bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Early intervention and follow-up programs among children with cerebral palsy in Moldova: potential impact on impairments?
Authors: Bufteac Ecaterina Gincota , Andersen Guro L. , Spinei Larisa , Jahnsen Reidun
Published: December 2019

Aim: To study whether early intervention services (EI) and a follow-up program (FU) influence outcomes of children with cerebral palsy (CP) in Moldova. Methods: Records from 351 children with CP in Moldova born during 2009 and 2010 were retrieved from hospital and orphanage archives between 1 July 2016 and 30 September 2017. We investigated the proportion enrolled in EI and FU at the Early Intervention Centre Voinicel and at the Institute of Mother and Child in 2009-2012. Logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate crude and adjusted odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for outcomes in children enrolled and not enrolled. Results: Among all children with CP, 166 (47%) were enrolled in EI and FU. Of the 51 children born extremely preterm (gestational age ≤31 weeks), 46 (90%) were enrolled, compared to 97 (39%) of the 250 children born at term. Among 110 non-walking children with CP, 82 (74%) were enrolled into EI and FU, compared to 84 (35%) of 241 able to walk. There was no difference in outcomes of cognition, communication, vision and hearing impairments between those enrolled or not enrolled in EI and FU. However, the subgroup analyses showed that the risk of contractures was eleven times higher among non-walking children who were not enrolled in EI and FU programs (OR = 10.931, 95% CI 2.328–51.328, p =0.002). five times higher among those not enrolled, regardless of GMFCS level (OR = 5.474, 95% CI 3.306–9.063, p <0.000). Conclusion: In Moldova, EI and FU seem to be offered mostly to extremely preterm and non-walking children with CP. The results indicate a decreased risk for contractures in these children.
The Influence of Job Satisfaction, Resilience and Work Engagement on Turnover Intention among Village Doctors in China：a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhang Xuewen , Bian Liyan , Bai Xue , Kong Dezhong , Liu Li , Chen Qing , Li ningxiu
Published: December 2019

Background: As the gatekeepers of rural residents’ health, teams of village doctors play a vital role in improving rural residents’ health. However, the high turnover of village doctors – both individually and collectively – threaten the stability of village medical teams. This research evaluated the influence of job satisfaction, resilience, and work engagement on the turnover intention of village doctors, and explored the mediating role of resilience and work engagement between job satisfaction and the turnover intention of village doctors in China. Methods: A quantitative study using a self-administered questionnaire containing mostly structured items was conducted among village doctors with a sample size of 2693 from 1345 rural clinics in Shandong province, China, during May and June 2019. All variables including demographic characteristics, job satisfaction, resilience, work engagement and turnover intention were based on available literature, and measured on a 5- or 6-point Likert scale. Such statistical methods as one-way ANOVA, bivariate correlation, exploratory factor analysis (EFA), and Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) were used. Results: As high as 46.9% of participants had a high turnover intention and no less than 26.3% of participants had a medium turnover intention. Job satisfaction not only has a direct negative effect on turnover intention(β=-0.37, p < 0.001), but also an indirect effect through work engagement(β= -0.04, p < 0.001), which has a direct negative impact on turnover intention(β= -0.13, p < 0.002), and resilience had an indirect negative effect on turnover intention through the mediating effect of work engagement(β= -0.09, p < 0.001). The results of this study strongly verified that job satisfaction, resilience, and work engagement were early, powerful predicators of turnover intention. Conclusion: According to the results, the following should be taken seriously to improve job satisfaction: reasonable and fair income, effective promotion mechanism, fair social old-age security, reasonable workload, and strong psychological coping mechanisms for work stress. The turnover intention of village doctors could be reduced through improving job satisfaction, resilience and work engagement.
Prevalence of and Characteristics Associated with In-Hospital Mortality in a Ugandan Neurology Ward
Authors: Diaz Monica Maria , Hu Xin , Fenton Brenda T , Kimuli Ivan , Lee Allison , Lindsey Hayley , Bigelow Jeffrey K , Maiser Samuel , Altalib Hamada H. , Sico Jason J
Published: December 2019

Background ― While the burden of neurologic illness in developing countries is increasing, less is known about mortality among patients admitted to sub-Saharan African hospitals with neurologic disease. We sought to characterize the rate and patient-level predictors of in-hospital mortality in a Ugandan Neurology ward.
Methods ― Data was prospectively collected on 335 patients admitted to the Neurology ward of Mulago Hospital, Kampala, Uganda. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and multivariate COX proportional hazard modeling were used to assess survival.
Results ―Within our sample (n=307), 35.8% received no diagnosis at time of hospital admission. Stroke (27.3%), head trauma (19.6%), and malaria (16.0%) were the most common diagnoses. Among the 56 (18.5%) patients who died during the index hospitalization, the most common diagnosis at admission and at death was stroke. Adjusted regression analysis showed that patients without a diagnosis at time of death (HR=7.01 [2.42-20.35], p<.001) and those with diagnoses of infections (HR=5.21 [2.16-12.58], p=<.001), stroke (HR=2.69 [1.20-6.04], p=.017), or head trauma (HR=3.39, [1.27-9.07], p=0.15) had worse survival.
Conclusions ― In-hospital mortality affected nearly 20% of the cohort, with worse survival among those without a diagnosis and with infections, stroke, head trauma. Future work should identify reasons for increased mortality among these high-risk groups and implement targeted interventions.
Perinatal outcomes of infants with congenital limb malformations: an observational study from a tertiary referral center in Central Europe
Authors: Farr Alex , Wachutka Eva , Bettelheim Dieter , Windsperger Karin , Farr Sebastian
Published: December 2019

