bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CROSS-CULTURAL DIMENSIONS AND CROSS-CULTURAL ORIENTATIONS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: CASE STUDY OF SRI LANKA
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, RAJENTHIRAN NIRUSIKA , MADHUWANTHI H.A.S ,   UniSA STEM, University of Australia, DISSANAYAKE D.M.P.P ,   University of Moratuwa, SIRIMEWAN D.C. ,   University of Moratuwa
Published: August 2021

Significant issues affecting the success of construction projects due to globalisation is the establishment of a multicultural project team. Presently, China has emerged as one of Sri Lanka's main sources of foreign and commercial loans in an environment, where the island is seeking to rebuild and modernise infrastructure. However, the involvement of multi-cultural project teams often present unique challenges due to cross-cultural interactions, thereby, creating conflicts through construction projects, makes the conflict unavoidable. Therefore, this study was attempting to identify the cross-cultural dimensions and cross-cultural orientations in cross-cultural teamwork of Chinese contractors in construction projects in Sri Lanka. A qualitative approach was followed in this study in which multiple case study was selected as the most appropriate method for the research. Accordingly, semi-structured interviews were conducted among the selected four (4) respondents from each case to collect the data. Captured data was analysed by the manual content analysis method. An empirical investigation has been validated communication, leadership, trust, collectivism, team selection, uncertainty, team development and management as the common cross-cultural dimensions for all the three cases. This study added new cross-cultural dimensions to the literature in the context of Sri Lankan construction industry namely, coordination, harmony and customs with specific cross-cultural orientations. The study can be further developed to investigate strategies to manage intragroup conflicts occurs in cross-cultural teamwork of Sri Lankans and Chinese professionals in the Sri Lankan construction industry.
A STUDY ON UNDERSTANDING THE SOCIAL INTERACTION ARISES FROM URBAN PARK ENVIRONMENT THROUGH DIFFERENT INTERACTION TYPES; Related to Diyatha, Katubedda and Kelimadala urban parks in Colombo district
Authors:   University of Moratuwa, LOKULIYANA C.K. , RATNAYAKE G.R ,   University of Moratuwa
Published: August 2021

In 1990s, the decrement of non-built up areas due to urbanization in Sri Lanka cause for reducing the quality of life and emerging of social issues by interruption of human interaction with the busiest monotonous life styles. The urban beautification projects like urban park concept was introduced to achieve the Sri Lankan sustainable vision by 2030 by developing those spaces as social spaces for the purpose of community gathering and interaction. With this emerging concept, there is no such consideration or the research regarding identification of social interaction types in park to increase the park planning potentials in Sri Lanka by achieving the social sustainability of the place via social interaction. Above mentioned objective of the research is overcome through the theoretical framework of “social network theory” by understanding the actor and user types in the urban park context in Sri Lanka especially for Colombo district which have dissimilarity of availability of design characteristics. The methodology of the research is consisted with onsite observations and questionnaire surveys under mixed method approach. There are different intensity of social interactions were happened in three selected parks, from these the social interactions highly occurred among adults-adults user category and the least social interaction can be seen among children-younger user category in three parks and the highest expected factor for interaction is accessibility rather than consideration other factors. Additionally, provide shady greenery areas with multi-diverse activities for all user and actor categories based on respondents’ comments will be needed to consider in increasing the future planning potentials to achieve social sustainability of the urban parks via social interaction in Sri Lanka.
Long-term stability of Onyx: is there any indication for repeated angiography after dural arteriovenous fistula embolization?
Authors: Voldřich Richard , Netuka David , Charvát František , Beneš Vladimír
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

The natural course of dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) is unfavorable. Transarterial embolization with Onyx is currently the therapeutic method of choice, although the long-term stability of Onyx has been questioned. The literature reports a significant difference in the recurrence rate after complete DAVF occlusion and lacks larger series with long-term follow-up. The authors present the largest series to date with a long-term follow-up to determine the stability of Onyx, prospectively comparing magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as follow-up diagnostic methods.

METHODS

Demographics, clinical symptomatology, length of follow-up, diagnostic methods, and angiographic findings of DAVFs were recorded and retrospectively evaluated in 112 patients. A prospective group of 15 patients with more than 5 years of follow-up after complete DAVF occlusion was established. All 15 patients in the prospective group underwent a clinical examination and MRA; 10 of these patients also underwent DSA. The recurrences and the correlation between the two diagnostic methods were evaluated.

