bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social and Economic Environmental System Development Efficiency Assessment (on the example of railway industry enterprises)
Authors: Kuzina E. L. , Drozdov N. A.
Published: July 2019

Purpose: purpose of the scientific article is assessment of social and ecological and economic efficiency of an environmental system development on the example of railway transport. This purpose suggests the following objectives implementation: 1) to identify social and economic components of the environmental system on the basis of the developed model and to describe their features; 2) to develop assessment indicators of managerial decision effect and efficiency on the basis of the identified components of the environmental system; 3) to develop indicators of environmental and economic assessment of the effect and effectiveness of management decisions based on identified components of the system; 4) to suggest an algorithm for implementation environmentally safe and cost-effective management decisions based on the developed assessment indicators.

Methods: methodological base of the research is based on the following scientific methods: mathematical modeling, statistical analysis method, formalization.

Results: the authors develop the simulation game model which allows identifying social and economic components of environmental system and to develop ecological and economic indicators of efficiency assessment on the basis of previous periods. Upon the model the authors of the article have developed the algorithm of efficient social oriented managerial decisions-making.

Conclusions and Relevance: the developed game model allows assessing development efficiency of social and economic environmental system. In the development of the model the authors apply the concept of games with nature, also criterions of maximax, Laplace, Wald, Hurwitz. In addition, the model allows identifying components which influence managerial decisions, namely, environmental damages before and after implementation of a managerial decision, capital and operational costs indicators. On the basis of it the indicator and the criterion of managerial decisions risk-adjusted ecological and economic effect and efficiency assessment indicators have been developed. The algorithm of implementation of the environmentally friendly, socially oriented and cost-effective management decisions.
Evaluation of the Innovational Development in Russia’s Arctic area
Authors: Arkhipova K. N.
Published: July 2019

Purpose: the aim of the thesis – analyze the innovation development of the regions belonging to the Russian’s Arctic area.

Methods: the methodological foundations of the research are based on modeling scenarios, analysis of open statistical sources, projected estimates and calculations, projected methods. As open statistical sources were used the data of the official statistics, analytical materials of international organizations, federal and regional authorities.

Results: the result of the study is existing methods for assessing the innovative development of the regions, analyze of the innovation development among regions belonging to the Russian’s Arctic area. In addition, on the basis of the calculations carried out, the advantages and obvious drawbacks of the methods common today, as well as the presence of a connection between them, were identified.

Conclusions and Relevance: the calculations, which allow to evaluate the innovative development, showed that in the regions of the circumpolar zone there is a low level of innovative development, which in turn becomes an obstacle to the implementation of large investment projects for the development of new fields. In such conditions, it is necessary to create research and development sites, however, since there are no prerequisites, not in the territory of the Arctic zone, but adjacent regions, where prerequisites for scientific research have already been created.
Technological Aspect in the Concept of Advanced Development
Authors: Batov G. H. , Kumisheva Z. H. , Tlisov A. B.
Published: July 2019

Purpose: in the Arsenal of economic theory, there are many models applicable to the development of the country's economy. Currently, along with the need for the development of the digital economy, various paradigms are proposed, including advanced development. The purpose of the study is to show that advanced development is a multidimensional phenomenon, it includes many factors, including technology. The task is to reveal the role of technology in the advanced development of the region.

Methods: the methodological basis of the study is based on the use of a systematic approach and General scientific methods: scientific abstraction, analysis and synthesis, generalization, system-structural analysis, methods of statistical analysis and groupings.

Results: it is proved that in the conditions of increased competition between the countries the most acceptable is the transition to the paradigm of advanced development. The structure of the model of advanced development includes various factors, one of which is the technology with the capabilities that allow you to become important drivers of development. The adoption of the proposed approach will ensure sustainable technological development and increase the level of independence from external factors.

Conclusions and Relevance: in order to manage emerging new technologies a new way of thinking and behavior is needed, they must be supported by appropriate institutions. This conclusion is due to the fact that the development of new technologies is subject to a certain rule, which is mandatory. The implementation of advanced development becomes possible in the event that economic entities will be able to fully master all the functionality of new technologies.
Modified Hasson technique: a quick and safe entry of first port into the abdomen
Authors: George Robinson , Radhakrishna Veerabhadra , Mathew Mebin , Thenamangalath Aswini , Rahman Ashna
Published: July 2019

Background: Laparoscopy is the standard technique for abdominal surgeries. There has been a debate over the safest laparoscopic entry technique over the past two decades. But, no technique has been regarded as the best, leading to numerable techniques. We use a modified Hasson technique to enter the peritoneal cavity. Hence, we conducted a study to evaluate the efficacy of our modified Hasson technique.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of General Surgery, Al Azhar Medical College Hospital from January 2013 to December 2018.Results: A total of 156 patients were studied. Inguinal hernia repair was the most common indication. The mean entry time was 2±0.7 minutes. The postoperative complications included port site seroma [1 (0.6%)] and port site infection [1 (0.6%)]. Both the complications were found at the umbilical port and all following surgery for appendicular perforation. There was no incidence of preperitoneal placement of port, intraabdominal injury, port site hematoma or port site hernia. There was no mortality in the study group.Conclusions: Modified Hasson technique is a safe and quick technique to enter the abdomen.
Errors in answering migraine patient-reported outcome measure questions: patients consider training necessary in clinical trials
Authors: Ly Jenny J. , Yamamoto Rinah T. , Dallabrida Susan M.
Published: July 2019

Background: In migraine clinical trials, patients’ understanding of the terminology used in patient-reported outcome (PRO) measures is important as variability in completing PRO measures can reduce the power to detect treatment efficacy. This study examines patients’ understanding of how to complete PRO measures in the absence of training, if minimal training can improve the accuracy of answering PRO items, and patients’ opinion on the necessity of training and their preference for the method of training.

