bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EVALUATE THE EFFICACY OF INSTILLATION OF INTRAVAGINAL PROSTAGLANDIN E2 GEL IN CERVICAL RIPENING: A COMPARATIVE STUDY.
Authors: Narayan Nutan , Roy Dipti
Published: August 2020

Aim: to evaluate the efficacy of instillation of intravaginal prostaglandin E2 gel in cervical ripening.

Materials and methods: The present prospective comparative interventional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nalanda Medical College and Hospital, Patna, Bihar. Total 60 patients were divided in to two groups. Group I (n=30): received two doses of 2 mg prostaglandin gel intravaginally, 6 hours apart, Group II (n=30): received single dose of 2 mg prostaglandin gel intravaginally. After administering the gel into the posterior fornix under aseptic conditions the woman was kept on the bed for 30 minutes and was observed for contractions, rupture of membranes, bleeding or fetal heart rate changes. The patients were also assessed to determine the modified Bishop score.

Results: Both the groups were comparable in demographic factors like age and period of gestation. The most common indication for induction was past dates followed by gestational hypertension and Oligohydramnios.

Conclusion: The study showed that intravaginal application of prostaglandin E2 is an effective, safe and acceptable method for induction of labor in women with unfavorable cervix and indications for induction.

Keywords: prostaglandin E2, labor, gestational hypertension, vaginal delivery, Bishop score
A CROSS SECTIONAL STUDY OF ANTIBIOTIC USAGE AMONG MEDICAL STUDENTS
Authors: Mishra Monika
Published: August 2020

Background: Antibiotics/antimicrobials constitute a major tool against infectious diseases in India especially due to host and environment factors like malnutrition, multiple vitamin deficiencies, overcrowding, illiteracy, poverty, poor sanitary facilities, low standards of personal hygiene and inadequate vector control.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire based study. It was done to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use and resistance. A pre-validated questionnaire prepared after a review of similar studies and scrutinized by subject experts has been used.

Results: 80.00% of respondents agreed that antibiotic resistance is an important and serious public health issue in the hospital. 80.00% were aware that bacteria are not responsible for causing common cold and influenza.

Conclusion: In our study, most of the students had good knowledge and were aware of the problem of antimicrobial resistance, but still used antibiotics for self-medication.

Keywords: Knowledge, Medical student, Antibiotic.
Gambaran Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Pelaksanaan Imunisasi TT pada Ibu Hamil di Pukesmas Ngrandu Kabupaten Ponorogo
Authors: AYU DESTA , Latifah Anik
Published: August 2020

Abstrak

Kejadian angka kematian Ibu dan Angka Kematian Bayi banyak diakibatkan  oleh ibu dan bayi merupakan suatu kelompok yang mempunyai tingkat kerentanan yang besar terhadap penyakit dan kematian terutama yang disebabkan oleh bakteri clostridium tetani yang menyebabkan penyakit tetanus neonatorum. Faktor yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan Imunisasi TT ini kurang salah satunya adalah Umur, Pendidikan persepsi jarak rumah ke tempat pelayanan kesehatan, Pekerjaan, Dukungan Sumai, Paritas, Pengetahuan Ibu. Hal ini berdampak kurangnya cakupan imunisasi TT. Akibatnya berdampak pada meningkatnya angka kejadian tetanus neonatorum. Tujuan umum penelitian ini adalah mengetahui Gambaran faktor yang mempengaruhi Pelaksanaan Imunisasi TT pada Ibu Hamil. Rancangan penelitian diskriptif kuantitatif, berdasarkan waktunya dikategorikan cross sectional dan berdasarkan sumber datanya adalah penelitan primer. Variabel independen adalah faktor yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT. Sedangkan variabel dependen adalah pelaksanaan imunisasi TT. Populasi seluruh ibu hamil di wilayah kerja puskesmas Ngrandu Kabupaten Ponorgo, dengan menggunakan teknik total sampling dan besar sampelnya sebanyak 57 responden. Faktor umur yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT pada ibu hamil sebagian besar termasuk usia (Kurun Reproduksi Muda) yaitu <20 tahun Faktor Pendidikan yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan Imunisasi TT pada Ibu hamil hampir setengahnya berpendidikan SD yaitu 24 oran (42,1%). Faktor persepsi jarak rumah ibu ke pelayanan kesehatan yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT pada ibu hamil sebagian besar jarak rumah Ibu kepelayanan kesehatan jauh yaitu 38 orang (66,7%). Faktor pekerjaan yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT pada ibu hamil hampir setengahnya sebagai ibu rumah tangga yaitu 26 orang (45,6%). Faktor dukungan suami yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT ibu hamil hampir setengahnya suami mendukung ibu untuk melakukan imunisasi TT yaitu 41 orang (71,9%). Faktor paritas yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT pada ibu hamil setenganya 28 orang (49,1). Faktor pengetahuan ibu yang mempengaruhi pelaksanaan imunisasi TT pada ibu hamil sebagian besar milik pengetahuan cukup tentang imunisasi TT yaitu 33 orang (57,9%). Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa faktor yang paling banyak mempengaruhi adalah pengetahuan ibu. Dari 57 responden sebagian besar diantaranya yaitu 33 responden memiliki pengetahuan cukup. Diharapkan penelitian ini dapat menjadi masukan ibu hami dalam melaksanakan imunisasi TT.
Hygiene Sanitasi Lingkungan dalam Potensi Pembentukan Kader Sehat Mandiri Pesantren Nuris Jember
Authors: Eka noveyani Adistha , Caesarina Novi Marchianti Ancah , Wulandari Pipiet
Published: August 2020

Latar belakang: Pondok pesantren merupakan tempat berkumpulnya para santri dari berbagai daerah. Tempat ini dikenal memiliki banyak problematika kesehatan, mulai dari kebersihan diri hingga kebersihan lingkungan. Kebersihan lingkungan sekitar maupun di dalam kamar ditentukan oleh kebiasaan sehari-hari santri. Kurangnya kepedulian dalam menjaga kebersihan lingkungan dapat berisiko munculnya penyakit, diantaranya scabies (gudik).

