bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effectiveness of the prevention of psychoactive substance abuse among adolescents with a mild cognitive impairment. The experiences from “My life, my choice” project
Authors: Walczak Bartłomiej , Sochocki Marcin J.
Published: November 2020

The subject of prevention of the use of psychoactive substances by young people with intellectual
disabilities is definitely underrepresented, if at all present, both in Polish and world literature. Meanwhile, research shows a high demand for preventive measures in this group. The current article presents the assumptions of the pioneering preventive program “My life, my choice”, addressed to young people with intellectual disabilities and discussion of the results of its evaluation. The analysis focuses in particular on the effectiveness of the actions taken and the perception of individual elements of the program by the recipients. The collected data indicate a significan effectiveness of the program in four of the five areas, as well as the importance of selective preventive interactions.
É possível Recomendar Objetos de Aprendizagem Físico-Virtuais?
Authors: Leitão Gabriel , Barreto Raimundo
Published: November 2020

Garantir estudantes entusiasmados pela ciência e pela pesquisa científica requer iniciativas que envolvam os estudantes em experiências científicas interessantes e motivadoras. Hoje os estudantes podem investigar fenômenos científicos, usando diversas ferramentas, técnicas, modelos e teorias da ciência, a partir de laboratórios físicos que suportam interações com o mundo material, ou em laboratórios virtuais que se utilizam simulações. Mas será que é possível unir as duas coisas? Isto é, unir o aspecto físico com o virtual de tal forma que haja comunicação do componente físico com o seu respectivo componente virtual e vice-versa? É possível que essa interação entre os componentes físicos e os componentes virtuais possa ser, de alguma forma, útil para o ensino-aprendizagem? Advogamos que é possível fazer ambos, ou seja, a investigação física, a investigação virtual e, além disso, oferecer recomendações para a combinação dos dois. Entretanto, há diversos desafios que ainda precisam ser superados. Alinhado com os sistemas físico-cibernéticos (cyber-physical systems), que integram sistemas computacionais com objetos do mundo físico, surgiu o conceito de objeto de aprendizagem físico-virtual, que é qualquer tipo de recurso, seja digital ou não, que integre aspectos físicos e virtuais no mesmo recurso, que possua o intuito de auxiliar o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, e que possa ser reutilizado em diferentes contextos. Sistemas de recomendação são ferramentas automatizadas que usam algoritmos de filtragem para coletar dados e informações, a fim de realizar recomendações inteligentes, isto é, as mais relevantes, baseada no perfil, gostos e preferências de seus clientes. O foco desse projeto está em plataformas educacionais que usem tecnologia a partir de ambientes físico-cibernéticos, de tal forma que objetos de aprendizagem físico-virtuais possam ser integrados no ensino e que seja avaliado a sua eficácia e que possa ser gerado recomendações para os alunos.
3D Technologies to Extend Brazilian DTV Middleware
Authors: Souza Daniel F. L. , Machado Liliane S. , Tavares Tatiana A.
Published: November 2020

Entertainment and interactivity possibilities in Digital Television (DTV) can be extended to support 3D technologies. In this paper is described an architecture based on a middleware for DTV that incorporates 3D technologies on the Brazilian standard. The integration strategies will be presented and compared with other studies in the literature. As case study, it will be presented a virtual environment to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of this integration.
VISIONAIR - VISION Advanced Infrastructure for Research
Authors: Kopecki Andreas , Wössner Uwe , Mavrikios Dimitris , Rentzos Loukas , Weidig Christian , Roucoules Lionel , Ntofon Okung-Dike , Dumont Georges , Bündgens Daniel , Milecki Andrzej , Baranyi Peter , Attene Marco , Giannini Franca , Spagnuolo Michela
Published: November 2020

The development of information technologies, the increasing complexity of theinformation to be handled and analysed along with the increasing capacities inscientific and engineering simulations call for the development of increasinglypowerful visualisation tools and methods. By integrating existing facilities,VISIONAIR is aimed at creating a world-class research infrastructure that willbe open to research communities across Europe and around the world forconducting state-of-the-art research.
Guest Editorial Foreword to the Special Issue of the XIII Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality
Authors: Soares Luciano , Teichrieb Veronica
Published: November 2020

