bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peningkatan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Hidrokarbon Siswa Melalui Model SAVI Disertai Media Puzzle
Authors: Dewi Citra Ayu , Pahriah Pahriah , Gazali Zulkarnain
Published: August 2020

Studying hydrocarbon material requires ability in problem solving so students are able to identify, analyze, and describe abstract chemical concepts and principles into concrete. The purpose of this study was to the improving of students' hydrocarbon problem solving abilities through the SAVI learning model assisted by puzzle media. The research design used in this study was pre-experimental with a research design namely One Group Pretest-Posttest Design.The study was conducted at SMAN 7 Mataram, Jl. Adi Sucipto, Ampenan Utara, Kec. Ampenan, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara. The subjects of this study were students of class XI Science. The research instrument include syllabus, lesson plans, worksheets, and multiple choice test items. Data were analyzed using the N-Gain test to find out the increased ability to solve hydrocarbon problems. The results showed that the level of N-Gain was in the range of 0.33 with a moderate category which meant an increase in students' problem solving abilities after using the SAVI model assisted by puzzle media. Thus, it can be concluded that students' problem solving abilities can be improved through the application of SAVI learning models assisted by puzzle media.
Identification of Trombiculid Chigger Mites Collected on Rodents from Southern Vietnam and Molecular Detection of Rickettsiaceae Pathogen
Authors: Binh Minh Doan , Truong Sinh Cao , Thanh Dong Le , Ba Loi Cao , Van Nam Le , Nhu Binh Do
Published: August 2020

Trombiculid “chigger” mites (Acari) are ectoparasites that feed blood on rodents and another animals. A crosssectional survey was conducted in 7 ecosystems of southern Vietnam from 2015 to 2016. Chigger mites were identified with morphological characteristics and assayed by polymerase chain reaction for detection of rickettsiaceae. Overall chigger infestation among rodents was 23.38%. The chigger index among infested rodents was 19.37 and a mean abundance of 4.61. A total of 2,770 chigger mites were identified belonging to 6 species, 3 genera, and 1 family, and pooled into 141 pools (10-20 chiggers per pool). Two pools (1.4%) of the chiggers were positive for Orientia tsutsugamushi. Ricketsia spp. was not detected in any pools of chiggers. Further studies are needed including a larger number and diverse hosts, and environmental factors to assess scrub typhus.
Neuroprotective Effect of Chronic Intracranial Toxoplasma gondii Infection in a Mouse Cerebral Ischemia Model
Authors: Lee Seung Hak , Jung Bong-Kwang , Song Hyemi , Seo Han Gil , Chai Jong-Yil , Oh Byung-Mo
Published: August 2020

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan parasite that can invade various organs in the host body, including the central nervous system. Chronic intracranial T. gondii is known to be associated with neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases through interaction with host brain cells in various ways. The present study investigated the neuroprotective effects of chronic T. gondii infection in mice with cerebral ischemia experimentally produced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) surgery. The neurobehavioral effects of cerebral ischemia were assessed by measurement of Garcia score and Rotarod behavior tests. The volume of brain ischemia was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. The expression levels of related genes and proteins were determined. After cerebral ischemia, corrected infarction volume was significantly reduced in T. gondii infected mice, and their neurobehavioral function was significantly better than that of the uninfection control group. Chronic T. gondii infection induced the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) in the brain before MCAO. T. gondii infection also increased the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor after the cerebral ischemia. It is suggested that chronic intracerebral infection of T. gondii may be a potential preconditioning strategy to reduce neural deficits associated with cerebral ischemia and induce brain ischemic tolerance through the regulation of HIF-1α expression.
PEMANFAATAN LINGKUNGAN SEKITAR SEBAGAI SUMBER BELAJAR ILMU PENGETAHUAN SOSIAL
Authors: Hasyim Mohammad Afifulloh
Published: August 2020

Social Studies aim to make good civic students. One indicator of good citizens is students can solve problems that occur in the surrounding environment. In an effort to deliver students to these goals, the learning process that takes place is always associated with the situation and conditions of the surrounding environment. The use of the environment as a learning resource helps students understand the problems in their environment and make them closer / closer, so that a sense of love for the environment arises.
PENDIDIKAN NILAI, BUDAYA DAN KARAKTER DALAM PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA DASAR PADA SD/MI
Authors: Setiawan Agus , Sulistiani Ika Ratih
Published: August 2020

Value, culture and character education is an effort to improve the quality of the process and learning outcomes that lead to the formation of the character of students who are characterized by national culture. These cultural values and characters are the pride of the nation and make the nation known by other nations as a nation that has a distinctive Indonesian character. Education has a function in developing cultural values and past achievements into a proud element for the present and future life so that it becomes a strong foundation for national character. Value education, culture and national character are important points that must emerge in the learning process in the classroom. Integration of the three in the learning process, especially mathematics learning, is intended as a process of introducing values and culture, facilitating the acquisition of awareness of the importance of values and culture in the behavior of students through daily learning processes that take place both inside and outside the classroom on all math subjects. Thus, mathematics learning activities, in addition to making students master competencies (material taught in mathematics) are targeted, also to make students know, care, and internalize cultural and character values in everyday behavior
PENINGKATAN MINAT BELAJAR AKIDAH AKHLAK ANAK KELAS V MI/SD MELALUI METODE QUICK ON THE DRAW
Authors: Fithriyah Nur Nafisatul , Latifah Nur , Mu'alifah Khusnul
Published: August 2020

