bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EUROPEAN UNION IN THE INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Authors: Tonovski Gorgi , Risteski Temelko , Sijic Vesna
Published: May 2019

The European Union is relatively new real socio-political and economic subject in the international community. The main, basic idea of its construction and existence is the maxima that the European continent should be a completed hall human community, based on the principles of the social solidarity among the people of Europe. Or, as one of the founders of modern Europe Zane Money used to say „The Europe won’t be build nether in the moment, nor with a common efforts, but it will be builded through concrete realizations, which firstаwall will create a real solidarity”.A main value principle is that „The European nations do not share anymore the common history, they share common life”. The fact - The European Union – is animation of the European solidarity and of the idea to create the Common European home.The European Union is a new state super-structure with imperial measures (economic, geographic, and political). It crosses and abandons the existed European state borders and matches the unification of the hall continent. Such a „giantific” social statehood creation (with 500 million inhabitants and enormous economical weight) normally provokes changes in the relations of the international community. The European Union is searching its „place under the sun”, as an actor with power and authority in the international relations and in the international politics.
MICROPROPAGACIÓN CLONAL IN VITRO EN EUCALYPTUS GRANDIS Y E. UROPHYLLA
Authors: Martínez-Ruiz Rosa , Azpíroz-Rivero Hilda S. , Rodríguez-De la O José Luis , Cetina-Alcalá Víctor M. , Gutiérrez-Espinosa M. A. , Sahagún-Castellanos Jaime
Published: May 2019

El árbol de eucalipto (E. urophylla y E. grandis) es un recurso importante, debido a su aprovechamiento industrial en la obtención de celulosa y hemicelulosa para la fabricación de papel en varias partes del mundo en general y en particular en el sureste de México. Varios alcances biotecnológicos han sido desarrollados para solucionar las dificultades de variabilidad genética en propagación por semilla que presentan las especies de eucalipto. Para ello, resulta necesario el estudio de diversas estrategias de micropropagación que permitan la obtención y multiplicación de clones de eucalipto. Por lo que el objetivo de este trabajo fue establecer la tecnología para la micropropagación clonal in vitro de genotipos seleccionados, con el fin de obtener plantas de alta calidad destinadas a las plantaciones o a huertos clonales en el sureste de México. Para el establecimiento de los explantes a condiciones in vitro se evaluaron tiempos de desinfestación de los explantes, realizando la combinación de tres niveles de desinfección con antibiótico (terramicina 40 mg/l00 ml) y con fungicida (cuprimicin 150 mg/100 ml) a 0, 10 y 30 minutos. Obteniéndose hasta un 90 % de cultivos libres de contaminación. Además se evaluó la multiplicación de brotes, la formación de callo y enraizamiento para ambas especies, combinando tres niveles de benziladenina (0.0, 1.0 y 3.0 mg L-1) y de ácido naftalen acético (0.0, 1.0 y 3.0 mg L-1) en un medio de cultivo Gamborg B5. Se obtuvo hasta 9 brotes por explante cultivados y una media de 5.5 raíces por explante, combinando 3 mg L-1 de benziladenina y 1.0 y 3.0 mg L-1 de ácido naftalen acético. Los protocolos para aclimatación de plantas fueron también establecidos.
Instrumentalidad racional de la nueva economía política en la transformación institucional del Estado
Authors: Vargas Hernández José Guadalupe
Published: May 2019

El propósito de este trabajo es analizar la racionalidad instrumental de la nueva economía política en la transformación institucional del Estado, a partir de un abordamiento conceptual y metodológico transdisciplinario que implica la interacción de lo económico y lo político. La racionalidad se analiza desde sus componentes individual y social, para desprender sus implicaciones en la teoría de la acción colectiva y en la racionalidad económica de las decisiones, como elementos para determinar los diferentes enfoques de la economía política. Se hace especial énfasis en la implementación de los principios de la corriente institucionalista hasta madurar en el denominado neoinstitucionalismo y luego en una nueva economía política, pasando por los fallidos intentos de la nueva economía y la imposición de las premisas fundamentales de la nueva macroeconomía clásica en la regulación de los procesos de globalización económica. Finalmente se concluye que la nueva economía política proporciona los fundamentos teóricos metodológicos y el instrumental necesario para los procesos de cambio y transformación institucional del Estado
Análisis de los programas gubernamentales dirigidos al mejoramiento del desarrollo rural en el Municipio de El Fuerte, Sinaloa.
Authors: Quintero Higuera Alma Delia
Published: May 2019

Este trabajo presenta un análisis de la operación y el impacto que han causado los programas oficiales que manejan los tres niveles de gobierno en el periodo 2002 – 2004, diseñados para lograr un desarrollo humano sostenible, en la comunidad de Tehueco, El Fuerte, Sinaloa. Así mismo se realizó un análisis general de las teorías y conceptos de desarrollo y de la política social que en México se ha implementado.
La hermenéutica en la antropología, una experiencia y propuesta de trabajo etnográfico: la descripción densa de Clifford Geertz
Authors: López Carrera Juan Cristóbal
Published: May 2019