This special issue of the JIS (SBC Journal on 3D Interactive Systems) is in the second year acknowledging the best papers of the Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality. In the SVR 2011 several interesting research projects in the field of Virtual and Augmented Reality appeared and among the best papers this issue presents two selected papers for the readers of JIS. The SVR is the most important event on Virtual and Augmented Reality in Brazil, which is being conducted by academic professionals’ members of the Brazilian Computer Society (SBC) that is supporting the conference for many years. The two papers in this issue were selected among the best papers presented at the SVR 2011. Although the technical implementation of the papers is different each other, they try to solve problems of communication and location. It is possible to note that the virtual and augmented reality is really changing our life style, and these papers show important ideas that can be directly applied by people around the world. The paper “xGroupware: Supporting Collaborative Cross-Reality Environments using Multiagents System” authored by Katia Vega, Débora Cardador, Hugo Fuks and Carlos Lucena, presents very modern proposals of meetings, combining the virtual and real in a way that users can really take advantage of the resources available to improve their communication. It is also important to say that the clever idea to use multi agents in the system as an autonomous way to perceive and interact with the situations of the meetings is amazing. Finally the integration of wearable computing devices in the system makes it very interesting and probably reflects meetings of the future. The second paper “A Case Study of Augmented Reality for Mobile Platforms” authored by Gabriela Tinti Vasselai, Dalton Solano dos Reis and Paulo Cesar Rodacki Gomes presents how the mobile devices can contribute to help our localization with the resources of augmented reality. The paper shows that the resources available in the mobile devices can be used to augmented reality purposes although some improvements in the mobile platforms must be done. We would like to thank all the reviewers of the process, the editors and staff that supported us with the submission system, and of course the authors that had to extend and adapt their papers in order to have some new content that makes this special issue an important reference point for virtual and augmented reality research.
A Case Study of Augmented Reality for Mobile Platforms
Authors: Gomes Paulo Cesar Rodacki , Vasselai Gabriela Tinti , Dos Reis Dalton Solano
Published: November 2020

This work describes the proposal of an architecture that evolves the concept of augmented reality with geolocation to mobile device platforms. The architecture allows the development of applications that draw points of interest on screen, represented by arrows and panels that directs to each point of interest's location. It uses OpenGL ES 1.0 library to draw the points of interest. The applications' user interaction can be made by moving the device in such a way that activates compass and accelerometer sensors. The device's location determines how far are the points of interest. This work also presents development resources that allow developers to use camera, sensors and geographic coordinates on applications inside the devices simulators. At the end we present an application example along with performance results running on an Android platform's simulator and also on a Android device.
A model-based tracking framework for textureless 3D rigid curved objects
Authors: Okawa Marina , Taketomi Takafumi , Yamamoto Goshiro , Fujisawa Makoto , Amano Toshiyuki , Miyazaki Jun , Kato Hirokazu
Published: November 2020

This paper addresses the problem of tracking texturelessrigid curved objects. A common approach uses polygonalmeshes to represent curved objects inside an edge-based trackingsystem. However, in order to accurately recover their shape,high quality meshes are required, creating a trade-off betweencomputational efficiency and tracking accuracy. To solve thisissue, we suggest the use of quadrics calculated for each patchin the mesh to give local approximations of the object contour.This representation reduces considerably the level of detail of thepolygonal mesh while maintaining tracking accuracy. The noveltyof our research lies in using curves to represent the quadrics’projection in the current viewpoint for distance evaluation insteadof comparing directly the edges from the mesh and detectededges in the video image. In our tracking framework, we alsoinclude a method to calculate the measurable Degrees of Freedom(DoF) of the target object. This is used to recover the poseparameters when the object has less than 6DoF. Experimentalresults compare our approach to the traditional method ofusing sparse and dense meshes. Finally, we present a potentialAugmented Reality application of the proposed method.
Interactive Public Displays: A Gesture-Based Proposal Using Kinect
Authors: Motta Thiago , Nedel Luciana
Published: November 2020

The use of interactive public displays in urban spaces is increasing very fast, and new setups to support these displays are still being explored. In this paper we introduce a gesture based input technique to allow the interaction with public displays avoiding the use of any device attached to the user body. The gestures supported provide navigation, selection and manipulation of objects, as well as panning and zooming on the screen. In order to evaluate how robust the system is in a real public scenario, criteria that could interfere on the interactive task are evaluated, as the amount of brightness in the environment, and the presence of other persons. The setup used to support the tests include a 55” LED TV, a Kinect for gestures capture, and a new algorithm to allow the identification of closing and opening hands. Three test scenarios are described in this paper: the interactive visualization of a graph representing the academic genealogical tree of our University; the selection and manipulation of simple objects; and the free interaction with the map of a building. Given the results of the performed tasks, we conclude that the system, although not behaving very accurately in all situations, has potential to be used on many applications.
Editor's Note
Authors: Raposo Alberto
Published: November 2020

Editor's Note for JIS, Vol. 5, Issue 3, 2014.
Guest Editorial: Foreword to the Special Issue of IHC 2014
Authors: Leitão Carla , Maciel Cristiano , Barbosa Simone
Published: November 2020

This special issue of Journal on Interactive Systems is dedicated to Human-Computer Interaction. It contains a selection of five of the best full papers presented at the 13th Brazilian Symposium on Human Factors in Computing Systems (IHC 2014), held in Foz do Iguaçu, from October 27th to 31th, 2014. As extended versions of the original conference papers, these works present original content or new contributions when compared to their previous versions and underwent a whole new and independent review process.IHC 2014 brought the theme "Frontiers of Interaction", aiming to motivate the discussion of ideas and knowledge about diversity in HCI. The theme motivates us to think about the interdisciplinary nature of area. It also refers to the challenges of expanding horizons in order to encompass the diversity of users, respecting their differences and their distinct learning styles. Besides, it has been a great motivation for discussing new forms of interaction that break some of the traditional patterns of knowledge that we were producing. Lastly, the theme also fosters intercultural interaction, reflecting on our knowledge and our function on cultural diversity inherent to HCI phenomena. Thus, papers of this special issue present some interesting discussions about this diversity.
Guest Editorial: Foreword to the special Issue of the XVII Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality – SVR 2015
Authors: Kelner Judith , Albuquerque Eduardo
Published: November 2020

