bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overview of the ARIMA Model Average Crude Oil Price Forecast and its Im-plications on the Indian Economy Post-Liberalization
Authors: Faisal Syed Mohammad , Khan Ahmad Khalid
Published: July 2021

The crude oil markets have seen unpredictability over petroleum markets' good and bad times worldwide in the past few years. Various facets of the natural energy industry discuss in this research paper. The effect of the Indian ecosystem in determining oil demand and supply is vital to understand price fluctuations. Researchers in this research paper concentrates on the ARIMA model and other regression models used in the post-1991 LPG reforms to determine crude petroleum values and their primary effect on the Indian ecosystem (GDP) through time-series data from 1991 to 2019. The ARIMA model is further evidence of the validation of datasets and the potential trend in the show of global oil rates. The uncouth oil historical values prophesy the potential movement from crude oil prices, and the recommended model-based fall-outs are compelling and honest. Before applying the normality of data and unit-roots, the ARIMA model thoroughly checks at the level. If stationary is not detected, then unit-roots are suspended. The first step is to keep residuals static at the required level of significance to provide efficient forecasting using the ARIMA model used for this analysis.
Development and Validation of Learning Resource Materials in Upgrading Comprehension Skills of Senior High School Students
Authors: Morelos Reinel Lazaro
Published: July 2021

This study sought to develop and evaluate learning resource material in upgrading reading comprehension skills of Grade 11 to meet the pressing need of Doňa Candelaria Meneses Duque National High School. The researcher utilized the descriptive survey method which uses questionnaires as the primary tools in gathering desired data information. There were two sets of questionnaire which were used in the study. The first questionnaire is the Reading Diagnostic Test while the second research instrument is the evaluation tool for the developed learning resource materials. The subjects of this study are in two groups: one hundred twenty three (123) randomly selected Grade 11 senior high school students at Doña Candelaria Meneses Duque National High School (DCMDNHS) at Bulakan, Bulacan during the school year 2017-2018; and five ESL teachers, who evaluated the resource materials. The data collected were encoded and entered into the matrix using the computer software of Microsoft Excel with the following statistical procedures: frequency distribution, percentage score, mean, total mean and standard deviation. Based on the results of the diagnostic test, the researcher developed the learning resource materials, and these were validated by five ESL teachers using a 5- point Likert Scale in terms of the following criteria: objectives, contents, vocabulary, usefulness and presentation. Generally, after the evaluation, the overall mean gained of the instructional materials is 4.72, interpreted as “Excellent”. This computed overall mean attests and suggests that the developed learning resource materials in reading are acceptable. The study recommends that the language teachers need to provide the students the means towards maximum growth in accordance with their reading ability. The teachers must help students acquire basic comprehension skills and strategies in sequential reading program designed to reinforce the skills and appreciation of previous skills acquired and to develop new skills that are needed. Likewise, it is also suggested that the administrators should conduct or sponsor programs and inservice trainings to ensure the necessary updated innovations on the preparation and development of instructional materials, particularly in reading comprehension skills. Further, future researchers should conduct a research-driven strategy that can improve the reading comprehension skills of the students.
Philippine Public Secondary Economics Teachers’ Level of Competence and Problems Felt in Terms of Curriculum Content, Instruction, and Assess-ment and Evaluation Procedures
Authors: Jr. Leonardo I. Cabauatan , Dacles Darwin Don M.
Published: July 2021

This quantitative-qualitative research study investigated the level of competence of 44 Economics Education teachers from Area IV of the Division of Isabela and to the Division of Santiago City as a separate chartered school’s division in the province. Specifically, it aimed to study the competence level of economics teachers across curriculum content, instructional design and implementation, and assessment and evaluation procedures. Likewise, it further investigated the prevailing problems encountered and felt by the teacher-respondents in teaching economics. The respondents took an exam-ination and answered a researchermade survey-questionnaire to measure and determine their competence level in economics in terms of the abovementioned three educative process. The findings revealed that the economics teachers have low competence in terms of curriculum content knowledge. Further, the result shows the teacher-respondents have lack of knowledge about the subject matter, hence, are not competent in terms of dealing with fundamental concepts in economics education. Moreover, vague concepts and textual errata were also encountered in learning materials which ultimately create misconceptions throughout the teaching-learning process. Besides, the economics teachers are competent in teaching economics in terms of instructional design and implementation and assessment and evaluation procedures. They are proficient enough in executing the lessons in economics, however technical problems like unavailability of materials, too advance learning competency and instructional activities infused in learning materials, poor re-sults of academic performance, lack of knowledge and orientation on the use of ICT-based teaching and the like are some of the problems that challenges their competence in teaching the subject. The key findings and results of the study provide implications for further studies about other factor variables that implicates teaching competence of economics teachers
The Efficacy of the Management Programs of Columban College, Inc.
Authors: Bravo Marlon F.
Published: July 2021

