bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Public Support for the Imposition of a Tax on Sugar-Sweetened Beverages and the Determinants of Such Support in Spain
Authors: Sánchez-Escalonilla Sara Fernández , Fernández-Escobar Carlos , Royo-Bordonada Miguel Ángel
Published: January 2020

Background Taxes on sugar-sweetened beverages are an effective public health intervention, but can be difficult to implement in absence of public support. This is the first study to analyse the Spanish population’s support for a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages.Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of a representative sample of the Spanish adult population (n=1002), using a computer aided telephone interview with a questionnaire on nutritional policies. We then performed a descriptive analysis of support for the tax. The sociodemographic determinants of support for the tax were analysed using Chi-squared test (χ2) and Poisson multiple regression models.Results A total of 66.9% of participants supported the introduction of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages: this figure lies midway between the figure of 64.1% when responders were asked about the tax before being asked about subsidies and tax relief, and that of 70% when they were asked about the tax after being asked about subsidies and tax relief ( p =0.049). Support for the tax was respectively 16% and 35% lower among persons reporting centre and right-wing political affiliations than among those who professed left-wing ideological sympathies ( p <0.01), and 16% lower among regular consumers of sugar-sweetened beverages than among non-consumers of these drinks ( p =0.01).Conclusions A clear majority of the Spanish population is in favour of imposing a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Awareness-raising campaigns and a policy of combining the measure with subsidies or tax cuts on healthy foods could increase the level of support among those currently against the intervention.
Prevalence of cataract and its associated factors among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra zone, Amhara, Northeast Ethiopia: A Community based cross-sectional study
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Beletew Biruk , Mengesha Ayelign , Markos Merkineh
Published: January 2020

Background Cataract is a major cause of avoidable blindness worldwide. Its greatest burden found in low-income countries. Therefore, knowing the prevalence and identification of risk-factors would be crucial in planning strategies to delay its development.Objective To assess prevalence and associated factors of cataract among adults aged 40 years and above in Waghimra Zone, Amhara, Ethiopia, 2019.Methods A cross-sectional study was undertaken among 528 adults in Waghimra Zone. Multi stage sampling technique was employed. Questionnaire, Snellen’s chart and slit lamp was used to collect the data. Data were entered into Epi Data version 3.1, cleaned and analyzed by using SPSS version 21.Result Within the sample, the prevalence of cataract was 20.1% (95% CI: 16.87, 23.32). being older age (AOR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.01-1.08), single (AOR = 6.2, 95% CI: 1.60, 23.9), divorced (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI: 1.10, 5.48), widowed (AOR=2.38, 95% CI: 1.07- 5.29) were associated with cataract.Conclusion Cataract is a major health problem in the study area that would increase with ageing Hence, concerned body should strengthen further screening and treating of patients who are targeted groups such as aged, single, widowed, divorced population.
Evaluation of the modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament in unstable distal clavicle fracture
Authors: Li Yongchuan , Lu Nan , Shen Di , Zhang Fan , Lu Jiajia , Chen Aimin
Published: January 2020

Purpose: Unstable distal clavicle fracture is common, and there is no consensus regarding the gold standard treatment for this fracture. The purpose of this study was to report a new surgical technique for the treatment of unstable distal clavicle fracture with modified coracoclavicular (CC) stabilization using ligament augmentation and reconstruction system (LARS) artificial ligament, and evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes. Methods: From January 2009 to June 2018, eighteen patients with acute unstable distal clavicle fractures (type Ⅱb) treated by modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament were retrospectively reviewed. Indexes for evaluation included fracture healing, quality of reduction, and complications (infections, nerve injuries, iatrogenic clavicle or coracoid fracture, the fixation loop failure, loss of reduction, etc.). Shoulder function was evaluated using the Constant-Murley score. Results: The patients were assessed at a mean time of 31.8 months follow-up. All 18 patients experienced radiographic union. Follow-up radiographs showed anatomical reduction in 15 patients and slight loss of reduction in 3 patients. There were 2 cases of calcification of CC ligament, 1 case of degenerative change around the acromioclavicular (AC) joint, and 1 case of clavicular osteolysis around screws noted during the follow-up. The Constant scores were 91.2 ± 6.9 at last. Conclusions: The modified CC stabilization using LARS artificial ligament resulted in a high union rate, satisfactory fracture reduction, a low complication rate, and excellent shoulder function for unstable distal clavicle fractures (type Ⅱb). We consider this simple surgical technique that naturally restores stability to the distal clavicle fracture is an efficient method for treating the fracture.
Comparison of the Therapeutic Outcomes between Open Plantar Fascia Release and Percutaneous Radiofrequency Ablation in the Treatment of Intractable Plantar Fasciitis
Authors: Yuan Yusong , Qian Yuan , Lu Hao , Kou Yuhui , Xu Yangbo , Xu Hailin
Published: January 2020

