bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Innovative AI-Based System for Corruption Risks Assessment Among Corporate Managers to Support Open Source Analysis
Authors: Morra Emanuele , Revetria Roberto , Pecorino Danilo , Giudici Matteo , Galli Gabriele
Published: September 2020

The paper has its focus on the creation of an innovative Natural Language Processing system for the quest of available information and consequent data analysis, aimed at reconstructing the corporate chain and monitoring the sensitive risk of corruption for people involved in command positions. Today, the greatest opportunity in finding information is represented by the Internet or other open sources, where the contents related to corporate managers are continuously posted and updated. Given the vastness of the information dimension, it seems remarkably advantageous to have an intelligent analysis system capable of independently finding, analyzing and synthesizing information related to a set of target subjects. The aim of this document is to describe a forecasting model based on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence techniques capable of understanding whether a news item related to an individual (sought during a due diligence process) contains information about crime, investigation, conviction, fraud, corruption or sanction relating to the subject sought. Methods based on Artificial Neural Networks and Support Vector Machine, compared one to the others, are introduced and applied for the scope. In particular, results showed the architecture based on SVM with TF-IDF matrix and test pre-processing outperforms the others discussed in this paper demonstrating high accuracy and precision in prediction new data as well.
A Decision Tool for the Water-Energy Nexus in Jordan
Authors: Danielson Mats , Ekenberg Love , Komendantova Nadejda
Published: September 2020

Jordan is currently facing a serious problem of water scarcity. It is the fourth water-scarce country in the world. The sustainability of water supply in Jordan is affected not only by the depletion of water reserves but also by increasing electricity tariffs. In this paper, we present some results regarding the water-energy nexus governance in Jordan using a computer-supported co-creative approach for evaluating stakeholder preferences on criteria and possible scenarios of development for the sectors. We describe a decision support tool and a methodology for evaluating stakeholder preferences for both sectors and on possible scenarios of development for the water and energy sectors. We rank possible energy and water futures ranked under a set of sector-relevant criteria while considering entire ranges of possible alternative values and criteria weights. Using second-order probabilistic considerations, we furthermore analyse how plausible it is that a scenario outranks the others.
A Study of a Patent Documents Classification System Using Rough Set Theory and Machine Translation
Authors: Kurematsu M.
Published: September 2020

We should check whether there are any existing patent documents whose claims fall foul of our idea or innovation before we submit own idea or innovation as a patent. We need a lot of resource to do it, because there are a lot of existing patent documents. These days, we can submit the patent documents by a computer and the number of patent documents is increasing quickly. Therefore, people need a system to support this task. In order to meet this demand, I propose a framework of a system to classify patent documents in this paper. This system uses machine translation to deal with synonym and Rough Set theory to classify patent documents. First, it extracts decision rules by Rough Set Theory from labeled patent documents translated by machine translation. Then, it classifies unlabeled patent documents by estimating labels based on the weight of the matched rules. In this approach, the satisfactory index (SI), the coverage index (CI) and the Lift value are used as the weight of rules and they are compared with the maximum number, the total number and the Mahalanobis distance. I evaluated this idea by classifying Japanese patent documents using a prototype system based on this idea. In the evaluation, the accuracy was about 0.40 and the accuracy has not reached the practical level. Therefore I will apply this approach to other document classification task and improve it based on the analysis result of them.
Sistem Informasi Administrasi Perkara Hukum Perdata Pada Kantor Advokat (Studi Kasus : Buyung & Partners)
Authors: Sari Amy Kartika , Prasetyo Koko Wahyu
Published: September 2020

Pada kantor Advokat Buyung & Partners memiliki kendala terkait berkas perkara yang semakin hari semakinbanyak yang dapat menimbulkan tertukarnya berkas, beberapa data penting yang hilang, berkas rusak dansebagainya. Sistem ini membahas tentang pengarsipan berkas – berkas perkara. Ada juga kendala dalampenjadwalan Advokat pendamping sidang. Dua unsur diatas adalah bagian terpenting dalam pengelolaan perkara hukum. Maka dari itu dibuatlah Sistem Informasi yang dapat mengatasi kendala-kendala tersebut. Sistem penjadwalan Advokat pendamping sidang menjadi solusi yang efektif untuk mengatasi jadwal Advokat yang bentrok. Adanya notifikasi via email kepada Advokat dan Klien sebelum persidangan dianggap membantu kedua belah pihak untuk mempersiapkan diri sebelum maju ke persidangan di Pengadilan Negeri. Selain kedua fitur diatas, sistem ini juga membahas tentang keuangan yang dikelola di dalam kantor Advokat Buyung & Partners. Pengelolaan keuangan menyangkut tentang pembayaran biaya penanganan perkara oleh klien, pembagian honor Advokat dan pemasukan yang diterima oleh kantor.
Sistem Penunjang Keputusan Untuk Membantu Calon Siswa-Siswi Memilih SMK Di Malang Berbasis Mobile
Authors: Utomo Danu Setyo
Published: September 2020

