bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can machine learning algorithms accurately predict discharge to nonhome facility and early unplanned readmissions following spinal fusion? Analysis of a national surgical registry
Authors: Goyal Anshit , Ngufor Che , Kerezoudis Panagiotis , McCutcheon Brandon , Storlie Curtis , Bydon Mohamad
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

Nonhome discharge and unplanned readmissions represent important cost drivers following spinal fusion. The authors sought to utilize different machine learning algorithms to predict discharge to rehabilitation and unplanned readmissions in patients receiving spinal fusion.

METHODS

The authors queried the 2012–2013 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS-NSQIP) for patients undergoing cervical or lumbar spinal fusion. Outcomes assessed included discharge to nonhome facility and unplanned readmissions within 30 days after surgery. A total of 7 machine learning algorithms were evaluated. Predictive hierarchical clustering of procedure codes was used to increase model performance. Model performance was evaluated using overall accuracy and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values. These performance metrics were computed for both the imputed and unimputed (missing values dropped) datasets.

RESULTS

A total of 59,145 spinal fusion cases were analyzed. The incidence rates of discharge to nonhome facility and 30-day unplanned readmission were 12.6% and 4.5%, respectively. All classification algorithms showed excellent discrimination (AUC > 0.80, range 0.85–0.87) for predicting nonhome discharge. The generalized linear model showed comparable performance to other machine learning algorithms. By comparison, all models showed poorer predictive performance for unplanned readmission, with AUC ranging between 0.63 and 0.66. Better predictive performance was noted with models using imputed data.

CONCLUSIONS

In an analysis of patients undergoing spinal fusion, multiple machine learning algorithms were found to reliably predict nonhome discharge with modest performance noted for unplanned readmissions. These results provide early evidence regarding the feasibility of modern machine learning classifiers in predicting these outcomes and serve as possible clinical decision support tools to facilitate shared decision making.
How does the cervical spine respond to hyperkyphosis correction in Scheuermann’s disease?
Authors: Xu Liang , Shi Benlong , Qiu Yong , Chen Zhonghui , Chen Xi , Li Song , Du Changzhi , Zhou Qingshuang , Zhu Zezhang , Sun Xu
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to quantify the response of the cervical spine to the surgical correction of Scheuermann’s kyphosis (SK) and to postoperative proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK).

METHODS

Fifty-nine patients (mean age 14.6 ± 2.3 years) were enrolled in the study: 35 patients in a thoracic SK (T-SK) group and 24 in a thoracolumbar SK (TL-SK) group. The mean follow-up period was 47.2 ± 17.6 months. Radiographic data, PJK-related complications, and patient-reported outcomes were compared between groups.

RESULTS

The global kyphosis significantly decreased postoperatively, and similar correction rates were observed between the two groups (mean 47.1% ± 8.6% [T-SK] vs 45.8% ± 9.4% [TL-SK], p = 0.585). The cervical lordosis (CL) in the T-SK group notably decreased from 21.4° ± 13.3° to 13.1° ± 12.4° after surgery and was maintained at 14.9° ± 10.7° at the latest follow-up, whereas in the TL-SK group, CL considerably increased from 7.2° ± 10.7° to 11.7° ± 11.1° after surgery and to 13.8° ± 8.9° at the latest follow-up. PJK was identified in 16 patients (27.1%). Its incidence in the TL-SK group was notably higher than it was in the T-SK group (41.6% [n = 10] vs 17.1% [n = 6], p = 0.037). Compared with non-PJK patients, PJK patients had greater CL and lower pain scores on the Scoliosis Research Society–22 questionnaire (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Hyperkyphosis correction eventually resulted in reciprocal changes in the cervical spine, with CL notably decreased in the T-SK group but significantly increased in the TL-SK group. Patients developing PJK have increased CL, which seems to have a negative effect on patients’ health-related quality of life.
Učinci sustava osiguranja depozita na bankovni rizik
Authors: Suljić Nikolaj Stella , Olgić Draženović Bojana , Drezgić Saša
Published: June 2019

Bankovna stabilnost temelji se na povjerenju deponenata u bankovne institucije i cjelokupni bankovni sustav. Jedna od bazičnih mjera koje osiguravaju navedeno je sustav osiguranja depozita kao sastavni dio sigurnosne mreže svakog financijskog sustava. Njegova važnost posebno dolazi do izražaja u uvjetima nestabilnosti i kriza, dok se u tzv. „dobrim vremenima“ podcjenjuju brojni pozitivni učinci. Ipak, sustav osiguranja depozita rezultira i negativnim posljedicama u smislu većeg preuzimanja rizika od strane banaka, smanjenja tržišne discipline, problema moralnog hazarda i negativne selekcije te problema principala i
agenta. Cilj rada je ispitati učinke sustava osiguranja depozita na bankovnu stabilnost u tri razdoblja: prije globalne financijske krize, za trajanja krize i nakon krize. Bankovna stabilnost aproksimirana je mjerama bankovnog rizika (z-score, nenaplativi krediti u ukupnim kreditima). Istraživanjem su obuhvaćene sve vrste kreditnih institucija (ukupno 1 453) zemalja članica EU-a i odabranih država JI Europe. Analiza je provedena dinamičkom panel analizom - GMM Arellano-Bond (AB) procjeniteljem u dva koraka. Rezultati empirijske analize ukazuju kako djelovanje sustava osiguranja depozita na bankovnu stabilnost mjerenu bankovnim rizikom ovisi o pojedinim obilježjima (karakteristikama) sustava odnosno o primijenjenom dizajnu sustava s obzirom na institucionalne, povijesne i pravne razlike među zemljama.
Važnost intrinzičnih i ekstrinzičnih motivatora kod odabira prvog poslodavca
Authors: Načinović Braje Ivana , Aleksić Ana , Babok Lucija
Published: June 2019

