bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasons for adherence and abandonment of physical activity
Authors: Vieira Larisse Lima , Oliveira Vivian de , Machado Afonso Antonio , Tertuliano Ivan Wallan
Published: October 2018

Background: The practice of physical activity appropriate to individual conditions and with proper education, brings physical, psychological and social benefits. Objectives: To investigate the main reasons for the adherence and the abandonment of the practice of physical activity. Method: The present work consists of a review study of a propositional type (reflection journal writing) on the reasons of adherence and abandonment to the practice of physical activity. Results: The results showed that among the reasons cited for adherence to physical exercise are the search for: health, aesthetics/physical appearance, socialization, medical order, improvement of physical fitness and quality of life, leisure, well-being, control of corporal weight, competition, pleasure and satisfaction in the practice of exercise, among others. On the other hand, among the reasons for abandonment are: lack of time, laziness, gym distant from the home or work, high cost, influence of the family or media, and work routine. Conclusion: Through the findings, it can be concluded that there is a need for attention by physical education professionals, in addition to the use of efficient strategies to motivate students, with the purpose of getting them to adhere the practice of physical activity and, with that, less people will give up the regular practice of systematized physical activities.
Role of Off-Farm Income in Agricultural Production and its Environmental Effect in South East, Nigeria (A Case Study of Commercial Motor Cycle Business)
Authors: Ume Smiles I. , Ezeano C.I. , Anozie R.O.
Published: October 2018

Role of off-farm income in agricultural production and its environmental effect in Southeast, Nigeria (A case study of commercial motor cycle business) was studied. Two hundred and forty respondents (240) (One hundred and twenty riders and one hundred and twenty motor cycle users) were selected through multi stage random sampling techniques. The objectives of the study were captured using percentage responses, multiple regression and factor analyses. Structured questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The result of socio-economic characteristics of commercial motor cycle riders showed that most riders were youthful, single and experienced. Also, most of the riders used their money generated in the business in hiring labour, procurements of farm inputs, family welfare, expansion of business and procurement of equipment. As well, the menaces caused by motor cycle to the riders and the general society were accidents, traffic jam, crimes, health challenges and gang beating. More so, the determinant factors to the motor cycle riders’ income generated were number of years of experience and marital status. In addition, the effects of motor cycle operations to the environment were dusty and noisy situations, soil erosion, vegetation loss and oil spillage. The avenues in alleviating the affects of motor cycle operations on the environment were use of gadgets, educational programme, ban on the use of big motor cycle, use of traffic control and cleanliness of vehicular emission. The major problems encountered by the riders were extortions by the police, emblem, high cost of fuel and high cost of spare parts. Based on the findings the following recommendations were proffered. There is need to enhance riders’ access to hearing and head protective devices and goggle gadget at affordable prices. Also, experienced and novice riders should be encouraged to remain in business through among others provision of motor cycle parts at affordable prices and rehabilitation of rural roads by the government. Finally, all forms of extortions of the riders should be checkmated and the culprits brought to book.
Grid Interaction Of a Single-phase Feeder To a Three-phase Converter
Authors: Machado Ricardo Q. , Buso Simone , Pomilio José A.
Published: October 2018

This paper describes the digital control strategy of a line-interactive single-phase to three-phase converter. A typical application may be in rural areas supplied by a single-wire with earth return power system. Due to the evolution of the agricultural and industry, some of the local loads (as electronic power converters, computers, communication equipments, etc.) require, nowadays, high power quality that is intended as sinusoidal, symmetrical and balanced three-phase voltage. In addition to that, to maximize the power absorbed from the feeder, the proposed converter, i.e. a three-phase pulse width modulated voltage source inverter, provides a unity line-side power factor. Differently from the conventional solutions, that uses a single-phase rectifier plus a three-phase inverter, the proposed power converter does not process totally the load power, but only the fraction needed to equalize the system. As it also does not manage active power, it does not necessarily require a DC source at the DC link. The digital control strategy, some design criteria and experimental results are presented.
Melhoria da Eficiência Energética de Refrigeradores Domésticos
Authors: Vendrusculo Edson A. , Pomilio José A.
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho propõe a ação conjunta de um acionamento eletrônico e um controle de temperatura visando aumentar a eficiência energética e melhorar a qualidade da energia elétrica de um refrigerador popular. Um refrigerador com capacidade de armazenamento de aproximadamente 300 l é considerado, devido sua predominância em famílias de baixa renda. A redução da variação de temperatura nos trocadores de calor foi validada como estratégia para o aumento da eficiência energética de refrigeradores domésticos. Simulações indicam a melhoria na resposta dinâmica da temperatura em função do ajuste dos ganhos de escalonamento de um compensador Fuzzy-PI. Um modelo de primeira ordem foi obtido a partir do ajuste de funções exponenciais temporais a um perfil, obtido experimentalmente, da resposta dinâmica de temperatura. A otimização do conjugado mecânico e o alto fator de potência foram experimentalmente comprovados através de um conversor estático de potência, o qual dispõe de um link CC comum aos estágios ativos de entrada e saída, e aciona um motor/ compressor monofásico assimétrico.
Analysis And Design Of Two Flyback-based Integrated Converters For The Implementation Of Lfsw Electronic Ballasts
Authors: Marchesan Tiago B. , Costa Marco Dalla , Perdigão Marina , Alonso J. Marcos , Prado Ricardo N.
Published: October 2018

