bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CONFLITOS AGRÁRIOS NA AMAZÔNIA EM TERRITÓRIO INDÍGENA:
Authors: Ribeiro Luana da Conceição
Published: October 2020

O Brasil apresenta uma das maiores coberturas florestais do mundo. Diante disso, a floresta amazônica surge como um grande alvo com objetivo de exploração. A exploração da Amazônia e a questão dos conflitos agrários são frequentemente tratadas pela sociedade como assuntos sem correlação. A questão agrária no Brasil não é recente e sempre esteve presente na história do país, mas nem sempre como assunto principal, sendo geralmente coadjuvante de um complexo, polêmico e extenso conflito de interesses. Diante do exposto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo discutir sobre os conflitos agrários que ocorrem na Amazônia, analisando através de levantamento bibliográficos sobre o tema e suas principais motivações, bem como, dados sobre as ocorrências desses conflitos, como no Vale do Javari. A metodologia utilizada foi uma investigação acerca da temática, consultando na literatura específica e dados de órgãos especializados nesse tema. Conclui-se que a origem dos conflitos agrários na Amazônia decorre de conflituosos interesses em apropriar e explorar essas terras, em prol de enriquecimento de alguns, precarização de muitos e danos ambientais irreversíveis para todos.
ANÁLISE DAS ÁREAS FORTEMENTE DEGRADADAS E SUSCEPTÍVEIS À DESERTIFICAÇÃO NO CEARÁ E A SUA VIABILIDADE PARA GERAÇÃO DE ENERGIA SOLAR
Authors: Cunha Thiago Pereira
Published: October 2020

Tendo em vista os impactos socioambientais negativos causadas pelo processo de degradação e desertificação em regiões semiáridas e o crescimento das energias renováveis a nível global e regional, em especial a energia solar, a análise das áreas fortemente degradadas no Ceará pode indicar o espaço necessário à expansão dos empreendimento de energia solar proporcionando a reabilitação destas áreas no estado. O aproveitamento da potencialidade local de grande incidência solar pode ocorre de modo a utilizar as áreas que estejam em situação vulnerável, isto é sem cobertura vegetal e que estejam inaptas para as atividades produtivas como a agricultura. O estudo teve o intuito de analisar parâmetros que pudessem detectar indícios de maior vulnerabilidade nos municípios de Arneiroz, Canindé e Jaguaribe, através de sensoriamento remoto ao aplicar o Índice de Vegetação por Diferença Normatizada (NDVI), ao estimar a Temperatura da Superfície Terrestre (TST) e pela obtenção da Declividade dos territórios. Nos três municípios, e especialmente nas áreas fortemente degradadas, notou-se a existência de áreas com pouca ou nenhuma vegetação juntamente com as maiores temperaturas registradas. E com a análise da declividade foi determinada a viabilidade de uso das áreas para a implementação de empreendimentos destinados à geração de energia solar
A Modification of Rician Distribution for SAR Image Modelling
Authors: Karakuş Oktay , Kuruoglu Ercan E , Achim Alin
Published: October 2020

This paper presents a novel statistical model i.e. the Laplace-Rician distribution, for the characterisation of synthetic aperture radar (SAR) images. Since accurate statistical models lead to better results in applications such as target tracking, classification, or despeckling, characterising SAR images of various scenes including urban, sea surface, or agricultural, is essential. The proposed Laplace-Rician model is investigated for SAR images of several frequency bands and various scenes in comparison to state-of-the-art statistical models that include K, Weibull, and Lognormal. The results demonstrate the superior performance and flexibility of the proposed model for all frequency bands and scenes.
EFFECTS OF THE USE OF 17Î"™-ESTRADIOL FOR Leporinus macrocephalus FEMINIZATION
Authors: PEREIRA Thiago Scremin Boscolo , BOSCOLO Camila Nomura Pereira , BATLOUNI Sergio Ricardo
Published: October 2020

The aim of the study was to establish an effective feminization protocol for Leporinus macrocephalus using the 17Î²-estradiol (E2). Thus, one hundred and fifty fingerlings with 50 days old post-hatch were randomly distributed in fifteen experimental tanks of 90L and fed for 60 days on a diet supplemented with 50 or 100mg Kg-1 of E2. At the end of the experiment, sex ratios were determined through histological and macroscopic observations. Histologically, the differentiated ovaries were evidenced by the presence of numerous nests of oogonia and oocytes in primary growth stage. The female ratio (73%) for the group treated with 100mg Kg-1 E2 was significantly higher than those of control (52%) and 50mg Kg-1 treatment (48%) groups. These results indicate that 100 mg Kg-1 E2 administered for 60 days was the most effective treatment for 50 days old L. macrocephalus post larval feminization. In conclusion, the successful sex control can be achieved through dietary hormonal manipulation. However, future studies should be conducted to evaluate the economic feasibility of this technique.
CONDITION FACTOR AND ECOLOGY OF ENDOHELMINTHS IN Metynnis lippincottianus FROM THE CURIAí­Å¡ RIVER, IN EASTERN AMAZON (BRAZIL)
Authors: CARVALHO Abthyllane , FERREIRA Roger Leomar , ARAÚJO Priscila , TAVARES-DIAS Marcos , MATOS Edilson , VIDEIRA Marcela Nunes
Published: October 2020

