bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Essential Amino Acid Supplement Lowers Intrahepatic Lipid despite Excess Alcohol Consumption
Authors: Coker Melynda S. , Ladd Kaylee , Kim Josh , Murphy Carl J. , DeCort Ryan , Newcomer Bradley R. , Wolfe Robert R. , Coker Robert H.
Published: December 2019

Excess alcohol consumption is a top risk factor for death and disability. Fatty liver will likely develop and the risk of liver disease increases. We have previously demonstrated that an essential amino acid supplement (EAAS) improved protein synthesis and reduced intrahepatic lipid in the elderly. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the influence of EAAS on intrahepatic lipid (IHL), body composition, and blood lipids in individuals with mild to moderate alcohol use disorder (AUD). Following consent, determination of eligibility, and medical screening, 25 participants (18 males at 38±15 years/age and 7 females at 34±18 years/age) were enrolled and randomly assigned to one of two dosages: a low dose (LD: 8 grams of EAAS twice/day (BID)) or high dose (HD: 13 grams of EAAS BID). Both groups consumed the supplement for 4 weeks. Pre- and post-EAAS administration, IHL was determined using magnetic resonance imaging/spectroscopy, body composition was analyzed using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry, and blood parameters were measured by LabCorp. T-tests were used for statistical analysis and considered significant at P<0.05. While there was no significant change in IHL in the LD group, there was a significant 23% reduction in IHL in the HD group (p=0.02). Fat mass, lean tissue mass, bone mineral content, and blood lipids were not altered. Post-EAAS phosphatidylethanol was elevated and remained unchanged in LD at 407±141 ng/ml and HD at 429±196 ng/ml, indicating chronic and excess alcohol consumption. Based on these results, we conclude that 13 grams of proprietary EAAS consumed BID lowers IHL in individuals with mild to moderate AUD.
Antibodies for Venezuelan Equine Encephalitis Virus Protect Embryoid Bodies from Chikungunya Virus
Authors: Schultz Emily M. , Jones TyAnthony J. , Clamp Hannah L. , Barr Kelli L.
Published: December 2019

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) is an alphavirus that causes febrile illness punctuated by severe polyarthralgia. After the emergence of CHIKV in the Western Hemisphere, multiple reports of congenital infections were published that documented neurological complications, cardiac defects, respiratory distress, and miscarriage. The Western Hemisphere is endemic to several alphaviruses and whether antigenic cross-reactivity can impact the course of infection has not been explored. Recent advances in biomedical engineering have produced cell co-culture models that replicate the cellular interface at the maternal fetal axis. We employed a trans-well assay to determine if cross-reactive antibodies affected the movement and replication of CHIKV across placental cells and into an embryoid body. The data show that antibodies to Venezuelan equine encephalitis virus (VEEV) significantly reduced CHIKV viral load in embryoid bodies. The data highlight that viral pathogenesis can be cell-specific and that exploiting antigenic cross-reactivity could be an avenue for reducing the impact of congenital CHIKV infections.
Treatment of Patients with Low Back Pain: A Comparison of Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Manipulation
Authors: Khodakarami Nima
Published: December 2019

Low back pain (LBP) is a pandemic and costly musculoskeletal condition in the United States. Patients with LBP may endure surgery, injections, and expensive visits to emergency departments. Some suggest that using physical therapy or chiropractic in the earlier stage of LBP reduces the utilization of expensive health services and lowers the treatment costs. Nevertheless, there is no consistent evidence to declare which one of these methods is a cost-effective treatment within a short (less than a year) period of time. The purpose of this study was to investigate the cost-effectiveness of chiropractic versus physical therapy in the United States. A decision tree analytic model was used for estimating the economic outcomes. The findings showed that in the chiropractic group, the total average cost was $48.56 lower than the physical therapy group, and daily adjusted life years (DALY) was 0.0043 higher than the physical therapy group. Chiropractic care was shown to be a cost-effective alternative compared with physical therapy for adults with at least three weeks of low back pain over six months.
Adapted or Adaptable: How to Manage Entropy Production?
Authors: Goupil Christophe , Herbert Eric
Published: December 2019

Adaptable or adapted? Whether it is a question of physical, biological or even economic systems, this problem arises when all these systems are the location of matter and energy conversion. To this interdisciplinary question we propose a theoretical framework based on the two principles of thermodynamics. Considering a finite time linear thermodynamic approach, we show that non-equilibrium systems operating in quasi-static regime are quite deterministic as long as boundary conditions are correctly defined. The Novikov-Curzon-Ahlborn approach [1,2] applied to non-endoreversible systems then makes it possible to precisely determine the conditions for obtaining characteristic operating points. As a result, power maximization principle (MPP), entropy minimization principle(mEP), efficiency maximization, or waste minimization states are only specific modalities of system operation. We show that boundary conditions play a major role in defining operating points because they define the intensity of the feedback that ultimately characterizes the operation. Armed with these thermodynamic foundations, we show that the intrinsically most efficient systems are also the most constrained in terms of controlling the entropy and dissipation production. In particular, we show that the best figure of merit necessarily leads to a vanishing production of power. On the other hand, a class of systems emerges which, although they do not offer extreme efficiency or power, have a wide range of use and therefore marked robustness. It therefore appears that the number of degrees of freedom of the system leads to an optimization of the allocation of entropy production.
Night Matters – Why the Interdisciplinary Field of “Night Studies” is Needed
Authors: Kyba Christopher C.M. , Pritchard Sara B. , Ekirch A. Roger , Eldridge Adam , Jechow Andreas , Preiser Christine , Kunz Dieter , Henckel Dietrich , Hölker Franz , Barentine John , Berge Jørgen , Meier Josiane , Gwiazdzinski Luc , Spitschan Manuel , Milan Mirik , Bach Susanne , Schroer Sibylle , Straw Will
Published: December 2019