Salah satu permasalahan yang dihadapi oleh para calon siswa-siswi di  Malang adalah terdapat banyaknya pilihan sekolah menengah kejuruan di  Malang. Sehingga membingungkan calon siswa dalam memilih sekolah menengah kejuruan tersebut, dan calon siswa mengalami kesulitan untuk mendapatkan informasi secara lengkap. Oleh karena itu, penulis memutuskan untuk membuat sebuah Sistem Pendukung Keputusan (SPK) untuk mempermudah penentuan melanjutkan ke SMK di Malang yang memiliki keunggulan dan menjadi favorit calon siswa-siswi tersebut. Platform yang digunakan yaitu android (mobile), dan web. Android untuk membantu mengambil keputusan, sedangkan web untuk mengelola informasi SMK. Sistem Penunjang Keputusan (SPK) merupakan suatu sistem interaktif berbasis komputer yang mampu membantu para pengambil keputusan untuk memecahkan masalah yang bersifat tidak terstruktur. Metode yang digunakan untuk proses pengambilan keputusan adalah AHP. AHP (Analytical Hierarchy Process) adalah salah satu teknik pengambilan keputusan yang digunakan dalam analisis kebijaksanaan. Dalam penelitian ini, penulis menggunakan AHP hanya sebagai teori dasar untuk membantu dalam membentuk sebuah keputusan dari permasalahan yang ada dengan melakukan perbandingan kepentingan tiap kriteria. Kemudian akan didapatkan sebuah pembobotan dengan nilai kepentingan yang berbeda-beda untuk tiap kriteria. Pembobotan ini digunakan untuk menilai setiap alternatif agar diperoleh alternatif terbaik. Kriteria-kriteria yang dibutuhkan untuk pengambilan keputusan yaitu: biaya spp, total biaya administrasi, fasilitas, jurusan, akreditasi, dan ekstrakurikuler.
Perancangan Buku Ilustrasi Digital Painting “Culinary Experience Of Malang” Sebagai Upaya Mendukung Potensi Kuliner Legendaris Di Kota Malang
Authors: Asmawan Fery Andry
Published: September 2020

Malang merupakan salah satu Kota besar di Indonesia yang memiliki banyak potensi, diantaranya adalah potensi wisata dan kuliner. Hingga saat ini kuliner lokal yang sudah ada sejak lama masihbelum mampu bersaing dengan kuliner baru yang banyak bermunculan. Oleh sebab itu penulis membuat buku ilustrasi digital painting yang memuat tentang tempat-tempat kuliner legendaris di Kota Malang. Ilustrasi dipilih dikarenakan ilustrasi merupakan sebuah gambar yang mengkomunikasikan sebuah konsep atau pesan. Medium terbaik untuk menikmati ilustrasi adalah pada media-media yang diperuntukan, seperti majalah, buku, dll. Digital painting memberikan kemudahan dalam hal teknis pembuatan ilustrasi. Model perancangan menggunakan model Sadjiman EbdiSanyoto, yaitu diawali dengan latar belakang masalah, identifikasi, sumber data, lalu dilanjutkan sintesis, konsep perancangan, proses perancangan, dan desain final. Software yang digunakandalam proses pembuatan ilustrasi digital antara lain: Adobe Photoshop CS 6 dan Adobe Ilustrator CS 6. Buku yang dibuat berukuran 21 cm x 21 cm menggunakan bahan Art Paper 310 gram pada sampul buku dan 120 gram pada isi buku, jilid menggunakan jilid spiral. Media pendukung antara lain brosur, poster, merchandise, social media, mug, tote bag, dan pembatas buku. Bagi penulis selanjutnya diharapkan dapat merancang dengan permasalan yang sama namun dengan media yang berbeda
Analisis Fitur-Fitur Yang Mempengaruhi Jumlah Subscribers Youtube Menggunakan Algoritma Naive Bayes Classifier
Authors: Yoanita Meliyana Rahayu , Setiawan Hendry , Irawan Paulus Lucky Tirma
Published: September 2020

Salah satunya teknologi dalam bidang komunikasi adalah platform media sosial. Media sosial Youtube adalah salah satu media sosial yang paling banyak digunakan di Indonesia. Keuntungan yang didapatkan oleh Content Creator atau Youtuber berasal dari AdSense. Youtube memiliki beberapa fitur yang disediakan yaitu like, dislike, view dan komentar (komentar dengan sentimen negatif atau positif). Diperlukan sistem klasifikasi otomatis sentimen komentar Youtube untuk klasifikasi komentar positif dan komentar negatif, selain itu analisis fitur-fitur yang mempengaruhi jumlah subscribers sehingga Content Creator dapat mengetahui fitur-fitur yang dapat mempengaruhi jumlah subscribers.  Dalam penelitian ini akan dibuat sistem klasifikasi otomatis sentimen komentar menggunakan algoritma Naive Bayes (NB) sehingga proses klasifikasi komentar positif dan negatif dapat dilakukan dengan mudah, data yang digunakan dalam analisis adalah sebanyak 53 channel Youtube dengan jenis vlog. Selain itu data yang digunakan sebagai data latih klasifikasi adalah sebanyak 4166 sentimen positif dan 4166 sentimen negatif, setelah itu dilakukan analisis fitur-fitur yang mempengaruhi jumlah subscribers dengan menggunakan chi square.   Hasil dari analisis dengan chi square didapatkan ada 4 fitur yang memiliki pengaruh terhadap jumlah subscribers yaitu jumlah view dengan nilai chi square 23.105, dislike dengan nilai chi square 13.745, jumlah komentar sentimen positif dengan nilai chi square 18.123 dan jumlah like dengan nilai chi square 13.745. Hasil akurasi untuk sistem klasifikasi otomatis menggunakan Naive Bayes (NB) sebesar 81%.
Pengembangan Game Edukasi Pengenalan Bahasa Inggris Dasar untuk Anak TK
Authors: Sandri Prima Ramadhayani , Trisnadoli Anggy , Nugroho Erwin Setyo
Published: September 2020

