bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dependence of polymerase chain reaction product inactivation protocols on amplicon length and sequence composition
Authors: Espy M J , Smith T F , Persing D H
Published: January 2020

Specific diagnostic test results generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) depend upon control of amplicon contamination in the clinical laboratory. We compared photochemical (isopsoralen [IP]) and enzymatic (uracil N-glycosylase [UNG]) methods for their ability to prevent carryover of amplicons generated from genomic targets of five viruses. PCR products (amplicons) (herpes simplex virus, 342 bp; cytomegalovirus, 250 bp; Epstein-Barr virus, 240 bp) exposed to UV light in the presence of various concentrations of IP compound 10 (IP-10) resulted in apparent increased molecular sizes of the products, as indicated by migration patterns after gel electrophoresis, and were predictive of inactivation by the agent. For amplicons of < or = 100 bp, IP-10-induced electrophoretic shifts were related to the guanidine-cytidine (G + C) content of the PCR product; no apparent shift and no inactivation were observed for a 92-bp herpes simplex virus amplicon (G + C content, 65%), whereas the 100-bp human papillomavirus product (G + C content, 42%) showed a concentration-dependent shift (25 to 100 micrograms/ml) in electrophoretic migration and was partially inactivated. UNG effectively controlled amplicon carryover for target DNA of > or = 240 bp; however, this treatment did not inactivate the two amplicons of < or = 100 bp, regardless of the G + C content of the product. Larger products were inactivated efficiently by both methods, regardless of their G + C contents. We concluded that both IP and UNG effectively inactivated PCR amplicons but not short amplicons of < or = 100 bp. We recommend that with the adoption of PCR technology in clinical laboratories, primers should be designed to produce amplicons of at least 240 to 350 bp (depending on G + C content) and that at least one effective method of controlling carryover contamination should be incorporated into each PCR protocol.
Tentative criteria for confirming the in vitro susceptibilities of Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria gonorrhoeae to two fluoroquinolones (sparfloxacin and levofloxacin), including quality control parameters
Authors: Barry A L , Fuchs P C , Allen S D , Jorgensen J H , Tenover F C , Murray P R , Hardy D J , Baker C N
Published: January 2020

Sparfloxacin and levofloxacin were evaluated against 150 Haemophilus influenzae isolates and 149 Neisseria gonorrhoeae isolates in order to define susceptibility testing parameters. Sparfloxacin-susceptible H. influenzae strains were defined as those for which the MICs were < or = 0.25 microgram/ml and the zones were > or = 30 mm, and N. gonorrhoeae susceptible strains were those for which the MICs were < or = 0.03 microgram/ml and the zones were > or = 39 mm (5-micrograms disks). Levofloxacin-susceptible strains of H. influenzae included those for which the MICs were < or = 0.12 microgram/ml and the zones were > or = 32 mm and N. gonorrhoeae susceptible strains were those for which the MICs were < or = 0.12 microgram/ml and the zones were > or = 37 mm (5-micrograms disks). Criteria for a resistant category cannot yet be defined for either quinolone. In multilaboratory studies with different lots of Haemophilus Test Medium, replicate tests with the standard control strain of H. influenzae (ATCC 49247) were evaluated. For sparfloxacin disk tests, the proposed zone size limits were 33 to 42 mm and broth microdilution MIC limits were 0.004 to 0.016 microgram/ml, whereas for levofloxacin tests, zone size limits were 32 to 41 mm and broth microdilution MIC limits were 0.008 to 0.03 microgram/ml. Other multilaboratory studies evaluated tests with supplemented GC agar and N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226; for both drugs, zone size limits were 44 to 52 mm and agar dilution MIC limits were 0.004 to 0.016 microgram/ml.
Development of a DNA probe for Streptococcus bovis by using a cloned amylase gene
Authors: Whitehead T R , Cotta M A
Published: January 2020

Streptococcus bovis is a normal inhabitant of the rumen but has been implicated as a causative agent for ruminal lactic acidosis and related problems. While rarely isolated from humans, S. bovis has been identified as a causative agent for endocarditis, meningitis, and septicemia. Recent reports have also suggested a correlation between human colonic carcinoma and increased levels of S. bovis. Identification of S. bovis strains of human origin has been problematic because of variations in results of biochemical tests compared with results for ruminal strains. We have tested a cloned amylase gene from the ruminal strain S. bovis JB1 as a potential DNA probe for rapid and accurate identification of S. bovis strains from all sources. DNAs from strains identified as S. bovis, of both human and ruminal origin, were found to hybridize with the probe under stringent conditions. The probe also hybridized with variants of S. bovis that did not grow on starch. The probe did not hybridize with DNA isolated from other bacteria of human colonic and ruminal origin, including Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, Bacteroides ruminicola, Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens, and Enterococcus faecalis but did demonstrate hybridization with Streptococcus salivarius.
Sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for detection of Clostridium botulinum neurotoxins A, B, and E using signal amplification via enzyme-linked coagulation assay
Authors: Doellgast G J , Triscott M X , Beard G A , Bottoms J D , Cheng T , Roh B H , Roman M G , Hall P A , Brown J E
Published: January 2020