This paper presents a simple configuration, based on the integration of two flyback converters, to supply high intensity discharge (HID) lamps with a low frequency square waveform (LFSW), in order to avoid the occurrence of the acoustic resonance (AR) phenomenon. The proposed topology is compared to a previous presented one. Both topologies integrate two flyback converters in different ways. Losses of both integration modes are compared and advantages are discussed in respect to current and voltage components stress. The proposed electronic ballast presents a high efficiency with a reduced number of components and no over current stress in the shared switch. Experimental results validate both configurations.
Development and Validation of the Youth Violence Potential Scale
Authors: Edelstein Ian
Published: October 2018

The assessment of violence risk among youth remains a priority for researchers and practitioners globally. The absence of scales designed or validated in developing countries drives the need for a psychometrically sound, alternative measure. The purpose of this article is to validate the Youth Violence Potential Scale (YVPS). The YVPS was administered twice over 12 months to 318 South African males, aged 12–24 years. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of separate samples confirmed a 19-item, three-factor solution, comprised of a Deviant Peers subscale, a Pro-Gangs Attitude subscale, and a Pro-Violence Attitude subscale. The YVPS exhibited internal reliability (α = .91) and discriminant and convergent validity among its subscales. Correlation with self-reported problem behavior/offending (r = .48, p < .001) and risk assessment from the maternal caregiver (r = .39, p < .001) evidenced concurrent and external validity.
The Association Between Electronic and In-Person Dating Violence Victimization, Anxiety, and Depression Among College Students in Hawai’i
Authors: Weingarten Christine , Wu Ashley , Gates Kalani , Carreño Patricia , Baker Charlene
Published: October 2018

Among the college-age population, social media and other forms of electronic communication have become commonplace. This population is also considered at high risk for dating violence experiences; however, the intersection of electronic use and dating violence has only begun to be explored with this age group. This study sought to add to the understanding of technology use in dating relationships by examining electronic dating violence (EDV), as well as in-person dating violence and mental health symptoms. For the study, 330 students were asked to report their experiences of EDV and in-person dating violence victimization as well as any symptoms of depression and anxiety. An exploratory factor analysis was used to better understand the measurement of EDV, and three subscales were determined: indirect, direct, and physical/sexual electronic victimization. For women, indirect and direct EDV victimization predicted depression, while only direct EDV predicted anxiety. For men, indirect EDV predicted depression. With in-person victimization, emotional aggression predicted depression and anxiety for men and women. Findings indicate a connection between EDV and mental health symptoms, and that these relationships vary by gender. Results highlight the importance of further EDV research as well as the development of intervention and prevention programming for this population.
Electronic Partner Aggression Victimization: Its Frequency and Relation to Offline Partner Aggression and Psychological Functioning
Authors: Timmons Fritz Patti A. , Clark-Crumpton Jessica , Daskaluk Samantha , Wilson Leyco
Published: October 2018

We investigated the frequency and types of electronic partner aggression (EPA) victimization and its relation to offline partner aggression (PA) and psychological functioning. The sample was comprised of 200 predominantly White (73.5%) Canadian university students (83.5% women; 18–23 years of age) with dating experience. EPA occurred in 67.5% (verbal) to 86.5% (coercive control) of the sample. EPA and offline PA victimization were positively associated (ps < .05) and frequently co-occurred. Higher levels of PA were generally associated with higher levels of internalizing, externalizing, and total problems, with offline sexual aggression and coercive control EPA subtypes being most predictive of poor psychological functioning (ps < .05). Findings indicate that many emerging adults use communication technology to aggress against their romantic partners, that such aggression appears to be part of a larger pattern of PA and is most deleterious when coercive control is present, and that assessment of and prevention and intervention initiatives for PA need to consider both electronic and offline aggression.
La neuropatia ottica ereditaria di Leber (Leber Hereditary Optic Neuropathy, LHON)
Authors: Lucia Cascavilla Maria
Published: October 2018

No abstract available (Ophthalmology)
Benzidamina nelle vulvovaginiti: lo stato dell’arte
Authors: Guaschino Secondo
Published: October 2018

No abstract available (Gynecology)
Trattamento delle ulcere croniche difficili: il ruolo centrale della preparazione del letto della ferita
Authors: Aliquò Maria Stella , Monge Luca , Romagnoli Fabio , Tasinato Rolando
Published: October 2018

No abstract available (Dermatology) (Dermatology)
Effetti collaterali della chemioterapia: percezione dei medici, realtà dei pazienti
Authors: Liguori Virginia , Iuvaro Maria Domenica
Published: October 2018

No abstract available (Oncology)
La gestione del paziente diabetico tra presente e futuro
Authors: Avogaro Angelo , C. Bossi Antonio
Published: October 2018

No abstract available (Diabetology)
La radioterapia nelle metastasi cutanee da carcinoma mammario: case report
Authors: Ceccon Giovanni , Andreani Stefano , Luisa Bergamini Maria , Dell’Anna Cristina , Ghetti Francesca , Gianni Stella , Grondelli Claudia , Lattanzi Elisabetta , Losardo Pierluigi , Manicone Moana , Nurmahomed Shadia , Renna Ilaria , Rossi Roberto , Salaroli Francesco , D’Abbiero Nunziata
Published: October 2018