La hermenéutica es la ciencia y arte de la interpretación, trata de comprender textos; es decir, deconstruirlos para estudiarlos y/o colocarlos en sus contextos respectivos. No se limita a los textos escritos, hablados o actuados: puede constituirse en un método para comprender todos y cada uno de los lenguajes del mundo (la realidad como texto): cultural, arqueológico, socio-espacial, visual. Actualmente es una actitud fundamental de la filosofía y las ciencias humanas; erigiéndose como una teoría y práctica de la interpretación que encuentra en el lenguaje (simbólico) su “chaman” o mediación de sentido.
MOVIMIENTOS SOCIALES PARA EL RECONOCIMIENTO DE LOS MOVIMIENTOS INDÍGENAS Y LA ECOLOGÍA POLÍTICA INDÍGENA
Authors: Vargas Hernández José G.
Published: May 2019

El propósito de este trabajo, es analizar el impacto que los movimientos sociales tienen en el reconocimiento de los movimientos indígenas, y más específicamente en la ecología política indígena. El componente étnico de los movimientos indígenas, se orienta a la conclusión que no pueden ser estudiados como otros movimientos sociales, bajo un acercamiento teórico de los movimientos sociales. Finalmente se analiza la tendencia de la transnacionalización de los movimientos indígenas.
El desarrollo integral humano: un desafío para el desarrollo comunitario en los procesos de globalización
Authors: Angulo Aguilazocho María Soledad , Lozanía Cázares Marco Antonio
Published: May 2019

El predominio de las cosas sobre las personas, el carácter materialista de la motivación humana, es lo que está predominando en los procesos de globalización a los que nos estamos enfrentando. Para los de arriba es cada vez más importante enfrentarse a la guerra de la competencia y su lucha por el poder, y para los de abajo, la lucha por la supervivencia cultural y social. Estamos inmersos en un neoliberalismo que encubridoramente nos impulsa a un insostenible proceso de globalización basado en la sobreexplotación de los recursos humanos, la degradación de la diversidad cultural y el deterioro del medio ambiente. Necesitamos estar alertas en cuanto a que el desarrollo es un proceso integral que incluye dimensiones culturales, éticas, políticas, sociales, económicas y medioambientales, con una interrelación que es inherente al propio fenómeno del desarrollo, partiendo de que el ser humano es el principal protagonista y beneficiario del mismo.
RANCANG BANGUN SISTEM INFORMASI PRAKTEK KERJA LAPANGAN PADA STMIK MATARAM
Authors: - Zaeniah
Published: May 2019

Kegiatan Praktek Kerja Lapangan adalah salah satu kegiatan yang diwajibkan pada STMIK Mataram. Praktek kerja lapangan bisa diikuti oleh seluruh mahasiswa dengan beberapa syarat yang telah ditentukan seperti mengumpulkan data mahasiswa, tempat PKL, dan Kartu Hasil Studi mahasiswa. Saat ini, pengolahan data mahasiswa yang mengajukan PKL masih diolah menggunakan microsoft excel sehingga masih terdapat beberapa kekurangan mulai dari proses input data  tempat PKL, kesulitan dalam proses pencarian data mahasiswa, adanya data mahasiswa yang double, perekapan data mahasiswa memerlukan waktu yang lama dan informasi yang dihasilkan kurang akurat. Oleh karena itu, dibuatlah sebuah sistem informasi praktek kerja lapangan yang dapat dijadikan sebagai solusi dari masalah yang ada. Sistem informasi ini dikembangkan menggunakan metode waterfall. Dengan adanya sistem ini diharapkan dapat membantu koordinator PKL dalam mengolah data pengajuan praktek kerja lapangaan serta mendapatkan informasi yang cepat dan akurat.Sistem Informasi ini di buat menggunakan bahasa pemrograman visual basic.net dengan database MySQL. Kata kunci:  Praktek Kerja lapangan, Waterfall, Sistem Informasi
SISTEM INFORMASI PENERIMAAN SISWA BARU BERBASIS WEB PADA MA. DARUL QUR’AN BENGKEL
Authors: Juhartini - , Arwidiyarti Dwinita , Ramlan -
Published: May 2019

Penerimaan siswa baru adalah kegiatan rutin yang dilakukan setiap tahun baik di pendidikan tingkat dasar maupun pendidikan tingkat tinggi. Penerimaan siswa baru di MA Darul Qur’an Bengkel akan dilakukan melalui system informasi dimana data yang diolah terbatas pada data pendaftaran, data hasil seleksi dan data siswa, aplikasi dibangun menggunakan bahasa pemrograman PHP dan  database MySQL. Aplikasi ini menghasilkan output untuk siswa yaitu formulir pendaftaran, kartu pendaftaran sedangkan output yang dihasilkan untuk pihak sekolah yaitu data pendaftar dan data calon siswa yang diterima
Implementasi Website Portal Sekolah Sebagai Media Promosi dan Penyampaian Informasi (Studi Kasus : SMAN 1 Praya Timur)
Authors: Riska Baiq Nonik Ria , Imran Bahtiar , Wahyudi Erfan
Published: May 2019

Peranan teknologi informasi pada aktivitas manusia pada saat ini begitu besar. Teknologi informasi telah menjadi fasilitator utama bagi perusahaan dan organisasi. Hal inilah yang memberikan kemudahan bagi manusia untuk melakukan pekerjaan serta mendapatkan informasi dengan lebih cepat. Salah satu teknologi informasi yang berkembang saat ini adalah website atau lebih dikenal dengan sebutan web, yang merupakan suatu koleksi dokumen elektronik pribadi atau perusahaan dalam server web  yang digunakan untuk mengakses berbagai informasi. Website portal ini dibangun menggunakan bahasa permrograman PHP. Dengan adanya website portal ini dapat membantu pihak sekolah dalam melakukan promosi dan penyampaian informasi kepada masyarakat.
Analisis Database Pada Sistem Informasi Simpan Pinjam
Authors: Samsumar Lalu Delsi , Suryadi Emi , MZ Yumarlin
Published: May 2019