A new immunoassay amplification method has been applied to the measurement of toxins A, B, and E from Clostridium botulinum. The technique is a modified enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) which relies on the detection of sandwich complexes on microtiter plates by a solid-phase coagulation assay known as ELCA, or enzyme-linked coagulation assay. In the method, a coagulation activating enzyme (RVV-XA) isolated from the venom of Russell's viper is conjugated to affinity-purified horse antibodies specific for toxin type A, B, or E. Plates are coated with affinity-purified antibodies, and standard captag (capture-tag) protocols using labeled antibody are employed to bind the toxin from solution. Complexes are detected by adding a modified plasma substrate which contains all the coagulation factors mixed with alkaline phosphatase-labeled fibrinogen and solid-phase fibrinogen; deposition of solid-phase, enzyme-labeled fibrin on the solid phase is then a reflection of formation of toxin-RVV-XA-antibody complexes on the solid phase. Because of the ability to detect RVV-XA by this coagulation assay at concentrations < 0.1 pg/ml, it was possible to measure C. botulinum toxins A, B, and E at mouse bioassay levels (< 10 pg/ml, or < 0.07 pM) for both purified neurotoxin and crude culture filtrates obtained from strains known to produce appropriate single toxins. ELISA-ELCA should be applicable to measurement of toxins in most of the materials (contaminated food, blood, and excreta) for which the comparably sensitive mouse bioassay is currently employed. This method has the potential of broad application to the measurement of low concentrations of any antigen for which appropriate immunochemical reagents are available, in a color test format.
Prevalence and some properties of verotoxin (Shiga-like toxin)-producing Escherichia coli in seven different species of healthy domestic animals
Authors: Beutin L , Geier D , Steinrück H , Zimmermann S , Scheutz F
Published: January 2020

Fecal samples from 720 healthy, domestic animals representing seven different species (cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, chickens, dogs, and cats) were investigated for verotoxin (VT [Shiga-like toxin])-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC). VTEC were isolated from 208 animals (28.9%), most frequently from sheep (66.6% VTEC carriers), goats (56.1%), and cattle (21.1%). VTEC were isolated less frequently from pigs (7.5%), cats (13.8%), and dogs (4.8%) and were not found in chickens (< 0.7%). Forty-one different O:H serotypes and 23 untypeable O-groups were isolated. Five serotypes (O5:H-, O91:H-, O146:H21, O87:H16, and O82:H8) occurred in more than one animal species. Serotypes O5:H-, O91:H-, O146:H21, O128:H2, and OX3:H8 represented 54.8% of the VTEC strains. Nearly 60% of all VTEC O:H serotypes isolated in this study have been implicated as human pathogens, indicating that healthy, domestic animals may serve as a reservoir of human pathogens. All VTEC, except nine feline strains, hybridized with one or both of the VT1 and VT2 specific DNA probes. VT production and enterohemolysin (E-Hly+) production were associated in E. coli from goats, sheep, and cattle but not in E. coli from chickens, pigs, dogs, and cats. A close association of VT with E-Hly+ was found in O5:H-, O146:H21, O128:H2, O77:H4, O119:H25, and O123:(H10) strains. Thirty of 240 (12.5%) E-Hly+ strains hybridized with an E-Hly+ specific DNA probe, indicating heterogeneity of regulatory or structural E-Hly+ genes in strains of E. coli.
Detection of rotavirus serotypes G1, G2, G3, and G11 in feces of diarrheic calves by using polymerase chain reaction-derived cDNA probes
Authors: Hussein H A , Parwani A V , Rosen B I , Lucchelli A , Saif L J
Published: January 2020

On the basis of antigenic variability in the VP7 outer capsid glycoprotein, at least 14 G serotypes exist for group A rotaviruses. Serotypic diversity exists among bovine rotaviruses (BRV), with serotypes G1, G6, G8, and G10 reported for cattle. Although G1 and G8 rotaviruses were originally described for humans, the recent isolation of G6 and G10 rotaviruses from humans further emphasizes the serotypic similarity between human and bovine rotaviruses and the possible zoonotic potential of rotaviruses. Results of our previous studies have indicated that more than 24% of BRV-positive field samples from diarrheic calves were nonreactive with cDNA probes or monoclonal antibodies to serotypes G6, G8, and G10. In this study, cDNA probes were prepared by polymerase chain reaction amplification of the hyperdivergent regions of the VP7 genes (nucleotides 51 to 392) from human (G1, G2, and G3) and porcine (G4, G5, and G11) rotaviruses. These probes were used in a dot blot hybridization assay to further characterize the G types of 59 BRV strains (fecal samples from diarrheic calves in Ohio, Nebraska, Washington, and South Dakota) that were nonreactive with cDNA probes to G6, G8, and G10. Rotaviruses belonging to serotypes G1 (n = 7), G2 (n = 1), G3 (n = 2), and G11 (n = 3) were identified among the BRV field samples. The BRV associated with these G types accounted for 22% of the samples tested; the other 78% of these samples remained untypeable with these probes. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the United States of the identification among BRV isolates of rotavirus serotypes G1, G2, G3, and G11.
Identification of vancomycin-resistant lactic bacteria isolated from humans
Authors: Mackey T , Lejeune V , Janssens M , Wauters G
Published: January 2020

