bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Refractory Chronic Urticaria in Adults: Clinical Characterization and Predictors of Severity
Authors: Coutinho Iolanda Alen , Regateiro Frederico Soares , Fernandes Rosa Anita , Pita Joana Sofia , Gomes Raquel , Coelho Constança , Todo-Bom Ana
Published: June 2020

Background: Chronic urticaria (CU) is defined as recurrent urticaria lasting for more than 6 weeks. Objectives: We aimed to characterize the phenotypesof patients with CU refractory to standard dose anti-H1 antihistamine treatment and search for clinical predictors of poor disease control.Methods: Retrospective collection of data regarding clinical characteristics, manifestations, comorbidities, treatment,and disease control of all adult CU patients presenting to the Allergy and Immunology Department during one year. Descriptive and inferential analysis was performed to search for factors associated with disease control.Results: Sixty-one adult patients were included, 74% females, average age 44.5 years (18 to 84 years old). Most patients (78.7%) had initiated CU less than 1 year before enrolment. Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) accounted for 55.7% of the patients and chronic inducible urticaria (ClndU)for44.3%. Angioedema was present in 55.7% of the patients. Evidence for autoimmunity (positive anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies, anti-nuclear antibodies or autologous serum test) was found in38.8% (n=19)of 49 tested patients.High C-reactive protein was presenti in 20.7% of 29 patients evaluated; half of these also had positive antinuclear antibodies.Forty-six patients (75.4%) had at least one significant exacerbation, requiring medical appointment, emergency room, hospitalization or job absenteeism. The number of exacerbations correlated with the presence of angioedema (p=0.022), with a recent diagnosis (<1 year), and with higher UAS7 severity (p=0.006). Clnd Uassociated with poor symptom control(p=0.022) buthad less exacerbations requiring medical observation or hospitalization (p=0.015).Conclusions: About one thirdof patients with CU presented autoimmunity. UAS7 severity and Angioedema are associated with disease exacebations. UAS7 and UCT presented unequal accuracy, with UAS7 better associating with the occurrence of exacerbations and treatment dosis. Accurate diagnostic tests, namely autoimmune parameters and inflammatory markers, should be recommended in some individual cases.
Occurrence and antibiogram signatures of members of the Enterobacteriaceae family recovered from vegetables, river water and hospital effluents in Amathole and Chris Hani District Municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Authors: Mpaka Lindelwa , Adefisoye Martins Ajibade , Nontongana Nolonwabo , Okoh Anthony Ifaenyi
Published: June 2020

Background

Rising incidences of antimicrobial resistance has become a major public health issue globally resulting in increasing health-care costs and severe and lethal diseases. Several reports have documented alarming increases of antimicrobial resistance in the Enterobacteriaceae family, hence, this study evaluated the occurrence and antibiogram signatures of Enterobacteriaceae isolates recovered from vegetables, hospital effluents and river water samples in two district municipalities in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.
Results

Out of 142 presumptive isolates, 105 were confirmed to belong to the Enterobacteriaceae family. From these, 45% were identified as E. coli, 24% as Enterobacter spp., 20% as Citrobacter spp. and 11% as Klebsiella spp. All the isolates demonstrated high resistance against ampicillin at a frequency of 91.4%, followed by nalidixic acid (86.7%), tetracycline (82.9%), cefuroxime (81.9%) and doxycycline (81.9%). The beta-lactam resistance gene blaTEM was detected in 77.8% of the E. coli isolates and 33.3% of the Klebsiella isolates. The sul1 gene was detected in 23.1% of the Enterobacter species, while sul2 gene was detected in 70% of the Klebsiella species. All the Enterobacter species were positive for the strB gene.
Conclusions

We conclude that the vegetables, hospital effluents and river water in the two District Municipalities are reservoirs of multidrug resistant members of the Enterobacteriaceae family and a potential health hazard for consumers.
Spread of COVID-19 in Odisha (India) due to Influx of Migrants and Stability Analysis using Mathematical Modelling
Authors: RAUTA ASWIN KUMAR , RAO YERRA SHANKAR , Behera Jangyadatta
Published: June 2020

This paper deals with the investigation on spread of COVID-19 and its stability analysis (both local and global stability) in Odisha, India. Being the second most populous country in the world, It is urgent need to investigate the spread and control of disease in India .However, due to diversity of vast population, uncertainty of infection, varying rate of recovery, state wise different COVID-19 induced death rate and non uniform quarantine policy of the states, it is strenuous to predict the spread and control of disease accurately in the country. So, it is crucial to study the aspects of disease in each state for the better prediction. We have considered the state Odisha (India) having population nearly equal to the population of Spain because the entry of huge migrants to the state suddenly enhanced the number of COVID-19 patients from below two hundred to more than eight hundred within one week even after forty days of lockdown period. We have developed SIAQR epidemic model fabricated with influx of out-migrants diagnosed at compartment (A) , then sent to the compartment (I) for treatment those have confirmed the disease and the remaining healthy individuals are sent to quarantine compartment (Q) for a period of twenty one days under surveillance and observation. The set of ordinary (nonlinear) differential equations are formulated and they are solved using Runge -Kutta fourth order method. The simulation of numerical data is performed using computer software MATLAB. As there is no specific treatment, vaccine or medicine available for the disease till the date, so the only intervention procedure called quarantine process is devised in this model to check the stability behaviour of the disease. The numerical and analytical results of the study show that the disease free equilibrium is locally stable when basic reproduction number is less than unity and unstable when it is more than unity. Further the study shows that it persists to endemic equilibrium for global stability when basic reproduction number greater than unity. As per the current trends ,this study shows that the prevalence of COVID -19 would remain nearly 250 to 300 days in Odisha as for as the infected migrants would have been entering to the state. This mathematical modelling embedded with important risk factor like migration could be adopted for each state that will be helpful for better prediction of the entire country and world.
Viral RNA load quantification as helpful tool to arbitrate SARS–CoV-2 detection results in respiratory samples
Authors: Liotti Flora Marzia , Menchinelli Giulia , Marchetti Simona , Morandotti Grazia Angela , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Posteraro Brunella , Cattani Paola
Published: June 2020