Background: Congenital limb malformations are rare, and their perinatal outcomes are not well described. This study analyzed the perinatal outcomes of infants with congenital limb malformations.
Methods: All infants with congenital limb malformations who underwent prenatal assessment and delivery at our tertiary referral center from 2004 through 2017 were retrospectively identified. Neonatal outcome parameters were assessed, and the predictors of worse perinatal outcomes were determined.
Results: One hundred twenty-four cases of congenital limb malformations were identified, of which 104 (83.9%) were analyzed. The upper limb was affected in 15 patients (14.4%), the lower limb in 49 (47.1%), and both limbs in 40 (38.5%). A fetal syndrome was identified in 66 patients (63.5%); clubfoot and longitudinal reduction defects were the most frequent malformations. In total, 38 patients (36.5%) underwent termination, seven (6.7%) had stillbirth, and 59 (56.7%) had live-born delivery. Rates of preterm delivery and NICU transfer were 42.4% and 25.4%, respectively. Localization of the malformation was a determinant of the perinatal outcome (P = .006) and preterm delivery (P = .046).
Conclusions: Congenital limb malformations frequently occur bilaterally and are associated with poor perinatal outcomes, including high rates of stillbirth and preterm delivery. Multidisciplinary care and referral to a perinatal center are warranted.
Prevalence of diarrhoea and associated risk factors among children under five years old in Pader district, Northern Uganda
Authors: Omona Stephen , Malinga Geoffrey Maxwell , Opoke Robert , Openy Geoffrey , Opiro Robert
Published: December 2019

Background : Diarrhoea remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in under-five children in sub-Saharan Africa. Of the three East African countries, Uganda has the worst mortality rate in children < 5 years, with 22% of these deaths attributed to diarrhoea. For proper planning and implementation of control, an understanding of the prevalence and determinants of the disease is crucial. This study assessed the prevalence of diarrhoea and related risk factors among children < 5 years in Pajule sub-county, Pader district in northern Uganda. Methods : A cross-sectional survey was conducted in April 2018, covering 244 randomly selected households having children < 5 years old in the study area. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview the households about diarrhoeal history in their children in the last two weeks preceding the survey, and on the risk factors predisposing children to diarrhoeal infections. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses with a 95% confidence interval and p < 0.05 was used to identify the risk factors associated with childhood diarrhoeal disease. Results : We found a prevalence of diarrhoea of 29.1% [95% CI (23.7–35.0)] among under-five children in Pajule sub-county during the two weeks preceding the survey. Use of unprotected water source, age of child caretaker, child weaning time and family size had significant associations with diarrheal morbidity. Conclusion : The prevalence of childhood diarrhoea among children < 5 years of age in a rural setting of Pajule sub-county was higher than the Ugandan national average. Use of unprotected water sources, age of child caretaker, child weaning time and family size were identified as predictors of diarrhoeal occurrence. These findings underscore the need for improving access to clean water and providing community health education as the best methods for fighting childhood diarrhoea in the study area.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Key Genes Involved in the Regulation of Nicotine Biosynthesis at Early Time Points after Topping in Tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)
Authors: Qin Yan , Bai Shenglong , Li Wenzheng , Sun Ting , Galbraith David W. , Yang Zefeng , Zhou Yun , Sun Guiling , Wang Bingwu
Published: December 2019

Background： Nicotiana tabacum is an important economic crop. Topping, a common agricultural practice employed with flue-cured tobacco, is designed to increase leaf nicotine contents. Many genes are found to be differentially expressed in response to topping, particularly genes involved in nicotine biosynthesis, but comprehensive analyses of early transcriptional responses induced by topping are not yet available. To develop a detailed understanding of the mechanisms regulating nicotine biosynthesis after topping, we have sequenced the transcriptomes of N. tabacum roots at seven time points following topping.

Results： Differential expression analysis revealed that 4,830 genes respond to topping across all time points. Amongst these, nine gene families involved in nicotine biosynthesis and two gene families involved in nicotine transport showed significant changes during the immediate 24 hour period following topping. No obvious preference to the parental species was detected in the differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Significant changes in transcript levels of nine genes involved in nicotine biosynthesis and phytohormone signal transduction were validated by qRT-PCR assays. 549 genes encoding transcription factors (TFs), found to exhibit significant changes in gene expression after topping, formed 15 clusters based on similarities of their transcript level time-course profiles. 336 DEGs involved in phytohormone signal transduction, including genes functionally related to the phytohormones jasmonic acid, abscisic acid, auxin, ethylene, and gibberellin, were identified at the earliest time point after topping.

