bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endocrine Tests and/or Testicular Volume are Not Predictive of Successful Sperm Retrieval by Conventional Multiple Testicular Sperm Extraction in Nonobstructive Azoospermia
Authors: Le Minh Tam , Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam , Nguyen Dac Nguyen , Tran Thi Nhu Quynh , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy 
Published: December 2020

Objectives: This study aimed to determine the role of presurgical markers in the prediction of sperm retrieval by conventional Multiple Testicular Sperm Extraction in infertile Vietnamese men with nonobstructive azoospermia (NOA). Patients and Methods: Retrospective descriptive analysis of 136 infertile men with azoospermia, examined from August 2014 to July 2018. Patients underwent stepwise surgical sperm retrieval via percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration, testicular sperm aspiration, then conventional multiple testicular sperm extraction in up to three locations, and procedures stopped as soon as sperm were detected. Factors were analyzed to determine the prediction of the likelihood of successful sperm retrieval, in men with NOA. Results: The overall success rate of sperm retrieval in men with azoospermia was 49.3%, but it was only 18.4% in NOA group. The difference in testicular volume between men with successful sperm retrieval and unsuccessful sperm retrieval was not statistically significant in NOA group (5.68 ± 2.37 vs. 4.46 ± 2.83, p = 0.138). The differences in the endocrine tests between the two groups were also not significant in terms of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (p [Formula: see text] 0.05). Multivariable analysis of predictive factors of sperm retrieval in NOA groups found no significant difference, except testicular density (p = 0.015). Conclusions: In infertile men with NOA, neither an endocrine test nor testicular volume should be used for predicting the results of surgical sperm retrieval by conventional multiple testicular sperm extraction.
Genetic homogeneity in a Pontocaspian crested newt species (Triturus karelinii) suggests recent isolation of its three allopatric range sections
Authors: Wielstra Ben , Arntzen Jan W. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The integration of multilocus datasets and species distribution modelling in phylogeography allows for the reconstruction of more detailed historical biogeographical scenarios than based on mtDNA data alone. We here combine these approaches to investigate the range dynamics of the crested newt Triturus karelinii, an amphibian species endemic to the Pontocaspian region, whose range comprises three allopatric range sections: a Crimean, a Caucasian and a Caspian range section. In a previous mtDNA phylogeographical survey it was suggested that the Caucasian range section was colonized from the Caspian one and that the Crimean range section was subsequently colonized from the Caucasian one. Newly collected nuclear DNA data reveal little genetic differentiation between the three range sections and species distribution modelling suggests that they only recently became isolated. Taken together, our analyses agree with a recent colonization of the Crimean range section, but rather suggest long-term persistence in both the Caspian and Caucasian range sections, with extensive gene flow between the two.
Islamic Feminism and Hegemonic Discourses on Faith and Gender in Islam
Authors: Shahin Farah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Islamic feminism is characterised by a debate, a practice enunciated within the Islamic values and frame. Muslim women brought their experiences to the forefront and challenged the traditional and post-classical interpretation of the Qurʾan and Sunna. They claimed interpretations of the religious text as totally biased and based on men’s experience, questions that are male-centric, and the overall influence of the patriarchal society and culture. According to Islamic feminists, Islam has guaranteed women’s rights since its inception, confirming the notion of egalitarian ethics within Islam. However, the original message of Islam has been hindered by the hegemonic interpretation of Islamic jurisprudence; a product of existing patriarchy in the long passage of Islamic history for over several centuries. The rights of women as prescribed in Islam are not in practice anymore, even the demand for women’s rights is seen by many as going against the basic principle of Islam. Islamic feminists give their justifications from the Qurʾan and Hadith, and they called for re-opening the door of ijtihād (reasoning). This paper captures the significant works of feminist discourses and analyses different perspectives by the Islamic feminists who challenged the dominant discourses in Islam. It deals with the dominant discourse of Islamic feminists such as feminist hermeneutics of the Qurʾan, and includes a discussion on how feminist hermeneutics or new gender-sensitive interpretation of the Qurʾan tries to assert gender equality in the Qurʾan. There are two ways in which Muslims read patriarchy in the Qurʾan: first from the verses and the other from the different treatment of the Qurʾan on issues including marriages, divorce, inheritances, and witness. Islamic feminists reject anti-women elements, present in the Muslim umma and consider them as unethical and against Islam.
