1.65 meters and 45.2 respectively. Overweight, Type I, II and III obesity was seen in 3 (0.6%), 30 (5.6%), 95(17.8%) and 401 (76%) patients respectively. Overall 34.5% had associated comorbid diseases. Type 2 Diabetes were seen in 11.1% of the patients. Diabetes was seen in 0%, 26.7%, 8.4% and 6.7% in overweight, Type I, Type II, Type III obesity respectively. Diabetes was significantly lower among very severely obese patients (Type III) as compared to those with overweight, moderately and severely obese patients (Overweight, Type I and II) (27/401, 6.7% versus 16/84,19% p = . 03).No correlation was found related to age, sex or helicobacter infection.

Conclusions

Among the residents of Qatar, 11% of obese patients were found to have diabetes. The highest prevalence of diabetes was seen in people with BMI of 25–30 (type 1 obese people). Diabetes prevalence did not increase with increasing obesity.
Degree of Sustainability Disclosure and its Impact on Performance of Islamic and Conventional Banks
Authors: Nobanee Haitham , Ellili Nejla
Published: July 2019

This paper examines the degree of sustainability disclosure and its impact on profitability of listed banks in the UAE financial markets during the period 2003–2013. The results show that the level of sustainability, economic, environmental, and social disclosures are at low levels for all UAE banks, Islamic, and conventional banks. The results show significant differences in social disclosures between Islamic and conventional banks and insignificant differences of sustainability, economic, and environmental disclosures between the two banking systems. In addition, the results of the dynamic panel data reveal that sustainability, economic, environmental, and social disclosures have no significant effects on the banking performance of all UAE banks, conventional and Islamic banks.
The Cultural Innovation Sub-system
Authors: Hijazi Ahmad Wassim
Published: July 2019

This is a paper in progress, which deals with the progress of the concept of the National Innovation System, from a perspective of developing countries (particularly in the Arab Region), keeping in mind the different aspects of entrepreneurship based on the contributions of Schumpeterian economics. It examines three possible focus areas for NISs, including technological (The Research & Development/Science & Technology approach to innovation), non-technological (Innovation methods other than product innovation), and Cultural/Creative Industries. We argue that in the context of some developing countries with inadequate R&D infrastructures and economic development, the Cultural-Creative industries perspective can be more effective in strengthening innovation. We present three lenses that can help shed the light on the contribution of cultural and creative industries to innovation in these contexts. This paper makes a number of propositions, related to the effectiveness of R&D spending aiming to improve innovation in developing countries, and comparing the impact of supporting innovation through cultural industries versus R&D in the same context. We then propose certain expected areas where investments in cultural industries can strengthen innovation. The view taken is argumentatively opposed to some existing entrenched beliefs about the value of technical innovation, R&D efforts, and registering patents, particularly within a context lacking suitable network, scientific, and industrial infrastructures. The theoretical propositions are not - as of yet - supported by hard economic data due to the difficulty of capturing the construct and lack of suitable statistics, but the work is in the process of being refined and adapted. Presenting the theoretical contributions at this conference presents a number of synergies due to the high value placed on cultural resources, innovation, and the need for sustainable economic development. The argument will help spark a fruitful discussion on the propositions and refine the analysis related to building robust and powerful innovation systems in the region, supported by significant and solid cultural foundations.
Governing the Ethical Conduct of Health Research: A Systematic Model in the State of Qatar
Authors: Sadoun Eman T
Published: July 2019

Learning Objectives

Qatar systematic model for governing the ethical conduct of health research in Qatar 2. The inclusion of core Islamic ethical principles in the current regulatory policies. 3. Promulgation of existing regulations into a health research Governance law. Qatar-Research In recent years, Qatar has placed a great emphasis on education and research. The country has embarked on an ambitious national research program to build a knowledge-based economy.

