bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a Hydroalcoholic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves for the Green Synthesis of Bismuth Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Their Anti-Microbial and Antioxidant Activities
Authors: Das Prince Edwin , Majdalawieh Amin F. , Abu-Yousef Imad A. , Narasimhan Srinivasan , Poltronieri Palmiro
Published: December 2019

The use of plant extracts in the synthesis of metal nanoparticles is a very attractive approach in the field of green synthesis. To benefit from the potential synergy between the biological activities of the Moringa oleifera leaves extract and metallic bismuth, our study aimed at synthesizing bismuth nanoparticles using a hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves as a means of green synthesis that yields nontoxic products and reduces the production of wasteful material. To this end, the M. oleifera leaves extract was treated with a bismuth nitrate pentahydrate solution. A color change from light brown to dark brown indicates the synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles. The total phenolic content in the M. oleifera leaves extract used was 23.0 ± 0.3 mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dried M. oleifera leaves powder. Antioxidant property of MO synthesised bismuth Nanoparticles was evaluated and in line with the extract used in the synthesis of NPs. The physical properties of the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles were characterized using UV-Vis spectrophotometer, FT-IR spectrometer, TEM, SEM, and XRD. The synthesized bismuth nanoparticles have a size in the range of 40.4-57.8 nm with amorphous morphology. Using DPPH and phosphomolybdate assays, our findings revealed that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles possess antioxidant properties. Using resazurin microtiter assay, we also demonstrate that the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles exert potent anti-bacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus faecalis, similarly to the inhibition exerted by Moringa extract, especially against Enterococcus faecalis (MIC values for the extract: 500, 250, 250, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 500, 500, 500, and 250 µg/mL, respectively). Similarly, the M. oleifera leaves extract and the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles display relatively stronger anti-fungal activity against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Candida albicans, and Candida glabrata (MIC values for the extract: 62.5, 62.5, 125, and 250 µg/mL; MIC values for the bismuth nanoparticles: 250, 250, 62.5, and 62.5 µg/mL, respectively). Thus, the hydroalcoholic extract of M. oleifera leaves was successfully used in the synthesis of bismuth nanoparticles, showing a positive antioxidant, anti-bacterial, and anti-fungal activity. Therefore, the synthesized bismuth nanoparticles can potentially be employed in the alleviation of symptoms associated with oxidative stress and in the topic treatment of Candida infections.
A Theoretical Calculation of the Cosmological Constant Based on the Theory of Vacuum Mechanics
Authors: Wang Xiao-Song
Published: December 2019

Lord Kelvin believes that the electromagnetic aether must also generate gravity. Based on a theorem of V. Fock on the mass tensor of an elastic continuum, the contravariant energy-momentum tensor of the $\Omega(1)$ substratum is established. Quasi-static solutions of the gravitational field equations in vacuum are obtained. Based on an assumption, relationships between the contravariant energy-momentum tensor of the $\Omega(1)$ substratum and the contravariant metric tensor are obtained. Thus, the cosmological constant is derived theoretically. The $\Omega(1)$ substratum, or we say the electromagnetic aether, may be a possible candidate of the dark energy. The zero-point energy of electromagnetic fields will not appear as a source term in the generalized Einstein's equations. Some people believed that all kinds of energies should appear as source terms in the Einstein's equations. It may be this belief that leads to the so called cosmological constant problem. The mass density of the electromagnetic aether is equivalent to that $31.33195$ protons contained in a box with a volume of $1.0{m}^{3}$.
A University Training Programme for Acquiring Entrepreneurial and Transversal Employability Skills: A Students’ Assessment
Authors: Laguna-Sánchez Pilar , Abad Pilar , de la Fuente-Cabrero Concepción , Calero Rocío
Published: December 2019

The objective of this paper is to analyze students’ assessments of the attainment of skills acquired by university graduates enrolled in a Training Programme (TP) to develop entrepreneurial skills and transversal employability competencies. Both of which are vital for the success of today's societies and play an important role in the sustainable development agenda. The TP was a twelve-week programme with six modules combining entrepreneurship training and traditional teaching methods. There were nine editions and 148 students worked in teams preparing business plans to present to consultants and potential investors. The Focal Group method was used to identify competencies and a survey was designed to identify the level to which skills were attained. The results suggest that the students attained both types of skills, acquiring a higher level of proficiency in entrepreneurial skills and those transversal competencies most connected to entrepreneurship. Additionally, different levels of attainment of entrepreneurial skills were found in different groups. We provide new evidence that TPs, as compulsory subjects in the core curriculum of degree programmes, will help accomplish both objectives: the acquisition of entrepreneurial skills and generic university educational competencies. The overall outcome of this research highlights the value added by the TPs.
Reactivity and Stability of Polyoxometalate Water Oxidation Electrocatalysts
Authors: Gao Dandan , Trentin Ivan , Schwiedrzik Ludwig , González Leticia , Streb Carsten
Published: December 2019

