bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Blastocyst Morphology Influence Live Birth Rate after Frozen-thawed Single Euploid Blastocyst Transfer?
Authors: Li Na , Guan Yichun , Ren Bingnan , Zhang Yuchao , Du Yulin , Kong Hongjiao , Lou Hua
Published: December 2020

Objective

To determine whether the morphologic parameters of euploid blastocyst influence the live birth rate (LBR) following single frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycles?
Methods

A retrospective cohort analysis involving autologous single FET cycles after next generation sequencing (NGS) based preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) by a large in vitro fertilization (IVF) center that was performed from June 2017 to September 2019.Women were divided into three age groups (< 30, 30–34 and ≥ 35 years old). The primary outcome measure was LBR. Outcomes were compared between different blastocyst quality (Good, Average and Poor), inner cell mass (ICM) grade (A and B), and trophectoderm (TE) grade (A, B and C).
Results

A total of 232 FET cycles were included, the live birth rate was 48.28%. In the youngest group (< 30 years old, n = 86), LBR were compared between cycles with various blastocyst quality (72.22% for good quality, 54.55% for average quality and 34.78% for poor quality; P = 0.019), ICM grade (70.59% for grade A and 42.03% for grade B; P = 0.035) and TE grade (85.71% for grade A,57.58% for grade B and 34.78 for grade C; P = 0.015). Nevertheless, either in the 30–34 years group (n = 99) or in the oldest group (≥ 35years, n = 47), LBR were also comparable between these subgroups, no significant difference was showed in blastocyst morphologic parameters and LBR (P > 0.05). Furthermore, in the similarly graded euploid blastocysts, there was also no statistical significance in LBR among different age subgroups (P > 0.05).
Conclusions

In women ≥ 30 years old, euploid blastocyst quality was not associated with the LBR in FET cycles, highlights the development competence of poor-quality euploid blastocysts.
"Multimodal" Imaging Performance and Clinical Application of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Li Guohong , Zhou Qijian , Li Jintian , Zhu Lin , Chen Yan , Du Yushan , Wu Zhengguang
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the diagnostic value of three different examination methods of chest radiography (CXR), digital tomosynthesis (DTS) and Computed tomography (CT) scan on the diagnosis of novel coronavirus pneumonia (COVID-19).Methods: A retrospective analysis of three examination methods of chest: CXR, DTS, and CT scan of COVID-19 pneumonia patients diagnosed in our hospital from January, 23, 2020 to February, 29, 2020. And we compared three different imaging methods to COVID-19 display ability of pneumonia intrapulmonary lesions.Results: A total of 37 patients diagnosed as COVID-19 by nucleic acid testing were included. The CXR group (10/37) and DTS group (21/28) of 37 patients with COVID-19 pneumonia showed significant differences in intrapulmonary ground glass opacities (P<0.05); DTS group (21/28) and CT group (25/27) showed no statistically significant differences in intrapulmonary ground glass opacities (P> 0.05). Conclusion: Comparison of the three imaging methods of COVID-19 pneumonia, the diagnostic efficiency of CXR is low, which is easy to be false negative and miss lesions; diagnostic resolutions of DTS are higher than CXR, which can improve the ability to display the fine structure of intrapulmonary lesions; CT scan shows the intrapulmonary of COVID-19 pneumonia low-density ground glass opacities and internal structures have equal capacity compared with DTS. Therefore, DTS and CT are the best choices for the image diagnosis of COVID-19 pneumonia.
Associations with Single Rare Heterozygous NLRP7 Variants for Chinese Patients with Sporadic Gestational Trophoblastic Diseases
Authors: Zhang Peiwen , Yu Xinying , Ying Jun , Reddy Ramesh , Shi Jin , Zhu Xiaoxu , Ding Yuan , Cheng Qi , Zhao Wei , Zhou Wei , Zhang Xiaofei , Xie Xing , Slim Rima , Qian Jianhua
Published: December 2020

Background Gestational trophoblastic diseases (GTDs) encompass a group of clinically heterogeneous tumors of trophoblastic cell origin. In some populations and studies, single NLRP7 heterozygous mutations and some non-synonymous variants (NSVs) have been shown to confer genetic susceptibility to sporadic GTDs. Our study aims to investigate whether single rare heterozygous NSVs in NLRP7 predispose patients to GTDs in Chinese. Methods We performed Sanger sequencing of all NLRP7 exons and exon-intron boundaries in a cohort of Chinese patients with non-recurrent sporadic GTDs and normal childbearing women. Using in-silico analysis and several prediction programs, we investigated the effects of identified NSVs on the function of the protein. Then we examine the function in inflammatory pathway to assessing the functional consequences of the identified rare NSVs in in-vitro studies.Results We found that the number of patients with rare single heterozygous NSVs that are predicted to have functional effects on the protein is significantly higher in the first cohort of 292 patients than in the 300 controls (p=0.028). Analysis of the validation cohort of 130 patients confirmed the significant higher number of patients with rare NSVs than controls (p=0.0014). We show that most of the rare variants that are identified only in the patients are predicted to have functional effects on the protein by various algorithms and in-vitro experiments. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that Chinese patients with GTDs have a higher burden of single heterozygous NLRP7 variants which were predicted to have effects on the protein than controls. We suggest that some of these single NSVs may contribute to the genetic susceptibility for GTDs in China.
COVID-19 complicated by strange pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Jiang Zhifeng , Feng Aiqiao
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe lung CT of COVID-19 has characteristic changes, showing scattered ground-glass changes extrapulmonary zone. However, we observe a case of early infection of COVID-19 in a patient who did not show classic CT changes, but shows characteristic pulmonary fibrosis.Case presentationWe reported a patient who was infected in the early stage of the COVID epidemic without any treatment. The extrapulmonary zone showed symmetrical and diffuse fibrotic changes.Conclusionsthe lungs of COVID-19 may not show scattered ground-glass changes, but show symmetrical, diffuse pulmonary fibrosis in extrapulmonary, suggests that there may be other mechanisms other than infection involved in the changes in the lungs.
Dynamics Simulation of Grasping Process of Underwater Vehicle-Manipulator System
Authors: Chang Zong-Yu , Zhang Yang , Zheng Zhong-Qiang , Zhao Lin , Shen Kun-Fan
Published: December 2020

