bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CONSTRUCTING ETHNIC IDENTITY IN RAJANIKANTA BARDOLOI’S MIRI JIYORI: A (POST) COLONIAL UNDERSTANDING OF THE TEXT
Authors: Phukan Khammoun 
Published: January 2021

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study is to understand the concept of ethnic Identity projected in the early novels of Assamese literature. This study also investigates a colonial narrative in the text and tries to understand the present scenario highlighting the past.
Methodology: It is a descriptive analysis based on qualitative method research. Focusing on the concept of ethnic Identity the research has been done under the discourse of postcolonial literary theory. The data and speculation are drawn from the secondary sources. Any kind of technical software has not been used in carrying out the research.
Main Findings: The research brings out to the forefront that even in the colonial period; the native writers seem to be conscious about their own culture and the society. They were aware of the marginal boundary created by hegemonic colonial products. The writers raise the question of constructing ‘self’ and ‘other’ and a developing sense of cultural hierarchy.
Applications of this study: This study would help to locate the space of marginalised society in that colonial construction and help the researchers to understand the gap between the early Assamese literatures of the colonial period. Moreover, the study also finds out the awareness of the writers even in the colonial rule about the peripheral boundary and ethnic Identity of a multiethnic/multilingual society.
Novelty/Originality of this study: It is certain that Assamese novels have been studied under various theoretical frameworks, but as we are concerned this theme has not been discussed yet for this particular novel. The presentation of the colonial past in the text is the originality of this research.
Reducing Suicidal Ideation among Turkish Migrants in the Netherlands and in the UK: The Feasibility of a Randomised Controlled Trial of a Guided Online Intervention
Authors: Eylem Ozlem , Straten Annemieke van , de Wit Leonore , Rathod Shanaya , Bhui Kamaldeep , Kerkhof Ad J.F.M. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The evidence for the effectiveness of e-mental health interventions among ethnic minorities is still preliminary. This mixed methods study investigates the feasibility of a culturally adapted, guided online intervention with the intention to understand how it works and for whom to inform refinement. It also examines its likely effectiveness in reducing suicidal ideation when compared with the treatment as usual. Methods: Turkish migrants with mild to moderate suicidal thoughts were recruited from the general population using social media and newspaper advertisements. The intervention group obtained direct access to a 6 weeks guided online intervention while participants in the waiting list condition had to wait for 6 weeks. The intervention is based on an existing online intervention and was culturally adapted. Participants in both conditions completed baseline, post-test, and follow up questionnaires on suicidal ideation (primary outcome), depression, worrying, hopelessness, suicide attempt and self-harm, acculturation, quality of life, and usability. In addition, participants were interviewed to examine the feasibility and mechanisms of action in more depth. The responses were analysed by inductive thematic analysis. Results: 85 people signed up via the study website and we included 18 (10 intervention, 8 waitlist control). While the therapeutic benefits were emphasised (e.g. feeling connected with the intervention), the feasibility was judged to be low. The main reasons given were: not having severe suicidal thoughts and not being represented by the culturally adapted intervention. No suicide attempts were recorded during the study. The suicidal ideation, depression and hopelessness scores were improved in both groups. Conclusion: Although intended to be a definitive trial, the current study became a feasibility study with process evaluation to understand the components and how they operate. The online intervention was not superior to the control condition. Future studies need to attend the implementation issues raised including measures of stigma, acculturation, careful cultural adaptations alongside more attention to coaching and relational support. They should also consider how to improve engagement alongside selection of those who are motivated to use online interventions and offer alternatives for those who are not. Trial registration: NTR5028. Registered 1 March 2015, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/4926
Oenothera Biennis Extract as Reducing Agent for the Synthesis of Pd NPs Supported on Halloysite Functionalized With Schiff Base: an Efficient Catalyst for Cu- and Ligand-free Sonogashira Reaction in Aqueous Media&nbsp;
Authors: Daraie Mansoureh , Heravi Majid , Rangraz Yalda , Besharati Zahra 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A hybrid system was designed and synthesized through reacting modified halloysite (Hal-Cl) with Schiff base (DAB-PC) and applied as catalytic support for anchoring Pd NPs to afford Pd@Hal-DAB-PC catalyst. The resultant material was well identified by various analyses including FT-IR, XRD, TGA, FE-SEM, and EDS, and revealed outstanding catalytic activity in the Sonogashira reaction in aqueous media. Also, This nanocatalyst was simply collected and recycled up to six runs with a slight drop of the efficiency, indicating the durability of Pd@Hal-DAB-PC.
