bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pragmatic Approach to Qualitative Case Study Research Learning by Doing: A Case of Distance Learning Research in Malaysia
Authors: Dzakiria Hisham 
Published: July 2021

This book for anyone who wants to undertake an engaging, satisfying, productive, and a more successful career as a qualitative researcher. This book is intended to contribute to the popularisation of qualitative research in Malaysia. Qualitative studies in educational research are very limited in many countries; and to date, there has been very little work done using this form of educational inquiry in Malaysia. The dominant tradition has followed the positivist paradigm. A qualitative case study offers a different approach and generates a range of information of different qualities from that obtained using traditional approaches.
This book provides both the theories and practical practices to undertake a qualitative study. The conception of this book began from the assumption that our world is interpreted through language as means of communication and understanding. Writing narratives of experience is becoming a common way of describing how people make sense of their experience or problems at hand. At the root of the naturalistic inquiry exhibited in this book, is an interest in understanding the experience of learners and the meanings they make of the distance learning experience at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM). This study was designed as a single case focusing on distance learners of different backgrounds in UUM.
Business Practices in Malaysia Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
Authors: Hashim Mohd Khairuddin 
Published: July 2021

Business Practices in Malaysia SMEs offers a fresh insight into the business practices that occurred as well as lacking in local small and medium-sized enterprises. The seven chapters in this volume, originally presented as paper at national and international conferences focus on various aspects of important business practices in Malaysian small business.
More importantly, Business Practices in Malaysia SMEs shares its understanding of how small business in Malaysia are being managed. Primarily based on recent empirical studies, this insightful contribution will serve as an invaluable information resource as well as will appeal to those who wish to seek a better understanding of small business management practices in the local context.
The accuracy of PlanetScope imagery to nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur nutrition estimation in terraced paddy field
Authors: Komariah - , Husnan - , Mujiyo - , Suryono - 
Published: July 2021

This study aims to find out the accuracy of PlanetScope imagery in analyzing the total content of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Potassium (K) and Sulfur (S) in terrace paddy field. The area for this research is terraced paddy fields in Wonosari Sub-district, Gondangrejo District, Karanganyar Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Aerial photo analysis from PlanetScope (www.planet.com) was conducted at the Pedology Laboratory and Soil Survey, while soil sample analysis was carried out at the Laboratory of Chemistry and Soil Fertility, Faculty of Agriculture, Sebelas Maret University (UNS). The preparation aerial photo analysis from PlanetScope was carried out in September 2019. Soil sampling, laboratory analysis, and data analysis were carried out from September 2019 to January 2020. There are 3 Citra PlanetScope bands that have a significant effect on the elements being studied. Those three bands are band 1 (red), band 3 (blue) and band 4 (NIR). Multiple linear regression analysis obtained a regression equation model from those three bands. This model can be used as an estimator for the existence of the soil nutrient being studied. The accuracy values obtained for N, P, K and S in terraced paddy fields are 97.58%; 94.85%; 85.97%; and 97.39% and the R2 value of 0.39; 0.30; 0.30 and 0.27. The R2 value, which is still relatively small, indicates that there are many factors may affect the accuracy value.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(1): 1-9, June 2021
Comparative profitability analysis and resource use efficiency of beekeeping using wooden and poly hive in some selected areas of Bangladesh
Authors: Sadia FT , Hossain MS , Begum R , Sujan MHK 
Published: July 2021

