bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of macroeconomic factors on bank performance in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Hasibul , Islam Md. Saidul , Soumia Lalmi , Apon Tasfiqure Amin , Tarin Tanzika Imam 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

The present study investigates the impact of macroeconomic factors on the performance of banks in Bangladesh. The study analyzed 35 commercial banks consisting of both Islamic and conventional banks in Bangladesh from 2015 to 2020. The data was analyzed using the random effect regression model. Return on assets (ROA) is the dependent variable while macroeconomic variables such as GDP growth (GDPG), inflation (INF), and unemployment (UNEP) are the independent variables. The regression results showed that GDP growth and unemployment rate have a significant impact on the return on assets for banks in Bangladesh banks. There was no significant impact between inflation and return on assets.JEL: D00, D02, E02, F62
Fascicle dynamics of the tibialis anterior muscle reflect whole-body walking economy
Authors: Kwak Samuel Taihoon , Chang Young-Hui 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Humans can inherently adapt their gait pattern in a way that minimizes the metabolic cost of transport, or walking economy, within a few steps, which is faster than any known direct physiological sensor of metabolic energy. Instead, walking economy may be indirectly sensed through mechanoreceptors that correlate with the metabolic cost per step to make such gait adaptations. We tested whether velocity feedback from tibialis anterior (TA) muscle fascicles during the collisional phase of walking could potentially act to indirectly sense walking economy. As participants walked within a range of steady-state speeds and step frequencies, we observed that TA fascicles lengthen on almost every step. Moreover, the average peak fascicle velocity experienced during lengthening reflected the metabolic cost of transport of the given walking condition. We observed that the peak TA muscle activation occurred earlier than could be explained by a short latency reflex response. The activation of the TA muscle just prior to heel strike may serve as a prediction of the magnitude of the ground collision and its associated energy loss. In this scenario, any unexpected length change experienced by the TA fascicle would serve as an error signal to the nervous system and provide additional information about energy lost per step. Our work helps provide a biomechanical framework to understand the possible neural mechanisms underlying the rapid optimization of walking economy.
Knowledge and Practices Towards Diabetes Mellitus Among Adults Visiting Bole Sub-city and Lideta Sub-city Public Health Centres, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Authors: Amenu Guta Gurmessa 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Limited knowledge about diabetes risk factors in addition to high diseaseprevalence is common in low-income countries. Identification of the level of knowledge and practice related to diabetes among the general population is essential in putting way forward for the prevention of diabetes mellitus. In Ethiopia, there is limited information about the knowledge and practice of the population towards Diabetes Mellitus. This study evaluated knowledge and practices related to diabetes in the population of Bole and Lideta sub cities, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Objectives: To assess knowledge and practices and factors associated with good practice towards Diabetes Mellitus among adults visiting public health centres in Bole sub-city and Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional based cross-sectional study was conducted among non-diabetic adults visiting public health centers using an interviewer-administered questionnaire. The study was done in two selected health centers from March 01, 2021, to April 15, 2021.The respondents were selected by systematic random sampling at the health center level. The analysis was done using STATA version 14. Multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with practice towards DM.Results: Out of 412 respondents participated and the response rate was 97.8%. About 58.7% of the participants were knowledgeable and 67.2% had good practice towards DM prevention. In the multivariate analysis, being a government/private employee, previous training on diabetes, and having good knowledge were associated significantly with practice. The odds of good practice regarding DM prevention among Government/private employee study participants were 2.2 times higher than the odds of good practice for housewives [AOR = 2.2(1.16,4.3)]. The odds of good practice regarding DM among respondents who had previous training on DM were 2.6 times greater than the odds of good practice for study subjects with no previous training on DM [AOR = 2.6(1,6.2)]. The odds of good practice regarding DM prevention among participants who had good knowledge levels were 2 times higher than the odds of good practice for participants with poor knowledge levels about diabetes [AOR = 2(1.3,3.3)].Conclusion and Recommendation: Low knowledge and practice towards DM prevention were seen indicating the need for health education. Improving knowledge and good practice towards DM needs to be integrated into existing health care systems.
If all else fails: Impact of silicon accumulation in maize leaves on volatile emissions and oviposition site selection of Spodoptera exigua Hübner
Authors: Leroy Nicolas , Martin Clément , Arias Anthony Arguelles , Cornélis Jean-Thomas , Verheggen François Jean 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Silicon (Si) fertilization alleviates biotic stresses in plants. Silicon enhances plant resistance against phytophagous insects through physical and biochemical mechanisms. In particular, Si modifies jasmonic acid levels and the emissions of herbivore-induced plant volatiles (HIPVs). Here, we investigated whether Si accumulation in the tissues of maize leaves modifies the emissions of constitutive and herbivore-induced plant volatiles, with cascade deterrent effects on oviposition site selection by Spodoptera exigua Hübner (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Maize plants were cultivated in a hydroponic system under three Si concentrations, resulting in three groups of plants expressing different Si concentrations in their tissues (0.31 ± 0.04, 4.69 ± 0.49, and 9.56 ± 0.30 g Si. Kg− 1 DW). We collected volatiles from undamaged and caterpillar-infested plants, and found that Si concentration in plant tissues had no significant impact. Jasmonic acid content was high in insect-infested plants, but was similar across all Si treatments. Oviposition site selection bioassays using fertilized S. exigua females showed that Si concentration in plant tissues did not affect the number of eggs laid on Si-treated plant. In conclusion, our study shows that the Si content in maize tissues does not impact the semiochemical interactions with S. exigua.
Does the continuation of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy increase the risk of cervical haematoma? A 1-year experience of two Italian centers
