bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti Diabetic Evaluation of Methanolic Extract of Psoralea corylifolia L.
& Psoralea esculenta L. Seeds in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats and
Histopathological Changes in Diabetic Rats Pancreas: A Comparative
Study
Authors: Singh Neeraj , Gautam Girendra K. , Ved Akash , Shukla Karuna S.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Diabetes mellitus is a class of metabolic disorder which results high level of sugar due to
inadequacy in insulin secretion. High Sugar level in diabetes is linked with the impairment and dysfunction of eyes, kidneys,
blood vessels, nerves and heart. In current research there is extended interest in herbal medicines because of the side effects
noticed with oral hypoglycemic for therapy of hyperglycemia. Herbal medicines could play a dominant role in the control
of diabetes mellitus.

Methods:

Methanolic extracts of seeds of Psoralea corylifolia L & Psoralea esculenta L has been screened for both in-vitro
and in-vivo antihyperglycemic role using streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. The methanolic extract of both plants were
evaluated for pancreatic tissue studies.
Results: According to the outcomes, a stunning blood glucose level decrement was observed in the diabetic groups treated
by methanolic extracts of Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds.

Conclusion:

In this study, the methanolic extract of Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds used to evaluate antihyperglycemic
potential showed appreciably notable and astonishing results, when compared with the Glibenclamide. Methanolic extract
of Psoralea corylifolia L. seeds have potential to regulate hyperglycemia in the In-vivo model. Hence Psoralea corylifolia
L. methanolic seeds extract may be selected for its antihyperglycemic activity.
Withdrawal Notice: Improvement of Fault Tolerance in Smart Sensors using Roll Back and Parity Check
Authors: Samson Mamatha , Srinath Gadde Doondi
Published: December 2020

The article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor of the journal International Journal of Sensors, Wireless
Communications and Control due to incoherent content.

Bentham Science apologizes to the readers of the journal for any inconvenience this may caused.

The Bentham Editorial Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at https://benthamscience.com/editorial-policies-main.php

Bentham Science Disclaimer:

It is a condition of publication that manuscripts submitted to this journal have not been published and will not be
simultaneously submitted or published elsewhere. Furthermore, any data, illustration, structure or table that has been
published elsewhere must be reported, and copyright permission for reproduction must be obtained. Plagiarism is
strictly forbidden, and by submitting the article for publication the authors agree that the publishers have the legal
right to take appropriate action against the authors, if plagiarism or fabricated information is discovered. By
submitting a manuscript, the authors agree that the copyright of their article is transferred to the publishers if and
when the article is accepted for publication.
Pleiotropic Effects of Nitric Oxide on SARS-CoV-2 Infections
Authors: Terroni Barbara , Lopes Juliana Romano , Chin Chung Man , Dos Santos Jean Leandro
Published: December 2020

Infection by β-coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-
2) alters the homeostasis of the vascular endothelium, promoting an inflammatory state
which causes damage and favors the prothrombotic state. The direct viral cytotoxicity induced by
the SARS-CoV-2 leads to endothelial cell death; thus, altering the vessel functions. Moreover,
SARS-CoV infection induces endothelial dysfunction (ED) and reduces the levels of nitric oxide
(NO); thus, aggravating the vascular injuries, which promotes thrombotic events due to an alteration
in the homeostasis. NO is a pleiotropic molecule that induces vasodilation, regulates the immune
response, inhibits platelet aggregation, and decreases the cellular adhesion to vascular endothelium.
Moreover, NO acts directly against invasive agents, exhibiting antibacterial, antiviral,
and antifungal activity. High levels of NO result in an increase in the ED, causing an inflammatory
amplification that aggravates the disease through undesirable positive feedback. The objective of
this review was to present and discuss the involvement of NO on ED in SARS-CoV-2 infections.
This review may also highlight new perspectives for therapeutic interventions through the supplementation
of exogenous NO. The maintenance of homeostatic NO levels could represent a useful
approach in the prevention of coronavirus-induced ED.
PENGARUH APLIKASI KOMPOS GRANUL DENGAN PEREKAT LIAT TERHADAP SIFAT KIMIA REGOSOL
Authors: Fadilla Ulfia , Gusnidar G , Yasin Syafrimen
Published: December 2020

