bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Socio-community practices: changes in the ways of learning and teaching
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Argentina, Macchiarola Viviana , Pugliese Solivellas Verónica ,   Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Argentina, Pizzolitto Ana Lucía ,   Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Argentina
Published: December 2020

The presented article is part of an evaluative investigation, in which we propose to determine the value of socio-community practices, promoted at the National University of Río Cuarto since 2009 in all study plans for undergraduate courses. These practices are conceived as learning communities where students, teachers and community actors learn together, participating in a common practice. The interpretive approach used supposes to know and to evaluate, considering the meanings that the actors attribute to these experiences. Particularly in this article we investigate the new ways of learning, the approach to realities that modify subjectivities, the learning of specific competences, the possibilities to think over the professions and the own emotions from the voices and perspectives of the students and teachers.
Socio-community practices as bridges of encounter between knowledge
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Humanas. Argentina, Comerci María Eugenia , Schoenfeld Federico ,   Universidad Nacional de La Pampa. Facultad de Ciencias Humanas. Argentina
Published: December 2020

Within the framework of Community Practices and the Field of Practices, we initiate learning spaces, among bakers, students and teachers, in the search for practical and theoretical knowledge; academic and empirical, with concrete actions for the recovery, assessment and visibility of the work in artisan brick kilns. Likewise, we coordinate this meeting space with the Technical Secondary School to generate a meaningful educational exchange for students where academic and popular knowledge are combined with interdisciplinary knowledge of secondary education in order to express its practical application in the community.
The Educational Social Practices and their metaphors. Approaches to a reconstruction of meanings from critical perspectives
Authors:   Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Argentina, Cecchi Néstor Horacio , Oyarbide Fabricio ,   Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata. Argentina
Published: December 2020

For those of us who have been going through the public university for decades, a clear tendency in most of our institutions to rethink their senses, their missions, their functions, in sum: their must be. In these times and these contexts in which deep inequalities are made visible with absolute clarity, these tendencies to construct new meanings acquire a particular relevance. We understand that public universities in the exercise of their autonomy and as members of the State, must assume a leading role with a contribution that contributes to guaranteeing rights, in particular, of the subalternized sectors. This critical positioning is inescapable to consolidate the social commitment of our higher education institutios. This compelling transformative intention has a valuable background. In this sense, we warn that both in Argentina and in some of the countries of the Region, tendencies to consolidate, systematize, institutionalize processes of emancipatory articulation in their relations with the territory, organizations and social movements have been reproduced for some years, many of them, through curricularization processes in its different meanings. These experiences, dissimilar by the way, find the need to settle, to institutionalize themselves through various conformations that in some cases converge in Educational Social Practices or similar names, with different, unique formats, but with different meanings as well. That is why we propose to display, analyze, make visible some of the salient characteristics of these processes, the regulations, their singularities, similarities, the multiplicity of their feelings, in sum, their metaphors.
Sociocultural meanings of the fairy-tale mythology “Cinderella” in the authors intentions, preferences of children and criticians interpretations
Authors: Ruban Larissa S.
Published: December 2020

In the article, the author uses the example of game and fairy-tale modeling to consider the differences in the perception and attitude of social individuals depending on age, level of education and culture, and status. The article analyzes how adults pass on evaluation and normative criteria to children and form behavioral skills in society, adapting the new generation to its requirements. The transfer of knowledge and norms from one generation to another saves younger social individuals from chaotic social throwing, giving them ready-made social patterns of behavior in accordance with the norms accepted in society, which helps to smooth out conflicts and develop intergenerational interaction and harmony.
Migration patterns of scientific personnel in Belarus and Russia
Authors: Pushkevich Siarhey , Yurevich Maxim
Published: December 2020

The paper presents an approach to studying cross-border mobility of scientists basedon the analysis of bibliometric information. The initial information was compiled by publications of Belarusian and Russian scientists in journals indexed by the Web of Science database. The basic hypothesis of the study is based on the assumption that if a scientist hasbeen published for several years as an employee of the domestic (i.e. Belarusian, Russian)organizations, and then had an affiliation with foreign institutions, then it has signs of migra-tion abroad and carries out scientific activities outside of Belarus/Russia. For the Republicof Belarus, all areas of science are considered without restrictions; migration activity of Russian scientists is analyzed in mathematical and social sciences. The results of applying the bibliometric approach made it possible to form five patterns of scientific personnel migration. For example, Belarusian scientists are mostly characterized by pendulum migration and episodic contacts, to a lesser extent – traditional migration; forRussian scientists in the field of mathematical and social Sciences – circular and irrevocablemigration. In addition, during the reviewed time interval (from 2008 to 2019), no large-scale“brain drain” was detected from both Belarus and Russia.
The Realignment of Subsidized Rice (Rastra) Policy into Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) in Kalisat Sub-District of Jember District
Authors: Hikmah Faiqoh Nurul , Murdiyastuti Anastasia
Published: December 2020

