bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phase 1 Dose Escalation Study of Eribulin in Combination with Weekly Carboplatin for the Treatment of Metastatic Breast Cancer
Authors:   Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, USA, Sook Han Hyo , Soliman Hatem , Boulware David , Goodridge Dawn , Ismail-Khan Roohi , Shafique Michael , Elena Soyano Aixa
Published: May 2022

Background: Metastatic breast cancer is a common and devastating diagnosis. New strategies for treatment are needed to help improve outcomes. Eribulin is an anti-microtubule agent approved in 2010 for advanced breast cancer. Combination with other chemotherapeutic agents provides an alternative treatment option for these patients. Purpose: This study evaluates the safety, tolerability and activity of eribulin and weekly carboplatin in a dose-escalation schema in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Methods: Patients were treated with eribulin and carboplatin AUC 2 administered on the first and eighth days of a 21-day cycle. Three doses of eribulin (0.9, 1.1 and 1.4 mg/m2 ) were examined. An additional 10 patients were enrolled into an expansion cohort at the recommended Phase 2 dose. Results: A total of 19 patients were treated, including 10 patients in the dose expansion cohort. There was no dose limiting toxicity related to the study therapy in the dose escalation cohorts. Grade 3 toxicities included neutropenia (21%), anemia (10%), fatigue (10%), peripheral sensory neuropathy (10%), infusion related reactions (5%), pericardial effusion (5%), diarrhea (5%) and pleural effusion (5%). Twenty-six percent of patients had grade 4 neutropenia, but there were no events of sepsis or febrile neutropenia. The maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of eribulin in combination with carboplatin AUC 2 was determined to be 1.4 mg/m2 . Four patients experienced clinical benefit, 2 patients with stable disease greater than 6 months and 2 patients with partial response, demonstrating a clinical benefit rate of 21%. Conclusion: Eribulin and weekly carboplatin appeared to be safe and well tolerated with demonstrated clinical benefit. The recommended Phase 2 dose level was 1.4 mg/m2 of eribulin. Further studies can be pursued for this combination regimen to establish its efficacy.
Sosyal Ağlar ve Örgütsel Çatışma: Devlet İlkokullarında Bir Uygulama
Authors: KÖSEOĞLU Özer , AYDIN İdris
Published: May 2022

İlköğretim okullarının temel paydaşları olan öğretmenler, idareciler, veliler ve öğrenciler arasında iletişim, uzaktan ve yüz yüze eğitimi desteklemek gibi amaçlarla sosyal medyayı da kapsayan web 2.0 araçları yaygın olarak kullanılmaktadır. Covid 19 pandemisi öncesinde daha çok öğretmenlerin dijital okur yazarlık becerilerine bağlı olarak, tercihe göre kullanılan web 2.0 araçları salgın önlemleri doğrultusunda yüz yüze eğitime ara verilip uzaktan eğitime geçildiği dönemde zorunlu hale gelmiştir. Bu gelişmeyle birlikte yüz yüze iletişimde yaşanan çatışma ve anlaşmazlıkların sanal ortama taşınma ihtimali ortaya çıkmıştır. Araştırmanın amacı, kullanım alanı gittikçe genişleyen sosyal ağların, örgütsel çatışma yönetimine etkisini incelemektir. Kesitsel tarama araştırması olarak tasarlanan çalışmada veriler anket tekniği ile toplanmıştır. Çalışmanın örneklemini Sakarya il merkezinde bulunan devlet ilkokulları oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmaya göre anketi cevaplayan öğretmenler sosyal ağları ve uygulamaları iletişim ve eğitim süreçlerinde yaygın olarak kullanmakta, sosyal ağların kullanımında çatışma ve anlaşmazlıklar yaşayabilmekte ve söz konusu çatışma ve anlaşmazlıkların aşılmasında etik ilke ve kodların geliştirilmesi fikrini desteklemektedirler.
QUANTITATIVE ESTIMATION OF TERPENOID CONTENT IN SOME TEA CULTIVARS OF NORTH EAST INDIA AND THEIR IN VITRO CELL CULTURES USING AN OPTIMIZED SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHOD
Authors: Das Sagarika , Goswami Monoranjan , Yadav RNS , Bandyopadhyay Tanoy
Published: May 2022

Terpenoids, which constitute one of the most diverse groups of bioactive compounds in plants, contribute to about 60%
of the known natural compounds. Tea (Camellia sinensis), which is a highly preferred beverage throughout the world, is
also rich in these flavor-imparting bioactive compounds. In this study, a simplified spectrophotometric method has been
developed for the quantitative estimation of terpenoids in polyphenol-rich tea plant. Furthermore, terpenoid content in
leaves and flowers of tea plant and their respective in vitro cultured cells have also been estimated. Terpenoid content was
found to be up to five folds higher in flowers (123.9 mg/g DW) than in leaves (24.2 mg/g DW), and up to 1.7 folds
higher in cultured flower cells (184.8 mg/g DW) as compared to in vitro cultured leaf cells (110.1 mg/g DW).
Additionally, comparison of terpenoid content in tea leaves across the four different plucking seasons revealed a unique
pattern wherein second (42.2 mg/g) and fourth flush (42.6 mg/g) tea were found to have the highest terpenoid content.
First of its kind, this study provides an inexpensive method for screening of cultivars with better flavour and defense
attributes. Furthermore, it also paves a way for future research in tea flowers which have high terpenoid content and the
utilization of these therapeutic bioactive terpenoids in the development of diverse products for human health and
wellness.
VALIDATED UV- SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC METHODS FOR THE SIMULTANEOUS ESTIMATION OF DEXTROMETHORPHAN AND CETRIZINE
Authors: Utkoor Umesh Kumar , Malyala Prashanthi , Gugulothu Yaku , Kasigari Chandra Rekha
Published: May 2022

