bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Oleanolic Acid Accumulation of Polyscias fruticosa Cell Suspension Cultures
Authors: Kim Phan T.A. , An Le T.B. , Chung Nguyen T. , Truong Nguyen T. , Thu Le T.A. , Huan Le V.T. , Loc Nguyen H.
Published: November 2020

Background:

Oleanolic acid is an oleanane triterpene found in many plant species all over the world. This compound is also a major saponin in leaves of Polyscias fruticosa and possess several promising pharmacological activities,
such as hepatoprotective effects, and anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, or anticancer activities.

Objective:

The objective of the present work is to establish cell suspension culture of P. fruticosa, investigate influence of
several factors such as plant growth regulators and carbon source on cell growth, and determine their oleanolic acid content.

Method:

Cell culture was carried out by using 2 g fresh weight of 30 day old friable callus derived from in vitro stem segment in 50 mL of liquid medium with a shaking speed of 120 rpm. Culture was then incubated at 25±2ºC with a shaking speed of 120 rpm in the period of 12 h daylight at light intensity of about 6.75 µmol/m2
/s. Cell growth was measured by fresh and dry biomass at 16h day. Oleanolic acid content was determined using HPLC analysis.

Results & Discussion:

The study results showed that MS medium containing 2% sucrose as a carbon source, supplemented
with 1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine and 0.5 mg/L 2,4-D dichlorophenoxyacetic acid was the most appropriate growth medium. Cell biomass and oleanolic acid content reached the highest values of 0.43 g dry weight/flask and 25.4 mg/g dry weight,
respectively.

Conclusion:

These results indicated the potential production of oleanolic acid, a compound with high pharmacological value, from P. fruticosa cell culture.
The Brain-gut Axis-where are we now and how can we Modulate these Connections?
Authors: Dabrowski Wojciech , Siwicka-Gieroba Dorota , Kotfis Katarzyna , Zaid Sami , Terpilowska Sylwia , Robba Chiara , Siwicki Andrzej K.
Published: November 2020

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) initiates an inflammatory response with molecular cascades
triggered by the presence of necrotic debris, including damaged myelin, hemorrhages and
injured neuronal cells. Molecular cascades prominent in TBI-induced inflammation include the
release of an excess of proinflammatory cytokines and angiogenic factors, the degradation of tight
junctions (TJs), cytoskeletal rearrangements and leukocyte and protein extravasation promoted by
increased expression of adhesion molecules. The brain-gut axis consists of a complex network involving
neuroendocrine and immunological signaling pathways and bi-directional neural mechanisms.
Importantly, modifying the gut microbiome alters this axis, and in turn may influence brain
injury and neuroinflammatory processes. In recent years it has been demonstrated that the activity
and composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) microbiome population influences the brain through all
of above-mentioned pathways affecting homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). The GI
microbiome is involved in the modulation of cellular and molecular processes which are fundamental
to the progression of TBI-induced pathologies, including neuroinflammation, abnormal blood
brain barrier (BBB) permeability, immune system responses, microglial activation, and mitochondrial
dysfunction. It has been postulated that interaction between the brain and gut microbiome
occurs mainly via the enteric nervous system and the vagus nerve through neuroactive compounds
including serotonin or dopamine and activation by bacterial metabolites including endotoxin, neurotransmitters,
neurotrophic factors, and cytokines. In recent years the multifactorial impact of selected
immunomodulatory drugs on immune processes occurring in the CNS and involving the brain-gut
axis has been under intensive investigation.
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Tetramethylpyrazine- nitrone Derivatives as Antioxidants
Authors: Chen Haiyun , Yan Chunyan , Cao Jie , Liu Zheng , Sun Yewei , Wang Yuqiang
Published: November 2020

Background:

Thrombolysis and endovascular thrombectomy are the two main therapeutic
strategies for ischemic stroke in clinic. However, reperfusion injury causes oxidative stress leading
to overproduction of reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent cell death.

Methods:

We designed and synthesized two tetramethylpyrazine-nitrone derivatives (T-003 and T-
005) and investigated their abilities for scavenging free radicals and protective effects as well as
neurite outgrowth promotion in vitro.

Results:

Both of them showed potent radical-scavenging activity and neuroprotective effects
against iodoacetic acid-induced cell injury. Furthermore, T-003 and T-005 significantly promoted
neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells.

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that compound T-003 and T-005 could be potent antioxidants for
the treatment of neurological disease, particularly ischemic stroke.
A Cross-entropy-based Method for Essential Protein Identification in Yeast Protein-protein Interaction Network
Authors: Sun Weimiao , Wang Lei , Peng Jiaxin , Zhang Zhen , Pei Tingrui , Tan Yihong , Li Xueyong , Chen Zhiping
Published: November 2020

Background:

Research has shown that essential proteins play important roles in the development
and survival of organisms. Because of the high costs of traditional biological experiments, several
computational prediction methods based on known protein-protein interactions (PPIs) have been
recently proposed to detect essential proteins.

Objective:

Here, a novel prediction model called IoMCD is proposed to identify essential proteins by combining known
PPIs with a variety of biological information about proteins, including gene expression data and homologous information
of proteins.