This special issue of the JIS (SBC Journal on Interactive Systems) acknowledges the best papers of the XVII Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality (SVR 2015). SVR – the most important event on Virtual and Augmented Reality in Brazil in the last 17 years. Academic and professional members of the Brazilian Computer Society (SBC) support the conference since its beginning. To attend reader expectations, the selected papers come from different sub-areas of the Virtual and Augmented Reality. The developments introduced in the papers reflect important recent advances and achievements by the community. More specifically, this issue includes studies on crowd simulation, gesture driven interaction, the use of a camera as a pointing device, and tracking by applying grayscale conversion.
Editors' Note
Authors: Raposo Alberto , Corrêa Cléber
Published: November 2020

As we have been doing since 2010, in this issue we publish the best papers of SVR (Symposium on Virtual and Augmented Reality), that took place at Curitiba, in November 2017. The guest editors, Jauvane Oliveira from The National Laboratory for Scientific Computing (LNCC) and Fátima Nunes from University of São Paulo (USP) invited the best papers of the symposium to submit extended versions to this special issue. Seven of the selected best papers are presented in this issue. We would like to thank Jauvane and Fátima to their valuable contribution to JIS, and invite you to read the Guest Editors’ Note in the following.This issue also has a regular paper by Rúbia Ascari, Roberto Pereira, and Luciano Silva, from the Federal University of Paraná. In this paper, the authors present a systematic literature review on the use of mobile devices for Augmentative and Alternative Communication, aiming to compensate difficulties of verbal expression for people with speech disorders.Enjoy the issue!
‘Of the Relics that We Estimated to Have No Worth’ (Bizce Hiçbir Kıymeti Olmadığı Anlaşılan Eşyanın): Disputes over a Church Property in the Early Republican Period, 1922-1945
Authors: Eser Umit
Published: November 2020

The end of the Ottoman Empire and the establishment of the Kemalist nation-state were political changes that not only affected the lives of millions of individuals, but also heralded a total demographic and physical reconstitution and transformation of the cities and towns in Asia Minor. The port city of Smyrna/Izmir was undoubtedly one of the Ottoman cities that was devastated by this irrevocable physical, political, and social change. This study attempts to shed light on the history of a church building whose congregation had been compelled to migrate to Greece in September 1922, in the early Republican period. Agios Ioannis o Theologos (Saint John the Theologian), one of the complete churches located in the Upper Neighbourhood, was sequestered by the Commission of the Abandoned Properties (Emvâl-i Metruke Komisyonu) immediately after the Great Fire of 1922. This paper situates the Church of Agios Ioannis Theologos at the nexus of the Abandoned Properties measures and re-territorialisation in the early Republican period. Firstly, a decision was made to destroy the bell tower of the church and convert the remaining building into a school at the end of a lengthy series of correspondence between the ministries and the municipality in 1926. Secondly, its relics, church furniture, and icons were forgotten until the late 1930s. Finally, following two cabinet decisions and lengthy bureaucratic procedures, these relics were transported to Athens in 1945. This paper argues that various institutions of the Republic adopted different strategies to deal with the properties of Ottoman Christian communities after the population exchange in 1923, though the state retained its pragmatic approach towards these remaining properties.
Control of a Prosthetic Arm Using fNIRS, a Neural-Machine Interface
Authors: Ali Syed Usama , Kausar Zareena , Yousaf Sattar Neelum
Published: November 2020

Development in the field of bio-mechatronics has provided diverse ways to mimic and improve the function of human limbs. Without an elbow joint, the hand remains stiff because all the muscles tension passes through this joint. Advanced myoelectric prosthetic devices are limited due to the lack of appropriate signal sources on residual amputee muscles and insufficient real-time control. Neural-machine interfaces (NMI) are representing a recent approach to develop effective applications. In this research study, an NMI is designed that presents real-time signal processing for command generation. The human brain hemodynamic responses are, therefore, translated into control commands for people suffering from transhumeral amputation. A novel and first of its kind scheme is proposed which utilizes functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to generate the control commands for a three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) prosthetic arm. The time window for fNIRS signals was set to 1 second. The average accuracy was found to be 82% which is a state-of-the-art result for such a technique. The accuracy ranged from 65 to 85% subject-wise. The data were trained and tested on both artificial neural network (ANN) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Eight out of 10 motions were correctly predicted in real time by both classifiers.
Blockchain-Based Medical Record Management with Biofeedback Information
Authors: Li Wang Hui , Chu Shao-I , Yan Jiun-Han , Huang Yu-Jung , Fang I-Yueh , Ya Pan Shu , Lin Wei-Cheng , Hsu Chao-Tien , Hung Chih-Lung , Lin Tzung-Ching , Shen Te-Tsun
Published: November 2020