Student learning interest is very low with the results of student learning interest questionnaire that is classified as low and very low 26 students with a percentage of 57.78%. One solution to overcome this is through the implementation of the quick on the draw strategy. The purpose of this study are: 1) Determine the interest in learning of fifth grade MI Darul Hidayah Tulangan Sidoarjo students before applying the quick on the draw strategy. 2) Knowing the application of the quick on the draw strategy. 3) Knowing the increase in student learning interest after applying the quick on the draw strategy. The research method used is CAR using the Kurt Lewin model, which each cycle consists of 4 main components. Data collection techniques used are tests of student understanding, attitude assessment, observation, interviews, and documentation.The results of the study are as follows: 1) Student learning interest is low. 2) The implementation of the Quick on The Draw strategy obtained the results of observations of student activity in the first cycle of 65 (good) and increased in the second cycle to 90 (very good). 3) Student learning interest after applying the strategy has increased with pre cycle results of 42.22% with 46.67% learning outcomes. Cycle I obtained 66.67% interest in learning outcomes, 68.89% learning outcomes. In the second cycle increased to 91.11% and 88.89% learning outcomes in the excellent category and have met the specified performance indicators. Keywords: Interest, Strategy, Quick On The Draw
The Effect of n-3 Fatty Acids on Glucose Homeostasis and Insulin Sensitivity
Authors: FLACHS P. , ROSSMEISL M. , KOPECKY J.
Published: August 2020

Type 2 diabetes (T2D) as well as cardiovascular disease (CVD) represent major complications of obesity and associated metabolic disorders (metabolic syndrome). This review focuses on the effects of long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3) on insulin sensitivity and glucose homeostasis, which are improved by omega-3 in many animal models of metabolic syndrome, but remain frequently unaffected in humans. Here we focus on: (i) mechanistic aspects of omega-3 action, reflecting also our experiments in dietary obese mice; and (ii) recent studies analysing omega-3’s effects in various categories of human subjects. Most animal experiments document beneficial effects of omega-3 on insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism even under conditions of established obesity and insulin resistance. Besides positive results obtained in both cross-sectional and prospective cohort studies on healthy human populations, also some intervention studies in prediabetic subjects document amelioration of impaired glucose homeostasis by omega-3. However, the use of omega-3 to reduce a risk of new-onset diabetes in prediabetic subjects still remains to be further characterized. The results of a majority of clinical trials performed in T2D patients suggest that omega-3 have none or marginal effects on metabolic control, while effectively reducing hypertriglyceridemia in these patients. Despite most of the recent randomized clinical trials do not support the role of omega-3 in secondary prevention of CVD, this issue remains still controversial. Combined interventions using omega-3 and antidiabetic or hypolipidemic drugs should be further explored and considered for treatment of patients with T2D and other diseases.
Perencanaan Strategis Sistem Informasi dengan Menggunakan Metode Ward and Peppard pada Perusahaan Distributor
Authors: Christianto Nico , Wijaya Agustinus Fritz
Published: August 2020

Sumber Makmur Sragen adalah salah satu perusahaan dagang yang bergerak di bidang penjualan alat tani. Dalam menjalankan bisnis nya CV. Sumber Makmur sudah memiliki sistem informasi. Namun ada beberapa bagian yang masih belum menerapkan sistem informasi. Maka perlu dilakukan perencanaan SI/TI yang tepat. Pengambilan data pada penelitian ini dengan wawancara dan observasi untuk mengetahui lingkungan bisnis dan sistem informasi perusahaan. Metode yang digunakan adalah Ward And Peppard dengan analisis SWOT, Five Forces Porter dan McFarlan Strategic Grid. Penelitian ini menghasilkan rekomendasi strategi, memberikan Analisa lingkungan internal, eksternal sistem informasi perusahaan dan usulan sistem informasi. Yaitu Sistem Informasi Barang, Sistem Informasi Keuangan, Sistem Informasi Penjualan, Sistem Informasi Penggajian dan Sistem Informasi Kasir yang akan dipetakan menggunakan McFarlan Strategic Grid dan dapat di terapkan dalam tiga tahun kedepan.
EVALUASI KINERJA TATA KELOLA TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI PT. ADICIPTA INOVASI TEKNOLOGI MENGGUNAKAN FRAMEWORK COBIT 5
Authors: Steven Steven , Sitokdana Melkior N. N. , Wijaya Agustinus Fritz
Published: August 2020

Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi merupakan suatu perusahaan yang bergerak di bidang layanan teknologi informasi. Tugas utama dari PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi adalah memberikan layanan TI kepada masyarakat dan perusahaan yang bekerjasama dengan PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi. Saat ini proses bisnis PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi yang menggunakan komputer masih saja menemui beberapa masalah, seperti server down, database sistem yang tidak terupdate datanya, dan human error. Oleh karena itu, diperlukan evaluasi terhadap kinerja tata kelola teknologi informasi yang ada sehingga kekurangan tata kelola teknologi informasi pada PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi dapat diperbaiki lebih lagi. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah rekomendasi dari permasalahan penggunaan tata kelola teknologi informasi di PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi. Dalam pelaksanaan evaluasi, digunakan pendekatan dengan COBIT 5 dengan 3 responden dari beberapa divisi PT. Adicipta Inovasi Teknologi dan menggunakan metode mix method serta kuesioner untuk pengambilan datanya. Penelitian ini berfokus pada domain DSS (Deliver, Support, and Service) dengan 6 sub domain yang berbicara tentang pemberian layanan teknologi informasi serta dukungannya. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukan bahwa 4 sub domain masih berada di level 1 (Performed Process) dan 2 sisanya berada di level 2 (Managed Process) dan level 3 (Established Process).
Penelusuran Jejak Musik Instrumental dalam Naskah Sunda Kuna
Authors: Nurwansah Ilham
Published: August 2020

Abstract: Until the early 20th century, the Sundanese region was considered to have no musical history, even though such information contained, among others, the Old Sundanese script. Not many researches on the history of Sundanese music have used Old Sundanese textual sources. This paper discusses aspects of instrumental music found in Old Sundanese texts including terms used to refer to music and the types of musical instruments used. The sources used are Old Sundanese texts from the pre-Islamic period between the 15th and 17th centuries AD. Several Old Sundanese musical instruments are still known and used today with or without changes. Others are no longer known. Old Sundanese musical instruments are played alone or in groups, either on a stage or a parade. Its function is to accompany entertainment and also to accompany the ritual process. The basic material for the body of the musical instrument used is generally bronze metal and wood, including bamboo.

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Abstrak: Hingga awal abad ke-20 wilayah Sunda dianggap tidak memiliki sejarah musik, padahal informasi demikian antara lain terdapat dalam naskah Sunda Kuna. Penelitian sejarah musik Sunda pun tampaknya belum banyak yang menggunakan sumber tekstual Sunda Kuna. Tulisan ini membahas aspek-aspek musik instrumental yang terdapat pada teks-teks Sunda Kuna mencakup istilah yang digunakan untuk menyebut musik dan jenis-jenis alat musik yang digunakan. Sumber-sumber yang digunakan yaitu teks Sunda Kuna dari masa pra-Islam antara abad ke-15 sampai abad ke-17 M. Beberapa instrumen musik Sunda Kuna masih dikenal dan digunakan hingga sekarang dengan atau tanpa perubahan. Sebagian lainnya sudah tidak dikenal. Instrumen musik Sunda kuna ada yang dimainkan sendiri maupun berkelompok, baik pada sebuah panggung maupun parade. Fungsinya untuk mengiringi hiburan dan juga mengiringi proses ritual. Bahan dasar badan alat musik yang digunakan umumnya berupa logam perunggu dan kayu-kayuan, termasuk bambu.

Keywords: Old Sundanese, music, instrumental.

Kata Kunci: Sunda Kuna, musik, instrumental.
Pandhawa Gubah sebagai Representasi Interaksi Metafisik Manusia Jawa dan Perbandingannya dengan Cheritera Pandawa Lima
Authors: Novarina Novarina
Published: August 2020

Abstract: This research is a comparative literary study that uses Malay and Javanese versions of Mahabarata text sources. The research objects used were the text edition of Pandhawa Gubah (PG) by Sudibjo Z. Hadisutjipto and the text of Cheritera Pandawa Lima (CPL) by Khalid Hussain. The research method used is descriptive-analysis method. In the comparative study used a comparative literary theory proposed by Endraswara (2011). The results of the text comparison reveal the similarities and differences in the image of Bima figures in the Javanese and Malay versions. The equation as a whole is that both texts contain the same heroic storyline and heroic character, Bima. In addition, Indian influence is still evident in the two texts seen from the nuances of Hinduism that exist in both texts. While the difference is seen in the events that accompany Bima's struggle in achieving his victory. Based on these similarities and differences, it can be seen that the authors attempt to represent the concept of metaphysical interactions vertically and horizontally expressed through PG text.

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Abstrak: Penelitian ini adalah satu kajian sastra bandingan yang menggunakan sumber teks Mahabarata versi Melayu dan Jawa. Objek penelitian yang digunakan adalah edisi teks Pandhawa Gubah (PG) karya Sudibjo Z. Hadisutjipto dan teks Cheritera Pandawa Lima (CPL) karya Khalid Hussain. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah metode deskriptif-analisis. Dalam telaah perbandingan digunakan teori sastra bandingan yang dikemukakan Endraswara (2011). Hasil perbandingan teks mengungkapkan adanya persamaan dan perbedaan citra tokoh Bima dalam versi Jawa maupun versi Melayu. Persamaan secara keseluruhan adalah kedua teks tersebut mengandung alur cerita kepahlawanan dan tokoh pahlawan yang sama yaitu Bima. Selain itu, pengaruh India masih tampak dalam kedua teks tersebut dilihat dari nuansa Hinduisme yang ada dalam kedua teks. Sementara perbedaannya tampak pada peristiwa-peristiwa yang menyertai perjuangan Bima dalam mencapai kemenangannya. Berdasarkan persamaan dan perbedaan tersebut tampak adanya upaya penulis untuk merepresentasikan konsep interaksi metafisik secara vertikal dan horizontal yang diungkapkan melalui teks PG.
The Mitigation of Electoral Violence and Conflict Management in Africa
Authors: Appiah- Thompson Christopher
Published: August 2020