This review describes major advances in the use of functionalized molecular metal oxides (polyoxometalates, POMs) as water oxidation catalysts under electrochemical conditions. The fundamentals of POM-based water oxidation are described together with a brief overview of general approaches to designing POM water oxidation catalysts. Next, the use of POMs for homogeneous, solution-phase water oxidation is described together with a summary of theoretical studies shedding light on the POM-WOC mechanism. This is followed by a discussion of heterogenization of POMs on electrically conductive substrates for technologically more relevant application studies. Stability of POM water oxidation catalysts are discussed on selected examples where detailed data is already available. The review finishes with an outlook on future perspective and emerging themes in electrocatalytic polyoxometalate-based water oxidation research.
Crustacean Decapod Assemblage Associated with Seagrass (Zostera marina) Beds in Southern Waters of Korea
Authors: Park Joo Myun , Kwak Seok Nam , Reidel Ralf
Published: December 2019

Decapod assemblages in Zostera marina beds from two bays adjacent to unvegetated habitats were investigated to assess their influence on decapod assemblages. Thirty-eight decapod species belonging to 4 taxa were collected using a small beam trawl at four habitat types from two different locations off the coast of Namhae Island, southern Korea. Dominant decapod taxon at all habitats was the caridean shrimps, with Eualus leptognathus, Heptacarpus pandaloides, Latreutes anoplonyx, La. laminirostris and Palaemon macrodactylus being the most abundant caridean species. Crabs were characterized by the highest biomass, but moderate species richness and abundance. Penaeoids and sergestoids shrimps only accounted for <1% of the total decapod abundance. The number of species, their abundance, and the diversity of decapod assemblages varied greatly by habitat type, season, and diel patterns. Species number and abundance peaked in seagrass beds of southern exposed bays during the autumn, and were lowest in unvegetated habitats during the summer months. Diel decapod species and catch rates were higher at night. Dense seagrass vegetation and nighttime supported greater decapod species richness and higher mean densities, but not diversity. Multivariate analyses revealed that habitat type and season significantly affected the structure of decapod assemblages, but diel patterns had a minor influence. Among decapod species, Pa. macrodactylus and Pugettia quadridens characterized the decapod assemblages in seagrass beds at the northern semi-closed bay, while Telmessus acutidens, Crangon affinis, Cr. hakodatei, Charybdis japonica and Portunus sanguinolentus were significantly associated with both vegetated and unvegetated habitats at the southern exposed bay, with the former two species more abundant during winter and spring.
A Kayvirus Distant Homolog of Staphylococcal Virulence Determinats and VISA Biomarker is a Phage Lytic Enzyme That Decreases S. aureus Tolerance to Vancomycin
Authors: Głowacka-Rutkowska Aleksandra , Ulatowska Magdalena , Empel Joanna , Kowalczyk Magdalena , Boreczek Jakub , Łobocka Małgorzata
Published: December 2019

Staphylococcal bacteriophages of Kayvirus genus are candidates for therapeutic applications. One of their proteins, Tgl, is slightly similar to staphylococcal virulence factors, secreted autolysins of lytic transglycosylase motifs, IsaA and SceD. We show that Tgl is also a lytic enzyme secreted by bacterial transport system and localizes to cell peripheries, like IsaA and SceD. It caused lysis of E. coli cells expressing the cloned tgl gene, but could be overproduced when depleted of signal peptide. S. aureus cells producing Tgl lysed in the presence of nisin, which mimics the action of phage holin. In vitro, Tgl protein was able to destruct S. aureus cell walls. The production of Tgl decreased S. aureus tolerance to vancomycin, unlike the production of SceD, which is associated with the decreased sensitivity to vancomycin. In the genomes of kayviruses, the tgl gene is located a few genes away from gene lysK, encoding the major endolysin. While lysK is a late phage gene, tgl can be transcribed by a host RNA polymerase, as are phage early genes. Taken together our data indicate that tgl is a part of kayviruses lytic module and encodes an additional endolysin which can act in concert with LysK in cell lysis.
A Novel Method to Optimize Autologous Adipose Tissue Recovery with Extracellular Matrix Preservation
Authors: Roato Ilaria , Mussano Federico , Reano Simone , Boriani Filippo , Margara Andrea , Ferracini Riccardo , Adriani Ezio , Sabry Omar , Fiorini Mauro , Fattori Paolo
Published: December 2019

This work aims to characterize a new method to recover low-manipulated human adipose tissue, enriched of adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ATD-MSCs) for autologous use in regenerative medicine applications. Lipoaspirated fat collected from patients was processed through Lipocell, a II-a medical device for dialysis of adipose tissue, by varying filter sizes and washing solutions. ATD-MSCs yield was measured with flow cytometry after SVF isolation in fresh and cultured samples. Purification from oil and blood was measured after centrifugation with spectrophotometer analysis. Extracellular matrix preservation was assessed through H&E staining and biochemical assay for total collagen, type-2 collagen, and GAGs quantification. Flow cytometry showed a 2-fold increase of ATD-MSCs yield in treated samples in comparison with untreated lipoaspirate; no differences where reported when varying filter size. The association of dialysis and washing thoroughly removed blood and oil from samples. Tissue architecture and extracellular matrix integrity were unaltered after Lipocell processing. Dialysis procedure associated with Ringer’s lactate preserves the proliferation ability of ATD-MSCs in cell culture. The characterization of the product shows that Lipocell is an efficient method to purify the tissue from undesired byproducts, preserving ATD-MSCs vitality and ECM integrity, resulting in a promising tool for regenerative medicine applications.
Characterization of Near-Room-Temperature Superconductivity in Yttrium Superhydrides
Authors: Talantsev Evgueni
Published: December 2019