Privlačnost poslodavca utječe na želju za zapošljavanjem i radom u određenoj organizaciji pa se organizacije sve češće pokušavaju diferencirati od ostalih u sektoru te u mislima potencijalnih zaposlenika stvoriti sliku poželjnog poslodavca. Istovremeno, pojedince na akciju mogu potaknuti razni motivi, intrinzičnog i ekstrinzičnog karaktera. Svrha rada je utvrditi vrstu motivacije kojom su pojedinci vođeni u ostvarivanju vlastitih ciljeva te utvrditi ulogu pojedinih čimbenika motivacije prilikom donošenja odluke o zapošljavanju u određenoj organizaciji. Ciljevi istraživanja su sljedeći: utvrditi razinu intrinzične i ekstrinzične motivacije ispitanika, utvrditi važnost pojedinih obilježja poslodavca prilikom odabira prvog poslodavca
te prikupiti saznanja o razlikama u poželjnim obilježjima poslodavca između ispitanika koji su intrinzično i ekstrinzično motivirani. Istraživanje je provedeno u dva navrata tijekom dviju godina korištenjem
online anketnog upitnika na uzorku od 165 ispitanika, studenata diplomskih studija, prvostupnika i magistara koji ne mogu naći posao ili
su u postupku stručnog osposobljavanja. Utvrđeno je da su ispitanici dominantno motivirani intrinzičnim motivima. Za visokoobrazovane mlade izrazitu važnost prilikom odabira prvog poslodavca imaju mogućnost za stjecanje iskustva u struci i dobri odnosi s kolegama, što dodatno potvrđuje visoku intrinzičnu motivaciju mladih u Hrvatskoj. Skupinu obilježja poslodavca od najmanje važnosti mladima predvode karakteristike organizacije – njena veličina i djelatnost.
Medial Temporal Atrophy in Amyloid-Negative Amnestic Type Dementia Is Associated with High Cerebral White Matter Hyperintensity
Authors: Wong Benjamin Yi Xin , Yong Ting Ting , Lim Levinia , Tan Jayne Yi , Ng Adeline Su Lyn , Ting Simon Kang Seng , Hameed Shahul , Ng Kok Pin , Zhou Juan Helen , Kandiah Nagaendran
Published: June 2019

Background:

Non-amyloid mechanisms behind neurodegeneration and cognition impairment are unclear. Cerebrovascular disease (CVD) may play an important role in suspected non-Alzheimer’s pathophysiology (SNAP), especially in Asia.

Objective:

To examine the association between CVD and medial temporal lobe atrophy (MTA) in amyloid-β negative patients with mild amnestic type dementia.

Methods:

Thirty-six mild dementia patients with complete neuropsychological, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker, and neuroimaging information were included. Only patients with clinically significant MTA were recruited. Patients were categorized based on their CSF Aβ levels. Neuroimaging and neuropsychological variables were analyzed.

Results:

Despite comparable MTA between Aβ positive and negative patients, Aβ-negative patients had significantly greater white matter hyperintensities (WMH; Total Fazekas Rating) than their Aβ-positive counterparts (6.42 versus 4.19, p = 0.03). A larger proportion of Aβ-negative patients also had severe and confluent WMH. Regression analyses controlling for baseline characteristics yielded consistent results.

Conclusion:

Our findings demonstrate that MTA is associated with greater CVD burden among Aβ-negative patients with amnestic type dementia. CVD may be an important mechanism behind hippocampal atrophy. This has implications on clinical management strategies, where measures to reduce CVD may slow neurodegeneration and disease progression.
Tau Protein is Associated with Longitudinal Memory Decline in Cognitively Healthy Subjects with Normal Alzheimer’s Disease Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker Levels
Authors: Tort-Merino Adrià , Olives Jaume , León María , Peñaloza Claudia , Valech Natalia , Santos-Santos Miguel A. , Càmara Estela , Grönholm-Nyman Petra , Martínez-Lage Pablo , Fortea Juan , Molinuevo José L. , Sánchez-Valle Raquel , Laine Matti , Rodríguez-Fornells Antoni , Rami Lorena
Published: June 2019

Background:

We investigated a sample of cognitively healthy subjects with normal Alzheimer’s disease (AD) cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker levels to identify the earliest variables related to longitudinal memory changes.

Objective:

Employing a new highly demanding learning and memory test (the Ancient Farming Equipment Test; AFE-T), we aimed to investigate whether a biomarker related to neurodegeneration (i.e., CSF tau) was associated with longitudinal memory decline.

Methods:

Thirty-two cognitively and biologically normal (CBN) subjects underwent MRI, neuropsychological assessment, and the AFE-T at baseline and 18 months later. To explore the relationship between cognitive performance and relevant factors, a linear model was set up. For a secondary analysis that further explore the effect of tau, the subjects were divided into CBN-Tau↓ (tau < 228.64 pg/ml; n = 16) and CBN-Tau↑ (tau > 228.64 pg/ml; n = 16). We also performed voxel-based morphometry (VBM) to identify regions of grey matter volume that would predict both baseline and longitudinal cognitive performance.