RESULTS

Among the 112 patients, 71 were men and 41 were women, with an average age of 60 years. Intracranial hemorrhage (40%) was the most common clinical presentation of DAVF. At the last follow-up, 73% of the patients experienced clinical improvement, 21% remained unchanged, and 6% worsened. Overall, 87.5% of the DAVFs were occluded entirely with endovascular treatment, and 93% of the DAVFs were classified as cured at the last follow-up (i.e., completely embolized DAVFs and DAVFs that thrombosed spontaneously or after Gamma Knife surgery). Two recurrences of DAVFs were recorded in the entire series. Both were first diagnosed by MRA and confirmed with DSA. The mean follow-up was 27.7 months. In the prospective group, a small asymptomatic recurrence was diagnosed. The mean follow-up of the prospective group was 96 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Onyx is a stable embolic material, although recurrence of seemingly completely occluded DAVFs may develop because of postembolization hemodynamic changes that accentuate primarily graphically absent residual fistula. These residuals can be diagnosed with MRA at follow-up. The authors’ data suggest that MRA could be sufficient as the follow-up diagnostic method after complete DAVF occlusion with Onyx. However, larger prospective studies on this topic are needed.
Impact of international research fellows in neurosurgery: results from a single academic center
Authors: Yang Wuyang , Rincon-Torroella Jordina , Feghali James , Khalafallah Adham M. , Ishida Wataru , Perdomo-Pantoja Alexander , Quiñones-Hinojosa Alfredo , Lim Michael , Gallia Gary L. , Riggins Gregory J. , Anderson William S. , Lo Sheng-Fu Larry , Rigamonti Daniele , Tamargo Rafael J. , Witham Timothy F. , Bydon Ali , Cohen Alan R. , Jallo George I. , Latremoliere Alban , Luciano Mark G. , Mukherjee Debraj , Olivi Alessandro , Qu Lintao , Gokaslan Ziya L. , Sciubba Daniel M. , Tyler Betty , Brem Henry , Huang Judy
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

International research fellows have been historically involved in academic neurosurgery in the United States (US). To date, the contribution of international research fellows has been underreported. Herein, the authors aimed to quantify the academic output of international research fellows in the Department of Neurosurgery at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

METHODS

Research fellows with Doctor of Medicine (MD), Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), or MD/PhD degrees from a non-US institution who worked in the Hopkins Department of Neurosurgery for at least 6 months over the past decade (2010–2020) were included in this study. Publications produced during fellowship, number of citations, and journal impact factors (IFs) were analyzed using ANOVA. A survey was sent to collect information on personal background, demographics, and academic activities.

RESULTS

Sixty-four international research fellows were included, with 42 (65.6%) having MD degrees, 17 (26.6%) having PhD degrees, and 5 (7.8%) having MD/PhD degrees. During an average 27.9 months of fellowship, 460 publications were produced in 136 unique journals, with 8628 citations and a cumulative journal IF of 1665.73. There was no significant difference in total number of publications, first-author publications, and total citations per person among the different degree holders. Persons holding MD/PhDs had a higher number of citations per publication per person (p = 0.027), whereas those with MDs had higher total IFs per person (p = 0.048). Among the 43 (67.2%) survey responders, 34 (79.1%) had nonimmigrant visas at the start of the fellowship, 16 (37.2%) were self-paid or funded by their country of origin, and 35 (81.4%) had mentored at least one US medical student, nonmedical graduate student, or undergraduate student.

CONCLUSIONS

International research fellows at the authors’ institution have contributed significantly to academic neurosurgery. Although they have faced major challenges like maintaining nonimmigrant visas, negotiating cultural/language differences, and managing self-sustainability, their scientific productivity has been substantial. Additionally, the majority of fellows have provided reciprocal mentorship to US students.
Spring-mediated cranioplasty versus endoscopic strip craniectomy for sagittal craniosynostosis
Authors: Lang Shih-Shan , Meier Petra M. , Paden William Z. , Storm Phillip B. , Heuer Gregory G. , Bartlett Scott P. , Taylor Jesse A. , Swanson Jordan W. , Meara John G. , Proctor Mark , Okunowo Oluwatimilehin , Stricker Paul A. , _ _
Published: August 2021

OBJECTIVE

Endoscopic strip craniectomy (ESC) and spring-mediated cranioplasty (SMC) are two minimally invasive techniques for treating sagittal craniosynostosis in early infancy. Data comparing the perioperative outcomes of these two techniques are sparse. Here, the authors hypothesized that outcomes would be similar between patients undergoing SMC and those undergoing ESC and conducted a study using the multicenter Pediatric Craniofacial Surgery Perioperative Registry (PCSPR).

METHODS

The PCSPR was queried for infants under the age of 6 months who had undergone SMC or ESC for sagittal synostosis. SMC patients were propensity score matched 1:2 with ESC patients on age and weight. Primary outcomes were transfusion-free hospital course, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay (LOS), and hospital length of stay (HLOS). The authors also obtained data points regarding spring removal. Comparisons of outcomes between matched groups were performed with multivariable regression models.

RESULTS

The query returned data from 676 infants who had undergone procedures from June 2012 through September 2019, comprising 580 ESC infants from 32 centers and 96 SMC infants from 5 centers. Ninety-six SMC patients were matched to 192 ESC patients. There was no difference in transfusion-free hospital course between the two groups (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.78, 95% CI 0.45–1.35). SMC patients were more likely to be admitted to the ICU (aOR 7.50, 95% CI 3.75–14.99) and had longer ICU LOSs (incident rate ratio [IRR] 1.42, 95% CI 1.37–1.48) and HLOSs (IRR 1.28, 95% CI 1.17–1.39).