Apiarist traditionally adopt wooden hive in beekeeping. Modern poly hive provides a superior environment to raise and keep the honeybee population more vigorous due to its high-tech internal facilities and sanitary system. This study was conducted to examine the comparative profitability and resource use efficiency of beekeeping using traditional wooden hive and modern poly hive in Bangladesh during 2017-18. A total of 60 beekeepers, all have traditional wooden hive and 15 have modern poly hive, were randomly selected from Sirajganj, Gazipur and Satkhira districts to conduct farm level survey with pre-tested questionnaire. Findings of the study reveal that per hive gross and net return were Tk. 11019.26 and 4082.45 for wooden hive and Tk. 27373.34 and 19838.42 for poly hive, respectively. Total cost of beekeeping was Tk. 6936.81 and 7534.92 per hive for wooden and poly hive, respectively. Besides, benefit-cost ratios (BCR) were 1.59 and 3.63 for wooden and poly hive, respectively. Cobb-Douglas production function analysis reveals that labour, transportation, insecticide, equipment, hive and rental costs had significant influence on the returns of beekeeping. More than two times higher BCR and significant positive dummy variable “modern poly hive” indicate the greater profitability of beekeeping in modern poly hives. Resource use efficiency analysis indicates that labour, insecticide, equipment, and honey extraction inputs were under-utilized while feed, transportation, marketing, hive, colony and rental inputs were over-utilized. Beekeeping is also affected by some constraints including high costs of modern poly hive accessories, lack of skilled labour and initial capital, inadequate transportation and marketing facilities. Government and other related organizations should take necessary measures to mitigate those problems. Based on the findings, it is recommended to adopt modern poly hive in beekeeping.
Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 11(1): 84-91, June 2021
Eight-Months After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Is It Time to Return to Physical Activity?
Authors: Salatkaitė Saulė , Šiupšinskas Laimonas , Žumbakytė-Šermukšnienė Renata , Gudas Rimtautas 
Published: July 2021

Background. Return to participation in sport is an important outcome when evaluating the success of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery. A review by Arden et al. (2014) demonstrates that just because an athlete has surgery, it does not automatically mean that they will return to sport. So, the purpose of this study was to assess if patients could return to their pre-injury activity level 8 months after ACLR.
Methods. Patients completed IKDC-2000, ACL-RSI questionnaires, underwent FMS, YBT, HOP test sets and drop jump tests, which were evaluated with the LESS. ACL laxity was measured by using a GNRB® device. Participants were 81 patients. They were divided into two groups based on single leg HOP test results. The first group included 30 persons who all had their four single leg HOP test scores above 90%. The second group consisted of 51 persons for whom at least one of the single leg HOP tests scored lower than 90%.
Results. IKDC and HOP test results in the first group scored higher than in the second group. Psychological confidence was higher in the first group, who had better HOP test results. For the first group, FMS and LESS results were better than those for the second group. Moderate positive correlation was found between LESS scores and laxity results, FMS, three HOP sub-tests. IKDC had the biggest number of correlations with other tests. Results showed negative and weak correlation with laxity results using 134 N power, as well as positive and moderate correlation with HOP sub-tests, FMS, ACL-RSI. Single HOP for distance, triple HOP for distance, crossover HOP for distance and LESS increased the odds of achieving RTS criteria. No other factors were found to be associated with the accomplishment of reaching RTS criteria after ACLR.
Conclusions. The main factor which can help decide if a person can return to their pre-injury level of physical activity are the single leg HOP test and LESS. The use of single leg HOP tests and LESS along with psychological and self-reported evaluations is the best test combination for assessment 8 months after ACLR.
Keywords: ACL reconstruction, function tests, return to play, jump tests, psychological readiness.
Together Is Better: The Rumen Microbial Community as Biological Toolbox for Degradation of Synthetic Polyesters
Authors: Quartinello Felice , Kremser Klemens , Schoen Herta , Tesei Donatella , Ploszczanski Leon , Nagler Magdalena , Podmirseg Sabine M. , Insam Heribert , Piñar Guadalupe , Sterflingler Katja , Ribitsch Doris , Guebitz Georg M. 
Published: July 2021