Results:

Our main finding was an association between CSF tau and longitudinal memory decline measured with AFE-T ( B = –0.17, p < 0.05; r = –0.414; p < 0.01), and further analyses showed different evolvement between subgroups, with an accelerated decline in individuals with higher tau (F(1,31) = 8.37; p < 0.01). VBM results suggested that AFE-T performance is related to grey matter volume in a medial temporal, middle frontal, and posterior cerebellar network at baseline, and that there are strategic brain areas driving the longitudinal cognitive changes.

Conclusions:

The present findings provide evidence for structural and biological markers linked to cognitive aging by highlighting the role of tau, a marker of neurodegeneration, which can be related with the earliest memory changes in healthy subjects.
Exploring the Correlation between the Cognitive Benefits of Drug Combinations in a Clinical Database and the Efficacies of the Same Drug Combinations Predicted from a Computational Model
Authors: Anastasio Thomas J.
Published: June 2019

Identification of drug combinations that could be effective in Alzheimer’s disease treatment is made difficult by the sheer number of possible combinations. This analysis identifies as potentially therapeutic those drug combinations that rank highest when their efficacy is determined jointly from two independent data sources. Estimates of the efficacy of the same drug combinations were derived from a clinical dataset on cognitively impaired elderly participants and from pre-clinical data, in the form of a computational model of neuroinflammation. Linear regression was used to show that the two sets of estimates were correlated, and to rule out confounds. The ten highest ranking, jointly determined drug combinations most frequently consisted of COX2 inhibitors and aspirin, along with various antihypertensive medications. Ten combinations of from five to nine drugs, and the three-drug combination of a COX2 inhibitor, aspirin, and a calcium-channel blocker, are discussed as candidates for consideration in future pre-clinical and clinical studies.
Everyday Memory Failures in Older Adults with Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Niedźwieńska Agnieszka , Kvavilashvili Lia
Published: June 2019

Identifying people with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI), who are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, is important for improving early disease management and care. Although self- or informant-reported memory problems constitute one of the diagnostic criteria of aMCI, there is currently little empirical knowledge about the frequency and nature of everyday memory failures in aMCI compared to age-matched healthy controls. Consequently, clinicians rely on their personal judgements when assessing the seriousness of reported memory failures. To address this gap in our knowledge, 32 aMCI participants and 38 healthy controls recorded their everyday memory failures as and when they occurred during a 7-day period, in a portable diary-booklet, by filling in a short questionnaire on a diary page. Descriptions of memory failures were coded into several subcategories of retrospective memory, prospective memory, and absent-minded failures. Results showed that a total number of recorded failures was significantly higher in participants with aMCI than controls. This group difference was mainly due to aMCI participants recording a higher number of retrospective memory failures, while groups did not differ in the number of prospective memory and absent-minded failures. Additionally, while certain types of failures (i.e., forgetting appointments and well-learned procedures) were recorded by a proportion of aMCI patients, they were never reported in a control group. Overall compliance rates were high and did not differ across the groups, suggesting that a structured diary method is feasible to use with aMCI patients, and can provide useful information about everyday memory functioning in this population.
A Robust and Scalable High-Throughput Compatible Assay for Screening Amyloid-β-Binding Compounds
Authors: McClure Richard , Redha Rey , Vinson Paige , Pham Wellington
Published: June 2019

A robust fluorescent readout assay using topologically-sensitive dyes improves the screening of novel amyloid-binding molecules. One of the key components that make this assay more realistic is the use of endogenous amyloid obtained from 5XFAD mouse brains. The assay conditions were optimized for high throughput screening operation with Z-prime values >0.6. Using a combination of library of 3,500 compounds including known drugs, natural-derived molecules and random organic molecules, 8 unique molecules were identified as potential amyloid-binding agents.
Frontal Variant of Alzheimer’s Disease: A Report of a Novel PSEN1 Mutation
Authors: Monacelli Fiammetta , Martella Lucia , Parodi Maria Nives , Odetti Patrizio , Fanelli Francesca , Tabaton Massimo
Published: June 2019

Alzheimer’s disease may mimic frontotemporal dementia. We describe a case of presenile dementia who presented with peudo-psychotic symptoms carrying a PSEN1 mutation (P355 S), which was not known to be pathogenic. PET-FDG showed bilateral frontotemporal hypometabolism, but at MRI, multiple microbleeds were detected, suggestive of amyloid angiopathy.
PILOT: Password and PIN information leakage from obfuscated typing videos
Authors: Balagani Kiran , Cardaioli Matteo , Conti Mauro , Gasti Paolo , Georgiev Martin , Gurtler Tristan , Lain Daniele , Miller Charissa , Molas Kendall , Samarin Nikita , Saraci Eugen , Tsudik Gene , Wu Lynn
Published: June 2019