Methods: Participants reporting a diagnosis of migraine completed online surveys. Participants were given scenarios of how to report headache days and pain severity. Respondents were asked about their opinions on the necessity of training, and their preference for the method of training. In a second study, participants were given a hypothetical scenario on how to report pain severity before and after a short training.

Results: The majority of participants had different criteria to interpret PRO questions and provided incorrect answers to our scenarios. In the second study, with minimal training, errors were reduced by 7.5%. Over 90% of participants viewed educational materials and training as necessary and preferred electronic modes of training with the ability to review training materials as needed for the duration of the trial.

Conclusions: Patient training may improve data quality and inter-rater reliability in clinical trials. Electronic interactive training could be used as an approach to reduce inconsistencies in PRO measures and improve data quality.
Bacterial etiology and antibiotic resistance pattern of neonatal sepsis: a study in a tertiary care hospital, in Bangladesh
Authors: Shirin Mahfuza , Hossain M. Monir , Afrin Manifa , Al Mamun Mohammad Abdullah
Published: July 2019

Background: Neonatal sepsis is a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. The objective of the study was to detect causative microorganisms of neonatal sepsis and their antimicrobial resistance patterns.Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from July 2017 to June 2018 in the Department of Neonatal Medicine and NICU of Dhaka Shishu (Children) Hospital (DSH). Neonates diagnosed with probable sepsis were studied. After enrollment, 1 mL blood was taken and sent to Microbiology department of DSH for culture and sensitivity. With baseline characteristics, clinical examination findings and outcome, were also recorded.Results: Rate of isolation of single organism was 9.2% (84/913). Out of 84 isolates, gram negative bacteria were 77.4% with Klebsiella pneumonae being the commonest (35, 41.7%), gram positive bacteria were 11.9% with Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus were equal (5, 5.95% each) and the remaining (9, 10.7%) isolated organism was Candida. Most of the isolated gram-negative bacteria were resistant to ampicillin, gentamicin, and ceftazidime; but gram-positive bacteria preserved 20-80% sensitivity. Klebsiella was more resistant than Acinetobacter to amikacin, netilmicin, ciprofloxacin and levofloxacin. Around 45-65% of gram-negative bacteria were resistant to imipenem and meropenem but gram-positive bacteria showed lesser resistance. Among the gram-negative bacteria, Klebsiella and Acinetobacter were resistant to piperacillin as same as carbapenem group, but gram-positive bacteria were 100% sensitive to piperacillin. All the gram-negative bacteria showed more resistance to 4th generation cephalosporin, cefepime than carbapenem. Out of culture positive 84 neonates, 63 (75.0%) were cured but 21 (25.0%) died. Among the 21 expired neonates, 47.6% (10/21) were infected with Klebsiella.Conclusion: This study observed that gram-negative bacteria causing neonatal sepsis predominantly, with emergence of Candida. All the isolated gram-positive and gram-negative organisms were mostly resistant to available antibiotics
Prevalence of urinary tract infection in malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years attending tertiary care centre
Authors: A. Senthil Kumar , Gowrinathan Thannoli Gowthami
Published: July 2019

Background: Infections are more common in malnourished children, as result of impaired immunity. Unexplained fever and failure to thrive are the common presenting features of urinary tract infection (UTI) in children. In malnourished children, UTI is mostly asymptomatic and is leading to pyelonephritis and renal scarring. The study was done with the aim to evaluate and find out the prevalence of urinary tract infection in malnourished children between 6 months to 5 year and to find out the causative organism and antibiotic sensitivity pattern.Methods: A total of 180 cases of malnourished children were enrolled and clean catch midstream urine sample was collected for urine culture, according to WHO criteria of malnutrition. Children with urinary tract abnormality were excluded from the study. Renal USG was done in all urine culture positive cases.Results: Total of 174 cases was present after exclusion. Of 174 children, 27 (15.5%) children were having UTI. In this study, 37% of children are asymptomatic. E. coli is the commonest organism causing UTI 16 (59%). Other organism are Klebsiella pneumonia 4 (14.9%), Proteus mirabilis 3 (11.1%), and Pseudomonas 3 (11.1%). The order of antimicrobial sensitivity pattern was amikacin (100%)> ciprofloxacin (81.4%)> cefotaxime (7%). Other common drugs have developed resistance to these organisms.Conclusions: Our observations conclude that malnourished children with fever of unknown origin are at risk of UTI. Hence, urine analysis and culture tests are to be done to all malnutrition cases for assisting to diagnose the bacterial infection and providing the appropriate treatment.
Comparative study of anthropometric measurements, liver function tests, hemoglobin and plasma glucose levels between individuals with alcohol abuse and controls
Authors: Lalramenga P. C. , Savla Honey Satish , P. Naveen
Published: July 2019