Using UV Spectrophotometric methods, a simple, precise and accurate approach is devised and verified for the
simultaneous assessment of Dextromethorphan (DEX) and Cetrizine (CET) in combined dosage form. The approach 1 is
the Dual wavelength method, which was developed, evaluates the difference in the absorbance of mixtures at wavelengths
where single drugs have the same absorbance and vice versa. Approach 2 is a mean-centered ratio method that relies on
the production of calibration by dividing the spectra of one substance by the spectra of the other. Approach 3 is a
derivative spectrum method that relies on the derivative spectrum's zero crossing points to create calibration for two
medications in the presence of the second. Simultaneous estimation of DEX and CET using the Q-absorption method and
the simultaneous equation method has already been published. The two techniques Simultaneous equation method
(Approach 4) and Q-Absorption method (Approach 5) are repeated to preserve the same circumstances throughout the
experiment. To assess the accuracy and precision of all five approaches, six replication tests and recovery investigations
utilizing recognized synthetic blends are used. The calibrations are used to analyze two pharmaceuticals contained in the
tablet. The procedures have been validated in accordance with ICH recommendations.
Is Islam an Obstacle to Progress in the Modern World?
Authors: Yucel Salih
Published: May 2022

Said Nursi (1887-1960) is one of the most influential contemporary Islamic scholars who observed the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, colonisation of the Muslim World by Europe, and implementation of a very strict secular system in Turkey. Most Muslim scholars blame the Western world for the decline of Islamic civilisation and colonisation, while pro-Western intellectuals in the Muslim world attribute the decline to religion and see progress in complete Westernisation. Nursi held a critical view of both camps and saw the causes of decline within the Muslims. Nursi argues, in this modern age, striving for progress in this life, whether economic, scientific, social or physical, through Qur’anic principles is like i’layi kelimetullah, or exalting God’s name, and a fundamental duty for every believer. As opposed to a holistic adoption of the West or uncritically clinging to classical tradition, Nursi proposes to stay true to Islamic ideas and principles, and identifies areas Muslims need to change in themselves and in the way they interpret Islam while critically evaluating the West and taking from it what is universal and beneficial. This article first examines Nursi’s philosophy on the development and progress of the Muslim world in his historical setting. Second, it analyses the causes of backwardness from Nursi’s perspective.
Universal Aspects of the Qur’ān’s Inimitability and Proofs of Prophethood
Authors: Vahide Sukran
Published: May 2022

In the face of the threats to religious belief posed by materialistic currents of thought during his lifetime, Said Nursi gave paramount importance to the doctrine of the Qur’ān’s inimitability as proof of the authenticity of the Qur’ānic revelation and the prophethood of Muḥammad, such proof having been the primary motive in the doctrine’s formulation from the third/ninth century. The Qur’ān’s inimitability was established as residing in its composition and unsurpassed rhetorical and literary qualities. Emulating the earlier masters of Qur’ānic exegesis as well as drawing on other sources, Said Nursi adduced numerous proofs and arguments for the Qur’ān’s universality, by which was meant its containing multiple levels of meaning so as to address all times and all peoples. Nursi’s overarching aim in emphasising specific aspects of the Qur’ān’s universality and the attendant proofs of Muhammad’s prophethood was to demonstrate their continued relevance in the contemporary world.
Nursi and Iqbal on Mi‘rāj
Authors: Ansari Mahsheed
Published: May 2022

Said Nursi (1877-1960) and Muḥammad Iqbal (1877-1938) constructed their prophetologies in light of ‘aql (reason), but they also considered the mystical and metaphysical sides of prophethood and Prophet Muḥammad as a major component of their prophetologies. Nursi’s and Iqbal’s approaches depict a thought-provoking modus towards nubuwwa (prophethood) in a highly rationalised climate. This paper critically examines Nursi’s and Iqbal’s discussions of the metaphysical dimension of Prophet Muḥammad’s ascension, known as the mi‘rāj. Nursi and Iqbal respond to the rationalists using ‘aql and kashf (spiritual unveiling) without compromising spirituality. Their choice of genre, methods and arguments in defending the spiritual dimensions of mi‘rāj, as a second aspect, of nubuwwa will be examined. This paper highlights the creative use and interplay of rational and metaphysics in Nursi’s and Iqbal’s works (particularly Ayat al-Kubra and Javidnama) as a way to respond to a rationalised climate, but also to retain the spiritual aspects of their faith and mi‘rāj in their writings. Both saw the limitations of ‘aql and therefore relied on the kashf of the literature and poetry to communicate their thoughts. Nursi’s and Iqbal’s discussions on the mi‘rāj not only depict their contribution to the metaphysical aspects of prophethood, but also illustrate the variance of Muslim scholars’ responses to rationalism and prophethood in the 20th century. The effect of Nursi’s and Iqbal’s contributions to the continuation of a belief and tradition of Islamic faith is staggering proof of their intellectual and spiritual capacity to defend an aspect of faith with ‘aql and kashf, and appeal to the heart and spirit.
Assessment of Arberry’s Translation of Emphasis in Qur’anic Dialogue
Authors: Edris Lama
Published: May 2022