The study determined the efficacy of the Management Program of Columban College, Inc. It employed the descriptive method of research. The respondents of the study were the randomly selected 3rd to 4th-year students who were enrolled with major subjects and faculty members in the Management programs such as Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Major in Management, Bachelor of Science in Tourism, and Bachelor of Science in Hotel and Restaurant Management for the academic year 2008-2009. The student’s per-ceived efficacy and teachers regarding Seminars got a descriptive rating of “Agree” and field trip obtained “Agree” both under co-curricular activities. The perception of the students and faculty members on the efficacy of the Management courses in terms of membership in the organizations has a descriptive rating of “Agree”; for the academic contests obtains “Moderately Agree”; and non-academic competitions garnered a descriptive rating of “Agree”. There is a significant difference Management programs’ perceived usefulness in relation to the non-academic contests, seminars, field trips, and membership in organizations. There is no significant difference in the perceived efficacy of the Management programs with regard to the academic competition, curriculum, labora-tory, library, and facility.
A publicidade e os públicos nas redes digitais: uma proposta analítica para o mapeamento de embates discursivos
Authors: Lins Letícia Alves
Published: July 2021

O artigo discute os desafios da publicidade na sua interação com os públicos nas redes digitais e propõe uma metodologia para mapear os embates discursivos ocorridos na interação. Parte-se da hipótese de uma tríade potente entre os conceitos de publicidade, experiência e públicos e faz-se uso do arcabouço teórico do pragmatismo para articular tais conceitos. Analisa-se um caso ocorrido entre a marca de remédios Novalfem e os interagentes do Facebook. A originalidade do trabalho consiste em propor o mapeamento de diferentes lógicas de racionalidade que surgem da interação.
Occupational infection to Brucella abortus B19 vaccine despite antimicrobial prophylaxis
Authors: Moura Alexandre Sampaio , Menezes Letícia Mattos , Matos Marcelle Amaral de , Costa Cynthya Magalhães , Borges Bruna Arantes
Published: July 2021

The authors report the case of a veterinarian who acquired brucellosis infection by accidental exposure to Brucella abortus vaccine (BRUCEL-VET B19) while performing animal vaccination. Antibiotic prophylaxis with doxycycline and rifampin for six weeks was indicated, but rifampin was discontinued after 10 days due to gastrointestinal intolerance. Despite prophylaxis, the patient seroconverted after 30 days, but was asymptomatic and did not require additional antibiotic therapy. Post-exposure prophylaxis of Brucella is not free from side effects and asymptomatic seroconversion can occur despite prophylaxis.
Correlação entre o sistema sanguíneo ABO e portadores de gastrite
Authors: Trindade Leda Maria Delmondes Freitas , Barreto Íkaro Daniel de Carvalho , Guimarães Adriana de Oliveira , Castro Vinicius Leite de , Moreira Larissa Gonçalves , Santana Neto Durval José de
Published: July 2021

Introdução: A infecção pelo Helicobacter pylori (HP) e fatores ambientais são importantes fatores de risco para gastrite. Estudos apontam correlação entre o sistema ABO e doenças gastrointestinais. Objetivos: caracterizar o perfil sociodemográfico de portadores de gastrite e HP e sua correlação com o sistema do grupo sanguíneo ABO. Materiais e métodos: Estudo prospectivo e descritivo, realizado em Aracaju, Sergipe, Brasil, de abril/2018 a maio/2019. Amostra constituída por 133 pacientes que realizaram endoscopia digestiva alta, análise histopatológica e tipagem sanguínea. Foram diagnosticados com gastrite 93 pacientes. Utilizou-se questionário sociodemográfico e clínico. Os dados foram analisados pelo RCore Team 2019 e submetidos a análises descritivas e inferenciais. Nível de significância 5%. Resultados: Idade média 53,7 anos (DP 17,4) sendo 48 (51,6%) do sexo masculino (p=0,018), 56 (65,9%) pardos, 45 (52,9%) casados e 33 (35,5%) tinham empregos fixos. Dos portadores de gastrite, 59 (63,4%) eram do tipo sanguíneo O. Dentre os tipos de gastrite, 31(33,4%) eram enantematosa leve e 16 (51,6%) desses eram do tipo O. Houve prevalência do tipo O em todos os graus de atividade inflamatória. Foi detectado H. pylori em 29 (31,2%) pacientes, sendo o fenótipo O mais prevalente nos graus moderado e severo da infecção. Conclusão: Os homens foram mais acometidos de gastrite, independente do tipo segundo a classificação de Sydney. O fenótipo sanguíneo O foi mais prevalente nos portadores de gastrite, naqueles que apresentaram atividade inflamatória à histologia e em portadores de H. pylori grau moderado e severo.
Action and coping plans related to the behavior of adherence to oral anti-diabetic medication
Authors: Trevisan Danilo Donizetti , São-João Thaís Moreira , Cornélio Marília Estevam , Sousa Maria Rui Miranda Grilo Correia de , Rodrigues Roberta Cunha Matheus , Lima Maria Helena de Melo
Published: July 2021