The night has historically been neglected in both disciplinary and interdisciplinary research. To some extent, this is not surprising, given the diurnal bias of human researchers, and the difficulty of performing work at night. The night is, however, a critical element of biological, chemical, physical, and social systems on Earth. Moreover, research into social issues such as inequality, demographic changes, and the transition to a sustainable economy will be compromised if night is not considered. Recent years, however, have seen a surge in research into the night. We argue that “night studies” is on the cusp of coming into its own as an interdisciplinary field, and when it does, the field will consider questions that disciplinary researchers haven’t yet thought to ask.
Analysis of Spatial Interaction between Different Food Cultures in South and North of China — Practices from People's Daily Life
Authors: Zhang Haiping , Zhou Xingxing , Huang Yi
Published: December 2019

As an important research content in cultural geography, the exploration and analysis of the laws of regional cultural differences has great significance for the discovery of distinctive cultures, protection of regional cultures and in-depth understanding of cultural differences. In recent years, with the "spatial turn" of sociology, scholars are paying more and more attention to the implicit spatial information in social media data and the various social phenomena and laws they reflect. One important aspect is to grasp the social cultural phenomena and its spatial distribution characteristics through the text. Using machine learning methods such as the popular natural language processing (NLP), this paper can not only extract hotspot cultural elements from text data but also accurately detect the spatial interaction pattern of some specific cultures and the characteristics of emotions towards non-native cultures. Taking the 6,128 answers to the question “what are the differences between South and North China that you never know” on the Zhihu Q&A Platform as an example, with the help of NLP, this paper has explored the cultural differences between South and North China in people’s mind. This paper probes into people’s feeling and cognition of the cultural differences between South and North China from three aspects, including spatial interaction patterns of hotspot cultural elements, components of hotspot culture and emotional characteristics under the influence of cultural differences between North and South. The study reveals that 1) people from North and South China have great differences in recognizing each other’s culture. 2) Food culture is the most popular among many cultural differences. 3) People tend to show negative attitude towards the food cultures different from their own. All these findings shed light upon the understanding of regional cultural differences and addressing cultural conflicts. In addition, this paper also provides an effective solution to the study from a macro perspective, which have been difficult for new cultural geography.
Identification of a Novel Papillomavirus Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a Domestic Cat
Authors: Carrai Maura , van Brussel Kate , Shi Mang , Li Ci-Xiu , Munday John S , Voss Katja , McLuckie Alicia , Taylor David , Laws Andrew , Holmes Edward C. , Barrs Vanessa , Beatty Julia
Published: December 2019

Papillomaviruses infect the skin and mucosal surfaces of diverse animal hosts with consequences ranging from asymptomatic colonization to highly malignant epithelial cancers. Increasing evidence suggests a role for papillomaviruses in the most common cutaneous malignancy of domestic cats, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Using total DNA sequencing we identified a novel feline papillomavirus in a nasal biopsy taken from a cat presenting with both nasal cavity lymphoma and recurrent squamous cell carcinoma affecting the nasal planum. We designate this novel virus as Felis catus papillomavirus 6 (FcaPV6). The complete FcaPV6 7453 bp genome was similar to those of other feline papillomaviruses and phylogenetic analysis revealed that it was most closely related to FcaPV3, although was distinct enough to represent a new viral species within the genus Taupapillomavirus. Archived excisional biopsy of the SCC, taken 20 months prior to presentation, was intensely positive on p16 immunostaining. FcaPV6, amplified using virus-specific, but not consensus, PCR was the only papillomavirus detected in DNA extracted from the SCC. Conversely, renal lymphoma, sampled at necropsy two months after presentation, tested negative on FcaPV6-specific PCR. In sum, using metagenomics we demonstrate the presence of a novel feline papillomavirus in association with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
Financial Literacy: The Case of Poland
Authors: Swiecka Beata , Yeşildağ Eser , Ozen Ercan , Grima Simon
Published: December 2019

Financial literacy is a path to sustainability and has an important role in ensuring the financial sustainability of individuals, families, enterprises and national economies. The level of these economic indicators such as debt, payment discipline, savings and financial management all translate into prosperity or insolvency and bankruptcy and result partially from financial literacy. The higher the level of financial literacy, especially of young people, the more favorable the level of economic indicators, which translates into the economy and sustainable development. However, despite many years of research, there is still a lack of a uniform and coherent definition of financial literacy, as well as methods for measuring it. This study offers a small step forward, presenting the authors’ own view of the concept of financial literacy, the conceptualizations of financial literacy and methods used for investigating. Moreover, they present the results of a survey conducted on the financial behaviour, financial attitudes, and financial knowledge of the Polish youth and compare this to a PISA study on 15-year-old students. Results demonstrate a good, and partially very good, level of financial literacy among young Poles, showing that they are rational in their financial decision making.
Submicron Sized Nb Doped Lithium Garnet for High Ionic Conductivity Solid Electrolyte and Performance of All Solid-State Lithium Battery
Authors: Ji Yan , Zhou Cankai , Lin Feng , Li Bingjing , Yang Feifan , Zhu Huali , Duan Junfei , Chen Zhaoyong
Published: December 2019

The garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) has been widely investigated because of its high conductivity, wide electrochemical window and chemical stability to lithium metal. However, the usual preparation process of LLZO requires a long time of high-temperature sintering and a lot of mother powders against the lithium evaporation. The submicron Li6.6La3Zr1.6Nb0.4O12 (LLZNO) powders are prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method and attrition milling process, which are stable cubic phase and have high sintering activity, and Li stoichiometric LLZNO ceramics are obtained by sintering at a relative lower temperature or for a short time by using these powders which are difficult to control under high sintering temperature and long sintering time. The particle size distribution, phase structure, microstructure, distribution of element, total ionic conductivity, relative density and activation energy of submicron LLZNO powders and LLZNO ceramics are tested and analyzed by laser diffraction particle size analyzer, XRD, SEM, EIS and Archimedean method. The total ionic conductivity of sample sintered at 1200 °C for 30 min is 5.09 × 10-4 S·cm-1, the activation energy is 0.311 eV, and the relative density is 87.3%, and sintered at 1150 °C for 60 min total ionic conductivity is 3.49 × 10-4 S·cm-1, the activation energy is 0.316 eV, and the relative density is 90.4%. At the same time, all-solid-state batteries are assembled with LiMn2O4 as positive electrode and submicron LLZNO powders as solid state electrolyte. After 50 cycles, the discharge specific capacity is 105.5 mAh/g and the columbic efficiency is above 95%.
Plasma Electrolysis Spraying Al2O3 Nano-coating onto Quartz Fiber for Enhanced Thermal Conductivity and Stability
Authors: Bu Aiming , Zhang Yongfu , Xiang Yan , Yang Yunjie , Chen Weiwei , Cheng Huanwu , Wang Lu
Published: December 2019

The manuscript reported the synthesis of Al2O3 nano-coating onto quartz fiber by plasma electrolysis spray for enhanced thermal conductivity and stability. The nano- and micro-sized clusters were partially observed on the coating, while most coating was relatively smooth. It was suggested that the formation of a ceramic coating was followed as the nucleation-growth raw, that is, the formation of the coating clusters was dependent on the fast grow-up partially, implying the inhomogeneous energy distribution in the electrolysis plasma. The deposition of the Al2O3 coating increased the annealing tensile strength from 19.2 MPa to 58.1 MPa. The thermal conductivity of the coated quartz fiber was measured to be 1.17 W m-1 K-1, increased by ~45% compared to the bare fiber. The formation mechanism of the Al2O3 coating was preliminarily discussed. We believe that the thermally conductive quartz fiber with high thermal stability by plasma electrolysis spray will find a wide range of applications in industries.
Integration, Application and Importance of Collaboration in Sustainable Project Management
Authors: Larsson Johan , Larsson Lisa
Published: December 2019

The need to consider sustainability has substantially increased the complexity of implementing construction and infrastructure projects and new management practices have emerged during the past decade to tackle the global sustainability challenges, where the engagement and coordination of broader competences from stakeholders throughout the supply chain is required. This new project management paradigm has been accompanied by greater attention to the concept of collaborative business arrangements, often called partnering, that has emerged in construction and infrastructure projects to improve project deliveries. However, there are uncertainties about the optimal strategy to foster, integrate and maintain the required collaboration, particularly in sustainable management practices in infrastructure maintenance projects. This paper addresses these uncertainties, based on a single case study of an infrastructure maintenance contract involving an extensive collaborative business arrangement. The findings reveal that different collaborative practices affect diverse aspects of sustainable project management. Further, the extensive collaborative business arrangement has promoted sustainable deliveries based upon organizational learning and continuous improvements. Thus, this study offers an encouraging example of how extensive collaboration can be fostered and play a key role in sustainable project management practices.
Prevention of the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer using a 12-month home-based progressive resistance training program: a randomised controlled study
Authors: Lam Teresa , Cheema Birinder , Hayden Amy , Lord Stephen R. , Gurney Howard , Gounden Shivanjini , Reddy Navneeta , Shahidipour Haleh , Read Scott , Stone Glenn , McLean Mark , Birzniece Vita
Published: December 2019

Background In men with prostate cancer, androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) has detrimental effects on body composition and quality of life (QOL), which can be ameliorated with exercise interventions including progressive resistance training (PRT). Existing studies focus on reversing established changes using supervised programs. We investigated whether a home-based PRT program, instituted at the start of ADT, could prevent adverse effects over 12-months.Methods Twenty-five patients scheduled to receive at least 12 months of ADT were assigned to either usual care (UC) (n=12) or PRT (n=13) starting after their first ADT injection. Body composition, body cell mass (BCM; a functional component of lean body mass), insulin sensitivity, QOL and muscle function were measured at 6 weeks, 6- and 12 months. Data were analysed by a linear mixed model.Results Across the cohort, ADT had a negative impact on body composition, muscle strength, glucose metabolism and QOL. Compared to PRT patients at 12 months, UC patients had greater reductions in BCM by -1.9 ± 0.8% (p = 0.02) and higher gains in fat mass by 3.1 ± 1.0% (p = 0.002). There was a significant increase in physical activity levels (p = 0.02), and QOL in the mental health (p = 0.01) and vitality (p = 0.02) domains in the PRT compared to the UC group.Conclusion A home-based PRT program instituted at the start of ADT counteracts detrimental changes in body composition, improves physical activity and mental health over 12 months.
Investigation of the association between family members’ satisfaction with patient care in the Intensive Care Unit, spirituality and resilience.
Authors: Papathanasiou Iokasti , Tzenetidis Vasileios , Nikolentzos Athanasios , Sarafis Pavlos , Malliarou Maria
Published: December 2019