Authors: Canu Gian Luigi , Medas Fabio , Cappellacci Federico , Giordano Alessio Biagio Filippo , Casti Francesco , Grifoni Lucrezia , Feroci Francesco , Calò Pietro Giorgio 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: A growing number of patients taking antiplatelet drugs, mainly low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) (75–150 mg/day), for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, are encountered in every field of surgery. While the bleeding risk due to the continuation of these medications during the perioperative period has been adequately investigated in several surgical specialties, in thyroid surgery it still needs to be clarified.The main aim of this study was to assess the occurrence of cervical haematoma in patients receiving low-dose acetylsalicylic acid, specifically ASA 100 mg/day, during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy.Methods: Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in two high-volume thyroid surgery centers in Italy, between January 2021 and December 2021, were retrospectively analysed. Enrolled patients were divided into two groups: those not taking ASA were included in Group A, while those receiving this drug in Group B.Results: A total of 412 patients underwent thyroidectomy during the study period. Among them, 29 (7.04%) were taking ASA: 15 (51.72%) for primary prevention and 14 (48.28%) for secondary prevention. Based on the inclusion criteria, 351 patients were enrolled: 322 were included in Group A and 29 in Group B. In Group A, there were 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas not requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, 4 (1.24%) cervical haematomas requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, 50 (15.53%) cases of postoperative hypoparathyroidism, 14 (4.35%) unilateral RLN lesions and 4 (1.24%) wound infections. In Group B, there were 1 (3.45%) cervical haematoma requiring surgical revision of haemostasis, 3 (10.34%) cases of postoperative hypoparathyroidism and 2 (6.90%) unilateral RLN lesions. No statistically significant difference was found in terms of complications between the two groups.Conclusions: Continuation of ASA 100 mg/day during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy did not increase the occurrence of cervical haematoma and the other early complications of thyroid surgery. Based on our findings, we believe that in patients receiving this drug, either for primary or secondary prevention of thrombotic events, its discontinuation during the perioperative period of thyroidectomy is not necessary.
Molecular Finger Printing of Thirteen Pakistani Mid-season Mango (Mangifera Indica L.) Varieties by Using Ssr Markers
Authors: Rauf Sheeba , Sharif Hamza , Babar Muhammad , Gul Almass , Shaukat Faiza , Bukhari Birra , Mehvish Ambreen , Raza Samad , Kiran Sidra , Qureshi Muhammad Ahsan , Zafar Muhammad Shahzad , Sharif Naseem , Bukhari Syed Inam Ullah Shah 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Present study was performed to identify the genetic make-up of thirteen mid-season mango verities i.e.Zardalu, Banganpali, Taimuria, Saleh Bhai, Badia Muna Syed, Intikhab, Anmole, Bombay Alphanso, Ghulab Khas, Pan, Lahotia, Kachnaliwala, and Jo villagey by applying seventy SSR markers, data collected on genetic diversity estimation bifurcated the varieties into three clusters. cluster 1, enclosed three varieties namely Bombay Alphonso, Intikhab, and Anmole together in genetic resemblance. Similarly, the cluster 2 assembled seven varieties i.e. Jo Village, Taimuria, Zardalu, Bagan Palli, Saleh Bhai, Badia and Munna Syed, making it the larger cluster. Lastly, the genetic similarity of the remaining four varieties such as Pan, Ghulab Khas, Lahotia, and Kachnalwala was found in close proximity. The current study singled out three unique fingerprints amongst the seventy SSRs applied. Baganpali cultivar contained unique fingerprints against primer MiKVR_a010; Gulab khas cultivar showcased unique characters against primer MiKVR_a052 and another distinguished fingerprint was observed in mango cv Baganpali against primerMiKVR_a109. It was an indication that these varieties possessed specific genotypic behavior against applied markers. It is concluded that these varieties can play a significant role in improving the genetic makeup of mango varieties and can divulge useful features for varietal selection in a breeding program.
A mixture of Iranian probiotics had anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects in oxidative injuries induced by cadmium in liver and blood parameters
Authors: kohan Arezu , Keshtmand Zahra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Cadmium (Cd) causes significant oxidative stress, which can lead to major clinical complications and tissue destruction. In this study, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of a mixture of Iranian probiotic strains were evaluated in Cd-exposed rats. Method and Materials: Twenty-one adult male Wistar rats were randomized into three groups of seven rats. Group one included the control group; group two consisted of Cd-treated (3 mg/kg, a single dose) animals, and group three included the rats treated with Cd + probiotic (Cd+Pro) for 30 days. Histological changes were assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining, as well as Masson’s trichrome staining. The qRT-PCR method was used for evaluating pro-inflammatory genes’ expression. Liver biomarkers and biochemical enzymes were measured using commercial kits, and hematological parameters were determined in both Cd- and the Cd+Pro- treated groups. Results: Histopathological results revealed that the native probiotic mixture improved the function of Cd-treated liver cells, accompanied with the down-regulation of TNF-α and IL-6 genes’ expression in Cd+Pro- treated compared with Cd-treated rats. In addition, Cd+Pro- treated rats displayed lower production of lipid peroxides, lower levels of hepatic toxicity biomarkers, and greater antioxidant capacity compared to Cd-treated animals. Conclusion: Iranian native probiotics showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and it is suggested to investigate their health benefits in animal studies in future.
Hydrocolloids and partially defatted cake on encapsulation of baru oil (Dipteryx alata Vogel): a study on emulsion, particle, and oxidative stability
Authors: Lima Dyana Carla , Noguera Nathan Hargreaves , Granados Angela del Pilar Flores , Rodrigues Rodney Alexandre Ferreira 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The baru (Dipteryx alata Vogel) is a fruit of the Brazilian Cerrado, composed of a pleasant-tasting almond with a high oil content. The consumption of vegetable oils is suggested by the World Health Organization, but vegetable oils lack protection when extracted from their food matrix. Thus, the hydrocolloids Arabic gum (AG) and maltodextrin (MD) as well as the partially defatted cake (PDC), a co-product of the baru cold-pressed oil, were used to produce baru oil microparticles by spray drying. Fatty acid profile, emulsion stability, microparticle quality, and oxidative stability were evaluated. Baru oil is rich in omega-9 (47.3%). AG/MD (25% maltodextrin) showed better emulsion stability after 1h of preparation, higher zeta potential (-28.87 mV ± 0.026) and encapsulation efficiency (76.72% ± 0.002), and lower peroxide content after 4 weeks at 60°C (28.38 meq/kg). The addition of PDC improved the efficiency parameters in relation to the standard formulation (AG). The replacement of 25% of AG by MD improved the emulsion and microparticles' characteristics and better protected the baru oil against oxidation. Through a well-known technique, this study found technological use for a co-product of the extraction of baru oil and made good use of maltodextrin, a hydrocolloid with a lower relative cost.
Implementasi Fitur Sinkronisasi Basis Data Pada Aplikasi Monitoring Keuangan Pada Wilayah Dengan Keterbatasan Jaringan Internet
Authors: Setiawan Aldi , Sebastian Danny , Adi Nugraha Kristian 
Published: July 2022

