bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
METODOLOGIA PARA LA DETERMINACIÓN DE DIAMETRO OPTIMO ECONOMICO PARA UN SISTEMA DE TRANSPORTE NEUMATICO DE SOLIDOS EN FASE DILUIDA.
Authors: Sierra Mauricio , Ortega Fabian , Lopez Emiro , Villarreal Viviana
Published: August 2020

Pneumatic conveying systems, have limited use in industry because of excessive energy consumption of course, further aggravated by the lack of research, experimental work, a complete analysis. The overall objective is to provide a methodology to determine the economic diameter of pipe for solids transport systems dilute phase.
ANÁLISIS DE HERRAMIENTAS DE SOFTWARE PARA SOPORTAR EL APRENDIZAJE DE PERSONAS CON DISCAPACIDAD AUDITIVA
Authors: Trujillo Danny , Moreno Julian , Duque Nestor
Published: August 2020

En el contexto educativo de las personas con Necesidades Especiales de Educación NEED la integración de diversas herramientas tecnológicas abre una puerta importante para la creación de alternativas que permiten el acceso a estas personas a todo tipo de contenidos. Precisamente, el objetivo de este artículo es el análisis de algunas de estas herramientas para el caso específico de personas con discapacidades auditivas.
INCORPORACIÓN DE SISTEMAS MULTI-AGENTES EN EL APRENDIZAJE DE LA CULTURA E HISTORIA DE SANTA MARTA, COLOMBIA
Authors: Perez A. , Taborda J. , Duque Nestor
Published: August 2020

Este artículo plantea una forma de aprendizaje de la cultura e historia de Santa Marta, haciendo uso de técnicas de Inteligencia Artificial para crear un STI (Sistema Tutorial Inteligente) en el tema, que pueda adaptarse a los diferentes perfiles de usuarios y estilos de aprendizaje. Se muestra una aproximación metodológica y la estructura organizacional planteada para el modelo del usuario, teniendo en cuenta que ésta es la primera forma de adaptación del sistema. Los Sistemas Multi-Agentes es la técnica de Inteligencia Artificial que brinda la posibilidad de adaptación a los perfiles de usuario (estudiantes y turistas) además de los estilos de aprendizaje. Se pretende otorgar gran importancia al rol del turista el cual es muy importante en la ciudad de Santa Marta (distrito turístico, cultural e histórico), brindándole la posibilidad de aprender sobre la ciudad y ejercer turismo cultura en la misma, generando así una interacción dinámica entre el sistema y los usuarios (estudiantes y turistas), facilitando el proceso de aprendizaje por parte de los alumnos, así como la exploración cultural por parte de los turistas en la ciudad de Santa Marta.
INFLUENCE OF CONCENTRATION IN THE ELEVATION OF BOILING POINT OF MANGO PULP (Mangifera indica L.)
Authors: Andrade Ricardo , Torres Ramiro , Montes Everaldo , Perez Omar A. , Mendoza Juan , Baquero Ramiro
Published: August 2020

The objective of this study was to determine the elevation in boiling point of mango pulp was measured at soluble solids concentrations between range 13 and 55°Brix and pressures in the range 9.820x103 to 1.009 x 105 Pa (abs.). The pulp was processed in a pulper with a 1.5mm screen to obtain a uniform consistency and concentrated in rotating evaporator. 500 mL sample of mango pulp was introduced into the boiling vessel. Temperature and pressure were continuously recorded, and final values for solution boiling point and associated pressure were registered after readings had been constant for at least 5 minutes. Experimental data are represented using the Duhring’s rule, Antoine equation and empirical model Crapiste and Lozano. The elevation in boiling point was nearly independent of pressure, varying only with pulp concentration. Experimental data were adjusted appropriately to Antoine equation (R2>0.98) and Crapiste and Lozano model (R2>0.88).
INDICADORES AMBIENTALES EN LOS MUNICIPIOS DE MONTELÍBANO, PUERTO LIBERTADOR Y SAN JOSÉ DE URÉ, PARA EL RECURSO FORESTAL.
Authors: Perez Nabi , Sanchez Carlos M. , Rodriguez Kelly E.
Published: August 2020

Environmental indicators are important tools for the periodic monitoring of a system’s components, allowing to execute controls and to apply politics that improve unfavorable situations in the system itself. The present investigation work has as objective designing environmental indicators in the municipalities of Montelíbano, Puerto Libertador and San José de Uré, for forest resource, using the model PSR (Pressure-State-Response). To its development, a bibliographical review was made related to the study area and environmental indicators to achieve the identification and selection of the potential tools to be adjusted to the regional context with the structuring of specific methodological sheets. As a result, three indicators were obtained in the biotic system for the terrestrial vegetation component and the occupied surface factor, under the supervision of professionals with experience in the field. It must be taken into account that the conceptual development and the sources of information are a key input to design an indicator to monitor any environmental component, so its absence limits the structuring of these tools in a specific context.
ESTRATEGIA DE FORMACIÓN Y ACCESO PARA LA APROPIACIÓN PEDAGÓGICA DE LAS TIC
Authors: Salas Daniel , Baldiris Silvia , Giraldo Juan
Published: August 2020