B ackground : Heel pain is one of the most common complaints in foot and ankle clinic and one of the leading causes of heel pain is plantar fasciitis. Methods : A retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 cases (39 feet) of patients with intractable plantar fasciitis. In the enrolled 26 cases, there were 16 patients (19 feet) received open plantar fascia release, and the other 15 patients (20 feet) received percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. The surgical results were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) and American orthopaedic foot and ankle society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS-AH) before and after surgery in all patients. Results: All 31 patients were followed up successfully, with a mean follow-up time of 58.77 months. There were no differences of patient’s demographics and characteristics information between the two groups. The average operative time of the feet in the open plantar fascia release is longer time than the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation. Furthermore, the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation group had a shorter recovery time to normal activity than the open plantar fascia release group. There were no difference of postoperative VAS scores and the AOFAS-AH scores between the two groups. All patients reported satisfaction after either operation. Conclusion: Symptoms of pain and limb function were significantly improved in patients both of the partial plantar fascia release treated group and the percutaneous radiofrequency ablation treated group. The two types of surgical procedures shared the same long-term curative effects. However, percutaneous radiofrequency ablation was a better technique from the point of shorter operative time and postoperative recovery time. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
Sociodemographic factors associated with request for labor epidural analgesia in a tertiary obstetric hospital in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lam Duc , Farber Michaela Kristina , Phan Chi Thuy , Khuat Luong T. , Nguyen Ha Thu , Dang Tuan M. , Nguyen Anh D.
Published: January 2020

Background Labor epidural pain relief remains underutilized in developing countries and may serve as a marker of health care access disparity. Here we examine the sociodemographic factors associated with the utilization of labor epidural analgesia at a large obstetrics and gynecology hospital in Vietnam.Methods This was a cross-sectional study of women who underwent vaginal delivery in September 2018 at the Hanoi Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital. Utilization of epidural analgesia during labor was determined. Univariate and multivariate regression models were applied to evaluate the association between patient demographic and socioeconomic factors and request for labor epidural analgesia.Results A total of 417 women had vaginal deliveries during the study period. 207 women (49.6%) utilized epidural analgesia for pain relief during labor and 210 did not. Parturients more likely to utilize labor epidurals were older than 35 years of age (OR 2.84, 95% CI 1.11-8.17), multiparous (OR 2.8 95% CI 1.85-4.25), from an urban area, with higher income (OR 6.47, 95% CI 2.59-19.23), and with higher level of education.ConclusionsFactors related to a parturient’s request for epidural analgesia during labor at our tertiary obstetric hospital included include age greater than 35 years, multiparity, and high income and education levels. Educational outreach to women about the benefits of epidural analgesia can target women who do not share these demographics.
Preference of blood pressure measurement methods by primary care doctors in Hong Kong: A cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lee Eric Kam Pui , Choi Ryan Chun Ming , Liu Licheng , Gao Tiffany , Yip Benjamin Hon Kei , Wong Samuel Yeung Shan
Published: January 2020

Background Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Its screening, diagnosis, and management depend heavily on accurate blood pressure (BP) measurement. It is recommended that the diagnosis of hypertension should be confirmed or corroborated by out-of-office BP values, measured using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM). When office BP is used, automated office BP (AOBP) measurement method, which automatically provides an average of 3–5 BP readings, should be preferred. This study aimed to describe the BP measurement methods commonly used by doctors in primary care in Hong Kong, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients.Methods In this cross-sectional survey, all doctors registered in the Hong Kong “Primary Care Directory” were mailed a questionnaire, asking their preferred BP-measuring methods to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertensive patients. Furthermore, we also elicited information on the usual number of office BP or HBPM readings obtained, to diagnose or manage hypertension.Results Out of the 1738 doctors in the directory, 445 responded. Manual measurement using a mercury or aneroid device was found to be the commonest method to screen (63.1%), diagnose (56.4%), and manage (72.4%) hypertension. There was a significant underutilisation of ABPM, with only 1.6% doctors using this method to diagnose hypertension. HBPM was used by 22.2% and 56.8% of the respondents to diagnose and manage hypertension, respectively. A quarter (26.7%) of the respondents reported using only one in-office BP reading, while 40% participants reported using ≥12 HBPM readings. Doctors with specialist qualification in family medicine were more likely to use AOBP in clinics and to obtain the recommended number of office BP readings for diagnosis and management of hypertension.Conclusion Doctors in Hong Kong primary care prefer to use manual office BP values, measured using mercury or aneroid devices, to screen, diagnose, and manage hypertension, highlighting a marked underutilisation of AOBP and out-of-office BP measuring techniques, especially that of ABPM. Further studies are indicated to understand the underlying reasons and to minimise the gap between real-life clinical practice and those recommended, based on scientific advances.
Correlation between IL‐7R gene variants and breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women
Authors: Li Miao , Yue Chenli , Zuo Xiaoxiao , Jin Guoquan , Wang Guanying , Guo Hulin , Wu Fang , Huang Shangke , Zhao Xinhan
Published: January 2020