By using cell morphology, arginine dihydrolase, and gas production in de Man, Sharp, Rogosa broth, 122 isolates of vancomycin-resistant lactic bacteria from humans were assigned to five profiles, allowing us to distinguish Pediococcus, homofermentative and heterofermentative Lactobacillus, and Leuconostoc species. The absence of L-(+)-lactic acid, as detected spectrophotometrically, was confirmatory for Leuconostoc species. API 50 CHL panels were useful for the identification of Lactobacillus species.
Quality control guidelines for cefdinir, cefepime, cefetamet, cefmetazole, cefpodoxime, cefprozil, and clinafloxacin (CI-960) for various National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards susceptibility testing methods. Quality Control Study Group
Authors: Bale M J , Jones R N
Published: January 2020

Several multilaboratory studies to determine quality control (QC) ranges for a variety of National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards (NCCLS) susceptibility tests are summarized. Replicate testing used multiple lots of media and antimicrobial disks in accordance with NCCLS recommendations, including the appropriate medium modifications for tests with Haemophilus spp. and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. QC ranges for MIC and disk diffusion testing of N. gonorrhoeae ATCC 49226 were proposed for cefepime, cefetamet, cefmetazole, and cefpodoxime. Disk diffusion QC ranges for Haemophilus influenzae ATCC 49247 or ATCC 49766 were recommended with cefepime, cefetamet (10- and 30-microgram disks), cefmetazole, cefpodoxime, and cefprozil. Disk diffusion QC ranges for Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 with cefdinir and clinafloxacin and those for Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 with clinafloxacin were also proposed.
Human papillomavirus and cutaneous warts in meat handlers
Authors: Melchers W , de Mare S , Kuitert E , Galama J , Walboomers J , van den Brule A J
Published: January 2020

The association of papillomavirus and hand warts in meat handlers was examined. Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA was found in 23 (88%) of 26 cutaneous warts, with HPV 7 (27%) and a yet unidentified HPV (HPV X) (42%) being the predominant types. HPV 2 was found in two (7.5%) patients, and HPV 4 was found in three (11.5%) patients. No bovine papillomavirus sequences were detected. In most patients, the warts developed in less than 2 years after they started working with meat. A possible HPV transmission route by protection gloves and professional equipment is suggested.
Study of fast charging battery
Authors: Liu Mingfang , Rao Feng , Li Bei , Jiang Xinya , Meng Xianggang
Published: January 2020

The key to battery management systems (BMS) is an accurate and real-time prediction on State of Charge (SOC) of the power battery. The methods of estimating SOC of power battery were analyzed. The gray neural network model was introduced into the field of SOC estimation. The model is used to establish the relationship of SOC, discharge current and rebound voltage. The model can be used to estimate SOC of battery on line by detecting the values of rebound voltage and discharge current during the discharge process. The model of SOC estimation is proved feasible by comparing the experimental data with calculated data.
A study on structural, optical, thermal and electrical properties of the amaranth dye-doped KHOOD single crystal
Authors: Mahendra K. , Udayashankar N. K.
Published: January 2020

Influence of amaranth dye on the potassium hydrogen oxalate oxalic acid dihydrate (KHOOD) single crystal is investigated. The structural studies were carried out to understand the crystal behavior after dye incorporation. Optical studies were performed to investigate the photon absorption of the crystal with or without the presence of dye molecule. The absorption of pure crystals were also compared with that of amaranth dye-doped crystals and the bandgap was estimated. The surface morphology and the presence of dye molecules are investigated using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and EDX analysis. The elemental mapping was carried out to understand the distribution of elements in the crystal surface. The thermal behavior of the crystal was studied and compared with that of KHOOD and dye-doped KHOOD crystals in detail. The emission properties of the crystals were studied and compared crystal. Field-dependent [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] studies were performed to study the conductivity of the crystals and results were discussed in detail.
Facile Fabrication of Composite Scaffolds for Long-Term Controlled Dual Drug Release
Authors: Li Dawei , Li Chao , Wang Xing , Li Chunlin , Sun Tunan , Zhou Jin , Li Gang
Published: January 2020

Bone tuberculosis (TB) caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis continues to present a formidable challenge to humans. To effectively cure serious bone TB, a novel kind of composite scaffolds with long-term dual drug release behaviours were prepared to satisfy the needs of both bone regeneration and antituberculosis drug therapy. In virtue of an improved O/W emulsion technique, water-soluble isoniazid (INH)-loaded gelatin microparticles were obtained by tailoring the content of β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP), which played significant roles in INH entrapment efficiency and drug release behaviours. By mixing with the poly(ε-caprolactone)-block-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (b-PLGC) solution containing oil-soluble rifampicin (RFP) via the particle leaching combined with phase separation technique, the dual drugs-loaded composite scaffolds were fabricated, which possessed interconnected porous structures and achieved the steady release of INH and RFP drugs for three months. Moreover, this dual drugs-loaded system could basically achieve their expectant roles of respective drugs without obvious influences with each other. This strategy on preparation of intelligent composite scaffolds with the multi-drugs loading capacity and controlled long-term release behaviour will be potential and promising substrates in clinical treatment of bone tuberculosis.
Synthesis of Polymer Assembled Mesoporous CaCO3 Nanoparticles for Molecular Targeting and pH-Responsive Controlled Drug Release
Authors: Xing Jinjing , Cai Yeqiang , Wang Yikun , Zheng Haifu , Liu Yujia
Published: January 2020