Religious Tolerance of Madrasa Students according to Their Religious Affiliation: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Shaukat Sadia , Pell Anthony William 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
An attitude scale measuring tolerance has been used with a sample of 350 students in Pakistani religious schools (madrasas). Sectarian affiliation was identified as a key variable, which was moderated by student gender. Female students in general scored negatively, especially if they identified as Deobandi. Shiʿi and Barelvi students are more likely than not to show positive tolerance of others. Cluster analysis separates the students into ‘conservatives’ and ‘liberals’. Shiʿa show a strong liberal tendency, while Deobandis show a strong conservative tendency. Results are consistent with the emergent theology of the groups and the aggressive elements in Pakistani society. Suggestions are made for the mechanism of curricular change in the liberal Shiʿi and Barelvi madrasas and for the direction of research into the Deobandi and Ahl-i Hadith schools.
Post-Ban Era of Private Tutoring Practices in Tanzania
Authors: Anangisye William A.L. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Private tutoring continues in Tanzania, twenty-one years after its being officially banned. Despite the 1999 ruling, overtly organised private tutoring continues unabated through established infrastructures. This study focuses on the private tutoring centres in the Iringa Municipality. The data was collected by engaging with their owners and with the students, teachers and parents who participate in sustaining these services. Irrespective of its modus operandi, the tenacious practice of private tutoring signals an on-going demand, reinforced by the egregious gaps in the supply of education as it is delivered by formal systems nationally. Hungry for the highest standard of education for their children, parents seek to fulfil this manifest need through these auxiliary channels.
Followership in sub-Saharan Africa’s Development: Reconstructing the Appendage Game
Authors: Nakabo Robinah S. 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
To address the many challenges of development faced in sub-Saharan Africa, the concentration of attention upon defects of African governments in power continues to be a main focus, as failed leadership is regarded as the primary problem responsible for underdevelopment throughout the continent. Refocusing attention upon followership instead of leadership might provide a remedial alternative. Using critical reflexivity, the role that followership plays in development should be scrutinized just as leadership has been scrupulously evaluated; and if faults be found, let measures be designed, implemented, and assessed using development parameters of choice. ‘Followership’ in this essay depicts the capacity and power with which every individual is endowed; the proposal here is that by exercising that ability to impact their representatives in elected office, citizens can keep their leadership in check through a dialectical, reiterative protocol of initiative and response between leadership and followership. Inspired by Rousseau, the ideal of ‘liberated followership’ implies responsible individuals employing their civic freedoms to develop effective leadership, with the potential of ultimately realizing the socio-economic development that Africans so much desire.
Linguistic and Social Outcomes of Interactions of Hadzabe and Sukuma in North-Western Tanzania
Authors: Lusekelo Amani , Mgeja Micky 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Social and linguistic contacts of the Hadzabe speaking people with the Sukuma people in Maswa District (now Meatu District) in northern Tanzania have been under-reported in the existing literature, whereas the Hadzabe of eastern Tanzania have been researched in depth. Specialists have documented that in western Tanzania, the material culture of the Hadzabe differs significantly from what is found among their counterparts in the eastern region; so too the regional differences between their adaptations of kinship terms have been well documented. However, patterns of linguistic adaptation in the naming of plants and crops have yet to be analysed. Findings from Sungu Village in Meatu District reveal the significant influence of the Sukuma in the Hadzabe lexicon of plants and crops. It is understandable why the names of cultivated crops among the Hadzabe would demonstrate the Sukuma influence, since the Sukuma farmers introduced farming amongst the Hadzabe foragers. But it is unclear why the Hadzabe should have borrowed Sukuma names for wild plants as well, since the Hadzabe have depended upon their local biodiversity throughout their existence in the region, as has been documented for several decades now. We argue that despite their recency, communities which dominate through their sheer population density, such as the Sukuma, tend to influence the deeper lexicon of smaller communities like Hadzabe.
The Current Status of the Polish Language in Ivano-Frankivsk (Formerly Stanislaviv)
Authors: Pelekhata Olena 
Published: December 2020