This article seeks to explore how in practice traditional leaders enforce the norms of peace and tolerance as a means of mitigating electoral violence and resolving electoral disputes. The existing institutional theories have failed to fully account for the nuances of disputed electoral outcomes in terms of the varying intensity of electoral violence in different national contexts. Hence, this study critically examines the ‘positive’ roles of centralised traditional authorities and shared norms (such as peace, harmony and tolerance) in accounting for the variations in the nuances of post-electoral violence. It demonstrates this type of mediation as a conflict transformation tool by examining the Ghanaian 1992 and Kenyan 2007 disputed presidential elections from a comparative perspective. Finally, it draws some important lessons for democracy promoters in their efforts to build sustainable democratic institutions, peace and stability in Africa.
"The Hermeneutic Implications of Constitutional Amendment"
Authors: Schweber Howard
Published: August 2020

This paper explores the implications of applying a philosophical hermeneutic approach to the interpretation of constitutional texts, and more specifically to the interpretation of an amended constitutional text. My conclusion is that the exploration of this question leads to the conclusion that the fact of amendment (as opposed to mere amendability) has normative consequences for the way we read the constitutional text. Specifically, I will argue that an amended constitution should be read as a “palimpsest”, meaning the reading of the text as a coeherent whole despite the recognition that multiple elements have been added, removed, or overwritten over time. In this way, I will argue, application of the methods of philosophical hermeneutics to constitutional interpretation demonstrates the inadequacy of other familiar approaches such as clause-based textualism or historicism
Roles of Nitrogen Deep Placement on Grain Yield, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Antioxidant Enzyme Activities in Mechanical Pot-Seedling Transplanting Rice
Authors: Li Lin , Zhang Zheng , Tian Hua , Mo Zhaowen , Ashraf Umair , Duan Meiyang , Wang Zaiman , Wang Shuli , Tang Xiangru , Pan Shenggang
Published: August 2020

Mechanical pot-seedling transplanting (PST) is an efficient transplanting method and deep nitrogen fertilization has the advantage of increasing nitrogen use efficiency. However, little information is available about the effect of PST when coupled with mechanized deep nitrogen (N) fertilization on grain yield, nitrogen use efficiency, and antioxidant enzyme activities in rice. A two-year field experiment was performed to evaluate the effect of PST coupled with deep N fertilization in both early seasons (March–July) of 2018 and 2019. All seedlings were transplanted by PST and three treatments were designed as follows. There was a mechanized deep placement of all fertilizer (MAF), broadcasting fertilizer (BF), no fertilizer (N0). MAF significantly increased grain yield by 52.7%. Total nitrogen accumulation (TNA) was enhanced by 27.7%, nitrogen partial factor productivity (NPFP) was enhanced by 51.4%. nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE) by 123.7%, and nitrogen agronomic efficiency (NAE) was enhanced by 104.3%, compared with BF treatment. Moreover, MAF significantly improved peroxidase (POD), catalase (CAT), and notably reduced the malonic dialdehyde (MDA) content for both rice cultivars, compared to BF. Hence, the result shows that mechanical pot-seedling transplanting coupled with nitrogen deep placement is an efficient method with the increase of grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in rice cultivation in South China.
Gene Pyramiding for Sustainable Crop Improvement against Biotic and Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Dormatey Richard , Sun Chao , Ali Kazim , Coulter Jeffrey A. , Bi Zhenzhen , Bai Jiangping
Published: August 2020

Sustainable agricultural production is endangered by several ecological factors, such as drought, extreme temperatures, excessive salts, parasitic ailments, and insect pest infestation. These challenging environmental factors may have adverse effects on future agriculture production in many countries. In modern agriculture, conventional crop-breeding techniques alone are inadequate for achieving the increasing population’s food demand on a sustainable basis. The advancement of molecular genetics and related technologies are promising tools for the selection of new crop species. Gene pyramiding through marker-assisted selection (MAS) and other techniques have accelerated the development of durable resistant/tolerant lines with high accuracy in the shortest period of time for agricultural sustainability. Gene stacking has not been fully utilized for biotic stress resistance development and quality improvement in most of the major cultivated crops. This review emphasizes on gene pyramiding techniques that are being successfully deployed in modern agriculture for improving crop tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses for sustainable crop improvement.
Bioprospection of Natural Sources of Polyphenols with Therapeutic Potential for Redox-Related Diseases
Authors: Menezes Regina , Foito Alexandre , Jardim Carolina , Costa Inês , Garcia Gonçalo , Rosado-Ramos Rita , Freitag Sabine , Alexander Colin James , Outeiro Tiago Fleming , Stewart Derek , Santos Cláudia N.
Published: August 2020