Tujuan: untuk mengetahui pengetahuan, sikap dan perilaku santri di kawasan pondok terkait kejadian scabies sebagai analisis dasar pemberian training kader kesehatan.

Metode: Ini merupakan jenis penelitian deskriptif kuantitatif dengan pengumpulan data wawancara terstruktur dengan kuesioner. Sampel penelitian ini adalah siswa-siswi SMA/MA Unggulan Nuris yang tergabung dalam ekstrakurikuler PMR. Penelitian dilakukan Oktober-November 2019 di SMA/MA Unggulan Nuris Jember.

Hasil: Hasil studi ini menunjukkan bahwa sebagian besar responden memiliki pengetahuan yang baik terkait kebersihan diri dan lingkungan. Juga sebagian besar sikap mereka cenderung setuju terhadap aktivitas kebersihan diri dan lingkungan. Namun, dalam hasil perilaku/kebiasaan sehari-hari mereka, terdapat beberapa hal yang perlu menjadi perhatian. Sebagian besar (73%) santri saling meminjam sarung/kerudung dengan temannya; dan sebagian besar (57%) masih sesekali saling pinjam pakaian dengan temannya; juga masih ada yang saling meminjam peralatan mandi pribadi seperti sabun mandi, sikat gigi, dan handuk; hampir sebagian (43%) siswa menggunakan pakaian yang sama lebih dari 1 hari; hampir sebagian (47%) juga tidak mandi setelah beraktivitas/berolahraga; dan hampir sebagian (47%) hanya sesekali menebah tempat tidur saat setelah maupun hendak ditiduri. Oleh karena itu kebiasaan tersebut perlu diubah. Perilaku dapat diubah dengan adanya keteladanan dari sesama santri yang ditunjuk menjadi kader kesehatan agar santri tahu, mau dan mampu hidup bersih dan sehat. Selanjutnya dilakukan training terhadap anggota PMR yang kemudian menjadi kader kesehatan dalam upaya pengendalian kebersihan lingkungan dan menekan angka kejadian scabies di pondok pesantren.

Kesimpulan dan rekomendasi: meskipun memiliki pengetahuan dan sikap yang cukup baik, namun beberapa perilaku santri masih berpotensi dalam meningkatnya kejadian scabies atau penyakit kulit lainnya. Diharapkan ada pemantauan berkala terhadap kebersihan lingkungan dan perilaku santri setelah dilakukan training dan dibentuknya kader kesehatan.
Transfigurations of Love: Beauty, Desire, and Union with God
Authors: Burrows Mark S.
Published: August 2020

Mark S. Burrows, Professor of Historical Theology and Literature, The Protestant University of Applied Sciences, Bochum Transfigurations of Love Beauty, Desire, and Union with God
Phenotypic and Genotypic Isolation of MRSA from Burn Wound Infected Patients at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Tasnim Anika , Shamsuzzaman AKM , Alam Md Shah , Ferdose Jannatul , Khan Fazlay Akbar
Published: August 2020

Background: Patients of burn wound are generally more susceptible to infection due to concurrent status of malnutrition and immunosuppression. Among many bacteria, MRSA has appeared as a challenging pathogen irrespective of effective antibiotic therapy.

Objective: The purpose of the present study was to detect the prevalence and antibiogram of MRSA in burn wound infected patients.

Methodology: The present cross sectional study was conducted at Department of Microbiology in Rajshahi Medical College, Rajshahi, Bangladesh. The samples were collected from Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of Rajshahi Medical College Hospital, for a period of one year. Phenotypic detection of MRSA were done by cefoxitin disc diffusion method and genotype (mecA gene) was detected by PCR which was conducted at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka among all the S. aureus isolates.

Result: A total of 212 wound swabs were subjected to bacteriological culture media for isolation of MRSA and other organisms. As a whole 89.62% samples yielded growth in culture of which Pseudomonas aeruginosa was the predominant pathogen (34.18%). Out of 21 S.aureus isolates, 07(33.33%) were detected as MRSA by cefoxitin resistance and presence of mecA gene. Although over 85% MRSA were resistance to ciprofloxacin and ceftriaxone, but the present study could not detect any vancomycin resistant MRSA.

Conclusion: The high prevalence and decreased sensitivity of MRSA to commonly used antibiotics has been observed in Burn Unit of RMCH. Therefore it is necessary to establish an antimicrobial surveillance system in hospital settings to prevent the spread of MRSA.