CaCO3 nanoparticles are very suitable as intelligent carriers because of their ideal biocompatibility and biodegradability, especially their sensitivity to pH. In this paper, we use mesoporous CaCO3 nanoparticles as intelligent carrier, sodium alginate, and chitosan as alternating assembly materials, folic acid as target molecules, and exploit layer-by-layer assembly technology to achieve sensitive molecular targeting and pH response drug release. Mesoporous CaCO3 hybrid nanoparticles have high drug loading on doxorubicin. The effects of different pH values on drug release in vitro were studied by regulating simulated body fluids with different pH values. The cytotoxicity, targeting effect, and drug release of human cervical cancer cell line (HeLa) were studied by cell vitality and imaging experiments. All the evidence suggests that the smart mesoporous CaCO3 nanoparticles may be a potential clinical application platform for cancer therapy.
Hedysarum turcicum (Hedysareae, Fabaceae), a new species from Turkey

Authors: HAMZAOĞLU ERGİN , KOÇ MURAT
Published: January 2020

Hedysarum turcicum, a new species endemic to Inner Anatolia, Turkey, is described and illustrated. The new species belongs to sect. Multicaulia in Hedysarum (Fabaceae) and it is related to H. elegans, H. cappadocicum, and H. persicum. Its description, images, chorology, and ecology, are provided. The diagnostic morphological characteristics, as well as a full description, ecological characteristics, and distribution data are given.
Dendrobium jinghuanum, a new orchid species from Yunnan, China: evidence from both morphology and DNA

Authors: ZHENG BAO-QIANG , ZOU LONG-HAI , WAN XIAO , WANG YAN
Published: January 2020

A new orchid species, Dendrobium jinghuanum (Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae), from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular data. Morphological investigations indicated this new orchid is similar to D. bensoniae, D. crystallinum, and D. wardianum, but it can be differentiated easily from them by associated characteristics: 7-veined sepals, 9-veined petals, a chestnut blotch on either side of lip disk, an anther cap with distinct crystalline papillae, and stems without swollen nodes. Molecular phylogeny analyses showed that D. jinghuanum is a member of section Dendrobium s.l. and sister to D. bensoniae but not D. crystallinum or D. wardianum.
Navicula gogorevii—a new, large-celled diatom species from Vietnam (Southeast Asia)

Authors: KULIKOVSKIY MAXIM , CHUDAEV DMITRY , GLUSHCHENKO ANTON , KUZNETSOVA IRINA , KRIVOVA ZINAIDA , KOCIOLEK JOHN PATRICK
Published: January 2020

We describe a new member from the genus Navicula Bory sensu stricto using light and scanning electron microscopy. The new species was found in Vietnam, and is a large-celled species with longitudinal grooves present on the valve exterior. Taxa sharing this feature are known from the genus Navicula, as well as the genera Haslea Simonsen, Craticula Grunow, Gyrosigma Hassall and Proschkinia Karajeva. The new species from Vietnam is compared with other, similar taxa of Navicula, and comments are presented about the systematics and biogeography of the group of Navicula species with this characteristic feature.
Color and fastness properties of mordanted Bridelia ferruginea B dyed cellulosic fabric
Authors: Jabar Jamiu Mosebolatan , Ogunmokun Ademola Israel , Taleat Tella Adewale Akanni
Published: January 2020

Bridelia ferruginea B dye was extracted from the bark of the tree using aqueous extraction method. Extracted dye was used to dye cellulosic (cotton) fabric in presence of 5% calcium chloride (CaCl2) or 5% alum (KAl(SO4)2·12H2O) of weight of fabric (o.w.f) as mordant. Fabric dyed without mordant was lighter in hue than metal ion mordanted dyed fabrics. The fabrics dyed in presence of calcium chloride as mordant are of deeper hue than those dyed with alum as mordant. Hence, their dye-uptake and color strength (K/S) are in the same order. K/S value of fabric dyed with alum is 43.71% higher than that without mordant and fabric dyed with calcium chloride has K/S value 51.09% higher than dyed with alum as mordant. CIEL*a*b* coordinate indicator and color space quadrant showed that those dyed fabrics without mordant and with alum as mordant are closer to yellow than red color. Those cellulosic fabrics dyed with calcium chloride as mordant are closer to red than yellow color as confirmed in colour space quadrant. Pre-mordanted dyed fabrics are of deeper color than post-mordanted dyed fabrics than meta-mordanted dyed fabrics than unmordant dyed fabric. Fastness properties of B. ferruginea B dyed cellulosic fabrics ranged from good (3) to excellent (5).
APPLICATION OF THE ADVANCED ATMOSPHERIC PLUME PROFILER TO CURRENT CHALK RIVER LABORATORIES MONITORING SYSTEMS
Authors: Boyer Antoine , Border Matthew , Ethier Adrienne , Leeson Paul
Published: January 2020