Conclusions： Our research provides the first detailed analysis of the early transcriptional responses to topping in N. tabacum , and identifies excellent candidates for further detailed studies concerning the regulation of nicotine biosynthesis in tobacco roots.
Development & Validation of Attitude Toward Nutrition Counselling Questionnaire for use among Kuwaiti healthcare professionals
Authors: ALMughamis Nouf S , Alayoub Abdullah A. , Meraj Hafsa , Waqas Ahmed
Published: December 2019

Objective
This study aims to report the developmental processes and validation of Attitude Toward Nutrition Questionnaire in Arabic language.
Results
A total of 173 (response rate= 86.93%) participants responded to the survey. There were a total of 92 (53.2%) nutritionists and 81(46.8%) doctors/surgeons.A four-factor solution for the Attitude Toward Nutrition Counselling Questionnaire was found to have an acceptable validity and reliability. These four factors cumulatively explained 37.9% of the variance in the factor structure of the ATNQ. The first subscale named “Factual knowledge about nutrition” comprised of nine items. It yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.78. The second subscale “knowledge about nutrition in morbidities” comprised of seven items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.71. The third subscale “counselling of patients” comprised of 11 items and yielded a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.68. The fourth subscale comprising nine items yielded a Cronbach’s alpha value of 0.64 and was named, “Dietary programs and supplementation”.
Keywords
Nutrition, Questionnaire, Scale, knowledge, Dietician, Arabic, Attitude
Polymorphic markers for identification of parasite population in Plasmodium malariae
Authors: Mathema Vivek Bhakta , Nakeesathit Supatchara , Pagornrat Watcharee , Smithuis Frank , White Nicholas J , Dondorp Arjen , Imwong Mallika
Published: December 2019

Background
Molecular genotyping in Plasmodium serves many aims including providing tools for studying parasite population genetics and distinguishing recrudescence from reinfection. Microsatellite typing, insertion-deletion (INDEL) and single nucleotide polymorphisms is used for genotyping, but only limited information is available for P. malariae , an important human malaria species. This study aimed to provide a set of genetic markers to facilitate the study of P. malariae population genetics.
Methods
Markers for microsatellite genotyping and pmmsp1 gene polymorphisms were developed and validated in symptomatic P. malariae field isolates from Myanmar (N=37). Fragment analysis was used to determine allele sizes at each locus to calculate multiplicity of infections (MOI), linkage disequilibrium, genetic richness index, heterozygosity and construct dendrograms. Nucleotide diversity (π), number of haplotypes, and genetic diversity ( H d ) were assessed and a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Genome-wide microsatellite maps with annotated regions of newly identified markers were constructed.
Results
Six microsatellite markers were developed and tested in 37 P. malariae isolates which showed sufficient heterozygosity (0.530-0.922), genetic richness index (0.050-0.250) and absence of linkage disequilibrium ( I A S = 0.03, p-value > 0.05 ) (N=37). In addition, a tandem repeat (VNTR)-based pmmsp1 INDEL polymorphisms marker was developed and assessed in 27 P. malariae isolates showing a nucleotide diversity of 0.092, haplotype gene diversity of 0.698 and identified 14 unique variants. The size of VNTR consensus repeat unit adopted as allele was 27 base pairs. The markers Pm12_426 and pmmsp1 showed greatest diversity with heterozygosity scores of 0.920 and 0.835, respectively. Using six microsatellites markers, the likelihood that any two parasite strains would have the same microsatellite genotypes was 8.46 × 10 -4 and was further reduced to 1.66 × 10 -4 when pmmsp1 polymorphisms were included.
Conclusions
Six novel microsatellites genotyping markers and a set of pmmsp1 VNTR-based INDEL polymorphisms markers for P. malariae were developed and validated. Each marker could be independently or in combination employed to access genotyping of the parasite. The newly developed markers may serve as a useful tool for investigating parasite diversity, population genetics, molecular epidemiology and for distinguishing recrudescence from reinfection in drug efficacy studies.
The PPI Hawker: An innovative method for public involvement in health research
Authors: Puerta Lidia Luna , Smith Helen E.
Published: December 2019

Background: A universal challenge in Public Involvement (PPI) in health research is attracting a diversity of patients’ perspectives and experiences. In Singapore, including the public’s voice in research is in its infancy and different ways of involving the public have to be explored.Objective: To design a PPI initiative that enables members of the public to share their ideas and opinions about health research, and then to assess its feasibility in the Singaporean community.Study design: Building on the concept of the PPI Café we designed a PPI Hawker for Singapore. Observations and reflexive field notes were used to evaluate the PPI Hawker’s feasibility, acceptability and utility.Results: From three PPI hawkers we were able to engage 72 members of the public in discussions about a population-based research study for which the researchers wanted to better understand the public’s perspective on various aspects of research design. Three quarters of those approached agreed to participate, indicating the feasibility of this method. PPI participants came from the three major ethnic groups in Singapore and were broad in age, suggesting PPI Hawkers are easily accessible. The majority of participants were willing to discuss all of the questions posed by the researchers. Both participants and researchers recognised the utility of the PPI Hawker, reflecting on people’s willingness to talk about the research issues, engaging in informative conversations and posing relevant questions.Discussion: The PPI Hawkers succeeded in engaging the public in conversations about a local population-based study. The public brought to the researchers’ attention a variety of previously unheard perspectives about the research. Each event fostered connectivity between professionals and the public, generating among researchers a more positive perception of the power of public involvement.Conclusion: PPI Hawkers provide an opportunity for meaningful co-design and co-conduct of research studies with diverse members of the public. They create a focus within a community setting for researchers to engage with the public. The resources needed (costs and preparatory time) are relatively few. Not only do PPI Hawkers have potential in Singapore, but also for the rest of Asia.
Molecular Detection of Rickettsia felis in Haemaphysalis longicornis Ticks in Anhui Province of China
Authors: Liu Bo-Yu , Luo Wan-Rong , Chen Zhen , Ren Cui-Ping , Hong Ying , Yu Dong-yang , Gao Yue , Zhu Yu , Yang Li , Liu Yan
Published: December 2019