Pada masa taman kanak-kanak sudah mulai dikenalkan dengan bahasa inggris dasar. Ada beberapa cara yang bisa dilakukan oleh guru dengan anak-anak TK seperti bernyanyi, menggambar dengan media yang ada dan melakukan tanya jawab. Bahasa merupakan alat utama untuk berkomunikasi dalam kehidupan manusia, baik secara individu maupun kolektif sosial. Bahasa pada anak usia 4-6 tahun itu belum terlalu maksimal, maka peran orang tua dan guru dapat membatu anak-anak dalam berintraksi. Anak-anak TK sudah mulai dikenalkan dengan bahasa inggris dasar. Menurut EPI (English Proficiency Index), negara Indonesia berada pada peringkat ke 51 dari 88 negara yang ada di dunia pada tahun 2018. Bahasa inggris dasar pada anak di negara Indonesia termasuk kedalam kelompok kecakapan rendah, Selama ini, cara belajar mereka masih menggunakan alat peraga sebagai media pembelajaran. Oleh karena itu dibutuhkan teknologi yang dapat membantu anak-anak TK dalam belajar Bahasa Inggris dasar menggunakan objek 3D untuk materinya. Berdasarkan analisis observasi yang dilakukan ke anak- anak TK didapatkan peningkatan sebesar 32,74%. Pada analisis hasil uji blackbox, didapatkan bahwa semua fungsi pada aplikasi dapat berjalan dengan sesuai hasil yang diharapkan. Serta hasil analisis wawancara kepada guru TK yang menyatakan, bahwa game pengenalan bahasa inggris dasar ini sangat membantu untuk proses belajar mengajar.
Pengaruh Ketebalan Mulsa Ampas Tebu Dan Interval Penyiraman Terhadap Pertumbuhan Tanaman Sukun (Artocarpus communis Forst)
Authors: Afifuddin Dalimunte  , Budi Utomo  , Ratih Fransiska
Published: September 2020

Breadfruit (Artocarpus communis Forst) is a plant that has many benefits, which is able to support the welfare of the community. To cultivate these plants required effective and efficient techniques. This study aims to determine the effect of bagasse mulch thickness and intervals of watering to growth of breadfruit. This study used a complete randomized design (RAL) with 2 factors. The first factor is the thickness factor of bagasse mulch (T) which consists of control/without treatment (T0), thickness 1 cm (T1), thickness 3 cm (T2) and thickness 5 cm (T3) and the second factor is watering interval (S) consisting of daily watering (S1), 1 time in 3 days (S2) and 1 time in 6 days (S3). The observed parameters were height increase (cm), diameter (cm), number of leaves (strands), length of root (cm), upper water content of plants (shoot)(%) and moisture content (root)(%). The results showed that there is a real effect on the growth of breadfruit with the treatment of various of bagasse mulch thickness to height increase, diameter, number of leaves, length of root, and upper water content of plants. And the treatment of watering interval showed the real effect on the parameters of height increase, diameter, number of leaves and length of root.
Perbandingan Riap Diameter Tegakan Hutan Di Jalur Tanam Dengan Di Jalur Antara Pada Sistem Silvikultur TPTJ
Authors: M. Taufan Tirkaamiana
Published: September 2020

Dalam mengusahakan hutan produksi khususnya yang dikelola dengan sistem silvikultur Tebang Pilih Tanam Jalur (TPTJ) dari suatu unit manajemen, dianut asas kelestarian hasil (sustained yield principle). Apabila besarnya etat volume kayu sama dengan riap, yaitu besarnya volume kayu yang tumbuh pada seluruh tapak dalam waktu satu tahun, maka kelestarian hasil dari suatu unit manajemen akan dapat dicapai. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui perbedaan riap diameter tegakan Dipterocarpaceae pada jalur tanam dengan jalur antara di areal izin konsesi PT Balikpapan Forest Industries di Kabupaten Penajam Paser Utara, Kalimantan Timur Indonesia. Data riap diameter tegakan diperoleh dengan cara mengamati 4 (empat) Petak Ukur Permanen (PUP) dimana masing-masing PUP berukuran 100 m x 100 m. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian diketahui rataan riap diameter tegakan Shorea leprosula di jalur tanam sebesar 2,08 cm/th, sedangkan tegakan jenis komersil pada jalur antara sebesar 1,08 cm/th. Hasil uji statistik dengan uji-t menunjukkan bahwa perbedaan riap diameter antara tegakan Dipterocarpaceae di jalur tanam dengan tegakan jenis komersil di jalur antara tidak menunjukkan perbedaan yang signifikan. Di jalur antara faktor yang menghambat pertumbuhan antara lain : jenis yang beragam, faktor genetik, kerapatan yang tidak teratur, dan persaingan hara. Sedangkan di jalur tanam faktor yang mempercepat pertumbuhan antara lain : intensitas cahaya yang merata, berkurangnya persaingan hara, dan faktor genetik.
Notas sobre a agricultura na evolução do pensamento econômico
Authors: Ferraz Carlos Alberto Leitão
Published: September 2020