The Current Status of the Polish Language in Ivano-Frankivsk (Formerly Stanislaviv)This paper analyses the present status of the Polish language in the Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk (formerly Stanislaviv) and the challenges which it faces. The Polish language is a minority language in the city. National identity statistics from the censuses of 1931 and 2001 are analysed. The paper examines the following institutions and areas of Polish language usage and vitality: the activities of the Centre for Polish Culture and European Dialogue in Ivano-Frankivsk, Polish societies, religion, family and education. Język polski w Iwano-Frankiwsku (dawny Stanisławów). Stan obecnyAnalizowane są obszary funkcjonowania i perspektywy funkcjonowania języka polskiego we współczesnym ukraińskim mieście Iwano-Frankiwsk (dawny Stanisławów). Język polski w regionie jest językiem mniejszości narodowej. Przeanalizowano dane statystyczne według narodowości ze spisu z 1931 r. i ostatniego spisu z 2001 r. Obszary funkcjonowania i żywotności języka polskiego to: działalność Centrum Kultury Polskiej i Dialogu Europejskiego w Iwano-Frankiwsku, języka polskiego w społeczeństwie polonijnym, sferze religijnej, rodzinie i edukacji.
Coastal Trapped Waves and Other Subinertial Variability along the Southeast Greenland Coast in a Realistic Numerical Simulation
Authors: Gelderloos Renske , Haine Thomas W. N. , Almansi Mattia 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOcean currents along the southeast Greenland coast play an important role in the climate system. They carry dense water over the Denmark Strait sill, freshwater from the Arctic and the Greenland Ice Sheet into the subpolar ocean, and warm Atlantic Ocean water into Greenland’s fjords, where it can interact with outlet glaciers. Observational evidence from moorings shows that the circulation in this region displays substantial subinertial variability (typically with periods of several days). For the dense water flowing over the Denmark Strait sill, this variability augments the time-mean transport. It has been suggested that the subinertial variability found in observations is associated with coastal trapped waves, whose properties depend on bathymetry, stratification, and the mean flow. Here, we use the output of a high-resolution realistic simulation to diagnose and characterize subinertial variability in sea surface height and velocity along the coast. The results show that the subinertial signals are coherent over hundreds of kilometers along the shelf. We find coastal trapped waves on the shelf and along the shelf break in two subinertial frequency bands—at periods of 1–3 and 5–18 days—that are consistent with a combination of mode-I waves and higher modes. Furthermore, we find that northeasterly barrier winds may trigger the 5–18-day shelf waves, whereas the 1–3-day variability is linked to high wind speeds over Sermilik Deep.
The Living Donor Navigator Program Provides Support Tools for Caregivers
Authors: Reed Rhiannon D. , Killian A. Cozette , Mustian Margaux N. , Hendricks Daagye H. , Baldwin Kimberly N. , Kumar Vineeta , Dionne-Odom J. Nicholas , Saag Kenneth , Hites Lisle , Ivankova Natalia V. , Locke Jayme E. 
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The Living Donor Navigator (LDN) program is one of several initiatives designed to help transplant candidates identify living donors with the help of a friend or family member advocate to speak on their behalf. More than half of advocates in the LDN program were the spouse or parent of the candidate and served in a caregiving role. Caregivers for patients awaiting transplantation have reported poorer quality of life than the general population, suggesting more support is needed for this vulnerable group. The purpose of this study was to understand whether the LDN program met the needs of advocates who were also caregivers for the transplant candidate. Methods: We performed a supplementary secondary qualitative analysis of a parent study conducted December 2017-January 2018 with 9 advocates who participated in the LDN program. Transcripts were reanalyzed from focus group discussions, concentrating on comments about caregiving or made by caregivers. Using manual coding and reflexive thematic analysis, we identified broad codes and major themes. Findings: Our re-analysis revealed one theme overlapping with our previous analysis (Support) and 2 new themes specific to caregiver advocates: Quality of Life and Fear. Caregivers agreed that the LDN program equipped them with tools to address these areas and best serve their simultaneous caregiver/advocate roles. Discussion: These analyses demonstrated that those who served as advocate and caregiver derived a benefit from the LDN program but had distinct needs from other advocates. These findings can inform continued refinement of the program and expansion to support needs of caregiver
Usefulness of two-point Dixon T2-weighted imaging in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy: comparison with conventional fat saturation imaging in fat suppression quality and staging performance
Authors: Chen Lu , Hu Hao , Chen Huan-Huan , Chen Wen , Wu Qian , Wu Fei-Yun , Xu Xiao-Quan 
Published: December 2020