Background: The admission of a patient in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) is a traumatic experience for the patient himself and his support group which mainly consists of his family members. The psychological burden of the family members increases, as they experience negative feelings. The implementation of family-centered care helps family members to satisfy their needs, eliminates psychological impact and improves patient’s health outcomes. The aim of this study is to investigate the family members’ satisfaction with patient care in the ICU, their perceived stress, spirituality and resilience.Methods: One hundred and four family members of patients admitted in the ICU for greater than 48 hours between January and March 2019 were enrolled. The questionnaire included the following psychometric tools: the Family Satisfaction with care in the Intensive Care Unit scale, the Perceived Stress Scale, the Connor – Davidson Resilience Scale, the Daily Spiritual Experience Scale and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Scale. Results: The mean value of satisfaction with care was 88,9%, of satisfaction with decision making was 79,1% and of the overall satisfaction was 85%. Resilience was associated with perceived stress (p<0,001) and with spirituality (p= 0,019). Spirituality was associated with satisfaction with care (p= 0.013), with satisfaction with decision making (p= 0,018) and with the overall satisfaction (p= 0,003).Conclusions: Family members were highly satisfied. Those with higher spirituality score were more satisfied and those who were more resilient had less perceived stress. These data suggest that interventions should aim at increasing resilience and providing spiritual assistance to family members of ICU treated patients.
Integration of proteome and transcriptome refines key molecular processes underlying oil production in Nannochloropsis oceanica
Authors: You Wuxin , Wei Li , Gong Yanhai , Hajjami Mohamed El , Xu Jian , Poetsch Ansgar
Published: December 2019

Background Under nitrogen deficiency situation, Nannochloropsis spp. accumulate large amounts of lipid in the form of triacylglycerides (TAG). Several researches have studied the mechanism of this process from the perspective of transcriptome and metabolome, yet proteome analysis on this process is still sparse and lacking the analysis of the dynamic adaption to nitrogen deficiency. Here, proteomes for 03h, 06h, 12h, 24h, 48h and 10th day of nitrogen deplete and replete conditions were compared. New proteome results were integrated with existing transcriptome and other data.Results Obtained results illuminated physiological adaptations not deduced from previous transcriptome data: (a) Abundance of proteins related to photosynthesis only slightly decreased in the first 48h, indicating that photosynthesis is still working efficiently, and protein amounts adjust gradually with reduction in chloroplast size. (b) Most proteins related to the TCA cycle were strongly upregulated after 48h under nitrogen deficiency, suggesting that respiration is enhanced after 48h and that TCA cycle efflux supports the carbon required for lipid synthesis. (c) Proteins related to lipid accumulation via the Kennedy pathway increased their abundance at 48h, synchronous with the previously reported diversification of fatty acids after 48h.Conclusions This study adds a proteome perspective on the major pathways for TAG accumulation by Nannochloropsis due to absence of nitrogen: photosynthesis, membrane lipid conversion, protein degradation, TCA cycle. By integrating existing transcriptome and other data, our research provided for Nannochloropsis oceanica a multi-layered description of adaptation to nitrogen limitation and lipid accumulation. Cluster analysis of this integrated dataset allowed inference of post-transcriptional regulation events.
Financial performance of conventional and Islamic banks in Bahrain: a comparative study
Authors: Ramadhan Sayel , Selim Mohammad , Sahwan Ahmad
Published: December 2019

The main purpose of this study is to identify the variables that influence the financial performance of both types of banks, Islamic and conventional, and compare their financial performance over the period of 2003–2016. Banks listed on the Bahrain Bourse as of December 31, 2016 were used in the study, with a total of seven banks, of which three are Islamic and four are conventional. To make an appropriate comparative study, financial ratio analysis is used. Multiple regression and paired sample t-test are used to analyze the data. Return on assets (ROA) and return on equity (ROE) are considered as the basis for measuring financial performance and are set as dependent variables. The analysis of the results shows that conventional banks perform better than Islamic banks in terms of profitability. The results also show that ROA is significantly related to risk, cost of intermediation and efficiency ratios, while ROE is highly influenced by risk ratios only. Moreover, it was found out that the relationship between asset size and the performance of banks is insignificant, while the relationship between the number of branches and both ROA and ROE is significant.
Economic and management approach to defining effective projects for enterprise development under risks and uncertainty
Authors: Boiarynova Kateryna , Kopishynska Kateryna , Hryhorska Nataliya
Published: December 2019