O artigo analisa a agricultura na evolução do pensamento econômico. Evidenciando as diversas especificidades e questões do setor agrícola conforme a visão das principais escolas econômicas no decorrer da evolução da teoria econômica. Como cada uma das correntes econômicas interpretou o papel deste setor no aspecto mais amplo da economia. Busca-se demonstrar sinteticamente como a história do pensamento econômico incorporou teoricamente, nas suas principais vertentes, as mudanças que ocorreram nas funções da agricultura ao longo do seu desenvolvimento. Trata-se de estudo de revisão bibliográfica, apoiando-se, sempre que possível, nos escritos originais dos principais autores de cada corrente econômica analisada. O texto conclui que, ao longo da evolução da ciência econômica, a agricultura sempre se manteve presente nos principais estudos sobre o pensamento econômico, de maneira diferenciada, acompanhando o seu papel na economia no transcorrer de seu desenvolvimento.
Improving the system for Health technology assessment in Kazakhstan for healthcare decision-making
Authors:   Deputy Head of the Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development, Tabarov Adlet , Zholdasov Zaid ,   Head of the Department of Health Technology Assessment of Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development, Esbatyrova Lazzat ,   Head of the Evidence Search Department of Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development,
Published: September 2020

health field in many developed countries. Modern tendencies give plenty of evidence of wide development of HTA processes and their implementation on a global scale. Along with these tendencies, there are number of issues that hinder active implementation and use of HTA worldwide including Kazakhstan. Major issues that limit further development and implementation of HTA processes in our country are lack of human resources, evidence-based medicine data, and tight deadlines for HTA reporting. Furthermore, they affect the quality of HTA reports followed by inadequate decision-making by the members of the Joint Commission for the Quality of Health Services and overall decreased collaboration with the international HTA agencies. To resolve these issues in the HTA system development, we propose policies that involve training and re-training specialists for the HTA field starting from undergraduate and postgraduate education. We also suggest optimization of HTA structures funding and enhancement of regulatory framework, which, in turn, control not only HTA processes, but also decision-making based on HTA results.
Proposal to improve the financing of infectious diseases providers within the framework of the guaranteed amount of free medical care and in the mandatory social health insurance system
Authors:   Chief Manager of the Department of Improving Healthcare Financing of Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development, Salimgali Ganiyet , Omirbayeva Bibigul ,   Chief Analyst of the Department of Macroeconomic Research of Center for Economics and Health Technology Assessment, Republican Center for Health Development
Published: September 2020

The purpose of this policy brief is to describe an alternative method of financing health care entities that provide medical care for infectious diseases within the framework of the guaranteed amount of free medical care and in the mandatory social health insurance system. The study presents an analysis of the current situation with regard to funding for infectious diseases services. In particular, it examines the current funding mechanisms in institutions that provide inpatient care. Based on the results of the study, a funding mechanism is proposed that is relevant in the conditions of transition to mandatory social health insurance system. Essential elements: Currently, the system of financing medical care in Kazakhstan is at the stage of transformation. The budget model of financing is gradually being transformed into social health insurance, which provides for joint contributions from employers, employees, and the state, which will provide a certain guaranteed amount of free medical care. Payment methods for medical care affect the sustainability, quality and effectiveness of the health system, as well as the demand for certain types of medical care [1].
Innovar la gobernanza de la investigación y la innovación: la experimentación de prácticas deliberativas en Europa
Authors: Imaz Oier , Eizagirre Andoni
Published: September 2020

En el marco de las políticas de investigación europeas hay una inclinación creciente por abrir a debate la propia definición de los problemas y los beneficios esperados asociados a su resolución. Ello ha adoptado la forma de lo que se ha denominado “RRI” (Responsible Research and Innovation), que viene a ser un principio-guía para la innovación tendente a encarar los grandes retos sociales sobre la base de un proceso de responsabilidad mutua facilitado por la institucionalización de mecanismos efectivos de gobernanza. En este artículo sostenemos que el desarrollo práctico de mecanismos inclusivos y deliberativos de gobernanza contribuye a facilitar la integración de actores con potencial interés en los procesos de investigación socio-técnica. Para ello, elucidamos un conjunto de procesos deliberativos implementados en Europa en aras a mejorar la corresponsabilidad a través de la implicación pública. Nuestra revisión revela una serie de tensiones que afectan a las concepciones sobre participación y deliberación, al diseño institucional de las iniciativas y a la fase de la investigación en la que se implementan. El artículo sugiere la necesidad de innovar las experiencias democráticas incidiendo en la fase temprana de las actividades científico-tecnológicas e impulsando la contribución epistémica y social de los actores para robustecer la reflexividad y la responsabilidad mutua en el sistema de gobernanza de la investigación.
Realizing Job Satisfaction and Performance Through Organizational Culture and Job Involvement
Authors: Riyanto Feri Djoko , Hidayati Tetra , Zainurossalmia Saida
Published: September 2020