BackgroundRickettsia felis causes febrile illness in humans. There is no information on the organism in Anhui Province of China.MethodsQuesting ticks were collected from Anhui Province of China and tick DNA was used as template for nested PCR (or real-time PCR) to amplify Rickettsia felis with 16S rRNA gene (rrs), 17kDa protein gene and orfB gene.ResultsPCR results indicated that 0.22% (2/907) ticks were positive to R. felis. Sequence analysis of the partial rrs and 17 kDa protein genes showed R. felis in ticks was highly homologous with R.felis URRWXCal2 with similarity of 98.91% and 99%, respectively.ConclusionsOur study demonstrated the first evidence of R. felis in H. longicornis ticks from Anhui Province of China, suggesting that a potential transmission of R. felis to humans through tick bite in China.
Identifying Chinese Medicine patterns of Tension-type Headache (TTH) and its implication on understanding TTH subgroups
Authors: Hao Xinyu , Liang Fanrong , Wang Linpeng , Greenwood Kenneth Mark , Xue Charlie Changli , Li Ying , Zheng Zhen
Published: December 2019

Background Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve tension-type of headache (TTH), however, there is a lack of consistent approach of devising acupuncture interventions for TTH due to limited evidence for symptom patterns according to Chinese medicine. This study aimed to identity common Chinese medicine symptom patterns of TTH.Methods We applied a validated Chinese Medicine Headache Questionnaire to a group of headache sufferers. The questionnaire consisted of information about headache, aggravating and relieving factors and accompanying symptoms. The Migraine Disability Assessment Test (MIDAS) was used to assess disability and the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) for the level of stress. Information about comorbidities was collected. The modified International Headache Society TTH diagnostic criteria (ICHD-II) were used to screen the participants. Principal component analysis was used for factor extraction and Two-Step cluster analyses for clustering. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to compare cluster groups in disability and stress.Results In total 170 participants, including 114 females and 56 males, met the selection criteria. The commonest headache features were continuous pain (64%) and fixed location (74%). Headache was aggravated by overwork (74%), stress (74%), and mental strain (70%) and relieved by sleeping (78%). The commonest accompanied symptoms were fatigue (71%) and neck stiffness (70%). Four clusters were identified with 46, 34, 46 and 44 participants in Clusters 1-4, respectively. Assessed by experts, the four clusters could be assigned to three different patterns, including Ascendant hyperactivity of Liver-Yang (Cluster 1), Dual Qi and Blood deficiency (Cluster 2), Liver depression forming Fire (Cluster 3), and an Un-labelled group (Cluster 4). The four clusters differed in their key signs and symptoms. Additionally, over 75% participants in clusters 1 and 2 were episodic TTH, over one third in Cluster 3 having chronic TTH, and the majority in Cluster 4 were in-frequent TTH. The three patterns identified also differed in levels of disability and some elements of coping as measured with PSS.Conclusion The three symptom patterns identified are common clinical presentations of TTH. The new information will contribute to further understanding of the subtypes of TTH and guide the development of targeted interventions, including acupuncture, for clinical practice and research.
The association of healthy lifestyle behaviors with mental health indicators among adolescents of different family affluence
Authors: Maenhout Laura , Peuters Carmen , Cardon Greet , Crombez Geert , DeSmet Ann
Published: December 2019

Background Healthy lifestyles may contribute to better mental health, which is particularly important in adolescence, an age at which half of all mental health problems first occur. This association may be even more relevant in adolescents of low family affluence, who show more mental health problems, as well as more unhealthy lifestyles. This study investigated the healthy lifestyle behaviors, namely sufficient sleep and physical activity, daily breakfast intake, low levels of alcohol use or smoking, in relation to mental health and mental health problems (feelings of depression, anxiety, stress and self-esteem) among adolescents from different family affluence. Furthermore, the moderating role of family affluence was examined in those relations.Methods Adolescents aged 12-18y were recruited via a random sample of schools. A total of 1037 adolescents participated (M age=15.2, 49.8% female). Multiple linear regression analyses assessed the association between healthy lifestyles and mental health outcomes and the moderating role of family affluence.Results All healthy lifestyle behaviors were associated with at least one mental health outcome. Adolescents from low-medium family affluence had lower levels of physical activity, less often took breakfast, and reported lower self-esteem than adolescents from high family affluence. The results only showed a moderating effect of family affluence for smoking in relation to stress: at low levels of smoking, high family affluence youngsters experienced more stress symptoms than low-medium family affluence youth. At high levels of smoking, low-medium family affluence youth, however, experienced more stress symptoms than high family affluence youth.Conclusion These findings support the value of integrating healthy lifestyle behaviors in interventions for mental health promotion, for both youth of low-medium and high family affluence.
Salicylic acid application alleviates Cadmium accumulation in brown rice by modulating its shoot to grain translocation in rice
Authors: Feijuan Wang , Haifeng Tan , Yiting Zhang , Lihong Huang , Yanfei Ding , ZhiXiang Chen , Cheng Zhu
Published: December 2019