Introduction IL-7R is involved in the occurrence and development of breast cancer by binding to its ligand IL-7. This study aimed to explore the potential relationships of IL-7R polymorphisms with breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women.Methods Five polymorphisms (rs969129, rs10213865, rs10053847, rs118137916, and rs6451231) of IL-7R genewere genotyped in 553 patients and 550 healthy healthy individuals from the in Chinese Han women using the Agena MassARRAY platform. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated used to evaluate the relationship.Results IL-7R rs10213865, rs969129 and rs6451231 was correlated with an increased the risk of breast cancer in multiple genetic models. Age stratified analysis revealed that rs6451231 was correlated with an increased breast cancer risk at age > 52 years. Additionally, rs10213865 was correlated with tumor site and ER expression, rs969129 was related to tumor size and Ki67 expresses status, and rs6451231was related to tumor size. Haplotype CGAG (rs969129, rs10213865, rs10053847 and rs118137916) were observed to a decrease breast cancer risk.Conclusions IL-7R polymorphism were significantly correlated with an increased breast cancer susceptibility in Chinese Han women.
Drug-drug interactions in patients with malaria: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Noor Sidra , Ismail Mohammad
Published: January 2020

Background: Hospitalized patients with malaria often present with comorbidities or associated complications for which a variety of drugs are prescribed. Multiple drug therapy often leads to drug-drug interactions (DDIs). Therefore, we investigated the prevalence, levels, risk factors, clinical relevance, and monitoring parameters/management guidelines of potential DDIs (pDDIs) among inpatients with malaria. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out at multiple hospital settings. A total of 398 patients’ profiles were evaluated for pDDIs using the Micromedex Drug-Reax ®. Odds ratios were calculated to identify the strength of association between presence of DDIs and potential risk factors via logistic regression analysis. Further, the clinical relevance of frequent pDDIs was investigated. Results: Of 398 patients, pDDIs were observed in 37.2% patients, while major-pDDIs in 19.3% patients. Total 325 interaction were found, of which 45.5% were of major- and 34.5% moderate-severity. Patients with the most common pDDIs were found with signs/symptoms and abnormalities in laboratory findings representing nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, QT interval prolongation, and reduced therapeutic efficacy . The adverse events were more common in patients prescribed with the higher doses of interacting drugs. Multivariate regression analysis showed statistically significant association of pDDIs with 5-6 prescribed medicines (p=0.01), >6 prescribed medicines (p<0.001), >5 days of hospital stay (p=0.03), and diabetes mellitus (p=0.04). Conclusions: PDDIs are commonly observed in patients with malaria. Healthcare professional’s knowledge about the most common pDDIs could help in preventing pDDIs and their associated negative effects. Pertinent clinical parameters, such as laboratory findings and signs/symptoms need to be checked, particularly in patients with polypharmacy, longer hospital stay, and diabetes mellitus.
Pre-pregnancy overweight and weight gain during pregnancy increase the risk of gestational anemia
Authors: Cantoral Alejandra , Christensen Dirk L , Solano Maritsa , Lamadrid-Figueroa Héctor , Avila Laura , Trejo-Reyes Rebeca , Domínguez-Flores Omar , Ramírez-Silva Ivonne , Rivera Juan A
Published: January 2020

Objective: To study the double burden of overweight and anemia in Mexican women during pregnancy and if pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and weight gain are associated with the development of anemia. Methods: In a sample of 98 pregnant women from an ongoing birth cohort, weight and hemoglobin at different gestational weeks, as well as pre-pregnancy BMI (self-reported) were obtained. An adjusted logistic model for longitudinal data was used to estimate the probability of presenting anemia according to pre-pregnancy overweight status (BMI > 25kg/m 2 ) and weight gain, including an interaction term between these two variables. Results: At the end of pregnancy the combined prevalence of overweight and anemia was 18%. The probability of developing anemia was different from zero among overweight women at the beginning of pregnancy and weight gain > 6.5kg kg (up to 8%, p <0.05); furthermore, the prevalence was higher than zero in those women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI (<25kg/m 2 ) and a weight gain < 12 Kg (up to 9%, p <0.05). Conclusion: anemia increases with the combinations of low weight gain in women with a normal pre-pregnancy BMI as well as excessive weight gain in women with pre-pregnancy overweight.
Knowledge on Genetic and Genomic Diagnostics among Sri Lankan Medical Practitioners
Authors: Jayawardana Sinhalage Mahesh Asantha
Published: January 2020

Objectives : Up-to-date knowledge on changing genetic and genomic diagnostic approaches is essential for a contemporary medical practitioner. This study was carried out to describe Sri Lankan Medical Practitioners’ current knowledge and opinion on modern genetic and genomic diagnostics techniques. Results : Data was collected to an electronic database using an online self-administered questionnaire. A total of 123 respondents completed the questionnaire. Majority had either some or adequate knowledge on applications of basic genetic diagnostic methods such as karyotyping and polymerase chain reaction. Similarly most had either some or adequate knowledge on the use of predictive genetic tests in cancer. However the level of knowledge on the applications of modern diagnostic techniques like Fluorescent in-Situ Hybridization and Next Generation Sequencing remained poor. Majority had inadequate knowledge on newer concepts such as direct-to-consumer genetic testing and personalized medicine. Most agreed upon the inadequacy of undergraduate genetic education and the need of a continuous medical education program to fill this knowledge gap. Both undergraduate and continuous medical education approaches should be modified to improve the knowledge on increasingly complicated technological and ethical aspects associated with modern genetic diagnostics.
Metabolomics Study of Browning Mechanism in Eggplant Fruits
Authors: Liu Xiaohui , Zhang Shengmei , Shang Jing , Zhang Aidong , Zhu Zongwen , Wu Xuexia , Zha Dingshi
Published: January 2020