Purpose: The increasing COVID-19 widespread has created the necessity to assess the diagnostic accuracy of newly introduced (RT-PCR based) assays for SARS–CoV-2 RNA detection in respiratory tract samples.Methods: We compared the results of the Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay with those of the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay, both performed on 125 nasal/oropharyngeal swab samples of patients with COVID-19 suspicion.Results: Fifty-four samples tested positive (CT below 40) and 71 negative (CT above 40) with the Allplex™ 2019-nCoV assay, whereas 47 of 54 samples were also positive with the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay. Eight results were discordant, resulting in 93.6% agreement between the assays. We used the Quanty COVID-19 assay—developed to detect and quantify SARS–CoV-2 in respiratory tract samples—to arbitrate these results. One Allplex™ 2019-nCoV negative (but Simplexa™ COVID-19 positive) and seven Simplexa™ COVID-19 negative samples were truly false negative. Interestingly, a Spearman’s negative association was found between the viral RNA loads quantified by the Quanty COVID-19 assay and the CT values of RT PCRs performed with either the Allplex™ 2019–nCoV assay or the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay. However, the strength of this association was higher for the Allplex™ 2019–nCoV assay (N gene, ρ = −0.92; RdRP gene, ρ = −0.91) than for the Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assay (ORF1ab gene, ρ = −0.65; S gene, ρ = −0.80).Conclusion: The Allplex™ 2019–nCoV and Simplexa™ COVID-19 Direct assays yielded comparable results. However, the role these assays might play in future clinical practice warrants larger comparison studies.
Predictors of Malnutrition among Pregnant Women in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Getaneh Temesgen , Negesse Ayenew
Published: June 2020

Background
Women of reproductive age are especially vulnerable to protein energy deficiency and under nutrition. Malnutrition is the underlying cause of significant maternal morbidity and mortality. In addition, malnutrition among women is a major risk factor for adverse birth outcomes. Its extent and consequences is highly prevalent in developing countries. This major burden can be reduced through effective nutritional interventions. So, up to date meager evidences were warranted. Therefore, this systematic review and meta-analysis was aimed to estimate the overall pooled prevalence of malnutrition and its predictors among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
Methods
Articles were systematically searched using PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, World Health Organization’s (WHO) Hinari portal data bases and institutional repositories. Newcastle‒Ottawa quality assessment scale adapted for observational studies was applied. We used Stata version 14 for data analysis. Heterogeneity and publication bias were checked using I2 statistic, funnel plot asymmetry and Egger’s test. Random effect model was applied to estimate the pooled prevalence of malnutrition and its predictors. Odds Ratio (OR) with 95% Confidence Interval (CI) was also considered to identify factors.
Result
24 eligible articles were included for final analysis. The average pooled prevalence of malnutrition among pregnant women in Ethiopia was 29.07% (95% CI: 24.84, 33.30). Maternal education (OR = 1.60, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.53), income (OR = 3.07, 95% CI: 1.36, 6.92), pregnancy intention (OR = 1.33, 95% CI: 1.01, 1.37), number of meal (OR = 4.63, 95% CI: 3.00, 7.15), dietary diversity (OR = 2.89, 95% CI: 1.28, 6.53), antenatal care (OR = 2.53, 95% CI: 1.18, 5.42) and iron supplementation (OR = 0.63, 95% CI: 0.45, 0.88) were predictors of the pooled prevalence of malnutrition among pregnant women in Ethiopia.
Conclusion
Generally, significant number of pregnant women in Ethiopia were suffered from malnutrition. Maternal education, income, pregnancy intention, number of meal, dietary diversity, antenatal care and iron supplementation were significant predictors of malnutrition. Strategies targeting advocating women education, standard antenatal care, family planning utilization, and encouraging pregnant women to have good dietary diversity and frequent meal should be undertaken by Ministry of Health and its stake holders to handle this signficant budren of malnutrition among pregnant women.
Suppressing COVID-19 transmission in Hong Kong: an observational study of the first four months
Authors: Wu Peng , Tsang Tim K. , Wong Jessica Y. , Ng Tiffany W. Y. , Ho Faith , Gao Huizhi , Adam Dillon C. , Cheung Doug H. , Lau Eric H. Y. , Lim Wey Wen , Ali Sheikh Taslim , Ip Dennis K. M. , Wu Joseph T. , Cowling Benjamin J. , Leung Gabriel M.
Published: June 2020

