bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan Tingkat Stres dengan Kualitas Tidur pada Ibu Preeklamsi di Wilayah Kerja Puskesmas Tempurejo-Jember
Authors: Pusparini Dyan Ayu , Kurniawati Dini , Kurniyawan Enggal Hadi
Published: March 2021

Preeclampsia is some of the symptoms that occur in pregnancy, childbirth, and puerperal women, which are characterized by hypertension, edema, and increased proteinuria. Preeclampsia usually occurs when pregnancy enters the age of 20 weeks to 48 hours after the birth process. In that condition, there are undesirable complications during pregnancy that can make mothers more vulnerable to psychological disorders, one of which is stress. Stress experienced during pregnancy can affect the health of the baby and can also improve poor sleep quality. This study aims to analyze the relationship of stress levels with the quality of preeclampsia sleep in the Tempurejo Community Health Center in Jember. This research was conducted on 31 preeclampsia mothers using a correlational research design with a cross-sectional approach and total sampling techniques. Data collection using questionnaires stress and sleep quality. The results showed 19 (61.3)% of respondents experienced mild stress, and 26 (83.9)% experienced poor sleep quality. The results of data analysis using the spearmen statistical test obtained p-value 0.001 and r = 0.894, which means there is a relationship between stress levels and sleep quality or ha is accepted. R-value = 0.396 means that the correlation between stress levels and sleep quality in preeclampsia has a positive correlation with weak correlation strength. Nursing implications for further research can intervene in interventions that can reduce stress levels with the quality of sleep in preeclampsia mothers to reduce the factors of preeclampsia.
Introdução à gestão de conteúdos
Authors: Pereira Julio C. L. , Bax Marcelo Peixoto
Published: March 2021

Atravs de uma compilao de vrios trabalhos relacionados, o artigo descreve a Gesto de Contedos em ambiente web, caracteriza os sistemas de Gesto de Contedos e apresenta as principais ferramentas disponveis, assim como os benefcios e os riscos associados sua implantao. Para fixar as idias, levanta-se elementos para justificar o investimento financeiro em uma soluo de Gesto de Contedos. Aps introduzir o tema, prope uma diferenciao clara entre informao, conhecimento e contedo, e sugere que a Gesto de Contedos permite a Gesto de Conhecimento na prtica. Caracteriza as ferramentas de Gesto de Contedos denominadas CMS e apresenta vantagens e benefcios advindos de sua implementao nas organizaes. Apresenta uma avaliao que permite determinar os retornos sobre investimentos nesse tipo de tecnologia. O artigo parte do pressuposto de que para acompanhar a evoluo da Internet como um canal de comunicao interno e externo - de relacionamento com clientes, fornecedores e parceiros - as empresas precisam investir em tecnologias que permitem a distribuio e a publicao de informaes de forma gil, segura e confivel. Inerente essa evoluo, vem a sofisticao das informaes que devem estar online, em pginas web com imagens, filmes, figuras etc. Alterando a forma de se criar e manter pginas web, esto sendo criadas ferramentas conhecidas como CMS - Content Management System's - que conferem a agilidade, segurana e a confiabilidade requeridas para o tratamento da informao em um novo estgio da Internet. As ferramentas CMS incluem recursos que permitem o gerenciamento de contedos, vindos de todas as fontes e formas possveis, com mltiplos esquemas de tratamento e fluxos de trabalho, podendo ser customizados e integrados, facilitando o uso de novos mecanismos de consultas e permitindo publicaes nos mais diferenciados dispositivos. Os benefcios ligados a adoo de um CMS incluem desde a reduo do custo de atualizao dos contedos nos websites at o aumento da eficincia das equipes de TI. Como contribuio o artigo descreve benefcios ligados a adoo de um CMS pelas empresas que incluem desde a reduo de custo de manuteno de websites at um aumento dos canais de publicao dos contedos, trazendo aumento de clientes e de negcios. Apresenta tambm os desafios associados que so a definio e padronizao de regras para organizar informaes em repositrios e a necessidade de se disponibilizar esse contedo informacional de forma padronizada, mas customizada para cada cliente e tipo de canal de comunicao. Considerando os benefcios advindos da possibilidade de criao, distribuio e a publicao de contedos de forma mais gil, mais barata e confivel, espera-se que a Gesto de Contedos seja implementada nas corporaes nos prximos anos atravs da adoo de alguma ferramenta CMS e de uma mudana comportamental que torne possvel o uso desses novos recursos.
O processo de aprendizagem e a gestão do conhencimento em empresas mineiras de vanguarda
Authors: Celeste Reis Lobos de Vasconcelos Maria , Ferreira Marta Araújo T.
Published: March 2021

O conhecimento tem sido reconhecido como sendo um dos principais recursos estratgicos das empresas no mundo atual e, em conseqncia, a aprendizagem tem sido considerada como sendo o processo mais importante. As empresas mais inovadoras e competitivas so aquelas que desenvolvem a habilidade de gerenciar o conhecimento, incorporando-o aos seus produtos e servios. Dentro deste cenrio, a gesto do conhecimento e a implementao de uma cultura da aprendizagem devem estar inseridas no conjunto de estratgias das empresas. Mas qual a realidade das empresas brasileiras em relao a estas questes? Este artigo prope uma sistemtica para avaliar a gesto do conhecimento e a aprendizagem nas empresas e analisa o comportamento de empresas mineiras frente a estas prticas, focalizando as pequenas e mdias empresas (PME).
Organizações Familiares e Intensivas em Conhecimento: Dilemas e
Authors: Davel Eduardo , Tremblay Diane Gabrielle
Published: March 2021