Recently, Troyan et al (2019 arXiv:1908.01534) and Kong et al (2019 arXiv:1909.10482) extended near-room-temperature superconductors family by new yttrium superhydride polymorphs, YHn (n = 4,6,7,9), which exhibit superconducting transition temperatures in the range of Tc = 210-243 K at pressure of P = 160-255 GPa. In this paper, temperature dependent upper critical field data, Bc2(T), for highly-compressed mixture of YH4+YH6 phases (reported by Kong et al 2019 arXiv:1909.10482) is analysed to deduce the ratio of Tc to the Fermi temperature, TF. Our analysis shows that in all considered scenarios the YH4+YH6 mixture has the ratio 0.01 ≤ Tc/TF ≤ 0.04. As the result, YH4+YH6 falls in the unconventional superconductors band in the Uemura plot. It is also found that the characteristic temperature of the order parameter amplitude fluctuations, Tfluc, in the YH4+YH6 mixture is only several percent above observed Tc, and thus the superconducting transition in yttrium superhydride polymorphs is fundamentally limited by thermodynamics fluctuations.
Numerical Analysis of Full-scale Ship Self-Propulsion Performance with direct Comparison to Statistical Sea Trail Results
Authors: Sun Wenyu , Hu Qiong , Hu Shiliang , Su Jia , Xu Jie , Wei Jinfang , Huang Guofu
Published: December 2019

Accurate prediction of the self-propulsion performance is one of the most important factors for energy-efficient design of a ship. In general, the hydrodynamic performance of a full-scale ship could be achieved by model-scale simulation or towing tank test with extrapolations. With the development of CFD methods and computing power, directly predict ship performance with full-scale CFD is an important approach. In this article, a numerical study on the full-scale self-propulsion performance with propeller operating behind ship at model- and full-scale is presented. The study includes numerical simulations using RANS method with double-model and VOF model respectively and scale effect analysis based on overall performance, local flow fields and detailed vortex identification. Verification study on grid convergence is also performed for full-scale simulation with global and local mesh refinements. And a series of sea trail tests were performed to collect reliable data for the validation of CFD predictions. The analysis of scale effect on hull-propeller interaction shows that the difference on hull boundary layer and flow separation is the main source of scale effect on ship wake. And the results of the fluctuations of propeller thrust and torque along with circulation distribution and local flow field show that propeller’s loading is significantly higher for model-scale ship. It is suggested that the difference on vortex evolution and interaction is more pronounced and have larger effects on ship’s powering performance at model-scale than full-scale according to the simulation results. From the study on self-propulsion prediction, it could be concluded that the simplification on free surface treatment does not only affect the wave-making resistance for bare hull but also the propeller performance and propeller induced ship resistance which can produced up to 5% uncertainty to the power prediction. Roughness is another important factor in full-scale simulation because it has up to approximately 7% effect on the delivery power. As a result of validation study, the numerical simulations of full-scale ship self-propulsion shows good agreement with the sea trail data especially for cases that have considered both roughness and free surface effects. This result will largely enhance our confidence to apply full-scale simulation in the prediction of ship’s self-propulsion performance in the future ship designs.
Physical Mapping of Pm57, a Powdery Mildew Resistance Gene Derived from Aegilops searsii
Authors: Dong Zhenjie , Tian Xiubin , Ma Chao , Xia Qing , Wang Beilin , Chen Qifan , Sehgal Sunish K. , Friebe Bernd , Li Huanhuan , Liu Wenxuan
Published: December 2019

Powdery mildew caused by Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici (Bgt) is one of many severe diseases that threaten bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield and quality worldwide. The discovery and deployment of powdery mildew resistance genes (Pm) can prevent this disease epidemic in wheat. In a previous study, we transferred the powdery mildew resistance gene Pm57 from Aegilops searsii into common wheat and cytogenetically mapped the gene in a chromosome region with the fraction length (FL) 0.75-0.87, which represents 12% of 2Ss#1 segment on the long arm of chromosome 2Ss#1. In this study, we performed RNA-Seq on three infected and mock-infected wheat-Ae. searsii 2Ss#1 introgression lines with Bgt-isolates inoculation at 0, 12, 24, and 48 hours after inoculation. Then we designed 79 molecular markers based on transcriptome sequences and physically mapped them to Ae. searsii chromosome 2Ss#1- in seven intervals. We used these markers to identify 46 wheat-Ae. searsii 2Ss#1 recombinants induced by ph1b, a deletion mutant of pairing homoelogous (Ph) genes. Analysis of the 46 ph1b-induced 2Ss#1L recombinants with different Bgt-responses using 28 2Ss#1L-specific molecular markers in the interval FL0.72-0.87 where Pm57 is located, and the flanking intervals, we physically mapped Pm57 gene on the long arm of 2Ss#1 in a 5.13 Mb genomic region, which was flanked by markers X67593 (773.72 Mb) and X62492 (778.85 Mb). By comparative synteny analysis of the corresponding region on chromosome 2B in Chinese spring (T. aestivum L.) with other model species we identified ten genes that are putative plant defense-related (R) genes which includes six coiled-coil nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (CNL), three nucleotide-binding site-leucine-rich repeat (NL) and a leucine-rich receptor-like repeat (RLP) encoding proteins. This study will lay a foundation for further cloning of Pm57, and benefit the understanding of interactions between resistance genes of wheat and powdery mildew pathogens.
Risk Factors for Periprosthetic Joint Infection Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors:   The McMaster Arthroplasty Collaborative (MAC)1 a
Published: December 2019