Qatar-Research Governance

The Supreme Council of Health (“SCH”) has the highest authority in health care services and research governance. The mission of the Research Department (RD) at SCH is to ensure that research is carried out with the highest scientific and ethical standards in order to provide high quality research directed at improving the effectiveness and quality of health care. The Research Department at SCH has been successful in setting forth a research governance model to enable ethical and scientifically robust research practices, in protecting research participants through processes and guidelines, and in detecting research misconduct through systematic auditing SCH systematic model of research governance Establishment of Qatar National Research Ethics Committee (QNREC) Development of national policies and regulations Coducting an auditing program to ensure IRB compliance with SCH regulations Initiating a legislative act for human subject protection law Research Governance Challenges: Localization of regulations. The core Islamic ethical principles such as equity; consent; privacy; ownership; intervention; and public benefit, need to be embedded in the national health research's regulations and policies.

Conclusion

Research regulation in Qatar overcomes the challenge of adapting international regulations by customizing its regulations according to cultural and religious concerns. Via stakeholder exchange mechanism, small-scale panels, and open public seminars, critical remarks have been raised and proposed plans for future actions have been established. A research governance law has been developed to implement the regulations and to ensure safety and wellbeing of research participants is in place.
Achievement oriented beliefs and its relation to academic expectation and school achievement among Qatari students
Authors: Nasser Ramzi
Published: July 2019

Background: This study explored the relation between motivational goals and future goals and school academic achievement motivational activities. The premise is that motivational goals play a fundamental role in academic values and achievement. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationships between motivational goals and university intention, school values and school achievement. Methodology: Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to establish the construct validity of the motivational measures drawn from the Inventory of School Motivation: Mastery (Task and Effort) Performance (Competition and Social Power) Social (Social Concern and Affiliation) and Extrinsic (Praise, and Token). A set of eight regression analyses was then carried out to examine the relationships between these eight motivational measures, future goals of University Intention, School Value and six academic subjects. Results: The eight regression equations revealed that Mastery, represented as Effort and Task were the significant and main predictors on the eight dependent variables of University Intention, School Valuing and School Achievement. Conclusion: Students in Qatar exhibited effort and task in goal motivation in relation to student beliefs of future academic goals and objective measures of achievement in all academic subjects. Students in Qatar have a strong sense values in terms of Effort.
Preliminary observations on whale sharks in Nosy Be, Madagascar
Authors: Diamant Stella , Pierce Simon J. , Ramírez-Macías Dení , Heithaus Michael R. , d'Echon Arthur Guillemain , d'Echon Tanguy Guillemain , Kiszka Jeremy J.
Published: July 2019

Background The northern Mozambique Channel is a global hotspot for whale shark sightings, based on observer records from the tuna purse-seine fleet and published literature. Nosy Be Island (NW Madagascar) hosts a flourishing marine tourism industry based on viewing whale sharks and other species. Following reports of declining sightings in other regional hotspots, such as Tofo in Mozambique, it is important to establish if these declines represent a simple shift in aggregation site, or a broader reduction. Approach Data on population structure were also collected during a preliminary field season from August to December 2015. Results Approximately 200 sightings were recorded by a single operator during 2015. Preliminary analysis indicates that the majority of whale sharks sighted were males of lengths between 3 and 10 meters. Most whale shark sightings were from October to December. Conclusions Regular whale shark sightings occur off the Nosy Be area from August to December. Limited sex and size data suggests a juvenile male-biased aggregation where whale sharks were most commonly observed traveling and feeding on copepods. New data will help to establish whether oceanographic variability has resulted in a shift in abundance to Madagascar, or whether a broad-scale decline has taken place. No species-level legislation protects whale sharks in Madagascar, and the whale shark tourism industry is presently unregulated with regard to interactions. Further work on the population ecology, movements and social importance of whale sharks in the country is justified and will inform the development of effective conservation and tourism management initiatives.
Spatial and temporal patterns of R. typus in the tropical fjord Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica
Authors: Hanna Robin
Published: July 2019