Background: Hong Kong was one of the first locations outside of mainland China to identify COVID-19 cases in January 2020. We assessed the impact of various public health measures on transmission.Methods: We analysed data on all COVID-19 cases and public health measures in Hong Kong up to 7 May 2020. We described case-based, travel-based and community-based measures and examined their potential effects on case identification and transmission. Changes in transmissibility measured by the effective reproductive number Rt were estimated by comparing the Rt between periods when public health measures were and were not in effect. Delays in case confirmation in imported cases and locally infected cases were analysed to indicate the possible impact of expansion of laboratory testing capacity.Findings: Introduction of a 14-day quarantine on persons arriving from affected areas was associated with a 95% reduction in transmissibility from imported cases. Testing all arriving travelers reduced mean delays between arrival and detection of imported cases. Increases in laboratory testing capacity for pneumonia inpatients and symptomatic outpatients reduced the delay from onset to confirmation. Working from home and physical distancing measures implemented in high-risk facilities were associated with 67% and 58% reductions in transmission of COVID-19, respectively.Interpretation: Suppression of COVID-19 transmission in the first pandemic wave in Hong Kong was achieved through integration of travel-based, case-based and community-based public health measures focusing on early case identification and isolation and physical distancing.
Point-of-care 3D printing during the COVID-19 pandemic. What role does the manufacturing university hospital play?
Authors: Perez-Mañanes Ruben , José Sonia García de San , Desco-Menéndez Manuel , Sánchez-Arcilla Ignacio , González-Fernández Esmeralda , Vaquero-Martín Javier , González-Garzón Javier Pascau , Mediavilla-Santos Lydia , Trapero-Moreno Diego , Calvo-Haro José Antonio
Published: June 2020

BackgroundPoint-of-care (POC) manufacturing and distributed production represent a paradigm shift in the health system that is becoming critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. University hospitals are also taking on the role of manufacturers of custom-made solutions thanks to 3D printing technology.Case DescriptionWe present a monocentric observational study regarding the distributed manufacture of three groups of products during the period of the COVID-19 pandemic from 14 March to 10 May 2020: personal protective equipment, ventilatory support, and diagnostic and consumable products.Discussion and EvaluationNetworking during this period has enabled the delivery of a total of 17.276 units of products manufactured using 3D printing technology. The most manufactured product was the face shields and ear savers, while the one that achieved the greatest clinical impact was the mechanical ventilation adapters and swabs. The products were manufactured by individuals in 57.3% of the cases, and our hospital acted as the main delivery node in a hub with 10 other hospitals. The main advantage of this production model is the fast response to stock needs, being able to adapt almost in real time.ConclusionsThe role of the manufacturing hospital allows the reconciliation of in-house and distributed manufacturing with traditional production, providing custom-made adaptation of the specifications, as well as maximum efficiency in the working and availability of resources, which is of special importance at critical times for health systems such as the current COVID-19 pandemic.
A generalized Gompertz growth model with applications and related birth-death processes
Authors: Asadi Majid , Crescenzo Antonio Di , Sajadi Farkhondeh A , Spina Serena
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we propose a flexible growth model that constitutes a suitable generalization of the well-known Gompertz model. We perform an analysis of various features of interest, including a sensitivity analysis of the initial value and the three parameters of the model. We show that the considered model provides a good fit to some real datasets concerning the growth of the number of individuals infected during the COVID-19 outbreak, and software failure data. The goodness of fit is established on the ground of the ISRP metric and the $d_2$-distance. We also analyze two time-inhomogeneous stochastic processes, namely a birth-death process and a birth process, whose means are equal to the proposed growth curve. In the first case we obtain the probability of ultimate extinction, being 0 an absorbing endpoint. We also deal with a threshold crossing problem both for the proposed growth curve and the corresponding birth process.
Public awareness of Coronavirus (COVID-2019) in Qassim Region Saudi Arabia
Authors: AL-Rasheedi Mabrouk , Alhazmi Yasir , Ali ALreshidi Mateq , ALrajhi Maha , Alharbi Nayef Samah , Alsuhaibani Somayah , Alrashidi Mohammed , Alharbi Ghaleb
Published: June 2020

Background The rapid and extensive spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has become a major cause of concern for both general public and healthcare profession. Aim of this study is to analyze and evaluate the awareness of both the general public and healthcare providers in Qassim region in Saudi Arabia. Method A cross-sectional study was conducted randomly in different shopping malls in the Qassim region from 10th of February to 10th of March, 2020. The structured questionnaire was used to gather information from participants.Result130 participants have answered the designed questionnaire, out of which 67participants were males(58.5% ) and 54 were females(41.5% ).Overall, 129 (99%) out of the 130 participants are aware of COVID-19, and 116 (90%) have recognize it as a respiratory disease and all of them (100 %) have recognized it as a contagious disease. Participants of the age group 20-40 showed higher awareness level than other age groups (P = 0.005). Significant positive correlation between high risk groups recognition, reliable source of information, infection symptoms, disease spread prevention and COVID_19 available treatments. While the reliable source of information awareness was positively correlated with all other questions, except for the long-term complications.ConclusionGeneral public and health care professionals from Qassim Region showed adequate awareness of COVID-19. However, there is a strong need to implement periodic educational interventions and training programs on infection control practices.
A NEW MODEL FOR A DISTRICT HEALTH SYSTEM SUPPLY CHAIN
Authors: Lara José Edson , Afonso Bruno Pelizzaro Dias , Vaz Paulo Emílio Silva , Afonso Tarcísio
Published: June 2020