Background: Alcohol abuse is global burden to families as well as society. On the ‘years of life lost scale’, which is based on alcohol attributable years of life lost, India has been rated 4 on a scale of 1 to 5. This implies that the alcohol consuming population of our country loses most of the years of their life because of drinking and its consequences. The aim of this research is to compare anthropometric measurements, liver function tests, haemoglobin and plasma glucose levels in individuals with alcohol abuse and normal population.Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of General Medicine, Civil Hospital, Aizawl. 84 cases of individuals with alcohol abuse (as per DSM-IV criteria) within the age group of 18-70 years and 70 age, sex, height and weight matched lifetime abstainers, healthy individuals were taken as controls from medicine department. They underwent a detailed clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, liver function tests, haemoglobin and plasma glucose levels.Results: 15.5% of the individuals with alcohol abuse had hypertension. The mean post prandial glucose among the individuals with alcohol abuse was 116.8±12.3 mg/dl and among the controls was 121.1±11.0 mg/dl. Mean serum bilirubin 1.1 mg/dl, AST 79 IU/l & ALT was 79.6 in alcoholics. The mean serum bilirubin 0.8 mg/dl, AST 27.2 IU/l and ALT was 29.4 in non-alcoholics.Conclusions: The individuals with alcohol abuse have raised serum bilirubin, AST and ALT levels compared to the non-alcoholics. Prevalence of hypertension is higher in the individuals with alcohol abuse compared to normal population.
Assessment of pulmonary function of industrial workers in four different industries of Gujarat
Authors: Jani Chinmay , Jain Kushboo , Joshi Arpita , Bala D. V. , Jadav Harshal , Jetpariya Divyesh
Published: July 2019

Background: Industrial workers working in various industries have exposure to different kind of pollutants. Exposure to various types of dust causes pneumoconiosis, a rising cause of impairment in factory workers. This study sought to analyze the effect of quantity and quality of dust variety and the duration of exposure on the pulmonary function test of the workers.Methods: Pulmonary function testing (PFT) was done using PC based spirometer in 4 different industries of Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar cities. The PFT values obtained were compared with normal values and the number of workers with impaired PFT was found. Associations were observed between types and amount of exposure with pulmonary impairment.Results: Out of 909 workers, 408 (44.88%) had pulmonary impairment of which 330 (80.88%) presented with restrictive lung function. It was found that maximum restrictive lung functions were found in workers exposed to metallic dust (51.4%) followed by metallic gases (43.8%). Whereas office administrative workers not having any direct exposure were having less impairment (p<0.005). Also, with increased duration of work in the industry, pulmonary impairment was also increasing. (χ2=119.89; p<0.005).Conclusions: Exposure to various types of dust impairs lung functions. The severity increases with the increase in the amount and duration of exposure. Proper protective measures should be taken by the workers and regular check-ups should be done to know any pulmonary impairment. The workers with impairment should be removed from exposure and relocated.
Epidemiological study of obesity and overweight among adolescents in schools in district Ghaziabad
Authors: Thakur Susmita , Singh Narendra , Singh Mitasha
Published: July 2019

Background: Developing countries are experiencing an epidemic of obesity and overweight. Adolescence is the stage when the lifestyle behavior sets in and decides the future pattern of health. The objective was to study the prevalence and correlates of overweight and obesity among school going adolescents of district Ghaziabad.Methods: A school based cross sectional survey was conducted in district Ghaziabad. Adolescents (10-19 years) from both urban and rural government and private schools were included. Multistage sampling technique was used to study 1128 study population. Anthropometry and a structured questionnaire were used as study tool.Results: In urban area, the proportion of underweight students in government schools (20.9%) was significantly more than the private school (13.8%) whereas the number of overweight students in private school (18.2%) was significantly more than the government schools (10.3%). In rural area underweight students in government school (30.5%) was significantly more than the private school (21.3%) whereas the number of overweight students in private school (11.3%) was significantly more than the government school (3.2%). Obesity was significantly associated with the area of residence, type of school, consumption of carbonated drinks, fast foods and decreased physical activity.Conclusions: An overall higher prevalence of overweight and obesity among adolescents in urban areas and increasing trend in rural areas too alarm us to focus on the modifiable risk factors.
Analysis of knowledge about acute granular pharyngitis among Tiruchirapalli school children and their parents: connotation for preventing further complications
Authors: Kanagaraj Rajesh , Nagarajan Prabhusaran , Syed Mohamed Marzuk , Antony Jesudoss
Published: July 2019

Background: Identification and appropriate treatment for the streptococcal pharyngitis decreases the risk of acute rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease. By understanding the public perceptions and behaviors related to sore throat is considered as the fundamental for disseminating the health programs to control such diseases. The main objective of this study is to understand the epidemiology and microbiology of acute granular pharyngitis and its treatment in a tertiary care teaching hospital of South India.

Methods: This is a prospective and cross-sectional investigation performed by direct interview and written surveys. In this study, school students and their parents were interviewed about the history of sore throats in the last 12 months and treatment received. A focused history and physical examination to detect pharyngitis was conducted and children were referred for follow-up as indicated.  

