bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proposta de implementação de estratégias para o desenvolvimento do mercado do empreendedorismo: Estudo de caso na Empresa Bazar da Rayana
Authors: Lobo Juliana Parente , Silva Jully Maria Matos , Carvalho Raiana Medeiros De , Roberto José Carlos Alves
Published: January 2021

O artigo apresentado tem por finalidade analisar as estratégias adotadas no mercado do empreendedorismo, com base no estudo de caso realizado na empresa Bazar da Rayana. A pesquisa tem o propósito de demonstrar a ferramenta 5W2H como uma ferramenta técnica para o empreendedorismo, que possibilitará estratégias mercadológicas para desenvolvimento do negócio e futuras parcerias comerciais. O estudo segue fundamentos metodológicos e possui caráter descritivo, exploratório, qualitativo e bibliográfico, como meio de obter cientificidade no que é proposto. A escolha do tema empreendimento, deu-se no diagnóstico organizacional com a aplicações de técnicas utilizadas para o levantamento de informações precisas. A pesquisa tem o intuito de analisar os aspectos que impactam a motivação e liderança no empreendedorismo. A ferramenta 5W2H contribuíra para a qualidade total dos processos, capaz de promover melhorias significativas nos resultados da organização, identificando gargalos, reduzindo despesas para melhorar o aproveitamento de materiais, e melhorias nos serviços, redução de acidentes. As melhorias apresentadas trarão satisfação dos funcionários com a realização de atividades com resultados positivos para a empresa.
Gestão de Resíduos da Construção Civil
Authors: Nogueira Cristiany da Silva
Published: January 2021

O artigo tem como propósito pesquisar a área da construção civil no que diz respeito à geração quantitativa e a atual gestão dos resíduos de construção e demolição oriundos do canteiro de obras da construção civil localizados na cidade de Manaus no Amazonas. Destacando as atividades de construções e demolições, causadoras de graves impactos socioambientais, materiais esses que demandam de resoluções rápidas para uma gestão adequada enfocando em uma disposição de reutilização dos mesmos e assim causando impactos na cadeia produtiva da construção civil. A metodologia utilizada foi uma abordagem e entendimento da aplicação das técnicas de acordo coma resolução 307/2002 do Conama e outras ações Municipais em Manaus e com visitas as empresas para verificar o funcionamento e aplicabilidade dessas diretrizes. Amostragem dos resultados demonstra que na área da construção civil as empresas pesquisadas não se encaixam conforme à Resolução nº 307/2002 do Conama as mesmas não possuem profissionais com formação específica no que diz respeito a coletas de entulho na área de gestão de resíduos e que depositam os resíduos no Aterro Sanitário de Manaus. De acordo com os resultados obtidos nesse estudo, cerca de 50% dos resíduos pertencem a classe A. Neste contexto, foi proposto ações futuras, a fim de reutilizar os resíduos advindos da construção civil como soluções adequadas ao município de Manaus, de modo ambiental e social.
Inclusão de alunos com necessidades educativas especiais: um estudo descritivo a partir dos relatos dos estudantes
Authors: Sá Ruth Nely Alves de , Salazar Leopoldo Briones
Published: January 2021

O presente artigo tem a meta de descrever a realidade da inclusão dos estudantes com necessidades educativas especiais a partir de uma entrevista realizada com três alunos do sexto ao nono ano do ensino fundamental, matriculados na Escola Municipal Elzinha Lizardo Nunes em Alto Taquari no estado do Mato Grosso. O problema fomentador deste estudo partiu da percepção de que há poucas iniciativas de dar voz aos alunos com necessidades educativas especiais ao longo da Educação Básica. Dessa forma, elaborou-se uma entrevista com seis perguntas abertas analisadas a partir da observação direta dos conteúdos coletados. A aplicação se deu em duas etapas, sendo a primeira com a conscientização dos responsáveis pelos menores envolvidos e a segunda com a coleta das informações juntos a esses alunos. Observou-se, com a análise dos dados que ainda há muito a se fazer no processo de inclusão no que tange ao trabalho desenvolvido pela escola, assim como a atuação da família nesse processo de apoio e acompanhamento. Espera-se, com este trabalho, uma maior oitiva dos maiores interessados no sucesso do processo inclusivo de estudantes com necessidades educativas especiais: os próprios alunos.
Escalas de qualidade de vida aplicadas aos familiares de pacientes oncológicos em cuidados paliativos: Uma revisão integrativa
Authors: Costa Susana Rocha , Bonamigo Andréa Wander , Silveira Luiza Maria de Oliveira Braga
Published: January 2021

Pacientes oncológicos terminais recebem cuidados paliativos com o objetivo de gerenciar a dor e os sintomas, que dão um suporte ao paciente e aos seus familiares, que lidam diariamente com as emoções e o estresse da morte iminente. Objetivo: identificar e analisar os instrumentos dos estudos realizados no Brasil sobre qualidade de vida dos familiares de pacientes oncológicos em Cuidados Paliativos. Metodologia: revisão integrativa da literatura. Resultados: foram selecionados 12 estudos que atenderam aos critérios de inclusão e exclusão. Os estudos foram na sua maioria qualitativos. No Brasil, a ferramenta mais utilizada para mensurar a qualidade de vida dos familiares/cuidadores de pacientes em cuidados paliativos são as entrevistas semiestruturadas que podem ser acompanhadas ou não de outros instrumentos de análise, como por exemplo: o grupo focal e o inventário de estresse. Considerações finais: Os familiares/cuidadores de pacientes oncológicos em fase terminal, que recebem cuidados paliativos, têm sua qualidade de vida comprometida devido ao estresse físico, psicológico e econômico, aos quais são submetidos nesse período.
RESHAPING THE REGIONAL ECONOMIC INTEGRATION: THE CASE OF NAFTA-USMCA TRANSFORMATION
Authors: Федорова Надія , Зюбанов Гліб , Ладушина Олена
Published: January 2021