Blockchain is a new emerging technology of distributed databases, which guarantees the integrity, security and incorruptibility of data by means of the cryptography. Such features are suitable for secure and reliable data storage. This chapter investigates the blockchain-based architecture with applications to medical health record or biofeedback information management. This framework employs the smart contract to establish a medical record management system to ensure the privacy of patients. Moreover, the blockchain technique accelerates the medical record or information exchange such that the cost of human resource is significant reduced. All patients can manage their individual medical records and information easily in the different hospitals and clinics. They also have the privilege to deal with and authorize personal medical records in the proposed management framework.
Internalistic, externalistic and cognitive movements in the theory of knowledge by Noah Lemos and ways of knowledge, or talk curriculum by Tm Sprod
Authors: Golubović-Tasevska Milica
Published: November 2020

When it comes to the theoretical and analytical approach and the study of the category of knowledge, one of the most frequently asked questions is the question of how far our knowledge reaches and what are its manifestations. Modern theory of knowledge, based on the postulates of ancient thinkers and philosophers of classicism, speaks of three types of knowledge: - propositional knowledge, - acquaintance knowledge and - "how to" knowledge. The paper presents, explains and argues the basic characteristics of these types of knowledge according to the clasivication of philosophers and epistemologists Noah Lemos and Tim Sprod. Also, the differences between the two general views on the nature of the justification of knowledge, i.e. internalism an externalism, are presented and explained, followed by the naming of numerous factors that accompany them.
PHYTOCHEMICAL, ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF DIFFERENT EXTRACT OF DALBERGIA SISSOO LEAVES
Authors: Pramila Ghumare , Jirekar Dattatraya
Published: November 2020

Traditional system of medicine consists of a greater number of plants with different medicinal and pharmacological benefits and hence represents a valuable tank of new bioactive molecules. In the present investigation, Dalbergia sissoo plants were collected from kada, District Beed, which is used widely as traditional medicine in the treatment. The study was carried out to evaluate the phytochemical and potential antimicrobial activity against five types of bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium Proteus vulgaris, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and megaterium) and two fungi (Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus) of five extracts. To assess the antimicrobial activity of five extracts by using Cylinder plate or cup plate method. The obtained results showed a potential effect as maximum zone of inhibition was 8 mm, 7mm and 6 mm in aqueous, ethanol and acetone extract respectively.
EFFECT OF VAMAN IN STHUL MADHUMEHA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Chawre Sushil V , Kamre Sneha S , Kabra Prakash R
Published: November 2020

The study was conducted to evaluate cost effective and convenient treatment for Sthul Madhumeha in Ayurved. Diabetes is a group of metabolic diseases in which there are high blood glucose levels over a prolonged period. This high blood sugar produces the symptoms of frequent urination, increased thirst and increased hunger. Long term effect of Diabetes includes damage, dysfunction and failure of various organs. The long-term effects include progressive development of vasculopathy that may lead to renal failure, neuropathy etc. Prevalence of diabetes increased with age and reached at peaked at 60 to 69 years of age followed by declined at 70 years of age in India subjects. Ayurveda describes Prameha as a disease having cardinal features of “Prabhuta Avilamutrata’ which means excessive quantity and increased frequency of urine having turbid appearance. Ancient texts like Charak Samhita, Sushruta Samhita etc accepted that there are twenty types of Prameha according to Dosha. Charak has explained two different lines of treatment for both Sthula-pramehi and Krisha-pramehi types. Brihan to the Krish Pramehi and Apatarpana in the form of Shodhan and Shamana. The study was carried out to see the effect of Vaman Karma in the management of Prameha. To Study the effect of Vaman Karma in Prameha. A case study of 45 years old male patient with Adhaman, Udar-daha, Amlodgar, Katishula since 4-5 years, was treated with Vaman Karma followed by Ayurvedic drugs. A case recorded and treated in our institute. Significant results were seen in patient. Encouraging results were obtained which are presented in full paper.
EVALUATION OF HEPATOPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF PHYSALI IXOCARPA AGAINST RIFAMPICIN-ISONIAZID INDUCED HEPATOTOXICITY IN WISTAR RATS
Authors: Delhiraj N , Jaganathan M K , Vijayakumar A R
Published: November 2020

The liver is the primary organ that metabolizes the majority of the drug. Toxicity caused by these drugs to the liver is called hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity is a major concern in tuberculosis therapy, especially Rifampicin - Isoniazid (R-H). Studies showed that these drugs induce oxidative stress in the liver. This study attempts to determine whether the ethanolic extract of Physalis ixocarpa (EEPI) protects against R-H induced hepatotoxicity in adult male Wistar rats. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (each group n=6 animals). Group I, control treated with normal saline (5ml/kg, b/w, p.o.). Group II, Hepatotoxicity induced by combination of R-H (each 50mg/kg, i.p.) administered up to 14 days. Group III and IV, EEPI (100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg, b/w) were administered orally one hour before the R-H inducing agent up to 14 days. Group V, Silymarin (25 mg /kg, b/w., p.o.) was served as standard. After 14th days animals were allowed fast overnight and blood was collected through orbital puncture and animal was sacrificed then liver tissue was collected for biochemical analysis and histopathological studies. Our results show a significant reduction in the level of alkaline phosphate (ALP), alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin. Treatment with EEPI also showed a significant increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes and decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. EEPI also reduced the macrovesicular steatosis and ballooning caused by the R-H. The present study demonstrates that administration of ethanolic extract of Physalis ixocarpa ameliorating hepatoprotective activity as evidenced by the biochemical and histopathological parameters.
EFFECT OF SHAMAN CHIKITSA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VIDHAGDAJIRNA: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Sneha S Kamre , S V Chawre , R Kabra Prakash
Published: November 2020