CONCLUSIONS

In this multicenter study of ESC and SMC, the authors found similar transfusion-free hospital courses; however, SMC infants had longer ICU LOSs and HLOSs. A trial comparing longer-term outcomes in SMC versus ESC would further define the roles of these two approaches in the management of sagittal craniosynostosis.
Challenges faced by households in caring for orphans and vulnerable children
Authors:   Population Council
Published: August 2021

South Africa has seen a rapid increase in HIV prevalence among the general population over the past ten years, from less than 1 percent in 1990 to 20 percent in 2001. As the HIV/AIDS epidemic increases, so do the number of orphans and vulnerable children (OVC). In 2002, an estimated five million people were living with HIV/AIDS. Because of the average 10-year period between infection and death, even if HIV prevalence declined rapidly, South Africa would still experience an increasing orphan burden for many years to come. By 2010, 16 percent of all children in South Africa will be orphans with more than 70 percent due to AIDS. The Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund initiated the Goelama Project, which uses a community mobilization strategy to catalyze action by local organizations and government bodies to prevent HIV infection and mitigate the socioeconomic impacts of the disease, particularly as they affect OVC. This brief highlights key findings from a study of 29,000 members of nearly 5,000 households in eight study sites to identify ways that government and communities can strengthen the socioeconomic capacity of households to care for and support OVC.
Equitable access to HIV counseling and testing for youth in developing countries: A review of current practice
Authors: McCauley Ann P.
Published: August 2021

While many people get HIV-related counseling and testing, only those who receive pre- and post-test counseling, and test voluntarily, are participating in voluntary counseling and testing (VCT). The high rates of HIV infection among youth make it crucial to find programs to prevent infection. Because there is evidence that many adults benefit from VCT, there is increasing interest in extending these services to young people. VCT counseling helps adolescents evaluate their own behavior and its consequences. A negative test result offers the opportunity to recognize vulnerabilities and develop risk-reduction plans to adopt safe behaviors. Young people who test HIV-positive can receive referrals for care and have opportunities to discuss and understand what their HIV status means and what responsibilities they have to themselves and others as a result. Young women who are pregnant and test HIV-positive should be offered special care to safeguard their own health and minimize the risk of passing the virus to the baby. This report assesses the available evidence about the current status of VCT and youth in developing countries.
Including married adolescents in adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS policy
Authors: Bruce Judith , Clark Shelley
Published: August 2021

The majority of sexually active girls aged 15–19 in developing countries are married, and married adolescent girls tend to have higher rates of HIV infection than their sexually active, unmarried peers. Married adolescent girls represent a sizable fraction of adolescents at risk and experience some of the highest rates of HIV prevalence of any group. Nonetheless, married adolescents have been marginal in adolescent HIV/AIDS policies and programs and have not been the central subjects for programs aimed at adult married women. This paper offers a partial explanation for why married adolescents have so often been overlooked, the reasons why marriage might bring elevated risk of HIV, initial analytic tools to assist policymakers in determining how to accord appropriate levels of priority to the marriage process, five brief case studies, and a menu of potential policy interventions and actions to make married adolescents an integral part of reproductive health and HIV-prevention initiatives.
Vamos a replicar la vida: Manual de huertos familiares para niñas del programa Abriendo Oportunidades
Authors:   Population Council
Published: August 2021

This is one of many guides produced under the Abriendo Oportunidades program. You may find others by entering the search terms “Abriendo Oportunidades” and “Guide/Toolkit” in Advanced Search.
Marketing strategies for functional food products
Authors: Chen Stella , Martirosyan Danik
Published: August 2021

Functional foods are experiencing a growing demand worldwide as consumers seek ways to take control of their health. Despite this growing demand, the lack of a standard definition for functional food for formal categorization and regulation results in many functional food products run into hurdles for consumer acceptance, as many people are not familiar with the concept, and scientific evidence that could increase legitimacy of these products is not widely available. Of the 15 steps the Functional Food Center has outlined for development of functional food products, marketing a product to educate people is closely related to consumer acceptance and is therefore an important step to study to increase success of functional food products. This review article will focus on recent studies that examine carrier/ingredient combinations, information channels, credibility, and consumer targeting and how they can impact consumer intent to purchase or accept functional foods. These studies build off hypotheses tested in pre-existing studies or bring in novel determinants to consider. Finally, advice on marketing based on the results in the included papers and from an industry expert will be discussed.Keywords: Functional Food Marketing, Carrier/Ingredient Combinations, Perceived Fit, Information Channels, Credibility, Consumer Targeting, Advertising, Consumer Acceptance, Purchase Intent
Basis of the phase controlled AC bridges
Authors: Surdu Dmytro М. , Surdu Michael N.
Published: August 2021