Petani tembakau pada Jawa Tengah sering melakukan hubungan komersial terhadap banyak pihak. Salah satu dari aksi proses tersebut adalah proses hutang piutang antara petani dengan pedagang. Kesulitan yang muncul dari proses tersebut adalah ketika mencatat data hutang setiap harinya. Seringkali petani pada daerah tersebut masih menggunakan kertas sebagai media untuk menyimpan data hutang. Tentunya hal ini dapat menjadi masalah ketika kertas tersebut hilang dan data hutang yang dimiliki juga hilang. Sehingga diusulkan untuk membuat aplikasi pencatatan hutang pada perangkat bergerak sehingga mudah dibawa dan data yang disimpan tidak mudah hilang. Tetapi muncul permasalahan baru yaitu ketika perangkat bergerak tidak terhubung dengas jaringan internet apakah data hutang masih tetap dapat disimpan melihat bahwa daerah tempat petani berada tidak memiliki jaringan internet yang memadai.
Berdasarkan pada masalah yang dihadapi, maka diusulkan untuk membuat algoritma sinkronisasi yang dapat menangani ketika perangkat bergerak tidak terhubung dengan jaringan internet. Data tersebut akan dilakukan sinkronisasi pada aplikasi situs web yang dibuat, sehingga data yang dimasukkan oleh petani ketika tidak terhubung dengan jaringan internet dapat tersimpan dengan baik tanpa takut kehilangan data hutang tersebut.
Pengujian dilakukan dengan menggunakan pengujian kotak putih dan pengujian aktual. Untuk pengujian kotak putih yang diujikan pada algoritma yang telah dibuat, didapatkan hasil bahwa algoritma yang dibuat memiliki tingkat resiko yang rendah dan probabilitas perbaikan sebesar 5 persen. Untuk pengujian aktual yang dilakukan, berdasarkan hasil yang didapat tiap skenario pengujian dapat teruji dengan baik dan menghasilkan hasil yang baik. Sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa algoritma yang telah dibuat layak untuk diterapkan pada perangkat bergerak.
Micro RNAs as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in Liver Diseases
Authors: Jain Subheet Kumar , Latief Uzma , Tung Gurleen Kaur , Per Tasir Sharief , Kaur Manjot , Thakur Shubham , Singh Harjeet 
Published: July 2022