Study Design:
Study Design: This mixed-methods study. Objective: To describe action plans related to the behavior of adherence to oral antidiabetic medications produced by people with type 2 diabetes mellitus and identify the challenges and coping strategies for the establishment of this behavior. Methods: The study followed-up 44 people with type 2 diabetes mellitus who used oral antidiabetic medications from southeast Brazil. Adults were invited to build action and coping plans based on the Implementation Intention Theory. The plans were quantitative and qualitatively analyzed. Results: Action plans included three major themes: (1) binding oral antidiabetic medication to time markers or the sleep/wake cycle; (2) in specific environments; (3) associated with daily life activities. The motivation for coping with the perceived barriers focused on placing the pills in visible places, asking for help from family members, establishing a routine and feeding properly. Conclusions: The most effective way to manage satisfactory oral antidiabetic medication adherence seems to be recognizing the perceived barriers by patients. The implementation of specific and individualized action and coping plans to overcome perceived barriers was the stark difference.
Avaliação da função cardiovascular e qualidade de vida em pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca com e sem comportamento sedentário
Authors: Roscani Meliza Goi , Leal Ângela Mérice Oliveira , Catai Aparecida Maria , Bazan Silmeia Garcia Zanati , Leis Leticia Vecchi , Valadão Taina Fabri  Carneiro , Marinho Renan Shida , Santos Polliana Baptista dos , Milan-Mattos Juliana Cristina , Oliveira Maria Carolina Derêncio , Gusmão Andreia Agraso , Martins Marcio Junior Ventura , Curcelli Emilio Martins , Firmino Stella Maris , Araújo Luiz Antôno Souza de
Published: July 2021

Fundamentos e objetivos: Apesar dos reconhecidos benefícios da prática de atividade física em pacientes com doença cardiovascular, acredita-se que pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e fração de ejeção reduzida com comportamento não sedentário, mesmo que não pratiquem exercício físico regular, apresentem melhora da função cardiovascular e qualidade de vida em comparação a pacientes sedentários. Objetivo: comparar a capacidade funcional, função ventricular e qualidade de vida de pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca sedentários e não sedentários. Métodos: Foram avaliados pacientes com Insuficiência Cardíaca e Fração de ejeção <50%, sendo compostos dois grupos, sedentários (n=45) e não sedentários (n=36), de acordo com o Questionário Internacional de Atividade Física. Os grupos foram submetidos à avaliação clínica e de qualidade de vida, teste de caminhada de Cooper, ecocardiograma e comparação pelo teste Qui-Quadrado para variáveis categóricas ou teste T de Student ou Mann-Whitney para variáveis contínuas. Nível de significância de 5%. Resultados: Os grupos foram homogêneos em relação às características basais e etiologia. Os pacientes do Grupo Não Sedentário apresentaram menos sintomas limitantes (p<0,01), menor necessidade de digitálicos (p=0,02), melhor fração de encurtamento ventricular (p=0,03) e menor aumento do volume indexado do átrio esquerdo (p=0,004). Não foram encontradas diferenças no teste de caminhada entre os grupos. Houve maior prejuízo do quesito capacidade funcional da qualidade de vida do grupo Sedentário. Conclusão: Considerando a limitação da amostra, pacientes com insuficiência cardíaca e comportamento não sedentário apresentam maior tolerabilidade ao exercício por apresentarem sintomas menos limitantes, melhor função ventricular e melhor qualidade de vida no quesito capacidade funcional quando comparados a pacientes sedentários.
Digital Health Intervention in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Marvel Francoise A. , Spaulding Erin M. , Lee Matthias A. , Yang William E. , Demo Ryan , Ding Jie , Wang Jane , Xun Helen , Shah Lochan M. , Weng Daniel , Carter Jocelyn , Majmudar Maulik , Elgin Eric , Sheidy Julie , McLin Renee , Flowers Jennifer , Vilarino Valerie , Lumelsky David N. , Bhardwaj Vinayak , Padula William V. , Shan Rongzi , Huynh Pauline P. , Wongvibulsin Shannon , Leung Curtis , Allen Jerilyn K. , Martin Seth S.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Thirty-day readmissions among patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) contribute to the US health care burden of preventable complications and costs. Digital health interventions (DHIs) may improve patient health care self-management and outcomes. We aimed to determine if patients with AMI using a DHI have lower 30-day unplanned all-cause readmissions than a historical control.

Methods:

This nonrandomized controlled trial with a historical control, conducted at 4 US hospitals from 2015 to 2019, included 1064 patients with AMI (DHI n=200, control n=864). The DHI integrated a smartphone application, smartwatch, and blood pressure monitor to support guideline-directed care during hospitalization and through 30-days post-discharge via (1) medication reminders, (2) vital sign and activity tracking, (3) education, and (4) outpatient care coordination. The Patient Activation Measure assessed patient knowledge, skills, and confidence for health care self-management. All-cause 30-day readmissions were measured through administrative databases. Propensity score–adjusted Cox proportional hazard models estimated hazard ratios of readmission for the DHI group relative to the control group.