Breast cancer is the most frequent tumour in women around the world and it accounts for 25% of all cases of cancer. It may spread through the body in various districts, and as a consequence pulmonary, bone, liver, cerebral, lymph node and skin metastases are commonly seen. Skin metastases can be both locoregional (near the tumor) and distant. The skin appearance should not be underestimated in multi-metastatic patients, as tumorous progression in the skin inevitably causes ulceration, extreme difficulty in cicatrization and consequent pain. In this study, we describe the case of a multiple treated patient for destructive cutaneous metastases (Oncology).
Paziente con carcinoma mammario oligometastatico HER2-positivo, lungosopravvivente in trattamento con lapatinib/ capecitabina dopo resezione e termoablazione polmonare
Authors: Gadaleta-Caldarola Gennaro
Published: October 2018

In una paziente HER2-positiva in post-menopausa, con metastasi polmonare e linfonodali mediastiniche, il trattamento di mantenimento con lapatinib + capecitabina, dopo resezione e successiva termoablazione polmonare, ha consentito una lungo sopravvivenza con una buona qualità di vita grazie a una modulazione del dosaggio in funzione della tossicità. A oggi la paziente è ancora libera da malattia dopo circa tre anni di trattamento con questa combinazione farmacologica (Oncology)
Efficacia duratura e ottima tollerabilità di lapatinib associato a capecitabina metronomica in due pazienti con carcinoma mammario HER2-positivo
Authors: Orlandi Armando , Iattoni Elena , Di Dio Carmela , Calegari Maria Alessandra
Published: October 2018

L’utilizzo di lapatinib in combinazione con capecitabina è associato in alcune pazienti a tossicità gastrointestinale e cutanea, che ne compromette la regolare assunzione limitando l’utilizzo di un’efficace schedula terapeutica nel carcinoma metastatico della mammella HER2-positivo, refrattario al trattamento con trastuzumab. I due casi clinici presentati mostrano il buon profilo di tossicità e l’efficacia della combinazione lapatinib (1250 mg/die) + capecitabina metronomica (500 mg 3 volte/die) (Oncology).
Lunga sopravvivenza in paziente con carcinoma mammario oligometastatico all’encefalo, trattata con lapatinib
Authors: Orlandi Elena , Cavanna Luigi
Published: October 2018

Paziente con diagnosi di carcinoma mammario operata nel 2011, ricaduta come oligometastatica dopo 2 anni (due lesioni cerebrali). La paziente è stata sottoposta prima a radioterapia gamma-knife e successivamente a trattamento di I linea con lapatinib in associazione a capecitabina. La buona risposta al trattamento ha consentito alla paziente di essere successivamente operata di metastasectomia sia in sede frontale sinistra che in sede talamica destra (Oncology).
Efficacia della combinazione lapatinib-capecitabina in una paziente con carcinoma mammario HER2-positivo metastatico e con resistenza primaria a due linee di terapia con agenti anti-HER2
Authors: Vernieri Claudio , Indelicato Pietro , Capri Giuseppe
Published: October 2018

La sovraespressione dell’oncoproteina HER2 (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2), spesso sostenuta dall’amplificazione del corrispondente oncogene HER2, si verifica in circa il 15-20% dei carcinomi mammari ed è associata a una rapida crescita tumorale e a un comportamento clinico aggressivo. L’introduzione di farmaci capaci di inibire l’attività biologica di HER2, come trastuzumab, pertuzumab, trastuzumab emtansine (T-DM1) e lapatinib, ha drasticamente migliorato la prognosi delle pazienti affette da questo tipo di neoplasia. La combinazione dei due inibitori di HER2, trastuzumab e pertuzumab, insieme con un taxano (paclitaxel o docetaxel), è attualmente considerato il trattamento di prima scelta per pazienti affette da carcinoma mammario metastatico HER2-positivo, mentre il T-DM1 viene ritenuto il trattamento da preferire dopo il fallimento della terapia di I linea. Viene qui presentato il caso di una donna di 56 anni affetta da carcinoma mammario HER2-positivo con secondarismi ossei ed encefalici, resistente sia al doppio blocco trastuzumab-pertuzumab che a T-DM1, ma sensibile alla combinazione lapatinib-capecitabina in III linea e a vinorelbina-trastuzumab in IV linea. (Oncology)
Peritoneal carcinomatosis of the cutaneous malignant melanoma: A report of very unusual case and review of the literature
Authors: KÖMÜRCÜ KARUSERCİ Özge , SUCU Seyhun , ÖĞÜT Betül , ERKILIÇ Suna , BALAT Özcan
Published: October 2018

Cutaneous malignant melanoma is a relatively rare and aggressive malignancy that arises from melanocytes of the skin, which is able to spread quickly and widely. It accounts for approximately 3% of all malignancies reported in Europe. It often demonstrates unpredictable metastatic behaviour, but usually spreads to lymph node, lung, liver, brain and bone. The pelvis are a rare site of metastasis and peritoneal carcinomatosis caused by cutaneous malignant melanoma is a rare condition. In this article, we present a case of metastatic cutaneous malignant melanoma presenting as clinical findings such as peritoneal carcinomatosis due to advanced stage ovarian cancer.
EVALUATION OF THE USE OF HAZARDOUS CHEMICALS FISHERY PRODUCT IN MAKASSAR CITY
Authors: Amir Nursinah , Mahdi Chanif
Published: October 2018

