bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corneal biomechanical metrics in thin cornea of normal, keratoconus suspect and keratoconus in Egyptian population
Authors: Zaky Adel Galal , Elaziz Mohamed Samy Abd , Marey Hatem Mohamed , Elsawy Moatz Faiz , Badawi Nermeen Mahmoud , Hassan Mahmoud Ahmed Elsayed
Published: August 2019

Background

To assess and compare corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) in normal thin (NT) healthy corneas with central corneal thickness (CCT) 470-500 µm with matched thickness in keratoconus (KC) and keratoconus suspect (KCS) eyes.

Methods

A total of 66 eyes in three groups were included prospectively: NT, KCS and KC groups based on clinical examination and topography. Corneal hysteresis (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF) were measured by the ocular response analyzer. CH and CRF were compared between the three groups and statistically analyzed by variances test.

Results

The three groups consisted of 32 NT, 19 KCS, and 15 KC. The mean CH measured was 8.55± 1.77, 9.03± 1.119 and 8.06 ± 0.85 mm Hg in NT, KCS and KC eyes, respectively. The mean CRF was 8.39 ± 1.47, 8.27 ± 1.09 and 7.24 ± 1.27 mm Hg in NT, KCS and KC eyes, respectively. Within range of central corneal thickness (470 – 500 µm), only mean CRF was statistically significantly different between the NT and KC (P < 0.05); there was no statistically significant difference between NT and KCS, nor the mean CH between each groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

CRF only can be helpful in differentiating KC from NT eyes; however, it’s not valuable for detecting KCS which is the main concern for refractive surgery. No benefit from CH in differentiating between the study groups. Further investigations & work focusing on more accurate tests for identifying KCS are still needed.
The Effect of Posttransplantation Diabetes Mellitus on the Prognosis of Transplantation: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Hang , Yang Xiaoqian , Ying Liang , Yuan Xiaodong , Wei Yuehan , Zhu Minyan , Ni Zhaohui , Hu Yaomin , Zhang Ming , Mou Shan
Published: August 2019

Background: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) constitutes one of the most important complications associated with kidney transplantation and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
Methods: This study was a single-centred prospective observational study that included 310 consecutive renal transplant recipients. The primary end point was graft failure, including death-censored graft failure and mortality. The secondary endpoints include estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at 12 months and adverse events after transplantation. The prevalence rate of PTDM and relevant risk factors for PTDM were also explored.
Results: The incidence of PTDM was 16.4% within one year. Death-censored graft loss rate differed significantly between recipients without PTDM and those with PTDM(0.77% versus 12%, p<0.001). Compared with non-PTDM group, the mean eGFR was significantly lower in the PTDM group(70.55±20.54 ml/min·1.73 m² versus 63.04±21.92 ml/min·1.73 m², P=0.03). Additionally, compared with the other group, the PTDM group was more easily infected by bacteria(16.2% versus 40%, P<0.001). Multi-factor analysis indicated that higher preoperative fasting plasma glucose (FPG), increased age and use of tacrolimus after transplantation were independent risk factors for PTDM.
Conclusion: The incidence rate of PTDM is 16.4% 1 year after surgery. Our study suggests that patients with PTDM are at higher risk of death-censored graft loss and bacterial infection, and worse kidney function. Independent risk factors of PTDM include preoperative FPG level, increased age, and tacrolimus. The PTDM group is more vulnerable to worse graft function, postoperative graft loss and bacterial infection.
Automatic cell segmentation from brightfield microscopy images of pseudohyphal cell-aggregates
Authors: Belini Valdinei Luís , Junior Orides Morandin , Ceccato-Antonini Sandra Regina , Wiedemann Philipp , Suhr Hajo
Published: August 2019

Background: The automatic segmentation of pseudohyphal cell-aggregates from brightfield microscopy images for counting forming cells is a challenging task due to the heterogeneous optical appearances of the cells as they may lie on different focal planes. The current cell counting method is based on a time-consuming manual counting of stained cells on a hemocytometer and in most cases, it represents estimates of low statistical significance due to the effort needed to prepare and analyze many samples. In this work, we evaluated the effectiveness of a marker-controlled watershed algorithm for automatic segmentation of pseudohyphae from brightfield microscopic images. The cell heterogeneity problem was addressed by processing intracellular contents of focused and defocused cells to extract initial foreground markers for the watershed method. By properly segmenting cells of different classes within a pseudohypha allows increasing the number of cells analyzed contributing thus to more reliable estimates. To facilitate the evaluation of the proposal by acquiring images containing a diversity of cells´ appearances, we utilized in situ microscopy, an imaging system used to capture images directly from suspensions.Results: The performance of the method was evaluated on 120 portraits of a yeast exhibiting a diversity of pseudohyphal morphologies. Automatic results were compared with manual references obtained by visual inspection of the images. Despite the simultaneous occurrence of a representative mixture of focused, over-, and under-focused cells, the method produced robust results with an average segmentation sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of 76%, 89%, and 76%, respectively. On average, each microscopic image was processed within 3 s.Conclusions: Our approach was capable to segment pseudohyphae formed by cells exhibiting a large diversity of appearances. The application of a marker-controlled watershed algorithm as a simple, yet effective technique for segmenting pseudohyphae demonstrated satisfactory overall performance to support automated analysis of pseudohyphal cell-aggregates from brightfield images.
Safety climate in public hospitals with the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire assessment
Authors: Carvalho Paloma Aparecida , Casulari Luiz Augusto , Gottems Leila Bernarda Donato
Published: August 2019