Underwater vehicle-manipulator system (UVMS) can be applied to fulfill different complex underwater tasks such as grasping, drilling, sampling, etc. It is widely used in the field of oceanographic research, marine exploration, military and commercial applications. In this paper, the dynamic simulation of UVMS is presented in the process of grasping an object. Firstly, the dynamic model of UVMS, which considers the change of the load of manipulator when the end effector of manipulator grasps the object, is developed. To compare different control conditions, the numerical simulation of grasping processes without/with vehicle attitude control are carried out. The results show that the coupling dynamics between the vehicle and the manipulator in the grasping process are clearly illustrated. The tracking position error of end effector without vehicle control is large and UVMS cannot complete the grasping task under this condition. Vehicle control can compensate the motion of vehicle due to the coupling effect caused by the motion of manipulator. This study will contribute to underwater operation mission for UVMS with floating base.
Symmetric cascade distribution of electrons in atoms
Authors: Yao Yuan
Published: December 2020

Through the spatial state analysis, the symmetrical cascade distribution of electrons in the atom is obtained. This kind of electron distribution can naturally describe the periodicity of elements and the characteristics of each element. The reason for the formation of the common valence of each element can be explained according to the number and state of valence electron orbitals. The rule that the number of electrons in the orbit tends to reach an even number is applicable not only within atoms, but also between atoms, and can uniformly explain the general process of binding between atoms.
Repurposing support tendered youth owned Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises in urban agri-business sector in Durban
Authors: Ngwenya Tony , Mashau Pfano
Published: December 2020

Food security is one of the most fundamental challenges facing many countries, especially in the developing economies, which still has a vast section of its population still trapped in the socio-economic cocoon of poverty, unemployment, and inequality. This paper aims to investigate the institutional support in the facilitation of empowerment and development of youth Small, Medium, and Micro-Enterprises (SMMEs) to be active participants in the agribusiness economic mainstream. The paradigm shift from primary agriculture into urban farming business models in agri-business could accelerate the ascendancy of youth SMMEs in the competitiveness stakes. The theoretical analysis focused on the resource-based view model, institutional theory, and the role of the CSR impact as a conceptual framework for the study. The research design was predicated on the quantitative methodology, which enabled the researchers to statistically test the reliability and validity of the theory. The findings indicated that the CSR interventions had not yielded a fundamental impact on assisting youth SMMEs within the agribusiness sector. The results also identified a lack of tangible and result-driven institutional support from policy-makers and authorities. Overall targeted technological transfer as a strategic and critical resource to youth SMMEs is another constraining factor from empirical findings. The results also revealed the lack of monetary and non-monetary access by youth SMMEs as hampering their competitiveness and profits ability. The findings advocated that the policy-makers could synthesize the theories encapsulated in the study and the empirical evidence as the bedrock for bespoke, customized, and tailor-made youth SMMEs’ bespoke support, empowerment, and development of their entities.
Echo ve Narcissus Miti Üzerinden Okumalar ve Yeni Medya Sanatına Yansımaları
Authors: Anbarpınar Elif
Published: December 2020

Tarih boyunca pek çok düşünürü, şairi, edebiyatçıyı, sanatçıyı hatta tıp alanından insanları bile etkileyen, her disiplinde farklı versiyonlarıyla kaleme alınan Echo ve Narcissus mitinde ortak öykü, kendisine ilgi duyanları (Echo) reddetmesi üzerine cezalandırılarak kendi yansımasıyla karşılaşması ve gölün yüzeyinde karşılaştığı bu yansımaya duyduğu aşkla yok olarak ya da bir tür metamorfoza uğrayarak kendi adını verdiği bir çiçeğe dönüşmesidir. Mit antik çağlardan günümüze düşünürler tarafından farklı şekillerde yorumlanmıştır. Rönesans’tan günümüze ise değişen imkan ve olanaklarla birlikte resimden, fotoğrafa ve sinemaya sanatçıların çalışmalarında da karşılık bulmuştur. Bu araştırmada Echo ve Narcissus miti üzerinden yapılan okumalarla, yeni medya sanatı ve bu alanda çalışmalar yapan Bill Viola, Sam Baron ve Andy Cameron, Pipilotti Rist, Daniel Rozin, Random International, Jason Burges, Claudia Hart, Eugenia Lim gibi sanatçılar odak alınmıştır.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Amoxicillin Loaded Hybrid Material Composite Spheres Against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Yameen Muhammad A. , Zeb Amir , Mustafa Raza E. , Mushtaq Sana , Aman Nargis , Samie Muhammad , Shah Khizar H. , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: December 2020

Background:

Incoherent use of antibiotics has led toward resistance in MRSA, becoming
multidrug-resistant with a high rate of virulence in the community and hospital settings.