Tanto os estudos sobre organizaes familiares quanto aqueles sobre as organizaes intensivas em conhecimento evoluem e contribuem para o avano dos estudos organizacionais. Mesmo se esses dois contextos organizacionais sugerem dinmicas socioculturais similares, foram explorados separadamente pela literatura organizacional. Esta pesquisa desenvolve um esquema conceitual que integra esses dois contextos e prope a noo de organizao familiar intensiva em conhecimento. Para este fim, as singularidades das organizaes familiares e das organizaes intensivas em conhecimento so ressaltadas. O principal resultado desta pesquisa consiste no entendimento da dinmica sociocultural das organizaes familiares intensivas em conhecimento e da sua capacidade em fornecer subsdios para se repensarem determinadas dimenses-chaves da teoria organizacional que seencontram cada vez mais exacerbadas frente a uma sociabilidade familiar em transformao.
Como aprendem e inovam as pequenas empresas de base tecnológica?
Authors: Maculan Anne-Marie
Published: March 2021

O objetivo desse trabalho2 refletir sobre a capacidade de inovao das Pequenas Empresas de Base Tecnolgica (PEBTs). Na ltima dcada, assistimos, no Brasil, emergncia dessas empresas criadas nas incubadoras. Elas nascem com freqncia ligadas a um processo de reformulao das relaes entre universidades ou instituies de pesquisa e empresas, e, dessa maneira, esto associadas a um novo padro de transferncia de conhecimentos da academia para a indstria. Finalmente, elas so experincias importantes para analisar a aquisio de competncias tecnolgicas, gerenciais e mercadolgicas e a formao da capacidade de inovar. Mediante estudo dessas experincias poderemos avanar no= conhecimento das condies de criao e permanncia dessas empresas no mercado e, de maneira mais ampla, do papel que elas assumem na dinmica industrial tanto em nvel local quanto nacional.
Avaliação de eficiência do serviço de internet móvel no Brasil utilizando análise envoltória de dados
Authors: Leite Lucilene Da Silva , Simões José Carlos Ferrer , De Sousa Wallacy Nascimento , De Souza João Carlos Félix
Published: March 2021

O presente artigo tem como objetivo propor um modelo de avaliação de eficiência do serviço de Internet móvel utilizando Análise Envoltória de Dados – DEA (Data Envelopment Analysis) com o intuito de subsidiar a Agência Nacional de Telecomunicações – ANATEL, órgão regulador das Telecomunicações no Brasil, a avaliar os níveis de eficiência das principais operadoras de telefonia móvel do país. Para se conseguir o ranqueamento das operadoras mais eficientes houve a necessidade de se utilizar métodos de seleção de variáveis, com o intuito de manter a capacidade discriminatória do modelo proposto. A partir da identificação das maiores operadoras do país pelo Relatório de Qualidade do Serviço de Telefonia Móvel, o estudo analisou a eficiência de quatro operadoras de telefonia móvel onde foram utilizados como inputs a disponibilidade, as taxas de download e as taxas de upload e como outputs o Mapa de distribuição das Antenas (ERBs) e a Pesquisa de Satisfação dos Consumidores. Com a eficiência relativa aplicou-se o modelo de regressão Tobit para avaliar as variáveis de impacto na eficiência. Os resultados do estudo apontaram que o modelo proposto é válido e indicaram que a operadora 4 cresceu no indicador de eficiência durante os três meses avaliados. As variáveis IDH, bem como o modelo de gestão, representados pelas operadoras são as variáveis de maior impacto para a eficiência. As distribuições regionais, embora com diferenças entre as regiões, não são significativas. A região Sudeste representada, principalmente, por São Paulo e Rio de Janeiro são responsáveis pelas maiores eficiências relativas.
Le bonheur dans l’environnement de travail
Authors: Botolotto Aline , Bernardi Flavia Camargo , Biegelmeyer Uiliam Hahn , Noel Mario
Published: March 2021

Objectif: Cette étude vise à identifier la perception des employés d’une entreprise brésilienne dans le segment de la facturation, par rapport au bonheur dans l’environnement de travail, et ce qui génère plus de bonheur dans la vie personnelle et dans l’environnement de travail.Méthodologie/Approche: La méthodologie de recherche comprend une seule étude de cas, par le biais de recherches exploratoires avec approche quantitative utilisant l’échelle Fordyce pour évaluer le bonheur momentané. L’objet de recherche était une entreprise dans le secteur de la facturation, avec environ quatre-vingt-dix employés où un échantillon d’environ 50% a été obtenu.Il a été utilisé un questionnaire validé par des experts avec un échantillon contemplant tous les niveaux fonctionnels.Originalité/Pertinence: Parce qu’il s’agit d’un sujet relativement nouveau étudié et par l’ignorance de celui-ci par la plupart des entreprises brésiliennes justifie déjà cette étude, Dans l’environnement organisationnel, il a commencé à se faire remarquer  ces dernières années, où il y avait des cas d’amélioration de la productivité.Principaux résultats: Les résultats montrent que 89,1 % des personnes interrogées les considèrent comme encadrées dans les plus hauts niveaux de bonheur selon l’échelle de Fordyce, et les raisons du bonheur sont très liées à des aspects personnels (amitiés, réalisations, voyages/visites, santé, stabilité financière, joie des enfants et intimité avec Dieu).Contributions théoriques et méthodologiques: L’étude démontre qu’il est important de faire de la recherche dans l’environnement organisationnel, car il a été démontré que l’entreprise peut potentialiser tout ce qui a été bien mis en évidence au sein de l’organisation et également développer des améliorations dans les données recueillies. Ces données sont également utilisées par la direction des personnes pour minimiser les facteurs liés à la houle des employés.
PENGARUH PENDEKATAN MULTIREPRESENTASI TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN KOGNITIF SISWA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN FISIKA
Authors: Najib Khilman , Siswanto Joko , Saefan Joko
Published: March 2021