Background
To evaluate the safety climate in Brazilian public hospitals using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire from the perspective of professionals working in Brazilian public hospitals.
Methods
An analytical cross-sectional study of the safety climate carried out in eleven public hospitals. The evaluation was performed using the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire in an electronic format. Sampling was stratified, and collection was by convenience. Results equal or greater than 75 were considered positive. Descriptive and inferential analyses were performed, and Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney non-parametric statistical tests were used.
Results
None of the eleven hospitals had a mean over 75. The domains that performed positively above 75 were work satisfaction at all hospitals and perception of stress in nine hospitals. The worst results were for working conditions and management perception, and none of the hospitals had a mean above 75 for these two parameters. Differences in the means of the domains of the questionnaire were found in all hospitals, except for the management perception domain. No professional category had a mean over 75 in all hospitals.
Conclusions
Because the safety climate in the eleven public hospitals has proven to be negative, actions are suggested to improve this performance since maintaining a safety culture is an important aspect of patient safety. Our research provides a baseline measurement of the safety attitude in the evaluated hospitals, making it possible to guide decision making to implement improvements of the quality of patient care and safety.
Effect of Online Travel Bookings and Social Media on Tourism Destination Marketing in Nigeria
Authors: Abiola-Oke Elizabeth , Aina Christopher O
Published: August 2019

The impact of information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) is also felt in the field of tourism as it plays an essential role in the development and marketing of tourism. The study focused on the growth of Online Travel Booking in the tourism industry in terms of the internet, mobile and social media in a country like Nigeria where there are tons of tourist destinations across the country. Both primary and secondary data were used for this study. A questionnaire was designed to collect primary data. The survey was distributed to a sample of 222 students of Redeemer's University through the random selection of both genders. The Chi-square method was employed in analysing the data. Out of 222 questionnaires administered, only 200 were retrieved. Flights and Hotel reservations can be made online through e-mail, telephone calls and other internet services thereby helping to reduce if not remove the time-wasting processes of the old system entirely. It is, therefore, evident that its adoption is necessary for proper inclusion in these benefits and sustainable development of tourism.
Factors Influencing Students’ Decision Making in Selecting University in Bangladesh
Authors: Islam Md. Aminul , Shoron Nehal Hasnain
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the factors that influence students’ decisions when choosing a university for higher education in Bangladesh. The study was conducted among students of two private universities in the country. A multi-method approach was adopted in collecting and analyzing data. The responses of the 153 participating students to the questionnaire are primarily described using descriptive statistics, e.g., frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and rankings. Statistical tools like chi-square and ANOVA test are also applied where necessary. Results of the study indicate that the distance of the university from the students’ home plays an influential role in university choice process in the country. It is also found that there is a significant association between the level of education at which students first consider studying university and their choice about the university. Several other factors: university’s location, cost of tuition, availability of scholarship, students’ mother, friend and visits to campus play an influential role in university choice process.
Access to Job Market: Findings from A Venture Development Program for Marginalized Unemployed Youth in Kampala Uganda
Authors: Nakirijja Deborah Sarah , Kasirye Rogers , Nabulya Anna
Published: August 2019

Majority youths (uneducated/unskilled) in Uganda face challenges identified with unemployment and high-risk practices. An estimated 78 % of Ugandan youth are jobless, need economic capital and life skills. The high rate of unemployment is principally brought about by the absence of employable skills, the lack of capacity of the economy to create as many jobs for the unskilled youth and the ever-increasing population driven by the rural-urban drift. The survey used a mixed methodology where semi-structured questionnaires were used to obtain both quantitative and qualitative primary data using the electronic devices (KoBo Collect software) to conduct the interviews, reaching a total of 770 marginalized youths. Findings from the survey show that vocational skills training, business, career guidance, multi-mixed behavioral and psychological interventions are major determinants of access to the job market for marginalized slum youths. To address youth unemployment, this article underlines the need for interventions that fall outside the regular limits of training and other labor market programs. Numerous young people looking for better jobs and livelihoods are indebted by variables that are not commonly considered in these programs. These incorporate, for instance, lack of access to credit which deters business enterprise. This article has featured solutions important for young people looking for their livelihood in self-employment and entrepreneurship.
AJARAN DAKWAH SUNAN MURIA (KAJIAN RIJAL AL-DAKWAH)
Authors: Anasom Anasom
Published: August 2019