Background Many population parameters of the whale shark Rhincodon typus such as growth rate, survival probability and migratory routes are still unknown, but large advances in research have been achieved primarily in areas where predictable aggregations occur. Here, results from the first study on whale sharks in Costa Rica are presented. Research was prompted by anecdotal information on aggregations of 13–55 individuals in Golfo Dulce and was submitted for assessment as part of the author's Master thesis in 2007. Approach From 20 December 2006 to 3 March 2007, a total of 47 interviews were conducted in the vicinity of this tropical fjord, and a previously established sampling transect was followed to search for whale sharks and measure surface salinity and temperature. Equipment for sampling water properties in the event of a sighting was held on the research vessel, but no whale sharks were encountered. Results The maximum number of individuals sighted from 2001–2007 was Nmax=226. To reduce the probability of multiple sightings, a more conservative minimum value (Nmin=190) was calculated from the lowest number of sharks sighted in one observation and the total number of sharks in a month, respectively, and by comparing sizes. Several accounts include juveniles of very small size (2–3.5 m tl). Categorization of sizes and behaviour as well as an approximated position of a sighting enabled the integration of the data in a GIS environment. This system is available in the participating institutions and can be updated with further anecdotal information until more precise research is in place. An illustrated literature review was included to compare global whale shark research efforts with those of Costa Rica. Conclusions This preliminary and unpublished study served to investigate an unknown whale shark habitat and suggests new null hypotheses for further research. Based on the new information made available through this study, management decisions in the area of the Osa peninsula should include the annual presence of Rhincodon typus.
Whale shark kinship and genetics: Analysis of two populations with different ecologies
Authors: Hardenstine Royale S , Cochran Jesse EM , Al-Salamah Manalle , Braun Camrin D , Cagua E. Fernando , Pierce Simon J , Rohner Christoph A , Saenz-Agudelo Pablo , Sinclair-Taylor Tane H , Skomal Gregory B , Thorrold Simon R , Zakroff Casey J , Berumen Michael L
Published: July 2019

Background A recent global study of whale shark population genetics has allowed for better understanding of genetic connections between aggregations in both the Indo-Pacific and Atlantic. This overview included an aggregation found within the Red Sea near Al Lith, Saudi Arabia, however the Mafia Island, Tanzania, aggregation was not part of the study. The ecological behavior of these aggregations differs with the Saudi Arabian individuals showing strong seasonality, while acoustic telemetry data revealed cryptic residency at Mafia Island. Approach Genetic analysis using 11 microsatellite markers was performed on whale sharks from both locations. A combination of primers sourced from previous studies and newly designed primers were used to compare both aggregations and the individuals within. The Red Sea population was compared between 5 seasons spanning 6 years from 2010–2015. The Tanzanian population was compared for 2 field seasons from 2012–2014. Temporal genetic diversity was examined using allelic richness on only the Saudi Arabian individuals due to a short sampling period in Tanzania. Kinship for both aggregations was tested using COLONY and KINALYZER. Results Over a 6 year period, genetic diversity in the Red Sea showed no significant change. Contrasting to other whale shark aggregations, allelic richness in the Red Sea shows no sign of reduction. Kinship analysis using COLONY found two potential sibling pairs in Tanzania. One pair had a high probability (.993) of being a full sibling dyad while the other had a lower probability (.357). There were no sibling pairs identified in the Red Sea. Conclusions The lack of significant change of genetic diversity in Al Lith, Saudi Arabia, differs from a trend at Ningaloo Reef, Australia that showed a decrease in genetic diversity. Although these differences could be driven by location, this should encourage further long term genetic sampling at aggregations to better understand whale shark population trends. The potential of sibling pairs being found within one aggregation warrants further investigation into kinship within and between aggregations throughout the Indo-Pacific.
An assessment of the past and present distribution status of the whale shark (Rhincodon typus)along the west coast of India
Authors: Premjothi P.V.R. , Choudury B.C. , Kaul Rahul , Subburaman S. , Matwal Manoj , Joshi Diresh , Louise Jose , Menon Vivek
Published: July 2019