Studies on the translations of the Qur’an into English are widely prominent. However, research in translating the emphasis in Qur’anic dialogue has not been given sufficient attention. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the procedures followed by Arberry in translating emphasis in Qur’anic dialogue considering the dialogue between God and His creation as an example. Arberry’s translation is selected because a non-Muslim translator writes it without prejudice and is widely respected among academics. The main aim of this paper is to investigate the procedures used by Arberry to translate the emphasis in Qur’anic dialogue. This is to find to what extent these procedures are successful in conveying the intended message of the emphasis used in the Qur’anic dialogue. To achieve this aim, different types of dialogue between God and His creation from Arberry’s translation will be selected for analysis and compared by al-Hilali and Khan’s. The analysis will not only rely on the linguistic aspects, as have most of its predecessors, but will also focus on cultural aspects. Venuti’s “domestication” and “foreignisation” strategies will be adopted as a framework in the analysis. This is to provide a more appropriate translation of emphasis in Qur’anic dialogue for both religious and non-religious readers.
Re-Examining the Story of Banū Qurayẓah Jews in Medina with a Reference to the Account of Ibn Isḥāq
Authors: Kirazli Sadik
Published: May 2022

When the new believers of emerging Islam in 7th century began to establish their foundational worldviews, the Jews and Muslims had a close but tense relationship. This relationship, according to the account of early Muslim historian Ibn Isḥāq, ended with a very violent and severe punishment of the Banū Qurayẓah Jews. The collaboration of Banū Qurayẓah with the enemy during wartime was considered by the Muslims an act of treason and the tribes warriors were punished with a death penalty. Even today, some pronounce this incident in the Arab/Palestine–Israeli conflict. The conflict often comes up in Islamophobic and polemical literature and discourse. The number of fatalities reported in this historical conflict is highly controversial. Some offer an apologetic defence for the incident, while others exaggerate it. This article is to re-examine the conflicts between the Jews and Muslims of Medina in light of historical primary sources and shows that the number of Jews punished in this incident were significantly less than what is reported by Ibn Isḥāq.
Qur’an and Interpretation in the Classical Modernism
Authors: Coruh Hakan
Published: May 2022

This paper focuses on the muslim modernist exegesis. In the mid-nineteenth century Muslim modernist exegesis emerged under the influence of Western science in various parts of Muslim lands such as India and Egypt. Some main characteristics of this approach in the early Muslim modernism are as follows: A central focus on the Quran as the primary text; a sceptical approach to ḥadīth; emphasis on ijtihad (independent reasoning), emphasis on a new systematic theology (new kalām), a critical approach to classical Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), and interpreting the Qur’an in the light of reason and modern sciences. The current literature describes Muhammad ʿAbduh (d. 1905) as a modernist salafī or intellectual modernism (by Fazlur Rahman). The paper holds the view that because the more emphasis is given to the Qur’an rather ḥadīth in ʿAbduh’s thought, ‘intellectual modernism’ seems the best description for ʿAbduh’s way. It also argues that what ʿAbduh attempts to do is tafsīrisation of other Islamic disciplines through his text-based approach.
Brief Review and Critical Analysis of the Major Theological Positions Classical Muslim Scholars had on Whether Actions are part of Iman
Authors: Ali Amer
Published: May 2022

This article briefly reviews and presents critical analysis of the major theological positions classical Muslim scholars held regarding the role of actions in one’s iman (faith). The intricate relationship that actions commands in the expression of iman has carved its way throughout Islamic history. Dogmatic opposing theological positions, such as actions being an integral part or completely independent of iman, were passionately deliberated and propagated in early Islam. Among the extreme views of the Kharijites and early Murijites, Ash’arism and Maturidism, however, was a more balanced theological construct encompassing actions through the tenets of Islam. Since an individual’s actions in a social construct are the personification of its civic values, it has always been of utmost importance for Muslim scholarship to condemn philosophies that propagate unrestrained freedom of actions or excommunication of a Muslim due to the frivolity of their actions. To foster civilities that typify the very essence of a religion that dignifies human character as its very reason, it is only befitting of its scholarship to continue to relentlessly deliberate and advance the relationship that exists between one’s actions and iman.
Towards Demystifying Islamophobia
Authors: Gabsi Zouhir
Published: May 2022

Islamophobia has been a recurrent socio-political narrative for some time now, and it has been exacerbated since the aftermath of 9/11. Despite the plethora of studies on the subject, little is known about Muslim scholars’ perception of this phenomenon. This is due primarily to the language barrier since the Arabic language is the code for their discourse. It is essential to consider both Islamic and Western perspectives to understand the problem thoroughly and suggest solutions, as relying on one approach is both biased and uncompromising. Accordingly, the purpose of this paper is threefold: first, it explains how Islamophobia should be defined contextually. It frames its arguments within three contexts: a historical setting (Meccan and Madinah period), Islam in the Arab world, and Islam in the West. Second, the paper demonstrates how a Muslim’s perspective contrasts with the Western narrative. It critically challenges some of the arguments put forward in social sciences and intellectual discourses and adopts an unapologetic and non-defensive approach in the treatment of Islamophobia.  Third, the paper discusses the variables that affect Islamophobia, such as Western media and terrorism (including state terrorism). Finally, the paper proposes some approaches to mitigating the situation.
Inner Peace in the Life of Said Nursi
Authors: Keskin Zuleyha
Published: May 2022