Results: A total of 1550 and 1450 students from 13 and 14 schools participated in the study respectively, along with their parents. Three hundred and thirty six (21.6%) parents reported their child had at least one episode of sore throat in the previous year, and 326 (21%) of students reported at least one sore throat in the same time period.

Conclusions: Girls were reported to have high level of pharyngitis than boys. Parents have variable knowledge about the frequency of sore throat in their children and its management. These results provide insight into current perceptions and practices related to sore throat and will be used to design public awareness activities aimed at reducing the future risks.
Impacto da Gestão do Capital de Giro na Rentabilidade das Empresas do Setor de Construção Civil
Authors: Batista Alexandre Teixeira Norberto , Penha Roberto Silva da , Santiago Wagner De Paulo , Sales Handerson Leonidas
Published: July 2019

O objetivo deste artigo foi verificar o impacto da gestão do capital de giro na rentabilidade das empresas de capital aberto do setor de construção civil de 2007 a 2016. Para isso, foram observados alguns indicadores das empresas do setor ao longo desses anos e estimou-se um modelo econométrico a partir de uma análise com dados em painel. Como determinantes da rentabilidade do capital investido (ROI), variável dependente neste estudo, foram definidos indicadores de prazos médios: prazo médio de recebimento das vendas (PMR); prazo médio de renovação dos estoques (PME); prazo médio de pagamento ao fornecedor (PMP). Estimando a regressão com o modelo de efeitos aleatórios, apurou-se que as variáveis explicativas apresentam uma relação inversa com a rentabilidade dessas empresas a um nível de 1% de significância, com exceção do PMP. Implicando que um menor prazo para renovação dos estoques e das vendas proporciona uma maior rentabilidade para empresas do setor da construção civil. Evidencia-se também que a gestão do capital de giro da empresa impacta na rentabilidade das empresas do setor de construção civil.
Lógicas Institucionais: Um Estudo em uma Organização Privada de Ensino Superior do Sul do Brasil
Authors: Favero Marcela Bortotti , Guimarães Amanda Ferreira
Published: July 2019

Lógicas dominantes têm sido substituídas pela ideia de diversas lógicas institucionais que interagem entre si. Especificamente no que se refere ao sistema educacional, tais lógicas são conflitantes, caracterizando o campo como um sistema híbrido de lógicas institucionais. O presente trabalho teve por objetivo identificar quais são as lógicas institucionais presentes em uma organização de ensino superior privada na região noroeste do estado do Paraná. A pesquisa, qualitativa do tipo descritiva, compreendeu a realização de entrevistas semiestruturadas com os diretores das diferentes áreas da organização, sendo a análise estruturada por meio da técnica de análise de conteúdo. Por principais resultados, identificou-se que lógica de mercado é dominante na organização analisada. Outras lógicas para o andamento das atividades foram a de burocracia e a política. Verificou-se que o atendimento às lógicas dominantes levou ao surgimento de lógicas institucionais distintas, tais como profissões, cultura, tecnologia e diversidade. Diante disso, conclui-se que é a complexidade inerente às respostas às lógicas dominantes que leva a mudanças no cenário institucional.
O Endividamento e os seus Consequentes nas Capitais Brasileiras de 2010 a 2017
Authors: Rossato Vanessa Piovesan , Beskow Rhuan Pivetta , Pinto Nelson Guilherme Machado
Published: July 2019

O objetivo do trabalho é verificar o impacto do endividamento nos níveis de inadimplência e sobre-endividamento das famílias brasileiras de 2010 a 2017, por meio de uma amostra pesquisada nas populações das capitais brasileiras e no Distrito Federal. Decorre-se que em razão da ampliação das formas de pagamento conjuntamente com os prazos expandidos para quitação das contas, o uso do cartão de crédito torna-se um facilitador para a existência de endividamento, posto que muitas vezes as pessoas agem irracionalmente e sofrem vieses, conforme postulados das finanças comportamentais. O trabalho justifica-se devido à importância do tema endividamento, uma vez que sua repercussão suscita preocupação social. Ademais, o estudo traz um caráter inovador, pois correlaciona o impacto do endividamento na inadimplência e no sobre-endividamento. Dessa forma, realizou-se uma regressão a partir dos dados secundários obtidos da Pesquisa Nacional de Endividamento e Inadimplência do Consumidor (PEIC). Os resultados demonstraram que a maior causa das dívidas das famílias analisadas decorre-se pelo cartão de crédito, seguido pelos carnês. Também, diagnosticou-se que existe uma relação positiva entre endividamento e inadimplência e que maiores valores de inadimplência provocam maiores valores de sobre-endividamento dentro das capitais brasileiras.
Nível de Alfabetização Financeira de Empreendedores Incubados
Authors: Canton Vanessa Isabel de Marco , Barichello Rodrigo
Published: July 2019