Cadmium (Cd) contamination has been recognized as a major threat to the agricultural system and crop production which posing serious threat to human health. Salicylic acid (SA) serves as an important signaling molecule and plays an important role in against Cd toxicity. In the previous field experiments, we found SA spraying could reduce the Cd accumulation of rice grain grown in Cd-contaminated soil. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of SA spraying on leaves of rice seedlings under Cd stress. Results showed that SA treatment could alleviate the Cd toxicity of rice not by changing the physical and chemical properties of the soil, but by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes to reduce the H 2 O 2 accumulation in rice. And the key factor of SA treatment reducing Cd accumulation in rice grain was the decreasing of Cd contents in rice leaves at the flowering stage. This indicated that SA could modulate the Cd accumulation of shoots to reduce the Cd translocation to rice grain. Furthermore, SA could increase the H 2 O 2 contents in a short-term to activate the SA-signaling pathway, and modulate the expression levels of Cd transporters ( OsLCT1 and OsLCD ) in rice leaves toraise Cd tolerance and reduce Cd accumulation in rice grain. Thus, SA spraying can be used as an effective measure to cope with Cd contamination in paddy soils.
Low program access despite high burden of sexual, structural, and reproductive health vulnerabilities among young women who sell sex in Kenya
Authors: Roberts Elizabeth , Ma Huiting , Bhattacharjee Parinita , Musyoki Helgar K , Gichangi Peter , Avery Lisa , Musimbi Janet , Tsang Jenkin , Kaosa Shem , Kioko Japheth , Becker Marissa L , Mishra Sharmistha
Published: December 2019

Background: Across Sub-Saharan Africa, young women who sell sex (YSW) face institutional barriers in accessing sexual health and HIV prevention programs designed for female sex workers. In 2018, Kenya developed a national framework to guide service provision for YSW aged 14 – 24 years. To help inform the implementation of the framework, we estimated the burden of vulnerabilities related to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and program contact among YSW. Methods: We used data from Transitions, a 2015 bio-behavioural cross-sectional survey of 408 YSW aged 14 – 24 years in Mombasa, Kenya. We estimated the prevalence of sexual (inconsistent condom use), structural (financial, violence), and reproductive health vulnerabilities; and characterized engagement with local HIV programs tailored to sex workers. We then compared the prevalence of vulnerabilities by age group (14 – 18 years, N=117; 19 – 24 years, N=291) and by program contact (ever contacted by local program for sex workers). Results: 47.3% reported inconsistent condom use in the previous week with little variability by age. Structural vulnerabilities were common and did not vary by age: 83.6% did not have a regular source of income; 29.9% and 29.2% had experienced physical and sexual violence, respectively. 26.5% reported at least one pregnancy before age 18, and 18.5% used a non-reliable form of contraception with little variability by age. 25.7% were aware of at least one program, and only 13.7% of YSW had ever been contacted by a program (8.5% of those aged 14 – 18 years; and 15.8% of those aged 19 – 24 years, p=0.06). Sexual, structural, and reproductive health vulnerabilities did not vary by program contact. Conclusions: SDG-related vulnerabilities begin early in the lives of YSW and current programs are not reaching them. Kenya’s 2018 national framework for YSW service provision offers an opportunity - via a pragmatic and rights-based paradigm shift in health services - to reduce vulnerabilities at the intersection of adolescence and sex work.
Role of Indigenous Dryland Agroforestry System for Biodiversity Conservation and Carbon Storage in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia
Authors: Manaye Ashenafi , Tesfamariam Berihu , Tesfaye Musse , Werku Adefires , Gufi Yirga
Published: December 2019

Background : Agroforestry (AF) is an age-old practice in the farming system of Ethiopian dry lands. So far, several studies conducted in the ﬁeld of AF focused on system design, soil fertility management and system interactions. Less emphasis has been given to the biodiversity and climate change mitigation aspects. The objective of this paper was to evaluate the woody species diversity, biomass carbon (C) and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock of the dry land indigenous AF practices. A total of 197 smallholder farmers representing four AF practices were systematically selected from three agroecologies. Woody species inventory was done on the randomly established plot of each farm. Results : A total of 59 species, belonging to 48 genera and 32 families were recorded. Shannon diversity index (H’) of highland agroecology was higher in-home garden AF while in the midland and lowland the higher H’ was recorded in parkland AF. Smallholding ecosystem C stocks (sum of total biomass C and SOC 0 –60 cm) ranged from 77 to 135 Mg ha−1.The mean total biomass C stock of woodlot AF practice (31 Mg C ha-1) was significantly higher than the other three AF practices. SOC stocks (0–60 cm) were greater in boundary planting (113 Mg C ha-1) followed by the home garden (109 Mg C ha-1) and woodlot (97 Mg C ha-1) AF practices. Conclusions : The woody species diversity of highland agroecology was higher in-home garden AF while in the midland and lowland the higher species diversity was recorded in parkland AF. As compared to other AF systems, our study revealed that rotational woodlot and boundary planting AF practice accounts higher biomass and SOC stock, respectively. Finally, our work concluded that indigenous AF system is a win-win solution to address the biodiversity conservation and climate change mitigation of the dryland ecosystem.
Metabolic Engineering of Zymomonas moblis for Ethylene Production
Authors: He Yan , Wu Bo , Xia Wei , Zhao Kun-Yang , Tan Qiong , Qin Yao , Liu Pan-Ting , Yu Qin-Hui , Hu Guo-Quan , He Mingxiong
Published: December 2019