This research aims to determine the use of hazardous chemicals in fishery products that are marketed in the city of Makassar. In this study used the Accidental Sampling Technique. Samples are taken from the center of Makassar souvenirs, traditional markets, and modern markets. The fishery products used as samples are crackers, meatballs, and brains. Hazardous chemicals evaluated for use are borax and formalin. The samples were analyzed using a test kit and colorimeter at the BIOCHEME Laboratory (Healthy Food) Department of Chemistry, University of Brawijaya. The results show that fish meatball products marketed in Makassar City do not contain borax, but contain formalin 11.2 - 13.13 ppm. Brain-brain products do not contain borax and do not contain formaldehyde, fish/shrimp crackers marketed in Makassar City do not contain formaldehyde but 33% contain borax with an average, level of 10.39 ppm. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui penggunaan bahan kimia berbahaya pada produk perikanan yang dipasarkan di Kota Makassar.Pada penelitian ini digunakan TeknikAccidental Sampling. Sampel diambil dari pusat oleh-oleh Makassar, pasar tradisional dan pasar modern.  Produk perikanan yang dijadikan sampel adalah kerupuk, bakso dan otak-otak. Bahan kimia berbahaya yang dievaluasi penggunaannya adalah boraks dan formalin. Sampel dianalisis menggunakan test kit dan colorimeter di Laboratorium BIOCHAME (Makanan Sehat) Jurusan Kimia Universitas Brawijaya. Hasil menunjukkan bahwa, produk bakso ikan yang dipasarkan di Kota Makassar tidak mengandung boraks, tetapi mengandung formalin 11.2 – 13.13 ppm.  Produk otak-otak tidak mengandung boraks dan tidak mengandung formalin, kerupuk ikan/udang yang dipasarkan di Kota Makassar tidak mengandung formalin tetapi 33% mengandung boraks dengan kadar rata-rata 10.39 ppm.
Vineyard zonation based on natural terroir factors using multivariate statistics – Case study Burgenland (Austria)
Authors: Karlik Lukas , Marián Gábor , Falťan Vladimír , Havlíček Marek
Published: October 2018

Aim: The aim of the study was to explicitly develop a methodology of delineation of natural Protected Designation of Origins (PDO) terroir regions for Austria, where PDO viticulture regions reflect natural conditions only in a formal manner.Methods and results: There is increasing competition in the wine market from globalized trends, where the European Union (EU) and non-EU wine producers have adopted different market strategies to promote their wines and gain larger market share. The EU has therefore established protective agricultural product categories such as PDO and Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) based on the terroir concept which contrasts with USA strategies. Here, we first collected and derived as many as possible relevant physical geographical data for a total of 66,673 officially registered vineyard areas in Burgenland (Austria). Next, we applied factor analysis to these data with the aim to shrink their size and reduce their dimensionality. For each vineyard plot was derived a factor score which was used for performing k-means clustering. The best count of clusters, k-parameter, was estimated using five internal validity indices. Five homogenous management zones were created as a result of clustering. Correctness and accuracy of the clustering was evaluated by multidimensional discriminant analysis. The final zones were compared to current Districtus Austriae Controllatus (DAC) of Burgenland.Conclusion: It was found by the comparison of DAC regions of Burgenland and our drafted zones that some of the DAC regions do not respect natural terroir zones, while these regions were created as PDO regions which should respect their natural terroir.Significance and impact of the study: The presented methodology can be applied all over Austria and, with some modifications caused by different input data, to each EU member country where it is necessary to revise PDO regions’ borders.
Türkiye Elektrik Türev Piyasalarının Gelişimi
Authors: İLTER Barış , NARİN Müslüme
Published: October 2018

Geçmişi
uzun yıllar öncesine dayanan türev ürünlerin önemi 20. yüzyılın sonlarına doğru
artmaya başlamıştır. Finansal piyasalardaki risk algısının değişmesiyle
birlikte türev ürünlerin kullanımı yaygınlaşmıştır. Öncelikle türev ürünlerin
neler olduğunun açıklanmaya çalışıldığı bu çalışmada, elektrik türev
sözleşmelerinin özelliklerini daha iyi analiz edebilmek adına, bir emtia olarak
elektriğin kendine özgü nitelikleri açıklanmış ve dünyada yaygın olarak
kullanılan elektrik sözleşmelerinin özelliklerine değinilerek, Türkiye’de
kullanılan elektrik sözleşmelerinin yapısı açıklanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda,
elektrik türev piyasalarında görülen ürün çeşitliliğinin Türkiye’de henüz
bulunmadığı tespiti yapılmış, bahse konu piyasanın daha derin olması ve daha
büyük işlem hacimlerine ulaşabilmesi için tezgâh üstü elektrik piyasalarının
desteklenerek, doğalgaz ve karbon piyasalarına yönelik sözleşme türlerinin de
ülkemiz piyasalarına uygulanabilir hale getirilmesi gerektiği belirtilmiştir.
Ayrıca elektrik piyasasındaki pozitif ivmeli büyümenin devam edebilmesi ve
elektrik türev piyasalarının gelişiminin hızlanabilmesi için, 2000’li yılların
başlarında gerçek anlamda başlayan reform ve liberalleşme sürecinin hız
kesmeden devam etmesi gerektiği ifade edilmiştir.
Floating Shoulder: Myths and Reality
Authors: Bartoníček Jan , Tuček Michal , Naňka Ondřej
Published: October 2018

* “Floating shoulder” may be considered to be an unstable displaced fracture of the surgical or anatomical neck of the scapula with or without a clavicular fracture.