Rastra is one of the social aids organized by Indonesian government to help the poor reduce their burden on the household. However, in 2017 the government amended this polic, called Non-cash food Assistance (BPNT). This new policy was operative based on 5 benchmarks of the alteration in attitudes and the behavior of the public and members of the bureaucracy, the alteration in leadership style, the efficiency of using sources, and the reduction of legalistic approaches. This research was commenced in November 2018 and aimed to analyze the transformation of Rastra Policy into BPNT, especially in Kalisat village, Jember district. The author revealed that this change had aimed to manage the stock of rice and the price because the government shared the aids once a month. The research data was taken from Kalisat village administration office which received the Rastra and each e-Warung organized by BPNT. The present study employed quantitative method. The author argued that, as the endeavour for poverty reduction, this policy needed improvement related to the target, the timing, the quality of the aids, and e-Warung readiness. The author contends that this realignment should be done based on the readiness of each infrastructur.

Keywords: Realignment, Implementation, Policy, Rastra, BPNT
Application of bidirectional isolated converters in a traction drive
Authors:   Emperor Alexander I Petersburg State Transport University, Titova T. S. , Evstaf’yeva M. V. ,   Emperor Alexander I Petersburg State Transport University, Izvarin M. Yu. ,   Emperor Alexander I Petersburg State Transport University
Published: December 2020

Objective: Analysis of the operation of a bidirectional isolated converter for a direct-current traction drive of electric rolling stock under various load conditions. Methods: Mathematical modeling was applied for the research. The results are presented in the form of mathematical relationships and graphs of currents and voltages. Results: The relationship between the output voltage and the duty factor of a bidirectional isolated converter has been revealed. The converters operation is considered at six characteristic intervals of a full cycle with the following initial conditions: i(t0) < 0, i(t0) = 0, i(t0) > 0. The main dependences of the current in the inductance, the input and output voltage, the shape of the voltage and current curves for different operation modes of a bidirectional converter are given. The duty factor is determined to obtain the maximum output power of the bidirectional converter. Practical importance: The proposed bidirectional isolated converter scheme makes it possible to implement traction and regenerative braking modes for a traction drive of a DC electric rolling stock. The simulation results show that with significant changes in load the system retains the specified characteristics, provides speed
Psychological reactions of people with different living world resistance during COVID-19 pandemia
Authors:   Professor V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Loginova I.O. , Vishnyakova N.N. ,   Professor V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Narkevich A.N. ,   Professor V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University
Published: December 2020

The aim of the research. Research subject is psychological reactions of people. The theme is “Psychological reactions of people with different living world resistance during COVID-19 pandemia”. The aim of the article is to identify psychological reactions of people with different living world resistance during COVID-19 pandemia. Material and methods. For empirical research we used: 1) author methodology “Study of human living world resistance” (Loginova, 2012); 2) symptomatic questionnaire SCL-90-R (Simptom Check List-90-Revised). The total sample size was 210 people: 70 people in each group according to the nature of living world resistance (constructive, stagnant and non-constructive). The study was on from March 30 to May 28, 2020. Results. Data on psychological reactions of people with living world resistance during COVID-19 pandemia were obtained for the first time. Key factor for the representatives of constructive nature of living world resistance are the preservation of activity, changing the regime according to current situation, adequate level of anxiety, sensitivity, hostility and somatization. People with stagnant nature of living world resistance are characterized by depressed mood, melancholy, loss of strength, lethargy, desire to detach from what is happening. Representatives of non-constructive nature of the living world resistance show anxiety, irritability, increased level of anxiety, inconsistency and inconsistency of actions. Conclusion. The presented research data allow psychologists to take the results into account when working with people who have experienced difficulties during COVID-19 pandemia, keeping these parameters as targets of psychological assistance in focus. The obtained data actualize the need to develop special programs of psychological support when leaving special epidemiological pandemic regime.
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacogenetics of edoxaban
Authors:   V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Savinova A.V. , Petrova M.M. ,   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Shnayder N.A. ,   V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Bochanova E.N. ,   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Nasyrova R.F. ,   V.M. Bekhterev National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Neurology, Shimokhina N.Yu. ,   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University
Published: December 2020