Methods:

Compared to the traditional state-of-the-art prediction models, IoMCD involves two kinds of
weights that are obtained, respectively, by extracting topological features of proteins from the original
known protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks and calculating the Pearson correlation coefficients
(PCCs) between the gene expression data of proteins. Based on these two kinds of weights and adopting
a cross-entropy method, a unique weight is assigned to each protein. Subsequently, the homologous
information of proteins is used to calculate an initial score for each protein. Finally, based on the
unique weights and initial score of proteins, an iterative method is designed to measure the essentialities
of proteins.

Results:

Intensive experiments were performed, and simulation results showed that the prediction accuracy
of IoMCD, based on the dataset downloaded from the DIP and Gavin databases, was 92.16% and
89.71%, respectively, in the top 1% of the predicted essential proteins.

Conclusion:

Both simulation results demonstrated that IoMCD can achieve excellent prediction accuracy
and could be an effective method for essential protein prediction.
Anti-Fungal Activity of Cressa cretica, Leptadenia pyrotechnica and Pulicaria crispa, Indigenous Plants of Cholistan Desert, Pakistan
Authors: Hadi Faheem , Maqbool Tahir , Khurshid Sameera , Nawaz Aisha , Aftab Saira , Tahir Sehrish , Awan Sana J. , Malik Arif
Published: November 2020

Background:

Fungal infections have always remained a problem and they are getting
worse with the passage of each year due to their resistance against available antibiotics. Natural
ways of treatment with homeopathic medicines made of mother tinctures of plants have no reported
side effects and have been proved effective against many bacterial and fungal infections.

Materials & Methods:

Preparation of mother tinctures of plants Cressa cretica, Leptadenia pyrotechnica,
and Pulicaria crispa was done and used to evaluate the anti-fungal potential of these
plants against potentially pathogenic fungal species like Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
ustus, and Candida albicans by agar disc diffusion method. Each tincture was evaluated
at 0.25 ml, 0.5 ml, and 1 ml volume per disc and zone of inhibition was measured in millimeters
and compared with commercial drug Fluconazole (2 mg/ml), which was used as standard.

Results:

The results showed the satisfactory anti-fungal activity of these plants in comparison to
the standard drug Fluconazole. The ratio of anti-fungal activity of Cressa cretica measured as the
zone of growth inhibition of these cultures against Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus
ustus, and Candida albicans was 24 mm / 27 mm, 30mm / 28 mm, 23 mm/ 30 mm, and 32 mm/
30 mm, respectively. In the case of Leptadenia pyrotechnica, the mother tincture’s antifungal activity
was 32 mm / 27 mm, 30 mm / 28 mm, 17 mm/ 30 mm, and 24 mm/ 30 mm, respectively. In the
case of our third plant Pulicaria crispa, anti-fungal activity was found to be 23 mm/ 27 mm, 26
mm/ 28 mm, 26 mm / 30 mm and 24 mm/ 30 mm, respectively.

Conclusion:

Our study proved that the mother tincture of these plants could be a potential new therapy
to treat fungal infections and has the potential to rule out fungal problems. Further research using
the mother tincture of these plants against other fungal species has the potential to prove them a
safer and widespread anti-fungal homeopathic medicine.
Recent Advances on Robot Visual Servo Control Methods
Authors: Zhang Hongxin , Li Meng , Ma Shaowei , Jiang Hanghang , Wang Hongyu
Published: November 2020

Background:

In order to enable robots to complete complex tasks, robots are required to
have higher intelligence and adaptability. RVSC (Robot Visual Servo Control) is an organic combination
of machine vision and servo control and is a complex system with strong coupling and nonlinearity,
which improves the performance of robots and provides feasible solutions for solving practical
problems in many fields.

Objective:

To review the latest development of RVSC methods and provide references for researchers
in related fields.

Methods:

RVSC related patents and literature were analyzed from the aspects of the algorithm, innovation
and application. In addition, the typical RVSC methods are summarized.

Results:

This paper analyzes the advantages and disadvantages of various methods in many patents and
literature. Moreover, the typical applications, potential problems and future development directions of
this field is put forward.

Conclusion:

RVSC has better performance than traditional control methods. In addition, it can also be combined with some algorithms or knowledge to further improve performance. But, the further improvements of RVSC are needed in the following areas: the convenience of operation, the optimization of trajectory planning, the combination of multiple sensors, etc. Furthermore, more patents of the RVSC also should be invented.
Development, Characterization and Evaluation of Nanoemulgel Used for the Treatment of Skin Disorders
Authors: Padhy Sasmita , Sahoo Biswa M. , Kumar Bera V.V.R. , Patra Chinam N.
Published: November 2020

The outer layer of skin and underlying soft layer of tissues have been infected by several
infections locally. Infection on local tissue can be overcome by the administration of various topical
formulations such as nanoemulgel, niosomal gel, liposomal gel, etc. For obtaining the significant
effect of drug delivery, nanoemulgel exhibits a high intensity of activity locally. Emulsion
with uniform and extremely small droplet size in the range of 20-200 nm is referred to as nanoemulsion.
The emulsion may be oil-in-water or water-in-oil type. This system can improve the permeation
of drug substances through the skin. Nanoemulsion is incorporated into a gel base to form Nanoemulgel
and can improve the permeation of drug substances through the skin. Nanoemulgel acts
as a promising carrier of an intense amount of permitted drugs to produce their effect topically. Efficient
adhesion property and immense solubilising of the drug in oil or water phase lead to a larger
concentration gradient towards the skin that further increases the penetration of drug substances
through the skin. This study provides useful insights into the utilisation of nanoemulgel to provide
a better and effective drug delivery tool for the topical system.
Effects of cortisol on catabolism of canine myocardium and mitral valve
Authors: Tanaka Sachiyo , Suzuki Shuji , Hara Yasushi
Published: November 2020