Ajirna is the one of the most common disease which is originate from digestive insufficiency (Agni). Agni is one of the basic biological elements of the living body. Agnimandya is the root cause for the development of many diseases. Agni present in the Jathara which digest and metabolize the food and assist in growth of the body. All the diseases arise as a result of less, excessive and irregular digestion of food known as Mandagni, Tikshnagni or Vishamagni respectively. Agni may get disturbed by erratic lifestyle and abnormal dietetic regimen. Disturbed functions of Agni cause indigestion of food are termed as Ajirna (indigestion). Ajirna is the most important source of production of Ama and favors genesis of diseases. Arjina are described as Lakshan as well as Vyadhi. In the Ajirna, so many other conditions are described under common and specific etiological factors. Langhana, Vaman, Swedan Chikitsa was mentioned by Sushruta while treating Ajirna. According to condition of the situation and strength of the patient, this patient was successfully treated with Shaman Chikitsa like Langhan, Dipan, Pachan and Anuloman. A case study of 72 years old female patient with complaints of Kshudhamandya, Shiroshula, Urodaha, Udarshula, Asamyaka Malapravrutti, Bhramaprachiti for 5-6 months was treated with Shaman Chikitsa. A case recorded and treated in our institute. Significant results were seen in patient. Encouraging results were obtained which are presented in full paper.
Tree Diversity in Urban Parks and Gardens of Ibadan City, Nigeria
Authors: Olokeogun O. S. , Oladoye A. O. , Aderounmu A. F.
Published: November 2020

Aims: To assess the species diversity of trees in parks and gardens across the urban area of the city of Ibadan.

Study Design: Total enumeration was conducted for data collection; All the trees in the urban parks and gardens were identified. The species similarity and diversity of trees were computed.

Place and Duration of Study: Parks and gardens within the urban area of Ibadan city, Nigeria, Department of Forestry Technology, Federal College of Forestry, Ibadan, Nigeria, Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Nigeria, between April, 2019 and March, 2020.

Methodology: The parks and gardens were identified on google earth image. The species and family of all the trees within the parks and gardens were identified. The density, species richness, relative abundance, similarity, diversity and evenness were also estimated. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index, Simpson’s diversity index, and Pielou’s species evenness index were used in estimating the species diversity.

Results: The findings reveal a significant species composition of 82 species distributed across 34 families, with Senna sesame and Fabaceae being the most abundant species and family respectively. The trees with a population of 2,471 trees are largely dominated by exotic and evergreen species. The species richness, similarity, and diversity were relatively high.

Conclusion: The study provides an opportunity to evaluate the contribution of urban parks and gardens to the ecological integrity and health of a city, thereby serving as essential information for preparing workable conservation strategies.
Review on the Effect of Irrigation Interval on Different Crop Production
Authors: Amare Dessie Gieta , Abebe Zigijit Kassa
Published: November 2020

In this review, the effect of irrigation intervals on growth and yield of onion, maize yield, growth characteristics for Chile pepper, vegetative growth and yield, growth analysis of soybean, forage production, growth and development of tomato, the effect of irrigation level and irrigation frequency on the growth of mini Chinese cabbage and Influence of irrigation interval, nitrogen level and crop geometry on production lettuce have been reviewed. The best performance irrigation interval for onion, maize, pepper, okra, soybean, forage, tomato, cabbage and lettuce are 5, 6, 1, 12, 8, 20, 1, 4 and 2 day respectively. Crop type, crop growth stage soil type, climate condition (temperature, rainfall, humidity, sunshine hour and wend speed) duration of the environment should be properly addressed and potential evapotranspiration and reference evapotranspiration should be estimated for determining of irrigating interval. In these cases, some of the studies are properly addressed these important parameters but some of the study not indicates. On the other hand chemical composition of water and soil, fertilizer application, method of research design and plant geometry are should be identified to eradicate the misjudgment of your best productivity of irrigation interval.
Effect of Deficit Irrigation under Different Crop on Crop Productivity and Water Use Efficiency- A Review
Authors: Amare Dessie Gieta , Abebe Zigijit Kassa
Published: November 2020

Deficit irrigation is a strategy which could be applied to utilize water efficiently. The goal of the article was to review and examine different irrigation deficit to compare its crop morphological characters, yield, water productivity and water use efficiency under different crop type. The overall idea and results are very actual and useful over the world in the semi-arid and arid area interms of water managment and better economic return per applied water.The maximum production in dryland, tomato should be irrigated using drip irrigation system with 100%ETc watering amount [17]. On the other hand 85%, 75% and 30% are also effective in terms of water saving and yield. 85%ETc irrigation level water applied system appears to be a promising alternative for water conservation and labor saving with negligible trade-off in yield of maize [15]. The application of deficit irrigation (75%ETc) could be adopted in lettuce production [16]. Form the review I have seen that The WP increased as the irrigation level reduced.
Clinicopathologic Features of Patients With Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma Surviving Without Recurrence More Than 10 Years After Primary Hepatic Resection
Authors: Yonemura Yusuke , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Tomiyama Takahiro , Iseda Norifumi , Morinaga Akinari , Yugawa Kyohei , Harada Noboru , Takeishi Kazuki , Toshima Takeo , Nagao Yoshihiro , Elshawy Mohamed , Ninomiya Mizuki , Iguchi Tomohiro , Itoh Shinji , Mimori Koshi , Mori Masaki
Published: November 2020