Estudos anteriores indicam que baixos níveis de conhecimento em gestão empresarial e, em especial, de aspectos financeiros, consiste em um dos motivos de insucesso de empreendimentos e empreendedores. O presente estudo objetivou identificar o nível alfabetização financeira de empreendedores com negócios incubados. A pesquisa é descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa, coleta de dados por meio de questionários e análise de dados mediante técnicas estatísticas de análise multivariada. Dos achados, depreende-se que os empreendedores são na maioria jovens, de 19 a 29 anos, do sexo masculino e mais de 45% dos empreendimentos pertencem ao segmento de prestação de serviços. Com relação à alfabetização financeira, o índice da amostra para os três construtos (atitude financeira, comportamento financeiro e conhecimento financeiro) foi de 0,74877. O grupo que pertence ao cluster com baixa alfabetização é composto por 20% da amostra e obteve índice médio de alfabetização de 0,55179. O cluster com alta alfabetização é composto por 80% da amostra, com média de 0,80060. Mais de 66% da amostra admite ter buscado a incubadora para receber apoio de profissionais especializados, apresentando índice de 0,72081, corroborando estudos correlatos. Os resultados mostram que o nível de alfabetização dos empreendedores é levemente alto, revelando aumento ao longo da incubação. Constatou-se que o propósito de consolidar importantes habilidades gerenciais para os empreendedores está sendo atingido pela incubadora, entretanto, permanece o desafio da criação estratégias para potencializar a atividade empreendedora de incubados, mediante desenvolvimento de competências na área de finanças pessoais e gerenciais.
Entre Competências e Informações: Um Estudo com Gestores de Tecnologia da Informação
Authors: Silva Júlio Cesar Pereira da , Paiva Luis Eduardo Brandão , Lima Tereza Cristina Batista de
Published: July 2019

A relevância do papel do gestor da tecnologia da informação (TI), na elaboração e manutenção da vantagem competitiva, destaca-se a cada dia, na mesma proporção que o mercado exige que este profissional tenha competências empreendedoras, para transformar a informação em conhecimento, proporcionando um diferencial para as organizações perante o mercado. Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a influência das competências empreendedoras dos gestores da Tecnologia da Informação. Foi adotado o modelo conceitual de Man e Lau (2000). A pesquisa adotou o método qualitativo de natureza descritiva. Para sua execução, foi realizada entrevista com dez gestores da Tecnologia da Informação, com apoio de um questionário semiestruturado. Para tratamento dos dados, utilizou-se o método de Análise de Conteúdo de natureza temática. Os resultados da pesquisa mostraram que se tratando do exercício da competência empreendedora de comprometimento, este influencia no desenvolvimento da competência empreendedora de estratégia. Entre mentes, a ação da competência empreendedora conceitual influencia no desenvolvimento das competências empreendedoras: estratégica e oportunidade. E, no exercício da competência empreendedora estratégica, observou-se a influência no desenvolvimento das competências empreendedoras: administrativa, comprometimento e relacionamento. A contribuição desta pesquisa se dá devido a importância de apresentar um modelo de competência empreendedora para o campo empírico da Ciência da Tecnologia da Informação, a fim de que seus programas educacionais possam atender as necessidades prementes das empresas na busca constante da vantagem competitiva. Ademais, a pesquisa fortalece estudos conceituais e empíricos sobre as competências empreendedoras dos gestores de TI.
Kepuasan Pemustaka Terhadap Kegiatan Sosialisasi Layanan di UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Bandung
Authors: Sudirman Eded , Hanany Nailah Hanum , Robi’in Robi’in
Published: July 2019

One of the activities to attract the interest of library users, need to use the service marketing triangle which includes internal marketing, external marketing and interactive marketing. Currently, the UIN Sunan Gunung Djati Library Center is conducting socialization as part of an external marketing effort to attract service users. In terms of service dissemination activities to new students, the main target is the increased utilization of library services by students. So far there has been no measure of whether this outreach activity really reaches its goals or not. In addition, information must also be obtained from users, especially new students about what are their needs and expectations so that their interest in utilizing library services is getting higher. Research is carried out by survey methods for new students who have received service socialization. The respondents were 282 people determined by the Slovin method. Based on the results of the research, it can be concluded that socialization activities have a positive effect on the level of access of users to library services. In terms of satisfaction with socialization activities, more than 70% of respondents were satisfied and the information submitted was adequate, but respondents felt the facilities used still needed to be improved, especially the availability of internet access.
Educação Ambiental: composição química de águas minerais relacionados aos elementos da tabela periódica
Authors: Santos Adriana Tavares dos , Martinhon Priscila Tamiasso , Rocha Angela Sanches , Silva Célia Regina Sousa da
Published: July 2019