Results:

Following propensity score adjustment, baseline characteristics were well-balanced between the DHI versus control patients (standardized differences <0.07), including a mean age of 59.3 versus 60.1 years, 30% versus 29% Women, 70% versus 70% White, 54% versus 54% with private insurance, 61% versus 60% patients with a non ST-elevation myocardial infarction, and 15% versus 15% with high comorbidity burden. DHI patients were predominantly in the highest levels of patient activation for health care self-management (mean score 71.7±16.6 at 30 days). The DHI group had fewer all-cause 30-day readmissions than the control group (6.5% versus 16.8%, respectively). Adjusting for hospital site and a propensity score inclusive of age, sex, race, AMI type, comorbidities, and 6 additional confounding factors, the DHI group had a 52% lower risk for all-cause 30-day readmissions (hazard ratio, 0.48 [95% CI, 0.26–0.88]). Similar results were obtained in a sensitivity analysis employing propensity matching.

Conclusions:

Our results suggest that in patients with AMI, the DHI may be associated with high patient activation for health care self-management and lower risk of all-cause unplanned 30-day readmissions.

Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
; Unique identifier: NCT03760796.
“The Twofold Affection”: The Background to John Chrysostom’s Use of Φύσις and Χάρις
Authors: Dunkle Brian
Published: July 2021

John Chrysostom’s pairing of φύσις and χάρις, which tends to be read exclusively in light of the Pelagian controversies, reflects the influence of distinct models in early Christianity for conceptualizing the interaction between created nature(s) and the divine creator. The first, informed especially by Pauline categories, understands “nature” (φύσις; natura) to refer to an inborn relationship that stands in contrast to the adopted sonship qualified by “grace” (χάρις; gratia). The second, evident especially in Philo and Alexandrian theologians, takes nature as an individual essence, to which grace is superadded as a property. In the final portion of the essay I show evidence that Chrysostom tends to prioritize the property model over the filial model of nature and grace.
Antithesis and Paradox in the Epistle to Diognetus
Authors: Freeman Michelle
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the use of antithesis and paradox in the Epistle to Diognetus. The text employs these rhetorico-philosophical techniques in order to provoke interest in readers, whether pagan or Christian, and lure them toward deeper inquiry and understanding of the truths the author thinks Christianity teaches. That is, the anticipated effects of antithesis and paradox as classical rhetorical tools, as described by ancient rhetoricians and philosophers, promotes the overall protreptic goal of the text. The antitheses capture the audience’s attention, while the pervasive use of paradoxical language and reasoning guides it toward deeper inquiry about Christianity. Not only are Christian existence and God’s plan of salvation paradoxical, but the author’s very understanding of how to comprehend these paradoxes contradicts the expectations created by classical philosophical notions of paradox.
Anthrozoology, or
Authors: Emmrich Thomas
Published: July 2021

This essay looks at the relationship between the human and the animal with a particular focus on Ovid’s Metamorphoses. At the centre of the analysis is Ovid’s basic understanding of anthrozoology and his narrative about Lycaon. With continuous reference to the translations into English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish, this interpretation is concerned with the subtle linguistic phenomena that can only be derived from the Latin original text; and which, regardless of the obvious content of the metamorphosis, subvert the traditional distinction between human and animal. The anthropological difference is closely connected to the order of language, which has been considered a defining characteristic of the human being. It is therefore all the more remarkable that the plurality and convertibility of languages can be addressed in the light of Ovid’s anthrozoology. With this in mind, the essay concludes by discussing the concept of World Literature.
Four species of Noctuoidea (Lepidoptera), new to Korea
Authors: CHOI SEI-WOONG , HEO UN-HONG , KIM SUNG-SOO
Published: July 2021

One species of Noctuidae, Chytonix brunneofascia Choi and Heo sp. nov., and three species of Erebidae, Gynaephora atrata Choi, Heo and Kim sp. nov., Utetheisa pulchelloides Hampson, and Pilipectus prunifera (Hampson) were newly recorded from Korea. This paper provides the diagnosis, descriptions of the adult and larva, and genitalia of the available species.
Efficient antibacterial polyphosphazene material with potential to prominent wound healing
Authors: Shen Sitao , Guo Zhenying , Wang Jiahao , Chen Feng , Wu Di , Zhou Zeping , Zhong Mingqiang , Zhao Zhengping , Liu Zhenjie
Published: July 2021

Reducing the toxicity of silver-based antibacterial agents used in gels and improving their biocompatibility are of great significance in the development of wound dressings. Thus, a highly crosslinked organic–inorganic hybrid porous polyphosphazene nanospheres (PRV-HMSs) were
prepared via precipitation polymerization. The structures and properties were investigated. The results indicated that PRV-HMSs have uniform particle size about 500 nm, excellent thermal stability, high silver loading (26.5 wt.%) and remarkable sustained-release properties after loading AgNO3
(up to 2 weeks). The antibacterial effects were investigated with zone of inhibition testing, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC), Live/Dead bacterial staining assay and bacterial growth curve assays. The silver-loaded nanospheres have excellent
bactericidal effects for E. coli or S. aureus and an average bactericidal rate of 94.02% and 94.67% in the 120 hour long-acting antibacterial test. The cytotoxicity and laser confocal immunofluorescence staining experiments indicate that the simple combination of nanospheres
and agar not only give low cytotoxicity, but also significantly promote the activation of macrophages, which showing potential application in the wound dressings based on hydrogel.
Human papillomavirus genotyping and vaginal microbial metabolites in 276 patients with atypical cervical squamous cells and the clinical effect of nano-silver after loop electrosurgical excision procedure
Authors: Lu Zhaoxi , Sun Bing , Zhang Dan
Published: July 2021

Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) is a precancerous lesion of cervical malignant tumors. CIN is closely related to persistent human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, sexual behavior, and number of childbirths. The effect of vaginal microbial metabolites (VMM) on CIN is unclear; hence, we studied the effects of VMM and high-risk HPV (HR-HPV) infection on CIN and the clinical effects of nano-silver after loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP). We selected the patients who went to the obstetrics and gynecology department of our hospital from January 2019 to November 2020, and we conducted vaginal microbiology, HPV typing, and histopathological examination on 282 patients. Among them, six patients had cervical cancer, 136 patients with CIN were regarded as the CIN group, and 140 patients with normal pathological tissue were regarded as the normal group. The results showed that H2O2and HR-HPV infection were significantly correlated with the risk of CIN (P< 0.05). LEEP was performed on CIN patients, and the treatment with nano-silver gynecological antibacterial suppository was postoperatively compared with patients without special treatment. The results show that postoperative treatment with nano-silver can shorten the bleeding and exudation time of the wound and promote wound healing. It can simultaneously reduce wound infection and promote HPV to become negative, which can effectively reduce postoperative complications and recurrence.
Morphometric changes in the rat retina following carbomer induced elevations in intraocular pressure
Authors: Shi Man , Zhao Jingkang , Han Shuangyu , Liu Huifeng , Ren Yuan , He Yuan
Published: July 2021

An elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) model was established in rats by injecting a carbomer suspension loaded on a nanomaterial vector into the anterior chamber. Characteristics of elevated IOP caused by carbomer were assessed by examining effects on hypertension, and for the anterior
segment and retinal morphometric changes. Baseline IOP was measured in twenty-four Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were selected and was measured twice for three days preoperatively. After treatment, we found a significant difference between day and night in experimental eyes and between day and
night in control eyes (all P <0.05). Later post-injection, fluctuations in IOP decreased significantly. We found a large difference in mean IOP between experimental and control eyes during the day (P <0.05). The anterior chamber of experimental eyes was filled with a mixture
of carbomer and iris, which was close to the corneal endothelium, extended to the anterior chamber angle, and blocked the trabecular meshwork structure. After four weeks, pressure-induced morphological damage of retina was observed by H&E staining and ERG. Apoptosis was detected in the
retinal ganglion cell layer by TUNEL staining. Carbomer induced increased IOP was maintained for more than four weeks. Elevated IOP was significantly different between day and night, with night pressure higher.
MicroRNA-7 agomir is a potential bioactive material for breast cancer therapy by inhibiting breast cancer stem cell tumorigenicity
Authors: Li Miao , Dou Jun , Pan Meng , Xu Hui , Xu Zhiye
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) have been proven to be the root of development, metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer. It is crucial to explore the underlying paths of regulating BCSCs for breast cancer treatment. Many bioactive materials have been developed to modify therapeutic
drugs or as drug delivery vehicles for tumor treatment. In this study, we aimed to probe the effect of microRNA-7 (miR-7) agomir, a potential bioactive material, in breast cancer treatment by reducing tumorigenicity of BCSCs. Magnetic activated cell sorting was used to isolate the BCSCs from
the MDA-MB-231 and LD cells. Protein array was performed to screen differentially expressed proteins. The expression levels for miR-7 and CD44 in human breast cancer cell lines were detected by Quantitative real-time PCR (q-PCR), Western blot (WB) and Flow cytometry (FCM) assays. Lentiviral
recombinants were constructed to infect the primary human breast cancer cells to obtain the cells stably overexpressing miR-7. BCSCs xenograft model was established in NOD/SCID mice and the tumor tissues were analyzed by hematoxylin-eosin staining (HE) and immunohistochemistry (IHC). We found
that miR-7 agomir can inhibit the tumor growth in mice and the expression of CD44 in the tumor tissues treated with miR-7 agomir was 2.4 times lower than that of control treatment from the protein array results. Among the MDA-MB- 231, MCF-7, SK-BR-3 and LD human breast cancer cell lines, the
expression of CD44 was downregulated in the MCF-7 cells with relatively high miR-7 expression. Overexpression of miR-7 effectively reduced the CD44 expression in LD cells. Furthermore, compared with control and chemotherapy treatments, the mouse tumor growth was significantly inhibited in
the mice infected with Lenti-miR-7-BCSCs, concomitantly decreasing the CD44 expression in tumor tissues. These findings suggest that miR-7 agomir can be used as a potential bioactive material to inhibit tumor growth in BCSCs xenograft mouse model by downregulating the CD44 expression and reducing
BCSCs tumorigenicity.
Implementation of an Ultra Low Power Process-Insensitive Two Stage Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor Operational Amplifier with Enhanced Direct Current Gain at 45 nm Technology Node
Authors: Gupta Pragati , Akashe Shyam
Published: July 2021