Fish are among the vertebrate groups most susceptible to parasitic infections due to environmental characteristics that can favor the development of parasites; also, position of the host in food web has been associated with the parasitism. The aim of this study was to investigate the ecology of parasites endohelminth in Metynnis lippincottianus from the Curiaú River, in eastern Amazon (Brazil), as well as to evaluate the parasite-host interactions. From 110 specimens of M. lippincottianus examined, 76.3% were infected by one or more parasite species, and a total of 146 parasites such as Procamallanus (Spirocamallanus) inopinatus (Nematoda), larvae of Contracaecum sp. (Nematoda) and Neoechinorhynchus pterodoridis (Acanthocephala) were collected in intestine. However, the dominance was of nematode species, and the parasites had uniform or random dispersion. The parasitic infracommunities showed low Shannon-Wiener diversity (0.2 Â± 0.3), low evenness (0.2 Â± 0.3) and low species richness of parasites (1.1 Â± 0.8). The abundance of Contracaecum sp. presented a weak positive correlation with the weight of hosts, and relative condition factor was not affected by the parasitism. This first study about parasites of M. lippincottianus from Curiaí­­ River basin is the first report of N. pterodoridis for this host.
EFFECTS OF BAC-TRATÂ® PROBIOTIC COMPLEX ON GROWTH, HEMATOLOGICAL AND INTESTINAL PARAMETERS OF NILE TILAPIA, REARED AT LOW TEMPERATURES
Authors: FONSECA José Rafael Soares , CARVALHO Kerolay Valadão , SILVA Antônio Francisco Campanha da , FREITAS Jakeline Marcela Azambuja de , SIGNOR Altevir , FEIDEN Aldi
Published: October 2020

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the BAC-TRATÂ® probiotic complex applied on diet and in the rearing water of Nile tilapia, maintained at low temperatures. Three treatments were evaluated: control (absence of the probiotic: T0), probiotic applied to the water (T1) and a diet with probiotic (T2). Productive performance of Nile tilapia was not affected by the probiotic inclusion (p>0.05). The hematological parameters were influenced by treatments, with leukocytes and lymphocytes presenting lower concentrations in T2. Regarding to the whole-fish body composition, the inclusion of the probiotic in the water led to significant increases in the ether extract concentration, whilst the ash contents was higher in the treatments T1 and T2. Regarding histomorphometry parameters of the intestine, was observed that villi height and thickness of the muscle tunic were higher in T1 in comparison to T0. For the hepatic tissue, T2 determined the lowest values of perimeter, area and volume, and the qualitative evaluation revealed little and intermediate vacuolization in all treatments. It was concluded that despite contributing for the increase of intestinal villi area, the use of BAC-TRATÂ® probiotic complex at low temperatures does not have beneficial effects on Nile tilapia growth.
SCALE EFFICIENCY IN TAMBAQUI FARMING IN EARTH PONDS IN THE METROPOLITAN REGION OF MANAUS-AM
Authors: COSTA Jesaias Ismael , SABBAG Omar Jorge , MARTINS Maria Inez Espagnoli Geraldo
Published: October 2020

This study aimed at determining the scale efficiency in tambaqui production in earth ponds developed in the metropolitan region of Manaus-AM. Eleven fish farms were analyzed and were sampled data regarding its characteristics, productive data, disbursement, infrastructure value and production value, in order to calculate the total operational cost and profitability indexes. For the DEA was applied the VRS/BCC (variable return of scale) model with input orientation, using three inputs (total operational cost, feed value, and depreciation, all in BRL($) per kilo) and one output (annual gross revenue, in BRL($) per hectare). The study showed that 80% of the fish farms (DMUs) had increasing returns to scale, with scale efficiencies lower than 65%, affected by lack of profitability, low technical and marketing knowledge, high production cost (R$ 4.50 kg-1 ) and low average sales price (lower than R$ 5.00 kg-1).
Характеристика эпидемиологической ситуации по COVID-19 в Нижегородской области в период с 26 февраля 2020 по 22 июля 2020 года
Authors: Панасюк Ярина
Published: October 2020

Изучены отдельные параметры эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в Нижегородской области за период с 26 февраля по 22 июля 2020 года. Показано, что наиболее интенсивно в эпидемический процесс были вовлечены лица возрастной категории от 42 до 65 лет, среди заболевших доля женщин оказалась больше (58,12 %), чем доля мужчин (41,8%). Выявлена положительная корреляция количества заболевших COVID-19 с возрастом для возрастных групп от 19 до 41 года и от 42 до 65 лет.
Частота выявления SARS-CoV-2 в фекалиях детей с инфекционными диареями в дебюте эпидемии COVID-19
Authors: Подколзин Александр
Published: October 2020

Вынужденное применение строгих критериев селекции, при определении показаний к обследованию на РНК SARS-CoV-2 в дебюте эпидемического подъема COVID-19, создает риски существенной недооценки числа инфицированных лиц в популяции по данным регистрируемой заболеваемости. Достаточно длительный период выделения SARS-CoV-2 с фекалиями пациентов, в том числе при субманифестном течении COVID-19, которое часто наблюдается у детей, позволяет использовать данный тип материала для выявления скрытой циркуляции SARS-CoV-2 на территориях и оценки объективности регистрируемых уровней заболеваемости. Инфекционные диареи являются наиболее распространенной группой нозологий, надзор за которыми обеспечивает доступность материала для проведения данного мониторинга. Наряду с этим, оценка распространенности SARS-CoV-2 в образцах фекалий позволяет корректнее оценить риски работы с таким материалом в лабораториях, проводящих скрининговую диагностику инфекционных диарей в период пандемии COVID-19.
A Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of Smoking-Cessation Interventions Prior to Posterolateral Lumbar Fusion
Authors: Zhuang Thompson , Ku Seul , Shapiro Lauren M. , Hu Serena S. , Cabell Akaila , Kamal Robin N.
Published: October 2020

Background:

Smoking cessation represents an opportunity to reduce both short and long-term effects of smoking on complications after lumbar fusion and smoking-related morbidity and mortality. However, the cost-effectiveness of smoking-cessation interventions prior to lumbar fusion is not fully known.