The Advanced Atmospheric Plume Profiler (AAPP) was used to model emissions from facilities at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories (CNL, formerly Atomic Energy of Canada Limited). The model results were found to compare well with results from the current atmospheric monitoring program at the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL). The AAPP is a dispersion model designed and developed by CNL to model multiple emission sources from CRL operations. The AAPP used in conjunction with in-situ sampling can also estimate emissions from sources that are difficult to access or directly measure.
Deep learning-based single-shot prediction of differential effects of anti-VEGF treatment in patients with diabetic macular edema
Authors: Rasti Reza , Allingham Michael J. , Mettu Priyatham S. , Kavusi Sam , Govind Kishan , Cousins Scott W. , Farsiu Sina
Published: January 2020

Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) agents are widely regarded as the first line of therapy for diabetic macular edema (DME) but are not universally effective. An automatic method that can predict whether a patient is likely to respond to anti-VEGF therapy can avoid unnecessary trial and error treatment strategies and promote the selection of more effective first-line therapies. The objective of this study is to automatically predict the efficacy of anti-VEGF treatment of DME in individual patients based on optical coherence tomography (OCT) images. We performed a retrospective study of 127 subjects treated for DME with three consecutive injections of anti-VEGF agents. Patients’ retinas were imaged using spectral-domain OCT (SD-OCT) before and after anti-VEGF therapy, and the total retinal thicknesses before and after treatment were extracted from OCT B-scans. A novel deep convolutional neural network was designed and evaluated using pre-treatment OCT scans as input and differential retinal thickness as output, with 5-fold cross-validation. The group of patients responsive to anti-VEGF treatment was defined as those with at least a 10% reduction in retinal thickness following treatment. The predictive performance of the system was evaluated by calculating the precision, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). The algorithm achieved an average AUC of 0.866 in discriminating responsive from non-responsive patients, with an average precision, sensitivity, and specificity of 85.5%, 80.1%, and 85.0%, respectively. Classification precision was significantly higher when differentiating between very responsive and very unresponsive patients. The proposed automatic algorithm accurately predicts the response to anti-VEGF treatment in DME patients based on OCT images. This pilot study is a critical step toward using non-invasive imaging and automated analysis to select the most effective therapy for a patient’s specific disease condition.
Interferometric imaging of reflective micro-objects in the presence of strong aberrations
Authors: Ilina Elena , Nyman Markus , Mondal Tanmay , Kaivola Matti , Setälä Tero , Shevchenko Andriy
Published: January 2020

Some imaging techniques reduce the effect of optical aberrations either by detecting and actively compensating for them or by utilizing interferometry. A microscope based on a Mach-Zehnder interferometer has been recently introduced to allow obtaining sharp images of light-transmitting objects in the presence of strong aberrations. However, the method is not capable of imaging microstructures on opaque substrates. In this work, we use a Michelson interferometer to demonstrate imaging of reflecting and back-scattering objects on any substrate with micrometer-scale resolution. The system is remarkably insensitive to both deterministic and random aberrations that can completely destroy the object’s intensity image.
Determining factors affecting the reputation of administrative furniture
Authors: Azizi Majid
Published: January 2020

The present paper aims at assessment and prioritizing of reputation factors affecting the administrative furniture. To this end, after basic studies and review of other researches, 45 sub-criteria under 6 basic criteria of management, customer, services, social-cultural, technical and marketing- economic were recognized, and prioritized through analytical hierarchy process (AHP). To select the best criteria and sub criteria a questionnaire was designed and administered among 16 experts of furniture industry, and then evaluated considering the sub criteria. The results of synthesizing by AHP and Expert Choice software indicated that the main criteria of marketing –economic, customer, management and technical have respectively the highest scores, and also sub criteria of quality of product, customer loyalty, product price and the value of corporate brand have respectively been the most appropriate factors.
Developing entrepreneurship training curriculum based on Tawhidic paradigm and legal principles: A case study of Malaysia
Authors: Anor Salim Farah Akmar , Maidin Ainul Jaria , Mhd Sarif Suhaimi , Zainudin Dolhadi
Published: January 2020

The importance of legal literacy in conducting business dealings has long been argued by the academics. Besides aiming for profit, entrepreneurial activities are important in meeting the social obligations of the government to ensure the development of a resilient economy. Business schools are required to promote integrated curriculum to ensure entrepreneurs will not only be able to identify business opportunities supported by required management skills. The integrated curriculum besides providing students with the ability to comprehend the key business disciplines will also need to nurture the humanistic skills, ethics and values. The incorporation of these elements will help create entrepreneurs with civic-mindedness, excellent interpersonal communication and leadership skills as well as be resilient. This paper singles out the ideology in promoting integrated curriculum for entrepreneurs training in the Malaysian context particularly the importance of inculcating legal knowledge to ensure the entrepreneurs will manage their activities within the permitted limits of the Malaysian law and global requirements. A comprehensive set of questionnaire containing 68 questions were administered to 543 entrepreneurs using convenience sampling. The rational of the practice of selecting local entrepreneurs as a sample for the study is to obtain their opinions on the relevant skills needed in managing their business. This can help identify aspects that can be incorporated to improve the current entrepreneur’s training curriculum. The survey revealed that inculcating Islamic principles and ethics in entrepreneur's activities can increase their credibility in conducting business with others besides being resilient in developing the business (concept of taqwa). The study provides significant information to the academic and business community including private corporations and governments on the essential elements that need to be incorporated in conducting business. Finally, the study concludes with proposing the important aspects to be incorporated in the entrepreneurs training curriculum in Malaysia specifically the Muslim world in general.
Public transport services in Hong Kong: A voice from Hong Kong Citizen (Policy Paper)
Authors: Simon Yuen
Published: January 2020