Global trends indicate that the activation of integration processes characterize the state-of-the-art situation of the world economy. The WTO statistics show the constant growth in the number of regional trade agreements (RTA). These RTAs are not the static entities of the global economy but dynamic actors which are reshaping all the time (Brexit, NAFTA-USMCA transformation, Ukraine’s exit from the CIS can prove this). The objective of this study is the recent change in the NAFTA agreement as one of the most influential RTA in the world. According to The World Bank data in 2019 global GDP consisted of NAFTA’s GDP on 28 %, global export consisted of NAFTA’s export on 12 %, meanwhile, NAFTA’s import was 19 % of the global one. The investigation shows that all of the NAFTA countries took the advantage of the deal and had their benefits. Separately they would never have achieved such astounding results in quite a short period of time.
Proving the Derivative of sin(x) Using the Pythagorean Theorem and the Unit Circle
Authors: Bartlett Jonathan
Published: January 2021

This provides a more straightforward and student-friendly proof of the derivative of sin(x) which doesn't explicitly utilize the limit (x->0) of sin(x)/x
Analysis of Nutritional Status of Under Five Children in a Rural Community of Bangladesh
Authors: Bashar Mohammad Abul , Musa Abu Saleh , Rahman Rahnuma , Sharmin Shaila , Atique Raihan
Published: January 2021

Background: Nutritional status is a positive health indicator. Malnutrition is a major health problem which is associated with high morbidity and mortality of under 5 children. Factors associated with socio-economic status, mother’s education, hygiene, incidence of infectious diseases are the important determinants of malnutrition.

Materials & Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Anthropometric measurements and other data of 706 under 5 children were collected purposively during the period of May 2015 to April 2016.

Results: In this study, mean age of the under 5 children was 34.61±5.4 months, male was 50.7% and female was 49.3%. This study revealed that 49% of children were underweight, 39% were stunted and 10.5% were wasted. The multivariate analysis found that mother’s education, poor socio-economic status and associated diseases had significant association with nutritional status of under 5 children. However, occupational status of child’s mother found no significant association on nutritional status.

Conclusion: The prevalence of malnourished children in rural community in this study was found very high. Of them, underweight children was higher than wasted and stunted children.

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (2) :87-91
Non Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease- Is it a Rarity in Children of Bangladesh?
Authors: Karim ASM Bazlul , Md Rukunuzzaman -
Published: January 2021

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a disease of liver occurring due to excess accumulation of fat in the liver. For defining NAFLD, there must be evidence of hepatic steatosis (HS), either by imaging or by histology and lack of secondary causes of hepatic fat accumulation. Frequency of NAFLD is increasing worldwide. Overall prevalence of NAFLD in Bangladesh is 33.9%. Insulin resistance is the central factor for the pathogenesis of NAFLD. Most of the children are asymptomatic and are identified incidentally by elevated serum aminotransferases. The objectives of this review are to provide the pediatricians an overview of fatty liver disease in children regarding its etiology, patients’ evaluation and management. This review also provides the approach to a child with fatty liver disease based on the best available evidence from electronic literature searches. Obese (BMI for age > 95th centile) and overweight children (BMI for age between 85th to 95th centile) having additional risk factors like insulin resistance should be routinely screened for NAFLD. Estimation of serum ALT and/ or ultrasonography are the recommended screening tests. Though the treatment of NAFLD includes dietary modifications, physical activities, drugs and surgery; diet and physical activities are the cornerstone of management of NAFLD.

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (2) :97-103
Dapsone Induced Methemoglobinemia in an Adolescent Girl: The Treatment Challenge
Authors: Rumana Jubaida , Jahan Nasim , Azmeri Sultana , Haque Zabrul SM
Published: January 2021

Dapsone is a sulfone group of antibiotics that works as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive agents. It is widely used in many diseases like Acne vulgaris, leprosy, dermatitis herpetiformis, thrombocytopenic purpura, and pemphigoid. Though it is a very cheap drug it has life-threatening side effects like Methemoglobinemia. We hereby report a case of dapsone-induced Methemoglobinemia in an adolescent girl who used dapsone for the treatment of acne vulgaris. She presented with hypoxia, cyanosis, and fatigability. Treatment should be initiated as early as possible otherwise it could be fatal. Here, in this case, immediate treatment was started with vitamin C and N Acytyle cystine as the most effective antidote Methylene blue was not available. As the patient’s condition did not improve with pharmacological treatment so exchange transfusion was done from 2nd day. This case report aims to enhance awareness among physicians about the life-threatening adverse reaction to Dapsone and also the importance of prompt management.