Abstract:
MicroRNAs (MiRNAs) are endogenous non-coding small RNA molecules that regulate
gene expression in plants, animals and some viruses. Both normal and pathological liver processes are
regulated by miRNAs. Recent research indicated that miRNAs have been implicated in liver diseases
caused by viral hepatitis (Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C), metabolic problems, alcohol and drug abuse.
Because altered miRNA expression is linked to liver metabolic dysregulation, liver damage, liver fibrosis,
and tumour growth, miRNAs are promising therapeutic targets for the detection and treatment
of liver diseases. In this review, we summarise the current knowledge about the role of microRNAs in
acute and chronic liver diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma. We cover the miRNA-based
therapy for liver disorders as well as the use of miRNAs as biomarkers for early diagnosis, prognosis
and assessment of liver diseases. The investigation of miRNAs in liver diseases will provide a better
understanding of the pathogeneses, identification of biomarkers and therapeutic targets for liver diseases
in the future.
COVID-19 Cases Among Congregate Care Facility Staff by Neighborhood of Residence and Social and Structural Determinants: Observational Study
Authors: Ma Huiting , Yiu Kristy C Y , Baral Stefan D , Fahim Christine , Moloney Gary , Darvin Dariya , Landsman David , Chan Adrienne K , Straus Sharon , Mishra Sharmistha 
Published: July 2022

Background
Disproportionate risks of COVID-19 in congregate care facilities including long-term care homes, retirement homes, and shelters both affect and are affected by SARS-CoV-2 infections among facility staff. In cities across Canada, there has been a consistent trend of geographic clustering of COVID-19 cases. However, there is limited information on how COVID-19 among facility staff reflects urban neighborhood disparities, particularly when stratified by the social and structural determinants of community-level transmission.