This work describes the new approach to the improving of the accuracy of the bridge impedance measurements. By this approach the bridge balance in wide impedance range uses the control of the phases of the aggregate of the cardinal signals only. The optimal structure and algorithm of the control of this aggregate of the cardinal signals is determined. Using this approach accurate impedance meters with low size and price could be developed. In the limit, this approach gets us possibility to develop fully integrated impedance meters. Report shortly describes universal impedance meters with phase control, their balance and calibration algorithms.
Methodical errors in measuring the specular reflection coefficient from a planar sample of material for two types of measuring facilities
Authors: Gilmutdinov Ruslan V. , Krasnolobov Igor I. , Menshikh Nikolay L. , Fedorov Sergey A.
Published: August 2021

This paper is discussed two methods for measuring the bistatic scattering characteristics of flat samples of the material. The experimental studies and numerical simulations of the dependence of the specular reflection coefficient on the incident angle of wave on a flat material sample carried out in the bistatic scheme of the experiment (rotation of the receiving and transmitting antennas) and in the monostatic scheme using a dihedral corner reflector (rotation of the object). Measurements for the magnetodielectric flat sample were carried out in ITAE RAS on two test facilities with the corresponding scheme of the experiment. To identify the errors of the methods used, we carried out numerical simulations of the measurement of the specular reflection coefficient of the sample under test by the method of integral equations (method of moments) in the FEKO program in the formulation of two experimental schemes. The obtained results were compared with each other and with the results of analytical calculations of the specular reflection coefficient carried out using the Fresnel formulas when considering an infinite flat layer of material. These calculations make it possible to compare the methodical errors in measuring the reflection coefficient in the two considered experimental schemes. It was shown that the results of the measurements using the corner reflector give methodical errors (deviations from the analytical calculation) by 1–2 dB more than the measurements on the bistatic facility. The results of experiments and numerical simulations are in agreement with each other. The conclusions obtained in this work are applicable to any experimental facilities for the study of planar materials.
Measurement of resonance frequency by amplitude and phase methods using digital frequency scanning
Authors: Fateev Valery Ya.
Published: August 2021

A theoretical and experimental study of methods for measuring the resonance frequency from the amplitude-frequency and phase-frequency characteristics of the resonator (amplitude and phase methods, respectively) has been carried out. In this case, digital frequency scanning was used to determine the resonant frequency. On the basis of the theory of probabilities, analytical expressions are derived that describe the dependences of systematic and random errors on the position of the resonance frequency in the interval between the nearest discrete frequencies, as well as on the noise level. The reliability of the derived expressions was confirmed in the course of a virtual experiment with a computer model of the resonator. It is also shown that the errors of the amplitude and phase methods for the noise level, at which no more than two discrete frequencies are recorded, practically coincide. However, if more than two discrete frequencies are recorded, then the indicated errors differ significantly, which is demonstrated using the experimental graphs. In this case, the errors in measuring the resonance frequency by the phase method practically do not depend on the frequency tuning step with a decrease in this step and linearly depend on the phase noise level. When measuring the resonance frequency by the amplitude method, the errors decrease with decreasing frequency tuning step, and for this case, an empirical formula is proposed for the dependence of systematic and random errors on the frequency tuning step and the amplitude noise level. The research results can be used in the construction of digital resonance sensors.
A model for the selection of structural elements of lines in digital images in oncodermatology
Authors: Nikitaev Valentin G. , Pronichev Alexandr N. , Tamrazova Olga B. , Sergeev Vasily Yu. , Druzhinina Ekaterina A. , Otchenashenko Alexandr I. , Kozyreva Alexandra V. , Solomatin Mihail A. , Kozlov Vladimir S.
Published: August 2021

The problem of early diagnosis of one of the most dangerous malignant neoplasms of the skin – melanoma is considered. A model for identifying the structural elements of lines in digital images of skin neoplasms in oncodermatology has been developed. The model is based on adaptive binarization of the original digital dermatoscopic image of skin neoplasms and subsequent operations of dilation, erosion, skeletonization and filtering of false fragments of lines. Test dermatoscopic images of skin neoplasms are visually divided into four groups to conduct the experiment. The optimal parameters of image processing of four groups for the model of selection of structural elements – lines – are experimentally established. The experimentally determined accuracy of the selection of lines was 95 %. The work is the result of interdisciplinary cooperation between dermatologists of the Central Medical Academy of the Presidential Administration of the Russian Federation, the Medical Institute of the Peoples' Friendship University of Russia and specialists in the field of information and measurement systems of the Engineering and Physical Institute of Biomedicine of the National Research Nuclear University “MEPhI”. The proposed model can be used in the development of computer systems to support medical decision – making in the diagnosis of skin melanoma – a dangerous malignant neoplasm.
The relationship between athletic team fiscal expenditures on athletic and academic success for NCAA Division II football and basketball programs
Authors:   , Moseley John B.
Published: August 2021