Edoxaban is a new generation of oral anticoagulant; it is selective, direct and reversible inhibitor of activated blood coagulation factor X (F Xa), serine protease responsible for thrombin formation. Edoxaban is used to prevent stroke in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, to treat deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The purpose of the review is to analyze the associative studies of OHB of CYP3A4 / 5 and ABCB1 genes, as well as to search for new candidate genes reflecting the efficacy and safety of edoxaban. The search for full-text publications in Russian and English over the past two decades was carried out in eLibrary, PubMed, Web of Science, OMIM databases using the following keywords: edoxaban, pharmacokinetics, pharmacogenetics, efficacy, and safety. The review covers pharmacokinetics of edoxaban, as well as pharmacogenetic features of the drug metabolism in details. Candidate genes influencing concentration of edoxaban are genes encoding key enzymes of its metabolism – CES1, CYP3A4 / 5, ABCB1, and, to a lesser extent, SLCO1B1. By present day, numerous NVS of candidate genes have been identified. They potentially affect pharmacokinetics of edoxaban, but their role in real clinical practice requires further study
Intraoperative assessment of analgesia adequacy
Authors:   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Dovbysh N.Yu. , Bichurin R.A. ,   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University, Gritsan A.I. ,   Prof. V. F. Voino-Yasenetsky Krasnoyarsk State Medical University
Published: December 2020

The aim of the research is to evaluate the informativeness of methods for assessing analgesia qNOX and ANI level. Material and methods. The study included 24 patients who were operated on the spine under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into 2 groups; in 12 patients the level of analgesia was assessed using qNOX index, and in 12 patients using ANI index. Hemodynamic parameters were assessed in patients, among them: blood pressure and heart rate. Statistical analysis was carried out using Statistica 20.0 Software package. Results. Intravenous dose of fentanyl of 2.4 ± 0.4 μg / kg made it possible to reach ANI 50 level in 4.2 ± 0.6 minutes since the moment of its administration. At stage II, ANI reached 65. After intravenous fentanyl administration qNOX reached 39 in 4.1 ± 0.5 min. At stage II, 15.3% of qNOX decrease was noted. Conclusion. qNOX and ANI values are equally objective criteria for the adequacy of analgesia, objectively reflecting the achieved level of nociceptive protection
Water Consumption Range Prediction in Huelva’s Households using Classification and Regression Trees
Authors: Bermejo-Martín Gustavo , Rodríguez-Monroy Carlos , Nuñez-Guerrero Yilsy M.
Published: December 2020

This paper uses the numerical results of surveys sent to Huelva’s (Andalusia, Spain) households to determine the degree of knowledge they have about the urban water cycle, needs, values, and attitudes regarding water in an intermediary city with low water stress. In previous research, we achieved three different households’ clusters. The first one grouped households with high knowledge of the integral water cycle and a positive attitude to smart devices at home. The second cluster described households with low knowledge of the integral water cycle and high sensitivity to price. The third one showed average knowledge and predisposition to have a closer relationship with the water company. This paper continues with this research line, applying Classification and Regression Trees (CART) to determine which hierarchy of variables/factors/ independent components obtained from the surveys are the decisive ones to predict the range of household water consumption in Huelva. Positive attitudes towards improved cleaning habits for personal or household purposes are the highest hierarchy component to predict the water consumption range. Second in the hierarchy, the variable Knowledge Global Score about the integral urban water cycle, associated with water literacy, also contributes to predicting the water consumption range. Together with the three clusters obtained previously, these results will allow us to design water demand management strategies (WDM) fit for purpose that enable Huelva’s households to use water more efficiently.
Emergence of Objective Reality in an Irreversible Friend thought Experiment
Authors: Shuler Robert
Published: December 2020

Background: Recently some photon models of a Wigner's friend experiment have led investigators to suggest objective reality does not exist, and to publish non-academic articles with such claims. The public is not equipped to evaluate the severe limitations of these experiments. The separation of Wigner from the experiment and use of only reversible coherent processes for the friend allow operations that are not possible in ordinary reality according to the latest quantum research. Methods: We suggest directly testing the implied claim that objective reality, including incoherent objects with irreversible non-destructive memory, can be held in superposition. We suspect it will fail, but provide for a graduated approach that may discover something about the conditions for superposition collapse. To this end we design a thought experiment to model the objective world, investigating under what conditions experimenters in the same world (ensemble member) will be able to record a result and find it does not appear to change. An observer has a viewing apparatus and a memory apparatus. A second uncorrelated viewer of the same recorded result is employed to obtain objectivity. By hypothesis the uncorrelated second viewer obtains the same view of the measurement record as the first observer. There are not two measurements. This is not an investigation of hidden variables. Results: To model the objective world, incoherent and irreversible processes must be included. To test for superposition, coherence has to be established. These seem to present a contradiction. Conclusions: The thought experiment has suggested new places to look other than size for the origin of objective reality from the quantum world, casts doubt on the Many-Worlds interpretation, and provides a method of testing it.
Literature Mapper: A QGIS Plugin for Georeferencing Citations in Zotero
Authors: Tobias Michele , Mandel Alex
Published: December 2020