Plants are a reservoir of high-value molecules with underexplored biomedical applications. With the aim of identifying novel health-promoting attributes in underexplored natural sources, we scrutinized the diversity of (poly)phenols present within the berries of selected germplasm from cultivated, wild, and underutilized Rubus species. Our strategy combined the application of metabolomics, statistical analysis, and evaluation of (poly)phenols’ bioactivity using a yeast-based discovery platform. We identified species as sources of (poly)phenols interfering with pathological processes associated with redox-related diseases, particularly, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, cancer, and inflammation. In silico prediction of putative bioactives suggested cyanidin–hexoside as an anti-inflammatory molecule which was validated in yeast and mammalian cells. Moreover, cellular assays revealed that the cyanidin moiety was responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of cyanidin–hexoside. Our findings unveiled novel (poly)phenolic bioactivities and illustrated the power of our integrative approach for the identification of dietary (poly)phenols with potential biomedical applications.
Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antifibrotic Effects of Kefir Peptides on Salt-Induced Renal Vascular Damage and Dysfunction in Aged Stroke-Prone Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Chen Yu-Hsuan , Chen Hsiao-Ling , Fan Hueng-Chuen , Tung Yu-Tang , Kuo Chia-Wen , Tu Min-Yu , Chen Chuan-Mu
Published: August 2020

The increased prevalence of renal dysfunction and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and the high costs and poor outcomes of treatment are a significant health issue. The consequence of chronic high blood pressure is the increased prevalence of target organ end-stage renal disease, which has been proven to be a strong independent risk factor for adverse cardiovascular disease. A previous study showed that kefir products have anti-inflammatory and anti-hypertensive activities and immunological modulation functions. However, no data regarding the beneficial effects of kefir peptides (KPs) on salt-induced renal damage or related kidney diseases are available. In this study, KPs were orally administered to aged salt-induced stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive (SHRSP) rats, and the effects of KPs against inflammation and oxidative stress and their ability to protect against renal dysfunction were evaluated. Fifty-five-week-old SHRSP rats under induction with 1% NaCl in drinking water for 4 weeks showed multiple renal injuries with increased renal inflammation, fibrosis, oxidative stress, tubular atrophy, and glomerulosclerosis. In contrast, oral gavage with KPs reduced the urine protein to creatinine (UPC) ratio, the fractional excretion of electrolytes (FeNa and FeCl), extracellular matrix deposition, and the interstitial fibrotic α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) levels in salt-induced SHRSP rats. The renal infiltration of inflammatory cells; the release of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), endothelin-1 (ET-1), and the cytokine nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β); the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels; and histopathological lesions were also decreased in salt-induced SHRSP rats. Furthermore, KP treatment significantly increased the renal superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the glomerular filtration rate (GFR), which exerted potent protection against salt-induced chronic kidney disease in SHRSP rats. The results of this study suggest that KPs ameliorate salt-induced renal damage, tubular atrophy, and glomerular dysfunction through anti-inflammatory, antioxidative stress, and antifibrotic activities, and might be a promising protective agent against high salt-induced renovascular-related diseases.
Nitric Oxide Nano-Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapeutics: Advances and Challenges
Authors: Vong Long Binh , Nagasaki Yukio
Published: August 2020

Nitric oxide (NO) plays important roles in various physiological and pathological functions and processes in the human body. Therapeutic application of NO molecules has been investigated in various diseases, including cardiovascular disease, cancer, and infections. However, the extremely short half-life of NO, which limits its clinical use considerably, along with non-specific distribution, has resulted in a low therapeutic index and undesired adverse effects. To overcome the drawbacks of using this gaseous signaling molecule, researchers in the last several decades have focused on innovative medical technologies, specifically nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems (DDSs), because these systems alter the biodistribution of the therapeutic agent through controlled release at the target tissues, resulting in a significant therapeutic drug effect. Thus, the application of nano-systems for NO delivery in the field of biomedicine, particularly in the development of new drugs for cancer treatment, has been increasing worldwide. In this review, we discuss NO delivery nanoparticle systems, with the aim of improving drug delivery development for conventional chemotherapies and controlling multidrug resistance in cancer treatments.
Epidemiological Modeling of COVID-19 in Saudi Arabia: Spread Projection, Awareness, and Impact of Treatment
Authors: Alharbi Yousef , Alqahtani Abdulrahman , Albalawi Olayan , Bakouri Mohsen
Published: August 2020

The first case of COVID-19 originated in Wuhan, China, after which it spread across more than 200 countries. By 21 July 2020, the rapid global spread of this disease had led to more than 15 million cases of infection, with a mortality rate of more than 4.0% of the total number of confirmed cases. This study aimed to predict the prevalence of COVID-19 and to investigate the effect of awareness and the impact of treatment in Saudi Arabia. In this paper, COVID-19 data were sourced from the Saudi Ministry of Health, covering the period from 31 March 2020 to 21 July 2020. The spread of COVID-19 was predicted using four different epidemiological models, namely the susceptible–infectious–recovered (SIR), generalized logistic, Richards, and Gompertz models. The assessment of models’ fit was performed and compared using four statistical indices (root-mean-square error (RMSE), R squared (R2), adjusted R2 ( Radj2), and Akaike’s information criterion (AIC)) in order to select the most appropriate model. Modified versions of the SIR model were utilized to assess the influence of awareness and treatment on the prevalence of COVID-19. Based on the statistical indices, the SIR model showed a good fit to reported data compared with the other models (RMSE = 2790.69, R2 = 99.88%, Radj2 = 99.98%, and AIC = 1796.05). The SIR model predicted that the cumulative number of infected cases would reach 359,794 and that the pandemic would end by early September 2020. Additionally, the modified version of the SIR model with social distancing revealed that there would be a reduction in the final cumulative epidemic size by 9.1% and 168.2% if social distancing were applied over the short and long term, respectively. Furthermore, different treatment scenarios were simulated, starting on 8 July 2020, using another modified version of the SIR model. Epidemiological modeling can help to predict the cumulative number of cases of infection and to understand the impact of social distancing and pharmaceutical intervention on the prevalence of COVID-19. The findings from this study can provide valuable information for governmental policymakers trying to control the spread of this pandemic.
Polyphenols: Natural Antioxidants to Be Used as a Quality Tool in Wine Authenticity
Authors: Tzachristas Alexandros , Pasvanka Konstantina , Calokerinos Antony , Proestos Charalampos
Published: August 2020