Regosol has low fertility, especially carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and other macro elements, but it can be potential for agriculture cultivation. Addition of straw compost and tithonia granule (Kojeto granule) with clay binder can improve chemical soil fertility. This study aimed to determine the composition of the Kojeto granule with a clay binder and to define the interaction between type of Kojeto granule and dosage of compost granule in the chemical characteristics of Regosol. This research was conducted in a wirehouse and soil laboratory, Andalas University. The experiment used a completely randomized factorial design, with two factors and three replications. The first factor was the ratio between compost composition and clay binder 9:1 and 8:2. The second factor was 4 levels of granule compost doses (0; 7,5; 15; 22,5 t ha-1). The results showed that the best composition ratio between Kojeto and clay binder on chemical properties was 9:1. The type of Kojeto 8:2 and dosage (22 t ha-1) had an interaction on Ca-dd (3.75 me 100 g-1). The single effect on the type compost granule at type 9:1 was parameter C-org (2.23%), and single effect on increasing the dosage of granule compost at a dose of 15 t ha-1 was C-org (2.30%), N-tot (0.27%), P-available (14,30 ppm), pH (5,80), and K-dd (0.62 me 100 g-1). The optimal recommended dose is 15 t ha-1.
INTENSITAS KEBAKARAN LAHAN GAMBUT BERDAMPAK PADA KEMASAMAN TANAH DI KEBUN KELAPA SAWIT, KABUPATEN TULANG BAWANG, PROVINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: Prawiradijaya Ghani Ilham , Kurniawan Syahrul
Published: December 2020

Peatlands have specific characteristics, namely irreversible drying, so that become flammable. Peat fires have an impact on changes in soil pH. The study aimed to analyze the soil acidity after peatland fires in oil palm plantation. This study used a survey method on two main plots (low and high fire intensity). Samples were taken at two soil depth including 0-10 cm and 11-30 cm in three zones (fertilization area, harvest path and frond pile zone) and repeated three times. Data were analyzed by ANOVA using the 5% nested test, then LSD test, and analyzed for correlation. The results showed that the soil pH on all land was included in the very acid category. Soil pH in the land B (land with high fire intensity) is higher than those in the land A (land with low fire intensity), both in top soil and sub soil. The micro-nutrient elements of Fe and Al in the land B are lower than land A, while the micro-nutrients of Mn in land B are higher than land A. The correlation of soil pH towards Fe and Al is negative, while for Mn is positive (pH increases, acid cations of Fe and Al will decrease while acid cations of Mn will increase). This was presumably due to competition in occupying the land-catchment complex.
STUDI INDEKS KUALITAS TANAH SERTA BIOINDIKATOR KUALITAS AIR DI DAS MIKRO SISIM KOTA BATU
Authors: Nurhutami Shofie Rindi , Kusuma Zaenal , Nita Istika
Published: December 2020

Landuse change causes the decrease of soil quality, so the hydrological and non-hydrological functions do not run optimally. Sisim Micro Watershed‘s area of ± 933.17 ha with a very steep slope has undergone major land-use changes. Soil Quality Index (SQI) analysis and water quality bioindicators are needed to assess the impact of land-use change. This study used 12 soil sampling plots, i.e. production forest (H2, H3, H4, H5), mixed gardens (KC2, KC3, KC4, KC5), and fields (T2, T3, T4, T5). The numbers behind the code indicate slope; 2 (slope 8-15%), 3 (slope 15-25%), 4 (slope 25-40%), and 5 (slope 40-60%). The results showed that dense vegetation and low intensity of tillage gave the best SQI. The highest SQI value was on H5 (0.63) with a good category, and the lowest was on T5 (0.32) with a bad category. The water quality bioindicator showed water pollution index of 1.97 (dirty water quality and rather heavily polluted). Soil quality which is dominated by low categories with high agricultural intensity and community waste disposal causes health condition of biotic habitats classified as unhealthy with a score of 1.90.
ANALISIS SIFAT KIMIA GAMBUT PASCA KEBAKARAN DENGAN BERBAGAI UPAYA PEMULIHAN HUTAN DI KAWASAN HUTAN DENGAN TUJUAN KHUSUS (KHDTK) TUMBANG NUSA, KALIMANTAN TENGAH
Authors: Kurniasari Fytria , Kurniawan Syahrul , Nopriani Lenny Sri , Rachmanadi Dony
Published: December 2020

Peat land has an important role, function, and benefit for human life, biodiversity, and global climate. The peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan was devastated to a very large extent, which addresses the restoration of peat swamp forests, has changed the characteristics of peat which contain physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Peat recovery efforts carried out at the KHDTK Tumbang Nusa consist of natural succession and revegetation. The study aimed to analyze the chemical properties of peat soils in different types of post-fire forest protection and to assess the spatial variability of peat chemical properties in Forest Areas for Special Purposes (KHDTK) Tumbang Nusa, Desa Tumbang Nusa, Jabiren Raya District, Pulang Pisau Regency. The research plot consisted of forest restoration efforts, namely secondary forest, revegetation, and natural regeneration. Variable measured consisted of pH, total organic C, CEC, N, P, K, exchangeable K, Na, Ca, Mg, as well as ash content and water content. The results showed that secondary forest treatment was the best peat swamp forest restoration technique. Spatial variability sub-plots and sample points did not significantly affect the differences in chemical properties of the peat, but the differences in chemical properties of peat is the peat swamp forest was determined by restoration technique.
PENGARUH KUALITAS KOMPOS PAITAN (Tithonia diversifolia) DAN KOTORAN SAPI TERHADAP HASIL DAN BINTIL AKAR TANAMAN KEDELAI (Glycine max. L.) PADA ALFISOL
Authors: Siregar Lelalovita , Nuraini Yulia
Published: December 2020