Background: Biological ethylene production via the ethylene-forming enzyme (EFE) can offer a promising sustainable alternative approach for fossil-based ethylene production. The high stress tolerance of Z. mobilis make it as promising bio-ethylene producer.Results: In this study, Heterologous expression of the efe gene in Z. mobilis successfully converted the non-ethylene producing strain into an ethylene producer. What’s more, we systematically performed the effect of knocking out the competitive metabolic pathway of pyruvate and the addition of nutrients to the medium to improve the ethylene production in Z. mobilis. These optimization pathways and different substrate supplies resulted in higher ethylene productivity (from 1.36 to 12.83 nmol/OD600/ml), which may guide future engineering work on ethylene production in other organisms to further improve ethylene productivity. Meanwhile, we obtained ethylene production of 5.8 nmol/OD600/ml in strain ZM532-efe by using enzymatic hydrolysate of corn straw as the sole carbon source. This is also the first report on the production of ethylene from cellulosic biomass.Conclusions: These results indicate that the engineered Z. mobilis show great potential for production of ethylene from cellulosic biomass in the future.
Activity in Nature Mediates a Park Prescription Intervention’s Effects on Physical Activity, Park Use and Quality of Life: A Mixed-Methods Process Evaluation
Authors: Petrunoff Nick , Yao Jiali , Sia Angelia , Ng Alwyn , Ramiah Anbumalar , Wong Michael , Han Jane , Tai Bee Choo , Uijtdewilligen Léonie , Mueller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: December 2019

Background: This process evaluation explored the implementation and mechanisms of impact of a Park Prescription intervention trial (PPI), including the effects of hypothesised mediators (motivation, social support, recreational physical activity [PA], park use and park PA ) on trial outcomes. Methods: Participants from the community were randomly allocated to intervention (n=80) or control (n=80) group. The intervention included baseline counselling, a prescription of exercise in parks, materials, three-month follow-up counselling and 26 weekly group exercise sessions in parks. Process evaluation indicators were assessed at three- and six-months. Implementation indicators included participation rates in intervention components and survey questions plus focus group discussions (FGDs) to understand which components participants valued. FGDs further assessed barriers and facilitators to intervention participation. To explore mechanisms of impact, linear regression was used to compare objectively measured PA between quantiles of group exercise participation. Structural equation modelling (SEM) explored hypothesised mediation of the significant intervention effects. Framework analysis was conducted for FGDs. Results: Participants were middle-aged (mean 51, SD ± 6.3 years), predominantly female (79%) and of Chinese ethnicity (81%). All intervention participants received baseline counselling, the park prescription and materials, whilst 94% received the follow-up counselling. Mean minutes of moderate-to-vigorous PA/week (95% CI) differed by group exercise participation (p=0.018): 0% participation (n=18) 128.3 (69.3, 187.2) minutes, >0-35.9% participation (n=18) 100.3 (36.9, 163.6) minutes, >35.9-67.9% participation (n=17) 50.5 (-4.9, 105.9) minutes and >67.9% participation (n=18) 177.4 (122.0, 232.8) minutes. Park PA at three-months had significant mediating effects (95% CI) on recreational PA 26.50 (6.65, 49.37) minutes/week, park use 185.38 (45.40, 353.74) minutes/month, park PA/month 165.48 (33.14, 334.16) minutes and psychological quality of life score 1.25 (0.19, 2.69) at six-months. Prioritising time with family and preferences for unstructured activities were barriers to intervention participation. Human interaction via follow-up or group exercise were facilitators. Conclusion: This process evaluation showed park PA consistently mediated effects of the PPI, suggesting activity in parks was a mechanism of its effects. To optimise effectiveness, participants’ preference for prioritising time with family through family involvement and tailoring the intervention to participants’ preferences for structured or unstructured PA could be considered in future studies.
Knowledge Of Glaucoma And Associated Factors Among Adults In Gish Abay Town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Bizuneh Zewdu Yenegeta , Tsega Ayanaw , Addis Yezinash , Admassu Fisseha
Published: December 2019