Objective:

Synergistic anti-MRSA activity was investigated in this study for hybrid material composite
spheres of amoxicillin, Ag nanoparticles, and chitosan, which were prepared by one-step synthesis
method, and various characterizations were performed.

Methods:

Antimicrobial-susceptibility assay on MRSA was achieved by disc diffusion and agar dilution
techniques, while agar well diffusion was used for hybrid composite spheres. The in vitro and
cytotoxicity studies were conducted on the skin abrasion mouse model and MTT assay on RD cell,
respectively.

Results:

All isolates showed resistance to the tested antibiotics except vancomycin. MIC against
MRSA showed high resistance with amoxicillin from 4 to 128 mg L-1. The mean diameter of chitosan
spheres and Ag nanoparticles was 02 mm and 277 nm, respectively. Morphology of spheres
was uneven, varied, porous, and irregular in SEM, and Ag nanoparticles presence and formation
was also seen in the micrograph. No substantial interface among drug, nanoparticles, and polymer
was found in XRD, and IR showed characteristic peaks of all compounds in the formulation. The
in vitro assay showed augmented anti-MRSA activity with amoxicillin loaded hybrid composite
spheres (22-29 mm). A significant reduction in microbial burden (~6.5 log10 CFU mL-1) was seen
in vivo with loaded hybrid composite spheres formulation. The MTT assay indicated no potential
cytotoxicity with hybrid composite spheres.

Conclusion:

The synergistic effect of Amoxycillin in the current study predicts a promising hybrid
formulation with enhanced anti-MRSA activity.
Silver Nanoparticles Affect the Inflammatory Response in a Lung Epithelial Cell Line
Authors: Fehaid Alaa , Fujii Ryo , Sato Takeshi , Taniguchi Akiyoshi
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives:

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have a dual effect showing both inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects; however, the molecular mechanism of their anti-inflammatory effect is not clearly understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of AgNPs on the inflammatory response.

Methods:

We induced an inflammatory response in a lung epithelial cell line using tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) as an in vitro inflammatory model. Then the effect of AgNPs on the TNFα-induced inflammatory response was observed.

Results:

The mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and IL-18) showed upregulation of IL-1β by AgNPs alone. However, AgNPs reduced the TNFα-induced upregulation of IL-1β and IL-18. AgNPs reduced the TNFα-induced NF-KB response, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, Nod Like Receptor Family-Pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) gene expression, and caspase-1 activation, indicating that the anti-inflammatory effect of AgNPs was by inhibition of both NF-KB transcriptional and inflammasome pathways. Conversely, AgNPs alone induced the activation of both NF-KB transcriptional and inflammasome pathways, suggesting their involvement in the molecular mechanism of the inflammatory effect of AgNPs.

Conclusion:

Altogether, these findings show that two different pathways are involved in the molecular mechanism of both the dose-dependent inflammatory effect of AgNPs alone and the anti-inflammatory effect of AgNPs against the TNFα-induced inflammatory response. Understanding this mechanism will help to improve the medical applications of AgNPs and suggest their potential as a TNFα inhibitor to treat TNFα-induced inflammatory diseases.
Bacterial Cellulose from Food to Biomedical Products
Authors: Sraphet Supajit , Javadi Bagher
Published: December 2020

Cellulose production of aerobic bacteria with its very unique physiochemical properties attracted many researchers. The biosynthetic of Bacterial Cellulose (BC) was produced by low-cost media recently. BC has been used as biomaterials and food ingredient these days. Moreover, the capacity of BC composite gives the numerous application opportunities in other fields. Bacterial Cellulose (BC) development is differentiated from suspension planktonic culture by their Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS), down-regulation of growth rate and up-down the expression of genes. The attachment of microorganisms is highly dependent on their cell membrane structures and growth medium. This is a very complicated phenomenon that optimal conditions defined the specific architecture. This architecture is made of microbial cells and EPS. Cell growth and cell communication mechanisms effect biofilm development and detachment. Understandings of development and architecture mechanisms and control strategies have a great impact on the management of BC formation with beneficial microorganisms. This mini-review paper presents the overview of outstanding findings from isolating and characterizing the diversity of bacteria to BC's future application, from food to biosensor products. The review would help future researchers in the sustainable production of BC, applications advantages and opportunities in food industry, biomaterial and biomedicine.
Effect of Adhesive Gap Setting on Fracture Resistance of All-ceramic Crowns
Authors: Zahran Mohammed
Published: December 2020

Background:

Several factors might affect the fracture resistance of all-ceramic crowns, including cement thickness.

Aim:

To evaluate the influence of cement thickness on the fracture resistance.

Objective:

To determine the effect of varying the adhesive gap thickness on the fracture loads of all-ceramic CEREC 3D molar crowns.