Methods:

We created a decision-analytic Markov model to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of 5 smoking-cessation strategies (behavioral counseling, nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], bupropion or varenicline monotherapy, and a combined intervention) prior to single-level, instrumented lumbar posterolateral fusion (PLF) from the health payer perspective. Probabilities, costs, and utilities were obtained from published sources. We calculated the costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with each strategy over multiple time horizons and accounted for uncertainty with probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSAs) consisting of 10,000 second-order Monte Carlo simulations.

Results:

Every smoking-cessation intervention was more effective and less costly than usual care at the lifetime horizon. In the short term, behavioral counseling, NRT, varenicline monotherapy, and the combined intervention were also cost-saving, while bupropion monotherapy was more effective but more costly than usual care. The mean lifetime cost savings for behavioral counseling, NRT, bupropion monotherapy, varenicline monotherapy, and the combined intervention were $3,291 (standard deviation [SD], $868), $2,571 (SD, $479), $2,851 (SD, $830), $6,767 (SD, $1,604), and $34,923 (SD, $4,248), respectively. The minimum efficacy threshold (relative risk for smoking cessation) for lifetime cost savings varied from 1.01 (behavioral counseling) to 1.15 (varenicline monotherapy). A PSA revealed that the combined smoking-cessation intervention was always more effective and less costly than usual care.

Conclusions:

Even brief smoking-cessation interventions yield large short-term and long-term cost savings. Smoking-cessation interventions prior to PLF can both reduce costs and improve patient outcomes as health payers/systems shift toward value-based reimbursement (e.g., bundled payments) or population health models.

Level of Evidence:

Economic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
An Experimental Study of Steam-Assisted Gravity Drainage
Authors: Sheng Kai , Okuno Ryosuke , Imran Muhammad , Yamada Tomomi
Published: October 2020

In this paper we present a large-scale experimental study of the compositional effect on produced bitumen properties in steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD). The SAGD experiment used a sandpack in the cylindrical pressure vessel that was 1.22 m in length and 0.425 m in internal diameter. The pore volume of the sandpack was 58 L, and the porosity and permeability were 0.33 and 5.5 darcy, respectively. The sandpack was initially saturated with 93% bitumen and 7% deionized water.

The SAGD experiment after preheating was operated mostly at a steam injection rate of 35 cm3/min (cold-water equivalent) at 3,600 kPa (244°C). The produced fluids (gas, oil, and water) were analyzed; for example, 10 oil samples were analyzed in terms of carbon number distribution (CND), the asphaltene content, density, and viscosity to investigate the compositional change of the produced bitumen. After the experiment, the sandpack was excavated, and samples were taken for analysis of solid, water, oil, asphaltene, and sulfur contents. Experimental data (e.g., propagation of a steam chamber and production of oil and water) were history matched using a numerical reservoir simulator.

The produced bitumen was lighter and contained 1- to 5-wt% less asphaltenes than the original bitumen. Also, the remaining oil inside the steam chamber contained 6-wt% more asphaltenes. As a result, the produced bitumen was 1- to 6-kg/m3 less dense than the original bitumen. This is an increase in API gravity from the original 7.9° to 8.6°. In the actual operations, bitumen is diluted with condensate to decrease the oil viscosity for pipeline shipping. This decrease in bitumen density corresponds to a decrease of the diluent cost by 5 to 10%. The produced bitumen became less dense with increasing steam-chamber volume.

Results were history matched with a simulation model that considers capillary pressures to properly model the mixed flow regimes of oil/water countercurrent and cocurrent flow with an expanding steam chamber. The history-matched simulation indicated that the progressively decreasing density of the produced bitumen can be attributed to the vaporization of the relatively volatile components in the remaining oil and condensation of those components near the chamber edge.
Relationship between formulaic breast volume and risk of breast cancer based on linear measurements
Authors: li xiaoxia , Zhou Chunlan , Wu Yanni , Chen Xiaohong
Published: October 2020