Invisible biodiversity: extinction debts and colonization credits amongst US birds
Authors: Dominoni Davide , Haddou Yacob , Mancy Rebecca , Matthiopoulos Jason , Spatharis Sofie 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Habitat change is a major source of biodiversity loss. However, the response of animal communities to land-cover changes is not instantaneous. In fact, extinctions and colonizations may take up a long time before they fully manifest, leading to extinction debts and colonization credits. Current quantifications of debts and credits do not consider multiple land cover types and their directionality of change. Here we quantify the relative contribution of past and present landscapes to the current species richness of 5500 USA bird communities, explicitly measuring the response of biodiversity to increases and decreases of five land covers. We identified extinctions debts across 12% of the USA whilst colonization credits were instead present in 16% of the land area. Future species loss is predicted in the East following recent urbanization, while new species colonizations are expected mainly in the North-West as a result of forests conversion into grasslands. Furthermore, lags in biodiversity response were dependent not only on the type and amount of land cover change, but also on its directionality. Effective conservation actions rely on reliable predictions of future biodiversity. Our results highlight the essential need of considering past landscape changes when setting policy targets aiming at halting biodiversity loss.
In Utero and Lactational Exposure of F1 Adult Pups to Ethanol and Nicotine: Alteration of The Reproductive System and Epigenetic Modifying Enzymes of Sperm Cells?
Authors: Pabarja Athareh , Hakemi Sepideh Ganjalikhan , Musanejad Elahe , Ezzatabadipour Massood , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noreddin , Afgar Ali , Afarinesh Mohammad Reza , Haghpanah Tahereh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Co-use of alcohol and nicotine is a common habit which could affect reproductive system. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of in-utero and lactational exposure of offspring to alcohol, nicotine, and combinations on the reproductive system and epigenetic alterations of male gamete. Pregnant mice and lactating NMRI pups randomly received nicotine, ethanol, and combinations during gestational days 1 until weaning. Sperm and testes were collected on postnatal day 90 for further experiments. Exposure to these substances, particularly, nicotine, highly affected testicular Johnsen’s score, sperm parameters including; number, motility, viability, DNA integrity and also serum MDA level. Interestingly, concurrent exposure to nicotine and alcohol somehow reversed the effects. Quantitative real-time PCR data showed an increase in the mRNA level of histone deacetylation 1 and 2 and a decrease in the level of DNA methyltransferase (DNMT) 3A, while no marked differences in the expression level of DNMT1 and 3B were observed between the exposed and non-exposed pups. Alleviating effects were observed in the epigenetic modifying enzymes transcripts of co-exposed pups compared with the exposure to nicotine or alcohol. Taken together, our findings determined that exposure of offspring in-utero and during lactational period to these substances could result in lasting epigenetic changes in sperm cells. However, unexpectedly co-exposure of pups to nicotine and alcohol lessened these negative effects.
Radioactivity and radionuclides in deciduous teeth formed before the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident
Authors: Takahashi Atsushi , Chiba Mirei , Tanahara Akira , Aida Jun , Shimizu Yoshinaka , Suzuki Toshihiko , Murakami Shinobu , Koarai Kazuma , Ono Takumi , Oka Toshitaka , Ikeyama Joji , Kaneko Osamu , Unno Makoto , Hirose Kimiharu , Ohno Takashi , Kino Yasushi , Sekine Tsutomu , Osaka Ken , Sasaki Keiichi , Shinoda Hisashi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FNPP) accident in March 2011 released substantial amounts of radionuclides into the environment. We collected 4,957 deciduous teeth formed in children before the Fukushima accident to obtain precise control data for teeth formed after the accident. Radioactivity was measured using imaging plates (IP) and epidemiologically assessed using multivariate regression analysis. Additionally, we measured 90Sr, 137Cs, and natural radionuclides which might be present in teeth. Epidemiological studies of IP showed that the amount of radioactivity in teeth from Fukushima prefecture was similar to that from reference prefectures. We found that artificial radionuclides of 90Sr and 137Cs, which were believed to have originated from past nuclear disasters, and natural radionuclides including 40K and daughter nuclides in the 238U and 232Th series contributed to the generation of radioactivity in teeth. We also found no evidence to suggest that radionuclides originating from the FNPP accident significantly contaminated pre-existing teeth. This is the first large-scale investigation of radioactivity and radionuclides in teeth. The present findings will be indispensable for future studies of teeth formed after the FNPP accident, which will fall out over the next several years and might be more contaminated with radionuclides.