Objective:
To compare the two-point Dixon T 2 weighted imaging (T 2WI) with conventional fat-sat T 2WI in fat suppression (FS) quality and staging performance for patients with TAO.

Methods:
We enrolled 37 thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients and 15 healthy controls who underwent both coronal two-point Dixon and fat-sat T 2WI. Qualitative (overall imaging quality, FS uniformity) and quantitative [signal intensity ratio of extraocular muscle (EOM-SIR)] parameters were assessed between the two-point Dixon T 2WI and fat-sat T 2WI. Additionally, water fraction of intraorbital fat (IF-WF) was measured on Dixon image. Dixon-EOM-SIR, Fat-sat-EOM-SIR and Dixon-IF-WF values were compared between active and inactive TAO groups, and the diagnostic efficiency for the active phase were evaluated.

Results:
Two-point Dixon T 2WI showed significantly higher overall image quality score, FS uniformity score as well as EOM-SIR value than fat-sat T 2WI in both TAO and control groups (all p &lt; 0.05). Active TAOs had significantly higher Dixon-EOM-SIR (p &lt; 0.001), Fat-sat-EOM-SIR (p &lt; 0.001) and Dixon-IF-WF (p = 0.001) than inactive TAOs. ROC curves analyses indicated that Dixon-EOM-SIR ≥3.32 alone demonstrated the highest staging sensitivity (75.0%). When integrating Dixon-EOM-SIR ≥3.32 and Dixon-IF-WF ≥0.09, improved staging efficiency and specificity could be achieved (area under the curve, 0.872; specificity, 97.1%).

Conclusion:
Compared with conventional fat-sat technique, two-point Dixon T 2WI offers better image quality, as well as improved staging sensitivity and specificity for TAO. Dixon T 2WI is suggested to be used to evaluate the patients with TAO in clinical practice.

Advances in knowledge:
Two-point Dixon T 2WI offers better image quality than fat-sat T 2WI. Dixon-EOM-SIR alone demonstrated the highest staging sensitivity. Combining with Dixon-IF-WF showed improved staging efficiency and specificity. Dixon T 2WI is suggested to be used to evaluate TAO patients in clinical practice.
СИНЕРГИЯ НЕЙРОНАУК И ФИЛОСОФСКОЙ АНТРОПОЛОГИИ: ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ
Authors: Kozlova Tatyana Aleksandrovna , Goncharuk Alexey Gennadevich , Kozlov Dmitry Mikhaylovich 
Published: December 2020

Цель. Авторы статьи пытаются определить направления реализации потенциала философской антропологии для нейронаук, возможность качественного обновления нейронаук на базе этого потенциала. Новизна данного исследования заключается в том, что философская антропология, экстраполируя своё обновляющееся содержание на нейронауки, вербализирует проблемы, находящиеся на стыке данных научных направлений.Метод или методология проведения работы. Методология данного исследования основана на анализе и обобщении научно-исследовательских работ зарубежных и отечественных ученых в области нейронаук, философии образования, теории обучения, философской антропологии, информационного и знаниевого развития современного общества. Методология исследования включает в себя герменевтический, системный, сравнительный методы. Результаты. Нейронауки и философская антропология имеют обширное научное поле: критерии интерпретации данных, возможности влияния нейронных сетей на наш выбор, взаимодействие разума и эмоций, проблема воли и ответственности, этические проблемы стимуляции мозга, психофармакология и проблема улучшения человека. Философская антропология оценивает с этико-аксиологических позиций направления деятельности нейронаук. Проблема непрерывного образования, дистанционного образования требует не только продуманной стратегии со стороны педагогики и философии образования, но и должна решаться сквозь призму индивидуальных (когнитивных и личностных) особенностей человека: оценка его когнитивного стиля обучения, хронотипа, ценностей и убеждений.Область применения результатов. Результаты исследования могут быть применены в сфере образования и социального проектирования.
РЕЛИГИОЗНО-ЭСТЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ПРЕДСТАВЛЕНИЯ ИНДУИЗМА: АНАЛОГИИ И ОСОБЕННОСТИ
Authors: Sobolev Yuri Victorovich 
Published: December 2020