Methods:

Standardized prepared epoxy resin molar dies (Viade Inc.) were fabricated. A standard molar crown was designed using a CEREC 3D machine (Sirona Dental Systems). Twenty-four crowns were milled from Vita Mark II blocks (Vita Zahnfabrik), using adhesive gap settings of 30, 60 and 90 µm (n=8). A dual-cure resin cement (PanaviaF 2.0, Kuraray) was used to cement the crowns to their respective dies, following manufacturer's recommendation. After 1 week of storage in distilled water at 37°C, each crown was loaded in compression until complete failure in a universal testing machine (Instron 8501) and fracture loads (N) were recorded. Fractured specimens were sectioned to determine cement thickness. Sections were examined using a traveling light microscope to measure cement thickness. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA test and Pearson's correlation at (α=0.05).

Results:

The mean fracture loads and standard deviation values in N were 1,267.57 (122.82), 1,225.20 (179.46) and 1,180.76 (161.77) for the crowns with 30, 60 and 90µm, respectively. ANOVA indicated no significant differences among mean fracture strength values (p= 0.55). All crowns failed in a catastrophic mode and were not repairable.

Conclusions:

Adhesive cement gap as achieved with three CEREC 3D settings from 30 to 90µm had no significant effect on fracture strength of crowns made from Vita Mark II blocks.
Is An Orthodontic Hydrophilic Composite Resistant to Contamination and pH Cycling? In vitro Results
Authors: Primo Paula Patrícia , Salvatore Freitas Karina Maria , Ceron Daniela Fernandes , Cotrin Paula , Oliveira Renata Cristina , Gobbi de Oliveira Ricardo Cesar , Pinelli  Valarelli Fabricio , Pavesi Pini Núbia Inocencya , Santin Gabriela Cristina
Published: December 2020

Objective:

To evaluate the adhesive strength of a hydrophilic composite submitted to contamination and pH cycling, compared to a conventional composite.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-two bovine incisors were prepared and randomly divided into 6 groups (n=12), bonded with Hydrophilic Composite (HC)(Transbond Plus Color Change) or with Conventional Composite (CC)(Transbond XT; control), with or without contamination and pH cycling as follows: G1-HC, with contamination, with pH cycling; G2-HC, with contamination, without pH cycling; G3-HC, without contamination, with pH cycling; G4-HC, without contamination, without pH cycling; G5-CC, without contamination, with pH cycling; G6-CC, without contamination, without pH cycling. Contamination in G1 and G2 consisted of fresh saliva applied after the self-etching primer for 5min before bonding with HC. After bonding, G1, G3, and G5 were submitted to pH cycling, immersed in the demineralizing solution for 22h and for 2h in remineralizing artificial saliva, repeated for 15 days. G2, G4, and G6 were kept in deionized water. The shear bond strength was tested using a load cell of 100N and the Adhesive Remnant Index (ARI) was assessed. Intergroup comparison was performed with one-way ANOVA, Tukey, and chi-square tests.

Results:

There was a statistically significant difference in G1, G2, and G3 in relation to G6. The highest rate of adhesive failure between the resin/bracket interface occurred with the HC, while CC failed more at the resin/tooth interface.

Conclusion:

Contamination and pH cycling did not decrease the shear bond strength of brackets bonded with the hydrophilic composite. However, the adhesive strength of the conventional composite was higher.
Differential Expression of miR-20a and miR-145 in Colorectal Tumors as Potential Location-specific miRNAs
Authors: Eslamizadeh Sara , Zare Ali-Akbar , Talebi Atefeh , Tabaeian Seidamir Pasha , Eshkiki Zahra Shokati , Heydari-Zarnagh Hafez , Akbari Abolfazl
Published: December 2020

Background:

MicroRNAs (miRNAs), as tissue specific regulators of gene transcription,
may be served as biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer (CRC).

Objective:

This study aimed to investigate the potential role of the cancer-related hsa-miRNAs as
biomarkers in Colon Cancer (CC) and Rectal Cancer (RC).

Methods:

A total of 148 CRC samples (74 rectum and 74 colon) and 74 adjacent normal tissues
were collected to examine the differential expression of selected ten hsa-miRNAs using quantitative
Reverse Transcriptase PCR (qRT-PCR).

Results:

The significantly elevated levels of miR-21, miR-133b, miR-18a, miR-20a, and
miR-135b, and decreased levels of miR-34a, miR-200c, miR-145, and let-7g were detected in colorectal
tumors compared to the healthy tissues (P<0.05). Hsa-miR-20a was significantly overexpressed
in rectum compared to colon (p =0.028) from a cut-off value of 3.15 with a sensitivity of
66% and a specificity of 60% and an AUC value of 0.962. Also, hsa-miR-145 was significantly
overexpressed in colon compared to the rectum (p =0.02) from a cut-off value of 3.9 with a sensitivity
of 55% and a specificity of 61% and an AUC value of 0.91.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, hsa-miR-20a and hsa-miR-145, as potential tissue-specific biomarkers
for distinguishing RC and CC, improve realizing the molecular differences between these local tumors.
ALPHA-PINENE ATTENUATES MICROGLIAL NF-ΚB ACTIVATION AND INOS EXPRESSION IN GP120-INDUCED NEUROINFLAMMATION
Authors: Rahayu Masruroh , Widodo M Aris , Lyrawati Diana , Widjadjanto Edi
Published: December 2020