C-Reactive Protein As a Triage Test in Guiding Who Should Get a Confirmatory Test For Pulmonary Tuberculosis Diagnosis Among Adults: A Case-Control Proof-of-Concept Study From Urban Tanzania
Authors: Chiweka Evarist , Maroa Thomas , Temba Hosiana , Ponera Joseph , Athumani Sharifa , Kamwela Lujeko , Sasamalo Mohamed , Naftari Rastard , Tito Mirambi , Mhimbira Francis , Hella Jerry 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: The current screening tools for tuberculosis (TB) are inadequate resulting in insufficient TB case detection and continued community transmission of TB.As the world in geared into finding missing TB cases, new strategies are called for to aid in rapid identification of TB cases. This study aimed to evaluate the role C-reactive protein (CRP)in triaging for who to get a definitive test for active pulmonary TB diagnosis in urban Tanzania.Methods: A case–control study was conducted among pulmonary TB (PTB) patients and contacts without active PTB. The diagnosis of PTB was performed using GeneXpert MTB/RIF assay and culture. Blood was collected from cases and controls for measuring CRP levels during recruitment. We compared socio-demographic characteristics, clinical and laboratory parameters obtained during recruitment and performed diagnostic accuracy analyses for CRP. Results: Out of all 193 study participants who were involved in final analysis, 147 (76.2%) were males. Pulmonary TB cases had significantly lower median BMI than controls (median 17.4 kg/m2 [IQR: 15.8–19.2 kg/m2] vs., 24.9 kg/m2 [IQR: 22.1–28.5 kg/m2), p < 0.001). There was no statistical difference in prevalence of HIV between PTB cases and controls i.e., 13.33% vs., 11.7%, p = 0.48. CRP was significantly higher in PTB cases vs., controls (median 67.8 mg/L, [IQR: 36.5– 116.9 mg/L] vs., 1.55 mg/L, [IQR: 0.59–6.0mg/L], p = 0.003). Furthermore, CRP at cut-off ≥ 10mg/L were associated with best combination of sensitivity, specificity and area under the curve of 89.9%, 95% CI: 82.2-95.0, 80.9%, CI: 71.4-88.2 and 0.85, 95%CI: 0.80-0.90 respectively. A multivariate logistic regression model adjusted for fever, night sweats and body mass index showed that CRP above 10mg/L was significantly associated with PTB, aOR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2-22.8. Conclusions: CRP at cut-off ≥ 10mg/L can be used to screen pulmonary TB. These findings can be used to improve TB screening algorithm by incorporating CRP in combination with TB symptoms to identify patients who need further confirmatory TB tests. However, additional prospective studies are required to support our findings and contribute into policy recommendations on use of CRP in a screening algorithm for pulmonary TB.
Optimization of Crude Inulin Extraction from Garlic (Allium sativum L.) Agro-industrial Waste using the Response Surface Methodology.