Background Tounderstand the historical and present occurrence and distribution patterns of whale sharks along the west coast of India in the Arabian Sea, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) and Indigenous Technical Knowledge (ITK) questionnaire surveys were conducted during May 2012 to March 2013. The surveys were conducted in the maritime states of Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala and the union territory of Lakshadweep. Approach Thesurvey was targeted at active and non-active fisher-folk between the ages of 25 and 90 years to obtain information on historical and current presence of whale sharks in fishing territories across the West Coast. Results Atotal of 1703 fisher folk in 118 fishing villages were interviewed using an improvised structured questionnaire developed from the standard TEK and ITK questionnaires. Over 60% of the interviewed fishers reported having sighted whale sharks in the Arabian Sea along the west coast during their fishing activities 20–100 km from the shoreline. Sightings were most frequent in the Lakshadweep Sea followed by the coastal waters of Maharashtra, Karnataka and Goa. Four major whale shark aggregation locations in the Arabian Sea were identified: close to the coast of Malvan in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra, Netrani Island in Uttar Kannada of Karnataka, Minicoy and Kavaratti Island in Lakshadweep and along the Saurashtra coast of Gujarat. The whale shark aggregation locations that were identified as a result of this study were found to overlap with key marine resource productivity areas, such as paste shrimp (Acetes sp.) abundance zones. The incidental capture of whale sharks in fishery operations over the last few years were notably high along the Kerala coast followed by Maharashtra. The mean number of respondents (in each village) who had caught whale sharks using gill nets were significantly higher (Kruskal-Wallis x2 218.56, df 2, p <0.05) than the mean number of respondents (in each village) who had caught the species using either purse-seine or trawl nets. Conclusions Thesurvey results indicate a lack of awareness amongst the fishing community of the whale shark being a protected species and the ban on their capture and trade; it emphasizes the need tolaunch an intensive awareness campaign along the west coast of India. The respondents also mentioned that the most common human induced threats to the whale sharks are incidental catch in gill net, purse seine and trawl.
Effect of warming temperatures on donkey sperm vitrification in 0.5 mL straws in comparison to conventional freezing
Authors: Diaz-Jimenez Maria , Dorado Jesus , Consuegra Cesar , Pereira Blasa , Ortiz Isabel , Vazquez Cristina , Isachenko Evgenia , Isachenko Vladimir , Hidalgo Manuel
Published: July 2019

Aim of study: There is little information about vitrification of sperm in large volumes (up to 0.5 mL). This study aimed to develop the vitrification technique in 0.5 mL straws in donkey sperm, evaluating the effect of three warming temperatures.Area of study: Cordoba, Spain.Material and methods: Ejaculates from five donkeys were divided in four groups: one control subjected to conventional slow freezing (C) and three vitrified in 0.5 mL straws and warmed using different protocols (W1: 37ºC/30s, W2: 43ºC/20s and W3: 70ºC/8s+37ºC/52s). Sperm motility, kinematic parameters, plasma membrane and acrosome integrity were evaluated. Conventional freezing resulted in significantly higher values for total (42.7±19.6%), and progressive motility (30.3±16.7%), plasma membrane (49.1±10.4%) and acrosome integrity (39.6±14.5%) respect to vitrification method.Main results: Values after warming ranged between 0.2-2.8% for total motility; 0.2-2.1% for progressive motility; 5.5-20.0% for plasma membrane integrity and 14.5-29.8% for acrosome integrity in all warming protocols after sperm vitrification. However, no differences were found between W3 and C for kinematic parameters; and W3 resulted in significantly higher values for membrane integrity (20.0±11.0%) in comparison to W1 (5.5±3.6%) and W2 (9.3±8.4%).Research highlights: High warming rates seem to be better for donkey sperm vitrification in large volumes; but this methodology is still not an alternative to conventional sperm freezing.
Redefining Career Communities in Higher Education
Authors: Lee June Y , Patel Sheetal
Published: July 2019

This study aims to revisit the understudied concept of career communities. Using mixed methods, this study assesses how university students define and characterize career communities compared to general communities. Based on our interviews (N=25) and survey (N=123), we formally define a career community more narrowly as a group of individuals who share similar career interests or aspirations where one can receive direct or indirect customized benefits through the exchange of knowledge, expertise, and resources. Theoretical and practical implications with future research opportunities have been recommended.
The Impact of Education and Residence on Current Use of Contraception in Ethiopian Women
Authors: Ahmed Arif , Zahangir Mohammad S.
Published: July 2019

BACKGROUND: Maternal and infant mortality is high in Ethiopia. An underlying cause of maternal and infant mortality is unintended pregnancy, which is inversely associated with contraceptive use. Hence, the use of contraception can necessarily be increased to reduce the mortality rate of mother and infant.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to examine the effect of educational attainment and place of residence on contraceptive use among Ethiopian women of childbearing ages.