Human resource management is an important aspect of an organization. The quality of human resources must be developed every time for the organization to achieve the expected goals. This study aims to determine and analyze the influence of organizational culture and involvement on performance mediated by job satisfaction at the Regional Office of Direktorat Jendral Kekayaan Negara Kalimantan Timur dan Utara. This research uses quantitative approach with a survey method on 41 respondents. Testing uses descriptive and path analysis. The results showed that job satisfaction does’t automatically increase productivity. Organizational culture and involvement have an influence on job satisfaction, besides that it can be concluded that employee dissatisfaction tends to reduce employee productivity.
Improvement of Seismic Performance of Beam-column Connection With Replaceable Drilled Attachment Parts
Authors: Vajdian Mehdi , Parvari Ali , Afzali Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Since beam-column connection plays a prominent role in steel structures, by designing and constructing it properly, the structure will behave better and safer. Numerous researches are carried out on steel connections, like Reduced Beam Section (RBS) and Drilled Flange Connection (DFC). Each connection has advantages and disadvantages. This study evaluates the effect of different connections on behavior of steel moment frames. The connections evaluated in this study are as follows: Connection with drilled attachment part, drilled connection with identical and variable diameter, beam connection with reduced flange. This connection contains one or two replaceable drilled parts that are mounted in connection place. The connection is modeled using the ABAQUS software. Finally, Finite Elements Modeling (FEM) is utilized to calculate the stiffness of each connection. According to the results of the newly introduced connection in terms of energy absorption and ductility is the best example and among the drilled models investigated in this study, drilled connection with variable diameter (proportional to diamond shape) which performed better in terms of behavior and performance than the other perforated models. Also, reduced flange connection ranks third in performance. In proposed connection the plastic hinge is formed at the attachment part of the connection that is replaceable, also there is little damage to the beams and columns, which is one of the main benefits of this connection.
High COVID-19 attack rate among attendees of wedding events in Bali, Indonesia, March 2020
Authors: Ravindran Bhavi , Hogarth Freya , Williamson Kirsten , Wright Rose , Kirk Martyn , Dalton Craig
Published: September 2020

Background
Large gatherings are associated with the spread of coronavirus 2019 disease (COVID-19); however, transmission dynamics are not well understood. We investigated a cluster of COVID-19 cases in returning Australian residents who attended wedding events in Bali, Indonesia, during 15– 21 March 2020. Attendees participated in various social events and were in close proximity, providing multiple opportunities for transmission.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study of the 41 attendees, of whom 17 participated in a structured interview that included history of illness, risk exposures and event attendance. We obtained data for the remaining 24 participants through corroborative histories and public health unit case investigations.
Results
COVID-19 was identified in 56% of attendees (23/41), with illness onset between 21 March and 2 April 2020. One secondary case was identified in a household contact of an attendee. The median age of cases was 31 years (range 3–64). One case was hospitalised and did not require critical care. There were no deaths. No cases occurred among six attendees who left prior to the actual wedding day. Guests attended multiple events and participated in high-risk transmission behaviours such as shaking hands, kissing, dancing, sharing drinks and sharing shisha (water pipes). Attack rates ranged from 64% to 87% for different exposures. We could not identify a single risk exposure that accounted for all cases; it is therefore likely there were multiple episodes of transmission.
Conclusion
Our investigation identified a high attack rate of COVID-19 among a cohort of wedding event attendees. Attendees engaged in close physical contact, shared drinks and shisha, and were in close proximity during the wedding events, which may have contributed to the high attack rate. This outbreak highlights the significant role social events can play in transmission of COVID-19 and underscores why it is important to limit gatherings and close physical contact to control the spread of the virus.
Morphological, histological, and molecular aspects of Myxobolus zaikae n. sp., a parasite of the roach Rutilus rutilus, in Lake Baikal
Authors: Batueva MD
Published: September 2020

A new myxobolid species, Myxobolus zaikae n. sp., was found in the connective tissue near the kidney and liver blood vessels of the common roach Rutilus rutilus, while fish myxosporean fauna were being investigated in Lake Baikal, Russia. The parasites were studied on the basis of spore morphology as well as with histological and molecular methods. Mature spores of M. zaikae n. sp. are round or ellipsoidal in the frontal view and lemon-shaped in the lateral view, measuring 11.37 ± 0.11 µm (10.2-14.0 µm) in length, 10.29 ± 0.10 µm (9.6-11.0 µm) in width, and 6.3 ± 0.08 µm (5.8-7.1 µm) in thickness (mean ± SD; n = 50). Polar capsules are equal and pyriform, measuring 4.5 ± 0.07 µm (3.4-5.2 µm) in length and 2.9 ± 0.03 µm (2.6-3.3 µm) in width. Polar capsules contained polar filaments coiled with 5 to 6 turns. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this newly described species clusters with other myxobolid species infecting the connective tissue of different organs from Palearctic cyprinid fish.
Reduced Levels of Circulating 7α-Hydroxy-Dehydroepiandrosterone in Treated Adolescent Obese Patients
Authors: MÁČOVÁ L. , BIČÍKOVÁ M. , ZAMRAZILOVÁ H. , HILL M. , KAZIHNITKOVÁ H. , SEDLÁČKOVÁ B. , STÁRKA L.
Published: September 2020