Background: Whether breast volume is a risk factor for breast cancer is controversial. This study aimed to evaluate whether a significant association between breast volume and risk of breast cancer, based on linear measurements,was present by applying propensity score matching (PSM).Methods: The study was designed as a hospital-based case-control study. Between March 2018 and May 2019, 208 cases and 340 controls were retrospectively reviewed. Information on menarche, smoking, feeding mode, oral contraceptives, reproductive history and family history was obtained through a structured questionnaire. Breast volume was calculated using a formula based on linear measurements of breast parameters. Cox regression and PSM were used to estimate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for breast cancer using risk factors adjusted for potential confounders. Results: There was a significant difference in breast volume between the two groups before propensity score matching(P = 0.014) . Binary logistic regression showed that the risk of breast cancer was slightly higher in the case group with larger breast volumes than in the control group（P = 0.009, OR = 1.002， 95%CI：1.000~1.003). However, there was no significant statistical difference between the two groups using an independent sample Mann-Whitney U test (P = 0.438) or conditional logistic regression (P = 0.446). Conclusions: After PSM for potential confounding factors, there is no significant difference in breast volume estimated by BREAST-V formula between the case group and the control group. The risk of breast cancer may not be related to breast volume in Chinese women.
Why do they do it? A grounded theory study of the use of low-value care among primary health care physicians
Authors: Ingvarsson Sara , Augustsson Hanna , Hasson Henna , Nilsen Per , Schwarz Ulrica von Thiele , von Knorring Mia
Published: October 2020

Background: The use of low-value care (LVC) is widespread and has an impact on both the use of resources and quality of care. However, few studies have thus far studied the factors influencing the use of LVC from the perspective of the practitioners themselves. The aim of this study is to understand why physicians within primary care use LVC. Methods: Six primary health care centers in the Stockholm Region were purposively selected. Focus group discussions were conducted with physicians (n = 31) working in the centers. The discussions were coded inductively using a grounded theory approach. Results: Three main reasons for performing LVC were identified. Uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do was related to being unaware of the LVC status of a practice, guidelines perceived as conflicting, guidelines perceived to be irrelevant for the target patient population, or a lack of trust in the guidelines. Perceived pressure from others concerned patient pressure, pressure from other physicians, or pressure from the health care system. A desire to do something for the patients was associated with the fact that the visit in itself prompts action, symptoms to relieve, or emotions to calm. The three reasons are interdependent. Uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do have made it more difficult to handle the pressure from others and to refrain from doing something for the patients. The pressure from others and the desire to do something for the patients enhanced the uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do. Furthermore, the pressure from others influenced the desire to do something for the patients. Conclusions: Three reasons work together to explain primary care physicians’ use of LVC: uncertainty and disagreement about what not to do, perceived pressure from others, and the desire to do something for the patients. The reasons may, in turn, be influenced by the health care system, but the decision nevertheless seemed to be up to the individual physician. The findings suggest that the de-implementation of LVC needs to address the three reasons from a systems perspective.
Self-medication practices and associated factors in the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 virus: A population-based survey in Nigeria
Authors: Wegbom Anthony Ike , Edet Clement Kevin , Raimi Olatunde , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Kiri Victor Alangibi
Published: October 2020

Background: The anxiety caused by the emergence of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) globally has made many Nigerians resort to self-medication for purported protection against the disease, amid fear of contracting it from health workers and hospital environments. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate the knowledge level, causes, prevalence, and determinants of self-medication practices for the prevention and/or treatment of COVID-19 in Nigeria.Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted between June and July 2020 among the Nigerian population, using a self-reported questionnaire. Statistical analysis of descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses was done using STATA 15.Results: A total of 461 respondents participated in the survey. Almost all the respondents had sufficient knowledge about self-medication (96.7%). The overall prevalence of self-medication for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19 was 41%. The contributing factors were fear of stigmatization or discrimination (79.5%), fear of being quarantine (77.3%), and fear of infection or contact with a suspected person (76.3%). The proximal reasons for self-medication were emergency illness (49.1%), delays in receiving hospital services (28.1%), distance to the health facility (23%), and proximity of the pharmacy (21%). The most commonly used drugs for self-medication were vitamin C and multivitamin (51.8%) and antimalarials (24.9%). These drugs were bought mainly from pharmacies (73.9%). From the multivariate logistic regression model, male gender (OR: 0.79; 95% CI: 0.07–0.54), and sufficient knowledge on SM (OR: 0.64; 95% CI: 0.19–0.77) were significantly associated with self-medication.Conclusion: Despite the high knowledge and the risks associated with self-medication among the respondents, the practice is prevalent for perceived COVID-19 prevention and treatment. Based on the findings of this study the media and the community-based should be engaged to create awareness on the dangers of self-medication and the need for positive health behaviour concerning COVID-19. Pharmacies, patent medicine vendors, and traditional medicine practitioners have a role to play since most of the drugs are bought from them. A review and activation of relevant laws on drug use are also suggested.
Monitoring Of Antimicrobial Consumption – Aim, Methodology And Use
Authors: Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Hryniewicz Waleria
Published: October 2020

Monitoring of antibiotic consumption is one of the basic tools of the strategies to combat antibiotic resistance, is an integral part of the antibiotic stewardships and helps to ensure the rational antibiotic therapy. It is used to describe the structure and dynamics of antibacterials usage. The defined daily dose (DDD) methodology and ATC (anatomical, therapeutic and chemical) classification used in the monitoring programs determine the reliability of the analyzed data and enable the comparison of the antibiotic consumption between departments, centers and regions.