Background Glaucoma is a global public health problem and it is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Even though public knowledge of glaucoma is a key for early case identification and prevention of blindness, it is unknown in the study area, making provision of interventions difficult. Therefore, this study was intended to assess knowledge of glaucoma and associated factors among adults in Gish Abay town, Northwest Ethiopia, 2018Methods A Community based cross - sectional design study with systematic random sampling technique was used to select 630 adults. The study was conducted from April to May, 2018. Data was entered into Epi Info version 7 and was analysed by Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23. Binary logistic regression model and adjusted odds ratio with 95% confidence level was used to identify the significant factors associated with knowledge of glaucoma. Variables with P–value ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results About 594 adults were participated with a response rate of 94%. Above half of (52%) the participants were females with median age of 28 years. The proportion of good knowledge was demonstrated in 16.8% [95% CI; 14.0, 19.9]. Educational status: primary education [AOR; 2.89: 1.41, 5.90], secondary education [AOR; 3.03: 1.47, 6.24] college and above [AOR; 5.18: 2.21, 12.13], history of eye examination [AOR; 6.52: 3.37, 12.63]; family history of glaucoma [AOR; 12.08: 4.13, 35.30] and higher income level [AOR; 3.11: 1.55, 6.25] were positively associated with good knowledge of glaucoma.Conclusions The proportion of good knowledge of glaucoma was low. Higher educational status, positive family history of glaucoma, eye examination and higher income level were significantly associated with knowledge of glaucoma. Key words: Knowledge, Glaucoma, Associated factors, Gish Abay, Ethiopia.
Psychological Well-being and its Relationship with the Academic Achievement of Lithuanian Students
Authors: Rapuano Violeta
Published: December 2019

The present article aims to analyze the role of psychological well-being when predicting Lithuanian students’ academic achievement. The study was conducted using the quantitative method of questionnaire survey. Data of the survey were analyzed using correlation and multiple regression analyses. It was found that psychological well-being and all its dimensions had a significant positive relationship with academic achievement. Furthermore, such dimensions of psychological well-being as environmental mastery and self-acceptance were found to be significant predictors of students’ academic achievement.
Justification of Sustainable Investment by the Management Theories of Sustainable Goal Setting and Stakeholder
Authors: Zonienė Aurelija , Valiulė Violeta
Published: December 2019

Shifting societal understanding of sustainability can be tied to the potential of long-term growth of a company. This is reflected in the organization’s approach to sustainable investment and its management. Mostly, sustainable investment is based on the theories of economics and there is no clear consensus regarding the justification of sustainable investment by the theories of management.The purpose of this paper is to justify the benefits of sustainable investment for organizations by the two theories of management (modern and classic): Sustainable goal setting and Stakeholder theory. Those two theories have been chosen because they are believed to better correspond with the principles of sustainable investment.The question of the research is how to justify sustainable investment by Sustainable goal setting and Stakeholder theories. The aim of the research is to justify sustainable investment by Sustainable goal setting and Stakeholder theories.It has been found out that Sustainable goal setting theory and Stakeholder theory are related, overlapping and equally important in sustainable investment.
TAMBORES DE DANDARA: gênero e empoderamento feminino na capoeira cearense
Authors: Silva Sammia castro , Florêncio Lourdes Rafaella Santos , Monte Thaidys da Conceição Lima do
Published: December 2019

A produção de conhecimento sobre a História da mulher na capoeira faz parte do debate sobre a perspectiva de equidade de gênero na sociedade brasileira e em práticas educativas. Dessa forma, a partir do solucionamento sobre quais desafios cingem a participação feminina na capoeira, especificamente na capoeira do século XXI, pretendemos promover aproximações epistemológicas entre gênero, cultura e educação. Portanto, o objetivo central desse estudo etnográfico é promover o debate sobre gênero e empoderamento feminino na capoeira e as possíveis implicações na produção de conhecimento. Para isso, nossa coleta de dados se insere no movimento feminino Tambores de Dandara, do Centro Cultural Capoeira Água de Beber- CECAB, através da promoção e registro de diálogos, ações e posicionamentos políticos. A temporalidade, cuja imersão no grupo se constituiu, ocorreu de 2012 a 2019. O processo de estruturação de um movimento feminino num grupo de capoeira advém de um esforço para superação de tabus entre as próprias mulheres, aumento da participação feminina através de um empoderamento que se mostra pela participação em situação de igualdade, ou seja, ministrando treinos, tocando instrumentos e participando ativamente das rodas. Portanto, compreendemos que o movimento feminino de capoeira no grupo estudado apresentou diversidade de opiniões quanto ao sentimento de pertença, constituindo espaço de diálogo interno que se mostra em permanente construção e expansão acerca dos seus ideais e propósitos.
Implementasi Kansei Engineering pada Aplikasi E-learning Untuk Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan
Authors: Megasyah Yoga
Published: December 2019

E-learning is the basis and logical consequence of the development of information and communication technology. With E-learning, teaching and learning methods in schools that use technology through electronic media such as computers, laptops, netbooks, or smartphones with internet networks or others. This study uses Kansei Word to detect the feelings of users of E-learning applications. The Kansei Word list is used as many 15 words related to the appearance of the E-learning application. E-learning application specimens used 8 specimens. This study involved 80 participants consisting of 40 students from SMK PGRI 3 Cimahi, 40 students from SMK 4 Padalarang. The questionnaire results from participants were then processed using multivariate statistical analysis, namely Cronbach's Alpha, Coefficient Correlation Analysis (CCA), Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Factor Analysis (FA) and Partial Least Square (PLS) analysis. This study produced 3 recommendations for the design of E-learning application. This recommendation is the result of the Kansei Engineering process which comes from 3 groups of participant data, namely groups of data of all participants, participants of SMK PGRI 3 Cimahi students and participants of SMK 4 Padalarang students.
TÜRK HUKUKUNDA OLAĞANÜSTÜ HAL KANUN HÜKMÜNDE KARARNAMELERİYLE KAMU GÖREVİNDEN İHRAÇ EDİLEN PERSONELİN OHAL İŞLEMLERİ İNCELEME KOMİSYONU SONRASINDA İDARİ YARGIYA BAŞVURMA SÜRESİ SORUNU
Authors: TAHTALI Murat Buğra
Published: December 2019