Graphical AbstractIdentfication of plastics degradation and microbial community analysis of Rumen.
Usefulness of FT3 to FT4 Ratio to Predict Mortality in Euthyroid Patients With Prior Cardiovascular Events Undergoing PCI: Five-Year Findings From a Large Single-Center Cohort Study
Authors: Yuan Deshan , Jia Sida , Zhu Pei , Zhang Ce , Liu Yue , Liu Ru , Xu Jingjing , Tang Xiaofang , Zhao Xueyan , Gao Runlin , Yang Yuejin , Xu Bo , Gao Zhan , Yuan Jinqing 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundIn euthyroid patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), it is still unclear whether free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (FT3/FT4) ratio can predict the recurrence of cardiovascular events (CVEs). We aim to investigate its association with recurrent long-term adverse events in this population.Methods3549 euthyroid patients with prior CVEs history undergoing PCI were consecutively enrolled in our study and subsequently divided into three FT3/FT4 ratio tertiles (T1&lt;2.41, n=1170; 2.41≤T2&lt;2.75, n=1198; T3&gt;2.75, n=1181). The primary endpoint was major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular event (MACCE), a composite of all-cause death, myocardial infarction, stroke and revascularization. The secondary endpoints were all-cause death and cardiac death.ResultsThe median follow-up time was 5 years. The incidence of all-cause death, cardiac death and MACCE were significantly higher among patients in the lowest FT3/FT4 tertile (P&lt;0.05). After adjustment of confounding factors, decreased FT3/FT4 ratio was independently associated with an increased risk of all-cause death (HR 1.82, 95% CI 1.13-2.93, P=0.014), cardiac death (HR 1.90, 95% CI 1.04-3.46, P=0.036) and MACCE (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.10-1.60, P=0.003) which was driven mainly by all-cause death.ConclusionsIn euthyroid patients with prior cardiovascular events undergoing PCI, FT3/FT4 ratio might be a potential predictor of all-cause and cardiac mortality. Routine assessment of FT3/FT4 ratio might be a simple and effective tool for risk stratification in this specific patient population.
Patterns of Immune Activation in HIV and Non HIV Subjects and Its Relation to Cardiovascular Disease Risk
Authors: Vos Alinda G. , Dodd Caitlin N. , Delemarre Eveline M. , Nierkens Stefan , Serenata Celicia , Grobbee Diederick E. , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin , Venter W. D. Francois 
Published: July 2021