This paper shows the process, experience and achievements in the training of teachers of educational institutions in the department of Córdoba, in the framework of the strategy for computer training and access to education. The corporate seal of the proposal from the University of Cordoba in the training process was based on the development of inclusive learning and developed in three key moments that support the roadmap of dynamic training, which began with the formation in pedagogical and didactic guidelines to training team and coordinator of the training strategy and access, then in a second step trainers was oriented in the design of digital educational resources through the guidelines of universal design for learning and the third time was to the completion of the training process that took between the results of the projects focus on inclusion classrooms, which some case studies are presented
Checklists for Complications During Systemic Cancer Treatment Shared by Patients, Friends, and Health Care Professionals: Prospective Interventional Cohort Study
Authors: Jones Helen V , Smith Harry , Cooksley Tim , Jones Philippa , Woolley Toby , Gwyn Murdoch Derick , Thomas Dafydd , Foster Betty , Wakefield Valerie , Innominato Pasquale , Mullard Anna , Ghosal Niladri , Subbe Christian
Published: August 2020

Background

Advances in cancer management have been associated with an increased incidence of emergency presentations with disease- or treatment-related complications.

Objective

This study aimed to measure the ability of patients and members of their social network to complete checklists for complications of systemic treatment for cancer and examine the impact on patient-centered and health-economic outcomes.

Methods

A prospective interventional cohort study was performed to assess the impact of a smartphone app used by patients undergoing systemic cancer therapy and members of their network to monitor for common complications. The app was used by patients, a nominated “safety buddy,” and acute oncology services. The control group was made up of patients from the same institution. Measures were based on process (completion of checklists over 60 days), patient experience outcomes (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and the General version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy at baseline, 1 month, and 2 months) and health-economic outcomes (usage of appointments in primary care and elective and unscheduled hospital admissions).

Results

At the conclusion of the study, 50 patients had completed 2882 checklists, and their 50 “safety buddies” had completed 318 checklists. Near daily usage was maintained over the 60-day study period. When compared to a cohort of 50 patients with matching disease profiles from the same institution, patients in the intervention group had comparable changes in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and General version of the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. Patients in the Intervention Group required a third (32 vs 97 nights) of the hospital days with overnight stay compared to patients in the Control Group, though the difference was not significant. The question, “I feel safer with the checklist,” received a mean score of 4.27 (SD 0.87) on a Likert scale (1-5) for patients and 4.55 (SD 0.65) for family and friends.

Conclusions

Patients undergoing treatment for cancer and their close contacts can complete checklists for common complications of systemic treatments and take an active role in systems supporting their own safety. A larger sample size will be needed to assess the impact on clinical outcomes and health economics.
Clinical manifestations of Liver and Renal impairments in asymptomatic, moderate and severe COVID-19 patients of Madinah city of Saudi Arabia: a retrospective analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Beigh Firdous , Syeed Nidda , Saeed Walaa , Alahmadey Ziab , Seedi Ibrahim
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a budding infectious disease that has affected various countries globally.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of COVID-19 disease on liver and kidney functions and to determine their association with the severity and mortality of disease

METHODS

A total of 100 confirmed COVID-19 adult patients from Madinah city of Saudi Arabia hospitalized between April 28, and June 30, 2020 were included,and categorized into asymptomatic,mild to moderate and severely ill patients.We analyzed the clinical status of liver and renal functioning in all of the three groups.

RESULTS

The majority of patients (51%) were diagnosed with mild to moderate disease, 27% of patients were severely ill and 22% of patients were asymptomatic.The liver and renal functional analysis showed that the severity of the COVID-19 patients were significantly associated with the kidney and renal impairments exhibiting higher levels of ALT, AST, Creatinine, Urea levels (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in this study, a novel association is found between high Na and Cl levels with the severely ill COVID-19 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded from the present study that a significant percentage of COVID-19 patients continued to have a normal liver and renal function during the course of their disease. Nevertheless, severely ill COVID-19 patients were more prone to have abnormal liver and renal functions. During the course of treatment, the patients had a gradual normalization of their liver and kidney parameters and subsequently achieved a complete normal liver and renal functions upon discharge with no mortality.
Update of the last 2 years on the impact of the internet and social networks on the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus: simple review. (Preprint)
Authors: Lañas-Navarro Mayli , Ipanaque-Calderon Sr Jose , Solano Fiorela E
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Research on the use of the Internet in the medical field is experiencing many advances, including mobile applications, social networks, telemedicine. Its implementation in medical care and comprehensive patient management is a much discussed topic at present.

OBJECTIVE

This narrative review aims to understand the impact of the internet and social networks on the management of diabetes, both for patients and medical staff.

METHODS

The bibliographic search was carried out in the databases Pubmed, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Lilacs between 2018 to 2020.

RESULTS

Multiple mobile applications have been created for the help and control of diabetic patients, as well as the implementation of online courses, improving the knowledge of health personnel applying them in the field of telemedicine.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of the Internet and social networks brings many benefits for both the diabetic patient and the health personnel, offering advantages for both.
Indian Clinical Trials on COVID-19: A Review of Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) (Preprint)
Authors: Vasantha Raju N , Harinarayana N.S.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 has impacted the world in an unprecedented way. More than 200 countries have been affected because of this novel coronavirus. Global public health, economy and society have all faced near breakdown. There is a surge for identifying vaccine or repurposing existing drugs for this virus.