Bangladesh Journal of Infectious Diseases 2020;7(1):12-17
PEMODELAN PEMANENAN ENERGI LISTRIK DARI MEKANISMEAUTOMATIC CLOSED DOOR
Authors: Machfuroh Talifatim
Published: August 2020

Perkembangan teknologi telah mendorong peningkatan penggunaan energi, terutama penggunaan energi pada bangunan. Alternatif pemenuhan kebutuhan energi bangunan adalah dengan memanfaatkan bagian dari bangunan yang bergerak, untuk sebagai penghasil energi listrik. Untuk itu diperlukan sebuah mekanisme pengkonversi yang dapat mengubah energi getaran mekanis menjadi energi listrik, diantaranya dapat menggunakan: piezoelektrik, elektrostatik dan elektromagnetik. Automatic door closer adalah sebuah alat mekanik yang digunakan untuk menutup pintu sesaat setelah pintu terbuka. Automatic door closer biasanya ditempatkan pada daun pintu bagian atas dan dekat dengan kusen atas pintu. Gerakan dari automatic door closer pada saat membuka dan menutup secara otomatis dapat dimanfaat sebagai pembangkit energi listrik dengan mengghubungkannya pada linier generator. Pada engsel pemutar pada automatic door closer dipasang roda gigi yang dihubungkan dengan roda gigi lain, dimana roda gigi yang kedua dipasangkan dengan rack yang kedua sisinya terdapat magnet yang sudah diberi lilitan. Gelombang magnet tersebut bergerak naik turun melewati kumparan sehingga menghasilkan energi mekanik yang kemudian diubah menjadi energi listrik. Energi listrik ini adalah energi bangkitan dari pergerakan buka tutup dari daun pintu. Dari hasil penelitian ini diketahui bahwa mekanisme automatic door closer dengan penambahan harvesting energy system mampu menghasilkan daya output sebesar 4,68 watt dan voltase yang dihasilkan sebesar 33,5 volt. Daya yang dihasilkan memang relatif kecil dikarenakan input yang diberikan juga kecil. Daya ini dapat untuk menghidupkan lampu-lampu kecil.
Impacto del sistema tributario ecuatoriano en las microempresas
Caso Tungurahua
Authors: Zamora-Pucha Lucia
Published: August 2020

El presente manuscrito tiene como objetivo determinar el impacto del sistema tributario ecuatoriano en las microempresas de la provincia de Tungurahua, dado que por su estructura las mismas constituyen una fuente importante de empleo y contribución a la economía del país. A partir de ello, la metodología empleada es de carácter mixto, es decir cuali-cuantitativo, donde en primera instancia se hizo un acercamiento a las causas que generan la aparición del fenómeno problemático, así como también se detalló los beneficios concedidos a las microempresas a partir del año 2012 según la Ley de Régimen Tributario Interno. Posterior a ello, se realizó una recolección de datos numéricos de fuentes oficiales como la Superintendencia de Compañías Valores y Seguros y el Servicio de Rentas Internas. En relación al alcance, el estudio se centra en un nivel exploratorio; dado que, toma como punto de partida las relaciones y componentes que interactúan entre los distintos elementos tributarios y las microempresas, además de ello responde a las causas de los eventos suscitados. Asimismo, entre los principales hallazgos se pudo determinar que en los distintos periodos fueron aprobadas diferentes leyes que sirvieron de impulso para el fomento de las microempresas en el país con el objetivo de generar emprendimientos y buscar nuevos mecanismos para el desarrollo de la nación. Sin embargo, a pesar de estas iniciativas dadas por el ejecutivo, en la provincia de Tungurahua se registra un comportamiento diferente en comparación al comportamiento a escala nacional pues se registra una disminución considerable de microempresas especialmente entre los años 2016 y 2017 pasando de 39.446 a 39.338 registrando un porcentaje de variación del -0,3%.
Evaluación del proceso de la adopción de la NIC 16 Propiedad, Planta y Equipo y su incidencia en los estados financieros en la empresa Graficas Hernández Cía. Ltda.
Authors: Escandón-Vélez Melida , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Álvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

La implementación de las NIIF en el Ecuador ha transparentado la información contable y con ello ha contribuido con el desarrollo del país al contar con información que es comparable, pertinente, precisa y en tiempo real para la toma de decisiones. También ha disminuido la brecha que existía entre los valores en libros frente a la realidad de las empresas sobre todo en los activos más significativos como propiedad, planta y equipo. En función de lo expuesto para la empresa Gráficas Hernández el proceso de adopción de las NIIF se ejecutó de manera parcial, debido a que en ese momento no se tenía claridad de la aplicabilidad de la técnica contable, situación que parte de la falta de capacitación al personal para la aplicación correcta. Por ello esta investigación pretende diseñar un manual de procedimientos para evaluar el proceso de adopción de la NIC 16. La metodología utilizada fue de tipo no experimental con un enfoque cualitativo, su alcance descriptivo y entre los métodos se utilizó el inductivo – deductivo pues se partió de conceptos generales de control interno, componentes y proceso de adopción de las NIIF´S en el Ecuador, llegando al tratamiento establecido por la técnica contable NIC 16. Entre sus resultados se encontró que la empresa no consideró todas las disposiciones de la NIC 16 para su implementación y posterior control, pues no cuenta con políticas establecidas para su tratamiento por esta razón a través de la presente propuesta lo que se quiere es dar la guía para obtener la valoración real de los activos permitiendo la razonabilidad de los estados financieros.
Impacto de los impuestos directos e indirectos en las Pyme de la ciudad de Cuenca período 2016-2018
Authors: Brito-Brito Andrea , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