METHODS: Data are obtained from the 2016 Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey (EDHS) and total 10 223 women aged 15–49 years are analyzed in this study. Both unadjusted and adjusted multivariate logistic regression models are employed to examine the effect of exposure variables on contraceptive use.

RESULTS: It can be seen that only around 36% of Ethiopian women used any of the contraceptive methods. In the case of contraceptive use, a significantly higher odds is observed for women with secondary or higher education with respect to those who were illiterate (e.g., OR=1.51, 95% CI: 1.19–1.93 after adjusting for total children ever born, number of living children, desire of more children, wealth index, respondent currently working, region and religion; and OR=2.53, 95% CI: 2.05–3.13 for unadjusted model). Urban women had also a significantly higher odds for contraceptive use than their rural counterparts (OR=1.89, 95% CI: 1.42–2.51 by adjusted model for the above confounders, and OR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.81–2.73 by unadjusted model).

CONCLUSION: The findings reveal that both educational improvement and urbanization may increase the use of contraception among women in Ethiopia.
Twiddler’s Syndrome
Authors: Lesnick Jason , Cooper Benjamin , Doshi Pratik
Published: July 2019

Twiddler’s syndrome refers to a rare condition in which a pacemaker or automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (AICD) malfunctions due to coiling of the device in the skin pocket and resultant lead displacement. This image is the chest radiograph (CXR) of a 54-year-old male who presented to the emergency department with chest pain five months after his AICD was placed. The CXR shows AICD leads coiled around the device and the absence of leads in the ventricle consistent with Twiddler’s syndrome. Patients with twiddler’s syndrome should be admitted for operative intervention.
Skepticism and Pluralism on Ethics Expertise
Authors: Almassi Ben ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: July 2019

Does expertise have a place in ethics? As this question has been raised in moral philosophy and bioethics literatures over the past twenty years, skepticism has been a common theme, whether metaphysical (there is no such thing as ethics expertise), epistemological (we cannot know who has ethics expertise) or social-political (we should not treat anyone as having ethics expertise). Here I identify three common, contestable assumptions about ethics expertise which underwrite skepticism of one form or another: (1) a singular conception of ethics expertise constituted by a core property or unity among multiple properties, (2) equivocation of ethics expertise and ethicists’ expertise, and (3) priority of moral deference as an unavoidable implication of ethics expertise. Taken separately, each assumption can have unpalatable implications for ethics expertise that make skepticism seem more attractive; taken together, the resulting picture of ethics expertise is that much worse. Each of these assumptions is vulnerable to criticism, however, and jettisoning them enables a pluralist approach to ethics expertise less prone to skepticism and better suited for the ranging functions of ethics expertise in healthcare and other contexts.
Características físicas e sensoriais de Salame Tipo Italiano com adição de própolis
Authors:   Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, Paraná, Brasil., Savoldi Daniele Cristina , Kunrath Cléria Andréia ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brasil., Oliveira Débora Francielly de ,   Universidade Federal de Rondônia, Ariquemes, Rondônia, Brasil., Novello Cláudio Roberto ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brasil., Coelho Alexandre Rodrigo ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brasil., Marchi João Francisco ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brasil., Tonial Ivane Benedetti ,   Universidade Tecnológica Federal do Paraná, Francisco Beltrão, Paraná, Brasil.
Published: July 2019