Hong Kong is a city with a diversified public transport system. However, the number of private cars has increased abnormally, especially the completion of private housings in the New Territories and North Lantau, due to the daily work of the urban areas or personal needs. The number of citizens of private cars has increased significantly. In recent years, the problem of "frequent and severe congestion" has resulted in the saturation of the more timely railways. The main reason is that the roads in the existing busy areas cannot meet the large number of private cars, and the major roads in the New Territories of Hong Kong and Kowloon have been subject to "frequent and severe congestion". The Government's solution to the problem is to build roads and railways only. In recent years, many new roads and railways, the congestion of old roads and highways have not been improved. Railways cannot change the private car owners to switch to public transport habits, “but increased”, what is the main reason? Where roads and railways solve problems, this study agrees that denser areas without rail services are necessary to build or extend existing rail routes. But what is the need to build a new railway to relieve the existing railway saturation? We use the railway but not others? Is railway extension is one of the cause for traffic congestion? In recent years, the government has recognized that private cars are the main source of traffic congestion in Hong Kong.  Government indicated that it planned to introduce another electronic road toll and increase private license plate or registration tax. Hope that this report will help us understand the problems we are facing now and discuss how we can resolve them so as to come up with better solutions.
Improvement and development of the railroad transportation, reflection of the case of Iran
Authors: Shahraki Abdol Aziz
Published: January 2020

This research paper is about the renewal, improvement and development of railroad transportation industry and planning for its contribution to the national and regional economic development. A theoretical exploration provided a guide for the necessary assessments. A research method based on the case study of almost all elements of the Iran railroad transportation system has been performed. The implementation of the observation by means of some indicators proves that hinders shall be removed to achieve maximum profit of the rail transport industry. Strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis aided to evaluate the features of the industry. The analysis revealed that the present system of the railroad transportation is unable to assist the national macro economy. The failure corresponds to scarcely investing, funding, managing, infrastructure, operating conditions, and international/regional trade limitations. However, with the help of the improvement plans the prospects for the rail transport development will be pretty satisfactory due to the strategic Geo-policy, climate, nature, and trade potentials. A linear programming for the rail transport industry (LPRTI) has been provided to suggest the ways for maximizing of the rail transport system’s profits to support the national macro economy. The outcome of this research paper assists the regional/national economies with the help of a successful railroad transportation industry everywhere in the world.
Aplikasi Evakuasi Bencana untuk Difabel
Authors: Folaimam Bahraen
Published: January 2020

People with disabilities have physical limitations, and in many cases, social and economic limitations, so they are very vulnerable when disasters occur. Therefore, we need a system that can help the disabled when a disaster occurs. The purpose of this study is to make an application that can show location information and the shortest road access that can be passed by persons with disabilities or assisted by guardians. One algorithm that can show the shortest path is the Dijkstra algorithm, which will be implemented in the Disaster Evacuation application. Testing the system using the Black Box method shows that the disaster evacuation application is running well and under the system design. The user's location displayed on maps by utilizing GPS technology on a smartphone makes it easy for this application to detect the user's coordinates. This application is connected to the database server so that it can store and retrieve data.[Kaum difabel memiliki keterbatasan fisik, dan dalam banyak kasus keterbatasan sosial dan ekonomi, sehingga mereka sangat rentan ketika terjadi bencana. Oleh sebab itu diperlukan sebuah sistem yang dapat membantu difabel ketika terjadi bencana. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk membuat sebuah aplikasi yang mampu menunjukkan informasi lokasi dan akses jalan terpendek yang dapat dilalui difabel atau dibantu dengan wali. Salah satu algoritma yang dapat menunjukkan jalur terpendek adalah algoritma Dijkstra yang akan diimplementasikan pada aplikasi Evakuasi Bencana. Pengujian sistem dengan metode Black Box menunjukkan bahwa aplikasi evakuasi bencana sudah berjalan baik dan sesuai dengan perancangan sistem. Lokasi pengguna ditampilkan pada maps dengan memanfaatkan teknologi GPS pada smartphone sehingga mempermudah aplikasi untuk mendeteksi titik koordinat user. Aplikasi ini dihubungkan ke database server sehingga dapat melakukan penyimpanan maupun pengambilan data.]
Design Features of an Effective and Theoretically Grounded Training Program for Undergraduate Teaching Assistants in the Life Sciences
Authors: Thompson Seth K. , Brown Julie , Cotner Sehoya , Andicoechea Jonathan , Zhao FangFang , Roehrig Gillian
Published: January 2020