Indonesia has around 82% of the total 58 million ha of agricultural land, which is classified as sub-optimal due to intensive land management and not concerned with soil fertility. Therefore, it is necessary to add organic material which is expected to increase soil fertility. Compost is an organic soil repairer that can reduce the use of chemical fertilizers so that it can increase yield and plant root nodules are largely determined by the quality parameters contained therein. This study was aimed to explore the effect of quality of paitan (Tithonia diversifolia) compost and cow dung on soybean (Glycine max. L.) yield and root nodules. This study was conducted using a randomized block design with two stages, i.e., compost making with five treatments and three replications and compost application with six treatments and three replications. The results showed that the quality of the compost was able to increase the yield and nodules of soybean n plants. There was a positive correlation between compost quality and soybean yield.
SIFAT KIMIA TANAH PASCA KEBAKARAN LAHAN DI KEBUN KELAPA SAWIT DI KABUPATEN TULANG BAWANG PROVINSI LAMPUNG
Authors: Nurcholis Omar , Kurniawan Syahrul
Published: December 2020

Fire is a serious problem that must be faced in the management of forest or plantation areas. Land fires have caused huge losses of soil nutrient. Lampung is one of the provinces in Indonesia having a problem related to land fires. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of land fires on the soil base cations (K, Mg, Ca, Na) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in three different planting zones (i.e. fertilization, harvesting path, and frond stack areas) within oil palm plantations between land with low fire intensity and land with high fire intensity. Observations were made using a survey method in three zones of oil palm plantations, including fertilization area, harvesting path, and frond stack area. Soil samples were collected by using a soil drill at two depths, namely 0-10 cm and 10-30 cm from the soil surface. The study showed that at depth 0-10 cm, land A (land with low fire intensity) had higher K, Na, and Ca contents, as well as higher CEC as compared to land B (land with high fire intensity). At depth 10-30 cm, field A had higher K and CEC content, and lower Mg content than land B. comparing among different zones of oil palm plantations also showed that soil exchangeable K and Mg were significantly different, especially at depths of 10-30 cm. This was due to differences in land management (i.e. fertilization and liming).
PENGARUH MEDIA DENGAN KRITERIA SALINITAS TANAH SALIN DAN NON SALIN TERHADAP EFEKTIVITAS DAN INFEKTIVITAS ISOLAT BAKTERI Rhizobium sp TOLERAN SALINITAS PADA TANAMAN KEDELAI (Glycine max L. Merril)
Authors: Prasetyani Clara Emanuela , Nuraini Yulia , Sucahyono Didik
Published: December 2020

Demand for the consumption of soybeans in 2014 was very high amounting to 10.91 kg capita-1 year-1 while soybean production was only 955 thousand tons. Soybean production can be increased by expanding the planting area including saline land areas. The use of soil microbes Rhizobium sp can help overcome this because Rhizobium sp can find symbiosis with soybean plants so that it allows the absorption of nitrogen nutrients for the growth of soybean plants. This study was aimed to determine and analyze the effect of saline soil on the effectiveness and infectivity of Rhizobium sp. inoculated to soybean plants on soil chemical and biological properties and plant growth. The study was conducted using a randomized block design consisting of 10 treatments and 3 replications. The results showed that the bacterial inoculation gave better plant growth than the control treatment on saline and non-saline soils. The high number of colonies was able to increase the number of effective root nodules and N-plant uptake and produced good plant growth with the best results. The inoculation treatment of isolate 12 on non-saline soil yielded N absorption value of 0.32 g plant-1, effective root nodules of 87.67 g plant-1, effective root nodule dry weight of 0.74 g plant-1, and plant height of 134.3 cm. On the biological properties of isolate 12 inoculation treatment on non-saline soil had the highest yield for the number of isolate colonies of 305.45 × 105 CFU mL-1.
O TRABALHO NOS APLICATIVOS DE ENTREGA DE MERCADORIAS: a desconstrução do sujeito de direitos trabalhistas
Authors: Dutra Renata Queiroz , Sepúlveda Gabriela
Published: December 2020

Na última quadra do capitalismo, já transformado pelo viés da acumulação flexível e da reestruturação produtiva pós-fordista, a perspectiva neoliberal associada ao desenvolvimento tecnológico que se coloca a seu serviço tem dado espaço para novas conformações e dinâmicas empresariais que impactam as relações laborais. Neste cenário de constantes mudanças e aprimoramento das tecnologias, surgem os aplicativos de entrega, tais como Rappi, Glovo, Uber Eats e iFood. Com o advento destas novas tecnologias, emerge um desafio para o direito do trabalho que reside não apenas na supressão de direitos ou flexibilização das condições laborais, mas na negação da existência da própria relação de trabalho, já que as plataformas se apresentam como sujeitos empresariais responsáveis somente pela intermediação entre os usuários do aplicativo e os entregadores cadastrados, sem supostamente estabelecer vínculo de emprego com estes. À luz dessa nova realidade, o desafio desse artigo é repensar as categorias do sujeito do direito do trabalho e da relação de emprego, com base na perspectiva do direito fundamental ao trabalho digno, a fim de apresentar uma contribuição à resistência do campo juslaboral ao fenômeno da uberização.
PROCESSOS DE CONFLICTIVIDAD LABORAL EN EL MARCO DE LA PANDEMIA DEL COVID-19 EN ARGENTINA (marzo-mayo 2020)
Authors: Basualdo Victoria , Peláez Pablo
Published: December 2020