Las pequeñas y medianas empresas del Ecuador son el motor de la economía, mediante el desarrollo de actividades generan empleo, aportan con el pago de impuestos directos e indirectos, sin embargo, uno de los problemas que afecta a este grupo es la falta de capacitación en materia tributaria, así como el desconocimiento de medidas e incentivos tributarios para las facilidades y creación o ampliación de las pequeñas y medianas empresas. La investigación tiene por objetivo elaborar estrategias tributarias para optimizar el impuesto a la renta de las pequeñas y medianas empresas de la ciudad de Cuenca, según el sector comercial al que pertenecen, se utilizó la metodología mixta con énfasis en el método cualitativo que permitió obtener información oportuna para el análisis, por otro lado, se aplicó una encuesta a profesionales de la ciudad para conocer el tipo de actividad desarrollada, los resultados indican una gran participación de las empresas en la economía de la ciudad de Cuenca, a pesar de ello, sus resultados económicos se ven afectados por los impuestos fiscales, en promedio tienen un pago de impuestos en un rango de $501 a $2000 dólares, el impuesto a la renta tiene mayor peso, al analizar la liquidez se determinó que en el año 2016 fue de $1,70, incrementándose para el 2017 a $ 2,07, para el 2018 disminuyó a $1,61 lo que significa que las empresas tienen problemas con la disponibilidad de efectivo, por consiguiente, se propone estrategias tributarias para optimizar el pago del impuesto a la renta, el mismo que es el más representativo de los impuestos directos e indirectos.
Manejo contable de los inventarios retirados por deterioro. Caso de estudio: Empresa Azendelog
Authors: López-Cajilima Norma , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

En la actualidad el crecimiento económico de las empresas y la competencia a nivel internacional, ha ocasionado la generación de estándares de acuerdo con las Normas Internacionales de Contabilidad, con el objetivo de presentar estados financieros equiparados a los de empresas internacionales, facilitando la interpretación de la información contable y la toma de decisiones financieras. Por este motivo las empresas necesitan que sus estados financieros se ajusten a la realidad y que sus registros contables se sustenten a través de normas legales vigentes. Uno de los problemas que presentan las empresas dedicadas a la comercialización de productos, donde el rubro más importante de los estados financieros corresponde a sus inventarios, es el control sobre los mismos así como el tratamiento contable cuando se presentan productos deteriorados, por esta razón el presente tema a tratar tiene como objetivo principal elaborar un procedimiento metodológico para la aplicación de la NIC 2 y determinar la existencia de deterioro así como su tratamiento contable respectivo. La metodología a seguir en esta investigación se sustenta en un diseño de tipo no experimental, el enfoque mixto cualitativo porque mediante las opiniones y experiencias se identificaron incertidumbres y cuantitativo, ya que a través de resultados obtenidos se aplicó un análisis al tratamiento contable de inventarios, estableciendo así un modelo sobre los procesos contables basados en NIC 2 y a través del cual la empresa puede considerar que la falta de control en los inventarios en cuanto a la caducidad, aplicación de costos por adquisición y sus gastos en ventas puede ocasionar un deterioro que afecta a los resultados finales de sus estados financieros y, por consiguiente, un impacto tributario.
Modelo de gestión con enfoque administrativo y contable. Herramienta clave para las empresas familiares
Authors: Ñauta-Tapia Boris , Narváez-Zurita Cecilia , Erazo-Alvarez Juan , Torres-Palacios Mireya
Published: August 2020

Las empresas familiares a nivel mundial, juegan un rol predominante en las economías de los países a los que pertenecen, y su aporte al producto interno bruto es de magnitud significativa. La competitividad con el paso del tiempo, así como una correcta toma de decisiones en este tipo de empresas, hacen que sean sus problemas de mayor preocupación, Bajo este contexto, se ha determinado que en ciertas empresas familiares en la ciudad de Cuenca a más de no utilizar los costos como base para la toma de decisiones tienen una mentalidad tradicional del socio fundador, por lo que peligra la transición de la empresa familiar a la siguiente generación de la familia. Es por esta razón que la presente investigación tiene por objetivo diseñar un modelo de gestión administrativa y contable para las empresas familiares productoras de bienes y servicios, para la acertada toma de decisiones.

El enfoque de investigación fue mixto, en la primera etapa se realizó un análisis cualitativo de los aspectos relacionados con la gestión administrativa y contable enfocados a los costos que utiliza este grupo económico, en lo referente a lo cuantitativo se procesaron los datos obtenidos de la encuesta a través del uso de la estadística inferencial. Su alcance fue descriptivo-transversal ya una vez aplicado la encuesta se procedió a identificar aquella información administrativa y de la contabilidad utilizada por la gerencia para la toma de decisiones. Los resultados de la investigación demostraron que solo un 60% de las empresas familiares productoras de la ciudad de Cuenca, toman sus decisiones en función de sus costos sobresaliendo sobre todo en la fijación de precios en base al costo de producción y de este grupo solo el 75% se basan en el método de costeo variable. Por consiguiente, se planteó un modelo de gestión administrativa y contable a partir de 3 fases: la primera referente a la ética profesional, la segunda que propone una gestión administrativa e innovadora porque cuenta con la creación de un órgano de gobierno familiar para fomentar la unión y una tercera fase de gestión contable basada en decisiones a partir de la contabilidad de costos.
A Case of Simultaneous Active Transcutaneous Bone Conduction Implantation (BonebridgeTM) Performed with Subtotal Petrosectomy
Authors: Han Jae Sang , Park Jung Mee , Kang Yun Jin , Park Shi Nae
Published: August 2020