Database ini dibuat dengan menggunakan MySQL, yang melewati tahap analisis dan perancangan. Begitu pentingnya era digital atau era data pada saat ini, tidak heran administrator database berhati-hati dalam memberikan batasan hak akses kepada pengguna, dimaksudkan agar data atau informasi dapat dijaga dan tidak setiap pengguna dapat mengakses data atau informasi dari setiap tabel. Adanya batasan hak akses ini dapat menjamin keaslian isi dari database yang dibuat oleh administrator, setiap transaksi yang dilakukan oleh pengguna yang bukan administartor memiliki hak akses terbatas untuk mengelola isi database, dengan begitu keamanan yang dimiliki sistem database ini cukup baik. Untuk menjaga keamanan data atau informasi yang ada di database diharapkan memiliki back-up datanya, dikarenakan untuk mengantisipasi jika terjadi kehilangan dan kerusakan data
De las ideas a las nuevas ideas: un acercamiento conceptual al proceso de innovación
Authors: Gutiérrez Marco Antonio Rojo , Padilla-Oviedo Andrés
Published: May 2019

El fenómeno de la innovación es complejo. Este documento busca ver la innovación de una manera más simple y clara. El concepto de innovación se coloca sobre otros conceptos que a menudo se toman como sinónimos, sin embargo, esto muestra un problema en el tratamiento conceptual del término. Esta confusión de términos también trae consigo un problema metodológico y sistémico. Se entiende que la innovación pasa por un proceso que parte del concepto de idea, en el que el agente principal es el individuo, hasta alcanzar una mayor complejidad sistémica con la intervención de múltiples agentes, como la universidad, la empresa, el gobierno, la sociedad, el medio ambiente, etc.Para llegar al concepto de innovación, los conceptos de idea, conocimiento, tecnología e invención se revisan previamente. En la medida en que nos movemos de un concepto a otro, los agentes involucrados en este proceso también son diferentes y metodológicamente pasamos de un tratamiento individual, lineal y aislado a un tratamiento social, sistémico y global de la nnovación. Se hace un llamamiento para no disminuir la importancia del individuo sobre la compañía en este proceso, yaque, aunque la compañía materializa y pone las nuevas ideas en el mercado en forma de innovación, es el individuo el único agente con esa capacidad generadora de ideas.
Gestión de riesgos en proyectos de software educativos
Authors: Reañez Maryoribel , Vallejo Byron , Delgado Mercedes
Published: May 2019

El propósito de esta investigación fue analizar la gestión de riesgos en proyectos de software educativos. La investigación se ha fundamentado en autores como Fajardo (2014), Sánchez (2013), Zulueta et al. (2009), entre otros; y se encuadra en el paradigma cualitativo, con un enfoque postpositivista, siendo este estudio de tipo documental, analítico. Asimismo, se ha realizado a través de la técnica de la observación directa sobre la literatura referencial recopilada, y usando el análisis de contenido para la interpretación de los referentes conceptuales desarrollados. De esa revisión documental concreta, se evidenciaron fallas en el diseño de proyectos de software educativos, ya que no se atiende al sentido del riesgo, a la incertidumbre e inseguridad en su creación, a su arquitectura, a los procedimientos técnicos, a los factores externos que impiden su funcionalidad; por lo cual se recomiendaproducir una concienciación sobre su confección, diseño y operatividad.
Critical reflections on prostitution from the abolitionist model
Authors: Posada Kubissa Luisa
Published: May 2019

Reflecting again on prostitution requires an initial positioning in which we speak of it as a phenomenon that, against what it claims to be, there is nothing natural in it. From here, this article has the objective of coming back on the debate to conclude that the abolitionist horizon, is not only not impossible, but it is the only way for the feminist claim. Starting from the fact that prostitution is not a natural institution, this article takes charge methodologically of the bibliographical discussion between the positions that link this phenomenon with trafficking and those that seek to separate it. And it contributes basically to the interpretation that the latter responds to the same logic that defends the legalization of the prostitution activity.
Educating citizens
Authors: Iglesias Galdo Ana , Ballarín Domingo Pilar
Published: May 2019

The objective of this paper is to reflect on some of the sexisms camouflaged in the informality of horizontal learning related to sexuality – understanding that they constitute the new hard core where neoliberal ideology stores, among others, the knowledge of patriarchal pedagogy –. The paper problematizes tolerance for prostitution by submitting to critical scrutiny some elements of the social imaginary that contribute to sustain the relationship between hegemonic masculinity and female prostitution. As the prostitution system is the most patent and persistent legacy of violence against women of patriarchy that remains more normalized, this analysis contributes to show what is being done wrong or is being left undone in education, by not demanding the acquisition of the type of knowledge produced by feminist studies that enables to take a critical argument that guarantees zero tolerance to this type of control, and exercise a democratic citizenship that contributes to greater social justice.
Coordination vs Regulation. State’s Functions in Industrial Relations
Authors: Sole Truyols Montserrat
Published: May 2019