IntroductionInsight into inflammation patterns is needed to understand the pathophysiology of HIV and related cardiovascular disease (CVD). We assessed patterns of inflammation related to HIV infection and CVD risk assessed with carotid intima media thickness (CIMT).MethodsA cross-sectional study was performed in Johannesburg, South Africa, including participants with HIV who were virally suppressed on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) as well as HIV-negative participants who were family members or friends to the HIV-positive participants. Information was collected on CVD risk factors and CIMT. Inflammation was measured with the Olink panel ‘inflammation’, allowing to simultaneously assess 92 inflammation markers. Differences in inflammation patterns between HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants were explored using a principal component analysis (PCA) and ANCOVA. The impact of differentiating immune markers, as identified by ANCOVA, on CIMT was assessed using linear regression while adjusting for classic CVD risk factors.ResultsIn total, 185 HIV-positive and 104 HIV negative participants, 63% females, median age 40.7 years (IQR 35.4 – 47.7) were included. HIV-positive individuals were older (+6 years, p &lt;0.01) and had a higher CIMT (p &lt;0.01). No clear patterns of inflammation were identified by use of PCA. Following ANCOVA, nine immune markers differed significantly between HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants, including PDL1. PDL1 was independently associated with CIMT, but upon stratification this effect remained for HIV-negative individuals only.ConclusionHIV positive patients on stable ART and HIV negative controls had similar immune activation patterns. CVD risk in HIV-positive participants was mediated by inflammation markers included in this study.
Testing if Micro-CT Is Capable of Quantitating the Extent of Proteoglycan-Aggrecan Induced Axial Spondyloarthritis in Mice
Authors: Han Qing , Zheng ZhaoHui , Liang Qiang , Zhang Kui , Yang FengFan , Fu XiangHui , Luo Xing , Ding Jin , Xie Ronghua , Zhu WenXiao , Zhu Ping 
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveInjections of proteoglycan aggrecan (PGA) have been reported to induce axial spondyloarthritis (ax-SpA) in BALB/c mice. It is considered to be a model for radiographic ax-SpA. However, evaluation of the extent of axial disease by histopathological assessment of every intervertebral space is labor-intensive. The objective of our paper is to test the feasibility of Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) in rapidly enumerating the number of intervertebral spaces affected in each mouse.MethodsArthritis was induced in BALB/c mice by intraperitoneal injections of PGA. Involvement of several spinal segments, and selected sacroiliac and hip joints were evaluated by histopathology. The involvement of all intervertebral spaces, sacroiliac and hip joints was evaluated by Micro-CT.ResultsBALB/c mice injected with PGA developed histopathology of SpA-like axial lesions, including spondylitis, sacroiliac joint arthritis and hip joint arthritis. Micro-CT allowed us to clearly enumerate the number of lesions in each mouse.ConclusionMicro-CT allows quantitative assessment of the extent of axial involvement in PGA-induced mouse spondylitis. This can be a useful tool in assessing therapeutic interventions.
Favorable Pregnancy Outcomes in Women With Well-Controlled Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Corbach Nadine , Berlier Charlotte , Lichtblau Mona , Schwarz Esther I. , Gautschi Fiorenza , Groth Alexandra , Schüpbach Rolf , Krähenmann Franziska , Saxer Stéphanie , Ulrich Silvia 
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Since pregnancy in women with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is associated with a high risk of morbidity and mortality, it is recommended that pregnancy should be avoided in PAH. However, some women with mild PAH may consider this recommendation as unsuitable. Unfortunately knowledge on pregnancy outcomes and best management of PAH during pregnancy is limited.Methods: Data from all women with PAH who were followed during pregnancy by a multidisciplinary team at a tertiary referral center for PAH and who delivered between 2004 and 2020 were retrospectively analyzed in a case series. PAH risk factor profiles including WHO functional class (WHO-FC), NT-pro-BNP, echocardiographic pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and right heart function were analyzed prior to, during and following pregnancy.Results: In seven pregnancies of five women with PAH (median age 29 (27; 31) years), there were no abortions or terminations. Five pregnancies were planned (all in WHO-FC I-II), two incidental (WHO-FC II, III). During pregnancy none of the women had complications or clinical worsening of PAH. After a median pregnancy duration of 37 1/7 weeks all gave birth to healthy babies by cesarean section in spinal anesthesia. During pregnancy, PAP tended to increase, whilst the course of WHO-FC and NT-pro-BNP were variable and no trend could be detected.Conclusion: Women with PAH with a low risk profile closely followed by a multidisciplinary team had a favorable course during and after pregnancy, resulting in successful deliveries of healthy newborns.
Non-invasive Clinical Measurement of Ocular Rigidity and Comparison to Biomechanical and Morphological Parameters in Glaucomatous and Healthy Subjects
Authors: Ma Yanhui , Moroi Sayoko E. , Roberts Cynthia J. 
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To assess ocular rigidity using dynamic optical coherence tomography (OCT) videos in glaucomatous and healthy subjects, and to evaluate how ocular rigidity correlates with biomechanical and morphological characteristics of the human eye.Methods: Ocular rigidity was calculated using Friedenwald's empirical equation which estimates the change in intraocular pressure (IOP) produced by volumetric changes of the eye due to choroidal pulsations with each heartbeat. High-speed OCT video was utilized to non-invasively measure changes in choroidal volume through time-series analysis. A control-case study design was based on 23 healthy controls and 6 glaucoma cases. Multiple diagnostic modalities were performed during the same visit including Spectralis OCT for nerve head video, Pascal Dynamic Contour Tonometry for IOP and ocular pulse amplitude (OPA) measurement, Corvis ST for measuring dynamic biomechanical response, and Pentacam for morphological characterization.Results: Combining glaucoma and healthy cohorts (n = 29), there were negative correlations between ocular rigidity and axial length (Pearson R = −0.53, p = 0.003), and between ocular rigidity and anterior chamber volume (R = −0.64, p = 0.0002). There was a stronger positive correlation of ocular rigidity and scleral stiffness (i.e., stiffness parameter at the highest concavity [SP-HC]) (R = 0.62, p = 0.0005) compared to ocular rigidity and corneal stiffness (i.e., stiffness parameter at the first applanation [SP-A1]) (R = 0.41, p = 0.033). In addition, there was a positive correlation between ocular rigidity and the static pressure-volume ratio (P/V ratio) (R = 0.72, p &lt; 0.0001).Conclusions: Ocular rigidity was non-invasively assessed using OCT video and OPA in a clinic setting. The significant correlation of ocular rigidity with biomechanical parameters, SP-HC and P/V ratio, demonstrated the validity of the ocular rigidity measurement. Ocular rigidity is driven to a greater extent by scleral stiffness than corneal stiffness. These in vivo methods offer an important approach to investigate the role of ocular biomechanics in glaucoma.
Identification of the m6A RNA Methylation Regulators WTAP as a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Genomic Alterations in Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Feng Zi-Yi , Wang Ting , Su Xin , Guo Shu 
Published: July 2021