Cortisol can be thought of as the body's main stress hormone, where it works with specific parts of the brain to control moods, motivations and fears. Cortisol is a hormone that many animals produce too, including dogs - in which it can help control weight, fight infections and keep
blood sugar levels in check. However, if the body produces too much cortisol - in humans and in dogs - it can cause many problems. Cushing's syndrome is the name for the condition where dogs produce too much cortisol. The incidence is one or two cases in every 1,000 dogs per year, making it
the most common endocrine disorder in dogs. Humans can also be diagnosed with Cushing's syndrome, where excessive exposure to cortisol is known to cause myocardial hypertrophy and cardiac dysfunction. It has also been reported that humans can experience hypertrophy of the cardiomyocytes and
an increase in myocardial fibre. A team of researchers based at the Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University in Japan is investigating the cardiovascular effects of hyperglycocorticoidemia. Dr Sachiyo Tanaka is working with Professor Yasushi Hara and Assistant Professor Shuji Suzuki,
to conduct research in order to elucidate the histopathological changes that occur in the heart organ when there is hyperglucocorticoidemia.
Simplificação dos mecanismos de financiamento do comércio exterior
Authors: Luna José Fernandes
Published: November 2020

As complicações crescentes do financiamento do comércio mundial — em outras palavras, os mecanismos de financiamento de exportações recíprocas — exigem dos advogados e departamentos jurídicos de todos os bancos, não só das agências financeiras internacionais, dos bancos de comércio exterior, dos bancos muito atuantes no euromercado, mas dos bancos comerciais nacionais, muita imaginação e criatividade, no sentido de tornar mais ágeis esses mecanismos, facilitar os contratos e os sistemas de garantias, porque verificamos, cada vez mais, que tais complicações provocam, aos bancos comerciais chamados a financiar parte substancial desse esforço, problemas de toda natureza no mundo conturbado em que vivemos.
O domínio dos cerrados: introdução ao conhecimento
Authors: Ab'Saber Aziz Nacib
Published: November 2020

Todo pesquisador que na juventude cometeu a audácia de estudar uma região de seu pais — de grande ou pequeno espaço, de longa ou curta história — aspira retornar muitos anos depois, a fim de reexaminar os fatos observados e revisar a nova conjuntura, criada por forças da dinâmica social e pela atuação de fatores até certo ponto imponderáveis. Para um geografo, voltar a uma região do grande interior brasileiro, e um ato de revisão das paisagens e espaços, a nível do físico, ecológico e social. Mas também a oportunidade de se questionar a si próprio, em termos de mudança de ótica de observação e do modo de perceber os sistemas de relações entre grupos humanos e meios g geográficos em mudança. Temos a impressão que retornar a regiões pesquisadas no passado, em países de velhas e quase imutáveis estruturas agrarias, pode ser uma tarefa até certo ponto decepcionante. Pensamos, sobretudo, em alguns casos da rígida estrutura social e econômica da campanha francesa e de sua rede de velhas aldeias, resistentes a quase toda modernização e transformações. No caso do Brasil, porém, em áreas onde o arcaísmo cedeu lugar a uma modernização incompleta, a tarefa de retornar para reanalisar e, quase sempre, um projeto fadado a ser gratificante.
Efeito dos defensivos caseiros
Authors: Schavartsman Samuel
Published: November 2020

A denominação "defensivos caseiros" pretende incluir os produtos químicos utilizados no combate aos organismos daninhos ou desagradáveis para a espécie humana, encontrados no ambiente doméstico. O termo "defensivo" é vago e sugere um significado nem sempre adequado, mas os outros termos utilizados, tais como, "pesticidas" ou "praguicidas", bem como o título sob o qual estes produtos são regulamentados pela legislação brasileira, "inseticidas e raticidas domissanitários", também são inadequados. Nesse último caso são indicados apenas dois tipos de produtos, ou seja, as substâncias ou preparações que apresentam ação letal para insetos ou ratos, embora sejam incluídos outros tipos, como os fungicidas e repelentes. Qualquer produto utilizado para estas finalidades é constituído fundamentalmente por: "ingrediente ativo", substância que na formulação exerce ação letal sobre as pragas, animais daninhos, incluindo os roedores, e "solvente" ou "diluente", substância líquida ou sólida utilizada para diluir ou veicular a substância ativa.
A presença do DDT no leite materno
Authors: Lara Walkyria
Published: November 2020

Entre o grande número de substâncias químicas que foram introduzidas para melhoria da produção agrícola, os chamados defensivos agrícolas foram, sem dúvida alguma, de importância no combate às pragas e muito contribuíram para o aumento da produção de alimentos. Os anos pós-guerra foram de muita pesquisa e desenvolvimento de produtos orgânicos com poder inseticida como o BHC, o DDT, aldrin, endrin, dodecacloro e outros. O fato desses compostos serem poucos reativos, de difícil degradação, os torna persistentes, isto é, duram por vários anos no solo das culturas em que foram aplicados, e vão se acumulando na cadeia alimentar. Isto levou a um estudo dessas substâncias nos alimentos e no meio ambiente. Como o homem está no fim da cadeia alimentar é importante examinar os níveis desses compostos nos fluidos biológicos e tecidos adiposos. Vários países vêm desenvolvendo estudos a esse respeito e os resultados servem como indicadores da contaminação das populações, causada pela poluição do ambiente e principalmente pela contaminação dos alimentos.
A população e os servidores, irmanados pelo ideal comum
Authors: Bussinger Frederico
Published: November 2020