This paper studies leakage of user passwords and PINs based on observations of typing feedback on screens or from projectors in the form of masked characters (∗ or ∙) that indicate keystrokes. To this end, we developed an attack called Password and Pin Information Leakage from Obfuscated Typing Videos ( PILOT ). Our attack extracts inter-keystroke timing information from videos of password masking characters displayed when users type their password on a computer, or their PIN at an ATM. We conducted several experiments in various attack scenarios. Results indicate that, while in some cases leakage is minor, it is quite substantial in others. By leveraging inter-keystroke timings, PILOT recovers 8-character alphanumeric passwords in as little as 19 attempts. When guessing PINs, PILOT significantly improved on both random guessing and the attack strategy adopted in our prior work (In European Symposium on Research in Computer Security ( 2018 ) 263–280 Springer). In particular, we were able to guess about 3% of the PINs within 10 attempts. This corresponds to a 26-fold improvement compared to random guessing. Our results strongly indicate that secure password masking GUIs must consider the information leakage identified in this paper.
A REVIEW ON COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE SAFETY AND EFFECTIVENESS OF SACUBITRIL-VALSARTAN COMBINATION WITH ACE/ARB THERAPY IN CARDIAC PATIENTS
Authors: Suresh Bhagya , George Mathew , Joseph Lincy
Published: June 2019

Cardiovascular (CV) disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the developing and the developed world, and represents a major barrier to sustainable human development. Ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, cardiomyopathy and heart failure (HF), and hypertension among others represent major forms of CV disease. Heart failure (HF) is among the key contributors to the CV-related health care burden, a uninterrupted concern despite the utilization of clinically tried guideline-directed therapies. The most common cause for HF is reduced left cavum heart muscle perform. ARBs produce equivalent mortality benefits with fewer adverse effects than ACE inhibitors. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACEI) reduces the combined risk of death or hospitalization, slow progression of HF, and reduced rate of reinfarction. Sacubitril/valsartan could be a first-in-class twin action molecule of the neprilysin (NEP) substance sacubitril (AHU-377) and therefore the angiotensin II (Ang II) sort one (AT1) receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan. The beneficial antihypertensive and HF effects of sacubitril/valsartan are mediated through the inhibition of NEP in catabolizing the natriuretic peptides (NPs) and the blockade of Ang II, AT1 receptor with valsartan. These actions of sacubitril/ valsartan end in general dilation and inflated symptoms and symptoms, resulting in decrease in peripheral tube resistance and plasma volume contraction, all necessary actions for the lowering of BP and improving HF symptoms.

Keywords:  cardiovascular disease, left ventricular ejection fraction, angiotensin II receptor blocker, angiotensin converting enzyme, sacubitril/valsartan.
A REVIEW ON THE EFFECT OF FEBUXOSTAT IN CHRONIC KIDNEY PATIENTS, IT’S SIGNIFICANCE IN eGFR, URIC ACID AND ALBUMINURIA.
Authors: Jose Jinsu Deena , George Mathew , Joseph Lincy
Published: June 2019

Chronic kidney disease is defined as the abnormality of the kidney structure or function for≥ 3 months and is associated with an irreversible reduction of the excretory and the endocrine functions of the kidney. An important risk factor for the development and progression of CKD is hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia can occur as a result of the increased production or the reduced secretion of uric acid. Increased uric acid level is significantly associated with a greater decline in renal function and there is a higher risk of progression into kidney failure. Febuxostat is a nonpurine xanthine oxidase inhibitor for the treatment of hyperuricemia in patients with chronic kidney disease. It reduces serum uric acid concentrations by blocking the transformation of hypoxanthine to xanthine and xanthine to uric acid. Febuxostat is mainly metabolized in the liver and excreted through both urine and feces. Renal adjustment is also not required in CKD patients with mild to moderately reduced eGFR as it is metabolized mainly by glucuronidation and oxidation in the liver and well excreted by both urinary and fecal routes. Recent studies show that, in addition to lowering the uric acid level, febuxostat preserves the eGFR.

Keywords:  Chronic kidney disease, hyperuricemia, febuxostat, eGFR
Problems of unformal employment at the market of Ukraine's labor.
Authors: Bielova Alla , Koval Svetlana
Published: June 2019

The subject of the article is the study of specific problems of informal (unformal) employment of the population on the labor market of Ukraine by analyzing the statistical estimation of dynamics and structure of some indicators in 2015 and 2017. The study used general scientific and special statistical methods: analysis of dynamics and synthesis, analogy and comparison, expert assessments, etc. On the basis of the study of the numerical characteristics of the main indicators of the labor market, an analysis of certain aspects of the problems of the informal sector in the field of employment and unemployment in Ukraine was conducted, as well as the main prospects for their possible future solution in the modern economic conditions. It is determined that coordination of efforts of the authorities at all levels in the implementation of the employment policy and reduction of its shadowing scale is impossible without a scientifically based comprehensive national program for promoting employment, aimed at ensuring a balanced supply and demand for labor in the labor market.
Review of the book by Sh. M. Hapizova, S. M. Galbaseva «Avars Tsor: (Zakatala district) in the XVIII – the first half of the XX century (Essay of political and social history)»
Authors: Khalaev Z A
Published: June 2019