Este artículo tiene por objetivo contribuir al análisis de algunos de los procesos de conflictividad laboral, que se produjeron en contrapunto con diversas políticas empresariales, focalizándose específicamente en los dos primeros meses de vigencia de las políticas de aislamiento obligatorio aplicadas en Argentina por la pandemia del COVID-19, a partir del 20 de marzo de 2020. En primer lugar se presenta un breve análisis de la situación laboral previa a la pandemia, teniendo en cuenta el estado de relaciones laborales al comienzo del nuevo gobierno y los desafíos en varios planos. En segundo lugar, se analizan los condicionamientos que implicó la política de aislamiento en términos de la actividad económica y laboral, y las formas en que esta política de protección sanitaria impactó en las relaciones laborales en diversos sectores. En tercer lugar, y como núcleo central del trabajo, se realiza una aproximación tentativa y preliminar a los procesos de conflictividad laboral desarrollados desde el 20 de marzo hasta fines de mayo de 2020. Reconociendo numerosos desafíos conceptuales, metodológicos y de fuentes, este trabajo propone una primera aproximación a las distintas etapas, abordando las diversas actividades económicas, con foco en el Área Metropolitana de Buenos Aires (AMBA) pero refiriendo a procesos en otras regiones del país en los casos en que se dispuso de información.
COVID-19 NO ESTADO ESPANHOL: da crise sanitária à crise do processo
Authors: Toro Antonio José Vélez
Published: December 2020

A crise sanitária causada pela COVID-19 em Espanha, com a limitação das acções presenciais, e de uma forma singular as audiências orais, está a causar uma redução das garantias processuais no que diz respeito aos princípios de imediatismo e oralidade. Isto afecta directamente o direito de defesa e o direito fundamental à protecção judicial efectiva, sem esquecer que com as reduções processuais (lei instrumental) vem a liquidação dos direitos (substantivos).
LIMITES DO EXERCÍCIO DO PODER DE POLÍCIA À LUZ DOS DIREITOS FUNDAMENTAIS: análise das medidas restritivas adotadas durante a pandemia do Covid-19
Authors: Moura Emerson Affonso da Costa
Published: December 2020

Os limites impostos ao poder de polícia na restrições de direitos fundamentais no conflito entre as liberdades públicas e o interesse público nas medidas restritivas impostas durante a pandemia da COVID-19 é o tema posto em debate. Analisa-se o papel assumido pelos direitos fundamentais no Direito Administrativo após a ascensão dos Estados Constitucionais de Direito, o estudo do conteúdo e do limites do poder de polícia na restrição dos direitos fundamentais, e, por fim, o conflito entre liberdades públicas e o interesse público nas medidas restritivas impostas durante a pandemia da COVID-19. Pretende-se demonstrar que em uma ordem constitucional, voltada a centralidade dos direitos fundamentais, o poder de polícia submeterá a um juízo de ponderação entre o interesse público e o direito fundamental envolvido, de forma a justificar a sua restrição, bem como, a limites procedimentais e substanciais para a sua aplicação.
MERCADOS DE ANIMAIS: quando os não-humanos tornam-se ameaças globais
Authors: Lourenço Daniel Braga , Oliveira Fábio Corrêa Souza de
Published: December 2020

As infecções zoonóticas sempre representaram um grave problema de saúde pública ao longo da história, acarretando danos irreversíveis ao bem-estar de seres humanos e à economia. A prática da criação, manejo e abate de animais para consumo humano no âmbito dos denominados mercados de animais tem sido a causa apontada para a mais recente pandemia da COVID-19 (Coronavírus Disease-19). Impressiona a pouca atenção dada às reais causas desse cenário pandêmico, ainda mais diante de tão extensos e profundos efeitos negativos. O presente artigo pretende identificar na abusiva relação homem-animal a origem desse fenômeno. Mais que isso, apontar a origem animal da pandemia determina a necessidade de uma urgente revisão do estatuto moral dos não-humanos. Se isto não for feito, se práticas relacionadas ao consumo de animais não forem eliminadas, seremos provavelmente atingidos continuamente por problemas similares. A pandemia é uma questão de saúde pública, econômica, mas, sobretudo, moral.
O INGRESSO MÍNIMO VITAL NA ESTRUTURA DE PROTEÇÃO SOCIAL DA ESPANHA APÓS A PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Authors: Rocha Thiago Santos
Published: December 2020