Research over the last decade has indicated that active learning and student-centered instruction lead to better learning outcomes in undergraduate biology courses than traditional methods such as lecturing. This shift in pedagogical approach has been applied to both high-enrollment lecture-based courses as well as smaller laboratory courses. In these laboratory courses, the primary instructor is often a graduate or undergraduate student teaching assistant. Such novice instructors often lack the pedagogical knowledge and experience to implement student-centered instructional practices such as inquiry effectively. Therefore, to fully realize the benefits of inquiry-based laboratories for undergraduate students, the instructors of these courses require support.
In this paper, we present a design case for a theoretically and contextually grounded professional development program that provides pedagogical support for undergraduate teaching assistants of a college biology laboratory course. Four undergraduate teaching assistants participated in our 12-week program. These participants were assigned weekly readings, turned in periodic reflective writings, and met with an experienced teaching mentor (Thompson) on a monthly basis. As designers, we grounded our design in the current literature but also built-in flexibility to be responsive to participants’ needs throughout the experience. Participants found it challenging to reflect on pedagogical strategies early in their experience, but found the additional support provided by the program very useful as they developed. Finally, we discuss the participant feedback that is being incorporated into future designs of professional development programming.
Adaptation of internal audit system to supervisory system in the provincial directorate of national education and a model proposal
Authors: Barış Ali Erkan , Atanur Baskan Gülsün
Published: January 2020

The aim of this research is to provide a supervision model for provincial directorates of national education in accordance with contemporary audit approaches. The study is designed as a mixed research method. The participants of the study include 4082 people; 3576 teachers, 452 administrators (10 provincial/district national education directors and assistant directors, 11 branch managers, 431 school principals and assistant principals) and 10 education supervisors working in public schools and institutions in Nevşehir in 2017 and 44 education supervisors working in the ministry of education. Data collection tools were developed by the researcher. The quantitative data were collected by the Adoption and Applicability Scale of the Internal Audit System (AASIAS). Qualitative data were collected through semi-structured interview form. Results of the study showed that the participants adopted the internal audit system to a great extent and found it applicable in provincial directorates of national education. In addition, the opinions of the participants were integrated into the internal audit system and a supervision model was developed for the purpose, structure and process dimensions of provincial directorates of national education.
Synthesis and AChE inhibitory activity of N-glycosyl benzofuran derivatives
Authors: Wu Yu-Ran , Ren Shu-Ting , Wang Lei , Liu Xiu-Jian , Wang You-Xian , Liu Shu-Hao , Liu Wei-Wei , Shi Da-Hua , Cao Zhi-Ling
Published: January 2020

Six N-glycosyl benzofuran derivatives were synthesized by the catalysis of organic bases and condensation agents. The benzofuran derivatives were obtained by the reaction of various salicylaldehydes in acetone, and then hydrolyzed to the corresponding carboxylic acids. Finally, the target compounds were synthesized by acylation and the reaction conditions were optimized. The acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity of the desired compounds was tested using Ellman’s method. Most of the compounds showed acetylcholinesterase-inhibition activity; N-(2,4,5-trihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydro-2H-pyran-3-yl)benzofuran-2-carbxamide (5a) showed the best acetylcholinesterase inhibition, with an inhibitory rate of 84%.
Facile Synthesis of Spiro[cyclohexane-1,3’-indoline]-2,2’-diones
Authors: Katayama Shin-taro , Nishino Hiroshi
Published: January 2020

Spiro[cyclohexane-1,3’-indoline]-2,2’-diones were easily prepared in good to high yields by the oxidation of N-aryl-N-methyl-2-oxocyclohexane-1-carboxamides in one pot with a short reaction time. The spiroindolinediones could be important for the total synthesis of natural products.
Strength Training to Improve Performance in Athletes With Cerebral Palsy: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence
Authors: Fleeton Jennifer R.M. , Sanders Ross H. , Fornusek Ché
Published: January 2020

Fleeton, JRM, Sanders, RH, and Fornusek, C. Strength training to improve performance in athletes with cerebral palsy: A systematic review of current evidence. J Strength Cond Res 34(6): 1774–1789, 2020—Persons with cerebral palsy (CP) can partake in many different forms of organized sport including elite competition at state and international levels. There is limited evidence on how CP athletes should train to enhance performance. The purposes of this article were to conduct a systematic review of the current evidence on ambulatory individuals with CP for (a) strength and functional improvement through strength training; (b) potential sports performance improvement through strength training; (c) the identification of risk and special considerations associated with strength and conditioning for this population, and; (d) the identification of future research foci to educate strength and conditioning coaches on specific program design for elite CP athletes. Seven electronic databases were searched for studies investigating resistance training interventions. The databases were also searched for training interventions or investigations into sports performance in athletes with CP competing at regional level or above. Thirty articles were included in the systematic review of strength training, and 23 articles included in the narrative review of training for sports performance. High-quality evidence indicates that resistance training can improve muscular strength in individuals with CP, with some preliminary evidence of structural and neurological adaptations. However, there is limited evidence for functional improvements. Limited research has examined the performance capacity of athletes with CP, and no training interventions have been conducted. Coaches should employ existing guidelines when designing programs while considering specific athlete limitations. Initially, the focus should be increasing athlete muscular strength before considering specific sport demands.
Resistance-Trained Individuals Can Underestimate the Intensity of the Resistance Training Session: An Analysis Among Sexes, Training Experience, and Exercises
Authors: Dos Santos Wellington Martins , Junior Antonio Carlos Tavares , Braz Tiago Volpi , Lopes Charles Ricardo , Brigatto Felipe Alves , Dos Santos Júlio Wilson
Published: January 2020