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TO THE HISTORY OF COVERING THE PECULIARITIES OF THE DAGESTAN CARPET WEAVING
Authors: Ramazanova Z B , Garunova S M
Published: June 2019

he Article provides an overview of the historiography of the description of Dagestan carpet-weaving as a component of the domestic economy, material culture and aesthetic consciousness, as well as some ornamental and compositional and technical characteristics of local varieties of carpets and rugs. Analysis of literature data and field ethnographic materials suggests that Dagestan carpet-weaving is characterized by ornamental features and compositional diversity; by abundance of local centers which used to produce these carpets and rugs; by art and technical features of Dagestan carpets which visibly testified in which part of Dagestan, in what village they are woven. Actually, this seems the most impressive feature of the Dagestan carpet culture. It is noteworthy that many well known types of Caucasian rugs are

named as Lezgi (Mirakh, Akhty, Kabir, Akhty, Zahur (Zeihur), Chi-Chi), Kumyk (Kayakent, Kumtorkala), Avar (Tlyarota) villages. In the World there are no analogues to ornamental and color composition of flat-weave carpet types "dum","davagin", "salmag" "soumakh ", which were woven in a certain Kumyk, Avar, Lezgi villages. So, the particularly

of Dagestan carpet-weaving is expressed by:

a) the abundance of original carpet designs, developed to canonical level of perfection and clearly

localized in the districts and villages;

b) variability of the ornamental and technological characteristics:

с) plurality of local types of carpets;

g) fineness of weaving technique;

d) quality of wool of the Dagestan mountain breed of sheep;

e) coloring properties of the Derbent madder roots which, comparing with all known World species of this plant, has a superior content of the red colorant. All this, combined with the skillful, painstaking work of the weavers, determines the finesse of the Dagestan carpets, which is easily detected by the naked eye and without special knowledge.
PRE-WEDDING CEREMONIES IN THE URAKHINSKY RURAL COMMUNITY IN THE 19th - EARLY 20th CENTURIES
Authors: Musaeva S I , Akhmedova K K
Published: June 2019

The article deals with the ceremonial cycle of pre-wedding family and marriage rites observed by the Dargins-Urakhins in the Urakhinsky rural community in the 19th - early 20th centuries. The family is a unique social institution, the most important value of the society, which is a reliable custodian and source of transmission of ethnic culture, namely customs, traditions of the people, without which the culture of the people as a whole is inconceivable. Marriage of a son or a daughter in the Urakhinsky community, like for all Dagestan nationalities, was the most crucial event in the family life, therefore, parents themselves or their close relatives usually looked for a bride for the young man among those of equal social and economic status. From relatives and neighbors of the girl, they obtained information on her and her parents, the welfare of the family, the features of the girl’s character, her reputation, and the girl’s attitude to her own parents and relatives. The personal qualities of the bride - health, skills to run a household, ability to behave in society, respect for the elders, responsiveness and other moral qualities were of great importance. According to the adats and customs of the Urakhinsky community, the minimum marriage age for men was 20 years, for women - 15 years. Marriages with a large age difference between the couple were not approved by public opinion, nor were they condemned, as a rule these marriages were caused by socio-economic reasons. The article highlights family values, as well as the stages and forms of matchmaking and the role of parents in the whole process of the pre-wedding ceremonies.
Physical–Chemical Characteristics of Cutin Separated from Tomato Waste for the Preparation of Bio-lacquers
Authors: Cifarelli A. , Cigognini I. M. , Bolzoni L. , Montanari A.
Published: June 2019

Green chemistry protocols are proposed to produce high-value chemicals from waste tomatoes. Long-chain hydroxy fatty acids (called cutin acids), in particular the 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid and its oligomers, could be innovative building-block chemicals for the synthesis of novel bio-resins and lacquers suitable as internal protective coating for metal food packaging. However, these natural compounds are not currently commercially available. This study investigates the possibility of extracting cutin acids from tomato peels without the use of organic solvents and by an efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally safe method amenable to industrial scale-up. The first route investigated was based on alkaline hydrolysis of the tomato cuticle. The second involved the acid free-selective precipitation of cutin. Finally, cutin was isolated by hydrogen peroxide-assisted hydrolysis. GC-MS analysis revealed the main chemical compound isolated by all methods to be 10,16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, the principal component of tomato cutin, with extraction yields ranging from 81 to 96%. Products are different in terms of appearance, solubility, the degree of crosslinking observed and molecular weight, as shown by GPC analysis. Furthermore, the products extracted were characterized by means of FT-IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis. The cutin obtained through alkaline hydrolysis results the best raw material for bio-resin preparation.
Principio de confianza legítima, sobre los derechos fundamentales de las personas privadas de la libertad en Argentina, Colombia y Ecuador
Authors: Montoya López Angela , Jiménez Salazar Juan Carlos , Cediel Harol Arley , Gómez Jiménez Manuel Gilberto , Díaz Cano Santiago , Díaz Henao Santiago
Published: June 2019

El presente artículo toma por objeto, el estudio de los lineamientos establecidos para la comprensión y aplicación del principio de confianza legítima de los derechos fundamentales, respecto a la población carcelaria, las cuales, para el caso concreto, se analizarán en materia de derecho comparado, que permita establecer las diferencias y similitudes del trato que contempla cada ordenamiento jurídico de la nación colombiana, argentina y ecuatoriana.En ese orden de ideas, los derechos fundamentales son de imprescindible valor para un ordenamiento jurídico, toda vez que en ellos se encuentra inmerso la finalidad de un Estado y las garantías que el mismo establece para el desarrollo de una nación bajo unos principios constitucionales.El entendimiento de los derechos fundamentales, faculta a quien los estudia, del conocimiento pleno para el ejercicio de sus derechos y las exigencias de las cuales está investido para garantizar su protección y, además, posibilita establecer una relación que podría arrojar como resultado, las fortalezas y debilidades de los ordenamientos jurídicos en este sentido.Así las cosas, se colige que recae sobre los Estados, la responsabilidad de limitar en primera instancia, el derecho a la libertad de las personas que cometen actos delictivos según sea su tipología y seguidamente, garantizar las condiciones para una vida digna durante su estadía, conllevando a generar las condiciones adecuadas para la efectiva resocialización.En el papel, las cárceles latinoamericanas tienen la misión de resocializar a los internos y propender que estos al culminar sus condenas, si es del caso, al estar extramuros, no vuelvan a infringir la ley, tengan una visión solidaria del mundo y convivan pacíficamente.
La revolución de los servicios en línea de entidades financieras de la ciudad de Bogotá
Authors: Reyes Rojas Germán Enrique , González Díaz Fabio
Published: June 2019