This paper presents an ultra low power process-insensitive two stage CMOS OP-AMP employing bulk-biasing technique realised in a standard 45 nm CMOS technology. Bulk-Biasing technique has been employed to augment the DC gain of two stage CMOS OP-AMP without having any impact on its power
dissipation and output swing. In this work, high gain-bandwidth product (GBW) with appropriate phase margin is achieved through pseudo-cascode compensation approach which overcomes the drawbacks of Miller compensation technique also. Furthermore, the effect of width scaling on performance
metrics of proposed OP-AMP has been analysed. The designed OP-AMP exhibits enhanced DC gain of 94.2 dB, gain-bandwidth product (GBW) of 460 MHz and adequate phase margin of 80°; with fast settling response. Also, the proposed OP-AMP has power dissipation of 27 μW and leakage
current of 6.4 pA only. The design and optimisation of proposed OP-AMP is carried out at a power supply of 0.7 V under room temperature in Cadence Virtuoso tool.
Theoretical Investigation of a Long Period Grating Sensor Employing Multilayer Fiber Geometry
Authors: Mishra Pragya , Singh Sachin , Lohia Pooja , Dwivedi D. K.
Published: July 2021

A theoretical formulation of the long-period grating sensor is implemented with respect to efficient refractive indices of core and cladding. The obtained result is utilized further for determination of ERIs of core and cladding using graphical analytical method and multilayer fiber
geometry. ERI values of primary guided core, bi and tri layer fiber geometry using MATLAB software. In the present paper effective refractive index of core and cladding for the two and three layers have been investigated. The cladding modes have also been calculated using Erdogan’s proposed
three-layer geometry as well as two-layer graphical solution method. We have compared both the techniques, discussed the limitations of graphical solution method and the benefits of three-layer geometry.
Impact of Assimilating GOES-R Geostationary Lightning Mapper Flash Extent Density Data on Severe Convection Forecasts in a Warn-on-Forecast System
Authors: Wang Yaping , Yussouf Nusrat , Mansell Edward R. , Matilla Brian C. , Kong Rong , Xue Ming , Chmielewski Vanna C.
Published: July 2021

The Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite-R (GOES-R) Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) instrument detects total lightning rate at high temporal and spatial resolution over the Americas and adjacent oceanic regions. The GLM observations provide detection and monitoring of deep electrified convection. This study explores the impact of assimilating the GLM-derived flash extent density (FED) on the analyses and short-term forecasts of two severe weather events into an experimental Warn-on-Forecast system (WoFS) using the ensemble Kalman filter data assimilation technique. Sensitivity experiments are conducted using two tornadic severe storm events: one with a line of individual supercells and the other one with both isolated cells and a severe convective line. The control experiment (CTRL) assimilates conventional surface observations and geostationary satellite cloud water path into WoFS. Additional experiments also assimilate either GLM FED or radar data (RAD), or a combination of both (RAD+GLM). It is found that assimilating GLM data in the absence of radar data into the WoFS improves the short-term forecast skill over CTRL in one case, while in the other case it degrades the forecast skill by generating weaker cold pools and overly suppressing convection, mainly owing to assimilating zero FED values in the trailing stratiform regions. Assimilating unexpectedly low FED values in some regions due to low GLM detection efficiency also accounts for the poorer forecasts. Although RAD provides superior forecasts over GLM, the combination RAD+GLM shows further gains in both cases. Additional observation operators should consider different storm types and GLM detection efficiency.
Quantification of Starch Order in Physically Modified Rice Flours Using Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy
Authors: Ishikawa Daitaro , Yang Jiamin , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this study was to understand the ordered structure of starch in rice flour based on a physical modification with non-heating, milling, and water sorption through the structural evaluation of rice flour using small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and infrared spectroscopy within the 4000–100 cm−1 region. The SAXS pattern of the samples with low moisture contents subjected to milling yield a band within the 0.4–0.9 nm−1 of the q range owing to a lamellar repeat of starch with an ordered structure in rice flour. We proposed an order parameter using the intensity of the SAXS band to quantify the order structure of starch in rice flour, and the true density was negatively correlated with the order parameter. Infrared band at 990 cm−1 in COH bending mode applied to the hydroxyl group of C6 shifted to a low wavenumber corresponding to the order parameter. A linear correlation was found between the order parameter and the 990 cm−1 and band at 861 cm−1 owing to COC symmetrical stretching of glycoside bond and CH2 deformation of the glucose unit of starch, 572, 472, and 436 cm−1, owing to the pyranose ring in the glucose unit of starch. The identified infrared bands are effective for quantifying the ordered structure of starch at the lamellar level. When subjected to water sorption, the band position at 990 cm−1 shifted to a higher wavenumber above a water activity of 0.7. This result revealed that the water-induced transition of glass to rubber of starch in rice flour can be clearly evaluated through infrared spectroscopy using the band at 990 cm−1. In addition, the band at 861 cm−1 also shifted to a higher wavenumber, whereas those at 572 and 436 cm−1 did not show a significant shift. These results indicate that water sorption slightly affects the internal structure and may mainly affect the surface of starch.
Understanding less-educated citizens’ (non-)participation in citizens’ initiatives: Feelings of entitlement and a taste for politics
Authors: Visser Vivian , de Koster Willem , van der Waal Jeroen
Published: July 2021