Subtotal petrosectomy (STP) is an effective treatment modality for recurrent suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and cochlear implant (CI) may be combined for auditory rehabilitation. An active transcutaneous bone conduction implantation system, known as BonebridgeTM (BB) (MED-EL), is indicated for conductive or mixed hearing loss as well as for single-side deafness, but no cases of BB implantation during STP have been reported. A 37-year-old woman who had previously undergone radical mastoidectomy visited our clinic. The left side was deaf and the CT scan showed total ossification of the cochlea, indicating that CI was not possible. STP was performed and bone conduction-floating mass transducer was placed at a sinodural angle. A month later, the sound processor was applied successfully without any complications. This case suggests that BB implantation during STP may be another effective therapeutic option for CSOM patients who have difficulty undergoing CI procedure.
Application of Machine Learning in Rhinology: A State of the Art Review
Authors: Yu Myeong Sang
Published: August 2020

The revolutionary development of artificial intelligence (AI) such as machine learning and deep learning have been one of the most important technology in many parts of industry, and also enhance huge changes in health care. The big data obtained from electrical medical records and digitalized images accelerated the application of AI technologies in medical fields. Machine learning techniques can deal with the complexity of big data which is difficult to apply traditional statistics. Recently, the deep learning techniques including convolutional neural network have been considered as a promising machine learning technique in medical imaging applications. In the era of precision medicine, otolaryngologists need to understand the potentialities, pitfalls and limitations of AI technology, and try to find opportunities to collaborate with data scientists. This article briefly introduce the basic concepts of machine learning and its techniques, and reviewed the current works on machine learning applications in the field of otolaryngology and rhinology.
Fenólicos totais e atividade antioxidante do extrato obtido do fungo Penicillium purpurogenum advindo de ambiente marinho poluído do Maranhão
Authors: Teles Amanda Mara , Everton Gustavo Oliveira , Mouchrek Adenilde Nascimento , Tellis Carla Junqueira Moragas , Bezerra Geusa Felipa de Barros , Souza Fernando Almeida de , Santos Ana Paula Silva de Azevedo- , Nascimento Maria do Desterro Soares Brandão
Published: August 2020

Este artigo objetiva avaliar os fenólicos totais e a atividade antioxidante do extrato preparado do fungo Penicillium purpurogenum, obtido de um ambiente marinho poluído de São Luís-MA. A pesquisa foi realizada na Laguna da Jansen localizada no município de São Luís, Maranhão, Brasil. Foram realizadas 4 coletas do sedimento no período de maio a setembro de 2017, no período matutino. As amostras foram obtidas de uma profundidade de até 73,5 cm com auxílio de uma draga metálica. A identificação do fungo seguiu metodologias de isolamento e posterior preparo dos extratos com avaliação dos fenólicos totais pelo método de Folin-Ciocalteu e atividade antioxidante pelo método de sequestro do radical DPPH. A identificação confirmou a presença de Penicillium purpurogenum. Os extratos de P. purpurogenum variaram na quantificação de fenólicos totais de 791,00 mg EAT.g-1 para extrato FR1 e 650,82 mg EAT.g-1 para o FR2. Na atividade antioxidante, podemos verificar que o EC50 encontrados no extrato FR1 foi de 22,59 μg mL-1 e FR2 39,80 μg mL-1. Concluindo que o extrato FR2 apresentou forte atividade antioxidante enquanto que FR1 apresentou-se muito forte pelo método do radical DPPH.
Reduction, Prevention, and Control of Salmonella enterica Viable but Non-culturable Cells in Flour Food
Authors: Li Yanmei , Huang Tengyi , Bai Caiying , Fu Jie , Chen Ling , Liang Yi , Wang Kan , Liu Jun , Gong Xiangjun , Liu Junyan
Published: August 2020

The processing and storage conditions of flour food inevitably pose environmental stress, which promote bacteria to enter a viable but non-culturable (VBNC) state. The existence of VBNC cells causes false-negative detection in traditional culture-based detection methods, resulting in food quality and safety issues. This study aimed at investigating the influence factors including nutrition, acid, salt, and temperature for the entry into a VBNC state of Salmonella enterica and an efficient detection method. During induction with multi-stress conditions, nutrition starvation antagonizes with low-level acidity. Besides, high-level acidity was considered as an inhibitor for VBNC induction. Four inducers including nutrition starvation, salt stress, low-level acidity, and low temperature were concluded for a VBNC state. In addition, the keynote conditions for S. enterica entering a VBNC state included (i) nutrient-rich acidic environment, (ii) oligotrophic low-acidity environment, and (iii) oligotrophic refrigerated environment. Based on the keynote conditions, the environmental conditions of high acidity (1.0% v/v acetate) with low temperature (−20°C) could successfully eliminate the formation of S. enterica VBNC cells in flour food. In addition, combining with propidium monoazide pretreatment, PCR technology was applied to detect S. enterica VBNC cells. The sensitivity of the PMA–PCR technology was 105 CFU/ml in an artificially simulated food system. The results derived from this study might aid in the detection and control of VBNC state S. enterica in flour food products.
CDKL3 Targets ATG5 to Promote Carcinogenesis of Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Suna , Zhang Mingxin , Zhou Chao , Wang Wei , Yang Haihua , Ye Wenguang
Published: August 2020

Objective

Our previous study suggested cyclin-dependent kinase-like 3 (CDKL3) acts as a new oncogene in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell line TE-1. However, the molecular mechanisms and biological effects of CDKL3 in ESCC remain unknown. In the present study, we aimed to explore the clinical significance of CDKL3 in ESCC and how CDKL3 regulates the malignant behavior of ESCC.

Methods

ESCC samples were stained by immunohistochemical staining (IHC) and analyzed for the expression of CDKL3. The functions of CDKL3 on proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, and colony formation were investigated by celigo assay, MTT assay, colony formation, caspase 3/7 activity analysis, transwell migration and invasion assay, respectively. A transplanted tumor model was established to study the functions of CDKL3 on the tumorigenesis of ESCC cells. Microarray analysis was utilized to identify the CDKL3-regulated genes in ESCC cells.