The best means to understanding inner peace is through the lived experience of individuals, where they are able to share the hardships and calamities they have lived through, and the processes they have followed in order to cope with those challenges. Said Nursi, a twentieth century scholar, regularly talks about the challenges he faced in his life through his writings, the Risale-i Nur (Treatise of Light). At the same time, Nursi puts great emphasis on how strong faith in God is the source of inner peace since it provides a perspective which helps one to better understand those challenges. How does one reconcile the two; hardships and inner peace? This article focuses on three types of calamities faced by Nursi; exiles, imprisonments and the death of his spiritual son, after which it analyses Nursi’s thought process on how he responded to those calamities as a result of his faith. The article then focuses on Nursi’s approach where everything should be viewed as other indicative. In summary, it sheds light on Nursi’s understanding of inner peace and how he sees faith as the ultimate source of that inner peace.
Muslims as Archetypal Suspect Citizens in Australia
Authors: Ali Jan A
Published: May 2022

Muslims as archetypal suspect citizens in Australia is a product of Australian state approach to manage a section of supposedly “rogue population.” Muslims have been increasingly framed as a security problem and, therefore, their securitisation. The horrendous atrocities of the 11 September 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States followed by a new period of similar attacks in various parts of particularly the Western world provided a new stage for an extensive range of discourses involving politicians, public intellectuals, academics, and journalists swiftly securitised Islam as an existential threat to  Australian liberal democracy. This paper probes the politics of Muslim suspect and how securitizing and “othering” of Australian Muslims in the name of managing security threat to Australian national order are rendered Australian Muslims archetypal suspect citizens. It suggests that the politics of suspect and securitizing and “othering” of Muslims in Australia transforms security from the problem of producing national order to making Muslims feel unwelcome citizens.
Ibn ʿUmar’s Interpretation of the Qur’ānic Verse ‘Fight them until Fitnah is No More’ and its Relevance to Contemporary Muslims
Authors: Farman Mursal
Published: May 2022