A educação ambiental está entre os temas transversais que devem ser contemplados durante a escolarização. Uma maneira de abordar a educação ambiental é a interdisciplinaridade, relacionando os diferentes temas propostos pelos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais aos conteúdos formais de cada disciplina. No presente trabalho, foram realizadas atividades pedagógicas em aulas de química, com objetivo de relacionar a composição química de águas minerais comerciais, de diferentes marcas, aos elementos da tabela periódica, de modo a promover o ensino de química integrado à educação ambiental. O público alvo foram alunos do nono ano do ensino fundamental, com idades entre 13 e 15 anos de uma escola da rede particular do Rio de Janeiro. A metodologia consistiu na apresentação das características da água potável, seguida da análise de rótulos de águas minerais comerciais, sendo que os alunos deveriam identificar os elementos e substâncias presentes, com as respectivas concentrações. Os argumentos que embasaram a análise discente dialogaram com referenciais teóricos epistemológicos previamente selecionados, com base na transversalidade e interdisciplinaridade. Os alunos relataram que nunca tinham observado anteriormente o rótulo de uma garrafa de água mineral, e, após a prática, perceberam a quantidade de informações presentes no mesmo, que remetiam ao assunto estudado na aula sobre a tabela periódica. O professor norteou uma discussão na qual foi feita uma correlação entre o local da fonte de água e sua composição química, dando ênfase à importância da preservação das fontes naturais e da variedade de diferentes águas minerais existentes, relacionadas inerentes ao local no qual elas se encontram.
Massa seca e teores de nutrientes de plantas de milho sob efeito de águas salinas e biochar
Authors: Costa Maria Eugênia Da , Miranda Neyton De Oliveira , Pimenta Alexandre Santos , Nascimento Erlen Kaline Ávila , Rodrigues Ana Paula Medeiros dos Santos , Mendonça Júnior Antonio Francisco de
Published: July 2019

O milho é cultivado em todo o Brasil para uso na alimentação humana e animal e como matéria prima de biocombustíveis e indústria. Sua produtividade é prejudicada pela degradação de água e solo, da qual a salinização é grave na região semiárida. Três experimentos foram realizados em solos (Argissolo, Cambissolo e Neossolo flúvico) do estado do Rio Grande do Norte para avaliar o efeito do biochar sobre a massa seca e nutrientes de plantas de milho irrigado com águas salinas. Os solos preenchiam colunas de PVC dispostas em casa de vegetação da Universidade Federal Rural do Semiárido, em Mossoró. O delineamento era inteiramente casualisado em esquema fatorial com quatro repetições. Os fatores estudados foram doses de biochar (0; 0,5; 1,0; e 1,5 %) e níveis de salinidade da água de irrigação (0,57; 2,65 e 4,5 dS m-1). O biochar foi obtido da carbonização de Prosopis juliflora (Sw.). Aos 40 dias após emergência determinou-se a massa seca da parte aérea e o teor de N, P, K, Ca e Mg das plantas. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e análise de regressão. As respostas da massa seca e teores de nutrientes do milho indicam que o biochar pode mitigar a salinidade da água de irrigação, dependendo da dose aplicada e do tipo de solo.
Fibra de cultivares de algodoeiro sob condições de sequeiro
Authors: Lima Antônia Samia , Costa Maria Eugênia da , Cavalcanti José Jaime Vasconcelos , Rodrigues Ana Paula Medeiros dos Santos , Mendonça Júnior Antonio Francisco de
Published: July 2019

Objetivando avalizar as características de fibra do diferentes cultivares de algodão realizou-se uma pesquisa Campo Experimental da Fazenda Escola da Faculdade de Tecnologia do Instituto Centro de Ensino Tecnológico, Sertão Central, no município de Quixeramobim, Ceará, cujas coordenadas geográficas Latitude (S) 05°11'57’’S, Longitude (W) 39°17'34’’W e Altitude (M) 191. O regime de chuvas local varia de 700 a 750mm. Estas chuvas se concentram no período de janeiro a junho. A época do plantio de Quixeramobim, foi em fevereiro caracterizando como safra normal. O delineamento experimental utilizado para o ensaio foi o de blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições e vinte tratamentos, sendo que a parcela experimental foi constituída por quatro linhas de 5 metros linear, com espaçamento entre linhas de 0,90 metros, estande entre 6 a 9 plantas/m. A área útil da parcela utilizada para obtenção dos dados, foram as duas linhas centrais, nesse ensaio utilizou-se as linhagens e ou cultivares referente ao ano/safra 2019. Concluiu-se que há variabilidade fenotípica os tratamentos apresentaram diferenças significativas para a maioria dos caracteres e as cultivares BRS 416, BRS 286 e BRS 293 são as de melhores desempenhos pois associaram as melhores médias para produtividade de pluma e para as características de fibras.
Violaxanthin conversion by recombinant diatom and plant de-epoxidases, expressed in Escherichia coli – comparative analysis
Authors: Olchawa-Pajor Monika , Bojko Monika , Strzałka Wojciech , Strzałka Kazimierz , Latowski Dariusz
Published: July 2019

The purpose of this research was to obtain recombinant violaxanthin de-epoxidases (VDEs) from two species. The first one was VDE of Arabidopsis thaliana (L.) Heynh. (WT Columbia strain) (AtVDE) which in vivo catalyzes conversion of violaxanthin (Vx) to zeaxanthin (Zx) via anteraxanthin (Ax). The second one was VDE of Phaeodactylum tricornutum Bohlin, 1897 (CCAP 1055/1 strain) (PtVDE) which is responsible for de-epoxidation of diadinoxanthin (Ddx) to diatoxanthin (Dtx). As the first step of our experiments, open reading frames coding for studied enzymes were amplified and subsequently cloned into pET-15b plasmid. For recombinant proteins production Escherichia coli Origami b strain was used. The molecular weight of the produced enzymes were estimated approximately at 45kDa and 50kDa for AtVDE and PtVDE, respectively. Both enzymes, purified under native conditions by immobilized metal affinity chromatography, displayed comparable activity in assay mixture and converted up to 90% Vx in 10 min in two steps enzymatic de-epoxidation, irrespective of enzyme origin. No statistically significant differences were observed when kinetics of the reactions catalyzed by these enzymes were compared. Putative role of selected amino-acid residues of AtVDE and PtVDE was also considered. The significance of the first time obtained recombinant PtVDE as a useful tool in various comparative investigations of de-epoxidation reactions in main types of xanthophyll cycles existing in nature are also indicated.
THE A water-soluble [60]fullerene-derivative stimulates chlorophyll accumulation and has no toxic effect on Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Lang Jakub , Melnykova Mariia , Catania Michele , Inglot Alicja , Zyss Aleksandra , Mikruta Katarzyna , Firgolska Daria , Wieremiejczuk Agata , Książek Izabela , Serda Maciej , Nalepa Paweł , Pluciński Bartosz , Giza Aleksandra , Jedynak Paweł
Published: July 2019

Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (WT 2137) P. A. Dang. (Volvocales, Chlorophyceae) is a green microalgae serving as a suitable model in scientific research and a promising industrial biotechnology platform for production of biofuel, hydrogen and recombinant proteins. Fullerenes (C60) are allotropic carbon nanoparticles discovered in 1985 and used in biomedical studies since the early 1990s, when water solubilization methodologies were developed. Recently, surface-modified hydroxylated derivatives of fullerenes were proven to enhance algal growth and drought tolerance in plants. Here, a novel type of water-soluble [60]fullerene derivative with 12 glycine residues (GF) has been synthesized and tested for acute toxicity (up to 50 µg/ml) and as a potential biostimulant of algal growth. The effects of GF on pigment composition and growth rate of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were systematically investigated. Our results suggest that GF was not toxic, and no negative change in the pigment content and no stress symptoms were observed. No changes in the photosynthetic parameters based on the fluorescence of chlorophyll a in Photosystem II (NPQ, Fv/Fm, Fv/F0, PI and RC/ABS) were observed. The GF had no effect on cell size and growth rate. At a concentration of 20 µg/ml, GF stimulated chlorophyll accumulation in 3-day-old cultures.
Molecular Characterization of Anopheles sacharovi Based on Sequences of ITS2-rDNA Region and COI Gene in North of Iran
Authors: Gholami Sahereh , Bakhshi Hasan , Moosa-Kazemi Seyyed Hassan , Zahraei-Ramazani Alireza , Chavshin Alireza , Sedaghat Mohammad Mehdi
Published: July 2019

Background: Malaria is an important mosquito-borne disease considered as one of the public health concerns across many countries. Anopheles mosquitoes are the main vectors of Plasmodium parasites, which cause malaria. Some of these vectors such as Anopheles maculipennis s.l. and Anopheles sacharovi are considered as complex of sibling species distributed in north of Iran.
Methods: This study was conducted in north and northwest of Iran including East Azerbaijan, West Azerbaijan, Ar­dabil, Golestan and North Khorasan provinces with emphasis on the northern borders of the country during 2015–2016. Adult specimens were collected and subjected to morphological identification as well as molecular analysis.
Results: Overall, 10405 mosquitoes were collected comprising 21 species. Culex pipiens and Cx. theileri were found as the most frequent species in whole study area. Morphological identification showed that out of 1455 female Anoph­eles specimens, 77% belonged to An. maculipennis Group. Out of the identified species, ITS2 region and COI gene sequences of 8 An. maculipennis s.s. and 31 An. sacharovi representing all provinces were obtained and submitted to GenBank. The COI sequences for An. sacharovi revealed the presence of 9 haplotypes with similarity of 98.17–100%.
Conclusion: Some investigations have reported An. martinius as a member of sibling species of An. sacharovi among Iranian Anopheles genus; while based on our study, there was no evidence of the presence of this species in north and northwest of Iran.
Molecular Analysis of Aquaglyceroporin 1 Gene in Non-Healing Clinical Iso¬lates Obtained from Patients with Cutaneous Leishmaniasis from Central of Iran
Authors: Alijani Yasaman , Hosseini Saeedeh Sadat , Ahmadian Salman , Boughattas Sonia , Eslami Gilda , Naderian Shadi , Ajamein Vahid
Published: July 2019

Background: Regarding the antimonial-resistant of Leishmania spp., understanding of related mechanism is neces­sary. One of the most important involved molecules is aquaglyceropin1 (AQP1). The aim of this study was molecu­lar analysis of AQP1 gene from antimonial-resistant clinical isolates and its expression.
Methods: Overall, 150 patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis referring to the reference laboratories of Yazd and Varzaneh,, located 105km southeast of Isfahan and 240km away from Yazd, were assessed from Jun 2015 to Dec 2017. After sampling, staining was done and evaluated for Leishman by microscope. Samples were collected in RNAlater solution for gene expression analysis in non-healing isolates. DNA extraction was performed from each slide with Leishman body. All patients with L. major isolates detected by ITS1-PCR-RFLP were followed for find­ing the resistant isolates, consequence of molecular characterization of AQP1 using PCR-RFLP. Gene expression of AQP1 from all resistant isolates was assessed in comparison with the one in a sensitive isolate. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS. The significance level was considered ≤0.05.
Results: Five isolates were detected as antimonial resistant. Molecular detection and identification were appeared that all were L. major. The molecular characterization of AQP1 showed G562A mutation. Gene expression of AQP1 in resistant isolates showed 1.67 fold higher than the sensitive isolate.
Conclusion: We reported a new point mutation of G562A in AQP1 gene involved in molecular mechanism in re­sistant isolates.
Identification of Alleles in the MSP1 Gene Related to Complicated Malaria in Patients Infected with Plasmodium falciparum in Southeast of Iran
Authors: Habibi-Shorkaei Bentol Hoda , Motevalli-Haghi Afsaneh , Nateghpour Mehdi , Farivar Leila , Hajjaran Homa , Etemadi Soudabeh
Published: July 2019