Background: Neuro-inflammation plays a role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated dementia (HIV). Activation of microglia is essential for triggering inflammatory-mediated neurotoxicity. HIV-1 120 kDa envelope glycoprotein (gp120) induces microglial NF-κB signaling which in turn induce pro-inflammatory and iNOS gene transcription. Continuous or excessive activation of NF-κB signaling lead to persistent production of TNF-α and nitric oxide by microglia and induce neuronal apoptosis. Alpha-pinene is a natural substance found in pine tree and has efficacy on inhibiting NF-κB signaling. Objective: This study was designed as a true experimental study and aimed to investigate the effect of alpha-pinene administration toward inflammatory response represented by the percentage of microglia containing activated NF-κB and iNOS expression. Methods: Neuron-glia primary culture from brain tissue of rat fetus was divided into 5 groups as follows: negative control; positive control (gp120 1nM); treatment I, II, and III (gp120 1 nM + alpha-pinene 0.4 µg/mL, 2 µg/mL, and 10 µg/mL, respectively). Microglial NF-κB and iNOS expression were analyzed using immunohistochemistry method. Neuronal apoptosis was measured by TUNNEL method. Results: Result showed that alpha-pinene administration on gp120-treated neuron-glia at all dosages decrease NF-kB activation, iNOS expression, and apoptotic neuron significantly as compared to the gp120-only treated group (p<0.05). Furthermore, alpha-pinene did not affect NF-kB activation and neuronal apoptosis (p>0.05), but significantly elevate iNOS expression (p<0.05) mainly in dosage I and II. Conclusion: We concluded that alpha-pinene has neuroprotective effect on gp120-treated neuron-glia cells through modulation of NF-kB and iNOS expression thus inhibit neuronal apoptosis. Keywords: apoptosis, gp120, iNOS, neuroinflammation, NF-kB
Digital Pilkada: Have Local Elections (Pilkada) been Affected by Digitalization? Attainment, Challenges, and Policy Solutions
Authors: Saksono Herie
Published: December 2020

The advancement of digital technology forces humans to make adjustments in all aspects of life, likewise, with the local elections' holding (Pilkada). However, the conditions for each region in the Indonesian archipelago have different problems. Availability of telecommunication facilities, local elections (Pilkada) organizers, level of difficulty in Frontier, Outermost, and Disadvantaged Region (3T), community digital literacy level, and accuracy of results. Have the local elections (Pilkada) been digitalized? How far has it been achieved? What challenges are faced, and what are the solutions? Several studies on e-voting, even the local elections (Pilkada) digitization, have been carried out. This study is novel because it looks at the 2020 local elections (Pilkada) implementation from digitalization that was carried out in line with the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to data limitations and availability, this study only focuses on implementing local elections (Pilkada) in nine provinces. This study uses a qualitative method based on a literature review with a systematic review method. The study aims to reveal the achievements and challenges of digitalization in the implementation of local elections (Pilkada) along with policy solutions so that digitalization is more completed. Through analysis, it was found that the organizers of the local elections (Pilkada) have made efforts to realize digitalization. Various Subscriber Identity Modules (SIM) and applications have been created by the General Election Commission (KPU), the General Election Supervisory Board (Bawaslu), and the General Election Organizer Honorary Council (DKPP). It is hoped that digitalization will further increase the effectiveness, efficiency, and quality of service. Besides, the data shows that there are obstacles in the field, especially the availability of telecommunication infrastructure, which is very diverse in the nine provinces. Fundamentally, it is necessary to formulate regulations/policies that synergize the implementation of local elections (Pilkada) through the adoption of digital technology based on the internet of things (IoT), big data analysis, and artificial intelligence (AI). The local elections (Pilkada) digitization brings several benefits - more transparent, accountable, credible, practical, and economical. On the other hand, the community feels more of its services because the digital local elections (Pilkada) procession educates the public to elect local leaders with integrity.
Accounting Students’ Motivation for Getting Professionally Qualified
Authors: Yudi Melissa Mam , Ibrahim Nurul Nadiah , Kamaruzaman Siti Aisyah , Haron Nur Quratun ‘Aini , Sahol Hamid Nazreen , Hambali Siti Syaqilah
Published: December 2020

To move Malaysia to a developing nation, 60,000 professionally qualified accountants are needed by 2030. However, as of April 2017, only 33,000 accountants have registered as members of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA). The purpose of this research is to analyse students’ behaviour on the motivational factors to obtain professional accounting qualifications. This study gathered the response of 187 students as samples from the only public university in Malaysia that offers ACCA professional accounting certificate. The results show that most students are motivated by intrinsic and extrinsic motivations, while there is no relationship between third parties’ influence and demographic factors with the decision to pursue a professional accounting qualification.
Keywords: Professional qualified; intrinsic motivation; extrinsic motivation; accounting students
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2454.
Exploring Barriers Contributing towards an Effective Online Learning among Undergraduates’ Students using PLS-SEM
Authors: Abd Aziz Nurul Aien , Abd Aziz Noreen Noor , Musa Mohd Hafizan , Abdul Malik Shaherah , Mohamad Khalid Rusnani , ST MKom Nurliana Nasution
Published: December 2020

In March 2020, the world was first hit by Covid-19 that started to have negative impact on all sectors including education. Most of the higher learning institutions had a shift to use the technology in imparting knowledge and conducting online learning for students. This paper analyzed the effect of attitude, interruption, personal skills and technology skills towards effective online learning. A total of 375 valid questionnaire responses was coded and analyzed using PLS-SEM analysis. The findings showed the attitude and technology skills were significant factors to the barriers of effective online learning among students.
Keywords: Online Learning; Technology; Education learning; Technology skill
eISSN: 2398-4287© 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5i15.2511.
História Administrativa do Brasil
Authors: RSP Editor
Published: December 2020