* In cases of surgical neck fractures, there must occur an associated rupture of the coracoclavicular and coracoacromial ligaments or a fracture of their osseous equivalents (acromion and extra-articular or intra-articular coracoid base).

* Injury to the superior shoulder suspensory complex without a fracture of the anatomical or surgical neck does not result in floating shoulder. If isolated, these superior shoulder suspensory complex lesions are mostly stable, and their displacement is minimal.

* Radiographs are inadequate to determine the exact fracture pattern for fractures of the surgical neck and body of the scapula. Therefore, examination should include 3-dimensional computed tomographic reconstructions, in standardized views, with subtraction of the surrounding bones.

* Unstable displaced fractures of the surgical or anatomical neck of the scapula should undergo a surgical procedure via the Judet approach.
Team Approach: Bone Health in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Kraus Emily , Bachrach Laura K. , Grover Monica
Published: October 2018

* Fractures are common in childhood and adolescence, with an estimated 30% of this population experiencing at least 1 broken bone. The forearm is the most common fracture site.

* In the absence of major trauma, fractures of the femur and spine are suggestive of abnormal bone fragility; such cases warrant a comprehensive evaluation and treatment by a team of specialists.

* Pharmacological agents to treat pediatric osteoporosis should be considered for patients with fragility fractures, especially when spontaneous recovery is unlikely.

* Similarly, overuse injuries of the bone (stress fractures) in children and adolescents are best evaluated and managed by a team that includes orthopaedic surgeons, physical therapists, nutritionists, and sports-medicine experts.

* Management of stress fractures includes optimizing nutrition, rest until fractures heal, gradual return to activity, and surgery if nonunion occurs.
Identification of Morphology and Quality Character Determinant of Local Cassava [Manihot esculenta Crantz] Germplasm from West Sumatra
Authors: Devy Nirmala F. , Syarif Abd. Aziz , Aryawaita Aryawaita
Published: October 2018

Local germplasm of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) have an economic potential important for West Sumatra community. The local cassava has high morphological diversity. To distinguish different type of cassava, identification of morphology and tuber quality were required. The objective of this research was to identify morphology and tuber quality determinant characters of West Sumatra local Cassava. An analysis was performed on ten local cassava originated from four districts of West Sumatra and three other released varieties. Morphological characterization was performed based on International
Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) standard descriptors, whereas physical and chemical analyses were carried out in the Agricultural Product Technology Laboratory at University of Andalas, Padang. The research was conducted at Sukarami Experimental Station, Solok Regency in March 2015–February 2016. Morphological characters and data quality were first analyzed by principal component analysis (PCA). The PCA analysis resulted 4 major component axes contributing to a total diversity of 78, 83, and 81.3% on plant morphology, tuber quality, and morphology and tuber color, respectively. Based on those
diversities, the thirteen varieties of cassava could be grouped into six clusters. Special characters that distinguishing between groups was the number of lobes, leaf stem length, shoot color, and leaf width. Meanwhile, based on its chemical content and morphology of tubers, the cassavas were grouped into five clusters, with the distinguishing characters were carbohydrate content, protein content, and tuber color. The varieties that have the highest weight of the tuber/plant were Kuning and Roti 2, with a production of 203–380% higher than the released varieties. On their tubers, varieties that had the lowest levels of HCN were Tangkai Merah-1, Dumai, and Roti 2, whereas those with starch content >35% were Sanjai Padang Jariang, Jurai Merah, Kuning, Roti 2, and Hijau Pesisir Selatan. Each variety has its own specific morphological characters, tuber morphology, and chemical composition.
Morphological Character Variability of Javanese Local Taro [Colocasia esculenta] Germplasm
Authors: Andarini Yusi Nurmalita , Risliawati Andari
Published: October 2018

Taro (Colocasia esculenta) is a plant that has been long cultivated in Indonesia, which belongs to Colocasia genus and Araceae family. Taro has an ecological uniqueness, which can grow in an extreme condition such as on submergence area, saline soil, and shaded areas. In Indonesia, Java Island is the main concentrated area of taro plantation. This research aimed to investigate the variability of local taro germplasm from Java Island based on morphological character. A total of 164 accessions were planted in Pacet Field Experimental and were observed for its morphological characters, i.e. root and plant type, leaves, and corm characters. The Javanese taro local genetic resources indicated variation in some of its plant type characteristic and corm as well as several of leaves character. A total of 17 accessions were identified as a unique collection. The identification of suspected duplicate accessions within the collection may be strengthened further by molecular characterization in order to provide more accurate information regarding the genetic variability of taro collection.
Empirical evidence on the impact of recent Korean tax reforms
Authors: Lee Namryoung , Swenson Charles
Published: October 2018

In 2011, Korea required all firms to report all value added tax (VAT) invoices electronically to tax authorities. This unique law provided a natural experiment to examine the effects of this disclosure on income taxes and firms’ related responses. The authors find that this additional required disclosure caused firms to become less aggressive on their income taxes, and that they were unable to pass increased tax burdens forward to consumers or backward to suppliers and labor. To maintain, profitability firms cut research and development (R&D) costs, and this cost cutting was larger for tax aggressive firms. Policy implications of this unintended result are discussed.
Pemberdayaan Masyarakat Di Kelurahan Wonosari Melalui Olahraga
Authors: Adam Qorby Haqqul
Published: October 2018