The main focus of this article is to bring the Qurʾānic verse (2: 193) under discussion and specifically the interpretation of a popular Islamic term fitnah in it that not only changes the verse’s meaning, but overall the purpose of dīn (religion). There are multiple meanings of fitnah, the term used in verse (2: 193), available in the early exegetical literature but majority exegetes have adopted its meanings as ‘polytheism (shirk) or disbelief (kufr) which resulted in numerous complications and shall duly be examined in this study. Next the interpretation of fitnah as ‘religious persecution’ shall be discussed in detail by a famous companion of the Prophet, ʿAbd Allah b. ʿUmar that he offered in the days of civil unrest (fitan wars). It is this specific interpretation that forms the focus of this research. The heart of the argument lies in the interpretation of fitnah as ‘religious coercion’ rather than polytheism (shirk) or disbelief (kufr) that has many positive aspects. First, Ibn ʿUmar’s interpretation does not lead to any complications or contradictions. Second, by adopting this, the verse (2: 193) does not lose its relevance and remains as relevant to the contemporary times as it was in the yester years. Third, on the part of Muslims this commentary enhances in the virtuality of peace and refutation of religious extremism.
How the Contemporary Far-Right Have Popularised their Appeals
Authors: Smith Chloe , Iner Derya
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the role of populism in the growing prominence of the far-right and will address a research gap by specifically focusing on the Australian context – a national setting often overlooked in this field of study. A fresh approach is taken that seeks to understand the new far-right landscape in in terms of discourse, messaging and appeals, rather than trying to group together people and parties. This lens will be used to establish how three components of framing and disseminating far-right discourse have been crucial in the contemporary popularisation of far-right appeals. Firstly, the use of populism to mobilise the ethno-cultural majority who are feeling threatened and hostile due to historical, political and contextual factors. The fluid and pragmatic changing of discourses will then be identified as a decisive strategy in appealing to a wider audience, with specific consideration given to the far-right’s utilisation of Islamophobic messaging. The final component is the evolution and widespread dissemination of far-right messaging. It will be argued that the populist far-right have transformed and achieved mainstream success because these three components have come together at this time in history and provided a great deal of strength to the operation of the far-right.
Sustained effect of isoniazid preventive therapy among household contacts in Brazil
Authors: Acuña-Villaorduña C. , Jones-López E. C. , Marques-Rodrigues P. , Fregona G. , Gaeddert M. , Ribeiro-Rodrigues R. , Vinhas S. , Palaci M. , Salgame P. , Dietze R. , Ellner J.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Isoniazid preventive therapy (IPT) is highly effective in preventing TB disease; however, its long-term benefit in household contacts (HHCs) of infectious TB cases is unclear.METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of two household contact studies
in Vitoria, ES, Brazil, between 2008 and 2015. Households with smear-positive, culture-proven TB disease were enrolled. Eligible HHCs with tuberculin skin test (TST) indurations of ≥10 mm were referred to local TB clinics and IPT was started according to national guidelines. We reviewed
the national dataset information system in January 2020 to identify HHCs with a diagnosis of TB disease. Time to event and Cox proportional regression analysis were conducted to identify factors associated with TB disease.RESULTS: Of the 1097 HHCs enrolled, 654 (60%) had TST ≥10
mm; 160 (24%) initiated IPT, of whom 115 (71.9%) completed IPT, which accounts for an overall completion rate of 18% among the population at risk; 42 (6%) TB cases were identified. IPT was associated with a 71% decrease in TB disease rates (HR 0.29, 95% CI 0.10–0.82; P = 0.02)
among HHCs with TST ≥10 mm. IPT effect was sustained, as TB cases in HHCs without IPT occurred along the 7.9-year follow-up, whereas all four TB cases in HHCs with IPT were diagnosed within the first 3 years after exposureCONCLUSION: Isoniazid provides long-term protection for
TB disease in household contacts of culture-proven TB cases.
Trends in rifampicin and isoniazid resistance in patients with presumptive TB
Authors: Palani N. , Premkumar M. , Vaishnavee V. , Dinesh V. , Thiruvengadam K. , Lavanya J. , Kaleeswari  , Sridhar R. , Frederick A. , Sivaramakrishnan G. , Mondal R. , Padmapriyadarsini C. , Shanmugam S.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: Early diagnosis of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) is crucial in preventing the spread of the disease in the community. Introduction of upfront decentralised drug susceptibility testing to district-level as part of universal drug susceptibility testing (UDST) policy increased
the feasibility of rapid and early testing for drug resistance closer to the patient and has resulted in reduced circumstances for transmission. The introduction of the first-line line-probe assay (FL-LPA), GenoType® MTBDRplus v2, has had an extensive impact on the management
of multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) in India.MATERIALS and METHODS: Sputum samples of patients with presumptive TB and DR-TB from selected districts of Tamil Nadu received through National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP) were subjected to FL-LPA as per programme guidelines. In this
study, we present trends in genotypic resistance to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) during the 4 years (2016–2019) among these patients. Band patterns were analysed as per the updated GLI (Global Laboratory Initiative) LPA interpretation and reporting guidelines.RESULTS:
A total of 26,349 samples were received during the study period. Smear-positive samples (n = 20231) were directly subjected to FL-LPA; smear-negative samples were cultured in liquid media and M. tuberculosis-positive cultures were tested using FL-LPA. A total of 18,441 were MTB-positive
on FL-LPA. INH monoresistance, RIF monoresistance and MDR-TB was observed in respectively 8.7%, 1.1% and 3.3% of the samples. There was a decreasing trend in all types of resistance observed particularly after 2017 (P < 0.001). MDR-TB showed a steady decrease from 5.6% to 1.8%. S531L
(19.5%) and S315T (61.1%) were the most common mutations identified in the rpoB and katG genes, respectively. The percentage of inhA-c-15t promoter mutation, indicating low-level INH resistance, showed a consistent increase (P < 0.001).CONCLUSION:
The impact of the UDST policy on the NTEP may have led to this decreasing trend in RIF and INH resistance observed in the study period. The increase in low-level INH resistance mutation inhA-c-15t may be associated with ethionamide/prothionamide resistance, and this should be
taken into account when designing DR-TB regimen.
Xpert Ultra in diagnosing extrapulmonary TB: accuracy and trace calls
Authors: Ninan M. M. , Rupali P. , Varghese G. M. , Shalini E. B. , Venkatesh K. , Jesudason M. R. , Rebekah G. , Michael J. S.
Published: May 2022

INTRODUCTION: Xpert Ultra (Ultra) was developed to improve the detection of TB; however, data on Ultra´s diagnostic accuracy in extrapulmonary TB (EPTB) are limited.METHODS: In this prospective diagnostic accuracy study, 242 EPTB samples were subjected to Ultra
and Xpert MTB/Rif (Xpert) testing, and these were compared with both culture and a composite gold standard.RESULTS: Compared to culture, Ultra sensitivity and specificity using bone, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), lymph node and tissue samples, and overall were respectively 100% and
77.3%, 75% and 100%, 87.5% and 87.5%, 100% and 87%, and 89.7% and 87.4%; in comparison to the composite gold standard, Ultra´s sensitivity and specificity were respectively 66.7% and 100%, 17.6% and 100%, 46.9% and 95.7%, 38.5% and 94.1%, and 46.2% and 96.9%. Using latent class analysis,
sensitivity and specificity were respectively 94.5% and 96.3% for Ultra, 65.5% and 99.8% for Xpert, and 58.6% and 99.2% for culture. There were 22/242 (9%) trace calls on Ultra.CONCLUSION: We found improved sensitivity for Ultra compared to Xpert, although Ultra specificity was
lower, with a large number of trace results (9%).
Performance of the GenoType MTBDRsl in a programmatic setting, South Africa
Authors: Lutchminarain K. , Kajee A. , Gandhi N. R. , Han K. S. S. , Mvelase N.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND: The GenoType MTBDRsl v2 is a molecular test designed for the rapid detection of resistance to second-line anti-TB drugs in Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC).OBJECTIVE: To assess the use of MTBDRsl in a programmatic setting and
to describe the resistance patterns in a high HIV-TB-endemic area in South Africa.METHODS: We performed a retrospective data analysis of all MTBDRsl results in patients with newly diagnosed rifampicin-resistant TB (RR-TB). We compared its performance on direct testing of
smear-positive and smear-negative specimens. Results were examined to observe the detected resistance-conferring mutations.RESULTS: Of 1873 RR-TB/multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), 37.4% were smear-negative and 62.5% were smear-positive. Among smear-negative specimens, the MTBDRsl
showed an inconclusive rate of 61.2%, while the inconclusive rate from smear-positive specimens was 6.6%. The most common mutation observed in case of fluoroquinolone resistance occurred at the gyrA gene, codon 90 (A90V) (61/158, 38.6%), and the most common mutation in injectable aminoglycoside
resistance occurred in the rrs region, A1401G (71/108, 65.7%).CONCLUSION: In HIV-TB-prevalent settings, routine use of the MTBDRsl is more effective when performed directly on smear-positive specimens. In view of currently used injectable-free regimens, this test requires
revision.
M. avium complex pulmonary disease: does the diagnostic method affect severity and progression?
Authors: Hayashi M. , Yamazaki Y. , Kishino S. , Takishima H. , Matsukura S.
Published: May 2022