Admittedly, organized interests are a relevant element in shaping national industrial relations systems. This paper, however, focuses on the functions of the state as a factor limiting or enhancing the ability of social actors to participate in the design of these national systems. It compares the role of the state in Norway and Spain as far as regulation and coordination are concerned. The coordination function is compared at two different levels: bipartite cooperation and tripartite cooperation seeking to understand how coordination at the upper level might influence the lower level. Regulation is then compared in its effects on the interactions among the parties and their autonomy as the fundamental principle of industrial relations.
Serum type and concentration both affect the protein-corona composition of PLGA nanoparticles
Authors: Partikel Katrin , Korte Robin , Mulac Dennis , Humpf Hans-Ulrich , Langer Klaus
Published: May 2019

Background: When nanoparticles (NPs) are applied into a biological fluid, such as blood, proteins bind rapidly to their surface forming a so-called “protein corona”. These proteins are strongly attached to the NP surface and confers them a new biological identity that is crucial for the biological response in terms of body biodistribution, cellular uptake, and toxicity. The corona is dynamic in nature and it is well known that the composition varies in dependence of the physicochemical properties of the NPs. In the present study we investigated the protein corona that forms around poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) NPs at different serum concentrations using two substantially different serum types, namely fetal bovine serum (FBS) and human serum. The corona was characterized by means of sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), Bradford protein assay, zeta potential measurements, and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). Additionally, the time-dependent cell interaction of PLGA NPs in the absence or presence of a preformed protein corona was assessed by in vitro incubation experiments with the human liver cancer cell line HepG2.

Results: Our data revealed that the physiological environment critically affects the protein adsorption on PLGA NPs with significant impact on the NP–cell interaction. Under comparable conditions the protein amount forming the protein corona depends on the serum type used and the serum concentration. On PLGA NPs incubated with either FBS or human serum a clear difference in qualitative corona protein composition was identified by SDS-PAGE and LC–MS/MS in combination with bioinformatic protein classification. In the case of human serum a considerable change in corona composition was observed leading to a concentration-dependent desorption of abundant proteins in conjunction with an adsorption of high-affinity proteins with lower abundance. Cell incubation experiments revealed that the respective corona composition showed significant influence on the resulting nanoparticle–cell interaction.

Conclusion: Controlling protein corona formation is still a challenging task and our data highlight the need for a rational future experimental design in order to enable a prediction of the corona formation on nanoparticle surfaces and, therefore, the resulting biodistribution in the body.
The The Influence of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Wharton Jelly toward Prostaglandin E2 Gene Expression on Synoviocyte Cell Osteoarthritis
Authors: Sofia Vivi , Bachri Moch Saiful , Rahmadian Rizki
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Pharmacological therapy in the management of OA causes many new health problems due to side effects caused by long-term use of drugs, such as long-term use of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) will cause gastric ulcers and impaired kidney function. In OA pathogenesis, PGE2 gene is involved in the inflammation process.
AIM: This study aims to identify the influence of Wharton Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC-WJ) on PGE2 expression gene in synoviocyte by in vitro.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: The method used in this study is the co-culture method of primary cells and stem cells in the appropriate media. This research is pure experimental research. The sample used came from synovial tissue of osteoarthritis patients who underwent Total Knee Replacement (TKR) surgery. This study was divided into 6 groups treated with 4 replications. The expression analysis of the Prostaglandin E2 gene was done using qPCR (Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction). The expression analysis of the Prostaglandin E2 gene was carried out before and after the co-culture with Wharton's Jelly and continued with the analysis of statistical data processing using the SPSS.15 program. PGE2 gene expression data were processed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and continued with the Mann-Whitney test with a 95% confidence level.
RESULTS: The results showed that Mesenchymal Stem Cells Wharton Jelly could reduce the expression of Prostaglandin E2 gene after co-culture for 24 hours and 48 hours in synoviocyte cells osteoarthritis significantly compared with the control group. The administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for 24 hours reduced the expression level of PGE2 gene by 0.61 times compared to the control group (p < 0.05) and the administration of Mesenchymal Stem Cells for 48 hours decreased the expression level of PGE2 gene by 0, 47 times compared to the control group (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: This study concluded that MSC-WJ in OA synoviocyte significantly reduced the expression of the PGE2 gene (p < 0.05).
Surgical Management (Microsurgery) of Traumatic Penile Amputation: A Case Report
Authors: Wihono Frendy , Sigumonrong Yacobda
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Traumatic penile amputation is an uncommon surgical emergency with various etiologies, carrying major functional and psychological consequences concerning the patient’s overall quality of life. Regardless of the aetiology, penile amputation represents a surgical emergency that must be addressed quickly and efficiently to maximise functional outcomes.
CASE PRESENTATION: We herein describe a case of psychiatric disorder that resulted in a complete self-amputation of the patient’s penis. The author presents a case of a 20-year-old single Indonesian male with no significant past medical or psychiatric history, who was presented to our Regional Referral Hospital with traumatic penile self-amputation. Immediately, the patients were taken to the operating room, and careful examination under anaesthesia revealed fully and transversally transected urethra as well as corporal bodies at the level of penis base. Viable artery and vein were then searched using a microscope after suturing through the tunica albuginea of the corporal bodies on the ventral aspect and snapped them for future tying. After microvascular re-anastomosis of the left dorsal artery and only one dorsal vein done. We attached the urethra and placed a 16 Fr silicon catheter. The result was an excellent tension-free, widely spatulated urethra anastomosis, which was then reattached to the corporal bodies. The penis had significant oedema and swelling in the distal penile shaft; however, pain sensation was gradually returning.
CONCLUSION: The authors noted that microsurgical reimplantation is the treatment of choice for penile amputation, with a minimum one of the penile vascular was successfully anastomosis.
The Impact of Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy in Prolonged Major Abdominal Surgery on Extravascular Lung Water and Oxygenation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hasanin Ahmed , Mourad Karim Hussein , Farouk Inas , Refaat Sherin , Nabih Ahmed , Raouf Sabah Abdel , Ezzat Hala
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: A growing interest had been paid to goal-directed fluid therapy (GDT) in abdominal surgery; however, its impact on the respiratory profile was not well investigated.
AIM: We evaluated the impact of GDT on postoperative extravascular lung water and oxygenation after prolonged major abdominal surgery.
METHODS: A randomised, controlled study was conducted in Kasr Alainy hospital from April 2016 till December 2017 including 120 adult patients scheduled for prolonged major abdominal surgery. Patients were randomised into either GDT group (n = 60) who received baseline restricted fluid therapy (2 mL/Kg/hour) which is guided by stroke volume variation, or control group (n = 60) who received standard care. Both study groups were compared according to hemodynamic data, fluid requirements, lung ultrasound score, and PaO2/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio (P/F ratio),
RESULTS: Intraoperatively, GDT group received less volume of fluids and showed higher intraoperative mean arterial pressure compared to the control group. Postoperatively, lung ultrasound score was lower, and P/F ratio was higher in the GDT group compared to the control group. The number of patients who showed a significant postoperative increase in LUS was higher in the control group 44 (73%) patients versus 14 (23%) patients, P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS: Using stroke volume variation for guiding fluid therapy in prolonged, major abdominal operations were associated with better hemodynamic profile, less intraoperative fluid administration, lower extravascular lung water and better oxygenation compared to standard care.
Comparison of Contrast Enhanced Low-Dose Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography with 99mTc-Sestamibi Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomography in Assessment of Myocardial Viability
Authors: Verma Bhupendra , Singh Amrita
Published: May 2019