Bangladesh J Child Health 2020; VOL 44 (2) :109-113
Bacterial Isolates and Antibiotic Sensitivity Pattern from Urinary Tract Infection in a Private Diagnostic Laboratory in Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Rahman Md Habibur , Ahmed Md Mushtaque , Sarkar Dayanidhi , Rahman Md Asadur
Published: January 2021

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection encountered by clinicians and despite the widespread availability of antimicrobial agents, UTI has become difficult to treat because of appearance pathogens with increasing resistance to antimicrobial agents. The objectives of this study were to determine the pathogens causing UTI and to determine the antibiotic sensitivity status among these isolates in a diagnostic laboratory in Dhaka city. A laboratory based cross sectional survey was conducted in a diagnostic Centre in Dhaka Bangladesh from July 2016 to December 2016. A total of 553 urine samples were collected from each patients and processed in microbiology laboratory to isolate pathogens and antibiotic susceptibility test using standard procedure. Among 553 urine samples, 158 (28.57%) samples was found to be culture positive of which 39 (24.70%) were isolated from male patients and 119 (75.30%) from female patients. Escherichia coli (43.67%) were found to be the predominant pathogen followed by Staphylococcus spp. (16.45%), Enterococcus spp. (13.39%), Klebsiella spp. (13.29%), Candida spp. (5.70%), Acinetobacter spp. (4.43%), Pseudomonas spp. (3.80%) and Proteus spp. (1.27%). The carbapenem group antibiotics (imipenem and meropenem) was found to be resistant in 0 to 5.1% of the Gram negative isolates. On the Other hand, most of the Gram positive isolates showed sensitivity to linezolid and vancomycin. This study showed that E. coli isolates were the predominant pathogens and showed resistance to commonly prescribed drugs resulting in a very few options for drug to treat UTIs.

Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 37 Number 2 December 2020, pp 56-60
Effect of Selected Antibiotics on Biofilm Formed by Salmonella Enterica Serovars Typhi and Paratyphi
Authors: Rini Israt Jahan , Islam Md Ariful , Ahsan Sunjukta
Published: January 2021

Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi and Paratyphi are the causative agents of typhoid and paratyphoid, respectively, in human. Salmonella is able to form biofilms whereby members are resistant and persistent in both host and nonhost environments. In the present study the effect of the antibiotics, Azithromycin, Imipenem, Ceftriaxone and Cefixime, on planktonic and biofilm phase clinical isolates of Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi (n = 30) and Paratyphi A (n= 07) was investigated. MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) of planktonic phase bacteria were determined and compared with MRC (Minimum Re-growth Concentration) and MBEC (Minimum Biofilm Eradication Concentration) of biofilm population. The present study indicates that, with the exception of Azithromycin, a considerably higher concentration is needed for all other antibiotics investigated to inhibit growth of test isolates in the biofilm phase. We conclude that the requirement of Azithromycin at sub-MIC concentration to inhibit/kill Salmonella in biofilm is of particular significance in that it can be employed for the eradication of Salmonella spp. biofilms.

Bangladesh J Microbiol, Volume 37 Number 2 December 2020, pp 62-65
Implementasi Pemeliharaan Preventif: Pengungkapan Komitmen Manajemen, Kondisi fasilitasi dan Keterampilan
Authors: Sutarto Sutarto , Kaharudin Kaharudin , Mubin Nur , Suryadi Didi
Published: January 2021

Penerapan pemeliharaan preventif menjadi kebutuhan setiap perusahaan karena dapat memberikan keuntungan produktivitas, namun sampai saat ini belum secara jelas terungkap faktor yang benar-benar mempengaruhinya. Penelitian ini berupaya menganalisis pengaruh pengungkapan komitmen manajemen dan kondisi fasilitasi dari sudut pandang karyawan serta ketrampilan karyawan dalam mempengaruhi penerapan pemeliharaan preventif. Penelitian dilakukan dengan memberikan kuesioner kepada 64 karyawan pelaksana pemeliharaan di kawasan Industri Cikarang. Penelitian menggunakan metode kuantitatif yaitu analisis regresi linier ganda. Penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pengungkapan komitmen manajemen, kondisi fasilitasi dan keterampilan berpengaruh terhadap penerapan pemeliharaan preventif dengan arah positif. Keterampilan karyawan menjadi faktor utama yang mempengaruhi penerapan pemeliharaan preventif, kemudian komitmen manajemen dan terakhir kondisi fasilitasi.Kata kunci: Pengungkapan Komitmen manajemen; Kondisi fasilitasi; Keterampilan; Implementasi Pemeliharaan Preventif Preventive Maintenance Implementation: Management Commitment Disclosure, Facilitating Condition and SkillABSTRACTPreventive maintenance implementation is a necessity for every company because it can provide productivity benefits, but until now it has not been clearly revealed that factors really influence it. The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of management commitment disclosure and facilitating conditions and employee skills toward preventive maintenance implementation. The research data find out from questionnaires which is to 64 maintenance staff in the Cikarang industrial area. This research uses a quantitative method which is multiple linear regression analysis. Research shows that management commitment disclosure, facilitating conditions, and skills affect the preventive maintenance implementation in a positive direction. Employee skills are the main factor influencing the implementation of preventive maintenance, then management commitment disclosure, and finally the facilitating condition.Keywords: Management Commitment Disclosure; Facilitating Conditions; Skill; Preventive Maintenance Implementation
KONSOLIDASI FOSIL MENGGUNAKAN RESIN ALAM
Authors: Haldoko Leliek Agung , Setyawan Joni , Wahyuni Sri , Gunawanarif Arif
Published: January 2021

Fosil adalah sisa tulang belulang atau sisa tumbuhan zaman purba yang telah membatu dan tertanam di bawah lapisan tanah. Proses pemfosilan yang tidak berlangsung secara sempurna menyebabkan fosil dalam kondisi rapuh. Kondisi rapuh dikarenakan proses permineralisasi belum selesai sepenuhnya, sehingga terdapat bagian-bagian yang belum tergantikan oleh mineral. Untuk memperkuat ikatan material pada fosil yang rapuh diperlukan tindakan konsolidasi.