Antes mesmo do impacto causado pela pandemia de COVID-19, a estrutura de proteção social espanhola já era marcada por risco de pobreza, desemprego e desigualdade estruturais. O Estado não possuía em seu sistema de Seguridade Social uma política de garantia de renda à população mais vulnerável, tendo sido tal função desempenhada de forma heterogênea, fragmentada e insuficiente pelas Comunidades Autônomas no exercício de sua competência em matéria de assistência social. No início de 2020, tais elementos estruturais foram elevados a limites extremos, impulsionados pelas consequências das medidas de contenção à pandemia. Como resposta, foi publicado o Real Decreto-lei 20/2020, que estabelece o Ingresso Mínimo Vital, política destinada a garantir uma renda mínima à população em situação de vulnerabilidade econômica, paliando a pobreza extrema e redistribuindo renda. O presente estudo visa analisar os principais aspectos jurídicos do Real Decreto-lei 20/2020, à luz da Constituição Espanhola de 1978, considerando o seu impacto sobre a até então vigente estrutura de proteção social, e comparando-o com a alternativa de uma política de Renda Básica Universal. Constata-se que o Ingresso Mínimo Vital constitui significativo avanço na estrutura de proteção social espanhola, mas apresenta insuficiente cobertura e diferenciação de tratamento questionável sob a perspectiva constitucional.
PANDEMIA E EQUILÍBRIO ORÇAMENTAL, UM ESTUDO COMPARATIVO (BRASIL, ZONA EURO, ESTADOS UNIDOS E REINO UNIDO)
Authors: Arjona-Sánchez Miguel Jose
Published: December 2020

A luta contra a pandemia gerada pela Covid 19 e os planos de recuperação econômica implicarão um desperdício significativo da despesa pública, o que ameaça seriamente os equilíbrios financeiros dos Estados. Nos últimos tempos, muitos países levaram a cabo reformas constitucionais para introduzir estes equilíbrios. A forma como estes equilíbrios foram introduzidos e as narrativas e os consensos gerados dependerão em grande medida da resposta que os Estados forem capazes de dar. Uma análise da situação em diferentes países, como os Estados Unidos, o Reino Unido, o bloco da zona euro ou o Brasil, proporcionar-nos-á importantes surpresas, numa altura em que uma boa compreensão do significado desses equilíbrios pode ser crucial para a recuperação econômica.
Accommodation Rock after Visual Display Unit (VDU) Activity under Two Different Ambient Lightings
Authors: Ahmad Azmir , Chen Ai-Hong , Muhamad Nurulain
Published: December 2020

Dynamic accommodation under natural viewings, such as driving, could be affected by the lighting condition. This study aimed to investigate the accommodation rock after the visual display unit (VDU) activity with and without ambient lighting. It was measured in cycle minute (cpm) with Hart Chart before and after each lighting condition's VDU activity. The VDU activity involved a one-hour visual task in 30 young adults. There was significant different [c2(3) = 23.42, p<0.001, Friedman test] in accommodative rock with VDU activity under different lightings. Low lighting lowered the rapid change of accommodation at different distances under natural viewing.
Keywords: Visual display unit (VDU); lighting; accommodation rock; natural viewing
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2568
Reliability and Construct Validity of the Malay Version of Subjective Experience Exercise Scale (SEES) Among Smokers
Authors: Ruslan Nur-Hasanah , Yasin Siti Munira , Mohd Nasir Nadzimah , Isa Mohamad Rodi
Published: December 2020

SEES is an instrument used to examine the affective state of exercise associated with mood. This study was aimed to determine the psychometric properties of Malay version. The original scale underwent forward and backward translation, cognitive debriefing and field testing. The psychometric properties were evaluated based on reliability and construct validity among 152 smokers. The translated SEES had shown satisfied reliability with Cronbach alpha of 0.80, 0.73 and 0.73 and a significant positive correlation with Profile of Mood Scale (POMS). The current study provides psychometric evidence for an appropriate, reliable and valid tool for SEES Malay version.
Keywords: Translation validation; Subjective Exercise Experience Scale; Construct validity
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2572
Since the Development of New Pattern of Minangkabau until the Motif Batik is Patented
Authors: Herwandi M. Hum
Published: December 2020

The Minangkabau ethnic group is centred in the central highlands of the island of Sumatra. Minangkabau societies are matrilineal in descent and conceive of two customary (adat) philosophies. They are expressed as the ever-expanding world as an educator (Alam terkembang jadikan guru) and adat based on sharia, sharia-based on the Qur'an (adat basandi syarak, syarak basandi Kitabullah). These adat philosophies have produced hundreds of traditional decorative patterns. This study discusses on Minangkabau ornamental patterns. Their motifs and philosophical bases. This article addresses seven new ornate designs and seven batik motifs, which have been designed, patented and analyses their foundations in Minangkabau philosophy.
Keywords: Batik, Designs, Minangkabau, Motifs
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bsby e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI3.2574
Internet-Based Support and Coaching With Complementary Clinic Visits for Young People With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism: Controlled Feasibility Study (Preprint)
Authors: Sehlin Helena , Hedman Ahlström Britt , Bertilsson Ingrid , Andersson Gerhard , Wentz Elisabet
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can experience obstacles in traditional health care situations due to difficulties associated with their impairment.