Background:

Periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) is one of the most devastating complications following total hip arthroplasty. The purposes of this study were to determine risk factors for PJI after primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis using a Canadian population-based database collected over 15 years and to determine the incidence of PJI, the time to PJI following primary total hip arthroplasty, and whether the PJI rate had changed over 15 years.

Methods:

We performed a population-based cohort study using linked administrative databases in Ontario. We included all primary total hip arthroplasties performed for osteoarthritis in patients who were ≥55 years of age. We used a Cox proportional hazards model to analyze the effect of surgical and patient factors on the risk of developing PJI. We calculated 1, 2, 5, and 10-year PJI rates. We used the Cochran-Armitage test to assess the evidence of trends in PJI rates over time.

Results:

A total of 100,674 patients who were ≥55 years of age underwent a primary total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis. The cumulative incidence for PJI at 15 years was 1.44% (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.38% to 1.50%). Risk factors associated with the development of PJI include male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.43 [95% CI, 1.30 to 1.51]), type-2 diabetes mellitus (HR, 1.51 [95% CI, 1.31 to 1.70]), and being discharged to convalescent care (HR, 1.36 [95% CI, 1.05 to 1.77]). Sixty-two percent of PJI cases occurred within 2 years after the surgical procedure and 98% occurred within 10 years. The rate of PJI following primary total hip arthroplasty did not change over the 15 years of our study period.

Conclusions:

The risk of developing PJI following primary total hip arthroplasty did not change in 15 years, despite improvements in other arthroplasty outcomes. Male sex, type-2 diabetes mellitus, and discharge to convalescent care were associated with an increased risk of PJI. The surgical approach, income quintile, and use of bone-grafting or cement were not significantly associated with increased risk of infection in our cohort.

Level of Evidence:

PrognosticLevel III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The institutional basis of the systematization and assessment of tourism zones: The case of Uzbekistan
Authors: Sobirov Bobur
Published: December 2019

This paper investigates systematization and assessment of existing methodological developments in the field of assessing the tourist capacity of territories. Investigated aimed to identify the possibilities of implementing theory of the cluster initiatives on the creating free tourist zones. On this was, evidences from Uzbekistan tourism potential and ways of reaching better attractiveness points of the free tourist zones were mentioned. Finally, research has proposed and suggested to conduct further research points as the whole
Cambios en el calendario de uso de condón masculino en la primera y última relación sexual en distintas cohortes de mujeres
Authors: Hubert Celia , Villalobos Aremis , Suárez-López Leticia
Published: December 2019

Objetivo. Caracterizar el uso de condón en la primera y última relación sexual en diferentes cohortes para observar posibles diferencias entre grupos generacionales. Material y métodos.Mediante la Encuesta Nacional de Niños, Niñas y Mujeres 2015, representativa a nivel nacional, se ajustaron modelos de regresión Poisson para buscar asociación de va­riables de interés con el uso del condón en la primera y última relación sexual. Resultados. Las cohortes más jóvenes, con mayor educación y riqueza tienen mayores posibilidades de usar condón en su primera y última relación sexual; hablar lengua indígena se asocia con menores posibilidades de uso en ambos eventos. El uso de condón en el debut sexual incrementa la posibilidad de uso en la última relación sexual. Conclusiones. Existe un cambio generacional en el uso del condón en la primera y última relación sexual entre las más jóvenes. La utilización del condón en el debut sexual favorece su uso posterior.
Habilitadores da inovação em uma instituição pública de ensino superior
Authors: Lacerda Katarina Leal Chaves
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo investigar a presença de elementos habilitadores da inovação no âmbito administrativo de uma instituição pública de ensino superior, sob a perspectiva dos seus servidores. O modelo teórico utilizado para a identificação dos habilitadores foi o de Araújo, Rocha e Carvalhais (2015). Trata-se de uma pesquisa de abordagem qualitativa, adotando a estratégia metodológica de estudo de caso único. Na coleta de dados foram utilizadas entrevistas semi-estruturadas, sendo estes dados tratados por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Os resultados obtidos indicam que a inovação ocorre na instituição de forma pontual, havendo a presença de poucos elementos habilitadores da inovação entre os analisados, especificamente: gestão de projeto de inovação, recursos para a inovação e vozes indutoras da inovação. Conclui-se que a instituição possui um ambiente organizacional e de gestão pouco favorável a estimular a inovação e torná-la como uma prática habitual.
An empirical analysis of mobile banking adoption in Vietnam
Authors: Nhat Vuong Bui , Thi Hieu Vo , Thi Thuy Trang Ngo
Published: December 2019