OBJECTIVE

An attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive overview on clinical trials that are being conducted in India on COVID-19. Type of clinical trials, study designs, DCGI approval status of trials, allopathic and Ayurvedic interventions and other characteristics of COVID-19 clinical trials have been analyzed in this study

METHODS

Clinical Trials Registry of India (CTRI) was used as the data source for the study. COVID-19 Clinical trials registered up to 14th July 2020 was collected using following keywords “SARS-CoV-2, Novel Coronavirus or Corona Virus, or Coronavirus and COVID or COVID-19. After excluding repeated or trials registered by non-Indian countries 312 clinical trials were considered for the final analysis.

RESULTS

Interventional studies were more compared to observations studies, most of the clinical trials were investigating AYUSH related interventions as an effective therapeutics compared evidence based allopathic interventional drugs or medicines. There were six vaccine candidates under clinical trials in India. Four trials were examining the safety and efficacy of BCG as a potential vaccine for COVID-19. Of the 312 trials 12.50% of the trials have obtained DCGI approval. Most of the studies were phase 2 & 3 trials, 82% trials were yet to start recruiting participants for their clinical trials.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a detailed overview of ongoing Indian clinical trials on COVID-19. This study is useful for researchers, policymakers for prioritizing research on COVID-19 and for general public to understand and aware about the Indian efforts in clinical research on COVID-19.
The structural insight of class III of polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase from Bacillus sp. PSA10 as revealed by in silico analysis
Authors: Pradani Listia , Rohman Muhammad Saifur , Margino Sebastian
Published: August 2020

PhaC synthase is an enzyme responsible for PHA polymerization. In this work, the catalytic mechanism class III of PhaC synthase from Bacillus sp. PSA10 (BacPhaCSynt) was reported through in silico modelling approach based on the primary sequence of the PhaC synthase. The open reading frame BacPhaCSynt has been successfully isolated, cloned and overexpressed the recombinant protein in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). To know the global architecture and catalytic mechanism, the structural prediction of BacPhaCSynt has been carried out by using MODELLER. The recombinant BacPhaCSynt exhibited monomeric molecular weight (MW) of 43.6 kDa, when it was analyzed on 12% SDS‐PAGE gel. Based on the structural prediction, BacPhaCSynt exhibited global architecture of α/β hydrolase fold, with the root mean square deviation (r.m.s.d) value of 0.94Å. The catalytic residues composition of BacPhaCSynt consists of C151, D307, and H336, but the H336 and D307 residues of the model have been distorted 62.8o and 175.2o from the corresponding residues of the template. Since the D307 is quite a distance from the H336, it might act as a general base for the activation of ‐OH group of the substrate. The results strongly suggested that the mode of action of BacPhaCSynt obeyed the covalent catalysis mechanism.
Chitosan suppresses the expression level of WRKY17 on red chili (Capsicum annuum) plant under drought stress
Authors: Aziz Muhammad Abdul , Esyanti Rizkita Rachmi , Meitha Karlia , Dwivany Fenny Martha , Chotimah Hany Husnul
Published: August 2020

Chili pepper plays a significant role in the global market. However, the production is often impeded by drought stress involving WRKY genes as the defense regulator. Chitosan is considered as a promising alternative fertilizer and defense elicitor. Hence, this study aimed to determine the role of chitosan in improving plant growth and survival of red chili pepper against drought stress. At the onset of the generative phase, chili plants were subjected to 1 mg mL‐1 chitosan, 50 percent drought, or chitosan‐drought treatment. Observations were made on several growth parameters, opened stomata, and WRKY gene expression. The results showed that chitosan‐drought treatment decreased plant growth and yielded significantly. The percentage of opened stomata was recorded at 0.56‐fold lower than control. It was followed by the decrease of the relative expression of WRKY17 and WRKY53 genes up to 0.56 and 0.72‐fold lower than control, respectively. Therefore, we suggested that the double treatment of chitosan‐drought might decrease plant growth performance but increase the defense system by suppressing the expression level of the WRKY17 gene. Interestingly, the drought treatment significantly increased WRKY17 expression level up to 7‐fold higher than control. Hence, it was suggested that WRKY17 has a specific role in response to drought stress.
PNEUMONIA AND MORTALITY RISK: STUDY ON DIABETIC AND NON-DIABETIC PATIENTS
Authors: MP NARMADHA , JAYAN NIKHNA , JOHNY RON
Published: August 2020

Objective: Pneumonia, a frequent coexistent of diabetes, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in diabetes. The diabetic population is not only prone to pulmonary infection but it is also prone to different comorbidity and complication. Therefore, the aim of the study was to assess and compare mortality in diabetic pneumonia and non-diabetic pneumonia group.

Methods: This was a prospective case–control study conducted in two hospitals which included 76 patients with Group 1 (patients with diabetics) and 70 patients with Group 2 (patients who are non-diabetics).

Results: Among 146 patients, mortality in diabetics was 5.47% in comparison with non-diabetics 4.10%. Patients in the diabetic group were significantly (p=0.044) more among pneumonia severity index (PSI) Class IV–V (9.21%) than PSI Class I-III (1.31%). Most of the patients had predisposing condition or underlying disease, hypertension (87.50% vs. 50%), pulmonary (37.50% vs. 83.33%), neurological (37.50% vs. 83.33%), and renal disease (37.5% in diabetic). The common complication in both groups was pleural effusion (50%) and septic shock (25%). Gram-negative bacteria (62.5% vs. 33.33%) and drug-resistant pathogens score (87.5% vs. 66.66%) were more prevalent in both groups.