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh pendekatan multirepresentasi terhadap kemampuan kognitif siswa dalam pembelajaran Fisika. Desain penelitian ini adalah True Experimental Design yang berbentuk Pretest-Posttest Control Design. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah 30 siswa kelas VII MTs NU Ma’rifatul Ulum. Sampel dalam penelitian adalah siswa kelas VII A sebagai kelas eksperimen berjumlah 15 siswa dan siswa kelas VII B sebagai kelas kontrol berjumlah 15 siswa. Instrumen penelitian yang digunakan adalah soal posttest yang disesuaikan dengan enam indikator Kemampuan Kognitif Siswa dan lembar keterlaksanaan pembelajaran. Berdasarkan analisis data diperoleh nilai pretest kelas eksperimen 35,47 dan kelas kontrol 26,4. Sedangkan nilai rata-rata posttest kelas eksperimen 63,47 dan kelas kontrol 38. Dari hasil pretest-posttest yang diperoleh dari kedua kelas tersebut menunjukkan bahwa ada pengaruh yang signifikan kemampuan kognitif siswa pada kelas eksperimen dibandingkan kelas kontrol. Analisis statistik menunjukkan nilai thitung 0,000 ttabel 0,05 dengan taraf signifikansi = 0,05, sehingga menolak H0 dan menerima Ha. Adanya perbedaan yang signifikan antara kelas eksperimen dan kelas kontrol maka pendekatan Multirepresentasi memberikan pengaruh terhadap Kemampuan Kognitif siswa dalam pembelajaran Fisika. Kata kunci: Pendekatan Multirepresentasi, Kemampuan Kognitif Siswa.
Integrated Intervention Program for Pregnant Women Toward ZIKΑ Virus Infection in Upper Egypt
Authors: Sheha Eman Ali Abd Elmoaty , Hassan Hanan Elzeblawy , Elsherbeny Eman Mohammed Mohammed , Elgendy Ahmed Abd-Elhakim
Published: March 2021

Background: ZIKА infection may have long-term effects on reproductive health in addition to the neurological consequence in newborns. So, Awareness regarding ZIKА virus among pregnant women is important to take preventive measures. Aim: Evaluate the effect of integrated intervention guidelines on knowledge, self-reported practice of pregnant women toward ZIKА virus infection. Design: А quantitative quasi-experimental (pretest-posttest). Settings: The study was conducted at Obstetrics and gynecologic outpatient clinics at Fayoum University Hospital. Subjects: А convenient conducted among 240 pregnant women, assigned to 120 women in the control group, and 120 women in the study group. Two tools were used for data collection after reviewing relevant data; Tool I was а self-administered questionnaire to assess personal and obstetric characteristics of pregnant women, and their knowledge related ZIKА virus. Tool II was а self-reported practice questionnaire concerning self-protective measures regarding the prevention of ZIKА virus. Results: The results of this study showed that the majority of pregnant women wаs poor score level of knowledge and practice pre-intervention in both control and study group, however, there was an improvement of score level of knowledge and practice in the study group than control group post-intervention. Highly statistical significance was founded between control and study groups related to knowledge and practice. Positive significance correlation between pregnant women knowledge and practice score level post intervention in study group. Conclusion: The integrated intervention guideline improved pregnant women knowledge and practices. Recommendations: Continued efforts to close knowledge gaps, raise awareness and promote favorable attitudes toward ZIKА virus. Awareness about ZIKА virus infection should be ensured and maintained among all members of community, increased the prevention campaigns to improve community awareness of the seriousness of the disease, especially in rural areas.
Kredi Kartı Dolandırıcılık Tespitinin Makine Öğrenmesi Yöntemleri ile Tahmin Edilmesi
Authors: SELİMOGLU Melike , YILMAZ Atınç
Published: March 2021

Kredi kartları, dünya üzerindeki yaygınlığı ve güçlü altyapısı sayesinde çok kısa bir sürede insanların hayatlarına girmiş ve korkusuzca kullanabilecekleri ödeme aracı haline gelmiştir. Kredi kartlarının sayılarının her geçen gün takip edilmesi zor bir hal alması ve bunun paralelinde işlem hacminin hızla büyümesi, bu pazardan haksız kazanç elde etmek isteyen dolandırıcıları ortaya çıkarmıştır. Günümüzde herhangi bir insanın kredi kartı bilgilerini elde etmenin oldukça kolay hale gelmesi kredi kartı dolandırıcılarının işini kolaylaştırmaktadır. Gelişen teknoloji sayesinde, gerçekleşen hesap hareketleri değişikliğinde zaman ve harcamaların analiz edilmesi ile kötü amaçla elde edilen verilerin kullanıldığı analiz edebilir. Kaggle veritabanından elde edilen Kredi Kartı Dolandırıcılık Teşhis veri seti kullanılarak Çok Katmanlı Yapay Sinir Ağı ve Naive Bayes yöntemleri ile modelleme yapılmıştır. Bu çalışmada ki amaç kişilerin kredi kartlarını kullanma zaman aralıklarını analiz ederek yapılan işlemin farklı kişi tarafından yapıldığını tespit etmektir. En yüksek başarı oranı çok katmanlı yapay sinir ağlı ile %99,943 elde edilmiştir. Naive Bayes yöntemi ile %98,207 başarı elde edilmiştir.
Volatile and phenolic composition of monovarietal red wines of Valpolicella appellations
Authors: Slaghenaufi Davide , Peruch Enrico , De Cosmi Marco , Nouvelet Léa , Ugliano Maurizio
Published: March 2021