ABSTRACT
Rationale: The theme of health today has been the most worrying in the world and in Brazil. Its context and management have generated academic, political and administrative discussions around the world. The main problem about health services offered in small towns is related to a deficient view and poor management conditions of public administrators about the agents that could contribute to community health care.
Objective: This study was aimed at contributing to analyze the deficiencies and propose solutions for health services in the municipality, applying the theoretical model of the Supply Chain.
Method: In this study, a new model for supply chain management was developed and proposed, based on contributions from the literature, seeking to offer improvements for the management of the municipality's health system.
Result: This health supply chain model is much more complex, involves many community organizations, but is also better able to provide effective health services at low cost.
Contributions: presentation of a new model capable of generating insights for new research and for executive applications.
A CONFIANÇA DE ENFERMEIROS NA ORGANIZAÇÃO HOSPITALAR
Authors: Pedroso Juliani Marcio , Cerutti Priscila , Sonale Rebonatto Cintia , Zanelli José Carlos
Published: June 2020

Relações de confiança têm sido consideradas fundamentais para o comprometimento com os resultados organizacionais. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar a relação de confiança entre os enfermeiros e o hospital em que trabalham. Para tanto, realizou-se uma pesquisa quantitativa-qualitativa com 58 enfermeiros que compõem o quadro de empregados de um hospital localizado no norte do Rio Grande do Sul, através da aplicação de questionário e de complementação de sentenças elaborados a partir da Escala de Confiança do Empregado na Organização. Os resultados mostraram que os fatores mais confiáveis para os enfermeiros são, principalmente, os padrões éticos, seguidos pela solidez organizacional.
Bootstrapping mixed correlators in three-dimensional cubic theories II
Authors: Kousvos Stefanos R. , Stergiou Andreas
Published: June 2020

Conformal field theories (CFTs) with cubic global symmetry in 3D are
relevant in a variety of condensed matter systems and have been studied
extensively with the use of perturbative methods like the
\varepsilonε
expansion. In an earlier work, we used the nonperturbative numerical
conformal bootstrap to provide evidence for the existence of a
previously unknown 3D CFT with cubic symmetry, dubbed “Platonic CFT”. In
this work, we make further use of the numerical conformal bootstrap to
perform a three-dimensional scan in the space of scaling dimensions of
three low-lying operators. We find a three-dimensional isolated allowed
region in parameter space, which includes both the 3D (decoupled) Ising
model and the Platonic CFT. The essential assumptions on the spectrum of
operators used to provide the isolated allowed region include the
existence of a stress-energy tensor and the irrelevance of certain
operators (in the renormalization group sense).
Gas exchange and antioxidant activity accessions of Jatropha curcas L. under aluminium (Al) stress
Authors: Mota Leandro Henrique de Souza , Scalon Silvana de Paula Quintão , Dresch Daiane Mugnol , Scalon Lourenço Quintão , Silva César José da
Published: June 2020

The aluminium at toxic levels causes biochemical and physiological damage that inhibits plant growth and limits productivity. Root growth, chlorophyll a fluorescence, and enzyme activity of four accessions of Jatropha curcas were evaluated under cultivation conditions with different levels of aluminium. The experimental design was completely randomized with a split-split-plot design, in which the plots included four levels of aluminium in the soil (0.0, 8.2, 16.5, and 24.0 mmolc dm-3), the split-plot were the four accessions of J. curcas seeds (P1 = Dourados, MS; P2 = Montes Claros, MG; P3 = Alta Floresta, MT; P4 = Petrolina, PE), and split-split-plot in all four times of evaluation (25, 50, 75, and 100 days after emergence - DAE) with four replications. At 100 DAE were evaluated the curve of transient chlorophyll a fluorescence (OJIP) and enzyme activity, the treatments were arranged in split-plot, being four levels of aluminium in the soil and the four accesses of J. curcas. Six readings for the OJIP curve and three repetitions for enzymatic analysis were conducted. The characteristics of gas exchange and chlorophyll a fluorescence indicated that doses above 8.2 accentuated aluminium stress on plants from all accessions. The reduced efficiency of carboxylation of Rubisco and the results of the OJIP test indicated that photochemical efficiency of all varieties was decreased. The activity of the enzymes catalase, peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase was higher in the presence of aluminium for the accessions P3-Alta Floresta and P4-Petrolina. Our results indicate the greater tolerance of these accesses to aluminium stress conditions.
Chinese star anise (Illicium verum) and pyrethrum (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium) as natural alternatives for organic farming and health care- A review
Authors: Shahrajabian Mohamad Hesam , Sun Wenli , Cheng Qi
Published: June 2020