Authors: Lara-Fiallos Marco V. , Bastidas-Delgado Leiker A. , Montalvo-Villacreses Dayana T. , Espín-Valladares Rosario C. , Núñez-Pérez Jimmy , Martínez Amaury Pérez , Vispo Nelson Santiago , Cabrera Hortensia Rodríguez , Suárez Erenio González , Pais-Chanfrau José Manuel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Inulin is a polysaccharide with several applications within the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food industry. It is considered a dietary fibre that provides multiple health benefits. In this work, the yield of raw inulin obtained from garlic agro-industrial useless waste was maximized, by applying the response surface methodology in a central composite design (CCD), in which different distilled-water (DW)-to-garlic-agro-industrial-waste (GAIW) ratios (3 and 5 mL/g) and different temperatures (60 and 80 °C) were evaluated. Optimal condition was obtained with a DW/GAIW ratio of 4.3 mL/g and a temperature of 80.2 °C. Under this condition, the quadratic model showed a maximum yield of crude inulin of 8.17 ± 0.89 g/100 g. Further, the CCD model obtained was validated with three additional experiments at the same optimal condition. The FTIR spectra of inulin obtained from garlic agro-industrial residues and chicory inulin showed similarities and differences, presumably related to the different degrees of polymerization of the fructans present.
Green synthesis of Silk Sericin Embedded Silver Nanoparticles and their Antibacterial Application Against Multidrug Resistant Pathogens
Authors: Masud Md. Abdullah Al , Shaikh Hamid , Alam Md. Shamsul , Karim M. Minnatul , Momin M. Abdul , Islam M. Ariful , Khan Arifuzzaman 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Silk sericin (SS) was extracted from Bombyx mori silkworm cocoons in an aqueous medium. 17 w/w% of dry sericin powder with respect to the cocoon’s weight was obtained by freeze drying. The extracted sericin exhibited excellent hydrophilicity, biodegradability, and reducing properties. Furthermore, silver nanoparticles conjugated to sericin, i.e., SS-capped silver nanoparticles (SS-AgNPs) were synthesized by easy, cost effective, and environment-friendly methods. The synthesized SS-AgNPs were characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared-attenuated total reflection (FTIR-ATR) spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction measurement. It has been found from the absorbance of UV-visible spectroscopy that a higher parent of SS-AgNPs was obtained at a higher concentration of silver nitrate solution. FTIR-ATR spectra showed that the carboxylate groups obtained from silk sericin act as a reducing agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles, while NH2 + and COO- act as a stabilizer of AgNPs. The X-ray diffractogram of SS-AgNPs was quite different to that for AgNO3 and sericin due to a change in crystal structure. The diameter of AgNPs was around 20–70 nm observed using TEM. The synthesized SS-AgNPs exhibited strong anti-bacterial activity against multi-drug-resistant pathogens, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Minimal inhibitory/bactericidal concentrations against E. coli and P. aeruginosa were 20 µg/mL. This study encourages the use of Bombyx mori for the ecofriendly synthesis of SS-AgNPs to control multi-drug-resistant microorganisms.
WITHDRAWN: Sunflower Seed Meal and Probiotics in Short-term Feeding of Laying Hens
Authors: Ditta Yasir , Naseem Sadia , Saksrithai Ketwee , King Annie J. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
BackgroundHorticultural byproducts may be used to partially or completely replace more expensive soy and corn while providing adequate energy and protein for broilers and laying hens. Probiotics, such as lactic acid bacteria, may aid in digestion of fibrous byproducts such as sunflower seed meal containing complex carbohydrates that along with some amino acids may not be easily digested by monogastric animals. Thus, byproducts and probiotics, when fed to poultry, may improve the production of nutritious meat and eggs. ResultsWhite Leghorn Crosses (64 layers at 65- to 74-wk-old) were fed one of four diets for four weeks. Diets were (1) a corn/soy Control, (2) Control + 20% sunflower seed meal (SFM), (3) Control + Probiotics (Lactobacillus plantarum, rhamnosus, and paracasei - each at > 23.3 Mil CFU/g for a total of approximately 70,000,000 Mil CFU/g added in drinking water), and (4) Control + 20% SFM + Probiotics. Significance (P < 0.05) and trends (P < 0.10) were determined for production measurements as well as external and internal egg quality parameters. Diet did not significantly affect production measurements. There were trends due to Probiotics*Week for FCR and SFM*Probiotics*Week for feed intake. For external egg quality, SFM significantly increased egg weight, decreased specific gravity, and caused a downward trend for egg shell thickness. SFM*Week produced a significant effect on specific gravity. Probiotics significantly increased egg weight and egg shell weight while decreasing egg shell thickness; there was a trend due to temporal effects on specific gravity. For internal egg quality, SFM, SFM*Week, Week, and SFM*Probiotics*Week significantly affected yolk color. Week affected all internal measurements and SFM*Week caused weekly fluctuations, thereby producing a trend for Haugh unit. ConclusionsDiet had no effect on production measurements. SFM increased egg weight and decreased specific gravity; Probiotics increased egg weight, shell weight, and shell thickness. Future research in needed to assess production and egg quality parameters when feeding various fiber types, the digestibility of SFM/Probiotic diets, and colonization of varying quantities of probiotics (added in water and feed) in the gut of various types and ages of laying hens.