Já de há muito cresceram os reclamos e as esperanças de mudanças, alterações profundas, na vida e na condução do País. E sob esse signo da mudança que se instala a ≪Nova República≫, resultante e depositaria da Campanha das ≪Diretas-Já ≫ e da eleição do estadista Tancredo Neves. Todas essas esperanças se mantêm vivas, ainda que c om a sua morte, depositadas hoje no Governo José Sarney, que terá com o grande desafio operacionalizar as reformas que transformem a face do País no sentido da democracia, da justiça, da modernidade e da independência nacionais. Seguramente esta não é uma tarefa fácil ou rápida. Requer, antes de tudo, clareza, determinação, paciência e sabedoria pois exigirá alterações em «usos e costumes » arraigados e em privilégios estabelecidos.
A CAPACITACÃO ECONOMICO-FINANCEIRA... Financiamento internacional do Setor Elétrico
Authors: Júnior Aylton Vasconcellos
Published: November 2020

As relações de trocas entre as nações ditaram as necessidades de se aperfeiçoar o conjunto de instrumentos de intercâmbio de bens e serviços, que tem atingido formas elaboradas em nosso tempo quanto a sua dinâmica e operacionalidade. No caso brasileiro, registra-se nos anos 70 uma forte expansão de sua atividade internacional, ciando início a um novo ciclo de exposição às técnicas de mercado, elevando, como é notório, as trocas com o exterior. Essa relação é seriamente abalada pelo choque do petróleo que provocou o desequilíbrio do escambo comercial, ocasionando a necessidade de cobertura de recursos financeiros para a normalização dos pagamentos externos. De vez que a situação em apreço não acenava com qualquer espécie de regressão a curto prazo, tornou-se imperioso obter recursos financeiros, em grande escala, no exterior, para amortização no médio e longo prazos, dando-se, assim, o tempo imprescindível para que tivesse lugar a recuperação das relações de trocas e se nivelassem em equilíbrio a prazo futuro (ao menos como proposição teórica de planejamento).
0 SETOR ELÉTRICO E SUAS RELAÇÕES... A indústria da construção
Authors: Fernandes Almir , Turnowski Salomon
Published: November 2020

Na opção adotada pelo Brasil, para tornar-se auto-suficiente na produção de fontes nobres de energia, permitindo manter um ritmo sustentado e acelerado de desenvolvimento industrial, privilegiouse a construção de grandes barragens hidrelétricas. Esta opção era a que melhor se adequava à realidade geográfica brasileira. Com efeito, predominando no Brasil as áreas de planalto, bastante regadas pelas chuvas tropicais e com desníveis nos cursos fluviais, a construção de barragens revelou-se a forma mais imediata para obtenção de grandes recursos energéticos. Outras alternativas esbarraram nas carências naturais do país. O desconhecimento da ocorrência de grandes jazidas de petróleo e de carvão mineral, tornavam desvantajosas possíveis opções pela termeletricidade. Por seu turno, importantes jazidas de turfa e xisto betuminoso, se bem que disponíveis, pouco significam face ao atraso tecnológico nos processos de sua transformação em energia.
Reflexões esparsas para uma práxis consequente
Authors: Gonçalves Fernando Antônio
Published: November 2020

A uma incontida vontade de mudar tomou conta do País nos meses que antecederam à eleição do Presidente Tancredo Neves. Milhões de brasileiros, ansiosos por uma ampla e ir restrita oxigenação nacional, solida rizavam-se com o ex–governador mineiro, quando ele manifestava nas praças públicas o propósito de edificar um estado moderno, institucionalmente capaz de enfrentar os desafios de um novo século, que velozmente se avizinhava.
A Funcep e a Nova República
Authors: Catalano Paulo
Published: November 2020

A nova República representa um anseio geral de mudanças disseminadas, d e forma declarada, por todos os segmentos que integram a sociedade brasileira. Neste cenário, o objetivo maior é retomar e redirecionar o processo de desenvolvimento, buscando o envolvimento de toda a sociedade e tendo por fim maior a consequente distribuição equitativa desse processo. Assim, especial atenção deve ser dada ao envolvimento e comprometimento dos diversos segmentos que conformam a sociedade brasileira na busca de soluções inovadoras, harmonizando os interesses que se estabelecem nas relações Nação/Estado.
Para mudar o "monstro"
Authors: Rodrigues Raimunda
Published: November 2020

Em boa hora decidiu o Governo promover a Reforma Administrativa, com vistas a adequar a máquina governamental e os vários sistemas de seu funcionamento, bem como métodos e processos de gestão às necessidade se aos propósitos da Nova República. Tão deformadas estão as estruturas administrativas do País, tão inadequados se achamos sistemas adotados e as norma sem vigor, que qualquer plano de desenvolvimento que se pretenda realizar fica irremediavelmente comprometido nas malhas da incompetência burocrática.
As Funções do estado e o papel da Administração pública
Authors: Costa Clóvis Ferro
Published: November 2020