Athletics at National Collegiate Athletic Association schools have played a major role in the educational experience of students, alumni, and surrounding communities since they were first introduced to college campuses. This study examined the relationship between athletic team fiscal expenditures on athletic and academic success for NCAA Division II football and men's and women's basketball programs. There was a void in the literature as it relates to the relationship of athletic spending on specific sports at the Division II level. The quantitative study used correlation and regression analyses. This study found a positive statistically significant relationship between athletic spending and overall win percentage in all three sports. Only women's basketball demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between Academic Success Rates scores and total team expenses. Recommendations for future research include utilizing total athletic department expenses to evaluate the relationship with academic success of all sports at an institution. As sport-specific expenses may not be used to support academic services within the sport, total athletic department expenses may better represent a university's commitment to its student-athletes' academic success.
Unpaved road detection using optimized log Gabor filter banks
Authors:   , Plodpradista Pooparat
Published: August 2021

The revised unpaved road detection system (RURD) is a novel method for detecting unpaved roads in an arid environment from color imagery collected by a forward-looking camera mounted on a moving platform. The objective is to develop and validate a novel system with the ability to detect an unpaved road at a look-ahead distance up to 40 meters that does not utilize an expensive sensor, i.e., LIDAR but instead a low-cost color camera sensor. The RURD system is composed of two stages, the road region estimation (RRE) and the road model formation (RMF). The RRE stage classifies the image patches selected at 20-meter distance from the camera and labels them to either road or non-road. The classification result is used as a high confidence road area in the image, which is used in the RMF stage. The RMF stage uses log Gabor filter bank to extract road pixels that connect to the high confidence road region and generates a 3rd degree polynomial curve to represent the road model in a given image. The road model allows the system to extend the detection range from 20 meters to farther look-ahead distance. The RURD system is evaluated with two-years worth of data collection that measures both spatial and temporal precisions. The system is also benchmarked against an algorithm from Rasmussen entitled "Grouping Dominant Orientations for Ill-Structured Roads Following", which shown an average increase detection accuracy over 30 [percent].
Investigation of genes involved in somatic embryogenesis and plant-Agrobacterium interactions through transcriptional profiling
Authors:   , Willig Christopher
Published: August 2021

Plant genetic engineering relies on the ability to transmit and express cloned DNA sequences in plant cells (transformation) as well as the capacity for the cells carrying this DNA to undergo division and differentiation (regeneration), eventually giving rise to a mature whole plant. The breadth of application for genetic engineering is limited by constraints on one or both of these factors in many plant species and individual varieties. Uncovering plant genes which are involved in important aspects of either component can inform the development of technologies that serve to enable or improve the efficiency of genetic modification methods. The most commonly employed method of delivering exogenous genetic material into plant cells is via disarmed strains of the plant pathogen Agrobacterium tumefaciens. Somatic embryogenesis is a frequently applied mode of plant regeneration following DNA delivery, especially in major cereal crops such as maize, rice, and sorghum. In the work reported here, whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq) was used in two different experiments to capture transcriptional dynamics throughout early somatic embryogenesis in immature zygotic embryo tissue of the major crop plant sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and throughout early times following host plant inoculation with A. tumefaciens in seedlings of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana (Chapters 2 and 3, respectively). In both cases, differential expression analysis revealed many genes which were induced either during somatic embryogenesis or in response to inoculation with either virulent or avirulent A. tumefaciens strains. Several of these genes were highlighted as candidates for future study into their potential role in the respective processes. Multiple candidate genes were functionally tested, using transgenic methods, for the possibility of having a role in the regulation of somatic embryogenesis in sorghum (Chapter 4). These experiments failed to confirm an influence over the process for all candidate genes that were evaluated. The experimental work documented herein contributes to a growing body of literature documenting plant genes which could serve as possible targets for techniques that work to enhance the utility of biotechnological methods for improving traits in plants.
Characterization of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in an Affected Pollution Raw Water Source using an Excitation-Emission Matrix and PARAFAC
Authors:   Environmental Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Civil and Planning, Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung, Indonesia, Sururi Mohammad Rangga , Dirgawati Mila ,   Environmental Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Civil and Planning, Institut Teknologi Nasional Bandung, Indonesia, Roosmini Dwina ,   Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia, Notodarmodjo Suprihanto ,   Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
Published: August 2021

Cikapundung River is the main raw water source for 2-millions inhabitants of Bandung city but has been severely deteriorated due to organic pollution such as cattle manure, domestic, and agriculture wastes. Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in raw water can influence the process of water treatment. This study characterized and identified the origins of fluorescent DOM (FDOM) in Cikapundung River. Raw water samples were collected from intake outlets during dry and rainy seasons and analyzed using Fluorescence Excitation Emission Matrix spectroscopy combined with parallel factor (PARAFAC). FDOM origins were identified by Fluorescence-Index (FI) while autochthonous process contribution in water body was determined by Biological-Index (BIX). Chromophoric DOM as UV absorbance at 254 nm (A254) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) were also measured. The FI were 1.82 (dry season) and 1.77 (rainy season), and the BIX were 0.92 (dry season) and 0.65 (rainy season). PARAFAC identified three compounds: water contaminant-like (C1), humic-like (C2) and tryptophan-like (C3) compounds. C2 was predominantly present in the rainy season with a C3/C2 ratio of 0.33. In the dry season, C3 increased substantially with a C3/C2 of 1.60. Strong correlation between C1 and C3 (R=0.86) was evidence that contaminant-like and tryptophan-like compounds were from the same anthropogenic sources. Strong correlation with A254 may indicate these identified compounds are aromatics.
EFFECT OF CURCUMIN ON SIDE EFFECTS OF CHEMOTHERAPY AS ASSESSED BY COMPLETE BLOOD COUNTS, R.F.T., L.F.T. IN PATIENT OF HAEMATOLOGICAL MALIGNANCIES AND SOLID TUMOURS
Authors: Yadav Surendra , Saini Makkhan Lal , Gahlot Sangeeta
Published: August 2021