Mobile phones with banking technology are becoming more readily available in Vietnam. Similarly, many financial institutions and mobile phone service providers are teaming up to provide several banking services to customers via the mobile phone. However, the number of people who choose to adopt or use such technologies is still relatively low. Therefore, there is a need to assess the acceptance of such technologies to establish factors that hinder or promote customer’s intention to use mobile banking. Survey data collected from 452 consumers in was analyzed to provide evidence. Results from the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) using the SmartPLS 3.0 program indicated that perceived easy to use, perceived credibility, usefulness, attitude, perceived behavioral control and subjective norm are significant with respect to the customer’s intention to use mobile banking services. The results of the data analysis contribute to the body of knowledge by demonstrating that the above factors are critical in intention to use mobile banking in a developing country context. The finding of this study can also help marketers in the banking sector offer more suitable marketing strategies in their field in order to make higher attractiveness with mobile banking services
Learning Organization Culture and Core Job Characteristics for Knowledge Workers in Korea
Authors: (Brian) Joo Baek-Kyoo , N. McLean Gary
Published: December 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between perceived learning organization culture and core job characteristics in a sample of 264 knowledge workers from four organizations in South Korea. The dimensions of the learning organization questionnaire (DLOQ) and the job diagnostic survey (JDS) were used as measures. The result of a canonical correlation analysis indicated that the composite of learning organization culture (i.e., continuous learning, dialogue and inquiry, team learning, embedded system, empowerment, system connection, and strategic leadership) was modestly but significantly related to the composite of core job characteristics (i.e., variety, identity, significance, autonomy, and feedback), accounting for 34 percent of the shared variance between the two variable sets. More specifically, the effects of dialogue and inquiry, team learning, and system connection in learning organization culture were greater on feedback, autonomy, and task significance in job characteristics for knowledge workers in South Korea.
Bayesian-Based Approach for Hydraulic Flow Unit Identification and Permeability Prediction: A Field Case Application in a Tight Carbonate Reservoir
Authors: D'Windt Adolfo , Quint Edwin , Al-Saleh Anwar , Dashti Qasem
Published: December 2019

Flow zonation and permeability estimation is a common task in reservoir characterization. Typically, integration of openhole log data with a conventional and special core analysis solves this problem. We present a Bayesian-based method for identifying hydraulic flow units in uncored wells using the theory of hydraulic flow units (HFUs) and subsequently compute permeability using wireline log data.

We use a nonlinear optimization scheme on the basis of the probability plot to determine pertinent statistical parameters of each flow unit. Next, we couple these results with the F-test and the Akaike's criteria with the purpose of establishing the optimal number of HFUs present in the core data set. Then, we allocate the core data into their respective HFUs using the Bayes’ theorem as clustering rule. Finally, we apply an inversion algorithm on the basis of Bayesian inference to predict permeability using only wireline data.

We illustrate the application of the procedure with a carbonate reservoir having extensive conventional core data. The results show that the Bayesian-based clustering and inversion technique delivers permeability estimates that agree with the core data and with the results obtained from a pressure transient analysis.
Regulatory Roles of Differentially Expressed MicroRNAs in Metabolic Processes in Negative Lens-Induced Myopia Guinea Pigs
Authors: Guo Dadong , Ding Meihua , Song Xiaoli , Sun Yuanyuan , Li Guoping , Li Zonghong , Wei Huixia , Wu Jianfeng , Jiang Wenjun , Bi Hongsheng
Published: December 2019

Myopia is one of the most common vision defects worldwide. microRNAs can regulate the target gene expression, influencing the development of diseases. In order to investigate the alterations of microRNA profiling in negative lens-induced myopia (NLIM) guinea pigs and to explore the regulatory role of microRNAs in the occurrence and the development of myopia, we first established the NLIM guinea pig model after induction for 2 weeks. Further, we isolated sclera to purify total messenger RNA (mRNA) in both NLIM and NLIM fellow sclera. Using next generation sequencing technique and bioinformatics analysis, we identified the differentially expressed microRNAs in NLIM guinea pigs, performed the bioinformatics annotation for the differentially expressed microRNAs, and validated the expression of differentially expressed microRNAs. As a result, we successfully established an NLIM model in guinea pigs, identified 27 differentially expressed microRNAs in NLIM guinea pig sclera, including 10 upregulated and 17 downregulated microRNAs. The KEGG annotation showed the main signaling pathways were closely associated with PPAR signaling, pyruvate and propanoate metabolisms, and TGF-beta signaling pathways. In summary, our findings indicate that the development of myopia is mainly involved in the disorder of metabolic processes in NLIM guinea pigs. The PPAR signaling, pyruvate and propanoate metabolism pathways may play roles in the development of myopia.
Integrated proteomic and metabolomic analysis to study the effects of spaceflight on Candida albicans
Authors: Wang Jiaping , Liu Yu , Zhao Guangxian , Gao Jianyi , Liu Junlian , Wu Xiaorui , Xu Chong , Li Yongzhi
Published: December 2019