Results

ESCC tumor tissues possessed a significantly higher expression of CDKL3 and autophagy-related gene 5 (ATG5) than matched adjacent normal tissues. The high expressions of CDKL3 were positively associated with the tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage and Ki67. Upregulated ATG5 expression was positively correlated with male, advanced tumor (T) stage, and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that ESCC patients with higher expression of CDKL3 or ATG5 had a shorter overall survival. The worst prognosis was recognized in patients with both high manifestations of CDKL3 and ATG5. Time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was established to reveal that the combination of CDKL3, ATG5, and TNM stage–based model had better prognostic accuracy than TNM stage. Moreover, CDKL3 knockdown markedly repressed cell growth and aggressivity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, ATG5 was confirmed as a downstream gene involved in the pro-oncogenic function of CDKL3.

Conclusion

CDKL3 can be utilized as an independent poor prognostic marker in ESCC patients. Furthermore, CDKL3 may promote tumor profession, invasion, metastasis, and prohibit tumor apoptosis partly by ATG5 activation.
Hierarchical Fuzzy Expert System for Organizational Performance Assessment in the Construction Industry
Authors: Rathore Zenith , Elwakil Emad
Published: August 2020

Organizations have been trying to increase their efficiency and improve their performance in order to achieve their goals. Various factors determine organizational success. The construction industry is a project-based industry which is exceptionally dynamic. The need to identify the weak points and search for solutions to improve the performance of the construction organization is extremely crucial. The industry has always focused on the measure of project success. Previous research works have primarily focused on the measurement of financial or tangible assets. However, there is a lack of understanding of qualitative factors and their combined effect on organizational performance. Therefore, the objectives of this paper are to identify and study the success factors—both financial and non-financial factors. The potential success factors are collected from the literature review and construction experts through a questionnaire to evaluate their effect on organizational performance. The collected data have been analyzed using the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to shortlist the critical success factors. Thereafter, the Hierarchical Fuzzy Expert System has been used to build a prediction model based on the selected factors. The developed research/model benefits both researchers and practitioners to predict accurate company performance.
Hierarchical and Unsupervised Graph Representation Learning with Loukas’s Coarsening
Authors: Béthune Louis , Kaloga Yacouba , Borgnat Pierre , Garivier Aurélien , Habrard Amaury
Published: August 2020

We propose a novel algorithm for unsupervised graph representation learning with attributed graphs. It combines three advantages addressing some current limitations of the literature: (i) The model is inductive: it can embed new graphs without re-training in the presence of new data; (ii) The method takes into account both micro-structures and macro-structures by looking at the attributed graphs at different scales; (iii) The model is end-to-end differentiable: it is a building block that can be plugged into deep learning pipelines and allows for back-propagation. We show that combining a coarsening method having strong theoretical guarantees with mutual information maximization suffices to produce high quality embeddings. We evaluate them on classification tasks with common benchmarks of the literature. We show that our algorithm is competitive with state of the art among unsupervised graph representation learning methods.
Assessment of Short Rectangular-Tab Actuation of Supersonic Jet Mixing
Authors: Ranjan Abhash , Kaushik Mrinal , Deb Dipankar , Muresan Vlad , Unguresan Mihaela
Published: August 2020

This work explores the extent of jet mixing for a supersonic jet coming out of a Mach 1.8 convergent-divergent nozzle, controlled with two short rectangular vortex-generating actuators located diametrically opposite to each other with an emphasis on numerical methodology. The blockage ratio offered by the tabs is around 0.05. The numerical investigations were carried out by using a commercial computational fluid dynamics (CFD) package and all the simulations were performed by employing steady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations and shear-stress transport k−ω turbulence model on a three-dimensional computational space for more accuracy. The numerical calculations are administered at nozzle pressure ratios (NPRs) of 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, covering the overexpanded, the correctly expanded and the underexpanded conditions. The centerline pressure decay and the pressure profiles are plotted for both uncontrolled and the controlled jets. Numerical schlieren images are used to capture the barrel shock, the expansion fans and the Mach waves present in the flow field. Mach contours are also delineated at varying NPRs indicating the number of shock cells, their length and the variation of the shock cell structure and strength, to substantiate the prominent findings. The outcomes of this research are observed to be in sensible concurrence with the demonstrated exploratory findings. A reduction in the jet core length of 75% is attained with small vortex-generating actuators, compared to an uncontrolled jet, corresponding to nozzle pressure ratio 5. It was also seen that the controlled jet gets bifurcated downstream of the nozzle exit at a distance of about 5 D, where D is the nozzle exit diameter. Furthermore, it was fascinating to observe that the jet spread increases downstream of the nozzle exit for the controlled jet, as compared to the uncontrolled jet at any given NPR.
The Perceived Benefits, Challenges, and Environmental Effects of Cover Crop Implementation in South Carolina
Authors: Clay Lucas , Perkins Katharine , Motallebi Marzieh , Plastina Alejandro , Farmaha Bhupinder Singh
Published: August 2020