INTRODUCTION: Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and myocardial perfusion scan are the commonly used modalities to detect viable myocardium. DSE is comparatively cheaper and widely available but has a lower sensitivity.
AIM: We aimed to compare contrast-enhanced low-dose dobutamine echocardiography (LDDE) and gated 99mTc-sestamibi myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) for the degree of agreement in the detection of myocardial viability.
METHODS: We studied 850 left ventricular segments from 50 patients (42 men, mean age 55.5 years), with coronary artery disease and left ventricular systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction < 40%), using contrast-enhanced LDDE and 99mTc-Sestamibi gated SPECT. Segments were assessed for the presence of viability by both techniques and head to head comparisons were made.
RESULTS: Adequate visualisation increased from 80% in unenhanced segments to 96% in contrast-enhanced segments. Of the total 850 segments studied, 290 segments (34.1%) had abnormal contraction (dysfunctional). Among these, 138 were hypokinetic (16.2% of total), 144 were severely hypokinetic or akinetic (16.9% of total), and 8 segments were dyskinetic or aneurismal (0.9% of total). Among 151 segments considered viable by technetium, 137 (90.7%) showed contractile improvement with dobutamine; in contrast, only 8 of the 139 segments (5.7%) considered nonviable by technetium had a positive dobutamine response. The per cent of agreement between technetium uptake and a positive response to dobutamine was 78.6% with kappa = 0.63, suggestive of a substantial degree of agreement between the two modalities.
CONCLUSION: Use of contrast-enhanced LDDE significantly increased the adequate endocardial border visualisation. Furthermore, this study showed a strong degree of agreement between the modalities in the detection of viable segments. So, contrast-enhanced LDDE appears to be a safe and comparable alternative to MPS in myocardial viability assessment.
The Link Between HIV Knowledge and Prophylaxis to Health Professionals
Authors: Cake Anila , Mihani Joana , Stroni Gentian , Stroni Rovena , Avdaj Afrim
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Healthcare workers have a high risk of professional exposure, especially in developing countries.
AIM: This paper aims to determine whether there is a link between knowledge and HIV prophylaxis on HIV prevention in Albanian healthcare system employees.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was attended by professionals of the Albanian health care system who also attended second cycle studies at the Faculty of Medical Sciences (FMS) at the University of Medicine, Tirana. The study was conducted through a standard questionnaire with 24 questions, previously created by the Vojvodina Institute of Public Health in Serbia.
RESULTS: A group of 219 respondents participated in the study, of which 83.3% were women and 16.7% males. The risk of HIV transmission from syringe injection is > 75%, for 55.9% of the respondents. This result is statistically significant compared to other categories (p < 0.01). There is an increase in awareness of the use of gloves before manipulation and use of syringes, with increased work experience (p = 0.01). The use of specific containers for the elimination of syringes after manipulation is a more common practice by the most experienced professionals at work and results in a significant change (p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION: This study showed that there is not enough information from health professionals about potentially infectious fluids for HIV transmission. Younger professionals are less informed about HIV transmission and prophylaxis. These data indicate that there is a need for deepening of university curricula about the risks and exposure to biologically infectious fluids.
Values and Correlations between C-Reactive Protein and Apolipoprotein B after Treatment with Methotrexate at Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ismaili Hysni , Ismaili Levent , Rexhepi Meral
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Lipid changes related to inflammation have been described in RA. Methotrexate (MTX) treatment is effective in controlling inflammation and decreasing the CRP (C-reactive protein) values.
AIM: To examine the disease activity, CRP and Apo B values in the detection of new patients with active and untreated RA, and impact of MTX therapy on their levels after 6 months and one year of treatment, and the correlation between their values in this period.
METHODS: 80 patients with active and newly discovered RA patients who meet the American Rheumatology Association (ARA) 1987 revised criteria were treated with disease-modifying anti-inflammatory drugs (DMARDs) according to the protocol for treatment.
RESULTS: After a year of therapy RA patients achieved significant decrease in the DAS28 (disease activity score) (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001), and CRP values (p < 0.001). Levels of Apo B values at the 12 months were nonsignificantly higher compared to the results obtained at the beginning of the study (p < 0.001). After 6 and 12 months there was a weak nonsignificant negative correlation about the values of CRP and Apo B at baseline and after 12 months (r = –0.15 and r = -0.12 p > 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Use of MTX therapy at RA patients had a reduced effect on disease activity and inflammation, but the nonsignificance effect on the values of Apo B lipoproteins.
Sexual Function in Iranian Female Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Alehashemi Alireza , Mostafavian Zahra , Dareini Najmeh
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: One of the typical complaints in females with multiple sclerosis (MS) is Sexual dysfunction (SD).