Objective: 

The aim of this study was to clarify the predictive factors of recurrence-free time more than 10 years after primary hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Summary of background data: 

Surgical resection is a curative treatment for HCC patients with hepatic functional reserve; however, the high recurrence rate must be addressed.

Methods: 

The study included 595 patients who had undergone curative resection for HCC. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify factors associated with recurrence-free survival at more than 10 years.

Results: 

Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor size ≤2 cm (P = 0.004), albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade 1 (P = 0.03), Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index ≤3.3 (P = 0.002), and histologic inflammation grade ≤1 (P = 0.03) were independent predictive factors for recurrence-free survival for more than 10 years. Predictive points were scored as follows: 2 points, tumor size ≤2 cm or FIB-4 index ≤3.3; and 1 point, ALBI grade 1 or histologic inflammation grade ≤1. Patients were divided into 3 groups according to their total points: group 1, 0 to 2 points (n = 317); group 2, 3 to 4 points (n = 239); and group 3, 5 to 6 points (n = 39). Recurrence-free survival rates among the 3 groups were significantly different (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions: 

Tumor size, ALBI, FIB-4 index, and histologic inflammation grade were independent predictive factors for recurrence-free survival longer than 10 years after curative hepatic resection for HCC.
The 14‐3‐3/SLP76 protein–protein interaction in T‐cell receptor signalling: a structural and biophysical characterization
Authors: Soini Lorenzo , Leysen Seppe , Davis Jeremy , Westwood Marta , Ottmann Christian
Published: November 2020

The SH2 domain‐containing protein of 76 kDa, SLP76, is an important adaptor protein that coordinates a complex protein network downstream of T‐cell receptors (TCR), ultimately regulating the immune response. Upon phosphorylation on Ser376, SLP76 interacts with 14‐3‐3 adaptor proteins, which leads to its proteolytic degradation. This provides a negative feedback mechanism by which TCR signalling can be controlled. To gain insight into the 14‐3‐3/SLP76 protein–protein interaction (PPI), we have determined a high‐resolution crystal structure of a SLP76 synthetic peptide containing Ser376 with 14‐3‐3σ. We then characterized its binding to 14‐3‐3 proteins biophysically by means of fluorescence polarization and isothermal titration calorimetry. Furthermore, we generated two recombinant SLP76 protein constructs and characterized their binding to 14‐3‐3. Our work lays the foundation for drug design efforts aimed at targeting the 14‐3‐3/SLP76 interaction and, thereby, TCR signalling.
The first intracellular loop is essential for the catalytic cycle of the human ABCG2 multidrug resistance transporter
Authors: Khunweeraphong Narakorn , Kuchler Karl
Published: November 2020

The human multidrug transporter ABCG2 is required for physiological detoxification and mediates anticancer drug resistance. Here, we identify pivotal residues in the first intracellular loop (ICL1), constituting an intrinsic part of the transmission interface. The architecture includes a triple helical bundle formed by the hot spot helix of the nucleotide‐binding domain, the elbow helix, and ICL1. We show here that the highly conserved ICL1 residues G462, Y463, and Y464 are essential for the proper cross talk of the closed nucleotide‐binding domain dimer with the transmembrane domains. Hence, ICL1 acts as a molecular spring, triggering the conformational switch of ABCG2 before substrate extrusion. These data suggest that the ABCG2 transmission interface may offer therapeutic options for the treatment of drug‐resistant malignancies.
The RNA‐binding protein MEX3A is a prognostic factor and regulator of resistance to gemcitabine in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Panzeri Valentina , Manni Isabella , Capone Alessia , Naro Chiara , Sacconi Andrea , Di Agostino Silvia , de Latouliere Luisa , Montori Andrea , Pilozzi Emanuela , Piaggio Giulia , Capurso Gabriele , Sette Claudio
Published: November 2020