Elevated levels of glucocorticoids lead to the development of obesity and metabolic syndrome. Local glucocorticoid levels are regulated through the enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11β-HSD 1), an enzyme that regenerates active cortisol from inert cortisone. Increased expression of 11β-HSD 1 in adipose tissue promotes higher body mass index (BMI), insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. Human 11β-HSD 1 is also responsible for inter-conversion of 7-hydroxylate metabolites of dehydroepiandrosterone (7-OH-DHEA) to their 7-oxo-form. To better understanding the mechanism of the action, we focused on 7-OH- and 7-oxo-DHEA, and their circulating levels during the reductive treatment in adolescent obese patients. We determined plasma levels of 7α-OH-DHEA, 7β-OH-DHEA, and 7-oxo-DHEA in 55 adolescent patients aged 13.04-15.67 years, BMI greater than 90th percentile. Samples were collected before and after one month of reductive therapy. Circulating levels of 7α-OH-DHEA decreased during the reductive therapy from 1.727 (1.614; 1.854, transformed mean with 95 % confidence interval) to 1.530 nmol/l (1.435; 1.637, p<0.05) in girls and from 1.704 (1.583; 1.842) to 1.540 nmol/l (1.435; 1.659, p<0.05) in boys. With regard to the level of 7-oxo-DHEA, a significant reduction from 1.132 (1.044; 1.231) to 0.918 nmol/l (0.844; 1.000, p<0.05) was found after the treatment, but only in boys. No significant difference in 7β-OH-DHEA levels was observed. In conclusions, diminished levels of 7α-OH-DHEA indicate its possible effect on activity of 11β-HSD 1. Further studies are necessary to clarify whether competitive substrates for 11β-HSD 1 such as 7α-OH-DHEA could inhibit production of glucocorticoids and may be involved in metabolic processes leading to reduction of obesity.
Nifedipine-Sensitive Blood Pressure Component in Hypertensive Models Characterized by High Activity of Either Sympathetic Nervous System or Renin-Angiotensin System
Authors: ZICHA J. , DOBEŠOVÁ Z. , BEHULIAK M. , PINTÉROVÁ M. , KUNEŠ J. , VANĚČKOVÁ I.
Published: September 2020

High blood pressure (BP) of spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) is maintained by enhanced activity of sympathetic nervous system (SNS), whereas that of Ren-2 transgenic rats (Ren-2 TGR) by increased activity of renin-angiotensin system (RAS). However, both types of hypertension are effectively attenuated by chronic blockade of L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC). The aim of our study was to evaluate whether the magnitude of BP response elicited by acute nifedipine administration is proportional to the alterations of particular vasoactive systems (SNS, RAS, NO) known to modulate L-VDCC activity. We therefore studied these relationships not only in SHR, in which mean arterial pressure was modified in a wide range of 100-210 mm Hg by chronic antihypertensive treatment (captopril or hydralazine) or its withdrawal, but also in rats with augmented RAS activity such as homozygous Ren-2 TGR, pertussis toxin-treated SHR or L-NAME-treated SHR. In all studied groups the magnitude of BP response to nifedipine was proportional to actual BP level and it closely correlated with BP changes induced by acute combined blockade of RAS and SNS. BP response to nifedipine is also closely related to the degree of relative NO deficiency. This was true for both SNS- and RAS-dependent forms of genetic hypertension, suggesting common mechanisms responsible for enhanced L-VDCC opening and/or their upregulation in hypertensive animals. In conclusions, BP response to nifedipine is proportional to the vasoconstrictor activity exerted by both SNS and RAS, indicating a key importance of these two pressor systems for actual L-VDCC opening necessary for BP maintenance.
Effectiveness of Spinal Stabilization Exercises with Functional Belts on Non-Specific Lower Back Pain and Pain-Related Functional Conditions in Basketball Players
Authors: Paškevičius Paulius , Dudonienė Vilma
Published: September 2020

Background. According to various researchers, lower back pain is experienced by 60-85% of population at least once in a lifetime and up to 94 % in athletes, in addition, back pain is the most common complaint of basketball players. Spinal stabilization exercises, performed in different ways, are most often used in the prevention of sports-related injuries in athletes, but still it remains unclear which is the most effective one.Aim of the study. To determine the effect of different stabilization programs on non-specific lower back pain and functional status of basketball players.Methods. The study was performed with the voluntary consent of subjects. It included 40 subjects who were divided into two groups: first, basketball players (n = 20) who performed spinal stabilization exercises on the mat, and second, basketball players (n = 20) who performed spinal stabilization exercises with functional belts. Subjects’ back pain was assessed on a pain analogy scale (SAS), pain-related function was assessed using the Oswestry Disability Questionnaire, static endurance of basketball players’ trunk muscles was assessed using S. McGill’s tests, and spinal mobility was assessed using the Schober test. All of the measurements were taken pre and post different interventions.Results. A spinal stabilization exercise program without functional belts reduced (p < 0.05) lower back pain and improved (p < 0.05) the functional condition of basketball players. A spinal stabilization exercise program with functional belts reduced (p < 0.05) lower back pain and improved (p < 0.05) functional status. No statistically significant differences were found between the effectiveness of the two stabilization programs used.Conclusion. Spinal stabilization exercises with functional belts and traditional spinal stabilization exercises can be used to reduce back pain, pain-related functional disability in basketball players; however, for greater spinal mobility, it is better to choose exercises with functional belts, and aiming to increase static endurance of trunk muscles it is advisable to use traditional stabilization exercises.Keywords: basketball players, back pain, spinal stability, functional belts.
Pakistan and the Question of Recognizing Armenia: Pakistan-Armenia Relations, The Issue of Kashmir & Nagorno-Karabakh
Authors: Fahim Muhammad
Published: September 2020