Wonosari is one of the sub-districts in Ngaliyan district, Semarang city. The community in Wonosari Village is a suburban community group. They have low insight and awareness in doing sports. Sports can be used as a development of the potential, character and active role of humans in community life. Sports has benefits in all fields in the community such as education, culture, social, economic and health. Humans have been preoccupied with pragmatism in this age. They do not understand that moving is very important for health and is the most valuable asset they can have. Health is grouped into four types, physically, spiritually, socially and economically healthy. Lack of physical activity and exercise will cause adverse effects on the body. Wonosari people who have solid activities can do some physical activities to just relax muscles and blood circulation such as: cycling, walking early in the morning, sweeping the floor, mutual cooperation in the village every day, and others. If you have enough free time someone can exercise. The types of sports that can be done in the Wonosari Urban community include rhythmic gymnastics, soccer, volleyball, badminton and relaxing walking. Sports also have benefits for physical fitness, achieving spiritual, social and economic health in humans.

 

Wonosari merupakan salah satu Kelurahan di Kecamatan ngaliyan Kota Semarang. Masyarakat di Kelurahan Wonosari merupakan kelompok masyarakat suburban. Mereka mempunyai wawasan dan kesadaran yang rendah dalam melakukan olahraga. Olahraga dapat dijadikan sebagai pengembangan potensi, karakter dan peran aktif manusia dalam kehidupan bermasyarakat. Olahraga mempunyai manfaat dalam segala bidang di lingkungan masyarakat seperti pendidikan, budaya, sosial, ekonomi dan kesehatan. Manusia telah disibukkan dengan aktivitas pragmatisme pada zaman ini. Mereka tidak mengerti bahwa bergerak sangat penting bagi kesehatan dan menjadi harta yang paling berharga yang dapat mereka miliki. Kesehatan dikelompokkan menjadi empat macam, sehat secara jasmani, rohani, sosial dan ekonomi. Kurangnya melakukan aktivitas fisik dan olahraga akan mengakibatkan efek yang kurang baik bagi tubuh. Masyarakat Wonosari yang mempunyai kegiatan padat dapat melakukan beberapa aktivitas fisik untuk sekedar melemaskan otot maupun melancarkan peredaran darah seperti: bersepeda, jalan pagi, menyapu lantai, gotong royong di desa setiap ahad, dan lainnya. Jika memiliki waktu luang yang cukup banyak seseorang dapat melakukan olahraga. Jenis olahraga yang dapat dilakukan di lingkungan masyarakat Kelurahan Wonosari antara lain senam ritmik, sepakbola, bola voli, badminton dan jalan santai. Olahraga juga mempunyai manfaat untuk kebugaran jasmani, meraih kesehatan secara rohani, sosial dan ekonomi pada manusia.
Pathogens in crop production systems irrigated with low-quality water in Bolivia
Authors: Perez-Mercado Luis Fernando , Lalander Cecilia , Joel Abraham , Ottoson Jakob , Iriarte Mercedes , Oporto Carla , Vinnerås Björn
Published: October 2018

In dry areas, the need for irrigation to ensure agricultural production determines the use of all available water sources. However, the water sources used for irrigation are often contaminated by untreated or minimally treated wastewater. Microbial risks from reusing wastewater for vegetable irrigation can be addressed by installing environmental barriers that pathogens must cross to reach humans in the reuse system. Knowledge of pathogen flows inside the system and pathogen removal potential is the first step towards devising a risk management strategy. This study assessed microbe prevalence in farming systems in the Bolivian highlands that use wastewater-polluted sources for irrigation of lettuce. Samples of soil, lettuce and different water sources used in the farming systems were taken during one crop season and concentrations of coliphages, Escherichia coli and helminth eggs were measured. The results showed high spread of these microorganisms throughout the whole system. There was a significant correlation between microbial quality of water and of the harvested produce for several microorganisms. The microbial prevalence in protected shallow wells was found to be significantly lower than in other water sources. These findings can help formulate feasible risk management strategies in contexts where conventional technologies for microbial removal are not possible.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of 2-Amino- and 2-aryl (Heteryl) Substituted 1,3-Benzothiazin-4-ones
Authors: Nosova Emiliya V. , Lipunova Galina N. , Charushin Valery N. , Chupakhin Oleg N.
Published: October 2018

Tuberculosis (TB) takes the second place among the reasons for mortality from infectious
diseases. For this reason, the problem of tuberculosis treatment requires urgent attention all over the
world. Some 2-amino substituted 1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones (2-amino-1,3-BTZs) represent a promising
new class of antitubercular agents. Other 1,3-benzothiazin-4-one derivatives, mostly 2-aryl and 2-
(pyridin-2-yl) ones, are attractive due to their ability to suppress oxidative stress-induced cardiomyocyte
apoptosis. This review covers the synthetic approaches to 2-amino- and 2-aryl(heteryl) substituted
1,3-benzothiazin-4-ones (1,3-BTZs). A brief overview of structure-activity relationships is presented.
iAI-DSAE: A Computational Method for Adenosine to Inosine Editing Site Prediction
Authors: Xu Zhao-Chun , Xiao Xuan , Qiu Wang-Ren , Wang Peng , Fang Xin-Zhu
Published: October 2018