The volatile and phenolic compositions of nine monovarietal wines from the following grape varieties allowed in the Valpolicella appellation were investigated: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, Oseleta, Raboso, Croatina, Sangiovese and Cabernet-Sauvignon. Different clones were also investigated for Corvina and Corvinone, the two main varieties of the appellation. All grapes were harvested from a single experimental block and vinified following a standard protocol. Wines from different clones of Corvina were characterised by higher monoterpenols content, including linalool, α-terpineol and geraniol, as well as by a peculiar pattern of C6-alcohols. Relatively high levels of monoterpene alcohols were also found in Corvinone wines, while Oseleta showed the highest concentration of terpinen-4-ol and cis- and trans- isomers of linalool oxide. The evaluation of the wine aroma profile by means of different aromatic series indicated higher values for the “floral”, “fruity” and “ripe fruit” series for Corvina and Corvinone wines. Major differences in phenolic composition were found between the different varieties of wine. The total phenolics and total tannins values for Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella and Molinara wines indicated relatively low phenolic content in comparison with Croatina, Oseleta, Cabernet-Sauvignon. There were also major differences in the content of individual phenolic compounds, in particular anthocyanins, between the monovarietal wines.
ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DO PADRÃO DE PREENCHIMENTO E DA ALTURA DE CAMADA DE DEPOSIÇÃO NAS PROPRIEDADES MECÂNICAS DE PEÇAS FABRICADAS EM PLA A PARTIR DE IMPRESSÃO 3D
Authors: Pereira Tamires , Jesus Alan Vítor de , Valverde Gabriel , Roland Roulien , Oliveira Rodrigues Luanda Kívia de
Published: March 2021

A manufatura aditiva alterar as propriedades mecânicas do polímero extrudado, além disso, os parâmetros de impressão 3D influenciam na resistência da peça extrudada. Por isso, este trabalho tem o objetivo de analisar a influência dos parâmetros de impressão 3D nas propriedades mecânicas de corpos de prova produzidos em PLA (Poli Ácido Lático). Foram confeccionados quatro corpos de prova na impressora modelo 3D Cloner DH Plus, variando padrão de preenchimento (hexagonal e linha) e altura de camada (0,1mm e 0,35mm). O ensaio de tração foi realizado a uma velocidade de 5 mm/min. Uma análise estática foi realizada utilizando o SolidWorks Simulation. Os corpos de prova com maior altura de camada foram os que apresentaram maior deformação. A configuração que apresentou menos resistência foi a peça fabricada com padrão hexagonal e menor altura de camada, enquanto que a peça fabricada com padrão em linhas e menor altura de camada teve a maior força aplicada. Isso mostra que a resistência está relacionada com o padrão de preenchimento. Os resultados foram satisfatórios, o que motiva a realização de mais trabalhos na área de impressão
Considerations for Goldbach's Strong Conjecture
Authors: Severino Silva Carleilton
Published: March 2021

Since 1742, the year in which the Prussian Christian Goldbach wrote a letter to Leonhard Euler with his Conjecture in the weak version, mathematicians have been working on the problem. The tools in number theory become the most sophisticated thanks to the resolution solutions. Euler himself said he was unable to prove it. The weak guess in the modern version states the following: any odd number greater than 5 can be written as the sum of 3 primes. In response to Goldbach's letter, Euler reminded him of a conversation in which he proposed what is now known as Goldbach's strong conjecture: any even number greater than 2 can be written as a sum of 2 prime numbers. The most interesting result came in 2013, with proof of weak version by the Peruvian Mathematician Harald Helfgott, however the strong version remained without a definitive proof. The weak version can be demonstrated without major difficulties and will not be described in this article, as it becomes a corollary of the strong version. Despite the enormous intellectual baggage that great mathematicians have had over the centuries, the Conjecture in question has not been validated or refuted until today.
A Simplified Multifractal Model for Self-Similar Traffic Flows in High-Speed Computer Networks
Authors: Millán Ginno
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a multifractal model, with the aim of providing a possible explanation for the locality phenomenon that appears in the estimation of the Hurst exponent in stationary second order temporal series representing self-similar traffic flows in current high-speed computer networks. It is shown analytically that this phenomenon occurs if the network flow consists of several components with different Hurst exponents.
Exploring the Air Pollution Control Direction of Two Typical Cities, Beijing and Wuhan, from the Air Pollution under Emergency Responses during COVID-19
Authors: Qin Ada Tsan
Published: March 2021