SETTING: Diagnosis of Mycobacterium avium complex pulmonary disease (MAC-PD) requires positive culture of expectorated sputum or specimens acquired by bronchoscopy. Whether patients diagnosed using bronchoscopy have milder disease and milder progression than those diagnosed
using sputum remains uncertain.OBJECTIVE: To clarify whether disease severity and progression differ according to the diagnostic method.METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 92 patients with MAC-PD. We compared characteristics of patients and disease progression according
to the diagnostic methods used: sputum or bronchoscopy. Additionally, we investigated the impact of these methods on disease progression using multivariate analysis.RESULTS: Patients diagnosed using sputum were younger than those diagnosed using bronchoscopy; however, there were
small differences from the viewpoint of clinical practice in disease severity, and estimated progression-free survival rate did not differ significantly. The predictors of disease progression were disease forms other than non-cavitary nodular/bronchiectatic disease, hypoalbuminemia and severe
radiographic scores.CONCLUSION: The diagnostic methods had no significant impact on disease severity and disease progression of MAC-PD. If the diagnosis cannot be established by sputum culture or if sputum cannot be obtained in the patients with risk factors for disease progression,
bronchoscopy would be useful to provide opportunity of treatment for MAC-PD.
Relationship modelling for surface finish for laser-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Jawade Samidha , Kakandikar Ganesh
Published: May 2022

Nickel-based superalloys belong to a special class of high-performance alloys that feature large amounts of nickel. The uniqueness of superalloys lies in their design features, most notably mechanical strength, durability, etc. Inconel 718 (IN718) is a nickel-based superalloy that exhibits high tensile and impact-resistant properties, along with good high-temperature corrosion resistance. Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is additive manufacturing (AM) technology aimed at melting and fusing metal powders using high power density lasers to produce precision functional parts. The accuracy and functional characteristics of manufactured parts are highly dependent on process parameters. The processing parameters that control the SLM process comprise laser power (P), hatch spacing (HS), exposure time (t), and border power (BP). This work primarily focuses on finding the combined effect of these process parameters on the surface roughness (SR) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of IN718 manufactured by SLM using the design of experiments (DOE).
Exploration of the effect of Zn-MgO-UPP coating on hardness, corrosion resistance and microstructure properties of mild steel
Authors: Akande Itopa Godwin , Fayomi Ojo Sunday Isaac , Akpan Bassey Jonah , Aogo Olajide Abraham , Onwordi Patrick Nwanne
Published: May 2022

This paper investigated the effect of unripe plantain peel (UPP) nanoparticles reinforced Zn-MgO composite coating on the hardness, anti-corrosion and microstructure properties of mild steel. The anti-corrosion characteristics of the coatings were examined using the potentiodynamic polarization method, employing 3.65 % NaCl solution as the test medium. The hardness of the coatings was studied employing the Brinell hardness technique, while the microstructure characteristics were examined using XRD and SEM/EDS. The results of the study revealed that the as-received mild steel sample exhibited the corrosion rate and hardness value of 8.6272 mm year-1 and 136.8 kgf mm-2, respectively, while the Zn-MgO coated mild steel sample exhibited a corrosion rate and hardness value of 242.5 kgf mm-2 and 3.6362 mm year-1, respectively. The optimal performing Zn-MgO-UPP coated mild steel sample (sample coated with 20 g L-1 of MgO and 6 g L-1 of UPP) exhibited a corrosion rate and hardness value of 0.8317 mm year-1 and 245.8 kgf mm-2, respectively. The corrosion rate and hardness value of the Zn-20MgO-6UPP coated mild steel sample indicated that the UPP nanoparticles further improved the passivating and strengthening ability of Zn-MgO coating. Moreover, the XRD profile of the coatings possessed high intensities, which indi­cat­ed that the coatings exhibit microstructural and chemical homogeneity, high stability and good texture. It was observed on the SEM micrographs that the Zn-MgO-UPP coating exhi­bited a more refined microstructure compared to the Zn-MgO coating, indicating the grain refining tendency of the UPP nanoparticles. The EDS further indicated the presence of essential and dispersion strengthening elements in the coatings.
Efficacy of ablation and sclerotherapy for the management of ovarian endometrioma: A narrative review
Authors: Jee Byung Chul
Published: May 2022