This article aims to study the estrangement between Pakistan and Armenia in light of the issue of Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh. Most Pakistanis are not aware of the fact that Pakistan does not recognize Armenia nor have any official diplomatic relations with her due to Pakistan’s principle stance over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue. Armenia occupied more than 20 percent internationally recognized Azeri territory during the 1992 war between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Pakistan has brotherly and cordial relations with Azerbaijan. Pakistan not only supports the Azeri stance over the Nagorno-Karabakh issue but goes out of the way to not recognize Armenia as a sovereign state. In turn, Azerbaijan supports Pakistan’s stance on the Kashmir dispute. On the contrary, Armenia not only refused to withdraw its forces from the internationally recognized Azeri land but supports Pakistan’s arch-enemy India on the Kashmir issue as a diplomatic move to counter Pakistan. This is the first-ever study conducted on Pakistan-Armenia relations. The article explores the reasons behind Pakistan's decision not to recognize Armenia in great detail. It discusses the estrangement between the two countries, especially in light of the Kashmir and Nagorno-Karabakh issue.
Male and Female Workers. Gender Treatment Through Pixar's Films
Authors: Cuenca-Orellana Nerea , López-Heredia Patricia
Published: September 2020

The concept of 'work' encompasses knowledge, representations, activities and social relations that organize and hierarchize society through roles and norms. During more than fifty years, Disney represented women as the angel from the home and men as brave and very hard workers. The distribution of tasks has been progressively modified in our Western society, in animated films as well. In 1989 a new era started in animation films: Disney changed some characteristics in male and female characters, but the representation of female workers did not appear until 2009 with The Princess and the Frog. Tiana is the first worker princess; she is a waitress that wants to run her own restaurant and she gets it at the end of the film. But, in 2009, Pixar had released ten films and its first worker princess was the main character of Bug’s life (John Lasseter, 1998). At first sight, this seems as a very high evolution, but this work wants to discover how Pixar has represented the world of work: as a way of dividing characters depending on its gender or as a way of developing and showing equality to the youngest spectators?
Drought Impacts on Hydropower Capacity Over the Yangtze River Basin and Their Future Projections under 1.5/2°C Warming Scenarios
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Huixin , Sun Bo , Chen Huopo , Li Hua , Luo Yinxue
Published: September 2020

This study aims to reveal the historical and future relationship between droughts in the Yangtze River basin and hydropower capacity in Zhejiang Province. Generally, the interannual variation of hydropower capacity is positively correlated with the 12-month timescale of the Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) over the Yangtze River basin during 1999–2018, so a more severe drought event in the Yangtze River basin leads to lower hydropower capacity in Zhejiang Province. Therefore, a linear regression model is constructed based on their year-to-year incremental relationship, which is significant at the 99% confidence level. Using five global climate models that are good simulations of the interannual variability of precipitation/surface air temperature over the Yangtze River basin, the results suggest that the severity and the frequency of drought would increase relative to 1999–2018, with a drought event (SPEI < −0.5) happening once every 2.7 and 2.2 years under 1.5 and 2.0°C warming scenarios, respectively. Based on the interannual incremental relationship between hydropower capacity and SPEI, the hydropower capacity in Zhejiang Province will decrease by 0.34 (1.23) billion kWh under the 1.5°C (2.0°C) warming target when only the meteorological conditions are considered. When further development of hydropower stations in the future is also considered, the hydropower capacity would increase by −0.28 (1.11) billion kWh under 1.5°C (2.0°C) warming using the logistic growth model. Consequently, the drought events and the development of the hydroelectric system would jointly influence the hydropower capacity in the Yangtze River basin, and the meteorological conditions of a drying trend would contribute to lower hydropower capacity in Zhejiang Province in the future.
Precise Species Identification and Taxonomy Update for the Genus Kluyvera With Reporting Kluyvera sichuanensis sp. nov.
Authors: Liu Lina , Feng Yu , Wei Li , Qiao Fu , Zong Zhiyong
Published: September 2020

Kluyvera is a genus within the family Enterobacteriaceae and can cause various human infections but remains poorly studied. A carbapenem-resistant blaNDM–1-carrying Kluyvera strain 090646T was isolated from a hospital sink in Chengdu, Sichuan province, China. Whole genome sequencing of the strain revealed that it had 28.2 to 42.3% in silico DNA-DNA hybridization (isDDH) scores and 84.15 to 90.10% average nucleotide identity (ANI) values with other Kluyvera species. Both values are well below the ≥ 70.0% isDDH and ≥ 95–96% ANI cutoffs to define bacterial species, suggesting that the strain represents a novel species of the genus Kluyvera, for which the name Kluyvera sichuanensis. nov. is proposed. Type strain of K. sichuanensis is 090646T (=GDMCC 1.1872T =KCTC 82166T). Strain 090646T can be differentiated from other Kluyvera species by its ability to utilize D-sorbitol but not β-galactosidase (ONPG), D-mannose, glycerin, raffinose, nor sucrose. There were 47 genome sequences labeled as Kluyvera in GenBank, which were curated for precise species identification. Only 33 of the 47 genomes were indeed of Kluyvera and four novel Kluyvera genomospecies were identified, highlighting that the species assignation of bacterial genomes in GenBank need to be curated. Genome sequencing for more strains is required to understand the genus Kluyvera.
Efficiency of Coupled Experimental–Numerical Predictive Analyses for Inter-Story Floors Under Non-Isolated Machine-Induced Vibrations
Authors: Bergamo Enrico , Fasan Marco , Bedon Chiara
Published: September 2020