Botanical insecticides keep attracting more attention from environmental and small farmers worldwide as they are considered as a suitable alternative to synthetic insecticides. The outstanding properties of pyrethrum include rapid action, low mammalian toxicity, broad spectrum of activity, lack of insect immunity, lack of persistence and of course effective insect repellent. Pyrethrum is a natural insecticide which has many properties, but the most important are rapid action, very low toxicity for mammalian, lack of insect immunity, broad of activity, lack of persistence and quick degradation by UV-sunlight and very effective insect repellent. Using natural pesticide may lead to organic farming, and advantage of organic farming is more beneficial to biodiversity and the environment, which reduces dietary exposure to pesticides. Chinese star anise has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal characters. It is useful in treatment of diseases like asthma, bronchitis and dry cough. One of its most compounds is Shikimic acid which is used as a drug in curing influenza and flu virus. It also consists of Linalool which is good for overall health because of its anti-oxidants characters. Its seeds are good source of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, potassium, manganese, zinc, and magnesium. The seeds are a great source of essential B-complex vitamins such as pyridoxine, niacin, riboflavin and thiamin. Chinese star anise is also a good source of anti-oxidant vitamins such as vitamin-C and vitamin-A. The essential oil of Star anise contains anethole which has shown several functional properties including antimicrobial, antioxidant, hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and oestrogenic properties. Star anise primarily contains anethole and fatty oil. Its essential oil has a sweetish, burning flavor and a highly aromatic odor. Organic farmers may use these two ancient Chinese herbs which can lead to industrial sustainability.
Composition and antimicrobial activity of essential oil of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.)
Authors: Daniel Paulo Sergio , Lourenço Emerson Luiz Botelho , Cruz Rayane Monique Sete da , Gonçalves Carlos Henrique De Souza , Almas Luiz Renato Marques Das , Hoscheid Jaqueline , Silva Camila da , Jacomassi Ezilda , Junior Liberato Brum , Alberton Odair
Published: June 2020

The medicinal plant yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) belongs to the Asteracea family. It is being used in the pharmacological, food, and cosmetic industry. The economic importance of yarrow resides in its essential oil (EO). This plant is used in traditional medicine as the EO has properties which range from antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and antitumor activities. The objective of this study was to identify chemical components and EO content of yarrow, as well as its antimicrobial activity against some micro-organisms in vitro. The fresh leaves were collected in a morning in October (2018) at the UNIPAR Medicinal Plants Garden, Umuarama-Paraná State, Brazil. The EO was obtained by hydrodistillation of the modified Clevenger type. After that, the content (m/m%) was calculated. The chemical composition of the EO was identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC), minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) and minimal fungicidal concentration (MFC) were determined by a microdilution method in 96-well microtitre plates and effect of EO was assessed on four micro-organisms (Candida albicans, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherechia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae). The EO content (yield) in the plant shoots was 0.4% (four grams of EO kg-1 of plant fresh shoots) and presented 20 chemical compounds such as α-farnesene (31.66%), followed by chamazulene (17.17%), β-caryophyllene (10.27%) and sabinene (8.77%). The majority class was hydrocarbon sesquiterpene with 74.29%. The antimicrobial activity tests showed that the EO had low antimicrobial activity against the analyzed species with MIC for all species above 1.5 mg mL-1. It was concluded that the EO content was 0.4%. The major component was α-farnesene (31.66%) and EO presented low MIC.
Effect of encapsulated plant growth promoting microorganisms on soil biochemical parameters and development of fruit tree seedlings
Authors: Santos Carlos Henrique Barbosa , Nascimento Fernanda Cristina do , Lobo Laiana Lana Bentes , Martins Antonio Baldo Geraldo , Teixeira Gustavo Henrique de Almeida , Rigobelo Everlon Cid
Published: June 2020

There is a great diversity of microorganisms that participate in biological, biochemical and biogeochemical processes responsible for the formation and maintenance of soil physical structure, quality and fertility. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inoculation of encapsulated plant growth promoting microorganisms on plant growth, microbial biomass carbon, soil nitrogen and phosphorus, and to estimate the microbial activity in the substrate used for the formation of fruit species seedlings. Microbial inoculum contained the following species: Azospirillum brasilense, Burkolderia cepacia, Bacillus thuringienses, B. megaterium, B. cereus, B. subtilis, Tricoderma spp. and Isolate 411. Fruit species evaluated were: Myrciaria glazioviana, Myrciaria dubia, Annona muricata.; Chrysophyllum cainito.; and Litchi chinensis. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 3 x 2 factorial scheme (control, sodium alginate and clay) (presence and absence of microbial inoculum) with five replicates (one seedling per replicate), for ninety days. Each plant specie was analyzed separately according to each treatment. At the end of the experimental period, the following parameters were evaluated in soil samples: dehydrogenase enzymatic activity (DEA), ammonium (NH4+) and nitrate (NO3-), bicarbonate-soluble phosphate (BSP), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and total number of bacteria (CFU). The results of the present study showed no effective action of encapsulation in promoting plant growth. However, some soil parameters such as ammonium content were positively affected for Myrciaria dubia.
A modernização naval chinesa e as implicações no mar do sul da China
Authors: de Jesus Júnior Helvécio , Rodrigues Godinho Virginia
Published: June 2020