Conclusion: Our study reveals that poor long-term glycemic control among patients with diabetes clearly increases the risk of hospitalization and mortality. In non-diabetic pneumonia patients, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and preexisting pulmonary disease act as a predictor for mortality.
EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIDIABETIC ACTIVITY OF SIMAROUBA GLAUCA BARK EXTRACT: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Authors: R ALEESHA , MISHRA BHARAT
Published: August 2020

Objectives: The present study was envisaged to identify the effect of anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic activity for methanolic bark extracts of Simarouba glauca.

Methods: The present study design was to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory and in vitro antidiabetic activity of S. glauca methanolic bark extract. To examine the antidiabetic activity, the samples were studied for their effect on inhibition of alpha-amylase and glucose transport across the dialysis membrane. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using albumin denaturation assay and membrane stabilization method.

Results: Our current results indicate that the various bioactive constituents detected in S. glauca may be responsible for its in vitro antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory effects. The ability of plant extract on anti-inflammatory activity showed that it was effective in inhibiting heat-induced albumin denaturation with an IC50 value of test and standard was found to be 46.42 μg/ml and 24.09 μg/ml. In addition to this, heat-induced hemolysis was also performed. The IC50 values of the test and standard were found to be 43.51 μg/ml and 21.41 μg/ml, respectively. The percentage inhibition of the test sample varied from the concentration range of 75 to 100 μg/ml. The IC50 value of the test and standard was found to be 19.08 μg/ml and 9.08 μg/ml, respectively.

Conclusion: The findings of the present study concluded that S. glauca bark has the potential to treat diabetes and a novel natural anti-inflammatory agent as a good source. Thus, S. glauca may be a potential candidate for the development of future antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory compounds. However, still further studies and standardization of the plant research may be required to develop them as medicine.
A REVIEW ON ROLE OF BERRIES AND ITS BIOACTIVE COMPOUNDS IN TREATING HYPERTENSION
Authors: WAL ANKITA , WAL PRANAY , ROOHI TAMSHEEL FATIMA
Published: August 2020

Objective: Hypertension or raised blood pressure leads to the occurrence of morbidity and mortality rate among peoples and it was considered as the primary factor for the occurrence of various cardiac and vascular disorders include ischemic cardiac disease, myocardial necrosis, cardiac failure, renal disorder, atherosclerosis, and cerebrovascular accident. Called “silent killer” because hypertension is an asymptomatic disease in the early stages with no indications on suffered patients and leads to act as a significant factor for the occurrence of severe other cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). As berries show considerable interest in improving cardiovascular diseases because they are rich in polyphenol contents and bioactive compounds. Besides their single usage, a polyherbal combination is much better for the treatment of hypertension.

Methods: The data were collected by reviewing a combination of research and review papers from different databases such as PubMed, Medline, ScienceDirect, and Web of science using search keywords such as “hypertension,” “cardiovascular disease,” “berries,” “cranberry,” and “red raspberry” with all their synonyms and related terms.

Result: Various studies shown better associations between higher berry flavonoids and other polyphenolic components and lower the risk of cardiovascular disorders. Based on various scientific evidence, the characteristic of various biochemical processes is treated by berries with its antioxidant, antihypertensive, and anti-sclerotic and other properties.

Conclusion: This paper concludes that in the present day, there is a global increase in berry consumption, which is used in the ailment of various cardiovascular diseases. The studies which are held are needed to define their optimal dose, process, or method of preparation (formulation) and the duration of berry intervention so that these showed better treatment options for hypertension.
IDENTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ANTIOXIDANT AND HEPATOPROTECTIVE CONSTITUENTS OF VITEX DONIANA BY UHPLC/+ESI-QQTOF-MS/MS ANALYSIS
Authors: TO AYOKA , N NWACHUKWU , CO NNADI
Published: August 2020

Objective: This study evaluated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the dichloromethane (DCM-F) and n-butanol (BUT) fractions of Vitex doniana and identified the bioactive constituents using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis.

Methods: The methanol extract of the leaves was subjected to liquid-liquid fractionation and the BUT soluble separated by vacuum LC (VLC) using binary mixtures of DCM in methanol (1 L) sequentially in the ratios of 9:1 BF1–1:9 BF5. The antioxidant activity was investigated in vitro using 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging, phosphomolybdenum total antioxidant capacity, and ferric ion reducing antioxidant power assay methods. The in vivo antioxidant potential was performed by measuring the concentrations of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic parameters in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic injury.

Results: The extract, DCM-F, and the VLC sub-fractions showed good antioxidant activity which is comparable with ascorbic acid (53.6%). DCM-F showed the highest antioxidant activity (71.6%), while the least activity was shown by BF5 (15.0%). Peak dereplication of LC-MS chromatograms identified several putative compounds in the BUT soluble. DCM-F caused a significant increase (p<0.05) in superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and Vitamins C and E in CCl4-induced rats compared to standard. The levels of serum alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde that were elevated in CCl4-induced rats were also significantly reduced (p<0.05) by the DCM-F compared to standard.