O tema que me foi proposto e por demais abrangente e, por uma questão de metodologia, e necessário situá-lo, primeiro, no quadro geral e, após, na realidade brasileira. Desta maneira poderemos ter o enfoque genérico e, em seguida, extrair as conclusões que resultem do estudo das nossas condições internas e da nossa cultura política. Não cabe, em seus limites, questionar em si a própria natureza do Estado, levar as investigações ao estudo do nascimento, do desenvolvimento, da decadência, do fim e da justificação, em suma do Estado, pois tais temas, de grande profundidade, são relativos propriamente a teoria política, não a administração em si. Segundo Ludwig Spiegel, mestre da Universidade de Praga, ao se estudar o Direito Administrativo e suficiente tomar como referência a constatação de que o Estado moderno, o direito político atual, formou-se depois da Revolução Francesa e sob o influxo de seus grandes líderes e pensadores.
Breve avaliação das reformas administrativas no Brasil
Authors: Marcelino Gileno Fernandes
Published: November 2020

O entendimento da reforma administrativa não é o de um processo isolado, mas de um fato relacionado com os objetivos d a sociedade, no sentido de promove r o desenvolvimento econômico e social. Nesse sentido, a reforma modernização administrativa pode ser considerada um conceito típico de países em processo de desenvolvimento, à medida que, neste tipo de sociedade, ocorre uma profunda defasagem entre os objetivos do Governo de desenvolvimento e o instrumental administrativo necessário à sua consecução. A reocupação com a reforma administrativa relaciona-se com a procura de maior eficácia e eficiência da organização pública. Esta é, tipicamente, a situação atual, q u a n do se torna urgente e inadiável uma reforma do aparato administrativo governamental para viabilizar o recém implantado Programa de Estabilização Econômica e o PND — Plano Nacional de Desenvolvimento da Nova República.
A propósito do docente no ensino superior federal
Authors: Tristão Gilberto
Published: November 2020

Paulo Vieira da Silva, professor do Departamento de Administração da Universidade de Brasília e Assessor Legislativo da Câmara dos Deputados, e Doutor (Ph.D) em Educação Superior pela University of Southern Califórnia. Em seu artigo, traz a discussão “a questão da carreira naquilo que ela tem de conceitualmente especifico quando considerada nas entidades de ensino superior que agora contam com o referencial de um plano de cargos e salários”. Entretanto, preocupa-se em enfocar o assunto sob bases mais amplas, quando afirma que a discussão do tema “poderá também contribuir para o melhor entendimento do sentido de carreira no âmbito de interesse do funcionalismo público em geral”. Essa sugestão, até mesmo pela função que estou exercendo no momento, Chefe de unidade de ensino de graduação e pós-graduação, levou-me a refletir sobre um aspecto especifico da carreira: a sua contribuição para a produtividade do servidor.
Barriers and Enablers to Adoption of Digital Health Interventions to Support the Implementation of Dietary Guidelines in Early Childhood Education and Care: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Grady Alice , Barnes Courtney , Wolfenden Luke , Lecathelinais Christophe , Yoong Sze Lin
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Few Australian childcare centers provide foods consistent with sector dietary guidelines. Digital health technologies are a promising medium to improve the implementation of evidence-based guidelines in the setting. Despite being widely accessible, the population-level impact of such technologies has been limited due to the lack of adoption by end users.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to assess in a national sample of Australian childcare centers (1) intentions to adopt digital health interventions to support the implementation of dietary guidelines, (2) reported barriers and enablers to the adoption of digital health interventions in the setting, and (3) barriers and enablers associated with high intentions to adopt digital health interventions.

METHODS

A cross-sectional telephone or online survey was undertaken with 407 childcare centers randomly sampled from a publicly available national register in 2018. Center intentions to adopt new digital health interventions to support dietary guideline implementation in the sector were assessed, in addition to perceived individual, organizational, and contextual factors that may influence adoption based on seven subdomains within the nonadoption, abandonment, scale-up, spread, and sustainability (NASSS) of health and care technologies framework. A multiple-variable linear model was used to identify factors associated with high intentions to adopt digital health interventions.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that 58.9% (229/389) of childcare centers have high intentions to adopt a digital health intervention to support guideline implementation. The changes needed in team interactions subdomain scored lowest, which is indicative of a potential barrier (mean 3.52, SD 1.30), with organization’s capacity to innovate scoring highest, which is indicative of a potential enabler (mean 5.25, SD 1.00). The two NASSS subdomains of ease of the adoption decision (P<.001) and identifying work and individuals involved in implementation (P=.001) were significantly associated with high intentions to adopt digital health interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

A substantial proportion of Australian childcare centers have high intentions to adopt new digital health interventions to support dietary guideline implementation. Given evidence of the effectiveness of digital health interventions, these findings suggest that such an intervention may make an important contribution to improving public health nutrition in early childhood.
A Web-Based Time-Use Application to Assess Diet and Movement Behavior in Asian Schoolchildren: Development and Usability Study of My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL) (Preprint)
Authors: Chia Airu , Chew Muhammad Naeem Jia Sheng , Tan Sarah Yi Xuan , Chan Mei Jun , T Colega Marjorelee , Toh Jia Ying , Natarajan Padmapriya , Lança Carla , Shek Lynette P , Saw Seang-Mei , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk , Chong Mary Foong-Fong
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Web-based time-use diaries for schoolchildren are limited, and existing studies focus mostly on capturing physical activities and sedentary behaviors but less comprehensively on dietary behaviors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to describe the development of My E-Diary for Activities and Lifestyle (MEDAL)—a self-administered, web-based time-use application to assess diet and movement behavior—and to evaluate its usability in schoolchildren in Singapore.