The UPTAKE study: Implications for the future of&nbsp;COVID-19 vaccination trial recruitment in&nbsp;UK and beyond
Authors: Sethi Sonika , Kumar Aditi , Mandal Anandadeep , Shaikh Mohammed , Hall Claire Anne , Kirk Jeremy MW , Moss Paul , Brookes Matthew , Basu Supratik 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Developing a safe and effective vaccine will be the principal way of controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. However, current COVID-19 vaccination trials are not adequately representing a diverse participant population in terms of age, ethnicity and comorbidities. Achieving the representative recruitment targets that are adequately powered to the study remains one of the greatest challenges in clinical trial management. To ensure accuracy and generalizability of the safety and efficacy conclusions generated by clinical trials, it is crucial to recruit patient cohorts as representative as possible of the future target population. Missing these targets can lead to reduced validity of the study results, and can often slow down drug development leading to costly delays. This study explores the key factors related to perceptions and participation in vaccination trials. Methods: This study involved an anonymous cross-sectional online survey circulated across the UK. Statistical analysis was done in six phases. Multi-nominal logistic models examined demographic and geographic factors that may impact vaccine uptake. Results: The survey had 4884 participants of which 9·44% were BAME (Black Asian Minority Ethnic). Overall 2020 (41.4%) respondents were interested in participating in vaccine trials; 27.6% of the respondents were not interested and 31.1.% were unsure. The most interested groups were male (OR=1.290), graduates (OR=1.277), the 40-49 and 50-59 age group (OR=1.880 and OR=1.460 respectively) and those with no health issues (OR=1.064). The least interested groups were BAME (OR=0.427), those from villages and small towns (OR=0.66 and 0.54 respectively), and those aged 70 and above (OR=1.11).Conclusions: In order to have a vaccination that is generalizable to the entire population, greater work needs to be done in engaging a diverse cohort of participants. Public health campaigns need to be targeted in improving trial recruitment rates for the elderly, BAME community and the less educated rural population.
Bibliometric Analysis of China’s Contribution to the Knowledge System of Cerebrovascular Intervention
Authors: Ma Hongyu , Li He , Liu Peng , Liu Pei , Zhang Xiaoxi , Zhang Yongxin , Li Zifu , Zhao Rui , Hong Bo , Liu Jianmin , Yang Pengfei 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Background: Cerebrovascular disease has become the leading cause of death in China. The purpose of this article is to analyze China’s contribution to interventional treatment of cerebrovascular diseases. Methods: Bibliometric analysis was used for evaluating the quantity, quality, research hotspots, and cooperation network of publications from China. Articles were acquired from the database of Web of Science Core Collection. The authors, publication years, citation times, original regions, and source journals were recorded by EXCEL 2019. Network analysis and visualization were performed on Citespace5.6.Results: From 1991 to 2019, totally 5,052 articles regarding cerebrovascular intervention were published by Chinese researchers. The number of publications from China grew fastest annually in the latest five years among countries. These publications were totally cited 61,216 times, with 12.12 average citations per item. The h-index was 82. Affiliated hospitals of Capital Medical University contributed most articles. Cerebral ischemia and intracranial aneurysm were the most popular keywords over the three decades. The timeline view of keywords indicated that cerebral ischemia was always a hot spot. Stent techniques were the main treatment tools and still had a strong developing trend. Basic researches of cerebrovascular intervention had a preference for neural regeneration and neuroprotection.Conclusions: The number of publications from China grows fast in recent years, but research quality needs further enhancement. The highly targeted researches are continuously promoting the clinical practice of CVDs. More valuable clinical evidence would be provided.