This article is an attempt to know the abouts of Sunan Muria in more depth. This is done because there are several versions of the existence of Sunan Muria from birth to death and gait da'wah that has been implemented. This article is written and extracted from the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) method that has been implemented by various universities, academics, historians and researchers who are intensive in the study of walisongo. The results of this study indicate that Sunan Muria is one son Sunan Kalijaga, the result of his marriage with the goddess Sarah binti Maulana Ishaq. In addition this article shows that the mission carried out by Sunan Muria and the condition of the people who are more embracing the religion of the earth, more precisely Kejawen community. Armed with a variety of works he made, one of the famous known pagerana omahmu kanthi mangkok (Protect Your house with bowl) makes him famous as a pious person who put forward shodaqah. It is known that sodaqah is one of the da'wah material that is often delivered
SIKAP ORGANISASI KEMASYARAKATAN ISLAM TERHADAP UNDANG-UNDANG NOMOR 17 TAHUN 2013 TENTANG ORGANISASI KEMASYARAKATAN DAN PERPU NOMOR 2 TAHUN 2017 (Perspektif Studi Kebijakan Dakwah)
Authors: Azis Muhammad Abdul
Published: August 2019

Freedom of association, assembly and expression is a part of human rights guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution of the State of the Republic of Indonesia. This freedom also includes the propagation of religious teachings as an ideology for transformation to real life. For Muslims, especially da'i certainly have great ideals for the realization of a prosperous fair society that is directed by Allah SWT. It can be fought, one of which can be through social organization.During the 72 years of independent Indonesia, several regulations issued by the government to regulate the system and mechanisms of mass organizations have added controversy to Islamic mass organizations. In the new order, some organizations threatened to be dissolved and not recognized for rejecting the sole principle of Pancasila. The dynamic continues until the reform era. This can be an afterthought for the da'wah perpetrators, especially those who take the path of the organization to pay more attention to the basic aspects of administrative formation with respect to the state / government, because it will subsequently be very influential on the sustainability of da'wah in the future.
Attribution of growing season vegetation activity to climate change and human activities in the Three-River Headwaters Region, China
Authors: Chen Chen , Li Tiejian , Sivakumar Bellie , Li Jiaye , Wang Guangqian
Published: August 2019

Over the past century, vegetation change has been reported at global, national, and regional scales, accompanied by significant climate change and intensified human activities. Among the regions is the rangeland of the Three-River Headwaters Region (TRHR) in China. However, which factor dominates in causing vegetation change in this region is still under considerable debate, and how would the grasslands adapt to the changing environment is largely unknown. To address these issues, we attribute growing season vegetation activity to climate change and human activities, investigate the interactions among different driving variables, and explore the dynamic relationship between vegetation activity and the driving variables. We perform Mann–Kendall trend analysis, Pearson correlation analysis, and partial correlation analysis. The results indicate that the dominant factor for vegetation growth, during the period 1995–2014, was temperature for the southeastern and southern parts of the TRHR, precipitation for the western part, and solar radiation for the northeastern part. The regulation effects of temperature on precipitation and cloud cover contributed to vegetation growth, while grazing activity and population activity offset the positive contribution of climate change. The dynamic relationship between vegetation activity and the driving variables reflected the acclimatization and adaption processes of vegetation, which needs further investigation.
Mini Review on Antimicrobial Peptides, Sources, Mechanism and Recent Applications
Authors: Boparai Jaspreet Kaur , Sharma Pushpender Kumar
Published: August 2019

Antimicrobial peptides in recent years have gained increased interest among scientists,
health professionals and the pharmaceutical companies owing to their therapeutic potential. These
are low molecular weight proteins with broad range antimicrobial and immuno modulatory
activities against infectious bacteria (Gram positive and Gram negative), viruses and fungi. Inability
of micro-organisms to develop resistance against most of the antimicrobial peptide has made them
as an efficient product which can greatly impact the new era of antimicrobials. In addition to this
these peptides also demonstrates increased efficacy, high specificity, decreased drug interaction,
low toxicity, biological diversity and direct attacking properties. Pharmaceutical industries are
therefore conducting appropriate clinical trials to develop these peptides as potential therapeutic
drugs. More than 60 peptide drugs have already reached the market and several hundreds of novel
therapeutic peptides are in preclinical and clinical development. Rational designing can be used
further to modify the chemical and physical properties of existing peptides. This mini review will
discuss the sources, mechanism and recent therapeutic applications of antimicrobial peptides in
treatment of infectious diseases.
Interaction with Modified Cyclodextrin as a Way to Increase the Antimalarial Activity of Primaquine
Authors: Torres Liliane Henrique , de Carvalho Lucas Bragança , de Fátima Abreu Venceslau Adneia , Jaime Carlos , de Matos Alves Pinto Luciana
Published: August 2019

Background:

Malaria is still a dangerous disease that impacts specifically Africa, Asia, and
Latin America. The development of therapies to overcome the parasite infection is an important challenge
nowadays. The medicine primaquine (PQ) is used in the treatment, although several side effects and low
oral bioavailability are reported.

Objective:

This work focused on the preparation and characterization of a complex between PQ and 2-
hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin (HPCD), besides performing release tests of this formulation.

Methods:

PQ:HPCD complexes were prepared at 1:1 and 1:2 molar ratios, by the lyophilization method.
The association between PQ and HPCD was tested using UV-vis, infrared (FTIR), differential scanning
calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy and NMR techniques (chemical shift, Job Plot, DOSY,
and ROESY). Tests were also conducted to evaluate drug release before and after complexation with
HPCD.