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive cancer. Most patients present with advanced disease at diagnosis, which only permits palliative chemotherapeutic treatments. RNA dysregulation is a hallmark of most human cancers, including PDAC. To test the impact of RNA processing dysregulation on PDAC pathology, we performed a bioinformatics analysis to identify RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) associated with prognosis. Among the 12 RBPs associated with progression‐free survival, we focused on MEX3A because it was recently shown to mark an intestinal stem cell population that is refractory to chemotherapeutic treatments, a typical feature of PDAC. Increased expression of MEX3A was correlated with higher disease stage in PDAC patients and with tumor development in a mouse model of PDAC. Depletion of MEX3A in PDAC cells enhanced sensitivity to chemotherapeutic treatment with gemcitabine, whereas its expression was increased in PDAC cells selected upon chronic exposure to the drug. RNA‐sequencing analyses highlighted hundreds of genes whose expression is sensitive to MEX3A expression, with significant enrichment in cell cycle genes. MEX3A binds to its target mRNAs, like cyclin‐dependent kinase 6 (CDK6), and promotes their stability. Accordingly, knockdown of MEX3A caused a significant reduction in PDAC cell proliferation and in progression to the S phase of the cell cycle. These findings uncover a novel role for MEX3A in the acquisition and maintenance of chemoresistance by PDAC cells, suggesting that it may represent a novel therapeutic target for PDAC.
MiR‐22 modulates the expression of lipogenesis‐related genes and promotes hepatic steatosis in vitro
Authors: Yang Zhuo , Qin Wen , Huo Junsheng , Zhuo Qin , Wang Jingbo , Wang Liyuan
Published: November 2020

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly correlated with obesity, and lifestyle changes to reduce weight remain the main therapeutic approach. The noncoding RNA miR‐22 has previously been reported to be highly abundant in the sera of NAFLD patients. In addition, miR‐22 directly targets peroxisome proliferative‐activated receptor, Pgc‐1α, peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor α, and sirtuin 1 (Sirt1), which are important factors involved in fatty acid metabolism. Given that miR‐22 directly targets genes involved in the control of metabolism and obesity, we investigated whether miR‐22 contributes to metabolic alterations induced by obesity. We observed increased expression of miR‐22, decreased expression of Sirt1, and alterations in the expression of adipogenesis‐related genes in a mouse model of obesity and a human hepatocyte cell line. We identified that miR‐22 and the 3′‐UTR of Sirt1 are complementary. Mutation of the complementary fragment abolishes the ability of miR‐22 to regulate the Sirt1 gene. Furthermore, treatment of hepatic steatosis cells with miR‐22 mimics or inhibitors showed that miR‐22 can promote hepatic steatosis, and miR‐22 inhibitors effectively reduced triglyceride levels without affecting cell activity. Finally, we validated that miR‐22 has similar effects on downstream lipid metabolism‐related genes. Our data reveal the pathways and mechanisms through which miR‐22 regulates lipid metabolism and suggest that miR‐22 inhibitors may have potential as candidate drugs for NAFLD and obesity.
Plasma lipidomics of monozygotic twins discordant for multiple sclerosis
Authors: Penkert Horst , Lauber Chris , Gerl Mathias J. , Klose Christian , Damm Markus , Fitzner Dirk , Flierl‐Hecht Andrea , Kümpfel Tania , Kerschensteiner Martin , Hohlfeld Reinhard , Gerdes Lisa A. , Simons Mikael
Published: November 2020

Blood biomarkers of multiple sclerosis (MS) can provide a better understanding of pathophysiology and enable disease monitoring. Here, we performed quantitative shotgun lipidomics on the plasma of a unique cohort of 73 monozygotic twins discordant for MS. We analyzed 243 lipid species, evaluated lipid features such as fatty acyl chain length and number of acyl chain double bonds, and detected phospholipids that were significantly altered in the plasma of co‐twins with MS compared to their non‐affected siblings. Strikingly, changes were most prominent in ether phosphatidylethanolamines and ether phosphatidylcholines, suggesting a role for altered lipid signaling in the disease.
Time‐Dependent Density Functional Theory of Narrow Band Gap Semiconductors Using a Screened Range‐Separated Hybrid Functional
Authors: Wing Dahvyd , Neaton Jeffrey B. , Kronik Leeor
Published: November 2020

Predicting the band structure and optical absorption spectra of narrow band gap semiconductors is challenging for electronic structure methods. Here, it is shown shown that density functional theory can yield accurate band structures and time‐dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) can yield accurate optical absorption spectra for these systems. This is achieved by using a screened range‐separated hybrid (SRSH) functional with a single empirical parameter, fit to reproduce the experimental band gap. By comparing TDDFT results based on the SRSH approach with those obtained based on the Heyd–Scuseria–Ernzerhof functional it is shown that screened long‐range exact exchange improves the accuracy of the TDDFT spectra for these systems.
Generalized Solutions of Parrondo's Games
Authors: Koh Jin Ming , Cheong Kang Hao
Published: November 2020

In game theory, Parrondo's paradox describes the possibility of achieving winning outcomes by alternating between losing strategies. The framework had been conceptualized from a physical phenomenon termed flashing Brownian ratchets, but has since been useful in understanding a broad range of phenomena in the physical and life sciences, including the behavior of ecological systems and evolutionary trends. A minimal representation of the paradox is that of a pair of games played in random order; unfortunately, closed‐form solutions general in all parameters remain elusive. Here, we present explicit solutions for capital statistics and outcome conditions for a generalized game pair. The methodology is general and can be applied to the development of analytical methods across ratchet‐type models, and of Parrondo's paradox in general, which have wide‐ranging applications across physical and biological systems.
Phenotypic features in MECP2 duplication syndrome: Effects of age
Authors: Peters Sarika U. , Fu Cary , Marsh Eric D. , Benke Tim A. , Suter Bernard , Skinner Steve A. , Lieberman David N. , Standridge Shannon , Jones Mary , Beisang Arthur , Feyma Timothy , Heydeman Peter , Ryther Robin , Glaze Daniel G. , Percy Alan K. , Neul Jeffrey L.
Published: November 2020

Background

MECP2 Duplication syndrome (MDS) is a rare X‐linked genomic disorder that is caused by interstitial chromosomal duplications at Xq28 encompassing the MECP2 gene. Although phenotypic features in MDS have been described, there is a limited understanding of the range of severity of these features, and how they evolve with age.