Bahan-bahan yang diuji untuk konsolidasi fosil adalah gondorukem dan gelatin dengan konsentrasi 5%, 10% dan 15%. Sebagai pembanding adalah bahan yang selama ini digunakan untuk konsolidasi fosil yaitu paraloid B72 dengan konsentrasi 4%. Parameter pengujian yang digunakan antara lain uji SEM, uji kekerasan, uji kuat tekan, uji tetesan air, uji FTIR, uji daya tahan, pengamatan warna dan pengamatan pertumbuhan jamur.

Hasil  pengujian yang telah dilakukan menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan gelatin 5%, 10% dan 15% dapat menjadi alternatif pengganti paraloid B72 sebagai bahan konsolidasi fosil. Bahan ini dapat mengisi pori-pori fosil dan meningkatkan kekerasan fosil. Selain itu nilai kuat tekan fosil yang dikonsolidasi dengan gelatin lebih tinggi dari paraloid B72 4%. Penggunaan gelatin tidak merubah komposisi fosil dan memiliki daya tahan pada kondisi penyimpanan yang ekstrim. Penggunaan gelatin juga tidak merubah warna fosil dan aman dari pertumbuhan jamur ketika diaplikasikan ke fosil. Gelatin 5% merupakan konsentrasi yang paling optimum untuk konsolidasi fosil karena penggunaan bahan akan lebih efisien.
Application of biological activator in Urochloa decumbens submitted to single and in consortium cultivation
Authors: Cordeiro Dthenifer Santana , Machado Douglas Schlosser , Torres Francisco Eduardo , Zanuncio Angelita dos Santos , Mendonça Gabriela Gonçalves de , Souza Elen Regina Cáceres de , Salmazzo Gustavo Ruivo
Published: January 2021

Low pasture production is due to degradation that leads to soil erosion processes. These conditions decrease the production of forage biomass and its resistance to drought. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the viability of U. decumbens and millet consortium and in single cultivation, related to bromatological quality, using biological activator. The study was carried out in the field located in the experimental area of the Universidade Estadual de Mato Grosso do Sul - Unidade Universitária de Aquidauana (UEMS / UUA), phytotechnics sector, located in the city of Aquidauana MS, region of the Pantanal ecotone. It was adopted a randomized blocks in subdivided plots experimental design with 4 replications, treatments classified in: T1: Millet + activator, T2: Millet, T3: 75% Millet and 25% U. decumbens + activator, T4: 75% Millet and 25% U. decumbens, T5: U. decumbens + activator, T6: U. decumbens, T7: 25% Millet and 75% U. decumbens + activator, T8: 25% Millet and 75% U. decumbens, T9: 50% Millet and 50% U. decumbens + activator, T10: 50% Millet and 50% U. decumbens. At 70 DAE samples consisting of 60 leaves per plot were collected in each treatment. The collected part was the flag leaf, eliminating the basal third portion, apical and the midrib of each leaf. Then the analyzes of dry matter, ashes, PB, FDN and FDA were performed. The treatments that presented the best nutritional values were T3 and T4, however, analyzing grazing efficiency, it is recommended the treatments T7 and T8, once that they showed similar quality and they would be better used by the animals.
Cisplatina e ozônio adjuvantes à exérese cirúrgica de carcinoma de células escamosas corneana em um equino
Authors: Carmo Ivana Ferro , Nascimento Rayane Caroline Medeiros do , Cavalcante Tabatha de Oliveira , Souza Alane Rodrigues de , Fonseca Lucas Santana da , Pimentel Danillo de Souza , Diniz Anaemilia das Neves , Escodro Pierre Barnabé
Published: January 2021

O carcinoma de células escamosas (CCE) constitui uma neoplasia de epitélio escamoso que geralmente acomete as regiões da cabeça, orbital e genitais dos equinos. A irradiação solar é uma das principais causas, em especial nas áreas despigmentadas e desprovidas de pelos. O artigo a seguir relata o caso de um equino, macho, de 15 anos, que apresentou uma massa infiltrativa nodular por toda superfície corneana, sugerindo tecido de granulação aderido à córnea. Ao exame citológico a massa era indicativa de carcinoma de células escamosas. Inúmeras características medicinais do ozônio já são bastante reconhecidas e relatadas pela comunidade científica, entre elas: sua ação antioxidante, bactericida, fungicida, imunoestimulante, auxílio na cicatrização de feridas e atividade antitumoral. Visto isso, transcorreu-se a excisão cirúrgica, curetagem corneana, quimioterapia intralesional com utilização de cisplatina e ozonioterapia. O tratamento demonstrou que a excisão cirúrgica, associada ao uso de cisplatina e ozonioterapia no pós-cirúrgico, apresentaram resultados eficientes, com prognóstico favorável, visto que após dezoito meses da alta médica do animal, o proprietário não relatou recidiva.
Valorização do resíduo da casca de jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) para produção da exo-poligalacturonase com Aspergillus niger CCT 0916
Authors: Santiago Ângela Maria , Conrado Líbia de Sousa , Almeida Raphael Lucas Jacinto , Santos Newton Carlos , Muniz Cecília Elisa de Sousa , Galdino Pablícia Oliveira , Mota Mércia Melo de Almeida
Published: January 2021