: During the period of COVID-19, the Chinese government implemented a series of actions to prevent the spread of the virus. It is noticed that these preventive actions have generated positive effects on air pollution in Wuhan and Beijing. And, due to the differences in city functions, geographic locations, meteorological conditions, and preventive action details between the two cities, noticeable difference is observed on how they reduced air pollution. This unfortunate incident has become a social sample for studying the industrial and livelihood activities impact on air pollution, otherwise would be highly impossible. This paper starts from observing data from NASA's real-time fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and NO2, and comparing the air pollution in this special time domain with previous years. It is discovered that both PM2.5 and NO2 have been reduced in Wuhan, while only NO2 has significant reduction in Beijing, during the COVID-19 responses. This suggests that the human activity suppression by the COVID-19 control yields different effects on different pollutants and in different cities. Possible reasons for such effects are analysed by considering the public health control levels as well as the pollutant migration, industrial activities, and the weather conditions.
In vitro Evaluation of Structural Factors Favouring Bacterial Adhesion on Orthodontic Adhesive Resins
Authors: Condò Roberta , Mampieri Gianluca , Pasquantonio Guido , Giancotti Aldo , Pirelli Paola , Cataldi Maria Elena , La Rocca Serena , Leggeri Andrea , Notargiacomo Andrea , Maiolo Luca , Cerroni Loredana
Published: March 2021

Bacterial adhesion to the surface of the adhesive material is an important step in the formation of plaque and enamel demineralization. In order to correlate the material composition to the specific surface roughness of the resin and to the probable more favourable adhesion of bacteria, scanning electron microscopy, combined with focus ion bean micromachining, together with stylus profilometry analysis have been in vitro performed to reveal the structural nature of three orthodontic adhesive resins used for bracket bonding and, above all, to understand how compositional factors can influence specific pivotal properties such as material’s surface roughness and robustness. In particular, we speculated about the morphological features that determine an increase in the bacterial adhesion and we proposed focused ion beam technique as a valuable tool to compare the internal structures of the polymers and to determine the peculiar mechanical properties of the examined adhesive resins.
The Association Between Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Reported Physical Activity With Sleep Quality in Apparently Healthy Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Osailan Ahmad , Elnaggar Ragab , Alsubaie Saud , Alqahtani Bader , Abdelbasset Walid Kamal
Published: March 2021

Abstract: Background: Recently, cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) has been postulated as an adverse health outcome related to poor sleep quality. However, studies investigating the relationship between CRF with subjective sleep quality index are scarce. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the association between CRF and Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) in apparently healthy people. The secondary aim was to investigate the association between reported physical activities (PA) and PSQI. Methods: 33 apparently healthy male participants volunteered to participate. CRF (VO2 peak) was measured via cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill. A short form of the International physical activity questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to measure PA, and PSQI was used for sleep quality index. Results: There was no correlation between CRF and PSQI total score or any component of the PSQI. Also, there was no correlation between IPAQ and PSQI total score. Categorical data analysis of the two questionnaires revealed that 45.5% of the participants reported low physical activity and poor sleep quality. Conclusions: There was no association between CRF, reported PA with subjective sleep quality index. The use of objective tools for assessing the quality and quantity of sleep should be recommended for future studies as it may clarify the association between CRF and sleep quality.
Epitope Mapping of the Diphtheria Toxin and Development of an ELISA-Specific Diagnostic Assay
Authors: De-Simone Salvatore Giovanni , Gomes Larissa Rodrigues , Napoleão-Pêgo Paloma , Lechuga Guilherme Curty , Pina Jorge Soares de , Silva Flavio Rocha
Published: March 2021

(1) Background: The diphtheria toxoid antigen is a major component in pediatric and booster combination vaccines and is known to raise a protective humoral immune response upon vaccination. Although antibodies are considered critical for diphtheria protection, little is known about the antigenic determinants that maintain humoral immunity. (2) Methods: One hundred twelve 15-mer peptides covering the entire sequence of DTx protein were prepared by Spot-synthesis. Membrane-bound peptides immunoreactivity with sera from mice immunized with triple DTP vaccine allowed mapping of continuous B-cell epitopes, topological studies, MAPs synthesis, and ELISA development. (3) Results: Twenty epitopes were identified, being 2 in the signal peptide, 5 in the CD, 7 in the HBFT domain, and 5 in the RBD. Two 17-mer (CB/Tx-2/12 and CB/DTx-4-13) derived bi-epitope peptides linked by a Gly-Gly spacer were chemically synthesized. The peptides were used as antigens to coat ELISA plates and assayed with human (huVS) and mice vaccined sera (miVS) for in vitro diagnosis of diphtheria. The assay proved to be highly sensitive (99.96%) and specific (100%) either for huVS and miVS and when compared with a commercial ELISA test, demonstrate high performance. (4) Conclusions: Our work displayed the complete picture of the linear B cell IgG response epitope of the DTx responsible for the protective effect and demonstrated the specificity and eligibility to enter phase IIB studies of some epitopes to develop new and fast diagnostic assays.
EndoScreen Chip: Serum Complement C9 Immunoassays Improve Risk Prediction and Early Diagnosis of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Webster Julie A. , Wuethrich Alain , Shanmugasundaram Karthik B. , Richards Renee S. , Zelek Wioleta M. , Shah Alok K. , Gordon Louisa , Kendall Bradley J. , Hartel Gunter , Morgan B. Paul , Trau Matt , Hill Michelle M.
Published: March 2021

Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) detection relies on endoscopy-biopsy diagnosis, with routine endoscopic surveillance recommended for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) patients. Here, we examine the utility of blood biomarkers in patient risk stratification by translating the EAC blood biomarker Jacalin lectin binding complement C9 (JAC-C9) into a novel microfluidic immunoassay, the EndoScreen Chip. Cohort evaluation (n=46) showed elevated serum total C9 and JAC-C9 in EAC. Logistic regression modeling demonstrated that addition of C9 and JAC-C9 to patient risk factors (age, body mass index and heartburn/reflux history) improved EAC prediction from AUROC of 0.838 to 0.931. Serum JAC-C9 strongly predicted EAC (vs BE OR= 4.6, 95% CI: 1.6-15.6, p = 0.014; vs Healthy OR=4.1, 95% CI:1.2-13.7, p = 0.024) while total C9 was moderately predictive for BE (vs EAC OR=1.4; 95% CI: 1.0-1.8, p = 0.032; vs Healthy OR=0.8; 95% CI: 0.6-1.0, p = 0.039). This translational study demonstrates the potential utility of blood biomarkers in improving triaging for diagnostic endoscopy.
Employing Machine Learning to Estimate Hallmark Measures of Physical Activities from Wrist-worn Devices Across Age Groups
Authors: Mardini Mamoun T. , Bai Chen , Wanigatunga Amal A. , Saldana Santiago , Casanova Ramon , Manini Todd M.
Published: March 2021

Wrist-worn fitness trackers and smartwatches are proliferating with an incessant attention towards health tracking. Given the growing popularity of wrist-worn devices across all age groups, a rigorous evaluation for recognizing hallmark measures of physical activities and estimating energy expenditure is needed to compare their accuracy across the lifespan. The goal of the study was to build machine learning models to recognize physical activity type (sedentary, locomotion, and lifestyle) and intensity (low, light, and moderate), identify individual physical activities, and estimate energy expenditure. The primary aim of this study was to build and compare models for different age groups: young [20-50 years], middle (50-70 years], and old (70-89 years]. Participants (n = 253, 62% women, aged 20-89 years old) performed a battery of 33 daily activities in a standardized laboratory setting while wearing a portable metabolic unit to measure energy expenditure that was used to gauge metabolic intensity. Tri-axial accelerometer collected data at 80-100 Hz from the right wrist that was processed for 49 features. Results from random forests algorithm were quite accurate in recognizing physical activity type, the F1-Score range across age groups was: sedentary [0.955 – 0.973], locomotion [0.942 – 0.964], and lifestyle [0.913 – 0.949]. Recognizing physical activity intensity resulted in lower performance, the F1-Score range across age groups was: sedentary [0.919 – 0.947], light [0.813 – 0.828], and moderate [0.846 – 0.875]. The root mean square error range was [0.835 – 1.009] for the estimation of energy expenditure. The F1-Score range for recognizing individual physical activities was [0.263 – 0.784]. Performances were relatively similar and the accelerometer data features were ranked similarly between age groups. In conclusion, data features derived from wrist worn accelerometers lead to high-moderate accuracy estimating physical activity type, intensity and energy expenditure and are robust to potential age-differences.
Treatment of Rice Stubble with Pleurotus Ostreatus and Urea Improves the Growth Performance in Slow-Growing Goats
Authors: Vorlaphim Thansamay , Paengkoum Pramote , Purba Rayudika Aprilia Patindra , Yuangklang Chalermpon , Paengkoum Siwaporn , Schonewille and Jan Thomas
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fungal treatment (Pleurotus ostreatus) of urea-treated rice stubble on growth performance in slow-growing goats. Eighteen crossbred Thai native x Anglo-Nubian male goats (average body weight: 20.4 ± 2.0 kg) were randomly assigned to three experimental total mixed rations containing 35% rice stubble (RS) that was either untreated (URS), urea treated (UTRS) or treated with urea and fungi (UFTRS). URS and UTRS were cultivated and harvested from aseptically fungal spawn, incubated at 25-30 °C for 25 days. Indicators of growth performance were monitored and faeces were collected quantitatively to assess nutrient digestibility, during a 12-week feeding trial. All goats remained healthy throughout experiment. The goats fed UFTRS had a lower feed conversion ratio (kg feed/kg growth) compared to goats fed URS or UTRS. Compared to URS, dietary UFTRS increased nutrient digestibility of slow-growing goats, such as OM (+8.5%), CP (+5.5%), NDF (+39.2%), and ADF (+27.4%). Likewise, dietary UFTRS tended to increase rumen ammonia concentrations but rumen pH and volatile fatty acids were not affected by UFTRS. In conclusion, the present study indicates that the fungal treatment of RS is an effective tool to improve the growth performance of slow-growing goats.
Drug Target Prediction Using Graph Representation Learning via Substructures Contrast
Authors: Cheng Shicheng , Zhang Liang , Jin Bo , Zhang Qiang , Lu Xinjiang
Published: March 2021

The prediction of drug--target interactions is always a key task in the field of drug redirection. However, traditional methods of predicting drug--target interactions are either mediocre or rely heavily on data stacking. In this work, we merged heterogeneous graph information and obtained effective node information and substructure information based on mutual information in graph embeddings. We then learned high quality representations for downstream tasks, and proposed an end--to--end auto--encoder model to complete the task of link prediction. Experimental results show that our method outperforms several state--of--art models. The model can achieve the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curve of 0.959 and area under the precise recall curve (AUPR) of 0.848. We found that the mutual information between the substructure and graph--level representations contributes most to the mutual information index in a relatively sparse network. And the mutual information between the node--level and graph--level representations contributes most in a relatively dense network.
Modeling and Control of Power and Energy Produced by a Synchronous Generator Using Polynomial Fuzzy Systems and Sum-of-Squares Approach
Authors: Ansari Bonab Parisa , Hosseini Rostami Seyyed Mohammad , Jafari Ahmad , Sheikhi Babak , Wang Jin , Yu Xiaofeng
Published: March 2021