Cover crops are becoming more accepted as a viable best management practice because of their ability to provide important environmental and soil health benefits. Because of these benefits, many land managers are strongly encouraging the use of cover crops. Additionally, there is limited information on farmers′ perceptions of the benefits and challenges of implementing cover crops. Many farmers state that they do not have enough money or time to implement cover crops. In an attempt to gather more data about the adoption rate and perceptions of cover crops in South Carolina, a survey was sent to 3000 row crop farmers across the state. Farmers were asked whether they implement cover crops and their perceptions of the benefits and challenges associated with implementation. Furthermore, questions were asked regarding the impact of row cropping on their environment to gauge farmer′s education level on environmental impacts. Responses showed many people are implementing cover crops; however, there are still differences in perceptions about benefits and challenges between those who are adopting cover crops and those who are not. This research assesses these differences and aims to provide a baseline for focusing cover crop programs to tackle these certain challenges and promote the benefits.
Aluminum-Specific Upregulation of GmALS3 in the Shoots of Soybeans: A Potential Biomarker for Managing Soybean Production in Acidic Soil Regions
Authors: Agrahari Raj Kishan , Kobayashi Yuriko , Borgohain Pankaj , Panda Sanjib Kumar , Koyama Hiroyuki
Published: August 2020

Aluminum (Al) toxicity in acidic soils is a global agricultural problem that limits crop productivity through the inhibition of root growth. However, poor management associated with the application of soil acidity amendments such as lime (CaCO3) in certain crop types can pose a threat to low-input farming practices. Accordingly, it is important to develop appropriate techniques for the management of crop production in acidic soils. In this study, we identified ALS3 (ALUMINUM SENSITIVE 3) in soybeans (Glycine max, cultivar Toyomasari), which is highly expressed in the shoot under Al stress. GmALS3 (Glyma.10G047100) expression was found to be Al-specific under various stress conditions. We analyzed GmALS3 expression in the shoots of soybean plants grown in two different types of acidic soils (artificial and natural acidic soil) with different levels of liming and found that GmALS3 expression was suppressed with levels of liming that have been shown to eliminate soil Al3+ toxicity. Using soybeans as a model, we identified a potential biomarker that could indicate Al toxicity and appropriate liming levels for soybeans cultivated in acidic soils.
Influence of Soil Composition on the Profile and Content of Polyphenols in Habanero Peppers (Capsicum chinense Jacq.)
Authors: Oney-Montalvo Julio , Uc-Varguez Alberto , Ramírez-Rivera Emmanuel , Ramírez-Sucre Manuel , Rodríguez-Buenfil Ingrid
Published: August 2020

Capsicum chinense Jacq. obtained the designation of origin in 2010 due to the unique organoleptic properties given by the characteristics of soils in the Peninsula of Yucatán. So, the aim of this work was to investigate the effect of soil composition on the profile and concentration of polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and its relationship with the degree of maturity in habanero pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.). Pepper plants were grown in three soils named according to the Maya classification as: K’ankab lu’um (red soil); Box lu’um (black soil); and Chich lu’um (brown soil). The crops were cultivated in four different dates. The peppers were analyzed for antioxidant activity, profile and content of polyphenols. The results indicated that peppers grown in black soil had the highest concentration of total polyphenols (122.78 ± 12.60 mg of gallic acid 100 g−1), catechin (61.64 ± 7.55 mg 100 g−1) and antioxidant activity by DPPH (86.51 ± 0.82%). Physicochemical characterization indicated that black soil has the highest concentration of organic matter (10.93 ± 0.23%), nitrogen (52.01 ± 7.05 mg kg−1), manganese (5.24 ± 0.45 mg kg−1) and electric conductivity (2.32 ± 0.16 d Sm−1) compared to the other soils evaluated. These results demonstrate that the physicochemical composition of soils could be related to the biosynthesis of polyphenols in the habanero pepper.
Development of a Building Energy Simulation Model for Control of Multi-Span Greenhouse Microclimate
Authors: Rasheed Adnan , Kwak Cheul Soon , Na Wook Ho , Lee Jong Won , Kim Hyeon Tae , Lee Hyun Woo
Published: August 2020

In this study, we propose a building energy simulation model of a multi-span greenhouse using a transient system simulation program to simulate greenhouse microenvironments. The proposed model allows daily and seasonal control of screens, roof vents, and heating setpoints according to crop needs. The proposed model was used to investigate the effect of different thermal screens, natural ventilation, and heating setpoint controls on annual and maximum heating loads of a greenhouse. The experiments and winter season weather conditions of greenhouses in Taean Gun (latitude 36.88° N, longitude 126.24° E, elevation 45 m) Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea was used for validation of our model. Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency coefficients of 0.87 and 0.71 showed good correlation between the computed and experimental results; thus, the proposed model is appropriate for performing greenhouse thermal simulations. The results showed that the heating loads of the triple-layered screen were 70% and 40% lower than that of the single-screen and double-screen greenhouses, respectively. Moreover, the maximum heating loads without a screen and for single-, double-, and the triple-layered screens were 0.65, 0.46, 0.41, and 0.34 MJ m−2, respectively. The analysis of different screens showed that Ph-77 (shading screen) combined with Ph-super (thermal screen) had the least heating requirements. The heating setpoint analysis predicted that using the designed day- and nighttime heating control setpoints can result in 3%, 15%, 14%, 15%, and 40% less heating load than when using the fixed value temperature control for November, December, January, February, and March, respectively.
Farmers Try to Improve Their Irrigation Practices by Using Daily Irrigation Recommendations—The Vipava Valley Case, Slovenia
Authors: Cvejić Rozalija , Černič-Istenič Majda , Honzak Luka , Pečan Urša , Železnikar Špela , Pintar Marina
Published: August 2020