Objective ： Fresh-cut fruits and vegetables is an emerging type of fruits and vegetables processing products for consumers to eat immediately or for the catering industry. Enzymatic browning is one of the crucial problems compromising the flavor and texture of fresh-cut fruit and vegetables. Eggplant is a common vegetable, which is favored by consumers. Accordingly, we used an untargeted metabolomics approach based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) to explore the browning mechanism in peeled eggplant ( Solanum melongena L . ). Results: Metabolomics revealed several hundred differential metabolites, including lipids, phenols, sugars and fatty acids. The content of these metabolites changed dynamically as the peeled time increased. The content of polyphenols, especially chlorogenic acid, increased significantly, suggesting that the main substrate for enzymatic browning in eggplant is chlorogenic acid. Furthermore, all the differential metabolite were mapped to KEGG pathway, revealing significant differences in linoleic acid metabolism, tyrosine metabolism，glutathione metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, tropane, piperidine and pyridine alkaloid biosynthesis, phenylpropanol metabolism and glycosylphosphatidylinositol(GPI)-anchor biosynthesis over time. Therefore, we speculate that some metabolic pathways that are closely connected with respiration, glycolysis, ATP synthesis, and phenolic synthesi are disturbed after peeling, under the action of enzymes, eventually leading to browning.
Impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Ishola Foluso , Ukah Vivian , Nandi Arijit
Published: January 2020

Background: A country’s abortion law is a key component in determining the enabling environment for safe abortion. While restrictive abortion laws still prevail in most low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), many countries have reformed their abortion laws, with the majority of them moving away from an absolute ban. However, the implications of these reforms on women’s access to and use of health services, as well as their health outcomes, is uncertain. First, there are methodological challenges to the evaluation of abortion laws, since these changes are not exogenous. Second, extant evaluations may be limited in terms of their generalizability, given variation in reforms across the abortion legality spectrum and differences in levels of implementation and enforcement cross-nationally. This systematic review aims to address this gap. Our aim is to systematically collect, evaluate, and synthesize empirical research evidence concerning the impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs.Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of the peer-reviewed literature on changes in abortion laws and women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs. We will search Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science databases, as well as grey literature and reference lists of included studies for further relevant literature. As our goal is to draw inference on the impact of abortion law reforms, we will include quasi-experimental studies examining the impact of change in abortion laws on at least one of our outcomes of interest. We will assess the methodological quality of studies using the quasi-experimental study designs series checklist. Due to anticipated heterogeneity in policy changes, outcomes, and study designs, we will synthesize results through a narrative description.Discussion: This review will systematically appraise and synthesize the research evidence on the impact of abortion law reforms on women’s health services and outcomes in LMICs. We will examine the effect of legislative reforms and investigate the conditions that might contribute to heterogeneous effects, including whether specific groups of women are differentially affected by abortion law reforms. We will discuss gaps and future directions for research. Findings from this review could provide evidence on emerging strategies to influence policy reforms, implement abortion services and scale up accessibility.Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42019126927
Challenges and prospects for implementation of community health volunteers’ digital health solutions in Kenya: a qualitative study
Authors: Bakibinga Pauline , Kamande Eva , Kisia Lyagamula , Omuya Milka , Matanda Dennis J , Kyobutungi Catherine
Published: January 2020

Background: The value of digital health technologies in delivering vital health care interventions, especially in low resource settings is increasingly appreciated. We co-developed and tested a decision support mobile health (m-Health) application (app); an integrated data capture tool running as a mobile app with selected reporting forms for Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) in Kenya and connected to health facilities. This paper explores the experiences of CHVs, health workers and members of Sub-County Health Management Teams following implementation of the project.Methods: Data were collected in December 2017 through in-depth interviews (health workers and CHVs) and key informant interviews (health managers) and focus group discussions (CHVs) working in Kamukunji sub-County of Nairobi, Kenya. Data coding and analysis was performed in NVivo 12.Results: Regarding users and health managers’ perceptions towards the system; three main themes were identified: 1) variations in use, 2) barriers to use and 3) recommendations to improve use. Health workers at the private facility and some CHVs used the system more than health workers at the public facilities. Four sub-themes under barriers to use were socio-political environment, attitudes and behaviour, issues related to the system and poor infrastructure. A prolonged health workers’ strike, the contentious presidential election in the year of implementation, interrupted electricity supply and lack of basic electric fixtures were major barriers to use. Suggestions to improve usage were: 1) integration of the system with others in use and making it available on users’ regular phones, and 2) provision of extra financial motivation for users as well as performance based remuneration. Conclusions: The findings reveal the importance of considering the readiness of information and communication technologies (ICT) users before rollout of ICT solutions. The political and sociocultural environment in which the innovation is to be implemented and integration of new solutions into existing ones is critical for success. As more healthcare delivery models are developed, harnessing the potential of digital technologies, strengthening health systems is critical as this provides the backbone on which such innovations draw support.
Is the improvement of cervical alignment really essential after three-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion? A minimal 5-year follow-up
Authors: Liang Yan , Xu Shuai , Yu Guanjie , Zhu Zhenqi , Liu Haiying
Published: January 2020