The synchronous generator, as the main component of power systems, plays a key role in these system’s stability. Therefore, utilizing the most effective control strategy for modeling and control the synchronous generator results in the best outcomes in power systems’ performances. The advantage of using a powerful controller is to have the synchronous generator modeled and controlled as well as its main task i.e. stabilizing power systems. Since the synchronous generator is known as a complicated nonlinear system, modeling and control of it is a difficult task. This paper presents a sum of squares (SOS) approach to modeling and control the synchronous generator using polynomial fuzzy systems. This method as an efficacious control strategy has numerous superiorities to the well-known T–S fuzzy controller, due to the control framework is a polynomial fuzzy model, which is more general and effectual than the well-known T–S fuzzy model. In this case, a polynomial Lyapunov function is used for analyzing the stability of the polynomial fuzzy system. Then, the number of rules in a polynomial fuzzy model is less than in a T-S fuzzy model. Besides, derived stability conditions are represented in terms of the SOS approach, which can be numerically solved via the recently developed SOSTOOLS. This approach avoids the difficulty of solving LMI (Linear Matrix Inequality). The Effectiveness of the proposed control strategy is verified by using the third-part Matlab toolbox, SOSTOOLS.
Prebiotic Chemical Refugia: Multifaceted Scenario for the Formation of Biomolecules in Primitive Earth
Authors: Prosdocimi Francisco , Farias Savio Torres , José Marco V
Published: March 2021

The origin of life was a cosmic event happened on primitive Earth. A critical problem to better understand the origins of life in Earth is to glimpse in which chemical scenarios the basic building blocks of biological molecules could be produced. Classic works in pre-biotic chemistry frequently considered early Earth as a homogeneous atmosphere constituted by chemical elements such as methane (CH4), ammonia (NH3), water (H2O), hydrogen (H2) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). Under that scenario, Stanley Miller was capable to produce amino acids and solved the question about the origin of proteins. Conversely, the origin of nucleic acids has tricked scientists for decades as nucleotides are complex though necessary molecules to allow the existence of life. Here we review possible chemical scenarios that allowed not only the formation of nucleotides but also other significant biomolecules. We aim to provide a theoretical solution for the origin of biomolecules at specific sites named “Prebiotic Chemical Refugia”. A prebiotic chemical refugium should therefore be understood as a geographic site in prebiotic Earth on which certain chemical elements were accumulated in higher proportion than expected, facilitating the production of basic biomolecules. Plus, this higher proportion should not be understood as static, but dynamic; once the physicochemical conditions of our planet changed periodically. This different concentration of elements, together with geochemical and astronomical changes along days, synodic months and years provided somewhat periodic changes in temperature, pressure, electromagnetic fields, and conditions of humidity; among other features. Recent and classic works suggesting most likely prebiotic refugia on which the main building blocks of biological molecules might be accumulated are reviewed and discussed.
INTERDIGITATED ELECTRODE FOR ELECTRICAL CHACARCTERIZATION OF COMMERCIAL PSEUDO-BINARY BIODIESEL-DIESEL BLENDS
Authors: Santos Neto Inocêncio , Carvalho Christian , Filho Gilberto , Andrade Cássio , Barros Allan , Fonseca Neto João , Paucar Vicente , Alencar Luciana , Silva Fernando , Sinfrônio Francisco
Published: March 2021

Non-standard diesel blends can be harmful to the environment and human health. In this context, a simple analytical method to estimate the biodiesel mixture ratio in diesel was developed based on the impedance spectroscopy (IS) associated with the interdigitated sensors. In this article, four different interdigitated sensors, variable comb spacing (G), were simulated using the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Based on finite element simulations, four interdigitated electrode architectures by manufactured and evaluated. According to the X-ray powder diffraction technique, the deposition of the conductive layer (Au°) over the surface of the dielectric substrate (SiO2) did not alter its phase composition. In the analysis of AFM and SEM, it was possible to observe irregular edges on the electrodes, possibly related to thin layers' manufacturing process and mechanical stability. Another characteristic observed in the AFM images was the height of the step of the gold layer of the sensor. Several cross-sections were obtained, and the mean step value is 225.71 ± 0.0032 nm. Although there are differences in the roughness, the whole sensor has nanometric roughness. Based on the finite element method simulation performed, it can be assumed that the geometric parameters more suitable for the manufacturing of the electrode are: W = 20 µm, L = 1000 µm, G = 50 µm e N = 40 digits. The electrical characterization performed by impedance spectroscopy showed that we could differentiate between biodiesel and diesel fuels and their pseudo-binary mixtures in the low-frequency region.
New Insights on Hemp Oil Enriched in Cannabidiol: Decarboxylation, Antioxidant Properties and In Vitro Anticancer Effect
Authors: Petrovici Anca Roxana , Simionescu Natalia , Sandu Andreea Isabela , Paraschiv Vasile , Silion Mihaela , Pinteala Mariana
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to obtain and characterize extracted hemp oil enriched in cannabidiol (CBD) by decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and to give new insights into its antioxidant and anticancer effects. Optimization of CBDA decarboxylation in hemp oil was performed, and CBD and CBDA contents and purities were determined by “flash chromatography”, 1H- and 13C-NMR. The antioxidant properties of CBD-enriched oil were investigated by Fe2+ chelating activity, Fe3+ reducing antioxidant power assay, O2− scavenging activity, HO− scavenging ability and lipid peroxidation inhibitory assay and its cytotoxicity, apoptosis- and oxidative stress-inducing effects on NHDF, MeWo, HeLa, HepG2 and HOS cells were determined. The CBD concentration in hemp oil was increased by CBDA soft decarboxylation optimized at 90°C, for 1 h and resulted oil was capable of reducing iron, scavenging free radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation in cell-free oxidative conditions. CBD-enriched oil promoted NHDF proliferation at up to 15 µg CBD/mL, while inducing apoptosis and ROS production and modulating antioxidant enzymes’ gene expression in cancer cells, being selective for osteosarcoma cells and induced apoptosis by p53- and ROS-independent mechanisms. CBD-enriched hemp oil demonstrated antioxidant properties in oxidative conditions and promoted normal fibroblasts’ proliferation, while inducing apoptosis and ROS production in cancer cells.
Passaggio Peak Coefficient as an Indicator of Singer Advancement
Authors: Gawlik Mateusz , Wszołek Wiesław
Published: March 2021