OBJECTIVE

This controlled study aims to investigate the feasibility of an internet-based support and coaching intervention (IBSC), including 2 weekly chat sessions and 2 complementary clinic visits with coaches over the course of 8 weeks, for adolescents and young adults with ADHD and/or ASD in 2 naturalistic routine care settings.

METHODS

Individuals with ADHD and/or ASD aged 15-32 years were recruited in 2 clinical settings, where they received either IBSC (n=24) or treatment as usual (TAU; n=20). Outcome measures included self-report questionnaires assessing quality of life (Manchester Short Assessment for Quality of Life), sense of coherence (Sense Of Coherence 29), self-esteem (Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale), and anxiety and depressive symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS] and Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale-Self-reported, respectively).

RESULTS

Significant between-group effects were observed in measures of anxiety (HADS) at postintervention (P=.02) as well as at the 6-month follow-up (P=.004). Significant between-group effects were also noted for depressive symptoms (HADS) postintervention (P=.04). The between-group effects were partially explained by a deterioration in the TAU group. A significant increase in self-esteem (P=.04) as well as a decrease in anxiety (P=.003) at the 6-month follow-up was observed in the intervention group following IBSC. Findings from a qualitative study of the intervention are consistent with the results.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest that IBSC holds promise as a feasible complement or alternative to traditional face-to-face health care meetings.
Automatically Explaining Machine Learning Prediction Results on Asthma Hospital Visits in Patients With Asthma: Secondary Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Luo Gang , Johnson Michael D , Nkoy Flory L , He Shan , Stone Bryan L
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Asthma is a major chronic disease that poses a heavy burden on health care. To facilitate the allocation of care management resources aimed at improving outcomes for high-risk patients with asthma, we recently built a machine learning model to predict asthma hospital visits in the subsequent year in patients with asthma. Our model is more accurate than previous models. However, like most machine learning models, it offers no explanation of its prediction results. This creates a barrier for use in care management, where interpretability is desired.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to develop a method to automatically explain the prediction results of the model and recommend tailored interventions without lowering the performance measures of the model.

METHODS

Our data were imbalanced, with only a small portion of data instances linking to future asthma hospital visits. To handle imbalanced data, we extended our previous method of automatically offering rule-formed explanations for the prediction results of any machine learning model on tabular data without lowering the model’s performance measures. In a secondary analysis of the 334,564 data instances from Intermountain Healthcare between 2005 and 2018 used to form our model, we employed the extended method to automatically explain the prediction results of our model and recommend tailored interventions. The patient cohort consisted of all patients with asthma who received care at Intermountain Healthcare between 2005 and 2018, and resided in Utah or Idaho as recorded at the visit.

RESULTS

Our method explained the prediction results for 89.7% (391/436) of the patients with asthma who, per our model’s correct prediction, were likely to incur asthma hospital visits in the subsequent year.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate the feasibility of automatically offering rule-formed explanations for the prediction results of any machine learning model on imbalanced tabular data without lowering the performance measures of the model. After further improvement, our asthma outcome prediction model coupled with the automatic explanation function could be used by clinicians to guide the allocation of limited asthma care management resources and the identification of appropriate interventions.
Youths’ and Parents’ Experiences and Perceived Effects of Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Anxiety Disorders in Primary Care: Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lilja Josefine Lotten , Rupcic Ljustina Mirna , Nissling Linnea , Larsson Anna Caroline , Weineland Sandra
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Anxiety is common among youths in primary care. Face-to-face treatment has been the first choice for clinicians, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, digital psychological interventions have substantially increased. Few studies have examined young people’s interest in internet treatment or the attitudes they and their parents have toward it.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to investigate adolescents’ and parents’ attitudes toward and experiences of internet-based cognitive behavioral anxiety treatment in primary care and its presumptive effects.

METHODS

The study used mixed methods, analyzing qualitative data thematically and quantitative data with nonparametric analysis. Participants were 14 adolescents and 14 parents recruited in adolescent primary health care clinics. The adolescents and their parents filled out mental health questionnaires before and after treatment, and were interviewed during ongoing treatment.

RESULTS

The quantitative data indicated that the internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy program used in this study was successful in reducing symptoms (χ22=8.333; P=.02) and that adolescents’ motivation is essential to the treatment outcome (r=0.58; P=.03). The qualitative results show that youths highly value their independence and freedom to organize treatment work on their own terms. The parents expressed uncertainty about their role and how to support their child in treatment. It was important for parents to respect the youths’ need for autonomy while also engaging with them in the treatment work.