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo estudar o potencial do resíduo seco da casca de jabuticaba (Myrciaria cauliflora) como substrato na produção da exo-poligalacturonase (Exo-PG) por meio da fermentação em estado sólido (FES) utilizando o micro-organismo Aspergillus niger CCT 0916 como agente da fermentação. As cascas de jabuticaba foram secas em estufa com circulação de ar a 55 ºC com velocidade de ar de 1.0 m/s e logo em seguida trituradas para obtenção do resíduo seco, o qual foi caracterizado. Foi realizado uma fermentação em estado sólido no período de 0 a 72 horas, durante esse período foram analisados os seguintes parâmetros: umidade do meio, pH, açúcares redutores e atividade poligalacturonásica (APG). Foram encontrados altos teores de açúcares redutores e pectina no resíduo seco da casca da jabuticaba (RSJ). As isotermas de adsorção mostraram que a atividade de água adequada para o processo fermentativo deve ser acima de 0.7. O pico máximo da APG foi de 16,12 U/g do meio fermentado alcançado em 72 h de cultivo, portanto este resíduo é potencialmente viável como substrato na síntese da Exo-PG por fermentação em estado sólido.
Redefining Energy in the Post-Pandemic Era
Authors: Varış Özge
Published: January 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has caused shock waves across the planet in various realms, with stark shifts occurring in terms of global investment flow, national health systems, international trade, and society in general. These consequences may make a change in terms of the legal order of states and international institutions obligatory. For instance, the discussion of the roles of international organizations, in particular, the World Health Organization (WHO) and Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), indicate possible paradigm shifts in the post-pandemic era.

Besides these changes, the energy sector itself has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The oil price crises caused by a drop in demand and investment causes one to ponder a possible paradigm shift in sector and future of energy transition. In this regard, the legal foundations of the energy sector need to be reconsidered. In particular, the definition of the framework of energy under legal regimes is an essential element in the post-pandemic era. To this end, this paper offers a revision of the meaning of energy under international law.
Navigating the Future of the Energy Transition in the Middle East Gulf Economies Post COVID-19
Authors: Hijazi Jamil , Obeid Jessica , Medlej Michel-Ange
Published: January 2021

Despite the oil price shock and global economic slowdown from COVID-19, hydrocarbons will still be relevant as petrochemicals play a vital role in Arabian gulf economies even when shifting to a low carbon future. Increasing the share of renewable energy generation and electrifying mobility will require governments of the Middle East to develop integrated energy and economic strategies. Preparing for a -post-COVID-19 world should extend beyond the energy transition into thinking towards a ‘Just’ inclusive energy transition framework for the citizens in the region.
Influence of Trait-Patience in Goal Pursuit and Subjective Well-Being Among University Students
Authors: Mehmood Anam , Hanif Rubina , Noureen Irum
Published: January 2021

The present study was aimed to examine the role of trait-patience among university students in pursuit of goal and achieving subjective-wellbeing across the academic quarter. A sample of 300 university students (male = 108; female = 192) age ranged 18-35 years were selected from Rawalpindi and Islamabad. To measure study variables, Three-Factor Patience Scale (Schnitker 2012), Self-reported projects (Little, 1983), Positive and Negative Affect Scale (Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin, 1985) were used. Results revealed that individuals high in patience were more engaged in pursuit of personal projects, as compare to those with low trait- patience. It was also found that the trait-patience was significantly related with goal pursuit, achievement and well-being. In context of temporal effect, patience and goal pursuit was significant predictors of the goal achievement, while the subjective-well-being at the start of semester predicted the well-being across time. The present study would be useful for students and teachers to evaluate or manage the students to set goals and patiently strive to reach goal and well-being.
Fusobacterium nucleatum Promotes the Progression of Colorectal Cancer Through Cdk5-Activated Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling
Authors: Li Xiang , Huang Jiepeng , Yu Tingting , Fang Xiaoting , Lou Liqin , Xin Shijun , Ji Ling , Jiang Feizhao , Lou Yongliang
Published: January 2021

Background/Aims

Growing evidence supports the direct link of Fusobacterium nucleatum with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, to date, the underlying mechanism of action remains poorly understood. In this study, we examined the effects of F. nucleatum on the progression of CRC and investigated whether cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) is involved in the effect through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

Materials and Methods

CRC tissues and matched histologically normal specimens were collected from patients who were diagnosed with CRC and underwent surgical treatment in our hospital between January 2018 and January 2019. Two human CRC cell lines, including DLD-1 and SW480, were utilized mainly for in vitro mechanistic investigations.