Background: Candida albicans is an opportunistic pathogenic yeast, which could become pathogenic in various stressful environmental factors including the spaceflight environment. In this study, we aim to explore the phenotypic changes and possible mechanisms of Candida albicans after exposure to spaceflight conditions. Results: The effect of Candida albicans after carried on the "SJ-10" satellite for 12 days was evaluated by proliferation, morphology, environmental resistance and virulence experiment. The result showed that the proliferation rate, biofilm formation, antioxidant capacity, cytotoxicity and filamentous morphology of Candida albicans were increased in the spaceflight group compared to the control group. Proteomics and metabolomics technologies were used to analyze the profiles of proteins and metabolites in Candida albicans under spaceflight conditions. Proteomic analysis identified 548 up-regulated proteins involved in ribosome, DNA replication, base excision repair and sulfur metabolism in the spaceflight group. And 332 down-regulated proteins related to metabolic processes were observed. The metabolomic analysis found 5 differentially expressed metabolites. The combined analysis of proteomic and metabolomic revealed the accumulation of cysteine and methionine in Candida albicans after spaceflight. Conclusions: Mechanisms that could explain the results in the phenotypic experiment of Candida albicans were found through proteomic and metabolomic analysis. And our data provide an important basis for the assessment of the risk that Candida albicans could cause under spaceflight environment.
miR-200c inhibits the invasive activity of primary adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Daobao , Liu Zhiyong , Liang Ruichao , Meng Tian , xu jianguo
Published: December 2019

Backgrounds Craniopharyngiomas are benign epithelial tumors and difficult to complete due to the digitate brain infiltration. miR-200c has been studied in terms of development, stemness, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and therapy resistance in many cancers. However, the role of miR-200c remains to be elucidated in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma.Methods Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate the expression of miR-200c, ZEB1, ZEB2, and CTNNB1. Immunohistochemistry, Western blot, and immunofluorescence analyses were used to evaluate the expression of E-cadherin and β-catenin at the protein level. A Transwell assay was used to evaluate the invasiveness of ten primary craniopharyngioma cell.Results miR-200c was significantly downregulated in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma compared with papillary craniopharyngioma. Conversely, ZEB1, ZEB2, and CTNNB1 were overexpressed in adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Inhibition of miR-200c significantly promoted the invasion of primary adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells. Moreover, E-cadherin was overexpressed and β-catenin was downregulated in miR-200c mimic primary adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cell culture.Conclusion Our data demonstrated that miR-200c maybe reduce the invasive activity of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma cells through E-cadherin/β-catenin. These findings suggest that the targets of miR-200c may regulate the EMT of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma.
Balanço Perguntado: Um Instrumento para Análise Econÿmico - Financeira de Micro e Pequenas Empresas
Authors: Fernandes Rhuama Bezerra , Leite Ígor Figueiredo , Tavares Adilson de Lima , Azevedo Yuri Gomes Paiva
Published: December 2019

O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar a metodologia do balanço perguntado como um instrumento na verificação da situação econÿmico-financeira das micro e pequenas empresas. Diante disso, foi estruturado um questionário para o levantamento do Balanço Patrimonial e da Demonstração do Resultado do Exercício, por meio de entrevista realizada com o gestor de uma empresa de pequeno porte. Além da análise por meio de índices contábil-financeiros, foi investigada a relação entre as informações dos demonstrativos reais e perguntados com base na correlação de Pearson, tendo em vista a normalidade dos dados verificada por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk. Posteriormente, visando verificar a inexistência de diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dados obtidos, foi realizado o teste de médias t de Student. Os principais resultados evidenciaram que existe forte relação linear entre os dados e, que não existe diferença estatisticamente significativa entre os dados reais e perguntados. Dessa forma, considera-se que o balanço perguntado pode ser utilizado na análise da situação econÿmico-financeira das micro e pequenas empresas. Por fim, também foi observado que as maiores discrepâncias entre os índices aconteceram pela imprecisão dos valores por parte do gestor
Targeting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases by Natural Products: A Novel Therapeutic Approach for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Zobeiri Mehdi , Momtaz Saeideh , Parvizi Fatemeh , Tewari Devesh , Farzaei Mohammad H. , Nabavi Seyed M.
Published: December 2019

An increase in the prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) as a multifactorial intestinal
chronic inflammation as well as the absence of a certain cure, has created an innovative era in
the management of IBD by molecule/pathway-based anti-inflammatory approaches. There are credible
documentations that demonstrate Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) acts as IBD regulator.
Upon the activation of MAPK signalling pathway, the transcription and expression of various encoding
inflammatory molecules implicated in IBD are altered, thereby exacerbating the inflammation development.
The current pharmacological management of IBD, including drug and biological therapies are
expensive, possess temporary relief and some adverse effects. In this context, a variety of dietary fruits
or medicinal herbs have received worldwide attention versus the development of IBD. Infact, natural
ingredients, such as Flavaglines, Fisetin, Myricitrin, Cardamonin, Curcumin, Octacosanol and Mangiferin
possess protective and therapeutic effects against IBD via modulation of different segments of
MAPK signaling pathway. This review paper calls attention to the role of MAPK signaling triggered
by natural products in the prevention and treatment of IBD.
Providing the tools for EU-Japan industrial cooperation
Authors: De Poet Philippe Taxis Du , Osumi Masanori
Published: December 2019