Conclusion: The ability of V. doniana leaves to mop up free radicals and reverse the CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats suggests antioxidant potentials. The bioactive compounds identified in BUT fraction could support its ethnomedicinal uses in the treatment of illnesses associated with radical scavenging activity.
VARIATIONS IN HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE DURING DIFFERENT TRIMESTERS OF PREGNANCY
Authors: BAGHEL MANISHA , SAINI MANPREET , KANDWAL MAMTA , MODALA SUDHIR
Published: August 2020

Objectives: The present study was aimed to determine the hematological parameters in pregnant women during different trimesters.

Methods: This is the case–control study, conducted to assess and compare the hematological profile among 120 pregnant (each trimester n=40) and 40 non-pregnant women attending the obstetrics and gynecology department, Santosh Medical College and Hospital, National Capital Region Delhi. SPSS software 17.0 was used for data statistical analysis. Unpaired Student’s t-test used to compare various hematological parameters between different trimesters of pregnancy and non-pregnant females. It is considered that p<0.05 is statistically significant. Analysis of variance with a post hoc test was used.

Results: It has been observed in this study that significant differences found in parameters such as systolic blood pressure (SBP), pulse pressure (PP), heart rate, white blood cell (WBC), hematocrit (HCT), Hb%, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (Hb) (MCH), and MCH concentration (MCHC). Significant differences in mean hematological values in between the trimesters (p<0.05): 1st trimester (WBC, HB, and HCT), 2nd trimester (SBP, diastolic blood pressure [DBP], PP, WBC, HB, HCT, and MCHC), and 3rd trimester (SBP, DBP, PP, WBC, HB, HCT, MCV, MCH, and MCHC) were seen, but no significant difference in age and erythrocytes count.

Conclusion: A considerable change in some hematological values between different trimesters evaluated, also decreased Hb, HCT values, and increased leukocyte values observed in the present study. These changes suggesting that it is very important to follow up hematological parameters of pregnant females during all trimesters of pregnancy so that any late complications can be avoided.
HEMATOLOGICAL PROFILE IN PATIENTS OF CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE WITH ITS SEVERITY IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL, NORTH ODISHA
Authors: BEHERA BIBHU PRASAD
Published: August 2020

Objective: Efforts can be made to normalize the hematological parameters and slow the progress of the disease so that the morbidity and mortality in these patients with chronic kidney disease could be effectively reduced.

Methods: The observational study was carried out in the Department of General Medicine, Pandit Raghunath Murmu Medical College Hospital, Baripada, between May 2018 and January 2019. Two hundred seventy patients of chronic kidney disease (CKD) above 15 years of age, satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, were included in the study.

Results: In our study, 179 (66.30%) were male, and 91 (33.70%) were female with M:F of 1.97:1. The average age of the patients in the study was 55.72±12.77 years. About 42.59 % (115) of the patients were between 46 and 60 years of age. About 35.56% of CKD cases had determined etiology and, 64.44% of cases had unknown etiology. Hemoglobin, RBC, and packed cell volume were significantly lower in the patients with CKD compared to the controls (p=0.0001), and RDW was considerably higher in the patients with CKD compared to the controls (p=0.0001). Microcytic anemia was the most prevalent type of anemia. There was a hugely significant association between the prevalence of thrombocytopenia and the severity of CKD (p=0.006).

Conclusion: This study concluded that patients with CKD show abnormal hematological parameters. Evaluation of hematological parameters in these patients helps in classifying the type of anemia, aids in choosing the correct treatment modalities, and decreases mortality.
PHYTOCHEMICAL AND PHARMACOLOGICAL SCREENING OF MALLOTUS PHILIPPENSIS AGAINST CCL4- AND ATT-INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN RATS
Authors: T MUTHURAMU , RAHMAN MUJEEB UR , MENGESHA YESSU ABDUROHMAN
Published: August 2020

Objective: Mallotus philippensis (Mp) is locally known as kamala and is a large woody multipurpose medicinal tree belonging to the family of Euphorbiaceae. Mp possess a wide variety of activities such as skin problem, bronchitis, antifungal, worm infestation (tapeworm) eye disease, cancer, diabetes, and diarrhea. Hence, the present study was intended to evaluate methanolic fruits extract of Mp for hepatoprotective activities.

Methods: The hepatoprotective activity was studied by CCl4 at the dose of 1 ml/kg of body weight in liquid olive oil in the ratio of 1:1 and ATT (isoniazid − 7.5 mg/kg, rifampicin − 10 mg/kg, and pyrazinamide − 35 mg/kg b.w.) induced models. Acute toxicity study and preliminary phytochemical screening were also studied to evaluate the toxicity.