Based on the latest climate change projections for the 21st century, high exposure to climate change is expected in Vipava Valley, Slovenia’s sub-Mediterranean agricultural area. An irrigation-decision support system was developed and implemented on 35 farms in the period of 2016–2020 to increase agricultural climate-change resilience. Farmers have shifted from irrigation scheduling based on experience and assumptions to irrigation scheduling based on real-time soil-water monitoring to partially implement irrigation based on irrigation-decision support systems. Simulations show that if farmers continue to practice justified irrigation applications and gradually transition to replenishing soil water reservoir content to 85%, they will achieve a 25% reduction in total irrigation-volume consumption, a 24% reduction in energy requirements and a 24% reduction in CO2 emissions. Future agricultural innovation policies should extend actions beyond the financial to those facilitating the establishment of multidisciplinary agricultural innovation teams with corresponding infrastructures to better enable the mutual exchange of knowledge, learning and development of a transparent institutional framework.
Clinical and Hematological Follow-Up of Long-Term Oral Therapy with Type-I Interferon in Cats Naturally Infected with Feline Leukemia Virus or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Gomez-Lucia Esperanza , Collado Victorio M. , Miró Guadalupe , Martín Sonsoles , Benítez Laura , Doménech Ana
Published: August 2020

Feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), two of the most important pathogens of cats, produce chronic systemic diseases with progressive death of cells involved in the immune response, ultimately leading to death. Immunostimulants is one of the few alternatives to the symptomatic treatment. In this study, 27 naturally FeLV-infected (FeLV+) and 31 naturally FIV-infected (FIV+) cats were administered orally by their owners 60 IU/day of recombinant human interferon alpha (rHuIFN-α) for four months in alternate weeks. Clinical status was evaluated and blood samples collected at four different visits or months (M): pretreatment (M0), mid-treatment (M2), end of treatment (M4), and 4–8 months after end of treatment (M10). Most cats ostensibly improved their clinical status, and many became asymptomatic. rHuIFN-α treatment improved the anemic processes observed at M0 (at least in cats with mild or moderate anemia) and leukocyte counts, including a more favorable CD4+/CD8+ ratio. An increase in the serum gammaglobulin concentration was seen in 80% of the cats. Despite observing an obvious favorable progress in the clinical, biopathological, and CD4+/CD8+ values during treatment, almost invariably all the parameters analyzed worsened after treatment discontinuation (M10), which suggests that the interferon-α protocol should be either extended or include additional cycles for a long-lasting benefit in FeLV+ and FIV+ cats.
Long-Term Assessment of Baseline Blood Biochemistry Parameters in Rainbow Trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) Maintained under Controlled Conditions
Authors: Pastorino Paolo , Bergagna Stefania , Dezzutto Daniela , Barbero Raffaella , Righetti Marzia , Pagliasso Giulia , Gasco Laura , Gennero Maria Silvia , Pizzul Elisabetta , Dondo Alessandro , Prearo Marino
Published: August 2020

Twelve biochemical parameters were measured in serum blood samples from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) maintained under controlled conditions. Forty-five samples were taken every 3 months (T1–T4) over the course of one year to define baseline values. The effect of fish total weight (TW) was also evaluated. Principal component analysis showed a clear separation between T4 and T1, and T2 and T3, indicating an increase in certain biochemical parameters with weight. Linear regression analysis showed how TW significantly explained 11–67% of the variability observed for nine parameters out of 12. Pearson’s correlation matrix showed a significant positive correlation (p < 0.05) between TW and albumin, alkaline phosphatase, alanine-aminotransferase, creatinine, gamma-glutamyl transferase, magnesium, phosphorus and total protein. Furthermore, significant correlations (p < 0.05) between the majority of the biochemical parameters were found, indicating that growth can influence several parameters at the same time. The present study provides several useful baseline values for assessing the health of O. mykiss, indicating that fish weight is an important factor for interpreting the blood biochemical profile.
The Presence of D-Penicillamine during the In Vitro Capacitation of Stallion Spermatozoa Prolongs Hyperactive-Like Motility and Allows for Sperm Selection by Thermotaxis
Authors: Ruiz-Díaz Sara , Oseguera-López Ivan , De La Cuesta-Díaz David , García-López Belén , Serres Consuelo , Sanchez-Calabuig Maria José , Gutiérrez-Adán Alfonso , Perez-Cerezales Serafin
Published: August 2020

Assisted reproductive technologies (ARTs) in the horse still yield suboptimal results in terms of pregnancy rates. One of the reasons for this is the lack of optimal conditions for the sperm capacitation in vitro. This study assesses the use of synthetic human tubal fluid (HTF) supplemented with D-penicillamine (HTF + PEN) for the in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa by examining capacitation-related events over 180 min of incubation. Besides these events, we explored the in vitro capacity of the spermatozoa to migrate by thermotaxis and give rise to a population of high-quality spermatozoa. We found that HTF induced higher levels of hyperactive-like motility and protein tyrosine phosphorylation (PTP) compared to the use of a medium commonly used in this species (Whitten’s). Also, HTF + PEN was able to maintain this hyperactive-like motility, otherwise lost in the absence of PEN, for 180 min, and also allowed for sperm selection by thermotaxis in vitro. Remarkably, the selected fraction was enriched in spermatozoa showing PTP along the whole flagellum and lower levels of DNA fragmentation when compared to the unselected fraction (38% ± 11% vs 4.4% ± 1.1% and 4.2% ± 0.4% vs 11% ± 2% respectively, t-test p < 0.003, n = 6). This procedure of in vitro capacitation of frozen/thawed stallion spermatozoa in HTF + PEN followed by in vitro sperm selection by thermotaxis represents a promising sperm preparation strategy for in vitro fertilization and intracytoplasmic sperm injection in this species.