1. Introduction. 2. What is the monitoring and what it is used for? 3. Antimicrobial consumption methodology. 4. ATC methodology. 5. Defined daily dose (DDD). 6. Antimicrobial consumption measures. 7. Summary
Topological effects and conformal invariance in long-range correlated random surfaces
Authors: Javerzat Nina , Grijalva Sebastian , Rosso Alberto , Santachiara Raoul
Published: October 2020

We consider discrete random fractal surfaces with negative Hurst
exponent H<0H<0.
A random colouring of the lattice is provided by activating the sites at
which the surface height is greater than a given level
hh.
The set of activated sites is usually denoted as the excursion set. The
connected components of this set, the level clusters, define a
one-parameter (HH)
family of percolation models with long-range correlation in the site
occupation. The level clusters percolate at a finite value
h=h_ch=hc
and for H\leq-\frac{3}{4}H≤−34
the phase transition is expected to remain in the same universality
class of the pure (i.e. uncorrelated) percolation. For
-\frac{3}{4}<H< 0−34<H<0
instead, there is a line of critical points with continously varying
exponents. The universality class of these points, in particular
concerning the conformal invariance of the level clusters, is poorly
understood. By combining the Conformal Field Theory and the numerical
approach, we provide new insights on these phases. We focus on the
connectivity function, defined as the probability that two sites belong
to the same level cluster. In our simulations, the surfaces are defined
on a lattice torus of size M\times NM×N.
We show that the topological effects on the connectivity function make
manifest the conformal invariance for all the critical line
H<0H<0.
In particular, exploiting the anisotropy of the rectangular torus
(M\neq NM≠N),
we directly test the presence of the two components of the traceless
stress-energy tensor. Moreover, we probe the spectrum and the structure
constants of the underlying Conformal Field Theory. Finally, we observed
that the corrections to the scaling clearly point out a breaking of
integrability moving from the pure percolation point to the long-range
correlated one.
La motivación laboral y el compromiso organizacional
Authors: Puma Miguel
Published: October 2020

El presente trabajo de investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar la relación que existe entre la motivación laboral y el compromiso organizacional de los trabajadores de la Corte Superior de Justicia de Madre de Dios. El enfoque de investigación fue cuantitativo, el diseño fue no experimental y el nivel correlacional. La muestra estuvo constituida por 80 trabajadores de la Corte Superior de Justicia de Madre de Dios, cantidad que fue obtenida mediante un muestreo probabilístico. Los instrumentos utilizados para la recolección de datos fueron el Cuestionario de Motivación elaborado por Sulca (2015) y el Cuestionario de Compromiso Organizacional adaptado por Rivera (2010). Los resultados hallados indican que existe una correlación positiva alta entre la motivación laboral y el compromiso organizacional. El coeficiente de correlación rho de Spearman de es 0,759 con un p-valor inferior al nivel de significancia (p=0,000<0,05). Finalmente se concluye que mientras los trabajadores presenten altos niveles de motivación labora, su compromiso hacia la labor que realizan será mayor.
Effect of grape variety, place of growth, and processing technology on the physical and chemical indicators of grape pomace
Authors: Tihonova Anastasiya , Ageyeva Natalia , Biryukova Svetlana , Globa Ekaterina , Abakumova Alla
Published: October 2020

Introduction. Any waste can become a raw material for new products. Therefore, waste should be considered as secondary material resources. Grape pomace is the basic waste of wine industry, and research in its chemical composition may allow for a more effective recycling of food industry waste.

Study objects and methods. The research featured sweet and fermented pomace of white and red grapes, namely “Chardonnay”, “Sauvignon Blanc”, “Riesling”, “Pinot Blanc”, “Traminer Pink”, “Viognier”, “Morava” “Pinot Noir”, “Roesler”, “Cabernet Sauvignon”, “Merlot”, “Saperavi”, and “Rebo”. They were obtained in the production of wines at wineries in the Krasnodar region. Mass concentrations of organic acids and cations of alkaline and alkaline-earth elements were determined in extracts by capillary electrophoresis. The data was converted to dry matter. Moisture content was calculated as a percentage of the change in the mass of grape pomace.

Results and discussion. The moisture content of sweet pomace varied from 49.33 ± 2.04 to 70.35 ± 0.60%, and in fermented pomace – from 47.49 ± 0.02 to 64.24 ± 0.60%. The varieties were studied for mass concentrations of tartaric, malic, succinic, citric, and lactic acids. Tartaric and malic acids proved to be the most abundant ones. The pomace of Riesling grapes had the greatest amount of tartaric acid (104.47 ± 4.16 g/kg). The “Chardonnay” variety proved rich in malic acid (19.40 ± 2.67 g/kg), while the “Morava” pomace had the biggest amount of citric acid (12.61 ± 1.12) and succinic acid (11.72 ± 1.23). The research also defined concentrations of alkaline and alkaline-earth elements. Their content ranged from 41.04 to 3.29 g/kg. Potassium appeared to be the main cation in the pomace samples. The share of potassium in the total mineralization of pomace was up to 94%. The “Riesling” variety grown near Novorossiysk had the largest amount of potassium (36.46 ± 4.65 g/kg). The samples demonstrated a significant correlation between the content of tartaric acid and potassium.