AIM: This study aimed to compare the sexual function of women with and without MS and to recognise factors that possibly related to sexual dysfunction of women with MS.
MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sexual function of 64 women with MS as a case study group were compared to a group of control comprised of 64 women. Female Sexual Function Inventory (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) were used accordingly to assess sexual function and severity of depression of case and control groups. Functional status of MS Patients was assessed by the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). The data were analysed using chi-square, independent Samples t, Pearson's correlation coefficients, and multiple linear regression tests.
RESULTS: There were no differences in the Total FSFI and 4 FSFI subscale scores (i.e. sexual desire, arousal, lubrication and satisfaction) between women with MS and controls. The only significant difference between the two groups was the dimension of orgasm (p = 0.016). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that only BDI and FSFI total scores have significantly related (B = -0.436, P < 0.001). In women with MS, a significant negative correlation was found between FSFI and EDSS scores (rho = -0.35, P = 0.032), as well as between FSFI scores and disease duration (rho = -0.25, P = 0.01).
CONCLUSION: Depression was associated to sexual dysfunction in women. It could be advantageous to evaluate and treat depression in women with MS who suffer from sexual dysfunction.
Refractive Status in Children with Laser-Treated Retinopathy of Prematurity: Our Experience in Bulgaria
Authors: Veleva Nevyana , Chernodrinska Violeta
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: With the establishment of laser photocoagulation as a standard treatment modality for prethreshold retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), a dramatic reduction of cases with ROP blindness and severe visual impairment have been reported. In the same time, high refractive errors, a common complication in ROP cases and especially in ROP treated infants, have become the main cause of visual and often severe visual impairment.
AIM: The purpose of our study was to analyse the long-term refractive status in children at 3.5 years after laser-treatment for type 1 prethreshold ROP.
PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective, one centre study of refractive status of 18 children with laser-treated type 1 prethreshold ROP was conducted. The refraction after cycloplegia with 1% cyclopentolate was measured at a mean age of 3.56 years (SD ± 0.34). Hyperopia was subdivided into two groups – low hyperopia (SE < +5.0 D) and high hyperopia (SE ≥ +5.0 D). Myopia was classified as myopia (SE ≥ –0.25D) and high myopia (SE ≥ -5.0 D). Astigmatism was divided into low astigmatism (plus CD ≥ +1.0 D) and high astigmatism (plus CD ≥ +2.0 D).
RESULTS: Thirty-three eyes of 18 children were recruited in the study. Three eyes were excluded because of unfavourable anatomical results. The mean gestational age at birth was 27.3 weeks (24-31 weeks, SD ± 1.78), and the mean birth weight – 928.9 g (550-1500 g, SD ± 252.8). The mean spherical equivalent for the whole group was -1.82 D and ranged from -9.00 D to +4.50 D (SD ± 3.48). Hyperopia was observed in 12 (36.4%) eyes. Myopic refraction had 21 (63.6%) eyes. Astigmatism was detected in 18 (54.5%) eyes. Anisometropia had 3 (16.7%) children. Six children (33.4%) had strabismus (4 esotropia; 2 exotropia).
CONCLUSION: High per cent of treated infants for vision-threatening ROP have visual significant refractive errors and strabismus that can cause serious visual impairment if not treated properly and on time.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Androgen Receptors (AR) in Various Breast Cancer Subtypes
Authors: Ismael Nour El Hoda S. , Khairy Rasha A. , Talaat Suzan M. , Abd El-Fattah Fatima A.
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma ranks the first among malignant tumours in females and is the chief cause of cancer-related mortality. Androgen in implicated in the induction of proliferation and growth of mammary cells through binding to their corresponding receptors. Androgens influence the risk of acquiring breast cancer through either direct binding to androgen receptors (AR) or indirectly through their transformation to estradiol or competing for steroid binding proteins.
AIM: To study the expression of AR in various breast cancer subtypes and to elucidate its clinical significance by correlating it with clinicopathological parameters.
METHODS: One hundred and fifty breast cancer cases were studied using AR immunohistochemistry, and its expression was correlated with different clinicopathologic parameters and with ER, PR, Her-2/neu and Ki 67 expression.
RESULTS: AR was expressed in 91 breast carcinoma cases out of 150 examined. There was a statistically significant correlation between AR expression and tumour size, mitotic count, tumour necrosis, infiltrative borders, the hormonal status of the tumour and subsequently luminal subtypes (p < 0.05). A subset of studied TNBC (34.6%) also expressed AR. On the other hand, there was no significant correlation between AR expression and other clinicopathological parameters.
CONCLUSION: Positive AR immunostaining was associated with favourable prognostic factors and luminal subtypes (A&B). Also, a subset of TNBC cases showed positive AR expression. These results introduce the current potent, next-generation AR- antagonist as possible target therapy in breast cancer. Further researches on AR expression in breast cancer are recommended on a larger scale with follow up and survival to validate the current results.
Confirmatory factor analysis of the essential digital competencies for undergraduate students in Thai higher education institutions
Authors: Suwanroj Thamasan , Leekitchwatana Punnee , Pimdee Paitoon
Published: May 2019