Results:

Results showed that there was a weak interaction of PQ with HPCD, forming non-inclusion
complexes. These results were supported by FTIR results and spatial correlations between hydrogens from
PQ with the external HPCD hydrogens. A 1:2 PQ:HPCD preferred molar ratio was determined by DSC
and Job Plot experiments and the time to release 96% of the drug was 21.2 h slower after complexation.

Conclusion:

Conclusion indicate that PQ interacts poorly with HPCD, probably due to its hydrophilic
character, as well as to its interaction with the external rim of HPCD. Our results demonstrate that there
was a significant improvement in the release time after the complexation process, which could lead to an
increase in the activity of the drug.
Antibody Development to HCV Alternate Reading Frame Protein in Liver Transplant Candidate and its Computational Analysis
Authors: Musavi Zahra , Hashempour Tayebeh , Moayedi Javad , Dehghani Behzad , Ghassabi Farzaneh , Hallaji Mehrdad , Hosseini Seyed Younes , Yaghoubi Ramin , Gholami Siavash , Dehyadegari Mohamad Ali , Merat Shahin
Published: August 2019

Background::

HCV Alternate Reading Frame Protein (ARFP) is a frameshift product of
HCV-core encoding. Here, we characterized specific anti-ARFP antibodies in Liver Transplant Candidate
(LTC) and chronic HCV-infected patients.

Methods::

The ARFP gene was cloned and the recombinant protein was purified using Nickel chromatography
and confirmed by western blotting. ELISA was developed using recombinant core-1a, core-
1b, ARFP-1a protein, and 99-residue synthetic ARFP 1b peptide. By several Bioinformatics tools,
general properties, immunogenic epitopes, and structures of these proteins were obtained.

Results::

The seroprevalence of anti-core and anti-ARFP antibodies was 100% in LTC patients, but only
75.2% and 94.3% of chronic patients had evidence of anti-ARFP and anti-core antibodies, respectively.
In-silico results demonstrated physicochemical features, antigen properties and potential interactors
that could describe progression toward advanced liver disease.

Conclusion::

As the first report, the prevalence of anti-ARFP antibodies in LTC patients is of the order
of 100% and titer of anti-ARFP antibody was significantly higher in LTC patients compared to chronic
individuals, suggesting the possible role of ARFP in the progression toward advanced liver disease. In
addition, docking analysis determined several interactor proteins such as prefoldin 2, cathepsin B, vitronectin,
and angiotensinogen that have an important role in progression to chronic infection and liver
disease development.
Upregulated Retinol Binding Protein and Transthyretin as Predictive Biomarkers of Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Ilyas Sadaf , Roohi Nabila , Ashraf Samina , Alyas Sobia
Published: August 2019

Background:

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is one of the most common medical
complications of pregnancy. The untreated GDM affects both the baby and mother during gestation as
well as presents the risk of subsequent type 2 diabetes in mothers and babies.

Objective:

To determine the effect of GDM on plasma proteomics as variable plasma proteins can be
secreted by the cells at the pathological sites and can serve as a biomarker of the disease.

Method:

Blood samples were taken from 400 pregnant women at early second trimester and they
were followed till early third trimester or until the development of GDM. All the pregnant females
were sampled again in 3rd trimester. Overall 42 pregnant females developed GDM. These females were
grouped as GDM I and GDM II, before and after the development of gestational diabetes, respectively.
An equivalent number of pregnant women who did not develop GDM served as control I and control II
in early second and third trimester, respectively. Blood samples from all the groups were subjected to
2D gel electrophoresis.

Result :

Nineteen protein spots were differently expressed between GDM and control groups, two
spots were further confirmed by LC-MS/MS as Retinol binding protein A4 and Transthyretin. These
two proteins were found to be up regulated in GDM group in early second trimester as well as early 3rd
trimester.

Conclusion :

Transthyretin and Retinol binding protein 4 can be used as predictive plasma biomarkers
of GDM that might help in the identification of at-risk pregnancies, hence, providing the best opportunity
for early treatment in order to prevent the onset or progression of the disease.
Pure Emotion-loaded Materials in the International Affective Digitized Sounds (IADS): A Study on Intensity Ratings in Chinese University Students
Authors: Wang Jiawei , Jia Yanli , Shao Xu , Wang Chu , Wang Wei
Published: August 2019

Background:

Materials loaded with pure emotion are essential for basic and clinical research
on sounds. The International Affective Digitized Sounds (IADS) is one of the widely-used
emotional tools, but its materials are not clearly labeled with specific emotions. We have hypothesized
that the IADS contains pure vectors of at least disgust, erotica (or erotism), fear, happiness,
sadness and neutral emotions.

Methods:

We therefore selected 48 IADS sounds with saturate emotions, and invited 271 male and
353 female university students to rate the intensity of the emotions conveyed in each sound. The
ratings were then analyzed with the exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses.

Results:

Five factors were observed, namely: erotica, fear-sadness, happiness, neutrality, and disgust.
Later, as two facets, sounds of fear-sadness were separated. Thirty sounds under six facets
were finally retained with good model-fit indices and satisfactory factor internal reliabilities.
Moreover, males scored significantly higher on erotica than females did.