CONCLUSIONS

Internet treatment in primary care is accepted by both youths and their parents, who need clarification about the difference between their role and the therapist’s role. Patient motivation should be considered before treatment, and therapists need to continue to develop the virtual alliance. Finally, primary care should be clearer in informing adolescents and their parents about the possibility of internet treatment.
Information Channel Matters for Coordination during COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Foreigners in China
Authors: Chen Jie , Liu Wendao
Published: December 2020

Based on an online survey focusing on foreigners living in China, this work finds that there is a noticeable association between information channels and people's attitudes towards the COVID-19 pandemic. To be exact, it is found that the cognitive understanding, risk awareness, and behavioral responses towards the pandemic are different between respondents using different information channels to receive the updates of COVID-19. Although the difference in information channels may be due to some reasons that require further research, experimental observations emphasized that this difference has led to different information consumption and different COVID-19 awareness. Further, it is pointed out that improving accessibility and removing information bottlenecks in media platforms of different languages is crucial in promoting global coordination in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.
THE FRAMING OF WOMEN’S IDEAL BODY IN AMERICAN SOCIETY IN INSTAGRAM ILLUSTRATIONS BY JULIE HOUTS (@JOOLEELOREN)
Authors: Jayanti Ni Wayan Eka , Adi Ida Rochani
Published: December 2020

This study aims to learn about the framing of women’s ideal body in Julie Houts’ illustrations and the factors that shape the frames. Conducted within American Studies, this study borrows Entman’s framing theory. This study applies qualitative and inductive methods to interpret the data. This study found that the framing highlights how women’s ideal body is limited to one body type. A thin, youthful appearance is often considered the ideal appearance for women. Tan skin is another aspect regarded as the ideal appearance for women. Thinness, youthful appearance, and tan skin are desired because they signify health, reflecting society’s obsession with health. The obsession with health often renders health a matter of appearance and gives power to those who look “healthy.” The benefits of having the ideal body often outweigh the risks women may bear from pursuing the ideal body. As women’s ideal body is limited to a thin, youthful appearance with tan skin, discrimination often occurs against women who do not match the ideal. Circumstances in society and the perception of women’s bodies become the factors that shape what is considered the ideal body.
Research Data Management (RDM) at the University of Ghana (UG)
Authors: Avuglah Bright Kwaku
Published: December 2020

This article explores Research Data Management (RDM) at the University of Ghana (UG). It emphasises on institutional awareness and attitudes, and whether the University Library is officially supporting this emerging strategic interest in research focused Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Purposive sampling was used to select information-rich respondents from across the University (i.e. Librarians, Research Administrators, ICT Managers and Senior Researchers) who were interviewed on a range of issues about RDM. Institutional documents were also reviewed to corroborate the primary data and get a deeper understanding of the research problem. The study shows that while RDM is recognised at the institutional level as good research practice and integrity issue, the concept is tenuously understood in the local community. Unsurprisingly, however, there was a general appreciation and awareness of the need for RDM and the implications for such critical concerns as security, integrity, continuity and institutional reputation. The library is yet to take a strategic approach to RDM issues and there is clearly a dearth in RDM expertise within the library system. The study recommends that the library must be proactive in advocating and promoting RDM issues at UG, but first, the Librarians must take advantage of numerous existing opportunities to build their capacity.
Towards a Risk Catalogue for Data Management Plans
Authors: Weng Franziska , Thoben Stella
Published: December 2020

Although data management and its careful planning are no new topics, there is only little literature on risk mitigation in data management plans (DMPs). We consider it a problem that DMPs do not include a structured approach for the identification or mitigation of risks, because it would instil confidence and trust in the data and its stewards, and foster the successful conduction of data-generating projects, which often are funded research projects. In this paper, we present a lightweight approach for identifying general risks in DMPs. We introduce an initial version of a generic risk catalogue for funded research and similar projects. By analysing a selection of 13 DMPs for projects from multiple disciplines published by the Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO) journal, we demonstrate that our approach is applicable to DMPs and transferable to multiple institutional constellations. As a result, the effort for integrating risk management in data management planning can be reduced.
Data Curator in the Middle: Curating Data for a Diverse Community of Stakeholders
Authors: Geraghty Ruth
Published: December 2020

The Prevention and Early Intervention Research Initiative is an archiving project to preserve the data and reports that were generated by twelve years of philanthropic and state investment into prevention and early intervention approaches in the children and youth sector in Ireland and Northern Ireland. The investment resulted in an extensive collection of evaluation data and reports, which collectively provide an evidence base for continued investment into PEI programmes that are shown to be effective. In 2016, the Prevention and Early Intervention Research Initiative (PEI-RI) was established to preserve the outputs from these evaluations in the national data archives, as a publicly available evidence base. The political and social significance of this collection is manifest in the range of stakeholder groups that the project is engaging with, including the community and not-for-profit organisations that operated the PEI programmes, the research teams from academic institutions that evaluated these programmes, and representatives from government departments that co-funded many of these programmes with Atlantic.
This paper tells the story of the PEI-RI archiving project, describing the steps weâ€™ve taken since 2016 to preserve and promote the PEI data. During the course of the project we realised that it would not be enough to provide access to the data alone, as "[g]enerating and collating the evidence is of no use if it never reaches the commissioners and professionals who need it" (What Works Network, 2014, pp. 6). In the second phase of our project we are creating a range of resources for practitioner and decision maker audiences which provide a pathway to the data using the archival infrastructure.
The project provides a case study of curating a digital collection that is intended for multiple stakeholders with different expectations of the archived material. The PEI-RI data curator is located in the middle of a triad of data creators, data consumers and data archives, and is tasked with balancing the interests, expectations and limitations of each.
El signo del mar: una interpretación bíblico-teológica de Éx 14
Authors: Vargas González Carlos Alberto
Published: December 2020