The purpose of this descriptive study was to apply 2nd order confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural relationship models to identify the digital competency components essential to undergraduate students in Thai higher education institutions. The sample comprised 1,126 specialists in Information Technology, Computer Technology, Computer Education, Computer Science, and Computer Engineering working in public higher education instructions throughout the country. The selection was the result of multi-stage random sampling from 76 public higher education instructions that offer undergraduate education. The instrument was a questionnaire form on essential digital competency components for undergraduate students in higher education institutions. The question items employed a 7-point Likert scale and showed Cronbach's alpha values for the content validity and reliability at a range of.93-.97 per domain and .87-.99 per component. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics for general data and 2nd Order CFA analysis. The findings revealed that from 24 observed variables, there were 7 competency components.: 1) Fundamental of digital ; 2) Accessing digital information; 3) Using digital information; 4) Creating digital information and media; 5) Communicating digital information; 6) Managing digital information; and 7) Evaluating digital information. The discovery from this study was substantially constructive for Thai higher education institutions as it could be used to design an essential digital competency framework of the 21st century.
Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on the Quantum Yield of Free Radicals in Cryptochrome
Authors: Chen Yu Ling , Geng Du Yan , Chen Chuan Fang
Published: May 2019

In this paper, the effects of the quantum yield of free radicals in cryptochrome exposed to different electromagnetic fields were studied through the quantum biology. The results showed that the spikes characteristics was produced in the free radicals in cryptochrome, when it exposed to the applied magnetic field (ω = 50 Hz, B0 = 50 μT). The spikes produced by the electromagnetic field was independent of the changes of polar θ. When the frequency of the magnetic field increased, the spikes characteristics produced in unit time also increased. These results showed that the environmental electromagnetic field could affect the response of organisms to the geomagnetic field by influencing the quantum yield in the mechanism of free radical pair.It provided a basis for studying the influence of environmental electromagnetic field on biology, especially the navigation of biological magnetism.
Dynamic Variation of Storage Characteristics and Molecular Structure of Natural Rubber
Authors: Zhao Fu Chun , Guan Jie , Bai Wan Na , Liao Shuang Quan
Published: May 2019

The quality stability of the natural rubber is a key point to its use in the industries and some special fields. However, due to storage hardening caused by the complicated molecular structure of natural rubber and non-rubber component, the quality uniformity is still not controlled in the nowadays rubber factory. In the previous research, storage hardening phenomena are extensively examined but the special mechanism is controversial and detail information is need to be further revealed. The dynamic evolution of accelerated storage properties and molecular structure of natural rubber have been investigated. The results show that △P increased slowly at first but then increased apparently and PRI has no direct relationship with △P. The storage time of 24 h is the critical storage period in which besides the △P and PRI, the P0, gel content and molecular weight also has obvious transformation. △P has a negative apparent correlation with ester content but protein content is relatively of no account in storage hardening process.
Preparation, Characterization and Application on Catalytic Removal of NOx for Ni/Cu/Fe Mixed Metal Oxides
Authors: Liu Hong Bo , Huang Zhi Yong
Published: May 2019

Ni/Cu/Fe mixed metal oxides (Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs) were prepared by calcination of Ni/Cu/Fe layered double hydroxides (Ni/Cu/Fe-LDHs) precursors. Their composition, structure and morphology were characterized by ICP, XRD, FT-IR, BET and SEM. Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs were used for catalytic removal of NOx by hydrocarbon. Their catalytic activities were studied by NOx analyzer. The results show that Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs have homogeneous distribution of hexagon with particles size around 30~50nm and specific surface areas of 10~35 m2∙g–1. Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs sample with molar ration of Ni/Cu/Fe = 5:1:3 exhibits the highest NOx conversion of 15.3%. Ni/Co/Cu/Fe-MMOs have better catalytic activities than both Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs and Cu/Co/Fe-MMOs. For Ni/Cu/Fe-MMOs, propene is the better reductant than octane.
Synthesis and Characterization of a New Phosphorus-Containing Curing Agent PPDTA
Authors: Peng Yong Li , Zhuo Ni An , Zhang Can
Published: May 2019