Con el presente artículo, el grupo investigador pretende Analizar los sistemas en línea de atención al cliente implantados por las entidades financieras de la ciudad de Bogotá. Los bancos de la capital han tenido una gran transformación en las últimas dos décadas, en sus antecedentes se observó que estas han sido resultado de fusiones o adquisiciones por parte de otras entidades, o el ingreso al mercado nacional de la banca internacional; así como han sufrido cambios en sus estructuras empresariales, la innovación y la llegada de nuevas tecnologías ahora permiten mejores servicio a los usuarios por medio de plataformas digitales, los sistemas de seguridad por partes de las autoridades y las redes de cámaras, también han disminuido hurtos al momento de retirar dinero en bancos o cajeros electrónicos. El sector financiero es uno de los que están ligados a la tecnología y la innovación en sistemas de seguridad por lo cual en la actualidad los problemas que presentan son principalmente por usuarios inconformes por problemas específicos de sus productos y no por los inconvenientes generalizados, los sistemas en línea han permitido agilizar los trámites mientras se disminuyen costos de tiempo y transporte. La innovación tecnológica es un valor agregado que toda entidad debe mantener como mejora continua para estar a la vanguardia en los avances de globalización, las TIC permiten mantener actualizada la información magnética de todas las organizaciones en los avances del mundo, y en los servicios financieros la competencia crece día tras día por la internacionalización de los países desarrollados, y es lo que aprovechan los competidores locales.
Fogón costeño. Historia alrededor de los platos típicos del caribe colombiano
Authors: Torres Villa Miguel Ángel , Oliveros Villamizar Itatí , Galán Rivera Jhon Edinson , Pertuz Escorcia Jesús Javier
Published: June 2019

Aquí encontrarás una muestra gastronómica que por años ha venido formando la cultura Caribe. Platos salados y dulces, que han estado a cargo de manos llenas de experiencias que por generaciones han tenido la dicha de ir preservando el gusto costeño; y de alguna manera han hecho de nuestros paladares, los mejores catadores del sabor Caribe.Anécdotas convertidas en platos, hacen de éste contenido un viaje en tiempo cargado de recuerdos. Involúcrate y sumerge tu mente en los colores y sabores plasmados en éste libro, con el que tendrás una conexión a través de la fotografía gastronómica de la cultura del Caribe Colombiano.
宝钢湛江定宽机不锈钢堆焊技术研究
Authors: 舒 泽平
Published: June 2019

宝钢湛江项目中大量产品要求堆焊DIN8555-8-200材料，从制定合理的焊接工艺，包括焊接材料的选择、焊接方法、焊接参数的确定、焊后热处理等多个方面确保产品质量。
Improving Students’ Vocabulary Mastery through Word Wall Method at Ninth Graders of SMPN 1 Mamuju
Authors: Mada Ali Syahban
Published: June 2019

This research was a classroom action research (CAR). The objective of this research was to find out students’ vocabulary mastery especially its application in a correct sentence pattern by using Word Wall method to the ninth grade students of SMP Negeri 1 Mamuju. This research consisted of three cycles. There were 30 students in one class that followed this research. The result showed there was improvement of the students’ vocabulary. It could be seen on their average score in the first cycle improved by 49.25%, from the diagnostic test 34.83%. Then, it improved more in the second cycle by 60.8% and more in the third cycle that achieves 68.25%. However, despite getting the students’ average score improved, after applying the three cycles, it is still not success achieving the Minimum Completeness Criteria (MCC) of the subject that was 75.
The management Model of National Character Education for Early Childhood Education through based on Democracy
Authors: Hasnidar Hasnidar , Elihami Elihami
Published: June 2019

This study is aware of the management of Early Childhood Education through National Character Education based on Democracy. The problems of this study are: 1) What is the process of applying the management of Early Childhood Education through the National Character Education based on Democracy; 2) Can through the management of Early Childhood Education be implemented the National Character Education based on Democracy. The type of research used the classroom action research which seeks to examine and reflect in depth some aspects of teaching and learning activities. The focus of this research is the management of Early Childhood Education through National Character Education based on human resources and local education activities with the management of Early Childhood Education. The subjects was the subject of the study TK PGRI Standard Corawali, Sidenreng Rappang Regency, consisting of 25 children consisting of 10 boys and 15 girls. The instrument that will be used is observation, tests and documentation. Data to be processed by percentage analysis and presented in the form of descriptions and presentations. The implementation plan begins with asking questions, thinking together and answering; 2) Application of the approach to improving learning outcomes and increasing character in TK PGRI Standard Corawali to apply the character of children. The goals and objectives of education held in schools are formal and informal channels. The main target of education can be achieved well, it needs to be initiated in the concept of integration through a character approach to TK PGRI Standard Corawali.
The Use of Prezi with KWL Strategy to Enhance Students Reading Comprehension
Authors: Ifah Rahman Musdalifah
Published: June 2019