Background: Effect of curcumin on side effects of chemotherapy as assessed by complete blood counts, R.F.T., L.F.T.  in patient of haematological malignancies and solid tumours.

Methods: The study population consisted of male and female patients of Haematological Malignancies & patient of solid tumours (stage 3 & 4 lung, breast, head & neck, ovary Cancer) selected from patients attending medical, radiotherapy and Birla Cancer OPD and medical in-patient wards.

Results: Comparing of total leucocyte count, absolute neutrophil count and platelet count of group A1 and B1 at 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24 weeks, there is no significant difference found. Comparing of total leucocyte count and platelet count of group A2 and B2 at 4, 8, 12, 16, 20 and 24weeks, there is no significant difference found.

Conclusion: No dose-limiting toxicities were seen in group-A for curcumin. Derangement of liver function tests occurred in 1 (5%) patients from group-A1 and 2 (10 %) patients from group-B1. No renal toxicity was encountered in group-A1 and B1.

Keywords: Neutrophil, Leucocyte, Haemoglobin
A importância dos indicadores de desempenho em um preparatório para concursos públicos – estudo de caso: projeto Petrobras 2011.1
Authors: Rodrigues Hugo Martins Santos , Ganeff Camila , Almeida Jéssica Siqueira de , Rosset Aline Batalha , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia Fraga Santana , Silva Mônica Roberta
Published: August 2021

O presente artigo busca entender como os indicadores-chave de desempenho (Key Performance Indicators – KPI) podem contribuir em um curso preparatório para concursos públicos. Tem como questão norteadora: “Como os indicadores de desempenho podem contribuir em um preparatório para concursos públicos?” Os indicadores escolhidos foram a eficiência, a eficácia e a efetividade e as suas respectivas aplicações. A abordagem utilizada foi um estudo qualitativo, baseado no estudo de caso único do “Projeto Petrobras 2011.1”. Este projeto foi criado a partir da oferta de 15 vagas diretas para engenheiros de produção pela Petrobras em 30/06/2011 e contou com 6.554 candidatos, o que perfaz uma relação candidato/vaga de 436 candidatos para uma vaga e um período de 58 dias de preparação. Além dos KPI´s, outras ferramentas foram utilizadas no desenvolvimento do referido projeto, tais como: benchmarking, banco de dados, planilhas eletrônicas, projeto com ciclo de vida iterativo, dentre outros. Os principais resultados obtidos foram a aprovação dos alunos, a conquista do 2º lugar em portadores com deficiência (PCD) e o 4º lugar na ampla concorrência (AC), além de uma apostila com 671 questões que nortearam o estudo das turmas subsequentes e uma nova metodologia de ensino. O trabalho trouxe como fator de inovação a aplicação dos conceitos de KPI’s na área da educação e ensino, especificamente no ensino focado em concursos públicos no Brasil.
Los Platipodinos (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Platypodinae) del estado de Morelos, México
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Burgos Solorio Armando , Hernández Norberto ,   Maestría en Manejo de Recursos Naturales. Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, México
Published: August 2021

Derivado de información publicada y colectas de escarabajos ambrosiales de la subfamilia Platypodinae (Curculionidae), realizada en los diferentes tipos de vegetación inmersos en el estado de Morelos en la que se registran un total de nueve especies incluidas en cinco géneros, siendo Euplatypus con cinco especies. Se presenta una lista comentada sobre biología, plantas asociadas, distribución, y se adicionan nuevos registros como por ejemplo Oxoplatypus quadridentatus, y hace mención de entre otra información. Se reclasifica Platypus exisus por Teloplatypus ustulatus. Se anexa una clave taxonómica de las especies y se incorporan imágenes mostrando los caracteres morfológicos distintivos de los taxones distribuidos en la entidad.
Hormigas (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) asociadas a dos especies de Psittacanthus (Santalales: Loranthaceae) en Felipe Carrillo Puerto, Quintana Roo, México
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ibarra Garibay León Esteban , Castaño Meneses Gabriela
Published: August 2021