Conclusion:

Our study purified a series of emotion-loaded IADS sounds, which might help clarify
the pure effects of sound emotion in future research and clinical management of affective disorders.
Biochemical Implications of Biotransformation of Some Toxic Floras Using Natural Local Enzyme Sources
Authors: Agomuo Emmanuel N. , Amadi Peter U.
Published: August 2019

Background:

Recently, it has been established that simultaneous saccharification and fermentation is a potent technique for the detoxification of harmful plant materials.

Objective:

Following encouraging simultaneous medicinal applications of snail slime and yeast, we exploited their hydrolytic and fermentation potentials to prevent toxicities of the selected floras; Erythrodontium barteri (EB), bracken fern (BF), and crustose lichens (CL). The applicability of the saccharification process has been described in a patent (WO2005010193A2).

Method:

The plants were bioprocessed using snail digestive juice and yeast slurry and their health effects were evaluated. Seventy rats were divided equally into groups, treated with single doses of aqueous extracts of the plants and their bioprocessed forms, and compared with control rats.

Result:

The plants showed very high antinutrients levels, which significantly reduced after SSF with enhanced flavonoids, alkaloids and phenols. Potential alterations of WBC differentials, RBC, liver and renal function markers indices were mitigated by bioprocessed extracts. MDA, SOD, GRase, XO and XDH levels in rats administered the bEB and CL were equivalent to the levels found for the control rats. Some bioprocessed plants produced unaltered insulin, ghrelin, and leptin levels. The bioprocessed extracts, when compared to the effects of unprocessed extracts, produced lower TNF-α, Caspase-3, and adiponectin levels and mitigated the potential suppression of Na+/K+-ATPase levels. Potential depletion of inhibin-B, testosterone, estrogen, and prolactin was mitigated after bioprocessing.

Conclusion:

This study, thus, validates the application of bioprocessing using snail digestive juice and yeast as an effective approach to reduce the potential toxicities of harmful plants.
Vitamin D and HTLV Infection: A Systematic Review
Authors: Netto E , Gomes-Neto M , Brites C
Published: August 2019

Background:

Vitamin D has been associated with the pathogenesis of infectious diseases.

Objective:

To perform a systematic review on the association of vitamin D and outcomes of HTLV (Human T-cell lymphotropic virus) infection.

Methods:

We searched PubMed, LILACs, Scielo, Embase and Cochrane Library for studies addressing vitamin D and HTLV infection. We included studies published in English since 1980. Studies associated with HIV, bone metabolism and not related to HTLV- associated myelopathy/ tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP) or adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) were excluded.

Results:

Twenty-three studies were selected and sixteen studies were included in the review (eight experimental studies, three case reports, three cases series, one cross-sectional study and one review). Fourteen studies were focused on ATL, and two on HAM/TSP. The available data show that in vitro exposure to 1,25(OH)2D inhibits proliferation of HTLV-infected lymphocytes in patients with ATL or HAM/TSP. It has been observed that hypercalcemia, the main cause of death in patients with ATL, is not associated with serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D or parathyroid hormone-related protein, but leukemia inhibitory factor/D factor seems to be an important factor for hypercalcemia pathogenesis. It was also demonstrated an association between the VDR ApaI gene polymorphism and a decreased risk of HAM/TSP in HTLV positive individuals.

Conclusion:

Despite the small number and heterogeneity of the studies, this systematic review suggests that vitamin D play a role in the pathogenesis of HTLV-associated diseases.
Determination of Phenolic Compounds in the Methanolic Extract of Pourouma guianensis Leaves by UPLC-DAD-MS
Authors: de S. Sales Queitilane , da S. Mathias Marcelo , de Oliveira Rodrigo R.
Published: August 2019

Background:

The presence of phenolic compounds is common in Urticaceae. However,
only one report of the isolation of an apigenin in the Pourouma genus is available. Pourouma guianensis
occurs widely throughout Brazil, mainly in the Southeastern region, and is popularly known
as “pitinga”. The chemical profile of P. guianensis is marked by the presence of steroids and triterpenes.

Objective:

This study carried out the characterization of phenolic substances using UPLC-DAD-MS
separation, in order to increase the chemical knowledge on the Pourouma genus.

Methods:

The extract was analyzed by UPLC-DAD-MS using a C-18 column, DAD detector at 190-
400nm and ESI-Q-TOF mass spectrometer. The solvent system consisted of water with 0.1% formic
acid (phase A) and acetonitrile with 0.1% formic acid (phase B).

Results:

The extract analysis identified the presence of ten compounds: two aryl propanoids (5-Ocaffeoylquinic
acid and 3-O-feruloylquinic acid) and eight glycosylated flavones derived from apigenin,
luteonin, and chrysoeryol (vicenin 2, saponarin, orientin, isoorientin, isoschaftoside, schaftoside,
isovitexin, and isoscoparin).