METHODS

MEDAL was developed through formative research and an iterative user-centric design approach involving small groups of schoolchildren (ranging from n=5 to n=15, aged 7-13 years). To test the usability, children aged 10-11 years were recruited from 2 primary schools in Singapore to complete MEDAL for 2 weekdays and 2 weekend days and complete a 10-item usability questionnaire.

RESULTS

The development process revealed that younger children (aged <9 years) were less able to complete MEDAL independently. Of the 204 participants (118/204, 57.8% boys, and 31/201, 15.4% overweight) in the usability study, 57.8% (118/204) completed 3 to 4 days of recording, whereas the rest recorded for 2 days or less. The median time taken to complete MEDAL was 14.2 minutes per day. The majority of participants agreed that instructions were clear (193/203, 95.1%), that MEDAL was easy to use (173/203, 85.2%), that they liked the application (172/202, 85.1%), and that they preferred recording their activities on the web than on paper (167/202, 82.7%). Among all the factors evaluated, recording for 4 days was the least satisfactory component reported. Compared with boys, girls reported better recall ability and agreed that the time spent on completing 1-day entry was appropriate.

CONCLUSIONS

MEDAL appears to be a feasible application to capture diet and movement behaviors in children aged 10-12 years, particularly in the Asian context. Some gender differences in usability performance were observed, but the majority of the participants had a positive experience using MEDAL. The validation of the data collected through the application is in progress.
Patterns and Influencing Factors of eHealth Tools Adoption Among Medicaid and Non-Medicaid Populations From the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 2017-2019: Questionnaire Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yang Xin , Yang Ning , Lewis Dwight , Parton Jason , Hudnall Matthew
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that eHealth tools adoption is associated with better health outcomes among various populations. The patterns and factors influencing eHealth adoption among the US Medicaid population remain obscure.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to explore patterns of eHealth tools adoption among the Medicaid population and examine factors associated with eHealth adoption.

METHODS

Data from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2017 to 2019 were used to estimate the patterns of eHealth tools adoption among Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations. The effects of Medicaid insurance status and other influencing factors were assessed with logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-Medicaid population, the Medicaid beneficiaries had significantly lower eHealth tools adoption rates for health information management (11.2% to 17.5% less) and mobile health for self-regulation (0.8% to 9.7% less). Conversely, the Medicaid population had significantly higher adoption rates for using social media for health information than their counterpart (8% higher in 2018, P=.01; 10.1% higher in 2019, P=.01). Internet access diversity, education, and cardiovascular diseases were positively associated with health information management and mobile health for self-regulation among the Medicaid population. Internet access diversity is the only factor significantly associated with social media adoption for acquisition of health information (OR 1.98, 95% CI 1.26-3.11).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest digital disparities in eHealth tools adoption between the Medicaid and non-Medicaid populations. Future research should investigate behavioral correlates and develop interventions to improve eHealth adoption and use among underserved communities.
El significado pragmático del marcador discursivo (Ya) ves que
Authors: Hernández Páez Marianela
Published: November 2020

El propósito de este artículo es caracterizar la expresión (Ya) ves que como marcador discursivo del español oral coloquial de México. Esta caracterización se basa principalmente en tres rasgos: fijación formal, pérdida de significado literal y significado pragmático o procedimental; se propone este último como argumento decisivo. Se analiza su significado pragmático o procedimental en términos de dos instrucciones que el oyente debe interpretar y que guían sus inferencias: actualización de información (una pieza informativa se recupera y se hace accesible al oyente) y anclaje discursivo (el contenido actualizado se marca como relevante para el discurso subsecuente). Los datos examinados proceden de los siguientes corpus orales del español: Corpus Sociolingüístico de la Ciudad de México (CSCM), Corpus de Referencia del Español Actual (CREA) sección México y Corpus del Español (CE), así como de ejemplos de introspección. Se incluye también un apartado contrastivo para ilustrar los argumentos propuestos. La descripción del significado pragmático de (Ya) ves que contribuye a ampliar el repertorio de marcadores discursivos en el español mexicano.
Molecular characterization of native pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs of chilli and their induced systemic resistance mechanism in management of anthracnose
Authors:   Division of Crop Production, ICAR – Central Institute for Cotton Research, Nagpur- 440 010, India, Santosh S. , Sreenivasa M.N. ,   Department of Agricultural Microbiology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Dharwad- 580 005, India
Published: November 2020

Aim: This study aimed to assess the plant growth promotional ability and biocontrol efficiency of native pink pigmented facultative methylotrophs (PPFMs) of chilli for management of chilli anthracnose disease through induced systemic resistance mechanism under pot culture experiments. Methodology: The selected native PPFMs were identified by analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequence. These isolates along with reference strain (Methylobacterium extorquens AM1) were inoculated to healthy chilli plants. The pathogen (Colletotrichum capsici) was later inoculated to these chilli plants, and induced systemic resistance (ISR) molecules were estimated at different intervals from one day after challenge inoculation of pathogen (DAI) upto 7 DAI. Influence of PPFM on plant growth parameters, yield, capsaicin content and PPFMs population load on phyllosphere and rhizosphere was studied. Results: The results of 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed selected isolates as Methylobacterium populi (PPFM6) and Methylobacterium radiotolerans (PPFM170). The ISR molecules tested were significantly influenced by PPFM isolates. The peroxidase and phenyl alanine ammonia lyase (PALase) activity increased from 1 DAI to 7 DAI whereas chitinase, polyphenol oxidase (PPO) and phenol contents increased upto 5 DAI, after which gradual decrease was noticed. Inoculation of PPFMs to chilli crop significantly improved plant height, dry matter and chlorophyll content. Significantly lesser disease incidence, more yield and more capsaicin content was observed with application of M. populi as compared to control. Interpretation: The present study highlights native M. populi (PPFM6) of chilli as an effective plant growth promoter, exhibiting significant biocontrol efficiency against C. capsici.
Native bee diversity and abundance in an urban green space in Bengaluru, India
Authors:   Department of Zoology and Genetics, Jyoti Nivas College Autonomous, Bengaluru-560 095, India, Bhatta V.R. , Kumar A.N. ,   Department of Zoology, Periyar University, Salem-636 011, India
Published: November 2020