A reforma estrutural da China, no final do século XX, permitiu ao país acelerar o desenvolvimento nas esferas política, econômica e militar. O principal objetivo dessa reforma é transformar a República Popular da China em uma grande potência, aumentando a sua influência no sistema internacional. Para tanto, um dos dispositivos empregados é a modernização das Forças Armadas, uma vez que o poderio bélico permite exercer estratégias como a dissuasão. O propósito deste trabalho é discutir como a projeção naval chinesa no Mar do Sul da China impactam nos eventos e nas disputas pela soberania entre os Estados na região. As reivindicações chinesas são ilegais pelo direito internacional do mar, já que a China ultrapassa os limites da Zona Econômica Exclusiva, outorgados pela Convenção das Nações Unidas sobre o Direito do Mar (UNCLOS), em 1982. Deste modo, o estudo analisa as dinâmicas do poder militar no Mar do Sul da China, bem como o papel dos Estados Unidos no Sudeste Asiático, como forma de mitigar o poderio militar chinês.
Changes in the granulometric composition of particles in wastewater flowing through a hydroponic lagoon used as the third stage in a wastewater treatment plant
Authors: Bawiec A. , Pawęska K.
Published: June 2020

Wastewater treatment in semi-natural systems, such as a hydroponic lagoon operating as the third stage of purification, is becoming more and more popular because of the efficiency of nutrient removal. Very often treatment processes in hydroponic ditches are supported by algal growth, which can cause an increase in the concentration of total suspended solids in the outflow from the wastewater treatment plant. The aim of this study was to analyse changes in the granulometric composition of particles in the hydroponic lagoon operating as the third stage of wastewater purification in a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Poland. Measurements of the particle sizes were made with the use of the laser diffraction method. The results showed that the size of the particles in the hydroponic lagoon varied from 0.01 to 1000 μm. Analyses of the average diameters D(3.2) and D(4.3) showed that particles have low reactivity but good sedimentation properties and their fractal dimensions are usually higher than 2.0, which indicated that they had well-developed surfaces. Most of the particles flowing out of the WWTP were probably algae or particles that could adsorb other pollutants onto their surfaces. The use of laser granulometry for particle identification might be useful in characterizing the total suspended solids as well as helping to develop cheaper and more efficient methods for its removal.
Recent progress in beetle-inspired superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic micropatterned water-collection materials
Authors: Chen Zhen , Zhang Zengzhi
Published: June 2020

Biological creatures with unique surface wettability have long served as a source of inspiration for scientists and engineers. More specifically, certain beetle species in the Namib Desert have evolved to collect water from fog on their backs by way of wettability patterns, which attracted an ongoing interest in biomimetic studies. Bioinspired materials exhibiting extreme wetting properties, such as superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces, have attracted considerable attention because of their potential use in various applications. Combining these two extreme states of superhydrophilicity and superhydrophobicity on the same surface in precise two-dimensional micropatterns opens exciting new functionalities and possibilities for a wide variety of applications. In this review we briefly describe the water-harvesting mechanisms of a genus of Namib Desert beetle, Stenocarpa, consisting of the theory of wetting and transporting. Then we describe the methods for fabricating superhydrophilic-superhydrophobic patterns and highlight some of the newer and emerging applications of these patterned substrates that are currently being explored. Finally, we provide conclusions and outlook concerning the future development of bioinspired surfaces of patterned wettability.
Regional Budgets: Results of 2019, Prospects for 2020
Authors: Lykova L. N.
Published: June 2020

In 2019 the regional budgets revenues grew at a high rate, including due to the outpacing growth of Federal transfers under the condition of the economic recession. Corporate income tax, personal income tax and excise tax receipts provided the growth of own income, while property tax receipts decreased. The growth rate of regional budget expenditures was significantly faster than the growth rate of revenues. The priorities of the subjects of the Russian Federation were healthcare and the national economy. High growth rates of expenditures did not always lead to an increase in the volume of public debt – its total amount decreased by the end of the year. Only in some regions of the Russian Federation there was a significant increase in the amount of debt. Estimates of possible budget revenue losses that regions will inevitably face in the context of the impending economic crisis allow us to identify a group of Russian regions for which these problems will be most acute.
Criteria of Social and Economic Security for Russia and its Regions in a New Reality
Authors: Karavaeva I. V.
Published: June 2020

The task of determining the criteria of economic security for our country as a whole and each of its regions is of particular importance today in conditions of growing economic and social problems in post-pandemic Russia. The Russian management practice already has some experience in applying the criteria of economic security at the national level in the period from 1996 to 2007. The cancellation of the monitoring the economic security indicators became a serious management mistake, because the government lost control of the monitoring the security of the Russian economics from internal and external threats. The Ministry of Economic Development of the Russian Federation in 2019 made attempt to restore the monitoring system of the actual and forecast level of economic security by the most important indicators. Today in a real crisis situation we observe objective prerequisites for the adjusting of the conditions for ensuring national security, and the social factor occupies an increasingly significant place in the formation of its target and maximum permissible values. The article offers the author’s vision of the development of the concept of national socio-economic security, approaches to the formation of a unified system of assessment criteria for socio-economic security at the federal and subfederal levels, as well as managerial reforms, which are necessary in these conditions.
Secretory Clusterin as a Novel Molecular-targeted Therapy for Inhibiting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Growth
Authors: Yao Min , Sai Wenli , Zheng Wenjie , Wang Li , Dong Zhizhen , Yao Dengfu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Although secretory clusterin (sCLU) plays a crucial role in Hepatocellular
Carcinoma (HCC) cells proliferation, Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR), metastasis and so on, its
targeted effects and exact mechanism are still unknown. This review summarizes some new progress
in sCLU as a molecular-targeted therapy in the treatment of HCC.