Conclusion. The research revealed a significant variation in the concentration of the organic acids and cations of alkaline and alkalineearth metals, depending on the grape variety, the place of its growth, and processing. The grape pomace samples differed moisture content. It depended on the volume of the liquid fraction, i.e. wort or wine material selected during pressing.
Phosphorus recovery from sewage sludge hydrochar: process optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Tasca Andrea Luca , Mannarino Gemma , Gori Riccardo , Vitolo Sandra , Puccini Monica
Published: October 2020

Hydrothermal carbonization can play an innovative role in sewage sludge (SS) treatment and valorization, as well as in phosphorus recovery. In this study, leaching tests using nitric acid were performed on hydrochar from SS and the influence of pH (1–3.5), leaching time (30–240 min), and solid/liquid (S/L) ratio (5–20 wt%) was analyzed and optimized according to the Design of Experiments method, under the Response Surface Methodology approach. The highest phosphorus extraction yield (59.57%) was achieved at the lowest pH and the lowest S/L ratio, while an increase in temperature from 20 to 60 °C negatively affected the phosphorus recovery. Quadratic models, with the addition of semi-cubic terms, were found to best represent both phosphorus yield and ash content of the hydrochar after leaching. As observed by 3-dimensional surface responses, phosphorus yield increases as the pH decreases. The pH is the factor that most influences this response, while time has little influence. At pH 1, the yield increases as the S/L ratio decreases, while the S/L ratio only slightly affects the response at pH 3.5. At an S/L ratio of 12.5%, multi-objective optimization indicates that pH 1 and a leaching time of 135 min are the parameters that allow both maximum phosphorus yield and minimum ash content.
Специфика факторной структуры межкультурной компетентности студентов международного профиля в гендерном аспекте
Authors: Махмутова Елена Н. , Чуганская Анфиса А. , Воевода Елена В.
Published: October 2020

Introduction. This study focuses on intercultural competence of students of international relations and aims to determine the characteristics of intercultural competence in the group of Russian male and female students of international relations. Methods. The ideas of the Council of Europe document on key competencies underlying the culture of democracy were the source material for the study of intercultural competence. We interviewed 54 students of international relations aged 17–23 years using the technique of M. Barrett who operationalized this conceptual model of the Council of Europe. This paper represents a first effort in comparing the factor structure of theoretical and empirical models of Russian respondents’ intercultural competence (taking into account their gender) in relation to their values, behavioral attitudes, practical skills, and knowledge necessary for intercultural interaction. Results. The study involving Russian respondents confirmed the hypothesis that there are no differences in the number of factors in the theoretical and empirical models of intercultural competence. In the group of Russian female students the rating of factors of intercultural competence was as follows: 1 – practical skills, 2 – tolerance, 3 – empathy, and 4 – civic consciousness. In the group of Russian male students the rating of factors of intercultural competence was as follows: 1 – respect and responsibility, 2 – adaptability, 3 – empathy, and 4 – tolerance. Discussion. The findings obtained from the Russian sample suggest that while maintaining the four-factor structure in the theoretical and empirical models of intercultural competence, the content of factors differs significantly from the theoretical model. In our research, the respondents showed semantic and instrumental diversity in the components of intercultural competence. Women associate the success of intercultural interaction with skills, self-education, skills for listening and understanding, willingness to cooperate, and tolerance. For men, the success of intercultural interaction depends on respect and responsibility, adaptability, knowledge and its critical understanding. The conceptual model for the development of intercultural competence should be improved taking into account gender and professional characteristics of students and should be implemented in educational programs.
Mobile App Strategy to Facilitate Human Papillomavirus Vaccination Among Young Men Who Have Sex With Men: Pilot Intervention Study
Authors: Fontenot Holly B , White Bradley Patrick , Rosenberger Joshua G , Lacasse Hailee , Rutirasiri Chokdee , Mayer Kenneth H , Zimet Gregory
Published: October 2020

Background

Mobile app-based interventions have been identified as potential facilitators for vaccination among young men who have sex with men (MSM).

Objective

This pilot study aimed to test the feasibility of a theoretically informed mobile health (mHealth) tool designed to reduce health disparities and facilitate human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among a sample of young MSM.

Methods

The development of the mHealth tool was guided by previous research, implementation intention theory, and design thinking. We recruited MSM aged 18-26 years through a popular online dating app and linked participants to our mHealth tool, which provided HPV vaccine information and fostered access to care.

Results

A total of 42 young MSM participated in this pilot study in Boston, Massachusetts. Participants reported variable HPV knowledge (ie, high knowledge of HPV risk factors and low knowledge of HPV-related cancer risks for men) and positive vaccine beliefs and attitudes. Of those who were either unvaccinated, not up to date, or did not report vaccine status, 23% (8/35) utilized the mHealth tool to obtain HPV vaccination. Participants primarily utilized the tool’s (1) educational components and (2) capabilities facilitating concrete vaccine action plans.

Conclusions

We recruited an underserved at-risk population of youth via an online dating app for our mHealth intervention that resulted in in-person health care delivery. This study was limited by enrollment challenges, including low willingness to download the mHealth tool to mobile devices.
COCARDE Study–Cardiac Imaging Phenotype in Patients With COVID-19: Protocol for a Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Lairez Olivier , Blanchard Virginie , Balardy Laurent , Vardon-Bounes Fanny , Cazalbou Stéphanie , Ruiz Stéphanie , Collot Samia , Houard Valérie , Rolland Yves , Conil Jean-Marie , Minville Vincent
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND

The effects of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) on the myocardium and their role in the clinical course of infected patients are still unknown. The severity of SARS-CoV-2 is driven by hyperinflammation, and the effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the myocardium may be significant. This study proposes to use bedside observations and biomarkers to characterize the association of COVID-19 with myocardial injury.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study is to describe the myocardial function and its evolution over time in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 and to investigate the link between inflammation and cardiac injury.