Aim: The aim of the present study was to estimate the diversity and abundance of native bee fauna in an urban green space in Bengaluru, India. Methodology: Native bees were sampled from ten observational plots randomly selected from a 20 ha urban green space. Bee diversity and abundance were recorded at 15-day interval and estimated using diversity indices. Results: Nineteen species and thirteen genera under Apidae, Halictidae, and Megachilidae family were recorded. Bee species under Apidae were the most abundant, with four social, five solitary, and one kleptoparasitic species, followed by Halictidae and Megachilidae, with five and four solitary bee species, respectively. Trigona iridipennis was the dominant species followed by Apis dorsata among the social bees, and Lasioglossum sp. and Hriades sp. were dominant among the solitary bees. The number of cavity-nesting species was more that of tree-nesting or ground-nesting species. Shannon’s and Simpson’s diversity indices confirmed the species richness, species abundance, and uniform distribution of native bee species in the urban green space. Interpretation: Green patches within urban areas can support a diverse population of bees. The study area consisted of both social and solitary bees. Cavity-nesting and oligolectic generalist bees were more predominant in the urban area, thus confirming the role of urban spaces in adding to bee diversity. Green pockets within urban areas support a diverse population of bees, and urban green spaces and green corridors can help to conserve bee biodiversity and, in turn, the urban ecosystem.
Antibacterial activity of selected plants extract against pathogenic bacteria and detection of phytochemicals
Authors:   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida-201 313, India, Saxena A. , Mukhopadhyay A.K. ,   Bacteriology Division, ICMR-National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases, Kolkatta-700 010, India, Nandi S.P. ,   Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University, Noida-201 313, India
Published: November 2020

Aim: The aim of the present study was to assess the antibacterial activity of selected plants extract against Gram- positive and Gram- negative pathogenic bacteria. Methodology: Extracts of neem leaf (Azadirachta indica), rose petal (Rosa indica), amla fruit (Emblica officinalis) and clove buds (Syzygium aromaticum) were prepared in different solvents. Antibacterial activity against selected microorganisms was assayed using agar cup diffusion method, thereby measuring the zone of inhibition. The extracts with higher zone of inhibition were run on Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC) plates. The presence of phytochemicals was detected using iodine fumigation method followed by contact bioautography. Results: The extracts of neem leaf, rose petal, amla fruit and clove bud prepared in solvents like acetone, ethanol and ethyl acetate showed higher antibacterial effect against Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella typhimurium in agar cup diffusion assay. TLC separation of the extract of plant products showed dark brown bands of phytochemicals on silica-gel G 60 plate. Contact bioautography results showed maximum antibacterial activity against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Interpretation: The results of the present study provide scientific evidence for the traditional uses of Azadirachta indica, Rosa indica, Emblica officinalis and Syzygium aromaticum.
Harking the holonomic of public-private partnerships: A sounding of McNamara’s World Bank
Authors: Amonya Fred
Published: November 2020

Public policy is analysis and synthesis. Yet communication straddles the two. The depth of analysis and rigour of synthesis is in tension with the efficacy of communication. Consequently, a strong policy requires a holonomic space that reduces tension. This paper illuminates that argument. It is a contrasted case study of two policy perspectives on Africa, motivated by the concept of public-private partnerships (PPP). The paper contrasts the nexus of Robert McNamara in the late sixties with the zeitgeist of the infrastructure gap at the unfolding of the new millennium. That contrast illuminates Africa’s failure to capture the fundamentals of PPP. Africa sees PPP as a subject of finance, not efficiency. The concept has been reduced to a yawning gap in finance. And a key reason for that myopic view is that banner called infrastructure gap. That flaw reflects not just weakness in the agency of policy. It also yearns for a holonomic space of policy. McNamara benefitted from the post-war space. After this paper was drafted, COVID-19 struck the world. This pandemic offers space for Africa (and the world) to mould thrusts of policy comparable to McNamara’s nexus
Mapping current and future distribution of bat species probable reservoirs of Ebolavirus in Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Mugumaarhahama Yannick , Cokola Marcellin , Mushagalusa Arsène , Cirezi Nadège , Bagula Espoir , Karume Katcho , Mushagalusa Gustave
Published: November 2020