Results: No toxicity profile was observed in rats after oral administration of the methanolic fruits extract at the dose of 2 g/kg body weight. The different dose of 300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg administered with the extract of Mp. There was a significant (p<0.001) reduction in biochemical parameters with respect to control. Phytochemical screening of the fruits extract revealed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and saponins, and terpenoids.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that the hepatoprotective activity elucidated by Mallotus philippensis could be mainly due to the presences of high-value class of compound like the phenolic group as the major content in the plant.
ROLE OF MULTIDETECTOR COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY SCAN IN THE ASSESSMENT OF MEDIASTINAL MASSES
Authors: RAI HIMAL , DEBNATH MANNA , P VERMA ANAND
Published: August 2020

Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the sensitivity and specificity of multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) in the evaluation of masses present in the mediastinum and to determine the localization and the common age group exposed to mediastinal masses.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study included 33 males and 21 females’ samples in the age range between 20 to 70 years. The patients who are specifically suspected of mediastinal masses were included in this research study and accumulated the data. The research was conducted between August 2017 to March 2018. The analysis of the data was performed using Microsoft Excel 2010.

Results: Patients were referred for MDCT scan of the chest to the department of radiodiagnosis with a clinical suspicion of a mediastinal mass or who had an abnormal chest radiograph suggestive of mediastinal mass during the study period. The final result of the study clearly indicates that the majority of the patients that fall within the age group of 40–49 years and 50–59 years have the highest probability of occurring mediastinal masses.

Conclusion: The present study concluded that anterior mediastinum is the most usual compartment involving the formation of mediastinal mass, followed by the posterior and middle compartment. MDCT is the modality of choice, which can evaluate mediastinal mass with higher accuracy.
BIOSYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES FROM MARINE MACROSCOPIC RED SEAWEED HALYMENIA PORPHYROIDES BOERGESEN (CRYPTON) AND ITS ANTIFUNGAL EFFICACY AGAINST DERMATOPHYTIC AND NON-DERMATOPHYTIC FUNGI
Authors: MANAM VISHNU KIRAN , SUBBAIAH MURUGESAN
Published: August 2020

Objective: The current study illustrates the biosynthesis of economically scalable and energy efficient colloidal silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from marine red seaweed Halymenia porphyroides Boergesen (Crypton) collected from Southeast coast of Tamil Nadu, India, and their antifungal efficacy against dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi was evaluated.

Methods: The biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles from marine macroscopic red seaweed H. porphyroides Boergesen were synthesized by green synthesis method and characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The efficacy of silver nanoparticles against dermatophytic and non-dermatophytic fungi was performed by disk diffusion method.

Results: The presence of silver nanoparticles with an average size between 34.3 and 80 nm and exhibiting face-centered cubic structure was confirmed. SEM revealed the morphology of the nanoparticles as spherical and TEM exhibited the nanoparticle distribution. The FT-IR spectra confirmed the presence of potential biomolecules in the seaweed crude extract which is responsible for reducing and capping the bioreduced silver nanoparticles. The UV absorption spectra at 430.5 nm revealed the characteristic spectra of the silver nanoparticles. The purity and the thermal stability of silver nanoparticles were revealed by TGA. Silver nanoparticles showed significant efficacy against dermatophytes and Rhizopus microsporus among non-dermatophytes.

Conclusion: Intermediate efficacy was observed against dermatophytes and among non-dermatophytic fungi R. microsporus exhibited better efficacy, whereas Aspergillus flavus were resistant to the biosynthesized silver nanoparticle.
Evaluación clínica de proyectos de inversión y su participación en las ganancias empresariales de los trabajadores
Authors: Infante José Luis
Published: August 2020

Las evaluaciones clínicas de proyectos de inversión constituyen una forma distinta y novedosa para analizar proyectos que complementa —mas no sustituye— la forma tradicional de evaluación basada en el cálculo de indicadores de riesgo; su aplicación evidencia comportamientos sistémicos que permiten identificar funcionalidades que normalmente no se observan en indicadores sintéticos de eficiencia. Dicha aplicación se ejemplifica en los casos actuales y controvertidos de participación en las ganancias; de lo anterior se derivan recomendaciones clínicas para su utilización en proyectos de inversión.
Comunicación y productividad en pequeñas y medianas empresas de un cluster textil en Colombia
Authors: Muñoz Hernández Mario Humberto
Published: August 2020

El artículo analiza la opinión que tienen los gerentes y obreros sobre la comunicación y su incidencia en la productividad. El estudio consiste en una encuesta aplicada a una muestra de 17 empresas de un cluster textil en Colombia. Estas empresas fueron seleccionadas por conveniencia de un listado de 36 empresas de la Asociación Colombiana de las Micros, Pequeñas y Medianas empresas (ACOPI, Antioquía). Como se muestra en el artículo, los gerentes y los obreros opinan que la comunicación directa, las conversaciones y las reuniones tienen una relación con el crecimiento de la productividad.
Efecto día feriado en los principales mercados accionarios de Latinoamérica
Authors: Kristjanpoller Rodríguez Werner
Published: August 2020