Results

The abundance of F. nucleatum was significantly greater in CRC tissues than in cancer-free specimens, which was significantly correlated with the progression of CRC. In vitro investigations revealed that F. nucleatum significantly enhanced the proliferation and migration of CRC cells. Furthermore, F. nucleatum significantly induced the expression of Cdk5 and activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Notably, knockdown of Cdk5 significantly abrogated the effects of F. nucleatum on cellular processes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling in relation to the progression of CRC.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrate that F. nucleatum orchestrates a molecular network involving the direct role of Cdk5 in activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling to modulate CRC progression. Thus, in-depth investigations of F. nucleatum-associated molecular pathways may offer valuable insight into the pathogenesis of CRC, which may help further the development of treatment for this disease.
Toward Biological Pacing by Cellular Delivery of Hcn2/SkM1
Authors: Végh Anna M. D. , Verkerk Arie O. , Cócera Ortega Lucía , Wang Jianan , Geerts Dirk , Klerk Mischa , Lodder Kirsten , Nobel Ruby , Tijsen Anke J. , Devalla Harsha D. , Christoffels Vincent M. , Medina-Ramírez Max , Smits Anke M. , Tan Hanno L. , Wilders Ronald , Goumans Marie José T. H. , Boink Gerard J. J.
Published: January 2021

Electronic pacemakers still face major shortcomings that are largely intrinsic to their hardware-based design. Radical improvements can potentially be generated by gene or cell therapy-based biological pacemakers. Our previous work identified adenoviral gene transfer of Hcn2 and SkM1, encoding a “funny current” and skeletal fast sodium current, respectively, as a potent combination to induce short-term biological pacing in dogs with atrioventricular block. To achieve long-term biological pacemaker activity, alternative delivery platforms need to be explored and optimized. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the functional delivery of Hcn2/SkM1 via human cardiomyocyte progenitor cells (CPCs). Nucleofection of Hcn2 and SkM1 in CPCs was optimized and gene transfer was determined for Hcn2 and SkM1 in vitro. The modified CPCs were analyzed using patch-clamp for validation and characterization of functional transgene expression. In addition, biophysical properties of Hcn2 and SkM1 were further investigated in lentivirally transduced CPCs by patch-clamp analysis. To compare both modification methods in vivo, CPCs were nucleofected or lentivirally transduced with GFP and injected in the left ventricle of male NOD-SCID mice. After 1 week, hearts were collected and analyzed for GFP expression and cell engraftment. Subsequent functional studies were carried out by computational modeling. Both nucleofection and lentiviral transduction of CPCs resulted in functional gene transfer of Hcn2 and SkM1 channels. However, lentiviral transduction was more efficient than nucleofection-mediated gene transfer and the virally transduced cells survived better in vivo. These data support future use of lentiviral transduction over nucleofection, concerning CPC-based cardiac gene delivery. Detailed patch-clamp studies revealed Hcn2 and Skm1 current kinetics within the range of previously reported values of other cell systems. Finally, computational modeling indicated that CPC-mediated delivery of Hcn2/SkM1 can generate stable pacemaker function in human ventricular myocytes. These modeling studies further illustrated that SkM1 plays an essential role in the final stage of diastolic depolarization, thereby enhancing biological pacemaker functioning delivered by Hcn2. Altogether these studies support further development of CPC-mediated delivery of Hcn2/SkM1 and functional testing in bradycardia models.
Genome-Wide Expression and Alternative Splicing in Domesticated Sunflowers (Helianthus annuus L.) under Flooding Stress
Authors: Lee Joon Seon , Gao Lexuan , Guzman Laura Melissa , Rieseberg Loren H.
Published: January 2021

Approximately 10% of agricultural land is subject to periodic flooding, which reduces the growth, survivorship, and yield of most crops, reinforcing the need to understand and enhance flooding resistance in our crops. Here, we generated RNA-Seq data from leaf and root tissue of domesticated sunflower to explore differences in gene expression and alternative splicing (AS) between a resistant and susceptible cultivar under both flooding and control conditions and at three time points. Using a combination of mixed model and gene co-expression analyses, we were able to separate general responses of sunflower to flooding stress from those that contribute to the greater tolerance of the resistant line. Both cultivars responded to flooding stress by upregulating expression levels of known submergence responsive genes, such as alcohol dehydrogenases, and slowing metabolism-related activities. Differential AS reinforced expression differences, with reduced AS frequencies typically observed for genes with upregulated expression. Significant differences were found between the genotypes, including earlier and stronger upregulation of the alcohol fermentation pathway and a more rapid return to pre-flooding gene expression levels in the resistant genotype. Our results show how changes in the timing of gene expression following both the induction of flooding and release from flooding stress contribute to increased flooding tolerance.
From Evidence to Clinical Guidelines in Antibiotic Treatment in Acute Otitis Media in Children
Authors: Spoială Elena Lia , Stanciu Gabriela Dumitrita , Bild Veronica , Ababei Daniela Carmen , Gavrilovici Cristina
Published: January 2021

Acute otitis media (AOM) in children represents a public health concern, being one of the leading causes of health care visits and antibiotic prescriptions worldwide. The overall aim of this paper is to unravel the major current insights into the antibiotic treatment of AOM in children. Our approach is three-fold: 1. a preclinical evaluation of antibiotics in animal models of AOM stressing on the advantages of different species when testing for different schemes of antibiotics; 2. an overview on the new antimicrobial agents whose efficacy has been demonstrated in refractory cases of AOM in children; and 3. an analysis of the different guidelines stressing on the differences and similarities between the various schemes of antibiotic treatment. The preferred therapeutic agents remain amoxicillin and the amoxicillin-clavulanate combination for AOM caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, whereas oral cephalosporin is preferred in AOM due to Moraxella catarrhalis and Haemophilus influenzae. As for the second and third line antimicrobial treatments, there is a wide variety of suggested antibiotic classes with variations in duration and posology. The decision to prescribe antimicrobial treatment as a first-line choice is based on the severity of the symptoms in 16 of the guidelines included in this review.
Chemotherapy-Induced Survivin Regulation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Otevřelová Petra , Brodská Barbora
Published: January 2021