The EU-Japan Centre for Industrial Cooperation is a unique venture, co-managed and co-funded by the European Commission Directorate General Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and the Japanese government under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry (METI).
It is a non-profit organisation established in 1987 aimed at promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan and at improving EU and Japanese companies¡ competitiveness and cooperation by facilitating exchanges of experiences and know how
between them.
 The Centre is also an operational instrument for implementing EU and Japan policy initiatives, building economic intelligence and helping our businesses access each other¡s market. The pace of the development of technologies is growing exponentially and universities
and research centres play a pivotal role in this regard both in the EU and Japan. Europe and Japan should look to each other and send a signal to the world that the EU and Japan are committed to keeping the world economy working on the basis of open, fair and regulated markets. This article
describes some of the tools offered by the Centre to promote and support cooperation between Japanese and EU companies
Patrón y magnitud de la variación de la densidad de la madera en rodales semilleros de Pinus oocarpa
Authors: Gutiérrez-Vázquez Benito N. , Flores-Montaño Amelia
Published: December 2019

En el estado de Chiapas, México, Pinus oocarpa Schiede ex Schlechtendal es una especie predilecta para el establecimiento de plantaciones forestales y de restauración ecológica. Sin embargo, se desconoce la variación de variables importantes como la densidad de la madera. El objetivo fue conocer las fuentes de variación fenotípica de la densidad básica de la madera, los patrones de variación axial y radial, y los modelos predictivos para estimar densidad promedio de la madera (DPM) de Pinus oocarpa en rodales semilleros en Chiapas, México. Se recolectaron especímenes obtenidas a 0.30 m, 1.30 m, a 40% y a 60% de la altura total del fuste. La densidad de la madera (dm) se determinó con el método empírico. La variación fenotípica se determinó mediante análisis de varianza y de componentes de varianza. La variación atribuible a rodales semilleros fue baja (10.70%). La mayor variación se detectó entre y dentro de árboles con 39.30% de la variación total. El patrón de variación axial fue descendente, presentando mayor densidad en la parte baja del fuste. La variación radial indica aumento de la densidad de la madera de la médula hacia corteza. El modelo DPM = 0.107 + (0.714 * den0.30) es el más simple y tiene un valor de R2 ajustada de 0.927 para determinar la DPM del árbol. Los índices de correlación en Corazón del Valle sugieren la posibilidad de seleccionar y producir genotipos de P. oocarpa de rápido crecimiento y obtener al mismo tiempo mayor densidad en la madera producida.
Regeneración de Oreomunnea mexicana (Juglandaceae), una especie relicto, amenazada del bosque de niebla de Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, México
Authors: Pacheco-Cruz Nelly , Clark-Tapia Ricardo , Campos Jorge E. , Gorgonio-Ramírez Montserrat , Luna-Krauletz Maria Delfina , Naranjo-Luna Francisco , Corrales Adriana , Alfonso-Corrado Cecilia
Published: December 2019

Oreomunnea mexicana (Stand.) J.F. Leroy es una especie relicto, amenazada, y clave para el funcionamiento del ecosistema de niebla de la Sierra Juárez, Oaxaca, el más extenso y conservado de México. En este estudio se realizó un diagnóstico en dos etapas críticas del proceso de regeneración poblacional de O. mexicana. Para ello, se analizó: 1) la producción, dispersión, viabilidad y germinación de semillas, 2) el efecto de la depredación en el crecimiento y supervivencia de las plántulas, y 3) el efecto de variables ambientales (suelo, estructura del dosel y radiación solar) en la regeneración de la especie. El diagnóstico se realizó de 2014 a 2015 en el bosque de niebla de Santiago Comaltepec, Oaxaca, México, dentro del cual se seleccionaron dos localidades: San Bernardo y El Orquidiario. Se encontraron diferencias en la producción de semillas entre años y entre localidades, además de baja viabilidad y un alto porcentaje de parasitismo en las semillas. El establecimiento y crecimiento de las plántulas están sujetos a encontrar microhábitats adecuados, dado que las plántulas tienen requerimientos específicos de iluminación y de minerales esenciales en el suelo. La alta especificidad edáfica que presenta la especie puede ser factor de su distribución fragmentada y discontinua en la Sierra Juárez. Se recomienda continuar con los estudios de regeneración poblacional para aumentar el conocimiento de la especie y con ello lograr su conservación.
Smart Connector Helmet & Automatic GPS Inovasi Alat Bantu Komunikasi antar Pengemudi dan Penunjuk Arah Berbasis Internet
Authors: Hasanah Nur
Published: December 2019

Perancangan smart connector helm dan automatic GPS bertujuan untuk membantu komunikasi antar pengemudi dan sebagai penunjuk arah yang berbasis internet. Alat bantu komunikasi ini terpasang di helm dan terkoneksi dengan smartphone. User dapat berkomunikasi antar Helm dengan Helm yang lain melalui jaringan wireless sinyal radio dari HT. Helm juga terhubung pada smartphone menggunakan bluetooth. Smartphone berfungsi sebagai penunjuk arah dengan adanya GPS dan aplikasi pendukung yang dibuat. Selain itu, pengemudi juga dapat menerima telfon dan mendengarkan musik dengan helm tanpa harus memegang smartphone. Metode perancangan menggunakan pendekatan water fall. Hasil rancangan diperoleh: (a) kerangka Helm yang digabungkan dengan headset, bluetooth, HT; (2) Rancangan aplikasi dari smartphoneyang terhubung dengan helm.
SINGLE PROPELLER DRONE (SINGRONE): INOVASI RANCANG BANGUN DRONE SINGLE PROPELLER SEBAGAI WAHANA PEMETAAN LAHAN BERBASIS UNMANED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV)
Authors: Pradana Mohammad Giffari Anta
Published: December 2019