Aim: In recent studies, three species of bat, Hypsignathus monstrosus,
Myonycteris torquata and Epomops franqueti were identified as the most
likely candidates to be reservoir for Ebolavirus. To help in epidemic
preparedness and surveillance, species distribution modeling techniques
are useful for predicting where these species are likely to occur in DR
Congo. Methods: MaxEnt software was used to model the current and future
distribution of the three species in DR Congo based on the occurrence
data collected from global biodiversity information facility and
environmental covariates collected from Worldclim and USGS. The future
distribution were obtained based on two scenario (RCP4.5 and RCP 8.5) of
the HadGEM2-CC an IPPC5 climate projections from global climate models
(GCMs). Results: The suitable habitat of H. monstrosus, M. torquata and
E. franqueti are essentially located from latitude -5° to 5° and
longitude 17° to 30°. Overall, their favourable living areas are located
in the territories along the entire northern border and the entire
northern part of the eastern border of the DR Congo with varying degrees
of importance depending on the territories and species. Three
bioclimatic variables have shown to play major role in their spread, the
precipitation of the driest quarter, the precipitation of coldest
quarter and the temperature annual range. In the future, the suitable
area of these species will be decreasing and being essentially located
in the Kivu provinces. The change in the ecological niche of these
species will differ with respect to future climate scenario. Climate of
RCP 8.5 has shown to induce major decrease of their suitable habitat in
DR Congo. Main conclusions: The MaxEnt model is potentially useful for
forecasting the future adaptive distribution of the three bat species
under climate change, and it provides important guidance for
comprehensive management of the Ebolavirus risk.
Papillary fibroelastoma of posterior mitral leaflet, confused as vegetation or calcification
Authors: Chaturvedi Hemant
Published: November 2020

Cardiac papillary fibroelastoma (CPF) is the most common valvular tumour
of the heart and the second most common primary cardiac tumour. Fewer
than 50 cases being reported in the literature [1]. As the
advancement in 3D echocardiography, its diagnosis in living patient is
become easy. The CPF could be found on valve leaflets, chordae
tendineae, and both ventricles. We present an interesting case of the
CPF originating from the posterior leaflet of the mitral valve confusing
with vegetation or annular calcification. The patient underwent
successful surgical removal of the PFE
Challenges in lung cancer diagnosis during the outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: xu chunhua , wang wei , li li , wang jiwang
Published: November 2020

A pandemic of 2019 novel coronavirus diseases (COVID-19) outbreak is a
major public health emergency that has spread in the fastest speed, and
caused the most extensive infection world widely. Transbronchial biopsy
(TBB) and computed tomography guided percutaneous needle biopsy (CTPNB)
is the most common and significant method for the diagnosis of lung
cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the indications of TBB and CTPNB
must be managed strictly. Therefore, it is extremely indispensable to
perform meticulous and individualized management for lung cancer
patients to protect the patients from COVID-19.
Critical Legal Feminism pada Kedudukan Perempuan dalam Hak Waris pada Sistem Patriarki
Authors: Pattiruhu Fransisca Jallie
Published: November 2020

Secara garis besar, penulisan ini memuat kritikan terhadap feminisme jurisprudence dalam hukum kewarisan nasional Indonesia, dimana mengkaji kedudukan dan hak perempuan sebagai ahli waris. Di Indonesia secara umum dapat dikategorikan menganut teori feminisme sosialis yakni masyarakat yang menganut sistem patriarki dalam sistem kekeluargaannya, hal ini merupakan bentuk diskriminasi terhadap hak-hak dan kedudukan dari perempuan. Dimana dalam sistem patriarki ini anak perempuan dan janda tidak dapat menjadi ahli waris. Terkait dengan hukum kewarisan nasional sendiri Indonesia belum memiliki suatu aturan yang konkrit tentang masalah waris di Indonesia dalam bingkai pluralistik hukum. Banyak peraturan yang memuat tentang kesetaraan gender, akan tetapi masalah waris sering dipertentangkan dengan hukum adat pada masyarakat dengan sistem patriarki. Undang-Undang No.1 Tahun 1974 tentang Perkawinan dijadikan dasar berpikir dalam konteks kesetaraan kedudukan perempuan dan laki-laki dalam hal perkawinan, namun dalam hal pembagian harta atau hak untuk menjadi ahli waris belum diatur, sehingga pendiskriminalisasi hak perempuan terutama bagi masyarakat yang menganut sistem patriarkhi mau tidak mau mereka harus tunduk pada sistem hukum tersebut.
Upaya Meningkatkan Partisipasi Siswa dalam Pembelajaran Sosiologi Melalui Model Prediction Guide dengan Media Gambar Kelas X IPS 3 SMAN12 Padang
Authors: Betari Resa , Junaidi Junaidi
Published: November 2020

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi rendahnya partisipasi siswa dalam pembelajaran sosiologi. Rendahnya partisipasi siswa disebabkan kurang tepatnya strategi pembelajaran digunakan guru. Untuk memperbaiki rendahnya partisipasi siswa guru menggunakan model pembelajaran Prediction Guide dengan media gambar. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui peningkatan partisipasi siswa melalui model Prediction Guide dengan media gambar dalam pembelajaran sosiologi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian tindakan kelas yang dilakukan dengan 2 siklus. Subjek penelitian adalah siswa kelas X IPS3 SMAN12 Padang berjumlah 36orang. Penelitian dilakukan secara daring melalui aplikasi Zoom Metting dan Whatsapp. Hasil penelitian diolah menggunakan rumus P=(F/N) X 100%. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya peningkatan partisipasi siswa, dari pra tindakan sebesar 35%, siklus I meningkat 67%. Siklus I ke siklus II meningkat sebesar 78%.