Conclusion:

The developed UPLC-DAD method was proven to be an efficient tool for the separation
of phenolic mixtures and the UPLC-DAD-MS analysis enabled the identification of these compounds,
reported for the first time in Pourouma genus.
Effect of Brief Biofeedback via a Smartphone App on Stress Recovery: Randomized Experimental Study (Preprint)
Authors: Hunter John F , Olah Meryl S , Williams Allison L , Parks Acacia C , Pressman Sarah D
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are often vilified for negatively influencing well-being and contributing to stress. However, these devices may, in fact, be useful in times of stress and, in particular, aid in stress recovery. Mobile apps that deliver evidence-based techniques for stress reduction, such as heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) training, hold promise as convenient, accessible, and effective stress-reducing tools. Numerous mobile health apps that may potentially aid in stress recovery are available, but very few have demonstrated that they can influence health-related physiological stress parameters (eg, salivary biomarkers of stress). The ability to recover swiftly from stress and reduce physiological arousal is particularly important for long-term health, and thus, it is imperative that evidence is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of stress-reducing mobile health apps in this context.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this research was to investigate the physiological and psychological effects of using a smartphone app for HRVB training following a stressful experience. The efficacy of the gamified Breather component of the Happify mobile health app was examined in an experimental setting.

METHODS

In this study, participants (N=140) underwent a laboratory stressor and were randomly assigned to recover in one of three ways: with no phone present, with a phone present, with the HRBV game. Those in the no phone condition had no access to their phone. Those in the phone present condition had their phone but did not use it. Those in the HRVB game condition used the serious game Breather on the Happify app. Stress recovery was assessed via repeated measures of salivary alpha amylase, cortisol, and self-reported acute stress (on a 1-100 scale).

RESULTS

Participants in the HRVB game condition had significantly lower levels of salivary alpha amylase during recovery than participants in the other conditions (F2,133=3.78, P=.03). There were no significant differences among the conditions during recovery for salivary cortisol levels or self-reported stress.

CONCLUSIONS

These results show that engaging in a brief HRVB training session on a smartphone reduces levels of salivary alpha amylase following a stressful experience, providing preliminary evidence for the effectiveness of Breather in improving physiological stress recovery. Given the known ties between stress recovery and future well-being, this study provides a possible mechanism by which gamified biofeedback apps may lead to better health.
Free trade or people?
Authors: Nemgar Mojca
Published: August 2019

The growth of the GDP seems much more important than overall development of the country. The gap between rich and poor is increasing drastically. Everything that challenges profit e.g. worker's rights, pollution, descreasing absolute poverty is set aside and considered irrelevant. Only few are to decide what the world itself and world economy should be like. G-8, IMF, WB, WTO are deciding about the future of the world in a name of few, as they are deciding about the important matters of humanity away from the eyes of the public. Even the agreement of FTAA (Free Trade Area of Americas) was adopted away from the eyes of the public. Namely FTAA is compromising 34 states of Latin America and North America, although it seems that is only an extension of the NAFTA who has proved to be harmful both for the Mexico, which obviously does not have enough economic power to cope (financial crisis 1995) with thriving American economy, as for Canada, a member of G-8.
Latvia's Liberal Party (LLP) in post-Soviet Latvia
Authors: Dubrovskis Di Juris
Published: August 2019

The aim of this article is to look at one of the two parties in Latvia, whose ideology is classical liberalism. In the situation of the transition from totalitarianism to democracy the liberal ideas appeared to be unpopular to the majority of the population of Latvia, due to different difficulties linked to transition, both economical and psychological. The article gives a glance to the programme and internal problems of LLP.
Instituciones, rendición de cuentas y prácticas de corrupción en el gobierno de Quintana Roo: el ejercicio de los fondos federales
Authors: Uvalle Berrones Ricardo
Published: August 2019

El artículo analiza el contexto, los procesos, las reglas y los resultados de la Auditoría Superior de la Federación en México, para llevar a cabo el control, la legalidad y la evidencia de los recursos federales que se aplican en la entidad federativa de Quintana Roo. Se destacan los límites de su acción, sobre todo cuando esa entidad federativa ha tenido desvíos de recursos, prácticas
de corrupción y quebranto patrimonial del gobierno con daño a la sociedad, la economía de mercado y las finanzas públicas. No obstante que México ha institucionalizado la rendición de cuentas horizontal tanto en el ámbito federal como estatal, subsisten casos de corrupción política que desacreditan a la democracia y deterioran la credibilidad en el sistema de instituciones que sustentan las tareas de gobierno y administración estatal
El hacktivismo e Internet como territorio en disputa. Una mirada desde los marcos de acción colectiva
Authors: Lechón Gómez Domingo Manuel , Mena Farrera Ramón Abraham
Published: August 2019

Este artículo aborda una dimensión del análisis de una investigación más extensa realizada en México durante el primer semestre de 2018 acerca de los activismos tecnológicos. Dicha investigación se construye a partir de la perspectiva teórica de los marcos de acción colectiva, y con entrevistas a siete hacktivistas que reflexionan su actividad pública y lucha social desde Internet. Los hallazgos contribuyen a la reflexión de cómo el internet puede ser considerado un territorio en disputa, apoyándose en el hacktivismo como la expresión de una participación medular y activa en los movimientos sociales y tecnopolíticos de una comunidad
El edublog en el contexto educativo universitario
Authors: Cabrera Carlos Enrique
Published: August 2019