The objectives of this research were to find out whether the use of Prezi with KWL Strategy enhances the reading comprehension and the students’ interest. This research employed quasi experimental design. The population of this research was the first grade students of SMA 2 Enrekang in academic 2017/2018. This research employed cluster random sampling technique. The sample consisted of 72 students which belong to two classes; 36 students in experimental class and also 36 students in control class. Research instruments were used to collect the data in this research namely reading comprehension test and questionnaire. The result of the students’ reading score in this research showed that the experimental class improved significantly from 69.69 up to 86.61. While, in control class the result improved from 66.22 up to 75.89. Therefore, the significant values of Independent t-test 0.000 < α = 0.05. It means that the alternative hypothesis (H1) was accepted. Moreover, based on the students’ response on questionnaire showed that the mean score of interest was 80.61 and it was categorized as interested.
A Vacuum Powered Soft Textile-Based Clutch
Authors: Sadeghi Ali , Mondini Alessio , Mazzolai Barbara
Published: June 2019

We present the design, manufacturing, and characterization of a soft textile-based clutch (TBC) that uses vacuum stimulation to switch between locking and unlocking its linear displacement. The vacuum locks the relative sliding motion between two elaborated textile webbings with an elastic silicone rubber bag. Various fabrication techniques, such as silicone casting on textiles and melt embossing for direct fabrication of miniature patterns on textile and sewing, were used to develop three groups of TBC samples based on friction and interlocking principles. Their performance was compared in a blocking configuration. The clutch with an interlocking mechanism presented the highest withstanding force (150 N) compared to that (54 N) recorded for the friction-based clutch. The simple and compact structure of the proposed clutch, together with the intrinsic adaptability of fabric with other clothing and soft materials, make it an appropriate solution for applications in soft wearable robotics and generally as a locking and variable stiffness solution for soft robotic applications.
A Systematic Review of Field Trials to Synthesize Existing Knowledge and Agronomic Practices on Protein Crops in Europe
Authors: Sellami Mohamed Houssemeddine , Pulvento Cataldo , Aria Massimo , Stellacci Anna Maria , Lavini Antonella
Published: June 2019

Protein crops can represent a sustainable answer to growing demand for high quality, protein-rich food in Europe. To better understand the state of scientific studies on protein crops, a systematic review of field trials results to collect existing knowledge and agronomic practices on protein crops in European countries was conducted using published data from the literature (1985–2017). A total of 42 publications was identified. The following seven protein crops were considered: quinoa, amaranth, pea, faba bean, lupin, chickpea, and lentil. Observations within the studies were related to one or more of eight wide categories of agronomic managements: deficit irrigation (n = 130), salinity (n = 6), tillage (n = 211), fertilizers (n = 146), sowing density (n = 32), sowing date (n = 92), weed control (n = 71), and multiple interventions (n = 129). In 86% of the studies, measures of variability for yield mean values are missing. Through a multiple correspondence analysis (MCA) based on protein crops, European environments, and agronomic management factors, we provide a state of art of studies carried out in Europe on protein crops over the 32-year period; this study will allow us to understand the aspects that can still be developed in the topic. Most investigated studies refer to southern Europe and showed some trends: (i) faba bean, pea, and lupin provide highest seed yields; (ii) sowing date, sowing density, fertilization, and deficit irrigation are the agronomic practices that most influence crop yield; (iii) studies conducted in Central Europe show highest seed yields. The output from this study can be used to guide policies for sustainable crop management.
Field Spectroscopy to Determine Nutritive Value Parameters of Individual Ryegrass Plants
Authors: Smith Chaya , Cogan Noel , Badenhorst Pieter , Spangenberg German , Smith Kevin
Published: June 2019

The nutritive value (NV) of perennial ryegrass is an important driver of productivity for grazing stock; therefore, improving NV parameters would be beneficial to meat and dairy producers. NV is not actively targeted by most breeding programs due to NV measurement being prohibitively slow and expensive. Nondestructive spectroscopy has the potential to reduce the time and cost required to screen for NV parameters to make targeted breeding of NV practical. The application of a field spectrometer was trialed to gather canopy spectra of individual ryegrass plants to develop predictive models for eight NV parameters for breeding programs. The targeted NV parameters included acid detergent fibre, ash, crude protein, dry matter, in vivo dry matter digestibility, in vivo organic matter digestibility, neutral detergent fibre, and water-soluble carbohydrates. The models were developed with partial least square regression. Model predicted ranking of plants had R2 between (0.87 and 0.39) and lab rankings of highest preforming plants. The highest ranked plants, which are generally the selection target for breeding programs, were accurately identified with the canopy-based model at a speed, cost and accuracy that is promising for NV breeding programs.
Weed Control Ability of Single Sown Cover Crops Compared to Species Mixtures
Authors: Schappert Alexandra , Schumacher Matthias , Gerhards Roland
Published: June 2019