Ovarian cystectomy is the preferred technique for the surgical management of ovarian endometrioma. However, other techniques such as ablation or sclerotherapy are also commonly used. The aim of this review is to summarize information regarding the efficacy of ablation and sclerotherapy compared to cystectomy in terms of ovarian reserve, the recurrence rate, and the pregnancy rate. Several studies comparing ablation versus cystectomy or sclerotherapy versus cystectomy in terms of the serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) decrement, endometrioma recurrence, or the pregnancy rate were identified and summarized. Both ablation and cystectomy have a negative impact on ovarian reserve, but ablation results in a smaller serum AMH decrement than cystectomy. Nonetheless, the recurrence rate is higher after ablation than after cystectomy. More studies are needed to demonstrate whether the pregnancy rate is different according to whether patients undergo ablation or cystectomy. The evidence remains inconclusive regarding whether sclerotherapy is better than cystectomy in terms of ovarian reserve. The recurrence rates appear to be similar between sclerotherapy and cystectomy. There is not yet concrete evidence that sclerotherapy helps to improve the pregnancy rate via in vitro fertilization in comparison to cystectomy or no sclerotherapy.
The Export Clause
Authors: Jensen Erik M.
Published: May 2022

As hard as it is to imagine today, the Export Clause – which provides that “[n]o Tax or duty shall be laid on Articles exported from any State” – was an essential part of the Constitution. Without the protection the Export Clause provided to exporting states, particularly in the South, the Constitutional Convention would have imploded. Times change, however, and, by midtwentieth century, the Export Clause had become invisible to all but the nerdiest of constitutional scholars. It had become, at best, a historical curiosity. Now the Export Clause is making a comeback. Largely ignored for over seventy years, at least in important litigation, the Clause was the subject of Supreme Court decisions in 1996, United States v. International Business Machines Corp., and in 1998, United States v. United States Shoe Corp., both of which struck down levies on constitutional grounds. Those decisions made, or should have made, people take notice: the Export Clause matters.
Recent Developments in Federal Income Taxation: The Year 2002
Authors: Shepard Ira B. , McMahon, Jr. Martin J.
Published: May 2022

This current developments outline discusses, and provides context to understand the significance of, the most important judicial decisions and administrative rulings and regulations promulgated by the Internal Revenue Service and Treasury Department during the year 2002. Most Treasury Regulations, however, are so complex that they cannot be discussed in detail; only the basic topic and fundamental principles are highlighted. Amendments to the Internal Revenue Code generally are not discussed except to the extent that they have either led to administrative rulings and regulations or have affected previously issued rulings and regulations otherwise covered by the outline. The outline focuses primarily on topics of broad general interest – ¾ income tax accounting rules, determination of gross income, allowable deductions, treatment of capital gains and losses, corporate and partnership taxation, exempt organizations, and procedure and penalties. It deals summarily with qualified pension and profit sharing plans, but generally does not deal with international taxation or specialized industries, such as banking, insurance, and financial services.
Is the Nation of Immigrants Punishing Its Emigrants: A Critical Review of the Expatriation Rules Revised by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004
Authors: Farkas-DiNardo Eva
Published: May 2022

The thesis of this article is that the revised U.S. tax expatriation provisions fail to correct the most important defects of the prior U.S. tax expatriation regimes. Under the new rules, expatriating U.S. citizens and resident aliens subject to the U.S. tax expatriation rules can still avoid U.S. tax on items properly taxable by the U.S. On the other hand, they remain subject to U.S. tax on income that should fall outside of U.S. tax jurisdiction.During the last forty years, the U.S. has undertaken several attempts to capture what it sees as its rightful share of the income and gain of tax-motivated expatriates. In carrying out this policy, Congress developed a set of alternative U.S. tax rules applicable only to tax-motivated expatriates, subjecting them to an alternative method of U.S. taxation. From the perspective of the U.S., the necessity for an alternative method of taxation arises because of the bifurcated structure of the U.S. tax system, applying one set of rules to U.S. persons and another, generally more favorable set of rules to nonresident aliens. The U.S. imposes residence-based taxation on U.S. persons, subjecting them to U.S. income tax on their worldwide income, to U.S. estate tax on their worldwide estates, and to U.S. gift tax on their worldwide gifts. On the other hand, the U.S. imposes source-based and business-based taxation on nonresident aliens, subjecting them to U.S. income tax on U.S.-source passive and business income, and to U.S. estate and gift tax on U.S. situs property. In both situations, income is subject to U.S. tax only upon the occurrence of a recognition event. The divergence in the scope of the two tax regimes creates a situation in which the U.S. tax liability of an individual calculated under one tax regime could be markedly different from the individual's U.S. tax liability determined under the other tax regime, with nonresident alien status generally rendering the less "taxing" result. The financial benefits of nonresident alien tax status may encourage wealthy U.S. persons to expatriate and be taxed by the U.S. as nonresident aliens. The challenge posed by expatriation is especially acute because it involves moving from residence-based taxation to source- based taxation, potentially causing some unrealized gain to escape U.S. tax as certain gains are not subject to U.S. tax under source-based taxation.
The Three Parties in the Race to the Bottom: Host Governments, Home Governments and Multinational Companies
Authors: Altshuler Rosanne , Grubert Harry
Published: May 2022