No presente estudo foram elaboradas quatro formulações de salame tipo italiano, sendo uma isenta de antioxidante (controle), uma adicionada de antioxidante sintético (BHT) e duas contendo extrato de própolis (0,01% e 0,05%). As amostras foram submetidas a análises microbiológicas, sensoriais e perfil de textura e cor, além da perda de peso e o pH durante o período de maturação. Os resultados mostraram perda de peso das formulações durante a maturação, indicando que a incorporação da própolis não afetou o processo de secagem. A formulação adicionada de 0,01% de própolis apresentou coloração vermelha mais acentuada no final da maturação em comparação as demais. Os valores de pH variaram entre algumas amostras, bem como em relação ao dia de maturação. A adição de BHT acelerou o processo de desidratação do salame, deixando-o com maior grau de dureza. As formulações controle e aquela adicionada de 0,05% de própolis apresentaram melhores resultados para o perfil de textura, embora não tenham diferido das demais em relação ao atributo textura durante o teste sensorial. A formulação controle e a contendo BHT apresentaram os melhores resultados para intenção de compra e preferência. Por outro lado, todas as formulações apresentaram percentuais de certeza de compra acima de 70%, sugerindo aceitação por parte dos consumidores.
Efeitos do extrato supercrítico de Melia azedarach (Meliaceae) no controle de Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky, 1855 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae)
Authors:   Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil., Teixeira Cristiano Machado , Scapinello Jaqueline ,   Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brasil., Magro Jacir Dal , Garcia Flávio Roberto Mello ,   Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brasil.
Published: July 2019

O presente estudo teve como objetivo testar a eficiência do extrato supercrítico de Melia azedarach no controle de Sitophilus zeamais por meio do contato tarsal. Observou-se a sobrevivência dos insetos a cada 24 h após o início do experimento. Constatou-se que houve maior mortalidade de insetos nas primeiras 72 h. O tratamento que teve melhor desempenho considerando-se a relação tempo de ação e número de insetos mortos foi o de concentração 200 μL mL-1. A concentração letal média que mata 50% da população (CL50) obtida após 96 h do tratamento foi de 165,52 μL mL-1, indicando que a maior dose pode ser reduzida com resultados satisfatórios para as condições empregadas no estudo. O extrato de M. azedarach revelou-se efetivo no controle de S. zeamais em condições de laboratório.
El Montepio General de Economía de los Servidores del Estado y el Imperio Brasileño (1835/1883)
Authors: Saraiva Luiz Fernando , Almico Rita de Cássia da Silva
Published: July 2019

El artículo aborda la evolución del Montepío General de Economía de los Servidores del Estado desde su creación, en 1835, hasta su primera gran crisis, en 1883, cuando el Estado intervino para mantener su funcionamiento. En esta trayectoria, vamos a discutir algunas características de los modelos de asociativismo de la sociedad brasileña y el papel ejercido por el Estado en ese proceso, tanto en relación al montepío que es objeto principal de ese artículo, cuanto a otras instituciones de la misma naturaleza asociativa.

The article approaches the subject of the evolution of the General Economic Montepio of the State Servers since its creation, in 1835, until its first great crisis, in 1883, when the State intervened to maintain its operation. In this trajectory, we intend to discuss some characteristics of the associativism models in the Brazilian society and the role played by the State in this process, both in relation to the montepio, that is the main object of this article, as well as the others institutions of the same associative nature.
L’Algérie, de l’émigration ouvrière a la mobilité des compétences a la lumière de la globalisation ? Logiques et déterminants de mobilités transnationales
Authors: Hadibi Zahir
Published: July 2019

Le présent article repose sur une restitution des discours d’une poignée d’universitaires algériens ayant choisi l’émigration comme un chemin de vie. Il s’agit d’investiguer sur les motivations, trajectoires et raisons profondes qui exhortent ces jeunes à construire des projets de vie sous d’autres cieux. Après une vue rétrospective sur la configuration de la migration algérienne durant son histoire contemporaine, nous comptons analyser les récits d’un collectif d’étudiants en faisant des recoupements de leurs motivations partagées de vouloir émigrer pour la réalisabilité de leurs postérités, pour ce faire, nous nous sommes appuyés sur la théorie « push pull » pour recenser les facteurs répulsifs et attractifs comme des déterminants du processus migratoire.