Este artículo se centra en las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC), específicamente en los weblogs: nacimiento y evolución, estructura, tipos y características; las particularidades del post como unidad de información/narración y la inserción de esta herramienta social en la llamada blogosfera. El interés principal se dirige hacia el edublog y sus grandes posibilidades para favorecer y fortalecer el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje, especialmente en la educación superior y universitaria, donde se analiza no solo lo que puede brindar la implementación de weblogs a los alumnos, sino también a los propios profesores. En las conclusiones, se sostienen los efectos positivos de los blogs implementados dentro del marco de una pedagogía constructivista, así como la necesidad de favorecer y potenciar su uso, análisis y estudio en la universidad, tanto por parte de los docentes como de los discentes y autoridades académicas.
Avaliação Institucional: análise da participação e percepção dos discentes de uma IES
Authors: Kreutz Rafael Rudolfo , Vieira Kelmara Mendes , Costa Flavio Naccheri Vilar
Published: August 2019

O artigo buscou identificar o panorama da participação dos discentes do curso de engenharia de produção (E.P.) na avaliação institucional. Como estrategia de pesquisa escolheu-se como metodo o estudo de caso e abordagem quantitativa. A coleta de dados foi realizada em tres etapas. A primeira foi feita atraves de uma pesquisa bibliografica. Na segunda, realizou-se a coleta dos dados secundarios atraves do banco de informações disponibilizadas pelo CPD da Universidade. Em seguida, foram construidos os graficos comparando as participacoes dos discentes. Para analise dos dados utilizou-se a estatistica descritiva e analise multivariada. Os resultados evidenciam que, no geral, houve uma baixa participação dos discentes na avaliação. A E.P. obteve os menores indices de participação em relação às demais engenharias, alem de ter apenas 12,5% de participação media. Os estudantes de E.P. conhecem o Projeto Pedagogico do curso, mas classificam como ruim ou regular diversos quesitos da avaliação.
Conhecimentos, Habilidade e Atitudes: percepção de discentes e docentes no processo de ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Dallabona Lara Fabiana , Kreutzfeld Maicon , Fernandes Ana Rita Venzon , Oliveira Gabriela Ramos de
Published: August 2019

O estudo analisa a percepcao dos discentes e docentes do curso de ciencias contabeis de uma instituicao de ensino superior plica sobre conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes no processo de ensino-aprendizagem. A pesquisa envolveu uma amostra de 182 discentes e 23 docentes do curso de ciencias contabeis de uma IES plica do Brasil. Os dados foram calculados por meio da tecnica de consenso. Os resultados demonstram que na percepcao dos professores em relação aos alunos, a maioria das questoes denotaram consenso moderado nas tres competencias, o que destaque que os alunos precisam trabalhar melhor os conhecimentos, habilidades e atitudes. Ja quanto a avaliação dos alunos em relação aos professores, foi possivel perceber que a maioria das questoes obtiveram consenso forte, o que demonstra que os professores possuem as competencias bem desenvolvidas. Comparando os dois grupos, para verificar se as variaveis convergiam, foi possivel identificar que na percepcao dos discentes, os docentes tem essas competencias desenvolvidas. Parte das questoes demonstraram divergencia nas respostas, o que demonstra que falta uma maior interação entre os dois grupos estudados. Concluiu-se que para melhorar o processo ensino-aprendizagem do curso de ciencias contabeis da Instituicao estudada e preciso ter uma maior interação entre os discentes e docentes.
Introducción, epidemiología y diagnóstico de la enfermedad de Parkinson
Authors: Saavedra Moreno Juan Sebastián , Millán Paula Andrea , Buriticá Henao Omar Fredy
Published: August 2019

La enfermedad de Parkinson es un trastorno neurodegenerativo que tiene múltiples manifestaciones motoras y no motoras. El proceso patológico inicia años o décadas antes del debut de los síntomas no motores, tiempo en el que se desarrollan otros síntomas que muy frecuentemente preceden el inicio clínico. Si bien se ha avanzado mucho en el conocimiento sobre la patogénesis y en el reconocimiento de las numerosas manifestaciones no motoras, el diagnóstico se sigue centrando en el síndrome motor o parkinsonismo. En este capítulo se muestra una actualización sobre datos recientes relacionados con el incremento en la prevalencia mundial de la enfermedad, así como el diagnóstico basado en los nuevos criterios definidos por la Sociedad Internacional de Trastornos del Movimiento en 2015, que se basan en los criterios centrales pero tienen en cuenta banderas rojas para la posible existencia de otros parkinsonismos, criterios de exclusión absoluta y criterios de soporte, éstos últimos reconociendo la utilidad de los síntomas no motores y de algunas ayudas paraclínicas para soportar el diagnóstico in vivo.
Febrile seizures: is there a significance of chronological ranking of fever and seizure?
Authors: COKYAMAN Turgay
Published: August 2019

Introduction:Seizures observed in febrile disease periods in healthy
children aged from 3 months to 6 years are known as febrile seizures (FS).
There is usually a chronological sequence involving seizure following fever in
most FS, but some cases may not follow this pattern. This study investigated
the chronological relation between fever and convulsion and whether clinical
and laboratory findings affect this. Methods:Patients with FS between 1 December, 2015, and 1 April,
2016, were included in this study. Cases with a regular fever plus seizure
chronological sequence were classified as classical FS. Without a regular
chronological sequence, fever after seizure, were classified as non-classical
FS. The effect on both groups of parameters such as gender, age, height,
weight, type of FS (simple or complex), previous history of FS, family history of FS, family history of epilepsy, qualitative c-reactive protein
(CRP) and white blood cell (WBC) count were evaluated. Results:Twenty-seven percent of FS were non-classical and 73% were
classical. Negative CRP and low WBC emerged as significant predictors of
non-classical FS at binary logistic regression (OR=1.388, 95% CI 1.051-1.834
and OR=9.021, 95% CI 1.298-62.702, respectively). Other factors such as gender,
age, height, weight, type of FS, previous history of FS, familyhistory of FS, familyhistory of epilepsyhad no effect in terms of nonclassic
FS.