Purpose: To identify the importance of sagittal alignment with self-locked stand-alone cage (SSC) and anterior cage-with-plate (ACP) system after 3-level anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) on cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) after minimal 5-year follow-up.Methods: 38 patients with SSC system (SSC group) and 26 with ACP system (ACP group) from February 2007 to September 2013 were enrolled. Cervical alignment were C2-7 lordosis (CL), operated-segment CL (OPCL), upper and lower adjacent-segment CL (UCL and LCL) at preoperation (POP), immediate postoperation (IPO) and final follow-up (FFU). Clinical outcomes contained the neck disability index (NDI), the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score and adjacent segment degeneration (ASD). Patients were divides into CL improved subgroup (IM subgroup) and non-improved subgroup (NIM subgroup).Results: There were improvements on CL and OPCL in both groups. The change of CL and OPCL larger in ACP group (P<0.05) but UAL and LAL were of no significance. NDI and JOA got improvement in both groups at IPO and FFU while ASD was in no difference between SSC and ACP. A total of 40 patients (18 vs 22) acquired CL improvement with a larger population in ACP group. There were no differences on the rate if ASD, NDI, JOA and their change between IM and NIM subgroup and the change of CL were not correlated with NDI, JOA and their change.Conclusion: SSC and ACP both provide long-term efficacy on OPCL correction with little impact on adjacent segment. The improvement of CL after three-level ACDF seems not so essential.
Assesement of plants used in traditional management of animals diseases in ekiti state north senatorial district of nigeria.
Authors: kehinde mary kehinde olanipekun , Tedela patrick Olugbenga , Kayode Joshua O
Published: January 2020

Background The traditional use of plant as medicine for the management of man and animal health has been from time immemorial to alleviate sicknesses in both local and urban communities. Animal has been a medium of provision of proteins and for the normal growth of organisms, however there are a lot of diseases that are detritions’ to the normal health of animals, hence reduced the effectiveness of such an animal. There is therefore a need for ethnobotanical documentation of the medicinal plants as well as associated knowledge and practices. Method Ethnobotanical surveys were conducted in Ekiti South senatorial district between 2017 and 2018 to document plants used in treating animal diseases in the study area. Semi structured questionnaire and the guided field-walk methods was used to interview the respondents who supplied information on plants used in treating the identified animal diseases. Different ethnobotanical indices were used to evaluate the relevance of the documented plants to the management of animal diseased prevailing in the study area. Results A total of 63 plant species from 38 families were documented for the management of ruminant and birds animals. The plants were reported using to treat six categories of ailments. The part of the plants mostly used are the leaves (50.7%) followed by the bark (40.8%), the seed (35.2%) and root (18.3%). The plants are prepared and applied either singly or in combination with other plants and are used either in the wet or dried forms. Rationales for the choice of these plants were also identified. The decoctions and infusions are the most frequent methods of preparation. The traditional healers in the study area possess rich ethno-pharmacological knowledge and depend largely on naturally growing plant species. The documented medicinal plants can serve as a basis for further and future phytochemical and pharmacological studies. Conclusion The study areas are rich in biodiversity because of the favorable climatic conditions. However, the indiscriminate exploitation of the farming land is detrimental to the availability of some of the naturally occurred and indigenous plants, thus extinction of the plants cannot be underestimated. Therefore the documentation of the information will significantly contribute to the evaluation and preservation of the traditional knowledge before it is finally eroded. Key words: Semi-structured, livestock, diseases, management, indigenous knowledge
Normative Values of The Retinal Macular Thickness in a Middle Eastern Population.
Authors: Saad Mouna Al , Shatarat Amjad T. , AlRyalat Saif Aldeen
Published: January 2020