En México se tienen pocos estudios sobre artrópodos asociados a plantas parásitas como son los muérdagos, que, desafortunadamente, afectan a gran parte de la masa forestal. Con respecto a las hormigas, sólo se tienen registros de algunas especies asociadas a los nectarios extraflorales de estas plantas, así como de hormigas cortadoras que llegan a consumir sus hojas. En el presente trabajo se estudiaron las hormigas arborícolas asociadas a plantas hemiparásitas del género Psittacanthus en el estado de Quintana Roo. La colecta de hormigas se realizó durante tres podas llevadas a cabo por los integrantes de las Brigadas Comunitarias de Sanidad Forestal del Estado de Quintana Roo, a los árboles atacados por plantas hemiparásitas (Psittacanthus mayanus Standl. & Steyerm., 1944 y P. rhynchanthus (Benth.) Kuijt, 1987), las ramas afectadas se encontraban a alturas entre 7 y 18 m, en una selva mediana subpereniifolia enel ejido de Felipe Carrillo Puerto (19°40’24.8” 87°58’34.3”) durante el año 2017. Se encontraron las especies Dolichoderus bispinosus (Olivier, 1792), D. diversus Emery, 1894, Pseudomyrmex kuenckeli (Emery, 1890) y P. simplex (Smith, 1877) en Psittacanthus mayanus infectando a Lysiloma latisiliquum (L.) Benth., 1875, mientras que Camponotus sericeiventris (Guérin-Méneville, 1838), Cephalotes biguttatus (Emery, 1890) y Dolichoderus diversus Emery, 1894, fueron colectados en Psittacanthus rhyntacanthus. Camponotus se encontró en plantas hemiparásitas de Coccoloba spicata Lundell, 1939, mientras que Cephalotes y Dolichoderus en plantas parasitando a Lonchocarpus rugosus Benth., 1860. Son los primeros registros de hormigas asociadas a plantas de la familia Loranthaceae, y se establece el potencial que tienen estas plantas para albergar una biodiversidad considerable. Es importante realizar esfuerzos para conocer el papel que pueden tener las hormigas en estas plantas y las interacciones que establecen con las mismas, debido a que la presencia deplantas parásitas es considerado un problema a nivel nacional, por lo que, esta información puede permitir tener más herramientas que puedan ayudar a desarrollar mejores planes de manejo.
Two new species of Triplocania Roesler (Psocodea: 'Psocoptera': Ptiloneuridae), from Ecuador
Authors:   Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas da Amazônia, Silva-Neto Alberto Moreira , Moreira Castro Marcelo Cutrim , Rafael José Albertino
Published: August 2021

Two new species of Triplocania Roesler, based on male specimens, were here described and illustrated for Ecuador, increasing the number of Ecuadorian species of Triplocania to seven. The first identification key to Triplocania species from Ecuador is presented. The Ecuadorian Triplocania species here described increase the diversity of Triplocania in Ecuador to seven species, making it the third most diverse country in Triplocania.
METHODOLOGY FOR CREATING INFORMATION AND ANALYTICAL SUPPORT FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL COMPETENCIES OF BACHELORS OF ECONOMIC SPECIALTY
Authors:   Ivan Franko National University of Lviv, Zavada Oleksandr , Totska Olesia ,   Lesya Ukrainka Volyn National University
Published: August 2021

The need to develop digital competencies in bachelors of economics is associated with the spread of information systems and technologies (IST) into various spheres of human life, including economics and management. The purpose of the article is to develop a methodology for creating information and analytical support of lectures for the development of digital competencies of bachelors in specialties 051 «Economics»; 071 «Accounting and taxation»; 072 «Finance, banking and insurance»; 073 «Management»; 075 «Marketing»; 076 «Entrepreneurship, trade and exchange activities». The research methodology consists of the use of algorithmization, general scientific method of analysis and synthesis. The article creates an algorithm for selecting objects for information and analytical support of lectures on IST for bachelors of economics; its approbation was carried out using the specialty 072 «Finance, banking and insurance» as an example. Based on given selection criteria (relevance, validity, expediency), national legal documents (state standards, codes and laws of Ukraine, Decree of the President of Ukraine, Orders of the Ministry of Finance of Ukraine, Ministry of Economy and European Integration of Ukraine, State Treasury Service of Ukraine, Resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, National Bank of Ukraine, Board of the National Bank of Ukraine, Letter of the National Bank of Ukraine, National Classifier of Ukraine), as well as information from the official websites of domestic financial institutions and software developers were selected. Software products have been selected, for the students-financiers during lectures on information systems and technologies to be informed of their features. Alternatives to expand information and analytical support for creating digital competencies in lectures on IST are identified, such as selection of scientific, educational, teaching and methodological publications on theoretical and practical aspects of the development of digital competencies of students of a particular specialty; expansion of the analyzed software products at the expense of foreign ones; selection of educational video with visualization of work with the software of the applied sphere. The developed methodology can be used to teach IST to students of non-economic specialties, having previously changed the subject area.
ANALISIS KELAYAKAN USAHATANI PEMBIBITAN PALA (Myristica Fragrans Houtt) POLA SAMBUNG PUCUK DI KABUPATEN ACEH SELATAN
Authors: Muhammad Ismail
Published: August 2021