Dewasa ini, teknologi sebagai faktor memberikan kontribusi yang signifikan dalam peningkatankualitas hidup manusia. Salah satu teknologi yang berkembang saat ini adalah drone. Drone adalahpesawat tanpa awak yang dikendalikan dengan sebuah remote control , di lengkapi dengan GPS sebagainavigasi, dan lock position. Pada umumnya drone digunakan untuk berbagai hal, seperti pemantauan lalulintas, pemetaan lahan, investigasi dan sebagainya. Namun penggunaan drone dengan menggunakanbanyak propeller merupakan salah satu masalah penggunaan drone. Semakin banyak propeller yangdigunakan, maka masa hidup drone di udara juga akan semakin berkurang. Hal ini diarenakan bateraiyang digunakan oleh wahana tersebut banyak digunakan untuk mensupply propeller agar dapat berputar.Berdasarkan permasalahan tersebut kami mempunyai gagasan untuk membuat drone yang praktis danefesien energi, sehingga daya tempuhnya dapat lebih lama, karena penggunaan baterai yang hemat yaituSINGRONE Inovasi Rancang Bangun Drone Single Propeller sebagai Wahana Pemetaan Lahan BerbasisUAV. Dengan potensi perkembangan tekonologi tersebut dirasa drone merupakan objek yang dibutuhkanoleh masyrakat Indonesia, terutama dalam hal pemetaan lahan
The Development of a Mobile Health App for Breast Cancer Self-Management Support in Taiwan: Design Thinking Approach
Authors: Hou I-Ching , Lan Min-Fang , Shen Shan-Hsiang , Tsai Pei Yu , Chang King Jen , Tai Hao-Chih , Tsai Ay-Jen , Chang Polun , Wang Tze-Fang , Sheu Shuh-Jen , Dykes Patricia C
Published: December 2019

Background

Evidence has shown that breast cancer self-management support from mobile health (mHealth) apps can improve the quality of life of survivors. Although many breast cancer self-management support apps exist, few papers have documented the procedure for the development of a user-friendly app from the patient’s perspective.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the information needs of Taiwanese women with breast cancer to inform the development of a self-management support mHealth app.

Methods

A 5-step design thinking approach, comprising empathy, define, ideate, prototype, and test steps, was used in the focus groups and individual interviews conducted to collect information on the requirements and expectations of Taiwanese women with breast cancer with respect to the app. A thematic analysis was used to identify information needs.

Results

A total of 8 major themes including treatment, physical activity, diet, emotional support, health records, social resources, experience sharing, and expert consultation were identified. Minor themes included the desire to use the app under professional supervision and a trustworthy app manager to ensure the credibility of information.

Conclusions

The strengths of the design thinking approach were user-centered design and cultural sensitivity. The results retrieved from each step contributed to the development of the app and reduction of the gap between end users and developers. An mHealth app that addresses these 8 main themes can facilitate disease self-management for Taiwanese women with breast cancer.
Government Matters More Than Ever: Toward Respect for Government in an Increasingly Privatized World
Authors: Hamilton Mary R.
Published: December 2019

This article argues that, in our rapidly changing, increasingly complex world, government matters. It always has and arguably now matters more than ever largely because of the context within we live - a context in which more than two decades of government bashing have taken their toll on pride and capacity in public service, leaving an emasculated public sector to deal with the immense challenges of today's world. To make this argument the historical shifts of perspective on government and the marketplace are described along with the changes occurring so rapidly in our world. Second, the impact of the recent shift to a pro-marketplace bias and the impacts of globalization, interdependence and increased tribalism on governments and on public administration are described. Finally, some key challenges facing public administration as a result of these changes are discussed
Balancing Values, Pressures and Demands: Strategies for Public Administration in Hong Kong and China
Authors: Huque Ahmed Shafiqul
Published: December 2019

Hong Kong, as a part of the People's Republic of China, has been experiencing new challenges since 1997. The reintegration of capitalist Hong Kong within the socialist framework of China was resolved with the innovative concept of “one country, two systems.” The application of the system has met with some problems, but the advent of globalization and its demands have imposed new and more formidable challenges. This article examines the challenges of globalization from the perspective of Hong Kong as a unit of China. The key argument is that Hong Kong has long been prepared for dealing with the routine problems of management, internationalization and development of human resources. However, operating as a unit of the Chinese political and administrative system entails a different set of challenges. These include a comprehensive understanding China's place in the world system, dealing with internal issues, and developing a system and public service that can strike a balance between the local and international demands. A series of reforms have been initiated, but their impact is not clear yet and further changes are required to integrate Hong Kong as an effective component of the system for improving governance in China. The main challenges lie in striking a balance between the values of traditional public administration and new public management, between local and national interests, between external and internal pressures for change, and between demands from the society for service the and capacity of the government to respond.