In the last few years, researchers have paid increasing attention to singing voice evaluations.In their studies, they observed changes in the vibrations of the vocal folds during the transi-tion of registers. Additionally, they also found that these changes are less visible and audiblein the case of skilled singers. In order to confirm this theory we defined a new parameter,the Passaggio Peak Coefficient (PPC), obtained from an EGG signal to analyse pitch andopen quotient jump characteristics during the transition of vocal registers among 21 femaleand male choir members with different singing skills. The Kruskal-Wallis test proved thatit is possible to distinguish vocal skills, based on the ability to smoothen transitions amongfemale singers at a 5% significance level.
Geometry-Induced Rigidity in Elastic Torus from Circular to Oblique Elliptic Cross-Section
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: March 2021

For a given material, different shapes of a built structure will be corresponding to different rigidity. In this paper, nonlinear displacement formulation is formulated and numerical simulations will be carried out for circular, normal elliptic, and oblique elliptic torus. Investigations show that both deformation and stress response of an elastic torus are sensitive to the radius ratio, and suggest that the analysis of a torus should be done by using the bending theory of a shell, and also reveal that the inner torus is stronger than the outer torus due to the property of their Gaussian curvature. The desired rigidity can be archived by adjusting the ratio of the minor and main radius and oblique angle.
Strategies to Increase Uptake of Parent Education Programs in Preschool and School Settings: A Delphi Study
Authors: Sim Wan Hua , Toumbourou John W , Clancy Elizabeth M , Westrupp Elizabeth M , Benstead Michelle L , Yap Marie BH
Published: March 2021

Parent education programs, offered via family-school partnerships, offer an effective means for promoting the mental health and educational functioning of children and adolescents at a whole-of-school level. However, these programs often have low uptake. This study aimed to identify strategies for increasing the uptake of parent education programs within preschool and school settings. A three-round Delphi procedure was employed to obtain expert consensus on strategies that are important and feasible in educational settings. First, thirty experts rated statements identified from the literature and a stakeholder forum. Next, experts re-appraised statements, including new statements generated from the first round. Ninety statements were endorsed by ≥ 80% of the experts. Primary themes include strategies for program selection, strategies for increasing the accessibility of programs and the understanding of educational staff on parent engagement and child mental health, strategies for program development, promotion, and delivery, as well as strategies for increasing parent and community engagement. This study offers a set of consensus strategies for improving the uptake of parent education programs within family-school partnership.
Entomological Remote Dark Field Signal Extraction by Maximum Noise Fraction and Unsupervised Clustering for Species Identification
Authors: Benoit Kouakou , Assoi Eliane Koko , Gbogbo Adolphe Yatana , Zoueu Jeremie
Published: March 2021

Characterization of flying insects in-situ measurement using remote sensing spectroscopy is an emerging research field. Also, most analysis techniques in remote sensing spectroscopy are based on the use of an intensity threshold which introduces indeterminacies in the number of detected specimens. In this manuscript, we investigated the possibility of analysing passive remote sensing spectroscopy measurement data using the maximum noise fraction method. The results obtained show that this analysis technique can help to overcome the measurement of background noise in spectroscopic measurements.
An Overview of Ecosystem Service Studies in a Tropical Biodiversity Hotspot, Sri Lanka: Key Perspectives for Future Research
Authors: Sarathchandra Chaya , Abebe Yirga Alemu , Wijerathne Iresha Lakmali , Aluthwattha S. Tharanga , Ouyang Zhiyun
Published: March 2021

Tropical island countries are often highly populated and deliver immense ecosystem service benefits. As human wellbeing depends on these ecosystems proper management is crucial in the resource-rich tropical lands where related research is less. Though the ecosystem service and biodiversity studies are a promising path to inform the ecosystem management for these mostly developing countries published evidence of using ecosystem service studies in decision-making is lacking. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of ecosystem services and related research in Sri Lanka examining trends and gaps and how these studies are conceptualized. Out of considered 139 peer-reviewed articles majority of articles 42.4% were terrestrial and forest related while coastal ecosystems were considered in 34.5% of studies. In most studies, the ecosystem service category was provisioning (33.8%) followed by regulatory service (30.9%). Studies investigating and quantifying ecosystem services, pressures on ecosystems, and their management were fewer compared to studies related to biodiversity or species introduction. Moreover, studies investigating the value of ecosystem services and biodiversity to the communities or involvement of stakeholders in the development of management actions regarding the ecosystem services were rare in Sri Lanka and intense focus of future studies in these aspects are timely and necessary.