Enterprise development is dependent on the implementation of projects that contribute to improving economic performance. Considering this the need to apply the economic and management approach to the definition of effective projects under risks of reduced enterprise profitability due to the uncertain economic environment is justified. The study used scientific abstraction, formalization, causal relationship, time series analysis, variational range-based standardization, parameter minimization according to maximum and minimum values. The approach is created to evaluate the profitability dynamics of the production, management and finance subsystems of the enterprise, to monitor the deviations in the established corridor of their sufficient levels, to systematically control for the dynamics of the enterprise development to form the effective project portfolio, as well as to manage the risk reduction for projects that are inappropriate for development. The approach approbation, using Ukrainian machine-building enterprises as an example, has found enterprises with the level of development dynamics lower than the corridor determined. This indicates the risks of implementing inefficient projects and the need for systematic adjustment of their portfolio. The enterprises whose business operations belong to the fourth technological paradigm should implement projects to increase the profitability of the production and management subsystems, and those from the fifth paradigm should execute projects for the rise in the finance subsystem profitability.
Análise dos Fatores Que Influenciam a Intenção de Uso do M-Commerce por Americanos da Geração Millennial
Authors: Perini Mauricio Do Nascimento , Lazzari Fernanda , Eberle Luciene , Milan Gabriel Sperandio
Published: December 2019

Ao longo dos últimos anos, evidenciou-se um crescimento de vendas através do m-commerce (mobile commerce), por meio dos smartphones, que passou a ter impacto significativo no comércio eletrônico dos países. Com isso, surge a necessidade de investigar quais são os fatores que influenciam a Intenção de Uso do m-commerce pelos usuários. Por intermédio de uma adaptação do modelo da UTAUT (Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology – Teoria Unificada de Aceitação e Uso de Tecnologia), este estudo analisou fatores que afetam a Intenção de Uso de americanos. Os resultados reafirmam a relação entre a Expectativa de Performance e as Condições Facilitadoras e a Intenção de Uso. Além disso, confirmou-se a relação entre a Expectativa de Performance e a Expectativa de Esforço e entre a Expectativa de Esforço e as Condições Facilitadoras. Por fim, apresenta-se o efeito moderador da idade entre a Influência Social e a Intenção de Uso do m-commerce.
Az „első órák” történelemtankönyvei a második világháború hullámverésében
Authors: Albert B. Gábor
Published: December 2019

Jelen írás a Kosáry Domokos és Feuer Klára szerkesztésében megjelent 1945-ös történelemtankönyvek születéstörténetét vizsgálja. Célom a tankönyvírók interpretációs módjain keresztül rámutatni a korirányokra és a geopolitikai irányváltásokra. A téma könnyebb megértése érdekében összehasonlítom a második világháború idején megjelent gimnáziumi tankönyveket ezekkel az 1945-ös ideiglenes középiskolai történelemtankönyvekkel. Dolgozatomban a jelenkori részek összehasonlító elemzésére vállalkozom és a kurrens szakmunkák mellett levéltári forráscsoportok bevonásával igazolom, hogy az 1945-ös munkák számos szállal kötődnek az 1945 előtti időszakhoz, a II. világháború utolsó éveinek hullámveréséhez.
Características comportamentais empreendedoras e desempenho organizacional: um estudo das empresas graduadas em incubadoras no oeste do Paraná vinculadas à Anprotec
Authors: Amaral Lays Martins
Published: December 2019

São muitos os estudos que contemplam as práticas de fomento e desenvolvimento do empreendedorismo, no entanto, poucas pesquisas retratam o sucesso dos programas executados, como é o caso das incubadoras de empresas. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar o desempenho organizacional das empresas graduadas e as características comportamentais empreendedoras predominantes nesses empreendimentos oriundos de incubadoras de empresas no Oeste do Paraná vinculadas à Anprotec. Trata-se de um estudo de caso de natureza descritiva com 23 dirigentes responsáveis por empresas graduadas, por meio do questionário proposto por Mc Clelland, com 55 sentenças que evidenciam as 10 características comportamentais empreendedoras. As três predominantes foram: comprometimento, persistência e busca de oportunidade e iniciativa. Já as de menor influência: planejamento e monitoramento sistemático e persuasão e redes de contato. As empresas graduadas apresentaram bom desempenho organizacional, assim foi possível observar uma relação desse fenÿmeno com os comportamentos dos dirigentes.
Intenção empreendedora em estudantes de administração: um estudo com estudantes da Universidade Federal do Ceará
Authors: Rodrigues Ingrid Lustosa , Machado Diego de Queiroz , Reinaldo Hugo Osvaldo Acosta , Alcântara Sÿnia Regina Amorim Soares de , Silva Luís Matheus Tavares
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar os níveis de intenção empreendedora dos alunos do curso de Administração da Universidade Federal do Ceará. Para tanto, foi aplicado um questionário elaborado com base no modelo apresentado pelo GUESSS para identificação do nível de intenção empreendedora nos estudantes universitários, que utiliza os princípios da Teoria do Comportamento Planejado (TCP) como pilares para a sua caracterização. A etodologia da pesquisa, portanto, deu-se mediante abordagem quantitativa, com coleta de dados primários em uma plataforma online, no formato survey. Com a análise dos resultados, foi possível destacar que os alunos de Administração da Universidade Federal do Ceará possuem uma baixa intenção de empreender em algum momento da vida. Apesar disso, os discentes indicam que a universidade pode melhorar em vários aspectos do ensino para promover o empreendedorismo universitário.
Adoção de tecnologia da informação como estratégia para melhorar o desempenho da gestão de micro e pequenas empresas
Authors: Gomes Sergio Castro , Negrão Keila Regina Mota , Lima Thalles da Silva , Martins Cyntia Meireles , Carvalho Mário Cesar dos Santos de
Published: December 2019