Este artículo estudia los efectos pre y posferiados, también conocidos conjuntamente como efecto del día feriado, en los principales mercados accionarios latinoamericanos: Brasil, México, Chile, Argentina, Perú y Colombia, a través de sus principales índices accionarios para un periodo de veinte años, comprendido desde 1990 a 2009. Los resultados obtenidos evidencian que el efecto preferiado existe para los mercados de Chile, Perú y Brasil; para los dos primeros, los rendimientos de los días previos a los feriados son casi siete veces más altos que los obtenidos en días normales. El efecto posferiado existe para los mercados de México, Brasil y Perú; los rendimientos de estos días son casi tres veces mayores que un día cualquiera. Para los mercados de Colombia y Argentina no existe ninguno de estos efectos. Además, se comprueba que el efecto feriado es independiente de otras anomalías de calendario como el efecto fin de semana y efecto fin de año.
Procesos estocásticos en la valuación de proyectos de inversión,opciones reales, árboles binomiales, simulación bootstrap y simulación Monte Carlo: flexibilidad en la toma de decisiones
Authors: Cruz Aranda Fernando
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se incorporan procesos estocásticos en la valuación de proyectos de inversión utilizando opciones reales, lo que está vinculado al valor de la flexibilidad administrativa; es decir, utilizar la opción con el objeto de tomar decisiones estratégicas acordes con el entorno económico de la empresa. Se valúa un proyecto tomando en cuenta la opción real según la cual se tiene la flexibilidad de abandonar el proyecto si el entorno de ésta lo requiere. En la valoración del proyecto se consideran los flujos de efectivo de la empresa y las simulaciones bootstrap, histórica y Monte Carlo que se llevan a cabo en ellos. Asimismo, se analizan y calculan los flujos de efectivo considerando árboles binomiales para, finalmente, determinar el valor de la opción real y la viabilidad del proyecto de inversión de la empresa.
Reemplazos de directivos en México: de la teoría a la práctica
Authors: Watkins Fassler Karen , Dávila Delgado Martín
Published: August 2020

En este trabajo se reflexiona sobre la teoría de los reemplazos y su aplicación al caso de México. Se buscan las correspondencias, así como las diferencias, entre la literatura para países desarrollados y la realidad mexicana (economía emergente). Se describe no sólo la ocurrencia de los reemplazos en México, sino también sus repercusiones sobre el desempeño empresarial. Se concluye que en México hay muy pocos reemplazos, particularmente por la estructura familiar de las firmas mexicanas; asimismo, éstos no favorecen al desempeño empresarial, al menos en el corto y mediano plazo.
¿Qué es un competidor directo? Estudio para corroborar la percepción de competencia directa con base en tres factores
Authors: Vera Martínez Jorge , Díaz Ruiz Roberto
Published: August 2020

En el presente trabajo se ofrece la hipótesis de que la percepción de competencia directa por parte de un líder de unidad estratégica de negocio (UEN) depende de tres variables: similitud del producto ofrecido, similitud del mercado atacado y similitud de capacidades estratégicas de las empresas competidoras.

Se propone que la competencia directa depende más de la percepción de los gerentes que de una decisión basada en una regla objetiva. Estas tres variables son detectadas inicialmente en una revisión de literatura y son corroboradas mediante un estudio cualitativo donde se entrevistó a líderes de UEN.

La relación entre estas tres variables y la percepción de competencia directa se corrobora mediante una prueba empírica donde se aplican cuestionarios —también a líderes de UEN— que sirvieron para medir la relación entre tales variables. El presente trabajo se enmarca en la noción de grupos estratégicos; se parte de que los integrantes de uno tenderían a percibirse como competidores directos y que esta percepción de competencia directa podría ser un factor para conformar tales grupos.

Los resultados arrojan que la percepción de competencia directa sí es dependiente de cada una de las tres variables de similitud. Se hace un análisis estadístico de dos tipos: uno basado en correlaciones tomando la percepción de competencia directa como una variable ordinal y otro en chi-cuadrada y tablas de contingencia tomando la dependiente como una variable dicotómica: la de competencia más directa versus la de competencia menos directa.
La relación entre la habilidad directiva y la satisfacción de los clientes en la industria del mueble de España Un estudio empírico
Authors: Maldonado Guzmán Gonzalo
Published: August 2020

En un mercado altamente competitivo y globalizado como en el que se desarrollan actualmente las organizaciones, las habilidades directivas que poseen los gerentes son un elemento intangible altamente valorado por los empresarios o empleadores; más aún, la satisfacción de los clientes es una de las principales estrategias de los empresarios.

Por ello, este trabajo tiene como objetivo analizar los efectos que ejerce la capacidad directiva de los gerentes de logística en la satisfacción de los clientes de las empresas que integran la industria del mueble de España.

El análisis empírico se llevó a cabo en una muestra de 322 empresas productoras de muebles con veinte o más trabajadores, y que al menos hubiesen realizado una exportación y/o participado en la Feria Internacional del Mueble de Valencia en las ediciones 2005 y/o 2006.

Los resultados obtenidos indican que la experiencia, habilidades y formación ejercen un impacto positivo en el desempeño de los gerentes de logística, quienes a su vez ejercen un impacto positivo en la capacidad directiva, la cual ejerce un impacto positivo en la satisfacción de los clientes
Comportamiento del inversionista a diferentes niveles de inversión en I+D
Authors: Samaniego Alcántar Ángel , Trejo Pech Carlos Omar , Mongrut Montalván Samuel , Fuenzalida O’Shee Darcy
Published: August 2020

Este trabajo analiza, usando una metodología alterna a la existente en la literatura del tema, la existencia de rendimientos anormales en el corto plazo ocasionados por cambios en la intensidad de la inversión en proyectos de investigación y desarrollo, I+D (R&D intensity).

Se observa que los inversionistas obtienen rendimientos anormales en portafolios de empresas que incrementan entre cinco a diez unidades la intensidad del I+D (o cuando este incremento es mayor a 25 unidades).