To achieve efficient weed control through cover cropping, the plant species chosen needs particular consideration. Combing different cover crop (CC) species in mixtures may increase the number of provided ecosystem services, including reliable suppression of weeds. We tested the weed suppression ability of single CC species and CC mixtures in a field trial during the autumn-to-winter growing season of 2016 and 2017. Anethum graveolens L. (dill), Raphanus sativus var. oleiformis Pers. (oilseed radish), Avena strigosa Schreb. (black oat), Carthamus tinctorius L. (safflower), Vicia sativa L. (vetch) and Phacelia tanacetifolia Benth. (phacelia) were sown in monocultures, as well as in mixtures with three or six species. Treatments with favorable establishment and above-average biomass yields tended to suppress weeds by showing lower weed dry matter and weed numbers. The highest weed control efficacy within the monocultures was reached in 2017 by black oat and oilseed radish with 72% and 83%, respectively. The mixture treatments reached a generally lower soil cover, aboveground dry matter and weed control efficacy (with an average of 57% in 2017). Even though mixtures were not as effective as the best performing single sown CCs, species combinations increased resilience against adverse weather conditions, an advantage to achieving efficient weed control over a long-term period. Therefore, species composition within mixtures is more relevant than the number of species included.
Cereal Response to Deep Tillage and Incorporated Organic Fertilizer
Authors: Jakobs Inga , Schmittmann Oliver , Athmann Miriam , Kautz Timo , Lammers Peter Schulze
Published: June 2019

This study examined the effect of stripwise subsoiling and subsoiling combined with the incorporation of organic material on crop development in a two-year field trial with typical weather in the first year and hot, dry weather in the second. Subsoiling and its combination with incorporated organic materials had strong effects on plant development and crop yield of spring barley (2017) and winter wheat (2018). The subsoil was loosened in 30 cm wide furrows down to a depth of up to 60 cm with a tine (DL) or a spader machine (SM) and was compared with the same methods of subsoil loosening combined with the incorporation of compost from biological household wastes (DLB and SMB). Furthermore, green waste compost (SMG), chopped straw (SMCS) and sawdust (SMS) were incorporated with the spader machine only. DL successfully reduced penetration resistance underneath the furrow and enhanced root growth underneath and near the furrow over the whole experimental period. Grain protein content above the furrow was enhanced compared with the untreated control (C) in the first year, but grain yield did not increase. DLB also reduced penetration resistance and increased root growth, but furthermore caused considerable increases in soil mineral nitrogen underneath the furrow throughout the vegetation period. Consequently, both yield and grain protein content above the furrow were tendentially increased as compared with the C. In SMB, grain yield increased even more than in DLB, compared to C, in 2017 (84% for SMB vs. 19% for DLB) and nearly equally in 2018 (65.4% vs. 65.2%) while all other treatments tendentially decreased grain yield above the furrow as compared with C. The results indicate that subsoiling with the introduction of organic material can reduce mechanical impedance and increase soil nitrogen and thereby ensure stable yields during dry periods, which become more frequent under climate change.
Immune System Stimulation Reduces the Efficiency of Whole-Body Protein Deposition and Alters Muscle Fiber Characteristics in Growing Pigs
Authors: McGilvray Whitney D. , Johnson Bradley , Wooten Hailey , Rakhshandeh Amanda R. , Rakhshandeh Anoosh
Published: June 2019

The effects of immune system stimulation (ISS), induced by repeated injection of Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide, on the whole-body protein synthesis versus degradation rates, the efficiency of protein deposition (PD), and muscle fiber characteristics in pigs were evaluated. Twelve growing gilts were assigned to two levels of amino acid intake that was predicted based on the potential of each group’s health status for PD and feed intake. Isotope tracer, nitrogen balance, and immunohistochemical staining techniques were used to determine protein turnover, PD, and muscle fiber characteristics, respectively. Protein synthesis, degradation, and PD were lower in immune-challenged pigs than in control pigs (p < 0.05). Strong tendencies for a higher protein synthesis-to-PD ratio (p = 0.055) and a lower protein synthesis-to-degradation ratio (p = 0.065) were observed in immune-challenged pigs. A decrease in muscle cross-sectional area of fibers and a shift from myosin heavy chain (MHC)-II towards MHC-I fibers (p < 0.05) were observed in immune-challenged pigs. These results indicated that ISS reduces PD not only by suppressing the whole-body protein synthesis and degradation rates, but also by decreasing the efficiency of PD in growing pigs. In addition, ISS induces atrophy in skeletal muscles and favors a slow-twitch oxidative fiber type composition.
Evaluating the Behavior and Temperament of African Penguins in a Non-Contact Animal Encounter Program
Authors: Saiyed Sana T. , Hopper Lydia M. , Cronin Katherine A.
Published: June 2019

Animal ambassador programs are increasingly prevalent in zoos, yet few studies have investigated their impact on animal welfare. We assessed the effects of an ambassador program on the behavior of a colony (N = 15) of zoo-housed African penguins (Spheniscus demersus) and evaluated whether individual characteristics were predictive of participation. Behavioral data were collected for 16 weeks and included 43 “penguin encounters”, during which zoo visitors entered a designated portion of the penguins’ enclosure. When comparing colony behavior following encounters to behavior during a matched control period lacking an encounter, we found no significant difference between affiliative or aggressive behaviors, suggesting that the encounters did not disrupt interactions in the colony. The same was true when comparing behavior preceding the encounter to a matched control period, indicating that any anticipatory period was similarly non-disruptive. Space use during encounters suggested comfort near visitors. We also measured penguin temperament on the shy-bold continuum by recording the birds’ response to novel objects and found that penguins’ temperament, sex, and age were predictive of participation. We concluded that this program had a neutral or positive impact on penguin welfare and considered the findings in relation to aspects of the ambassador program that provided penguins with control over their involvement.