Polyphenols are a diverse group of compounds possessing various health-promoting properties that are of utmost importance for many wine sensory attributes. Apart from genetic and environmental parameters, the implementation of specific oenological practices as well as the subsequent storage conditions deeply affect the content and nature of the polyphenols present in wine. However, polyphenols are effectively employed in authenticity studies. Provision of authentic wines to the market has always been a prerequisite meaning that the declarations on the wine label should mirror the composition and provenance of this intriguing product. Nonetheless, multiple cases of intentional or unintentional wine mislabeling have been recorded alarming wine consumers who demand for strict controls safeguarding wine authenticity. The emergence of novel platforms employing instrumentation of exceptional selectivity and sensitivity along with the use of advanced chemometrics such as NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance)- and MS (mass spectrometry)-based metabolomics is considered as a powerful asset towards wine authentication.
RETRACTED: Effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus on Physicochemical Properties of Fermented Plant-Based Raw Materials
Authors: Masiá Carmen , Jensen Poul , Buldo Patrizia
Published: August 2020

Texture and flavor are currently the main challenges in the development of plant-based dairy alternatives. To overcome them, the potential of microorganisms for fermentation of plant-based raw materials is generating great interest in the food industry. This study examines the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus, LGG® (LGG® is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S) on the physicochemical properties of fermented soy, oat, and coconut. LGG® was combined with different lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains and Bifidobacterium, BB-12® (BB-12® is a trademark of Chr. Hansen A/S). Acidification, titratable acidity, and growth of LGG® and BB-12® were evaluated. Oscillation and flow tests were performed to analyze the rheological properties of fermented samples. Acids, carbohydrates, and volatile organic compounds in fermented samples were identified, and a sensory evaluation with a trained panel was conducted. LGG® reduced fermentation time in all three bases. LGG® and BB-12® grew in all fermented raw materials above 107 CFU/g. LGG® had no significant effect on rheological behavior of the samples. Acetoin levels increased and acetaldehyde content decreased in the presence of LGG® in all three bases. Diacetyl levels increased in fermented oat and coconut samples when LGG® was combined with YOFLEX® YF-L01 and NU-TRISH® BY-01 (YOFLEX® and NU-TRISH® are trademarks of Chr. Hansen A/S). In all fermented oat samples, LGG® significantly enhanced fermented flavor notes, such as sourness, lemon, and fruity taste, which in turn led to reduced perception of the attributes related to the base. In fermented coconut samples, gel firmness perception was significantly improved in the presence of LGG®. These findings suggest supplementation of LAB cultures with LGG® to improve fermentation time and sensory perception of fermented plant-based products.
Buffering PTSD in Canine Search and Rescue Teams? Associations with Resilience, Sense of Coherence, and Societal Acknowledgment
Authors: Kaufmann Milena , Gelb Matthias , Augsburger Mareike
Published: August 2020

Rescue workers present an elevated risk for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recently, research has begun to focus on coping styles and social support as protective factors in this population. Associations in the particular group of search and rescue dog handlers still lack evidence. The aim of the study is to investigate if functional cognitions and social support also decrease the risk for PTSD. Active voluntary rescue dog handlers (n = 116) rated levels of resilience, sense of coherence, and social acknowledgment (SAQ; subscales general disapproval, familial disapproval, recognition), in addition to a trauma checklist and PTSD symptoms. Linear regression analyses and two different graph models were calculated to explore associations, as well as potential pathways. Controlling for trauma exposure, the SAQ general disapproval emerged as the only significant predictor in the regression model. In the graph models, SAQ familial disapproval was linked to SAQ recognition and SAQ general disapproval. The latter, together with a sense of coherence manageability, affected PTSD re-experiencing symptoms through resilience. The findings are in line with earlier work. The study underlines the importance of targeting resilience and manageability, as well as enhancing social support in prevention programs for PTSD in canine search and rescue teams. Future research is warranted to further investigate model stability and replicate findings.
Performance of Antenatal Diagnostic Criteria of Twin-Anemia-Polycythemia Sequence
Authors: Liu Becky , Kalafat Erkan , Bhide Amar , Thilaganathan Basky , Khalil Asma
Published: August 2020