Sin embargo, ante decrementos en la intensidad del I+D no se observan desviaciones en los rendimientos esperados; asimismo, el rendimiento anormal es mayor en empresas de alta tecnología. El periodo analizado es 2001-2006 en los mercados AMEX, NYSE y NASDAQ.
Aprendizaje y acumulación de capacidades tecnológicas en la manufactura de autopartes en México
Authors: Melgoza Ramos Ricardo , Álvarez Medina María de Lourdes
Published: August 2020

Se ha argumentado que la formación de capacidades tecnológicas en países en desarrollo se está dando a partir de multinacionales que trasladan procesos de manufactura buscando mano de obra barata y que después van escalando procesos y productos.

En este trabajo se estudia la trayectoria de una planta de manufactura en México, perteneciente a un grupo multinacional; para ello se analiza la acumulación de capacidades tecnológicas, se explica cómo se da este aprendizaje y cómo se refleja en sus indicadores de operación. Para lograrlo se realizó un análisis de trayectorias de fabricación de productos y adquisición de capacidades en la planta a través de entrevistas a profundidad y revisión de documentos.

Se construyó una matriz de capacidades tecnológicas, de acuerdo con la propuesta de Bell y Pavitt (1995), en la que se encontró que las capacidades de producción son las más avanzadas debido a que se logran diseñar procesos y productos de tecnología media-baja; sin embargo, las capacidades de soporte no avanzaron para diseñar bienes de capital; la vinculación externa únicamente se dio con clientes y proveedores para resolver problemas de producción; y la toma de decisiones, con respecto a la venta y fabricación de nuevos productos, se transfirió a directores mexicanos, lo que ocasiona que surjan algunas capacidades directivas intermedias.
Evaluación de un cluster bajo agricultura protegida en México
Authors: Padilla-Bernal Luz Evelia , Reyes-Rivas Eliver , Pérez-Veyna Óscar
Published: August 2020

El naciente cluster de tomate bajo agricultura protegida en Zacatecas enfrenta el reto de participar en los mercados globales de una manera sostenible; una respuesta viable para ello es elevar su capacidad de upgrading. En este trabajo se determina la relación entre la eficiencia colectiva en el upgrading del cluster.

La información se obtuvo a través de un cuestionario aplicado a técnicos de las unidades de producción (UP), el cual se complementó con entrevistas a propietarios o gerentes, investigadores y funcionarios gubernamentales; posteriormente, se hizo una clasificación de las UP por nivel tecnológico aplicando la técnica de análisis de conglomerado con lo que se obtuvo el índice de eficiencia colectiva, el tipo de gobernanza de las cadenas de valor con las que se relacionan las agroempresas y los tipos de upgrading logrados.

Se encontró que las economías externas fueron más dominantes que las acciones conjuntas; la eficiencia colectiva y el upgrading se encuentran positivamente relacionados; asimismo, se observó que el alto nivel tecnológico es condición necesaria, más no suficiente, para que las agroempresas permanezcan competitivas en el mercado global, por lo que se requiere elevar su capacidad de upgrading.
El impacto de la nutrición en las calificaciones escolares a nivel primaria: un estudio del Programa de Desayunos Escolares de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Sánchez Vargas Armando , Naranjo Carbajal Anadeli , Nava Bolaños Isalia
Published: August 2020

Este artículo investiga el efecto de la participación en el Programa de Desayunos Escolares de la Ciudad de México sobre las calificaciones de niñas y niños de primaria. Los datos provienen del levantamiento de encuestas para la evaluación de impacto del programa, las cuales contienen información de estudiantes de cuarto y quinto grado de 17 escuelas públicas de la ciudad para el ciclo escolar 2017-2018. El estudio del impacto tiene un enfoque comparativo entre alumnos de escuelas beneficiarias y no beneficiarias. Los resultados de las estimaciones sugieren que el programa de alimentación escolar no propicia cambios significativos en las calificaciones, lo cual contrasta con hallazgos en otros países donde sí se ha encontrado un efecto significativo. Los hallazgos permiten además identificar la existencia de una relación inversa entre las calificaciones y las faltas a clases, así como de una relación directa con los antecedentes educativos de la familia y la disponibilidad adicional de otros programas sociales. 
Determinantes de la divulgación de información en las universidades Latinoamericanas para un buen gobierno corporativo
Authors: Abello-Romero Juan Bautista , Mancilla Claudio , Ganga Contreras Francisco , Estay Sepúlveda Juan Guillermo
Published: August 2020

El sentido público de las universidades hace que la sociedad presione por obtener niveles de representatividad en sus gobiernos corporativos. Un buen gobierno corporativo precisa aumentar los niveles de información y las universidades latinoamericanas tienen un bajo nivel de divulgación de la información. En la investigación se propone y  verifican los factores que afectan los niveles de divulgación voluntaria de la  información que emiten las universidades latinoamericanas a los diferentes grupos de interés. Se estudiaron 219 universidades de cinco países latinoamericanos, reconocidas dentro de las 500 mejores instituciones de la Región, se utilizó un modelo de regresión lineal múltiple para testear las proposiciones. Los resultados son potentes y significativos con implicaciones teóricas, empíricas y de política pública.