Türkiye’de 15 Temmuz 2016 tarihinde gerçekleşen hain darbe girişimi nedeniyle ülke genelinde kamu düzeninin ciddi oranda bozulması sonucunda 21 Temmuz 2016 tarihi itibariyle olağanüstü hal rejimine geçilmiş ve Olağanüstü Hal Kanunu da kendiliğinden yürürlüğe girmiştir. Bu Kanun’un 4. maddesinin verdiği yetkiyle Cumhurbaşkanı başkanlığında toplanan Bakanlar Kurulu kararıyla çok sayıda Kanun Hükmünde Kararname çıkarılmış ve bu kararnamelerle yüz binin üstünde kamu görevlisi, görevlerinden ihraç edilmiştir. Yapılan ihraç işlemlerine karşı yargı yoluna başvuru konusundaki karışıklıkları gidermek için çıkartılan 685 Sayılı Kanun Hükmünde Kararname ile kamu görevinden ihraç edilen personel için kural olarak idari yargıya başvurmadan önce olağanüstü hal döneminde yapılan işlemleri incelemekle görevlendirilen komisyona başvurma zorunluluğu getirilmiştir. Yapılan bu başvuruya idarenin 60 gün içinde yanıt vermemesi halinde İdari Yargılama Usulü Kanunu hükümleri gereğince idari yargı organları önünde, ihraç işlemlerine karşı dava yolunun açılıp açılamayacağı sorusunun cevabı yargılamanın seyri ve komisyonun dosya yükü ve hak arama hürriyeti bakımından son derece önemlidir.
Mini Review: Is fluoroquinolone drug or poison?
Authors: Mimouni Fatima Zohra , Belboukhari Nasser , Sekkoum Khaled
Published: December 2019

Quinolones are a class of broad-spectrum antibiotics with valuable pharmacological properties due to their improved pharmacokinetic properties, particular mechanism of action and broad and potent activity; being one of the fastest growing class antibacterial growths in terms of therapeutic use and overall benefit. Because of their effectiveness, spectrum of activity, and generally good safety profile, fluoroquinolones were used widely for multiple clinical indications throughout the world. Although still clinically valuable, fluoroquinolone use has become limited in some clinical situations, as bacterial resistance has emerged over time. In the sections that follow we review the range of molecular mechanisms that motivate quinolone resistance.
Qualitative assessment of the Upper limb of child with cerebral palsy
Authors: Talem Zineb , Benali Fatima , Achouri Houria , Bouchiba Fatima , Bentedjini Ilhem , Layadi Khaled
Published: December 2019

The management of the upper limb (MS) of the child with cerebral palsy (CP) is long past that of walking; many factors make it difficult to study the MS of the child PC: The variability of involvement (spasticity, dystonia) with, unlike the lower limb, the significant impact of associated disorders (sensory, cognitive) for functional use of the upper limb. The great diversity of tasks performed by the upper limb in contrast to the lower limb (cyclic activity of walking) which requires many assessment tools with standardized and age-appropriate tasks, for the multiple treatment goals. But for over fifteen years, with the advancement of research on brain plasticity, the development of new tools and access to certain therapeutics this care has taken a more important place and especially much earlier in the arsenal therapeutic. So we must emphasize the importance of choosing valuable tools for evaluation. .car if the used tests are not relevant, the relevance of the therapeutic action that will follow becomes her also questionable, Moreover, this means also that the therapist has some knowledge of possible therapeutics in order to able to inform his patient and refer him to appropriate stakeholders.
Movable short-circuit technique to extract the relative permittivity of materials from a coaxial cell
Authors: Lountala M. G. , Moukanda Mbango F. , Ndagijimana F. , Lilonga-Boyenga D.
Published: December 2019

In recent years, industrial applications have been based on the use of intrinsic material properties that improve designs, processes, qualities and product controls. To get to those intrinsic parameters, various appropriate techniques are required. In this paper, a new technique has been developed and presented. It essentially puts the emphasis on the dielectric relative permittivity extraction from the principle of a movable short-circuit through the coaxial transmission-line cell. This technique is aimed at drastically reducing the discontinuity impacts at the interface feed line (connector) and ideal line, solving the phase constant frequency limit, stopping the constraints bound to the higher mode propagations and improving the accuracy level when the frequency range has increased. The technique is based on the use of the sum of two different lengths of the cell by removing the first value of the phase constant in the frequency range of interest when it is negative. This new technique can be easily implemented; its focus is not on iterative principles, but on the use of the constant propagation of a Quasi-TEM mode of the transmission-line. The bio-food industry (semolina), environmental field (palm tree) and building trade (aquarium sand) were used to test the validity of the technique in 2-20 GHz.