Methods

The cross‐sectional results of N = 69 participants (ages 6 months‐33 years) enrolled in a natural history study of MDS are presented. Clinical severity was assessed using a clinician‐report measure as well as a parent‐report measure. Data was also gathered related to the top 3 concerns of parents as selected from the most salient symptoms related to MDS. The Child Health Questionnaire was also utilized to obtain parental reports of each child's quality of life to establish disease burden.

Results

The results of linear regression from the clinician‐reported measure show that overall clinical severity scores, motor dysfunction, and functional skills are significantly worse with increasing age. Top concerns rated by parents included lack of effective communication, abnormal walking/balance issues, constipation, and seizures. Higher levels of clinical severity were also related to lower physical health quality of life scores as reported by parents.

Conclusions

The data suggest that increasing levels of clinical severity are noted with older age, and this is primarily attributable to motor dysfunction, and functional skills. The results provide an important foundation for creating an MDS‐specific severity scale highlighting the most important domains to target for treatment trials and will help clinicians and researchers define clinically meaningful changes.
Validation study of the modified HEART and HEAR scores in patients with chest pain who visit the emergency department
Authors: Otsuka Yohei , Takeda Satoshi
Published: November 2020

Aim

To validate the efficacy of the history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin (HEART) and history, electrocardiogram, age, and risk factors (HEAR) scores in a Japanese cohort.

Methods

We used the data of patients who visited our emergency department between 1 December, 2015 and 31 May, 2017. Patients aged ≥20 years who presented with non‐traumatic and undifferentiated chest pain were eligible for the study. On the basis of the total score, the patients were stratified as low risk (HEART and HEAR scores of 0–3), intermediate risk (HEART and HEAR scores of 4–6), and high risk (HEART score of 7–10 and HEAR score of 7–8). The major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) that occurred within 6 weeks were investigated, and the diagnostic value and efficiency of both scores were analyzed.

Results

In total, 132 patients were included in the HEART score analysis and 220 patients in the HEAR score analysis. The incidence rates of MACEs in patients with low, intermediate, and high risks were 0%, 23.2%, and 63.6% in the HEART score analysis and 4.7%, 22.9%, and 62.5% in the HEAR score analysis (P < 0.001), respectively. The identification of MACEs in low‐risk patients had a negative predictive value in the HEART score (1.00; 95% confidence interval, 0.90–1.00) and HEAR score (0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.89–0.99) analyses.

Conclusion

The modified HEART and HEAR scores were effective in identifying patients with chest pain who are at low risk of MACEs at an emergency department in Japan.
A new Pd(II)‐supported catalyst on magnetic SBA‐15 for CC bond formation via the Heck and Hiyama cross‐coupling reactions
Authors: Rahimi Leila , Mansoori Yagoub , Nuri Ayat , Koohi‐Zargar Behzad , Esquivel Dolores
Published: November 2020

Magnetic mesoporous silica composite (MNP@SiO2‐SBA) was obtained via embedding magnetite nanoparticles between SBA‐15 channels. It was silylated with N‐(3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl)picolinamide (TMS‐PCA) and then complexed with Pd(II). The obtained supported Pd(II) catalyst (MNP@SiO2‐SBA‐PCA) was characterized by conventional methods. The prepared magnetic catalyst showed high activity in the Heck and Hiyama reactions under optimal reaction conditions, including solvent, amount of catalyst, base, and temperature. Aryl bromides and iodides showed better results than aryl chlorides, and the catalyst exhibited noticeable stability and reused several times.
A novel waterborne polyurethane coating modified by highly dispersed nano‐boron carbide particles
Authors: Sun Yingchun , Wu Yan , Yang Feng , Wu Xinyu , Ding Guanfen
Published: November 2020

In this study, waterborne polyurethane (WPU) coatings were modified by adding various compositions of nano‐boron carbide (nano‐B4C) particles. In order to achieve proper dispersion of nano‐B4C in WPU and increasing chemical interactions between them, the nano‐B4C particles were treated with polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycol (PPG). The modified surface and microstructure of nano‐B4C were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The deposition experiment was designed to evaluate the dispersion effect of nano‐B4C in PEG or PPG aqueous solution. The physical performance of nano‐B4C modified WPU coatings was measured following the national standards of paints and vanishes. The results revealed that the PEG6000 not only enhanced the interaction between nano‐B4C and WPU but also exhibited a remarkable ability to improve the physical performance of WPU coating. The coating with 15 wt% of nano‐B4C addition exhibited the best performance in terms of abrasion and hardness, which could be attributed to the best uniform dispersion of nano‐B4C particles in PEG6000 aqueous solution.