Here we introduce Literature Mapper, a Python QGIS plugin that provides a method for creating a spatial bibliography manager as well as a specification for storing spatial data in a bibliography manager. Literature Mapper uses QGIS’ spatial capabilities to allow users to add location information to a Zotero library, a free and open source bibliography manager. Literature Mapper enhances the citations in a user’s online Zotero database with geo-locations by storing spatial coordinates as part of traditional citation entries. Literature Mapper receives data from and sends data to the user’s online database via Zotero’s web API. By using Zotero as the backend data storage, Literature Mapper benefits from all of its features including shared citation Collections, public sharing, and an open web API usable by additional applications, such as web mapping libraries. We evaluate Literature Mapper’s ability to provide insights into the spatial distribution of published literature by mapping the study sites described in academic publications related to California’s coastal strand vegetation. The results of this exercise are presented in static and web map form.
The COVID-19 Pandemic: Socioeconomic and Health Disparities
Authors: Javaheri Behzad
Published: December 2020

Disadvantaged groups around the world have suffered and endured higher mortality during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This contrast disparity suggests that socioeconomic and health-related factors may drive inequality in disease outcome. To identify these factors correlated with COVID-19 outcome, country aggregate data provided by the Lancet COVID-19 Commission subjected to correlation analysis. Socioeconomic and health-related variables were used to predict mortality in the top 5 most affected countries using ridge regression and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) models. Our data reveal that predictors related to demographics and social disadvantage correlate with COVID-19 mortality per million and that XGBoost performed better than ridge regression. Taken together, our findings suggest that the health consequence of the current pandemic is not just confined to indiscriminate impact of a viral infection but that these preventable effects are amplified based on pre-existing health and socioeconomic inequalities.
Ensino de História, aprendizagem significativa e a atuação do professor: desafios do tempo presente
Authors: Brinco Naicon Souza , Cabral Maria Aparecida Da Silva
Published: December 2020

O presente artigo discute o impacto e as potencialidades do fenômeno da expansão do ciberespaço e das mídias digitais no ensino de História da educação básica, a partir de uma pesquisa realizada em duas turmas do sexto ano do ensino fundamental, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Objetiva-se tecer uma reflexão acerca da construção da aula de história pelo professor-autor em diálogo à educação intercultural, híbrida, no contexto das novas mídias, valorizando a potencialidade do uso da narrativa na construção teórico-metodológica da aula.  Considera-se o fenômeno da expansão da cibercultura no entendimento das formas narrativas que os jovens têm contato em suas vivências e as mediadas pelo professor no espaço escolar, nos processos de ensino e aprendizagem da história escolar.
POTENTIAL CONTAMINATION OF SOYBEAN AGROPHYTOCENOSIS DEPENDING ON THE SYSTEM OF FARMING AND SOIL TILLAGE
Authors:   Department of Agriculture and Herbology, National University of Life and Environmental Scienсes of Ukraine, TSYUK Oleksiy , MARCHENKO Dmutro ,   Department of Agriculture and Herbology, National University of Life and Environmental Scienсes of Ukraine, SHUVAR Ivan ,   Agriculture and Livestock Department, Lviv National Agrarian University, Dubliany, Ukraine, BIEL Wioletta ,   Department of Monogastric Animal Sciences, Division of Animal and Food, West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin, Poland
Published: December 2020

This work presents the results of the study of changes of the potential contamination of soybean agrophytocenosis in grain-row crop rotation by using different systems of farming and typical black soil tillage. It was established that in the upper 0–5 cm layer of soil there are on average 393–671 million pieces of weed seeds. which is 33.6–43.0% of the total number in the layer of soil 0–20 cm. It was established that the use of periodical moldboard and superficial basic soil tillage had no impact on reducing the potential contamination of typical black soil compared to the variant of differentiated tillage. During subsurface plowing the total number of seeds in the soil layer 0–20 cm increased by 13.5–25.8% compared to differentiated tillage. In the variants of ecological and biological farming systems the number of weed seeds in the layer 0–5 cm was 11.3–19.6% higher compared to the intensive farming system. Based on monitoring of the species composition of the weed seeds bank it was established that in the arable layer of the soil the largest share are annual dicotyledonous – 48–62%. annual monocotyledonous – 30.2–44.6%. perennial – 0.9–3.3% of the total number. It was proved that under the intensive system of farming the yield of soybean variety Silesia increased on average from 10.2 to 147% compared to the ecological and biological system of farming. During the biological system of farming soybean yield did not exceed 1.0–1.8 t/ha. Therefore. the industrial and ecological system of farming had the greatest impact on reducing the potential weediness of the soybean agrocenosis during the growing season. During the biological system of farming crop yields decrease due to the accumulation of weed seeds in the topsoil and formation of high actual weediness of the soybean agrocenosis.
Experiences of women in the COVID-19 context: a phenomenological study
Authors: Prabhu Sphoorthi , Rani Akanksha , G.G Gopika , Antony Sojan , Raman Janaki , A Thirumoorthy
Published: December 2020