Este artículo se basa sobre una restitución de los discursos de un puñado de universitarios argelinos que han elegido la emigración como un camino de vida, se trata de investigar sobre las motivaciones, las trayectorias y las razones profundas que instan a estos jóvenes a construir proyectos de vida bajo otros cielos. Después de una mirada retrospectiva de la configuración de la emigración argelina durante su historia contemporánea, contamos analizar las historias de un colectivo de estudiantes haciendo cruzamientos de sus motivaciones compartidas y deseos de emigrar para la realizabilidad de su posteridad, para hacerlo, nos apoyamos sobre la teoría «push pull» para identificar los factores repulsivos y atractivos como determinantes del proceso migratorio.De hecho, estos jóvenes universitarios están enfrentados a un entorno carente de perspectivas en sus países de origen, pero no solo eso. se proyectan en un país de acogida para su concretización y afirmación en un intento de superación de la frontera simbólica y física entre los dos mundos, el de origen y de acogida.

This article is based on a presentation from several academics’ speeches who have chosen emigration as a way of life. It aims to investigate the motivations, trajectories and reasons that urge these young people to build another life overseas. After a retrospective view on the configuration of Algerian emigration during its contemporary history, we intend to analyse the stories of a group of students by linking their shared motivations and wish to emigrate. In order to do this, we relied on the push pull theory to identify positive and negative factors as determinants of the migration process. Indeed, these young academics are confronted with a lack of prospects in their countries of origin, but not only that. They project themselves into a host country attempting to integrate and overcome the symbolic and physical border between the two worlds; the one of origin and the host country.
Dostępność rolnicza Beskidów = The agricultural accessibility of the Beskid Mountains
Authors: Jabs Zofia Joanna , Affek Andrzej
Published: July 2019

Spatial accessibility is usually understood in relation to the possibility of a specific location being reached from another location (Guzik, 2014). It is one of the main factors affecting land use and land-use changes (Hansen, 1959; Prishchepov et al., 2013) in relation to which the greatest variation is to be observed in mountainous areas (Jobe & White, 2009). The aim of the study detailed here was thus to identify variation in the spatial accessibility of mountainous areas in terms of their being used in agriculture. The problem of agricultural accessibility is here exemplified by three mesoregions of the Polish Carpathians, i.e. the Bieszczady Mts., Low Beskid Mts. and Sanok-Turka Mts. These are all areas in which spatial accessibility and landscape structure have changed markedly over the last 70 years. Cost of access in these areas was calculated by assigning resistance values to each distance unit, in relation to land-cover type and slope. To generate an output raster, use was made of a cost-distance algorithm implemented in ArcGIS. The research described here gave rise to a figure presenting the agricultural accessibility of the study area. Very varied accessibility was demonstrated, both in the research area as a whole and between mesoregions. Results obtained were compared with values for currently used arable fields. Areas accessible to agriculture were also identified, and compared with the distribution of arable fields actually in existence.
THE POSITION OF WATER AND RIVER IN CLASSICAL PERSIAN LITERATURE
Authors: Zulyeno Bastian
Published: July 2019

Water is one of the four elements (water, fire, soil and wind) that are most important in the history of human civilization. In the history of literature and religions in the world, water in the general picture is symbolized as a purification medium for humans to achieve happiness in life. For example, the story of the journey of Iskandar Zulkarnain and the Prophet Khidir in searching for springs of life, as well as the Prophet Moses who was washed away in the Nile, and so forth many stories and legends related to water. The Euphrates and Tigris rivers are two rivers whose water flows for a Mesopotamian civilization, even Babylon which became the capital at that time was built right on the banks of the Euphrates river. Rivers in the water system are included in the physical form of fresh water, in addition to ponds, rain and reservoirs. Where there is a river there must be life flowing with it, so that from clear water also appear phrases and terms like clear mind, light and holy, because the symbol of clarity in all things is always represented by the clearness of water. This paper will discuss how water including the river inspires Persian writers and poets in writing his works. In this paper only two poets focused on Jalaluddin Rumi and Hafez Shirazi.