METHODS

This prospective, monocentric, observational study enrolled 150 patients with suspected or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection at Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France. Patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU), regular cardiologic ward, and geriatric ward of our tertiary university hospital were included during the pandemic period. Blood sampling, electrocardiography, echocardiography, and morphometric and demographic data were prospectively collected.

RESULTS

A total of 100 patients were included. The final enrolment day was March 31, 2020, with first report of results at the end of the first quarter of 2021. The first echocardiographic results at admission of 31 patients of the COCARDE-ICU substudy population show that biological myocardial injury in COVID-19 has low functional impact on left ventricular systolic function.

CONCLUSIONS

A better understanding of the effects of COVID-19 on myocardial function and its link with inflammation would improve patient follow-up and care.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04358952; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04358952

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/24931
COMPARATIVE STUDY TO ASSESS THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEBULIZED 3% HYPERTONIC SALINE AND NEBULIZED LEVOSALBUTAMOL IN THE MANAGEMENT OF BRONCHIOLITIS
Authors: SHIREEN SARA , SULTANA SAFURA , OMER KHADIJA AKHTAR , QUTUB ATIKA BEGUM , REDDY U NARAYAN
Published: October 2020

Objective: The objective of the study was to compare the effects of nebulized 3% hypertonic saline and nebulized levosalbutamol in the management of bronchiolitis.

Methods: Seventy children of age 1–24 months admitted into the hospital with the diagnosis of bronchiolitis. Participants were divided into two groups of 35 each. Group A was given nebulized 3% hypertonic saline and Group B was given nebulized levosalbutamol. Modified respiratory distress assessment instrument (RDAI) is used at admission, at 48 h after admission, and at the time of discharge to identify the reduction in scores between two groups.

Results: The mean age of patients in the study population was 10.1±6.4 months. The mean birth weight of patients in Group A and Group B was 3.00±0.61 and 3.12±0.75. The percentage of male patients was 57.1% and the percentage of female patients was 42.8%. The modified RDAI score in Group A and Group B at admission, 48 h of admission, and at the time of discharge was 4.34±0.87, 2.4±1.03, and 0.67±0.05 (p=0.04) and 4.11±0.58, 3.60±1.00, and 2.51±0.96 (p=0.12). The hospital stay was observed to be lowered in Group A (3.77±0.88) compared to Group B (5.43±0.92; p=0.04).

Conclusion: From the findings of our study, we conclude that nebulized 3% hypertonic saline, as it acts by hindering the pathophysiologic mechanism of bronchiolitis, is more effective in reducing the clinical severity score and length of hospital stay. Further 3% hypertonic saline also have the additional benefit of decreasing the economic burden of disease as it is safe, inexpensive, reduces the inpatient hospital charges by reducing the length of stay.
EARLY PROBIOTICS IN PREVENTING VENTILATOR-ASSOCIATED PNEUMONIA AFTER MULTIPLE TRAUMA
Authors: HABIB TAMER , KASSEM AMIRA B , AHMED ISLAM
Published: October 2020

Objective: Using probiotics in preventing ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) remain controversial due to different intensive care unit (ICU) populations included in such studies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of probiotics in prophylaxis of VAP after multiple trauma.

Methods: Sixty-five adult multiple trauma patients on mechanical ventilator (expected ≥48 h) after admission to the Critical Care Medicine Department, Alexandria Main University Hospital from June to November 2018. Patients were randomly assigned using computer sheet into two groups; probiotics group (32 patients received one Lacteol Forte® sachet through orogastric/nasogastric tube 3 times daily during their ICU stay) and control group (33 patients received similar regimen of placebo sachets). All patients were followed up and subjected to all possible strategies of the diagnosis of microbiologically confirmed VAP.

Results: Sixty-five patients were enrolled with a mean of age (39.48±7.692) years, 80% of them were male. Regarding the incidence of VAP, it was 18.46% of all patients without statistically significant difference between probiotics group (15.63%) and control group (21.21%) (p=0.751).

Conclusion: Routine use of early probiotics in mechanically ventilated multiple trauma patients was not associated with lower incidence of VAP, duration of MV, or ICU mortality.
EVALUATION OF PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS IN CANCER PATIENTS
Authors: Anupozu Rashmi
Published: October 2020

Objective: The main objective of the present study is to determine the depression and anxiety using standardized rating scales in cancer patients.

Methods: This prospective observational study was performed in 120 cancer patients at a local government cancer hospital. Subjects were interviewed and data were collected using standard Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) questionnaires. The obtained data were analyzed using SPSS software version 26.

Results: Out of 120 patients, 75.8% were male and 24.2% were female. The maximum number of subjects (n=66, 55%) were within the age group of 41–60 years and from the urban region (54.2%). Analyzing the depression status from the PHQ-9 questionnaire, severe depression was seen high among females (31%) when compared to males (19.8%). From the scores obtained by the GAD-7 questionnaire, it was found that males with normal anxiety (26.4%) and severe anxiety (11%) were more when compared to females. On performing regression, females were 0.572 times at a higher risk of developing depression and 2.005 times likely to have GAD when compared to males.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that majority of subjects with psychiatric disorders are in the age group of 41–60 years and are from the urban region. Early screening of the cancer patients for depression and GAD using validated questionnaires such as PHQ-9 and GAD-7 and providing appropriate counseling or therapy on a timely basis helps them to manage their adverse symptoms and boosts the mental health of the subjects.
ASSESSMENT OF IMMUNOMODULATORY POTENTIAL OF AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION, NIROCIL SYRUP IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: GHADIGAONKAR DINESH DILIP , CHAWDA MUKESH B , THAKUR KAPIL S
Published: October 2020

Objective: This study aims to assess the immunomodulatory potential of an Ayurvedic formulation, Nirocil syrup, in Wistar rats.