This article provides better understanding of less-educated citizens’ underrepresentation in citizens’ initiatives. Based on in-depth interviews with less-educated citizens in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, the study discerned that the concepts of ‘feelings of entitlement’ and a ‘taste for politics’ are crucial for understanding their (non-)participation. The study uncovered that sub-dimensions of these concepts occur in different combinations, yielding four ideal types of (non-)participation: retreating non-participation, rebellious participation, potentially cooperating participation and pragmatic non-participation. In addition to well-known explanations as lack of time, money, social capital and political knowledge, the findings underline the fruitfulness of an approach that enables to uncover citizens’ perspectives for understanding their (non-)participation in citizens’ initiatives. Contrary to conventional understanding, this research also shows that a lack of feelings of entitlement does not necessarily inspire a distaste for politics, and that distaste for politics stimulates non-participation for some, while it inspires others to become politically active.
Modeling the System of Beliefs That Affect Driving Under the Influence of Cannabis and Alcohol in Washington State
Authors: Scott Brandon G. , Ward Nicholas , Otto Jay
Published: July 2021

Washington state has observed increases in polydrug use in fatal crashes, primarily involving the combination of cannabis and alcohol. The purpose of this article is to explore the belief system associated with driving under the influence of cannabis and alcohol (DUICA) in Washington state using structural equation modeling (SEM). A convenience sample ( n = 737) of surveys collected from adults in Washington state was analyzed using SEM to reveal the latent structure of the belief system associated with DUICA. The results of this analysis indicated that the reported DUICA behavior (frequency) was predicted by intention and willingness. Willingness also predicted intention. Intention and willingness were predicted by positive attitudes toward DUICA, as well as normative perceptions that it was acceptable to important people and common behavior for most people. These components were themselves predicted by corresponding beliefs (behavioral beliefs, normative beliefs, and control beliefs). Finally, these beliefs were also influenced by the values that were most important to the respondents. Based on these results, it is reasonable to speculate that strategies to change these beliefs may also reduce DUICA behavior and associated fatal crashes.
Euthanasia in adults with psychiatric conditions: A descriptive study of the experiences of Belgian psychiatrists
Authors: Verhofstadt Monica , Audenaert Kurt , Van den Broeck Kris , Deliens Luc , Mortier Freddy , Titeca Koen , De Bacquer Dirk , Chambaere Kenneth
Published: July 2021

To investigate the experience of psychiatrists who completed assessment procedures of euthanasia requests from adults with psychiatric conditions (APC) over the last 12 months. Between November 2018 and April 2019 a cross-sectional survey was sent to a sample of 753 psychiatrists affiliated with Belgian organisations of psychiatrists to gather detailed information on their latest experience with a completed euthanasia assessment procedure, irrespective of its outcome (i.e. euthanasia being performed or not). Information on 46 unique cases revealed that most APC suffered from comorbid psychiatric and/or somatic disorders, and had received different kinds of treatment for many years prior to their euthanasia request. Existential suffering was the main reason for the request. The entire procedure spanned an average of 14 months, and an average of 13.5 months in the 23 cases that culminated in the performance of euthanasia. In all cases, the entire procedure entailed multidisciplinary consultations, including with family and friends. Psychiatrists reported fewer difficulties in assessing due care criteria related to the APC’s self-contemplation – for example, unbearable suffering on top of the due care criteria related to their medical condition; incurability due to lack of reasonable treatment perspectives. In a few cases in which euthanasia was the outcome, not all legal criteria were fulfilled in the reporting physicians’ opinions. Both positive and negative experiences of the assessment procedure were reported: for example, reduced suicide risk for the APC; an emotional burden and a feeling of being pressured for the psychiatrist. This study confirms that euthanasia assessment in APC entails a lengthy process with diverse complexities, and psychiatrists require support in more than one respect if the assessments are to be handled adequately. Thorough evaluation of current guidelines is recommended: that is, to what extent the guidelines sufficiently address the complexities around (e.g.) assessing legal criteria or involving relatives. We formulate various avenues for further research to build on this study’s insights and to fill remaining knowledge gaps.
Amino acid profiles of Solanum aethiopicum, Amaranthus hybridus, and Telfairia occidentalis, common leafy vegetables in Nigeria
Authors: Aja Patrick M , Ale Boniface A , Ekpono Ezebuilo U , Nwite Ifeoma , Aja Lucy , Asouzu Nwabumma C , Njoku Amaobichukwu
Published: July 2021