Background: To overcome human malaria problem several solutions have been employed including extensive studies in the field of Plasmodia relevant antigens. The aim of this study was to determine allelic variation in the MSP1 gene of Plasmodium falciparum among some falciparum malaria-infected patients in Southeastern Iran.
Methods: Twenty P. falciparum positive cases were enrolled from Sistan and Baluchistan Province, southeastern Iran in 2013–15. From each case, 1.5ml of peripheral blood was collected into EDTA contained tubes. Thick and thin blood smears were stained with standard Giemsa stain and were checked with conventional microscopical method. DNA was extracted from blood samples and amplification of block 2 MSP1 was performed using specific primers. Gel electropho­resis was done and results showed some amplification fragments corresponding to block 2 regions of Pf MSP1 gene. Finally, four samples from different allelic types were sent for sequencing process.
Results: Fragments were different in size, so classified into six allelic types as kinds of 1–6 based on happening fre­quencies. Digestion of PCR products revealed two sub allelic types (A and B) within allelic types 2 and 3, but not in al­lelic types 1, 4, 5 and 6. Twenty percent of samples were sent for sequencing. Sequence alignment showed 78.95% to 91.83% identity between samples.
Conclusion: Identity between samples and phylogenetic tree revealed that there is an extensive diversity range among isolates. Fifty percent of the isolates were under the risk of complicated malaria. Two of these patients (10%) needed special care and recovery was obtained after getting hospital services.
Zingiber officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus, Potent Lethal/Repellent Agents against Rhipicephalus bursa, Probable Carrier for Zoonosis
Authors: Madreseh-Ghahfarokhi Samin , Dehghani-Samani Amir , Pirali Yaser , Dehghani-Samani Azam
Published: July 2019

Background: Rhipicephalus bursa is a hard tick with importance in transmission of tick-borne diseases and zoono­sis. Natural products are excellent alternative to pesticides. In this study for the first time, lethal and repellent activity of Zingiber officinalis and Eucalyptus globulus against Rh. bursa were studied.
Methods: In July till September of 2017, essential oils were extracted in Shahrekord University, Iran from fresh plant materials and engorged mature ticks were collected from infested sheep herd located in Saman, Iran. Ticks were challenged by different concentrations of essential oils including 300, 500 and 800µl/ml and 1 (pure) singly and/or in combination. Percentages of killed and repellent ticks as efficacy of acaricidal and repellent activity of es­sential oils against Rh. bursa were calculated and analyzed statistically.
Results: Efficacy of eucalyptus essential oils was more in whole concentrations and its highest performance was observed in concentration 1 (pure). Efficacies of ginger and combined essential oils were different for each concen­tration but their highest efficacies were observed in concentration 1 (pure), too.
Conclusion: This study showed considerable values of acaricidal and repellent activity against Rh. bursa for both essential oils singly and in combination, so they can be considered as potent lethal/repellent agents for control of ticks, but more studies need for this purpose, study on lethal/repellent activity of these essential oils and/or other plants against other important arthropods can be considered as subjects for next experiments.
Health effects of airborne particulate matter related to traffic in Urmia, NW Iran
Authors: Mohammadi Amir , Faraji Maryam , Mousavi Saeed , Nemati Sepideh , Momtaz Mojtaba , Abdolahnejad Ali , Miri Mohammad
Published: July 2019

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate exposure to PM10 related to traffic and drying Lake Urmia and its effects on human health in north-west of Iran. Materials and methods: Sampling and analysis was done during 2015 to 2016 using AirQ 2.2.3. Results: The annual mean of PM10 concentrations were 106 μg/m3, which was too higher than 20 μg/m3 recommended by WHO guideline. The maximum seasonal mean concentration of PM10 was observed in winter (138 μg/ m3). Attributable proportion (AP) due to exposure to PM10 were estimated 5.487% (95%CI: 3.726-7.185%) of non-accidental mortality cases, 8.011% (95%CI; 4.615-11.174%) of cardiovascular mortality, and 11.174% (95%CI; 4.615-16.215%) of respiratory mortality, for Urmia inhabitants. With every 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 concentrations, relative risk (RR) for total mortality increased by 0.6%. Conclusion: The total cases numbers for hospital admission due to cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in central RR were 257 and 666 cases, respectively. Since incineration fossil fuel, the salty dust storms caused by climate change and drying Urmia Lake is natural, therefore, increasing green space and extensive activities such as desertification are need to control this phenomenon that is extremely challenging.