Methods:

A systematic review of the published English-language literature about sCLU and HCC
has been performed using the PubMed and bibliographic databases. Some valuable studies on sCLU
in HCC progression were searched for relevant articles with the keywords: HCC, diagnosis, MDR,
as molecular-targeted in treatment, and so on.

Results:

The incidence of the positive rate of sCLU was significantly higher in HCC tissues as compared
to the surrounding tissues at mRNA or protein level, gradually increasing with tumor-nodemetastasis
staging (P<0.05). Also, the abnormal level of sCLU was related to poor differentiation
degree, and considered as a useful marker for HCC diagnosis or independent prognosis for patients.
Hepatic sCLU could be silenced at mRNA level by specific sCLU-shRNA or by OGX-011 to inhibit
cancer cell proliferation with an increase in apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, reversal MDR, alteration of
cell migration or invasion behaviors, and a decrease in GSK-3β or AKT phosphorylation in vitro, as
well as significant suppression of the xenograft growth by down-regulating β-catenin, p-GSK3β, and
cyclinD1 expression in vivo.

Conclusion:

Abnormal hepatic sCLU expression should not only be a new diagnostic biomarker but
also a novel promising target for inhibiting HCC growth.
Mid-Aortic Syndrome: A Rare Cause of Renovascular Hypertension in Childhood Treated Percutaneously with an Unusual Vascular Access
Authors: Stea Emma Diletta , Meliota Giovanni , Carbone Vincenza , Torres Diletta , Santangelo Luisa , Piscopo Giovanni , Giordano Paolo , Annicchiarico Giuseppina , Vairo Ugo , Giordano Mario
Published: June 2020

Introduction:

Mid-Aortic Syndrome (MAS) is a rare vascular malformation characterized
by segmental narrowing of the abdominal aorta and stenosis of its principal branches. Patients
affected by MAS typically present malignant renovascular hypertension, with variable clinical
symptoms like claudication, abdominal angina, and headache. Moreover, they can develop other
complications, such as hypertensive encephalopathy, congestive heart failure and vascular brain accidents.
Hypertension with MAS is often resistant to multidrug therapy, requiring a surgical approach
to treat the clinical symptoms, prevent or block organ damage and normalize the blood
pressure.

Case report:

Here, the case of a 4-year-old boy showing elevated blood pressure with left ventricular
hypertrophy leading to idiopathic MAS, who was successfully treated with percutaneous transcatheter
renal angioplasty (PTRA) using an unusual, anterograde access, is reported.

Discussion and Conclusions:

In children and adolescents, vascular malformations like MAS must
be considered as a possible cause of hypertension. PTRA is a successful therapeutic strategy in
children with severe renovascular hypertension. Anterograde access, using an axillary artery, can
be a valid approach for PTRA when femoral access is difficult to achieve.
Insights into the Photoelectric Properties of the SnF2 and SnF4-doped FASnI3 Perovskite NanoFilm
Authors: Peng Liping , Xie Wei
Published: June 2020

Background:

In this study, experimentally, we fabricated the FASnI3 perovskite solar cells
based on the SnF2 and SnF4-doped FASnI3 nano-thin film materials, and obtained the photoelectric
conversion efficiency (PCE) as 6.5 % and 5.59 %, respectively. Theoretically, we wanted to know
why the PCE of SnF2-doped FASnI3 is higher than the SnF4-doped FASnI3.

Methods:

We built three kinds of model structures by the CASTEP; they were undoped and SnF2 and
SnF4 doped FASnI3 perovskite structure models, respectively. The method was ultrasoft to calculate
the interaction between electron and ion, including an electron exchange correction method of generalized
gradient approximation and Perdew-Burke-Emzerhof method.

Results:

We found the probabilities of energy transfer between SnF2 molecules and the surrounding
molecules and these were found to be the lowest among the three structures. By analyzing optical
properties, band structures, effective masses, and density of states (DOS), etc., we found SnF2 doping
to be superior to SnF4 doping in maintaining photoelectric properties of FASnI3. In addition, SnF2-
doped FASnI3 possessed smaller hole effective mass than SnF4-doped FASnI3, adding Sn4+ ion into
perovskite, as a shallow acceptor energy level can effectively reduce the optical absorption properties,
however, adding Sn2+ ion into perovskite at an appropriate proportion enhanced photoelectric
performance of FASnI3.