Survivin is a 16.5 kDa protein highly expressed in centrosomes, where it controls proper sister chromatid separation. In addition to its function in mitosis, survivin is also involved in apoptosis. Overexpression of survivin in many cancer types makes it a suitable target for cancer therapy. Western blotting and confocal microscopy were used to characterize the effect of chemotherapy on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. We found enhanced survivin expression in a panel of AML cell lines treated with cytarabine (Ara-C), which is part of a first-line induction regimen for AML therapy. Simultaneously, Ara-C caused growth arrest and depletion of the mitotic cell fraction. Subsequently, the effect of a second component of standard therapy protocol, idarubicin, and of a known survivin inhibitor, YM-155, on cell viability and survivin expression and localization in AML cells was investigated. Idarubicin reversed Ara-C-induced survivin upregulation in the majority of AML cell lines. YM-155 caused survivin deregulation together with a viability decrease in cells resistant to idarubicin treatment, suggesting that YM-155 might be efficient in a specific subset of AML patients. Expression levels of other apoptosis-related proteins, in particular X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), Mcl-1, and p53, and of the cell-cycle inhibitor p21 considerably changed in almost all cases, confirming the off-target effects of YM-155.
Failure Patterns and Morphological Soil–Rock Interface Characteristics of Frozen Soil–Rock Mixtures under Compression and Tension
Authors: Hu Feng , Li Zhiqing , Tian Yifan , Hu Ruilin
Published: January 2021

Construction operations in cold regions may encounter frozen geomaterials. In construction, it is important to understand the processes by which geomaterials fail under common loading conditions to avoid accidents and work efficiently. In this work, an artificial frozen soil–rock mixture was used for uniaxial compression and indirect tension loading analysis to investigate macroscopic failure patterns and soil–rock interface crack evolution mechanisms. To further understand and compare the meso-mechanical failure mechanisms of the soil–rock interface, we used two types of rock block particles with different surface roughness for fabricating frozen artificial soil–rock mixtures. Acoustic emission (AE), ultrasonic plus velocity (UPV), and digital microscopy were utilized here to obtain the sample deformation response and analyze the morphology of the soil–rock interface. The results were as follows. From the perspective of macroscopic observation, bulging deformations and short tension cracks represent the main failure pattern under compression, and a tortuous tension crack in the center of the disk is the main failure pattern under indirect tension. From the perspective of microscopic observation, the soil–rock interface will evolve into a soil–rock contact band for the sample containing a rough rock block. The strength of the soil–rock contact band is obviously larger than that of the soil–rock interface. Three main failure patterns of the soil–rock interface were observed: a crack path through the accurate soil–rock interface, a crack path through the envelope of the rough rock block, and a crack path passing through the rough rock block. The experimental results could provide a reference for foundation engineering, especially in pile foundation engineering in cold regions.
A Completion Method for Missing Concrete Dam Deformation Monitoring Data Pieces
Authors: Gu Hao , Wang Tengfei , Zhu Yantao , Wang Cheng , Yang Dashan , Huang Lixian
Published: January 2021

A concrete dam is an important water-retaining hydraulic structure that stops or restricts the flow of water or underground streams. It can be regarded as a constantly changing complex system. The deformation of a concrete dam can reflect its operation behaviors most directly among all the effect quantities. However, due to the change of the external environment, the failure of monitoring instruments, and the existence of human errors, the obtained deformation monitoring data usually miss pieces, and sometimes the missing pieces are so critical that the remaining data fail to fully reflect the actual deformation patterns. In this paper, the composition, characteristics, and contamination of the concrete dam deformation monitoring information are analyzed. From the single-value missing data completion method based on the nonlocal average method, a multi-value missing data completion method using BP (back propagation) mapping of spatial adjacent points is proposed to improve the accuracy of analysis and pattern prediction of concrete dam deformation behaviors. A case study is performed to validate the proposed method.
Simulation Verification of the Contact Parameter Influence on the Forces’ Course of Cereal Grain Impact against a Stiff Surface
Authors: Kęska Włodzimierz , Marcinkiewicz Jacek , Gierz Łukasz , Staszak Żaneta , Selech Jarosław , Koszela Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

The continuous development of computer technology has made it applicable in many scientific fields, including research into a wide range of processes in agricultural machines. It allows the simulation of very complex physical phenomena, including grain motion. A recently discovered discrete element method (DEM) is used for this purpose. It involves direct integration of equations of grain system motion under the action of various forces, the most important of which are contact forces. The method’s accuracy depends mainly on precisely developed mathematical models of contacts. The creation of such models requires empirical validation, an experiment that investigates the course of contact forces at the moment of the impact of the grains. To achieve this, specialised test stations equipped with force and speed sensors were developed. The correct selection of testing equipment and interpretation of results play a decisive role in this type of research. This paper focuses on the evaluation of the force sensor dynamic properties’ influence on the measurement accuracy of the course of the plant grain impact forces against a stiff surface. The issue was examined using the computer simulation method. A proprietary computer software with the main calculation module and data input procedures, which presents results in a graphic form, was used for calculations. From the simulation, graphs of the contact force and force signal from the sensor were obtained. This helped to clearly indicate the essence of the correct selection of parameters used in the tests of sensors, which should be characterised by high resonance frequency.
Grey Wolf and Weighted Whale Algorithm Optimized IT2 Fuzzy Sliding Mode Backstepping Control with Fractional-Order Command Filter for a Nonlinear Dynamic System
Authors: Han Seongik
Published: January 2021