The pandemic COVID-19 has undoubtedly affected every section of the population equally and women are no exception. It will be interesting and beneficial to study the experiences of women in the current COVID-19 situation in the Indian context taking into account the gender differences in role expectations allocation and fulfilment. With this background the current study is proposed. Exploratory research design (Hermeneutic phenomenological approach) will be used. Women residing in Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, will be the sample. The sample will be selected from Non-Governmental Organizations working for women in difficult circumstances and from Women’s Associations. The sample size is tentatively decided as 60 which will be reviewed after initial data collection. An interview guide prepared by the research team will be used for data collection. Telephonic interviews will be conducted. Data will be transcribed and analysed. The study has received clearance from institutional ethics committee [NIMHANS/25th IEC (BEH.SC.DIV.)/2020-21].
The effect of fibrin glue on the postoperative lymphatic drainage after gastrectomy and D2 dissection: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Mahmoudzadeh Habib Allah , RahimiMovaghar Ehsanollah , Omranipour Ramesh , Shirkhoda Mohammad , Jalaeefar Amirmohsen , Miri Seyed Rouhollah , Sharifi Amirsina
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Disturbance in the lymphatic drainage during D2 dissection is associated with significant morbidity. We aimed to assess the effect of fibrin glue on reduction of postoperative seroma formation.Methods: Prospective double-blinded randomized clinical trial with forty patients in each study arm was conducted. All patients diagnosed, staged and became candidate for D2 dissection based on NCCN 2019 guideline for gastric cancer. Intervention group received 1 cc of IFABOND® applied to the surgical bed.Results: The difference between study groups regarding age, gender, tumor stage was insignificant. (All p values > 0.05). The median of daily drainage volume was 120 milliliter with the first and the third interquartile being 75 and 210 milliliter, respectively for intervention group. The control group had median, the first and the third interquartile of 350, 290 and 420 milliliter. The difference between daily drainage volumes was statistically significant (p value < 0.001). The length of hospital stay was significantly different between two groups and intervention group were discharged sooner (median of 7 Vs 9 days, p value: 0.001).Conclusion: This study showed possible role of fibrin glue on reducing postoperative seroma formation after gastrectomy and D2 dissection.(IRCT20200710048071N1, 2020.08.16)
Dietary protein and protein-containing food groups in relation to menarche: A longitudinal study
Authors: Moslehi Nazanin , Asghari Golaleh , Mirmiran Parvin , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: December 2020

Background Inconsistent findings have been reported for associations between protein intakes and age at menarche. We aimed to investigate the longitudinal associations between intakes of protein and protein-containing food groups with the occurrence of menarche and early menarche in a cohort of Iranian girls.Methods Girls aged 6–14 years in the third or fourth examination cycles of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study were selected and were followed to the fifth examination cycle. Daily intakes of protein from different animal/plant sources and ten protein-containing food groups were assessed using a food frequency questionnaire collected at baseline. Attaining menarche and age at menarche were asked during each examination cycle. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimating hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for the occurrence of menarche per one standard deviation (SD) of dietary intakes. Logistic regression was also used to estimate the odds of reaching menarche ≤ 12 years.Results During the study, 147(61%) of girls reached menarche, the median age at menarche was 12 years. The HRs (95% CI) for the occurrence of menarche per one-SD of dietary intakes were 0.68(0.48, 0.98) for plant protein and 1.36(1.01, 1.84) for animal protein after adjusting for confounders. Substituting 10-g animal protein with plant protein was associated with a 16% (95%CI: 5–25%) lower risk of menarche. Dietary intakes of poultry (HR: 1.35; 95%CIs: 1.00-1.82) and low-fat dairy (HR: 1.20; 95%CIs: 0.99–1.46) were marginally associated with the increased risk of occurrence of menarche. However, the odds of early menarche was significant only for plant protein (odds ratio = 0.39; 95% CI: 0.16–0.96).Conclusions Our findings indicate that animal and plant protein intake was positively and negatively associated with the risk of menarche, respectively. Some protein-containing foods such as poultry and low-fat dairy were also related to menarche occurrence, but neither animal protein nor protein-containing food groups were associated with menarche occurrence ≤ 12 years.
Chromatographic Analyses, Virtual Screening and Pharmacokinetics of Yellow Malaysian Rambutan (Nephelium lappaceum L.) Fruit Epicarp Extracts Reveal Potential Antibacterial Compounds
Authors: Asghar Ali , Tan Yong Chiang , Zahoor Mohammad , Asnawi Syafiq , Yow Yoon-Yen , Khan Ezzat , Lahiri Chandrajit
Published: December 2020

The emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance have been of serious concern on human health and the management of bacterial infectious diseases. Effective treatment of these diseases requires the development of novel therapeutics, preferably free of side effects. In this regard, natural products are frequently conceived to be potential alternative sources for novel antibacterial compounds. Herein, we have evaluated the antibacterial activity of the epicarp extracts of the Malaysian cultivar of yellow rambutan fruit (Nephelium lappaceum L.) against six pathogens namely, Bacillus subtilis, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Streptococcus pyogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica. Among a series of solvent extracts, fractions of ethyl acetate and acetone have revealed significant activity towards all tested strains. Chemical profiling of these fractions, via HPLC, LC-MS and GC-MS, has generated a library of potential bioactive compounds. Downstream virtual screening, pharmacological prediction, and receptor-ligand molecular dynamics simulation have eventually unveiled novel potential antibacterial compounds, which can be extracted for medicinal use. To this end, we report novel mechanistic aspects of these compounds in competitively inhibiting the ATP-binding domain of the DnaK chaperone of P. aeruginosa and MRSA. Our work takes a step forward to discover antimicrobials capable of perforating the barrier of resistance posed by both the gram positives and the negatives.
“From Experts to Locals Hands” Healthcare services Planning in Sub-Saharan Africa: Insight from the Integrated Community Case Management of Ghana
Authors: Annobil Isaac , DAKYAGA FRANCIS , Sillim Mavis
Published: December 2020

Background: Although community participation remains a global reckon in services planning, evidence on how rural communities participate in health service delivery has less been explored in Sub-Saharan Africa. Objective: We explored communities’ participation in health care planning in hard-to-reach communities, within the context of Integrated Community Case Management (ICCM), of Ghana. Methods: Qualitative data were collected from eleven (11) hard-to-reach communities through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) as well as district level studies (Nadowli-Kaleo, and WA districts of Ghana). The Rifkin’s spider-gram, framework, of inputs, process and outcome indicators was adapted for the study. The results: Community participation was superficially conducted by the CHOs. A holistic community needs assessment to create awareness, foster common understanding of health situations, collaboration, acceptance and ownership of the program was indiscernible. Rather, it took the form of an event, expert-led-definition, devoid of coherence to calve locals understanding to support the program. Consequently, evidence of resource mobilization, monitoring and system of leaderships towards sustainability of the program were not explicitly found. Conclusion and recommendation: The study concludes that there is the need to expand the concept of community involvement in ICCM to facilitate communities’ contribution to their healthcare. Also, a transdisciplinary approach is required for engineering and scaling up community-based health programs, empowering VHCs, CBHVs and CHAs to realize success.
E-Learning for Enhancement of Medical Student Performance at the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) in the COVID-19 Era
Authors: Kim Kyong-Jee , Lee Yeon Ji , Lee Mi Jin , Kim Young Hyo
Published: December 2020

Background: This study aimed to investigate the impact of student self-directed e-learning on the development of clinical competencies.Methods: The study participants were 3rd year students (n = 43) at a private mid-sized medical school located in a South Korean suburb on a four-year medical program. Educational intervention was implemented to enhance student clinical performance. Students engaged in learning activities that intended to promote their self-directed learning abilities and clinical performances using e-learning resources. Intervention was conducted for the duration of six months during the 3rd year and its effectiveness was investigated by comparing student performances in OSCEs in a pre- and post- comparison format and also by comparing them with national scores. In addition, student perceptions of the impact of e-learning on their OSCE performances were assessed using a questionnaire, which included 36 items that elicited student perceptions of their experiences of e-learning and readiness for e-learning.Results: Student OSCE scores improved significantly after educational intervention in all domains of clinical competencies assessed and for total scores (p < 0.001). Furthermore, students achieved higher OSCE scores than national average scores in the post-test, whereas they had performed lower than national average scores in the pre-test. Students showed neutral or slightly positive responses to the effectiveness of e-learning, and their perceptions of e-learning were not associated with their e-learning readiness scores.Conclusions: The study shows student OSCE performance improved significantly after educational intervention. Our findings indicate the effectiveness of e-learning supporting self-directed learning of clinical performance by medical students. Despite significant improvements in student OSCE scores after e-learning, their perceptions of its effectiveness were neutral. Furthermore, student perceptions of e-learning were not associated with their readiness for e-learning. Suggestions are made to help students use e-learning more effectively to enhance their clinical competencies.
Sodium Lignosulfonate Improves Shoot Growth of Oryza Sativa via Enhancement of Photosynthetic Activity and Reduction of Stress Response
Authors: Kok Andrew De Xian , Tan Ngai Paing , Abdullah Wan Muhamad Asrul Nizam Wan , Tang Chu Nie , Low Lee Yoon , Yuswan Mohd Hafis , Abdullah Janna Ong , Lai Kok Song
Published: December 2020