Uma série de reformas, no terreno da administração pública, venficou-se de 1936 para cá, no Brasil. Embora tenhamos experimentado surtos extraordinários de evolução cultural, em qualquer das fases da nossa vida, no tocante ao serviço público federal, ou pública admimstraçao, temos marcado passo no mesmo terreno sem nenhuma conquista digna de nota, pelo menos até aquêles dias de 1936.
Cheques Sem Fundos
Authors: Wald Arnold
Published: December 2020

Em artigo publicado na “Revista do Serviço Público” de abril de 1953 e que foi posteriormente transcrito no Boletim das Caixas Econômicas, tivemoso ensejo de assinalar a indiferença dos tribunais em relação ao crime de emissão de cheques sem fundos e a interpretação excessivamente liberal e injustificada que era dada ao artigo 171 do Código Penal no inciso referente aos cheques.
Comparative Review Between COVID-19 and Stunting: Communication Framework Toward Risk-Mitigating Behavior
Authors: Liem Silva , Marta Rustono Farady , Panggabean Hana , Ajisukmo Clara R.P
Published: December 2020

In addition to COVID-19, stunting is another threat facing Indonesia. Although not as deadly as COVID-19, stunting requires immediate responses; otherwise it will burden our development agenda. Substantial evidences from application of Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) accumulate significant relationship of health intentions to individuals’ behavior. Further extension of TPB that include other variables confirm the role of knowledge and risk perception in predicting health intentions and behavior. Similarly involve risk factors within public health area, risk communication of COVID-19 seems outperforms that of stunting. Using TPB’s perspective, this review of literature aims to analyze health promotion impacts of these health threats. Result indicates differences in risk communication strategy for COVID – indicated by emerging amateur health promoters – as to stunting. There is a need for intensive collaboration of Psychology and Communication studies in exploring communication strategies to help building health intentions toward performing risk-mitigating behaviors beyond COVID-19 and stunting alone.
Editorial 45
Authors: López Uribe Cristina
Published: December 2020

En ningún lugar como en los archivos de arquitectura se puede constatar con tanta claridad el valor ritual que mantienen los objetos de representación de la disciplina; el culto al original y a la autenticidad están en la naturaleza misma del archivo. Cuando esto se complementa con algún hallazgo crucial, que puede cambiar la historia, la experiencia es muy cercana a la euforia.

En este número de BITÁCORA ARQUITECTURA, exploramos distintos tipos de archivos, así como su relación con el paso del tiempo y los cambios tecnológicos. Cabe preguntarse si la magia del descubrimiento en el archivo puede darse en la pantalla, si será posible sustituir la exploración y la experiencia de primera mano, si lo que perdemos en la era de los buscadores digitales serán los descubrimientos accidentales en las bibliotecas y en los acervos documentales, además del olor y la textura de los dibujos a mano o de los libros antiguos. Si de verdad llegará el momento en el que el culto al original y a lo auténtico se haya terminado para siempre.
En torno a la exposición L'art du chantier. Construire et démolir du XVIe au XXIe siècle
Authors: Ávila Gómez Andrés
Published: December 2020

En torno a la exposición L'art du chantier. Construire et démolir du XVIe au XXIe siècle.
Entornos personales de aprendizaje: modelo teórico para el desarrollo metacognitivo
Authors: Ana Mercedes Ana Mercedes , Dájer Pérez Mario Carmelo
Published: December 2020

El propósito de la investigación estuvo orientado en proponer los entornos personales de aprendizaje para el desarrollo metacognitivo en los estudiantes de sexto semestre del programa de Ingeniería de Sistemas en las instituciones de educación superior Cecar, Corposucre y la Unad en Sincelejo, Sucre, Colombia. Para tales efectos se consideró plantear una metodología de tipo descriptiva, bajo un diseño no experimental, transversal y de campo. La población se conformó por 68 estudiantes. Como técnica de recolección de datos se empleó la observación por encuesta y como instrumento se aplicó un cuestionario de 24 preguntas, con cinco alternativas de respuestas; fue validado por cinco expertos y se determinó su confiabilidad con la aplicación de la fórmula de alfa Cronbach, que arrojó un valor de 0,87523, categorizándolo de alta confiabilidad. Los resultados señalaron que se hace necesario proponer los entornos personales de aprendizaje como una opción pedagógica para el desarrollo de las habilidades metacognitivas de los estudiantes. Por lo cual se planteó un entorno personal de aprendizaje para el desarrollo de la metacognición con la finalidad de generar lineamientos y estrategias de acción que mejoren las habilidades metacognitivas, en función del aprendizaje autorregulado y autodirigido de los estudiantes de Ingeniería de Sistemas.
STANDARDS AND FORECASTING OF AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION NEEDS IN MACHINERY
Authors:   Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM, GODZHAEV ZAKHID , BEYLIS VITALIY , LAVROV ALEKSANDR , SHEVTSOV VLADIMIR
Published: December 2020