As an important post-transcriptional modification, adenosine-to-inosine RNA editing generally occurs in both coding and noncoding RNA transcripts in which adenosines are converted to inosines. Accordingly, the diversification of the transcriptome can be resulted in by this modification. It is significant to accurately identify adenosine-to-inosine editing sites for further understanding their biological functions. Currently, the adenosine-to-inosine editing sites would be determined by experimental methods, unfortunately, it may be costly and time consuming. Furthermore, there are only a few existing computational prediction models in this field. Therefore, the work in this study is starting to develop other computational methods to address these problems. Given an uncharacterized RNA sequence that contains many adenosine resides, can we identify which one of them can be converted to inosine, and which one cannot? To deal with this problem, a novel predictor called iAI-DSAE is proposed in the current study. In fact, there are two key issues to address: one is ‘what feature extraction methods should be adopted to formulate the given sample sequence?’ The other is ‘what classification algorithms should be used to construct the classification model?’ For the former, a 540-dimensional feature vector is extracted to formulate the sample sequence by dinucleotide-based auto-cross covariance, pseudo dinucleotide composition, and nucleotide density methods. For the latter, we use the present more popular method i.e. deep spare autoencoder to construct the classification model. Generally, ACC and MCC are considered as the two of the most important performance indicators of a predictor. In this study, in comparison with those of predictor PAI, they are up 2.46% and 4.14%, respectively. The two other indicators, Sn and Sp, rise at certain degree also. This indicates that our predictor can be as an important complementary tool to identify adenosine-toinosine RNA editing sites. For the convenience of most experimental scientists, an easy-to-use web-server for identifying adenosine-to-inosine editing sites has been established at: http://www.jci-bioinfo.cn/iAI-DSAE, by which users can easily obtain their desired results without the need to go through the complicated mathematical equations involved. It is important to identify adenosine-to-inosine editing sites in RNA sequences for the intensive study on RNA function and the development of new medicine. In current study, a novel predictor, called iAI-DSAE, was proposed by using three feature extraction methods including dinucleotidebased auto-cross covariance, pseudo dinucleotide composition and nucleotide density. The jackknife test results of the iAI-DSAE predictor based on deep spare auto-encoder model show that our predictor is more stable and reliable. It has not escaped our notice that the methods proposed in the current paper can be used to solve many other problems in genome analysis.
An Environment-friendly Synthesis of Piperonal Chalcones and Their Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Evaluation
Authors: Dev Sanal , Thomas Parambi Della Grace , Baby Bency , Mathew Githa Elizabeth , Omnia Magdy Hendawy , Joy Monu , Sudev Shine , Mathew Bijo
Published: October 2018

Background:

Grindstone technique has been widely used as an efficient, consistent,
more environmentally benign, solvent-free protocol for the preparation of many compounds with
higher atom economy.

Methods:

A series of fourteen piperonal chalcone compounds were synthesized by this method and
characterized by physical and spectral data (FT-IR, 1H NMR, Mass and elemental analysis). All
chalcones were evaluated for their cytotoxic action against the cancer cell lines, MCF-7 and HepG2.
One 2-pyridyl-substituted compound 14 with IC50 values 17.4±0.2 towards MCF-7 and
15.4±0.6µmol L-1 towards HepG2 cells.

Results:

The results demonstrated that the cytotoxic activity of 2-pyridyl-substituted compound
shown higher activity as compared with the standard cisplatin towards HepG2 cells.

Conclusion:

Compound 14 showed good antioxidant activities in the DPPH test and H2O2 assay
(IC50 = 17.23± 33/µg/mL and 20.17± 0.33µg/mL) when compared with the standard ascorbic acid
(IC50=µg/mL 18.26 ± 0.22and 21.66± 1.06 µg/mL).
Mechanistic Insights into Aspartame-induced Immune Dysregulation
Authors: Choudhary Arbind K. , Lee Yeong Y.
Published: October 2018

Background & Objective:

Aspartame, (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) is a widely used artificial sweetener but studies raise safety concerns regarding the use of aspartame metabolites especially methanol. In this review, we aimed to provide mechanistic insights that may explain aspartame-induced immune dysregulation.

Findings:

While evidence is limited, from the available literature, possible mechanisms for immune dysfunction associated with aspartame include (1) alterations in bidirectional communication between neuro-immune-endocrine responses (2) disruption of the brain-gut-microbiota-immune axis (3) induction of oxidative stress in immune cells and organs and lastly (4) the immune-activation effect of methanol.

Conclusion:

Further studies are needed to confirm above proposed mechanisms that may explain aspartame- induce immune dysregulation.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Acridine/Acridone Analogs as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Gensicka-Kowalewska Monika , Cichorek Mirosława , Ronowska Anna , Deptuła Milena , Klejbor Ilona , Dzierzbicka Krystyna
Published: October 2018

Background:

The lack of efficacious therapy for advanced melanoma and neuroblastoma
makes new approaches necessary. Therefore, many scientists seek new, more effective, more
selective and less toxic anticancer drugs.

Objective:

We propose the synthesis of the new functionalized analogs of 1-nitroacridine/4-
nitroacridone connected to tuftsin/retro-tuftsin derivatives as potential anticancer agents.

Methods:

Acridine and acridone analogues were prepared by Ullmann condensation and then cyclization
reaction. As a result of nucleophilic substitution reaction 1-nitro-9-phenoxyacridine or 1-
chloro-4-nitro-9(10H)-acridone with the corresponding peptides, the planned acridine derivatives
(10a-c, 12, 17-a-d, 19) have been obtained. The cytotoxic activity of the newly obtained analogs
were evaluated against melanotic (Ma) and amelanotic (Ab) melanoma cell lines and neuroblastoma
SH-SY5Y by using the XTT method. Apoptosis and cell cycle were analyzed by flow
cytometry.