Lignosulfonate (LS) is a by-product obtained during sulfite pulping process and is commonly used as a growth enhancer in plant growth. However, the underlying growth promoting mechanism of LS on shoot growth remains largely unknown. Hence, this study was undertaken to determine the potential application of eco-friendly LS chelated ion complex (NaLS and CaLS) to enhance recalcitrant indica rice MR219 shoot growth and to elucidate its underlying growth promoting mechanisms. The NaLS was shown to be a better shoot growth enhancer as compared to CaLS, with optimum concentration of 300 mg/L. Subsequent comparative proteomic analysis revealed an increase of photosynthesis-related proteins and stress regulator proteins abundance in NaLS-treated rice as compared to MSO (control). Consistently, biochemical analyses showed a significant increase of rubisco activity, total chlorophyll, total sugar and total protein contents in NaLS-treated rice, implying NaLS role in empowering photosynthesis activities that led to plant growth enhancement. In addition, low level of peroxidase activity, malondialdehyde content and phenylalanine ammonia lyase activity were also observed in NaLS-treated rice. These results suggest that NaLS plays a role in modulating cellular homeostasis to provide a conducive cellular environment for plant growth. Taken together, NaLS improved shoot growth of recalcitrant MR219 rice by upregulation of photosynthetic activities and reduction of cellular stress leading to better plant growth.
Secular Trends in the Prevalence of Abdominal Obesity Among Chinese Adults With Normal Weight, 1993-2015
Authors: Sun Xingxing , Du Tingting
Published: December 2020

Background: We aimed to analyze updated prevalence data on abdominal obesity trends among Chinese adults with a normal body mass index (BMI).Methods: We used data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) conducted between 1993 and 2015. Results: Over the 23-year period, the age-standardized mean WC values showed a significant increasing trend among Chinese adults with BMI < 25 kg/m2, with the mean value increased from 73.8 cm to 78.2 cm (P for trend <0.001). During the period of 1993–2015, the age-standardized prevalence of abdominal obesity increased from 11.2% to 24.8% (P for trend <0.001). Significant increases were observed in both sexes, all age groups, rural and urban residents, and all educational attainment groups (all P for trends < 0.001), with a greater relative increase noted among men, younger participants, and rural residents. Similar significant trends were noted when a more stringent BMI < 23 kg/m2 cut point (Asian cut point) was applied.Conclusions: The mean WC and the prevalence of abdominal obesity among Chinese adults with normal BMI increased continuously from 1993 to 2015. The upward trends were noted in both sexes, all age groups, rural and urban regions, and all educational attainment groups.
Transcriptome of Rhesus Macaque (Macaca Mulatta) Exposed to Total-body Irradiation
Authors: Li Yaoxiang , Singh Jatinder , Varghese Rency , Zhang Yubo , Fatanmi Oluseyi , Cheema Amrita , Singh Vijay
Published: December 2020

The field of biodosimetry has seen a paradigm shift towards increased use of molecular phenotyping technologies including omics and miRNA, in addition to conventional cytogenetic techniques. Here, we have used a nonhuman primate (NHP) model to study the impact of gamma-irradiation on alterations in blood-based gene expression. We followed eight NHPs for sixty days after exposure to 6.5 Gy gamma-radiation. Analysis of differential gene expression in response to radiation exposure yielded 26,944 dysregulated genes that were not significantly impacted by sex. Further analysis showed an increased association of several pathways including IL-3 Signaling, Ephrin Receptor Signaling, ErbB Signaling, Nitric Oxide Signaling in the cardiovascular system, Wnt/β-catenin signaling, and inflammasome pathway, which were associated with positive survival outcomes in NHPs after acute exposure to radiation. This study provides novel insights into major pathways and networks involved in radiation-induced injuries that may identify biomarkers for radiation injury.
Metabolic Heterogeneity of Brain Tumor Cells of Proneural and Mesenchymal Origin
Authors: Seliger Corinna , Leidgens Verena , Meyer Anne-Louise , Rauer Lisa , Moeckel Sylvia , Jachnik Birgit , Proske Judith , Dettmer Katja , Rothhammer-Hampl Tanja , Kaulen Leon D. , Riemenschneider Markus J. , Oefner Peter J. , Vollmann-Zwerenz Arabel , Kreutz Marina , Schmidt Nils-Ole , Merill Marsha , Uhl Martin , Renner Kathrin , Proescholdt Martin , Hau Peter
Published: December 2020