The aim was to evaluate the amino acid compositions of three commonly consumed leafy vegetables ( Solanum aethiopicum, Amaranthus  hybridus, and Telfairia occidentalis) in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. Leafy vegetables are important protective foods and beneficial for the maintenance of healthy living and prevention of diseases. The fresh leaves of A. hybridus, T. occidentalis, and S. aethiopicum were air-dried under room temperature for 1 week. The dried samples were further milled into a fine powder using a mechanical grinder and were stored in an air-tight plastic container. Amino acid content was determined using an applied Bio-system (phenylthiohydantoin, PTH) amino acid analyzer. Among amino acids determined in the vegetables, glutamic acid had the highest value with 12.59, 11.20, and 11.96 g/100 g protein, which was followed closely by leucine with 9.81, 7.94, 9.28 g/100 g protein, and aspartic acid with 8.99, 8.62, and 9.74 g/100 g protein in S. aethiopicum, A. hybridus, and T. occidentalis, respectively on dry weight bases. The leaf that contained the highest total amino acid (TAA) was S. aethiopicum with 88.69 g/100 g protein followed by T. occidentalis with 80.39 g/100 g protein while A. hybridus being the lowest, had 73.38 g/100 g protein. The limiting essential amino acid was tryptophan with 1.98 g/100 g protein while leucine with 9.0 g/100 g protein was the most abundant TAA. The percentage concentration of different groups of amino acid in vegetables revealed that total essential amino acid (TEAA) had 54.85%, total non-essential amino acid (TNEAA) had 48.27%, total neutral amino acid (TNAA) had 22.24%, total acidic amino acid (TAAA) had 32.48%, total basic amino acid (TBAA) had 11.53%, total aromatic amino acid (TArAA) had 11.89% while total sulfur amino acid (TSAA) had 3.94%. The results indicate that the vegetables studied are rich in essential amino acids and could serve as a good source of quality protein. Therefore, they could be recommended as food supplements, especially when animal proteins become more expensive as a source of protein.
Youth in Group Home Care: An Investigation of Negative Peer Influence and Youth Antisocial Behavior
Authors: Osei Gershon K.
Published: July 2021

The risk of delinquent to antisocial behaviors among youth (teenagers) seem to be more prevalent in group homes than other foster homes. The aim of this study was to examine the association between negative peer influence and youth antisocial behaviors in group homes. Participants were 875 youth aged 10 to 17 at baseline (2010–2011). Logistic regression modeled antisocial behavior and tested the hypothesis that negative peer influence will predict youth antisocial behaviors cross sectionally at baseline and longitudinally after 3-year follow up, and negative peer influence will be moderated by group home size. The Ontario Looking after Children database was used for analysis. Findings indicate that negative peer influence predicts youths’ risk of antisocial behavior (at baseline). The risk increased almost five folds in 3 years. At baseline ( OR = 1.65) and ( OR = 4.90) after 3 years. Generally, findings suggest negative peer influence underscores youth antisocial behaviors in group homes.
The institutional structure for decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant
Authors: Yamana Hajimu
Published: July 2021

This paper does not necessarily reflect the views of the International Commission on Radiological Protection. This article describes the institutional structure established for decommissioning Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. To deal with the aftermath of the unprecedented nuclear accident in Fukushima, several responsible institutions such as Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) have worked together at the initiative of the Government of Japan. In this structure, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings (TEPCO) implements the decommissioning due to its legal responsibility, while the essential direction and milestones are set by the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters of the Government of Japan. Nuclear Damage Compensation and Decommissioning Facilitation Corporation, a government-affiliated organisation, oversees and facilitates the decommissioning by TEPCO, and the Nuclear Regulatory Authority regulates safety from an independent standpoint. The main basic elements essential for the success of this long-term project have been developed, such as the technical strategy, financial system, and organisational capability. Decommissioning is making progress.
Racial geographies of the Anthropocene: Memory and erasure in Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Reyes-Carranza Mariana
Published: July 2021

This paper interrogates the extent to which imaginaries of climate and ecological breakdown attend to the memories, knowledges, and experiences of communities already impacted by histories of racism, colonialism, and poverty. Drawing on insights from Black studies and decolonial thinking, the article reflects on how the causes and effects of anthropogenic climate change can be mapped onto geographies of racialised violence and social dispossession. Specific emphasis is given to Rio de Janeiro, notably its port area, a geographical space where future-oriented narratives remain oblivious to the city’s history of anti-Black violence and Indigenous genocide. In parallel, the paper looks at the recently built Museum of Tomorrow and its public representations of the Anthropocene. Overall, the article contends that pluralising accounts of the Anthropocene might offer alternative epistemic entry points for understanding and interrupting the mounting ecological catastrophe.
Relationships between social media usage, social capital and job performance: the case of hotel employees in Iran
Authors: Ghorbanzadeh Davood , Khoruzhy Valery Ivanovich , Safonova Irina Viktorovna , Morozov Ivan Vladimirovich
Published: July 2021

In recent years, the hotel industry has increasingly adopted social media, which play key roles in advertising, marketing, and promotions within the hotel industry. However, there has been relatively little empirical research on the relationship between using social media and job performance in hotel employees. This study aimed to examine the relationships between social media usage, social capital, and job performance of hotel employees in Iran. In order to achieve the aim of the research, data were collected from 270 employees of Espinas Hotel in Iran by a simple random sampling method. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling and the results showed that social media usage by hotel employees has a positive effect on the formation of structural, relational, and cognitive social capital. Moreover, structural, relational, and cognitive social capital formed as a result of using social media has a positive effect on job performance. This study advanced the previous knowledge of social capital theory for employees interacting with coworkers through social media in organizations.