Conclusions:Acute inflammatory response findings such as increased CRP,
WBC and fever may not accompany in non-classical FS. Although the diagnosis of
FS is correct in such cases, misunderstandings may occur between the physician
and parents because of the nomenclature employed.
Referencias pedagógicas de la educación expandida
Authors: Uribe Zapata Alejandro
Published: August 2019

Este artículo analiza algunas referencias pedagógicas asociadas al término educación expandida, tales como: educación alternativa, pedagogías críticas y pedagogías emergentes, con el propósito de precisar dichos términos y explorar su relación con el concepto y las prácticas de educación expandida. Se estudian tanto las semejanzas como las disimilitudes de los términos y se concluye que: 1) la educación alternativa influye de manera directa en muchas de las prácticas de la educación expandida; 2) la educación expandida presenta una cercanía con las pedagogías críticas; y 3) en contravía de la visión imperante que considera que la educación expandida es una pedagogía emergente, se demuestra que esta es en realidad un discurso crítico/práctico sobre educación, sin compromiso normativo ni prescriptivo.
Cine y criminología: género y raza. Narrativas interseccionales en El color púrpura
Authors: Amaral Machado Bruno
Published: August 2019

El crimen es un producto cultural que sugiere diferentes miradas sobre las formas de control, el castigo y la justicia. El “cine crimen” juega un rol importante para el conocimiento criminológico, pues constituye una forma de criminología popular. Las intersecciones entre la desviación, el delito, el control y sus distintas representaciones simbólicas en el cine se volvieron objeto de interés de la criminología cultural. El artículo analiza las imágenes y los discursos sobre la violencia, desde una perspectiva interseccional (género y raza) de las semánticas criminológicas feministas, en la película “El color púrpura”. En la adaptación para el cine de la obra literaria de Alice Walker, las imágenes captan momentos de la obra original. En el universo retratado por Spielberg, las escenas remiten a cuestiones contemporáneas debatidas por las teorías de género y, especialmente, por parte de la criminología feminista, abiertas a las intersecciones de raza. El camino recorrido en este artículo pretende evidenciar las potencialidades del lenguaje cinematográfico para discutir y ampliar el debate sobre temas relevantes de los distintos paradigmas criminológicos.
Análisis sistémico de la comunidad y el individuo en el proceso de reintegración paramilitar en Colombia (2003-2006)
Authors: Mateus García Diana Alejandra , González Piñeros Milena Alexandra
Published: August 2019

Los procesos de reintegración competen tanto a las personas que se encuentran en ellos como a la sociedad que está pasando por tal coyuntura. Tras el análisis de la Ruta de Reintegración aplicada en el lapso 2003–2006 para la desmovilización paramilitar en Colombia, surge el interrogante acerca de sus implicaciones en el momento en el que alguien se enfrenta a un cambio de realidad y la forma en la cual la sociedad es partícipe en este proceso. Mediante un estudio cualitativo, se analizan cuatro historias de vida tomadas del programa de radio “La Reintegración, el camino hacia la paz”, las cuales se contrastan con las dimensiones para la reintegración: personal, habitabilidad y ciudadanía, diseñados desde el enfoque individual en el papel de los excombatientes y el enfoque comunal en la disposición de la sociedad. Como resultado, se argumenta que es necesario incorporar una articulación sistémica para el éxito del proceso.
De la guerra a la esperanza: las estrategias de afrontamiento de reintegrados de las Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia
Authors: Cárdenas Echeverry Paula Andrea , Montoya Ruiz Ana Milena , Gutiérrez Olga Cristina
Published: August 2019

El presente artículo es producto del estudio exploratorio “Estrategias personales en hombres y mujeres excombatientes de las Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia y resignificación de su proyecto de vida” realizado en la ciudad de Medellín, Colombia, el cual a partir de los testimonios de dos excombatientes, identificó y analizó las estrategias de afrontamiento incorporadas en su proceso y que han incidido en la resignificación de sus experiencias de vida en la guerra. La investigación usó la metodología del estudio de caso, aplicada en un hombre y una mujer excombatientes de las Autodefensas Unidas de Colombia (AUC) que culminaron su proceso de reintegración −promovido por la Agencia Colombiana para la Reintegración− y que decidieron participar de la investigación voluntariamente. A partir de sus testimonios se realizó un acercamiento a algunas experiencias compartidas por hombres y mujeres en la guerra y se dio cuenta de la influencia que tienen las condiciones socio-históricas y de género para reconstruir un proyecto de vida en la legalidad. Finalmente, como producto de este diálogo se formulan algunas propuestas para las intervenciones de excombatientes del conflicto armado en Colombia como aportes al proceso de reincorporación actual.