A proposta deste estudo é investigar a influência da adoção de tecnologias de informação no desempenho de micro e pequenas empresas (MPEs) do setor varejista na cidade de Belém, capital do estado do Pará. A pesquisa examina e discute, à luz das teorias de Tecnologia de Informação (TI), aspectos relacionados à adoção das TI e os benefícios no desempenho das organizações. Foram coletados dados de 53 empresas do setor de varejo, por meio da aplicação de questionários estruturados, cujos dados foram tratados e analisados usando a técnica estatística de Análise Fatorial Exploratória (AFE) e regressão múltipla. Como resultado, observou-se que as empresas são altamente dependentes da TI para sobreviverem no mercado. A adoção auxilia as MPEs em sua gestão, oferecendo maior controle interno, agilidade, produtividade e aumento das vendas. Verificou-se, ainda, que existe relação positiva entre os construtos da motivação da adoção de TI e o desempenho das empresas e que os fatores que mais motivam as empresas a adotarem TI são: garantia de bom funcionamento da empresa, melhoria no atendimento aos clientes e realização das tarefas especificas mais rapidamente.
Fab Labs livres da cidade de São Paulo: uma experiência social inclusiva ou transbordamento de conhecimento tecnológico e da criatividade na escassez de recursos?
Authors: Vieira Regiane Balestra , Dos Santos Isabel Cristina , Bresciani Luís Paulo
Published: December 2019

Este artigo promove a experiência da maior rede de laboratórios públicos de fabricação digital do mundo: os Fab Labs Livres na cidade de São Paulo. Trata-se de estudo do tipo exploratório-descritivo, com abordagem qualitativa. Como instrumento de coleta de dados primários, foram realizadas entrevistas semiestruturadas com os coordenadores dos respectivos e análise de conteúdo, com a validação do software MAXQDA, como técnica de investigação para formular inferências reproduzíveis e válidas. Por princípio, os Fab Labs resultam do transbordamento de conhecimento e da simplificação do processo de criação de novos produtos e/ou serviços, tendo como fundamento o compartilhamento de recursos tecnológicos. Nos países desenvolvidos, são considerados lócus de empreendedorismo e inovação. Dadas as assimetrias, este estudo propõe-se a investigar qual é a premissa que baseia a adoção dos Fab Labs em países emergentes. Os resultados, nesse caso, apontam para a visão dos Fab Labs Livres como uma alternativa ao desemprego, e como um espaço criativo aberto ao cidadão. Além disso, são percebidos como um ambiente socialmente inclusivo. Também, como uma potencial oportunidade, ainda que embrionária, por meio de oficinas de práticas ?faça-você-mesmo?, desafiam o entusiasmo de uma nova geração de empreendedores tecnológicos. Contudo, a lógica das limitações não deve interferir na continuidade das atividades em 2018
Microempresas brasileiras: entendendo seu papel socioeconÿmico
Authors: De Jesus Noroara Duarte , Marinho Gabriela
Published: December 2019

Este trabalho tem como objetivo fazer um breve resumo e melhorar o entendimento do papel das microempresas no cenário socioeconÿmico brasileiro. A metodologia utilizada neste estudo foi a revisão bibliográfica de alguns artigos publicados relacionados ao tema. Destacou-se, a partir da pesquisa, as fundamentais atribuições do Estado no desenvolvimento e fomentação dessa classe, além da assessoria diferenciada já existente. Outros aspectos obtidos foram: altos índices de mortalidade, diminuição de desigualdades sociais a partir da geração de empregos e participação expressiva no produto interno bruto. Concluiu-se que as microempresas são vitais para o desenvolvimento socioeconÿmico brasileiro, fazendo com que expressivos números destaquem a categoria.
Optimisation of a fuzzy logic-based local real-time control system for mitigation of sewer flooding using genetic algorithms
Authors: Mounce S. R. , Shepherd W. , Ostojin S. , Abdel-Aal M. , Schellart A. N. A. , Shucksmith J. D. , Tait S. J.
Published: December 2019