Methods: The experiments were conducted on Wistar rats with prior approval from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Nirocil syrup was administered for 6 weeks to experimental animals. Parameters such as hemagglutination titer, histopathology of immunological organs, complete blood count, differential leukocyte count, and immunological paw edema were recorded and compared with controlled (untreated) and becozinc treated groups.

Results: Nirocil treated group significantly enhanced the antibody titer in comparison to the control group. The results are supported by the increase in blood lymphocyte count and antigenic stimulation in immunological organs (spleen). Nirocil syrup enhanced antibody formation and suppressed the immunological edema in experimental animals.

Conclusions: The study concludes that the Ayurvedic formulation Nirocil syrup has immunopotentiating activity.
POTENTIAL OF AQUEOUS OZONE FOR THE IN VITRO STERILIZATION PROCEDURE OF SOLANACEAE
Authors: YULIANA TITIS , PRIHASTANTI ERMA , NURCHAYATI YULITA
Published: October 2020

Objective: This research aimed to verify the use of aqueous ozone as an alternative sterilizer for in vitro sterilization procedure.

Methods: Three species of Solanaceae were selected based on their trichomes. They are thorn apple (Datura metel L.), eggplant (Solanum melongena), and tomato (Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium). The treatment used four levels of concentrations; K0 (NaOCl – control), K1 (AO 0.1 ppm), and K2 (AO 0.5 ppm), K3 (1 ppm) and it employed three types of leaves, namely, D1 (thorn apple), D2 (eggplant), and D3 (tomato). The data were analyzed by analysis of variance univariate two factors and followed by Duncan’s multiple comparisons test.

Results: This assay showed that the effect of ozone was almost immediately against microorganisms, and the optimum ozone concentration depends on the types of the leaf. Both levels of ozone concentration and types of leaves had a significantly different effect (p<0.05), and there is no interaction between aqueous ozone concentration and types of leaves (p>0.05). The level of sterility in K0 is 77, 78%, K1 is 22, 22%, K2 is 44, 44%, and K3 is 100%. Ozone 1 ppm had the highest result, but there is no viable explant because they got damage in their cells.

Conclusions: Aqueous ozone showed good potential to inhibit the growth of microorganisms for the in vitro sterilization procedure of Solanaceae.
ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACTS FROM LEAVES OF PISTACIA INTEGERRIMA (ANACARDIACEAE) STEW EX BRAND
Authors: VASHIST HEM RAJ , DOGRA SHIVANI
Published: October 2020

Purpose: The ethanol extract of leaves of Pistacia integerrima (EEPI) was evaluated for antibacterial activity.

Methods: The leaves of P. integerrima were collected from wild source and authenticated by Dr. Manoj Joshi, botanist environmental education expert, Una, HP, India. Antimicrobial activity was performed using the Mueller–Hinton (MH) agar using disk diffusion method. In the MH agar media 38 g after dissolving in 1000 ml of distilled water (pH 7.3±0.2), the extract was incorporated such that concentration per ml will be 66.67 μg, 133.33 and, 166.66.

Results: The minimum inhibitory concentration recorded was 133.33 for Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella Typhi, and Klebsiella pneumonia, whereas 166.6 for Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and Escherichia coli. The maximum zone of inhibition was found 19 mm and 18 mm for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively. S. aureus have been reported for skin pneumonia, heart valve, and bone infections whereas E. coli causes diarrhea and many other infections in children.

Conclusion: After reporting the better zone of inhibition for these two bacteria, EEPI can be used to formulate better herbal remedy against them.
Dolarización de los costos agrícolas en Argentina
Authors: Wahren Pablo
Published: October 2020

El presente artículo estudia los determinantes de los costos agrícolas en Argentina y en particular su grado de dolarización. Para estimar la dolarización de los costos se construyó una base de costos agrícolas por región para los tres principales cultivos del país y se aplicó econometría de panel. Se argumenta que es relevante incorporar esta dimensión de análisis para el diseño de esquemas de devaluaciones compensadas, ya que un alto grado de dolarización reduce su eficacia como mecanismo de desacople de precios sin efectos distributivos.
Humanizing development: taking stock of Amartya Sen’s capability approach
Authors: Garcés Velástegui Pablo
Published: October 2020

Amartya Sen’s capability approach redefined development in terms of people and their quality of life. Since development suggests the idea of positive change, it highlights what is worth changing, the desirable outcome and the desirable way to achieve it. This influential framework has succeeded in engaging different disciplines in constructive debate. There is a growing, and dispersed, literature adding and critiquing it. Hence, providing a current conceptual account of the approach, on its own terms, to assess its contribution to the project it undertakes, address its alleged shortcomings, and point to avenues to further the debate seems warranted. This is particularly timely given its 30 years of influence over public policy, as evidenced by the United Nations’ Human Development Reports