Results:

Among the investigated analogs compound 12 exhibited the highest potency comparable
to dacarbazine action for amelanotic Ab melanoma cells. FLICA test (flurochrome-labeled inhibitors
of caspases) showed that this analog significantly increased the content of cells with activated
caspases (C+) among both neuroblastoma lines and only Ab melanoma line. Using phosphatidylserine
(PS) externalization assay, 12 induced changes in the Ab melanoma plasma membrane
structure as the externalization of phosphatidylserine (An+ cells). These changes in neuroblastoma
cells were less pronounced.

Conclusion:

Analog 12 could be proposed as the new potential chemotherapeutic against amelanotic
melanoma form especially.
Novel Guanosine Derivatives as Anti-HCV NS5b Polymerase: A QSAR and Molecular Docking Study
Authors: Elfiky Abdo A.
Published: October 2018

Background:

IDX-184 is a guanosine derivative having a potent inhibitory performance
against HCV NS5b polymerase.

Objective:

To test three different groups of 2'C - modified analogues of guanosine nucleotide
against HCV polymerase.

Method:

Using combined Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationships (QSAR) and molecular
docking, the suggested compounds are studied.

Results:

Examining the docked structures of the compounds with experimentally solved NS5b
structure (PDB ID: 2XI3) revealed that most of the compounds have the same mode of interaction
as that of guanosine nucleotide and hence, NS5b inhibition is possible.

Conclusion:

It is revealed that sixteen modifications have a better binding affinity to NS5b compared
to guanosine. In addition, seven more compounds are better in NS5b binding compared to
the approved drug, sofosbuvir, and the compound under clinical trials, IDX-184. Hence, these
compounds could be potent HCV NS5b inhibitors.

Summary Points:

Novel guanosine modifications were introduced in silico and optimized using
QM. QSAR and docking calculations are performed to test the binding affinity of the compounds
to HCV NS5b active site. Comparison between the binding affinities and the mode of interactions
of the compounds and both GTP and IDX-184 is performed. Structural mining to quantify the
mode of binding of the compounds to NS5b active site pocket.
Molecular Docking Analysis of Caspase-3 Activators as Potential Anticancer Agents
Authors: Kashaw Sushil K. , Agarwal Shivangi , Mishra Mitali , Sau Samaresh , Iyer Arun K.
Published: October 2018

Introduction:

Caspase-3 plays a leading role in apoptosis and on activation, it cleaves many
protein substrates in cells and causes cell death. Since many chemotherapeutics are known to induce
apoptosis in cancer cells, promotion or activation of apoptosis via targeting apoptosis regulators has
been suggested as a promising strategy for anticancer drug discovery. In this paper, we studied the interaction
of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles derivatives with anticancer drug target enzymes (PDB ID 3SRC).

Methods:

Molecular docking studies were performed on a series of 1,2,4-Oxadiazoles derivatives to
find out molecular arrangement and spatial requirements for their binding potential for caspase-3 enzyme
agonistic affinity to treat cancer. The Autodock 4.2 and GOLD 5.2 molecular modeling suites
were used for the molecular docking analysis to provide information regarding important drug receptor
interaction.

Results and Conclusion:

Both suites explained the spatial disposition of the drug with the active amino
acid in the ligand binding domain of the enzyme. The amino acid asparagine 273 (ASN 273) of target
has shown hydrogen bond interaction with the top ranked ligand.
Significant Induction of Soluble TNFR2 Compared with TNFR1 in Serum Samples of HIV Patients with or without Antiretroviral Medication
Authors: Sarfo Bismark , Haile Zelalem Teka , Deletsu Selase , Mensah Eric Akpanja , Bonney Evelyn Yayra
Published: October 2018

Background:

Tumor necrosis factor and its receptors (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) have
been implicated in many infectious diseases. Identification of the key receptor (sTNFR1 or
sTNFR2) which drives the immunopathogenesis of HIV infection is crucial in developing
adjunctive therapy for HIV.

Objective:

This study determined the expression levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 in antiretroviral
therapy (ART) - experienced and naïve HIV patients.

Methods:

A total of 40 HIV patients comprising 30 with ART and 10 without ART were enrolled
from the Pantang Hospital located in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana for data and blood collection.
Serum concentrations of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 were determined by ELISA. Mann-
Whitney U test was used to examine differences in serum levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 between
patients on ART and ART naïve patients. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test was performed to determine
the difference between sTNFR1 and sTNFR2, and Kruskal Wallis test was conducted to compare
the effect of different antiretroviral drugs on the levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2. P< 0.05 was considered
statistically significant.

Results:

A Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test indicated serum levels of sTNFR2 was statistically significantly
higher than sTNFR1 (Z=-5.51; p0.05 was considered0.001). Levels of sTNFR1 and sTNFR2 did not differ
by ART status U =91.00 (Z = -1.84), p = 0.065 and U = 131.50 (Z = -0.58, p =0.560), respectively.
There were not significant differences in levels of TNFR2 H(2) = 1.86, p=0.395 and
sTNFR1 (H (2) = 4.37, p=0.113 across different ART combinations.

Conclusion:

Compared to sTNFR1, the level of sTNFR2 is significantly increased during HIV
infection irrespective of ART status. The high sTNFR2 level is not associated with antiretroviral
drugs and may be another potential target for therapeutic development. This is the first study of
sTNFRs in African population.