Most studies of tax competition and the race to the bottom focus on potential host countries competing for mobile capital, neglecting the role of corporate tax planning and of home governments that facilitate this planning. This neglect in part reflects the narrow view frequently taken of the policy instruments that countries have available in tax competition. For example, hightax host governments can permit income to be shifted out to tax havens as a way of attracting mobile companies. Home countries will cooperate in this shift if they think the benefit to their companies is greater than any reduction in the domestic tax base. We use various types of U.S. data, including firm level tax files, to identify the role of the three parties (host governments, home governments and multinational companies) in the evolution of tax burdens on U.S. companies abroad from 1992 to 2002. This period is of particular interest because the United States introduced regulations in 1997 that greatly simplified the use of more aggressive tax planning techniques.The evidence indicates that from 1992 to 1998 the decline in effective tax rates on U.S. companies was driven largely by host governments defending their market share. But after 1998, tax avoidance behavior seems much more important. Effective tax rates on U.S. companies had a much weaker link with local statutory tax rates. Furthermore, the disparity in the reported profitability of subsidiaries in high-tax and low-tax jurisdictions grew substantially.After 1997, there was a very large growth in intercompany payments and a parallel growth of holding company income. We attempt to estimate how much of these payments were deductible in the host country, and conclude that by 2002 the companies were saving about $7.0 billion per year by using the more aggressive planning strategies. This amounts to about 4% of foreign direct investment income and about 15% of their foreign tax burden.
Comments on the OECD Proposal for Secret and Mandatory Arbitration of International Tax Disputes
Authors: McIntyre Michael J.
Published: May 2022

The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) has proposed amendments to its Model Tax Convention and Commentary that would establish a system for the mandatory arbitration of tax disputes between two treaty countries when the tax officials of those countries have been unable to resolve those disputes within a two-year period.' The proposal is undoubtedly well-meaning and does address a small but significant problem - the "rare cases" (as characterized by the OECD) of potential double taxation that are unresolved through the existing tax-treaty mechanism.Nevertheless, as discussed below, the public policy goals of this proposed system are at best obscure, and the risks to sound administration of national tax systems are great. The OECD's goal seems to be to please the international business community when the goal ought to be to advance the public interest in a transparent and unbiased system.
Charity in the 21st Century: Trending Toward Decay
Authors: Colinvaux Roger
Published: May 2022

The turn of the century seemed to bring with it a sharply critical focus on charity.(FN1) Under federal tax law, a charity includes organizations that are "organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, testing for public safety, literary, or educational purposes." This single phrase provides a standard not just for tax exemption for over 1.2 million organizations (which are diverse in purpose, size, function, complexity, and effectiveness) but also access to several tax and nontax preferences, including eligibility to receive tax deductible contributions (for income, estate, and gift tax purposes),(FN2) access to tax-exempt financing,(FN3) State property tax exemptions,(FN4) and regulatory relief, among other benefits.(FN5) The concerns about charities surfaced largely through press reports and are legion: spending of earmarked contributions for non-earmarked purposes; excess compensation to organization insiders; mission drift -- deliberate, or aided by faulty corporate governance; acceptance of property contributions when donors or others are the principal beneficiaries; participation in illicit tax shelter transactions; spending for non-charitable purposes; accumulations of income; failure to provide charitable services; use of the charitable form for non-charitable purposes; questionable investment practices; participation in political campaigns; and self-dealing transactions, to name a few.(FN6)    The response to ongoing scandals by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Congress was mixed. As the scandals unfolded, the IRS continually pointed to abuses and the need to address them,(FN7) but also asserted that the charitable sector is "compliant," notwithstanding a minimal examination rate.(FN8) As part of its enforcement efforts, the IRS completed an ambitious overhaul of the annual information return charitable (and other tax-exempt) organizations file each year (the Form 990);(FN9) undertook intensive studies on the two largest segments of the charitable sector: hospitals,(FN10) and colleges and universities;(FN11) made an inquiry into executive compensation practices;(FN12) and raised new questions about governance.(FN13) The IRS's continuing actions indicate, at a minimum, suspicion that the charitable sector indeed has large pockets of noncompliance and that oversight, or the perception of it, is necessary. But the IRS can only do so much. Meaningful change of any underlying weaknesses in the tax law of charities ultimately must come from Congress.
MICROcardio - UM DISPOSITIVO PARA COLETA E ANÁLISE DE SINAIS CARDÍACOS
Authors: Salomão Wellington Lima , Artero Almir Olivette , Ribeiro Felipe , Vamderlei Luiz Carlos Marques , Dias Maurício Araújo , Silva Francisco Assis da
Published: May 2022

The Electrocardiogram remains a very important exam for the cardiologist, as it is a simple and low-cost exam to obtain a first diagnosis of the heart. However, the cost of commercial equipment still makes it impossible to use it in many places. Thus, this work presents a low-cost device, called MICROcardio, built with a microcontroller, which also provides a connection to a computer, in order to allow the visualization of the signals on the screen and also printed, in addition to the possibility of supporting their sharing. by different professionals, using the Internet. The results obtained in the experiments carried out with the MICROcardio were compared, by specialists in the medical field, with those obtained by commercial devices, and proved to be completely satisfactory.