This study aims to elicit the validation performance of different diagnostic criteria and to evaluate the disease course and perinatal outcomes of pregnancies complicated by twin anemia polycythemia sequence (TAPS). Monochorionic diamniotic (MCDA) twin pregnancies who received serial middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) measurements without non-TAPS-related demise or major anomalies were included. Course of disease, antenatal intervention, additional ultrasound features, and perinatal outcomes were compared between each criteria and onset. Forty-nine cases of TAPS and 203 non-TAPS controls were identified. The incidence of TAPS was 19.2%, 15.7%, 7.8%, and 6.3% for ΔPSV MoM > 0.373, ΔPSV MoM > 0.5, traditional, and Delphi consensus criteria, respectively (p < 0.001). The incidence of antenatal intervention was 55.1, 62.5, 75.0, and 87.5%, respectively. Furthermore, cases detected according to the Delphi consensus criteria had a higher rate of progression or intervention compared to cases detected with ΔPSV MoM > 0.373 (87.0 vs. 59.0%, p = 0.037). TAPS had a significantly higher birth weight discordance than uncomplicated MCDA twins (25.3 vs. 7.3%, p < 0.001). Application of four different diagnostic criteria for TAPS leads to significant differences in the incidence, severity, and antenatal intervention. The Delphi criteria identified more severe cases likely to require intervention, and the delta PSV > 0.373 criteria identified milder cases, without a significant impact on neonatal outcomes.
Surgical Decisions Based on a Balance between Malignancy Probability and Surgical Risk in Patients with Branch and Mixed-Type Intraductal Papillary Mucinous Neoplasm
Authors: Lee Seung Jae , Park Seo Young , Hwang Dae Wook , Lee Jae Hoon , Song Ki Byung , Lee Woohyung , Kwon Jaewoo , Park Yejong , Kim Song Cheol
Published: August 2020

Objective: To propose a decision tool considering both malignancy probability and surgical risk for intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). Background Data Summary: Surgical risk and malignancy probability are both critical factors in making decisions about surgical resection of IPMN. Methods: We included 800 patients who underwent pancreatic resection for branch duct and mixed-type IPMN (April 1995 to June 2018). A nomogram was used to obtain the malignancy probability (MP-N). The surgical risks were estimated as the postoperative complication rate and serious complication from the ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator (SC-ACS NSQIP). The risk–benefit analysis was conducted in two ways: calculation of the cutoff value of MP-N using the complication rate and directly comparing the MP-N and SC-ACS NSQIP results. Results: The optimal cutoff value of MP-N was 32% and 21% in the pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) groups, respectively, when using the major complication rate (Clavien grades III over). When we applied the optimal cutoff value to the two surgical methods, surgery was reduced by 51.7% in the PD group and 56% in the DP group, and the AUC value of the malignant predictions were 0.7126 and 0.7615, respectively. According to the direct comparison of MP-N and SC-ACS NSQIP, surgery was reduced by 31.7%, and the AUC value of malignant prediction was 0.6588. Conclusion: Our risk–benefit analysis model considering both malignancy probability and surgical risk is relatively acceptable, and it may help surgeons and patients make treatment decisions for a disease with a broad spectrum of malignancy rates.
The Relationship between Hematological Markers of Systemic Inflammation (Neutrophil-To-Lymphocyte, Platelet-To-Lymphocyte, Lymphocyte-To-Monocyte Ratios) and Ultrasound Disease Activity Parameters in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Targońska-Stępniak Bożena , Zwolak Robert , Piotrowski Mariusz , Grzechnik Krzysztof , Majdan Maria
Published: August 2020

Background: An accurate measurement of disease activity is essential for the appropriate management of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hematological markers of systemic inflammation (Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte (NLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte (PLR) and Lymphocyte-to-Monocyte (LMR) ratios) are reported to be novel, sensitive measures of inflammatory response, in addition to conventional markers (erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Disease Activity Score (DAS28)). The goal of the study was to assess the relationship of NLR, PLR, and LMR with ultrasonography (US) parameters of disease activity in RA patients. Methods: The study group consisted of 126 consecutive RA patients (100 women, 26 men). The following assessments were performed: joint counts, DAS28, complete blood cell counts, ESR, CRP, and US of 24 small joints. Results: NLR and PLR were significantly positively correlated with all US parameters of disease activity (Grey Scale US, Power Doppler US, and Global scores). The mean values of NLR and PLR were significantly higher in patients with poor prognostic factors: moderate/high vs. low disease activity (NLR: p < 0.001; PLR: p = 0.007), anti-CCP positive vs. anti-CCP negative (NLR: p = 0.01; PLR: p = 0.006). In multiple regression tests, significant correlations were confirmed for: NLR and DAS28 (p = 0.04), and CRP (p = 0.001); PLR and Power Doppler US (p = 0.04), and ESR (p = 0.02). No correlation was found for LMR. Conclusion: NLR and PLR are associated with US disease activity parameters and may serve as reliable, inexpensive markers, with prognostic significance in RA.
Early Outcomes of Percutaneous Pulmonary Valve Implantation with Pulsta and Melody Valves: The First Report from Korea
Authors: Kim Ah Young , Jung Jo Won , Jung Se Yong , Shin Jae Il , Eun Lucy Youngmin , Kim Nam Kyun , Choi Jae Young
Published: August 2020

Percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation (PPVI) is used to treat pulmonary stenosis (PS) or pulmonary regurgitation (PR). We described our experience with PPVI, specifically valve-in-valve transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement using the Melody valve and novel self-expandable systems using the Pulsta valve. We reviewed data from 42 patients undergoing PPVI. Twenty-nine patients had Melody valves in mostly bioprosthetic valves, valved conduits, and homografts in the pulmonary position. Following Melody valve implantation, the peak right ventricle-to-pulmonary artery gradient decreased from 51.3 ± 11.5 to 16.7 ± 3.3 mmHg and right ventricular systolic pressure fell from 70.0 ± 16.8 to 41.3 ± 17.8 mmHg. Thirteen patients with native right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) lesions and homograft underwent PPVI with the new self-expandable Pulsta valve—a nitinol wire stent mounted with a trileaflet porcine pericardial valve. Following Pulsta valve implantation, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging showed a decreased PR fraction and that the right ventricular end-diastolic volume index decreased from 166.1 ± 11.9 to 123.6 ± 12.4 mL/m2. There were no mortality, severe procedural morbidity, or valve-related complications. At the mean 14.2 month (4–57 months) follow-up, no patients had more than mild PR. PPVI using Melody and Pulsta valves was first shown to provide excellent early outcomes without serious adverse event in most patients with RVOT dysfunction in Korea.
Modelling and Design Methodology of an Improved Performance Photovoltaic Pumping System Employing Ferrite Magnet Synchronous Reluctance Motors
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed N. , Rezk Hegazy , Al-Dhaifallah Mujahed , Sergeant Peter
Published: August 2020

This paper proposes a novel photovoltaic water pumping system (PVWPS) with an improved performance and cost. This system doesn’t contain a DC-DC converter, batteries nor rare-earth motors. Removing the aforementioned components will reduce the whole cost and increase the reliability of the system. For enhancing the performance of the PVWPS, a ferrite magnet synchronous reluctance motor (FMSynRM) is employed. Besides, the motor inverter is utilized to drive the motor properly and to extract the maximum available power of the PV system. This is performed using a suggested control strategy that controls the motor inverter. Furthermore, to show the effectiveness of the proposed PVWPS, the performance of the proposed system is benchmarked with a PVWPS that is employing a pure SynRM. Moreover, the complete mathematical model of the system components and the control is reported. It is proved that the flow rate employing the proposed system is increased by about 29.5% at a low irradiation level (0.25 kW/m2) and 15% at a high irradiation level (1 kW/m2) compared to the conventional solar system using a pure synchronous reluctance motor (SynRM). An experimental laboratory test bench is built to validate the theoretical results presented in this research work. Good agreement between the theoretical and the experimental results is proved.
Radiative MHD Sutterby Nanofluid Flow Past a Moving Sheet: Scaling Group Analysis
Authors: Fayyadh Mohammed M. , Naganthran Kohilavani , Basir Md Faisal Md , Hashim Ishak , Roslan Rozaini
Published: August 2020

The present theoretical work endeavors to solve the Sutterby nanofluid flow and heat transfer problem over a permeable moving sheet, together with the presence of thermal radiation and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). The fluid flow and heat transfer features near the stagnation region are considered. A new form of similarity transformations is introduced through scaling group analysis to simplify the governing boundary layer equations, which then eases the computational process in the MATLAB bvp4c function. The variation in the values of the governing parameters yields two different numerical solutions. One of the solutions is stable and physically reliable, while the other solution is unstable and is associated with flow separation. An increased effect of the thermal radiation improves the rate of convective heat transfer past the permeable shrinking sheet.
Generalizations of Kannan and Reich Fixed Point Theorems, Using Sequentially Convergent Mappings and Subadditive Altering Distance Functions
Authors: Pourmoslemi Alireza , Rezaei Shayesteh , Nazari Tahereh , Salimi Mehdi
Published: August 2020

In this paper, first, using interpolative Kannan type contractions, a new fixed point theorem has been proved. Then, by applying sequentially convergent mappings and using subadditive altering distance functions, we generalize contractions in complete metric spaces. Finally, we investigate some fixed point theorems which are generalizations of Kannan and Reich fixed points.
Uterine Artery Doppler Ultrasonography for First Trimester Prediction of Preeclampsia in Individuals at Risk from Low-Resource Settings
Authors: Oancea Mihaela , Grigore Mihaela , Ciortea Razvan , Diculescu Doru , Bodean Diana , Bucuri Carmen , Strilciuc Stefan , Rada Maria , Mihu Dan
Published: August 2020

Background and objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of first trimester uterine artery Doppler ultrasonography for the early prediction of preeclampsia (PE), in at-risk pregnant women. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective longitudinal study, including 120 Caucasian pregnant women with risk factors for PE. The potential of pulsatility indexes (PI) and notch was assessed as a tool for preeclampsia screening. Results: Doppler examination of the uterine artery performed early at 11–14 WA allows the detection of pregnancies that will develop PE with a sensitivity of 61.5% and a specificity of 63.8% based on PI analysis. Predictive power increases slightly by adding bilateral notch (sensitivity = 65.4%; specificity = 66%). Conclusions: Uterine artery Doppler examination is an effective non-invasive screening test for the development of PE in pregnancies at risk, particularly appropriate in health systems with limited means of evaluating other biomarkers.