В статье рассматриваются основные представления и базовые понятия индуистской эстетики. Проблемная область обнаруживает себя в вопросе восприятия европейской культурой эстетики индуизма. Исходя из историко-культурного положения эстетического знания, каким оно представлено в европейской традиции, показаны основные тенденции и подходы к феномену эстетического, где основное место занимает эпоха немецкой классической философии – «колыбель» эстетической науки (А. Баумгартен, И. Кант). Подчёркнутая неоднородность эстетического знания есть свидетельство его проблемного статуса в европейском историко-философском дискурсе, а вместе с тем, именно оно даёт возможность видения на этом фоне гармоничного места эстетики в индуистской культуре. Главным образом, это связано с особенностями религиозно-мировоззренческих систем. В статье проводится аналогия и различие между теоретическими и ритуальными представлениями и практиками в христианстве и индуизме. В частности, в качестве общего места называется значение «пороговых» людей – лиминалиев в духовной жизни общества. В числе же особых отличий называется «естественная встроенность» эстетики в религиозную систему Индии, в то время как в европейской эстетике религиозный мир лишь одна из сфер эстетического. Так, на ряде понятий, при помощи метода компаративистской текстовой аналитики, опираясь на ведущих отечественных востоковедов и зарубежных исследователей (В. Шохин, Д. Зильберман, Е. Торчинов, Р. Генон, Н. Гупта), показывается тождественность религиозно-эстетических представлений в индуизме, а также возможность взаимного «культурного перевода» таких основных понятий как «эстетика» и «эстетическое», «раса» и «бхава». В заключительной части статьи обобщаются специфические черты индуистской эстетики, уточняются понятия, подводятся итоги.
Development and Prototype Testing of an Agricultural Nozzle Clog Detection Device
Authors: Vong Chin Nee , Larbi Peter Ako 
Published: December 2020

HighlightsPrototypes of an agricultural nozzle clog detection system (for 18 nozzles) have been successfully developed.Spray quality characteristics (droplet size, pattern, and coverage) were not significantly affected when testing the device with extended-range nozzles (TeeJet XR8004).Most of the spray quality characteristics were significantly affected when testing the device with ultra low-drift nozzles (John Deere PSULDQ2004).Abstract. Agricultural nozzles are the main components that perform the spraying of agrochemicals, and their proper functionality is a key element for uniform spray application on crops. Because nozzles have small orifices, they can become clogged when there is debris from the agrochemical in the tank. Nozzle clogging during spray application results in poor pest and weed management and increased cost for re-spraying the affected crop row. Measures used to prevent nozzles from clogging include using screens or strainers to filter out debris before it reaches the nozzle tip, as well as performing regular checks on the nozzles. However, nozzle clogging still occurs during spraying despite the precautions taken. Thus, a device that can detect nozzle clogging during spraying is necessary to enable a quicker response that will ensure uniform application across each row of the crop. A novel, patented device for detecting clogged nozzles that is externally attachable to each nozzle on a sprayer boom was developed in the Precision Application Technology Lab at Arkansas State University. The main objective of this article is to present a general description of this prototype nozzle clog detection device and the nozzle clog detection system. Spray droplet size and pattern tests under controlled conditions and spray coverage tests under field conditions were conducted with and without the device to determine if there were significant differences in droplet size, spray pattern, or spray coverage between using and not using the device. The tests demonstrated that this new technology has potential for detecting clogged nozzles without significantly influencing spray quality for extended-range nozzles but not for ultra low-drift nozzles. To increase the reliability of the performance of this new technology, further improvements in the design need to be considered. Keywords: Clogged nozzle, Detection, Droplet size, Prototype device, Spray coverage, Spray pattern.