A new phosphorus-containing flame-retardant curing agent PPDTA was synthesized from phenylphosphonic dichloride (PPD) and 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (TA) in tetrahydrofuran solvent to improve the flame retardancy of epoxy resin. The structure of the compound was analyzed and confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. The effects of reaction time, reaction temperature and ratio of reactants on yield were studied by using three-factor three-level orthogonal experiment. The results show that the yield of PPDTA can reach 86.4%, when the reaction time is 10h, reaction temperature is 70 °Cand the molar ratio of TA to PPD is 2.2:1.
One-Pot Preparation of Silica Fibers from Rice Straw for Efficiency Removal of Heavy Metal Ions
Authors: Li Shou Zhu , Li Ying , Zhang Kai , Yao Li
Published: May 2019

Silica fibers were prepared from the agricultural waste-rice straw via a slow calcination process. A possible formation mechanism of the obtained silica fiber was explained. The phytoliths/vascular composite fibers of rice straw work as the structural directing templates for the formation of silica fibers under the slow calcination process. Owing to the potassium silicate active site, the separable silica fiber showed great capability in removal of Cu2+, Ni2+, Cd2+ and Pb2+ from aqueous solution with efficiency higher than 99%. Additionally, over 90% of equilibrium adsorption capacity can be reached within 10 minutes, showing the easily accessible paths and active sites for ion transportation and adsorption in the as-prepared fiber. These results of this work are beneficial for scientists pursuing new synthetic route for valuable and widely applicable silica fiber materials from the agricultural waste, also helping to solve disposal of the agricultural waste and pollution problems.
A Review on the Modification of Geopolymer with Inorganic Mineral Materials
Authors: Huang Yi
Published: May 2019

Geopolymer has been applied in a great many fields such as cement and concrete, fire-proof material, heavy metal immobilization because of its excellent properties. In recent years, the additives such as fibers, carbon nanotube, graphene and inorganic mineral materials has been used to further improve the mechanical strength and other properties. The geopolymer modification with inorganic mineral materials including Ca (Mg)-rich, Si-rich, Al-rich, silicate aluminate and metal oxides mineral materials is reviewed and the action and modification mechanism of these materials in the geopolymer system are nterpreted in this paper.
Pitting Corrosion Failure Analysis of a Produced Oil/Water Fluid Pipeline
Authors: Ma Yun , Guo Zi Long , Qiao Jiu Chun , Bai Hai Tao
Published: May 2019

This paper presents corrosion failure analysis of an underground natural gas pipeline. The pipeline material grade is 20# steel. The pipeline transfers multiphase fluid (Crude oil and water) from an oil well to an oil gathering plant. A portion of the line failed due to pitting corrosion under unknown circumstances. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) are employed to characterize the scales and/or corrosion products near the failed portion. Based on visual and microscopic analyses and reviewing the background information, the following pitting corrosion sequences were identified: When the water ratio was smaller than 50%, the oil slick could cover the surface of the 20# test samples. Some uncovered surface would be corroded. When the water ratio was more than 70%, the surface of 20# steel contacted with more water. The average corrosion rate increased, and the corrosion products also formed, which would behave as a good diffusion barrier to prevent the underlying steel from further dissolution. Meanwhile, because of the corrosion products, the penetration rate also increased, the trend of local corrosion became weak with the water ratio continued to increase. The pitting corrosion varied with the water ratio because of the protection conferred by the oil slick or the corrosion product layer. Under such conditions, pits emerged on the steel surface until one of them grew faster and failed the oil pipeline.
Morphology and Properties of Poly(Lactic Acid)/Ethylene-Octene Copolymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Wacharawichanant Sirirat , Sriwattana Attachai , Yaisoon Kulaya , Phankokkruad Manop
Published: May 2019

The effects of the montmorillonite clay surface modified with 0.5-5 wt% aminopropyltriethoxysilane and 15-35% octadecylamine (Clay-APTSO) on morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/ethylene-octene copolymer (EOC)/Clay-APTSO composites were investigated. The blends of PLA/EOC with and without Clay-APTSO were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer. Scanning electron microscopy analysis observed the morphology of PLA/EOC blends demonstrated a phase separation of minor phase and matrix phase. The addition of Clay-APTSO in PLA/EOC blends showed significant decreased in droplet size of dispersed EOC phase, thus, Clay-APTSO acted as an effective compatibilizer in the PLA/EOC blends. The results of tensile properties found the decrease of Young’s modulus of PLA when added EOC due to the low modulus and flexibility of EOC. While the incorporation of Clay-APTSO increased significantly Young’s modulus of PLA/EOC blends at low EOC and Clay-APTSO content. The strain at break of the blends increased with the increase of EOC loading, this indicated the presence of EOC enhanced the elongation at break of PLA, while the addition Clay-APTSO reduced the strain at break of PLA/EOC blends. The tensile strength of all blend compositions improved when added Clay-APTSO and the tensile strength showed the highest value at 3 phr of Clay-APTSO. The thermal stability of PLA/EOC blends did not change when compared with neat PLA, and when added Clay-APTSO in the blends could improve the thermal stability of the PLA/EOC blends.