The development of standard requirements in the technique and methods of their determination is an urgent problem whose solution will give the opportunity to policy authorities and producers not only to solve current problems related to the vehicle fleet, but also to determine future needs for technology for Russia as a whole, regions, and farms of all types. (Research purpose) The research purpose is in developing a methodology for calculating the normative need for equipment for crop production using coefficients for converting physical units of equipment into reference units, which allows us to assess the potential efficiency of the fleet, taking into account the main indicators of the technical level for the entire type-size range of machines based on updated data on technologies and characteristics of machines. (Materials and methods) Authors analyzed the state of the machine and tractor fleet and identified negative problems with the equipment of different types of farms. The article presents summarized extensive statistical data on the dynamics of changes in production indicators of major agricultural crops. The conditional (reference) coefficients were studied and clarified. (Results and discussion) The article describes the main provisions of the research carried out in the Federal Scientific Agroengineering Center VIM on determining the normative need of agriculture in technology using conditional (reference) coefficients, which can be used by both farm specialists and relevant ministries. The use of conditional (reference) coefficients allows us to assess the existing level of provision of regions and the country as a whole with the necessary machines and determine the standard demand and the number of equipment of various sizes that should be purchased. (Conclusions) The forecast data provide a benchmark showing the direction of development of mechanical engineering and mechanization of agricultural production. As the structure of acreage changes, as well as their increase or decrease, the need for equipment should be adjusted.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on recovery acceleration in Japanese professional or semi-professional rugby players with grade 2 medial collateral ligament injury of the knee: A comparative non-randomized study
Authors:   Hyperbaric Medical Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Yagishita Kazuyoshi ,   Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Sports Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Enomoto Mitsuhiro ,   Hyperbaric Medical Center, Tokyo Medical and Dental University,   Clinical Center for Sports Medicine and Sports Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Takazawa Yuji ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Fukuda Jun ,   Department of Health and Sports, Fujisawa Shounandai Hospital, Koga Hideyuki ,   Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University
Published: December 2020

Introduction: The effects of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy on sprains, ligament injuries, and muscle strains have been reported in several animal studies. In a dog model of compartment syndrome and in a rat contused skeletal muscle injury model, the significant effects of HBO2 therapy on the reduction of edema and muscle necrosis have been reported. In basic research HBO2 therapy stimulated fibroblast activity to improve the healing process. Because of this it expected that HBO2 therapy might improve focal edema and pain in the acute phase and accelerate the healing of injured tissues in athletes with a medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee. This study aimed to examine the short-term effects of HBO2 application subjectively, and the long-term effects of HBO2 therapy in Japanese professional or semi-professional rugby players with grade 2 MCL injury of the knee. Methods: Thirty-two professional or semi-professional rugby players with grade 2 MCL injury of the knee were investigated. First, in the HBO2 group (n=16), HBO2 therapy was performed during the acute phase. Visual analog scales (VASs) immediately before and after HBO2 therapy on the same day were compared. Next, we retrospectively evaluated the time to return to play in the HBO2 (n=16) and non-HBO2 (n=16) groups. Results: VAS scores for pain while walking immediately before and after HBO2 therapy on the same day were 37.4 Å} 20.1 (mean Å} standard deviation) and 32.4 Å} 21.8, respectively (p<0.001). The VAS scores for pain while jogging were 50.7 Å} 25.6 and 43.9 Å} 25.0, respectively (p<0.001). The time to return to play was 31.4 Å} 12.2 days in the HBO2 group and 42.1 Å} 15.8 days in the non-HBO2 group, indicating a significant difference between the groups (p<0.05). Conclusion: HBO2 therapy may reduce pain and accelerate the return to play in athletes with grade 2 MCL injury of the knee in this non-randomized study.
Linfoma hepatoesplénico de células T en un paciente adolescente
Authors: Zarate Vergara Andrea Carolina , Perez Sotelo Maria Alexandra , Ariza Álvarez Yamid , Medina Medina Edwin Abraham , Tirado Perez Irina Suley
Published: December 2020

Introducción: Los linfomas de células T son infrecuentes y se caracterizan por presentarse en la población de los adultos jóvenes. Además, suele acompañarse de patologías como la  anemia moderada, hepatoesplenomegalia y trombocitopenia e infiltración sinusoidal por linfocitos T en células de médula ósea, bazo e hígado.
Caso clínico: Se presenta un caso clínico de un adolescente que tiene los síntomas característicos de esta patología, con sospecha clínica y diagnóstico paraclínico confirmado con histoquímica de médula ósea.
Conclusión: Es una entidad infrecuente de pronóstico desfavorable, hasta el momento el paciente está estable recibiendo tratamiento. Para utilizar  el enfoque adecuado en el diagnóstico y brindar tratamiento, es necesario considerar todos los hallazgos clínicos
Preserving 40% forest cover is a valuable and well-supported conservation guideline: reply to Banks-Leite et al.
Authors: Arroyo-Rodríguez Víctor , Fahrig Lenore , Watling James , Nowakowski Justin , Tabarelli Marcelo , Tischendorf Lutz , Melo Felipe , Santos Bráulio , Benchimol Maira , Morante-Filho Jose Carlos , Slik Ferry , Vieira Ima , Tscharntke Teja
Published: December 2020

Banks-Leite et al. (2021) claim that our suggestion of preserving ≥40%
forest cover lacks evidence and can be problematic. We find these claims
unfounded, and discuss why conservation planning urgently requires
valuable, well-supported, and feasible general guidelines like the 40%
criterion. Using region-specific thresholds worldwide is unfeasible and
potentially harmful.
Estimation of long-term groundwater storage variation in the Lower Transboundary Indus Basin using GRACE and WGHM model data
Authors: ali shoaib , Wang Qiumei , Liu Dong , Fu Qiang , Rahaman Md. Mafuzur , Faiz Muhammad Abrar , Cheema Muhammad Jehanzeb Masud
Published: December 2020