Urban flooding damages properties, causes economic losses and can seriously threaten public health. An innovative, fuzzy logic (FL)-based, local autonomous real-time control (RTC) approach for mitigating this hazard utilising the existing spare capacity in urban drainage networks has been developed. The default parameters for the control algorithm, which uses water level-based data, were derived based on domain expert knowledge and optimised by linking the control algorithm programmatically to a hydrodynamic sewer network model. This paper describes a novel genetic algorithm (GA) optimisation of the FL membership functions (MFs) for the developed control algorithm. In order to provide the GA with strong training and test scenarios, the compiled rainfall time series based on recorded rainfall and incorporating multiple events were used in the optimisation. Both decimal and integer GA optimisations were carried out. The integer optimisation was shown to perform better on unseen events than the decimal version with considerably reduced computational run time. The optimised FL MFs result in an average 25% decrease in the flood volume compared to those selected by experts for unseen rainfall events. This distributed, autonomous control using GA optimisation offers significant benefits over traditional RTC approaches for flood risk management.
Deriving optimal operation of reservoir proposing improved artificial bee colony algorithm: standard and constrained versions
Authors: Soghrati F. , Moeini R.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, one of the newest meta-heuristic algorithms, named artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm, is used to solve the single-reservoir operation optimization problem. The simple and hydropower reservoir operation optimization problems of Dez reservoir, in southern Iran, have been solved here over 60, 240, and 480 monthly operation time periods considering two different decision variables. In addition, to improve the performance of this algorithm, two improved artificial bee colony algorithms have been proposed and these problems have been solved using them. Furthermore, in order to improve the performance of proposed algorithms to solve large-scale problems, two constrained versions of these algorithms have been proposed, in which in these algorithms the problem constraints have been explicitly satisfied. Comparison of the results shows that using the proposed algorithm leads to better results with low computational costs in comparison with other available methods such as genetic algorithm (GA), standard and improved particle swarm optimization (IPSO) algorithm, honey-bees mating optimization (HBMO) algorithm, ant colony optimization algorithm (ACOA), and gravitational search algorithm (GSA). Therefore, the proposed algorithms are capable algorithms to solve large reservoir operation optimization problems.
Preclinical Pharmacokinetics Study of a Novel Intravenous Anesthetic ET-26 Hydrochloride
Authors: Zhang Yu Jun , Deng ChaoYi , Yang Jun , Gong DeYing , Kang Yi , Liu Jin , Zhang WenSheng
Published: December 2019

Background:

ET-26 hydrochloride is a novel intravenous anesthetic, approved for clinical trials, that
produces a desirable sedative-hypnotic effect with stable myocardial performance and mild adrenocortical suppression
in rats and beagle dogs. The objective of this study was to assess the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and
excretion of ET-26 hydrochloride.

Methods:

Hepatocytes from human, monkey, dog, rat, and mouse were used to determine the metabolites of ET-26
hydrochloride. Distribution and excretion were assessed in rats and pharmacokinetic studies were performed in beagle
dogs.

Results:

The metabolic pathway and proposed structure of metabolites were fully assessed resulting from the
biotransformation reactions of hydrolysis, dehydrogenation, demethylation and glucuronic acid conjugation. The
main distribution of the drug was in fat (15067 ± 801 ng/ml) and liver (13647 ± 1126 ng/ml), and the kidney was the
primary excretion route (4.47%-11.94%). The Cmax after injection with 1.045 mg/kg, 2.09 mg/kg, and 4.18 mg/kg
was 1476.5 ± 138.9 ng/ml, 2846.1 ± 223.3 ng/ml, and 6233.3 ± 238.9 ng/ml, respectively. The t1/2 of the drug was
similar across dose groups at 74.8 ± 10.8 min to 81.4 ± 4.2 min. The AUC0-t values were 30208.1 ± 2026.5
min*ng/ml, 62712.8 ± 1808.3 min*ng/ml, and 130465.2 ± 7457.4 min*ng/ml, respectively.

Conclusion:

The metabolic pathway and the proposed structure of metabolites for ET-26 hydrochloride were fully
assessed. The majority of distribution for ET-26 hydrochloride occurs in the fat and liver, while the primary route of
excretion for ET-26 hydrochloride is through the kidney. In dogs, pharmacokinetic features of ET-26 hydrochloride
had a linear relationship with dosage.
FBXW7alpha Promotes the Recovery of Traumatic Spinal Cord
Authors: Zhang Hong , Yang Tao
Published: December 2019

Background:

White matter damage and neuronal cell death are incurred by spinal cord injury (SCI). FBXW7α, an important mediator of cell division and growth was investigated to explore its role in repairing the traumatic spinal cord in rats. Underlying mechanisms such as oxidative stress and inflammasomes signaling were also studied.

Methods:

Spinal cord injury in rats was established by longitudinal surgical incision from the lower to mid-thoracic vertebrae on the backside, followed by 20-g weight placed on the exposed Th12 surface for 30 min. AAV-delivered FBXW7α and -sh-FBXW7α were intrathecally injected into the rat spinal cord. Indices of oxidation, neurotrophic factors, and pyroptosis were measured by Western blot, Elisa, and RT-PCR.

Results:

We found the overexpression of FBXW7α in spinal cord rescue neuronal death triggered by the injury. Specifically, the nutritional condition, oxidative stress, and pyroptosis were improved. A synchronization of BNDF and GDNF expression patterns in various groups indicated the secretion of neurotrophic factors affect the outcome of SCI. The SOD1, CAT, and GSH-px were suppressed after trauma but all restored in response to FBXW7α overexpression. Inflammasomes-activated pyroptosis was incurred after the injury, and relevant biomarkers such as GSDMD, caspase-1, caspase- 11, IL-1β, and IL-18 were down-regulated after the introduction of FBXW7α into the injured cord. Additionally, up-regulating FBXW7α also repaired the mitochondria dysfunction.