Dos Santos, WM, Tavares Junior, AC, Braz, TV, Lopes, CR, Brigatto, FA, and Dos Santos, JW. Resistance-trained individuals can underestimate the intensity of the resistance training session: An analysis among genders, training experience, and exercises. J Strength Cond Res 36(6): 1506–1510, 2022—Resistance training (RT) promotes improvements in healthy parameters for young to elderly adults and athletes' performance. Strength and muscle mass improvements are dependent on exercise intensity. This study verifies whether 53 healthy young adults underestimate exercise intensity in 3 different exercises, such as bench press (BP), biceps curl (BC), and leg press 45° (LP). Researchers asked the subjects “How much load do you use to perform 10 repetitions in this exercise usually in workout routines?” in each exercise. Individuals warmed up and then performed as many repetitions as possible until they reached the concentric failure. Deviations from data normality were found by using Levene's test; the number of repetitions per exercise within sex was tested by using Friedman's test and Conover's post hoc and Kruskal–Wallis tests to compare the number of repetitions between sex and RT experience. We correlated the number of repetitions and training experience using the Spearman test. The number of repetitions for both groups (male and female) is greater than 8–12 repetitions for BC and LP and BP of the female group, except for men who perform around 8–12 repetitions on BP. Frequency of maximal repetitions reached for 8–12 repetitions for women was 12% for BP, 28% for BC, and 28% for LP. The frequency men reached was 46.5% for BP, 14.3% for BC, and 14.3% for LP. Training experience did not influence the number of repetitions reached. Resistance training practitioners underestimate exercise load (56% of total sample) to be independent of experience. Women underestimate exercise load more than men. Based on the present results, it is possible to state that RT should not be prescribed considering a predefined number of repetitions and a linked percentage of loads, without the guidance for frequent adjustments of loads, according to the exercise performed.
Strength-Power Tests are More Effective When Performed After Exhaustive Exercise in Discrimination Between Top-Elite and Elite Wrestlers
Authors: Özbay Serhat , Ulupınar Süleyman
Published: January 2020

Özbay, S and Ulupinar, S. Strength-power tests are more effective when performed after exhaustive exercise in discrimination between top-elite and elite wrestlers. J Strength Cond Res 36(2): 448–454, 2022—This study aimed (a) to analyze strength-power variables in top-elite and elite wrestlers, (b) to identify which variables allow for discrimination between them, and (c) to investigate whether the results changed when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. Twenty-six male wrestlers who won medals at the national championship in junior or under-23 categories participated in this study. Athletes who also won medals at the European or World Championship were assessed as top-elite (n = 13), and others as elite (n = 13). Subjects performed the leg and arm Wingate anaerobic test (anaerobic power and capacity), maximum one repetition bench press and squat test (maximal dynamic strength), handgrip and leg strength test (isometric strength), vertical and horizontal jump test (muscle power), and pull-up and push-up (strength endurance) tests. The results showed that top-elite wrestlers produced a higher output in both lower-body and upper-body Wingate average power (relative) than the elite wrestlers when the tests were performed after full rest. However, top-elite wrestlers presented higher results (relative) in all tests, except vertical and horizontal jump tests, when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. Furthermore, in a discriminant function analysis, the groups were correctly classified at 65.4% when the tests were performed after full rest, whereas the groups were correctly classified at 92.3% when the tests were performed after exhaustive exercise. This study indicated that the strength-power tests performed after exhaustive exercise may be more effective in discriminating between top-elite and elite wrestlers.
Effects of a 12-Week Training Program on Isometric and Dynamic Force-Time Characteristics in Pre– and Post–Peak Height Velocity Male Athletes
Authors: Dobbs Ian J. , Oliver Jon L. , Wong Megan A. , Moore Isabel S. , Lloyd Rhodri S.
Published: January 2020

Dobbs, IJ, Oliver, JL, Wong, MA, Moore, IS, and Lloyd, RS. Effects of a 12-week training program on isometric and dynamic force-time characteristics in pre– and post–peak height velocity male athletes. J Strength Cond Res 34(3): 653–662, 2020—Literature shows that training children and adolescents can enhance strength and power irrespective of their stage of development; however, the development of the kinetic variables that underpin strength and power performance are typically unreported in youth training studies. Twenty-four pre– and 14 post–peak height velocity (PHV) male athletes were divided into maturity-specific experimental (EXP) and control groups (CON), with the EXP groups completing a twice-weekly, 12-week training program. Force-time characteristics during the isometric midthigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump, and squat jump tests were quantified at both baseline and after the completion of the 12-week program. Alpha level was set at p < 0.05. No changes in total score for back-squat assessment were observed in any group (p > 0.05). Analysis of IMTP data revealed that only the post-PHV EXP group significantly increased absolute isometric peak force (PFabs) and peak rate of force development within the IMTP after training. Both EXP groups displayed significant increases in isometric PF at time epochs 0–90, 0–150, 0–200, and 0–250 ms. Data from the dynamic tests indicated that the pre-PHV EXP cohort improved concentric qualities as reflected by increased squat jump height and countermovement jump concentric power. There were no significant changes for any variables across all tests within either CON group (p > 0.05). Maturity-related differences in response to short-term training affects the kinetic variables associated with strength and power performance, but not movement competency in young male athletes.