Machine-induced vibrations represent, for several reasons, a crucial design issue for industrial buildings. At the early design stage, special attention is thus required for the static and dynamic performance assessment of the load-bearing members, given that they should optimally withstand ordinary design loads but also potentially severe machinery operations. The knowledge and reliable description of the input vibration source is a key step, similarly to a reliable description of the structural system, to verify. However, such a kind of detailing is often unavailable and results in a series of simplified calculation assumptions. In this paper, a case-study eyewear factory built in 2019 is investigated. Its layout takes the form of a two-story, two-span (2 × 14.6 m) precast concrete frame (poor customer/designer communication on the final equipment resulted in various non-isolated computer numerical control (CNC) vertical machines mounted on the inter-story floor, that started to suffer from pronounced resonance issues. Following past experience, this paper investigates the validity of a coupled experimental–numerical method that could be used for efficient assessment predictive studies. Based on on-site experiments with Micro Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) accelerometers mounted on the floor and on the machine (spindle included), the most unfavorable machine-induced vibration sources and operational conditions are first characterized. The experimental outcomes are thus used to derive a synthetized signal that is integrated in efficient one-bay finite element (FE) numerical model of the floor, in which the machine–structure interaction can be taken into account. The predictability of marked resonance issues is thus emphasized, with a focus on potential and possible limits of FE methods characterized by an increasing level of detailing and computational cost.
Ionic Selenium and Nanoselenium as Biofortifiers and Stimulators of Plant Metabolism
Authors: García Márquez Víctor , Morelos Moreno Álvaro , Benavides Mendoza Adalberto , Medrano Macías Julia
Published: September 2020

Selenium (Se) is an essential element in mammals; however, there is frequently an insufficient intake due to several factors. Different techniques have been used to deal with this problem, such as plant biofortification with Se in its ionic forms and, more recently, at the nanoscale. Additionally, despite the fact that Se is not considered an essential element in plants, it has been shown to stimulate (through still unknown mechanisms) plant metabolism, causing an increase in the synthesis of molecules with reducing power, including enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase, catalase and ascorbate peroxidase as well as non-enzymatic antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, glucosinolates, vitamins and chlorophylls. A positive correlation has also been shown with other essential elements, achieving an increase in tolerance to environmental adversities. This article describes the advances made in the field of the biofortification of horticultural crops with ionic Se and nanoselenium (nSe) from 2009 to 2019. The aspects covered include various concentrations used, the findings made regarding the impact these chemical forms have on plant metabolism, and indications of its participation in the synthesis of primary and secondary metabolites that increase stress tolerance.
The Antifungal Activity of Gallic Acid and Its Derivatives against Alternaria solani, the Causal Agent of Tomato Early Blight
Authors: El-Nagar Asmaa , Elzaawely Abdelnaser A. , Taha Naglaa A. , Nehela Yasser
Published: September 2020

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is among the most important vegetable crops worldwide. Early blight disease, caused by Alternaria solani, is a destructive foliar disease of tomato and other Solanaceae species. Herein, we investigated the in vitro antifungal properties of gallic acid and two of its derivatives (syringic and pyrogallic acids) against A. solani during 2019 and 2020 seasons. The physiological and biochemical effects of these compounds on infected tomato plants were also investigated using the whole plant bioassay. The in vitro investigation showed that all tested compounds showed fungistatic action and inhibited the mycelial radial growth of A. solani in a dose-dependent manner. In two separate pot-experiments, those compounds efficiently suppressed the development of the disease symptoms and area under disease progress curve (AUDPC), without any phytotoxic effects on the treated tomato plants. Additionally, all tested compounds positively enhanced the biochemical traits of treated plants including the chlorophyll content, the total soluble phenolics, the total soluble flavonoids, and the enzymatic activities of catalase, peroxidase, and polyphenol oxidase during 2019 and 2020 seasons. Moreover, the treatment with gallic acid and its derivatives significantly increased all yield components of A. solani-infected tomato plants such as the total number of flowers and fruits, and the fruit yield for each tomato plant in both experiments. Considering the fungitoxicity of phenolic acids against A. solani with no phytotoxicity on treated tomato plants, we believe that gallic acid and its derivatives might be a sustainable eco-friendly control strategy to reduce the usage of chemical fungicides partially or entirely against A. solani particularly, and fungal diseases in general.
Application of a Handheld Near-Infrared Spectrometer to Predict Gelatinized Starch, Fiber Fractions, and Mineral Content of Ground and Intact Extruded Dry Dog Food
Authors: Goi Arianna , Simoni Marica , Righi Federico , Visentin Giulio , De Marchi Massimo
Published: September 2020

The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of a handheld near-infrared spectrometer to predict total and gelatinized starch, insoluble fibrous fractions, and mineral content in extruded dry dog food. Intact and ground samples were compared to determine if the homogenization could improve the prediction performance of the instrument. Reference analyses were performed on 81 samples for starch and 99 for neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), and minerals, and reflectance infrared spectra (740 to 1070 nm) were recorded with a SCiO™ near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer. Prediction models were developed using modified partial least squares regression and both internal (leave-one-out cross-validation) and external validation. The best prediction models in cross-validation using ground samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (residual predictive deviation, RPD = 2.54) and total starch (RPD = 2.33), and S (RPD = 1.92), while the best using intact samples were obtained for gelatinized starch (RPD = 2.45), total starch (RPD = 2.08), and K (RPD = 1.98). Through external validation, the best statistics were obtained for gelatinized starch, with an RPD of 2.55 and 2.03 in ground and intact samples, respectively. Overall, there was no difference in prediction models accuracy using ground or intact samples. In conclusion, the miniaturized NIR instrument offers the potential for screening purposes only for total and gelatinized starch, S, and K, whereas the results do not support its applicability for the other traits.