Conclusion:

Our data indicate FBXW7α probably serves as an important molecular target for the therapy of spinal cord injury.
MicroRNA-16-5p Aggravates Myocardial Infarction Injury by Targeting the Expression of Insulin Receptor Substrates 1 and Mediating Myocardial Apoptosis and Angiogenesis
Authors: Wang Xiancan , Shang Yuqiang , Dai Shilin , Wu Wei , Yi Fan , Cheng Long
Published: December 2019

Purpose:

Myocardial infarction is a common cardiovascular disease. MicroRNA-16-5p
(miR-16-5p) was upregulated in heart and kidney hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury. However,
the role of miR-16-5p in myocardial infarction injury is still unclear.

Methods:

Human adult ventricular cardiomyocytes (AC16) were treated with ischemia/reperfusion
(H/R). The miR-16-5p level was evaluated through real-time PCR. The activity of lactate dehydrogenase
(LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) was detected via LDH and CK-MB monitoring
kits. Cell viability was examined with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5diphenyltetra-zolium
bromide (MTT) assay. Western blotting was used to analyze the protein levels. The luci-ferase report
assay confirmed the relative luciferase activity.

Results:

miR-16-5p was elevated in H/R-treated AC16 cells. miR-16-5p overexpression and
knockdown were carried out. miR-16-5p knockdown repressed cell apoptosis, attenuated LDH and
CK-MB activities, and enhanced cell viability in H/R-treated AC16 cells. Moreover, miR-16-5p
knockdown promoted angiogenesis in human microvascular endothelial cells (HMVEC), causing
elevation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin receptor substrates 1 (IRS1),
minichromosome maintenance complex component 2 (MCM2) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen
(PCNA) protein levels. Moreover, miR-16-5p was testified to target IRS1. IRS1 silencing
alleviated miR-16-5p knockdown-mediated inhibition of apoptosis in AC16 cells.

Conclusion:

miR-16-5p knockdown increased cell viability and angiogenesis, as well as inhibited
cell apoptosis by increasing IRS1. These findings indicated that miR-16-5p knockdown may be a
new therapeutic target for myocardial infarction.
Bridging Intravenous Thrombolysis Before Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large Artery Occlusion May be Detrimental with Thrombus Fragmentation
Authors: Yi Ho Jun , Sung Jae Hoon , Lee Dong Hoon
Published: December 2019

Objective:

We investigated whether intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) affected the outcomes
and complications of mechanical thrombectomy (MT), specifically focusing on thrombus
fragmentation.

Methods:

The patients who underwent MT for large artery occlusion (LAO) were classified into
two groups: MT with prior IVT (MT+IVT) group and MT without prior IVT (MT-IVT) group.
The clinical outcome, successful recanalization with other radiological outcomes, and complications
were compared, between two groups. Subgroup analysis was also performed for patients with
simultaneous application of stent retriever and aspiration.

Results:

There were no significant differences in clinical outcome and successful recanalization
rate, between both groups. However, the ratio of pre- to peri-procedural thrombus fragmentation
was significantly higher in the MT+IVT group (14.6% and 16.2%, respectively; P=0.004) compared
to the MT-IVT group (5.1% and 6.8%, respectively; P=0.008). The MT+IVT group required
more second stent retriever (16.2%), more stent passages (median value = 2), and more occurrence
of distal emboli (3.9%) than the MT-IVT group (7.9%, median value = 1, and 8.1%, respectively)
(P=0.004, 0.008 and 0.018, respectively). In subgroup analysis, the results were similar to those of
the entire patients.

Conclusion:

Thrombus fragmentation of IVT with t-PA before MT resulted in an increased need
for additional rescue therapies, and it could induce more distal emboli. The use of IVT prior to MT
does not affect the clinical outcome and successful recanalization, compared with MT without
prior IVT. Therefore, we need to reconsider the need for IVT before MT.
MicroRNA-451 Aggravates Kainic Acid-induced Seizure and Neuronal Apoptosis by Targeting GDNF
Authors: Weng Ning , Sun Jingbo , Kuang Shixiang , Lan Hai , He Qiansong , Yang Hui , Zhang Lin , Xue Hong
Published: December 2019

Aim:

Epilepsy is a common and serious neurological disease that causes recurrent episodes,
but its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Abnormal miRNA expression is associated
with epilepsy, including miR-451. This research investigated the role of miR-451 in seizure and its
detailed mechanism.

Methods:

The seizure mice model was induced by kainic acid (KA) injection to the right lateral
cerebral ventricle. Behavioral changes in mice were observed and evaluated by the Racine Scale.
The miR-451 knockout mice were established by adenovirus infection. The in vitro model was
performed by miR-451 mimics transfected HEK-293 cells. The amount of neuronal death and
morphological changes were evaluated by Nissl staining and H&E staining.

Results:

The results showed that miR-451 is up regulated in KA-induced seizure models and miR-
451 knockout decreased the behavior score and improved the pathological changes of the hippocampus.
Besides, MiR-451 knockout inhibited the apoptosis of hippocampal neurons. Bioinformatics
studies have shown that glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a target gene
of miR-451. MiR-451 could negatively regulate the expression of GDNF. GDNF overexpression
could reverse the effect of miR-451 on KA induced brain injury and neuronal apoptosis.

Conclusion:

This research demonstrates that miR-451 can affect the behavior of KA-induced epilepsy
mice and hippocampal neuronal damage by regulating GDNF expression. The results would
provide an experimental foundation for further research about the potential contribution of mi-
RNAs to epilepsy pathophysiology.