In this study, a fractional-order sliding mode backstepping control method was proposed, which involved the use of a fractional-order command filter, an interval type-2 fuzzy logic system approximation method, and a grey wolf and weighted whale optimization algorithm for multi-input multi-output nonlinear dynamic systems. For designing the stabilizing controls of the backstepping control, a novel fractional-order sliding mode surface was suggested. Further, the transformed errors that occurred during the recursive design steps were easily compensated by the controllers constructed using a new fractional-order command filter. Thus, the differentiation issue of the virtual control in the conventional backstepping control design could be bypassed with a simpler controller structure. Subsequently, the unknown plant dynamics were approximated by an interval type-2 fuzzy logic system. The uncertainties, such as the approximation error and the external disturbance, were compensated by the fractional-order sliding mode control that was added in the backstepping controller. Furthermore, the controller parameters and the fuzzy logic system were optimized via a grey wolf and weighted whale optimization algorithm to obtain a faster tuning process and an improved control performance. Simulation results demonstrated that the fractional-order sliding mode backstepping control scheme provides enhanced control performance over the conventional backstepping control system. Thus, in this paper, a fractional-order sliding mode surface and fractional-order backstepping control are studied, which provide more rapid convergence and enhanced robustness. Furthermore, a hybrid grey wolf and weighted whale optimization algorithm are proposed to provide an improved learning performance than those of conventional grey wolf optimization and weighted whale optimization methods.
A Destruction Model of the Vascular and Lymphatic Systems in the Emergence of Psychiatric Symptoms
Authors: Segawa Kohei , Blumenthal Yukari , Yamawaki Yuki , Ohtsuki Gen
Published: January 2021

The lymphatic system is important for antigen presentation and immune surveillance. The lymphatic system in the brain was originally introduced by Giovanni Mascagni in 1787, while the rediscovery of it by Jonathan Kipnis and Kari Kustaa Alitalo now opens the door for a new interpretation of neurological diseases and therapeutic applications. The glymphatic system for the exchanges of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and interstitial fluid (ISF) is associated with the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which is involved in the maintenance of immune privilege and homeostasis in the brain. Recent notions from studies of postmortem brains and clinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases, infection, and cerebral hemorrhage, implied that the breakdown of those barrier systems and infiltration of activated immune cells disrupt the function of both neurons and glia in the parenchyma (e.g., modulation of neurophysiological properties and maturation of myelination), which causes the abnormality in the functional connectivity of the entire brain network. Due to the vulnerability, such dysfunction may occur in developing brains as well as in senile or neurodegenerative diseases and may raise the risk of emergence of psychosis symptoms. Here, we introduce this hypothesis with a series of studies and cellular mechanisms.
Mechanistic Insight into Royal Protein Inhibiting the Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Feng Mao , Fang Yu , Ma Chuan , Duan Xiangyuan , Zhang Yanyan , Han Bin , Hu Han , Meng Lifeng , Wang Fuyi , Li Jianke
Published: January 2021

Royal jelly (RJ), a natural honeybee product, has a wide range of antibacterial activities. N-glycosylated major royal jelly protein 2 (N-MRJP2), purified from RJ, can inhibit the growth of Paenibacillus larvae (P. larvae, Gram-positive), a contagious etiological agent of the American foulbrood disease of honeybees. However, the inhibitory mechanism is largely unknown. Antibacterial assay and membrane proteome were conducted to investigate the inhibition capacity of RJ from different instar larvae and P. larvae treated by N-MRJP2, respectively. The similar antibacterial efficiency of RJ from different larval instar indicates that RJ is vital for the adaptive immune defense of small larvae. The killing of P. larvae by N-MRJP2 is achieved by disturbing the cell wall biosynthesis, increasing the permeability of cell membrane, hindering aerobic respiration, restraining cell division and inducing cell death. This demonstrates that RJ is critical for the passive immunity of immature larvae and N-MRJP2 can be used as natural antibiotic substance to resist P. larvae, even for other gram-positive bacteria. This constitutes solid evidence that RJ and N-MRJP2 have potentials as novel antibacterial agents.
A Review of the Surface Modifications for Corrosion Mitigation of Steels in Lead and LBE
Authors: Vogt Jean-Bernard , Proriol Serre Ingrid
Published: January 2021

The review paper starts with the applications of liquid metals and then concentrates on lead and lead–bismuth eutectic used in Gen IV nuclear reactors and accelerator-driven systems. Key points of degradation modes of austenitic stainless steels and ferritic-martensitic steels, candidates for the structural components, are briefly summarized. Corrosion and liquid metal embrittlement are critical issues that must be overcome. Next, the paper focuses on the strong efforts paid to the mitigation of corrosion and reviews the different solutions proposed for the protection of steels in lead and lead–bismuth eutectic. There exist promising solutions based on protection by deposition of protective coatings or protection by “natural” oxidation resulting from optimized chemical composition of the steels. However, the solutions have to be confirmed especially by longer-term experiments and by additional mechanical testing.