Conclusion:

Sn4+ doping exhibited a negative effect, while Sn2+ doping showed a positive effect in
promoting the photoelectric performance of FASnI3 perovskite. We found SnF2 doping to be superior
to SnF4 doping in maintaining photoelectric properties of FASnI3. Our results may help to deeply
understand the role of Sn2+ and Sn4+ ions in promoting the stability and high efficiency of FASnI3,
and help in developing lead-free perovskite solar cells.
Vehicle To Vehicle “V2V” Communication: Scope, Importance, Challenges, Research Directions and Future
Authors: El Zorkany Mohamed , Yasser Ahmed , Galal Ahmed I.
Published: June 2020

Day after day Internet of Things (IOT) has become essential in our lives with a lot of research directions and technologies, one of these directions is the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) which is important for traffic management, and safety. One of its main points is the Vehicle-To-Vehicle (V2V) communication which is essential for the ITS full automated process as it decreases the number of hits between the vehicles and the access points on the roads. V2V is important for the developing countries which does not include Road Side Units (RSUs), so in this research we will go through V2V research directions to explore the current models, and to find out the advantages and challenges of implementing V2V.
Penggunaan Feces Sapi Terfermentasi dalam Ransum Terhadap Performa Produksi dan Reproduksi Ayam Kampung Sabu dan Semau
Authors: Telupere Franky M S
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengkaji penggunaan feces sapi terfermentasi dalam ransum terhadap performa produksi dan reproduksi ayam kampung Sabu dan Semau. Masing-masing kelompok terdiri dari 6 pejantan dan 18 ekor betina berumur 1,5-2 tahun yang digunakan sebagai tetua. Dari perkawinan inter se mating, dihasilkan 144 ekor anak ayam. Rancangan Acak Lengkap pola Faktorial 2x3 digunakan dalam penelitian ini, dimana terdapat 2 faktor, yaitu pertama faktor pakan: T0: Ransum Basal + 0% feces sapi terfermentasi (kontrol); T1: Ransum Basal 90% + 10% feces sapi terfermentasi; T2:Â  Ransum Basal 80% + 20% feces sapi terfermentasi. Faktor kedua adalah grup genetik, yaitu: S: Ayam Sabu dan M: Ayam Semau. Setiap perlakuan diulang 2 kali, dan setiap ulangan terdiri dari 1 pejantan dan 3 betina. Variabel yang diteliti adalah produksi telur, bobot telur, fertilitas, daya tetas, bobot DOC, bobot badan 4 dan 8 minggu. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan feces sapi terfermentasi dalam ransum basal sampai 20% memberikan hasilÂ  yang lebih baik untuk produksi telur dan bobot telur. Sedangkan untuk variabel lainnya tidak berpengaruh, sehingga dapat disimpulkan bahwa feces sapi terfermentasi dapat digunakan dalam ransum ayam kampung Sabu dan Semau.
Pemberian Air Isotonik Alami untuk Mengatasi Kondisi Heat Stress Terhadap Performan Produksi Burung Puyuh (Cortunix cortunix japonica)
Authors: Frasiska Nurul , Kusmayadi Andri
Published: June 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghasilkan isotonik alami (sari jeruk nipis, ekstrak seledri dan gula) untuk ternak unggas (Burung Puyuh) yang mampu mengatasi cekaman panas (Heat Stress) dengan dosis yang tepat yang ditunjukkan dengan performan produksi. Performan produksi yang diamati meliputi produksi telur dan rataan bobot telur. Rancangan percobaan yang digunakan adalah Rancangan Acak Lengkap dengan empat perlakuan antara lain T0 yaitu perlakuan air minum tanpa dosis isotonik, T1 menggunakan 10% infusa seledri, T2 menggunakan 20% infusa seledri, T3 menggunakan 30% infusa seledri yang masing-masing level ditambahkan 2% sari jeruk nipis dan 2% gula untuk menghasilkan cairan isotonik. Hasil penelitian terhadap performan produksi menunjukkan tidak ada perbedaan (P>0,05) yang nyata terhadap produksi telur. Namun ada perbedaan (P<0,05) terhadap bobot telur yang dihasilkan. Bobot telur meningkat pada level 30% isotonik alami.
Security, Surveillance and Muslims
Authors: George Noel Mariam
Published: June 2020

Colonial administrative apparatus maintained sovereignty through ‘secular’ indirect rule in India. Surveillance, Securitisation and Codification based on orientalized assumptions of ‘difference’ produced the Hindu majority. Scholarship that set Colonialism as binary opposite to Nationalism did not detail the nuances of colonial encounter. Colonial sovereign defined subjects as ‘unruly’ (barbarians) to exclude from the political order while at the same time co-opted certain myths of Caste Hindus to redefine European origin story as Aryan. Sovereign power in postcolonial India as a reproduction of the colonial sovereign defines the unruly (criminal Muslims) through criteria of exclusion that make exceptions to reconstitute its power as a Hindu sovereign.

Resumo

O sistema administrativo colonial manteve a sua soberania através do governo indireto "secular" na Índia. Vigilância, securitização e codificação com base em suposições orientalizadas de 'diferença' produziram a maioria hindu. A bolsa de estudos que definia o colonialismo como o oposto binário ao nacionalismo não detalhava as nuances do encontro colonial que sistematizavam o pensamento bramínico. A soberania colonial definiu os indivíduos como "indisciplinados" (bárbaros) para os excluir da ordem política e, ao mesmo tempo, cooptou os mitos hindus das castas para redefinir a história da origem europeia como ariana. O poder soberano na Índia pós-colonial surge como uma reprodução do soberano colonial que define os indisciplinados (muçulmanos criminosos) usando de critérios de exclusão que abrem exceções para reconstituir seu poder como soberano hindu.