Background: Since the normative value of the retinal macular thickness is undocumented in the Middle East, the aim of this work is to assess the normative values of the macular thickness in healthy eyes in a Middle Eastern population and its relationship with age, sex, and laterality. Methods:116 individuals were randomly selected from volunteers visiting the Jordan University Hospital in Amman, Jordan. Measurements were obtained using the Fourier domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). Multivariant regression models were developed to obtain predicted normative values with adjustment to candidate variables. In addition, the effect of age, sex and laterality were evaluated. Results: The average central fovea macular thickness was 229.5 (±30.85) um. The quadratic value of the retinal macular thickness decreased from the superior value of 299.71 (±23.67) um (P=.001)to the inferior value of 296.46 (±28.85) um(P=.001) and a nasal figure of 93.63 (±26.86) um(P=.001). The temporal area has the thinnest value of 293.43 (±30.78) um( P=0.001). Central thickness was higher in males with a mean variation of 11.67 um (95% CI: 2.41 to 20.93) (p= 0.003). The thickness was highest within 3mm diameter from the center and decreased towards the periphery Eye sidedness didn’t contribute to variability of the macular thickness. Furthermore, we found a significant difference between age and central macular thickness (p= 0.001) Conclusion: Our set of predicted normative data may be used to interpret measurement of the macular thickness in Middle Eastern population. The average fovea macular thickness among Jordanians is consistent with previously reported values. Normative values from additional Middle Eastern populations are required to appraise our module.
Analyzing the quality disclosure of Global Reporting Initiative G4 sustainability report in Indonesian companies
Authors: Harisa Putri Wika , Arwi Hasthoro Handoko , Maudhia Putri Ghea
Published: January 2020

The establishment of a company cannot be separated from its environmental and social factors. Sustainability reports start from those applied to current companies because there are forms of corporate accountability to stakeholders and community considerations of the company to provide social responsibility. This study finds out and empirically proves that there are differences in each Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) G4 indicator in the company’s sustainability report in each industry classification. The authors investigate the dominant indicators in each industry classification based on sustainability reports. The data are obtained from 28 GRI G4-based company sustainability reports in 2016 and 2017. The analytical method in the study is the K-means clustering analysis. The results of study indicate the differences in GRI G4 in 2016 and 2017. The researchers find out that the dominant indicator expressed in the financial industry is an economic indicator. Meanwhile, in the mining, transportation and infrastructure industries, basic and chemical industries etc. the dominant indicators to be disclosed are environmental indicators. This research provides a theoretical basis for sustainability and environmental reporting, particularly in the context of developing countries. It is expected that this study should also inform business practitioners as well as policymakers vis-à-vis sustainability reporting in practice.
A Corpus-Based Analysis of English and Kurdish Words Expressing Love: A Cross-Cultural Study
Authors: GEYİK Resul
Published: January 2020

As
a new field of study “Kurdish Studies” needs to be studied in a detailed way in
order to attract attention in linguistic and social studies. Through such
studies the interdisciplinary approaches will bring about new doors of the
field, just on this point a contrastive study of the words expressing love in
Kurdish-Kurmanji and English is crucial in the usage of the  semantics and pragmatics. Being a very
sensitive issue, love requires great attention of the feelings from all level
of society to the individual one. A thematically classification of words in
both languages will facilitate the grasp of the issue, thence, the grasp of the
language/culture.
Modernleşme Sürecinde Mobilya Tasarımında Melezlik
Authors: Ertaş Şebnem , Bal Havva Beril
Published: January 2020

20. yüzyılın başlarında ortaya çıkan Arts and
Crafts ve Art Nouveau stilleri tasarım alanında geçişi simgeleyen,
kendilerinden önceki dönemin izlerini taşırken kendilerinden sonraki dönemleri
de etkileyen yaklaşımlar olarak kabul edilebilir ve melez olarak
tanımlanabilirler. Çalışmada melez dönemin kullandığı biçimsel dil,
 klasik ve modern dönem geçiş süreci ile birlikte tartışılarak;
mobilya örnekleri üzerinden ele alınmıştır. Bu kapsamda; Arts and Crafts
ve Art Nouveau dönemleri sandalye tasarımlarının biçimlenişinin melez
olduğunu ortaya çıkarmak amaçlanmaktadır. Melezlik ifadesi ise
sandalyelerin okunmasını kolaylaştıran yüzeyler üzerinden biçim grameri
kullanılarak  tanımlanmıştır.
 Süreçte, öncelikle  hem klasik hem de modern döneme ait örnek
sandalyelerin tespiti yapılmış ve yüzeylerin biçimleri grafiksel bir dille
ifade edilmiştir. Sonrasında iki dönemin diğer yaklaşımlarla biçimsel
ilişkisi bileşenlerin çakıştırılmasıyla saptanmıştır. Tüm
bunlar modern ve klasik dönem ilişkisini ortaya koymuş ve bu ilişkinin
de arada olmak yani melezlik kavramıyla nasıl bütünleştiğini sandalye
tasarımları üzerinden göstermiştir.
Sürdürülebilir Tekstil Tasarım ve Üretiminde Yeniden Değer Kazanan Lif: Kenevir
Authors: Kurtuldu Elif , Erdem İşmal Özlenen
Published: January 2020