Background: Brain-tumor-initiating cells (BTICs) of proneural and mesenchymal origin contribute to the highly malignant phenotype of glioblastoma (GB) and resistance to current therapies. Methods: BTICs of different subtypes representing tumor heterogeneity were challenged with OXPHOS (oxidative phosphorylation) inhibition to assess the differential effects of metabolic intervention on key resistance features. Results: Whereas mesenchymal BTICs were more invasive, more glycolytic and less responsive to OXPHOS-inhibition, proneural BTICs were less invasive, catabolized glucose more via the pentose phosphate pathways, and responded better to OXPHOS inhibition. Conclusion: Targeting glycolysis may be a promising approach to inhibit highly invasive tumor cells of mesenchymal origin, whereas proneural cells are more responsive to OXPHOS inhibition. Future clinical trials exploring metabolic interventions should account for metabolic heterogeneity of brain tumors to overcome resistance to current treatments.
Navigator-Free Submillimeter Diffusion Imaging Using Multishot-Encoded Simultaneous Multi-Slice (MUSIUM)
Authors: Chang Wei-Tang , Huynh Khoi , Yap Pew-Thian , Lin Weili
Published: December 2020

The ability to achieve submillimter isotropic resolution diffusion MR imaging (dMRI) is critically important to study fine-scale brain structures. One of the major challenges in submillimeter dMRI is the inherently low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). While approaches capable of mitigating the low SNR have been proposed, namely simultaneous multi-slab (SMSlab) and generalized slice dithered enhanced resolution with simultaneous multislice (gSlider-SMS), limitations are associated with these approaches. The SMSlab sequences suffer from the slab boundary artifacts and require additional navigators for phase estimation. On the other hand, gSlider sequences require relatively high RF power and peak amplitude, which increase the SAR and complicate the RF excitation. In this work, we developed a navigator-free multishot-encoded simultaneous multi-slice (MUSIUM) imaging approach, achieving enhanced SNR, low RF power and peak amplitude, and being free from slab boundary artifacts. The dMRI with ultrahigh resolution (0.86 mm isotropic), whole brain coverage and ~12.5 minute acquisition time were achieved, revealing detailed structures at cortical and white matter areas. The simulated and in vivo results also demonstrated that the MUSIUM imaging was minimally affected by the motion. Taken together, the MUSIUM imaging is a promising approach to achieve submillimeter diffusion imaging on 3T scanner within clinically feasible scan time.
Particle Swarm Optimization in Image Processing of Power Flow Learning Distribution
Authors: Huang Chuanchao
Published: December 2020

In order to realize the coordination and integration optimization of the power system itself, this paper constructed the mathematical model of the hybrid power system and solved the multi-objective optimization problem of the heating system through the optimized particle swarm optimization algorithm. Based on the back-to-back VSC-HVDC grid-connected composite system, this paper studied the integrated control strategy of the device to achieve the simultaneous parallel and tie line currents. At the same time, this paper simplified and improved the proposed disassembly criteria for grid-connected composite devices and integrated them into the grid-connected composite device. In addition, on this basis, the integrated control of the three functions of de-listing, juxtaposition and tie line power adjustment of the same device was further studied. Simulation studies show that the proposed algorithm has certain effects and can provide theoretical reference for subsequent related research.
Effect of Continuous Infusion of Dexmedetomidine on Blood Loss in Orthognathic Surgery: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Jin Chenyu , Jiang Hong , Lv Xiang , Sun Yu
Published: December 2020

Background: Patients with maxillofacial deformities require orthognathic surgeries to correct occlusion. The surgical procedure may lead to massive bleeding, which is associated with hematoma, respiratory obstruction, and asphyxia. Dexmedetomidine has been used in controlled hypotension, and may decrease blood loss in orthognathic surgery. We conducted a retrospective cohort study to evaluate the effect of dexmedetomidine on blood loss in orthognathic surgeries.Methods: The primary outcome examined was blood loss, and secondary outcomes were postoperative haemoglobin level, intraoperative heart rate, and blood pressure (T0: preoperative; T1: at incision; T2: 30 minutes after incision; T3: 60 minutes after incision; T4: 120 minutes after incision); dose of fentanyl, remifentanil, urapidil, and esmolol; operation time; incidence of allogeneic blood transfusion; crystalloid fluids volume; and colloidal fluid volume. Results: A total of 1,247 patients were included in the study, and 557 patient pairs were matched via propensity score matching. There were significant decreases in mean blood loss, heart rate at T1–T4, blood pressure at T1, remifentanil and esmolol dosage, and crystalloid fluid volume in the dexmedetomidine group compared with those in the control group. There was also a significant increase in the postoperative haemoglobin level of the dexmedetomidine group. Conclusions: Continuous infusion of dexmedetomidine can decrease blood loss in orthognathic surgery.Trial registration number: ChiCTR1800018794 (retrospectively registered)Name of registry: Chinese Clinical Trial RegistryDate of registration: 2018/10/09URL: www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=30612