In the Lower Transboundary Indus Basin (LTIB), excessive groundwater is
being consumed in combination with surface water to meet the increasing
demand of irrigation, resulting in groundwater depletion that needs to
be quantified. This study used GRACE (Gravity Recovery And Climate
Experiment) satellite terrestrial water storage anomalies (TWSA) and
Global Land Data Assimilation System (GLDAS) model data to produce
monthly groundwater storage anomalies (GWSA) and to evaluate the
depletion of groundwater storage in the LTIB. It is observed that the
variation in GWSA exhibits a downward trend from 2003 to 2016.
Additionally, TWSA and precipitation data depict seasonal
characteristics with peaks in the summer and dips in the winter, which
reflect variation in GWSA, respectively. GRACE TWSA measurements also
detected massive floods that occurred in 2010 and 2015, and they
significantly recharged groundwater in the LTIB. This study also
utilized Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis to assess the
variance variability. The results revealed that more than 80% of total
variance variability was explained by the first 2 EOF modes. The
generalized three-cornered hat method (GTCH) was used to estimate the
uncertainty of different GRACE TWSA measurements. The results show that
groundwater storage is being depleted at a rate of 4.16 mm per year
(2.97 km3 per year). Long-term monthly mean GRACE derived GWSA showed
remarkable agreements with PCRaster Global Balance (PCR-GLOBWB) model
75% and WGHM (WaterGap Global Hydrological model) 81%. This study can
be helpful to calculate the socio and agro-economic impact of the
excessive withdrawal of groundwater.
A rainha Ginga descrita, adjetivada e metaforizada
Authors: Weber Priscila Maria
Published: December 2020

Este trabalho analisa o texto da obra História Geral das Guerras Angolanas, escrita pelo cristão-novo português António de Oliveira de Cadornega, considerando as descrições, adjetivações e metaforizações que o autor atrela à rainha Ginga em sua obra. As complexidades da história de Angola, os contextos em que Cadornega estava inserido e ajudava a delinear, ou seja, as experiências de escrita do autor que atravessam o seu texto, serão aqui consideradas enquanto elementos que corroboram para que seja construído um sentido na obra de Cadornega, ou o permanecer em Angola e livrar-se dos jugos inquisitoriais que ocorriam em Portugal. Para tanto, os serviços administrativos e bélicos são arrolados pelo autor e, na tentativa de suprimir os insucessos, a rainha Ginga é caracterizada como odiosa a Portugal, que entravava os avanços do oficialato e conquistas lusas.
Cenas fatídicas
Authors: Muniz Pollyanna Gouveia Mendonça , Ferreira Carlos Victor de Sousa
Published: December 2020

O suicídio foi comportamento recorrente entre os escravizados. As relações de forças cotidianas, os conflitos internos gerados pelo sistema escravista, contribuíram para isso. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo apresenta os resultados finais da pesquisa desenvolvida no Mestrado em História Social da Universidade Federal do Maranhão, acerca da análise das experiências dos suicídios ocorridos na província. Foi realizado uma extensa pesquisa documental em vários setores de arquivamentos de documentos. Através dos suicídios é possível analisar as relações cotidianas, os perfis sociais, as subjetividades escravas e as afetividades. Esse estudo permite observar outras formas de relações sociais desenvolvidas pelos escravizados, possibilitando novas formas de análises e fugindo da dicotomia escravo-senhor.
O que aprendemos com as meninas bonitas?
Authors: Araújo Helena Maria Marques , Dias Rosa Maria Noronha
Published: December 2020

Este artigo apresenta a análise dos dados colhidos pela pesquisa intitulada Meninas bonitas – um estudo sobre empoderamento feminino e relações étnico-raciais no contexto escolar a partir da literatura infantil, cujo objetivo foi estudar de que forma a escrita para crianças pode colaborar na construção de uma identidade mais positiva para as meninas negras, duplamente discriminadas pela cor e pelo gênero. A pesquisa-ação foi definida como metodologia e teve como referencial teórico os Estudos Decoloniais. A pesquisa desenvolveu-se a partir de rodas de leitura - onde os livros selecionados para compor as mesmas contam histórias que valorizam a condição e/ou a cultura negra - e foi realizada em uma escola da rede pública municipal da cidade do Rio de Janeiro com alunas do quinto ano do primeiro segmento do ensino fundamental.
Ser quilombola
Authors: Galdino Clayton , Papali Maria Aparecida , Ribeiro-Moreira Pedro
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo objetiva apresentar, à luz de revisão bibliográfica, consulta documental e entrevistas, um panorama dos conceitos que permeiam as lutas de comunidades negras, de modo fugaz em contextos sulamericanos e brasileiros e com mais vagar em comunidade quilombola em Ubatuba, SP. Transcorre sobre estratégias de consolidação do termo quilombola sob a égide da Constituição Federal de 1988, sobre memórias ancestrais de africanidades, ações de invisibilidade e o tráfico negreiro nesta porção da costa litorânea paulista. Tais cenários estão presentes na consolidação da comunidade negra do Quilombo da Caçandoca, cuja coesão em torno do ideal da garantia de seu território foi proporcionada como resistência a ação de desapropriação decorrente de empresa urbanizadora.