Günümüzde çevre dostu
yaklaşımların artmasıyla birlikte organik, ekolojik, etik tekstillerin üretimi
de yaygınlaşmaya başlamıştır. Bu kapsamda biyobozunur özelliğe sahip bir lif
olan kenevir yeniden gündeme gelmiştir. Çevre dostu pek çok özelliği nedeniyle
kenevir lifinin sürdürülebilir tekstil tasarım ve üretiminde kullanılması, yavaş moda ve ekolojik moda kapsamında değerlendirilmesini de sağlamaktadır.
Ülkemizde de kenevir tarımına izin verilmesi ve desteklenmesi sayesinde hem
ekolojik hem ekonomik açıdan yeniden fayda sağlayacak olan kenevir, moda
açısından da pek çok avantajı beraberinde getiren bir liftir. Bu çalışmada,
kenevir lifinin geçmişteki ve günümüzdeki durumu güncel gelişmeler ışığında ele
alınmış, önemli özellikleri ve kullanım alanlarından söz edilmiştir. Dünya
üzerindeki aktivistler tarafından daha bilinçli bir tüketici grubu yaratmak
amacıyla kurulmuş olan organik ve ekolojik kenevir üretimi yapan işletmeler örneklendirilmiştir.
Ülkemizde de tekstil üretimi ve tasarımında değeri yeniden anlaşılan bir lif
olan kenevir ile neler yapılabileceği üzerinde durulmuştur. Ayrıca, bu konudaki
potansiyeli ortaya koyarak endüstriyel üreticiler, tasarımcılar ve
tüketicilerin dikkatinin çekilmesi amaçlanmıştır.
Clothings of The Ottoman Greek Women in Konya and Sille Before Greek -Turkish Population Exchange
Authors: Koç Fatma , Saatçıoğlu Kenan
Published: January 2020

AbstractIt
is known that Greeks were the most populous minority group who lived in the
Ottoman Empire. Greek groups were located in different parts of Anatolia and
Thrace in this period. It is mentioned in the historical sources that Konya
also was one of the regions which was populated with Greek groups. This study
was designed to shed light on the historical past and to reflect the clothing
characteristics of a minority group that lived within the Ottoman Empire. It is
also aimed to analyze the clothings of the Greek female immigrants who
immigrated to Greece from Konya which was an important province in the Ottoman
Empire during the “Greek-Turkish Population Exchange”. In accordance with this
purpose, two pieces of traditional indoor clothings used for special days
belonging to Greek women who lived in Konya and Sille regions which are in the
“National Historical Museum’s” clothing collection inventory in Athens today
were included in the research. In terms of historical and cultural values,
these clothings were interpreted additionally supported with period photographs
from the “Asia Minor Research Centre” archive in Athens and informations from
the source persons. According to obtained data from the most important clothing
and photograph archives of Greece, this study is of importance as it contains
Greek women’s clothing and accessory samples, period photographs and
informations from the source persons about Greek female clothings before the
immigration period.
Trade of the EAEU Countries in Agricultural Products: Trends, Conflicts, Factors
Authors: Ivanova Svetlana V. , Latyshov Artyom V.
Published: January 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of domestic and foreign trade of the Eurasian economic Union (EAEU) of agri-food products; identification and assessment of current trends, growth factors and imbalances in the light of efforts to create a unified agricultural policy of the member States of the Union. It is determined that Russia's successful implementation of the priority project «Export of agricultural products» contributed to the increase in grain exports to third countries in spite of the limited effective demand within the EAEU. The largest contribution to exports within the five countries, especially in terms of livestock products, makes Belarus with a significant negative balance of its trade in agricultural products with countries outside the Union. The free trade agreement with Vietnam stimulates export from Russia with mainly wheat, which strengthens its position as a source of agricultural raw materials without shifting the focus to products of deep processing. The relevance of the article is due to the fact that agriculture is officially recognized as a strategic industry, and food security is an integral part of the national security of the country. It is of interest to study the formation of a single agricultural market within the EAEU and the realities of foreign trade with third countries.
The Rise of China's Political and Economic Influence in the Modern World: Pluralism of Opinions
Authors: Razumnova Lyudmila L. , Migaleva Tatyana E.
Published: January 2020

The increasing political and economic influence of China on the international economic relations, whilst remaining the relative closeness of its economy and reluctance to provide reciprocal access to the national market, is becoming an important topic for discussion among Western and Russian researchers. The purpose of the study is to analyze the modern scientific view on growing influence of the PRC worldwide as a new political player, as well as to identify contradictions arising in the world economy. The methodological basis consists of general scientific methods of analysis and synthesis, generalization and comparison methods, historical and logical approaches to the examined phenomena, which allow to identify contradictions and problems that Russia could face due to China's global economic expansion. The authors substantiate the need for Russian to use the experience of other country in protecting its national interests throw creating mechanisms for foreign investments screening, as those investment can have negative impact on the recipient economy and its integration partners. The article provides recommendations for Russia on how to develop the mutually beneficial and effective investment cooperation with China.
International Practice of Logistical Decisions of Metropolis’ Parking Spaces: Comparative Analysis
Authors: Shishkin Anatoly V. , Meshkov Alexey A. , Saginova Olga V. , Trokhova Ekaterina V.
Published: January 2020