Se tiene por objetivo realizar una interpretación biblico-teológica del milagro del mar, para lo cual se aborda Éxodo 14 desde una perspectiva histórico-crítica, y se hace una lectura teológica que propende por una comprensión del milagro del mar más allá de un intervencionismo mágico por parte de Dios. Para llevar a cabo esta investigación, se utiliza una metodología de tipo cualitativo-documental, pues se hace una revisión bibliográfica para justificar hermenéuticamente el acercamiento biblico-teológico a la perícopa en cuestión. Los principales hallazgos llevan a concluir que Éxodo 14 tiene varias capas redaccionales, lo cual esclarece las aparentes contradicciones; asimismo, se colige que el milagro no es un intervencionismo divino que rompe las leyes de la naturaleza, sino que es el descubrimiento, por la fuerza afirmativa de la fe, de la acción de Dios en el mundo.
Trends in Diagnosis of Hydrophilic Pseudofungal Organism Rhinosporidium seeberi- Old to Recent Approach
Authors: Husain Uneza , Tilak Ragini , Priyadarshi Ketan , Aggarwal Sushil Kumar
Published: December 2020

Rhinosporidiosis is a granulomatous disease with a chronic course, the etiological agent being Rhinosporidium seeberi which usually causes the development of localized lesion in the mucosa of the nose, conjunctiva, and urethra. The disease is prevalent in South India and Sri Lanka although case reports are evident from many parts of the world like Europe, America, and Africa. In the present study, we are reporting a case of rhinosporidiosis elaborating its clinical features, diagnostic modalities, and treatment. Since R.seeberi is not a successfully cultivable organism, in vitro susceptibility of drugs remains a concern. The main focus of the present study is on molecular detection of R. seeberi which can be helpful in the future for early diagnosis and prompt treatment of such cases.
Quantification of FEND and ITUDI Anti-fungal Lipopeptide Gene Expression in Bacillus megaterium using RT-qPCR
Authors: Chiluisa-Utreras Viviana Pamela , Jara Katherine Alejandra Medrano , Paredes Andrés Sebastián Cadena , Acurio Ramiro Daniel
Published: December 2020

Phytopathogenic diseases are a major concern in modern agriculture, and for decades, pesticides have been used to prevent potential damage. Bacillus megaterium is proposed as a biological controlling agent, and gene expression of the lipopeptide genes FEND and ITUDI was assessed using RT-qPCR. Inhibition effects of B. megaterium on Alternaria sp. and Botrytis sp. were examined over a period of nine days, which confirmed the potential use of this bacterium to counteract these two pathogens. In addition, expression of FEND and ITUDI genes was assessed over nine days in the aforementioned dual cultures and inhibition tests. FEND expression in B. megaterium increased 20.16-fold in response to Alternaria sp., and ITUDI expression increased 3.20-fold in response to Botrytis sp. on day five of incubation. These results were corroborated by gene expression data obtained from B. megaterium during fermentation, where FEND and ITUDI gene expression increased 95.14- and 18.70-fold, respectively. In conclusion, B. megaterium can increase lipopeptide synthesis when exposed to these particular phytopathogens and can significantly increase the respective expression during fermentation.
Effect of Denitrifying Bacterial Biomass and Carbon Sources on Nitrate Removal
Authors: Alyamani Essam J. , Booq Rayan Y. , Bahkali Ali H. , Alharbi Sulaiman A.
Published: December 2020

Denitrification based on immobilized microbial cellulose may offer an economical replacement for conventional treatment for nitrate removal. The environmental and bacterial biomass may influence the rate of biological denitrification processes. This study aimed to investigate the factors that affect denitrification rates, including carbon sources, pH, and bacterial inoculum. Different inoculum biomass of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and various carbon sources of glucose, sucrose, and cellulose with different concentrations were tested to assimilate 100 mg/L of KNO3 as nitrate source. Additionally, five additional inoculations, five different incubation time, and seven different pH levels were studied. The Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates used different mineral media with three carbon sources, glucose, sucrose, and cellulose, with different concentrations at different rates to denitrify nitrate. The highest denitrification rate was with glucose after 18 hrs and was after 24 hrs when sucrose and cellulose were used, respectively. The bacterial biomass denitrification level was the highest, between 0.8% and 1% of OD600=1. Nitrate removal by Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the highest at pH 7, 8, and 9. This report suggests that when glucose is used as a carbon source, at neutral to alkaline pH, and 1% of denitrifying bacterial biomass, the highest level of biological denitrification process may be achieved.