Background: The purpose of our research was to establish a gene signature and determine the prognostic value of m6A methylation regulators in cutaneous melanoma and WTAP as a protective gene in cutaneous melanoma prognosis, we also evaluated gene mutations in cutaneous melanoma.Methods: We downloaded the RNA-seq transcriptome data and the clinical information for cutaneous melanoma patients from the GTEx and TCGA databases. Consensus clustering analysis was applied to divide the samples into two groups. Then the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analyses were conducted to construct a risk signature, and we use external and internal datasets to verify its predictive value. We further searched the cBioPortal tools to detect genomic alterations and WTAP mutations. Finally, WTAP was further identified as a prognostic factor, and the related mechanisms mediated by WTAP were predicted by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Experimental validations and have been further carried out.Results: Notably, m6A RNA methylation regulators play significant roles in tumorigenesis and development. In total, we selected three subtypes of cutaneous melanoma according to consensus clustering of the m6A RNA methylation regulators, and the stage of cutaneous melanoma was proven to be related to the subtypes. The Cox regression and LASSO analyses built a risk signature including ELF3, ZC3H13 and WTAP. The prognostic value of the risk signature in internal and external datasets have been proven then. The whole-genome and selected gene WTAP mutations were further explored. WTAP as a single prognostic factor was also explored and found to serve as an independent protective prognostic factor.Conclusions: Our study constructed a stable risk signature composed of m6A RNA methylation regulators in cutaneous melanoma. Moreover, WTAP was identified as a valuable prognostic factor and potential molecular target for cutaneous melanoma treatment.
Biochemical and Phylogenetic Characterization of a Novel NADP+-Specific Isocitrate Dehydrogenase From the Marine Microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum
Authors: Huang Shiping , Zhao Jiaxin , Li Wenjing , Wang Peng , Xue Zhenglian , Zhu Guoping 
Published: July 2021

Isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) family of proteins is classified into three subfamilies, namely, types I, II, and III. Although IDHs are widely distributed in bacteria, archaea, and eukaryotes, all type III IDHs reported to date are found only in prokaryotes. Herein, a novel type III IDH subfamily member from the marine microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum (PtIDH2) was overexpressed, purified, and characterized in detail for the first time. Relatively few eukaryotic genomes encode this type of IDH and PtIDH2 shares the highest homology with marine bacterial monomeric IDHs, suggesting that PtIDH2 originated through a horizontal gene transfer event between a marine alga and a bacterium. Size-exclusion chromatography revealed that the native PtIDH2 is a homotetramer (∼320 kDa) in solution, comprising four monomeric IDH-like subunits (80 kDa each). Enzymatic characterization showed that PtIDH2 is a bivalent metal ion-dependent enzyme and Mn2+ is the optimal activator. The recombinant PtIDH2 protein exhibited maximal activity at 35°C and pH 8.0 in the presence of Mn2+. Heat-inactivation analysis revealed that PtIDH2 is a cold-adapted enzyme. Kinetic analysis demonstrated that PtIDH2 is a completely NADP+-specific IDH with no detectable NAD+-associated catalytic activity. The three putative key NADP+-binding residues (His604, Arg615, and Arg664) in PtIDH2 were also evaluated by site-directed mutagenesis. The H604L/R615D/R664S triple mutant showed a 3.25-fold preference for NAD+ over NADP+, implying that the coenzyme specificity of PtIDH2 can be converted from NADP+ to NAD+ through rational engineering approaches. Additionally, the roles of the conserved residues Ala718 and Leu742 in the thermostability of PtIDH2 were also explored by site-directed mutagenesis. We found that the L742F mutant displayed higher thermostability than wild-type PtIDH2. This study expands the phylogeny of the IDH family and provides new insights into the evolution of IDHs.