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di provinsi Aceh dari bulan Oktober hingga Desember tahun 2018. Kabupaten Aceh Selatan dipilih sebagai lokasi penelitian karena merupakan salah satu sentra produksi pala selain Kabupaten Aceh Barat Daya. Tujuan penulisan untuk menganalisis kelayakan usahatani pembibitan pala pola sambung pucuk. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode survey terstruktur, observasi, dan wawancara langsung dengan responden menggunakan kuesioner. Data primer dikumpulkan dari enam orang penangkar, dan dua orang penentu kebijakan perkebunan di kabupaten Aceh Selatan. Sedangkan data sekunder dikumpulkan dari Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS), Dinas Pertanian Provinsi dan Kabupaten, dan Badan Penelitian dan Pengembangan Pertanian. Kelayakan usahatani pembibitan pala pola sambung pucuk dihitung melalui metode analisis input-output untuk mendapatkan nilai Beneficial Cost Ratio (B/C Ratio), dan Break Event Point (BEP). Secara ekonomis nilai B/C ratio sebesar 1,32 menunjukkan usahatani pembibitan pala pola sambung pucuk menguntungkan dan layak dikembangkan, dengan nilai Titik Impas Harga bibit sebesar Rp 15.113,75 per batang dan  sebanyak 345,46 unit pada Titik Impas Produk yang diusahakan oleh para penangkar
Comparison of Heart Valve Circumference Examined Before and After 10% Formalin Fixation
Authors:   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Anantakal Watcharit , Thamtakerngkit Somboon ,   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, Vachirawongsakorn Vijarn ,   Department of Forensic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Published: August 2021

Objective: To compare the heart valve circumference before and after 10% formalin fixation. Materials and Methods: The study analyzed 63 Thai human cadaveric hearts. Each heart valve circumference was separately measured in the fresh state by specifically designed equipment. After that, the hearts were fixed in 10% formalin for 3 days. Then each heart valve circumference was measured by the same equipment and by the thread and ruler technique. The results were analyzed using SPSS package to find the association between the heart valve circumference before and after formalin fixation. Results: This study showed that the average circumferences of the heart valve measured in the fresh state were 13.329 cm in the tricuspid valve, 10.617 cm in the mitral valve, 8.416 cm in the pulmonic valve, and 7.122 cm in the aortic valve. The average circumferences of the heart valve measured after 10% formalin fixation were 11.019 cm in the tricuspid valve, 8.714 cm in the mitral valve, 6.751 cm in the pulmonic valve, and 6.089 cm in the aortic valve. The average ratios of the heart valve circumference measured fresh and after 10% formalin fixation were 0.8267 in the tricuspid valve, 0.8235 in the mitral valve, 0.8050 in the pulmonic valve, and 0.8573 in the aortic valve. There were significant differences in the heart valve circumference between the fresh state and after formalin fixation (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed important information on the dimensional changes of all the formalin-fixed heart valves. We found that the heart valve shrank after formalin fixation, with the formalin-fixed hearts an estimated 0.8 times smaller than the fresh cadaveric hearts.
Thymosin β4 is essential for thrombus formation by controlling the G-actin/F-actin equilibrium in platelets
Authors: Scheller Inga , Beck Sarah , Göb Vanessa , Gross Carina , Neagoe Raluca A. I. , Aurbach Katja , Bender Markus , Stegner David , Nagy Zoltan , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: August 2021

Coordinated rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton are pivotal for platelet biogenesis from megakaryocytes but also orchestrate key functions of peripheral platelets in hemostasis and thrombosis, such as granule release, the formation of filopodia and lamellipodia, or clot retraction. Along with profilin (Pfn) 1, thymosin β4 (encoded by Tmsb4x) is one of the two main G-actin-sequestering proteins within cells of higher eukaryotes, and its intracellular concentration is particularly high in cells that rapidly respond to external signals by increased motility, such as platelets. Here, we analyzed constitutive Tmsb4x knockout (KO) mice to investigate the functional role of the protein in platelet production and function. Thymosin β4 deficiency resulted in a macrothrombocytopenia with only mildly increased platelet volume and an unaltered platelet life span. Megakaryocyte numbers in the bone marrow and spleen were unaltered, however, Tmsb4x KO megakaryocytes showed defective proplatelet formation in vitro and in vivo. Thymosin β4-deficient platelets displayed markedly decreased G-actin levels and concomitantly increased F-actin levels resulting in accelerated spreading on fibrinogen and clot retraction. Moreover, Tmsb4x KO platelets showed activation defects and an impaired immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) signaling downstream of the activating collagen receptor glycoprotein VI. These defects translated into impaired aggregate formation under flow, protection from occlusive arterial thrombus formation in vivo and increased tail bleeding times. In summary, these findings point to a critical role of thymosin β4 for actin dynamics during platelet biogenesis, platelet activation downstream of glycoprotein VI and thrombus stability.