Analysis of foreign and Russian experience in logistics solutions in the organization of parking space for personal transport in the world's megacities was carried out by a search study. The method of content analysis of information was used as the main method. Two main approaches to content analysis were applied: formalization, i. e. the presence of unambiguous rules to identify the desired characteristics of content and statistical significance, i. e. the elements of interest should meet with sufficient frequency for the study. Since 2007, the population of large cities has been steadily growing. Worldstats predicts that by 2030, the population of the 25 fastest growing urban agglomerations will increase by another 113 million people. The main challenge for the development of large cities is how to place the increasing population within the limited boundaries of megacities, including how to organize residential and public spaces, including parking spaces, in limited areas.
The Role of Mexico in Global Value Chains: Prospects and Obstacles
Authors: Makarova Mariya V.
Published: January 2020

The article describes the impact of global value chains on the economic development of countries. Trade liberalization has made Mexico one of the leading countries in the world with a production economy and an attractive market for FDI. Nevertheless, Mexico has difficulties due to the uneven development of economic sectors, the low level of R & D expenditures, the lack of sufficient coordination in the preparation and application of skilled labor, and the level of remuneration. The key aspects of Mexico’s current export orientation and its strong link to regional international supply chains are industrial development and job creation programs on the northern border of the country, the so-called maquiladoras industry. The close integration of the dynamically developing sectors of the Mexican economy into the global value chains of North America made it difficult to increase domestic exports. Mexican companies integrated into these chains, as a rule, are highly dependent on imported resources, which limits their contribution to the development of a dynamic and properly structured domestic industry. The article analyzes the main economic indicators of Mexico, which determine the country's involvement in global value chains, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of the country to further expand its international trading activities.
Yasal Mevzuat Işığında Denetçi Bağımsızlığı
Authors: Akyüz Fatma , Kestane Ali
Published: January 2020

Küresel ölçekte gelişmeler işletme sayılarını artırdığı gibi, muhasebe bilgi sistemindeki karışıklıklar ve beraberinde hazırlanan finansal raporlarda hata, hile ve suistimal kaynaklı olaylarla karşılaşma olasılığını da artırmıştır. Finansal tabloların gerçeğe aykırı olarak hazırlanması birçok kesimi olumsuz olarak etkilemektedir. Bu nokta bağımsız denetimden geçmiş olan finansal tablolar hem işletme içinde, hem de işletme dışındaki üçüncü kişi veya kurumlar için alınacak kararların doğru ve zamanında alınmasını sağlayacaktır. Denetim faaliyetinin arzu edilen hedeflere ulaşabilmesi için denetçinin tarafsız ve konusunda yetkin olması gerekmektedir. Çalışmada yasal mevzuatlar açısından bağımsız denetçilerilerin sahip olması gereken ilke ve kuralların açıklanması amaçlanmıştır. Bu noktada bağımsız denetçilerin sorumlulukları BDS, SPK, VUK ve TTK açısından ele alınarak, yasal mevzuatın bağımsız denetçilere bakış açısı incelenmiştir. Çalışmanın sonucunda; Türkiye’de denetim faaliyetlerine yönelik farklı kanuni ve hukuki düzenlemelerin bulunmasından dolayı uygulamada birlik sağlanması adına uyumlaştırma çabalarının artırılması ve söz konusu denetlenen işletmelerin nitelikleri ve faaliyet alanları dikkate alınarak denetçi bağımsızlığına yönelik düzenlemelerin yeniden yapılandırılması gerekliliği ortaya koyulmuştur.
Synthesis and Biological Potentials of 5-aryl-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl) phenyl]-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amines
Authors: Ahsan Mohamed Jawed , Hassan Mohd. Zaheen , Jadav Surender Singh , Geesi Mohammed H. , Bakht Mohammed Afroz , Riadi Yassine , Salahuddin  , Akhtar Md. Sayeed , Mallick Mohammad Nasar , Akhter Md. Habban
Published: January 2020

Oxadiazoles are an important class of heterocyclic compounds, having broad-spectrum activity. They were also reported as anticancer, and antioxidant agents, hence it is of significant importance to explore new oxadiazoles. A series of eleven (5-aryl-N-[4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]-1,3,4- oxadiazol-2-amines (6a-k) was synthesized based on the structures of reported compounds, SU-101, IMC38525, and FTAB. All these oxadiazoles were synthesized, characterized by spectral data, and further tested against melanoma, leukemia, colon, lung, CNS, ovarian, renal, breast and prostate cancer cell lines’ panels at a single dose of 10 μM drug concentrations. N-(4-(Trifluoromethyl)phenyl)-5-(3,4- dimethoxyphenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-amine (6h) showed significant anticancer activity, and the most sensitive five cell lines were NCI-H522 (% GI = 53.24), K-562 (% GI = 47.22), MOLT-4 (% GI = 43.87), LOX-IMVI (% GI = 43.62), and HL-60(TB) (% GI = 40.30). The compound, 6h revealed better %GIs than imatinib, against 36 cell lines, taking 54 cell lines in common. The maximum sensitivity was recorded against cancer cell line CCRF-CEM (% GI = 68.89) by 2-(5-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenylamino)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)phenol (6f). The antioxidant activity of 4-(5-(4-(trifluoromethyl) phenylamino)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl)-2-methoxyphenol (6i) was promising with an IC50 of 15.14 μM. It was observed that the oxadiazoles reported herein showed significant anticancer and antioxidant activities.