Objective
This study aimed to compare the concentration of cumulative cases by geography and social and structural determinants across 3 mutually exclusive subgroups in the Greater Toronto Area (population: 7.1 million): community, facility staff, and health care workers (HCWs) in other settings.

Methods
We conducted a retrospective, observational study using surveillance data on laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases (January 23 to December 13, 2020; prior to vaccination rollout). We derived neighborhood-level social and structural determinants from census data and generated Lorenz curves, Gini coefficients, and the Hoover index to visualize and quantify inequalities in cases.

Results
The hardest-hit neighborhoods (comprising 20% of the population) accounted for 53.87% (44,937/83,419) of community cases, 48.59% (2356/4849) of facility staff cases, and 42.34% (1669/3942) of other HCW cases. Compared with other HCWs, cases among facility staff reflected the distribution of community cases more closely. Cases among facility staff reflected greater social and structural inequalities (larger Gini coefficients) than those of other HCWs across all determinants. Facility staff cases were also more likely than community cases to be concentrated in lower-income neighborhoods (Gini 0.24, 95% CI 0.15-0.38 vs 0.14, 95% CI 0.08-0.21) with a higher household density (Gini 0.23, 95% CI 0.17-0.29 vs 0.17, 95% CI 0.12-0.22) and with a greater proportion working in other essential services (Gini 0.29, 95% CI 0.21-0.40 vs 0.22, 95% CI 0.17-0.28).

Conclusions
COVID-19 cases among facility staff largely reflect neighborhood-level heterogeneity and disparities, even more so than cases among other HCWs. The findings signal the importance of interventions prioritized and tailored to the home geographies of facility staff in addition to workplace measures, including prioritization and reach of vaccination at home (neighborhood level) and at work.
Virtual Reality–Based Rehabilitation as a Feasible and Engaging Tool for the Management of Chronic Poststroke Upper-Extremity Function Recovery: Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hernandez Alejandro , Bubyr Liudmila , Archambault Philippe S , Higgins Johanne , Levin Mindy F , Kairy Dahlia 
Published: July 2022

Background
A growing number of stroke survivors are left with little to no rehabilitation services upon discharge from stroke rehabilitation, although arm deficits may persist or develop from disuse once rehabilitation services have ceased. Virtual reality (VR)–based rehabilitation, combined with new technologies such as telerehabilitation, including serious games using VR environments that encourage users to practice functional movements from home with minimal supervision, may have an important role to play in optimizing and maintaining upper extremity (UE) function.

Objective
The primary objective of this study is to determine the extent to which a 1-month intervention using a VR-based serious game is effective in improving UE function compared with an evidence-based home exercise program. A secondary objective is to assess the feasibility of implementing the intervention for chronic stroke rehabilitation in participants’ homes.

Methods
A total of 51 chronic stroke participants were randomized to treatment (n=26, 51%; Jintronix system) or standard care (n=25, 49%; standardized Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program kit home program) groups. The participants were evaluated at baseline (before), immediately after the intervention (after), and at follow-up (4 weeks). The primary outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for UE (FMA-UE). Secondary outcome measures included the Stroke Impact Scale and an abridged version of the Motor Activity Log-14. Self-reported number of sessions was logged for the standard care group.

Results
No statistically significant differences between groups were found across measures. Overall time effects were found for the FMA-UE (P=.045), specifically between preintervention and postintervention time points for both groups (P=.03). A total of 9 participants in the treatment group reached or surpassed the minimal clinically important difference in scores for the FMA-UE, with 7 (78%) of them having baseline low or moderate arm function, compared with 3 (33%) participants in the standard care group. Furthermore, 56% (9/16) of the participants in the treatment group who actively engaged with the system reached the minimal clinically important difference for the FMA-UE, compared with none for the 0% (0/10) less-active participants.

Conclusions
These findings suggest that UE training for chronic stroke survivors using virtual rehabilitation in their home may be as effective as a gold standard home exercise program and that those who used the system the most achieved the greatest improvement in UE function, indicating its relevance to being included as part of ongoing rehabilitation services.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02491203; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02491203

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)
RR2-10.1016/j.cct.2015.12.006